JP2023061768A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To enable an easy treatment according to an error.SOLUTION: As a circulation type game machine which allows a game ball to circulate inside thereof, includes a frame control board which can execute a control related to own balls of a player, a game control board which can bi-directionally communicate with the frame control board and can execute a control related to a progress of a game, and a plurality of notification parts. The frame control board can detect, as a communication error within a management game machine, that there is an error in the communication with the game control board. The game control board can detect, as a communication line interruption error, that there is an error in the communication with the frame control board. A notification of the communication error within the management game machine is executed on a performance display monitor of the plurality of notification parts, while a notification of the communication line interruption error is executed on a performance display part, a performance sound part, and a performance light emission part of the plurality of notification parts different from the performance display monitor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

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). In the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Literature 1, when a game ball is shot into the game area, it is stored in the storage device after flowing down the game area. The game balls stored in the storage device flow down the game area again by being shot into the game area. Also, the balls held by the player are electronically managed by the game control microcomputer. This eliminates the need for a mechanism for paying out game balls. Furthermore, since the game ball cannot be touched by the player, it is hard to get dirty.

JP 2021-78753 A

Since the recycling game machine has a different configuration from that of the non-recycling game machine, the errors that need to be detected and the details of the countermeasures are also different from those of the non-recycling game machine.

A game machine that solves the above problems is a circulation-type game machine that circulates game balls inside the machine. A second control unit capable of communicating and capable of executing control related to the progress of a game; and a plurality of notification units, wherein the first control unit communicates with the second control unit An abnormality in communication can be detected as a first communication error, the second control unit can detect an abnormality in communication with the first control unit as a second communication error, Notification of one communication error is performed by a first notification unit among the plurality of notification units, while notification of the second communication error is performed by a second notification unit different from the first notification unit among the plurality of notification units. The gist is that it is executed in the notification unit.

The gaming machine is provided with a third control unit, and the second control unit and the third control unit are configured to be able to perform unidirectional communication from the second control unit to the third control unit. Preferably, the first notification unit is controlled by the first control unit, and the second notification unit is controlled by the third control unit.

With respect to the gaming machine, the first control unit can detect occurrence of a specific event as a specific event error, and the specific event is predetermined for communication between the first control unit and the second control unit. and the notification of the specific event error may be given priority over the notification of the first communication error by the first notification unit.

With respect to the game machine, the first control unit can detect as a third communication error that there is an abnormality in communication different from communication with the second control unit, and the notification of the first communication error is In the first reporting unit, it is preferable to give priority to the reporting of the third communication error.

According to the present invention, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

It is a figure when a pachinko game machine and a management 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 provided. 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 provided. 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. 2 is a timing chart showing an example of communication between a game control board and a frame control board in the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1; 2 is a timing chart showing an example of communication between a frame control board in the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1 and a CU control board in the management unit of FIG. 1; FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the error which can be detected by the frame control board in the pachinko game machine of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the error which can be detected by the game control board in the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows an example of the aspect of error notification in the pachinko game machine of FIG.

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 bills 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 is an example of an external device outside the machine. The CU control board 120 is an example of a first device. The CU control board 120 includes a CPU 120a, a ROM 120b, and a RAM 120c. The CPU 120a performs predetermined control by executing a 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 to an external management device prepared separately from the pachinko gaming machine 10 and the management unit 100 . As an example, the external management equipment is installed in amusement arcades. As an example, the external management device (not shown) is a hall computer installed in a game arcade. As an example, the external management 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 the management unit 100 are preferably connected so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally.

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 lends information capable of specifying the lending of game balls corresponding to the specified amount. is stored in the RAM 120c. When the balance is 0, the CPU 120a does not store the lending information in the RAM 120c 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 lending of the predetermined number of game balls. Possible lending information is stored in the RAM 120c. When the first number of balls PA under management is 0, the CPU 120a does not store the payout signal in the RAM 120c even if the payout signal is input. In this way, the rental information can specify the number of rental 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 information that can specify the number of balls to be managed from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 . The counting information is periodically transmitted from the pachinko gaming machine 10, and becomes 0 if the counting operation section 18 described later in the pachinko gaming machine 10 is not operated. In other words, even if the CPU 120a receives the counting information from the pachinko gaming machine 10, it may not add it to the first number of managed balls PA. After transmitting the rental information to the pachinko gaming machine 10, the CPU 120a initializes the rental information stored in the RAM 120c to zero. The rental information output to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is an example of the first information.

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 gaming machine 10 is an example of a circulation-type gaming 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, the number of fired balls Pd, and the number of returned balls Pe. 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. The number of returned balls Pe is the number of game balls that have not reached the later-described game area 20a among the game balls shot by the player. The return ball number Pe can also be said to be the number of game balls that have not reached the game area 20a among the game balls that have been shot from the launching unit 65 toward the game area 20a. The return ball is a so-called "foul ball".

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 unit 12 is an example of a sound unit capable of outputting sound. 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 light emission notification) 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 conductive 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. As an example, 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 can execute a predetermined notification in a manner of displaying predetermined characters and numbers.

The pachinko game machine 10 has a counting operation section 18 . The counting operation section 18 is an example of an operation section that can be operated by the player. The counting operation unit 18 is operated mainly 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.

Here, an operation mode of the counting operation unit 18 will be described. In the following description, when the counting signal is indicated as ON, it means that the counting signal is being output. When the counting signal is indicated as OFF, it means that the counting signal is not output. The operation modes of the counting operation unit 18 include a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is an operation mode in which the operation time for the counting operation unit 18 is less than the predetermined time ta (eg, 500 ms). The operating time is the time from when the count signal is turned on until it is turned off. The first mode is a so-called "single-press operation". A second mode is an operation mode in which the operation time for the counting operation unit 18 is equal to or longer than the predetermined time ta. The second mode is a so-called "long press operation".

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 section 19 is an example of a display section 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 notification for displaying a predetermined image (hereinafter referred to as display notification).

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. The effect sound unit 12, the effect light emitting unit 14, and the effect display unit 19 are all examples of a notification unit capable of executing a predetermined notification, and are examples of a second notification unit. 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.

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 ports 23 and the out port 25 can be grasped as a discharge port for discharging game balls from the game area 20a or a collection port for collecting 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 game board 20 includes a main radio wave sensor D19 for detecting radio waves exceeding a predetermined intensity as abnormal radio waves. The number of main radio wave sensors D19 provided on the game board 20 may be one or plural. As an example, abnormal radio waves can have a predetermined effect on detection by various sensors and switches, such as erroneous detection by various sensors and switches. As an example, abnormal radio waves can have a certain effect on communication, such as causing interference in communication between two different devices. The occurrence of abnormal radio waves detected by the main radio wave sensor D19 is an example of occurrence of a specific event. The main radio wave sensor D19 is an example of a detection device capable of detecting the generation of abnormal radio waves, and is an example of a third device. The main radio wave sensor D19 outputs a radio wave detection signal when detecting an abnormal radio wave. The radio wave detection signal output by the main radio wave sensor D19 is an example of the third information. That is, the third information is information indicating the occurrence of abnormal radio waves.

The main radio wave sensor D19 can detect radio waves that can have a predetermined influence on detection by the first starting sensor D11. The main radio wave sensor D19 can detect radio waves that can have a predetermined influence on detection by the second starting sensor D12. The main radio wave sensor D19 can detect radio waves that can have a predetermined effect on detection by the count sensor D13. In other words, the third information is also information that can specify that it can have a predetermined influence on detection by the first start sensor D11, the second start sensor D12, and the count sensor D13. As an example, the main radio wave sensor D19 is provided in a portion adjacent to or close to the first start sensor D11, the second start sensor D12, or the count sensor D13. That is, the main radio wave sensor D19 is provided near the first start sensor D11, the second start sensor D12, or the count sensor D13. The main radio wave sensor D19 may be capable of detecting radio waves that may have a predetermined effect on detection by the normal sensor D14 and the gate sensor D15. In addition, the main radio wave sensor D19 can detect radio waves that can have a predetermined effect on communications between a plurality of different devices. For example, the main radio wave sensor D19 can detect radio waves that can have a predetermined effect on communication between the game control board 80 and the frame control board 82, which will be described later. 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 collection 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 conveyed 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 return ball) falling from the hitting passage 20c. A return ball is a game ball that has been shot by the shooting mechanism 60 but has not reached the game area 20a. The prize receiving port 30a, the non-winning receiving port 30b, and the foul receiving port 30c are an example of a recovery unit that recovers game balls shot toward 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 is provided with a foul sensor D21 for detecting a game ball (return ball) passing through the foul passage 33. - 特許庁The foul sensor D21 is an example of a return ball detection unit that detects a game ball that has not reached the game area 20a among the game balls launched toward the game area 20a as a return ball. An example. 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 includes an out sensor D30 that detects a game ball (effective ball) passing through the confluence passage 35. As shown in FIG. 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 out sensor D30 is an example of a valid ball detection section that detects a game ball that has reached the game area 20a among the game balls launched toward the game area 20a as an effective ball, and is an example of a second detection section. be. 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. It can be said that the out sensor D30 detects an out ball.

The mounting frame 11b includes a frame radio wave sensor D16 that detects radio waves exceeding a predetermined intensity as abnormal radio waves. The frame radio wave sensor D16 provided in the mounting frame 11b may be one or plural. The occurrence of an abnormal radio wave detected by the frame radio wave sensor D16 is an example of occurrence of a specific event. The frame radio wave sensor D16 is an example of a detection device capable of detecting the generation of abnormal radio waves, and is an example of a second device. Also, the frame radio wave sensor D16 is an example of a radio wave detection unit. The frame radio wave sensor D16 outputs a radio wave detection signal when detecting an abnormal radio wave. The radio wave detection signal output by the frame radio wave sensor D16 is an example of the second information. That is, the second information is information indicating the occurrence of abnormal radio waves.

The frame radio wave sensor D16 can detect radio waves that can have a predetermined effect on detection by the foul sensor D21. The frame radio wave sensor D16 can detect radio waves that can have a predetermined influence on detection by the out sensor D30. In other words, the second information is also information that can specify that it can have a predetermined influence on detection by the foul sensor D21 and the out sensor D30. As an example, the frame radio wave sensor D16 is provided in a portion adjacent to or close to the foul sensor D21 or the out sensor D30. That is, the frame radio wave sensor D16 is provided near the foul sensor D21 or the out sensor D30. In addition, the frame radio wave sensor D16 can detect radio waves that can have a predetermined effect on communication between two different devices. For example, the frame radio wave sensor D16 can detect radio waves that can have a predetermined effect on communication between the game control board 80 and the frame control board 82, which will be described later. Also, for example, the frame radio wave sensor D16 can detect radio waves that can have a predetermined influence on communication between the frame control board 82 and the CU control board 120, which will be described later. Note that the frame radio wave sensor D16 may be capable of detecting radio waves that can have a predetermined effect on detection by the first start sensor D11, the second start sensor D12, the count sensor D13, the normal sensor D14, and the gate sensor D15. . Similarly, the main radio wave sensor D19 may be capable of detecting radio waves that may have a predetermined effect on detection by the foul sensor D21 and the out sensor D30.

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 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 is an example of a supply mechanism. 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. That is, the supply unit 61 supplies the game balls collected by the collection unit from the game area 20a to the shooting unit 65 . The shooting unit 65 shoots 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 D<b>22 is an example of an inlet-side ball detection section on the inlet side of the supply section 61 . 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 an example of an outlet-side ball detection section on the outlet side of the supply section 61, and is an example of a first detection section. 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 return ball and flows into the foul passage 33 from the foul receiving 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 established. 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 game control board 80 is an example of a second control section capable of executing predetermined control. The effect control board 81 is an example of a third control section capable of executing predetermined control. The frame control board 82 is an example of a control section capable of executing predetermined control, and is an example of a first control section. The plurality of control boards are provided at positions that cannot be accessed or visually recognized unless a locking device (not shown) is unlocked to open the mounting frame 11b.

The game control board 80 and the effect control board 81 are connected so as to be able to communicate in one direction from the game control board 80 to the effect control board 81 . The game control board 80 executes predetermined control and outputs control information to the effect control board 81 . For example, control information is a signal, a command, or a message. The effect control board 81 executes predetermined control based on 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 able to communicate bidirectionally. The game control board 80 executes predetermined control and outputs control information to the frame control board 82 . The frame control board 82 executes predetermined control and outputs control information to the game control board 80 . The frame control board 82 and the launch control board 83 are connected so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally. The frame control board 82 executes predetermined control and outputs control information to the firing control board 83 . The launch control board 83 outputs control information to the frame control board 82 .

The frame control board 82 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 and the CU control board 120 of the management unit 100 are connected via a connection terminal board 98 provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally. be. The connection terminal board 98 is an example of an external input section capable of receiving (inputting) control information from the CU control board 120 outside the machine, and an example of an external output section capable of transmitting (outputting) control information to the CU control board 120. is. The frame control board 82 executes predetermined control and outputs control information to the CU control board 120 . The CU control board 120 executes predetermined control and outputs control information to the frame control board 82 .

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 controls 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 by communication lines. 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 the main radio wave sensor D19 by a communication line. The CPU 80a can receive radio wave detection signals from the main radio wave sensor D19. The game control board 80 includes a connector (not shown) that connects the communication lines connected to these sensors to the game control board 80 . The connector that connects the game control board 80 to the communication line that connects the game control board 80 and each sensor is an example of an internal input unit that can input the radio wave detection signal from the main radio wave sensor D19. Each sensor is energized by being connected to the game control board 80 by a communication line. Each sensor is not energized unless it is connected to the game control board 80 by a communication line. The CPU 80a can detect whether or not each sensor is energized. Thereby, the CPU 80a can identify whether or not the communication line connecting the game control board 80 and each sensor is disconnected. 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 ROM 81b also stores display notification data used for display notification, light emission notification data used for light emission notification, and sound notification data used for sound notification. 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. Thus, the effect display unit 19, the effect sound unit 12, and the effect light emitting unit 14 are controlled by the effect control board 81 (CPU 81a).

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.

As an example, the performance display monitor 82d 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 performance display monitor 82d is an example of a notification unit capable of executing a predetermined notification in a mode of displaying predetermined characters and numbers, and is an example of a first notification unit. 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 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 an operation unit that can be operated to cancel the setting of the error after the cause of the error is eliminated 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 an operation unit that can be operated to initialize the second managed ball number PB (hereinafter referred to as second managed ball number information) stored as data in the RAM 82c to zero. The game ball clear switch 82g outputs a game ball clear signal when a push operation is performed. A pressing operation is an example of a predetermined mode of operation. 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.

All information stored in the RAM 80c is to be backed up. As an example, 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.

All information stored in the RAM 82c is to be backed up. As an example, 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 CPU 82a can specify which of the "single-pressing operation" and the "long-pressing operation" the operation mode of the counting operation unit 18 is according to the input counting signal. The frame control board 82 includes a frame 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 ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 are connected by a communication line. In addition, the frame control board 82 is connected to the transport entrance sensor D28, the transport exit sensor D29, and the out sensor D30 by communication lines. The CPU 82a receives radio wave detection 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. A signal, a transport entrance signal, a transport exit signal, and an out signal can be input. The frame control board 82 has a connector (not shown) that connects communication lines connected to these sensors and switches to the frame control board 82 . The connector that connects the communication line that connects the frame control board 82 and each sensor and each switch to the game control board 80 is an example of an internal input section that can input signals from each sensor and each switch. Each sensor and each switch is energized by being connected to the frame control board 82 by a communication line. Each sensor and each switch is not energized unless it is connected to the frame control board 82 by a communication line. The CPU 82a can detect whether or not each sensor and each switch is energized. Thereby, the CPU 82a can identify whether or not the communication line connecting the frame control board 82 and each sensor and each switch is disconnected. 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 frame-side 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 .

