JP6378254B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  A pachinko gaming machine that is a type of gaming machine includes a main board as main control means and a payout board as payout control means (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Then, when the main board detects a ball entering a ball entering device (for example, a start opening or a big prize opening) that is a target for paying out a prize ball, it outputs a prize ball signal instructing the payout board to pay out the prize ball. Send. On the other hand, the payout board that has received the prize ball signal performs control to cause the ball payout apparatus to pay out a number of prize balls that can be specified from the prize ball signal. Note that the pachinko gaming machine of Patent Document 1 is equipped with a prize ball remaining number display device that notifies the number of prize balls that have not been paid out. For example, when an error relating to the payout occurs, By allowing the administrator to visually check, a device for suppressing the occurrence of trouble related to unpaid prize balls is provided.

JP 2013-172849 A

  The payout of the prize ball is directly related to the profits of the player and the amusement hall, so accuracy is required. For this reason, there is still room for improvement in terms of good payout of prize balls.

  This invention was made paying attention to the problem which exists in such a prior art, and the objective is to provide the game machine which can pay out a prize ball favorably.

  A gaming machine that solves the above-mentioned problems comprises main control means and payout control means for receiving a prize ball signal from the main control means and paying out a prize ball, the main control means and the payout control means. In the gaming machine capable of transmitting and receiving information in both directions, the main control means instructs the payout of the prize ball by detecting the entry into the entry device that is the target of the prize ball payout Main side winning ball payout processing including processing for transmitting the winning ball signal to the payout control means, and the payout control means is in a first state permitting transmission of the prize ball signal or transmitting the prize ball signal A payout-side prize ball payout process including a process of transmitting to the main control means a transmission permission signal that makes it possible to specify whether or not the second state is not allowed. In the main-side prize ball payout process, The control means receives the transmission permission signal in the first state. The prize ball signal is transmitted to the payout control means when it is, and a communication confirmation signal is transmitted to the payout control means for requesting permission to send the prize ball signal when the second state transmission permission signal is received. Then, a process for returning the payout is executed, and in the payout-side prize ball payout process, the payout control means sends a confirmation response signal to the main control means in response to the communication confirmation signal when the communication confirmation signal is received. When the communication confirmation signal is received again after transmission and the confirmation response signal is transmitted, it is counted as the number of errors, and the confirmation response signal is not transmitted again.

  In the gaming machine, in the payout-side prize ball payout process, the payout control means is a signal transmitted from the main control means after the transmission of the confirmation response signal, and specifies that a game ball payout is started. The transmission permission signal in the first state may be transmitted by receiving a possible start signal.

  In the gaming machine, the payout control unit may replace the second state transmission permission signal with the second state due to the occurrence of an error relating to the game ball payout while transmitting the first state transmission permission signal. A state transmission permission signal may be transmitted.

  According to the present invention, award balls can be paid out favorably.

The perspective view of a pachinko machine. The front view of a game board. The perspective view of the pachinko machine which opened the front frame. The block diagram which shows the electrical constitution of a pachinko gaming machine. The timing chart explaining the process regarding payout of prize balls performed between the main board and the payout board. The timing chart explaining the process regarding payout of prize balls performed between the main board and the payout board. The timing chart explaining the process regarding payout of prize balls performed between the main board and the payout board. The timing chart explaining the process regarding payout of prize balls performed between the main board and the payout board.

Hereinafter, an embodiment embodied in a pachinko gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 as a gaming machine is provided with a gaming board YB. On the board surface of the game board YB, a substantially circular game area YBa is defined. In the game area YBa, a game ball launched by the player operating the launch handle HD disposed on the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is guided to flow down. In addition, an effect display device 11 having an image display unit GH is provided in the approximate center of the game area YBa. The image display unit GH of the effect display device 11 is, for example, a liquid crystal display type display unit. The effect display device 11 displays various effects using images, such as a symbol variation game using decorative symbols (effect symbols). In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a decorative lamp La that performs a light emission effect. The decoration lamp La is disposed on a frame (for example, a front frame) or the game board YB constituting the pachinko gaming machine 10. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a speaker (sound output unit) Sp that outputs various sounds such as sound effects and music and performs sound effects.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game area YBa of the game board YB is provided with a plurality of winning openings (entrance holes) through which game balls can enter. The winning ports include a first starting port 12, a second starting port 13, a first major winning port 14, a second major winning port 15, and ordinary winning ports 16, 17.

  The first start opening 12 is a winning opening through which a game ball is inserted when the start condition of the symbol variation game is established. In this embodiment, the first start port 12 is located below the effect display device 11, and is always opened so that a game ball can be entered. A ball passage (not shown) that guides the game ball that has entered the ball to the back side of the game board YB is connected to the first start port 12, and the game ball that has entered the first start port 12 is detected in the ball passage. Means (a start port switch (sensor) S1 shown in FIG. 4) is provided.

  The second start port 13 is a winning port for entering a game ball when the start condition of the symbol variation game is established. In this embodiment, the second start port 13 is located to the right of the first start port 12. The second start port 13 is closed so that a game ball cannot be entered or is difficult to enter when a predetermined condition (ordinary symbol winning) is not satisfied. And the 2nd starting port 13 is opened so that a game ball can be made to enter or it can enter easily by establishment of predetermined conditions (winning of a normal symbol). The second start port 13 is opened by receiving power from an actuator (such as a solenoid or a motor). In this embodiment, the actuator that opens the second start port 13 is the actuator AC1 shown in FIG. In addition, a ball passage (not shown) that guides the game ball that has entered the ball to the back side of the game board YB is connected to the second start port 13, and the game ball that has entered the second start port 13 is connected to the ball passage. Means for detecting (starting port switch (sensor) S2 shown in FIG. 4) is provided.

  The first big winning opening 14 is a winning opening through which a game ball is inserted when a payout condition for winning balls is established. In this embodiment, the first grand prize opening 14 is located on the upper right side of the effect display device 11. The first grand prize winning opening 14 is closed so that a game ball cannot be entered when a predetermined condition (winning a special symbol) is not established. Then, the first grand prize winning opening 14 is opened so that a game ball can be entered or it is easy to enter the ball upon establishment of a predetermined condition (winning a special symbol). The first grand prize opening 14 is opened by receiving power from an actuator (such as a solenoid or a motor). In this embodiment, the actuator that opens the first big prize opening 14 is the actuator AC2 shown in FIG. In addition, a ball passage (not shown) that guides the game ball that has entered the ball to the back side of the game board YB is connected to the first grand prize opening 14, and the game that has entered the first big prize opening 14 is provided in the ball passage. A means for detecting a sphere (count switch (sensor) S3 shown in FIG. 4) is provided.

  The second major winning opening 15 is a winning opening through which a game ball is inserted when a payout condition for winning balls is established. In this embodiment, the second big prize opening 15 is located on the lower right side of the effect display device 11 and is located downstream of the first big prize opening 14 in the flow path of the game ball. The second big prize opening 15 is closed so that a game ball cannot be entered when a predetermined condition (winning of a special symbol) is not established. Then, the second grand prize winning opening 15 is opened so that a game ball can be entered or it is easy to enter the ball upon establishment of a predetermined condition (a special symbol win). The second big prize opening 15 is opened by receiving power from an actuator (solenoid, motor, etc.). In this embodiment, the actuator that opens the second big prize opening 15 is the actuator AC3 shown in FIG.

  In addition, a ball passage (not shown) for guiding the entered game ball to the back side of the game board YB is connected to the second grand prize opening 15, and the second big prize opening 15 enters the second big prize opening 15. A means for detecting a game ball (count switch (sensor) S4 shown in FIG. 4) is provided. In addition, the second grand prize opening 15 of this embodiment is a specific ball (not shown) connected to a general ball path that guides a game ball to a general area (not shown) as a ball path and a specific area 15a located below the second big prize port 15. And a ball passage. A means for detecting a game ball (a specific area switch (sensor) S5 shown in FIG. 4) is disposed in the specific ball passage.

  The second grand prize winning port 15 is provided with a distribution member (not shown) that distributes the entered game balls to either the general ball passage or the specific ball passage. In the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment, the game balls distributed to the specific ball passage are detected by the specific area switch S5, whereby a probability variation state provision condition described later is satisfied. The count switch S4 is disposed on the upstream side of the spherical passage with respect to the specific area switch S5. For this reason, the count switch S4 detects all game balls that have entered the second grand prize opening 15, while the specific area switch S5 detects only game balls distributed to the specific ball path.

  The big hit game is performed a plurality of times with a predetermined number of rounds as the upper limit for a round game that allows a game ball to enter the first grand prize port 14 or the second big prize port 15. One round game ends when a round game end condition is satisfied by the number of balls entered during the round game or the elapsed time of the round game. In this embodiment, the number of entered balls that satisfy the end condition of the round game is “8 balls”, and the elapsed time of the round game that satisfies the end condition of the round game is “25 seconds”. The number of entered balls is the number of game balls detected by the count switch S3 or the count switch S4.

  When a big hit game is generated, an opening time is set before the first round game is started, and an opening effect indicating the start of the big hit game is performed during the opening time. When a big hit game is generated, an ending time is set when the final round game is finished, and an ending effect indicating the end of the big hit game is performed during the ending time.

  The normal winning openings 16 and 17 are winning openings through which game balls are entered when the payout condition for winning balls is established. In this embodiment, the normal winning openings 16, 17 are located in the left area and the right area of the game area YBa. Further, the normal winning openings 16 and 17 are always opened so that a game ball can be entered.

  The left regular winning opening 16 is in a position where game balls launched mainly aiming at the first starting opening 12 can enter, and aiming at the first winning opening 14 and the second winning opening 15 The played game ball is in a position where it cannot enter. In this embodiment, a plurality of normal winning openings 16 are provided in the left region. A ball passage (not shown) that guides the game balls that have entered the ball to the back side of the game board YB is connected to each of the normal winning holes 16 on the left side. A means for detecting a game ball (normal port switch (sensor) S7 shown in FIG. 4) is provided. The ball passage continuously connected to the left normal winning opening 16 is composed of a plurality of branch passages for receiving game balls entered into the respective normal winning openings 16 and a collective passage for receiving the game balls guided through the respective branch passages. A single normal port switch S7 is disposed in the collecting passage.

  The normal winning port 17 on the right side is located at a position where game balls launched mainly aiming at the first grand prize port 14 and the second grand prize port 15 can enter, and aiming at the first starting port 12 The played game ball is in a position where it cannot enter. In other words, the normal winning port 17 on the right side is arranged at a position where a game ball launched aiming at the first grand winning port 14 or the second large winning port 15 can enter. In this embodiment, a single ordinary winning opening 17 is provided in the right region. A ball passage (not shown) that leads the game ball that has entered the ball to the back side of the game board YB is connected to the normal winning port 17 on the right side, and the game ball that has entered the normal winning port 17 is connected to the ball passage. Is provided (normal port switch (sensor) S8 shown in FIG. 4).

  In this embodiment, each of the first starting port 12, the second starting port 13, the first major winning port 14, the second major winning port 15, and the ordinary winning ports 16, 17 is a game ball. This is a winning opening where winning ball payout conditions are established. For the second big prize opening 15, the winning ball payout condition is established by the detection of the count switch S4. In this embodiment, the number of winning balls at the first starting port 12 is [4 balls], the number of winning balls at the second starting port 13 is [1 ball], the first big winning port 14 and the second big winning port 15. The number of winning balls is set to [15 balls], and the number of winning balls of the normal winning openings 16, 17 is set to [5 balls]. The first start opening 12, the second start opening 13, the first grand prize opening 14, the second big prize opening 15, and the normal prize winning openings 16, 17 are entry devices that are targeted for paying out a prize ball by entering a game ball. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a plurality of pitching devices to be paid out as described above.

