JP2023137952A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve certainty in the management of game balls.SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine 10 can store the number of game balls as data. A CPU 81 executes a transmission/reception process to transfer the number of game balls counted by operating a counting switch 18 to the outside. The transmission/reception process is executed at regular cycles. The maximum number is set for the number of game balls that can be transmitted in one cycle of the transmission/reception process. The CPU 81 includes the surplus exceeding the maximum number in one cycle of the transmission/reception process in counting information to be transmitted in the next cycle. At this time, the surplus is included in the counting information transmitted in the next cycle regardless of its number.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Conventionally, in gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines, game balls supplied from a supply device are fired by a firing device, and when the gaming balls flowing down the gaming area enter the winning hole, the prize balls are paid out. (For example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-57751

By the way, in a gaming machine that circulates game balls internally, it is possible to store the number of game balls as data, and it is possible to play games based on this data. The game machine counts the number of game balls according to the increase or decrease in the number of balls held by the player. The number of balls held by a player, which is counted by the gaming machine, can be managed externally by transmitting it to an external party. The operation for transmitting the information to the outside can be performed by the player operating a predetermined means provided in the gaming machine, for example, when finishing the game. Since the balls held by a player are directly linked to the player's profits, it is necessary to reliably manage the balls held by the player.

A gaming machine that solves the above problems is configured to be able to store the number of game balls as data in a storage means, and to be able to play games based on the data, and includes an operating means and a predetermined process. The processing means includes a counting process for counting the number of game balls, a generation process for generating count information corresponding to a predetermined number of the counted game balls, A transmitting/receiving process for transmitting and receiving game ball information regarding the game ball to and from an external device can be executed, and the predetermined number corresponding to the counting information is set to a number larger than 0 by operating the operating means, A maximum number is determined for the predetermined number, the game ball information includes the counting information, the processing means transmits and receives the game ball information to and from the outside at every predetermined period, and the processing means The counting information corresponding to the predetermined number within a range that does not exceed the maximum number can be transmitted in a predetermined cycle, and the surplus exceeding the maximum number is included in the counting information to be transmitted in the next cycle, and the maximum number The surplus exceeding the above shall be included in the counting information to be transmitted in the next cycle even if the number is a first number or a second number different from the first number. The gist is:

In the gaming machine, the processing means transmits the counting information in the predetermined period, and if the power supply to the gaming machine is not cut off, the number of the game balls that has been counted at the time of the elapse of the predetermined period. The processing means performs counting so as to subtract a predetermined number corresponding to the counting information from the processing means, and after transmitting the counting information in a situation where there is a surplus in the predetermined period, the processing means supplies power to the gaming machine. When the number of game balls that has been counted is interrupted, a predetermined number corresponding to the counting information may not be subtracted from the number of game balls that have been counted, and the surplus number may also not be subtracted from the number of game balls that have been counted.

In the gaming machine, the processing means transmits the counting information in a situation where there is the surplus in the predetermined period, and corresponds to the counting information from the number of game balls that have been counted at the time when the predetermined period has elapsed. After counting to subtract a predetermined number, when power supply to the game machine is cut off, the surplus number may not be subtracted from the already counted number of game balls.

In the gaming machine, the storage means includes counted number information indicating the number of game balls that have been counted, and information on the number of game balls when the number of game balls corresponding to the predetermined number is transferred to the outside. Post-migration number information indicating the number may also be stored.

In the above gaming machine, when the number of game balls exceeds a predetermined number, the game machine is capable of issuing a specific notification indicating that the number of game balls is over and prompting the operation of the operating means or prompting the end of the game. If the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off after the counting information is transmitted in the state where the number is over and before the predetermined number corresponding to the counting information is subtracted, the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off. The specific notification may be executed even after the supply is restored.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve reliability in managing game balls.

It is a front view of a pachinko game machine and a card unit. It is a front view of a game board of a pachinko game machine. It is an enlarged view of a counting switch, a counting lamp, and a game ball number display device of a pachinko game machine. It is a schematic diagram showing a circulation route of game balls in a pachinko game machine. It is a schematic diagram showing a supply device of a pachinko game machine. It is a schematic diagram showing a supply device of a pachinko game machine. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a firing device of a pachinko game machine. It is a block diagram of a pachinko game machine. It is a block diagram of a pachinko game machine. It is a table showing the number of balls counted according to the operation mode of the counting switch. It is a timing chart explaining an error state of exceeding the number of game balls. 3 is a timing chart illustrating transmission and reception processing of the frame control board. It is a timing chart illustrating changes in the number of game balls managed by a pachinko game machine. It is a timing chart illustrating changes in the number of game balls managed by a pachinko game machine.

An embodiment embodied in a pachinko game machine will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14.
As shown in FIG. 1, in the island facility (gaming island), pachinko gaming machines 10, which are an example of gaming machines, and card units 100, which are an example of a management device, are installed so as to be alternately lined up. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is also provided with the card unit 100. In an example of this embodiment, one card unit 100 is connected to one pachinko game machine 10, but the invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of card units 100 are connected to one pachinko game machine 10. Alternatively, one card unit 100 may be connected to a plurality of pachinko gaming machines 10.

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

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

Card unit 100 includes an operation panel 104. The operation panel 104 includes a ball lending button 104a, a payout button 104b, a return button 104c, a ball number display section 104d, and a remaining amount display section 104e. The ball lending button 104a is operated when increasing the number of game balls managed by the pachinko game machine 10 (the number of game balls corresponding to the balls held by the player) based on the remaining amount stored in the management card. A player can play a game with a number of game balls corresponding to the number of game balls managed by the pachinko game machine 10. The number of game balls managed by the pachinko game machine 10 increases or decreases as the game progresses, as will be explained in detail later.

The payout button 104b is operated to increase the number of game balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 based on the number of balls held stored in the management card. The return button 104c is operated when the management card inserted into the card unit 100 is returned. The pitch count display section 104d displays information (for example, Arabic numerals) that can specify the number of pitches in possession that is stored in the management card. Information (for example, Arabic numerals) that can specify the remaining amount stored in the management card is displayed on the remaining amount display section 104e.

Note that when the number of game balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 becomes zero, the player cannot continue playing the game even if the number of balls held remains on the management card. In other words, the player cannot continue playing the game unless he increases the number of game balls managed by the pachinko game machine 10 to one or more. The number of game balls managed by the pachinko game machine 10 can be increased by operating the ball lending button 104a and lending a predetermined number of game balls. The minimum number of game balls that can be lent by operating the ball rental button 104a is 25 balls worth 100 yen. Further, the number of game balls managed by the pachinko game machine 10 can be increased by operating the payout button 104b and paying out to the pachinko game machine 10 up to the number of held balls stored in the management card. The minimum number of game balls that can be put out by operating the payout button 104b is 25 balls, which is the same as the minimum number of game balls that can be lent to the player. Note that the minimum number of game balls that a player can borrow and the number of game balls that a player can pay out may be 125 balls, and the minimum number of balls for both are the same. It may be different, or it may be different.

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

The CU control board 105 is connected to the card insertion section 101. The CPU 105a is configured to be able to rewrite the storage contents of the management card inserted into the card insertion section 101. The CU control board 105 is connected to the banknote insertion section 102. The CPU 105a is configured to be able to input a banknote signal that is output when a banknote is inserted into the banknote insertion section 102. The banknote signal is a signal that can specify the amount of banknotes inserted into the banknote insertion section 102 (hereinafter referred to as the cash input amount).

The CU control board 105 is connected to the operation panel 104. The CPU 105a is configured to be able to input a ball lending signal that is output when the ball lending button 104a is operated. The CU control board 105 is configured to be able to input a payout signal that is output when the payout button 104b is operated. The CPU 105a is configured to be able to input a return signal that is output when the return button 104c is operated. The CPU 105a is configured to be able to control the display content of the pitch count display section 104d. The CPU 105a is configured to be able to control the display content of the remaining amount display section 104e.

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

Card unit 100 includes an external communication terminal (not shown) for connection to external equipment. As an example, the external device is a hall computer 110 installed in a game hall. The external device is a management computer that can communicate via a network with server equipment installed in a data center outside the gaming hall. In this case, it is preferable that the management computer and card unit 100 are connected so that they can communicate with each other.

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

When the CPU 105a receives a banknote signal from the banknote insertion section 102, the CPU 105a adds the input cash amount, which can be determined from the banknote signal, to the remaining amount. When the remaining amount is not 0 and a ball lending signal is input from the ball lending button 104a, the CPU 105a subtracts a specified amount from the remaining amount, and also sends provision information that can specify the provision of the number of game balls corresponding to the specified amount. Output to the pachinko game machine 10. Note that when the remaining amount is 0, the CPU 105a does not transmit grant information even if a ball lending signal is input.

If the CPU 105a inputs a payout signal from the payout button 104b when the number of balls in possession is 0 or more, the CPU 105a subtracts the number of balls in possession by a specified number, and uses the provision information that can specify the provision of the specified number of game balls to play the pachinko game. Output to machine 10. Note that when the number of balls held is 0, the CPU 105a does not transmit the grant information even if the payout signal is input. In this way, the provision information can specify the number of balls provided. When receiving the counting information from the pachinko gaming machine 10, the CPU 105a adds the number of game balls that can be specified from the counting information to the number of balls held. Although described in detail later, the count information is control information transmitted from the pachinko gaming machine 10, and is capable of specifying the number of gaming balls whose management is to be transferred to the card unit 100. When the player transfers management to the card unit 100, the player may end the game at the pachinko game machine 10, or the game may be continued but the number of game balls managed by the pachinko game machine 10 is large, for example. This includes a case where a part of the management is desired to be transferred to the card unit 100.

The CPU 105a controls the pitch count display section 104d and updates the display content to display information that allows identification of the number of pitches held at any given time. That is, the CPU 105a displays the number of pitches held on the pitch count display section 104d in real time. The display content of the pitch number display section 104d can be changed when the number of pitches held is subtracted by the payout signal, or when the number of pitches held is added by receiving counting information. The CPU 105a controls the remaining amount display section 104e and updates the display contents so as to display information that allows the current remaining amount to be specified. That is, the CPU 105a displays the remaining amount in real time on the remaining amount display section 104e.

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

The pachinko gaming machine 10 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko game machine 10, which is an example of a game machine, has a specified number of game balls sealed inside the machine as game media, and is an enclosed type in which the specified number of game balls are circulated inside the machine. It is configured as a gaming machine (so-called managed gaming machine). The pachinko game machine 10 does not include a portion (an upper tray and a lower tray) for storing game balls. In other words, the pachinko game machine 10 has a structure in which the player cannot touch the game balls.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 determines the number of game balls lent to the player (hereinafter referred to as the number of rented balls), the number of game balls acquired by the player (hereinafter referred to as the number of acquired balls), and the number of game balls fired by the player. The number of game balls held by the player (hereinafter referred to as the number of game balls) is electromagnetically managed based on the number of game balls fired (hereinafter referred to as the number of fired balls). Note that the aforementioned number of held balls is the number of game balls managed by the card unit 100, and is data different from the number of game balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10. The number of game balls managed by the pachinko game machine 10 corresponds to the number of balls held by the player. In this way, the pachinko game machine 10 as a managed game machine is configured to be able to store the number of game balls as data and to play games based on the data. The number of game balls managed by the pachinko game machine 10 is the number of balls managed by data.

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

The pachinko game machine 10 includes an effect audio device 12, an example of which is a speaker. The performance audio device 12 is arranged on the front side of the mounting frame 11b. The performance audio device 12 can perform a performance that outputs a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as audio performance) and a notification that outputs a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as audio notification). For example, the predetermined sounds include music, sound effects, and the like. The pachinko game machine 10 includes a notification audio device 13, an example of which is a speaker. The notification audio device 13 can perform audio notification. In an example of this embodiment, the production sound device 12 and the notification sound device 13 are each arranged in the mounting frame 11b.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes an effect light emitting device 14. The effect light emitting device 14 is capable of performing an effect (hereinafter referred to as a light emitting effect) by lighting, blinking, and extinguishing a light emitting body (not shown) such as an LED. The effect light emitting device 14 can perform notification (hereinafter referred to as notification light emission) by lighting up, blinking, and turning off a light emitting body (not shown). In an example of this embodiment, the effect light emitting device 14 is arranged on the mounting frame 11b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the effect light emitting device 14 may be provided on a game board 20, which will be described later.

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

The touch sensor D01 is connected to a current-carrying ring 15b arranged to surround the side surface of the firing handle 15. The touch sensor D01 outputs a touch signal when the player grasps the firing handle 15 and the player's fingers touch the energizing ring 15b. The touch signal is in an on state when the player's finger is touching the energizing ring 15b, and is in an off state when the player's finger is not touching it. The touch sensor D01 is an example of means for detecting that the player is touching the firing handle 15.

The firing stop switch D02 outputs a stop signal when the firing stop button 15c protruding toward the side of the firing handle 15 is pressed. The stop signal is in an on state when the firing stop button 15c is operated, and is in an off state when it is not operated. The firing stop button 15c is an example of a stop operation means that can be operated to stop the firing of game balls. When the handle lever 15a is rotated, the handle volume D03 outputs a volume signal with a voltage corresponding to the amount of rotation operation. The pachinko game machine 10 includes a production operation device 16 as an example of means that allows a player to perform production operations. The production operation device 16 may be a button type that can be pressed, a touch sensor type that also serves as a display device, or a lever type. Note that the production operation device 16 is an example of a game operation means operated by a player when playing a game. Further, the firing device 50 is also an example of a game operating means.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes a game ball number display device 17 that displays information that allows specifying the number of game balls that is managed internally as data. In an example of this embodiment, the game ball number display device 17 has a configuration in which a plurality (for example, six) of 7 segments are arranged, and is capable of displaying a plurality of (for example, six digits) numbers. The game ball count display device 17 can notify predetermined information (hereinafter referred to as notification display) by displaying predetermined characters. The game ball number display device 17 is an example of a number notification means, a number display means, and a notification means that notify the number of game balls stored as data.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a counting switch 18. The counting switch 18 can be operated by the player. The player may want to end the game on the pachinko machine 10, or may want to continue playing, but for example, the number of game balls managed by the pachinko machine 10 has become too large, and the player may want to transfer some of the management to an external party. Operate if you want. It should be noted that the operations of these counting switches 18 can be said to be operations for managing the number of game balls in hand, which corresponds to the number of game balls managed by the pachinko game machine 10. As will be described in detail later, when the counting switch 18 is in a predetermined counting allowing state, counting operations using the counting switch 18 are allowed. The counting switch 18 outputs a counting signal when pressed. The pachinko game machine 10 includes a counting lamp 18a, which is an example of means for notifying whether or not counting is allowed. In an example of this embodiment, the production operation device 16, the game ball number display device 17, the counting switch 18, and the counting lamp 18a are arranged in a group on the front side of the mounting frame 11b at a position where the player can operate them. There is. The counting switch 18 is an example of an operating device that can be operated by a player and a management operating device that is operated by a player to manage the balls he or she owns.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko game machine 10 includes a game board 20. The game board 20 is assembled to the mounting frame 11b. On the front surface of the game board 20, a generally circular game area 20a is defined when viewed from the front. A display window 20b is formed approximately in the center of the gaming area 20a. A launch passage 20c is formed on the left side of the game area 20a to guide the game ball fired by the firing device 50 to the game area 20a. The game area 20a and the ejection passage 20c are covered by a protective glass (not shown) of a protective frame 11c. The pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a gaming machine in which a game is played by firing a game ball into a gaming area 20a defined on a gaming board 20.

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

The first special symbol display device 21a is capable of executing a first special symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as the first special game) in which a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner and finally the special symbol is stopped and displayed. The second special symbol display device 21b is capable of executing a second special symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as the second special game) in which a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner and finally the special symbol is stopped and displayed. The special symbol is a symbol for announcing the result of an internal lottery (special symbol winning lottery). Hereinafter, the first special game and the second special game will be collectively referred to as the "special game." The special symbols include at least a jackpot symbol as a jackpot display result and a losing symbol as a loss display result. In the pachinko game machine 10, when a jackpot is won in a special symbol winning lottery, the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed in a special game, and after the special game of the jackpot is finished, a jackpot game is awarded. The jackpot game will be described later.

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

The normal symbol display device 21e is capable of executing a normal game in which predetermined symbols are displayed variably and finally the normal symbols are stopped and displayed. The normal symbol is a symbol for informing the result of the internal lottery (normal symbol winning lottery). The normal symbols include at least a normal winning pattern and a normal losing pattern. In this embodiment, when a winning lottery of a normal symbol is won, the normal winning symbol is stopped and displayed in the normal game, and after the end of the normal game, a normal winning game is awarded. The normal hold display device 21f displays information that allows specifying the number of times the normal game is held on hold because the hold condition has been met but the start condition has not yet been met. The main display device 21 may include a right-handed display device that displays information instructing right-handed batting, and a round display device that notifies the upper limit number of round games.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes an effect display device 19 having an image display area capable of displaying images. The effect display device 19 is 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 device 19 is a liquid crystal device. The effect display device 19 is capable of performing an effect (hereinafter referred to as display effect) that displays a predetermined image. For example, the predetermined images are images of performance designs, characters, scenery, characters (character strings), numbers, symbols, and the like. In the following description, when these characters, etc. are simply referred to as "displayed", it means that these characters, etc. are displayed as an image. The effect display device 19 can perform notification display in a manner of displaying a predetermined image.

