JP2023013578A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To increase security in a scene for discharging game balls within a machine.SOLUTION: A circulation type game machine for circulating game balls within the machine includes a ball discharge switch 82e operated when a ball discharge state capable of discharging game balls within the machine to the outside of the machine, a frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) capable of executing various kinds of control, and a performance device ES capable of executing a predetermined notification, a ball discharge state can be started when the ball discharge switch 82e is operated during a predetermined operation effective period, and the performance device ES executes a situation notification regarding a ball discharge state according to at least one of start of a ball discharge state, a stay in a ball discharge state, and completion of a ball discharge state. A ball discharge state can be started even if the number of game balls within the machine is zero or less than a predetermined number.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an example of a gaming machine, a circulation-type pachinko gaming machine that circulates game balls inside the machine is known (for example, Patent Document 1). The gaming machine disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is configured such that a game ball inside the machine can be ejected to the outside by operating a ball removing switch or a ball removing member. Therefore, maintenance can be easily performed.

JP-A-7-313664

However, in the conventional game machine, it is expected to improve the security in the scene where the game balls inside the machine are discharged.

A game machine that solves the above problems is a circulation type game machine that circulates game balls inside the machine, and a ball that is operated when a ball is pulled out so that the game balls inside the machine can be discharged to the outside of the machine. A ball extraction operation section, a control section capable of executing various controls, and a notification section capable of executing a predetermined notification are provided. In the notification unit, in response to at least one of the start of the ball-drawn state, the ball-drawn state, and the end of the ball-drawn state, The gist is that a status notification regarding the ball-out state is executed, and the ball-out state can be shifted even if the number of game balls inside the machine is zero or less than a predetermined number.

For the gaming machine, it is preferable that the operation valid period can be set for a predetermined period after the power is turned on.
The gaming machine includes a shooting unit that shoots game balls toward a game area, a conveying motor that conveys game balls collected from the game area, and one or more detection units that detect the game balls, The control unit may specify that the ball removal is completed based on the fact that the one or more detection units no longer detect the game ball collected from the game area or the stop of the transport motor. .

In the gaming machine, the control unit may stop the transport motor when a specified time has passed without the one or more detecting units detecting the game ball collected from the game area.

With respect to the gaming machine, the control unit can execute possession ball management control for managing the number of balls possessed by the player. It is better not to move to the pulled state.

According to the present invention, security can be enhanced.

It is a figure when a pachinko game machine and a card unit are seen from the front. It is a figure which shows the game board with which the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1 is equipped. It is an enlarged view of the counting operation unit, the counting notification unit, and the second ball number display unit provided in the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows the circulation mechanism of the game ball formed in the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows the supply part with which the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1 is provided. 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows the supply part with which the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1 is provided. 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows the discharge part with which the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1 is equipped. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1; FIG. In the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1, it is a timing chart showing control for detecting that the ball has been pulled out. FIG. 2 illustrates an error that can be detected by the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. 1;

An embodiment of the pachinko game machine will be described below.
As shown in FIG. 1, on an island facility (game island), a pachinko game machine 10, which is an example of a game machine, and a management unit 100, which is an example of a management device, are arranged alternately. Management unit 100 is an example of an external unit. The management unit 100 is installed side by side with the pachinko game machine 10.例文帳に追加The management unit 100 is communicably connected to the pachinko gaming machine 10 .

The management unit 100 will be explained.
The management unit 100 has a medium insertion section 101 into which a management medium can be inserted. As an example, the management medium is a data storage medium such as an IC card or an IC coin. The management medium can store the remaining amount of input money and the number of game balls owned by the player (hereinafter referred to as the first number of managed balls PA). The first management ball number PA is data managed by the management unit 100 . The management medium may be capable of storing player's personal information or balance of payment (prepaid balance). The management unit 100 includes a cash input section 102 into which cash can be input. The amount of money inserted into the cash insertion unit 102 is added to the balance stored in the management medium. As an example, cash may be either banknotes or coins.
The management unit 100 has an operation panel 110 . The operation panel 110 includes a ball lending operation section 111 , a payout operation section 112 , a return operation section 113 , a first ball number display section 114 and a balance display section 115 . The ball lending operation unit 111 is operated when increasing the number of game balls owned by the player (hereinafter referred to as the second number of managed balls PB) based on the balance stored in the management medium. The second managed ball number PB is data managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 . The payout operation unit 112 is operated when increasing the second number of balls under management PB based on the first number of balls under management PA. The number of managed balls PA, PB is an example of the number of owned balls.

A return operation unit 113 is operated when receiving a return of a management medium inserted in the management unit 100 . The first number-of-balls display portion 114 displays information (eg, Arabic numerals) that can identify the first number of managed balls PA. The remaining amount display portion 115 displays information (as an example, Arabic numerals) that can specify the remaining amount of the payment.

The management unit 100 includes a management unit control board 120 (hereinafter referred to as a CU control board). The CU control board 120 includes a CPU 120a, a ROM 120b, and a RAM 120c. The CPU 120a performs predetermined processing by executing the management unit control program. The ROM 120b stores a management unit control program. The RAM 120c stores various information rewritten while the management unit 100 is operating. For example, the information stored by the RAM 120c includes flags, counters, and timers. The management unit 100 includes a communication terminal 120d that is connected to the pachinko gaming machine 10 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally.

The CU control board 120 is connected to the medium insertion section 101 . The CPU 120 a is configured to be able to rewrite the storage contents of the management medium inserted in the medium insertion section 101 . The CU control board 120 is connected to the cash insertion section 102 . The CPU 120a is configured to be capable of inputting an insertion signal output when cash is inserted into the cash insertion unit 102 . The input signal is a signal that can specify the amount of money input to the cash input unit 102 .

CU control board 120 is connected to operation panel 110 . The CPU 120a is configured to be able to input a ball lending signal output when the ball lending operation unit 111 is operated. The CU control board 120 is configured to be able to input a payout signal output when the payout operation unit 112 is operated. The CPU 120a is configured to be able to input a return signal output when the return operation unit 113 is operated. The CPU 120a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the first ball number display section 114. FIG. The CPU 120a is configured to be able to control the display content of the balance display section 115. FIG.

The CU control board 120 is connected to the pachinko gaming machine 10 via the communication terminal 120d. The CPU 120a is configured such that various control signals (control information) output by the pachinko gaming machine 10 can be input. The CPU 120 a is configured to be capable of outputting various control signals (control information) to the pachinko gaming machine 10 . The management unit 100 outputs a connection signal to the pachinko gaming machine 10 from the communication terminal 120d. The connection signal may be a command or message generated by the CU control board 120 (CPU 120a), or may be a signal generated by an output circuit (for example, a power supply circuit) different from the CPU 120a.

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

Processing performed by the management unit 100 will be described.
When the management medium is inserted into the medium insertion unit 101, the CPU 120a reads the balance and the first number of balls PA stored in the management medium and stores them in the RAM 120c. Then, the CPU 120a performs the processing described below when the management medium is inserted.

When the input signal is input from the cash input unit 102, the CPU 120a adds the amount of input that can be specified from the input signal to the balance. When a ball lending signal is input from the ball lending operation unit 111 when the balance is not 0, the CPU 120a subtracts a specified amount from the balance and gives information that can specify the number of game balls corresponding to the specified amount. to the pachinko game machine 10. When the balance is 0, the CPU 120a does not transmit the additional information even if the ball lending signal is input.

When the payout signal is input from the payout operation unit 112 when the first number PA of managed balls PA is equal to or greater than 1, the CPU 120a subtracts a predetermined number from the first number PA of managed balls, and specifies the provision of the predetermined number of game balls. Possible addition information is output to the pachinko game machine 10.例文帳に追加When the first number of balls PA under management is 0, the CPU 120a does not transmit the given information even if the payout signal is input. In this way, the given information can specify the number of given balls. When receiving the count information from the pachinko gaming machine 10, the CPU 120a adds the number of game balls that can be specified from the count information to the first number of managed balls PA. Although the details will be described later, the count information is control information 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 management unit 100. is.

The CPU 120a controls the first number-of-balls display section 114 to display information capable of specifying the first number of managed balls PA at that time. The first number of managed balls PA is displayed in real time on the first number-of-balls display section 114 . The CPU 120a controls the balance display unit 115 to display information that can specify the balance at that time. The balance is displayed in real time on the balance display section 115 . When the return signal is input from the return operation unit 113, the CPU 120a stores the balance and the first number of managed balls PA stored in the RAM 120c in the management medium, and also stores the balance and the first number of managed balls PA stored in the RAM 120c. to initialize. The CPU 120 a controls the medium insertion section 101 so that the management medium is ejected from the medium insertion section 101 .

The pachinko game machine 10 will be explained.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is an enclosed gaming machine in which a prescribed number P0 of game balls are enclosed inside the machine. The pachinko game machine 10 is an example of a circulation type game machine that circulates game balls inside the machine. The game ball may be either magnetic or non-magnetic. The pachinko game machine 10 does not have a storage section for storing game balls. The pachinko game machine 10 is, in principle, structured so that the player cannot touch the game balls.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 electromagnetically manages the second number of managed balls PB based on the number of rented balls Pb, the number of acquired balls Pc, and the number of shot balls Pd. The number of lent balls Pb is the number of game balls lent to the player. The acquired ball number Pc is the number of game balls acquired by the player. The number of shot balls Pd is the number of game balls shot by the player. The number of shot balls Pd can also be said to be the number of game balls supplied from the supply unit 61 to the launch unit 65, which will be described later.

A pachinko game machine 10 includes a frame 11. - 特許庁The frame 11 includes an outer frame 11a for fixing the machine body to the island facility, a mounting frame 11b for mounting various game parts, 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 so as to be openable and closable with respect to the mounting frame 11b. The protective frame 11c has a protective glass (not shown) that protects the game parts mounted on the mounting frame 11b. 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 an effect sound section 12, for example, a speaker. The effect sound section 12 is arranged on the front side of the mounting frame 11b. The effect sound unit 12 can execute effect for outputting a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as sound effect) and notification for outputting a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as sound notification). For example, the predetermined voice is a piece of music, a sound effect, a human voice reading out a predetermined character string, and the like. The pachinko game machine 10 includes a notification audio unit 13, for example, a speaker. The notification audio unit 13 can execute audio notification. As an example, the effect sound unit 12 and the notification sound unit 13 are arranged in the mounting frame 11b.

The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with an effect light emitting section 14. - 特許庁The effect light-emitting unit 14 can execute 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 unit 14 can perform notification (hereinafter referred to as notification light emission) by lighting, blinking, and extinguishing of a light emitter (not shown). As an example, the effect light emitting section 14 is arranged on the mounting frame 11b. The effect light emitting unit 14 may be arranged on a game board 20 which will be described later.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes a shooting operation section 15 capable of operating to shoot game balls. The firing operation section 15 is arranged on the front side of the mounting frame 11b. The pachinko game machine 10 is configured to launch a game ball with a shooting intensity corresponding to the operation of the shooting operation section 15. - 特許庁As an example, the firing operation unit 15 includes a handle lever 15a that can be rotated, a touch sensor D01, a firing stop switch D02, and a handle volume D03 (see FIG. 8).

The touch sensor D01 is connected to a conductive ring 15b that surrounds the side surface of the firing operation section 15. As shown in FIG. The touch sensor D01 outputs a touch signal when the player grips the shooting operation unit 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 D<b>01 is an example of means for detecting that the player is touching the shooting operation section 15 .

The firing stop switch D02 outputs a stop signal when the firing stop button 15c projecting to the side of the firing operation unit 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 means capable of being operated to stop shooting the game ball. When the handle lever 15a is rotated, the handle volume D03 outputs a voltage volume signal corresponding to the amount of rotation.

The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a performance operating section 16. - 特許庁The effect operation unit 16 is an example of means that can be operated by the player. The effect operation unit 16 is preferably of a button type that can be pressed, a touch sensor type that also serves as a display device, or a lever type.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a second number-of-balls display section 17 that displays information that can specify the second number of managed balls PB. In one example of the present embodiment, the second ball number display section 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 second number-of-balls display unit 17 is capable of notifying predetermined information by displaying predetermined characters.

The pachinko game machine 10 has a counting operation section 18 . The counting operation section 18 is operated when the player ends the game on the pachinko gaming machine 10 . The counting operation using the counting operation unit 18 is permitted when the counting operation unit 18 is in a predetermined countable state. The counting operation unit 18 outputs a counting signal when a pressing operation is performed. The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a count reporting unit 18a. The counting notification unit 18a is an example of means for notifying whether or not the counting is possible. As an example, the effect operating section 16, the second ball number display section 17, the counting operating section 18, and the counting reporting section 18a are arranged on the front side of the mounting frame 11b.

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. Formed on the left side of the game area 20a is a launch path 20c that guides the game ball shot by the operation of the shooting operation section 15 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 an information display device 21 that displays various information. The information display device 21 includes a first special symbol display portion 21a, a second special symbol display portion 21b, a first reservation display portion 21c, a second reservation display portion 21d, a normal symbol display portion 21e, and a normal reservation display portion 21f. . As an example, the plurality of display units 21a to 21f are collectively disposed in a portion visible to the player, but not limited to this, and may be partially or entirely disposed in different portions.

The first special symbol display unit 21a can execute a first special symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as a first special game) in which predetermined symbols are variably displayed and finally the special symbols are stopped and displayed. The second special symbol display unit 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 the special symbol is finally 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 jackpot symbols and losing symbols. The special design may include a small winning design. 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 unit 21c indicates the number of first special games whose execution is suspended because the suspension condition has been satisfied but the start condition has not yet been satisfied (hereinafter referred to as the first suspension number). Display identifiable information. The second pending display unit 21d indicates the number of times the execution of the second special game is suspended because the pending condition has been met but the start condition has not yet been met (hereinafter referred to as the second pending number). Display identifiable information.

The normal symbol display unit 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 a normal winning pattern and a normal losing pattern. In the pachinko game machine 10, when a normal winning lottery is won in a normal winning lottery, the normal winning symbols are stop-displayed in the normal game, and the normal winning game is provided after the normal game is finished.

The normal suspension display portion 21f displays information that can specify 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 information display device 21 may include a right-handed display unit that displays information instructing right-handed players and a round display unit that notifies the upper limit number of round games.

The pachinko game machine 10 has an effect display section 19. - 特許庁The effect display section 19 has an image display area 19a capable of displaying an image. The effect display unit 19 is assembled 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 section 19 is a liquid crystal device. The effect display unit 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 unit 19 can execute a predetermined notification in a mode of displaying a predetermined image.