  An operation gate 18 is disposed in the game area YBa. In this embodiment, the operating gate 18 is an area on the right side of the game area YBa and is located above the second start opening 13 and the second big prize opening 15. The operating gate 18 is opened with a gate port 18a that is opened so that a game ball can be always entered. Means (gate switch (sensor) S6 shown in FIG. 4) for detecting a game ball that enters and passes through the gate port 18a is disposed. The gate port 18a of the operation gate 18 is a entrance for allowing a game ball to enter when the start condition of the normal symbol variation game using the normal symbol is satisfied. The second starting port 13 wins the normal symbol winning lottery performed by the game ball entering the operating gate 18 and is released from the closed state after the normal symbol winning symbol is derived in the normal symbol variation game. Operate to state. The actuating gate 18 is not a pitching device that is a target for paying out a prize ball by entering a game ball. Even if a game ball enters the actuating gate 18, the prize ball payout condition is not satisfied.

  In this embodiment, the player divides the game ball into the left region and the right region by adjusting the strength of the firing strength of the launch handle HD, and the first start port 12, the second start port 13. It is possible to enter the game ball into the first grand prize opening 14, the second big prize opening 15, the normal prize winning openings 16, 17 or the operation gate 18. Specifically, when the game ball is fired by adjusting the firing strength to be strong (so-called right-handed), the game ball is easily guided to flow down to the right region, and the second start port 13, the first large There is a possibility of entering the winning opening 14, the second large winning opening 15, the right normal winning opening 17, or the operation gate 18. It should be noted that the right strike is performed by adjusting the firing strength to a maximum strength or slightly weaker than the maximum strength because it is necessary to launch the game ball vigorously in order to reach the right region.

  On the other hand, when the game ball is fired by adjusting the firing strength to be weak (so-called “left-handed”), the game ball is easily guided down to the left region, and the first starting port 12 or the left regular winning There is a possibility of entering the mouth 16. In addition, the left strike does not require the game ball to be fired as vigorously as the right strike, and is adjusted to such an intensity that the fired game ball does not reach the right region. In this embodiment, when a right turn is made, a game ball flow path is provided by a game part such as a game nail so that the game ball cannot enter the first start opening 12 or the left regular winning opening 16. Is formed. Note that the game component may be arranged so as to restrict entry into the first starting port 12 and the left regular winning port 16 when making a right strike, or compared to when making a left strike. It may be arranged so that it is difficult to enter the first starting port 12 and the left regular winning port 16 (the probability of entering the ball is extremely low).

  In this embodiment, the “left region” is a region located on the left side of the center line C that bisects the game region YBa left and right when the game board YB is viewed from the front. In this embodiment, the “right region” is a region located on the right side of the center line C when the game board YB is viewed from the front. The game ball launched by the operation of the launch handle HD in the pachinko gaming machine 10 is guided by the launch passage 19 located on the left side when the game board YB is viewed from the front, and is prevented from returning backwardly in the launch passage 19. The game area YBa is reached through the valve 20. For this reason, the “left region” is also a region closer to the launch passage 19, and conversely, the “right region” is also a region away from the launch passage 19. Then, the game ball guided to flow down the left area passes through the left side of the effect display device 11 located in the game area YBa, and goes to the out mouth 21 located at the lowermost position of the game area YBa. In addition, the game ball guided down in the right area passes through the right side of the effect display device 11 located in the game area YBa and heads toward the out port 21.

  The game board YB is provided with a special figure display device 23, a hold display device 24, and a general figure display device 25 shown in FIG. These display devices are located in a portion of the game board YB that is visible to the player when the pachinko gaming machine is viewed from the front. For example, these display devices are arranged on a decorative member arranged in the game area of the game board YB, a corner decorative member of the game board YB, or the like.

  The special symbol display device 23 performs a symbol variation game using a special symbol, and a special symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the big hit lottery is derived in the symbol variation game. The special symbol display device 23 includes a first special symbol display device that performs a symbol variation game of a first special symbol and a second special symbol display device that performs a symbol variation game of a second special symbol. When a game ball enters the first start port 12 and is detected, the start condition for the symbol variation game of the first special symbol is satisfied. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the second start port 13 and is detected, the start condition of the symbol variation game of the second special symbol is satisfied. In the first special symbol and the second special symbol, a big hit lottery is performed when the start condition is established, and the probability of winning the big hit lottery is the same probability. On the other hand, in the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the type of jackpot determined when winning the jackpot lottery and the determination ratio of jackpot of the same type are different. As a result, the first special symbol and the second special symbol have different advantages (for example, the number of prize balls, the period of grant of the improved entrance rate, etc.) when winning the big hit lottery.

  In addition, when the start condition is satisfied, a special symbol display game 23 is played on the special symbol display device 23 in order to derive the lottery result of the big hit lottery, and according to the special symbol derived in the symbol variation game The design variation game for deriving the result is also performed on the effect display device 11 using the decorative design.

  The special figure display device 23 is a display device including a light emitter. In the special symbol variation game, a combination of arbitrary light emitters constituting the display device is derived as a special symbol. The special symbols include a jackpot symbol that is derived when the jackpot lottery is won and a loss symbol that is derived when the jackpot lottery is not won. On the other hand, in a symbol variation game using decorative symbols, combinations of decorative symbols in a plurality of rows are derived. The decorative design is composed of, for example, a design imitating Arabic numerals. Then, the combination where all the decorative symbols in all the rows become the same decorative symbol is selected as the big hit lottery combination, and the combination where the decorative symbols in all the rows do not become the same decorative symbol is won in the big hit lottery. This is a combination of outliers that can be identified.

  The result derived in the decorative symbol variation game corresponds to the result derived in the special symbol variation game. For this reason, in the special symbol variation game, the lottery result of the big hit lottery is derived as a special symbol, while in the decorative symbol variation game, information that can identify the lottery result of the big hit lottery is derived as a decorative symbol. Note that the symbol variation game of the first special symbol and the symbol variation game of the second special symbol are not executed at the same time, and the effect display device 11 performs the symbol variation game of the decorative symbol corresponding to the special symbol being executed.

  The hold display device 24 displays the number of special symbol variation games (starting hold number) whose execution is suspended. The hold display device 24 includes a first hold display device that displays a start hold number of a first special symbol and a second hold display device that displays a start hold number of a second special symbol. The normal symbol display device 25 plays a normal symbol variation game using a normal symbol, and in the normal symbol variation game, a normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the normal symbol winning lottery is derived.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an upper plate 26a and a lower plate 26b as ball plates (storage plates) for storing game balls. The upper plate 26a is a game ball that is launched into the game area YBa mainly by operating the launch handle HD, and is a storage tray that stores game balls taken into the machine. The lower plate 26b is a game ball that is mainly paid out from the pachinko gaming machine 10, and stores a game ball overflowing from the upper plate 26a.

  A ball lending operation unit TS that can be operated by the player is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate 26a. The ball lending operation unit TS includes a ball lending button, a return button, and a frequency display unit. In the frequency display portion, for example, the frequency of a card inserted in a gaming ball lending device arranged in parallel with the pachinko gaming machine 10 is displayed. The player can lend a rental ball within the range of the frequency (remaining number) of cards inserted in the lending device. The ball lending button is operated when lending a lending ball. The return button is operated when requesting the return of the card inserted into the lending device.

  Further, an effect button BT that can be operated by the player is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate 26a. The effect button BT is a push button type. The effect button BT can be operated by an operation effect or the like performed during the decorative symbol variation game. As the operation effects, for example, there are effects that allow the player to select the type of effect and effects that cause the notice display to be executed.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a movable body K for production. The movable body K performs a movable effect, for example, as a jackpot notice during the decorative symbol variation game. As a specific example, the movable body K moves from an initial position waiting when not movable to a movable position overlapping the front surface of the image display unit GH.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an outer frame WS that forms an outline of the machine body of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and an intermediate frame WN and a front frame WM on which various game components are set. . The outer frame WS is also an installation frame when the pachinko gaming machine 10 is installed in a game machine installation facility (so-called island facility) in the game hall. The middle frame WN is assembled to the front side of the opening of the outer frame WS so as to be open and detachable. In the middle frame WN, various control boards as game components and various members (ball tank, middle frame payout passage 29, payout unit HS shown in FIG. 4) for paying out game balls are set. . Note that game balls are supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 10 through the gaming machine installation facility, and the supplied game balls are paid out as prize balls when, for example, a prize ball payout condition is satisfied. The front frame WM is assembled to the front side of the middle frame WN so as to be openable and detachable so as to cover the front surface of the game board YB. A glass (not shown) that protects the game board YB is supported on the front frame WM. The front frame WM includes a front frame-side payout passage 27 as a payout passage for guiding game balls paid out from the payout unit HS to the upper plate 26a and the lower plate 26b as game components, and a launch handle HD. A launch unit 28 and the like for firing a sphere are set. On the front side of the front frame WM, a speaker Sp, a frame decoration lamp La, an upper plate 26a, a lower plate 26b, and the like are set as game components.

  An upper door opening switch S10 for detecting the opening of the front frame WM is disposed above the resin base WMa of the front frame WM. Further, a lower door opening switch S11 for detecting the opening of the front frame WM is disposed below the resin base WMa of the front frame WM. Each of the upper door opening switch S10 and the lower door opening switch S11 has a pin that can be projected and retracted from the front surface of the resin base WMa, and the pin is pushed in a state where the front frame WM is closed with respect to the middle frame WN. The closing of the front frame WM is detected. On the other hand, in a state where the front frame WM is opened with respect to the middle frame WN, the pin returns to the protruding position and the opening of the front frame WM is detected.

  In a state where the front frame WM is closed with respect to the middle frame WN, the passage opening of the front frame side payout passage 27 is aligned with the passage opening of the middle frame discharge passage 29 of the middle frame WN. Thereby, the front frame side payout passage 27 and the middle frame payout passage 29 are connected as one passage. Further, the front frame side payout passage 27 has a lower plate passage 27a connected to the lower plate 26b, and a full switch S12 for detecting that the lower plate 26b is full is disposed in the lower plate passage 27a. . The lower dish passage 27a is provided with a movable piece 27b constituting a part of the passage. The movable piece 27b is pushed by the dead weight of the game ball staying in the lower dish passage 27a without being discharged from the ball hole 26c of the lower dish 26b. The full switch S12 detects that the movable piece 27b is full when it is pushed.

  Moreover, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment has a probability variation function. The probability variation function is a function that can provide a probability variation state in which the winning probability of the jackpot is changed from a low probability (normal probability) to a high probability after the jackpot game ends. The probability variation state is given, for example, until the next big hit lottery is won. The probability variation state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player because it is easier to win the jackpot lottery than the non-probability variation state in which the winning probability of the jackpot lottery is low.

  The pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a pachinko gaming machine (V-probability changing machine) that gives a probability variation state after the end of the big hit game by causing the game ball to enter the specific area 15a in a specific round game during the big hit game. It is. Note that the V probability change machine has a plurality of types of jackpots. These jackpots, for example, enter the specific area 15a by changing the opening pattern of the second big prize opening 15 in a specific round game. It makes a difference in the easiness of the ball. Specifically, in the specific round game in the first big hit game, the second big prize opening 15 operates in the long open pattern, so that it is easy to enter the specific area 15a. On the other hand, in the specific round game in the second big hit game, the second big prize opening 15 enters the specific area 15a by operating in the short open pattern in which the open time during the specific round game is short compared to the long open pattern. It is difficult to do. The second big prize opening 15 is a big prize opening opened in a specific round game, and the first big prize opening 14 is a big prize opening opened in a non-specific round game other than the specific round game. .

