JP2022178711A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To contribute to solving a problem on shooting a game ball.SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine 10 includes: a sensor (supply inlet sensor D22) for detecting a shot ball, a game ball shot from a shooting device; a sensor (foul sensor D21) for detecting a foul ball, a game ball that is shot from the shooting device, but fails to reach a game region; and a sensor (out sensor D30) for detecting an out ball, a game ball discharged from a game board after reaching the game region and being used in a game. A CPU 81 causes error notification to be executed when a difference obtained by subtracting the number of foul balls and out balls from the number of shot balls satisfies an error notification condition. An error state detected in this case is a state in which it is highly likely that the shot game balls are accumulated in the game area without returning. The information of each sensor is used for detecting other error states as well.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

A pachinko game machine, which is a type of game machine, has a shooting mechanism for shooting game balls toward a game area of a game board (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A player who plays a game on the pachinko machine can enter game balls into various ball entrances arranged on the game board and obtain prize balls by entering the balls.

JP 2018-57751 A

In a pachinko game machine, shooting a game ball can be a basic act in advancing the game. For this reason, troubles related to the shooting of game balls can become a factor that impairs the profits of the players. For this reason, it is desirable for pachinko gaming machines to take measures to solve such troubles even when troubles related to shooting game balls occur.

A game machine for solving the above problems comprises a game board, a plurality of ball entrances arranged in a game area of the game board, a shooting operation means capable of shooting game balls, and a shooting device for shooting game balls. a mechanism, a first detection means for detecting a game ball launched into the game area, a second detection means for detecting a game ball used in a game, and each of the first detection means and the second detection means counting means for counting a predetermined number using a detection result as a counting condition; and notification execution means for executing an error notification when a predetermined error notification condition is satisfied; The information used by the first detection means to obtain the detection result is counted in a manner that satisfies the error notification condition. Information for detecting the occurrence of a first error, which is an error different from the error notification, is included, and the information used by the second detection means to obtain the detection result has the predetermined number that satisfies the error notification condition. The gist of the invention is to include information for detecting the occurrence of a second error, which is an error separate from the error annunciation performed by being counted in .

In the gaming machine, the gaming machine error includes an accumulation error indicating that game balls may have accumulated in the gaming area, and the predetermined number is counted in a manner that satisfies the error notification condition. In this case, there is a possibility that the accumulation error has occurred, and the end condition of the error notification for notifying the accumulation error includes stopping the supply of power to the gaming machine, and the accumulation error When the state in which the game balls are piled up is eliminated after the power supply to the game machine is restored while the error reporting condition is satisfied, error reporting regarding the number of game balls is executed separately from the piled-up error. It may be possible.

In the gaming machine described above, when the predetermined number is counted in a manner that satisfies the error notification condition, the error notification in the predetermined notification manner is executed by the notification executing means, and the gaming machine releases a game ball inside the machine. A mode in which a ball-draw operation unit is operated to generate a ball-draw-out state in which the ball can be discharged out of the machine, and when the ball-draw-out operation unit is operated, the predetermined number satisfies the error notification condition. The error notification in the predetermined notification mode when counted by , may not be executed.

According to the present invention, it is possible to contribute to solving problems related to shooting game balls.

Front view of a pachinko game machine and a card unit. The front view of the game board of the pachinko game machine. An enlarged view of the counting switch, the counting lamp, and the game ball number display device of the pachinko game machine. Schematic diagram showing circulation paths of game balls in a pachinko game machine. The schematic diagram which shows the supply apparatus of a pachinko game machine. The schematic diagram which shows the supply apparatus of a pachinko game machine. The schematic diagram which shows the launching device of a pachinko game machine. A block diagram of a pachinko machine. A block diagram of a pachinko machine. Explanatory diagram showing an error that can be detected in the pachinko game machine.

An embodiment embodied in a pachinko game machine will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, on island facilities (game islands), a pachinko game machine 10, which is an example of a game machine, and a card unit 100, which is an example of a management device, are arranged alternately. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with the card unit 100 . In one example of the present embodiment, one card unit 100 is connected to one pachinko gaming machine 10, but this is not limiting, and a plurality of card units 100 are connected to one pachinko gaming machine 10. , or a configuration in which one card unit 100 is connected to a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 10 .

The card unit 100 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 1, the card unit 100 has a card insertion section 101 for inserting a management card, which is an example of a storage medium. The management card can store at least the balance of cash and the number of game balls possessed by the player (hereinafter referred to as the number of balls held) as data, as an example of the value that enables the game to be played. The management card may be capable of storing player's personal information as data. The management card may be configured to store the balance paid in advance (prepaid balance) instead of the balance of cash.

The card unit 100 includes a banknote insertion portion 102 into which banknotes, which are an example of cash, can be inserted. In the card unit 100, when a banknote is inserted into the banknote insertion part 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 to accept coins as an example of cash.

The card unit 100 has an operation panel 104 . The operation panel 104 includes a ball lending button 104a, a payout button 104b, a return button 104c, a pitch display section 104d, and a balance display section 104e. The ball lending button 104a is operated when increasing the number of game balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 based on the balance stored in the management card. The payout button 104b is operated to increase the number of game balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 based on the number of balls stored in the management card. The return button 104c is operated when the management card inserted in the card unit 100 is to be returned. The number-of-balls display portion 104d displays information (as an example, Arabic numerals) that can specify the number of balls stored in the management card. The remaining amount display portion 104e displays information (as an example, Arabic numerals) that can specify the remaining amount stored in the management card.

The card unit 100 includes a card unit control board 105 (hereinafter referred to as CU control board). The CU control board 105 includes a CPU 105a, a ROM 105b, and a RAM 105c. The CPU 105a performs predetermined processing by executing the card unit control program. The ROM 105b stores a card unit control program. The RAM 105c stores various information rewritten while the card unit 100 is operating. For example, the information stored in the RAM 105c includes flags, counters, and timers. The card unit 100 includes a communication terminal 105d that is connected to the pachinko gaming machine 10 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally.

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

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 output when the ball lending button 104a is operated. The CU control board 105 is configured to be able to input a payout signal output when the payout button 104b is operated. The CPU 105a is configured to be able to input a return signal output when the return button 104c is operated. The CPU 105a is configured to be able to control the display content of the number-of-balls display section 104d. The CPU 105a is configured to be able to control the display content of the balance display section 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 capable of inputting various control signals (control information) output by the pachinko gaming machine 10. FIG. The CPU 105 a is configured to be capable of outputting various control signals (control information) to the pachinko gaming machine 10 . The card unit 100 outputs a connection signal to the pachinko gaming machine 10 from the communication terminal 105d. The connection signal may be a command or message generated by the CU control board 105 (CPU 105a), 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 has an external communication terminal (not shown) for connecting with an external device. As an example, the external device is a hall computer installed in a game arcade. The external device is a management computer that can communicate with the server equipment installed in the data center outside the game hall via the network. In this case, the management computer and card unit 100 are preferably connected so as to be able to communicate with each other.

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

When the bill signal is input from the bill insertion unit 102, the CPU 105a adds the amount of cash inserted that can be specified from the bill signal to the balance. When the balance is not 0 and the ball lending signal is input from the ball lending button 104a, the CPU 105a subtracts a specified amount from the balance and generates grant information that can specify the number of game balls to be given corresponding to the specified amount. Output to the pachinko game machine 10 . When the balance is 0, the CPU 105a does not transmit the additional information even if the ball lending signal is input.

When a payout signal is input from the payout button 104b when the number of balls in the possession is 0 or more, the CPU 105a subtracts the number of balls in the possession by a prescribed number, and outputs the provision information that can specify the provision of the game balls of the prescribed number to the pachinko game. output to the machine 10. It should be noted that the CPU 105a does not transmit the given information even if the payout signal is input when the number of balls in possession is 0. In this way, the given information can specify the number of given balls. When receiving 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. Although the details will be described later, the count information is control information that is output when the player ends 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 number-of-balls display unit 104d, and updates the display content so as to display information capable of specifying the number of balls held at that time. In other words, the CPU 105a displays the number of balls in possession in real time on the number of balls in possession display section 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 any given time. That is, the CPU 105a causes the balance display section 104e to display the balance in real time.

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

The pachinko game machine 10 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 10, which is an example of a gaming machine, has a specified number of game balls sealed inside the machine as game media, and is an enclosed type that circulates the specified number of game balls inside the machine. is configured as a gaming machine (so-called management gaming machine). The game balls used in the pachinko game machine 10 are non-magnetic materials such as stainless steel. The pachinko game machine 10 does not have a portion (upper tray and lower tray) for storing game balls. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a structure in which the player cannot touch the game balls.

The pachinko machine 10 includes the number of game balls lent to the player (hereinafter referred to as the number of lent balls), the number of game balls acquired by the player (hereinafter referred to as the number of acquired balls), and the number of game balls fired by the player. The number of game balls held by the player (hereinafter referred to as the number of game balls) is electromagnetically managed based on the number of game balls (hereinafter referred to as the number of shot balls). The above-mentioned number of balls in possession is the number of game balls managed by the card unit 100 and is data different from the number of game balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 . Thus, the pachinko gaming machine 10 as a management gaming machine can store the number of game balls as data, and is configured to be able to play based on the data.

A pachinko game machine 10 includes a frame 11. - 特許庁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 components, and a protection frame 11c. The mounting frame 11b is supported to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 11a. The protective frame 11c is supported 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 game parts mounted on the mounting frame 11b. The protective frame 11c is a so-called front frame or glass frame. The pachinko game machine 10 includes a locking device (not shown) that locks the frames 11b and 11c. The pachinko game machine 10 is configured so that the frames 11b and 11c cannot be opened with respect to the outer frame 11a unless a key suitable for the locking device is used to unlock the machine.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes a sound effect device 12, for example a speaker. The effect sound device 12 is arranged on the front side of the mounting frame 11b. The audio effect device 12 can execute an effect of outputting a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as audio effect) and a notification of outputting a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as voice notification). For example, the predetermined sound is music, sound effects, and the like. The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a notification audio device 13, for example a speaker. The notification audio device 13 can execute audio notification. In one example of this embodiment, each of the effect sound device 12 and the notification sound device 13 is arranged on the mounting frame 11b.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes a performance light emitting device 14. - 特許庁The effect light-emitting device 14 can perform effects (hereinafter referred to as light-emitting effects) by lighting, blinking, and extinguishing a light-emitting body (not shown) such as an LED. The effect light emitting device 14 can perform notification (hereinafter referred to as notification light emission) by turning on, blinking, and extinguishing a light emitter (not shown). In one example of this embodiment, the effect light emitting device 14 is arranged on the mounting frame 11b. Not limited to this, the effect light emitting device 14 may be arranged on a game board 20 to be described later.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes a shooting handle 15, which is an example of shooting operation means capable of shooting game balls. The firing handle 15 is arranged on the front side of the mounting frame 11b. Although details will be described later, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured to drive the shooting device 50 so as to launch game balls with a shooting intensity corresponding to the operation of the shooting handle 15 . The shooting device 50 constitutes an example of a shooting mechanism for shooting game balls. The firing handle 15 includes a handle lever 15a supported so as to be rotatable, a touch sensor D01, a firing stop switch D02, and a handle volume D03.

The touch sensor D01 is connected to a conductive ring 15b that surrounds the side of the firing handle 15. As shown in FIG. The touch sensor D01 outputs a touch signal when the player grips the shooting handle 15 and the finger of the player touches the conducting ring 15b. The touch signal is turned on when the player's finger touches the conductive ring 15b, and turned off when the finger does not touch the conductive ring 15b. The touch sensor D01 is an example of means for detecting that the player is touching the shooting handle 15. FIG.

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

The pachinko game machine 10 includes a game ball number display device 17 for displaying information capable of specifying the number of game balls managed inside. In one example of this embodiment, the number-of-game-balls display device 17 has a configuration in which a plurality (eg, 6) of 7 segments are arranged, and can display a plurality (eg, 6 digits) of numbers. The number-of-game-balls display device 17 can execute notification of predetermined information (hereinafter referred to as notification display) by displaying predetermined characters. The game ball number display device 17 is an example of number reporting means, number display means, and reporting means for reporting the number of game balls stored as data.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a counting switch 18. As shown in FIG. The counting switch 18 is operated when the player ends the game on the pachinko gaming machine 10 . Although the details will be described later, the counting operation using the counting switch 18 is permitted when the counting switch 18 is in a predetermined counting permitting state. The count switch 18 outputs a count signal when it is pushed. The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a counting lamp 18a, which is an example of means for notifying whether or not the counting is allowed. In one example of the present embodiment, the effect operating device 16, the game ball number display device 17, the counting switch 18, and the counting lamp 18a are collectively arranged at a position where the player can operate on the front side of the mounting frame 11b. there is

As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a game board 20. As shown in FIG. The game board 20 is attached to the mounting frame 11b. A substantially circular game area 20a is defined on the front surface of the game board 20 when viewed from the front. A display window 20b is formed substantially in the center of the game area 20a. A hitting passage 20c is formed on the left side of the game area 20a for guiding the game ball shot by the shooting device 50 to the game area 20a. The game area 20a and the hitting path 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 constituting an example of means for displaying various information. The main display device group 21 is a display device controlled by the main control board 60, which will be described later in detail. The main display device group 21 includes a first special symbol display device 21a, a second special symbol display device 21b, a first reservation display device 21c, a second reservation display device 21d, a normal symbol display device 21e, and a normal reservation display device 21f. includes at least In one example of the present embodiment, the plurality of display devices that constitute the main display device group 21 are collectively disposed in a portion visible to the player. may be placed 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 variably 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 variably displayed and finally the special symbol is stopped and displayed. The special symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of the internal lottery (hit lottery of the special symbol). Hereinafter, the first special game and the second special game will be collectively referred to as "special games". The special symbols include at least a big win symbol as a big win display result and a losing symbol as a losing display result. In the pachinko game machine 10, when a big win is won in a special pattern win lottery, the big win patterns are stop-displayed in a special game, and after the special game of the big win is finished, a big win game is awarded. The jackpot game will be described later.

The first suspension display device 21c indicates the number of times the execution of the first special game is suspended (hereinafter referred to as the first suspension number) because the suspension condition has been met but the start condition has not yet been met. Display identifiable information. The second suspension display device 21d indicates the number of times the execution of the second special game is suspended (hereinafter referred to as the second suspension number) because the suspension condition has been met but the start condition has not yet been met. Display identifiable information.