The effect audio device 12, the effect light emitting device 14, and the effect display device 19 are all effect devices capable of executing a predetermined effect, and constitute a group ES of effect devices including a plurality of effect devices. As described above, the effect sound device 12, the effect light emitting device 14, and the effect display device 19 are all capable of executing predetermined notifications, so the effect device group ES can also be understood as a group of notification devices. be. The production devices (notification devices) included in the production device group ES are not limited to the production audio device 12, the production light emitting device 14, and the production display device 19, and may have a configuration in which some of these production devices are omitted. It's okay. In addition to these performance devices, or in place of one or more that can be arbitrarily selected, the performance device group ES may include a performance movable device that performs a movable performance, and a performance vibration device that performs a vibration performance. You may prepare.

For example, the display performance on the performance display device 19 includes a performance symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as a performance game) using a plurality of rows of performance symbols (decorative symbols). In the production game, a plurality of rows of production symbols are variably displayed, and finally a combination of production symbols (hereinafter referred to as a symbol combination) is displayed in a static manner. The effect pattern (ornamental pattern) is a pattern decorated with characters, patterns, etc., and is a pattern for diversifying display effects. For example, the performance game of this embodiment is performed by displaying the performance symbols of the left symbol column, middle symbol column, and right symbol column in a variable manner (scroll display) in a predetermined direction, respectively. The performance game may include a reach performance performed by forming a reach.

The performance game is started with the special game and ended with the special game. In the production game, symbol combinations corresponding to the special symbols that are stopped and displayed in the special game are stopped and displayed. When jackpot symbols are stopped and displayed in the special game, jackpot symbol combinations are stopped and displayed in the performance game. When the winning symbols are stopped and displayed in the special game, the winning symbol combinations are stopped and displayed in the performance game. In the following description, the special game and the performance game executed together with the special game are collectively referred to as a "variable game."

A plurality of winning holes (ball entry holes) into which game balls can enter are formed in the gaming area 20a. The winning openings include at least a first starting opening 23, a second starting opening 24, a large winning opening 25, and a normal winning opening 27. The first starting hole 23 is a winning hole into which a game ball is inserted when the conditions for awarding the prize ball and the suspension conditions for the first special game are satisfied. The first starting port 23 is located below the effect display device 19, and is always open so that a game ball can enter the ball. The game board 20 includes a first starting sensor D11 that detects a game ball that has entered the first starting port 23 (see FIG. 9).

The second starting opening 24 is a prize opening into which a game ball is inserted when the conditions for awarding the prize ball and the suspension conditions for the second special game are satisfied. The second starting port 24 is located to the right of the first starting port 23. The second starting port 24 is equipped with a normal opening/closing piece 24a, which is in the shape of a door, and when a normal winning game is not given, it is impossible or difficult for the game ball to enter the ball. Like it's closed. When a normal winning game is awarded, the second starting port 24 is opened so that a game ball can enter the ball or can easily enter the ball. The game board 20 includes a normal solenoid SL1 as a means for opening the second starting port 24 (see FIG. 9). Furthermore, the game board 20 includes a second starting sensor D12 that detects a game ball that has entered the second starting port 24 (see FIG. 9). The normal opening/closing piece 24a is a so-called "normal electric accessory".

The big winning hole 25 is a winning hole into which a game ball is inserted when the conditions for awarding the prize ball are satisfied. The big prize opening 25 is located on the lower right side of the performance display device 19. The big prize opening 25 is equipped with a special opening/closing piece 25a having a door shape, for example, so that when a jackpot game is not given, the game ball cannot enter the ball or it is difficult to enter the ball. Closed. When a jackpot game is awarded, the big prize opening 25 is opened so that a game ball can be entered or it can be easily entered. The game board 20 includes a special solenoid SL2 as a means for opening the big prize opening 25 (see FIG. 9). Furthermore, the game board 20 includes a count sensor D13 that detects game balls that have entered the big prize opening 25 (see FIG. 9).

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

A gate 28 is provided in the gaming area 20a. The gate 28 is located in the right area of the gaming area 20a, above the second starting opening 24 and the big winning opening 25. The gate 28 has a gate opening 28a that is always open so that game balls can enter the ball. A gate sensor D15 is provided at the gate 28a to detect game balls entering and passing through (see FIG. 9). The gate 28 is a ball entrance into which a game ball enters when the starting conditions for the normal game are satisfied. Even if a game ball enters the gate 28, the conditions for awarding a prize ball are not satisfied. At the bottom of the gaming area 20a, there is a slot for discharging game balls that have not entered any of the first starting port 23, second starting port 24, big winning opening 25, and normal winning opening 27 from the gaming area 20a. An outlet 29 is formed. The out port 29 can also be understood as a discharge port or a return port from the gaming area 20a.

The mounting frame 11b also includes a radio wave sensor D16 that detects radio waves exceeding a predetermined intensity as abnormal radio waves (see FIG. 8). The radio wave sensor D16 outputs a radio wave detection signal when detecting an abnormal radio wave. The game board 20 may be configured to include a radio wave sensor in addition to the radio wave sensor D16 on the mounting frame 11b, so that the game board 20 can detect abnormal radio waves. Note that the pachinko game machine 10 may be configured to include a magnetic sensor on one or both of the mounting frame 11b and the game board 20 to detect the approach of a magnet.

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

The player adjusts the firing strength of the game ball by operating the firing handle 15, and shoots the game ball into a left area to the left of the display window 20b and a right area to the right of the display window 20b. . For example, when a game ball is fired by adjusting the firing strength to be strong (hereinafter referred to as right-handed hitting), the game ball is likely to be guided down to the right area, and the second starting opening 24, the big prize opening 25, and the normal There is a possibility that the ball will enter the winning hole 27 or the gate 28. In right-handed hitting, since it is necessary to fire the game ball vigorously in order to reach the right area, the firing strength is adjusted to the maximum strength or slightly weaker than the maximum strength. On the other hand, when the game ball is fired by adjusting the firing strength to be weak (hereinafter referred to as left-handed hitting), the game ball is likely to be guided downward to the left area, and the game ball is easily guided down to the first starting port 23 or the normal winning port 27. There is a possibility that the ball will land. When hitting to the left, it is not necessary to fire the game ball as vigorously as when hitting to the right, so the intensity is adjusted to such an extent that the fired game ball does not reach the right area. In this embodiment, a flow path for the game ball is formed by a game component such as a game nail so that the game ball cannot enter the first starting port 23 when the game ball is hit to the right. The game component may be arranged so as to restrict the ball from entering the first starting port 23 when the ball is hit to the right, or it may be difficult for the ball to enter the first starting port 23 when the ball is hit to the left. It may be arranged as follows.

The left area in this embodiment is an area located to the left of the center line CL that bisects the game area 20a into left and right halves when the game board 20 is viewed from the front. The right area in this embodiment is an area located on the right side of the center line CL when the game board 20 is viewed from the front. A game ball fired by operating the firing handle 15 is guided to a launch passage 20c on the left side of the game area 20a, and reaches the game area 20a. Therefore, the left region is also a region closer to the punching passage 20c, and the right region is also a region away from the punching passage 20c. The game ball guided down the left area passes to the left of the effect display device 19 located at the center of the game area 20a in front view, and heads toward the out port 29 located at the lowest part of the game area 20a. On the other hand, the game ball guided down the right area passes to the right of the performance display device 19 located in the center of the game area 20a in front view and heads toward the out port 29.

As shown in FIG. 4, the pachinko game machine 10 includes a recovery path 30 for recovering game balls that are ejected from the game board 20 after being launched into a game area 20a and used for games, and a lifting machine 35 that includes a maintenance device 35. It has a mechanism 36. The pachinko game machine 10 also includes a supply device 40 that feeds the game balls that have undergone maintenance so as to cut them out one by one, and a firing device 50 that fires the game balls supplied from the supply device 40. The lifting mechanism 36 transfers the game balls collected through the recovery passage 30 to the supply device 40 located downstream and above the lifting mechanism 36. The maintenance device 35 constitutes a part of the lifting mechanism 36. The supply device 40 constitutes an example of a supply means for supplying to the launch device 50. In this embodiment, the firing device 50 and the supply device 40 constitute a firing mechanism that performs a firing operation of game balls. The pachinko game machine 10 has the above-mentioned launch passage 20c and a foul passage 20f for collecting foul balls (return balls). A foul ball is a game ball that was fired by the firing device 50 but did not reach the game area 20a. In an example of this embodiment, the supply device 40, the firing device 50, and the lifting mechanism 36 are arranged below the game area 20a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the supply device 40 and the firing device 50 may be arranged in the upper left part of the game area 20a.

The collection passage 30 includes a winning passage 31 where game balls that have won into the first starting opening 23, the second starting opening 24, the big winning opening 25, and the normal winning opening 27 are merged and collected, and the game balls that have passed through the out opening 29 are collected. It has a non-winning passage 32 for collecting balls. The collection path 30 has a first merging section 33a where the winning path 31 and the non-winning path 32 merge. The recovery path 30 has a second merging section 33b where the winning path 31, the non-winning path 32, and the foul path 20f merge. The recovery passage 30 has a supply passage 34 that connects the second merging section 33b and a lifting mechanism 36 having a maintenance device 35. The game ball that has reached the game area 20a flows down the game area 20a. When a game ball enters any of the first starting port 23, second starting port 24, big winning port 25, normal winning port 27, and out port 29, it circulates through the winning path 31 or the non-winning path 32. After merging at the first merging portion 33a, they pass through the supply passage 34 and reach the maintenance device 35. The outlet area of the supply passage 34 is large enough to allow one game ball to pass through. Therefore, the game balls are aligned in a line by passing through the supply passage 34.

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

The pachinko game machine 10 includes a ball passage ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 that detects game balls passing through the supply passage 34. When the ball path ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 detects a game ball passing through the supply path 34, it outputs a ball clogging detection signal. The ball jam detection signal is in an ON state when a game ball passing through the ball path is detected, and is in an OFF state when a game ball is not detected.

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

The foul passage 20f is a passage that connects an intermediate part of the ejection passage 20c and any part of the recovery passage 30. The game balls flowing into the foul passage 20f from the launch passage 20c are returned to the recovery passage 30, and are again supplied to the supply device 40 from the supply passage 34. The game ball fired by the firing device 50 flows into the launch passage 20c and is guided to reach the game area 20a. Here, due to insufficient firing strength by the firing device 50, the ball may stall and flow backward (fall) through the launching path 20c without reaching the game area 20a.

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

The pachinko game machine 10 includes a winning path count sensor D25 that detects game balls passing through the winning path 31. The winning passage count sensor D25 is provided upstream of the first merging section 33a of the collection passage 30 and adjacent to the winning passage 31. When the winning path count sensor D25 detects a game ball passing through the winning path 31, it outputs a winning path signal. The winning path signal is in an on state when a game ball passing through the winning path 31 is detected, and is in an off state when it is not detected.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes a non-winning path count sensor D26 that detects game balls passing through the non-winning path 32. The non-winning path count sensor D26 is provided upstream of the first merging portion 33a of the collection path 30 and adjacent to the non-winning path 32. When the non-winning path count sensor D26 detects a game ball passing through the non-winning path 32, it outputs a non-winning path signal. The non-winning path signal is turned on when a game ball passing through the non-winning path 32 is detected, and turned off when it is not detected.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes an out sensor D30 that detects game balls passing through the first merging section 33a of the collection path 30. The out sensor D30 is provided adjacent to the recovery passage 30 between the first merging part 33a and the second merging part 33b of the recovery passage 30. When the out sensor D30 detects a game ball passing through the collection path 30, it outputs an out signal. The out signal is in an on state when a game ball passing through the collection path 30 is detected, and is in an off state when it is not detected. The game ball detected by the out sensor D30 is a game ball that has passed through either the winning path 31 or the non-winning path 32. Hereinafter, the game ball detected by the out sensor D30 may be referred to as an out ball.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a lifting entrance sensor D28 that detects game balls that have passed through the supply passage 34 and reached the lifting mechanism 36, and a lifting entrance sensor D28 that detects the game balls that have passed through the lifting mechanism 36 and is transferred. An exit sensor D29 is provided. The lifting entrance sensor D28 is provided in the lifting mechanism 36 adjacent to a passage connected to an entrance that receives game balls before maintenance by the maintenance device 35. The lifting exit sensor D29 is provided in the lifting mechanism 36 adjacent to a passage connected to an exit for discharging game balls after maintenance by the maintenance device 35. When the lifting entrance sensor D28 detects a game ball, it outputs a lifting entrance signal. The lifting entrance signal is in an on state when a game ball is detected, and is in an off state when a game ball is not detected. When the lifting exit sensor D29 detects a game ball, it outputs a lifting exit signal. The lifting exit signal is in an on state when a game ball is detected, and is in an off state when a game ball is not detected.

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

The supply device 40 will be explained.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the supply device 40 includes a receiving section 41 that receives game balls that have been maintained by the maintenance device 35 through a lifting mechanism 36, and a receiving section 41 that receives game balls that are received in the receiving section 41. It has a movable piece 42 that operates to cut out the balls one by one, a supply solenoid 43 that drives the movable piece 42, and a supply section 44 that guides the cut out game balls to the firing device 50. The supply device 40 includes a supply inlet sensor D22 and a supply outlet sensor D23.

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

The movable piece 42 has a holding portion 42a that can hold (accommodate) one game ball K, and a rotation shaft 42b. The movable piece 42 is an example of a locking portion that can lock a game ball. The movable piece 42 is supported so as to be movable about a rotation axis 42b between a stop position 42P1 and a supply position 42P2 rotated downward from the stop position 42P1. The stop position 42P1 is a position that allows the game balls K to flow into the holding part 42a from the receiving passage 41a and restricts the outflow of the game balls K from the holding part 42a to the supply passage 44a. The supply position 42P2 is a position that restricts the inflow of game balls K from the receiving passage 41a to the holding part 42a and allows the outflow of the game balls K from the holding part 42a to the supply passage 44a.

When the movable piece 42 is displaced from the stop position 42P1 to the supply position 42P2, the game ball K in the receiving passage 41a is stopped by the movable piece 42, while the game ball K held in the holding part 42a is released into the supply passage 44a. . When the movable piece 42 is displaced from the supply position 42P2 to the stop position 42P1, the game balls K in the receiving passage 41a flow into the holding part 42a, but the game balls K do not flow out from the holding part 42a to the supply passage 44a. The supply solenoid 43 is turned on by being energized, and the movable piece 42 is displaced to the stop position 42P1. The movable piece 42 is held at the stop position 42P1 because the supply solenoid 43 is in the on state. On the other hand, the supply solenoid 43 is turned off by de-energization, and the movable piece 42 is displaced by gravity to the supply position 42P2. The movable piece 42 is held at the supply position 42P2 because the supply solenoid 43 is in the OFF state. The supply solenoid 43 is an example of a supply actuator that is driven to release the locking by the movable piece 42 and supply the game ball to the firing device 50.

The supply entrance sensor D22 is provided adjacent to the receiving passage 41a, and outputs a supply entrance signal when it detects a game ball K passing through the receiving passage 41a. The supply entrance signal is in an on state when a game ball K passing through the receiving passage 41a is detected, and is in an off state when it is not detected. The supply outlet sensor D23 is provided adjacent to the supply passage 44a, and outputs a supply outlet signal when it detects the game ball K passing through the supply passage 44a. The supply exit signal is in an on state when a game ball K passing through the supply passage 44a is detected, and is in an off state when it is not detected.

The launcher 50 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 7, the firing device 50 is disposed below the game board 20 when viewed from the front. The firing device 50 includes a firing section 51 that receives the game ball K supplied from the supply device 40, a firing hammer 52 that shoots out the game ball K in the firing section 51, and drives the firing hammer 52 to hit the game ball. It has a firing solenoid 53. The firing device 50 includes a receiving section 55 that receives foul balls (game balls K) flowing backward (falling) from the launch passage 20c, and a foul passage section 56 that forms a foul passage 20f.

A firing position 51a for holding a game ball K is formed in the firing section 51. The game ball K flows down the supply passage 44a and is held at the firing position 51a. The firing hammer 52 has a rotation shaft 52a at its base end and a ball-striking portion 52b at its distal end. The firing hammer 52 is movable around the rotation axis 52a between a ball hitting position 52P1 where the game ball K is hit by the ball hitting portion 52b and a retracted position 52P2 rotated downward from the ball hitting position 52P1. Supported. The firing hammer 52 is an example of a hitting section that hits the game ball.

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

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

The pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment is an enclosed type game machine that circulates game balls. As shown in FIG. 4, such a pachinko game machine 10 has a passageway for transporting game balls (including foul balls) shot onto the game board 20 to the firing device 50 again. Specifically, the above-mentioned transfer passage includes a recovery passage 30 consisting of a winning passage 31, a non-winning passage 32, and a supply passage 34, and a lifting mechanism that receives the game balls transferred through the supply passage 34. 36 passages, a passage connecting the lifting mechanism 36 and the supply device 40, and a passage connecting the supply device 40 and the firing device 50. Note that the aforementioned transfer path also includes the foul path 20f that connects to the recovery path 30 at the second merging portion 33b. Further, the above-mentioned transport passage is provided with a plurality of sensors serving as detection means for detecting game balls being transported through the passage. Specifically, the aforementioned sensors include a foul sensor D21, a supply inlet sensor D22, a supply outlet sensor D23, a winning passage count sensor D25, a non-winning passage counting sensor D26, and a ball passage ball clogging monitoring sensor. D27, a lifting entrance sensor D28, a lifting exit sensor D29, and an out sensor D30.