Here, the effect sound unit 12, the effect light emitting unit 14, and the effect display unit 19 are all effect units capable of executing a predetermined effect, and constitute the effect device ES composed of a plurality of effect units. As described above, the effect sound unit 12, the effect light emitting unit 14, and the effect display unit 19 are all notification units capable of executing a predetermined notification. The effect device ES can also be understood as a notification device. The production unit and the notification unit included in the production device ES are not limited to the production sound unit 12, the production light emitting unit 14, and the production display unit 19, and are configured by omitting a part of these production units. good too. The effect device ES may include, in addition to the effect unit and the notification unit, or in place of any one or more of them, an effect movable part that executes a movable effect, and an effect vibration that executes a vibration effect. You may have a part. The effect device ES is an example of effect means and notification means.

For example, the display effect in the effect display unit 19 includes a effect symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as effect game) using a plurality of lines 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. As an example, the effect game is performed by variably displaying (scrolling) the effect symbols of the left symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the right symbol row in a predetermined direction. The effect game may include a reach effect 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".

A game board 20 is formed with a plurality of winning holes 23 into which game balls can enter. These plurality of winning openings 23 open in the game area 20a. The multiple winning openings 23 include a first starting opening 23A, a second starting opening 23B, a large winning opening 23C, and a normal winning opening 23D. The plurality of winning openings may include winning openings different from these winning openings 23 .

The first starting hole 23A is a prize winning hole into which game balls are entered in order to satisfy the conditions for awarding prize balls and the conditions for holding the first special game. As an example, the first starting port 23A is located below the effect display section 19 . The first starting port 23A is opened so that game balls can be entered at all times. The game board 20 includes a first starting sensor D11 for detecting a game ball entering the first starting hole 23A (see FIG. 9).

The second starting port 23B is a prize winning port into which game balls are entered in order to satisfy the conditions for awarding prize balls and the conditions for holding the second special game. As an example, the second starting port 23B is to the right of the first starting port 23A. The second starting port 23B is provided with a normal opening/closing piece 23Ba having a door shape, for example. The second starting port 23B is closed so that the game ball cannot enter or is difficult to enter when the normal winning game is not provided. The second starting port 23B is opened 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 23B (see FIG. 9). The game board 20 also includes a second starting sensor D12 for detecting a game ball entering the second starting hole 23B (see FIG. 9). The normal opening/closing piece 23Ba is a so-called "normal electric accessory".

The big winning hole 23C is a winning hole into which a game ball is entered in order to establish the awarding condition of the prize ball. As an example, the big winning opening 23C is located on the lower right side of the effect display section 19 . The special prize opening 23C is provided with a special opening/closing piece 23Ca, for example, in the shape of a door. The big winning opening 23C is closed so that the game ball cannot enter or is difficult to enter when the big winning game is not provided. The big winning opening 23C 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 opening 23C (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 23C (see FIG. 9).

The normal winning hole 23D is a winning hole into which a game ball is entered in order to establish the condition for awarding a prize ball. As an example, the normal prize winning opening 23D is located at the lower left side of the effect display section 19 and the lower right side of the effect display section 19, respectively. The normal winning opening 23D is opened so that game balls can be entered at all times. The game board 20 is provided with a normal sensor D14 for detecting a game ball entering the normal winning hole 23D (see FIG. 9).

The game board 20 has a gate 24 . As an example, the gate 24 is located in the right area of the game area 20a and above the second starting opening 23B and the big winning opening 23C. A gate opening 24 a is formed in the gate 24 . The gate opening 24a is always open so that game balls can be entered. The gate 24 has a gate sensor D15 that detects a game ball entering the gate opening 24a (see FIG. 9). The gate 24 is a ball entrance through which a game ball is entered in order to establish the conditions for starting the normal game. Even if a game ball enters the gate 24, the conditions for awarding prize balls are not established.

An out port 25 is formed in the game board 20 . As an example, the out port 25 opens at the lowest part of the game area 20a. The game ball enters the out port 25 when it does not enter any of the first starting port 23A, the second starting port 23B, the big winning port 23C, and the normal winning port 23D. The plurality of prize winning openings 23 and out openings 25 can be understood as discharge openings for discharging game balls from the game area 20a or return openings for returning game balls from the game area 20a. A game ball is ejected from the game board 20 when it enters a plurality of winning holes 23 or an out hole 25.例文帳に追加Hereinafter, a game ball ejected from the game board 20 through a plurality of winning holes 23 or an out hole 25 may be referred to as an out ball.

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. The pachinko game machine 10 does not have a magnetic sensor that detects magnetism exceeding a predetermined strength 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 when the opening of the mounting frame 11b is detected.

The player can adjust the shooting intensity of the game ball by operating the shooting operation section 15 . In other words, the player can hit the game ball in the left area on the left side of the display window 20b and the right area on the right side of the display window 20b. A game ball may enter the second starting hole 23B, the big winning hole 23C, the normal winning hole 23D, or the gate 24 when flowing down the right area. When the game ball flows down the left area, there is a possibility that it enters the first starting hole 23A or the normal winning hole 23D.

The frame 11 (mounting frame 11b) includes a circulation mechanism 29 for game balls.
As shown in FIG. 4, the circulation mechanism 29 includes a recovery mechanism 30, a circulation mechanism 50, a shooting mechanism 60, and a ball extraction mechanism . The recovery mechanism 30 is formed on the mounting frame 11b. The collection mechanism 30 guides the game balls discharged from the game board 20 (game area 20 a ) to the circulation mechanism 50 . The collecting mechanism 30 is configured by combining downwardly extending passages or downwardly sloping passages. When the game balls are received by the collection mechanism 30 from the game board 20 , they can reach the circulation mechanism 50 by flowing down the passage that constitutes the collection mechanism 30 .

The circulation mechanism 50 is formed in the mounting frame 11b. The circulation mechanism 50 conveys the game balls received from the collection mechanism 30 in a predetermined direction. As an example, the circulation mechanism 50 lifts game balls. The firing mechanism 60 is formed on the mounting frame 11b. Game balls are received by the shooting mechanism 60 when transported by the circulation mechanism 50 . The shooting mechanism 60 can shoot the game balls transported by the circulation mechanism 50 toward the game area 20a. The ball removing mechanism 70 is formed on the mounting frame 11b. The ball extracting mechanism 70 is a mechanism for extracting game balls from the recovery mechanism 30 , the circulation mechanism 50 and the shooting mechanism 60 .

The flow of game balls in the circulation mechanism 29 will be described. Assume that a game ball is shot by the shooting mechanism 60 . The game ball can reach the game area 20a. When the game ball reaches the game area 20a, it enters a plurality of winning openings 23 or out openings 25. - 特許庁The game balls are discharged to the collection mechanism 30 from a discharge port (not shown) formed in the game board 20 . The game balls pass through the collection mechanism 30 and reach the circulation mechanism 50. - 特許庁Game balls are transported by the circulation mechanism 50 . The game ball returns to the launching mechanism 60. Each mechanism will be described in detail below.

The collection mechanism 30 will be described in detail.
The mounting frame 11b is formed with one or more prize receiving openings 30a, one or more non-winning receiving openings 30b, and one or more foul receiving openings 30c. The prize receiving port 30 a is formed below the discharge ports (not shown) formed at the lower end of the game board 20 and discharging game balls that have entered the plurality of prize winning ports 23 . The prize receiving port 30 a receives game balls discharged from the game board 20 through the plurality of prize winning ports 23 . The non-win receiving port 30b is formed below the discharge port (not shown) formed at the lower end of the game board 20 for discharging the game ball entering the out port 25 . The non-win receiving port 30b receives game balls discharged from the game board 20 via the out port 25. - 特許庁The foul receiving port 30c is formed below the hitting passage 20c. The foul receiving port 30c receives a game ball (hereinafter referred to as a foul ball) falling from the hitting passage 20c. A foul ball is a game ball that has been shot by the shooting mechanism 60 but has not reached the game area 20a.

The mounting frame 11b is formed with a winning path 31 connected to the winning opening 30a, a non-winning path 32 connecting to the non-winning opening 30b, and a foul path 33 connecting to the foul receiving opening 30c. The winning path 31 and the non-winning path 32 merge at the first junction 34 . The mounting frame 11b is formed with a confluence passage 35 connected to the first confluence portion 34. As shown in FIG. The merging passage 35 and the foal passage 33 merge at a second merging portion 36 . A supply passage 37 that connects the second junction portion 36 and the circulation mechanism 50 is formed in the mounting frame 11b.

The mounting frame 11b includes a foul sensor D21 for detecting a game ball (foul ball) passing through the foul path 33. As shown in FIG. The foul sensor D21 is provided in the foul path 33 or a portion adjacent to the foul path 33 . The foul sensor D21 outputs a foul signal when a game ball is detected. The foul signal is turned on when a game ball is detected, and turned off when it is not detected.

The mounting frame 11b 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 in the prize-winning passage 31 or a portion adjacent to the prize-winning passage 31 . The winning path count sensor D25 outputs a winning path signal when a game ball is detected. The winning path signal is turned on when a game ball is detected, and turned off when it is not detected.

The mounting frame 11b 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 in the non-winning passage 32 or a portion adjacent to the non-winning passage 32. - 特許庁The non-winning passage count sensor D26 outputs a non-winning passage signal when detecting a game ball. The non-winning path signal is turned on when a game ball is detected, and turned off when it is not detected.

The mounting frame 11b is provided with an out sensor D30 for detecting game balls passing through the confluence passage 35. - 特許庁The out sensor D<b>30 is provided in the joint passage 35 or in a portion adjacent to the joint passage 35 . The out sensor D30 outputs an out signal when a game ball is detected. The out signal is turned on when a game ball is detected, and turned off when not detected. Out sensor D30 detects an out ball.

The mounting frame 11b is provided with a ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 for detecting game balls passing through the supply passage 37. - 特許庁The clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 is provided in the supply passage 37 or in a portion adjacent to the supply passage 37 . The clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 outputs a clogged ball detection signal when detecting a game ball. The clogged ball detection signal is turned on when a game ball is detected, and turned off when not detected.

The circulation mechanism 50 will be described in detail.
The circulation mechanism 50 includes a transport section 52 that transports game balls received from the recovery mechanism 30 . As an example, the transport section 52 includes a transport passage extending along a predetermined direction, a screw accommodated in the transport passage, and a transport motor 52a that rotates the screw. The game ball is transported in a predetermined direction in the transport path by rotating the screw by the transport motor 52a. The transport motor 52a transports game balls collected from the game area 20a. The conveying unit 52 is not limited to this, and may be a belt extending along a predetermined direction, or may be a pumping motor that pumps in a predetermined direction. The predetermined direction may be an upward direction or may be a direction inclined upward.

The circulation mechanism 50 includes a transport entrance sensor D28 that detects game balls received from the supply passage 37 at the entrance of the transport section 52 . The transport entrance sensor D28 is provided at the entrance of the transport section 52 or at a portion adjacent to the entrance. The transport entrance sensor D28 outputs a transport entrance signal when a game ball is detected. The transport entrance signal is turned on when a game ball is detected, and turned off when not detected. The transport entrance sensor D28 is an example of one or more detection units that detect game balls.

The circulation mechanism 50 includes a transport exit sensor D29 that detects game balls transported by the transport unit 52 at the exit of the transport unit 52 . The transport exit sensor D29 is provided at the exit of the transport section 52 or at a portion adjacent to the exit. The transport exit sensor D29 outputs a transport exit signal when detecting a game ball. The transport exit signal is turned on when a game ball is detected, and turned off when not detected.

The firing mechanism 60 will be described in detail.
The firing mechanism 60 includes a supply section 61 and a firing section 65 . The supply unit 61 feeds the game balls transported by the transport unit 52 to the shooting unit 65 by cutting out the game balls one by one. The launching unit 65 launches the supplied game ball toward the game area 20a.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the supply portion 61 is formed with an inlet-side passage 62a, a cutting mechanism 63, and an outlet-side passage 62b. The entrance side passage 62a receives the game ball K conveyed by the conveying section 52. - 特許庁The entrance side passage 62a aligns the received game balls K in a row. The entrance-side passage 62a is a passage that extends downward toward a portion where the cutting mechanism 63 is located.

The cutout mechanism 63 includes a movable piece 63a capable of supplying game balls K, and a supply solenoid 63b for driving the movable piece 63a. When the movable piece 63a does not perform the supply operation, the movable piece 63a blocks the game ball K so as not to flow out from the entrance side passage 62a to the exit side passage 62b. As shown in the flow from FIG. 5 to FIG. 6, when the movable piece 63a performs one supply operation, only the leading game ball K among the game balls K lined up in a line in the entrance side passage 62a moves to the exit side passage. 62b. The exit-side passage 62b is a passage that extends downward toward the firing portion 65. As shown in FIG.

The supply portion 61 includes a supply entrance sensor D22 for detecting the game ball K received in the entrance side passage 62a on the entrance side of the supply portion 61. As shown in FIG. The supply inlet sensor D22 is provided in the inlet side passage 62a or a portion adjacent to the inlet side passage 62a. The supply entrance sensor D22 outputs a supply entrance signal when the game ball K is detected. The supply entrance signal is turned on when the game ball K is detected, and is turned off when it is not detected.

The supply unit 61 includes a supply outlet sensor D23 for detecting the game ball K released to the outlet side passage 62b on the outlet side of the supply unit 61. As shown in FIG. The supply outlet sensor D23 is provided in the outlet side passage 62b or a portion adjacent to the outlet side passage 62b. The supply outlet sensor D23 outputs a supply outlet signal when the game ball K is detected. The supply exit signal is turned on when the game ball K is detected, and is turned off when it is not detected.

As shown in FIG. 7, the shooting section 65 includes a shooting hammer 66 capable of shooting a game ball, and a shooting solenoid 66a for driving the shooting hammer 66. As shown in FIG. Firing solenoid 66a may be a motor. The game ball K flowing down the outlet side passage 62b of the supply portion 61 reaches the hitting position 67 of the shooting portion 65. - 特許庁As an example, the shooting operation of the shooting hammer 66 is an operation of hitting the game ball at the hitting position 67 to hit the game ball toward the hitting passage 20c. As indicated by the solid line and the two-dot chain line in the figure, when the shooting hammer 66 executes one shooting operation, one game ball at the hitting position 67 is shot into the hitting passage 20c. As indicated by the arrow Y1, the game ball flies through the hitting path 20c and can reach the game area 20a when it has sufficient launch strength. As indicated by arrows Y2 and Y3, the game ball stalls and falls in the hitting path 20c when the launch strength is insufficient. In this case, the game ball becomes a foul ball and flows into the foul passage 33 from the foul reception port 30c.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the distribution mechanism 29 has a maintenance section 55 .
As an example, the maintenance section 55 is formed on the mounting frame 11b. As an example, the maintenance section 55 is provided in the circulation mechanism 50 . As an example of maintenance, the maintenance section 55 is configured to polish the game ball by bringing the polishing member and the game ball into contact with each other. The polishing member may be an annular belt or a winding belt. The game ball is subjected to predetermined maintenance by the maintenance section 55 after being detected by the transport entrance sensor D28. The game ball is transported by the transport unit 52 after maintenance is performed. As an example, the maintenance section 55 may be configured as a unit in which a polishing member and a mechanism for driving the polishing member are integrated. In this case, the maintenance section 55 is preferably assembled to the mounting frame 11b so as to be replaceable as a unit.