The normal symbol display device 21e can execute a normal game in which predetermined symbols are variably displayed and the normal symbols are finally stopped and displayed. The normal symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of the internal lottery (normal symbol winning lottery). The normal pattern includes at least a normal winning pattern and a normal losing pattern. In the present embodiment, when the winning lottery for the normal symbols is won, the normal winning symbols are stop-displayed in the normal game, and the normal winning game is provided after the normal game ends. The normal suspension display device 21f displays information capable of specifying the number of normal games whose execution is suspended because the suspension condition has been satisfied but the start condition has not been satisfied yet. The main display device group 21 may include a right-handed display device that displays information instructing a right-handed player and a round display device that notifies the upper limit number of round games.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes an effect display device 19 having an image display area capable of displaying images. The effect display device 19 is attached to the game board 20 so that the image display area 19a can be viewed through the display window 20b. For example, the effect display device 19 is a liquid crystal device. The effect display device 19 can execute the effect of displaying a predetermined image (hereinafter referred to as display effect). For example, the predetermined images are images such as production designs, characters, landscapes, characters (strings of characters), numbers, and symbols. In the following description, when these characters and the like are simply referred to as "display", it means that these characters and the like are displayed as images. The effect display device 19 can execute notification display in a manner of displaying a predetermined image.

The effect sound device 12, the effect light emitting device 14, and the effect display device 19 are all effect devices capable of executing a predetermined effect, and constitute the effect device group ES consisting of a plurality of effect devices. As described above, since the effect sound device 12, the effect light emitting device 14, and the effect display device 19 are all capable of executing a predetermined notification, the effect device group ES can also be grasped as a notification device group. be. The production device (notification device) included in the production device group ES is not limited to the production sound device 12, the production light emitting device 14, and the production display device 19, and may be configured by omitting a part of these production devices. may The effect device group ES may include, in addition to or in place of one or more of these effect devices, an effect movable device that executes a movable effect, and an effect vibration device that executes a vibration effect. You may prepare.

For example, the display effect on the effect display device 19 includes a effect pattern variation game (hereinafter referred to as a effect game) using a plurality of rows of effect symbols (decorative symbols). In the effect game, a plurality of rows of effect symbols are variably displayed, and finally a combination of effect symbols (hereinafter referred to as a symbol combination) is stopped and displayed. The effect pattern (decorative pattern) is a pattern decorated with a character, a pattern, or the like, and is a pattern for diversifying the display effect. For example, the effect game of the present embodiment is performed by variably displaying (scrolling) the effect symbols of the left symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the right symbol row respectively in a predetermined direction. The production game may include a reach production performed by forming a reach.

The effect game starts with the special game and ends with the special game. In the performance game, symbol combinations corresponding to the special symbols that are stopped and displayed in the special game are stopped and displayed. When the big win symbols are stop-displayed in the special game, the big win pattern combination is stop-displayed in the performance game. When the winning symbols are stop-displayed in the special game, the winning symbol combination is stop-displayed in the performance game. In the following description, the special game and the effect game executed together with the special game are collectively referred to as "variation game".

The game area 20a is formed with a plurality of prize winning openings (entering ball openings) into which game balls can enter. 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. - 特許庁The first starting hole 23 is a prize winning hole into which a game ball is entered when the conditions for awarding prize balls and the conditions for holding the first special game are established. The first starting port 23 is located below the effect display device 19 and is always open so that a game ball can be entered. The game board 20 includes a first starting sensor D11 for detecting a game ball entering the first starting hole 23 (see FIG. 9).

The second starting port 24 is a prize winning port into which a game ball is entered when the condition for awarding the prize ball and the condition for holding the second special game are established. 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 having a door shape as an example, and when a normal winning game is not imparted, the game ball cannot be entered or is difficult to enter. Closed as it is. The second starting port 24 is open so that a game ball can be entered or can be easily entered when a normal winning game is given. The game board 20 has a normal solenoid SL1 as a means for opening the second starting port 24 (see FIG. 9). The game board 20 also includes a second starting sensor D12 for detecting a game ball entering the second starting hole 24 (see FIG. 9). The normal opening/closing piece 24a is a so-called "normal electric accessory".

The big winning hole 25 is a winning hole into which a game ball is entered when the conditions for awarding a prize ball are established. The big winning opening 25 is located at the lower right side of the performance display device 19. - 特許庁The big winning opening 25 is provided with a special opening/closing piece 25a, for example, in the shape of a door, so that the game ball cannot enter or is difficult to enter when the big win game is not provided. Closed. The big winning opening 25 is opened so that a game ball can be entered or can be easily entered when a big winning game is awarded. The game board 20 is provided with a special solenoid SL2 as means for opening the big winning slot 25 (see FIG. 9). The game board 20 also includes a count sensor D13 that detects a game ball that has entered the big winning hole 25 (see FIG. 9).

The normal winning hole 27 is a winning hole into which a game ball is entered when the conditions for awarding a prize ball are established. The normal winning openings 27 are located at the lower left side of the effect display device 19 and the lower right side of the effect display device 19, respectively. The normal winning opening 27 is always open so that game balls can be entered. The game board 20 is provided with a normal sensor D14 for detecting a game ball entering the normal winning hole 27 (see FIG. 9).

A gate 28 is provided in the game area 20a. The gate 28 is located on the right side of the game area 20a and above the second starting opening 24 and the big winning opening 25. As shown in FIG. The gate 28 has a gate opening 28a which is always open so that game balls can be entered. The gate opening 28a is provided with a gate sensor D15 for detecting game balls that enter and pass through (see FIG. 9). The gate 28 is a ball entrance through which a game ball is entered when establishing the conditions for starting the normal game. Even if a game ball enters the gate 28, the conditions for awarding prize balls are not established. In the lowest part of the game area 20a, a game ball that has not entered any of the first start opening 23, the second start opening 24, the big winning opening 25, and the normal winning opening 27 is discharged from the game area 20a. out port 29 is formed. The out port 29 can also be grasped as a discharge port or a return port from the game area 20a.

The mounting frame 11b also includes a radio wave sensor D16 that detects radio waves exceeding a predetermined intensity as abnormal radio waves (see FIG. 8). The radio wave sensor D16 outputs a radio wave detection signal when detecting an abnormal radio wave. The game board 20 may include a radio wave sensor in addition to the radio wave sensor D16 on the mounting frame 11b so that the game board 20 can detect abnormal radio waves. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 does not use magnetic game balls, but uses non-magnetic game balls. Therefore, the mounting frame 11b does not have a magnetic sensor that detects magnetism exceeding a predetermined intensity as abnormal magnetism. Not limited to this, the pachinko game machine 10 may have a magnetic sensor in one or both of the mounting frame 11b and the game board 20, and may be configured to detect the approach of a magnet.

The mounting frame 11b has a first door opening switch D17 for detecting that the protective frame 11c is opened with respect to the mounting frame 11b (see FIG. 8). The first door opening switch D17 outputs a first door opening signal when detecting opening of the protection frame 11c. The mounting frame 11b has a second door opening switch D18 for detecting that the mounting frame 11b is opened with respect to the outer frame 11a (see FIG. 8). The second door open switch D18 outputs a second door open signal upon detecting the opening of the mounting frame 11b.

The player adjusts the shooting intensity of the game ball by operating the shooting handle 15, and separates the game ball into a left area located to the left of the display window 20b and a right area located to the right of the display window 20b. . For example, when a game ball is shot with a stronger launch intensity (hereinafter referred to as a right-hand shot), the game ball is likely to flow down and guided to the right area, where the second starting port 24, the big winning port 25, and the normal There is a possibility that the ball will enter the winning opening 27 or the gate 28 . Right hitting is performed by adjusting the shooting intensity to the maximum intensity or a slightly weaker intensity than the maximum intensity, because it is necessary to shoot the game ball vigorously in order to reach the right area. On the other hand, when the game ball is shot by adjusting the shooting intensity to be weaker (hereinafter referred to as left-handed hitting), the game ball is likely to flow down and guided to the left area, and the first start opening 23 or the normal winning opening 27 It is possible to enter the ball. Since it is not necessary to shoot the game ball as vigorously as in the case of right-handed hitting, left-handed hitting is performed by adjusting the intensity to such an extent that the fired game ball does not reach the right area. In this embodiment, the passage of the game ball is formed by a game part such as a game nail so that the game ball cannot enter the first starting port 23 when hitting to the right. The game part may be arranged so as to restrict the entry of the ball into the first starting hole 23 when hitting to the right, or it is more difficult to enter the ball into the first starting hole 23 compared to the case of hitting to the left. may be arranged as follows.

The left area in the present embodiment is an area located on the left side of the center line CL that bisects the game area 20a into left and right when the game board 20 is viewed from the front. The right area in the present embodiment is an area located on the right side of the center line CL when the game board 20 is viewed from the front. A game ball shot by operating the shooting handle 15 is guided to a hitting path 20c on the left side of the game area 20a and reaches the game area 20a. Therefore, the left area is also an area near the driving passage 20c, and the right area is also an area away from the driving passage 20c. A game ball flowing down and guided in the left area passes through the left side of the effect display device 19 positioned in the center of the game area 20a in a front view, and goes to the out port 29 positioned at the bottom of the game area 20a. On the other hand, the game ball flowing down and guided in the right area passes through the right side of the effect display device 19 positioned in the center of the game area 20a in the front view, and goes to the out port 29.

As shown in FIG. 4, the pachinko game machine 10 includes a recovery passage 30 for recovering game balls ejected from the game board 20 after being hit into the game area 20a and used in a game, and a maintenance device 35. a mechanism 36; The pachinko game machine 10 also has a supply device 40 that supplies game balls that have undergone maintenance so as to cut them out one by one, and a shooting device 50 that shoots the game balls supplied from the supply device 40 . The lifting mechanism 36 transfers the game balls collected through the collecting passage 30 to the supply device 40 positioned downstream and above the lifting mechanism 36 . The maintenance device 35 constitutes part of the lifting mechanism 36 . The supply device 40 constitutes an example of a supply mechanism that supplies game balls to a shooting device 50, which is an example of a shooting mechanism. The pachinko game machine 10 has the above-described hitting path 20c and a foul path 20f for collecting foul balls (return balls). A foul ball is a game ball that has been shot by the shooting device 50 but has not reached the game area 20a. In one example of this embodiment, the feeding device 40, the launching device 50 and the lifting mechanism 36 are arranged below the play area 20a. Not limited to this, the supply device 40 and the launch device 50 may be arranged in the upper left portion of the game area 20a.

The collection passage 30 includes a winning passage 31 for collecting game balls that have entered the first starting port 23, the second starting port 24, the big winning port 25, and the normal winning port 27, and the game passing through the out port 29. and a non-winning passage 32 for collecting balls. The collection passage 30 has a first junction 33a where the winning passage 31 and the non-winning passage 32 join. The recovery passage 30 has a second confluence portion 33b where the winning passage 31, the non-winning passage 32, and the foul passage 20f join. The recovery passage 30 has a supply passage 34 that connects the second confluence portion 33 b and a lifting mechanism 36 having a 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 one of the first starting hole 23, the second starting hole 24, the big winning hole 25, the normal winning hole 27, and the out hole 29, it circulates through the winning path 31 or the non-winning path 32. After merging at the first merging portion 33 a , they pass through the supply passage 34 and reach the maintenance device 35 . The outlet area of the supply passage 34 is large enough for one game ball to pass through. Therefore, the game balls are arranged in a line by passing through the supply passage 34. - 特許庁

The maintenance device 35 is a device that performs polishing as an example of predetermined maintenance. The maintenance device 35 has a polishing belt (not shown) arranged to come into contact with the game balls. When the game balls pass through the maintenance device 35, they are ground in contact with the grinding belt. In one 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 as to be replaceable as a unit when the time for replacement comes due to completion of use of the polishing belt. As an example, the maintenance device 35 is arranged at a position accessible from the rear side of the mounting frame 11b when the mounting frame 11b is opened. The game balls subjected to maintenance by the maintenance device 35 are supplied to the supply device 40 while being arranged in a row.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes an iron ball detection mechanism 37 in the middle of the supply passage 34 and upstream of a lifting mechanism 36 having a maintenance device 35. - 特許庁The iron ball detection mechanism 37 has a magnet (not shown). The magnet of the iron ball detection mechanism 37 is arranged at a position close to the supply passage 34 . A release lever (not shown) is connected to the magnet. By displacing the release lever to the close position, the magnet approaches the supply passage 34. move away from When the release lever is in the close position and the magnet is close to the supply passage 34, if a game ball made of a magnetic material (such as an iron ball) exists in the supply passage 34, the game ball can be caught by the magnetic force. . In this case, the game ball that follows the captured game ball is blocked from advancing by the captured game ball, and the supply of the game ball to the lifting mechanism 36 is blocked. That is, the game ball made of a magnetic material is caught by the iron ball detection mechanism 37 before being supplied to the lifting mechanism 36, so that the supply to the supply device 40 is also blocked. Then, when the release lever is displaced to the release position, the magnet is separated from the supply passage 34, and the catch of the game ball is released.

The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a ball passage ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 for detecting game balls passing through the supply passage 34 upstream of the iron ball detection mechanism 37 (magnet) in the advancing direction of the game balls. When the ball passage ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 detects a game ball passing through the supply passage 34, it outputs a ball clogging detection signal. The ball clogging detection signal is turned on when a game ball passing through the ball passage is detected, and turned off when it is not detected. When the jammed ball detection signal continues to be on, there is a high possibility that the magnet of the iron ball detection mechanism 37 has caught a game ball made of a magnetic material (such as an iron ball).

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

The foul passage 20f is a passage that connects a middle portion of the hitting passage 20c and any portion of the recovery passage 30. As shown in FIG. The game balls that have flowed into the foul path 20f from the hitting path 20c are returned to the recovery path 30 and supplied to the supply device 40 again from the supply path 34.例文帳に追加The game ball shot by the shooting device 50 flows into the hitting passage 20c and is guided to reach the game area 20a. Here, due to insufficient firing strength of the firing device 50, the ball may stall and flow backward (fall) through the hitting passage 20c without reaching the game area 20a.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes a foul sensor D21 for detecting a game ball (foul ball) passing through the foul passage 20f. The foul sensor D21 is provided upstream of the second confluence portion 33b of the recovery passage 30 and adjacent to the foul passage 20f. The foul sensor D21 outputs a foul signal when detecting a game ball passing through the foul passage 20f. The foul signal is turned on when a game ball passing through the foul passage 20f is detected, and is turned off when not detected.