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment has a ball entry rate improving function. The entrance rate improvement function is a function that can provide an entrance rate improvement state in which the entrance rate of game balls per unit time to the second start port 13 is improved. The entrance rate improvement state is a so-called “electric support state” or “high base state”. In the following description, a state where the entrance rate improvement state is not given may be referred to as a “non-entrance rate improvement state”. The non-entrance rate improvement state is a so-called “non-electric support state” or “low base state”.

  The entrance rate improvement state can be realized, for example, by executing one control arbitrarily selected from the following four controls, or executing a combination of a plurality of controls. The first control is normal symbol variation time shortening control in which the variation time of the normal symbol variation game is shorter than that in the non-entrance rate improvement state. The second control is a normal symbol probability variation control in which the probability of winning a normal symbol winning lottery (ordinary winning probability) is varied with a higher probability than in the non-entrance rate improvement state. The third control is an open time extension control in which the total opening time of the second start port 13 based on winning the normal symbol winning lottery is made longer than that in the non-entrance rate improvement state. As the opening time extension control, the number of times of opening the second start port 13 based on the fact that the normal symbol winning lottery is won is larger than that in the non-entry rate improvement state, and the normal symbol winning lottery It is preferable to execute at least one of the controls for making the one opening time of the second start port 13 based on having won the game longer than that in the non-entrance rate improvement state. The fourth control is special symbol variation time shortening control that makes the variation time (for example, average variation time) of the special symbol variation game easier to be shorter than in the non-entrance rate improvement state. When the special symbol variation time reduction control is executed, the entrance rate improvement state is a so-called “variation time reduction state”.

  The entrance rate improvement state is, for example, until the next big hit lottery is won or until the specified symbol number up to the specified upper limit number of times (for example, 100 times) is executed after the entrance rate improvement state is given. Or, until it reaches the big hit lottery before reaching the specified upper limit number of times. In the case of the pachinko gaming machine 10 using the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the specified upper limit number is the total number of times of the symbol variation game of the first special symbol and the symbol variation game of the second special symbol.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, various types of boards including a main board 30, a payout board 31, and a sub general board 32 are mounted on the pachinko gaming machine 10.
The main board 30 as the main control means includes a main control CPU 30a capable of executing a control operation in a predetermined procedure, a main control ROM 30b for storing control information such as a control program for the main control CPU 30a, and the like. Main control RAM 30c capable of writing and reading various data. The main board 30 has a random number generation circuit 30d.

  Connected to the main board 30 are start port switches S1, S2, count switches S3, S4, a specific area switch S5, a gate switch S6, and normal port switches S7, S8. The main control CPU 30a can receive the detection signals from the switches S1 to S9. Further, the main control CPU 30a controls display contents of various display devices (such as the special figure display device 23, the hold display device 24, and the universal map display device 25) and controls the operations of the actuators AC1 to AC3.

  The main control ROM 30b stores a main control program for executing processing related to a game, information for specifying a variation pattern of a special symbol (main variation pattern), various determination values, and the like. The main variation pattern can specify the variation time (effect time) from when the special symbol starts to vary until the special symbol is confirmed and stopped. The main variation pattern can be classified into a variation pattern for big hit variation and a variation pattern for outlier variation. In addition, the various determination values include a big hit determination value used for the big win lottery, a normal hit determination value used for the normal symbol win lottery, and the like. The main control RAM 30c stores various types of information (random values, timer values, flags, start pending numbers, etc.) that are appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

  The main control CPU 30a executes random number update processing (software random number generation processing) in which various software random number values are updated every predetermined control cycle (interrupt cycle) and stored in the main control RAM 30c. The software random number includes a big hit symbol random number used when determining a big hit symbol of a special symbol, a variation pattern distribution random number used when distributing a main variation pattern, and the like. The random number generation circuit 30d generates a hardware random number by updating one value for each cycle of an internal system clock (for example, 10 MHz) supplied from a clock circuit (not shown) mounted on the microprocessor. The hardware random number is a big hit random number used for a special symbol jackpot lottery or a normal hit random number used for a normal symbol hit lottery.

  The payout substrate 31 as the payout control means includes a payout control CPU 31a capable of executing a control operation in a predetermined procedure, a payout control ROM 31b for storing control information such as a control program for the payout control CPU 31a, and the like. A payout control RAM 31c that can write and read various data. The payout substrate 31 is connected to the main substrate 30 via the relay terminal plate 37. The main board 30 and the payout board 31 are electrically connected so that information (control signal) is transmitted in both directions. The payout board 31 drives the payout unit HS based on a prize ball signal instructing the payout of prize balls transmitted from the main board 30 to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls.

  The prize ball signal (prize ball designation command) transmitted from the main board 30 to the payout board 31 can identify the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize slot when the prize ball for which a prize ball is to be paid is entered. It is configured. For example, the prize ball signal when entering the first start port 12 is configured to be able to specify [4 balls] as the number of prize balls. For example, when the total number of prize balls to be paid out on the main board 30 is managed, the prize ball signal is configured to instruct the payout of one prize ball, and the required number of times is required. A prize ball signal instructing the payout of one prize ball may be transmitted to the payout board 31 (until the total number of prize balls becomes zero). The prize ball signal is composed of 2-byte data, and one of the first byte data and the second byte data indicates that the prize ball is to be paid out, and the other is the number of prize balls. It is data which shows.

  A power supply unit 38 is mounted on the pachinko gaming machine 10. The power supply unit 38 converts the power supply voltage supplied from the main power supply of the amusement hall into a predetermined power supply voltage (V1) and controls the power supply voltage (V1) after the conversion to the main board 30 and the payout board 31 and the like. Further conversion into a power supply voltage (V2) to be supplied to the substrate. The power supply unit 38 is connected to each control board (the main board 30 and the payout board 31) via a plurality of power supply lines, and each control board operates by receiving power supply through the power supply line.

  An out switch S <b> 9 is connected to the payout substrate 31. The out switch (sensor) S9 is a switch for detecting a game ball (so-called out ball) that has entered the out port 21. The payout control CPU 31a can receive the detection signal from the out switch S9. The payout board 31 is connected to an error indicator 39 and a release switch SW as an error release means. The error indicator 39 is an indicator for notifying an error relating to the payout of the game ball. In this embodiment, the error indicator 39 is composed of a 7-segment LED, and displays a number corresponding to the type of error that has occurred. The release switch SW is a switch that is operated when forcibly releasing the occurrence state of a specific error among errors relating to payout of the game ball.

  The error indicator 39 is mounted on, for example, the payout board 31 so that the display content can be confirmed when the middle frame WN is opened. The release switch SW is mounted on, for example, the payout board 31 so that it can be operated when the middle frame WN is opened. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is locked by a locking device SS, and is configured so that the inside of the main body cannot be accessed unless the locking device SS is released. The key for unlocking the locking device SS is managed by a game hall manager or the like, and the player cannot visually recognize the display content of the error indicator 39 and cannot operate the release switch SW. The types of errors that occur with respect to game ball payout will be described later.

  The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an external terminal board 40 as external connection means. The external terminal board 40 is connected to the payout board 31. The payout board 31 and the external terminal board 40 are electrically connected to the payout board 31 so that information (signal) is transmitted from the payout board 31 in one direction. The external terminal board 40 connects the hall computer (external device) HC installed in the game room management room and the pachinko gaming machine 10 in order to manage the operation state of each pachinko gaming machine installed in the game hall. It is a substrate. The external terminal board 40 includes a plurality of input terminals and a plurality of output terminals. Then, different signal lines are connected to the input terminal of the external terminal board 40 so that a plurality of types of signals transmitted from the payout board 31 can be separately received. Also, separate signal lines are connected to the output terminal of the external terminal plate 40 so that each received signal can be transmitted separately.

Here, information (signals) that can be transmitted to the hall computer HC through the external terminal board 40 will be described.
In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, an information signal, a door opening signal, a security signal, a prize ball schedule signal, and a prize ball information signal can be transmitted through the external terminal board 40.

  The information signal is a signal that can specify information related to the game of the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the information includes a game state such as a big hit game, a game ball having entered the starting port (the first starting port 12 and the second starting port 13), and the symbol variation game and the normal symbol variation game ended. And that the ball has entered the out mouth 21. The door opening signal is a signal that makes it possible to specify that the front frame WM of the pachinko gaming machine 10 has been opened. The security signal is a signal that can identify an error that has occurred in the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the error includes a RAM clear, a magnetic error, an induced magnetic field detection error, a big prize opening illegal prize error, and an ordinary electric accessory illegal prize error. The prize ball schedule signal indicates that a game ball as a prize ball of a predetermined number of units (for example, 10 balls) is scheduled to be paid out regardless of whether or not a prize ball payout operation is performed by the payout unit HS. Is a signal that can be identified. The award ball scheduled signal is turned on when the award ball number (scheduled ball number) counted when receiving the award ball signal is equal to or greater than a certain number (specified number). Turns off when less than a certain number. The prize ball information signal is a signal that makes it possible to specify that a game ball as a prize ball in a predetermined unit (for example, 10 balls) has been paid out. The award ball information signal is turned on when the payout of game balls as a predetermined number of award balls is completed, and is turned off when the payout is not completed.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a lending device connection terminal plate 41, a launch board 42, and a front frame signal board 43.
The lending device connection terminal board 41 is electrically connected to a lending device for game balls, a ball lending operation board 44 equipped with a payout substrate 31 and a ball lending operation unit TS, and mainly issues a ball lending operation command by a player. This is taken in and transmitted to the payout board 31. The launch board 42 is electrically connected to the launch unit 28. The firing unit 28 includes a launching solenoid (not shown) and a hitting ball connected to the launching solenoid. Then, the game ball taken in from the upper plate 26a is fired toward the game board YB by actuating the ball ball according to ON / OFF control of the firing solenoid by the launch board 42.

  An upper door opening switch S10, a lower door opening switch S11, and a full switch S12 are connected to the front frame signal board 43. The detection signals of these switches S10 to S12 are transmitted to the dispensing board 31 through the front frame signal board 43 and the launch board 42. Thereby, the payout control CPU 31a can receive the detection signals from the respective switches S10 to S12.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the sub control board 32 is electrically connected to the main board 30 so that information (control signal) is transmitted from the main board 30 in one direction. The sub control board 32 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (not shown). The CPU of the sub control board 32 executes a control operation according to a predetermined procedure in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM, and data generated by the control operation is temporarily stored in the RAM.

  In addition, the sub control board 32 controls an effect display board 46 that controls display contents of the effect display apparatus 11 and light emission of various decorative lamps La and prize ball lamps LA, and also controls an audio output of the speaker Sp. The sound / lamp board 47 is connected. The prize ball lamp LA is a lamp that emits light when a prize ball is paid out, and is disposed in the front frame WM. For example, the prize ball lamp LA is disposed on the front frame WM as shown in FIG. The arrangement of the prize ball lamps LA can be arbitrarily changed, and may be arranged, for example, on either the left or right side of the front frame WM. In addition, an effect button BT is connected to the sub control board 32, and an operation signal from the effect button BT can be received. Further, a movable body K is connected to the sub control board 32 and controls the drive of the movable body K.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, control of game effects mainly based on control signals transmitted from the main board 30 by the sub control board 32, the effect display board 46, and the sound / lamp board 47. The sub-control means that governs is configured.