Next, the jackpot game will be explained.
In the jackpot game, first, a predetermined performance is performed over a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as opening time). For example, the predetermined performance is an opening performance that allows the start of a jackpot game to be recognized. In the jackpot game, after the opening time has elapsed, a round game in which the jackpot 25 is opened is performed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. One round game ends when a number condition in which a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enter the ball or a time condition in which a predetermined upper limit time elapses is satisfied. In the round game, the big prize opening 25 is opened in a predetermined opening manner (opening pattern). In each round game, a round performance is performed. In the jackpot game, when the final round game ends, a predetermined performance is performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as ending time). For example, the predetermined performance is an ending performance that makes it possible to recognize the end of the jackpot game. The jackpot game is ended as 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 jackpot in the jackpot lottery (hereinafter referred to as jackpot probability). That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes 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 jackpot probability may differ. A high probability state has a higher jackpot probability than a low probability state. In a high probability state, the probability of winning a jackpot is higher than in a low probability state, which is an extremely advantageous state for the player. The high probability state is a so-called "probability variable state (probability variable state)."

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a ball entry assist function.
The ball entering assist function is a function for varying the rate of balls entering the second starting port 24 by assisting the ball entering the second starting port 24. That is, the pachinko game machine 10 has two states in which the rate of balls entering the second starting port 24 may be different: a low ball entry rate state in which the ball entry assist function does not operate, and a high ball entry rate state in which the ball entry assist function operates. and. In the high ball entry rate state, the probability that the game ball will enter the second starting port 24 is higher than in the low ball entry rate state. In the high ball entry rate state, the probability that the game ball enters the second starting port 24 increases, and it becomes easier for the game ball to enter the second starting port 24, which is an advantageous state for the player. (easy ball state). The high ball entry rate state is a so-called "electric support state", and the low ball entry rate state is a so-called "non-electric support state".

For example, the high ball entry rate state can be achieved by performing one control arbitrarily selected from among the three controls described below, or by performing a combination of a plurality of controls. The first control is normal symbol fluctuation time shortening control that shortens the fluctuation time of the normal game compared to the low ball entry rate state. The second control is normal symbol probability variation control that changes the probability of winning a normal winning lottery (normal winning probability) to a higher probability than when the ball entry rate is low. The third control is an open time extension control that makes the total open time of the second starting port 24 in one normal winning game longer than in the low ball entry rate state. The opening time extension control is a control for increasing the number of openings of the second starting port 24 in one normal winning game than in a low ball entry rate state, and a control for opening the second starting port 24 once in a normal winning game. It is preferable that at least one of the controls is such that the time is made longer than in the low ball entry rate state. The high ball entry rate state may be realized by combining the fourth control described below. The fourth control is a special symbol fluctuation time shortening control that makes the special game fluctuation time (for example, average fluctuation time) shorter than that in the low ball entry rate state. When performing special symbol fluctuation time shortening control, a high ball entry rate state becomes a special symbol fluctuation time shortening state (time saving state), and a low ball entry rate state becomes a special symbol non fluctuating time shortening state (non time saving state). ).

In the pachinko game machine 10, a gaming state is created by a combination of whether or not the probability change function is activated and whether or not the ball entry assisting function is activated. In the following explanation, a game state that is a low probability state and a low ball entry rate state will be referred to as a "low probability low ball entry rate state", and a gaming state that is a high probability state and a low ball entry rate state will be referred to as a "high probability state". "Low entry rate state." In addition, a game state with a low probability state and a high ball entry rate state is referred to as a "low probability high ball entry rate state", and a game state where a high probability state and a high ball entry rate state is a "high probability high ball entry rate state". "rate status".

The electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 8, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a main control board 60 and an effect control board (sub-control board) 70 on the back side of the machine. The main control board 60 is an example of a main control section. The main control board 60 and the effect control board 70 are connected so that control information (control commands, etc.) can be outputted in one direction from the main control board 60 to the effect control board 70. The main control board 60 executes predetermined processing and outputs control information to the production control board 70. The production control board 70 executes predetermined processing based on control information input from the main control board 60.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes a frame control board 80 and a launch control board 90 on the back side of the machine. The frame control board 80 and the launch control board 90 constitute an example of a control means that performs predetermined control. The frame control board 80 is an example of a supply control section and a frame control section that control at least the supply device 40, and the launch control board 90 is an example of a launch control section that controls the launch device 50. The main control board 60 and the frame control board 80 are connected so that they can output control information (telegrams, etc.) in both directions. The frame control board 80 and the launch control board 90 are connected so that control information can be output in both directions. The frame control board 80 of the pachinko game machine 10 and the CU control board 105 of the card unit 100 can bidirectionally output control information (telegrams, etc.) via the connection terminal board 98 provided in the pachinko game machine 10. are connected so that

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

The main control board 60 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 9, the main control board 60 includes a CPU 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, and a random number generation circuit 64. The CPU 61 executes processing related to the progress of the game by executing the main control program. The ROM 62 stores a main control program, determination values used for various determinations and lottery selections, tables, and the like. The ROM 62 stores a plurality of types of variation patterns. The fluctuation pattern is information that can specify the fluctuation time from the start to the end of the special game. The fluctuation pattern is information that can specify the fluctuation content (performance content) of the performance game performed during the execution of the special game. The fluctuation patterns include a jackpot fluctuation pattern and a loss fluctuation pattern. The presentation game based on the jackpot variation pattern has a variable content in which the jackpot symbol combination is finally stopped and displayed after the reach presentation. A presentation game based on a losing variation pattern has a variable content in which a winning symbol combination is finally stopped and displayed after a reach effect or without a reach effect.

The RAM 63 stores various information that is rewritten according to the processing results of the CPU 61. For example, the information stored in the RAM 63 includes flags, counters, timers, and the like. The RAM 63 is an example of a storage means that can store information. The random number generation circuit 64 generates hardware random numbers. The main control board 60 may be configured to be able to generate software random numbers through random number generation processing by the CPU 61.

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

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

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

The frame control board 80 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 8, the frame control board 80 includes a CPU 81, ROM 82, RAM 83, performance display monitor 84, ball removal switch 85, error release switch 86, game ball clear switch 87, RAM clear switch 88, backup power supply 89, backup It includes a circuit 89a and a launch permission circuit 89b. The CPU 81 performs processing related to the operation of the components mounted on the mounting frame 11b by executing the frame control program. The ROM 82 stores frame control programs and the like. The RAM 83 stores various information that is rewritten during the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the information stored in the RAM 83 includes flags, counters, timers, and the like.

The performance display monitor 84 displays the base value. The base value is a value indicating the ratio (ratio) of the total number of prize balls during the normal game to the total number of valid balls during the normal game. A normal game is a game in which the probability of entering a ball is low and a jackpot game is not being played. The effective ball is a game ball that has reached the game area 20a among the game balls fired from the firing device 50. The base value is calculated based on the calculation formula: "Total number of prize balls acquired during normal gaming ÷ Total number of valid balls during normal gaming x 100" on the premise that a jackpot game is not in progress. The performance display monitor 84 is an example of a base display means that can display information regarding the base of the game ball.

The ball removal switch 85 is a switch that is operated to create a ball removal state that allows game balls sealed inside the pachinko game machine 10 to be ejected to the outside of the machine. The ball removal switch 85 outputs a ball removal signal when a push-in operation is performed. The ball removal signal is turned on when the ball removal switch 85 is pressed, and turned off when the ball removal switch 85 is not pressed. The ball removal signal is output to the CPU 81. In addition, in this embodiment, the bulb removal state can be caused for a predetermined period of time after the power is turned on. In other words, the operation of the bulb removal switch 85 is valid for a predetermined period of time after the power is turned on, and is invalidated for any other time than the predetermined period of time after the power is turned on.

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

The game ball clear switch 87 is a switch operated when initializing the number of game balls (hereinafter referred to as game ball number information) stored as data in the RAM 83 to zero. The game ball clear switch 87 outputs a game ball clear signal when pressed. The game ball clear signal is turned on when the game ball clear switch 87 is pressed, and turned off when the game ball clear switch 87 is not pressed. The game ball clear signal is output to the CPU 81. When the game ball clear switch 87 is operated, a state is generated in which the game ball number information is initialized to zero. In this embodiment, the state where the game ball number information is initialized to 0 can be caused when the power is turned on. In other words, the operation of the game ball clear switch 87 is valid when the power is turned on, and the operation at times other than when the power is turned on is invalid.

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

The backup power supply 89 supplies backup power to the main control board 60 (RAM 63) in addition to the RAM 83 even when the external power supply is cut off. By receiving backup power from the backup power source 89, the RAMs 63 and 83 can retain the stored contents of the RAMs 63 and 83 even after the power is turned off. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a backup function. However, one or both of the RAMs 63 and 83 are non-volatile memories that can retain their stored contents even when the power supply is stopped, so they can be stored even after the power supply is cut off. It may also be possible to retain information about

For example, the backup power source 89 may be a power storage device that stores power when power is supplied from the outside. Even when the external power supply is cut off, the backup power supply 89 maintains at least a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as , supply time) elapses, backup power is supplied to these devices. Note that the supply time is related to the power capacity stored for supplying to the launch control board 90 and the launch solenoid 53, and may be the time required to release the power, or may be the time specified by a predetermined circuit. It's okay.

Information that can be stored in the RAM 63 and that can 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 regarding the jackpot status (including the number of round games), information regarding the gaming status, information regarding the number of reservations, information regarding normal symbols and special symbols, and information regarding error status.

Information that can be stored in the RAM 83 and that can be backed up includes information on the number of game balls, game information, and performance information. The game ball number information is information that allows the number of game balls to be specified. The game information is information notified from the main control board 60 according to the progress of the game. As an example, the game information includes the occurrence of a starting opening prize, the occurrence of a regular prize, the occurrence of a big winning opening prize in a jackpot game, gate passage, confirmation of a special symbol (end of a variable game), occurrence of a jackpot, and the current status. There is information that can identify the gaming status, etc. The performance information is information related to a base value and the calculation of the base value. The information related to the calculation of the base value includes the total number of prize balls acquired during the normal game and the total number of valid balls during the normal game.

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

The frame control board 80 is connected to the counting switch 18. The CPU 81 is configured to be able to input the counting signal output from the counting switch 18 . The frame control board 80 includes a radio wave sensor D16, a first door open switch D17, a second door open switch D18, a foul sensor D21, a supply entrance sensor D22, a supply exit sensor D23, a winning passage count sensor D25, and a non-winning passage counting sensor D26. , and a ball passage ball clogging monitoring sensor D27. Further, the frame control board 80 is connected to a lifting entrance sensor D28, a lifting exit sensor D29, and an out sensor D30. The CPU 81 receives radio signals output by these sensors and switches, a first door open signal, a second door open signal, a foul signal, a supply entrance signal, a supply exit signal, a winning passage signal, a non-winning passage signal, and a ball jamming detection signal. , a lifting entrance signal, a lifting exit signal, and an out signal can be input. Of these signals, the frame control board 80 outputs a first door open signal and a second door open signal to the main control board 60.

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

The frame control board 80 is connected to the maintenance device 35. The CPU 81 is configured to be able to control maintenance operations of the maintenance device 35. The frame control board 80 is connected to the lifting mechanism 36. The CPU 81 is configured to be able to control the lifting operation of the lifting mechanism 36. The frame control board 80 is connected to the supply solenoid 43. The CPU 81 can displace the movable piece 42 by controlling the supply of electricity to the supply solenoid 43 . That is, the CPU 81 is configured to be able to control the operation of supplying game balls by the supply device 40.

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

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

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

The firing control circuit 91 includes an operation determining section, a pulse clock generating section, a timing pulse generating section, a holding circuit, and a solenoid driving section. The operation determination unit operates when the firing permission signal from the frame control board 80 is in the on state, the stop signal from the firing stop switch D02 is in the off state, and the touch signal from the touch sensor D01 is in the on state. If the enabling condition is satisfied, an operation signal is output to the timing pulse generator. The operation determination unit determines that the firing permission signal from the frame control board 80 is on, the stop signal from the firing stop switch D02 is off, and the touch signal from the touch sensor D01 is on. If the operable condition is not satisfied because some or all of the above are not satisfied, the operation signal is not output to the timing pulse generator.

When the timing pulse generation section receives an operation signal, it synthesizes the operation signal and the pulse signal input from the pulse clock generation section, and outputs a firing timing pulse to the solenoid drive section. The solenoid drive unit supplies (outputs) to the firing solenoid 53 a drive current with a voltage corresponding to the volume signal (voltage) input from the handle volume D03 every time the firing timing pulse is input. As a result, the firing solenoid 53 is driven with an intensity corresponding to the amount of rotational operation of the handle lever 15a, and the game ball is fired. The firing control circuit 91 outputs the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80 at a predetermined timing. The holding circuit holds the voltage (voltage value) of the volume signal at that point in time when the drive current is output when the operable condition is satisfied. Further, the holding circuit holds the voltage (voltage value) of the volume signal. The holding circuit constitutes an example of information holding means that holds information. The voltage value that can be held by the holding circuit is an example of operation amount information generated according to the operation amount of the firing handle 15 (handle lever 15a).

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

The frame side power-on process will be explained.
When the power is turned on and the voltage supplied to the frame control board 80 reaches a voltage necessary for the operation of the CPU 81 and the CPU 81 is activated, the CPU 81 determines whether or not the backed up information is normal. Specifically, the CPU 81 determines whether a backup flag is stored in the RAM 83. Further, the CPU 81 calculates the checksum value of the RAM 83 and determines whether or not the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value calculated in the power-off process. The CPU 81 determines that it is normal if the backup flag is stored and the checksum values match, and otherwise determines it to be abnormal. If it is determined that the backed up information is abnormal, the CPU 81 initializes the game ball number information and game information stored in the RAM 83. At this time, the CPU 81 does not initialize the performance information. After that, the CPU 81 shifts to communication check processing, which will be described later.

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

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

In the communication check process, the CPU 81 determines whether startup information has been received from the main control board 60. In an example of this embodiment, the startup information is gaming machine installation information. As an example, the gaming machine installation information is information that can specify the type of gaming machine, the ID number of the CPU 61, the manufacturer of the CPU 61, and the like. Upon successfully receiving the startup information, the CPU 81 transmits response information to the main control board 60 . Thereafter, the CPU 81 ends the communication check process, returns to normal processing based on the initialized or backed-up game ball number information, game information, and performance information, and executes the frame side normal process to be described later.

If the CPU 81 does not receive startup information within a predetermined period of time (for example, 3 minutes) after startup due to power-on, the CPU 81 stores in the RAM 83 a flag that can identify the occurrence of an abnormal communication error within the gaming machine. That is, the CPU 81 sets a communication abnormality within the gaming machine. After that, the CPU 81 waits until it receives the startup information. When the CPU 81 normally receives startup information from the main control board 60 while setting the communication abnormality within the gaming machine, the CPU 81 cancels the setting of the communication abnormality within the gaming machine. Thereafter, the CPU 81 ends the communication check process, returns to normal processing based on the initialized or backed-up game ball number information, game information, and performance information, and executes the frame side normal process to be described later. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU 81 may set an intra-gaming machine communication abnormality when reception of startup information and transmission of response information are unsuccessful multiple times (for example, three times). In this case, the startup information received multiple times may be used as gaming machine installation information for the first time, and may be information different from the gaming machine installation information (as an example, gaming machine information) from the second time onward.

The frame side normal processing of the frame control board 80 will be explained.
Of the frame-side normal processing, the game information storage processing will be explained.
The game information storage process is a process for storing game information input from the main control board 60 in the RAM 83. When the CPU 81 receives gaming information that allows the gaming state to be specified, the CPU 81 stores the gaming information in the RAM 83. By referring to the game information stored in the RAM 83, the CPU 81 can identify whether or not a jackpot game is being played, whether or not the game is in a high probability state, and whether or not it is in a high ball entry rate state. . In addition, upon inputting various game information, the CPU 81 generates information that allows identification of the input game information and stores it in the RAM 83. Further, upon receiving the game information, the CPU 81 transmits part or all of the received game information to an external device (such as a hall computer).

The performance information generation process of the frame side normal process will be explained.
The performance information generation process is a process of calculating a base value as performance information. The CPU 81 refers to the gaming state flag and determines whether or not the jackpot game is not in progress and the current gaming state is a low-probability, low-ball entry rate state (that is, whether or not it is a normal game). In the case of normal gaming, the CPU 81 generates game information that can identify the occurrence of a starting opening prize (hereinafter referred to as starting opening winning information) or gaming information that can identify the occurrence of a regular winning (hereinafter referred to as ordinary winning information). ) is received, the total number of prize balls acquired during the normal game is added. The total number of prize balls acquired is stored in the RAM 83 as one piece of performance information. When the CPU 81 inputs the winning path signal or the non-winning path signal, it adds up the total number of valid balls during the normal game. The total number of effective balls is stored in the RAM 83 as one piece of performance information. The CPU 81 calculates the base value using the calculation formula: "Total number of prize balls acquired during the normal game ÷ Total number of effective balls during the normal game x 100". The CPU 81 may count the total number of prize balls acquired and the total number of valid balls in intervals of one minute, and calculate the base value every minute. The CPU 81 may divide and count the total number of prize balls obtained every time the total number of valid balls reaches a specified number, and calculate the base value every time the total number of valid balls reaches a specified number. As an example, the specified number may be 60,000 balls, or may be the maximum number (for example, 100 balls) that can be fired by the firing device 50 per minute. The CPU 81 controls the performance display monitor 84 to display information that allows identification of the calculated base value.