The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a winning path count sensor D25 for detecting game balls passing through the winning path 31. - 特許庁The prize winning passage count sensor D25 is provided upstream of the first confluence portion 33a of the recovery passage 30 and adjacent to the prize winning passage 31. As shown in FIG. When the winning path count sensor D25 detects a game ball passing through the winning path 31, it outputs a winning path signal. The winning path signal is turned on when a game ball passing through the winning path 31 is detected, and turned off when not detected.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes a non-winning passage count sensor D26 for detecting game balls passing through the non-winning passage 32. - 特許庁The non-winning passage count sensor D26 is provided upstream of the first confluence portion 33a of the collecting passage 30 and adjacent to the non-winning passage 32. As shown in FIG. When the non-winning passage count sensor D26 detects a game ball passing through the non-winning passage 32, it outputs a non-winning passage signal. The non-winning path signal is turned on when a game ball passing through the non-winning path 32 is detected, and turned off when not detected.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes an out sensor D30 for detecting game balls passing through the first junction 33a of the collection passage 30. - 特許庁The out sensor D<b>30 is provided adjacent to the recovery passage 30 between the first junction 33 a and the second junction 33 b of the recovery passage 30 . The out sensor D30 outputs an out signal when a game ball passing through the collection passage 30 is detected. The out signal is turned on when the game balls passing through the collection passage 30 are detected, and turned off when not detected. A game ball detected by the out sensor D30 is a game ball that has passed through either the winning path 31 or the non-winning path 32 . Hereinafter, the game ball detected by the out sensor D30 may be referred to as an out ball.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes a lifting entrance sensor D28 for detecting game balls that have passed through the supply passage 34 and reached the lifting mechanism 36, and a lifting sensor D28 for detecting game balls transferred after passing through the lifting mechanism 36. and an exit sensor D29. The lift entrance sensor D28 is provided adjacent to a passage leading to an entrance for receiving game balls before maintenance by the maintenance device 35 in the lift mechanism 36 . The lifting outlet sensor D29 is provided adjacent to a passage leading to an outlet for discharging game balls after maintenance by the maintenance device 35 in the lifting mechanism 36 . The lifting entrance sensor D28 outputs a lifting entrance signal when detecting a game ball. The lifting entrance signal is turned on when the game ball is detected, and turned off when it is not detected. Lifting exit sensor D29, when detecting a game ball, outputs a lifting exit signal. The lifting exit signal is turned on when the game ball is detected, and turned off when it is not detected.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a discharge port (not shown) for discharging the game balls from the supply passage 34 to the outside of the machine, an opening/closing piece (not shown) for opening and closing the discharge port, and opening/closing operation of the opening/closing piece. and an opening/closing lever (not shown) that is operated. In this embodiment, by operating the opening/closing lever and displacing the opening/closing piece, the ejection opening can be opened, and the game ball can be ejected out of the machine through the opening. Note that the discharge port is closed by the opening/closing piece when the opening/closing lever is not operated.

The supply device 40 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the supply device 40 includes a receiving portion 41 that receives game balls from the maintenance device 35, and a movable piece 42 that cuts out the game balls received by the receiving portion 41 one by one. , a supply solenoid 43 for driving the movable piece 42 , and a supply section 44 for guiding the cut game ball to the shooting device 50 . The supply device 40 includes a supply inlet sensor D22 and a supply outlet sensor D23.

The receiving portion 41 is formed with a receiving passage 41a through which the game balls discharged from the maintenance device 35 can advance in a row. The supply portion 44 is formed with a supply passage 44 a through which the game balls cut out from the row of the game balls K by the movable piece 42 are advanced to the shooting device 50 . The movable piece 42 is arranged at the boundary 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 that can lock a game ball. The movable piece 42 is supported so as to be displaceable about a rotation shaft 42b between a stop position 42P1 and a supply position 42P2 rotated downward from the stop position 42P1. The stop position 42P1 is a position that allows the inflow of the game balls K from the receiving passage 41a to the holding portion 42a and restricts the outflow of the game balls K from the holding portion 42a to the supply passage 44a. The supply position 42P2 is a position that restricts the inflow of game balls K from the receiving passage 41a to the holding portion 42a and permits the outflow of the game balls 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 blocked 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, but 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 because the supply solenoid 43 is on. On the other hand, the supply solenoid 43 is turned off by de-energization, 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 off. The supply solenoid 43 is an example of a supply actuator that releases the engagement by the movable piece 42 and drives the game ball to be supplied to the shooting device 50 .

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

The launching device 50 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 7, the shooting device 50 is arranged below the game board 20 in a front view. The shooting device 50 has a shooting part 51 for receiving the game ball K supplied from the supply device 40, a shooting hammer 52 for shooting the game ball K in the shooting part 51, and the shooting hammer 52 is driven to hit the game ball. It has a firing solenoid 53 . The shooting device 50 has a receiving portion 55 for receiving foul balls (game balls K) flowing backward (falling) from the hitting passage 20c, and a foul passage portion 56 forming the foul passage 20f.

A shooting position 51a for holding the game ball K is formed in the shooting portion 51. As shown in FIG. The game ball K flows down the supply passage 44a and is held at the shooting position 51a. Firing hammer 52 has a pivot 52a at its proximal end and a ball-striking portion 52b at its distal end. The shooting hammer 52 is displaceable about the rotation shaft 52a between a ball-hitting position 52P1 where the game ball K is hit by the ball-hitting portion 52b and a retracted position 52P2 rotated downward from the ball-hitting position 52P1. Supported. The shooting hammer 52 is an example of a hitting part that hits a game ball.

The firing solenoid 53 is turned on by energization, and the firing hammer 52 is displaced to the ball hitting position 52P1. As indicated by the arrow Y1, when the shooting hammer 52 is displaced to the ball hitting position 52P1, the ball hitting portion 52b hits the game ball K at the shooting position, and the game ball K is launched toward the hitting path 20c. The game ball K shot with sufficient strength passes through the hitting passage 20c and reaches the game area 20a. When the firing solenoid 53 is deenergized, 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 off. Firing solenoid 53 is an example of a firing actuator that drives firing hammer 52 to strike a game ball. The firing actuator may be a motor.

The receiving portion 55 forms a receiving space 55a that opens below the embossing passage 20c. A lower end portion 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 indicated by arrows Y2 and Y3, the foul ball flows from the hitting passage 20c into the receiving space 55a, 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 path 20f.

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

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a probability variation function (hereinafter referred to as probability variation function).
The probability variation function is a function for varying the probability of winning a big win in a big win lottery (hereinafter referred to as "big win probability"). That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a low probability state in which the variable probability function does not operate and a high probability state in which the variable probability function operates, as states in which the probability of big wins 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 "variable probability state (variable probability state)".

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a ball entry assisting function.
The ball entry assistance function is a function for varying the rate of ball entry into the second start hole 24 by assisting the winning of the second start hole 24 . That is, the pachinko machine 10 has two states in which the ball entry rate to the second starting port 24 may differ: 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. And prepare. In the high ball-entering rate state, the probability of the game ball entering the second starting port 24 is higher than in the low ball-entering rate state. In the high ball entry rate state, the probability of the game ball entering the second starting hole 24 increases, and the entering of the game ball into the second starting hole 24 becomes easier. ball easy state). The high ball-entering rate state is a so-called "electrical sapo state", and the low ball-entering rate state is a so-called "non-electrical sapo state".

For example, the high ball-entering rate state can be realized by performing one arbitrarily selected control among the three controls described below, or by performing a plurality of controls in combination. The first control is a normal symbol variation time shortening control that shortens the variation time of the normal game as compared to the low ball entry rate state. The second control is normal pattern probability variation control for varying the probability of winning the normal winning lottery (normal winning probability) to a higher probability than in the low ball entry rate state. The third control is open time extension control that makes the total open time of the second starting port 24 in one normal winning game longer than in the low ball entry rate state. The opening time extension control is a control to increase the number of openings of the second starting port 24 in one normal winning game more than in the low ball entry rate state, and one opening of the second starting port 24 in the normal winning game. It is preferable that at least one of the controls for making the time longer than in the low ball entry rate state is employed. The high ball entry rate state may be realized by combining the fourth control described below. The fourth control is a special symbol variation time reduction control that shortens the variation time of the special game (for example, the average variation time) as compared to when the ball entry rate is low. When performing variable time shortening control of special symbols, the high ball rate state is the variable time shortened state of special symbols (time saving state), and the low ball rate state is the non-variable time shortened state of special symbols (non-time saving state ).

In the pachinko game machine 10, a game state is created by a combination of whether or not the variable probability function is activated and whether or not the ball entry assist function is activated. In the following description, the low probability state and low ball entry rate state will be referred to as the "low probability low ball entry rate state", and the high probability state and low ball entry rate state will be referred to as the "high probability state." Low ball entry rate state”. In addition, a game state of low probability and high ball-entering rate is indicated as "low-probability and high-ball-entering rate state", and a gaming state of high probability and high ball-entering rate is indicated as "high-probability and high ball-entering rate". rate status.

An electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 8, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a main control board 60 and an effect control board (sub control board) 70 on the back side of the machine. The main control board 60 is an example of a main control section. The main control board 60 and the effect 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 effect control board 70 . The main control board 60 executes predetermined processing and outputs control information to the effect control board 70 . The effect control board 70 executes a predetermined process based on control information input from the main control board 60 .

The pachinko game machine 10 has 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 firing control board 90 constitute an example of control means for performing predetermined control. The frame control board 80 is an example of a supply control section and a frame control section that control at least the supply device 40 , and the firing control board 90 is an example of a firing control section that controls the firing device 50 . The main control board 60 and the frame control board 80 are connected so as to be capable of bi-directionally outputting control information (telegrams, etc.). 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 game machine 10 and the CU control board 105 of the card unit 100 can bidirectionally output control information (telegrams, etc.) via the connection terminal board 98 provided in the pachinko game machine 10. are connected so that

The pachinko game machine 10 has a power supply unit 99 on the back side of the machine. The power supply unit 99 receives power supply from the outside, converts the input voltage into a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to the effect control board 70 and the frame control board 80 . The power supplied to the frame control board 80 is further supplied to the main control board 60 and the firing control board 90 . A power supply unit 99 provides power to the supply solenoid 43, the firing solenoid 53, various sensors and switches. The power supply unit 99 has a main switch 99a. The pachinko game machine 10 can be turned 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 the power supplied. is configured to

The main control board 60 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 9, 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 processing 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 lotteries, tables, and the like. The ROM 62 stores multiple types of variation patterns. The variation pattern is information that can specify the variation time from the start of the special game to the end. The variation pattern is information that can specify the content of variation (content of presentation) of the presentation game performed during execution of the special game. Variation patterns include a big hit variation pattern and a loss variation pattern. In the production game based on the big win variation pattern, after the ready-to-win production, finally, the combination of symbols for the big win is stop-displayed. The performance game based on the losing variation pattern has variable contents in which the winning symbol combination is finally stopped and displayed through the ready-to-win effect or without the ready-to-win effect.

RAM63 memorize|stores various information rewritten according to the process result of CPU61. For example, the information stored by the RAM 63 includes flags, counters, and timers. The RAM 63 is an example of storage means capable of storing information. A random number generation circuit 64 generates a hardware random number. The main control board 60 may be configured to generate software random numbers through random number generation processing by the CPU 61 .

The main control board 60 is connected to the first start sensor D11, the second start sensor D12, the count sensor D13, the normal sensor D14, and the gate sensor D15. The CPU 61 can input detection signals output by the sensors D11 to D15 detecting game balls. The main control board 60 is connected to each of the display devices 21a-21f. The CPU 61 can control the display contents of each of the display devices 21a to 21f. The main control board 60 is connected to each solenoid SL1, SL2. The CPU 61 can control the opening mode of the second starting port 24 and the big winning port 25 by controlling the operation of each solenoid SL1, SL2.

The effect control board 70 will be described.
The effect control board 70 includes a CPU 71, a ROM 72, and a RAM 73. The CPU 71 performs processing related to effects by executing a 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 display effect data used for display effects, light emission effect data used for light emission effects, and sound effect data used for sound effects. The RAM 73 stores various information rewritten during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 . For example, the information stored by the RAM 73 is flags, counters, timers, and the like. The effect control board 70 is configured to be able to generate software random numbers through random number generation processing by the CPU 71 . The effect control board 70 may include a random number generation circuit and 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 display contents in the image display area 19 a of the effect display device 19 . The effect control board 70 is connected to the effect sound device 12 . The CPU 71 can control the output contents of the effect sound device 12 . The effect control board 70 is connected to the effect light emitting device 14 . The CPU 71 can control the lighting mode of the effect light emitting device 14 .

The frame control board 80 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 8, 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, a backup It comprises a circuit 89a and a fire enable circuit 89b. The CPU 81 executes a frame control program to perform processing related to the operation of components mounted on the mounting frame 11b. The ROM 82 stores a frame control program and the like. The RAM 83 stores various information rewritten during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 . For example, the information stored by the RAM 83 includes flags, counters, and timers.

A performance display monitor 84 displays the base value. The base value is a value indicating the ratio (proportion) of the total number of prize balls during a normal game to the total number of valid balls during a normal game. The normal game is a game when the low-probability low ball-entering rate state and no jackpot game is performed. The effective ball is a game ball that has reached the game area 20a among the game balls shot from the shooting device 50. As shown in FIG. The base value is calculated on the premise that the jackpot game is not in progress, and is obtained by a formula of "total number of winning balls during normal game/total number of effective balls during normal game×100". The performance display monitor 84 is an example of base display means capable of displaying information about the base of the game ball.

The ball removal switch 85 is a switch that is operated when a ball removal state is generated in which the game balls 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 removal signal is turned on when the ball removal switch 85 is pushed, and turned off when the ball removal switch 85 is not pushed. A ball extraction signal is output to CPU81.

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

The game ball clear switch 87 is a switch that is 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 zero. The game ball clear switch 87 outputs a game ball clear signal when a push operation is performed. The game ball clear signal is turned on when the game ball clear switch 87 is pushed, and turned off when the game ball clear switch 87 is not pushed. The game ball clear signal is output to the CPU81.