The circulation mechanism 29 has a ball extraction mechanism 70 .
As an example, the ball removing mechanism 70 is formed in the mounting frame 11b. The ball removing mechanism 70 includes a first ball removing portion 71 , a second ball removing portion 72 , and a ball removing passage 73 .

The first ball extraction part 71 is a part (hereinafter referred to as the first 71a). The first connection portion 71a is formed with a ball removal hole 71b penetrating through the wall or bottom in a predetermined direction. The ball extraction hole 71b may be a portion where the game ball discharge passage opens to the first connection portion 71a. As an example, the predetermined direction is backward, but is not limited to this, and may be forward or downward.

The first ball extraction portion 71 has an opening/closing piece 71c that can be displaced between a sealing position that seals the ball extraction hole 71b and an open position that opens the ball extraction hole 71b. The opening/closing piece 71c is positioned at the sealing position by the biasing force of a biasing mechanism (not shown). When the opening/closing piece 71c is displaced to the open position by an external force such as by operating an operating portion (not shown) such as a lever, the ball extraction hole 71b is opened. As an example, the ball passage leading to the supply passage 37 is inclined downward toward the first connecting portion 71a. Therefore, the game balls present in the supply passage 37 can be discharged out of the machine through the ball extraction hole 71b when the ball extraction hole 71b is open.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the second ball extractor 72 is formed in the firing mechanism 60. As shown in FIGS.
As described above, the game ball is blocked in the entrance side passage 62a by the movable piece 63a when the movable piece 63a is not in the supply operation. A ball extraction passage 73 is connected to a portion of the entrance side passage 62a in which the leading game ball K among blocked game balls is located (hereinafter referred to as a second connection portion 72a). That is, the ball extraction passage 73 opens as a ball extraction hole 72b in the second connecting portion 72a. The ball extraction hole 72b is a hole penetrating through the wall or bottom of the second connecting portion 72a in a predetermined direction. As an example, the predetermined direction is downward, but is not limited to this, and may be forward or backward.

The second ball extraction portion 72 has an opening/closing piece 72c that can be displaced between a sealing position that seals the ball extraction hole 72b and an open position that opens the ball extraction hole 72b. The opening/closing piece 72c is positioned at the sealing position by the biasing force of a biasing mechanism (not shown). When the opening/closing piece 72c is displaced to the open position by an external force such as by operating an operating portion (not shown) such as a lever, the ball extraction hole 72b is opened. As an example, the entrance-side passage 62a slopes downward toward the cutting mechanism 63 (movable piece 63a). Therefore, the game ball present in the entrance side passage 62a flows into the ball removal passage 73 from the ball removal hole 72b.

The ball extraction passage 73 is connected to the first connection portion 71a. The ball extraction passage 73 is configured by combining passages extending downward or passages inclined downward. Therefore, the game ball that has flowed into the ball extraction passage 73 flows into the first connection portion 71a. The game ball can be discharged out of the machine through the ball extraction hole 71b when the ball extraction hole 71b is open. The configuration is not limited to this, and the ball removing mechanism 70 may be configured without the ball removing passage 73 . In this case, the ball extraction hole 72b is preferably formed so as to pass through the wall or bottom of the second connecting portion 72a in a predetermined direction. As an example, the predetermined direction is backward, but is not limited to this, and may be forward or downward.

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 23C 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 23C 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 special symbol lottery (hereinafter referred to as "big win probability"). That is, the pachinko game 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 starting hole 23B. In other words, the pachinko machine 10 has a low ball-entering rate state in which the ball-entering assist function does not operate and a high ball-entering rate state in which the ball-entering assist function operates as states in which the ball entering rate to the second start port 23B may differ. And prepare. In the high ball-entering rate state, the probability that the game ball enters the second start hole 23B is higher than in the low ball-entering rate state. In the high ball entry rate state, the probability that the game ball enters the second start port 23B increases, and the game ball enters the second start port 23B easily. 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 entry 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 an open time extension control that makes the total open time of the second starting port 23B 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 opening times of the second starting port 23B in one normal winning game than when in a low ball entry rate state, and one opening of the second starting port 23B 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 ).

The game state is defined 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 gaming state of low probability and low ball-entering rate will be referred to as "low-probability low-ball-entering rate state", and the gaming state of high probability and low ball-entering rate will be referred to as "high-probability low-ball-entering state." Ball 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 state." ” indicates.

An electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 8, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a plurality of control boards. The plurality of control boards includes a game control board (main control board) 80, an effect control board (sub-control board) 81, a frame control board 82, and a launch control board 83. The frame control board 82 is an example of a control section capable of executing various controls. The plurality of control boards may be provided at positions that cannot be accessed unless a locking device (not shown) is unlocked to open the mounting frame 11b.

The game control board 80 and the performance control board 81 are connected so that control information (control commands, etc.) can be output in one direction from the game control board 80 to the performance control board 81 . The game control board 80 executes predetermined processing and outputs control information to the effect control board 81 . The effect control board 81 executes predetermined processing based on the control information input from the game control board 80 . The game control board 80 and the frame control board 82 are connected so as to be capable of bi-directionally outputting control information (telegrams, etc.). The frame control board 82 and the launch control board 83 are connected so as to be able to output control information in both directions. The frame control board 82 of the pachinko game machine 10 and the CU control board 120 of the management unit 100 can bi-directionally 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 of the machine, converts the input voltage into a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to the effect control board 81 and the frame control board 82 . The power supplied to the frame control board 82 is further supplied to the game control board 80 and the launch control board 83 . A power unit 99 provides power to the supply solenoid 63b, the firing solenoid 66a, 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. configured to

The game control board 80 will be explained in detail.
As shown in FIG. 9, the game control board 80 includes a CPU 80a, a ROM 80b, a RAM 80c, and a random number generation circuit 80d. The CPU 80a executes processing related to the progress of the game by executing the main control program. The ROM 80b stores a main control program, determination values used for various determinations and lotteries, tables, and the like. The ROM 80b 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.

RAM80c memorize|stores various information rewritten according to the process result of CPU80a. For example, information stored in the RAM 80c includes flags, counters, and timers. The RAM 80c is an example of means capable of storing information. The random number generation circuit 80d generates hardware random numbers. The game control board 80 may be configured to be capable of generating software random numbers through random number generation processing by the CPU 80a.

The game control board 80 is connected to the first starting sensor D11, the second starting sensor D12, the count sensor D13, the normal sensor D14, and the gate sensor D15. The CPU 80a can input a detection signal output by each sensor D11 to D15 detecting a game ball. The game control board 80 is connected to each display section 21a-21f. The CPU 80a can control the display contents of each display section 21a to 21f. The game control board 80 is connected with each solenoid SL1, SL2. The CPU 80a can control the opening modes of the second starting opening 23B and the big winning opening 23C by controlling the operations of the solenoids SL1 and SL2.

The effect control board 81 will be described in detail.
The effect control board 81 includes a CPU 81a, a ROM 81b, and a RAM 81c. The CPU 81a performs processing related to effects by executing a sub-control program. The ROM 81b stores a sub-control program, a judgment value used for a predetermined lottery, and the like. The ROM 81b stores display effect data used for display effect, light emission effect data used for light emission effect, and sound effect data used for sound effect. The RAM 81c stores various information rewritten while the pachinko gaming machine 10 is operating. For example, the information stored in the RAM 81c includes flags, counters, and timers. The effect control board 81 is configured to be capable of generating a software random number through random number generation processing by the CPU 81a. The effect control board 81 may include a random number generation circuit and be capable of generating hardware random numbers.

The effect control board 81 is connected to the effect display section 19 . The CPU 81 a can control the display contents of the effect display section 19 . The effect control board 81 is connected to the effect sound section 12 . The CPU 81 a can control the output contents of the effect sound section 12 . The effect control board 81 is connected to the effect light emitting section 14 . The CPU 81a can control the lighting mode of the effect light emitting section 14. FIG.

The frame control board 82 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 8, the frame control board 82 includes a CPU 82a, a ROM 82b, a RAM 82c, a performance display monitor 82d, a ball removal switch 82e, an error release switch 82f, a game ball clear switch 82g, a RAM clear switch 82h, a backup power supply 82j, a backup It comprises a circuit 82k and a fire enable circuit 82m. The CPU 82a executes a frame control program to perform processing related to the operation of components mounted on the mounting frame 11b. The ROM 82b stores a frame control program and the like. The RAM 82c stores various information that is rewritten while the pachinko gaming machine 10 is operating. For example, the information stored by the RAM 82c includes flags, counters, and timers.

The performance display monitor 82d 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 big-hit game is performed. The effective ball is a game ball that has reached the game area 20a among the game balls that have been shot from the shooting portion 65. As shown in FIG. The base value 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 82d is an example of means capable of displaying information on the performance of the game ball (base as an example).

The ball removal switch 82e is an example of a ball removal operation unit that is operated to generate a state in which game balls inside the pachinko gaming machine 10 can be discharged outside the machine (hereinafter referred to as a ball removal state). be. The ball extraction state is a state in which game balls can be discharged from the distribution mechanism 29 . The ball removal switch 82e outputs a ball removal signal when a pushing operation is performed. The ball removal signal is turned on when the ball removal switch 82e is pushed, and turned off when the ball removal switch 82e is not pushed. A ball removal signal is output to the CPU 82a.

The error canceling switch 82f is an example of means operated to cancel the setting of the error after the cause of the error is removed when a predetermined error is set. Error setting is performed when the error is detected. The error cancellation switch 82f outputs an error cancellation signal when it is pushed. The error cancellation signal is turned on when the error cancellation switch 82f is pushed, and turned off when the error cancellation switch 82f is not pushed. The error cancellation signal is output to the CPU 82a.

The game ball clear switch 82g is an example of means operated to initialize to zero the second managed ball number PB (hereinafter referred to as second managed ball number information) stored as data in the RAM 82c. The game ball clear switch 82g 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 82g is pushed, and turned off when the game ball clear switch 82g is not pushed. The game ball clear signal is output to the CPU 82a.

The RAM clear switch 82h is a switch operated when initializing information stored in the RAM 80c and information stored in the RAM 82c (hereinafter referred to as RAM clear). The RAM clear switch 82h outputs a RAM clear signal when pushed. The RAM clear signal is turned on when the RAM clear switch 82h is pushed, and turned off when the RAM clear switch 82h is not pushed. The RAM clear signal is output to the CPU 82a and also to the game control board 80 (CPU 80a).

The backup power supply 82j supplies backup power to the game control board 80 (RAM80c) in addition to the RAM82c even when the power supply from the outside is interrupted. In the following description, cutting off the power supply from the outside may be referred to as power off. The RAMs 80c and 82c receive backup power from a backup power supply 82j, so that the contents stored in the RAMs 80c and 82c can be retained even after the power is turned off. That is, the pachinko game machine 10 has a backup function. Not limited to this, one or both of the RAMs 80c and 82c are non-volatile memories capable of retaining stored contents even when the power supply is stopped, so that information can be retained even after the power is turned off. good too.

As an example, the backup power supply 82j is a power storage device that stores power by power supply from the outside. The backup power supply 82j maintains a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as , supply time), the backup power is supplied to them. The supply time relates to the amount of power stored for supplying to the firing control board 83 and the firing solenoid 66a, and may be the time required to discharge the power, or the time defined by a predetermined circuit. may

The firing control board 83 (the firing control circuit 83a) and the firing solenoid 66a receive backup power from the backup power supply 82j, so that they can perform predetermined operations even after the power supply from the outside is cut off. The firing unit 65 is cut off from the external power supply during at least one of the period during which the normal firing operation (firing sequence) is performed and the period during which the special firing operation (blank firing sequence) is performed. Even in the case where the power supply from the outside is cut off, it is configured to be capable of firing n times. As an example, n=1, but not limited to this, n=2 or n≧3.

Information that can be stored in the RAM 80c 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 errors.

Information that can be stored in the RAM 82c and that is to be backed up includes second managed ball number information, game information, and performance information. The second managed ball number information is information that can specify the second managed ball number PB. The game information is information notified from the game control board 80 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 82k outputs a power-off detection signal to the CPU82a and to the CPU80a of the game control board 80 when the power supply voltage supplied from the power supply unit 99 drops below a specified voltage. The launch permitting circuit 82m outputs to the launch control board 83 a signal (hereinafter referred to as a launch permitting signal) that can specify that the game ball is in a launch permitting state. The conditions for outputting the launch permission signal will be described later.

The frame control board 82 is connected to the counting operation section 18 . The CPU 82a is configured to be able to receive the counting signal output by the counting operation section 18. As shown in FIG. The frame control board 82 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 clogged ball monitoring sensor D27. In addition, the frame control board 82 is connected to the transfer entrance sensor D28, the transfer exit sensor D29, and the out sensor D30. The CPU 82a 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, ball clogging detection signal. , a transport entrance signal, a transport exit signal, and an out signal. The frame control board 82 outputs the first door opening signal and the second door opening signal to the game control board 80 .

The frame control board 82 is connected to the notification audio section 13 . The CPU 82a can control the output contents of the notification sound section 13. FIG. The frame control board 82 is connected to the second ball number display section 17 . The CPU 82a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the second ball number display section 17. FIG. The frame control board 82 is connected to the maintenance section 55 . The CPU 82a is configured to be able to control the maintenance operation of the maintenance section 55. FIG. The frame control board 82 is connected to the transport section 52 (transport motor 52a). The CPU 82 a is configured to be able to control the transport operation of the transport unit 52 . The frame control board 82 is connected to the supply solenoid 63b. The CPU 82a can displace the movable piece 63a by controlling the energization of the supply solenoid 63b. In other words, the CPU 82a is configured to be able to control the supply operation of the game balls by the supply unit 61. FIG.

The frame control board 82 is connected with the management unit 100 . The CPU 82a is configured to be able to receive various telegrams transmitted by the CU control board 120. FIG. The connection signal output by the management unit 100 is input from the connection terminal board 98 to the firing permission circuit 82m without passing through the CPU 82a. A firing stop signal output by the game control board 80 and an error signal output by the CPU 82a are also input to the firing permission circuit 82m.

The firing control board 83 includes a firing control circuit 83 a for controlling the operation of the firing section 65 . The firing control circuit 83a outputs a drive signal to the firing solenoid 66a based on the control signal input from the frame control board 82 and the signal input from the sensor or switch.

The firing control board 83 is connected with the touch sensor D01, the firing stop switch D02, and the handle volume D03. The launch control circuit 83a is configured to be able to input touch signals, stop signals, and volume signals output by these switches and sensors. The firing control board 83 is connected with the firing solenoid 66a. When the firing control circuit 83a outputs a drive signal to the firing solenoid 66a, the firing solenoid 66a is driven and the firing hammer 66 hits the game ball. That is, the shooting control board 83 is configured to be able to control the shooting operation of the game ball by the shooting section 65 .