  The main control CPU 30a of the main board 30 receives various random numbers used for the process of storing the holding of the special symbol variation game and the big hit lottery in the input process when receiving the detection signals from the start port switches S1 and S2. Perform the acquisition process. Then, the main control CPU 30a performs a change start process for starting a special symbol change game based on the hold stored in the input process. In the variation start process, the main control CPU 30a selects a main variation pattern that can specify the variation time of the symbol variation game based on the lottery result of the big hit lottery, and sends a control signal (control command) for designating the main variation pattern. The data is transmitted to the sub control board 32.

  On the other hand, the sub control means including the sub control board 32 performs predetermined control based on a control signal transmitted from the main board 30. For example, when a control signal instructing the start of variation (start of game) is received, the display contents are controlled so that the effect display device 11 causes a decorative symbol variation game to be performed. Further, the sub-control means controls the light emission mode of the decoration lamp La and the sound output mode of the speaker Sp so that the light emission effect and the sound effect accompanying the symbol variation game are performed with the start of the symbol variation game of the decorative symbol. To do.

  In the control of the effect display device 11, the CPU (not shown) of the effect display board 46 selects an image effect to be executed and reads data necessary for the selected image effect from a ROM (not shown). The effect display board 46 is provided with a character ROM preliminarily storing character image data to be displayed on the effect display device 11, specifically, a person, a character, a figure, or a symbol (including a decorative design). Various data may be read out. Then, the CPU of the effect display board 46 outputs the read data to a VDP (video display processor). The VDP executes display control based on the input data and causes the image display unit GH to display an image.

  Further, the main control CPU 30a pays out a predetermined number of prize balls in an input process when receiving detection signals from the start port switches S1, S2, count switches S3, S4, and normal port switches S7, S8. Perform prize ball processing. In the prize ball processing, a prize ball designation command to be transmitted to the payout board 31 is generated and transmitted. Further, the main control CPU 30a obtains various random numbers used for the process of storing the holding of the normal symbol variation game using the normal symbol or the normal winning lottery in the input processing when the detection signal from the gate switch S6 is received. Perform the process.

Hereinafter, the control relating to the payout of prize balls in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.
The main board 30 and the payout board 31 are electrically connected by a plurality of information signal lines that transmit and receive control signals. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has, as information signal lines, an information signal line L1 for transmitting a control signal from the main board 30 to the payout board 31 in one direction, and information for transmitting a control signal from the payout board 31 to the main board 30 in one direction. And a signal line L2 and an information signal line L3 for transmitting a transmission permission signal as a control signal from the payout board 31 to the main board 30 in one direction. The information signal line L1 is a transmission line that transmits a control signal from the main board 30 to the payout board 31 when the main board 30 is used as a reference. The information signal line L2 is a reception line that receives a control signal transmitted from the payout board 31 when the main board 30 is used as a reference. The transmission permission signal is a signal for transmitting to the main board 30 that the payout board 31 is ready to receive a prize ball signal. The transmission permission signal is a binary signal that can take a first state (for example, Hi level) and a second state (for example, Low level). In addition to the information signal lines L1 to L3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes one or more information signal lines L4 that transmit and receive control signals as information signal lines.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment, the control signal relating to the payout of the prize ball between the main board 30 and the payout board 31 is transmitted using the information signal line L1, the information signal line L2, and the information signal line L3. Send and receive. The information signal line L1 and the information signal line L2 are serial communication lines. Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, control signals related to other than the payout of prize balls are transmitted and received between the main board 30 and the payout board 31 using the information signal line L4. The control signal related to other than the payout of the winning ball includes a control signal that can specify the detection result of the out switch S9, a control signal that can specify the detection result of the upper door opening switch S10 and the lower door opening switch S11, and a pachinko machine. There are control signals (control signals transmitted to the external terminal board 40) that make it possible to specify information relating to ten games.

  The main control CPU 30a of the main board 30 executes main side prize ball payout processing relating to the payout of prize balls. The main-side prize ball payout process includes a process of transmitting a prize ball signal instructing the payout of the prize ball to the payout board 31 by detecting the entry into the ball entry device that is the target of the prize ball payout. In this embodiment, the winning devices to be paid out are the first starting port 12, the second starting port 13, the first major winning port 14, the second major winning port 15, and the regular winning ports 16, 17. .

  The payout control CPU 31a of the payout board 31 executes payout-side prize ball payout processing relating to payout of prize balls. In the payout-side prize ball payout process, a first state in which a prize ball corresponding to the number of game balls that can be identified from the received prize ball signal is paid out to the payout unit HS, and the main board 30 is allowed to transmit a prize ball signal. This includes a process for transmitting whether the state is (permitted state) or the second state (non-permitted state) in which transmission of the prize ball signal is not permitted.

  When the main control CPU 30a detects the entry into the entry device targeted for award ball payout, the transmission permission signal transmitted from the payout control CPU 31a is in the first state, and the award ball signal is transmitted. A prize ball signal is output when is permitted. On the other hand, when the payout control CPU 31a receives the prize ball signal while transmitting the transmission permission signal in the first state, the payout control CPU 31a pays out the number of game balls that can be identified from the prize ball signal. The unit HS is operated.

  As described above, in the control relating to the payout of prize balls in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the transmission permission signal transmitted from the payout board 31 to the main board 30 is in the first state, that is, the payout control CPU 31a receives the prize ball signal. Can receive a prize ball signal. In other words, the main control CPU 30a cannot transmit the prize ball signal when the transmission permission signal is in the second state, that is, when the payout control CPU 31a cannot accept the prize ball signal. As a result, it is possible to prevent the prize ball signal transmitted from the main control CPU 30a from being received by the payout control CPU 31a and the transmitted prize ball signal from being lost (invalidated). The transmission permission signal can take the second state from the first state when the power is turned on, the CPU is reset, or when the payout control CPU 31a detects an error relating to the payout of the game ball.

Here, an error relating to payout will be described.
The errors include a payout stop error [0], a full error [1], a payout unit ball runout error [2], a payout unit error 1 [3], a payout unit ball clogging error [4], There are payout unit error 2 [5] and excessive payout error [6]. The errors include a payout communication error 1 [7], a payout communication error 2 [8], and a lending device unconnected error [9]. The numbers [1] to [9] listed in parallel with the error type are numbers corresponding to the error type notified by the error indicator 39. These errors are errors managed by the payout board 31.

  The payout stop error is an error state in which it is possible to specify that the payout of the game ball is stopped. The payout stop error occurs when the power is turned on or the CPU is reset. The full error is an error state in which it can be specified that the lower plate 26b is full, that is, the full switch S12 detects the full state. The payout unit ball run-out error is an error state that can specify that the game ball to be paid out next is not set in the payout unit HS. The payout unit errors 1 and 2 are error states that can specify that a failure has occurred in the payout unit HS itself. The payout unit ball clogging error is an error state in which it is possible to specify that the game ball to be paid out next is set in the payout unit HS, but that the game ball is not discharged from the payout unit HS even if the payout unit HS is operated. is there.

  The payout unit HS includes a first sensor (payout control sensor) that detects a game ball at the set position of the game ball to be paid out next, and the game ball set at the set position described above by operating the payout unit HS. Has a second sensor (payout counting sensor) for detecting the game ball at the discharge position where the ball is discharged from the payout unit HS. Therefore, in the payout unit HS, the first sensor detects the game ball before the operation and the second sensor does not detect the game ball before the operation, and the first sensor detects the game ball after the operation. If the first sensor detects a game ball, the payout operation is normally performed. Then, the payout unit ball run-out error occurs when the first sensor does not continuously detect the game ball. Also, the payout unit ball clogging error occurs when the second sensor continuously detects the game ball. Also, the payout unit errors 1 and 2 are generated when it is not possible to detect that the payout unit HS is performing a normal payout operation from the detection results of the first sensor and the second sensor.

  Returning to the description of the error type, the excessive payout error occurs when a predetermined number (for example, 15 balls) or more of game balls are paid out. The payout communication errors 1 and 2 occur when a communication error occurs between the main board 30 and the payout board 31. Specifically, the payout communication error 1 occurs when a prize ball signal is received from the main board 30 when the transmission permission signal in the second state is being transmitted. When the payout communication error 1 occurs, the information signal line L3 that transmits the transmission permission signal may be abnormal. The payout communication error 2 is generated by detecting a predetermined number of communication errors (for example, 10 times) after canceling the payout communication error 2. When the payout communication error 2 occurs, an abnormality in the information signal line L1 or the information signal line L2 that is a serial communication line is considered. The lending device unconnected error occurs when the pachinko gaming machine 10 and the lending device are not connected.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the payout board 31 (the payout control CPU 31a) displays an error on the error indicator 39 (for example, payout stop error [0]) when the transmission permission signal is in the second state (Low level). To do.

  When the main control CPU 30a receives the transmission permission signal in the second state (Low level), the main control CPU 30a transmits a communication confirmation signal for requesting permission to transmit the prize ball signal to the payout control CPU 31a. By transmitting the communication confirmation signal, the main control CPU 30a executes a process for returning the payout.

  When the payout control CPU 31a receives the communication confirmation signal when the transmission permission signal is in the second state, the payout control CPU 31a transmits a confirmation response signal in response to the received communication confirmation signal to the main control CPU 30a. When the main control CPU 30a receives the confirmation response signal after transmitting the communication confirmation signal, the main control CPU 30a transmits a start signal that can specify that the payout control CPU 31a starts to pay out the game ball. When the payout control CPU 31a receives the start signal after transmitting the confirmation response signal, the payout control CPU 31a recognizes that the communication state with the main control CPU 30a is normal, and sends the second state (Low level) transmission permission signal to the first control signal. Assume that the transmission permission signal is in one state (Hi level). Thus, by changing the transmission permission signal from the second state to the first state, the payout control CPU 31a notifies the main control CPU 30a that the communication state is normal. On the other hand, the main control CPU 30a recognizes that it is normal by receiving the transmission permission signal in the first state.

  As described above, when the transmission permission signal is in the second state, signals are transmitted and received between the main control CPU 30a and the payout control CPU 31a. ) Is canceled. The payout suspension error is an error in which a necessary signal is transmitted and received between the main control CPU 30a and the payout control CPU 31a as described above, and depends on the operation of the release switch SW. This error cannot be cleared.

  Returning to the explanation of FIG. 5, when the payout stop error is canceled and the payout is returned as described above, the main control CPU 30a pays out the prize ball by entering the ball entry device that is the target of the prize ball payout. Is received, a prize ball signal is transmitted to the payout control CPU 31a by receiving the transmission permission signal in the first state. The payout control CPU 31a that has received the prize ball signal performs a process for paying out the prize ball according to the prize ball signal. This process is included in the payout-side prize ball payout process executed by the payout control CPU 31a. In the process for paying out a prize ball, the payout control CPU 31a pays out the prize ball to the main control CPU 30a when the total number of prize balls to be paid out becomes one or more based on the received prize ball signal. A start notification signal for notifying the start is transmitted. Each time the payout control CPU 31a receives a prize ball signal, it cumulatively adds the number of prize balls specified from the prize ball signal to the total number of prize balls stored in the payout control RAM 31c. Then, the payout control CPU 31a operates the payout unit HS to pay out game balls until the total number of prize balls reaches [0 (zero)]. The payout control CPU 31a subtracts 1 from the total number of prize balls by receiving a detection signal transmitted each time the second sensor (payout counting sensor) of the payout unit HS detects a game ball.