The CPU 81 may be configured to calculate the accessory ratio and the continuous accessory ratio as performance information and display them on the performance display monitor 84. The accessory ratio is the ratio of the total number of prize balls obtained through electric accessory operation to the total number of prize balls obtained through all game states. The total number of prize balls acquired through electric accessory actuation is the total number of prize balls acquired by entering the second starting port 24 in normal winning games (normal electric accessory activation), and the total number of prize balls acquired in jackpot games (special electric accessory activation). This is the sum of the total number of prize balls won by winning into the prize opening 25. The continuous role object ratio is the ratio of the total number of prize balls acquired through continuous role object operation to the total number of prize balls acquired through all game states. The total number of prize balls obtained by continuous role play is the total number of prize balls obtained by entering the jackpot 25 in the jackpot game.

Of the frame side normal processing, the game ball number information generation processing will be explained.
The game ball number information generation process is a process for generating (managing) the number of game balls. When the CPU 81 receives the number of award balls information from the main control board 60, it adds the number of award balls that can be specified from the number of award balls information to the number of game balls. Acquired prize ball number information is control information that is output by the main control board 60 when the conditions for awarding a prize ball are met due to winning in a predetermined winning hole, and specifies the number of prize balls set for the winning hole. configured to be possible. Upon receiving the grant information from the card unit 100, the CPU 81 adds the number of balls to be awarded indicated in the grant information to the number of game balls. That is, the CPU 81 adds the number of rental balls corresponding to the number of game balls lent by the player by operating the ball rental button 104a to the number of game balls.

When the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has been supplied to the firing device 50 based on the supply entrance signal output by the supply entrance sensor D22, it subtracts the number of game balls. As an example, the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has been supplied when the supply entrance signal transitions from the OFF state to the ON state to the OFF state and becomes the ON state. As a result, it can be said that the number of game balls managed electromagnetically is converted into actual game balls. The game balls detected by the supply entrance sensor D22 are the game balls supplied to the firing device 50. The game ball is a game ball that is launched into the game area 20a by the operation of the firing device 50, and can also be regarded as a game ball fired by the player on the premise that it does not become a foul ball.

When the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has returned to the supply device 40 based on the foul signal output by the foul sensor D21, it adds up the number of game balls. As an example, when the foul signal transitions from ON state to OFF state to ON state, the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has returned. In the pachinko game machine 10, when a game ball (foul ball) that does not reach the game area 20a even after the firing operation is performed by the firing device 50 is detected, the number of game balls stored as data is added. It is the composition.

In this embodiment, the game ball number information generation process corresponds to a counting process that counts the number of game balls according to an increase or decrease in the number of game balls held. Further, the CPU 81 that executes the game ball number information generation process functions as a processing means.

Note that the CPU 81 may subtract the number of game balls by driving the firing solenoid 53. A sensor is provided in the launch passage 20c, and when the sensor detects the game ball fired from the firing device 50, the CPU 81 subtracts the number of game balls by driving the firing solenoid 53. A configuration for subtraction may also be used. In this embodiment, the number of game balls is subtracted as an example of the number of game balls stored as data in relation to at least one of the firing operation by the firing device 50 and the supplying operation by the supply device 40. It can be said that When the number of game balls stored as data reaches "0", which is an example of a number less than a predetermined number, the CPU 81 outputs a zero number of game balls signal to the firing permission circuit 89b. Further, the CPU 81 may be configured to detect that one game ball has been supplied and subtract the number of game balls when the supply exit signal transitions from ON state to OFF state to ON state.

When the CPU 81 is in the counting enabled state, when a counting signal is input from the counting switch 18, the CPU 81 transmits counting information that can specify the number of balls to be counted to the card unit 100. The CPU 81 subtracts the number of counted balls that can be specified from the counting information from the number of game balls. As an example, the countable state is a state in which the necessary power is supplied and the number of game balls is not zero. The CPU 81 controls the light emitter built in the counting lamp 18a so that the counting lamp 18a lights up when the counting is possible. In an example of this embodiment, the management of the number of game balls is transferred to the card unit 100 by transmitting counting information to the card unit 100.

Then, the CPU 81 controls the game ball number display device 17 to display information that can specify the updated number of game balls that has been added or subtracted. In an example of the present embodiment, the CPU 81 includes means for adding the number of game balls stored as data, means for subtracting the number of game balls stored as data, and displaying the number of game balls stored as data. It can be understood as a means to do so. Although details will be described later, the game ball count display device 17 also serves as a device capable of displaying information that can specify the error state set (detected) on the frame control board 80. In this embodiment, the CPU 81 is capable of executing a reception process for accepting an operation of the counting switch 18, which is an operation means, a generation process for generating count information, and a transmission process for transmitting the count information to the card unit 100, which is an external device. It functions as a processing means. Note that the count information generated in this embodiment will be described in detail later.

The error setting process and error notification process of the frame side normal process will be explained.
The error setting process is a process for detecting the occurrence of an error state and setting the error state. In one example of the present embodiment, error states that can be detected by the frame control board 80 (CPU 81) include, in addition to the communication abnormality within the game machine described above, detection of unauthorized radio waves, supply entrance sensor abnormality, number of game balls cleared, number of game balls There is at least over and door opening. Further, the error notification process is a process for notifying an error in a predetermined notification mode when an error state is detected in the error setting process.

The error state of communication abnormality within the game machine has an error detection condition that communication between the main control board 60 and the frame control board 80 is not performed normally. The error state of unauthorized radio wave detection uses the detection of abnormal radio waves as an error detection condition. The error state of supply inlet sensor abnormality has an error detection condition that the next game ball is fired without any change in the supply inlet signal, which is the input signal of the sensor, since the previous firing. The error state of clearing the number of game balls is the number counted in the game ball number information generation process included in the frame side normal processing, and the number of game balls stored as data in the RAM 83 is initialized to 0 (cleared to 0). ) is the error detection condition. The error state of the number of game balls being exceeded has an error detection condition that the number of game balls counted in the game ball number information generation process included in the frame side normal processing exceeds a predetermined number of balls (for example, 40,000 balls). The error state of door opening is determined by detecting an off state of either the first door opening switch D17 or the second door opening switch D18.

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

The main power-on process will be explained.
When the power is turned on and the voltage supplied to the main control board 60 reaches a voltage necessary for the operation of the CPU 61, the CPU 61 prohibits timer interrupt processing. Subsequently, the CPU 61 transmits startup information to the frame control board 80. The CPU 61 transmits the startup information to the frame control board 80 when a predetermined time (108 ms as an example) has elapsed without receiving response information after transmitting the startup information. Thereafter, if the CPU 61 does not receive response information from the frame control board 80, it transmits startup information to the frame control board 80 every predetermined time period. Note that the startup information when transmitting multiple times may be the same information, or may be different information so that the number of times of transmission can be specified. The CPU 61 detects a communication abnormality within the game machine when the number of times the startup information is transmitted reaches a specified number (10 times as an example), and stores information that can identify the occurrence of the communication abnormality within the game machine in the RAM 63. In other words, the CPU 61 sets an error related to a communication abnormality within the gaming machine. When setting the gaming machine communication abnormality, the CPU 61 outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as gaming machine communication abnormality command) that can identify the occurrence of an error related to the gaming machine communication abnormality to the production control board 70. After that, the CPU 61 waits until the power is turned off. In this embodiment, the time required for the frame control board 80 to detect a communication abnormality within the gaming machine (3 minutes as an example) is the time required for the main control board 60 to detect a communication abnormality within the gaming machine (1080 ms as an example). longer than .

Upon receiving the response information to the startup information, the CPU 61 determines that the communication line is normal. If the communication line is normal, the CPU 61 determines whether the backed up information is normal. Specifically, the CPU 61 determines whether a backup flag is stored in the RAM 63. Further, the CPU 61 calculates the checksum value of the RAM 63 and determines whether the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value calculated in the power-off process. The CPU 61 determines that it is normal if the backup flag is stored and the checksum values match, and determines that it is abnormal if they are not.

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

When determining that the backed up information is normal, the CPU 61 determines whether a RAM clear signal is input from the frame control board 80 (RAM clear switch 88). When the RAM clear signal is input, the CPU 61 initializes the main information stored in the RAM 63. The CPU 61 outputs an initialization command to the production control board 70. On the other hand, if the RAM clear signal is not input, the CPU 61 outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a power recovery command) that can specify the return based on the backed up main information to the production control board 70.

After completing the main power-on processing, the CPU 61 permits timer interrupt processing. In other words, the CPU 61 can execute a process (hereinafter referred to as main normal process) for advancing the game. If the main information has been initialized, the main normal processing is executed based on the initialized main information. In other words, the CPU 61 is based on the state that both the first special reservation number and the second special reservation number are zero, the first special game and the second special game are not being executed, and no jackpot game has been awarded. and executes various processes included in the main normal process. The main normal processing is executed based on the backed up main information if the main information has not been initialized. In other words, the CPU 61 executes the special game if the first special pending number and the second special pending number are the pending numbers at the time of power-off, and either the first special game or the second special game is being executed. The process returns to the process, and if the jackpot game is being awarded, the process returns to the process of awarding the jackpot game.

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

The special symbol input process will be explained.
The CPU 61 determines whether the game ball has entered the first starting port 23 based on whether or not a detection signal has been input from the first starting sensor D11. When the game ball enters the first starting port 23, the CPU 61 determines whether the first pending number stored in the RAM 63 is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the first number of reservations is less than the upper limit number, the CPU 61 updates the first number of reservations by adding one. Subsequently, the CPU 61 controls the first reservation display device 21c to display information that allows identification of the updated first reservation number. In this embodiment, the suspension condition for the first special game is established when the game ball is detected by the first starting sensor D11 when the first suspension number is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the CPU 61 acquires a random number generated by the random number generation circuit 64, and causes the RAM 63 to store random number information based on the acquired random number. For example, the random numbers include a winning random number used for a special symbol winning lottery, a winning pattern random number used for determining a winning symbol, and a fluctuation pattern random number used for determining a fluctuation pattern. The CPU 61 stores the random number information so that it can be specified that the random number information is for the first special game, and the order in which the random number information is stored. The random number information may be the acquired random number itself, or may be information obtained by processing the random number using a predetermined method. By storing the random number information used for the first special game in the RAM 63, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can suspend the execution of the first special game until the start conditions for the first special game are satisfied.

When the random number information for the first special game is stored in the RAM 63, when the game ball has not entered the first starting port 23, and when the first reserved number is not less than the upper limit number, the CPU 61 stores the random number information for the first special game. Based on whether or not a detection signal is input from the starting sensor D12, it is determined whether the game ball has entered the second starting port 24 or not. When the game ball has entered the second starting port 24, the CPU 61 determines whether the second pending number stored in the RAM 63 is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). If the second pending number is less than the upper limit number, the CPU 61 updates the second pending number by adding one. The CPU 61 controls the second reservation display device 21d to display information that allows the second reservation number after addition to be specified. In this embodiment, the second special game suspension condition is established when the second suspension number is less than the upper limit number and the game ball is detected by the second starting sensor D12.

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

The special symbol start process will be explained.
First, the CPU 61 determines whether the special game starting conditions are satisfied. The CPU 61 makes an affirmative determination when the jackpot game is not in progress and a special game is not in progress, and makes a negative determination when the jackpot game or special game is in progress. If the special game start conditions are not satisfied, the CPU 61 ends the special symbol start process. If the special game start condition is satisfied, the CPU 61 determines whether the second pending number is greater than zero. If the second number of reservations is zero, the CPU 61 determines whether the first number of reservations is greater than zero. When the first reservation number is zero, the CPU 61 ends the special symbol start process.

If the first pending number is greater than zero, the CPU 61 performs processing to execute the first special game. Specifically, the CPU 61 subtracts 1 from the first pending number and updates it. The CPU 61 controls the first reservation display device 21c to display information that allows identification of the first reservation number after subtraction. Next, the CPU 61 acquires the first stored random number information from the RAM 63 among the random number information for the first special game. Subsequently, the CPU 61 uses the winning random number specified from the acquired random number information to perform a jackpot drawing (jackpot determination) as a special symbol winning drawing to determine whether or not the jackpot is won. The CPU 61 performs a jackpot lottery based on the jackpot probability according to the current probability state (whether or not the probability variable function is activated).

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

If the jackpot is not won, the CPU 61 performs a loss variation process. In the losing variation process, the CPU 61 determines losing symbols to be stopped and displayed in the first special game. The CPU 61 performs a variation pattern determination lottery using variation pattern random numbers 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 61 ends the special symbol start process.

If the second pending number is greater than zero, the CPU 61 performs processing for executing the second special game. The process for executing the second special game includes changing the "first special game" to "second special game" and changing the "first pending number" to "second pending number". Since these processes have been changed to "number", detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. That is, the CPU 61 completes the special symbol start process after performing any of the fluctuation processes based on the results of the subtraction of the second pending number, the jackpot lottery, and the jackpot lottery.

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

When the special symbol start process is finished, the CPU 61 causes the first special game or the second special game to be executed by a process different from the special symbol start process. Specifically, when executing the first special game, the CPU 61 controls the first special symbol display device 21a to start variable display of predetermined symbols. The CPU 61 measures the variation time defined in the variation pattern. When the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed, the CPU 61 controls the first special symbol display device 21a to stop displaying the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process. Further, when the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed, the CPU 61 outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a variation end command) that can specify the end of the variation game to the production control board 70.

On the other hand, when executing the second special game, the CPU 61 controls the second special symbol display device 21b to start variable display of predetermined symbols. The CPU 61 measures the variation time defined in the variation pattern. When the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed, the CPU 61 controls the second special symbol display device 21b to stop displaying the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process. Further, the CPU 61 outputs a variation end command to the production control board 70 when the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed. As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the CPU 61 executes the special symbol input process and the special symbol start process, thereby performing a winning lottery when a game ball enters the starting hole, and results of the winning lottery. The system is configured to be able to execute a symbol variation game based on the following.

The jackpot game process will be explained.
The jackpot game process is a process for awarding a jackpot game. When the CPU 61 stops displaying the jackpot symbols in the special game, the CPU 61 executes the jackpot game process after the special jackpot game ends. The CPU 61 specifies the type of jackpot game based on the jackpot symbol (namely, jackpot type) determined in the special symbol start process. The CPU 61 awards the specified type of jackpot game.

First, the CPU 61 outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as an opening command) that can specify the start of the opening time to the production control board 70. When the opening time has elapsed, the CPU 61 performs processing for executing the round game. That is, the CPU 61 controls the special solenoid SL2 using the identified opening control data for the jackpot game, and opens the jackpot opening 25. The CPU 61 controls the special solenoid SL2 to close the grand prize opening 25 when the number of game balls detected by the count sensor D13 reaches the above-mentioned upper limit number or when the above-mentioned upper limit time has elapsed. End the round game. The CPU 61 repeatedly performs the process for executing such a round game until the upper limit number of round games determined for the jackpot game is completed. Each time the CPU 61 starts a round game, it outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a round command) that can specify the start of the round game to the production control board 70. When the final round game ends, the CPU 61 outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as an ending start command) that can specify the start of the ending time to the production control board 70. When the ending time elapses, the CPU 61 ends the jackpot game. The CPU 61 outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as an ending end command) that can specify the passage of the ending time to the production control board 70.

The state transition process will be explained.
When the CPU 61 finishes the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol among the jackpot symbols, the CPU 61 sets a high certainty flag in the RAM 63. That is, the CPU 61 controls to a high probability state. In addition, the CPU 61 does not erase the probability change flag after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol until the next jackpot game is awarded. On the other hand, when the CPU 61 finishes the jackpot game based on the second jackpot symbol different from the first jackpot symbol, the CPU 61 does not set the high certainty flag in the RAM 63. That is, the CPU 61 controls to a low probability state. When starting a jackpot game and the high probability flag is set, the CPU 61 erases the high probability flag. That is, the CPU 61 controls to a low probability state during the jackpot game.

When the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol or the second jackpot symbol is completed, the CPU 61 sets an activation flag in the RAM 63. That is, the CPU 61 controls the ball to a high ball entry rate state. Every time a special game is started after the end of the jackpot game based on the second jackpot symbol, the CPU 61 updates the value of the execution counter stored in the RAM 63, thereby updating the number of executions of the special game after the end of the jackpot game. Count. The CPU 61 erases the activation flag stored in the RAM 63 when the special game in which the number of executions of the special game after the end of the jackpot game reaches the activation number is completed. That is, after the end of the jackpot game based on the second jackpot symbol, the CPU 61 controls to a low ball entry rate state when the special game for the number of times of activation ends. Note that the CPU 61 does not erase the activation flag after the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol ends until the next jackpot game is awarded. When starting a jackpot game and the activation flag is set, the CPU 61 erases the activation flag. That is, the CPU 61 controls the ball into a low ball entry rate state during the jackpot game.