The firing control circuit 83a 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 82 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 82 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 66a each time the firing timing pulse is input. As a result, the shooting solenoid 66a is driven with an intensity corresponding to the amount of rotation of the handle lever 15a, and the game ball is shot. The launch control circuit 83a outputs a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 82 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 83a (solenoid drive unit) supplies the firing solenoid 66a 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.

Processing executed by the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) will be described.
The frame-side power-off processing will be described.
When the CPU 82a receives the power-off detection signal output from the backup circuit 82k, it executes power-off processing. In the power-off process, the CPU 82a calculates the checksum value of the RAM 82c and stores the calculated checksum value in the RAM 82c. In addition, the CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c 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 82a waits until the power is completely turned off. Various information stored in the RAM 82c when the power is turned off is retained even after the power is turned off by the backup function described above.

The frame-side power-on process will be described.
When the voltage supplied to the frame control board 82 reaches the voltage required for the operation of the CPU 82a as the power is turned on, the CPU 82a executes the frame-side ball extraction process. In the frame side ball removal process, the CPU 82a determines whether or not a condition for shifting to the ball removal state (hereinafter referred to as a ball removal transition condition) is established.

As an example, the CPU 82a determines whether or not the second number of balls under management PB indicated in the second number of balls under management is zero. As an example, the CPU 82a determines whether or not the ball removal switch 82e is operated based on whether or not the ball removal signal is in the ON state before the operation effective period elapses. When the CPU 82a is activated upon power-on, the CPU 82a sets an operation valid period for a predetermined period. That is, the operation effective period can be set for a predetermined period after power-on. The effective period of operation may be a length, such as 0.04 seconds, that substantially requires turning on the power while operating the ball extractor switch 82e. The operation effective period is not limited to this, and may be a length such as 5 seconds that allows the administrator or the like to operate the ball removal switch 82e after the power is turned on. The operation valid period is not limited to being set as a period measured by timer processing or the like, and may simply be set as a period from power-on to a predetermined determination timing.

The CPU 82a determines that the ball removal transition condition is met when the second managed ball number PB is 0 and the ball removal switch 82e is operated. The ball removal transition condition does not include the number of game balls inside the pachinko game machine 10.例文帳に追加In other words, the state of ball extraction can be shifted even if the number of game balls inside the machine is zero or less than a predetermined number. The CPU 82a determines that the ball removal transition condition is not established when the second managed ball number PB is not 0 or when the ball removal switch 82e is not operated. The CPU 82a ends the frame-side ball-drawing process without setting the ball-drawing state when the ball-drawing transition condition is not satisfied.

On the other hand, when the ball-drawing transition condition is satisfied, the CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information that can specify that the ball is in the ball-drawing state. In other words, the CPU 82a sets the ball extraction state. In this manner, the ball-draw state can be shifted to when the ball-draw switch 82e, which is an example of the ball-draw operation unit, is operated during a predetermined operation valid period. The contents of the control in the ball extraction state will be described later. It should be noted that the ball extraction state cannot be canceled unless the power supply is cut off. When the state is changed to the ball-extracted state, the CPU 82a outputs to the game control board 80 control information indicating the transition to the ball-extracted state (hereinafter referred to as a ball-extraction start command). In addition, the game control board 80 (CPU 80 a ) outputs a ball removal start command to the effect control board 81 .

As shown in FIG. 10, in the ball extraction state, the CPU 82a monitors the state of the conveying entrance signal that can be output from the conveying entrance sensor D28 and the state of the conveying exit signal that can be output from the conveying exit sensor D29. The CPU 82a controls the operation of the transport motor 52a of the transport section 52 according to the state of the transport entrance signal and the state of the transport exit signal.

As an example, the CPU 82a operates the transport motor 52a when both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are in the OFF state, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at time T1, the state where both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are off changes to the state where the transport entrance signal is on and the transport exit signal is off. In this case, the CPU 82a may operate the conveying motor 52a without providing a waiting time. For convenience of explanation, the time from when this situation change occurs to when the transport motor 52a is actuated may be referred to as standby time t0. As an example, the waiting time t0 is 0, but a time exceeding 0 may be set.

At time T2, the transport motor 52a is in operation, the transport entrance signal is on, and the transport exit signal is off. Assume that the state changes to the ON state. At time T3, the CPU 82a stops the transport motor 52a when the ON state of the transport exit signal is maintained for the standby time t1 (eg, 120 ms). At time T4, the state in which the transport motor 52a is stopped and both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are in the on state changes to the state in which the transport entrance signal is in the off state and the transport exit signal is in the on state. Suppose it has changed. In this case, the CPU 82a keeps the conveying motor 52a stopped. At time T5, the transport motor 52a is stopped, the transport entrance signal is off, and the transport exit signal is on, to the condition where both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are on. Suppose it has changed. In this case, the CPU 82a keeps the conveying motor 52a stopped.

At time T6, the state in which the transport motor 52a is stopped and both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are in the ON state changes to the state in which the transport entrance signal is in the ON state and the transport exit signal is in the OFF state. Suppose it has changed. At time T7, the CPU 82a activates the transport motor 52a when the transport exit signal is kept off for the standby time t2 (eg, 30 ms). Note that if the standby time t3 (for example, 200 ms) has not elapsed since the transport entrance signal was turned on before the standby time t2 has passed since the transport exit signal was turned off, the CPU 82a After the standby time t3 has passed, the transport motor 52a is activated.

At time T8, the state in which the transport motor 52a is in operation, the transport entrance signal is ON, and the transport exit signal is OFF, is changed to a condition in which both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are OFF. Suppose it has changed. At time T9, the CPU 82a stops the transport motor 52a when the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are kept off for a standby time t4 (eg, 3000 ms). In other words, it can be said that the CPU 82a stops the transport motor 52a when the specified time elapses without the transport entrance sensor D28 detecting the game ball collected from the game area 20a. At time T9, the CPU 82a outputs to the game control board 80 control information indicating completion of ball removal (hereinafter referred to as a ball removal completion command). In addition, the game control board 80 (CPU 80 a ) outputs a ball removal completion command to the effect control board 81 . The CPU 82a specifies that ball removal is completed based on the fact that the transport entrance sensor D28 no longer detects the game balls collected from the game area 20a or the transport motor 52a stops.

As an example, the standby times t0 to t4 are longer in the order of t0<t2<t1<t3<t4. Not limited to this, the standby times t0 to t4 may be set to times different from the above-described specific examples, and their length relationships may be changed. In the ball-pulled state, the CPU 82a does not execute processing for detecting some of the various errors described later. In other words, various sensors are invalidated in the ball extraction state. Further, the CPU 82a does not communicate with the management unit 100 when the ball is in the empty state. In other words, communication between the pachinko gaming machine 10 and the management unit 100 is invalidated in the ball-out state.

The CPU 82a executes a communication check process when activated upon power-on. The communication check process is executed in parallel with the frame side ball removal process.
In the communication check process, the CPU 82a determines whether or not the start-up information is received from the game control board 80. As an example, 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 80a, the manufacturer of the CPU 80a, and the like. The CPU 82a transmits response information to the game control board 80 when the start-up information is normally received. After that, the CPU 82a terminates the communication check process.

When the CPU 82a does not receive the start-up information within a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) after the power is turned on, the RAM 82c stores a flag capable of specifying the occurrence of the game machine communication abnormality error. In other words, the CPU 82a sets an intra-game machine communication abnormality error. After that, the CPU 82a waits until it receives the start-up information. When the CPU 82a normally receives start-up information from the game control board 80 while the game machine communication abnormality error is being set, the CPU 82a cancels the game machine communication abnormality error setting and terminates the communication check process. Not limited to this, the CPU 82a may set an intra-game-machine communication abnormality error 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 CPU 82a determines whether or not the backed-up information is normal when the frame-side ball-drawing process is finished without setting the ball-drawing state and the communication check process is finished. Specifically, the CPU 82a determines whether a backup flag is stored in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82a also calculates the checksum value of the RAM 82c and determines whether the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value calculated in the frame-side power-off process. When the backup flag is stored and the checksum values match, the CPU 82a 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 82a initializes the second managed ball number information and game information stored in the RAM 82c. At this time, the CPU 82a does not initialize the performance information. After that, the CPU 82a returns based on the initialized or backed-up second ball number information, game information, and performance information, and executes frame-side normal processing, which will be described later.

On the other hand, when determining that the backed-up information is normal, the CPU 82a determines whether or not the game ball clear switch 82g is operated based on whether or not the game ball clear signal is on. The CPU 82a initializes the second managed ball number information stored in the RAM 82c when the game ball clear switch 82g is operated. At this time, the CPU 82a does not initialize the game information and the performance information. The CPU 82a does not initialize the second managed ball number information when the game ball clear switch 82g is not operated.

The CPU 82a determines whether or not the RAM clear switch 82h has been operated based on whether or not the RAM clear signal is on. The CPU 82a initializes the game information stored in the RAM 82c when the RAM clear switch 82h is operated. At this time, the CPU 82a does not initialize the second managed ball number information and the performance information. The CPU 82a does not initialize the game information when the RAM clear switch 82h is not operated. In other words, the performance information is either in a situation where the second managed ball number information is initialized according to the operation of the game ball clear switch 82g or in a situation where the game information is initialized according to the operation of the RAM clear switch 82h. Even if there is, it is not initialized. After that, the CPU 82a returns based on the initialized or backed-up second ball number information, game information, and performance information, and executes frame-side normal processing, which will be described later.

The frame-side normal processing of the frame control board 82 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 game control board 80 in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82a stores the game information in the RAM 82c when receiving the game information that can specify the game state. By referring to the game information stored in the RAM 82c, the CPU 82a can specify whether or not the jackpot game is in progress, whether the high probability state and the high ball entry rate state. . In addition, when various types of game information are input, the CPU 82a generates information that can specify the input game information, and stores the information in the RAM 82c. Further, when receiving the game information, the CPU 82a 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 82a refers to the game state flag, and determines whether or not the game is not in the jackpot game and the current game state is a low probability low ball entry rate state (that is, whether or not it is a normal game). In the case of a normal game, the CPU 82a outputs game information that can specify the occurrence of a start-up win (hereinafter referred to as start-up win information) or game information that can specify the occurrence of a normal 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 82c as one piece of performance information. When the CPU 82a receives a winning path signal or a non-winning path signal, it adds the total number of effective balls in the normal game. The total number of effective balls is stored in the RAM 82c as one piece of performance information. The CPU 82a calculates the base value by a formula of "total number of winning balls during normal game/total number of effective balls during normal game×100". The CPU 82a may count the total number of winning balls and the total number of valid balls for each minute, and calculate the base value every minute. The CPU 82a may count the total number of winning prize balls by dividing each time the total number of effective balls reaches a predetermined number, and may perform the calculation of the base value each time the total number of effective balls reaches a predetermined number. As an example, the predetermined number may be 60000 balls, or may be the maximum number (for example, 100 balls) that can be fired by the firing unit 65 per minute. The CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d so as to display information that can identify the calculated base value.

The CPU 82a may be configured to be able to calculate the role product ratio and the continuous role product ratio as the performance information and display them on the performance display monitor 82d. 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 electric accessories is the total number of prize balls acquired due to winning the second start port 23B by normal winning game (ordinary electric accessory operation), and the large number of winning balls by big hit game (special electric accessory operation) It is the sum of the total number of prize balls obtained when entering the prize opening 23C. 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 23C in the big hit game.

Of the frame-side normal processing, the second managed ball number information generation processing will be described.
The second management ball number information generation process is a process for generating (managing) the second management ball number PB. When the CPU 82a receives the obtained prize ball number information from the game control board 80, the obtained prize ball number that can be specified from the obtained prize ball number information is added to the second managed ball number PB. Acquired prize ball number information is control information output by the game control board 80 when a condition for awarding prize balls is established as a result of winning in a predetermined prize hole, and specifies the number of prize balls set for the prize hole. configured as possible. Upon receiving the award information from the management unit 100, the CPU 82a adds the number of assigned balls indicated in the attached information to the second number of managed balls PB. When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied to the shooting unit 65 based on the supply entrance signal output by the supply entrance sensor D22, the CPU 82a subtracts the second managed ball number PB. As an example, the CPU 82a 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, the electromagnetically managed game balls (the second number of managed balls PB) are converted into real balls.

Not limited to this, the CPU 82a may subtract the second managed ball number PB by driving the shooting solenoid 66a, and a sensor is provided in the hitting passage 20c, and the game ball shot from the shooting section 65 is detected by the sensor. The configuration may be such that the second ball number PB is sometimes subtracted. In this way, the second ball number PB is subtracted in relation to at least one of the shooting operation by the shooting unit 65 and the supplying operation by the supplying unit 61 . The second number-of-managed-balls information generation process is an example of ball-in-hand management control for managing the second number of managed balls PB, which is an example of the number of balls owned by the player. When the second management ball number information generating process is executed, even if the ball removal switch 82e is operated, it does not shift to the ball removal state because it is outside the operation valid period.

The second managed ball number information generation process is executed as frame side normal process, but cannot be executed in the ball-out state. That is, when the ball is pulled out, the possession ball management control is invalid. In other words, even if a game ball enters a predetermined winning hole in the ball-out state, the prize balls that should be added are not added to the second number of managed balls PB unless the ball-out state is in effect. Also, as will be described later, when the ball is pulled out, it may be possible to shoot a game ball. However, when the ball is pulled out, even if a game ball is shot, the second control ball number PB is not subtracted. In other words, in the ball extraction state, the game ball shooting operation can be grasped as part of the ball extraction work.

When the CPU 82a is in a countable state and receives a counting signal from the counting operation section 18, it transmits to the management unit 100 counting information that can specify the number of balls to be counted. The CPU 82a subtracts the number of counted balls that can be specified from the count information from the second number of managed balls PB. The CPU 82a may output the counting information after subtracting the second number of balls under management PB, or may output the counting information and then subtract the second number of balls under management PB. As an example, the countable state is a state in which the required power is supplied and the second ball number PB is not zero. The CPU 82a controls the light-emitting body built in the counting reporting section 18a so that the counting reporting section 18a lights up when the counting is possible. Management of the second number of managed balls PB is transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 by transmitting count information to the management unit 100 . As described above, the second management ball number information generation process is executed as the frame side normal process, but cannot be executed in the ball drawn state. That is, when the ball is in the drawn state, the operation of the counting operation unit 18, which is an example of the operation related to the held ball, is invalid.

The CPU 82a controls the second number-of-balls display section 17 so as to display information capable of specifying the second number of managed balls PB after addition or subtraction. The second number-of-balls display unit 17 is also used as a device capable of displaying information capable of specifying an error set (detected) by the frame control board 82 .