  When receiving the start notification signal, the main control CPU 30a transmits a payout notification signal for instructing the notification of the payout of the winning ball by the winning ball lamp LA to the sub-control means (sub control board 32 → voice / lamp board 47). The voice / lamp board 47 that has received the payout notification signal starts the notification of the prize ball payout by turning on the prize ball lamp LA.

  When the main control CPU 30a receives the transmission permission signal in the first state, the main control CPU 30a transmits a prize ball signal each time a ball enters the ball entry device that is the target of the prize ball payout. The payout control CPU 31a adds the total number of prize balls each time a prize ball signal is received, and performs a process for paying out prize balls until the total number of prize balls reaches [0 (zero)]. The payout control CPU 31a finishes paying out the prize balls to the main control CPU 30a when the prize ball total is “0 (zero)”, that is, when the payout of the prize balls instructed from the main control CPU 30a is completed. An end notification signal for notification is transmitted. When the main control CPU 30a receives the end notification signal, the main control CPU 30a transmits a payout notification end signal for instructing the end of the notification of the prize ball payout by the prize ball lamp LA to the sub-control means (sub control board 32 → sound / lamp board 47). To do. The voice / lamp substrate 47 that has received the payout notification end signal ends the notification of the prize ball payout by turning off the prize ball lamp LA.

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the control relating to payout of prize balls will be specifically described.
In FIG. 6, as in FIG. 5, the main control CPU 30a executes a process for returning the payout when receiving the transmission permission signal in the second state (Low level). A case where a communication error occurs with the CPU 31a is illustrated.

  The main control CPU 30a transmits a communication confirmation signal to the payout control CPU 31a as in the example of FIG. By transmitting the communication confirmation signal, the main control CPU 30a executes a process for returning the payout.

  When the payout control CPU 31a receives the communication confirmation signal when the transmission permission signal is in the second state, the payout control CPU 31a transmits the confirmation response signal to the main control CPU 30a as described in the example of FIG. When the control signal from the CPU 30a cannot be normally received, it is determined as an error. The error in this case is caused by an abnormality occurring in the communication confirmation signal transmitted by the main control CPU 30a.

  When the control signal from the main control CPU 30a cannot be normally received as described above, the payout control CPU 31a does not transmit a control signal in response to an instruction from the main control CPU 30a and does not make any response. That is, in this case, the confirmation response signal that responds to the communication confirmation signal transmitted by the main control CPU 30a is not transmitted. Then, the payout control CPU 31a discards the control signal from the main control CPU 30a. At the same time, the payout control CPU 31a adds 1 to the number of errors stored and held in the payout control RAM 31c and counts the number of errors when it determines that an error has occurred.

  On the other hand, the main control CPU 30a that has transmitted the communication confirmation signal shifts to the next processing by receiving the confirmation response signal from the payout control CPU 31a as described in the example of FIG. Thereafter, when the confirmation response signal cannot be received even after the first time T1 (for example, 500 ms) as a predetermined time has elapsed, the communication confirmation signal is transmitted again. That is, the main control CPU 30a again executes the process of returning the payout by transmitting the communication confirmation signal again. The first time T1 is a time for waiting until the main control CPU 30a shifts to the next process.

  Even if the main control CPU 30a transmits the communication confirmation signal again, if the control signal from the main control CPU 30a still cannot be normally received, the payout control CPU 31a does not make any response in the same manner as described above. Is discarded and the error count is incremented by one. On the other hand, if the confirmation response signal cannot be received even after the first time T1 has elapsed, the main control CPU 30a further transmits a communication confirmation signal and repeats the process of returning the payout. As a result, even if the main control CPU 30a repeatedly transmits a communication confirmation signal, if the confirmation response signal from the payout control CPU 31a cannot be received, the number of errors related to communication between the main control CPU 30a and the payout control CPU 31a is increased. Accumulated. That is, the payout control CPU 31a continues to count the number of errors each time it determines that an error has occurred because it cannot receive the control signal from the main control CPU 30a normally.

  On the other hand, the payout control CPU 31a transmits a confirmation response signal to the main control CPU 30a when the main control CPU 30a can normally receive the communication confirmation signal while the main control CPU 30a repeatedly transmits the communication confirmation signal as described above. At the same time, the payout control CPU 31a resets the number of errors (clears it to [0]). When the main control CPU 30a receives the confirmation response signal, the main control CPU 30a transmits a start signal to the payout control CPU 31a. When receiving the start signal, the payout control CPU 31a sets the transmission permission signal in the second state (Low level) as the transmission permission signal in the first state (Hi level). Thereby, it returns to the state which can pay out a prize ball. The subsequent processing is as described in the example of FIG. Although not described in detail, even when the payout control CPU 31a cannot receive the start signal normally, the payout control CPU 31a performs the same process as when the communication confirmation signal cannot be received normally.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 6, when the information signal line L <b> 1 that is a control signal transmission line from the main board 30 to the payout board 31 is disconnected, the communication confirmation signal transmitted by the main control CPU 30 a is payout control. It is not received by the CPU 31a. That is, the payout control CPU 31a cannot recognize that the control signal (in this case, the communication confirmation signal) is transmitted from the main control CPU 30a, and does not determine an error. As a result, the number of errors stored and held in the payout control RAM 31c is not counted.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 6, when the information signal line L2 that is a control signal reception line from the payout board 31 to the main board 30 is disconnected, the main control CPU 30a that has transmitted the communication confirmation signal The confirmation response signal from the control CPU 31a cannot be received. For this reason, if the confirmation response signal cannot be received even after the first time T1 has elapsed, the main control CPU 30a transmits the communication confirmation signal again. On the other hand, the payout control CPU 31a that has transmitted the confirmation response signal determines that an error has occurred when the communication confirmation signal is received again after the transmission of the confirmation response signal. Then, the payout control CPU 31a does not transmit the confirmation response signal in response to the received communication confirmation signal again and discards the transmission information that can specify that the communication confirmation signal has been transmitted. At the same time, the payout control CPU 31a adds 1 to the number of errors and counts the number of errors when it determines that an error has occurred.

  If the confirmation control signal cannot be received, the main control CPU 30a further transmits a communication confirmation signal and repeats the process of returning the payout. As a result, even if the main control CPU 30a repeatedly transmits a communication confirmation signal, if the confirmation response signal from the payout control CPU 31a cannot be received, the number of errors related to communication between the main control CPU 30a and the payout control CPU 31a is increased. Accumulated. That is, the payout control CPU 31a continues to count the number of errors each time it determines that an error has occurred by repeatedly receiving the communication confirmation signal from the main control CPU 30a, despite having transmitted the confirmation response signal.

  As described above, when a communication error occurs between the main board 30 and the payout board 31, the main control CPU 30a does not receive the prize ball payout because the transmission permission signal does not enter the first state (Hi level). Even when a ball enters the ball entry device, a prize ball signal associated with the ball entry cannot be transmitted to the payout control CPU 31a. As a result, the prize ball signal to be transmitted to the payout control CPU 31a is stored and held in the main control RAM 30c.

  The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a backup function. In this embodiment, the main board 30 and the payout board 31 are equipped with a backup function. The pachinko gaming machine 10 equipped with a backup function retains information relating to game control for a predetermined period even when the power supply is stopped, and can return based on the information when the power supply is started.

  The information related to the game includes information related to the special symbol changing game, information related to the jackpot game, information related to the game state, and information related to payout of the winning ball. The information related to the special symbol variation game includes, for example, information that can identify the lottery result of the jackpot lottery, information that can identify the variation pattern of the special symbol variation game, and the special symbol derived in the special symbol variation game It is information that can be identified. The information related to the jackpot game includes information that can identify the progress status of the jackpot game. Information relating to the gaming state includes information that can specify whether the state is a probability variation state, information that can specify whether the state is an improved entrance rate, or the like. Information relating to the payout of prize balls includes information that can identify an unsent prize ball signal. The predetermined period is a period until the backup power source (for example, the electric double layer capacitor) mounted on the pachinko gaming machine 10 is discharged and the backup power source cannot supply power.

  When power is supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 10 to start it up (including when power is restored), the main control CPU 30a and the payout control CPU 31a are normal when the RAM initialization instruction is not received. If it is normal, a process for returning is performed based on the stored information (stored contents) regarding game control. Thereby, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is returned based on the storage contents of the RAM (information regarding game control at the time of power-off). Whether the stored contents are normal or abnormal is confirmed by, for example, checking the status of the backup flag and the checksum. When the stored contents of the RAM are abnormal, the RAM is initialized to set an initial value, and the control is started in the same manner as when the RAM initialization instruction is received. The instruction to initialize the RAM can be performed by operating a RAM clear switch mounted on the power supply unit 38, for example.

FIG. 7 shows an example of error notification and error cancellation when the communication error exemplified in FIG. 6 occurs.
In this embodiment, the payout control CPU 31a counts the number of errors as described with reference to FIG. 6, and performs error notification when the number of errors after the count reaches a predetermined number (10 in the embodiment). In this embodiment, the error notification execution condition is satisfied when the number of errors reaches a predetermined number. An error occurring in this case is a payout communication error 2. Therefore, the payout control CPU 31a displays [8] corresponding to the payout communication error 2 on the error display 39.

  On the other hand, the main control CPU 30a continuously transmits a communication confirmation signal to the payout control CPU 31a even when an error has occurred as described with reference to FIG. That is, the main control CPU 30a repeats the process of returning the payout by transmitting the communication confirmation signal. When the main control CPU 30a receives the confirmation response signal from the payout control CPU 31a, the main control CPU 30a further transmits a start signal. When the payout control CPU 31a receives the start signal, the payout control CPU 31a recognizes that the communication state with the main control CPU 30a is normal, and uses the transmission permission signal in the second state as the transmission permission signal in the first state. As a result, the communication state between the main control CPU 30a and the payout control CPU 31a returns to normal, and payout returns. However, the payout control CPU 31a continues the error notification by the error indicator 39 even when the payout is restored after the number of errors reaches the predetermined number. That is, when the number of errors reaches a predetermined number, the content of error notification by the error indicator 39 is maintained.

  The error notification ([8]) due to the occurrence of the payout communication error 2 described above satisfies either the first release condition for turning on the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10 or the second release condition by operating the release switch SW. It can be canceled by. In this embodiment, the second release condition based on the operation of the release switch SW is that the release switch SW is continuously pressed for a second time T2 (2 seconds in the embodiment) during execution of error notification (so-called “so-called”). , Long press). Then, the payout control CPU 31a inputs a detection signal from the release switch SW, and performs error release when it can be detected from the detection result that the operation has been performed in a mode satisfying the second release condition. That is, the payout control CPU 31a resets the number of errors (clears it to 0 (zero)) and ends the error notification by the error indicator 39. [-(Bar)] is displayed on the error display 39 when no error has occurred.