The RAM clear switch 88 is a switch operated when initializing the main information stored in the RAM 63 and the information stored in the RAM 83 (hereinafter referred to as RAM clear). The RAM clear switch 88 outputs a RAM clear signal when pushed. The RAM clear signal is turned on when the RAM clear switch 88 is pressed, and turned off when the switch is not pressed. 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 interrupted. The RAMs 63 and 83 receive backup power from the backup power supply 89, so that the stored contents of the RAMs 63 and 83 can be retained even after the power is turned off. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment has 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 hold information about

As an example, the backup power supply 89 may be a power storage device that stores power while power is being supplied from the outside. The backup power supply 89 maintains a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as , supply time), the backup power is supplied to them. The supply time is related to the amount of power stored to supply the firing control board 90 and the firing solenoid 53, and may be the time required to discharge the power, or the time defined by a predetermined circuit. may

The firing control board 90 (the firing control circuit 91) and the firing solenoid 53 are supplied with backup power from the backup power supply 89, so that they can perform predetermined operations even after the power supply from the outside is cut off. Although the details will be described later, the launching device 50 is configured such that during at least one of a period during which a normal firing operation (firing sequence) is performed and a period during which a special firing operation (blank firing sequence) is performed, an external Even if 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.

Information that can be stored in the RAM 63 and that is to be backed up includes 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 reservations, information on normal symbols and special symbols, and information on the error state.

Information that can be stored in the RAM 83 and that 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, the game information includes the occurrence of a starting gate win, the occurrence of a normal win, the occurrence of a big win gate win in a jackpot game, passage through a gate, the establishment of a special pattern (end of a variable game), the occurrence of a jackpot, and the current There is information that can specify the game state and the like. The performance information is a base value and information related to calculation of the base value. The information related to the calculation of the base value includes the total number of won prize balls during the normal game and the total number of effective balls during the normal game.

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

The frame control board 80 is connected with the counting switch 18 . The CPU 81 is configured to receive the 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 entrance sensor D22, a supply exit sensor D23, a winning path count sensor D25, and a non-winning path count sensor D26. , and a ball passage ball clogging monitoring sensor D27. In addition, the frame control board 80 is connected to a lifting entrance sensor D28, a lifting exit sensor D29, and an out sensor D30. The CPU 81 receives radio wave signals output by these sensors and switches, first door open signal, second door open signal, foul signal, supply entrance signal, supply exit signal, winning passage signal, non-winning passage signal, clogging detection signal. , a lift entrance signal, a lift exit signal, and an out signal. Of these signals, the frame control board 80 outputs the first door open signal and the second door open signal to the main control board 60 .

The frame control board 80 is connected to the notification audio device 13 . The CPU 81 can control the output contents of the notification audio 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 contents 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 maintenance operations of the maintenance device 35 . The frame control board 80 is connected with the lifting mechanism 36 . The CPU 81 is configured to be able to control the lifting operation of the lifting mechanism 36 . The frame control board 80 is connected with 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 so as to be able to control the supply operation of the game balls by the supply device 40 .

As described above, the frame control board 80 is connected with the card unit 100 . The CPU 81 is configured to be able to receive various messages sent by the CU control board 105 . The connection signal output by the card unit 100 is input from the connection terminal plate 98 to the emission permitting circuit 89b without passing through the CPU 81. FIG. Although details will be described later, a firing stop signal output by the main control board 60 and an error signal output by the CPU 81 are also input to the firing 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 the control signal input from the frame control board 80 and the signal input from the sensor or switch.

The firing control board 90 is connected with the touch sensor D01, the firing stop switch D02, and the handle volume D03. The launch control circuit 91 is configured to be able to input touch signals, stop signals, and volume signals output by these switches and sensors. The firing control board 90 is connected with the firing 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 ball hitting position 52P1. That is, the shooting control board 90 is configured to be able to control the shooting operation of the game ball by the shooting device 50 .

The firing control circuit 91 has an operation determination section, a pulse clock generation section, a timing pulse generation section, a holding circuit, and a solenoid drive section. 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 enabling condition is satisfied, an operation signal is output to the timing pulse generator. The operation determination unit determines that 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. is not satisfied in part or in whole, so that the operating signal is not output to the timing pulse generator.

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

Also, 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 operation amount information generated according to the operation amount of the firing handle 15 (handle lever 15a).

Processing executed by the frame control board 80 (CPU 81) will be described.
The frame-side power-off processing will be described.
When the CPU 81 receives a power-off detection signal output by the backup circuit 89a when the power supply voltage drops below a specified voltage, the CPU 81 executes power-off processing. In the power-off process, the CPU 81 calculates the checksum value of the RAM 83 and stores the calculated checksum value in the RAM 83 . In addition, the CPU 81 causes the RAM 83 to store information (hereinafter referred to as a backup flag) that can specify that the power-off process has been executed normally. 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.
The CPU 81 determines whether or not the backed-up information is normal when the voltage supplied to the frame control board 80 reaches the voltage required for the operation of the CPU 81 as the power is turned on. Specifically, the CPU 81 determines whether or not a backup flag is stored in the RAM 83 . The CPU 81 also calculates the checksum value of the RAM 83 and determines whether the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value calculated in the power-off process. When the backup flag is stored and the checksum values match, the CPU 81 determines that the operation is normal, and otherwise determines that the operation is abnormal. When determining 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. Thereafter, the CPU 81 shifts to communication check processing, which will be described later.

When determining 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 on. 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 the RAM clear switch 88 is operated based on whether the RAM clear signal is on. 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 this embodiment, the performance information is either a situation in which game ball number information is initialized according to the operation of the game ball clear switch 87, or a situation in which the game information is initialized according to the operation of the RAM clear switch 88. but not initialized. After that, the CPU 81 shifts to communication check processing.

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

When the CPU 81 does not receive the start-up information within a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) after the power is turned on, the CPU 81 stores in the RAM 83 a flag capable of specifying the occurrence of an internal game machine communication error. In other words, the CPU 81 sets an intra-game machine communication abnormality. After that, the CPU 81 waits until it receives the start-up information. When the CPU 81 normally receives the start-up information from the main control board 60 while the game machine communication abnormality is set, the CPU 81 cancels the game machine communication abnormality setting. After that, the CPU 81 ends the communication check process, returns based on the game ball number information, the game information, and the performance information initialized or backed up, and executes the frame side normal process described later. Not limited to this, the CPU 81 may set an intra-game-machine communication abnormality when the reception of the start-up information and the transmission of the response information are not successful for a plurality of times (for example, three times). In this case, the start-up information received a plurality of times may be gaming machine installation information for the first time, and may be information different from the gaming machine installation information (eg, gaming machine information) for the second and subsequent times.

The frame-side normal processing of the frame control board 80 will be described.
Of the frame-side normal processing, the game information storage processing will be described.
The game information generation process is a process of storing game information input from the main control board 60 in the RAM 83 . The CPU 81 stores the game information in the RAM 83 upon receiving the game information that can specify the game state. By referring to the game information stored in the RAM 83, the CPU 81 can identify whether the jackpot game is in progress, the high probability state, and the high ball entry rate state. . In addition, when various types of game information are input, the CPU 81 generates information that can specify the input game information, and stores the information in the RAM 83 . Further, when receiving the game information, the CPU 81 transmits part or all of the received game information to an external device (hall computer, etc.).

Performance information generation processing of the frame side normal processing will be described.
Performance information generation processing is processing for calculating a base value as performance information. The CPU 81 refers to the game state flag, and determines whether the current game state is a low-probability low ball-entering rate state (that is, whether it is during a normal game) or not during a jackpot game. In the case of a normal game, the CPU 81 outputs game information that can specify the occurrence of a start-up win (hereinafter referred to as start-up win-win information) or game information that can specify the occurrence of a normal win-win (hereinafter referred to as normal win-win information). ) is received, the total number of prize balls won during the normal game is added. The total number of won prize balls is stored in the RAM 83 as one piece of performance information. When the CPU 81 inputs the winning path signal or the non-winning path signal, it adds the total number of valid balls in the normal game. The total number of effective balls is stored in the RAM 83 as one piece of performance information. The CPU 81 calculates the base value according to a formula of "total number of winning balls during normal game/total number of effective balls during normal game×100". The CPU 81 may count the total number of won prize balls and the total number of valid balls for each minute, and calculate the base value every minute. The CPU 81 may count the total number of winning prize balls by dividing each time the total number of effective balls reaches the specified number, and may calculate the base value each time the total number of effective balls reaches the specified number. As an example, the prescribed number may be 60,000 balls, or the maximum number of balls that can be fired by the launching device 50 per minute (eg, 100 balls). The CPU 81 controls the performance display monitor 84 to display information that can identify the calculated base value.

The CPU 81 may be configured so as to be able to calculate the character product ratio and the continuous character product ratio as the performance information and display them on the performance display monitor 84 . The role ratio is the ratio of the total number of prize balls acquired by operating the electric role product to the total number of prize balls acquired through all game states. The total number of prize balls acquired by the operation of the electric accessory is the total number of prize balls acquired by winning the second start port 24 by the normal winning game (ordinary electric accessory operation), and the large number of winning balls by the big hit game (special electric accessory operation) It is the sum of the total number of winning balls that enter the winning hole 25 . The continuous role ratio is the ratio of the total number of prize balls obtained by the continuous role operation to the total number of prize balls obtained through all game states. The total number of prize balls obtained by the continuous accessory operation is the total number of prize balls obtained by winning the big prize opening 25 by the big hit game.

The number-of-game-balls information generating process of the frame-side normal process will be described.
The game ball number information generating process is a process for generating (managing) the game ball number. When the CPU 81 receives information on the number of winning balls from the main control board 60, it adds the number of winning balls that can be specified from the information on the number of winning balls to the number of game balls. Acquired prize ball number information is control information output by the main control board 60 when a condition for awarding prize balls is established as a prize is won in a predetermined prize hole, and specifies the number of prize balls set for the prize hole. configured as possible. When the CPU 81 receives the award information from the card unit 100, the CPU 81 adds the number of imparted balls indicated in the award 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 entrance signal output by the supply entrance sensor D22, the CPU 81 subtracts the number of game balls. As an example, the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has been supplied when the supply entrance signal transitions from the OFF state to the ON state to the OFF state. As a result, it can be said that the number of game balls managed electromagnetically is converted into actual game balls.

Not limited to this, the CPU 81 may subtract the number of game balls by driving the shooting solenoid 53, provide a sensor in the hitting passage 20c, and when the sensor detects a game ball shot from the shooting device 50, the game ball is played. The configuration may be such that the number of balls is subtracted. In this 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 shooting operation by the shooting 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 a number less than a predetermined number, the CPU 81 outputs a zero game ball signal to the launch permission circuit 89b.

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

Then, the CPU 81 controls the game ball number display device 17 so as to display information capable of specifying the updated number of game balls added or subtracted. In one example of this embodiment, the CPU 81 includes means for adding the number of game balls stored as data, means for subtracting the number of game balls stored as data, and displaying the number of game balls stored as data. It can be understood as a means to Although details will be described later, the number-of-game-balls display device 17 is also used as a device capable of displaying information capable of specifying an error state set (detected) by the frame control board 80 .

The error setting process and the error notification process of the frame-side normal process will be described.
As shown in FIG. 10, the error setting process is a process for detecting the occurrence of an error state and setting the error state. In one example of this embodiment, the error states that can be detected by the frame control board 80 (CPU 81) include, in addition to the above-described intra-game machine communication anomalies, illegal radio wave detection, supply entrance sensor anomalies, discharge ball passage anomalies, and the number of circulating balls. There are at least too few, too many circulating balls, anomalous prize winnings, iron ball detection, and door opening. Further, the error notification process is a process of notifying an error in a predetermined notification mode when an error state is detected in the error setting process. Details of the processing related to error detection and error notification will be described later.

Next, various processes performed by the main control board 60 (CPU 61) will be described.
Main power shutdown processing will be described.
When the CPU 61 receives a power-off detection signal from the frame control board 80 (backup circuit 89a), it executes power-off processing. In the power-off 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 . In addition, the CPU 61 causes the RAM 63 to store information (hereinafter referred to as a backup flag) that can specify that the power-off process has been executed normally. 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.

Main power-on processing will be described.
The CPU 61 prohibits timer interrupt processing when the voltage supplied to the main control board 60 reaches the voltage required for the operation of the CPU 61 as the power is turned on. Subsequently, the CPU 61 transmits start-up information to the frame control board 80 . The CPU 61 transmits the start-up information to the frame control board 80 when a predetermined time (eg, 108 ms) elapses without receiving response information after transmitting the start-up information. After that, when the CPU 61 does not receive the response information from the frame control board 80, the CPU 61 transmits start-up information to the frame control board 80 every time a predetermined period of time elapses. It should be noted that the start-up information to be transmitted a plurality of times may be the same information, or may be different information so that the number of times of transmission can be specified. The CPU 61 detects an intra-game machine communication abnormality when the number of transmissions of start-up information reaches a specified number (eg, 10 times), and stores in the RAM 63 information capable of specifying the occurrence of the intra-game machine communication abnormality. That is, the CPU 61 sets an error related to the intra-gaming machine communication abnormality. When the CPU 61 sets the intra-game machine communication abnormality, it outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as an intra-game machine communication abnormality command) capable of specifying the occurrence of an error related to the intra-game machine communication abnormality to the effect 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 intra-game communication abnormality (3 minutes as an example) is the time required for the main control board 60 to detect the intra-game communication abnormality (1080 ms as an example). long compared to

The CPU 61 determines that the communication line is normal when receiving the response information to the start-up information. If the communication line is normal, the CPU 61 determines whether the backed up information is normal. Specifically, the CPU 61 determines whether or not the RAM 63 stores a backup flag. The CPU 61 also calculates the checksum value of the RAM 63 and determines whether or not the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value calculated in the power-off process. When the backup flag is stored and the checksum values match, the CPU 61 determines that the operation is normal, and otherwise determines that the operation is abnormal.

When determining that the backed up information is abnormal, the CPU 61 initializes the main information stored in the RAM 63 . The CPU 61 outputs to the effect control board 70 a control command (hereinafter referred to as an initialization command) that can specify that various types of information have been initialized. After that, the CPU 61 terminates the main power-on process.

When determining that the backed-up information is normal, the CPU 61 determines whether or not a 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 effect control board 70 . On the other hand, when the RAM clear signal is not input, the CPU 61 outputs to the effect control board 70 a control command (hereinafter referred to as a power recovery command) that can be specified to return based on the backed up main information.

After completing the main power-on process, the CPU 61 permits the timer interrupt process. In other words, the CPU 61 can execute processing for advancing the game (hereinafter referred to as main normal processing). If the main information has been initialized, the main normal processing is executed based on the initialized main information. That is, the CPU 61 is based on a state in which both the first special reservation number and the second special reservation number are zero, neither the first special game nor the second special game is being executed, and no jackpot game is given. to execute various processes included in the main normal process. The main normal processing is executed based on the backed up main information unless the main information is initialized. That is, the CPU 61 executes the special game if the first special reserved number and the second special reserved number are the reserved numbers at the time of power failure, and either the first special game or the second special game is being executed. It returns to processing, and returns to the processing of giving a big winning game if the big winning game is being given.