The error setting process and the error notification process of the frame-side normal process will be described.
As shown in FIG. 11, the error setting process is a process of detecting the occurrence of an error. As an example, errors that can be detected by the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) in the error setting process include an illegal radio wave detection error, an abnormal supply inlet sensor error, an abnormal discharge ball passage error, an insufficient number of circulating balls error, and an excessive number of circulating balls error. , winning number abnormal error, and door open error. Further, the error notification process is a process of notifying an error in a predetermined notification mode when an error 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 game control board 80 (CPU 80a) will be described.
The board-side power-off processing will be described.
When the CPU 80a receives a power-off detection signal from the frame control board 82 (backup circuit 82k), it executes power-off processing. In the board-side power-off process, the CPU 80 a outputs a firing stop signal to the frame control board 82 . The CPU 80a calculates the checksum value of the RAM 80c and stores the calculated checksum value in the RAM 80c. In addition, the CPU 80a causes the RAM 80c to store information (hereinafter referred to as a backup flag) that can identify that the power-off process has been executed normally. After that, the CPU 80a waits until the power is completely turned off. Various information stored in the RAM 80c when the power is turned off is retained even after the power is turned off by the backup function described above.

The board-side power-on process will be described.
CPU80a prohibits the timer interrupt process when the supply voltage to the game control board 80 reaches the voltage necessary for the operation of the CPU80a and starts with the power-on. Subsequently, the CPU 80a executes communication confirmation processing.

In the communication confirmation process, the CPU 80a transmits start-up information to the frame control board 82. FIG. The CPU 80a transmits the start-up information to the frame control board 82 when a predetermined time (eg, 108 ms) elapses without receiving response information after transmitting the start-up information. After that, when the CPU 80a does not receive the response information from the frame control board 82, the CPU 80a transmits start-up information to the frame control board 82 every time a predetermined period of time elapses. The start-up information that is transmitted multiple times may be the same information, or may be different information so that the number of times of transmission can be specified.

The CPU 80a detects an intra-game machine communication abnormality error when the number of transmissions of start-up information reaches a specified number (10 times, for example), and stores in the RAM 80c information capable of identifying the occurrence of an intra-game machine communication abnormality error. That is, the CPU 80a sets an error related to the intra-gaming machine communication abnormality. When the CPU 80 a sets the intra-game-machine communication abnormality error, it outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as an intra-game-machine communication abnormality command) capable of specifying the occurrence of the intra-game-machine communication abnormality error to the effect control board 81 . After that, the CPU 80a waits until the power is turned off. In this embodiment, the time required for the frame control board 82 to detect the intra-game communication error (3 minutes as an example) is the time required for the game control board 80 to detect the intra-game communication error (as an example 1080 ms). The CPU 80a determines that the communication line is normal when receiving the response information to the start-up information. In this case, the CPU 80a terminates the communication confirmation process.

In addition, when the CPU 80a is started with power-on, it executes board-side ball removal processing. The board-side ball removal process is executed in parallel with the communication confirmation process.
In the board-side ball extraction process, the CPU 80a determines whether a ball extraction start command has been input from the frame control board 82 or not. When the ball-drawing start command is not input, the CPU 80a ends the board-side ball-drawing processing without setting the ball-drawing state. When the ball-draw start command is input, the CPU 80a detects the ball-draw state and stores information that can identify the occurrence of the ball-draw state in the RAM 80c. In other words, the CPU 80a sets the ball extraction state. CPU80a will output a ball extraction start command to the production|presentation control board 81 as control information which can specify transition to a ball extraction state, if a ball extraction state is set. After that, the CPU 80a waits until the power is turned off. During standby, the CPU 80a outputs to the effect control board 81 control information (hereinafter referred to as a ball removal completion command) capable of specifying the completion of the ball removal when the ball removal completion command is input. In this way, the intra-game-machine communication abnormality error can be detected as a confirmation interval during both the period in which the ball is pulled out and the period in which the ball is not pulled out.

The CPU 80a determines whether or not the backed-up information is normal when the board-side ball removal process is completed without setting the ball removal state and the communication confirmation process is completed. The CPU 80a determines whether a backup flag is stored in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a calculates the checksum value of the RAM 80c 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 80a determines that the operation is normal, and otherwise determines that the operation is abnormal. When the backed up information is determined to be abnormal, the CPU 80a initializes the main information stored in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a outputs to the effect control board 81 a control command (hereinafter referred to as an initialization command) that can specify that various information has been initialized. After that, the CPU 80a ends the board-side power-on process.

When determining that the backed-up information is normal, the CPU 80a determines whether or not a RAM clear signal is input from the frame control board 82 (RAM clear switch 87). When the RAM clear signal is input, the CPU 80a initializes the main information stored in the RAM 80c. In this case, the CPU 80 a outputs an initialization command to the effect control board 81 . On the other hand, when the RAM clear signal is not input, the CPU 80a outputs to the effect control board 81 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 that, the CPU 80a ends the board-side power-on process.

After completing the board-side power-on process, the CPU 80a permits the timer interrupt process. In other words, the CPU 80a can execute processing for progressing the game (hereinafter referred to as board-side normal processing). If the main information has been initialized, the board-side normal processing is executed based on the initialized main information. That is, the CPU 80a 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 board-side normal process. If the main information is not initialized, the board-side normal processing is executed based on the backed up main information. That is, the CPU 80a 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 80a 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).
Of the board side normal processing, the special symbol input processing will be described.

The CPU 80a determines whether or not the game ball has entered the first start hole 23A based on whether or not a detection signal has been input from the first start sensor D11. When the game ball enters the first start hole 23A, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the first reservation number stored in the RAM 80c 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 80a adds 1 to the first reservation number and updates it. Subsequently, the CPU 80a controls the first pending display section 21c so as to display information capable of specifying the updated first pending number. 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 80a acquires a random number generated by the random number generation circuit 80d, and stores random number information based on the acquired random number in the RAM 80c. 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 80a 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.

When the random number information for the first special game is stored in the RAM 80c, when the game ball has not entered the first starting port 23A, and when the first reserved number is not less than the upper limit number, the second Based on whether or not a detection signal is input from the starting sensor D12, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the second starting port 23B. When the game ball has entered the second starting hole 23B, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the second reservation number stored in the RAM 80c 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 80a adds 1 to the second reservation number and updates it. The CPU 80a controls the second pending display section 21d so as to display information capable of specifying the second pending number after addition. The suspension condition of the second special game is established when the game ball is detected by the second starting sensor D12 when the second suspension number is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the CPU 80a acquires random numbers generated within the game control board 80, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a 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 special game in the RAM 80c, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can suspend the execution of the special game until the condition for starting the special game is satisfied. When the random number information for the second special game is stored in the RAM 80c, when the game ball has not entered the second starting port 23B, and when the second reservation number is not less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a is a special symbol. End input processing.

Of the board side normal processing, the special symbol start processing will be described.
First, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the conditions for starting the special game are satisfied. The CPU 80a makes an affirmative determination when the big win game is not being played and the special game is not being executed, and makes a negative determination when the big win game is being played or the special game is being executed. If the special game start condition is not satisfied, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process. When the condition for starting the special game is satisfied, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the second reservation number is greater than zero. When the second reservation number is zero, the CPU 80a determines whether the first reservation number is greater than zero. When the first reserved number is zero, the CPU 80a terminates the special symbol start process.

When the first reservation number is greater than zero, the CPU 80a performs processing for executing the first special game. Specifically, the CPU 80a updates the first reservation number by subtracting one. The CPU 80a controls the first pending display unit 21c to display information that can specify the first pending number after the subtraction. The CPU 80a acquires the random number information stored first among the random number information for the first special game from the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a uses a winning random number specified from the acquired 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 80a performs a jackpot lottery with a jackpot probability according to the current probability state (whether or not the variable probability function is activated).

When winning the jackpot, the CPU 80a performs jackpot variation processing. In the big-hit variation process, the CPU 80a 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 80a 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 80a ends the special symbol start process.

When the jackpot is not won, the CPU 80a performs loss variation processing. In the losing variation process, the CPU 80a determines the winning symbols to be stopped and displayed in the first special game. The CPU 80a 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 outlier variation patterns. After that, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process.

When the second reservation number is greater than zero, the CPU 80a 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 80a ends the special symbol start process after performing any variation process based on the subtraction of the second reserved number, the big win lottery, and the result of the big win lottery.

The CPU 80a outputs a variation start command and a special symbol command to the effect control board 81 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 determined in each variation process. The variation start command and the special symbol command are different control commands when the variation processing of the first special game is executed and when the variation processing of the second special game is executed.

After finishing the special symbol start process, the CPU 80a executes the first special game or the second special game by a process different from the special symbol start process. As an example, when executing the first special game, the CPU 80a controls the first special symbol display section 21a so as to start variable display of predetermined symbols. The CPU 80a measures the variation time defined in the variation pattern. The CPU 80a controls the first special symbol display section 21a so as 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 80a outputs to the effect control board 81 a control command that can specify the end of the variable game (hereinafter referred to as a variable end command) when the variable time defined in the variable pattern has passed.

As an example, when executing the second special game, the CPU 80a controls the second special symbol display section 21b so as to start variable display of predetermined symbols. The CPU 80a measures the variation time defined in the variation pattern. The CPU 80a controls the second special symbol display section 21b so as 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 80a outputs a variation end command to the effect control board 81 when the variation time set in the variation pattern has passed. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 executes a special symbol input process and a special symbol start process by the CPU 80a, thereby performing a winning lottery triggered by the entry of a game ball into the starting hole, and the result of the winning lottery. A symbol variation game can be executed based on.

Of the board-side normal processing, the jackpot game processing will be described.
The big-hit game process is a process for giving a big-hit game. When the CPU 80a stops displaying the big win symbols in the special game, the CPU 80a executes the big win game process after the big win special game ends. The CPU 80a specifies the type of jackpot game based on the jackpot design (type of jackpot) determined in the special design start process. The CPU 80a is configured to award a specified type of jackpot game.

First, the CPU 80a outputs to the effect control board 81 a control command that can specify the start of the opening time (hereinafter referred to as an opening command). When the opening time has passed, the CPU 80a performs processing for executing a round game. As an example, the CPU 80a controls the special solenoid SL2 using the specified opening control data for the big win game to open the big winning opening 23C. 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 80a controls the special solenoid SL2 to close the big winning opening 23C. End the round game. The CPU 80a 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. CPU80a outputs the control command (henceforth a round command) which can specify the start of a round game to the production|presentation control board 81, whenever a round game is started. When the final round game ends, the CPU 80a outputs to the effect control board 81 a control command capable of specifying the start of the ending time (hereinafter referred to as an ending start command). When the ending time elapses, the CPU 80a ends the jackpot game. The CPU 80 a may output to the effect control board 81 a control command (hereinafter referred to as an ending end command) capable of specifying the passage of the ending time.

State transition processing of the board-side normal processing will be described.
When the CPU 80a ends the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern among the jackpot patterns, the CPU 80a sets a high accuracy flag in the RAM 80c. That is, the CPU 80a controls to the high probability state. The CPU 80a does not erase the probability variation flag until the next big winning game is awarded after the big winning game based on the first big winning symbol is completed. On the other hand, the CPU 80a does not set the high accuracy flag in the RAM 80c when finishing the jackpot game based on the second jackpot symbol different from the first jackpot symbol. That is, the CPU 80a controls to the low probability state. The CPU 80a erases the high accuracy flag when the big hit game is started and the high accuracy flag is set. In other words, the CPU 80a controls the low probability state during the jackpot game.

The CPU 80a sets an operation flag in the RAM 80c when the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern or the second jackpot pattern ends. In other words, the CPU 80a controls the high ball entry rate state. The CPU 80a updates the value of the execution counter stored in the RAM 80c every time the special game is started after the jackpot game based on the second jackpot symbols is finished, thereby increasing the number of executions of the special game after the jackpot game is finished. Count. The CPU 80a erases the operation flag stored in the RAM 80c when the special game in which the number of executions of the special game after the end of the jackpot game has reached the number of operations is completed. That is, after the big win game based on the second big win symbol ends, the CPU 80a 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 80a does not erase the operation flag until the next big win game is awarded after the big win game based on the first big win symbol is finished. The CPU 80a erases the operation flag when the operation flag is set when the jackpot game is started. In other words, the CPU 80a controls the low ball entry rate state during the jackpot game.

Various processes executed by the effect control board 81 (CPU 81a) will be described.
The effect power recovery process will be described.
When the initialization command is input, the CPU 81a controls a part or all of the rendering section that constitutes the rendering device ES, and causes the RAM clear notification (initialization notification) to be executed. As an example, the RAM clearing notification is executed by outputting a voice that can specify the execution of RAM clearing, such as the voice of a person who reads out the character string "RAM clearing", from the effect sound unit 12 . As an example, the RAM clear notification is executed by causing the effect light emitting section 14 to emit light in a light emission pattern dedicated to RAM clear. As an example, the RAM clearing notification is performed by displaying an image that can specify the execution of RAM clearing, such as a character string "RAM clearing", on the effect display unit 19 . The CPU 81a controls the effect device 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 81a controls the effect display section 19 so as to display a combination of a predetermined background image and a predetermined effect symbol.

When the power recovery command is input, the CPU 81a controls a part or all of the production units that constitute the production device ES, and causes the power recovery notification to be executed. As an example, power recovery notification is performed by outputting a voice that can specify the execution of RAM clearing, such as a person's voice reading out a character string "power is being recovered", from the effect sound unit 12. FIG. As an example, the power recovery notification is executed by causing the effect light emitting unit 14 to emit light in a light emission pattern dedicated to power recovery. As an example, the power restoration notification is executed by displaying on the effect display section 19 an image that can specify the execution of RAM clearing, such as a character string "power is being restored". The CPU 81a controls the effect device ES 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 81a may be configured not to execute the power restoration notification. Further, when the power restoration command is input, the CPU 81a controls the performance display section 19 to display a combination of performance symbols different from the combination of the predetermined background image and the predetermined performance 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 the opening command is received, the CPU 81a controls the effect device ES to execute the opening effect. When receiving the round command, the CPU 81a controls the effect device ES to execute the round effect. When receiving the ending start command, the CPU 81a controls the effect device ES to execute the ending effect. When receiving the ending ending command, the CPU 81a controls the effect device 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 81a receives the variation start command and the special symbol command, the CPU 81a controls the effect device ES including the effect display section 19 so as to execute the effect game. Specifically, when receiving the variation start command, the CPU 81a selects an effect pattern (effect content) of the effect game based on a change pattern that can be specified from the command. Further, when the CPU 81a receives a special symbol command, the CPU 81a 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. When the CPU 81a can specify a big hit pattern from the special symbol command, the CPU 81a determines a big hit pattern combination. When the CPU 81a can identify the missing symbol from the special symbol command, the CPU 81a determines the missing symbol combination. It should be noted that the CPU 81a, when executing the ready-to-win effect, determines a combination of symbols that are not included in the ready-to-win game.