Various processes executed by the production control board 70 (CPU 71) will be explained.
The performance power restoration process will be explained.
When the initialization command is input, the CPU 71 controls some or all of the production devices constituting the production device group ES to execute RAM clear notification (initialization notification). As an example, the RAM clear notification is executed in such a manner that the performance audio device 12 outputs a sound that can identify the execution of RAM clear, such as a sound that reads out the character string "RAM clear". As an example, the RAM clear notification is executed in such a manner that the effect light emitting device 14 emits light in a light emission pattern exclusively for RAM clear. As an example, the RAM clear notification is executed in such a manner that an image that can specify execution of RAM clear, such as a character string "RAM clear", is displayed on the effect display device 19. The CPU 71 controls the production device group ES to end the RAM clear notification when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the RAM clear notification. Moreover, when the CPU 71 inputs the initialization command, it controls the effect display device 19 to display a combination of a predetermined background image and a predetermined effect pattern.

When the CPU 71 inputs the power restoration command, it controls some or all of the production devices constituting the production device group ES to execute a power restoration notification. As an example, the return notification is executed in such a manner that the performance audio device 12 outputs a sound that can identify the execution of RAM clearing, such as a sound that reads out the character string "The power is being restored." As an example, the return notification is executed by causing the effect light emitting device 14 to emit light in a light emission pattern exclusively for power recovery. As an example, the restoration notification is executed in such a manner that an image that can identify the execution of RAM clearing, such as a character string "The power is being restored", is displayed on the effect display device 19. The CPU 71 controls the effect device group ES to end the return notification when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the return notification. The present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU 71 may have a configuration in which the return notification is not executed. Moreover, when the CPU 71 inputs the power restoration command, it controls the effect display device 19 to display a predetermined background image and a combination of effect symbols different from the predetermined combination of effect symbols.

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

The production game processing will be explained.
The effect game process is a process for executing the effect game as one of the display effects related to the special game while the special game is being executed. Upon receiving the variation start command and the special symbol command, the CPU 71 controls the performance device group ES including the performance display device 19 to execute the performance game. Specifically, upon receiving the variation start command, the CPU 71 selects the performance pattern (performance content) of the performance game based on the fluctuation pattern that can be specified from the command. Further, upon receiving the special symbol command, the CPU 71 determines a symbol combination to be stopped and displayed in the production game based on the special symbol that can be specified from the command. If the jackpot symbol can be specified from the special symbol command, the CPU 71 determines the jackpot symbol combination. When the CPU 71 can specify the missing symbol from the special symbol command, the CPU 71 determines the missing symbol combination. In addition, when executing a ready-to-win effect, the CPU 71 determines a winning symbol combination including a ready-to-win effect.

Then, the CPU 71 controls the effect display device 19 to start variable display of the effect symbols in each symbol row in response to the input of the variation start command. That is, the CPU 71 starts the performance game. Further, when executing a predetermined effect in connection with the effect game, the CPU 71 controls the effect device group ES including the effect display device 19 to execute the effect. When a predetermined timing arrives after starting the production game, the CPU 71 causes the symbol combination to be temporarily stopped and displayed, and, triggered by the input of the variation end command, causes the symbol combination to be fixed and displayed. Incidentally, the CPU 71 may cause the symbol combination to be fixed and stopped when the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed, regardless of the variation end command. In this case, the variation end command may be omitted.

Next, a description will be given of error notification executed under the control of the CPU 81 of the frame control board 80 when an error state occurs.
While setting an error state, the CPU 81 of the frame control board 80 controls the display contents of the game ball count display device 17 so as to display an error code, which is an example of information that can identify the error state being set. . The error code is information unique to each error. For example, an error code is set for each error code, such as [E10] for illegal radio wave detection, [E13] for communication error within the game machine, and [E14] for supply entrance sensor error. The CPU 81 alternately switches between displaying the error code and displaying the number of game balls at predetermined time intervals. Further, when a plurality of error states are set, the CPU 81 sequentially displays the error code and the number of game balls of the error state with a higher priority among the plurality of error states for a predetermined period of time. The priority corresponds to the priority order for error notification. In addition, when a plurality of error states are set, the CPU 81 may be configured to sequentially display the plurality of error codes and the number of game balls for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, the CPU 81 may be configured to display an error code and not display the number of game balls. When the error state being set is canceled, the CPU 81 controls the game ball count display device 17 so as to end displaying the error code corresponding to the canceled error. In an example of this embodiment, all error states that can be detected by the frame control board 80 are displayed as error codes in the game ball count display device 17. The game ball count display device 17 also serves as a means for notifying errors.

The CPU 81 controls the display contents of the performance display monitor 84 so as to display an error code that enables identification of the error state being set. That is, the error code is displayed on both the game ball count display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84. The CPU 81 alternately switches between displaying the error code and displaying the base value (performance information) at predetermined time intervals. Further, when a plurality of error states are set, the CPU 81 sequentially displays the error code and base value of the error state with the highest priority among the plurality of error states for a predetermined period of time. The present invention is not limited to this, and if a plurality of error states are set, the CPU 81 may be configured to sequentially display a plurality of error codes and base values for a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, the CPU 81 may be configured to display an error code and not display the base value. Furthermore, the CPU 81 may be configured to display the number of game balls in addition to the base value and error code on the performance display monitor 84. In this case, the CPU 81 may display these three types of information in order while switching them at predetermined time intervals. The CPU 81 controls the performance display monitor 84 to end displaying the error code when the error state being set is canceled. In one example of this embodiment, all error states that can be detected by the frame control board 80 are displayed as error codes on the performance display monitor 84. The performance display monitor 84 of this embodiment is also used as means for notifying errors. The CPU 81 causes the display of the error code on the performance display monitor 84 and the display of the error code on the game pitch count display device 17 to start at the same or substantially the same timing. The performance display monitor 84 also serves as a means for notifying errors.

The CPU 81 controls the notification audio device 13 to output notification audio using an audio pattern that makes it possible to specify the error state being set. That is, the CPU 81 causes an audio notification (hereinafter referred to as error audio notification) to notify the error state that is being set. For example, in one example of the present embodiment, the CPU 81 targets detection of unauthorized radio waves, abnormality of the supply entrance sensor, clearing of the number of game balls, and overage of the number of game balls, and issues an error audio notification when these error states are being set. Execute. The CPU 81 does not target communication abnormalities within the game machine or door opening, and does not execute error voice notification for reporting these error states. The audio pattern of the error audio notification has different content depending on the type of error, and is content that allows the outline of the error state being set to be specified. For example, if an unauthorized radio wave is detected, a voice will read out the character string "Error code E10 has occurred. Please call an attendant." The notification audio device 13 is also used as a means for notifying errors.

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

When the CPU 61 receives the first door opening signal and the second door opening signal from the frame control board 80, the CPU 61 stores in the RAM 63 a flag that can identify the occurrence of a door opening error state. In other words, the CPU 61 sets an error state for door opening when the mounting frame 11b and the protection frame 11c are in an open state. When the CPU 61 sets the door opening error state, it outputs a door opening error occurrence command, which is control information that can specify the occurrence of the door opening error state, to the production control board 70. When the first door opening signal and the second door opening signal are no longer input, the CPU 61 cancels the door opening error state setting. When the CPU 61 cancels the setting of the door opening error state, it outputs a door opening error cancellation command to the production control board 70, which is control information that can specify the cancellation of the door opening error state.

Further, the CPU 61 performs control to restrict the firing of game balls while setting a predetermined error (in this embodiment, supply inlet sensor abnormality or door opening) among a plurality of errors. The CPU 61 outputs a firing stop signal to the frame control board 80 (firing permission circuit 89b) when an abnormality in the supply entrance sensor or an error state of opening the door occurs. In other words, the firing stop signal is turned on. When the launch permission circuit 89b receives the launch stop signal, the launch permission signal to the launch control board 90 is turned off, and its output is stopped. As described above, the output condition for the firing permission signal is satisfied if the firing permission state is in which firing of the game ball is permitted. In other words, the conditions for outputting the firing permission signal do not hold if the firing is prohibited. Note that when the CPU 81 of the frame control board 80 sets error states, it outputs commands that are control information that can specify these error states to the main control board 60. In the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment, while an error other than the above-mentioned predetermined error is being set, control to restrict the firing of game balls is not performed, and the game balls can be fired.

In the firing permission state, the card unit 100 and the pachinko gaming machine 10 are normally connected, no specific error has occurred on the main control board 60 (for example, the door is opened), and the frame control board 80 is in a firing permission state. This is a state in which no specific error (for example, an abnormality in the supply inlet sensor) has occurred. The firing prohibited state is caused by the card unit 100 and the pachinko gaming machine 10 not being connected properly, a specific error occurring in the main control board 60, or a specific error occurring in the frame control board 80. A state in which one or more of the following things are occurring. Note that even if the same door opening error state occurs, if the second door opening signal is input, the above specific error does not apply, and depending on the occurrence, the firing may not be prohibited.

Next, when an error state occurs, error notification executed under the control of the CPU 71 of the production control board 70 will be explained.
When the CPU 71 inputs the door opening error generation command, it controls some or all of the production devices constituting the production device group ES, and causes the door opening error notification to be executed. As an example, the door opening error notification is executed in such a manner that the performance audio device 12 outputs a sound that can identify the opening of the door, such as a sound that reads out the character string "The door is open." As an example, the door open error notification is executed in such a manner that the effect light emitting device 14 emits light in a light emission pattern dedicated to the door open error. As an example, the door opening error notification is executed in such a manner that an image that can identify the opening of the door, such as a character string "The door is open," is displayed on the effect display device 19. When the CPU 71 specifies that all door opening error states have been resolved (both the mounting frame 11b and the protection frame 11c are closed) by inputting a door opening error resolution command, the CPU 71 issues a door opening error notification. The effect device group ES is controlled so as to end the process.

When the CPU 71 inputs the gaming machine communication abnormality command, it controls some or all of the production devices constituting the production device group ES, and causes the gaming machine communication abnormality notification to be executed. As an example, the communication abnormality error notification within the gaming machine may be performed by outputting a sound from the production audio device 12 that can identify the occurrence of an abnormal communication error within the gaming machine, such as a voice that reads out the character string "A communication abnormality has occurred." executed. As an example, the abnormal communication error notification within the gaming machine is executed in such a manner that the effect light emitting device 14 emits light in a light emission pattern exclusively for the abnormal communication error within the gaming machine. As an example, the notification of an abnormal communication error within the gaming machine is executed in such a manner that an image that can identify the occurrence of an abnormal communication error within the gaming machine, such as a character string "Communication abnormality has occurred!", is displayed on the effect display device 19. Note that the setting of the error state of communication abnormality within the gaming machine on the main control board 60 is not canceled after the power supply is cut off until the power is restored. That is, once the CPU 71 starts notifying the abnormal communication error within the gaming machine, it controls the production device group ES to continue the notification of the abnormal communication error within the gaming machine until the power supply is cut off.

Additionally, error notification is executed under the control of the CPU 71 for all or some of the error states other than the above-mentioned internal communication abnormality and door opening. That is, after setting each error state, the CPU 81 of the frame control board 80 outputs a command, which is control information that can specify these error states, to the main control board 60.

Further, the CPU 61 of the main control board 60 outputs a command capable of specifying the input error state to the production control board 70. Then, the CPU 71 of the production control board 70 controls some or all of the production devices constituting the production device group ES in accordance with the input command that can specify the error state, and causes error notification to be executed. As an example, the supply inlet sensor abnormality error notification may be performed by outputting a sound from the performance audio device 12 that can identify the occurrence of the supply inlet sensor abnormality, such as a voice reading out the character string "A supply inlet sensor abnormality has occurred." is executed. As an example, the supply entrance sensor abnormality error notification is executed in such a manner that the effect light emitting device 14 emits light in a light emission pattern dedicated to the supply entrance sensor abnormality error. As an example, the supply inlet sensor abnormality error notification is executed in such a manner that an image that can identify the occurrence of the supply inlet sensor abnormality, such as a character string "Supply inlet sensor abnormality has occurred!", is displayed on the effect display device 19. Note that the notification pattern of error notification by the performance devices forming the performance device group ES is determined for each type of error. In other words, some or all of the notification patterns are different so that the error type can be identified. Part or all of the notification patterns are different because the presentation devices that make the notifications themselves are different, or even if the presentation devices that make the notifications are the same, the contents of the notifications are different. For example, the sound may be different, the emission time or color may be different, or the image may be different.

The error notification by the performance devices forming the performance device group ES is terminated when the cancellation condition for the error targeted for the error notification is satisfied and the error is canceled. By ending the error notification, the canceled error can be recognized.

10, the process in which the CPU 81 of the frame control board 80 that receives the operation of the counting switch 18 generates and transmits counting information based on the number of game balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be explained in detail. .

In this embodiment, the counting information is generated as control information corresponding to a different predetermined number depending on the operation mode of the counting switch 18. Specifically, when the operation mode of the counting switch 18 is the first operation mode, the counting information is generated as information that can identify the counted ball [1] ball when the number of game balls is 1 or more. . [1] The number of balls is smaller than, for example, the number of prize balls when the ball enters the big prize opening 25 or the minimum number of rental balls lent to the player. Further, the counting information when the operation mode of the counting switch 18 is the second operation mode is generated as information that can be specified with [250] as the maximum number of counted balls when the number of game balls is 1 or more. The first operation mode of this embodiment is an operation in which the operation time after starting the operation of the counting switch 18 is less than "500 ms". On the other hand, the second operation mode of the present embodiment is an operation in which the operation time after starting the operation of the counting switch 18 is "500 ms" or more. Note that starting the operation of the counting switch 18 means starting the operation from a state in which the counting switch 18 is not operated. When the operation in the first operation mode is defined as a "short operation (single press operation)", the operation in the second operation mode can be defined as a "long operation (long press operation)" because the operation time is long. As described above, the predetermined number is set to a number larger than 0 (zero) by operating the counting switch 18 which is the operating means, and depending on the operation mode of the counting switch 18, the predetermined number is [1] ball or [250] The number of balls can be adjusted.

In order to efficiently transfer the number of game balls in a short time, it is desirable that a large number of counted balls can be transferred with one short or long operation of the counting switch 18. However, the reason for enabling the operation of the first operation mode is that fractions can be transferred at the player's discretion, for example, when the number of game balls is "1202 balls", the ones place "2 balls" is transferred. It is possible to improve convenience as follows. Also, the reason why all game balls are not transferred with one short or long operation of the counting switch 18 is to prevent a situation where all the game balls are lost due to a communication failure or the like while the counting information is being transmitted. It is possible that In addition, it is conceivable that if the transfer is carried out in stages, it will be easier for the player to feel that the transfer is being made, giving him a sense of security.

The CPU 81 counts the operation time of the counting switch 18. If the operation time from the start of the operation of the counting switch 18 is less than "500 ms", the CPU 81 [1] generates counting information that can identify the ball, and transmits the counting information to the card unit 100. Further, if the operation time after the operation of the counting switch 18 started is "500 ms" or more, the CPU 81 generates counting information with [250] balls as the maximum number, and transmits the counting information to the card unit 100. Specifically, when the number of game balls exceeds 250 balls, the CPU 81 generates count information that allows identification of [250] balls. On the other hand, if the number of game balls is less than 250 even if the operation time of the counting switch 18 is longer than 500 ms, the CPU 81 generates counting information that allows the number to be specified. For example, even if the operation time from the start of the counting switch 18 operation is more than "500ms", if the number of game balls at that time is "1 ball", the operation time is less than "500ms". As in the case of , count information that can identify "one ball" is generated. In addition, if the counting switch 18 is continuously operated even after the operation time exceeds "500ms" after the operation starts, the CPU 81 controls the CPU 81 to send [250] balls every time the operation time reaches "300ms". Generate counting information using the maximum number. For example, when the number of game balls is [600] balls and the operation time of the counting switch 18 is "1000 ms", the CPU 81 generates count information that can identify [250] balls twice, and each time The counting information is sequentially transmitted to the card unit 100. In this example, since [500] balls are subtracted from the number of game balls, [100] balls remain as the number of game balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10.

As described above, by increasing the number of balls counted in accordance with the increase in the operation time of the counting switch 18, the time for transferring the number equivalent to the number of game balls to the card unit 100 is shortened. For example, assume that the number of game balls is [50,000] balls. When the counting switch 18 is operated briefly to transfer all [50,000] balls, the number of operations of the counting switch 18 is "50,000 times." If one short operation is performed in a time that is less than 500 ms but close to 500 ms, it will take about 2500 seconds to transfer all 50000 balls. On the other hand, it takes about 60 seconds to transfer all [50,000] balls by operating the counting switch 18 in a long way. That is, by providing a long operation as the operation mode of the counting switch 18, time can be shortened. Such time reduction can also reduce the annoyance to the player due to the longer time required to stop the game, and the annoyance to the player who attempts to continue the game after temporarily transferring the number of game balls.

Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the error state of exceeding the number of game balls, which is an error state detectable in the pachinko gaming machine 10, will be explained in detail. An error state in which the number of game balls is exceeded corresponds to a state in which the number of balls is exceeded.