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

The special symbol input processing will be explained.
The CPU 61 determines whether or not the game ball has entered the first starting port 23 based on whether or not a detection signal has been 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 reservation number stored in the RAM 63 is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the first reservation number is less than the upper limit number, the CPU 61 adds 1 to the first reservation number and updates it. Subsequently, the CPU 61 controls the first pending display device 21c to display information that can specify the updated first pending number. In this embodiment, the reservation condition of the first special game is established when the game ball is detected by the first starting sensor D11 when the first reservation 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 causes the RAM 63 to store random number information based on the acquired random number. For example, the random number is a winning random number used for a special symbol winning lottery, a winning symbol random number used for determining a winning symbol, and a variation pattern random number used for determining a variation pattern. The CPU 61 stores the random number information so that the random number information is for the first special game 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 of the first special game until the condition for starting the first special game is satisfied.

When the random number information for the first special game is stored in the RAM 63, when the game ball has not entered the first starting port 23, and when the first reserved number is not less than the upper limit number, the second It is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the second start port 24 based on whether or not a detection signal has been input from the start sensor D12. When the game ball has entered the second starting port 24, the CPU 61 determines whether or not the second reservation number stored in the RAM 63 is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the second reservation number is less than the upper limit number, the CPU 61 adds 1 to the second reservation number and updates it. The CPU 61 controls the second pending display device 21d so as to display information capable of specifying the second pending number after the addition. In this embodiment, the second special game holding condition is established when the second holding number is less than the upper limit number and the game ball is detected by the second starting sensor D12.

Next, the CPU 61 acquires random numbers generated in the main control board 60 and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the RAM 63 . The CPU 61 stores the random number information so that the random number information is used for the second special game 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 of the second special game until the conditions for starting the second special game are 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 start port 24, and when the second reservation number is not less than the upper limit number, the CPU 61 is a special symbol End input processing.

The special symbol start processing will be explained.
First, the CPU 61 determines whether or not the conditions for starting the special game are satisfied. The CPU 61 makes an affirmative determination when the big winning game is not being played and the special game is not being executed, and makes a negative determination when the big winning game is being played or the special game is being executed. If the special game start condition is not satisfied, the CPU 61 ends the special symbol start process. When the condition for starting the special game is satisfied, the CPU 61 determines whether or not the second pending number is greater than zero. When the second reservation number is zero, the CPU 61 determines whether the first reservation number is greater than zero. When the first reserved number is zero, the CPU 61 terminates the special symbol start process.

When the first reservation number is greater than zero, the CPU 61 performs processing for executing the first special game. Specifically, the CPU 61 updates the first reservation number by subtracting 1 from it. The CPU 61 controls the first pending display device 21c so as to display information capable of specifying the first pending number after the subtraction. Next, the CPU 61 acquires from the RAM 63 the random number information stored first among the random number information for the first special game. Subsequently, the CPU 61 uses a winning random number specified from the obtained random number information to perform a big winning lottery (big winning determination) as a special symbol winning lottery to determine whether or not to win a big winning. The CPU 61 performs a jackpot lottery with a jackpot probability corresponding to the current probability state (whether or not the variable probability function is operated).

When winning the jackpot, the CPU 61 performs jackpot variation processing. In the big-hit variation process, the CPU 61 performs a big-hit symbol lottery using a winning symbol random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a big-hit symbol to be stop-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 the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among a plurality of big hit variation patterns. After that, the CPU 61 terminates the special symbol start process.

When the jackpot is not won, the CPU 61 performs loss variation processing. In the losing variation process, the CPU 61 determines the winning symbols 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 the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among a plurality of losing variation patterns. After that, the CPU 61 terminates the special symbol start process.

When the second reservation number is greater than zero, the CPU 61 performs processing for executing the second special game. In the process for executing the second special game, the "first special game" is changed to the "second special game", and the "first reservation number" is changed to the "second reservation". Since the processes are read as "number" respectively, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. That is, the CPU 61 performs any variation processing based on the subtraction of the second reserved number, the big win lottery, and the result of the big win lottery, and then ends the special symbol start processing.

The CPU 61 outputs a variation start command and a special symbol command to the effect control board 70 in the big hit variation processing and the losing variation processing. The variation start command is a control command that can specify the variation pattern determined in each variation process and the start of the variation game. The special symbol command is a control command that can specify the special symbol (big hit symbol or losing symbol) determined in each variation process. Note that the variation start command and the special symbol command are different control commands when the variation processing of the first special game is performed and when the variation processing of the second special game is performed.

After finishing the special symbol start process, the CPU 61 executes the first special game or the second special game by a process different from the special symbol start process. Specifically, when executing the first special game, the CPU 61 controls the first special symbol display device 21a so as to start the variable display of predetermined symbols. The CPU 61 measures the variation time defined in the variation 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 variation time determined in the variation pattern has elapsed. In addition, the CPU 61 outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a variation end command) capable of specifying the end of the variation game to the effect control board 70 after the variation time defined in the variation pattern has passed.

On the other hand, when executing the second special game, the CPU 61 controls the second special symbol display device 21b so as to start the variable display of predetermined symbols. The CPU 61 measures the variation time defined in the variation pattern. The CPU 61 controls the second special symbol display device 21b to stop and display the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process when the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed. Further, the CPU 61 outputs a variation end command to the effect control board 70 after the variation time set in the variation pattern has passed. As described above, the CPU 61 executes the special symbol input process and the special symbol start process, so that the pachinko gaming machine 10 performs a winning lottery triggered by the entry of the game ball into the starting hole, and the result of the winning lottery. It is configured to be able to execute a symbol variation game based on.

The jackpot game processing will be described.
The big-hit game process is a process for giving a big-hit game. When the CPU 61 stops displaying the big win symbols in the special game, the CPU 61 executes the big win game process after the big win special game ends. The CPU 61 specifies the type of jackpot game based on the jackpot pattern (that is, the jackpot type) determined in the special symbol start process. The CPU 61 provides the specified type of jackpot game.

First, the CPU 61 outputs to the effect control board 70 a control command that can specify the start of the opening time (hereinafter referred to as an opening command). After the opening time has passed, the CPU 61 performs processing for executing a round game. That is, the CPU 61 controls the special solenoid SL2 using the specified opening control data for the big win game to open the big winning hole 25 . When the number of game balls detected by the count sensor D13 reaches the upper limit number or the upper limit time elapses, the CPU 61 controls the special solenoid SL2 so as to close the big winning opening 25. End the round game. The CPU 61 repeats the processing for executing such a round game until the upper limit number of round games set for the big hit game is completed. CPU61 outputs the control command (henceforth a round command) which can specify the start of a round game to the production|presentation control board 70, whenever a round game is started. CPU61 outputs the control command (henceforth an ending start command) which can specify the start of ending time to the production|presentation control board 70, when the last round game is complete|finished. When the ending time elapses, the CPU 61 terminates the jackpot game. The CPU 61 outputs to the effect control board 70 a control command (hereinafter referred to as an ending end command) capable of specifying the passage of the ending time.

State transition processing will be described.
The CPU 61 sets a high probability flag in the RAM 63 when finishing the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern among the jackpot patterns. That is, the CPU 61 controls to the high probability state. It should be noted that the CPU 61 does not erase the probability variation flag until the next big winning game is provided after the big winning game based on the first big winning symbol is completed. On the other hand, the CPU 61 does not set the high probability flag in the RAM 63 when finishing the jackpot game based on the second jackpot symbol different from the first jackpot symbol. That is, the CPU 61 controls to the low probability state. When the big hit game is started and the high accuracy flag is set, the CPU 61 erases the high accuracy flag. That is, the CPU 61 controls the low probability state during the jackpot game.

The CPU 61 sets an operation flag in the RAM 63 when the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern or the second jackpot pattern ends. That is, the CPU 61 controls the high ball-entering 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 win game based on the second big win symbols is ended, thereby increasing the number of executions of the special game after the big win game is over. to count. The CPU 61 erases the operation flag stored in the RAM 63 when the special game in which the number of executions of the special game after the end of the jackpot game reaches the number of operations is completed. That is, after the big win game based on the second big win symbol ends, the CPU 61 controls to the low ball entry rate state when the special game for the number of times of operation ends. It should be noted that the CPU 61 does not erase the operation flag until the next big win game is provided after the big win game based on the first big win symbol is completed. When the big hit game is started and the operation flag is set, the CPU 61 erases the operation flag. That is, the CPU 61 controls the low ball entry rate state during the jackpot game.

Various processes executed by the effect control board 70 (CPU 71) will be described.
The effect power recovery process will be described.
When the initialization command is input, the CPU 71 controls some or all of the effect devices that make up the effect device group ES to execute RAM clear notification (initialization notification). As an example, the RAM clearing notification is executed by outputting a voice that can specify the execution of RAM clearing, such as a voice reading out a character string of "RAM clearing", from the sound effect device 12. FIG. As an example, the RAM clearing notification is executed in a manner in which the effect light emitting device 14 emits light in a light emitting pattern dedicated to RAM clearing. As an example, the RAM clearing notification is performed by displaying on the effect display device 19 an image that can specify the execution of RAM clearing, such as a character string "RAM clearing". The CPU 71 controls the effect device group ES to end the RAM clearing notification when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the RAM clearing 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 pattern.

When the power recovery command is input, the CPU 71 controls some or all of the effect devices constituting the effect device group ES to execute the power recovery notification. As an example, the power restoration notification is executed by outputting a voice that can specify the execution of RAM clearing, such as a voice reading out a character string “power is being restored”, from the effect voice device 12 . As an example, the power recovery notification is executed by causing the effect light emitting device 14 to emit light in a light emission pattern dedicated to power recovery. As an example, the power recovery notification is performed by displaying an image that can identify the execution of RAM clearing on the effect display device 19, such as a character string "power recovery is in progress". The CPU 71 controls the effect device group ES so as to end the power restoration notification when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the power restoration notification. The configuration is not limited to this, and 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 to display a combination of effect symbols different from the combination of the predetermined background image and the predetermined effect symbols.

A description will be given of the jackpot effect processing.
The big-hit effect processing is a process for executing an effect (hereinafter referred to as a big-hit effect) during the big-hit game. When receiving the opening command, the CPU 71 controls the effect device group ES to execute the opening effect. When receiving the round command, the CPU 71 controls the effect device group ES to execute the round effect. When receiving the ending start command, the CPU 71 controls the effect device group ES to execute the ending effect. When receiving the ending command, the CPU 71 controls the effect device group ES to end the ending effect.

The effect game processing will be described.
The effect game process is a process for executing the effect game as one of the display effects related to the special game during execution of the special game. When the CPU 71 receives the variation 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 receiving a variation start command, the CPU 71 selects an effect pattern (effect content) of the effect game based on a change pattern that can be specified from the command. Further, when receiving a special symbol command, the CPU 71 determines a symbol combination to be stopped and displayed in the effect game based on the special symbol that can be specified from the command. The CPU 71 determines a combination of symbols for a big hit when the big-hit symbol can be specified from the special symbol command. When the CPU 71 can identify the missing symbol from the special symbol command, the CPU 71 determines the missing symbol combination. It should be noted that the CPU 71, when executing a ready-to-win effect, determines a combination of symbols that include a ready-to-win game.

Then, the CPU 71 controls the effect display device 19 so as to start the variable display of the effect symbols in each symbol row with the input of the variation start command as a trigger. That is, the CPU 71 starts the effect game. Further, when executing a predetermined effect in relation to 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 comes after starting the effect game, the CPU 71 temporarily stops and displays the symbol combination, and also stops and confirms the symbol combination in response to the input of the variation end command. It should be noted that the CPU 71 may determine and stop display the symbol combination when the variation time set in the variation pattern elapses, regardless of the variation end command. In this case, the fluctuation end command may be omitted.

Next, processing performed by the CPU 81 of the frame control board 80 by inputting signals from various sensors and switches will be described.
The CPU 81 subtracts the number of circulating balls stored in the RAM 83 when it detects that one game ball has been supplied to the launching device 50 based on the supply entrance signal output by the supply entrance sensor D22. As for 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 entrance signal transitions in the ON state→OFF state→ON state.

Not limited to this, the CPU 81 may subtract the number of game balls by driving the shooting solenoid 53, provide a sensor in the hitting passage 20c, and when the sensor detects a game ball shot from the shooting device 50, the game ball is played. The configuration may be such that the number of balls is subtracted. In this 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 shooting operation by the shooting device 50 and the supply operation by the supply 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 path signal output by the winning path count sensor D25 and the non-winning path signal output by the non-winning path count sensor D26, the RAM 83 Add the number of circulating balls stored in As an example, the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has returned when the winning path signal or the non-winning path signal transitions in the ON state→OFF state→ON state. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured such that when a game ball used in a game is detected, the number of game balls stored as data is added.

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 D21, it adds the number of circulating balls stored in the RAM83. As an example, the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has returned when the foul signal transitions in the ON state→OFF state→ON state. That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a game ball (foul ball) that has not reached the game area 20a after being shot by the shooting device 50 is detected, the number of game balls stored as data is increased. It is an additive configuration.

The error state shown in FIG. 10 will be described below.
In the error state of unauthorized radio wave detection, detection of an abnormal radio wave is the error detection condition. When the radio wave detection signal is input from the radio wave sensor D16, the CPU 81 causes the RAM 83 to store a flag capable of specifying the occurrence of an error state of illegal radio wave detection. The illegal radio wave detection error state is a state in which there is a high possibility that illegal acts (fraudulent acts) are being carried out using radio waves. When the CPU 81 sets the error state of illegal radio wave detection, the CPU 81 cancels the setting of the error state of illegal radio wave detection on the condition that the power is restored. It should be noted that if the error state of illegal radio wave detection is detected again after the power is turned on, the error state of illegal radio wave detection is set even after the power is turned on. Whether or not an error state of illegal radio wave detection has occurred is confirmed except during the ball extraction state in which the game balls sealed inside the pachinko game machine 10 can be ejected outside the machine by operating the ball extraction switch 85. Detected as an interval.

The error state of intra-game-machine communication abnormality has an error detection condition that communication between the main control board 60 and the frame control board 80 is not performed normally. When the CPU 61 and CPU 81 set the error state of the intra-game-machine communication abnormality, the CPU 61 and the CPU 81 cancel the setting of the intra-game-machine communication abnormality error state on the condition that the communication is performed normally. Whether or not an error state of communication abnormality in the game machine has occurred is constantly detected as a confirmation period from when the power is turned on to when the power is turned off.