In the ball extraction state, the CPU 82a monitors the state of the transport entrance signal output from the transport entrance sensor D28 and the state of the transport exit signal that can be output from the transport 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. The CPU 82a is not limited to this, and when the state in which both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are in the OFF 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, The conveying motor 52a may be operated without setting the standby time.

From the state in which the transport motor 52a is in operation, the transport entrance signal is on, and the transport exit signal is off, the transport entrance signal is on and the transport exit signal is on. Suppose the situation changes. In this case, the CPU 82a stops the transport motor 52a when the ON state of the transport exit signal is maintained for the standby time (eg, 120 ms). Assume that 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. . In this case, the CPU 82a keeps the conveying motor 52a stopped. Assume that the state in which the transport motor 52a is stopped, the transport entrance signal is in the OFF state, and the transport exit signal is in the ON state is changed to the state in which both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are in the ON state. . In this case, the CPU 82a keeps the conveying motor 52a stopped.

Assume that 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. . In this case, the CPU 82a activates the transport motor 52a when the transport exit signal is kept off for the waiting time (eg, 30 ms). Note that the CPU 82a determines that the waiting time (200 ms, for example) has not elapsed since the conveying entrance signal has turned on before the waiting time (30 ms, for example) has elapsed since the conveying exit signal has turned off. In this case, the transport motor 52a is operated after the standby time has passed.

Assume that 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. . In this case, the CPU 82a stops the transport motor 52a when the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are kept off for the standby time (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. The CPU 82a outputs to the game control board 80 control information indicating the 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.

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.

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 extraction process, and is executed until the frame-side power-off process is executed.

As shown in FIG. 10 , in the communication check process, the CPU 82 a 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 gaming machine installation information includes a communication serial number (0 as an example). CPU82a will transmit the response information with respect to the received starting information to the game control board 80 within response time t2 (10 ms as an example), when starting information is received. This response information includes a communication serial number (0 as an example) corresponding to the received start-up information. After that, the CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information that can identify the input of the start-up information (hereinafter referred to as a start-up input flag). In this way, the frame control board 82 can receive, from the game control board 80, start-up information that can specify part of the information relating to the configuration of the game machine when power supply is started.

If the CPU 82a does not receive the start-up information within the elapse of the start-up time t1 (three minutes as an example) after the power is turned on, the CPU 82a sends information (flag) that can identify the occurrence of a communication error within the managed game machine. It is stored in the RAM 82c. In other words, the CPU 82a sets an intra-management game machine communication error. The intra-management game machine communication error is an example of the first communication error. After that, the CPU 82a waits until it receives the start-up information. When the CPU 82a receives startup information from the game control board 80 while the management game machine communication error is being set, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the management game machine communication error and stores the startup input flag in the RAM 82c.

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.

The CPU 82a can receive the game information from the game control board 80 every time the cycle time t3 (108 ms as an example) elapses after receiving the start-up information. The game information includes a communication serial number. This communication serial number is updated according to the number of transmissions. When receiving the game information, the CPU 82a transmits response information to the received game information to the game control board 80 within the response time t2 (10 ms as an example). This response information includes the same communication serial number as the received game information.

If the CPU 82a does not receive the next information (game information as an example) from the time the start-up information or the game information is received from the game control board 80 until a predetermined time tb (1000 ms as an example) elapses, the management game The RAM 82c is made to store information that can identify the occurrence of an in-flight communication error. In other words, the CPU 82a sets an intra-management game machine communication error. When the CPU 82a receives game information from the game control board 80 while setting the intra-management game machine communication error, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the intra-management game machine communication error. Thus, the frame control board 82 can detect that there is an abnormality in communication with the game control board 80 as a communication error within the management game machine.

The CPU 82a determines whether or not the backed-up information is normal when the frame-side ball-drawing process is completed without setting the ball-drawing state and when the start-up input flag is stored in the RAM 82c. do. If the start-up input flag is not stored even after the frame-side ball extraction process ends, the CPU 82a waits until the start-up input flag is stored. 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 or not 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 judges that it is normal, and otherwise judges that it 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 it is determined 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. When the game ball clear switch 82g is operated in a predetermined manner, the CPU 82a initializes the second managed ball number information stored in the RAM 82c in a second managed ball number information generation process to be described later. 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. The CPU 82a transmits game information stored in the RAM 82c to the CU control board 120 in an external device communication process, which will be described later. 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.

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 the electric role product is the total number of prize balls acquired by winning the second start port 23B due to the normal winning game (ordinary electric role product operation), and the big winning game (special electric role product 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. In this way, the CPU 82a increases the second number of managed balls PB according to the acquired prize ball number information. When receiving the rental information from the CU control board 120, the CPU 82a adds the number of rental balls indicated in the rental information to the second number of managed balls PB. Thus, the CPU 82a increases the second number of balls under management PB according to the rental information.

Based on the foul signal output from the foul sensor D21, the CPU 82a adds the second number of balls under control PB when it detects that one game ball has been collected as a return ball. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been collected as a return ball when the foul signal transitions from off state to on state to off state. Thus, the CPU 82a increases the second number of balls under control PB in response to detection by the foul sensor D21.

When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied to the shooting section 65 based on the supply exit signal output by the supply exit sensor D23, the CPU 82a subtracts the second number of balls under control PB. In other words, when the CPU 82a detects that a game ball has been shot toward the game area 20a in response to the detection by the supply outlet sensor D23, 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 exit 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. In this way, the CPU 82a reduces the second ball number PB according to detection by the supply outlet sensor D23.

Not limited to this, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied to the shooting section 65 based on the supply entrance signal output by the supply entrance sensor D22 instead of the supply exit signal output by the supply entrance sensor D23. The configuration may be such that, when detected, the second ball number PB is subtracted. When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied to the shooting unit 65 based on both the supply entrance signal output by the supply entrance sensor D22 and the supply exit signal output by the supply exit sensor D23, the second management is performed. The configuration may be such that the number of balls PB is subtracted. In other words, the CPU 82a may decrease the second ball number PB according to detection by at least one of the supply inlet sensor D22 and the supply outlet sensor D23.

Further, the CPU 82a may decrement the second number of managed balls PB by driving the shooting solenoid 66a. 2 The configuration may be such that the number of balls under management PB is 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 . That is, the CPU 82a reduces the second number of managed balls PB according to the shooting of game balls. It should be noted that even if the ball removal switch 82e is operated when the second managed ball number information generation process is executed, the state 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. In other words, when the ball is in the drawn state, the number of possession balls 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, the CPU 82a adds the number of balls to be counted to the counting information stored in the RAM 82c. As an example, when the CPU 82a receives a counting signal that can specify the "single-pressing operation" from the counting operation unit 18, the CPU 82a adds the first counting ball number (eg, 1) to the counting information and stores it in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82a counts the second number of balls to be counted (250 as an example) when the second number of balls to be managed PB is 250 or more and a count signal capable of specifying the "long press operation" is input from the counting operation unit 18. It is added to the information and stored in the RAM 82c. In addition, when the "long-pressing operation" is continued (when the counting signal is maintained on), the CPU 82a sets the second counted number of balls (250 as an example) to the counted information every time the predetermined time ta elapses. The sum is added and stored in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82a subtracts the number of balls added to the count information from the second number of managed balls PB. The CPU 82a may add the counting information after subtracting the second number of balls under management PB, or may add the counting information and then subtract the second number of balls under management PB. In this way, the CPU 82a decreases the second number of balls under management PB according to the operation of the counting operation section 18. FIG. Then, the CPU 82a differentiates the second control ball number PB to be decreased between the "single-pressing operation" and the "long-pressing operation".

As an example, the countable state is a state in which necessary power is supplied, communication between the frame control board 82 and the CU control board 120 is normal, and the second managed ball number PB is not zero. As an example, normal communication between the frame control board 82 and the CU control board 120 means that a management unit communication error, which will be described later, is not set. 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 CU control board 120 in an external device communication process, which will be described later. 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.

In addition, as described above, when the power supply is started while the game ball clear switch 82g is being operated in a predetermined manner, the CPU 82a sets the second control ball number information (second control ball number PB). initialize. The second number-of-managed-balls information generation process is an example of the number-of-owned-balls management control for managing the second number of managed balls PB, which is an example of the number of balls owned by the player. As described above, the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) can execute control related to the player's ball.

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 may also be used as a device capable of displaying information capable of specifying an error set (detected) by the frame control board 82 .

External device communication processing in the frame side normal processing will be described.
As shown in FIG. 11, in the external device communication process, the CPU 82a transmits game information to the CU control board 120 at regular cycle times t8 (eg, 300 ms). The game information includes a serial number. This serial number is updated according to the number of transmissions of the game information.

The CPU 82a transmits the count information stored in the RAM 82c to the CU control board 120 when a predetermined time t4 (eg, 100 ms) has elapsed after transmitting the game information. After transmitting the counting information to the CU control board 120, the CPU 82a initializes the counting information stored in the RAM 82c. The counting information is information that can specify the number of balls possessed by the player to be transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 according to the operation of the counting operation section 18 . In other words, the counting information is information that can specify the number of decreases in the second number of managed balls PB according to the operation of the counting operation section 18 . Note that the counting information is transmitted at regular intervals of time t8, like the game information, and becomes 0 if the counting operation section 18 is not operated. Therefore, even if the counting information is transmitted to the CU control board 120, the CPU 82a may not decrement the second ball number PB. When the CPU 82a transmits the count information to the CU control board 120 and causes the second number of managed balls PB to be subtracted, the CPU 82a can specify that the number of owned balls equal to or greater than a predetermined number (one example) has been transferred to the management unit 100. Information (hereinafter referred to as a counting completion flag) is stored in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82 a outputs to the game control board 80 control information (hereinafter referred to as a counting completion command) indicating that the predetermined number of possessed balls has been transferred to the management unit 100 . The counting completion command can also be said to be control information that can specify that the counting information has been transmitted. A counting completion command is an example of counting completion information. In addition, the game control board 80 (CPU 80 a ) outputs a counting completion command to the effect control board 81 . The counting completion command may include information that can specify the number of balls to be transferred to the management unit 100 . The count information includes a count serial number. This count serial number is updated according to the number of transmissions of the count information. In this manner, the CPU 82a transmits counting information that can specify the number of decreases in the number of balls owned by the player (the second number of managed balls PB) according to the operation of the counting operation section 18. FIG.

The CPU 82a can receive rental information from the CU control board 120 via the connection terminal board 98 within a predetermined time t5 (170 ms as an example) after transmitting the counting information. The lending information includes a lending serial number. This rental serial number is updated according to the number of transmissions of the rental information. Upon receiving the rental information, the CPU 82a transmits response information to the received rental information to the CU control board 120 within a response time t6 (eg, 10 ms). This response information includes the same rental serial number as the received rental information. After transmitting the response information, the CPU 82a transmits the game information to the CU control board 120 again when a predetermined time t7 (eg, 20 ms) elapses. In this way, the CPU 82a transmits game information, counting information, and response information to the CU control board 120 and receives rental information from the CU control board 120 within one communication cycle period (eg, 300 ms). do. The external device communication process is an example of information transmission control for transmitting predetermined information to the CU control board 120 .

The CPU 82a counts the number of times the rental information is not received after the game information is transmitted, and when the number of times the rental information is not received reaches a specific number (three times as an example), the occurrence of a management unit communication error is identified. Possible information is stored in RAM 82c. That is, the CPU 82a sets a management unit communication error. When receiving the lending information, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the management unit communication error. In this way, the frame control board 82 can detect an abnormality in communication with the CU control board 120 as a management unit communication error.

Frame-side error setting processing of the frame-side normal processing will be described.
As shown in FIG. 12, the frame-side error setting process is a process of setting an error. As an example, in the frame-side error setting process, errors that can be set by the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) include frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, management unit communication error, communication error within management game machine, supply mechanism error, game ball count over error. , frame disconnection error, game ball count clear error, winning ball count error, and door open error. The frame-side error notification process is a process of notifying an error in a predetermined notification mode when an error is detected in the frame-side error setting process. The details of the frame-side error setting process and the frame-side error notification process will be described in detail 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.

As shown in FIG. 10 , in the communication confirmation process, the CPU 80 a transmits start-up information to the frame control board 82 when activated by power-on. The CPU 80a transmits the start-up information to the frame control board 82 when a predetermined time tc (eg, 108 ms) elapses without receiving the response information after transmitting the start-up information. Thereafter, 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 the predetermined time tc elapses. The start-up information includes a communication serial number. This communication serial number is updated according to the number of transmissions. When the CPU 80a receives the response information from the frame control board 82, the CPU 80a stores in the RAM 80c information (hereinafter referred to as a response input flag) that can specify that the response information for the start-up information has been input.

The CPU 80a detects a communication line disconnection error when the number of transmissions of the start-up information reaches a specified number (10 times, for example), and stores in the RAM 80c information that can identify the occurrence of the communication line disconnection error. That is, the CPU 80a sets a communication line disconnection error. A communication line disconnection error is an example of a second communication error. After that, the CPU 80a waits until the power is turned off. In this embodiment, the activation time t1 (three minutes as an example) required for the frame control board 82 to detect a communication error within the managed game machine is the time required for the game control board 80 to detect a communication line disconnection error (example 1080 ms). The start-up information is output every predetermined time tc (eg, 108 ms), and a communication line disconnection error is detected when the number of transmissions of the start-up information reaches a specified number (eg, 10 times). Therefore, the time required for the game control board 80 to detect the communication line disconnection error is 1080 ms. After setting the communication line disconnection error, the CPU 80a cancels the setting of the communication line disconnection error when the power supply is stopped.

When the CPU 80a receives the response information to the start-up information, the CPU 80a transmits the game information to the frame control board 82 after the cycle time t3 (eg, 108 ms) has elapsed since the start-up information was sent. Thereafter, the CPU 80a transmits game information to the frame control board 82 each time the cycle time t3 elapses. The game information includes a communication serial number. This communication serial number is updated according to the number of transmissions. The CPU 80a can receive response information each time game information is transmitted. This response information includes the same communication serial number as the transmitted game information.

When the CPU 80a does not receive the response information even once while the game information is transmitted a specified number of times (eg, 10 times), the CPU 80a stores in the RAM 80c information capable of specifying the occurrence of a communication line disconnection error. That is, the CPU 80a sets a communication line disconnection error. When the power supply is stopped, the CPU 80a cancels the communication line disconnection error setting. Thus, the game control board 80 can detect that there is an abnormality in communication with the frame control board 82 as a communication line disconnection error.

When the CPU 80a is activated upon power-on, the board-side ball extraction process is executed. 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, a communication line disconnection error can be detected using both a period in which the ball is pulled out and a period in which the ball is not pulled out as a confirmation interval.