  The payout control CPU 31a continues counting the number of errors without resetting the number of errors even if the release switch SW is continuously operated during the second time T2 when the number of errors has not reached the predetermined number. To do. Then, when the release switch SW has been operated before the error notification, the payout control CPU 31a determines that the second time if the release switch SW has been operated continuously after the second time T2 after the error notification. Error cancellation is performed as an operation in a mode satisfying the cancellation condition. On the other hand, the payout control CPU 31a executes error notification again when the error notification execution condition is satisfied after the error is released. At this time, the payout control CPU 31a is in a case where the release switch SW is continuously operated after the first error release, and after the error notification, the release switch SW is continued after the second time T2. Even if operated, the error is not cleared. That is, the payout control CPU 31a performs the next error release by the release switch SW when it is detected that the release switch SW is not operated and is operated for the second time T2.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment performs error notification regarding 10 types of payout as described above. As for the payout unit errors 1 and 2 and the payout communication error 2, either the first release condition for turning on the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10 or the second release condition by operating the release switch SW is satisfied. Canceled. The full error is canceled when the full switch S12 does not continuously detect a full state for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). The payout unit ball run-out error is canceled when the first sensor of the payout unit HS continuously detects a game ball for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds). The payout unit ball clogging error is canceled when the second sensor of the payout unit HS does not continuously detect a game ball for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds). The excessive payout error and the payout communication error 1 are canceled when the first release condition for turning on the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is satisfied. The payout suspension error is canceled when the payout returns as illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 8 illustrates processing performed according to the state of the transmission permission signal when the payout control CPU 31a receives a prize ball signal.
When the payout control CPU 31a receives the prize ball signal when the transmission permission signal is in the first state, it receives the prize ball signal and pays out the prize ball.

  Further, the payout control CPU 31a changes the transmission permission signal from the first state to the second state due to the occurrence of an error or the reset of the CPU. The payout control CPU 31a may receive a prize ball signal at a timing when the transmission permission signal changes from the first state to the second state. In this case, the payout control CPU 31a accepts the received prize ball signal when the prize ball signal is received within a predetermined allowable period (third time T3) after the transmission permission signal is set to the second state, and the prize ball is paid out. I do.

  On the other hand, when the payout control CPU 31a receives a prize ball signal after the above-described permissible period (third time T3) has elapsed, it transmits that the prize ball signal is not permitted to be transmitted to the main control CPU 30a. Is transmitted as an unacceptable reception error signal. At the same time, the payout control CPU 31a causes the error display 39 to display [8] corresponding to the payout communication error 2. In this case, there is a possibility that the information signal line L3 for transmitting the transmission permission signal is abnormal, and the main control CPU 30a may erroneously recognize the transmission permission signal as the first state. For this reason, the payout control CPU 31a transmits the state of the transmission permission signal by transmitting a non-permission reception error signal from the information signal line L2. The payout control CPU 31a accepts a prize ball signal received after an allowable period, and pays out a prize ball.

  The main control CPU 30a that has received the non-permission reception error signal stops the transmission of the prize ball signal. That is, the main control CPU 30a holds a prize ball signal to be transmitted after receiving the non-permission reception error signal, and also when a ball enters a ball entry apparatus that is the target of a prize ball payout. , Do not send a prize ball signal.

  The communication confirmation signal and the start signal transmitted from the main board 30 are commands composed of 2-byte data. On the other hand, the confirmation response signal, the full error signal, the payout error signal, the non-permission reception error signal, the start notification signal, and the end notification signal transmitted from the payout control CPU 31a are commands composed of 1-byte data. is there.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, the main control CPU 30 a of this embodiment determines whether or not the payout control CPU 31 a permits the transmission of the prize ball signal based on the transmission permission signal. A prize ball signal is transmitted after confirming that there is no. Thereby, for example, when a communication error occurs between the main board 30 and the payout board 31, the main control CPU 30a transmits the prize ball signal in a situation where the payout control CPU 31a cannot receive the prize ball signal. It is suppressed. In other words, when a winning ball to be paid out is generated by entering a pitching device to be paid out, the winning ball signal transmitted from the main control CPU 30a to the payout control CPU 31a disappears and the winning ball Occurrence of a situation in which no is paid out is suppressed.

  In this embodiment, when the transmission permission signal is in the second state, the control signal is transmitted and received between the main control CPU 30a and the payout control CPU 31a, and transmitted when it is confirmed that the communication can be normally performed. The permission signal is set to the first state so that the main control CPU 30a can transmit a prize ball signal. That is, the payout can be returned by the main control CPU 30a and the payout control CPU 31a.

  Further, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is configured such that the payout board 31 can receive the detection signal from the upper door opening switch S10 and the detection signal from the lower door opening switch S11. Then, when the upper door opening switch S10 or the lower door opening switch S11 detects the opening of the front frame WM, the payout control CPU 31a performs processing for stopping the payout. Specifically, the payout control CPU 31a does not operate the payout unit HS so as not to pay out the prize ball based on the prize ball signal even when the prize ball signal is received. When the upper door opening switch S10 or the lower door opening switch S11 detects the closing of the front frame WM, the payout control CPU 31a restarts the payout of the winning ball.

  In particular, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the full switch S12 is arranged in the lower dish passage 27a of the front frame WM. Therefore, when the front frame WM is not opened, the payout can be stopped when the full switch S12 detects the full state, but when the front frame WM is opened, the detection signal from the full switch S12 is sent. Processing to stop payout cannot be performed as an opportunity. Therefore, when the front frame WM is opened, the payout can be stopped by using the detection signal from the upper door opening switch S10 or the lower door opening switch S11 as a trigger.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game balls paid out from the payout unit HS are guided to the front frame side payout passage 27 through the middle frame payout passage 29. For this reason, if the payout is performed when the front frame WM is opened, the game balls that have been paid out will stay in the middle frame payout passage 29, and a large amount of game balls will stay particularly during the big hit game. Will do. As a result, if the payout of the game ball is not stopped, there is a possibility that the payout unit HS may break down or the game ball may overflow from the middle frame payout passage 29 to the outside. The occurrence of a serious situation can be suppressed.

Next, error notification of the main board 30 will be described.
The error statuses that are subject to error notification include RAM clear, main control board error, magnetic error, induction magnetic field detection error, big prize opening illegal prize error, ordinary electric accessory illegal prize error, disconnection error, door open, full error There is a payout error. These error states are examples, and the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a function of detecting various error states according to specifications. The RAM clear is a state in which the stored contents of the main control RAM 30c are initialized. The main control board error is a state in which an abnormality has occurred in updating the hardware random number. The magnetic error is a state in which magnetism of a predetermined strength or more is detected by a magnetic sensor disposed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 as part of countermeasures against fraud. The induced magnetic field detection error is a state in which radio waves in a specific frequency band are detected by an induced magnetic field detection sensor (radio wave sensor) disposed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 as part of countermeasures against fraud. The big prize opening illegal prize error is a state in which a prize at the big prize opening is detected when the big hit game is not generated (when the special electric accessory device is not operated). The ordinary electric accessory illegal winning error is a state in which a winning to the second start port 13 is detected when the ordinary electric accessory device is not operated. The disconnection error is a state in which an abnormality has occurred in the connection of the switches on the board. The door opening is a state in which the front frame WM of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is opened. The full error is a state where the storage tray (lower tray 26b) is full. The payout error is a state in which an error relating to payout has occurred on the payout board 31 side.

  When these error conditions occur, the main control CPU 30a transmits an error notification signal for instructing error notification to the sub-control means (sub control board 32 → effect display board 46, voice / lamp board 47). Then, the sub control means that has received the error notification signal causes the error notification to be executed in a desired notification form. The notification form includes notification by screen display of the effect display device 11, notification by light emission of the decoration lamp La, and notification by sound output from the speaker Sp.

  The payout control CPU 31a transmits a control signal capable of specifying the fact to the main control CPU 30a when a full error occurs among the payout errors. In addition, the payout control CPU 31a indicates that, among the payout errors, a payout unit ball runout error, payout unit errors 1 and 2, a payout unit ball clogging error, an excessive payout error, and a payout communication error 1 and 2 occur. An identifiable control signal is transmitted to the main control CPU 30a. The control signal transmitted at this time may be a signal that can identify the type of error that has occurred, or a signal that can identify that any of these errors has occurred. Further, when the front frame WM is released, the payout control CPU 31a transmits a control signal that can specify that fact to the main control CPU 30a.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Regarding the payout of the prize ball, the main board 30 confirms whether or not the payout board 31 is in a state in which the prize ball signal can be received, and transmits the prize ball signal if it can be received. For this reason, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the payout board 31 cannot receive the prize ball signal and the prize ball cannot be paid out. Accordingly, the payout of the winning ball can be performed satisfactorily.

  (2) Further, the payout board 31 transmits whether or not the prize ball signal can be received by transmitting a transmission permission signal to the main board 30. For this reason, the main board 30 can perform control related to the payout of prize balls after grasping the state of the payout board 31.

  (3) When the transmission permission signal is in the second state (a state where the prize ball signal cannot be received), the main board 30 and the payout board 31 perform a process of returning the payout by mutually transmitting and receiving control signals. For this reason, a mechanism for automatically returning the payout in the pachinko gaming machine 10 is constructed, and the payout of the prize ball can be performed satisfactorily. Also, the payout can be returned early.

  (4) Further, since the main board 30 is configured to repeatedly perform the process of returning the payout, a mechanism for automatically returning the payout in the pachinko gaming machine 10 is constructed, and the payout of the prize ball is performed well. Can do.

  (5) Further, when the control signal cannot be normally transmitted and received between the main board 30 and the payout board 31 in the process of returning the payout, the number of errors is counted, so that the main board 30 and the payout board 31 are counted. It is also possible to detect communication errors. For this reason, a failure of the pachinko gaming machine 10 can be detected at an early stage, and the winning ball can be paid out favorably.

  (6) If the payout can be recovered even if a communication error is detected, the payout is performed, so that it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a situation where the game is interrupted, and the player feels uncomfortable. You can avoid it.

  (7) On the other hand, if the number of errors has reached a predetermined number, the error notification will continue even if the payout is restored, so the manager of the game hall will know the error that may have occurred in the pachinko gaming machine 10 Can be made. As a result, it is possible to contribute to early detection of defects in the pachinko gaming machine 10.

  (8) Since the error can be canceled by the cancel switch SW, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable by continuing the error notification. On the other hand, for error cancellation by the release switch SW, the release switch SW is operated in a manner that satisfies the release condition, the error can only be released after the error notification is performed, and the release condition is set again for the second and subsequent releases. Restrictions such as operation in a satisfying manner are provided. For this reason, it is possible to make the game hall manager strongly recognize that an error has occurred, and to encourage further countermeasures.

  (9) The prize ball signal transmitted before the third time T3 (allowable period) has elapsed since the transmission permission signal has entered the second state is configured to be received by the payout board 31. For this reason, it is possible to pay out a prize ball for a prize ball signal transmitted immediately after the transmission permission signal changes from the first state to the second state.

  (10) When the payout board 31 receives the prize ball signal after the elapse of the third time T3, the payout board 31 transmits a reception error when not permitted to the main board 30 to stop the transmission of the prize ball signal. For this reason, the loss | disappearance of a prize ball signal, etc. can be suppressed.

  (11) The prize ball lamp LA can notify the player or game hall manager that the prize ball has been paid out. For this reason, for example, although the prize ball lamp LA is informing, it is possible to find a situation where the prize ball is not paid out due to a ball jam or the like.

  (12) Further, since the notification of the prize ball lamp LA is a control for instructing the start and end of the notification, for example, the control is simplified as compared with the case where the notification is instructed every time a prize ball is paid out. Can do.

  (13) By sending the detection signal of the upper door opening switch S10 or the lower door opening switch S11 to the dispensing substrate 31, the dispensing can be stopped when the opening of the front frame WM is detected. In particular, even when the full switch S12 is arranged in the front frame WM as in the embodiment, the payout can be stopped by opening the front frame WM.

In addition, you may change this embodiment as follows.
The information signal line L1 and the information signal line L2 may be a single signal line, and bi-directional serial communication may be performed between the main board 30 and the payout board 31 using the signal line.