The error state of supply inlet sensor abnormality is the error detection condition that the next game ball is shot without changing the supply inlet signal, which is the input signal of the sensor, from the previous shot. When the CPU 81 detects that the inlet of the supply device 40 (receiving passage 41a) is clogged with balls based on the supply inlet signal output by the supply inlet sensor D22, the CPU 81 detects the occurrence of an error state of the supply inlet sensor abnormality. A identifiable flag is stored in the RAM 83 . As an example, the CPU 81 sets an error state of supply inlet sensor abnormality when a specified time elapses without turning off the supply inlet signal after the supply solenoid 43 is driven. When the CPU 81 sets the error state of the supply entrance sensor abnormality, the CPU 81 cancels the setting of the supply entrance sensor abnormality under the condition that the error cancellation switch 86 is operated. Even if the setting of the supply inlet sensor abnormality is canceled, if the ball clogging in the receiving passage 41a is not eliminated, the supply inlet sensor abnormality error state is set again after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Whether or not an error state of supply inlet sensor abnormality has occurred is detected as a confirmation interval other than during the ball extraction state. It should be noted that the CPU 81 can detect the launch of the game ball by inputting the supply exit signal from the supply exit sensor D23.

The error state of the discharge ball passage abnormality is a state in which only the out sensor D30 of the out sensor D30, the ball passage ball clogging monitoring sensor D27, and the lift entrance sensor D28 detects the ON state for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) or longer. This is the error detection condition. If such an error detection condition is satisfied, it is assumed that there is a high possibility that the balls are clogged near the out sensor D20. The recovery passage 30 corresponds to the discharge ball passage that is the target of the discharge ball passage abnormality. When the error detection condition is established, the CPU 81 causes the RAM 83 to store a flag capable of specifying the occurrence of the error state of the discharge ball passage abnormality. When the error state of the ball passage abnormality is set, the CPU 81 cancels the setting of the error state of the ball passage abnormality on condition that the error cancellation switch 86 is operated. Even if the setting of the error state of the discharge ball passage abnormality is canceled, if the ball clogging in the recovery passage 30 is not eliminated, the error state of the discharge ball passage abnormality is set again after a predetermined time elapses. Whether or not the error state of the discharge ball passage abnormality has occurred is detected as a confirmation interval other than during the ball extraction state.

The error state of an insufficient number of circulating balls is an error detection condition that a state in which the out sensor D30 and the ball passage ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 are detected to be OFF continues for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) while the game is not being played. and The pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. A lifting entrance sensor D28, a ball passage ball clogging monitoring sensor D27, and an out sensor D30 are provided in this order from the side closer to the lifting mechanism 36. As shown in FIG. In addition, game balls for the initial number of balls are enclosed in the pachinko game machine 10 in advance. Therefore, when the game is not played, game balls are not shot from the shooting device 50, and the game balls stay in the collection passage 30 and the supply passage 34 as well. Therefore, when the error detection condition of the error state of the number of circulating balls being too small is established, only the lifting entrance sensor D28 detects the game balls in the non-playing state. In other words, it is assumed that the number of game balls staying in the passage leading to the lifting mechanism 36 is small. In this embodiment, the non-playing state can be detected by not outputting a touch signal from the touch sensor D01.

When the error detection condition is satisfied, the CPU 81 causes the RAM 83 to store a flag capable of specifying the occurrence of an error state in which the number of circulating balls is too small. When the CPU 81 sets an error state of an insufficient number of circulating balls, the game state continues for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) or one or more sensors out of the out sensor D30 and the ball passage clogging monitoring sensor D27. The ON state of has continued for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) or longer as a cancellation condition, and the setting of the error state of an insufficient number of circulating balls is canceled. Whether or not an error state of an insufficient number of circulating balls has occurred is detected as a confirmation interval other than during the state of ball extraction.

It can also be said that the circulating ball number error state is that the circulating ball number is less than the first circulating ball number, which is less than the initial number of balls. In other words, the CPU 81 stores in the RAM 83 a flag capable of specifying the occurrence of the error state of an insufficient number of circulating balls, thereby setting the error state of an insufficient number of circulating balls. Then, when the number of circulating balls becomes equal to or greater than the first number of circulating balls, the CPU 81 cancels the setting of the error state of an insufficient number of circulating balls.

The error state of excess balls in circulation is an error that all of the out sensor D30, the ball passage ball clogging monitoring sensor D27, and the lifting inlet sensor D28 continue to detect the ON state for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). Make it a detection condition. Contrary to the error state of too few circulating balls, the error state of too many circulating balls is assumed to be that many game balls stay in the passage leading to the lifting mechanism 36 .

When the error detection condition is satisfied, the CPU 81 causes the RAM 83 to store a flag capable of specifying the occurrence of an error state of an excessive number of circulating balls. When the CPU 81 sets the error state of an excessive number of circulating balls, one or more of the out sensor D30, the ball passage ball clogging monitoring sensor D27, and the lifting inlet sensor D28 are turned on for a predetermined period of time (for example, 2 seconds). ) The setting of the error state of the excessive number of circulating balls is canceled with the above continuing as a cancellation condition. Whether or not an error state of an excessive number of circulating balls has occurred is detected as a confirmation interval other than during the state of ball extraction.

It can also be said that the error state of an excessive number of circulating balls is that the number of circulating balls is equal to or greater than the second number of circulating balls, which is larger than the initial number of balls. That is, the CPU 81 stores in the RAM 83 a flag capable of specifying the occurrence of the error state of the excessive number of circulating balls, thereby setting the error state of the excessive number of circulating balls. Then, when the number of circulating balls becomes less than the second number of circulating balls, the CPU 81 cancels the setting of the error state of the excessive number of circulating balls.

The error state of the abnormal number of winning balls is detected when the difference obtained by subtracting the number of foul balls and out balls from the number of balls fired exceeds the number (for example, ±100 balls) for judging the error state. . When the error detection condition is established, the CPU 81 causes the RAM 83 to store a flag capable of specifying the occurrence of an error state such as the abnormal number of winning balls. When the error state of the abnormal number of winning balls is set, the CPU 81 cancels the setting of the error state of the abnormal number of winning balls on the condition that the power is restored. Whether or not the error state of the abnormal number of winning balls has occurred is detected as a confirmation interval other than during the ball drawing state.

When detecting whether or not an error state of an abnormal number of winning balls has occurred, the CPU 81 detects the supply exit signal output by the supply exit sensor D23, the foul signal output by the foul sensor D21, and the output sensor D30. and an out signal to be used. Specifically, when the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has been shot from the shooting device 50 based on the supply outlet signal output by the supply outlet sensor D23, the CPU 81 determines the number of shot balls stored in the RAM 83. Add 1. As an example, the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has been supplied when the supply exit signal transitions in the ON state→OFF state→ON state. When the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has returned to the foul path 20f without being hit into the game area 20a based on the foul signal output by the foul sensor D21, the CPU 81 updates the number of shot balls stored in the RAM 83. Subtract 1. Further, when the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has been launched into the game area 20a and then ejected from the game board 20 based on the out signal output by the out sensor D30, the CPU 81 detects that the game ball has been ejected from the game board 20. Subtract 1 from the number of balls. As an example, the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has been discharged when the out signal transitions in the ON state→OFF state→ON state. Game balls ejected from the game board 20 include game balls that pass through the prize winning passage 31 and are detected by the out sensor D30, and game balls that pass through the non-winning passage 32 and are detected by the out sensor D30. . All of these game balls are game balls used in games. On the other hand, a game ball that has passed through the foul path 20f and is detected by the foul sensor D21 is a game ball that has not been launched into the game area 20a, that is, a game ball that has not been used in the game. Based on the above, in this embodiment, the CPU 81 adds the number of shot balls based on the supply exit signal, and subtracts the number of shot balls based on the foul signal. It functions as a first detection means for detecting the Further, in this embodiment, the CPU 81 functions as a second detection means for detecting the game balls used in the game by subtracting the number of shot balls based on the out signal.

The CPU 81 determines that the difference between the signals output from the supply outlet sensor D23, the foul sensor D21, and the out sensor D30, that is, the number of shot balls stored in the RAM 83 exceeds the number for determining an error state. Then, it is detected that an error state of abnormal number of winning balls has occurred. In other words, the CPU 81 functions as the above-described first detection means and second detection means, thereby also functioning as a counting means for counting a predetermined number of differences using these detection results as counting conditions. Then, in this embodiment, as will be described later, when an error state is detected, an error notification is made to that effect. For this reason, with respect to the abnormal number of winning balls, the number of shot balls exceeding the number for judging the error state corresponds to the error notification condition, and the difference number satisfies the error notification condition for the error notification condition. Aspects, including being counted in a number that exceeds the number for determining an error condition.

When the game ball shot from the shooting device 50 is launched into the game area 20a, the game ball enters one of the winning holes or the out hole 29 while being guided down the game area 20a. , after the ball has entered, it passes through the winning path 31 or the non-winning path 32 and is detected by the out sensor D30. That is, the game ball detected by the out sensor D30 is the game ball used in the game. A game ball that is shot from the shooting device 50 but is not shot to the game area 20a passes through the foul path 20f and is detected by the foul sensor D21. The game ball thus shot from the shooting device 50 is detected by either the out-sensor D30 or the foul sensor D21 after a predetermined time has passed since the shooting. Therefore, assuming that one game ball is shot, the number of shot balls is incremented by 1 based on the supply exit signal from the supply exit sensor D23 to become "1". Based on either the out signal of D30 or the foul signal of the foul sensor D21, the number of shot balls is decremented by 1 and becomes "0". In other words, the game ball shot from the shooting device 50 returns after a predetermined time has passed since it was shot, although the time is indefinite.

However, if some problem occurs in the path from the game ball being shot until it returns, the game ball may not return even after the time assumed in the design stage of the pachinko game machine 10 has passed. For this reason, it can be said that the judgment of whether the number of winning balls is abnormal is judging whether the game balls that have been shot are returning. In particular, the winning ball number abnormality in this embodiment determines whether game balls are accumulated in the game area 20a. The phenomenon of game balls accumulating in the game area 20a is a phenomenon in which the game balls flowing down the game area 20a are caught by game parts such as game nails and windmills arranged on the board surface for some reason, and the game balls do not move. be. This phenomenon may be naturally resolved by the impact when another game ball flowing down the game area 20a collides with the game ball caught on the game part, but in many cases, it is resolved by the impact. A plurality of game balls are piled up and accumulated on the board surface. This phenomenon is also called "grape" because the appearance of a plurality of overlapping game balls resembles the fruit "grape". When the game balls are accumulated in the game area 20a in this way, all or part of the game balls launched into the game area 20a do not return until the state in which the game balls overlap and stop moving is resolved. Then, the part where the game balls are accumulated, that is, the part where a plurality of game balls overlap and do not move, can be a factor that obstructs the downflow path of the game balls in the game area 20a. For this reason, depending on the position of the portion where the game balls are deposited, it will have an auxiliary function for making the game balls enter the winning opening, which is not preferable. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the game balls are piled up, it is preferable to find and eliminate the state. In this embodiment, the abnormal number of winning balls corresponds to an accumulation error indicating that game balls may be accumulated in the game area 20a among a plurality of errors in the pachinko gaming machine 10. FIG.

The iron ball detection error state is a state in which only the ball passage ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 of the ball passage clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the lift inlet sensor D28 detects the ON state continues for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds). This is used as an error detection condition. The state in which the ball clogging detection signal from the ball passage clogging monitoring sensor D27 continues to be on is when a magnetic game ball like an iron ball is captured by the magnet of the iron ball detection mechanism 37 provided in the supply passage 34. likely to be. That is, when the iron ball is caught by the magnet, the game ball is no longer transferred to the lifting mechanism 36 positioned downstream of the supply passage 34 from the iron ball detection mechanism 37 . As a result, the game ball is no longer detected by the lift entrance sensor D28, and the game ball staying upstream of the supply passage 34 from the iron ball detection mechanism 37 is detected by the ball passage ball clogging monitoring sensor D27. When the error detection condition is satisfied, the CPU 81 causes the RAM 83 to store a flag capable of specifying the occurrence of an iron ball detection error state. When the iron ball detection error state is set, the CPU 81 cancels the setting of the iron ball detection error state on the condition that the power is restored. Whether or not an iron ball detection error state has occurred is detected as a confirmation interval other than during the ball extraction state. As described above, if a game ball having magnetism is captured, the ball jam can be released by operating the release lever (not shown) to the release position. A game ball having magnetism is an abnormal ball that does not correspond to a normal ball to be used in the pachinko gaming machine 10 when a game ball having non-magnetism is used as the normal ball. That is, the magnetic game ball is an abnormal object that does not correspond to the normal object when the non-magnetic game ball that should be normally used in the pachinko gaming machine 10 is assumed to be the normal object. Further, in this embodiment, iron ball detection corresponds to an abnormal ball error indicating that an abnormal ball may be used. Moreover, the abnormal ball error is also an abnormal object error indicating that the abnormal object may be used in the pachinko gaming machine 10 because the abnormal ball is an abnormal object. In this embodiment, the CPU 81 functions as third detection means for detecting the possibility that an abnormal object is being used. If the CPU 81 specializes in detecting an abnormal ball, it will detect the possibility that an abnormal ball is being used.

The door open error state is detected as an error detection condition that either the first door open switch D17 or the second door open switch D18 is turned off. When the error detection condition is satisfied, the CPU 81 causes the RAM 83 to store a flag capable of specifying the occurrence of the door open error state. When the CPU 81 sets the door open error state, the CPU 81 cancels the setting of the door open error state using detection of ON states of both the first door open switch D17 and the second door open switch D18 as a cancellation condition. . Whether or not a door open error state has occurred is detected as a confirmation interval other than during the ball extraction state.

When detecting a plurality of error states as exemplified above, even if signals from the same sensor are used, it is possible to detect another error state by combining the signals, that is, by error detection conditions. For example, the error state of the abnormal number of winning balls is detected using three pieces of information: the supply exit signal from the supply exit sensor D23, the foul signal from the foul sensor D21, and the out signal from the out sensor D30. Among them, the supply outlet signal of the supply outlet sensor D23 is also information used when detecting the occurrence of an error state such as an abnormality of the supply inlet sensor, for example. The supply inlet sensor abnormality corresponds to the first error, which is an error different from the winning ball number abnormality. In addition, the out signal of the out sensor D30 is also information used when detecting the occurrence of error states such as an abnormality in the discharge ball passage, an insufficient number of circulating balls, and an excessive number of circulating balls. Discharged ball path abnormality, insufficient number of circulating balls, and excessive number of circulating balls correspond to the second error, which is different from the abnormal number of winning balls.