The CPU 80a determines whether or not the backed-up information is normal when the board side ball removal processing is completed without setting the ball removal state and the response input flag is stored in the RAM 80c. . 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). The board-side normal process is an example of game progress control, which is control relating to progress of the game. 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, etc. as a timer interrupt process performed every predetermined control period (4 ms as an example).
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 to display information that can specify the updated first pending number. The reservation condition for 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 these processes are read as "number" respectively, 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 performed and when the variation processing of the second special game is performed.

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, and performs a winning lottery upon entry of a game ball into the starting hole, and the result of the winning lottery. It is configured to be able to execute a symbol variation game based on.

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 finished. 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-entering rate state. The CPU 80a updates the value of the execution counter stored in the RAM 80c each 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 symbols is over, the CPU 80a controls to the low ball-entering rate state when the special game for the number of activation times is over. 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. When the big hit game is started and the operation flag is set, the CPU 80a erases the operation flag. 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 restoration 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 restoration notification to be executed. As an example, power restoration notification is executed 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 restored", from the effect sound unit 12 . 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 unit 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 recovery command is input, the CPU 81a controls the effect display section 19 to display a combination of performance symbols different from the combination of the predetermined background image and the predetermined effect symbols.

A description will be given of the jackpot effect processing.
The big-hit effect processing is a process for executing an effect (hereinafter referred to as a big-hit effect) during the big-hit game. When 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 also 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 fixed 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.
Of the frame-side normal processing, the processing for monitoring the number of supplied balls will be described.

When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been received by the supply unit 61 based on the supply entrance signal output by the supply entrance sensor D22, it adds the number of supply entrance balls. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been received by the supply unit 61 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 been received by the supply unit 61, the CPU 82a adds 1 to the supply entrance ball number and stores it in the RAM 82c.

When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been discharged from the supply unit 61 based on the supply outlet signal output by the supply outlet sensor D23, the CPU 82a adds the number of supply outlet balls. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been discharged from the supply unit 61 when the supply exit signal transitions from the OFF state to the ON state to the OFF state. When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been discharged from the supply unit 61, the CPU 82a adds 1 to the number of supply outlet balls and stores it in the RAM 82c.

Of the frame-side normal processing, the number-of-winning-balls monitoring processing will be described.
When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied to the shooting unit 65 based on the supply outlet signal output by the supply outlet sensor D23, the number of shots Pf is added. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied when the supply exit signal transitions from the OFF state to the ON state to the OFF state. The CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information that can specify the updated number of shots Pf. Thereby, the CPU 82a can specify the number of game balls shot toward the game area 20a according to the detection by the supply outlet sensor D23.

Not limited to this, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied to the shooting section 65 based on the supply entrance signal output by the supply entrance sensor D22 instead of the supply exit signal output by the supply entrance sensor D23. It may be configured to add the number of shots Pf upon detection. When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied to the shooting unit 65 based on both the supply entrance signal output by the supply entrance sensor D22 and the supply exit signal output by the supply exit sensor D23, the number of shots Pf is determined. may be added. In other words, the CPU 82a may add the firing number Pf according to detection by at least one of the supply entrance sensor D22 and the supply exit sensor D23.

Further, the CPU 82a may add the number of shots Pf by driving the shooting solenoid 66a. It may be configured to add. Thus, the number of shots Pf is added in relation to at least one of the ejection operation by the ejection unit 65 and the supply operation by the supply unit 61 . That is, the CPU 82a adds the number of shots Pf according to the shot of the game ball.

When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been collected from the game area 20a based on the out signal output by the out sensor D30, the CPU 82a adds the collected number Pg. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been collected from the game area 20a when the out signal transitions from the OFF state to the ON state to the OFF state. In this way, the CPU 82a adds the collection number Pg according to detection by the out sensor D30. The CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information that can specify the updated collection number Pg.

Instead of the out signal output by the out sensor D30, a winning path signal output by the winning path count sensor D25 and a non-winning path signal output by the non-winning path count sensor D26 are used. When it is detected that the game ball has been collected from the game area 20a, the collection number Pg may be added.

Based on the foul signal output from the foul sensor D21, the CPU 82a adds the recovery number Pg when it detects that one game ball has been recovered as a return ball. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been collected as a return ball when the foul signal transitions from off state to on state to off state. In this way, the CPU 82a adds the collected number Pg according to the detection by the foul sensor D21. The CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information that can specify the updated collection number Pg. Thereby, the CPU 82a can specify the number of game balls shot toward the game area 20a according to detection by the out sensor D30 and the foul sensor D21.

Errors detectable by the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) will be described below.
As shown in FIG. 12, the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) can detect and set various errors by executing frame-side error setting processing. The frame-side error setting process is an example of error management control for managing errors, and is an example of first error management control. Error detection is limited when the ball is unballed. The frame-side error setting process is one of the frame-side normal processes.

The detection condition for the frame illegal radio wave detection error is that an abnormal radio wave has been detected a predetermined number of times (eg, 10 times). The CPU 82a detects the occurrence of an abnormal radio wave as an illegal frame radio wave detection error. A frame illegal radio wave detection error is an example of a radio wave detection error and an example of a specific event error. When the radio wave detection signal is input from the frame radio wave sensor D16, the CPU 82a adds the frame radio wave detection count. Specifically, the CPU 82a adds 1 to the frame radio wave detection count when the radio wave detection signal transitions from an off state to an on state. That is, the CPU 82a counts the number of detections by the frame radio wave sensor D16 as the frame radio wave detection count. The CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information that can specify the updated frame radio wave detection count. The frame radio wave detection count is an example of the second count. When the number of frame radio wave detection times reaches a predetermined number, the CPU 82a sets frame illegal radio wave detection error. This predetermined number of times is not limited to 10 times. Any of 2 to 9 times may be used, or 11 times or more may be used. It is preferable that the predetermined number of times is not once but multiple times. That is, the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is set when the number of times of detection by the frame radio wave sensor D16 reaches a predetermined number of times. In this way, the CPU 82a updates the frame radio wave detection count based on the input status of the radio wave detection signal (second information) output by the frame radio wave sensor D16, and detects an illegal frame radio wave detection error based on the frame radio wave detection count. set. A frame illegal radio wave detection error is an example of a second information error.

Frame fraudulent radio wave detection error is a state in which there is a high possibility that fraudulent activity using radio waves is being performed. The frame illegal radio wave detection error is canceled when the power is restored. The CPU 82a does not cancel the setting of the frame illegal radio wave detection error until the power supply is stopped. In other words, there is no way to cancel the setting of the frame illegal radio wave detection error other than to restore the power. For example, the setting of the frame illegal radio wave detection error is not canceled even if the error cancellation switch 82f is pressed. For example, the setting of the frame illegal radio wave detection error is not canceled even if the frame radio wave sensor D16 stops detecting. In other words, the setting of the illegal frame radio wave detection error is not canceled even if the cause of the setting of the illegal frame radio wave detection error is resolved.

When the CPU 82a is turned on after being turned off, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the frame illegal radio wave detection error. The CPU 82a may cancel the setting of the unauthorized frame radio wave detection error when the power is turned off, and may cancel the setting of the unauthorized frame radio wave detection error when the power is turned on. That is, the CPU 82a cancels the frame illegal radio wave detection error setting when the power supply is stopped or when the power supply is started. When canceling the setting of the illegal frame radio wave detection error, the CPU 82a initializes the frame radio wave detection count stored in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82a may initialize the frame radio wave detection count when the power is turned off, or may initialize the frame radio wave detection count when the power is turned on. Thus, the CPU 82a does not cancel the setting of the illegal frame radio wave detection error until the power supply is stopped. Further, the CPU 82a does not initialize the frame radio wave detection count until the power supply is stopped. If an abnormal radio wave is detected a predetermined number of times after the power is turned on, the frame illegal radio wave detection error is set even after the power is turned on. The frame illegal radio wave detection error is detected as a confirmation period other than during the ball extraction state.

The detection condition for the management unit communication error is that communication between the frame control board 82 and the CU control board 120 is not performed normally. As described above, in the external device communication process, if the CPU 82a does not receive rental information from the CU control board 120 a plurality of times (two times as an example), it identifies that communication with the CU control board 120 is not normally performed. do. Specifically, when the game information is transmitted, the CPU 82a adds the number of unreceived times. After that, the CPU 82a subtracts the number of non-receipts when the lending information is received. In other words, the CPU 82a counts the number of times the game information is transmitted but the game information is transmitted again without receiving the lending information thereafter. The CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information capable of specifying the updated number of non-receipts. The number of unreceived times is an example of the first number of times.

The CPU 82a sets a management unit communication error when the number of unreceived times reaches a specific number (three times as an example). The specified number of times is not limited to three. It may be twice, or four times or more. In this way, the CPU 82a updates the number of unreceived times based on the output status of game information to be output to the CU control board 120. FIG. In addition, the CPU 82a updates the number of unreceived times based on the input status of the rental information (first information) output by the CU control board 120. FIG. Then, the CPU 82a sets a management unit communication error based on the number of unreceived times. A management unit communication error is an example of a first information error.

Management unit communication error is canceled when communication is performed normally. As a specific example, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the management unit communication error upon receiving the lending information. That is, the setting of the management unit communication error is canceled when the cause of the setting of the management unit communication error is eliminated. The management unit communication error is detected as a confirmation interval after the CPU 82a inputs the startup information.

As described above, the CPU 82a sets a management unit communication error based on not receiving rental information from the CU control board 120. FIG. Here, as a situation in which rental information is not received from the CU control board 120 (hereinafter referred to as a management communication error situation), for example, the communication line connecting the connection terminal board 98 and the CU control board 120 is disconnected. can be considered. In this case, it is conceivable that the communication line through which the connection terminal board 98 receives information from the game control board 80 is broken. Also, as a management communication error situation, for example, it is conceivable that rental information changes to abnormal information due to abnormal radio waves.

The communication error within the management game machine is detected under the condition that communication between the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 is not performed normally. The CPU 82a can detect a communication error within the managed gaming machine in the communication check process described above. When the CPU 82a does not receive the start-up information during the time from when the power is turned on until the start-up time t1 (three minutes as an example) elapses, it is specified that the communication with the game control board 80 is not performed normally. do. Specifically, the CPU 82a measures the post-startup time after the power is turned on until the start-up information is received after the power is turned on. When the CPU 82a receives the activation time information, the CPU 82a stops measuring the time after activation. The CPU 82a sets an intra-management game machine communication error when the time after activation reaches the activation time t1.

Further, the CPU 82a receives the start-up information or the game information from the game control board 80, and the following information (game information as an example) is not received until a predetermined time tb (1000 ms as an example) elapses, It specifies that communication with the game control board 80 is not performed normally. Specifically, the CPU 82a measures the reception time from when the start-up information or game information is received until the next information is received after the start-up information or game information is received. When the CPU 82a receives the next information, it stops measuring the reception time. When the reception time reaches the predetermined time tb, the CPU 82a sets an intra-management game machine communication error.

The communication error within the management game machine is released under the condition that the communication is performed normally. When the CPU 82a receives the start-up information, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the intra-management game machine communication error. In other words, the setting of the intra-management game machine communication error is canceled when the cause of the setting of the intra-management game machine communication error is resolved. The communication error within the management game machine is detected as a confirmation interval during the state of ball extraction and other than during the state of ball extraction. As an example, a communication error within a managed gaming machine is constantly detected from the time the power is turned on until the power is shut off.

As described above, the CPU 82a sets a management game machine intra-communication error based on the fact that the start-up information or the game information is not received from the game control board 80. FIG. Here, as a situation in which the start-up information or game information is not received from the game control board 80 (hereinafter referred to as a frame communication error situation), for example, the communication line connecting the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 is broken. It is conceivable that In this case, it is conceivable that the communication line through which the frame control board 82 receives information from the game control board 80 is broken. In addition, when the communication line through which the frame control board 82 transmits information to the game control board 80 is disconnected, the game control board 80 sets a communication line disconnection error and stops the transmission of the game information. As a result, the CPU 82a cannot receive the game information and sets a communication error within the management game machine. In this way, even when the communication line for transmitting information from the frame control board 82 to the game control board 80 is broken, the management game machine intra-communication error is set. In addition, as frame communication error conditions, for example, it is conceivable that startup information or game information changes to abnormal information due to abnormal radio waves.

The supply mechanism error is detected under the condition that the difference between the number of game balls detected by the supply entrance sensor D22 and the number of game balls detected by the supply exit sensor D23 becomes a predetermined number (50 as an example) or more. The CPU 82a sets a supply mechanism error when the difference between the number of supply inlet balls and the number of supply outlet balls reaches a predetermined number. That is, the CPU 82a sets a supply mechanism error when the difference between the number of detections by the supply inlet sensor D22 and the number of detections by the supply outlet sensor D23 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. More specifically, the CPU 82a sets a supply mechanism error when the number of supply inlet balls is greater than the number of supply outlet balls by a predetermined constant or more. Further, the CPU 82a sets a supply mechanism error when the number of balls at the supply inlet becomes smaller than the number of balls at the supply outlet by a predetermined number or more.

The supply mechanism error is canceled when the error cancellation switch 82f is pressed for a predetermined time td (for example, two seconds). The CPU 82a cancels the setting of the supply mechanism error when the predetermined time td has passed while the error cancellation signal remains on. When canceling the setting of the supply mechanism error, the CPU 82a initializes the number of supply inlet balls and the number of supply outlet balls stored in the RAM 82c. Thus, the setting of the supply mechanism error can be canceled based on the operation of the error cancellation switch 82f without stopping the power supply. The setting of the supply mechanism error is canceled when a predetermined time td has elapsed while the error cancellation switch 82f is being operated.

A supply mechanism error is detected as a confirmation interval after the CPU 82a inputs the start-up information. Note that the number of supply inlet balls and the number of supply outlet balls are not updated until the CPU 82a inputs the start-up information. That is, in the supplied ball number monitoring process, the CPU 82a does not count the number of detections by the supply inlet sensor D22 and the number of detections by the supply outlet sensor D23 until the start-up information is input after power supply is started. Therefore, the supply mechanism error is not detected until the start-up information is entered after the power supply is started. The number-of-supplied-balls monitoring process is a process for detecting a supply mechanism error, and therefore is one of the frame-side error setting processes.

The game ball number over error is detected under the condition that the second number of managed balls PB, which is an example of the number of balls possessed by the player, exceeds a predetermined number of balls (40000 as an example). When the second number of managed balls PB exceeds a predetermined number of balls, the CPU 82a sets a game ball number over error.

The number-of-game-balls-over error is canceled when the second number of managed balls PB becomes equal to or less than a specific number of balls (eg, 35000). The specific number of balls is less than the predetermined number of balls. When the second number of managed balls PB becomes equal to or less than the specific number of balls, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the number-of-game-balls over error. A game ball number over error is detected as a confirmation interval other than during the ball drawing state.

The detection condition for the frame disconnection error is that an abnormality such as disconnection of a switch or sensor connected to the frame control board 82 is detected. When the CPU 82a detects that each sensor and each switch are not energized, it sets a frame disconnection error. That is, the CPU 82a sets a frame disconnection error when there is an abnormality in communication with a switch or sensor connected to the frame control board 82. FIG. In this way, the CPU 82a can detect an abnormality in communication with the switch or sensor connected to the frame control board 82 as a frame disconnection error. A frame disconnection error is an example of a third communication error.