The CPU 81a controls the effect display section 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 81a starts the effect game. Further, when executing a predetermined effect in relation to the effect game, the CPU 81a controls the effect device ES including the effect display unit 19 so as to execute the effect. The CPU 81a temporarily stops and displays the symbol combination at a predetermined timing after starting the effect game, and stops and confirms the symbol combination upon input of the variation end command. It should be noted that the CPU 81a may cause the symbol combination to be determined and stop-displayed 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, various processes performed by the CPU 82a of the frame control board 82 by inputting signals from various sensors and switches will be described.
Among the frame-side normal processes, the circulating ball number monitoring process will be described.

The CPU 82a subtracts the number of circulating balls when it detects that one game ball has been supplied to the launching portion 65 based on the supply entrance signal output by the supply entrance sensor D22. The number of circulating balls is stored in the RAM 82c. As for the number of circulating balls, the prescribed number P0 of game balls enclosed in the pachinko game machine 10 is used as the initial number of balls. As an example, the CPU 82a 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.

Not limited to this, the CPU 82a may subtract the second number of managed balls PB according to the driving of the shooting solenoid 66a. The configuration may be such that the second ball number PB is subtracted when it is detected. The CPU 82a may be configured to subtract the number of circulating balls when it detects that one game ball has been supplied to the shooting section 65 based on the supply outlet signal output by the supply outlet sensor D23. That is, the number of circulating balls is subtracted in relation to at least one of the shooting operation by the shooting unit 65 and the supplying operation by the supplying unit 61 .

The CPU 82a returns one game ball to the distribution mechanism 29 (supply unit 61) 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. When this is detected, the number of circulating balls is added. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has returned when the winning path signal or the non-winning path signal transitions from the OFF state to the ON state to the OFF state. Based on the foul signal output from the foul sensor D21, the CPU 82a adds the number of circulating balls when detecting that one game ball has returned to the circulation mechanism 29 (supply unit 61). As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has returned when the foul signal transitions from off state to on state to off state.

The errors shown in FIG. 11 will be described below.
By executing the error setting process, the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) can execute detection control for detecting a predetermined error based on the game ball detection results by various sensors, which are examples of the detection section. Sensing control is limited when there is a ball-out condition. The error setting process is one of the frame-side normal processes.

An illegal radio wave detection error is detected under the condition that an abnormal radio wave is detected. When the radio wave detection signal is input from the radio wave sensor D16, the CPU 82a sets an illegal radio wave detection error. In the following description, when an error is indicated as "set", it means that information (a flag as an example) that can identify the error is stored in the RAM 82c. When "setting is canceled" for an error, it means that the information that can identify the error (a flag as an example) is erased from the RAM 82c. An unauthorized radio wave detection error is a state in which there is a high possibility that fraudulent activities using radio waves are being carried out. Unauthorized radio wave detection error is canceled when the power is restored. The CPU 82a cancels the setting of the illegal radio wave detection error when the power is turned on after being turned off. Note that if the unauthorized radio wave detection error is detected again after the power is turned on, the unauthorized radio wave detection error is set even after the power is turned on. Unauthorized radio wave detection errors are detected as confirmation intervals other than during the ball extraction state.

The intra-game machine communication abnormality error is detected under the condition that the communication between the game control board 80 and the frame control board 82 is not performed normally. The CPU 80a performs a process of detecting an internal game machine communication abnormality error as one of the board-side normal processes in addition to the communication confirmation process when the power is turned on. The CPU 82a performs a process of detecting an internal game machine communication error as one of board-side normal processes in addition to the communication check process when the power is turned on. The CPU 80a and the CPU 82a set a fraudulent intra-game-machine communication abnormality error when the conditions for detecting an intra-game-machine communication abnormality error are established. The in-game communication abnormality error is canceled when the communication is performed normally. The CPU 80a and the CPU 82a cancel the setting of the intra-game machine communication abnormality error when the communication is normally performed. The in-game-machine communication abnormality error is detected as a confirmation interval during the state of ball extraction and other than during the state of ball extraction. As an example, the intra-game machine communication abnormality error is constantly detected from the time the power is turned on until the power is shut off.

Supply entrance sensor abnormality error, the detection condition is that the next game ball is shot without changing the supply entrance signal, which is the input signal of the sensor from the previous shot. When the CPU 82a detects that the supply portion 61 (entrance side passage 62a) is clogged with balls based on the supply entrance signal output by the supply entrance sensor D22, the CPU 82a sets a supply entrance sensor abnormality error. As an example, the CPU 82a sets a supply inlet sensor abnormality error when a specified time elapses without turning off the supply inlet signal after the supply solenoid 63b is driven.

The supply inlet sensor abnormality error is canceled when the error cancellation switch 82f is operated. When the error cancellation switch 82f is operated, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the supply inlet sensor abnormality error. Even if the setting of the supply inlet sensor abnormality error is canceled, the supply inlet sensor abnormality error is set again after a predetermined period of time if the ball clogging in the inlet side passage 62a is not eliminated. The supply inlet sensor abnormality error is detected as a confirmation period other than during the ball extraction state.

The discharge ball path abnormality error is the state in which only the out sensor D30 of the out sensor D30, the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27, and the transfer entrance sensor D28 detects the ON state and is maintained for a predetermined time (eg, 5 seconds). is the detection condition. In such a situation, there is a high possibility that ball clogging has occurred in the vicinity of the out sensor D30. The CPU 82a sets a discharge ball passage abnormality error when such a detection condition is satisfied.

The ejection ball passage abnormality error is canceled when the error cancellation switch 82f is operated. When the error cancellation switch 82f is operated, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the discharge ball passage abnormality error. Even if the setting of the discharge ball passage abnormality error is canceled, if the ball clogging in the recovery mechanism 30 is not eliminated, the discharge ball passage abnormality error is set again after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. The discharge ball passage abnormality error is detected as a confirmation interval except during the ball extraction state.

The detection condition for the circulating ball count error is that the state of detecting the OFF state of the out sensor D30 and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 is maintained for a predetermined time (eg, 30 seconds) while the game is not played. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a transport inlet sensor D28, a ball clogging monitoring sensor D27, and an out sensor D30 in this order from the side closer to the transport unit 52 in the ball passage that constitutes the recovery mechanism 30. A situation in which game balls are not detected by the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 and the out sensor D30 is a situation in which the number of game balls circulating in the pachinko game machine 10 is less than the first circulation number, which is less than the prescribed number P0. . The non-playing state can be detected when the touch signal from the touch sensor D01 is in the OFF state.

The CPU 82a sets an insufficient number of circulating balls error when the detection conditions as described above are satisfied. The circulating ball count error is caused when the game state is maintained for a predetermined time (20 seconds as an example), or when one or both of the out sensor D30 and the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 are turned on for a predetermined time (example 2 seconds) as a release condition. In other words, the release condition includes that the number of game balls circulating in the pachinko gaming machine 10 is equal to or greater than the first circulation number. The CPU 82a cancels the setting of the circulating ball number insufficient error when such a canceling condition is established. The circulating ball count error is detected as a confirmation interval other than during the ball extraction state.

The detection condition for the excessive number of circulating balls error is that the out sensor D30, the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27, and the transfer inlet sensor D28 all detect the ON state and are maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). . A situation in which game balls are detected by the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 and the out sensor D30 is a situation in which the number of game balls circulating in the pachinko game machine 10 is equal to or greater than the second circulation number, which is greater than the prescribed number P0. be.

The CPU 82a sets an excessive number of circulating balls error when the detection conditions as described above are satisfied. The circulating ball count error is that the state in which the out sensor D30 is in the OFF state and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the transport entrance sensor D28 are in the ON state has been maintained for a predetermined period of time (for example, two seconds). is the cancellation condition. When such a canceling condition is established, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the circulating ball number excessive error. The error of excessive number of circulating balls is detected as a confirmation interval except during the state of ball extraction.

The abnormal error in the number of prize-winning balls is detected when the difference obtained by subtracting the number of foul balls and out balls from the number of shot balls Pd exceeds a predetermined number (eg ±100 balls). The CPU 82a sets an abnormal number of winning balls error when such a detection condition is established. The abnormal number of prize-winning balls error is canceled when the power is restored. When the CPU 82a is powered on after being powered off, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the error of the number of winning balls. The abnormal error in the number of prize-winning balls is detected as a confirmation period other than during the state of ball extraction.

The CPU 82a detects an error in the number of winning balls by using the supply entrance signal output by the supply entrance sensor D22, the foul signal output by the foul sensor D21, and the out signal output by the out sensor D30. As an example, the CPU 82a adds 1 to the number of shot balls Pd when detecting that one game ball has been shot from the shooting portion 65 based on the supply entrance signal. As an example, the CPU 82a 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.

When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has returned to the foul passage 33 without reaching the game area 20a based on the foul signal, the CPU 82a subtracts 1 from the shot ball number Pd. When detecting that one game ball has been ejected from the game board 20 based on the out signal, the CPU 82a subtracts 1 from the shot ball number Pd. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been ejected when the out signal transitions from off state to on state to off state. The game balls detected by the out sensor D30 include game balls that have passed through the winning path 31 and game balls that have passed through the non-winning path 32 . All of these game balls are game balls used in games. On the other hand, the game ball 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.

A situation in which an abnormal error in the number of winning balls is detected is a situation in which the number of game balls that have not been returned to the circulation mechanism 29 after being shot by the shooting mechanism 60 reaches a predetermined number. In other words, there is a high possibility that a predetermined number of game balls are staying in the game area 20a for some reason. As the cause, it is possible that a phenomenon (so-called grape) in which game balls are piled up starting from game balls caught by various game parts (for example, nails and accessories) arranged in the game area 20a has occurred. highly sexual. When grapes are formed, depending on the formation position of the grapes, it becomes easier or harder for the game ball to enter a specific winning hole. The winning ball number abnormality error indicates that game balls may be accumulated in the game area 20a.

The detection condition for the door open error is that either the first door open switch D17 or the second door open switch D18 is detected to be off. The CPU 82a sets a door open error when the detection condition is satisfied. The door open error is canceled when both the first door open switch D17 and the second door open switch D18 are turned on. When the CPU 82a detects that both the first door opening switch D17 and the second door opening switch D18 are turned on, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the door opening error. Whether or not a door open error has occurred is detected as a confirmation interval other than during the ball extraction state.

The error notification process of the frame-side normal process will be described.
As shown in FIG. 11, when an error is set, the CPU 82a controls the second pitch display section 17 so as to display an error code, which is an example of information that can identify the error being set. should be controlled. An error code is information specific to an error. As an example, as shown in the "error code" column in the figure, [E10] for illegal radio wave detection error, [E13] for communication abnormality error in game machine, [E14] for supply entrance sensor abnormality error, discharge [E17] is set in the ball path abnormality error. As an example, [E00] is set as an error code in the ball extraction state. Strictly speaking, the missing ball state is not an error, but since it is an event that should be recognized by the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 10, etc., it is regarded as one of the errors and is reported. Not limited to this, the error code that can be displayed on the second ball number display section 17 does not have to include the error code indicating the state of missing a ball.

The CPU 82a controls the second ball number display section 17 to alternately display the error code and the second number of managed balls. When multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 82a alternately displays the error code with the highest priority and the second number of balls under control PB. Not limited to this, the CPU 82a may alternately display the error code and the second number of managed balls PB while switching the error code in order when a plurality of types of errors are set. The CPU 82a may display an error code when an error is set, but may be configured not to display the second number of balls under control PB. Further, the CPU 82a may be configured to cause the second number-of-balls display section 17 to display while switching the error code, the second number of managed balls PB, and the base value. When the setting of the error is canceled, the CPU 82a controls the second number-of-balls display section 17 so as to end the display of the error code indicating the error for which the setting has been canceled.

When an error is set, the CPU 82a preferably controls the performance display monitor 82d so as to display an error code indicating the error being set. That is, the error code can be displayed on both the second ball number display section 17 and the performance display monitor 82d. The CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d to alternately display the error code and the base value (performance information). The error code that can be displayed on the performance display monitor 82d includes an error code that indicates the state of ball extraction. Not limited to this, the error code that can be displayed on the performance display monitor 82d does not have to include the error code that indicates the state of ball extraction.

When multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 82a alternately displays the error code with the highest priority and the base value. The configuration is not limited to this, and the CPU 82a may alternately display the error code and the base value while switching the error code in order when a plurality of types of errors are set. The CPU 82a may display an error code when an error is set, but may not display the base value. Further, the CPU 82a may be configured to switch the error code, the base value, and the second ball number PB to be displayed on the performance display monitor 82d. When the error setting is canceled, the CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d so as to stop displaying the error code indicating the error for which the setting has been canceled.

In this way, the second ball number display unit 17 is means for displaying the second number of managed balls PB, and is also used as means for displaying an error code. The performance display monitor 82d is a means for displaying base values and is also used as a means for displaying error codes. The CPU 82a starts the display of the error code on the performance display monitor 82d and the display of the error code on the second ball number display section 17 at the same or substantially the same timing. The second number-of-balls display unit 17 and the performance display monitor 82d are examples of a notification unit capable of executing a predetermined notification.

When an error is set, the CPU 82a may control the notification sound unit 13 to output an error sound as an example of information that can identify the error being set. That is, the CPU 82a executes voice notification (hereinafter referred to as error voice notification) for notifying an error during setting. As an example, the CPU 82a uses the notification voice unit 13 to detect an illegal radio wave detection error, an abnormal supply inlet sensor error, an abnormal discharge ball passage error, an insufficient number of circulating balls error, an excessive number of circulating balls error, and an abnormal number of winning balls error. Subject to notification. As an example, the CPU 82a does not use the notification voice unit 13 to notify the game machine internal communication abnormality error and the door open error. The voice pattern of the error voice notification has different contents for each type of error, and preferably has contents that can specify the outline of the error being set. As an example, the error voice is the voice of a person who reads out a character string "Error code E10 has occurred. Please call a staff member."

When a plurality of types of errors are set, the CPU 82a executes error voice notification for notifying the error with the highest priority. The configuration is not limited to this, and the CPU 82a may have a configuration in which, when a plurality of types of errors are set, the error voice notification is executed while switching in order. When the error setting is canceled, the CPU 82a controls the notification audio unit 13 so as to end the error audio notification indicating the error for which the setting has been canceled.

As an example, the CPU 82a does not set the ball-out state as a notification target of the notification sound unit 13. FIG. Not limited to this, the CPU 82a may make the notification voice unit 13 to notify the state of the ball being pulled out. As an example, the error sound output by the notification sound unit 13 includes information that can specifically identify that the ball is being pulled out, such as the voice of a person who reads out the character string "The ball is being pulled out." It's okay. As an example, the error sound output by the notification sound unit 13 may not include information that can specifically specify that the ball is in the empty state, such as predetermined music or sound effects.