Next, error notification executed by the control of the CPU 81 of the frame control board 80 when an error state occurs will be described.
The CPU 81 of the frame control board 80 controls the display contents of the number-of-game-balls display device 17 so as to display an error code, which is an example of information that can identify the error state being set, while the error state is being set. . An error code is information unique to each error. For example, as shown in the column of "error code" in the diagram of FIG. An error code such as [E17] is set for each path abnormality. The CPU 81 alternately switches display of the error code and display of the number of game balls at predetermined time intervals. In addition, when a plurality of types of errors are set, the CPU 81 selects an error state with a high priority among the plurality of types of error states, as shown in the column of "Priority" in FIG. The error code and the number of game balls are sequentially displayed for each predetermined time. For example, when an error state of iron ball detection occurs when an error state of abnormal number of winning balls has occurred, error notification of abnormal number of winning balls is given priority for error notification. When a plurality of error states are set, the CPU 81 may be configured to sequentially display a plurality of error codes and the number of game balls for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, the CPU 81 may display an error code and not display the number of game balls. When the error state being set is canceled, the CPU 81 controls the number-of-game-balls display device 17 so as to end the display of the error code corresponding to the canceled error. In one example of this embodiment, all error states that can be detected by the frame control board 80 are displayed as error codes on the game ball number display device 17 . The number-of-game-balls display device 17 is also used as notification execution means for notifying an error.

The CPU 81 controls the display contents of the performance display monitor 84 so as to display an error code that can identify the error state being set. In other words, the error code is displayed on both the number-of-game-balls display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84 . The CPU 81 alternately switches display of the error code and display of the base value (performance information) every predetermined time. When the CPU 81 sets a plurality of error states, for example, as shown in the column of "Priority" in FIG. The error code of the state and the base value are displayed in order for a predetermined time. The configuration is not limited to this, and when a plurality of error states are set, the CPU 81 may be configured to sequentially display a plurality of error codes and base values for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, the CPU 81 may be configured to display an error code and not display the base value. Furthermore, 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 them every predetermined time. The CPU 81 controls the performance display monitor 84 so as to end the display of the error code when the error state being set is cancelled. In one example of this embodiment, all error states detectable by the frame control board 80 are subject to error code display on the performance display monitor 84 . The performance display monitor 84 of this embodiment is also used as 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 number-of-game-balls display device 17 at the same or substantially the same timing. The performance display monitor 84 is also used as notification executing means for notifying of an error.

The CPU 81 controls the notification sound device 13 so as to output the notification sound in a sound pattern that enables identification of the error state being set. That is, the CPU 81 executes voice notification (hereinafter referred to as error voice notification) for notifying the error state being set. For example, in one example of the present embodiment, the CPU 81 targets detection of fraudulent radio waves, abnormality in supply entrance sensor, abnormality in discharged ball passage, insufficient number of circulating balls, excessive number of circulating balls, abnormal number of winning balls, and iron ball detection. An error voice annunciation is performed while these error conditions are being set. The CPU 81 does not notify the communication abnormality in the game machine and the door opening, and does not execute the error voice notification for notifying these error states. The sound pattern of the error sound notification has different contents for each type of error, and can specify an overview of the error state being set. For example, in the case of illegal radio wave detection, it is a voice that reads out a character string "Error code E10 has occurred. Please call a staff member." The notification audio device 13 is also used as a notification executing means for notifying an error.

In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the error notification is executed in a predetermined notification mode corresponding to the error state, for example, an error code corresponding to each error is notified. Further, the above-described error notification is terminated when the termination condition is established based on the error cancellation conditions for each error state illustrated in FIG. 10 . For example, if the operation of the error cancellation switch 86 is set as the error cancellation condition, the error notification ends when the error cancellation switch 86 is operated in a predetermined manner. Further, when the power recovery is set as the error release condition, the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is stopped, and the process ends when the power is recovered. Incidentally, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, has an error that is detected as a confirmation interval other than during the state of ball extraction. In the case of such an error, when the ball removal switch 85 as the ball removal operation unit is operated, even if the error state is detected, the error notification corresponding to the error state is not executed. That is, during the ball extraction state, the error notification in the predetermined notification mode corresponding to the error state is not executed.

In the error state illustrated in FIG. 10, the following error notification can be executed.
For example, when an error notification corresponding to an error state of an abnormal number of winning balls is being executed, the supply of power to the pachinko game machine 10 is stopped while the error detection condition is satisfied, and then the power is restored, winning a prize. The error annunciation corresponding to the error condition of ball failure is terminated. Then, when the power supply is restored, the error detection condition for the abnormal number of winning balls is not satisfied, that is, if the state in which the game balls are accumulated is eliminated, an error notification corresponding to another error state is executed. It is possible. Specifically, when the game balls are accumulated, there is a possibility that the number of circulating balls is insufficient in the pachinko gaming machine 10, so the game balls are accumulated at the stage when the power is restored as described above. If the situation is resolved, there is a possibility that the error detection conditions for a decrease in the number of circulating balls may be met. Therefore, when the error detection condition for the decrease in the number of circulating balls is satisfied, the error notification corresponding to the error state of the decrease in the number of circulating balls is executed. In other words, it is possible to execute an error notification corresponding to an error state of a decrease in the number of circulating balls, which is an error notification related to the number of game balls different from the error notification corresponding to the error state of the abnormal number of winning balls.

Also, if an iron ball (abnormal ball) is mixed in with the accumulated game balls, and the iron ball is not detected at that time, that is, an iron ball detection error state is set. If not, first, on the premise that an error state of the abnormal number of winning balls has been detected, error notification is executed as accumulation error notification indicating that the abnormal number of winning balls has occurred. After that, when the error state of the abnormal number of winning balls is canceled, the error notification indicating the error state ends. An error notification is executed as an abnormal object error notification indicating that an error state of ball detection has been set and an iron ball has been detected.

Next, error notification executed under the control of the CPU 61 of the main control board 60 when an error state occurs will be described.
In one example of the present embodiment, the error state that can be detected by the CPU 61 of the main control board 60 includes at least opening of the door in addition to the above-described intra-game machine communication abnormality. An error state that can be detected by the CPU 61 may include unauthorized radio wave detection.

When the CPU 61 inputs the first door opening signal and the second door opening signal from the frame control board 80, the CPU 61 stores in the RAM 63 a flag capable of specifying the occurrence of the door opening error state. That is, the CPU 61 sets a door open error state in which the mounting frame 11b and the protection frame 11c are in the open state. When the door open error state is set, the CPU 61 outputs a door open error generation command, which is control information capable of specifying the occurrence of the door open error state, to the effect control board 70 . When the CPU 61 stops inputting the first door opening signal and the second door opening signal, it cancels the setting of the door opening error state. When the setting of the door open error state is canceled, the CPU 61 outputs to the effect control board 70 a door open error cancellation command, which is control information capable of specifying the cancellation of the door open error state.

In addition, the CPU 61 controls the shooting of game balls while setting a predetermined error (eg, door open) among a plurality of types of errors. The CPU 61 outputs a firing stop signal to the frame control board 80 (fire permitting circuit 89b) when an error state of opening the door occurs. That is, the firing stop signal is turned on. When the firing stop signal is input to the firing permission circuit 89b, the firing permission signal to the firing control board 90 is turned off, and the output is stopped. As described above, the condition for outputting the launch permission signal is satisfied by the launch permission state in which the launch of the game ball is permitted. In other words, the condition for outputting the firing permission signal is not met when the firing is prohibited.

In the shooting allowable state, the card unit 100 and the pachinko gaming machine 10 are normally connected, no specific error (eg door opening) has occurred in the main control board 60, and the frame control board 80 , a specific error (supply inlet sensor failure as an example) has not occurred. The firing prohibited state is that the card unit 100 and the pachinko gaming machine 10 are not properly connected, that a specific error has occurred in the main control board 60, and that a specific error has occurred in the frame control board 80. occurring, one or more of which are occurring. Even in the same door open error state, when the second door open signal is input, the above specific error does not apply, and the firing prohibition state may not occur depending on the occurrence of the error.

Next, when an error state occurs, the error notification executed by the control by the CPU 71 of the effect control board 70 will be described.
When the door opening error occurrence command is input, the CPU 71 controls a part or all of the effect devices constituting the effect device group ES to execute the door open error notification. As an example, the door opening error notification is executed by outputting a voice that can identify the opening of the door, such as a voice reading out a character string of "the door is open", from the production voice device 12. As an example, the door open error notification is executed by causing the effect light emitting device 14 to emit light in a light emission pattern dedicated to the door open error. As an example, the door opening error notification is executed by displaying an image that can identify the opening of the door on the effect display device 19, such as a character string of "The door is open." When the CPU 71 specifies that all the door open error states have been resolved (both the mounting frame 11b and the protective frame 11c are closed) by inputting the door open error elimination command, the CPU 71 notifies the door open error. Control the production device group ES to finish.

When the CPU 71 inputs the intra-game-machine communication abnormality command, the CPU 71 controls some or all of the effect devices constituting the effect device group ES to execute the intra-game-machine communication abnormality error notification. As an example, the in-game-machine communication abnormality error annunciation is performed by outputting a voice that can identify the occurrence of an in-game-machine communication abnormality error, such as a voice reading out a character string "Communication abnormality has occurred", from the effect sound device 12. executed. As an example, the in-game-machine communication abnormality error notification is executed by causing the effect light-emitting device 14 to emit light in a light-emission pattern dedicated to in-game-machine communication abnormality errors. As an example, the in-game-machine communication abnormality error notification is executed by displaying an image that can identify the occurrence of the in-game-machine communication abnormality error, such as a character string “Communication abnormality has occurred!”, on the effect display device 19 . It should be noted that the setting of the error state of the intra-gaming machine communication abnormality in the main control board 60 is not canceled until the power is restored after the power is cut off. That is, the CPU 71 controls the effect device group ES so as to continue the notification of the intra-game-machine communication abnormality error until the power supply is cut off after starting the notification of the intra-game-machine communication abnormality error.

In addition, among the error states exemplified in FIG. 10 and the above-described error states other than the communication abnormality in the game machine and the door opening, all or part of the error states are also controlled by the CPU 71 so that the error notification is executed. may In other words, when the CPU 81 of the frame control board 80 sets error states such as illegal radio wave detection, supply entrance sensor abnormality, discharge ball passage abnormality, insufficient number of circulating balls, excessive number of circulating balls, abnormal number of winning balls, iron ball detection, etc. , outputs to the main control board 60 a command that is control information that can specify these error states. Also, the CPU 61 of the main control board 60 outputs to the effect control board 70 a command capable of specifying the input error state. Then, the CPU 71 of the effect control board 70 controls a part or all of the effect devices constituting the effect device group ES according to the input error state identifiable command, and causes error notification to be executed. As an example, the notification of the abnormal error in the number of winning balls is performed by outputting a voice that can specify the occurrence of the abnormal error in the number of winning balls, such as a voice reading out a character string "Abnormality in the number of winning balls", from the effect sound device 12. is executed in As an example, the notification of the abnormal winning ball number error is performed by causing the effect light emitting device 14 to emit light in a lighting pattern dedicated to the abnormal winning ball number error. As an example, the notification of the error in the number of winning balls is executed by displaying an image that can identify the occurrence of the error in the number of winning balls, such as a character string "Abnormal number of winning balls!" .

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The occurrence of an error state is detected based on the detection result of the game ball hit into the game area 20a and the detection result of the game ball used in the game. These detection results relate to the shooting of the game ball, which is a basic action in advancing the game in the pachinko gaming machine 10 . Therefore, by detecting the occurrence of an error state based on these detection results, it is possible to execute an error notification regarding the shooting of the game ball. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to the resolution of troubles related to shooting game balls.

(2) The detection result of game balls launched into the game area 20a is the result of subtracting the number of foul balls from the number of game balls launched by the launching device 50. FIG. Further, the detection result of the game balls used in the game is the number of game balls discharged from the game area 20a. From these detection results, it can be detected whether or not the game ball shot by the shooting device 50 has been used in a game and returned. When it is detected that the game ball shot by the shooting device 50 has not returned, the game ball may accumulate in the game area 20a and hinder the flow of the game ball in the game area 20a. be. According to this embodiment, as described above, it is possible to detect whether game balls are accumulated and execute error notification. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to the resolution of troubles related to shooting game balls.

(3) The information necessary for detecting the accumulation of game balls described above in this embodiment is information that is also used for other purposes in the managed gaming machine. Therefore, the sensor can be used for other purposes without providing a dedicated sensor for detecting accumulation of game balls. Therefore, while simplifying the structure of the pachinko game machine 10, it is possible to contribute to the solution of troubles related to shooting game balls.

(4) When the accumulation of game balls is to be eliminated after the power supply is restored, an error notification regarding the number of game balls can be executed separately from the error state regarding the accumulation of game balls. Therefore, it is possible to strictly manage the number of game balls, which is directly related to the profit of the player, as well as to solve the troubles related to the shooting of the game balls.

(5) When an operation related to ball removal is being performed, an error notification related to accumulation of game balls is not executed. For this reason, it is possible to avoid making it difficult to understand that an operation related to ball extraction is in progress due to an error notification or the like.

(6) In addition to the error state regarding the accumulation of game balls, whether the game balls that should be used in the pachinko gaming machine 10 are being used, that is, there are abnormal balls (iron balls in the embodiment) that are not the game balls that should be used. It is possible to detect whether it is used. Therefore, in addition to being able to contribute to solving troubles related to shooting game balls, it is also possible to detect an error state that leads to fraud such as accumulation of game balls or use of abnormal balls.

(7) In a situation where abnormal balls are mixed in the piled game balls, if it is detected that the abnormal balls are being used after the error state related to the piled game balls is cleared, An error notification regarding an abnormal ball can be executed. Therefore, error conditions leading to fraud can be reliably detected.

(8) If an error state related to abnormal balls is detected while the error state related to the accumulation of game balls is not cleared, error notification is executed according to the order of priority. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which it becomes difficult to understand which error state is occurring due to the execution of a plurality of error reports when a plurality of error states are occurring.