A frame disconnection error is canceled when an abnormality such as a disconnection of a switch or sensor connected to the frame control board 82 is resolved. When the CPU 82a detects that each sensor and each switch are energized, it cancels the setting of the frame disconnection error. A frame disconnection error is detected as a confirmation period other than during the ball extraction state.

The number-of-game-balls clear error is detected under the condition that power supply is started while the game-ball clear switch 82g is being operated in a predetermined manner. The CPU 82a sets a number-of-game-balls clear error when the game-ball clear signal is in an ON state when power supply is started. That is, the CPU 82a sets the game ball count clear error when the second managed ball count information (second managed ball count PB) is initialized.

The number-of-playing-balls clear error is canceled when a specific time (eg, 30 seconds) has passed since the supply exit sensor D23, the foul sensor D21, or the out-sensor D30 detected the playing ball. When the CPU 82a receives the feed outlet signal output by the feed outlet sensor D23, the foul signal output by the foul sensor D21, or the out signal output by the out sensor D30, the CPU 82a starts measuring the release time. The CPU 82a cancels the setting of the number-of-game-balls clear error when the cancellation time exceeds the specific time. As described above, when a game ball is detected by the supply outlet sensor D23, when a game ball is detected by the foul sensor D21, or when a game ball is detected by the out sensor D30, the game ball is detected in the game area 20a. It can be specified that it was fired toward. In this way, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the number-of-game-balls clear error when the specific time elapses after specifying the shooting of the game balls. A game ball count clear error is detected as a confirmation interval other than during the ball extraction state.

The winning ball number abnormality error indicates that the difference between the number of game balls detected by the supply exit sensor D23 and the number of game balls detected by the foul sensor D21 and the out sensor D30 becomes a specific number (eg, 100) or more. Make it a detection condition. When the difference between the number of shots Pf and the number of collected balls Pg reaches a specific number, the CPU 82a sets a winning ball number error. That is, the CPU 82a identifies the difference between the number of game balls launched toward the game area 20a and the number of game balls collected by the winning reception port 30a, the non-winning reception port 30b, and the foul reception port 30c. When the number exceeds the number, set the winning ball number abnormal error. After setting the winning ball number abnormality error, the CPU 82a may or may not update the number of shots Pf and the number of collected balls Pg in the winning ball number monitoring process.

More specifically, the CPU 82a sets a winning ball number error when the number of shots Pf is greater than the number of collected balls Pg by a specific number or more. In other words, the CPU 82a determines that the number of game balls shot toward the game area 20a is a specific number or more than the number of game balls collected by the prize receiving port 30a, the non-winning receiving port 30b, and the foul receiving port 30c. Set an error in the number of winning balls when the number of winning balls increases. Further, the CPU 82a sets a prize winning ball number abnormal error when the number of shots Pf is less than the number of collected balls Pg by a specific number or more. In other words, the CPU 82a determines that the number of game balls shot toward the game area 20a is a specific number or more than the number of game balls collected by the prize receiving port 30a, the non-winning receiving port 30b, and the foul receiving port 30c. Set the winning ball number abnormal error when it becomes less.

The abnormal number of prize-winning balls error is canceled when the power is restored. The CPU 82a does not cancel the setting of the error in the number of winning balls until the power supply is stopped. In other words, there is no way to cancel the setting of the abnormal error in the number of prize-winning balls other than the power restoration. For example, the setting of the abnormal number of winning balls error is not canceled even if the error cancellation switch 82f is pushed. For example, the setting of the winning ball count error is not canceled even if the difference between the number of shots Pf and the number of collected balls Pg becomes less than a specific number. More specifically, the setting of the winning ball number abnormality error is based on the number of game balls shot toward the game area 20a, and the game It will not be canceled even if the difference between the number of balls and the number becomes less than a certain number. The abnormal error in the number of prize-winning balls is detected as a confirmation period other than during the state of ball extraction.

A door open error is detected under the detection condition that either the first door open switch D17 or the second door open switch D18 is turned 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 door opening error that cancels the setting of the door opening error is detected as a confirmation period except during the ball extraction state. be done.

Next, control commands output when an error is set and when an error is canceled in the frame-side error setting process will be described.
The frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) outputs a frame error command to the game control board 80 when setting an error or canceling the setting of the error. The frame error command includes a control command that can identify that an error has been set (hereinafter referred to as a frame error setting command) and a control command that can identify that an error has been canceled (hereinafter referred to as a frame error reset command). command) and . The frame error setting command is also a control command that can specify the type of set error. The frame error clearing command is also a control command that can identify the type of error whose setting has been cleared. The CPU 82a outputs control commands "A0xxH" to "AExxH" as frame error commands.

A frame error command can be identified as a command related to an error in the frame control board 82 by the upper 4 bits "A" of the upper bytes "A0" to "AE". The frame error command can specify the type of error by the lower four bits "0" to "E" of the upper bytes "A0" to "AE". The frame error command can specify which of error setting and error setting is canceled by the lower byte "xx". For example, "01" is set when an error is set, and "02" is set when the error is cleared.

As shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 82a outputs a frame error setting command and a frame error cancellation error command to the game control board 80 according to the type of error. As an example, the CPU 82a outputs "A001H" to the game control board 80 as a frame error setting command when setting a frame illegal radio wave detection error in the frame side error setting process. The CPU 82a outputs "A002H" to the game control board 80 as a frame error cancellation command when canceling the setting of the frame illegal radio wave detection error in the frame side error setting process. In the situation where the communication error within the management game machine is set, the communication between the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 is not normally performed, so the frame error command is not output to the game control board 80 . The CPU 82a does not output the frame error command to the game control board 80 when the intra-management game machine communication error is set. The CPU 82a may output a frame error command to the game control board 80 when setting the intra-management game machine communication error. In this case, if the communication line for transmitting information from the frame control board 82 to the game control board 80 is broken, the game control board 80 cannot input the frame error command.

When the frame error setting command is input, the game control board 80 (CPU 80a) generates information (hereinafter referred to as frame side error information) that can identify the error being set in the frame control board 82 based on the input frame error setting command. is updated and stored in the RAM 80c. When the frame error cancellation command is input, the CPU 80a updates the frame side error information based on the input frame error cancellation command and stores it in the RAM 80c. Thereby, the CPU 80 a can identify an error during setting in the frame control board 82 . The CPU 80 a outputs the input frame error setting command and frame error cancellation command to the effect control board 81 .

When the frame error setting command is input, the effect control board 81 (CPU 81a) updates the information (hereinafter referred to as error information) that can identify the error being set in the pachinko game machine 10 based on the input frame error setting command. and store it in the RAM 81c. When the frame error cancellation command is input, the CPU 81a updates the error information based on the input frame error cancellation command and stores it in the RAM 81c. Thereby, the CPU 81a can identify an error during setting in the pachinko gaming machine 10. FIG.

Errors detectable by the game control board 80 (CPU 80a) will be described below.
As shown in FIG. 13, the game control board 80 (CPU 80a) can detect and set various errors by executing board-side error setting processing. The board-side error setting process is an example of second error management control for managing errors. Error detection is limited when the ball is unballed. The board-side error setting process is one of the board-side normal processes.

The detection condition for the main unauthorized radio wave detection error is that an abnormal radio wave has been detected a predetermined number of times (eg, 10 times). The CPU 80a detects that an abnormal radio wave has been generated as a main unauthorized radio wave detection error. When the radio wave detection signal is input from the main radio wave sensor D19, the CPU 80a adds the number of times of main radio wave detection. Specifically, the CPU 80a adds 1 to the main radio wave detection count when the radio wave detection signal transitions from an off state to an on state. That is, the CPU 80a counts the number of detections by the main radio wave sensor D19 as the number of main radio wave detections. The CPU 80a causes the RAM 82c to store information that can specify the updated number of main radio wave detection times. The main radio wave detection count is an example of the third count. The CPU 80a sets a main unauthorized radio wave detection error when the number of times of main radio wave detection reaches a predetermined number of times. This predetermined number of times is not limited to 10 times. Any of 2 to 9 times may be used, or 11 times or more may be used. It is preferable that the predetermined number of times is not once but multiple times. That is, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error is set when the number of times of detection by the main radio wave sensor D19 reaches a predetermined number of times. In this way, the CPU 80a updates the main radio wave detection count based on the input status of the radio wave detection signal (third information) output by the main radio wave sensor D19, and detects the main unauthorized radio wave detection error based on the main radio wave detection count. set. A main unauthorized radio wave detection error is an example of a third information error.

The main fraudulent radio wave detection error is a state in which there is a high possibility that fraudulent activity using radio waves is being performed. The main illegal radio wave detection error is canceled when the power is restored. The CPU 80a does not cancel the main unauthorized radio wave detection error setting until the power supply is stopped. In other words, there is no way to cancel the setting of the main illegal radio wave detection error other than the power restoration. For example, the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error is not canceled even if the main radio wave sensor D19 stops detecting. In other words, the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error is not canceled even if the cause of the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error is resolved.

When the CPU 80a is turned on after being turned off, the CPU 80a cancels the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error. The CPU 80a may cancel the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error when the power is turned off, and may cancel the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error when the power is turned on. That is, the CPU 80a cancels the setting of the main illegal radio wave detection error when the power supply is stopped or when the power supply is started. When canceling the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error, the CPU 80a initializes the number of main radio wave detections stored in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a may initialize the number of times the main radio wave is detected when the power is turned off, and may initialize the number of times the main radio wave is detected when the power is turned on. In this way, the CPU 80a does not cancel the setting of the main illegal radio wave detection error until the power supply is stopped. Further, the CPU 80a does not initialize the main radio wave detection count until the power supply is stopped. After the power is turned on, if abnormal radio waves are detected again a predetermined number of times, the main illegal radio wave detection error is set even after the power is turned on. The main unauthorized radio wave detection error is detected as a confirmation period other than during the ball extraction state.

A communication line disconnection error is detected under the condition that communication between the game control board 80 and the frame control board 82 is not normally performed. As described above, the CPU 80a specifies that communication with the frame control board 82 is not performed normally when the number of transmissions of the start-up information reaches a specified number (10 times, for example). Specifically, the CPU 80 a transmits the start-up information until it receives the response information from the frame control board 82 after being started by turning on the power. The CPU 80a counts the number of transmissions of the start-up information. The CPU 80a sets a communication line disconnection error when the number of times of transmission reaches a specified number of times.

If the CPU 80a does not receive any response information while transmitting the game information a specified number of times (eg, 10 times), the CPU 80a specifies that communication with the frame control board 82 is not performed normally. Specifically, the CPU 80a transmits the game information each time a cycle time t3 (eg, 108 ms) elapses after receiving the response information to the start-up information. The CPU 80a counts the number of transmissions of game information each time the game information is transmitted. When the CPU 80a receives the response information to the game information, it initializes the number of times of transmission. The CPU 80a sets a communication line disconnection error when the number of times of transmission reaches a specified number of times.

A communication line disconnection error is canceled when the power is restored. The CPU 80a does not cancel the setting of the communication line disconnection error until the power supply is stopped. In other words, there is no way to cancel the communication line disconnection error setting except by restoring the power supply. For example, the communication line disconnection error setting is not canceled even if response information is received. In other words, the setting of the communication line disconnection error is not canceled even if the cause of the setting of the communication line disconnection error is eliminated.

When the CPU 80a is powered on after being powered off, it cancels the communication line disconnection error setting. The CPU 80a may cancel the setting of the communication line disconnection error when the power is turned off, and may cancel the setting of the communication line disconnection error when the power is turned on. That is, the CPU 80a cancels the communication line disconnection error setting when the power supply is stopped or when the power supply is started. When canceling the communication line disconnection error setting, the CPU 80a initializes the number of times of transmission stored in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a may initialize the number of transmissions when the power is turned off, or may initialize the number of transmissions when the power is turned on. In this manner, the CPU 80a does not cancel the setting of the communication line disconnection error until the power supply is stopped. A communication line disconnection error is detected as a confirmation interval during and after the ball is pulled out. As an example, a communication line disconnection error is always detected after the power is turned on until the power is turned off.

As described above, the CPU 80a sets a communication line disconnection error based on the fact that response information is not received from the frame control board 82. FIG. Here, as a situation in which response information is not received from the frame control board 82 (hereinafter referred to as a main communication error situation), for example, the communication line connecting the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 is disconnected. can be considered. In this case, it is conceivable that the communication line through which the game control board 80 receives information from the frame control board 82 is broken. In addition, if the communication line for the game control board 80 to transmit information to the frame control board 82 is disconnected, the frame control board 82 cannot receive the start-up information and the game information. Do not transmit to board 80 . As a result, the CPU 80a cannot receive the response information and sets a communication line disconnection error. Thus, even if the communication line for transmitting information from the game control board 80 to the frame control board 82 is broken, the communication line disconnection error is set. Also, as a main communication error condition, for example, it is conceivable that response information is changed to abnormal information due to abnormal radio waves.

The main disconnection error is a detection condition that an abnormality such as a disconnection of the sensor connected to the game control board 80 is detected. When the CPU 80a detects that each sensor is not energized, it sets a main disconnection error. That is, the CPU 80a sets the main disconnection error when there is an abnormality in communication with the sensor connected to the game control board 80. Thus, the CPU 80a can detect that there is an abnormality in communication with the sensor connected to the game control board 80 as a main disconnection error.

The main disconnection error is a release condition that an abnormality such as a disconnection of the sensor connected to the game control board 80 is resolved. When the CPU 80a detects that each sensor is energized, it cancels the setting of the main disconnection error. The main disconnection error is detected as a confirmation period except during the ball extraction state.

Next, control commands output when an error is set and when the error setting is canceled in the board-side error setting process will be described.
The game control board 80 (CPU 80a) outputs a board error command to the frame control board 82 and the effect control board 81 when setting an error or canceling the setting of the error. The board error command includes a control command that can specify that an error has been set (hereafter referred to as a board error setting command) and a control command that can specify that an error has been canceled (hereafter referred to as a board error release command). command) and . The board error setting command is also a control command that can specify the type of set error. The board error clearing command is also a control command that can specify the type of error whose setting has been cleared. The CPU 82a outputs control commands "E0xxH" to "EFxxH" as board error commands.

The board error command can be identified as a command related to an error in the game control board 80 by the upper 4 bits "E" out of the upper bytes "E0" to "EF". The board error command can specify the type of error by the lower four bits "0" to "F" of the upper bytes "E0" to "EF". The board error command can specify which of error setting and error setting is canceled by the lower byte "xx". For example, "01" is set when an error is set, and "02" is set when the error is cleared.

As shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 80a outputs a board error setting command and a board error cancellation error command to the frame control board 82 and the effect control board 81 according to the type of error. As an example, the CPU 80a outputs "E001H" to the frame control board 82 and the effect control board 81 as a board error setting command when the main illegal radio wave detection error is set in the board side error setting process. The CPU 80a outputs "E002H" to the frame control board 82 and the effect control board 81 as a board error cancellation command when canceling the setting of the main illegal radio wave detection error in the board side error setting process. In addition, in the situation where the communication line disconnection error is set, the communication between the game control board 80 and the frame control board 82 is not normally performed, so the board error command is not output to the frame control board 82. It is output to the control board 81 . The CPU 80a does not output the board error command to the frame control board 82 when the communication line disconnection error is set. The CPU 82a may output a board error command to the game control board 80 when the communication line disconnection error is set. In this case, if the communication line for transmitting information from the game control board 80 to the frame control board 82 is broken, the board error command cannot be input to the frame control board 82 .