-The number of errors for error notification may be arbitrarily changed.
-The arrangement of the release switch SW may be arbitrarily changed.
The configuration of the release switch SW may be arbitrarily changed, such as a push button type, a lever type, or a dial type.

The operation that satisfies the release condition by the release switch SW may be arbitrarily changed. For example, one operation or a plurality of operations may be an operation that satisfies the release condition.
The notification form of the prize ball lamp LA may be lit from the start of notification to the end of notification or may flash.

  The prize ball lamp LA may be controlled by the main control CPU 30a or the payout control CPU 31a. When the payout control CPU 31a controls, it is not necessary to transmit the start notification signal and the end notification signal. Further, the notification itself by the prize ball lamp LA may be omitted.

In place of or in addition to the notification by the prize ball lamp LA, notification by the effect display device 11 or notification by sound may be performed.
The transmission permission signal may have the first state at a low level and the second state at a high level.

  -The error relating to the payout managed by the payout board 31 may be arbitrarily changed. For example, if it is a pachinko gaming machine 10 that does not connect a lending device, a lending device unconnected error may not be detected. That is, the type of error relating to payout can be arbitrarily changed according to the specifications of the pachinko gaming machine.

  The process for returning the payout described in the embodiment can be executed regardless of the state of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The states include a big hit gaming state, a probability variation state, a ball entering rate improvement state, and a normal state (including when the power is turned on) in which the probability variation state and the ball entering rate improvement state are not given. That is, the process of returning the payout can be executed when the transmission permission signal is in the second state.

  Information that can specify that an error relating to payout has occurred may be transmitted to the outside through the external terminal board 40. For example, information that can specify that the payout communication errors 1 and 2 have occurred may be transmitted to the outside.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 of the embodiment may be embodied as a gaming machine (so-called type 1 type 2 mixing machine) that grants a big hit game when a game ball passes a specific area.
・ As a pachinko machine 10 equipped with a probability variation function, a specification that gives a probable state until winning next time, a specification that gives a probable state until winning a falling lottery (falling machine), or a predetermined number of times There is a specification (ST machine) that gives a probability variation state until the minute symbol variation game ends. In addition, pachinko machines equipped with a probability variation function have a specification (V probability variation machine) that gives a probability variation state when a game ball passes a specific area. The pachinko gaming machine 10 of the embodiment may be embodied as a pachinko gaming machine with any of these specifications. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be a pachinko gaming machine having a specification in which the above-described fall machine and a V-like change machine are mixed.

  The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be embodied as a pachinko gaming machine classified as a second type, which is also referred to as “wings” or “hicko type”. In this type of pachinko machine, the opening and closing blades (opening and closing members) of the entrance device are opened when the game ball enters the start opening, and the game ball that enters the entrance device enters the special prize opening. A big hit game is caused by this.

  The audio / lamp board 47 may also be used as the sub control board 32, and the effect display board 46 may be connected to the voice / lamp board 47. A sub control board in which the sub control board 32, the effect display board 46, and the sound / lamp board 47 are integrated may be provided.

  The payout unit HS may be configured to pay out game balls one by one, or may be configured to pay out a plurality of balls (a predetermined unit number) at a time. Further, the driving force of the dispensing unit HS may be applied by a solenoid or a motor.

-The full switch S12 may be arranged in the middle frame WN. Even in this case, the payout may be stopped by detecting the opening of the front frame WM.
The detection means for detecting the opening of the front frame WM may be singular, and either the upper door opening switch S10 or the lower door opening switch S11 may be provided.

-One game ball storage tray may be used. That is, it is good also as a structure which combines the upper plate 26a and the lower plate 26b.
-The opening mechanism of the 2nd starting opening 13, the 1st grand prize opening 14, and the 2nd big prize opening 15 may be a blade type, and may be a door type.

  The pachinko gaming machine 10 of the embodiment may be embodied as a pachinko gaming machine that uses only special symbols. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the embodiment includes a pachinko gaming machine having a plurality of big prize openings, a single starting opening, and a pachinko gaming machine using a single special symbol, or a plurality of starting openings. A pachinko gaming machine that uses a single special symbol may be embodied. That is, the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10, particularly the specific configuration of the game board YB, may be arbitrarily changed.

Next, a technical idea that can be grasped from the above embodiment and another example will be added below.
(1-1) Main control means and payout control means for receiving a prize ball signal from the main control means and paying out a prize ball, wherein the main control means and the payout control means are bidirectional. In the gaming machine in which information can be transmitted and received, the main control means controls the payout ball signal to instruct the payout of the prize ball by detecting the entry into the entry device targeted for payout of the prize ball. A main-side prize ball payout process including a process to be transmitted to the means, wherein the payout control means is in a first state in which transmission of the prize ball signal is permitted, or transmission of the prize ball signal is not permitted. Performing a payout-side prize ball payout process including a process of transmitting to the main control means a transmission permission signal that can specify whether or not the second state is in the main side prize ball payout process, When receiving the transmission permission signal in the first state, While transmitting the prize ball signal to the outgoing control means, when receiving the transmission permission signal of the second state, sending a communication confirmation signal for requesting transmission permission of the prize ball signal to the payout control means, The gist is to execute a process for returning the payout.

  (1-2) In the payout side winning ball payout process, when the payout control means receives the communication confirmation signal, the payout control means transmits a confirmation response signal responding to the communication confirmation signal to the main control means, and the confirmation response signal The transmission permission signal in the first state is transmitted by receiving a start signal that can be specified to start payout of the game ball, the signal being transmitted from the main control means after the transmission of (1) The gaming machine according to 1).

  (2-1) Main control means and payout control means for receiving a prize ball signal from the main control means and paying out a prize ball, wherein the main control means and the payout control means are bidirectional. In the gaming machine in which information can be transmitted and received, the main control means controls the payout ball signal to instruct the payout of the prize ball by detecting the entry into the entry device targeted for payout of the prize ball. A main-side prize ball payout process including a process to be transmitted to the means, wherein the payout control means is in a first state in which transmission of the prize ball signal is permitted, or transmission of the prize ball signal is not permitted. Performing a payout-side prize ball payout process including a process of transmitting to the main control means a transmission permission signal that can specify whether or not the second state is in the main side prize ball payout process, When receiving the transmission permission signal in the first state, While transmitting the prize ball signal to the outgoing control means, when receiving the transmission permission signal of the second state, sending a communication confirmation signal for requesting transmission permission of the prize ball signal to the payout control means, In the payout-side prize ball payout process, the payout control means failed to normally receive the control signal from the main control means when the transmission permission signal is in the second state. A game machine that sometimes counts as the number of errors and discards the received control signal.

  (2-2) In the payout-side prize ball payout process, the payout control means normally receives the control signal from the main control means when the transmission permission signal is in the second state, and the received control signal Is the communication confirmation signal, a confirmation response signal responding to the communication confirmation signal is transmitted to the main control means, and the main control means that has transmitted the communication confirmation signal is The game according to (2-1), wherein if the confirmation response signal cannot be received after a lapse of time, the communication confirmation signal is transmitted again after the predetermined time has elapsed, and the process of returning the payout is executed again. Machine.

  (2-3) In the payout-side prize ball payout process, the payout control means is a signal transmitted from the main control means after the transmission of the confirmation response signal, and specifies that a game ball payout is started. The gaming machine according to (2-1) or (2-2), which transmits the transmission permission signal in the first state by receiving a possible start signal.

  (3-1) Main control means and payout control means for receiving a prize ball signal from the main control means and paying out a prize ball, wherein the main control means and the payout control means are bidirectional. In the gaming machine in which information can be transmitted and received, the main control means controls the payout ball signal to instruct the payout of the prize ball by detecting the entry into the entry device targeted for payout of the prize ball. A main-side prize ball payout process including a process to be transmitted to the means, wherein the payout control means is in a first state in which transmission of the prize ball signal is permitted, or transmission of the prize ball signal is not permitted. Performing a payout-side prize ball payout process including a process of transmitting to the main control means a transmission permission signal that can specify whether or not the second state is in the main side prize ball payout process, When receiving the transmission permission signal in the first state, While transmitting the prize ball signal to the outgoing control means, when receiving the transmission permission signal of the second state, sending a communication confirmation signal for requesting transmission permission of the prize ball signal to the payout control means, In the payout-side prize ball payout process, the payout control means failed to normally receive the control signal from the main control means when the transmission permission signal is in the second state. Sometimes it counts as the number of errors, discards the received control signal, and the main control means and the payout control means are connected by a transmission line for transmitting the control signal from the main control means to the payout control means. A gaming machine in which the number of errors managed by the payout control means is not counted when the transmission line is disconnected.

  (3-2) In the payout-side prize ball payout process, the payout control means normally receives the control signal from the main control means when the transmission permission signal is in the second state, and the received control signal Is the communication confirmation signal, a confirmation response signal responding to the communication confirmation signal is transmitted to the main control means, and the main control means transmits the confirmation signal even if a predetermined time elapses after transmission of the communication confirmation signal. The gaming machine according to (3-1), in which when the response signal cannot be received, the communication confirmation signal is transmitted again after the predetermined time has elapsed, and the process of returning the payout is executed again.

  (3-3) In the payout-side prize ball payout process, the payout control means is a signal transmitted from the main control means after the confirmation response signal is transmitted, and specifies that a game ball payout is started. The gaming machine according to (3-1) or (3-2), wherein the transmission permission signal in the first state is transmitted by receiving a possible start signal.

  (5-1) main control means and payout control means for receiving a prize ball signal from the main control means and paying out a prize ball, wherein the main control means and the payout control means are bidirectional. In the gaming machine in which information can be transmitted and received, the main control means controls the payout ball signal to instruct the payout of the prize ball by detecting the entry into the entry device targeted for payout of the prize ball. A main-side prize ball payout process including a process to be transmitted to the means, wherein the payout control means is in a first state in which transmission of the prize ball signal is permitted, or transmission of the prize ball signal is not permitted. Performing a payout-side prize ball payout process including a process of transmitting to the main control means a transmission permission signal that can specify whether or not the second state is in the main side prize ball payout process, When receiving the transmission permission signal in the first state, While transmitting the prize ball signal to the outgoing control means, when receiving the transmission permission signal of the second state, sending a communication confirmation signal for requesting transmission permission of the prize ball signal to the payout control means, In the payout side winning ball payout process, the payout control means transmits a confirmation response signal responding to the communication confirmation signal to the main control means when receiving the communication confirmation signal, After transmission of the acknowledgment signal, the transmission permission signal of the first state is transmitted by receiving a start signal that can be specified from the main control means to start paying out the game ball. The main control means repeats the process of returning the payout when the payout cannot be returned, and the payout control means performs control in the process of returning the payout. Counts as an error count when not properly perform transmission and reception of items, a game machine to perform a payout when said payout is restored.

  (5-2) If the error notification execution condition is satisfied because the number of errors after counting reaches a predetermined number, the payout control means waits for the payout after the number of errors reaches the predetermined number. The gaming machine according to (5-1), wherein the error notification is continued even when is restored.