As shown in FIG. 11, the error state of exceeding the number of game balls occurs when the number of game balls counted in the game ball number information generation process included in the frame side normal process is a specified number Z1 (for example, 40,000 balls). ) is exceeded as an error detection condition. The CPU 81 transmits information that can specify the number of game balls being counted to the CPU 71 of the production control board 70 through the CPU 61 of the main control board 60. The CPU 71 stores information that can specify the number of game balls in the RAM 73. Then, the CPU 71 refers to the number of game balls and determines whether the error detection condition for exceeding the number of game balls is satisfied. When the error detection condition is satisfied, the CPU 71 stores in the RAM 73 a flag that can identify the occurrence of an error state in which the number of game balls is exceeded. Once the CPU 71 sets the error state that the number of game balls is over, the CPU 71 cancels the setting of the error state that the number of game balls is over, using the fact that the number of game balls has fallen below a predetermined number of balls Z2 (for example, 35,000 balls) as an error release condition. The predetermined number of pitches Z2 is a smaller number than the predetermined number of pitches Z1. The CPU 71 refers to the number of game balls stored in the RAM 73 and determines whether the condition for canceling the error state of exceeding the number of game balls is satisfied. The number of game balls can be reduced by operating the counting switch 18 and transmitting a part of the number of game balls being counted to the card unit 100 as the counted number of balls.

When an error state in which the number of game balls is exceeded occurs, an error notification as a specific notification is executed under the control of the CPU 71 of the production control board 70. As an example, the error notification when the number of game balls has exceeded is made by producing a sound from the production audio device 12 that can identify the occurrence of the number of game balls being exceeded, such as a voice that reads out the character string "The number of game balls has exceeded the predetermined number of balls." It is executed in an output mode. As an example, the error notification when the number of game balls has exceeded is executed by causing the effect light emitting device 14 to emit light in a light emitting pattern dedicated to the error. As an example, the error notification of the overage of the number of game balls is performed in a manner that an image that can identify the occurrence of the overage of the number of game balls, such as a character string "The number of game balls has exceeded!", is displayed on the effect display device 19. Ru. The error notification of the over number of game balls is started when the number of game balls exceeds a predetermined number of balls Z1, and ends when the number of game balls falls below a predetermined number of balls Z2. In addition, although the number of game balls exceeded is referred to as an error state in the explanation of the embodiment, it does not hinder the game like other error states, but it is a warning to the player that the number of game balls has increased too much. It has a strong meaning. The error notification that the number of game balls has exceeded corresponds to a notification that urges the player to transfer the balls held by the player during the game, which is indicated as the number of game balls. In other words, the error notification that the number of game balls has been exceeded can be said to be a notification that prompts the player to operate the counting switch 18, since the counting switch 18 must be operated in order to transfer the balls held.

The transmission and reception processing included in the frame side normal processing will be explained according to FIG. 12.
The transmission/reception process in the embodiment is a process in which the frame control board 80 transmits and receives game ball information regarding game balls with the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 10 as a communication target. Specifically, the frame control board 80 executes a transmission/reception process using the card unit 100 as a communication target. The CPU 81 of the frame control board 80 that executes the transmission and reception processing functions as a processing means.

The CPU 81 performs a process of transmitting and receiving game ball information in a predetermined order. After the power of the pachinko game machine 10 is turned on and started, the CPU 81 repeatedly executes the transmission and reception process at every predetermined period T. This predetermined period T is, for example, "300 ms". 300 ms is shorter than the operation time (500 ms) in which the operation mode of the counting switch 18 is the long operation described above, and is the time (500 ms) during which counting information is generated when the counting switch 18 is continuously operated in the long operation. 300ms).

In the transmission and reception process, the CPU 81 transmits and receives messages to and from the card unit 100. In this embodiment, the types of messages include information notification, count notification, lending notification, and lending receipt. These four types of messages are transmitted and received in a predetermined order during period T.

In a predetermined cycle T, messages are sent and received in the order of information notification → counting notification → lending notification → lending receipt. The information notification is a message that notifies information regarding the gaming machine. The notification contents of the information notification include the number of game balls stored as data in the RAM 83. The counting notification is a message that notifies information regarding the number of game balls counted by operating the counting switch 18. The notification contents of the counting notification include the counted number of balls transmitted at the cycle T, the counted cumulative number of balls corresponding to the cumulative value of the counted number of balls counted while the pachinko gaming machine 10 is powered on, including. The counted cumulative number of balls is stored as data in the RAM 83, and is cleared to "0 (zero)" when the power of the pachinko game machine 10 is turned on.

The rental notification is a message that notifies information regarding the number of rental game balls. When the ball rental button 104a of the operation panel 104 is operated, the rental notification is notified of the number of game balls to be rented. In addition, when the number of balls counted in the count notification in the cycle T is equal to or greater than "1", the rental notification is notified as "0 (zero)". The loan receipt is a message that notifies information regarding the result of receiving the loan notification. For loan receipt, if the result of receiving the loan notice is normal, it is reported as normal, and if the result of receiving the loan notice is abnormal, it is notified of abnormality. Cases in which the reception result is abnormal include cases where the pachinko game machine 10 is in a ball-eating state and cases where the number of game balls stored in the RAM 83 is [100,000] balls or more.

As shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 81 transmits an information notification to the card unit 100 in a cycle T. Next, in the same period T, the CPU 81 transmits a count notification to the card unit 100 after transmitting the information notification. At this time, if the number of balls counted is "0 (zero)", the CPU 81 transmits data indicating "0 (zero)". On the other hand, if the counted number of balls is [1] or more, the CPU 81 transmits data indicating [250] balls as the maximum value of data that can be transmitted in one period T, which is [1] or more. Next, in the same period T, the CPU 81 receives the lending notification sent by the card unit 100 after sending the counting notification. Next, in the same cycle T, the CPU 81 transmits a lending receipt to the card unit 100 after receiving the lending notification. Thereafter, after the period T has elapsed, the CPU 81 transmits a new information notification at the start of the next period T. As described above, the CPU 81 repeatedly sends and receives information notifications, count notifications, lending notifications, and lending receipts during the period T. Note that the CPU 81 does not transmit the counted number of pitches generated by operating the counting switch 18 within the period T, but transmits the count notification from the next period T onwards.

Here, the transmission and reception processing in one period T will be specifically explained by applying numbers virtually. As shown in FIG. 12, the virtual numbers are such that the number of game balls is [600] and the number of balls counted before a certain cycle T starts is [250]. Further, the cumulative number of pitches counted before a certain period T starts is set to [0 (zero)]. In FIGS. 12 and 13, the cumulative number of pitches counted is illustrated as the cumulative number of pitches.

Since the number of game balls at the start of period T is [600], the CPU 81 transmits an information notification including data indicating the number of game balls [600] to the card unit 100. Next, after transmitting the information notification, since the number of balls counted at the start of the period T is [250], the CPU 81 sends data indicating the number of balls counted [250] and the cumulative number of balls counted [250]. A count notification including data indicating the value is transmitted to the card unit 100. In addition, when transmitting the counting notification, the CPU 81 calculates the number of game balls sent in the counting notification from the number of game balls sent in the information notification, that is, the number of game balls sent in the counting notification if the transfer of the number of counted balls sent in the counting notification is successful. The subtracted number of game balls is stored in the RAM 83 separately from the number of game balls. In this embodiment, the number of game balls generated in the game ball number information generation process of the frame side normal process corresponds to counted number information indicating the number of game balls that have been counted in the process. Further, in this embodiment, the number of game balls after subtraction corresponds to post-transition number information indicating the number of game balls when the number of game balls corresponding to the counted number of balls is transferred (transferred) to the outside.

Next, upon receiving the rental notification, the CPU 81 recognizes that game balls corresponding to the number of counted balls transmitted in the counting notification have been transferred to the card unit 100. Then, if the CPU 81 has received the lending notice normally, it transmits a lending receipt indicating normality as a reception result to the card unit 100. At this time, the CPU 81 updates the number of game balls stored in the RAM 83 by transferring to the outside the game balls corresponding to the number of counted balls sent in the count notification. Specifically, the number of game balls stored in the RAM 83 is updated so that the number of game balls after subtraction stored in the RAM 83 when the count notification is sent becomes the number of game balls after the update. That is, in this example, the number of game balls stored in the RAM 83 is updated to [350] by subtracting [250] from [600] at this point. The method of updating may be to overwrite the number of game balls after subtraction with the number of game balls after subtraction, or to subtract the difference between the number of game balls and the number of game balls after subtraction from the number of game balls. Note that the difference is a number equivalent to the number of balls counted that was transmitted in the counting notification. After the update, the number of game balls after subtraction stored in the RAM 83 is cleared to [0 (zero)], and the cumulative count is stored as [250]. As a result, at the start of the next cycle T, the RAM 83 stores [350] as the number of game balls, and also stores [250] as the counted cumulative number of balls.

Hereinafter, the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be explained according to FIGS. 13 and 14.
FIG. 13 shows the transition of management data when all the balls are transferred to an external company when the pachinko game machine 10 manages [600] game balls as the number of game balls. In this example, it is assumed that the number of game balls does not increase due to prize balls or rental balls. Furthermore, it is assumed that the counting switch 18 is operated in the second operation mode (elongated operation) when transferring game balls. <1>, <2>, and <3> in FIG. 13 indicate the cycles in which the number of counted pitches to be transferred (indicated as the designated number in the figure) is determined by operating the counting switch 18. T1, T2, T3, and T4 in FIG. 13 indicate cycles corresponding to the cycle T of the transmission/reception processing explained in FIG. 12, and four cycles of transmission/reception processing are clearly shown in the figure.

When the long operation of the counting switch 18 is started, the designated number is fixed at [250] after <1> has elapsed. This designated number becomes the counted number of balls that can be grasped from the counting information generated in the game ball number information generation process of the frame side normal processing. If it is confirmed that [250] game balls will be transferred at the progress stage <1>, the expected number of game balls after the transfer will be [350] as shown in the figure.

Although data indicating [250] is generated as count information at the time point <1> has elapsed, this generated count information is not transmitted in the transmission/reception process (processing of cycle T1) being executed at that time. It is transmitted as a count notification in the next transmission/reception process of cycle T2. At the time of cycle T2, the RAM 83 stores the number of game balls [600], the number of game balls after subtraction [350], the number of counted balls [250], and the cumulative number of counted balls [250]. In cycle T2, an information notification including data indicating the number of game balls [600] is first transmitted. Next, in period T2, a count notification including data indicating the counted number of pitches [250] and data indicating the counted cumulative number of pitches [250] is transmitted.

When the long operation of the counting switch 18 is continued and the time point <2> within the cycle T2 is reached, the designated number is fixed at [250]. If it is confirmed that [250] game balls will be transferred at the time point <2>, the expected number of game balls after the transfer will be [100] as shown in the figure. Data indicating [250] is generated as count information at the time point <2>, but this generated count information is not transmitted in the transmission/reception process (processing of cycle T2) being executed at that time. It is transmitted as a count notification in the next transmission/reception process of cycle T3.

After the count notification is transmitted in the cycle T2, the cycle T2 ends after the lending notice and the receipt result are transmitted and received. By transmitting and receiving the lending notice and the reception result, the number of game balls corresponding to the number of counted balls sent in the counting notice has been transferred to the outside. Therefore, at the time of cycle T3 after cycle T2, the RAM 83 contains the number of game balls [350], the number of game balls after subtraction [100], the number of counted balls [250], and the cumulative number of counted balls [500]. is remembered. In cycle T3, an information notification including data indicating the number of game balls [350] is first transmitted. Next, in period T3, a count notification including data indicating the counted number of pitches [250] and data indicating the counted cumulative number of pitches [500] is transmitted.

When the long operation of the counting switch 18 is continued and the time point <3> within the cycle T3 is reached, the designated number is fixed at [100]. At this stage, out of the number of game balls, 100 game balls are counted as counting information. If it is determined that [100] game balls will be transferred at the time point <3>, the expected number of game balls after the transfer will be [0 (zero)] as shown in the figure. Data indicating [100] is generated as count information at the time point <3>, but this generated count information is not transmitted in the transmission/reception process (processing of cycle T3) being executed at that time. It is transmitted as a count notification in the next transmission/reception process of cycle T4.

After the count notification is transmitted in the cycle T3, the cycle T3 ends after the lending notice and the receipt result are transmitted and received. By transmitting and receiving the lending notice and the reception result, the number of game balls corresponding to the number of counted balls sent in the counting notice has been transferred to the outside. Therefore, at the time of cycle T4 after cycle T3, the RAM 83 contains the number of game balls [100], the number of game balls after subtraction [0], the number of counted balls [100], and the cumulative number of counted balls [600]. is remembered. In cycle T4, an information notification including data indicating the number of game balls [100] is first transmitted. Next, in period T4, a count notification including data indicating the counted number of pitches [100] and data indicating the counted cumulative number of pitches [600] is transmitted. After the count notification is transmitted in the cycle T4, the cycle T4 ends after the lending notice and the receipt result are transmitted and received. By sending and receiving the rental notification and rental receipt, the number of game balls corresponding to the number of counted balls sent in the counting notification has been transferred to the outside. Therefore, from the next cycle after cycle T4, the RAM 83 stores the number of game balls [0], the number of game balls after subtraction [0], the counted number of balls [0], the counted cumulative number of balls [600], is memorized. In other words, all the game balls corresponding to the number of game balls [600] have been transferred to the outside.

In this embodiment, the transmission/reception process is a process that is repeatedly executed at a constant period T. In addition, when counting game balls by the long operation of the counting switch 18, the cycle at the beginning of the operation (<1> in FIG. 13) is longer than the subsequent cycles (<2>, <3> in FIG. 13). However, from the next cycle onwards, the cycle is constant. However, since the timing at which the counting switch 18 is operated is indefinite, the timing at which counting information is generated by operating the counting switch 18 may or may not coincide with the timing at which the period T of the transmission/reception process starts. be. In the count notification of one cycle of transmission/reception processing, count information can be transmitted with the maximum number corresponding to [250] spheres. For this reason, for example, if the operation of the counting switch 18 involves a combination of short and long operations, or depending on the time length of the cycle in which counting information is generated in the long operation and the period of the transmission/reception process, one transmission/reception process may be required. There is a possibility that there will be surplus game balls that cannot be sent. For example, after counting 250 balls in <1> of FIG. 13, if the counting switch 18 is operated briefly before the arrival of cycle T2 of the transmission/reception process, the game balls corresponding to the short operation are surplus and cannot be transmitted in the counting notification of cycle T2. This will occur in minutes.

By the way, in the pachinko game machine 10, the power supply may be cut off due to some unexpected situation such as a power outage during the game. Since the RAM 83 of the frame control board 80 can retain the stored contents even when the power supply is cut off due to the backup function, it is possible to return to the state before the cutoff after the power is restored. It is impossible to predict when such a situation where the power supply to the pachinko game machine 10 may be cut off. There is also a possibility that it could happen while you are there.

For example, consider a case where the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is cut off at the timing indicated as [power cutoff A] in FIG. The timing of [power outage A] is the timing after the count notification is transmitted and before the rental notification is received in the period T of the transmission/reception process. The number of game balls managed in the RAM 83 has not been subtracted by the number corresponding to the number of balls to be counted transmitted in the counting notification at the time of sending the counting notification. Therefore, even if the power supply is cut off at the timing of [Power Outage A], after the power supply is restored, the game balls will be stored in the RAM 83 in a state where the number of counted balls indicated in the counting notification sent before the cutoff has not been subtracted. number is memorized. As a result, the pachinko game machine 10 is restored without losing the game balls for the number of balls counted as indicated in the count notification sent before the shutdown. For example, in the example of FIG. 13, if the number of game balls at the time of transmitting the count notification is [600], it returns as [600]. The pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment counts the number of game balls to be subtracted upon receiving and transmitting a rental notification and rental receipt, that is, receiving a rental notification corresponding to predetermined information. Since the lending notification is information sent by the card unit 100 upon receiving the counting notification, it can be an indicator by which the CPU 81 can grasp that the game balls have been transferred to an external location.

For example, consider a case where the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is cut off at the timing indicated as [power cutoff B] in FIG. The timing of [Power Outage B] is the timing after the number of game balls is subtracted in the period T of the transmission/reception process. In this case, since the number of game balls has already been rewritten after being transferred to the card unit 100, the number of game balls after the return is the rewritten number before the cutoff. For example, in the example of FIG. 13, if the number of game balls after rewriting is [350], it returns as [350].

From the above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment transmits the counting information in the period T of the transmission/reception processing, and then, if the power supply is not cut off, the predetermined number of game balls corresponds to the counting information from the number of game balls at the lapse of the period T. You can say that you are counting as if you were subtracting a number. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment is configured not to subtract a predetermined number corresponding to the counting information from the number of game balls when the power supply is cut off after transmitting the counting information in the period T of the transmission/reception process. I can say that.