When the board error setting command is input, the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) provides information (hereinafter referred to as board side error information) that can identify the error being set in the game control board 80 based on the input board error setting command. is updated and stored in the RAM 82c. When the board error cancellation command is input, the CPU 82a updates the board side error information based on the input board error cancellation command and stores it in the RAM 82c. Thereby, the CPU 82 a can identify an error during setting in the game control board 80 .

When the board error setting command is input, the effect control board 81 (CPU 81a) updates the error information based on the input board error setting command and stores it in the RAM 81c. When the board error release command is input, the CPU 81a updates the error information based on the input board error release command and stores it in the RAM 81c. Thereby, the CPU 81a can identify an error during setting in the pachinko gaming machine 10. FIG.

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. When the door open error is set, the CPU 80a outputs a firing stop signal to the frame control board 82 (fire permitting circuit 82m). 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.

Of the frame-side normal processing, the frame-side error notification processing will be described.
As shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d so as to execute error notification set in the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the frame-side error notification process. Hereinafter, the notification of an error executed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be referred to as an error notification. As an example, the CPU 82a executes frame unauthorized radio wave detection error notification according to the setting of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error. The CPU 82a causes the main unauthorized radio wave detection error notification to be executed according to the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error. It can be said that the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error notification and the main unauthorized radio wave detection error notification are notifications that an abnormal radio wave has occurred. The CPU 82a executes management unit communication error notification according to the setting of the management unit communication error. The CPU 82a executes the communication error notification within the management game machine according to the setting of the communication error within the management game machine. The CPU 82a causes the supply mechanism error notification to be executed according to the setting of the supply mechanism error. The CPU 82a executes the game ball number over error notification according to the setting of the game ball number over error. The CPU 82a executes the frame breakage error notification according to the setting of the frame breakage error. The CPU 82a executes main disconnection error notification according to the setting of the main disconnection error. The CPU 82a executes the game ball number clear error notification according to the setting of the game ball number clear error. The CPU 82a executes the notification of the abnormal error in the number of winning balls according to the setting of the abnormal error in the number of winning balls. The CPU 82a executes the door open error notification according to the setting of the door open error.

When an error is set, the CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d so as to display an error code, which is an example of information that can identify the error being set. An error code is information specific to an error. As an example, as shown in the column of "performance display monitor" in the figure, [E10] for frame illegal radio wave detection error notification, [E14] for management unit communication error notification, [E15] for management game machine internal communication error notification, [E19] is displayed in frame disconnection error notification.

As an example, [E00] is displayed 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 manager of the pachinko gaming machine 10, etc., it is regarded as one of the errors and is notified. Not limited to this, the error code that can be displayed on the performance display monitor 82d may not include the error code that indicates the state of ball extraction.

As an example, the notification executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes notification of completion of counting (shown as "notification of counting completion" in the figure). The notification of counting completion is a notification capable of specifying that the number of balls possessed by the player has been transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 . Strictly speaking, the notification of completion of counting is not an error, but since it is an event that should be recognized by the player or the like, it is regarded as one of the errors and is notified.

Specifically, the notification of completion of counting is executed when the number of possessed balls equal to or greater than a predetermined number (one as an example) is transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 by transmitting the counting information. On the other hand, the notification of completion of counting is not executed when the number of possessed balls is not transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 even if the counting information is transmitted. The CPU 82a can specify whether or not the number of possessed balls equal to or greater than a predetermined number has been transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 by the counting completion flag. The CPU 82a does not display an error code on the performance display monitor 82d even if the counting completion flag is stored in the RAM 82c (indicated by "-" in the figure). Alternatively, the CPU 82a may cause the performance display monitor 82d to display an error code ([H00] as an example) when the counting completion flag is stored in the RAM 82c.

Based on the board-side error information, the CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d so as to display an error code, which is an example of information that can identify an error being set in the game control board 80. As an example, [P10] is displayed for the main unauthorized radio wave detection error notification, and [P19] is displayed for the main disconnection error notification. In addition, when the communication line disconnection error is set, the game control board 80 does not output the board error command to the frame control board 82 . Therefore, the CPU 82a cannot identify that the communication line disconnection error is set by the board-side error information. Therefore, the CPU 82a does not display the error code for notifying the communication line disconnection error on the performance display monitor 82d when the communication line disconnection error is set.

The CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d to alternately display the error code and the base value (performance information). When multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 82a alternately displays the error code with the highest priority among the set error notifications and the base value. As an example, as shown in the column of "Priority" in the figure, the smaller the number, the higher the priority when multiple types of errors are set. The fact that multiple types of errors are set includes the fact that there are multiple errors set in the frame control board 82 . A plurality of types of errors are set includes that there are a plurality of errors set in the game control board 80 . Multiple types of errors are set includes that the total number of errors set in the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 is plural.

The frame illegal radio wave detection error notification is set to have the highest priority among the plurality of types of errors. In other words, the performance display monitor 82d gives priority to the notification of the frame illegal radio wave detection error over the notification of a predetermined error different from the frame illegal radio wave detection error. As an example, the CPU 82a alternately displays the error code [E10] of frame illegal radio wave detection error notification and the base value when frame illegal radio wave detection error and management unit communication error are set. On the other hand, the CPU 82a does not display the error code [E14] for notifying the management unit communication error. In other words, the notification of the frame illegal radio wave detection error is given priority over the notification of the management unit communication error. As an example, the CPU 82a alternately displays the error code [E10] of frame illegal radio wave detection error notification and the base value when frame illegal radio wave detection error and intra-management game machine communication error are set. On the other hand, the CPU 82a does not display the error code [E15] for communication error notification within the managed gaming machine. In other words, the performance display monitor 82d notifies the frame illegal radio wave detection error with priority over the performance display monitor 82d notifies the intra-management game machine communication error.

As an example, the CPU 82a alternately displays the error code [E15] of the control game machine communication error notification and the base value when the control game machine internal communication error and the frame disconnection error are set. On the other hand, the CPU 82a does not display the error code [E19] for frame disconnection error notification. In other words, the performance display monitor 82d reports the intra-management game machine communication error with priority over the performance display monitor 82d reports the frame disconnection error.

The CPU 82a displays an error code when an error is set in the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80, but may be configured not to display the base value. Further, the CPU 82a may be configured to switch the error code, the second number of balls under management PB, and the base value to display them on the performance display monitor 82d. In this way, the performance display monitor 82d is a means for displaying base values, and is also used as a means for displaying error codes.

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. Specifically, when the error setting is canceled, the CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d so as to stop displaying the error code of the error for which the setting has been canceled. Further, the CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d so as to end the display of the error code of the error whose setting has been canceled on the game control board 80 based on the board-side error information.

In this manner, the performance display monitor 82d notifies the error according to the set error. In the performance display monitor 82d, when an error is set, the set error notification is started, and when the error setting is canceled, the notification of the canceled error is terminated. The error code notified by the performance display monitor 82d is information specific to the error. In other words, the reporting modes of a plurality of types of errors that can be reported by the performance display monitor 82d are different.

When an error is set in the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80, the CPU 82a controls the second ball number display section 17 so as to display an error code indicating the set error. good. In other words, the error code may be displayed on both the performance display monitor 82d and the second pitch number display section 17. The CPU 82a may control the second number-of-balls display section 17 to alternately display the error code and the second number of managed balls PB. The error code that can be displayed on the second ball number display section 17 may include an error code that indicates the state of missing a ball. The error code that can be displayed on the second ball number display section 17 does not have to include the error code that indicates the state of missing a ball. The error code that can be displayed on the second pitch number display section 17 may include an error code for notifying the completion of counting. The error code that can be displayed on the second pitch number display section 17 does not have to include the error code for notifying the completion of counting.

When multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 82a may alternately display the error code with the highest priority and the second number of balls under control PB. 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. The CPU 82a may control the second number-of-balls display section 17 so that, when the error setting is canceled, the display of the error code indicating the error for which the setting has been canceled is terminated. In this way, the second ball number display section 17 is means for displaying the second number of managed balls PB, and may also be used as means for displaying an error code. The CPU 82a may start 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.

In this way, the second ball number display unit 17 may notify the error according to the set error. In the second number-of-balls display unit 17, when an error is set, notification of the set error may be started, and when the error setting is canceled, notification of the canceled error may be terminated. The error code notified by the second ball number display section 17 is information specific to the error. In other words, the notification modes of the plurality of types of errors that can be notified by the second ball number display section 17 are different from each other.

The CPU 82a controls the notification sound unit 13 so as to output an error sound as an example of information that can identify the set error when an error is set in the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80. You may That is, the CPU 82a may execute voice notification (hereinafter referred to as error voice notification) for notifying the set error. As an example, the CPU 82a provides frame illegal radio wave detection error notification, management unit communication error notification, management game machine internal communication error notification, supply mechanism error notification, game ball number over error notification, frame disconnection error notification, game ball number clear error notification, And the notification of the abnormal error in the number of winning balls is targeted for notification using the notification audio unit 13 . As an example, the CPU 82a does not use the notification audio unit 13 to notify the main unauthorized radio wave detection error notification, the main disconnection error notification, and the door opening error notification. The CPU 82 a causes the notification sound section 13 to notify at least some of the errors set in the frame control board 82 . On the other hand, the CPU 82a does not cause the notification sound section 13 to notify all of the errors set in the game control board 80. FIG. Not limited to this, the CPU 82 a may cause the notification sound section 13 to notify all of the errors set in the frame control board 82 . The CPU 82 a may cause the notification sound section 13 to notify some or all of the errors set in the game control board 80 . The voice pattern of the error voice notification has different contents depending on the error, and preferably has contents that can specify the outline of the set error. 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 multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 82a may execute 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 may set the notification of the completion of counting as the notification target of the notification sound unit 13. FIG. However, the CPU 82a does not need to make the notification of the completion of counting not to be notified by the notification sound unit 13. FIG. As an example, the notification sound output by the notification sound unit 13 for notifying completion of counting is a predetermined number (one example) or more, such as the voice of a person who reads out the character string "The ball has been transferred to the management unit." may contain information that can specifically specify that the number of balls in the pachinko machine 10 has been transferred to the management unit 100 . As an example, the notification sound output by the notification sound unit 13 for notifying the completion of counting is such as a predetermined song or sound effect, and the pachinko machine 10 and the management unit 100 indicate that the pachinko machine 10 has more than a predetermined number of balls (one example) or more. It does not have to include information that can specifically identify that it has been transferred to.

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.

In this manner, the notification sound unit 13 may issue an error notification according to the set error. The notification sound unit 13 may start notification of the set error when the error is set, and end notification of the cleared error when the error setting is canceled. The error voice notification given by the notification audio unit 13 differs depending on the error. In other words, the notification modes of a plurality of types of errors that can be notified by the notification audio unit 13 are different.

The effect side error notification process executed by the effect control board 81 (CPU 81a) will be described.
As shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 81a controls a part or all of the effect section constituting the effect device ES so as to execute error notification set in the pachinko game machine 10 in the effect-side error notification process. . As an example, the CPU 81a causes the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error notification to be executed according to the setting of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error. The CPU 81a causes the main unauthorized radio wave detection error notification to be executed according to the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error. The CPU 81a executes management unit communication error notification according to the setting of the management unit communication error. The CPU 81a causes communication line disconnection error notification to be executed according to the setting of the communication line disconnection error. The CPU 81a causes the supply mechanism error notification to be executed according to the setting of the supply mechanism error. The CPU 81a causes the game ball number over error notification to be executed according to the setting of the game ball number over error. The CPU 81a executes the frame breakage error notification according to the setting of the frame breakage error. The CPU 81a causes the main disconnection error notification to be executed according to the setting of the main disconnection error. The CPU 81a executes the game ball number clear error notification according to the setting of the game ball number clear error. The CPU 81a executes the notification of the abnormal error in the number of winning balls according to the setting of the abnormal error in the number of winning balls. The CPU 81a executes the door open error notification according to the setting of the door open error.

When multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 81a executes error notification with the highest priority. The priority is the same as the error code display on the performance display monitor 82d described above. The frame illegal radio wave detection error notification is set to have the highest priority among the plurality of types of errors. That is, the notification of the frame illegal radio wave detection error is given priority over the notification of the predetermined error different from the frame illegal radio wave detection error in the effect device ES.

As an example, the CPU 81a executes frame illegal radio wave detection error notification when frame illegal radio wave detection error and management unit communication error are set. On the other hand, the CPU 81a does not execute the management unit communication error notification. That is, the notification of the frame illegal radio wave detection error in the effect device ES is given priority over the notification of the management unit communication error. As an example, when a main unauthorized radio wave detection error and a communication line disconnection error are set, the CPU 81a executes a main unauthorized radio wave detection error notification. On the other hand, the CPU 81a does not execute communication line disconnection error notification. That is, the notification of the main illegal radio wave detection error in the effect device ES is given priority over the notification of the communication line disconnection error.

When determining that an error has been set based on the error information, the CPU 81a controls the effect display section 19 to perform error notification according to the set error. As an example, as shown in the column of "effect display section" in the figure, frame unauthorized radio wave detection error notification is set by frame unauthorized radio wave detection error such as "unauthorized radio wave detection [frame]" character string is displayed on the effect display unit 19. As an example, the notification of the management unit communication error is executed by displaying an image that can identify that the management unit communication error is set, such as a character string "management unit communication error", on the effect display section 19. . As an example, the notification of the communication line disconnection error is executed by displaying an image, such as a character string "communication line disconnection", on the effect display unit 19 that can specify that the communication line disconnection error is set. As an example, the main disconnection error notification is executed by displaying an image that can specify that the main disconnection error is set, such as a character string of "disconnection error [main]", on the effect display unit 19.

When the CPU 81a specifies that the error setting has been canceled based on the error information, the CPU 81a may control the effect display section 19 to terminate notification of the error whose setting has been canceled. Specifically, the CPU 81a cancels the settings of the management unit communication error, the supply mechanism error, the game ball count over error, the frame disconnection error, the main disconnection error, the game ball count clear error, the winning ball count error, and the door open error. When it is specified that the setting has been canceled, the effect display part 19 is controlled to terminate the notification of the error whose setting has been cancelled.

The CPU 81a may control the effect display section 19 to end the error notification when a special time (for example, 30 seconds) has passed since the start of the error notification. Specifically, the CPU 81a, when a special time has passed since the notification of the number-of-game-balls clear error is started, causes the number-of-game-balls clear error in the effect display section 19 to be displayed even if the number-of-game-balls clear error is being set. end the notification of On the other hand, the CPU 81a does not terminate the notification of the error other than the number-of-game-balls clear error in the effect display section 19 even after the special time has passed after starting the notification of the error.

The number-of-played-balls clear error is canceled when a specific time (eg, 30 seconds) elapses after the supply exit sensor D23, the foul sensor D21, or the out sensor D30 is detected. For this reason, the time required until the setting of the number-of-game-balls clear error is canceled after the number-of-game-balls clear error is set tends to be longer than the special time. Therefore, it is difficult for the number-of-game-balls clear error notification to end before the setting of the number-of-game-balls clear error is cancelled. The specific time is not limited to 30 seconds, and may be longer than 30 seconds. That is, the specific time is longer than the special time. This makes it more difficult for the number-of-game-balls clear error notification to end before the setting of the number-of-game-balls clear error is cancelled.