The multiple types of errors include a first type error that can be detected as a confirmation interval other than during the ball extraction state, and a second type error that is detected as a confirmation interval during the ball extraction state and other than the ball extraction state. As an example, the type 1 error is an illegal radio wave detection error, supply entrance sensor abnormality error, discharge ball passage abnormality error, circulating ball count error, circulating ball count error, winning ball count error, and door opening error. . As an example, the type 2 error is an intra-game machine communication abnormality error. A type 1 error is not detected during a ball-draw condition and may be detected outside of a ball-draw condition. A type 2 error can be detected in the ball-draw state as well as other than during the ball-draw state.

Next, the operation when shooting a game ball will be described.
The shooting and supply of game balls are realized by a combination of control of the supply section 61 by the frame control board 82 (CPU 80a) and control of the shooting section 65 by the shooting control board 83 (shooting control circuit 83a). A series of operations (hereinafter referred to as a shooting sequence) executed by the shooting control circuit 83a to shoot a game ball and processing of the frame control board 82 will be described in detail below.

The operation of the firing control board 83 (the firing control circuit 83a) will be described.
The shooting control circuit 83a repeatedly executes the shooting sequence when the game ball shooting condition is satisfied. The shooting condition of the game ball is established when all the first to fourth conditions are satisfied. The first condition is satisfied by being in a shooting permission state in which shooting of game balls is permitted. The second condition is satisfied by being in a contact detection state in which the touch signal is turned on and contact with the firing operation unit 15 is detected. The third condition is an operation detection state in which it is detected that the operation amount of the firing operation unit 15 (handle lever 15a) exceeds a predetermined amount due to the voltage of the volume signal exceeding the threshold. It is filled. The fourth condition is satisfied by a non-stop state in which an operation to stop the shooting of game balls is not detected because the stop signal is in an off state.

In the firing sequence, the firing control circuit 83a first waits for a prescribed time t1 (eg 37.5 ms). When the specified time t1 has passed, the firing control circuit 83a supplies the driving current to the firing solenoid 66a in response to the firing timing pulse. The firing control circuit 83a sets the firing intensity by referring to the voltage of the volume signal. The holding circuit of the firing control circuit 83a newly holds the voltage value of the volume signal at this time. The launch control circuit 83a outputs the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 82 at the timing of outputting the drive current. The firing control circuit 83a waits until a specified time t2 (562.5 ms as an example) elapses after outputting the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a. As described above, one firing sequence is completed.

The firing control circuit 83a determines whether or not the firing conditions are satisfied at the point in time when the specified time t2 has passed since the drive current was output to the firing solenoid 66a (hereinafter referred to as the determination point T0). They behave differently. The determination time T0 can also be said to be the time when one firing sequence ends. At the determination time T0, if the firing conditions are satisfied, the firing control circuit 83a starts a new firing sequence. Decision time T0 arrives each time the firing sequence ends. Therefore, the shooting sequence is repeatedly executed when the game ball shooting condition is satisfied. Thereby, the shooting period of the game ball is equal to the sum of the prescribed time t1 and the prescribed time t2. As an example, the firing period is 600 ms.

On the other hand, when the firing condition is not satisfied at the determination time T0, the firing control circuit 83a executes the blank firing sequence. In the blank firing sequence, the firing control circuit 83a first waits for a specified time t1. When the specified time t1 has passed, the firing control circuit 83a supplies the driving current to the firing solenoid 66a in response to the firing timing pulse. The voltage of the driving current at this time is a voltage corresponding to the voltage of the volume signal held in the holding circuit of the firing control circuit 83a. Also, the holding circuit of the firing control circuit 83a newly holds the voltage value of the volume signal at this time. The firing control circuit 83a does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 82 even if the driving current is supplied to the firing solenoid 66a. The firing control circuit 83a waits until a specified time t2 elapses after outputting the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a. As described above, one blank firing sequence is completed.

The firing control circuit 83a determines whether or not the firing conditions are satisfied at a point in time (hereinafter referred to as a determination time point T1) after a specified time t2 has passed since the drive current was output to the firing solenoid 66a as a blank firing sequence. , the subsequent behavior is different. The determination time T1 can also be said to be the time when one blank firing sequence ends. At determination time T1, if the firing conditions are satisfied, the firing control circuit 83a starts the firing sequence described above. On the other hand, when the firing condition is not satisfied at the determination time T1, the firing control circuit 83a executes the second blank firing sequence. In the second blank firing sequence as well, the firing control circuit 83a outputs the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a, but does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board .

The firing control circuit 83a operates differently depending on whether or not the firing conditions are satisfied at the time when the second blank firing sequence is completed (hereinafter referred to as determination time T2). At determination time T2, if the firing condition is satisfied, the firing control circuit 83a starts the firing sequence described above. On the other hand, when the firing condition is not satisfied at the determination time T2, the firing control circuit 83a does not execute the blank firing sequence and does not execute the firing sequence. That is, the firing control circuit 83a does not output the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a and does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 82.

Control of the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) will be described.
When the subtraction reference signal is turned on, the CPU 82a waits for the specified time t2a. The specified time t2a is a time (16 ms as an example) equal to the driving time of the firing solenoid 66a. Next, the CPU 82a supplies a drive current to the supply solenoid 63b to drive the supply solenoid 63b. That is, the movable piece 63a performs one supply operation. When the movable piece 63a performs one supply operation, the leading game ball among the game balls K lined up in a row in the entrance side passage 62a is discharged to the exit side passage 62b.

As noted above, the subtracted reference signal is output when a firing sequence is performed. The subtraction reference signal is not output even if the blank firing sequence is executed. That is, when the launching unit 65 performs two blank shots due to the failure of the game ball launching condition, the game ball is not supplied to the launching unit 65 . Therefore, in the pachinko game machine 10, it is suppressed that the game ball remains at the hitting position 67 when the shooting condition for the game ball is no longer satisfied. In other words, when the shooting condition is no longer satisfied, the game ball does not exist on the downstream side of the ejection mechanism 63 in principle.

A ball extraction operation in the pachinko game machine 10 will be described.
It is preferable to perform the ball removing operation in the ball removing state. In the state where the ball is pulled out, the type 1 error that can be detected when the ball is not pulled out is not detected, the type 1 error is not set, and the type 1 error is not notified. In other words, the ball-unloaded state can be said to be a state in which the various sensors used for error detection are disabled or a state in which the detection results of the various sensors are not accepted except during the ball-unloaded state.

As described above, the collecting mechanism 30 is configured by combining downwardly extending passages or downwardly sloping passages. In other words, the winning path 31, the non-winning path 32, the foul path 33, the merging path 35, and the supply path 37 are all paths that extend downward or slope downward. Therefore, when a game ball is received from the game board 20 into one of the receiving openings 30a to 30c, it can flow down the passage due to the action of gravity and finally reach the transport section 52. Adjacent to the supply passage 37, a portion where a game ball can be detected by the transport entrance sensor D28 and the first ball extracting portion 71 are arranged in this order upstream of the transport portion 52. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the game ball passes through the portion that can be detected by the transport inlet sensor D28 and the first ball extraction portion 71 in this order.

Suppose that the lever (not shown) of the first ball extracting portion 71 is operated to displace the opening/closing piece 71c to the open position in the ball extracting state. The ball extraction hole 71b is opened in the first connecting portion 71a. As a result, the game ball in the first connection portion 71a is discharged out of the machine through the ball extraction hole 71b. In addition, in the first ball extraction portion 71, as the game balls are sequentially discharged from the ball extraction hole 71b to the outside of the machine, the game balls in the passages 31 to 33, 35, and 37 constituting the recovery mechanism 30 are Move forward toward the transport section 52 . Finally, all the game balls in the passages 31 to 33, 35, 37 are ejected out of the machine through the open ball extraction hole 71b.

It is also assumed that the lever (not shown) of the second ball extractor 72 is operated to displace the opening/closing piece 72c to the open position. The ball extraction hole 72b is opened in the second connecting portion 72a. As a result, the game ball in the second connection portion 72a is discharged to the ball extraction passage 73 from the ball extraction hole 72b. In addition, in the second connection portion 72a, as the game ball is discharged from the ball extraction hole 72b to the ball extraction passage 73 in order, the game ball in the entrance side passage 62a advances toward the second connection portion 72a. do. In addition, in the ball extraction state, the conveying section 52 is driven. In other words, the game ball inside the transport section 52 is discharged to the entrance side passage 62a and further advances toward the second connection section 72a. Then, the game ball that has reached the second connection portion 72a flows into the ball extraction passage 73 from the ball extraction hole 72b.

The ball extraction passage 73 is configured by combining passages extending downward or passages inclined downward. Therefore, when the game ball flows into the ball extraction passage 73 , it passes through the ball extraction passage 73 and reaches the first ball extraction portion 71 . The game ball is ejected out of the machine from the ball extraction hole 71b if the ball extraction hole 71b is in an open state. Finally, the game balls in the circulation mechanism 50 and the shooting mechanism 60 are discharged out of the machine from the second connection portion 72a via the ball extraction passage 73 and the first ball extraction portion 71.

As described above, when the shooting conditions for the game ball are no longer satisfied, the idle-hit sequence is executed. The game ball does not remain at the hitting position 67 by executing the blank hitting sequence. That is, after the power is turned on, the game ball does not exist on the downstream side of the ejecting mechanism 63 in the situation where the ball extraction state is started. Therefore, when ball extraction is executed according to the procedure described above, all game balls enclosed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 can be discharged to the outside of the machine. This does not require the action of the launching portion 65 to launch the game ball. Therefore, the game balls can be ejected from the circulation mechanism 29 formed in the frame 11 even when the game board 20 is not attached to the frame 11 .

Here, in the shooting permission state, the management unit 100 and the pachinko game machine 10 are normally connected, no specific error (eg, door open error) has occurred in the game control board 80, and This is a state in which a specific error (supply entrance sensor abnormality error as an example) has not occurred in the frame control board 82 . The firing prohibited state means that the management unit 100 and the pachinko game machine 10 are not properly connected, that a specific error has occurred in the game control board 80, and that a specific error has occurred in the frame control board 82. occurring, one or more of which are occurring. It should be noted that even if the same door open error occurs, if the second door open signal is input, it does not correspond to the above-mentioned specific error, and depending on the occurrence, the firing prohibition state may not occur.

A permit-to-fire condition can occur even in a ball-out condition if the above necessary conditions are met. That is, even if the ball is pulled out, the shooting condition for the game ball can be satisfied. Therefore, even if the game ball remains at the hitting position 67, it can be shot to the game area 20a by operating the shooting operation unit 15. FIG. The game balls shot to the game area 20a are discharged out of the machine via the collection mechanism 30. - 特許庁It should be noted that, when an intra-game machine communication abnormality error occurs, the configuration may be such that the shooting prohibited state is set instead of the shooting permitted state. For example, when the game board 20 is not assembled to the frame 11, it may be in a shooting prohibited state so that the game ball cannot be shot.

The administrator or the like of the pachinko gaming machine 10 can perform maintenance such as replacement work of the maintenance unit 55 when ball extraction is completed in the ball extraction state. After the maintenance work is completed, the manager or the like should allow the game balls to flow into the distribution mechanism 29 from the receiving ports 30a to 30c. Then, the pachinko game machine 10 can be activated by turning off the power of the pachinko game machine 10 and then turning it on again.

An error detection process executed by the game control board 80 (CPU 80a) will be described.
Errors that can be detected by the game control board 80 include at least a door open error in addition to the above-described in-game machine communication abnormality error. Errors that can be detected by the CPU 80a may include unauthorized radio wave detection errors and magnetic errors. This error detection process is one of the board-side normal processes.

When the CPU 80a receives the first door opening signal and the second door opening signal from the frame control board 82, the CPU 80a causes the RAM 80c to store a flag capable of identifying the occurrence of the door opening error. That is, the CPU 80a sets a door open error that the mounting frame 11b and the protection frame 11c are in the open state. When the CPU 80a sets the door open error, it outputs to the effect control board 81 control information that can specify the occurrence of the door open error (hereinafter referred to as a door open error occurrence command). When the CPU 80a stops inputting the first door opening signal and the second door opening signal, the CPU 80a cancels the setting of the door opening error. When the setting of the door opening error is canceled, the CPU 80a outputs to the effect control board 81 control information (hereinafter, referred to as a door opening error cancellation command) capable of specifying the cancellation of the door opening error.

In addition, the CPU 80a controls the shooting of game balls while setting a predetermined error (for example, the door is open) among a plurality of types of errors. The CPU 80a outputs a firing stop signal to the frame control board 82 (fire permitting circuit 82m) when a door open error occurs. That is, the firing stop signal is turned on. When the firing stop signal is input to the firing permission circuit 82m, the firing permission signal to the firing control board 83 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.

An error notification process executed by the effect control board 81 (CPU 81a) will be described.
When the door opening error generation command is input, the CPU 81a controls a part or all of the effect section that constitutes the effect device ES, and causes the door opening error notification to be executed. 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 person's voice reading out the character string "The door is open", from the production voice unit 12.例文帳に追加As an example, the door open error notification is executed by causing the effect light emitting unit 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 unit 19, such as a character string of "The door is open." When the CPU 81a specifies that all the door open errors have been resolved (both the mounting frame 11b and the protective frame 11c are closed) by inputting the door open error resolution command, the CPU 81a terminates the door open error notification. Then, the effect device ES is controlled.

When the CPU 81a inputs the intra-game-machine communication abnormality command, the CPU 81a controls part or all of the effect section constituting the effect device ES, and causes the intra-game-machine communication abnormality error notification to be executed. As an example, the in-game-machine communication abnormality error notification is a mode in which a voice that can identify the occurrence of an in-game-machine communication abnormality error, such as the voice of a person who reads out the character string "Communication abnormality has occurred", is output from the effect sound unit 12. is executed in As an example, the in-game-machine communication abnormality error notification is executed by causing the effect light-emitting section 14 to emit light in a light-emission pattern dedicated to the in-game-machine communication abnormality error. As an example, the in-game-machine communication abnormality error notification is executed by displaying an image that can identify the occurrence of an in-game-machine communication abnormality error, such as a character string “Communication abnormality has occurred!”, on the effect display section 19 . It should be noted that the setting of the in-game machine communication abnormality error in the game control board 80 is not canceled until the power is restored after the power is cut off. That is, the CPU 81a controls the effect device 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.

When the CPU 81a inputs the ball-draw start command, the CPU 81a controls a part or all of the effect section that constitutes the effect device ES, and causes the ball-draw state notification to be executed. As an example, the notification of the ball emptying state is performed by producing a voice that can specify the transition to the ball emptying state, such as the voice of a person who reads out the character string "Ball emptying will start" or "Ball emptying state". is executed in the form of outputting from The ball-drawing state notification by the effect sound unit 12 is executed for a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) after the ball-drawing state is started in response to the start of the ball-drawing state. Not limited to this, the ball drawn state notification by the effect sound unit 12 may be executed over a period from the start of the ball drawn state to the end of the ball drawn state according to the state of the ball drawn state.