In the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment, even if the power supply is cut off while the game balls corresponding to the number of counted balls are being transferred to the outside as described above, the game balls are not lost. In other words, it is possible to return the transferred number of game balls to the number of game balls. For example, when the number of game balls exceeds a specified number, it is assumed that the number of game balls that are less than the specified number are transferred to an external party. In this case, even if the power supply is cut off while the game balls are being transferred, the number of game balls will return to a state exceeding the specified number after the power is restored. In the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment, when the number of game balls exceeds the specified number, an error state occurs in which the number of game balls is exceeded. In the case of an error state in which the number of game balls has exceeded, an error notification is executed to notify that fact. Therefore, even if the power supply is cut off while the game balls are being transferred so that the error state of the number of game balls has been exceeded can be resolved, an error notification will be executed since the error state of the number of game balls has been exceeded after the power supply is restored. It turns out. To give a concrete example, if the predetermined number of balls Z1 shown in FIG. 11 is [40,000] balls, even if the power supply is cut off during the transfer of game balls of, for example, [250] balls, so that the predetermined number Z1 is [40,000] balls, After returning, the number of game balls has returned to what it was before the transfer, resulting in an error state where the number of game balls is exceeded again. As a result, even after the return, the error notification regarding the error state of exceeding the number of game balls is executed, so that the player can understand that the game balls have not been lost.

Next, referring to FIG. 14, a case will be described in which a surplus of gaming balls that cannot be transmitted occurs in one transmission/reception process.
Assume that the number of game balls at time X1 is [800]. Further, it is assumed that the counted number (indicated as "counted" in the figure) counted by operating the counting switch 18 at the time point X1 is [300]. The counted number is stored in the RAM 83. Then, it is assumed that the period T of the transmission/reception process starts at time point X2.

At the stage when the transmission/reception process starts from time point X2, the number of game balls stored in the RAM 83 is [800]. Further, in the count notification of the transmission/reception process, count information indicating the maximum number of "250" is transmitted. The counted number at time X1 is [300], and one count notification can only transmit count information within a range that does not exceed the maximum number [250]. Therefore, in the transmission/reception process starting from time point X2, [50] of the number of items counted at time point X2 remains as a surplus.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, the counting switch 18 is operated at time point X3, and 10 balls are newly counted. As a result, the counted number becomes [60] by adding [10] to the surplus "50". Then, when it is recognized that the counted number of balls indicated in the counting notification has been transferred at time X4, the number of game balls becomes [550], which is obtained by subtracting [250] from [800]. Then, the transmission and reception processing that starts from time point X2 ends, and the transmission and reception processing of the next cycle starts from time point X5. In the transmission/reception process starting from time point X5, the number of balls to be counted transmitted as a count notification is [60], which is the counted number at the start stage of time point X5. In other words, the [50] game balls remaining as surplus in the transmission/reception process starting from time point X2 will be included in the count information transmitted in the next cycle.

FIG. 14 illustrates a case where a surplus that could not be transmitted occurs in the count notification of the transmission/reception process. Even if there is a surplus in this way, a situation may occur in which the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is cut off. In FIG. 14, consider a case where the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is cut off at a timing indicated as [power cutoff C]. The timing of [power outage C] is the timing after the count notification is transmitted and before the rental notification is received in the period T of the transmission/reception process. The number of game balls managed in the RAM 83 has not been subtracted by the number corresponding to the number of balls to be counted transmitted in the counting notification at the time of sending the counting notification. Therefore, even if the power supply is cut off at the timing of [Power cut-off C], after the power supply is restored, the game balls will be stored in the RAM 83 in a state where the number of counted balls indicated in the counting notification sent before the cut-off has not been subtracted. number is memorized. In addition, even if the power supply is cut off at the timing of [Power cut-off C], after the power supply is restored, the RAM 83 will contain the number of game balls without even subtracting the surplus that occurred at the time when the counting notification was sent before the cutoff. is memorized. As a result, the pachinko game machine 10 is restored without losing the game balls counted in the number of balls indicated in the counting notification sent before the shutdown, and the surplus game balls if there are any surplus balls. That will happen. For example, in the example of FIG. 14, if the number of game balls at the time of transmitting the count notification is [800], it returns as [800].

For example, consider a case where the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is cut off at the timing indicated as [power cutoff D] in FIG. The timing of [power outage D] is the timing after the number of game balls is subtracted in the period T of the transmission/reception process. In this case, the number of game balls has been transferred to the card unit 100 and has already been rewritten. On the other hand, even if the power supply is cut off at the timing of [power supply D], the surplus generated at the time when the count notification was sent before the cutoff is not subtracted. For this reason, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 14, if the number of game balls after rewriting is [550], it returns as [550]. Note that the counted number before the power supply was cut off is erased from the RAM 83 after the power is restored. Therefore, after returning to the game, the player needs to operate the counting switch 18 again when transferring the game balls.

Any surplus exceeding the maximum number will be included in the counting information transmitted in the next cycle, even if that number is the first number or a second number different from the first number. Become. To give a concrete example, if the surplus is [50] illustrated in FIG. 14, the surplus is included in the count information transmitted in the transmission/reception process of the next cycle. Further, when the surplus is set to, for example, [300], a part of the surplus is included in the count information transmitted in the transmission/reception process of the next cycle. In other words, part or all of the surplus is included in the count information transmitted in the next period of transmission/reception processing. In addition, even if the power supply is cut off while the game balls are being transferred so that the situation can be resolved when the number of game balls is exceeded, the handling of the surplus generated at that time is the same as described above. In other words, even if the power supply is cut off during the transfer when the number of game balls is over, the surplus will not be subtracted from the number of game balls.

The number of game balls managed by the pachinko game machine 10 is displayed on a game ball number display device 17. The number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display device 17 changes in accordance with the increase or decrease in the number of game balls. For example, when the number of game balls increases due to the awarding of prize balls, the display of the number of game balls increases according to the number of awarded prize balls. Further, when the number of game balls is decreased by firing the game balls, the display of the number of game balls decreases depending on the number of game balls fired. From the above, when the game balls being managed are transferred to an external device by operating the counting switch 18, the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display device 17 is reduced by the transferred number. It turns out. The display of the number of game balls when transferred to an external party will change after the number of game balls is subtracted by understanding that the game balls have been transferred to an external party in the transmission/reception process.

Therefore, the display of the number of game balls on the game ball number display device 17 may have a time difference corresponding to the transmission/reception processing cycle if the power supply to the pachinko game machine 10 is not cut off and the transfer is performed normally. However, it changes as if it were linked to the operation of the counting switch 18. On the other hand, when the power supply to the pachinko game machine 10 is cut off, the display content of the number of game balls on the game ball number display device 17 after recovery differs depending on the timing of the cutoff. The timing of the power cut A in FIG. 13 is before the rental notification is received, that is, before it is known that the game balls for the number of balls counted in the counting notification have been transferred. At the timing of power outage A, the number of game balls is not subtracted. Therefore, after the power is restored to the pachinko game machine 10, the game ball count display device 17 shows a state in which the number of game balls that were intended to be transferred to an external device by operating the counting switch 18 has not been subtracted. is displayed. In other words, the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display device 17 is the number displayed when the counting switch 18 is operated and the number displayed when the power supply to the pachinko game machine 10 is restored. are the same. As a result, even if the power supply to the pachinko game machine 10 is cut off, the player can understand from the display content of the game ball number display device 17 that his/her balls have not disappeared.

On the other hand, at the timing of power outage B in FIG. 13, the number of game balls is subtracted. For this reason, after the power supply to the pachinko game machine 10 is restored, the game ball count display device 17 displays the number of game balls that were intended to be transferred to the outside by operating the counting switch 18. The number of transferred items will be subtracted from the display. In addition, at the timing of power outage B, for example, if there are game balls that have not been transmitted in the count notification, that amount has not yet been subtracted. Therefore, if the power supply is interrupted and restored at the timing of power outage B, the game ball count display device 17 will show that the amount that has already been subtracted has been subtracted, but the amount that has not been subtracted will not have been subtracted. Displayed in status.

Note that in the pachinko game machine 10, the operation of the counting switch 18 is disabled until a predetermined period of time elapses after the power supply to the pachinko game machine 10 is interrupted and restored. In other words, after the power is restored, even if the counting switch 18 is operated, counting is not performed. Thereby, after the power is restored, it is possible for the player to confirm the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display device 17. The operation of the counting switch 18 is also invalidated when a predetermined error condition (such as an error related to communication failure) occurs. That is, during such an error state, even if the counting switch 18 is operated, counting is not performed. Therefore, the occurrence of a situation where the number of game balls is lost due to the occurrence of an error condition is also prevented.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Cutting off the power supply to the pachinko game machine 10 is an unexpected event for the players. Therefore, in such a case, the disappearance of game balls that are directly linked to the player's profits is a cause of trouble with the gaming parlor, and is something that the gaming parlor also wants to avoid. In the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment, even if an unexpected situation such as power supply is cut off occurs, the game balls can be managed reliably so that the player's profits are not lost. can.

(2) In particular, in the pachinko game machine 10 that manages the number of game balls as data, unlike a pachinko game machine that physically handles the game balls, the loss of data related to the game balls does not affect the trust/trust of the pachinko game machine 10. This is one of the things you want to avoid, as it could lead to damage. Therefore, according to the pachinko game machine 10 to which this embodiment is applied, players can enjoy the game with peace of mind.

(3) Since the current number of game balls (number of game balls) and the number of game balls after transfer (number of game balls after subtraction) are managed separately, the power supply to the pachinko game machine 10 is cut off. To ensure that game balls can be managed even when the ball is thrown.

(4) Even after the power supply is cut off and restored, the state of the pachinko gaming machine 10, that is, the state related to the number of game balls, due to the execution of a specific notification (in the embodiment, an error notification of the number of game balls being exceeded) It is possible to provide an index by which it can be determined that the amount of data has recovered (the number counted before the power was turned off has not been lost).

(5) Depending on the operation of the counting switch 18, game balls may be counted in excess of the maximum number. The counted number is transmitted every predetermined cycle, but there is a limit to the number that can be transmitted in one cycle. Therefore, it is not always possible to transmit all the counted numbers in one cycle, and any surplus exceeding the maximum number will not be transmitted. In such a case, the disappearance of game balls that are directly linked to the player's profits is a cause of trouble with the gaming parlor, and is something that the gaming parlor also wants to avoid. In this embodiment, even if a situation occurs in which a surplus exceeding the maximum number occurs, the game balls can be managed reliably so that the player's profits are not lost. In particular, in a pachinko game machine 10 that manages the number of game balls as data, unlike a pachinko game machine that physically handles game balls, the loss of data related to game balls will damage the trust/reliability of the pachinko game machine 10. This is one of the things you want to avoid because it can lead to problems. Therefore, according to the pachinko game machine 10 to which this embodiment is applied, players can enjoy the game with peace of mind.

(6) When the power supply to the pachinko game machine 10 is cut off, the predetermined number (maximum number) corresponding to the counting information and the surplus number are not subtracted from the number of game balls that have already been counted, so the game ball management is easy. It can be done reliably.

(7) When the surplus number cannot be transmitted, the number is not subtracted from the number of game balls, so the game balls can be managed reliably.
(8) After the power supply to the pachinko game machine 10 is cut off, the operation of the counting switch 18 is disabled when a predetermined condition is satisfied when the power supply is restored. Therefore, after returning to the state, counting of game balls can be started after the state becomes ready for counting.

(9) Also, since the number displayed on the game ball count display device 17 is the same before the power supply is cut off and after it is restored, the player can be made aware that the game balls have not disappeared. I can do it. In particular, in a game machine in which it is not possible to physically handle game balls, the player knows how many balls he or she owns by the number displayed on the game ball number display device 17. By ensuring that the numbers displayed are the same, you can play the game with confidence.

(10) It is possible to generate counting information that allows the number of balls to be counted depending on the operation mode of the counting switch 18 to be specified. By transmitting the generated count information to an external party, its management can be transferred. When generating counting information, it is possible to generate counting information that can specify a number smaller than the minimum number of balls lent to a player. Therefore, the convenience for the player can be improved compared to the case where counting information in which all the game balls are counted as the number of balls is generated by one operation of the counting switch 18. In addition, counting information with a different number of balls counted is generated depending on the operation mode of the counting switch 18. Therefore, the player can operate the counting switch 18 in a style desired by the player.

(11) Count information with a different number of balls counted depending on whether it is a short operation or a long operation is generated. Therefore, the player can operate the counting switch 18 in a style desired by the player. In other words, the operation of the counting switch 18 is not obstructed by the operation of one operation mode while the other operation mode is operated.

(12) Even while the count information is being transmitted, the operation of the production operation device 16 is valid. In other words, the effect is not invalidated by transmitting the counting information. Therefore, the player can transfer the management of the game balls to an outside party by operating the counting switch 18 while the game is normally progressing. Therefore, processing efficiency can be improved and convenience for players can be improved. Furthermore, if an upper limit is set on the number of game balls managed by the pachinko game machine 10, a situation close to the upper limit can be quickly resolved.

(13) Execute notification in connection with the excess number of game balls. Thereby, the player can be made aware that the number of game balls managed by the pachinko game machine 10 has increased too much, and the player can be urged to transfer some of them to an outside party.

(14) Furthermore, even when notification is being executed, counting information can be generated by operating the counting switch 18, and management of game balls can be transferred to an external party. Therefore, the situation where the number of game balls is exceeded can be quickly resolved.

(15) Furthermore, when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is cut off while the notification related to the overage of game balls is being executed, and then the power supply is restored, the notification is executed again. Thereby, even after the power supply is restored, it is possible to continue to urge the player to resolve the problem of exceeding the number of game balls.

(16) According to this embodiment, error notification is performed on the performance display monitor 84. Therefore, there is no need to provide a dedicated means for notifying errors in addition to the performance display monitor 84, and the configuration of the pachinko game machine 10 can be simplified.

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

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

(19) According to the present embodiment, the timing at which the error code starts to be displayed on the game ball count display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84 is different from the timing at which the error notification starts in the production device group ES. . Therefore, as an error notification means, it is possible to start error notification at an appropriate timing depending on the respective installation positions and notification strengths. It should be noted that the notification by the performance device group ES has a high appeal to the senses, and can be said to have a lower notification intensity than a simple display of an error code.

The embodiment described above can be modified and implemented as follows. Note that the above-described embodiments and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.

- The transmission and reception processing of the embodiment is performed regardless of the progress of the game. For this reason, the firing of the game ball, the processing associated with the entry of the ball into the ball entry opening such as the first starting opening 23, the start and end of the variable game, the progress of the jackpot game, the operation of the production operation device 16, etc. are performed by the transmission and reception processing. It may be valid whether the counted number of pitches transmitted in the counting notification is 0 (zero) or 1 or more.

- In the embodiment, the CPU 81 may perform notification processing to execute a predetermined notification in connection with the transfer of the number of game balls by operating the counting switch 18. The predetermined notification serves to make the player aware that the number of game balls will be transferred. In the pachinko game machine 10 of the embodiment, as described above, count information that can specify "1 ball" or "up to 250 balls" is generated depending on the operation mode of the counting switch 18. Therefore, in view of the fact that different counting information is generated depending on the operation mode of the counting switch 18, when the notification is executed as in this other example, the counting information sent to the card unit 100 is not caused by the short operation. , it may be possible to perform a notification that can distinguish whether it is a long-length operation or not. Note that in this other example, the CPU 81 transmits a command instructing notification to the CPU 61 of the main control board 60. The CPU 61 that received the command transmits it to the CPU 71 of the production control board 70. The CPU 71 executes predetermined notification in different manners depending on the type of command determined for each operation manner. Means for executing a predetermined notification are, for example, the effect audio device 12 and the effect light emitting device 14, but other devices may be used to execute the notification. The notification may be executed when the counting switch 18 is operated, or may be executed when the transfer is completed. The notification may be terminated when the elapsed time from execution reaches a predetermined time. According to this other example, the player can understand that he has operated the counting switch 18 and that the management of the game balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be transferred to an external party by that operation. Moreover, according to this other example, the notification pattern is varied according to the operation mode of the counting switch 18, that is, the number of counted balls that can be specified by the transmitted counting information. Thereby, the player can understand from the notification mode how he or she operates the counting switch 18 and, as a result, how much control of the game balls will be transferred to the outside.

- In the embodiment, when the long operation is continued, a fixed number of balls are counted every time a certain period of time passes as shown in FIG. 10, but as the duration of the long operation increases The number of pitches counted may be increased. According to this, the management of many game balls can be transferred to the outside at one time by continuing the long operation. Therefore, processing efficiency can be improved and convenience for players can be improved.

- In the embodiment, a function may be provided that allows customizing each numerical value of the predetermined number of pitches Z1, which is a condition for occurrence of over the number of game pitches, and the predetermined number of pitches, Z2, which is a condition for canceling over the number of game pitches. The customization function may be a function open to the administrator of the gaming hall. As an overview of customization, the predetermined number of pitches Z1 and Z2 may be changed to any number, or a settable number of options may be prepared and the desired number may be selected and changed. Good too. Further, it may be possible to customize only one of the predetermined numbers Z1 and Z2. According to this other example, the game balls can be managed in the pachinko game machine 10 based on the idea of the manager of the game hall. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience of the game hall manager in relation to the excessive number of game balls.

- In the embodiment, when the number of game balls becomes zero as a result of subtracting the number of counted balls from the number of game balls by operating the counting switch 18, a voice notification such as "Counting is complete" or "All have been transferred" is provided. may be executed.