The set error notification ends when the power is turned off. In other words, the error notification being executed in the effect display section 19 is completely terminated when the power is turned off. It should be noted that the error notification being executed in the effect display section 19 will not be executed even if the power is turned on after being turned off. Not limited to this, the CPU 81a may cause the notification of an error during setting to be executed when the power is turned on after being turned off. As an example, when the power is turned on, the CPU 80a may transmit a frame error setting command and a board error setting command to the effect control board 81 based on the set error. The CPU 81a stores error information in the RAM 81c based on the input frame error setting command and board error setting command. Based on the updated error information, the CPU 81a may cause the notification of the error being set. As an example, the CPU 81a does not need to notify the unauthorized frame radio wave detection error, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error, and the communication line disconnection error when the power is turned on after being turned off. On the other hand, when the power is turned on after being turned off, the CPU 81a may notify an error different from the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error, and the communication line disconnection error.

When determining that an error has been set based on the error information, the CPU 81a controls the effect sound section 12 to perform error notification according to the set error. As an example, as shown in the column of "effect sound part" in the figure, the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error notification is a frame illegal radio wave detection error or main It is executed in such a manner that a sound capable of specifying that an illegal radio wave detection error is set is output from the production sound unit 12.例文帳に追加As an example, the management unit communication error annunciation is performed by producing a voice that can identify which one of multiple types of errors has been set, such as the voice of a person who reads out the character string "Please call the staff". It is executed in the form of output from the unit 12 . As an example, the game ball count over error notification produces a voice that can identify that the game ball count error has been set, such as the voice of a person who reads out the character string "Please move the game ball to the management unit". It is executed in the form of output from the audio unit 12 . As an example, the game ball count clear error notification produces a voice that can identify that the game ball count clear error has been set, such as the voice of a person who reads out the character string "The game ball count has been cleared." 12 is executed.

When the CPU 81a specifies that the error setting has been canceled based on the error information, the CPU 81a may control the effect sound section 12 to end the notification of the error whose setting has been canceled. Specifically, the CPU 81a cancels the setting of the management unit communication error, the supply mechanism error, the game ball count over error, the frame disconnection error, the main disconnection error, the game ball count clear error, the winning ball count error, and the door open error. When it is specified that the setting has been canceled, the effect sound part 12 is controlled to end the notification of the error whose setting has been cancelled.

When a special time (for example, 30 seconds) has passed after starting notification of the game ball number clear error, the CPU 81a sets the game ball number in the effect sound part 12 even if the game ball number clear error is being set. Terminate clear error reporting. When a predetermined time te (for example, 30 seconds) elapses after starting the notification of an error other than the game ball number clear error in the effect sound section 12, the CPU 81a determines that the error is being set. Even so, the error notification is terminated.

The set error notification ends when the power is turned off. In other words, the error notification being executed by the effect sound section 12 is completely terminated when the power is turned off. It should be noted that the error notification that is being executed in the effect sound section 12 will not be executed even if the power is turned on after the power has been turned off. Not limited to this, the CPU 81a may cause the notification of an error during setting to be executed when the power is turned on after being turned off. As an example, when the power is turned on, the CPU 80a may transmit a frame error setting command and a board error setting command to the effect control board 81 based on the set error. The CPU 81a stores error information in the RAM 81c based on the input frame error setting command and board error setting command. Based on the updated error information, the CPU 81a may cause the notification of the error being set. As an example, the CPU 81a does not need to notify the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error, and the communication line disconnection error when the power is turned on after being turned off. On the other hand, when the power is turned on after being turned off, the CPU 81a may notify an error different from the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error, and the communication line disconnection error.

The CPU 81a controls the effect sound section 12 when the power is turned off, and terminates the notification of the error being set. The CPU 81a controls the effect sound section 12 when the power is turned off, and terminates all error notifications. It should be noted that the CPU 81a does not notify an error during setting even if the power is turned on after being turned off. Not limited to this, the CPU 81a may cause the notification of an error during setting to be executed when the power is turned on after being turned off. As an example, the CPU 81a does not need to notify the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error, and the communication line disconnection error when the power is turned on after being turned off. On the other hand, when the power is turned on after being turned off, the CPU 81a may notify an error different from the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error, and the communication line disconnection error.

When determining that an error has been set based on the error information, the CPU 81a controls the effect light emitting section 14 to perform error notification according to the set error. As an example, as shown in the "effect light emitting part" column in the figure, the frame illegal radio wave detection error notification can identify that the frame illegal radio wave detection error is set, such as lighting the light emitter in red. It is executed in a manner in which the effect light-emitting portion 14 is caused to emit light in a light-emitting pattern. As an example, the notification of the main fraudulent radio wave detection error is performed by causing the effect light emitting unit 14 to emit light in a light emission pattern that can identify that the main fraudulent radio wave detection error is set, such as by lighting the light emitter in yellow. be done. As an example, the management unit communication error notification is executed by causing the effect light-emitting section 14 to emit light in a light-emitting pattern that can identify that an error has been set in the frame control board 82, such as by lighting the light-emitting body in green. be done. As an example, the communication line disconnection error notification is executed in a mode in which the effect light emitting unit 14 is caused to emit light in a light emitting pattern that can identify that an error is set in the game control board 80, such as lighting the light emitting body in blue. be done.

When the CPU 81a specifies that the error setting has been canceled based on the error information, the effect light emitting section 14 may be controlled to end the notification of the error whose setting has been canceled. Specifically, the CPU 81a cancels the settings of the management unit communication error, the supply mechanism error, the game ball count over error, the frame disconnection error, the main disconnection error, the game ball count clear error, the winning ball count error, and the door open error. When it is specified that the setting has been canceled, the effect light emitting part 14 is controlled to terminate the notification of the error whose setting has been cancelled.

When a special time (for example, 30 seconds) has passed after starting notification of the game ball number clear error, the CPU 81a sets the game ball number in the effect light emitting unit 14 even if the game ball number clear error is set. Terminate the notification of the clear error. When a predetermined time te (for example, 30 seconds) elapses after starting the notification of the error being set, the CPU 81a determines that the error is being set. Even so, the error notification is terminated.

The set error notification ends when the power is turned off. In other words, the error notification being executed by the effect light emitting unit 14 is completely terminated when the power is turned off. It should be noted that the error notification being executed by the effect light emitting unit 14 will not be executed even if the power is turned on after the power has been turned off. Not limited to this, the CPU 81a may cause the notification of an error during setting to be executed when the power is turned on after being turned off. As an example, when the power is turned on, the CPU 80a may transmit a frame error setting command and a board error setting command to the effect control board 81 based on the set error. The CPU 81a stores error information in the RAM 81c based on the input frame error setting command and board error setting command. Based on the updated error information, the CPU 81a may cause the notification of the error being set. As an example, the CPU 81a does not need to notify the unauthorized frame radio wave detection error, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error, and the communication line disconnection error when the power is turned on after being turned off. On the other hand, when the power is turned on after being turned off, the CPU 81a may notify an error different from the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error, and the communication line disconnection error.

In this way, in the effect device ES, error notification is executed according to the set error. In the effect device ES, when an error is set, notification of the set error is started. The notification of the error in the effect device ES ends when the error setting is canceled, the special time elapses, the predetermined time te elapses, or the power is turned off. In addition, the notification modes of the plurality of types of errors that can be notified by the effect device ES are different from each other.

It should be noted that the frame error command is not output from the frame control board 82 to the game control board 80 when the intra-management game machine communication error is set. For this reason, the CPU 81a cannot identify from the error information that the intra-management gaming machine communication error has been set. Therefore, the CPU 81a does not execute error notification in the effect device ES when the intra-management game machine communication error is set.

When the CPU 81a inputs the counting completion command, it controls the effect sound section 12 to notify the counting completion. In other words, in the effect sound section 12, in response to the transmission of the counting information from the frame control board 82 to the CU control board 120, notification of completion of counting is executed. On the other hand, the CPU 81a does not cause the effect display section 19 and the effect light emitting section 14 to notify the counting completion even if the count completion command is input. Not limited to this, when the counting completion command is input, the CPU 81a may control the effect display section 19 and the effect light emitting section 14 to notify the counting completion. As an example, the notification of the completion of the counting is performed when the number of held balls equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 1) is transferred from the pachinko machine 10 to the management unit 100, such as the voice of a person who reads out the character string "counting completed". It is executed in such a manner that a sound that can specify the event is output from the production sound unit 12. - 特許庁The notification of the completion of counting by the effect sound unit 12 ends when "counting completed" is output once. Note that the notification of the completion of counting ends when the power is turned off in the middle of the voice such as "counting", and even if the power is turned on after the power is turned off, the notification of the completion of counting is not executed. Not limited to this, the CPU 81a may cause the completion of counting to be notified when the power is turned on after being turned off.

Here, the notification of the number of game balls over error has a higher priority than the notification of counting completion. In other words, the notification of the number of game balls over error is given priority over the notification of the completion of counting in the effect sound section 12. - 特許庁For this reason, for example, even if the counting operation unit 18 is operated in a situation where an error of exceeding the number of game balls is notified, the effect sound unit 12 does not notify the counting completion. However, when the notification of the number of game balls over error in the effect sound section 12 has ended, the notification of the completion of counting can be executed. Further, the notification of the game ball number over error in the effect display section 19 can be executed even after the predetermined time te has passed. Therefore, the notification of the number-of-game-balls over error and the notification of the counting completion can be executed simultaneously by different notification units.

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 executes notification of the ball-draw state. 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". 12 is executed. When the CPU 81a inputs the ball removal completion command, the CPU 81a terminates notification of the ball removal state.

When a predetermined time te (for example, 30 seconds) has passed since the start of notification of the ball-drawn state, the CPU 81a controls the effect sound section 12 to end notification of the ball-drawn state. The CPU 81a controls the effect sound section 12 when the power is turned off, and terminates the notification of the state of the ball being pulled out. It should be noted that the CPU 81a does not execute notification of the state of ball extraction even when the power is turned on after the power has been turned off. Not limited to this, the CPU 81a may cause notification of the state of ball extraction when the power is turned on after the power has been turned off.

As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when various errors are set, the performance display monitor 82d and the effect device ES can notify the error during setting. A performance display monitor 82 d is provided on the frame control board 82 . The frame control board 82 is provided at a position that cannot be visually recognized unless the mounting frame 11b is opened. Therefore, for example, the performance display monitor 82d is difficult for a player who plays a game to visually recognize. On the other hand, since the effect device ES can be visually recognized when the pachinko game machine 10 is viewed from the front, it is easy for the player who plays the game to visually recognize it. Therefore, it is difficult for the player to recognize the error notification executed on the performance display monitor 82d. On the other hand, it is easy for the player to visually recognize the notification of the error executed by the effect device ES.

Here, notification of errors other than the communication line disconnection error and the intra-management game machine communication error is performed by the performance display monitor 82d and the effect device ES. On the other hand, notification of a communication line disconnection error is performed by the effect device ES, but is not performed by the performance display monitor 82d. Also, the notification of the intra-management game machine communication error is executed by the performance display monitor 82d, but is not executed by the effect device ES. In other words, the notification of the communication error in the management game machine is executed by the performance display monitor 82d among the plurality of notification units, while the notification of the communication line disconnection error is executed by the performance display monitor 82d among the plurality of notification units. Executed in ES.

In the performance display monitor 82d and the effect device ES, notification of an error corresponding to a set error among a plurality of types of errors is performed. Then, as described above, the notification modes of the plurality of types of errors are different from each other. As an example, the manner in which the performance display monitor 82d notifies the frame illegal radio wave detection error is different from the manner in which the performance display monitor 82d notifies the management unit communication error. In addition, the notification mode of the frame illegal radio wave detection error in the effect device ES is different from the notification mode of the management unit communication error in the effect device ES. As an example, the manner in which the performance display monitor 82d notifies the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is different from the manner in which the performance display monitor 82d notifies the main unauthorized radio wave detection. In addition, the notification mode of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error in the effect device ES is different from the notification mode of the main illegal radio wave detection error in the effect device ES. In this way, the frame illegal radio wave detection error and the main illegal radio wave detection error are notifications of the occurrence of abnormal radio waves, which are related to the same event, but error notifications are executed in different notification modes.

The conditions for ending the error notification executed in the performance display monitor 82d, the effect display section 19, the effect sound section 12, and the effect light emitting section 14 may differ. As described above, the notification of the error on the performance display monitor 82d ends on the condition that the error setting is canceled. The effect display unit 19, the effect sound unit 12, and the effect light emitting unit 14 are notified of an error when the error setting is canceled, when a special time has elapsed since the start of the error notification, and when the error notification is started. After that, the process ends under the condition that a predetermined time te has passed and that the power supply has been stopped.

As an example, the notification of the frame illegal radio wave detection error on the performance display monitor 82d ends when the error setting is canceled. The notification of the frame illegal radio wave detection error in the effect display section 19 ends when the power supply is stopped. The notification of the frame illegal radio wave detection error in the effect sound unit 12 and the effect light emission unit 14 ends when a predetermined time te (eg, 30 seconds) has passed since the start of the error notification, or when the power supply is stopped. do. In this way, the notification of the frame illegal radio wave detection error executed by the effect display section 19, the effect sound section 12, and the effect light emitting section 14 ends when the power supply is stopped. The notification of the frame illegal radio wave detection error executed by the effect sound unit 12 and the effect light emitting unit 14 is performed within a predetermined time te after the start of the frame illegal radio wave detection error notification even before the power supply is stopped. Terminate when the time elapses. On the other hand, the notification of the illegal frame radio wave detection error executed in the effect display unit 19 does not end even after the predetermined time te has passed since the start of the notification of the illegal frame radio wave detection error.

As an example, the notification of the abnormal number of winning balls error on the performance display monitor 82d ends when the error setting is canceled. The notification of the abnormal error in the number of prize-winning balls in the effect display section 19 ends when the error setting is canceled or the power supply is stopped. Notification of an abnormal error in the number of prize-winning balls in the effect sound part 12 and the effect light-emitting part 14 ends when a predetermined time te (eg, 30 seconds) has passed since the start of the error notification, or when the power supply is stopped. do. In this way, the notification of the winning ball number abnormality error executed by the effect display section 19, the effect sound section 12, and the effect light emitting section 14 ends when the power supply is stopped. The notification of the error in the number of winning balls executed by the effect sound unit 12 and the effect light emitting unit 14 takes a predetermined time te after the start of the notification of the error in the number of winning balls even before the power supply is stopped. Terminate when the time elapses. On the other hand, the notification of the abnormal number of winning balls error, which is executed in the effect display section 19, does not end even if the predetermined time te has passed since the notification of the abnormal number of winning balls error started.