(9) In particular, in the present embodiment, the error notification of the error state regarding the accumulation of game balls is prioritized over the error notification of the error state regarding the abnormal ball. Accumulation of game balls and contamination of abnormal balls may lead to fraud, but the accumulation of game balls is a phenomenon that can occur naturally during normal play. . For this reason, although the phenomenon of abnormal balls being mixed has a strong intentional element, it is preferable to quickly eliminate the accumulation of game balls that can naturally occur in consideration of the player's profit. Therefore, early resolution of the error state that greatly affects the profit of the player contributes to early resolution of the trouble relating to the shooting of the game ball.

(10) According to the present embodiment, the performance display monitor 84 gives error notification. Therefore, there is no need to provide means for notifying errors separately from the performance display monitor 84, and the structure of the pachinko game machine 10 can be simplified.

(11) According to this embodiment, the start timing of 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 are the same or substantially the same. 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.

(12) According to the present embodiment, the number of game balls stored as data ( number of circulating balls) is added. Therefore, the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls can be further improved.

(13) A game ball having magnetism can be acted upon by using a magnet to influence its behavior, but it cannot be said that the shooting operation and the supply operation are impossible. In this embodiment, it is possible to shoot a game ball even though the detection of a game ball having magnetism is regarded as an error, thereby balancing the error detection and the player's profit.

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

(15) According to this embodiment, the timing at which the display of the error code is started on the number-of-game-balls display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84 is different from the timing at which the effect device group ES starts to report the error. . Therefore, as an error reporting means, it is possible to start error reporting at an appropriate timing according to each arrangement position and reporting strength. It can be said that the notification by the effect device group ES is highly appealing to perception and has a lower notification strength than simple error code display.

The embodiment described above can be implemented with the following modifications. It should be noted that the above-described embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.

- In the present embodiment, the error notification on the performance display monitor 84 and the error notification on the number-of-games display device 17 are started at the same timing. For example, the number-of-game-balls display device 17 may be configured to start error notification earlier than the performance display monitor 84 . According to this configuration, it is possible to make the player or the like quickly grasp the error state on the front side of the machine. For example, the performance display monitor 84 may be configured to start error notification earlier than the number-of-game-balls display device 17 . According to this configuration, it is possible for the administrator to grasp the error state before the player or the like visually recognizing the machine surface side, such as when the administrator is carrying out maintenance by releasing the loading frame 11b.

・In this embodiment, the timing at which the display of the error code 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 in the effect device group ES. However, the timing may be the same or substantially the same. Further, the timing of starting the display of the error code on the number-of-game-balls display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84 may be earlier than the timing of starting the error notification in the effect device group ES.

- In the present embodiment, the game ball number display device 17 may execute error notification, while the performance display monitor 84 may not execute error notification. Further, instead of or in addition to the number-of-game-balls display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84, dedicated means for executing error notification may be provided. The dedicated means may be any form of notification, such as display, light emission, or sound.

- In this embodiment, the number of differences for detecting the occurrence of an abnormality in the number of winning balls can be set arbitrarily. The number of differences indicates that there is a time difference from when the game ball is shot until the game ball is ejected, and on the premise that the game ball is continuously shot, the predetermined game ball was hit in the game area 20a. It may be determined considering that there is at least one game ball that has been hit earlier but has not yet been discharged. It should be noted that the time from firing to ejection is not uniquely determined even for the same pachinko gaming machine 10, and is uniquely determined even when compared with other pachinko gaming machines 10 having different board configurations. not a thing Therefore, the number of differences should be determined in consideration of various factors as described above.

- In the present embodiment, it may be determined that the abnormal number of winning balls has occurred when the state in which the difference number exceeds the number for determining an error state is maintained for a predetermined elapsed time. Note that the measurement of time is also included in counting the predetermined number.

- In this embodiment, the difference number for judging the abnormal number of winning balls may be the number obtained by subtracting only the out balls from the number of shot balls. In other words, the count may not include foul balls. The possibility of generating foul balls in a situation where game balls are continuously shot is extremely small, that is, it is difficult to imagine that a large number of foul balls are continuously generated in a short period of time. For this reason, it is not necessary to consider foul balls when determining the difference number. Alternatively, if the pachinko machine is structurally incapable of generating foul balls (for example, a type that shoots game balls from the upper left of the game board 20), the difference may be determined based on the number of shot balls and out balls. good.

- In this embodiment, the number of out balls may be the sum of the number detected by the winning path count sensor D25 and the number detected by the non-winning path count sensor D26. In this case, the out sensor D30 may or may not be provided.

- In the present embodiment, the discharged game ball may be detected only by the out sensor D30 without providing the winning path count sensor D25 and the non-winning path count sensor D26.
- In the present embodiment, when the out-sensor D30 is provided, the out-sensor D30 may be provided on the game board 20 or may be provided on the frame.

- In the present embodiment, it may be determined whether an error state has occurred even during the ball extraction state, and if an error state has occurred, an error notification may be executed. The error notification in this case may be executed in a manner different from that when it is detected that an error state has occurred in a state other than the state of ball extraction. For example, the error notification may be performed by a means different from the means for performing the error notification when an error state other than the ball extraction state occurs. In addition, when executing an error notification when an error state occurs in a state other than the state of ball extraction, a plurality of means are used. The error notification may be executed by some of the means. In any of the configurations described in this separate example, the error notification in the predetermined notification mode, which is the original error notification, is not executed during the ball extraction state.

- In the present embodiment, when a plurality of error states are set and the error notification is executed according to the priority, the error notification of the error state with the highest priority is executed, and the error notification of the other error states is not executed. You may do so. Another example of this is a configuration in which an error notification is executed only in one of a plurality of error states.

- In this embodiment, when a plurality of error states are set and error notification is executed according to the priority, if the means for performing error notification are the same means, the error notification of the error state with the highest priority is performed. It may be executed by the means concerned, and the error notification of other error states may be executed by another means. Further, for example, if the error notification means is a means such as the game ball number display device 17, the error notification of a plurality of error states may be switched and executed in units of a predetermined time. In this case, the error reporting time for an error state with a higher priority may be set longer.

・In the present embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 10 equipped with a variable probability function has a specification that gives a high probability state until the next big hit game, a specification that gives a high probability state until the falling lottery is won (so-called falling machine), Alternatively, it is possible to adopt a specification (so-called ST machine) that provides a high-probability state until a specified number of variable games are completed. In addition, as the pachinko game machine 10 equipped with the variable probability function, it is possible to adopt a specification (so-called V probability variable machine) that provides a high probability state on the condition that the game ball passes through a specific area. The pachinko game machine 10 may have a specification in which the specification of the falling machine and the specification of the V-variable machine are mixed.

- In the present embodiment, as the winning lottery for special symbols, in addition to the big winning lottery, a small winning lottery may be performed. When a small win is won in a winning lottery, a small winning game (winning game) is provided after the special game is finished. In this embodiment, the number of times (frequency) to win a small hit per unit time (frequency), or a small win game per unit time is given compared to the normal game state (for example, low probability low ball entry rate state) It may be configured to be controllable to a state (so-called small hit RUSH) in which the number of times (frequency) is improved.

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

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

In the present embodiment, the effect control board 70 is used as a sub-integrated control board, and apart from the effect control board 70, a display control board that exclusively controls the effect display device 19, a light emission control board that exclusively controls the effect light emitting device 14, A sound control board for exclusively controlling the effect sound device 12 may be provided. A sub-board may include such a sub-integrated control board and other boards for controlling effects. Moreover, in the embodiment, the CPU 61 and the CPU 71 may be mounted on a single board. Also, the display control board, the light emission control board, and the sound control board may be arbitrarily combined to form a single board or a plurality of boards.

・In the present embodiment, the game machine is configured to circulate all of a predetermined amount of game media (game balls as an example). It may be configured to be replaceable with the medium.

The determination of the non-playing state, which is included in the error detection conditions for the error state of an insufficient number of circulating balls, may be determined based on another criterion. For example, the CPU 61 of the main control board outputs a command for directing a demonstration effect to the effect control board 70 . The command is output when both the first reserved number and the second reserved number are zero after the end of the first special game or the second special game. Therefore, if a command for instructing the demonstration effect is also output to the frame control board 80, the CPU 81 of the frame control board 80 can operate in a non-game state based on the command and the supply/exit signal from the supply/exit sensor D23. It is also possible to determine whether That is, the non-playing state may be determined based on a signal other than the touch signal from the touch sensor D01.

- The pachinko game machine 10 may be provided with a magnetic sensor on one or both of the mounting frame 11b and the game board 20 . According to this configuration, it is possible to detect a magnetic foreign object that should not exist in the pachinko game machine 10 . In addition, it is possible to detect the possibility of the use of magnets, wires, and the like, which do not correspond to normal objects that are normally used in the pachinko game machine 10 . In addition, it can contribute to the discovery of an act of intentionally creating a state in which game balls are piled up by using magnetic game balls and magnets.

· The pachinko game machine 10 may be provided with a configuration for detecting a game ball deformed by a dent or a scratch. For example, a sensor such as a camera may be installed in the supply passage 34 to detect whether the game ball is normal with no dents or scratches from the acquired image. A game ball with such dents or scratches should not be used normally, and corresponds to an abnormal object. It is unclear whether a game ball with dents or scratches can be accurately shot by the shooting device 50, and even if it is shot, it will move in the same way as a game ball without dents or scratches in the game area 20a. is unknown, it is preferable not to use it.

Next, technical ideas that can be grasped from the above embodiment and another example will be added below.
(b) a game board, a plurality of ball entrances arranged in a game area of the game board, a shooting operation means capable of operating to shoot game balls, a shooting mechanism for shooting game balls, and the game area; A first detection means for detecting a game ball launched into a game, a second detection means for detecting a game ball used in a game, and each detection result of the first detection means and the second detection means as counting conditions A mode comprising counting means for counting a predetermined number and notification executing means for executing error notification when a predetermined error notification condition is satisfied, wherein the error notification condition is that the predetermined number satisfies the error notification condition A game machine including counting with

(b) The gaming machine error includes an accumulation error indicating that game balls may be accumulated in the gaming area, and the predetermined number is counted in a manner that satisfies the error notification condition. there is a possibility that the accumulation error has occurred, and the termination condition of the error notification for notifying the accumulation error includes stopping the supply of power to the gaming machine, and the error notification of the accumulation error In the case of canceling the state in which the game balls are piled up after the power supply to the game machine is restored while the condition is satisfied, an error notification regarding the number of game balls can be executed separately from the accumulation error. A game machine according to the above technical idea (b).

(c) When the predetermined number is counted in a manner that satisfies the error notification condition, the error notification in the predetermined notification manner is executed by the notification execution means, and the gaming machine removes the game balls inside the machine from the machine. a ball extraction operation unit that is operated when the ball extraction operation unit is operated when the ball extraction operation unit is operated, the predetermined number is counted in a manner that satisfies the error notification condition The game machine according to the technical idea (a) or (b), wherein the error notification in the predetermined notification mode is not executed when the error notification is made.

(d) a game board, a plurality of ball entrances arranged in a game area of the game board, a shooting operation means capable of operating to shoot game balls, a shooting mechanism for shooting game balls, and the game area; a first detection means for detecting a game ball launched into a game, a second detection means for detecting a game ball used in a game; Those that do not correspond to are abnormal bodies, and third detection means for detecting the possibility that the abnormal bodies are used, and notification execution means for executing error notification when predetermined error notification conditions are met and the error notification condition includes that a predetermined number obtained by counting each detection result of the first detection means and the second detection means as a counting condition is counted in a manner that satisfies the error notification condition. game machine.

(E) The error of the gaming machine includes an accumulation error indicating that game balls may be accumulated in the game area and an abnormal body indicating that the abnormal body may be used an error, wherein the deposition error occurs when the predetermined number is counted in a manner that satisfies the error notification condition; and the abnormal object error means that the abnormal object may be used. is detected, and when the abnormal object is mixed in the accumulated game balls and the use of the abnormal object is not detected, the accumulation error is notified. According to the technical idea (d), error notification is executed, but when it is detected that the abnormal body is in use after the state of the deposition error is canceled, the abnormal body error notification is executed. The game machine described.

(f) At least one of the accumulation error notification and the abnormal body error notification is executed when it is detected that the abnormal body is used when the deposition error state is not cleared. The game machine described in the above technical idea (e).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Pachinko game machine 13... Information audio device 17... Game ball number display device 20... Game board 20a... Game area 40... Supply device 50... Launch device 60... Main control board 61... CPU 62... ROM 63... RAM 80... Frame Control board 81... CPU 82... ROM 83... RAM 84... Performance display monitor 85... Ball removal switch D21... Foul sensor D22... Supply inlet sensor D23... Supply outlet sensor D27... Ball passage ball clogging monitoring sensor D28... Lifting inlet sensor D29 … Lifting outlet sensor D30 … Out sensor

Claims (3)

a game board;
a plurality of ball entrances arranged in the game area of the game board;
a shooting operation means capable of operating to shoot a game ball;
a shooting mechanism for shooting game balls;
a first detection means for detecting a game ball launched into the game area;
a second detection means for detecting a game ball used in a game;
counting means for counting a predetermined number using the detection results of the first detection means and the second detection means as counting conditions;
a notification execution means for executing error notification when a predetermined error notification condition is satisfied;
The error notification condition includes that the predetermined number is counted in a manner that satisfies the error notification condition,
The information used by the first detection means to obtain the detection result includes the occurrence of a first error, which is an error different from the error notification executed by counting the predetermined number in a manner that satisfies the error notification condition. contains information for detecting
In the information used by the second detection means to obtain the detection result, the occurrence of a second error, which is an error different from the error notification executed by counting the predetermined number in a manner that satisfies the error notification condition, occurs. gaming machine containing information for detecting The error of the gaming machine includes an accumulation error indicating that game balls may be accumulated in the gaming area,
If the predetermined number is counted in a manner that satisfies the error notification condition, there is a possibility that the deposition error has occurred,
The end condition of the error notification for notifying the accumulation error includes stopping the supply of power to the gaming machine,
When the state in which the game balls are accumulated is resolved after the power supply to the gaming machine is restored in a state in which the error notification condition of the accumulation error is satisfied, the number of game balls is determined separately from the accumulation error. 2. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein error notification regarding is executable. when the predetermined number is counted in a manner that satisfies the error notification condition, the error notification in the predetermined notification manner is executed by the notification execution means;
The game machine has a ball removal operation section operated when generating a ball removal state in which a game ball inside the machine can be discharged to the outside of the machine,
3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the ball removal operation unit is operated, the error notification in the predetermined notification mode when the predetermined number is counted in a manner that satisfies the error notification condition is not executed. game machine.

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