- A plurality of counting switches may be provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the embodiment. The number of balls counted may vary depending on the type of counting switch operated. Which counting switch is operated corresponds to the operating mode of the operating means. Further, in this case, when one counting switch is operated, the operation of the other counting switch becomes invalid. It should be noted that among the plurality of counting switches, there may be a counting switch that generates counting information in which all the game balls are counted as the number of balls by one operation. Further, in the case where one counting switch is provided as in the embodiment, there may be an operation mode in which counting information is generated in which all the game balls are counted as the number of balls.

- In the embodiment, error notification may be performed on the performance display monitor 84. According to this, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated means for notifying an error separately from the performance display monitor 84, and the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 can be simplified.

- In the embodiment, the game ball number display device 17 can notify the number of game balls (game ball number), and the game ball number display device 17 may also be used as a means for notifying an error. Therefore, the number of game balls and errors can be easily grasped by one means. In this case, the game ball number display device 17 will notify the number of game balls in different ways when reporting the number of game balls and when reporting an error. For example, the number of game balls is reported using only numbers, but errors are reported using a code consisting of numbers and letters (alphabet), for example.

- In the above other example, the error notification on the performance display monitor 84 on the back side of the machine and the error notification on the game ball count display device 17 on the front side of the machine may have the same or substantially the same start timing. Therefore, whether the mounting frame 11b is in the open state or the closed state, the error notification can be recognized at the same timing.

- In the above-described other example, the error notification on the performance display monitor 84 and the error notification on the game ball count display device 17 have the same start timing, but the start timing is not limited to this, and may be different. For example, the game ball count display device 17 may be configured to start error notification earlier than the performance display monitor 84. According to this configuration, it is possible to make the player or the like quickly understand the error state on the machine front side. For example, the performance display monitor 84 may be configured to start error notification earlier than the game ball count display device 17. According to this configuration, when the administrator opens the mounting frame 11b and performs maintenance, the administrator can be made aware of the error state before the player or the like who visually checks the front side of the machine.

- In the above-mentioned other example, while the game ball count display device 17 executes error notification, the performance display monitor 84 may not execute error notification. Further, instead of or in addition to the game ball count display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84, a dedicated means for executing error notification may be provided. The dedicated means can be used in any manner of notification, such as display, light emission, and sound.

- The pachinko game machine 10 of the embodiment may be configured to take a predetermined action in relation to the number of game balls acquired by the player. Specifically, if the difference between the number of game balls used in a game during a predetermined period and the number of game balls acquired by a player during that period exceeds a predetermined number, predetermined measures are taken. It's okay. The predetermined period is, for example, during business hours of one day, or during a period from when the power supply to the pachinko game machine 10 is started until the power supply is ended. The game balls used in the game can be counted based on the number of game balls detected by the out sensor D30. Alternatively, the game balls used in the game can be counted based on the total number of game balls detected by the winning path count sensor D25 and the number of game balls detected by the non-winning path count sensor D26. The number of game balls acquired by the player can be counted based on the information on the number of won prize balls transmitted by the CPU 61 of the main control board 60. Note that the predetermined number that serves as a reference for performing the above-mentioned predetermined treatment may be set to a number that can be obtained over a certain amount of time, such as 50,000 balls or 100,000 balls, for example. The predetermined action is to notify that the difference in the number exceeds a predetermined number using a notification means such as the effect display device 19, for example. Other predetermined measures may include stopping the game, stopping the shooting of the game balls, or stopping both the game and the shooting of the game balls. Stopping the game means invalidating the entry of balls into the ball entry ports provided on the game board 20 such as the first starting port 23, second starting port 24, normal winning port 27, and big winning port 25. Including. The above-mentioned notification corresponds to a specific notification that prompts the player to end the game. Note that this process of another example is performed by the CPU 81 of the frame control board 80. Further, the manner of notification performed in this other example is distinguished from other notifications such as error notification in that it is performed in a manner different from that of other notifications.

- In the above-mentioned other example, if predetermined measures are taken, it is necessary to transfer the game ball to an external location. In this case, the transfer is performed by operating the counting switch 18 as described in the embodiment. During this transfer, the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be cut off. In the pachinko game machine 10, once a predetermined treatment is performed, the state in which the predetermined treatment has been performed is maintained even after the power supply is cut off and restored unless the number of game balls and the like are reset. In the pachinko game machine 10, as described in the embodiment using FIG. 13 and the like, the number of game balls is managed depending on the timing when the power supply is cut off. Therefore, even if the game ball cannot be transferred due to the power supply being cut off, the state in which predetermined measures have been taken is maintained, and, for example, notification continues to be performed. An indicator that can be used to determine that the status of the pachinko game machine 10, that is, the status regarding the number of game balls, has been restored and that the number counted before the power supply was cut off has not been lost by continuing the notification even after the power supply is cut off. can be provided.

- The lending notification for the transmission/reception process may be a notification when the payout button 104b is operated. Alternatively, it may be a notification when either the ball lending button 104a or the payout button 104b is operated.

- The timing at which the information notification, count notification, lending notification, and lending receipt messages in the sending/receiving process is sent and received may be as follows. After transmitting the information notification, the CPU 81 transmits a count notification after 100 ms has elapsed. The CPU 105a transmits the lending notification within 170 ms after receiving the counting notification. The CPU 81 transmits a rental receipt within 10 ms in response to the rental notification.

- Although the transmission and reception processing is performed at a constant period, it does not have to be constant. Further, when the transmission/reception process is executed at a constant cycle, the constant cycle may be set to, for example, 300 ms with a predetermined tolerance. For example, the process may be performed at regular intervals within a range of 300 ms to 310 ms. Furthermore, a predetermined tolerance may be provided for the timing at which each of the above-mentioned separate messages is transmitted and received.

- In the case where the number of game balls notified in the count notification is transferred, the number of game balls may be subtracted at the time of receiving the rental notification. Alternatively, the number of game balls may be subtracted at the time the rental receipt is sent. In other words, the number of game balls need only be subtracted upon receiving the rental notification, and can be done after receiving the rental notification and before the next transmission/reception processing cycle, that is, before the information notification is sent in the next cycle. It's fine if you do it.

- The pachinko game machine 10 of the embodiment is configured so that the volume of the performance audio device 12 and the light intensity of the performance light emitting device 14 and the performance display device 19 can be adjusted by the player or the game hall manager. It's okay.

- The pachinko game machine 10 of the embodiment may be a pachinko game machine that structurally cannot generate foul balls (for example, a type that shoots game balls from the upper left of the game board 20). In the case of the pachinko game machine 10 of this modification, foul balls are not taken into consideration when counting the number of game balls.

- In the pachinko game machine 10 of the embodiment, the operation of the counting switch 18 may be enabled at all times except under specific circumstances. The specific situation includes when the number of game balls is zero. According to this, when the counting switch 18 is operated, when the game ball is not fired, when the fired game ball is being guided down the game area 20a, the fired game ball is still detected by the out sensor D30. Even when it is not, if the number of game balls is 1 or more, it is always valid. Further, the specific situation includes a case where connection with an external device (eg, card unit 100) connected to the pachinko gaming machine 10 cannot be confirmed. Moreover, even if the operation of the counting switch 18 is shortened or long after the counting switch 18 is short-circuited or long-circuited, there is no set period in which the operation becomes invalid, and the operation remains valid even if the operation is performed again. Further, when the counting switch 18 is operated at the timing when the game balls are fired, that is, when the firing of the game balls and the operation of the counting switch 18 occur at the same time or almost simultaneously, the firing of the game balls takes priority. Shooting the game ball can be regarded as indicating that the player has the intention to continue playing the game. Therefore, giving priority to continuing the game over transferring the number of game balls can respect the player's intention to continue the game.

- In the pachinko game machine 10, the counting switch 18 is operated when an error occurs, when an error notification is executed, when a game ball that is a cause of a decrease in the number of game balls is fired, or when the number of game balls decreases. It may also be effective when a prize ball, which is a factor for increasing the number of game balls, occurs, or when a foul ball, which is a factor for increasing the number of game balls, occurs. Further, even when any combination of these situations occurs, the operation of the counting switch 18 may be valid. For example, when a game ball is fired and a prize ball is generated, when a game ball is fired and a foul ball is generated, when a game ball is fired and a foul ball is generated, when a prize ball is generated and a foul ball is generated. The operation of the counting switch 18 may be valid at the time of combination of times. If the operation of the counting switch 18 becomes effective in this way, the counting will also be performed for changes in the number of game balls related to the operation of the counting switch 18 and changes in the number of game balls related to games such as firing and prize balls. The number of game balls can be transferred by operating the switch 18. Further, the operation of the counting switch 18 may be effective when the occurrence of an error or the notification of the error is combined with the firing of a game ball, the occurrence of a prize ball, and the occurrence of a foul ball.

- In the embodiment, a notification sound may be generated depending on the operation mode of the counting switch 18. According to this, the player can understand in what manner he/she operates the counting switch 18 from the manner of notification, and as a result, how much control of the game balls will be transferred to the outside. Note that even if the power supply to the pachinko game machine 10 is cut off while the notification sound is being output and the power supply is restored thereafter, the power supply may not be restored as it was being executed before the cutoff. As a result, the notification sound is restored after the power is restored, thereby making it possible to prevent the player from having unnecessary worries about what has happened.

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

- In the embodiment, the winning passage count sensor D25 and the non-winning passage counting sensor D26 may not be provided, and the ejected game ball may be detected only by the out sensor D30.
- In the embodiment, when the out sensor D30 is provided, the out sensor D30 may be provided on the game board 20 or may be provided on the frame.

- In the embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 10 equipped with a variable probability function has a specification that provides a high probability state until the next jackpot game, a specification that provides a high probability state until winning a falling lottery (a so-called falling machine), or It is possible to adopt a specification (so-called ST machine) that provides a high probability state until a specified number of variable games are completed. Further, as the pachinko game machine 10 equipped with a probability variation function, it is possible to adopt a specification (so-called V probability variation machine) that provides a high probability state on the condition that the game ball passes through a specific area. The pachinko game machine 10 may have a specification that is a mixture of the specifications of a falling machine and the specifications of a V-probability changing machine.

- In the embodiment, the special symbol winning lottery may be configured to perform a small winning lottery in addition to a jackpot lottery. If a small win is won in the winning lottery, a small win game (win game) will be awarded after the special game ends. In this embodiment, the number of times (frequency) of winning small winnings per unit time, or the number of small winning games being awarded per unit time, compared to a normal gaming state (for example, a low probability low ball entry rate state) It may be configured to be controllable to a state in which the number of times (frequency) of winnings is increased (so-called small hit RUSH).

- In the embodiment, the pachinko game machine 10 may adopt a specification classified into the second type, also called "feather type" or "plane type." In this type of pachinko game machine, when a game ball enters the starting hole, the opening/closing blade (opening/closing member) of the ball entering device (big prize hole) opens, and the game ball that enters the ball entering device wins a special prize. A jackpot game occurs when the ball enters the mouth.

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

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

- In the embodiment, the game machine is configured to circulate all of a predetermined amount of game media (game balls as an example), but the present invention is not limited to this, and some or all of the game media may be provided as game media located outside the game machine. The structure may be interchangeable with the above.

- The pachinko game machine 10 may include 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 foreign object having magnetism that should not exist in the pachinko gaming machine 10. Further, it is possible to detect that there is a possibility that a goto device such as a magnet or a wire that does not correspond to the normal body normally used in the pachinko game machine 10 is used. It can also contribute to the discovery of actions that intentionally create a state in which game balls are piled up using magnetic game balls and magnets.

Next, technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiment and other examples will be added below.
(a) A gaming machine configured to be able to store the number of game balls as data in a storage means and to be able to play a game based on the data, comprising an operating means and a processing means for executing a predetermined process. The processing means includes a counting process of counting the number of the game balls, a generation process of generating counting information corresponding to a predetermined number of the counted game balls, and a game ball related to the game ball. A transmitting/receiving process for transmitting and receiving information to and from the outside can be executed, the predetermined number corresponding to the counting information is set to a number larger than 0 by operating the operating means, and the game ball information includes The processing means transmits and receives the game ball information to and from the outside at predetermined intervals, and after transmitting the count information at the predetermined intervals, the processing means stops power supply to the gaming machine. When the interruption is not performed, the counting is performed such that a predetermined number corresponding to the counting information is subtracted from the number of game balls that have already been counted at the time when the predetermined cycle has elapsed, and the processing means A gaming machine that does not subtract a predetermined number corresponding to the counting information from the number of already counted gaming balls when power supply to the gaming machine is cut off after transmitting the information.

(b) A gaming machine configured to be capable of storing the number of game balls as data in a storage means and capable of playing a game based on the data, comprising an operating means and a processing means for executing a predetermined process. The processing means includes a counting process of counting the number of the game balls, a generation process of generating counting information corresponding to a predetermined number of the counted game balls, and a game ball related to the game ball. A transmitting/receiving process for transmitting and receiving information to and from the outside can be executed, the predetermined number corresponding to the counting information is set to a number larger than 0 by operating the operating means, and the game ball information includes The processing means transmits and receives the game ball information to and from the outside at predetermined intervals, and upon receiving the predetermined information from the outside, the processing means calculates the counting information from the number of the game balls that have already been counted. The processing means is capable of receiving the predetermined information within the predetermined period after transmitting the counting information in the predetermined period, and the processing means is capable of receiving the predetermined information within the predetermined period. A game in which the predetermined number corresponding to the counting information is not subtracted from the number of already counted gaming balls when the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off after transmitting the counting information but before receiving the predetermined information. Machine.

(c) When a predetermined condition is satisfied in a situation where the number of game balls is greater than 0 at the time when the power supply to the gaming machine is restored, the operation of the operating means is disabled.
(d) The gaming machine is equipped with a number display means for displaying the number of game balls, and the number of game balls displayed on the number display means is the same as the number displayed when operating the operating means and the number of game balls displayed on the gaming machine. The number displayed when the power supply is restored is the same.

(e) The predetermined number can be adjusted depending on the operating mode of the operating means.
(f) A gaming machine configured to be able to store the number of game balls as data in a storage means and to be able to play a game based on the data, comprising an operating means and a processing means for executing a predetermined process. The processing means includes a counting process of counting the number of the game balls, a generation process of generating counting information corresponding to a predetermined number of the counted game balls, and a game ball related to the game ball. a transmission/reception process for transmitting and receiving information to and from the outside, and the predetermined number corresponding to the count information is set to a number larger than 0 by operating the operating means, and the predetermined number has a maximum value. The number of game balls is determined, the game ball information includes the counting information, the processing means transmits and receives the game ball information to and from the outside at every predetermined period, and the processing means calculates the maximum number of balls in the predetermined period. The gaming machine is capable of transmitting the counting information corresponding to the predetermined number within a range not exceeding , and the surplus exceeding the maximum number is included in the counting information to be transmitted in the next cycle.

10... Pachinko game machine 13... Announcement sound device 16... Performance operation device 17... Game ball number display device 18... Counting switch 19... Performance display device 19a... Image display area 20... Game board 20a... Game area 40... Supply device 50... Launch device 60...Main control board 61...CPU 62...ROM 63...RAM 80...Frame control board 81...CPU 82...ROM 83...RAM Period...T, T1 to T4

Claims (5)

In a gaming machine configured to be able to store the number of game balls as data in a storage means, and to be able to play a game based on the data,
operating means,
A processing means for executing a predetermined process,
The processing means performs a counting process of counting the number of game balls, a generation process of generating count information corresponding to a predetermined number of the already counted number of game balls, and a generation process of generating game ball information regarding the game balls. It is possible to perform sending/receiving processing to send and receive data to and from the outside.
The predetermined number corresponding to the counting information is set to a number larger than 0 by operating the operating means,
A maximum number is determined for the predetermined number,
The game ball information includes the counting information,
The processing means transmits and receives the game ball information to and from the outside at predetermined intervals,
The processing means is capable of transmitting the count information corresponding to the predetermined number within a range not exceeding the maximum number in the predetermined cycle, and transmits the surplus exceeding the maximum number to the count information to be transmitted in the next cycle. Includes
Any surplus exceeding the maximum number is included in the counting information to be transmitted in the next cycle, even if the number is the first number or a second number different from the first number. A gaming machine characterized by comprising: After transmitting the counting information in the predetermined period, if the power supply to the gaming machine is not cut off, the processing means calculates the counting information from the number of game balls already counted at the time when the predetermined period elapses. It is counted by subtracting the corresponding predetermined number,
The processing means, after transmitting the counting information in a situation where there is a surplus in the predetermined period, when the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off, the processing means corresponds to the counting information from the number of already counted game balls. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined number is not subtracted, and the surplus number is not subtracted from the already counted number of game balls. The processing means transmits the counting information in a situation where there is the surplus in the predetermined period, and subtracts a predetermined number corresponding to the counting information from the number of game balls already counted at the time point when the predetermined period elapses. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein when the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off after counting as described above, the surplus number is not subtracted from the already counted number of gaming balls. The storage means includes counted number information indicating the number of game balls that have been counted, and post-transition information indicating the number of game balls when the game balls corresponding to the predetermined number are transferred to the outside. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein information on the number of pieces is stored. When the number of game balls exceeds a predetermined number, the gaming machine is capable of issuing a specific notification indicating that the number is over and prompting an operation of the operating means or an end to the game,
If the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off before the predetermined number corresponding to the counting information is subtracted after transmitting the counting information in the state where the number is over, the power supply to the gaming machine is restored. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the specific notification is executed even after the game.

Images