As an example, the notification of the number-of-game-balls clear error on the performance display monitor 82d ends when the error setting is cancelled. The effect display unit 19, the effect sound unit 12, and the effect light emitting unit 14 notify the game ball count clear error when a special time (for example, 30 seconds) has passed since the start of the error notification, or when the power supply is interrupted. Terminate by stopping. In this manner, the performance display monitor 82d does not report the number-of-game-balls clear error until the setting of the number-of-game-balls clear error is canceled even after the special time has passed since the start of the notification of the number-of-game-balls clear error. not terminated. On the other hand, in the effect display unit 19, the effect sound unit 12, and the effect light emitting unit 14, the notification of the game ball number clear error is terminated when the special time elapses after the start of the game ball number clear error notification. Further, in the effect display unit 19, the effect sound unit 12, and the effect light emitting unit 14, even before the special time has passed since the notification of the game ball number clear error is started, the game ball number clear error is set. When released, the notification of the number-of-game-balls clear error is terminated.

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 t9 (eg 37.5ms). When the specified time t9 has passed, the firing control circuit 83a supplies the driving current to the firing solenoid 66a in accordance with 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 t10 (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 t10 has elapsed since the drive current was output to the firing solenoid 66a (hereinafter referred to as the determination point T0). Behavior is different. 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 t9 and the prescribed time t10. 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 t9. When the specified time t9 has passed, the firing control circuit 83a supplies the driving current to the firing solenoid 66a in accordance with 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 t10 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 point T1) after a specified time t10 has passed after outputting the drive current 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 transitions to the ON state, the CPU 82a waits for the specified time t10a. The specified time t10a 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 of ball extraction, an error of a type that can be detected as a confirmation interval other than during the state of ball extraction is not detected, the error is not set, and the 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 mechanism error as an example) has not occurred in the frame control board 82 . The firing prohibited state is when the management unit 100 and the pachinko game machine 10 are not properly connected, when a specific error is set on the game control board 80, and when a specific error occurs on the frame control board 82. being set is occurring. The normal connection between the management unit 100 and the pachinko gaming machine 10 corresponds to the fact that the frame control board 82 does not set the management unit communication error. 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 the intra-game-machine communication abnormality error is not set, the configuration may be such that the firing prohibited state is set instead of the firing 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.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the pachinko gaming machine 10, while the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) and the game control board 80 (CPU 80a) communicate bidirectionally, the frame control board 82 manages the balls held, while the game control board 80 By controlling the progress of the game, each control unit cooperates to provide the game environment as a whole of the game machine. Based on such a premise, it is possible to separately detect a communication error within the management game machine, which is a communication abnormality seen from the frame control board 82, and a communication line disconnection error, which is a communication abnormality seen from the game control board 80. By doing so, communication errors between control boards can be detected without omission. In particular, since notification of these communication errors is performed by different notification units, it is possible to prevent the notification from being overlooked. Moreover, when the notification by one of the notification units is not executed, it is possible to easily identify which control unit is not able to detect the communication error normally. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(2) Notification of a communication line disconnection error is realized by detection by the game control board 80 and control of the effect device ES by the effect control board 81 . Therefore, detection and notification can be shared, and notification can be efficiently realized.

(3) The pachinko gaming machine 10 can perform notification according to the priority of errors to be treated. In other words, when a communication error occurs between control boards due to the generation of abnormal radio waves, it is difficult to resolve the communication error unless the generation of the abnormal radio waves is resolved. Then, the notification of the frame illegal radio wave detection error is executed with priority over the notification of the intra-management game machine communication error. Therefore, it is possible to make it easy for the user to understand that the occurrence of abnormal radio waves should be eliminated first. That is, it is possible to facilitate appropriate treatment.

(4) Notification of a communication error within a managed game machine is executed with priority over notification of an abnormality in communication different from communication with the game control board 80 (that is, a frame disconnection error). As described above, in a situation where a communication error within a managed gaming machine is reported, there is a risk that the gaming machine as a whole will not be able to provide a gaming environment. In other words, by preferentially executing notification of a more serious intra-management game machine communication error, it is possible to make it easier for the player to notice that an abnormality has occurred in the communication between the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 . . Therefore, appropriate treatment can be facilitated.

(5) The frame control board 82 can detect a radio wave that can have a predetermined effect on the detection of the foul sensor D21, which triggers the addition of the number of balls possessed by the player, and can set a frame fraudulent radio wave detection error. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of balls possessed by the player even though no returned balls (so-called foul balls) have occurred. In a situation where the frame illegal radio wave detection error is set, there is a possibility that the player is trying to illegally increase the number of balls held by the player (so-called cheating). The setting of the frame illegal radio wave detection error is not canceled until the power supply is stopped. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the setting of the illegal frame radio wave detection error from being canceled without the administrator of the gaming machine or the like recognizing it. Therefore, the frame illegal radio wave detection error is easily grasped by the administrator or the like. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(6) A frame illegal radio wave detection error is set when the number of times of detection by the frame radio wave sensor D16 reaches a predetermined number of times (eg, 10 times). As a result, it is possible to suppress the setting of an illegal frame radio wave detection error due to erroneous detection by the frame radio wave sensor D16. Therefore, it is possible to prevent taking measures in response to frame-unauthorized radio wave detection errors even though radio waves that may have a predetermined influence on detection by the foul sensor D21 are not actually generated. That is, wastefulness of the treatment is suppressed.

(7) Notification of an illegal frame radio wave detection error is given priority over notification of a predetermined error other than an illegal frame radio wave detection error. As described above, there is a possibility that a so-called fraudulent act is being carried out in a situation where the frame illegal radio wave detection error is notified. In other words, by preferentially executing notification of a more serious frame-unauthorized radio wave detection error, it is possible to prompt the user to preferentially take measures for the frame-unauthorized radio wave detection error.

(8) Since the notification of the frame illegal radio wave detection error is executed by both the effect display section 19 and the effect sound section 12, it is possible to prevent the notification from being overlooked. In addition, the notification by the effect sound unit 12 ends earlier than the notification by the effect display unit 19. - 特許庁Therefore, by continuing to notify by both the effect display unit 19 and the effect sound unit 12, it is possible to prevent the administrator from feeling annoyed.

(9) In the circulation-type pachinko game machine 10, the frame control board 82 performs predetermined control according to rental information from the outside of the machine and radio wave detection signals from the inside of the machine. Based on such a premise, the frame control board 82 can update the number of times based on the input status of these two pieces of information, and set management unit communication errors and frame illegal radio wave detection errors separately. The management unit communication error and the frame illegal radio wave detection error are respectively different in reporting mode. Therefore, the administrator or the like of the gaming machine can easily identify whether the error is related to the CU control board 120 outside the machine or the error related to the frame radio wave sensor D16 inside the machine. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(10) The setting of the frame illegal radio wave detection error is not canceled even if the cause of the frame illegal radio wave detection error being set is eliminated. Therefore, it is possible to recognize that the frame illegal radio wave detection error has been set even after the cause has been resolved. On the other hand, the setting of the management unit communication error is canceled when the cause of the setting of the management unit communication error is eliminated. In other words, the frame illegal radio wave detection error can be positioned as a relatively important error so that the administrator or the like can easily notice it. Therefore, appropriate treatment can be facilitated.

(11) Notification of frame illegal radio wave detection error is executed with priority over notification of management unit communication error. For this reason, it is possible to position the situation in which the frame illegal radio wave detection error is set as a relatively important error and make it easy for the user to notice the occurrence of the error. Therefore, appropriate treatment can be facilitated.

(12) The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a game environment as a cyclical gaming machine through cooperation between the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 . Based on this premise, the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 update the number of times based on the input status from the radio wave sensor capable of detecting the occurrence of the same abnormal radio wave, and based on the updated number of times set error. The error notification set by the frame control board 82 and the error notification set by the game control board 80 are both "notification of occurrence of abnormal radio waves", but the notification modes are different from each other. . Therefore, it is possible for the administrator or the like to grasp which control board caused the error. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(13) The number of balls possessed by the player is decreased according to detection by at least one of the supply entrance sensor D22 and the supply exit sensor D23. For example, if one or both of the supply entrance sensor D22 and the supply exit sensor D23 fails, it can be assumed that the number of balls possessed by the player cannot be managed accurately. In this embodiment, a supply mechanism error is set when the difference between the number of detections by the supply inlet sensor D22 and the number of detections by the supply outlet sensor D23 becomes a predetermined number (eg, 50) or more. Accordingly, it is possible to easily identify that one or both of the supply inlet sensor D22 and the supply outlet sensor D23 have an abnormality. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(14) In the pachinko gaming machine 10, even if a supply mechanism error is set during the game, it can be canceled without stopping the power supply. Therefore, it is possible to take appropriate measures while suppressing the influence on the game.

(15) Since it is necessary to operate the error release switch 82f for a predetermined time td (for example, two seconds) in order to release the setting of the supply mechanism error, it should be released by a person who understands the release method. can do. Therefore, appropriate measures can be taken.

(16) The frame control board 82 does not count the number of detections by the supply inlet sensor D22 and the number of detections by the supply outlet sensor D23 until the startup information is input. In other words, the frame control board 82 does not execute control related to setting of the supply mechanism error until the start-up information is input. A situation in which no start-up information has been input is a situation in which the frame control board 82 has not been able to specify the information necessary for start-up. Since the frame control board 82 executes control related to the setting of the supply mechanism error after inputting the start-up information, it is possible to increase the credibility of the setting of the supply mechanism error and to take appropriate measures. can.

(17) When the number of balls managed by the frame control board 82 (the second number of managed balls PB) is initialized, the performance display monitor 82d and the effect device ES are displayed until a special time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. In both cases, notification of game ball count clear error is performed. Therefore, it is possible to make the manager of the gaming machine easily recognize that the number-of-game-balls clear error has been set. Then, when the special time has passed since the shooting of the game ball is specified, the notification of the game ball number clear error on the performance display monitor 82d is continued, while the game ball number clear error on the effect device ES is not notified. is terminated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the manager of the gaming machine from being annoyed by the notification of the number-of-game-balls clear error being continuously executed by both the performance display monitor 82d and the effect device ES. In addition, compared with the configuration in which the notification of the number-of-game-balls clear error is completely terminated, it is possible to make it easier for the manager of the gaming machine or the like to grasp the number-of-game-balls clear error. The notification of the number-of-game-balls clear error on the performance display monitor 82d ends when the setting of the number-of-game-balls clear error is cancelled. Here, the setting of the number-of-game-balls clear error is canceled when a special time elapses after the shooting of the game balls is specified, that is, when a game is started by a player or the like. As a result, it is possible to make it easier for the manager of the gaming machine or the like to recognize that the number of game balls clear error has been set, and to prevent the player or the like from hindering the game. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(18) In the pachinko gaming machine 10, it is suppressed that the notification of the number-of-game-balls clear error on the performance display monitor 82d and the notification of the number-of-game-balls clear error on the effect device ES end at the same time. In other words, it is possible to easily secure the period during which the notification of the number-of-game-balls clear error is executed by both the performance display monitor 82d and the effect device ES. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(19) In the pachinko game machine 10, when a game ball is shot, it either reaches the game area 20a or does not reach the game area 20a (that is, becomes a return ball). However, assuming that the game is being played, the setting of the number-of-game-balls clear error can be canceled to prevent the game from being hindered. Therefore, appropriate measures can be taken.

(20) The number of balls held by the player (the second number of managed balls PB) is subtracted when the ball is shot toward the game area 20a. Here, if it is normal, the number of game balls fired toward the game area 20a (the number of shots Pf), and the game balls collected by the winning reception port 30a, the non-winning reception port 30b, and the foul reception port 30c (recovery number Pg) should not differ greatly except for the number of game balls flowing down the game area 20a. If the difference between the number of shots Pf and the number of collected shots Pg is a specific number (eg, 100) or more, it can be assumed that some sort of abnormality has occurred or that a fraudulent act has occurred. The setting of the abnormal number of winning balls error cannot be canceled unless the power supply is stopped or started. It is suppressed. For this reason, it is possible to make it easier to confirm whether or not there has been fraudulent activity. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(21) When the collected number Pg is smaller than the number of shots Pf, it is assumed that the game balls are staying in the game area 20a. The pachinko game machine 10 does not cancel the winning ball number abnormality error even when the cause for setting the winning ball number abnormality error is eliminated. Therefore, for example, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not a situation in which game balls are stagnant within the game area 20a has occurred. Therefore, appropriate treatment can be facilitated.

(22) When the number of collected balls Pg is larger than the number of fired balls Pf, the balls are discharged without being detected by the supply outlet sensor D23 used for managing the number of balls possessed by the player (the second number of managed balls PB). there may be. In other words, there is a possibility that the number of balls held by the player is being shot without decreasing. The pachinko game machine 10 does not cancel the winning ball number abnormality error even when the cause for setting the winning ball number abnormality error is eliminated. Therefore, for example, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not an event has occurred in which the number of balls possessed by the player has not decreased even though the game balls have been shot. Therefore, appropriate treatment can be facilitated.

(23) Since the notification of the abnormal error in the number of winning balls is performed by both the effect display section 19 and the effect sound section 12, it is possible to prevent the notification from being overlooked. In addition, the notification by the effect sound unit 12 ends earlier than the notification by the effect display unit 19. - 特許庁Therefore, by continuing to notify by both the effect display unit 19 and the effect sound unit 12, it is possible to prevent the administrator of the gaming machine from feeling annoyed.

(24) The pachinko gaming machine 10 can notify that the number of balls held by the player (the second number of managed balls PB) exceeds a predetermined number of balls (40000 as an example). to an external device (the CU control board 120 as an example). When the number of balls possessed by the player is transferred to the external device, notification of completion of counting is executed to make it easier for the player to understand that the number of balls possessed by the player has been transferred to the external device. can be done. By transferring the number of balls held by the player to the external device, the number of balls held by the player can be reduced to a specific number (35000 as an example) or less. In this way, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can make it easy to grasp the situation until the game ball number over error is released when the game ball number over error is set. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(25) The notification of the number of game balls over error is given priority over the notification of the counting completion in the effect sound section 12 . Thereby, it is possible to easily specify that the number of balls possessed by the player is not equal to or less than the specific number of balls. For this reason, it is possible to make it easy for the player to understand that the setting of the game ball number over error has not been canceled, and to make it easy to take appropriate measures.

(26) When the player's number of balls is transferred to an external device, the number of balls to be transferred can be changed depending on whether the operation of the counting operation unit 18 is a single-press operation or a long-press operation. Therefore, convenience for the player can be enhanced.

(27) The frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) does not initialize the frame radio wave detection count, which is the number of detections by the frame radio wave sensor D16, until the power supply is stopped. Even if radio waves are generated at intervals, a frame illegal radio wave detection error can be surely set. Therefore, it is possible to prevent so-called goto behavior from being overlooked.

(28) The rental information and the radio wave detection signal are information that can affect the number of balls held by the player. The frame control board 82 can update the number of times based on the input status of these two pieces of information, and separately set management unit communication errors and frame unauthorized radio wave detection errors. The management unit communication error and the frame illegal radio wave detection error are respectively different in reporting mode. Therefore, the administrator or the like of the gaming machine can confirm whether the number of balls possessed by the player is affected or not, and can specify the cause when the influence is exerted. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(29) The number of detections by the supply inlet sensor D22 and the number of detections by the supply outlet sensor D23 are initialized when the setting of the supply mechanism error is cancelled. As a result, even after the setting of the supply mechanism error is canceled, the control regarding the supply mechanism error can be performed again, and appropriate measures can be taken.