As an example, the ball-out state notification is executed in a manner in which the effect light emitting unit 14 emits light in a light emission pattern dedicated to the ball-out state. The effect light emitting unit 14 may notify the player that the ball is being pulled out, depending on whether the ball is being pulled out. Not limited to this, the ball drawing state notification by the effect light emitting unit 14 may be executed for a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) after the ball drawing state is started in response to the start of the ball drawing state. .

As an example, the ball-draw state notification may be performed by displaying an image that can identify the transition to the ball-draw state, such as a character string such as “Ball drawing will start” or “Ball drawing state”, on the effect display unit 19. is executed. The effect display unit 19 may notify the player that the ball is being pulled out, depending on whether the ball is being pulled out. Not limited to this, the effect display unit 19 may notify the ball-draw state for a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds) after the ball-draw state is started in response to the start of the ball-draw state. . The notification of the state of the empty ball may be executed by combining one or more of the effect sound unit 12, the effect light emitting unit 14, and the effect display unit 19, which can be arbitrarily selected.

When the CPU 81a inputs the ball removal completion command, the CPU 81a controls part or all of the effect section that constitutes the effect device ES, and causes the ball removal completion notification to be executed. As an example, the notification of completion of ball removal is executed by outputting a voice that can specify that the ball has been removed, such as the voice of a person who reads out the character string "Ball removal is completed", from the production sound unit 12. be done. As an example, the notification of the completion of ball removal is executed in a manner in which the effect light emitting section 14 emits light in a light emission pattern dedicated to the notification of the completion of ball removal. As an example, the notification of completion of ball removal is executed by displaying an image capable of identifying the completion of ball removal on the effect display section 19, such as a character string "Ball removal is completed". It can be said that the ball removal completion notification is executed in response to the ball removal state.

When the ball removal completion command is input, the CPU 81a may preferentially execute the ball removal completion notification in a given effect section when the ball removal state notification is being executed in a certain effect section. The state notification may be preferentially executed. It should be noted that the setting of the ball extraction state in the game control board 80 is not canceled even if the ball extraction is completed. The setting of the ball extraction state is not canceled until the power is restored after the power is cut off. The effect device ES is an example of a notification unit capable of executing a predetermined notification. The ball-draw state notification and the ball-draw-completion notification are examples of status reports related to the ball-draw state.

It should be noted that error notification is executed under the control of the CPU 81a for all or part of the error states exemplified in FIG. You may do so. In other words, the CPU 82a of the frame control board 82 is in various error states such as an illegal radio wave detection error, an abnormal supply entrance sensor error, an abnormal discharge ball passage error, an insufficient number of circulating balls error, an excessive number of circulating balls error, and an abnormal number of winning balls error. is set, a command that is control information that can specify these error states is output to the game control board 80. Also, the CPU 80 a of the game control board 80 outputs to the effect control board 81 a command that can specify the input error state. And CPU81a of the production|presentation control board 81 controls a part or all of the production|presentation part which comprises the production|presentation apparatus ES according to the command which can specify the input error state, and performs error notification.

As an example, the notification of the abnormal error in the number of winning balls is output from the production audio unit 12 with a voice that can identify the occurrence of the abnormal error in the number of winning balls, such as the voice of a person who reads out the character string "An abnormality in the number of winning balls has occurred." It is executed in a manner that As an example, the notification of the abnormal number of winning balls error is performed by causing the effect light emitting section 14 to emit light in a lighting pattern dedicated to the abnormal number of winning balls error. As an example, the notification of the abnormal error in the number of winning balls is executed by displaying an image that can identify the occurrence of the abnormal 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 ball extraction state in which the game balls inside the machine can be ejected to the outside of the machine cannot be shifted unless the ball extraction switch 82e is operated during a predetermined operation valid period. For this reason, it becomes difficult to remove the ball by illegal means compared to a configuration in which no limitation is imposed on the period during which the ball removal switch 82e is operated. In conjunction with this, the effect device ES and the like perform the status notification regarding the ball drawing state. Therefore, the manager of the gaming machine easily notices that the balls are being pulled out. Therefore, security can be enhanced.

(2) The operation validity period can be set for a predetermined period after power-on. In principle, the predetermined period after the power is turned on is before the opening of the game arcade, so it is difficult for a player who intends to commit fraud to remove the ball.

(3) The frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) completes ball extraction when the transport entrance sensor D28 no longer detects the game ball collected from the game area 20a or when the transport motor 52a stops. identify that Therefore, it is suppressed to specify that the ball removal is completed even though the game ball remains inside the machine.

(4) The frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) stops the transport motor 52a when the specified time passes without the transport entrance sensor D28 detecting the game ball. Therefore, it is possible to associate the fact that the game ball is no longer collected from the game area, the stoppage of the transport motor, and the specification of completion of ball removal.

(5) There is a high possibility that the player is playing a game when the second managed ball number information generating process is executed. In such a case, even if the ball removal switch 82e is operated, the state is not changed to the ball removal state.

(6) The error setting process (detection control) is limited in the state of ball extraction. To suppress the erroneous detection of a predetermined error during ball extraction. Therefore, ball extraction can be performed smoothly.

(7) Communication between the frame control board 82 and the management unit 100 is restricted in the ball-extracted state. Thereby, it is possible to suppress erroneous communication corresponding to a state in which the game balls are insufficient when the ball is being pulled out. Therefore, ball extraction can be performed smoothly.

(8) By operating the launching unit 65 in the ball extraction state, the game ball can be easily ejected.
(9) The game ball can be ejected without operating the shooting part 65 in the ball extraction state. That is, regardless of whether or not the game board 20 is assembled, the ball can be removed.

(10) It is possible to clearly distinguish between the first scene in which the ball is pulled out and the second scene in which the operation of the counting operation section 18 and the process of generating the second managed ball number information are performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the number of balls from being unintentionally affected by ball removal.

(11) If the ball removal switch 82e is operated during the effective period of operation, even if the number of game balls inside the machine is zero or less than a predetermined number, it is possible to shift to the ball removal state. Therefore, it is possible to provide the manager of the gaming machine with easy-to-understand operability.

(12) The occurrence of an error 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.

(13) The detection result of the 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 unit 65 (the number of game balls converted into real balls). 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 is possible to detect whether or not the game ball shot by the shooting section 65 has returned after being used in a game. Then, when it is detected that the game ball shot by the shooting part 65 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. The pachinko game machine 10 can detect whether or not game balls are accumulated and execute error notification. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to the resolution of troubles related to shooting game balls.

(14) In the ball-out state, error notification regarding 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.

(15) If an error state related to abnormal balls is detected while the error state related to the stacking of game balls has not been 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.

(16) The error notification of the error state regarding the accumulation of game balls is executed with priority over the error notification of the error state regarding the abnormal ball. The phenomenon that abnormal balls are mixed in has a strong intentional element. However, considering the player's benefit, it is preferable to quickly eliminate the accumulation of game balls that can naturally occur. 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.

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.

・Even if a predetermined error including an insufficient number of circulating balls occurs, as long as the necessary power is supplied and the second number of managed balls PB is not 0, it can be counted. good. As an example, when the ball is pulled out in the ball pulled state, the power supply of the pachinko game machine 10 is cut off without replenishing the game balls, and then the power is turned off without operating the ball pulling switch 82e. is re-entered. In this case, the pachinko gaming machine 10 does not shift to the ball-out state, and the circulating-balls-shortage error is detected, so the notification of the circulating-balls-shortage error is executed. In this modified example, even in such a case, the counting operation using the counting operation unit 18 is possible because the counting is possible.

- In the effect device ES, the situation notification regarding the ball-draw state may be executed in response to the end of the ball-draw state. As an example, when the ball drawn state is canceled by turning on the power again, the effect device ES may be configured to execute the ball drawn state end notification. The notification of the end of the ball-drawn state is preferably executed in such a manner that a voice that can specify the end of the ball-drawn state is output from the effect sound unit 12 . As an example, the notification of the end of the ball-drawn state may be executed in such a manner that the effect light-emitting section 14 emits light in a light emission pattern dedicated to the notification of the end of the ball-drawn state. As an example, the notification of the end of the ball-draw state displays an image that can identify the end of the ball-draw state, such as a character string such as "ball has been pulled out" or "ball has been pulled out", on the effect display section 19. It should be executed in a manner that In this way, the effect device ES notifies the status of the ball-drawn state in response to at least one of the start of the ball-drawn state, the ball-drawn state, and the end of the ball-drawn state. should be executed.

The start timing of the error notification on the performance display monitor 82d and the error notification on the second ball number display section 17 may be different. For example, the second number-of-balls display unit 17 may be configured to start error notification earlier than the performance display monitor 82d. 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 82 d may be configured to start error notification earlier than the second pitch number display section 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.

The timing of starting the display of the error code on the second number-of-balls display unit 17 and the performance display monitor 82d may be the same or substantially the same timing as the timing of starting the error notification in the effect device ES. Further, the timing of starting the display of the error code on the second number-of-balls display section 17 and the performance display monitor 82d may be earlier than the timing of starting the error notification in the effect device ES.

- The error notification may be performed on the second ball number display unit 17, while the error notification may not be performed on the performance display monitor 82d. Also, in place of or in addition to the second number-of-balls display unit 17 and the performance display monitor 82d, 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.

・The abnormal error in the number of prize-winning balls may be judged to have occurred when the state in which the difference number exceeds the number for judging an error state is maintained for a predetermined elapsed time. Note that the measurement of time is also included in counting the predetermined number.

The difference number for judging the abnormal number of winning balls may be a number obtained by subtracting only out balls from the number of shot balls Pd. 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, in the case of a pachinko machine 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 is determined based on the number of shot balls Pd and out balls. good too.

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.

- 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.
· The out sensor D30 may be provided on the game board 20 or may be provided on the frame 11 .

- The CPU 82a or CPU 80a may determine whether or not an error state has occurred even during the ball extraction state, and may cause an error notification to be executed when an error state has occurred. 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.

- When multiple error states are set and error notification is to be executed according to priority, the error notification for the error state with the highest priority may be executed, and the error notification for the other error states may not be executed. . Another example of this is a configuration in which an error notification is executed only in one of a plurality of error states.

- When multiple error states are set and error notification is to be executed according to the priority, if the error notification means are the same, the error notification for the error state with the highest priority will be executed by that means. , and other error conditions may be notified by other means. Further, for example, if the error notification means is a means such as the second ball number display unit 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.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a specification that provides a high probability state until the next big win game, a specification that provides a high probability state until the falling lottery is won (so-called falling machine), or until the specified number of variable games are completed. A specification that gives a high probability state (so-called ST machine) can be adopted. The pachinko game machine 10 can adopt a specification (so-called V probability changer) that provides a high probability state on 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.

- As a winning lottery for special symbols, in addition to a 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.

- The pachinko machine 10 may adopt a specification classified into the second type, which is also called "feather type" or "airplane type". 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.

- The CPU 80a, ROM 80b, RAM 80c, and random number generation circuit 80d may be configured in one chip.
- The specific configuration of the game board 20 may be changed arbitrarily.

The effect control board 81 is used as a sub-integrated control board, and a display control board that exclusively controls the effect display unit 19, a light emission control board that exclusively controls the effect light emitting unit 14, and the effect sound unit 12 are provided separately from the effect control board 81. A dedicated control sound control board 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 80a and the CPU 81a may be mounted on a single substrate. 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.

・Although the game machine is configured to circulate all of a predetermined amount of game media (game balls as an example), this is not limiting, and some or all of the game media can be exchanged for game media outside the game machine. It may be a configuration.

The determination of the non-playing state, which is included in the detection conditions for the circulating ball count error, may be determined based on another criterion. For example, the CPU 80a of the game control board 80 outputs a command for directing a demonstration effect to the effect control board 81. FIG. 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 82, the CPU 82a of the frame control board 82 can operate in a non-game state based on the command and the supply entrance signal from the supply entrance sensor D22. 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 magnet devices such as magnets and wires that do not correspond to game media that are normally used in the pachinko gaming 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 37 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 from the shooting part 65, and even if it is shot, it will move in the same way as a game ball with no dents or scratches in the game area 20a. is unknown, it is preferable not to use it.

- The circulation mechanism 29 is entirely formed on the mounting frame 11b, but may be partially formed on the game board 20. - 特許庁That is, the game board 20 may form part of the distribution mechanism 29 .
Next, technical ideas that can be grasped from the above embodiment and another example will be added below.

(1) In a circulation-type game machine that circulates game balls inside the machine, a ball removal operation unit that is operated when generating a ball removal state that allows game balls inside the machine to be discharged outside the machine, and various and a notification unit capable of executing a predetermined notification, and the ball extraction state can be shifted when the ball extraction operation unit is operated during a predetermined operation valid period. and the notifying unit displays the status of the ball-drawn state in response to at least one of the start of the ball-drawn state, the ball-drawn state, and the end of the ball-drawn state. Notification is performed.

(2) The control unit is capable of executing detection control for detecting a predetermined error based on the detection result of the game ball by the one or more detection units, and the detection control is performed when the ball is pulled out. should be restricted to

(3) The control section may communicate with an external unit according to the progress of the game, and communication with the external unit may be restricted when the ball is in the state of drawing out the ball.
(4) It is preferable that a shooting unit that shoots a game ball toward the game area is provided, and that the shooting unit is operable in the ball extraction state.

D28... Conveyance entrance sensor ES... Effect device 10... Pachinko game machine 12... Effect sound part 14... Effect light emitting part 17... Second ball number display part 19... Effect display part 20... Game board 20a... Game area 65... Launch part 52a Drive motor 80 Game control board 81 Effect control board 82 Frame control board 82a CPU 82d Performance display monitor 82e Ball extraction switch 83 Launch control board

Claims (5)

In a circulation type game machine that circulates game balls inside the machine,
a ball removal operation unit operated when generating a ball removal state in which game balls inside the machine can be discharged to the outside of the machine;
a control unit capable of executing various controls;
A notification unit capable of executing a predetermined notification,
The ball-draw state can be shifted to when the ball-draw operation unit is operated during a predetermined operation valid period,
The notification unit notifies the status of the ball-drawn state in response to at least one of the start of the ball-drawn state, the ball-drawn state, and the end of the ball-drawn state. is executed and
A game machine characterized in that it is possible to shift to the ball-out state even if the number of game balls inside the machine is zero or less than a predetermined number. 2. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein said operation valid period can be set for a predetermined period after power-on. a launching unit for launching game balls toward the game area;
a transport motor for transporting game balls collected from the game area;
and one or more detection units that detect game balls,
The control unit specifies that the ball removal is completed based on the fact that the one or more detection units no longer detect the game balls collected from the game area or the stop of the transport motor. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or claim 2. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the control section stops the conveying motor when a specified time has elapsed without the one or more detecting sections detecting a game ball collected from the game area. The control unit can execute possession ball management control for managing the number of balls possessed by the player,
5. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the ball management control is executed, the game machine does not shift to the ball-draw state even if the ball-draw operation unit is operated.

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