  (6-1) Main control means and payout control means for receiving a prize ball signal from the main control means and paying out a prize ball, wherein the main control means and the payout control means are bidirectional. In the gaming machine in which information can be transmitted and received, the main control means controls the payout ball signal to instruct the payout of the prize ball by detecting the entry into the entry device targeted for payout of the prize ball. A main-side prize ball payout process including a process to be transmitted to the means, wherein the payout control means is in a first state in which transmission of the prize ball signal is permitted, or transmission of the prize ball signal is not permitted. Performing a payout-side prize ball payout process including a process of transmitting to the main control means a transmission permission signal that can specify whether or not the second state is in the main side prize ball payout process, When receiving the transmission permission signal in the first state, While transmitting the prize ball signal to the outgoing control means, when receiving the transmission permission signal of the second state, sending a communication confirmation signal for requesting transmission permission of the prize ball signal to the payout control means, In the payout side winning ball payout process, the payout control means transmits a confirmation response signal responding to the communication confirmation signal to the main control means when receiving the communication confirmation signal, After transmission of the acknowledgment signal, the transmission permission signal of the first state is transmitted by receiving a start signal that can be specified from the main control means to start paying out the game ball. The payout control means counts the number of errors when the transmission / reception of the control signal cannot be normally performed in the process of returning the payout, and the number of errors after counting is a predetermined number of times. When the error notification is executed, an error notification execution condition is established, and the error notification means provided in the gaming machine is operated in a mode that satisfies the release condition during the execution of the error notification, and the error notification is terminated and the number of errors A gaming machine that can perform error reset to reset.

  (6-2) The main control means repeats the process of returning the payout when the payout cannot be returned, and the payout control means returns an error when the control signal cannot be normally transmitted and received in the process of returning the payout. When the error notification execution condition is satisfied because the number of errors after counting reaches the predetermined number, the payout is restored after the number of errors reaches the predetermined number. However, the gaming machine according to (6-1), in which the error notification is continued.

  (6-3) When the number of errors has not reached the predetermined number, the payout control means does not reset the number of errors even if the error release means is operated in a condition that satisfies the release condition, and performs the payout. The gaming machine according to (6-1) or (6-2), which counts the number of errors when the transmission / reception of the control signal cannot be performed normally in the process of returning.

  (6-4) The payout control unit is configured to notify the error notification again when the error canceling unit is continuously operated even after the error canceling is performed and the error canceling unit is continuously operated. The gaming machine according to any one of (6-1) to (6-3), wherein the error cancellation is not performed during execution of the error notification when an execution condition is satisfied.

  (6-5) The payout control unit is configured so that the error canceling unit performs the error canceling unit while the error notification execution condition is satisfied when the error canceling unit is continuously operated. The gaming machine according to (6-4), wherein the error cancellation is performed by detecting non-operation and then operating in a mode satisfying the cancellation condition.

  (7-1) Main control means and payout control means for receiving a prize ball signal from the main control means and paying out a prize ball, wherein the main control means and the payout control means are bidirectional. In the gaming machine in which information can be transmitted and received, the main control means controls the payout ball signal to instruct the payout of the prize ball by detecting the entry into the entry device targeted for payout of the prize ball. A main-side prize ball payout process including a process to be transmitted to the means, wherein the payout control means is in a first state in which transmission of the prize ball signal is permitted, or transmission of the prize ball signal is not permitted. Performing a payout-side prize ball payout process including a process of transmitting to the main control means a transmission permission signal that can specify whether or not the second state is in the main side prize ball payout process, When receiving the transmission permission signal in the first state, The prize ball signal is transmitted to the payout control means, and the payout control means normally receives the control signal from the main control means when the transmission permission signal is in the first state in the payout-side prize ball payout process. A gaming machine that sets the transmission permission signal to the second state when it cannot be performed, and receives the prize ball signal when the prize ball signal is received within a predetermined allowable period from the second state, and pays out the prize ball .

  (7-2) In the main-side prize ball payout process, the main control means sends a communication confirmation signal for requesting the payout control means to permit transmission of the prize ball signal when receiving the transmission permission signal in the second state. Transmitting and executing a process for returning the payout, and in the payout-side prize ball payout process, the payout control means receives a confirmation response signal in response to the communication confirmation signal when the communication confirmation signal is received. And transmitting the first state by receiving a start signal that can be specified to start paying out the game ball after the confirmation response signal is transmitted. The gaming machine according to (7-1), which transmits a permission signal.

  (8-1) Main control means and payout control means for receiving a prize ball signal from the main control means and paying out a prize ball, wherein the main control means and the payout control means are bidirectional. In the gaming machine in which information can be transmitted and received, the main control means controls the payout ball signal to instruct the payout of the prize ball by detecting the entry into the entry device targeted for payout of the prize ball. A main-side prize ball payout process including a process to be transmitted to the means, wherein the payout control means is in a first state in which transmission of the prize ball signal is permitted, or transmission of the prize ball signal is not permitted. Performing a payout-side prize ball payout process including a process of transmitting to the main control means a transmission permission signal that can specify whether or not the second state is in the main side prize ball payout process, When receiving the transmission permission signal in the first state, The prize ball signal is transmitted to the payout control means, and the payout control means normally receives the control signal from the main control means when the transmission permission signal is in the first state in the payout-side prize ball payout process. If not, the transmission permission signal is set to the second state, and when the prize ball signal is received within a predetermined allowable period from the second state, the prize ball signal is received, the prize ball is paid out, A gaming machine that transmits an unacceptable reception error signal to the main control means when the prize ball signal is received after an allowable period has elapsed.

  (8-2) If the main control means receives the non-permission reception error signal, the main control means stops the transmission of the prize ball signal until the transmission permission signal becomes the first state. The gaming machine described.

  (8-3) In the main prize ball payout process, the main control means sends a communication confirmation signal for requesting the payout control means to send the prize ball signal when receiving the transmission permission signal in the second state. Transmitting and executing a process for returning the payout, and in the payout-side prize ball payout process, the payout control means receives a confirmation response signal in response to the communication confirmation signal when the communication confirmation signal is received. And transmitting the first state by receiving a start signal that can be specified to start paying out the game ball after the confirmation response signal is transmitted. The gaming machine according to (8-1) or (8-2), which transmits a permission signal.

(8-4) The gaming machine according to any one of (8-1) to (8-3), wherein the payout control unit causes an error notification to notify that the non-permission reception error signal has been transmitted. .
(9-1) Main control means and payout control means for receiving a prize ball signal from the main control means and paying out a prize ball, wherein the main control means and the payout control means are bidirectional. In the gaming machine in which information can be transmitted and received, the main control means controls the payout ball signal to instruct the payout of the prize ball by detecting the entry into the entry device targeted for payout of the prize ball. A main-side prize ball payout process including a process to be transmitted to the means, wherein the payout control means is in a first state in which transmission of the prize ball signal is permitted, or transmission of the prize ball signal is not permitted. Performing a payout-side prize ball payout process including a process of transmitting to the main control means a transmission permission signal that can specify whether or not the second state is in the main side prize ball payout process, When receiving the transmission permission signal in the first state, While transmitting the prize ball signal to the outgoing control means, when receiving the transmission permission signal of the second state, sending a communication confirmation signal for requesting transmission permission of the prize ball signal to the payout control means, In the payout side winning ball payout process, the payout control means transmits a confirmation response signal responding to the communication confirmation signal to the main control means when receiving the communication confirmation signal, After transmission of the acknowledgment signal, the transmission permission signal of the first state is transmitted by receiving a start signal that can be specified from the main control means to start paying out the game ball. A gaming machine that performs a process of starting a payout notification of a prize ball when the number of prize balls to be paid out is zero to one or more by receiving the prize ball signal.

(9-2) The gaming machine according to (9-1), wherein the payout control unit performs a process of terminating the payout notification of a prize ball when the number of prize balls to be paid out becomes zero.
(9-3) Processing for starting the payout notification of the prize ball includes transmitting a start notification signal for instructing the main control means to start the payout notification, and finishing the payout notification of the prize ball. Includes transmitting an end notification signal for instructing the main control means to end the payout notification. The payout notification is received after the main control means receives the start notification signal. The gaming machine according to (9-2), which is continued until the game is completed.

(9-4) The gaming machine according to any one of (9-1) to (9-3), wherein the prize ball payout notification is executed by a notification unit included in the gaming machine.
(10-1) main control means, and payout control means for receiving a prize ball signal from the main control means and paying out a prize ball, wherein the main control means and the payout control means are bidirectional. In the gaming machine in which information can be transmitted and received, the main control means controls the payout ball signal to instruct the payout of the prize ball by detecting the entry into the entry device targeted for payout of the prize ball. A main-side prize ball payout process including a process to be transmitted to the means, wherein the payout control means is in a first state in which transmission of the prize ball signal is permitted, or transmission of the prize ball signal is not permitted. Performing a payout-side prize ball payout process including a process of transmitting to the main control means a transmission permission signal that can specify whether or not the second state is in the main side prize ball payout process, Before receiving the transmission permission signal in the first state While transmitting the prize ball signal to the payout control means, when receiving the transmission permission signal in the second state, sending a communication confirmation signal for requesting permission to send the prize ball signal to the payout control means, An opening detecting means for executing a process for returning the payout and detecting opening of a front frame covering a front surface of the gaming board included in the gaming machine is provided, and the payout control means receives a detection signal from the opening detecting means. A gaming machine that performs a process of stopping payout when the front frame is opened.

  (10-2) A full detection means for detecting a full state of a ball tray provided in the gaming machine is provided, and the front frame is provided with a payout passage for guiding the paid game balls to the ball tray, The gaming machine according to (10-1), wherein the full detection means is provided so as to be able to detect a game ball passing through a payout passage.

  10 ... Pachinko machines, 12 ... 1st start opening, 13 ... 2nd start opening, 14 ... 1st grand prize opening, 15 ... 2nd big prize opening, 16 ... Normal prize opening, 17 ... Normal prize opening, 30 ... Main board, 30a ... CPU for main control, 31 ... Discharge board, 31a ... CPU for payout control, S10 ... Upper door opening switch, S11 ... Lower door opening switch, S12 ... Full switch, SW ... Release switch, LA ... Prize ball Lamp, WM ... Front frame.

Claims (3)

Main control means and payout control means for receiving a prize ball signal from the main control means and paying out a prize ball, and the main control means and the payout control means can transmit and receive information bidirectionally. In the gaming machine that
The main control means includes a process of transmitting a prize ball signal for instructing a prize ball to be paid out by detecting entry to a ball entry apparatus to be awarded a prize ball to the payout control means. Execute the withdrawal process,
The payout control means transmits a transmission permission signal that can specify whether the first state permits transmission of the prize ball signal or the second state that prohibits transmission of the prize ball signal. Execute payout side prize ball payout processing including processing to be sent to the main control means,
In the main-side prize ball payout process, the main control means includes:
While receiving the transmission permission signal of the first state, while transmitting the prize ball signal to the payout control means,
When receiving the transmission permission signal in the second state, a communication confirmation signal for requesting transmission permission of the prize ball signal is transmitted to the payout control means, and a process for returning the payout is executed.
In the payout-side prize ball payout process, the payout control means includes:
When the communication confirmation signal is received, an acknowledgment signal that responds to the communication confirmation signal is transmitted to the main control means,
A gaming machine that counts as the number of errors when the communication confirmation signal is received again after transmission of the confirmation response signal, and does not transmit the confirmation response signal again. In the payout-side prize ball payout process, the payout control means includes:
After transmission of the acknowledgment signal, the transmission permission signal of the first state is transmitted by receiving a start signal that can be specified from the main control means to start paying out the game ball. The gaming machine according to claim 1. The payout control means includes
2. The transmission permission signal in the second state is transmitted instead of the transmission permission signal in the first state due to the occurrence of an error relating to the payout of the game ball when the transmission permission signal in the first state is transmitted. Or the gaming machine according to claim 2.

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