(30) Since the notification of the number-of-game-balls clear error ends when the player or the like starts playing the game, it is possible to prevent the player or the like from hindering the game. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the manager of the gaming machine or the like to recognize that the number of game balls clear error has been set, while preventing the player or the like from hindering the game.

(31) Since the performance display monitor 82d, which is difficult for the player to recognize, informs the game ball number clear error until the game starts, the game ball number clear error is set to the manager of the gaming machine. You can make it easier to recognize that. On the other hand, the effect device ES, which is easy for the player to recognize, terminates the notification of the number-of-game-balls clear error when the special time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses, thereby facilitating the player to start the game. be able to. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(32) During the ball extraction state, it is assumed that the launched game ball is discharged outside the machine before it is collected. In such a state, if the error in the number of winning balls is set, there is a possibility that the manager of the gaming machine or the like may feel annoyed. In this embodiment, the winning ball count error is not set during the ball drawing state. As a result, it is possible to prevent the manager or the like of the gaming machine from feeling annoyed.

(33) If the collected number Pg is larger than the number of shots Pf, there is a possibility that the detection of the out-sensor D30 is affected in a certain way by the occurrence of abnormal radio waves. Some of such radio waves are generated by fraud (so-called fraud). According to the present embodiment, by setting the frame illegal radio wave detection error, it is possible to easily identify the cause of the setting of the abnormal number of winning balls error. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(34) Since the notification of the number-of-game-balls-over error in the effect sound section 12 ends when the predetermined time te elapses, the notification of the completion of counting can be executed. On the other hand, the notification of the game ball number over error in the effect display section 19 can be displayed even after the predetermined time te has passed until the setting of the game ball number over error is cancelled. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, it is possible to simultaneously execute notification of the number of game balls over error and notification of counting completion with different notifications. This makes it easier to operate the counting operation unit 18 until the setting of the game ball number over error is canceled, and makes it possible to understand that the processing for canceling the setting of the game ball number over error is being executed. can be made easier. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

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 communication error within the management game machine or a communication line disconnection error is set, the necessary power is supplied, the management unit communication error is not set, and the second number of balls under management PB is not 0. If so, it may be put in a countable state. In a situation where a communication error within a managed game machine or a communication line disconnection error is set, there is a possibility that the game cannot be played normally. Under such circumstances, if the number of balls possessed by the player cannot be transferred to the management unit 100, trouble may occur. In this modified example, even in such a case, since the counting is possible, the counting operation using the counting operation section 18 is possible, and the pachinko gaming machine 10 sends the management unit 100 the number of balls possessed by the player. can be transferred.

- 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 may be executed in such a manner that a sound capable of specifying the end of the ball-drawn state is output from the effect sound section 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 may be executed in a manner to do. 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. may be performed.

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 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. Also, the timing of starting the display of the error code on the performance display monitor 82d may be earlier than the timing of starting the error notification in the effect device ES.

The manner in which an error is reported in the effect sound section 12 may be different depending on the error, and may be a dedicated sound.
The error reporting mode executed by the effect light emitting unit 14 may be different depending on the error, or may be a dedicated light emitting pattern.

- When multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 81a may cause the effect display section 19 to perform multiple error notifications. As an example, when frame unauthorized radio wave detection error and management unit communication error are set, the effect display unit 19 displays the character string “unauthorized radio wave detection [frame]” and the character string “management unit communication error”. Both may be displayed. In this case, in the image display area 19a of the effect display section 19, the area in which the character string "unauthorized radio wave detection [frame]" is displayed is larger than the area in which the character string "management unit communication error" is displayed. good too. In other words, when a plurality of error notifications are to be executed at the same time, the display area of the error notification with the higher priority may be widened. Therefore, since an error with a higher priority is more likely to be noticed, it can be said that the notification of an error with a higher priority is preferentially executed.

・After detecting that the difference between the number of balls supplied at the entrance and the number of balls supplied at the outlet has reached a predetermined number, the CPU 82a detects that the difference between the number of balls supplied at the entrance and the number of balls supplied at the outlet has reached a predetermined number for a predetermined period of time. A supply mechanism error may be set when the above is maintained. Note that the measurement of time is also included in counting the predetermined number.

The CPU 82a may add the supply difference number when it detects that one game ball has been received by the supply unit 61 based on the supply entrance signal output by the supply entrance sensor D22 in the supply ball number monitoring process. . In the supply ball number monitoring process, the CPU 82a may subtract the supply difference number when detecting that one game ball has been discharged from the supply unit 61 based on the supply exit signal output by the supply exit sensor D23. The CPU 82a may store the supply difference number in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82a may set an initial value (100 as an example) when initializing the supply difference number. Then, the CPU 82a may set a supply mechanism error when the supply difference number is decreased or increased by a predetermined number (eg, 50) from the initial value.

- After the CPU 82a detects that the difference between the number of shots Pf and the number of collected pieces Pg has reached a specific number, the difference between the number of shots Pf and the number of collected pieces Pg is maintained at a specific number or more for a predetermined elapsed time. Sometimes, a winning ball number abnormal error may be set. Note that the measurement of time is also included in counting the predetermined number.

- The CPU 82a may add the collected number Pg according to the detection by the out sensor D30, but may not add the collected number Pg according to the detection by the foul sensor D21. In other words, the collected number Pg may be added only by the out balls without including the returned balls. The possibility of a return ball occurring in a situation in which game balls are continuously shot is extremely small. In other words, it is difficult to imagine that a large number of return balls are continuously generated in a short period of time. For this reason, it is not necessary to consider return balls when detecting an error in the number of winning balls. Alternatively, if the pachinko machine is structurally unable to generate return balls (for example, a type that shoots game balls from the upper left of the game board 20), an error in the number of winning balls is set based on the number of shots Pf and out balls. may be

・Out ball detection may be performed by the winning path count sensor D25 and the non-winning path count sensor D26 instead of the detection by the out sensor D30. 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 detect an error even during the ball extraction state, and may execute an error notification when an error is set. The error notification in this case may be executed in a manner different from that when an error is set in a state other than the state of ball extraction. For example, the error notification may be performed by a notification unit different from the notification unit that performs the error notification when an error is set in a state other than the ball extraction state. In addition, when executing error notification when an error is set in a state other than the state of ball extraction, a plurality of notification units are used, but when an error is set in the state of ball extraction, the plurality of notification units The error notification may be performed by some of the notification units.

・The communication error in the management game machine does not have to be included in the confirmation interval except during the ball extraction state. The management unit communication error does not have to be included in the confirmation interval other than during the ball extraction state. During the ball-out state, the second number of managed balls PB is 0, and no game is played. Further, it is possible to make it easier to recognize that the ball is being pulled out by executing the notification of the ball being pulled out by making the error notification less likely to be executed during the ball being pulled out. Therefore, appropriate measures can be taken.

- The CPU 82a adds the number of unreceived times when game information is transmitted, but the present invention is not limited to this. The CPU 82a may add the number of non-receipts when counting information is transmitted instead of the game information. The CPU 82a may add the number of unreceived times when both the game information and the count information are transmitted.

The CPU 82a adds the number of frame radio wave detections when the radio wave detection signal of the frame radio wave sensor D16 transitions from the off state to the on state, but the present invention is not limited to this. After the radio wave detection signal of the frame radio wave sensor D16 changes from the off state to the on state, the CPU 82a may keep the on state and perform addition each time a predetermined time (one second as an example) elapses. As an example, if the radio wave detection signal of the frame radio wave sensor D16 changes from the off state to the on state and then a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times) elapses while the radio wave detection signal remains on, the CPU 82a detects an illegal frame radio wave detection error. may be set.

- Although the CPU 80a added the number of times of detection of the main radio wave when the radio wave detection signal of the main radio wave sensor D19 transitioned from the off state to the on state, the present invention is not limited to this. After the radio wave detection signal of the main radio wave sensor D19 changes from OFF state to ON state, the CPU 80a may keep the ON state and perform addition each time a predetermined time period (one second as an example) elapses. As an example, if the radio wave detection signal of the main radio wave sensor D19 changes from the off state to the on state and a predetermined time period (eg, 10 times) elapses after the radio wave detection signal has been turned on, the CPU 80a detects a main unauthorized radio wave detection error. may be set.

- The frame radio wave sensor D16 may be arranged closer to the communication line connecting the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 than the main radio wave sensor D19. According to this, when the communication between the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 is not performed normally, the cause of the communication abnormality can be easily specified by the notification of the frame illegal radio wave detection error. Since the notification of the illegal radio wave detection error has the highest priority, it is possible to make the occurrence of abnormal radio waves easier to understand, and to make it easier to take appropriate measures.

- The second number of balls to be counted may be the total number of balls that the player has. As an example, the CPU 82a counts 100 as the second number of balls to be counted when the second number of balls to be managed PB is 100 and a count signal capable of specifying the "long press operation" is input from the counting operation unit 18. may be added to and stored in the RAM 82c. As an example, the CPU 82a counts 5000 as the second number of balls when the second number of balls under management PB is 5000 and the counting signal that can specify the "long press operation" is input from the counting operation unit 18. may be added to and stored in the RAM 82c. According to this, for example, when the player ends the game in the pachinko gaming machine 10, it is possible to transfer all the number of balls possessed to the management unit 100 by one long pressing operation. Therefore, convenience for the player can be enhanced.

- The CPU 82a outputs a counting signal that can specify the "long press operation" from the counting operation unit 18 when the second number of managed balls PB is larger than the first number of balls to be counted and smaller than the second number of balls to be counted. When input, all of the second managed ball number PB may be added to the count information and stored in the RAM 82c. As an example, when the second number of managed balls PB is 10 and a count signal capable of specifying a “long press operation” is input from the count operation unit 18, the CPU 82a adds 10 to the count information and stores it in the RAM 82c. may be stored.

・When the counting operation unit 18 is operated, the CPU 82a controls the game control to indicate that the counting operation unit 18 has been operated and control information (hereinafter referred to as a counting operation command) that can specify the second number of managed balls PB. You may output to the board|substrate 80. FIG. The game control board 80 (CPU 80 a ) may output the counting operation command to the effect control board 81 . The production control board 81 may control the production sound section 12 to output a sound effect when the counting operation command is input. As an example, when the production control board 81 inputs a counting operation command that can specify that the second number of managed balls PB is 1 or more, a predetermined number of Execution may be performed in such a manner that a sound capable of specifying that the above number of balls is transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 is output from the production sound section 12 . As an example, when the production control board 81 inputs a counting operation command that can specify that the second number of managed balls PB is 0, the effect control board 81 outputs a held ball, such as a person's voice reading out the character string "There is no held ball". It may be executed in a mode in which a sound that can specify that the number is not transferred from the pachinko game machine 10 to the management unit 100 is output from the effect sound section 12 .

- Notification of completion of counting may be executed in a different manner according to the number of possessed balls transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100. - 特許庁As an example, the notification of completion of counting is given when the number of balls transferred from the pachinko machine 10 to the management unit 100 is the first number of balls counted (1 as an example), ) may be performed differently. That is, the notification of the completion of counting may be performed in different notification modes depending on whether the operation mode of the counting operation unit 18 is the "single-press operation" or the "long-press operation".

- The notification of the completion of counting is performed by producing a voice that can specify the number of balls transferred from the pachinko machine 10 to the management unit 100, such as the voice of a person who reads out the character string "250 balls have been settled". It may be executed in a mode of outputting from.

When the out signal output by the out sensor D30 is input, the CPU 82a outputs to the game control board 80 control information (hereinafter referred to as a game command) that can specify that the game ball has flowed down the game area 20a. good too. A game command is an example of predetermined information. When transmitting the game command to the game control board 80, the CPU 82a may synthesize the game command and the counting completion command and transmit them. That is, the game command and the count completion command may be combined into one control command and transmitted. In this modified example, the counting completion command is combined with the control command for transmitting the game command based on the phenomenon that the game ball flows down the game area 20a with high frequency. It is possible to shorten the time until the counting completion notification is started. Therefore, appropriate treatment can be facilitated.

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 CPU 82a, ROM 82b, and RAM 82c 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.

- The performance display monitor 82d may not be provided on the frame control board 82. The performance display monitor 82 d may be provided on a board different from the frame control board 82 . In this case, the frame control board 82 may be connected to the performance display monitor 82d. The CPU 82a may be configured to be able to control the display content of the performance display monitor 82d.

・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 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) A circulation-type gaming machine that circulates game balls inside the machine, comprising a game board having a game area, a launching unit capable of shooting game balls toward the game area, and game balls collected from the game area. to the launching unit, a first control unit capable of executing control regarding the operation of the supply mechanism, and a game based on the entry of a game ball into a starting port formed in the game area A second control unit capable of executing control regarding progress, and a plurality of notification units, wherein the first control unit can detect that there is an abnormality in communication with the second control unit as a first communication error The second control unit can detect that there is an abnormality in communication with the first control unit as a second communication error, and the notification of the first communication error is performed by one of the plurality of notification units. While the notification of the second communication error is performed by the first notification unit, the notification of the second communication error is performed by a second notification unit different from the first notification unit among the plurality of notification units.

D16... Frame radio wave sensor D19... Main radio wave sensor D21... Foul sensor D22... Supply inlet sensor D23... Supply outlet sensor D30... Out sensor PB... Number of second managed balls Pe... Number of returned balls Pf... Number of shots Pg... Number of recoveries 10... Pachinko game machine 12 Effect sound unit 14 Effect light emitting unit 15 Launch operation unit 18 Count operation unit 19 Effect display unit 20 Game board 20a Game area 20c Launch passage 23A First start port 23B Second second Starting port 25 Out port 29 Distribution mechanism 30 Collecting mechanism 30a Prize receiving port 30b Non-winning receiving port 30c Foul receiving port 31 Winning passage 32 Non-winning passage 33 Foul passage 60 Shooting mechanism 61 Supply Part 62a... Entrance side passage 62b... Exit side passage 65... Launch part 80... Game control board 80a... CPU 80c... RAM 81... Effect control board 81a... CPU 81c... RAM 82... Frame control board 82a... CPU 82c... RAM 82d... Performance display monitor 82f Error release switch 82g Game ball clear switch 98 Connection terminal board 100 Management unit 120 CU control board 120a CPU

Claims (4)

In a circulation-type game machine that circulates game balls inside the machine,
a first control unit capable of executing control related to the player's ball;
a second control unit capable of bidirectionally communicating with the first control unit and capable of executing control related to progress of a game;
a plurality of notification units,
The first control unit can detect that there is an abnormality in communication with the second control unit as a first communication error, and the second control unit has an abnormality in communication with the first control unit. can be detected as a second communication error,
The notification of the first communication error is performed by the first notification unit among the plurality of notification units, while the notification of the second communication error is performed by the first notification unit among the plurality of notification units. A game machine characterized by being executed in a second notification unit. A third control unit is provided,
The second control unit and the third control unit are configured to enable one-way communication from the second control unit to the third control unit,
The first notification unit is controlled by the first control unit,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the second notification section is controlled by the third control section. The first control unit can detect occurrence of a specific event as a specific event error, and the specific event can have a predetermined effect on communication between the first control unit and the second control unit. is an event,
3. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification of the specific event error is given priority over the notification of the first communication error by the first notification unit. The first control unit can detect that there is an abnormality in communication different from communication with the second control unit as a third communication error,
4. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the notification of the first communication error is given priority over the notification of the third communication error by the first notification unit.

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