JP7173523B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

Conventionally, pachinko gaming machines are configured to perform a jackpot lottery triggered by a ball entering a starting hole, and to award a special game (so-called jackpot game) to open the jackpot when the jackpot lottery is won. (For example, Patent Document 1). Since the player can win a large number of prize balls in the jackpot game, his interest is enhanced.

JP-A-2005-261711

However, in conventional pachinko machines, the degree of advantage in special games, such as the probability of big wins, is fixed for each model. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such conventional technology, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of suppressing a decline in interest of a player.

A game machine for solving the above-mentioned problems is provided with a mounting frame for mounting various game components including a game board, provided on the game board on the condition that a jackpot lottery triggered by establishment of a starting condition is won. In a gaming machine providing a special game for opening a big winning slot, a setting control means configured to control setting information, a setting operation means configured to perform a predetermined operation, and announcing. A notification means, an open detection means for detecting the opening of the mounting frame, and an external signal output means for outputting an external signal are provided. The setting control state in which the setting information is controlled includes a setting change state in which the setting information can be set, and a setting confirmation state in which the setting notification means is controlled so that the set setting information can be confirmed. and the conditions for transitioning to the setting change state and the conditions for transitioning to the setting confirmation state include a predetermined mode of operation of the setting operation means, and are different from the setting change state and the setting confirmation state. As a control state, there is a normal control state in which a variable game based on the big win lottery can be executed, and in the mode of transition to the normal control state, a setting change is made to shift to the normal control state via the setting change state. There are a transition form and a setting confirmation transition form in which the state is shifted to the normal control state via the setting confirmation state, and the notification means executes transition notification that can specify that the state has been shifted to the normal control state. and a notification means capable of executing release notification capable of specifying that the opening of the loading frame has been detected, wherein the shift notification is executed with priority over the release notification, and the The external signal is output in response to transition to the setting change state or in response to transition to the setting confirmation state, and even if the setting change state ends within the minimum output time, the external signal is at least the relevant signal. output for the minimum output time, and even if the setting confirmation state ends within the minimum output time, the external signal is output for at least the minimum output time, and the minimum output time is maintained between the setting change state and the setting confirmation state. Differently, the game machine is configured to be capable of executing notification when it is in the setting change state and notification when it is in the setting confirmation state, and a setting error occurs when the game machine is powered on. In this case, setting error notification can be executed, and the setting error notification includes notification in the setting change state and notification in the setting confirmation state. is executed with priority over the setting error notification, the external signal is output, the setting error includes a first error and a second error, and the setting error includes a first error and a second error. The 1 error is an error that occurs under the condition that the setting information is abnormal, and the 2nd error is an error in which the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped after the power supply to the gaming machine is stopped while the setting information is in the setting change state. This is an error that occurs under the condition that the setting change state was not changed or was not changed when the was restarted, and when the setting error notification is executed, the first error and the The gist is that the second error is identified and notified.

According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the decline in interest of the player.

Overall perspective view of the pachinko game machine. Front view of the game board. Front view of the main control unit. A block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine. Explanatory drawing explaining a setting value (setting information). Explanatory drawing explaining the state transition at the time of power-on. Explanatory drawing explaining the kind of error and alerting|reporting priority. 4 is a flowchart showing power-on processing; 4 is a timing chart for explaining the contents of control when shifting to a setting confirmation state; 4 is a timing chart for explaining the details of control when transitioning to a setting change state; Explanatory drawing explaining the alerting|reporting aspect in a setting control state. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the notification modes of the RWM clear notification and the power recovery notification; (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams for explaining the notification mode of the display means in the setting control state.

An embodiment of the pachinko game machine will be described below. In this specification, up, down, left, right, front (front), and back (back) indicate directions when viewed from the player.
As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko game machine 10 as a game machine has a frame W. As shown in FIG. The frame W constitutes the body of the pachinko game machine 10 . The frame body W includes an outer frame WS as a fixed frame (installation frame) for fixing the machine body of the pachinko game machine 10 to an island facility (game machine installation facility) such as a game hall, and various parts (game components ) as a mounting frame (mounting portion) and a front frame WM. The middle frame WN is attached to the open front side of the outer frame WS so as to be openable and detachable, and the front frame WM is attached to the front side of the middle frame WN so as to be openable and detachable. The number of frames constituting the mounting frame may be one, or three or more.

The pachinko game machine 10 has a locking device SS. In the pachinko game machine 10, the locking device SS always regulates the opening of the middle frame WN and the front frame WM. to open the middle frame WN and the front frame WM.

The front frame WM is provided with protective glass G for protecting the game board YB mounted on the middle frame WN. In FIG. 1, the protective glass G is partially omitted, but actually covers the entire window WMa of the front frame WM. The front frame WM is openably and closably supported by the middle frame WN, which is a support frame, and is formed with a window WMa through which the game board YB can be visually recognized.

The front frame WM also has a speaker SP on the front. The speaker SP is used when performing audio production such as outputting sounds such as music and sound effects, and is also used when performing audio notification such as error notification by outputting an error sound. In this embodiment, the speaker SP is notification means for giving notification, specific notification means configured to enable predetermined notification, and sound output means.

In addition, the front frame WM has decoration lamps LA1 and LA2 on the front. In the following description, the decorative lamps LA1 and LA2 may be collectively referred to as "decorating lamp LA". The decoration lamp LA is used when performing light emission effects by lighting, blinking and extinguishing of the built-in light emitter, and is also used when performing light emission notification such as error notification. The decorative lamps LA1 and LA2 may emit the same light or different light during the production and notification. In this embodiment, the decorative lamp LA is a notification means that performs notification, and a specific notification means configured to enable predetermined notification.

The front frame WM is provided with a game ball shooting handle HD on the lower front side, and an upper tray Sa and a lower tray Sb as ball trays (storage trays) for storing game balls on the lower front side. The upper tray Sa is a storage tray for storing game balls that are shot toward the game area YBa of the game board YB mainly by operating the shooting handle HD, and that are taken into the machine. The lower tray Sb is a storage tray for storing game balls that are mainly paid out from the pachinko gaming machine 10 and overflows from the upper tray Sa. Although not shown, various discharge passages for discharging game balls to the lower tray Sb are mounted on the rear side of the front frame WM. The discharge passage includes, for example, a discharge passage for game balls overflowing from the upper tray Sa, a discharge passage for game balls stored in the upper tray Sa, and a discharge passage for game balls hit toward the game area YBa but reaching the game area YBa. There is a discharge passage for game balls that have returned without being played. In addition, on the upper surface of the upper tray Sa, as shown in FIG. A ball lending operation unit TS and the like are provided to be operated when the game is played.

The middle frame WN is equipped with a game board YB, various control boards, various members (a ball tank, a payout unit) for paying out game balls (not shown), and the like. Although not shown, the middle frame WN is equipped with a guide passage for game balls. The guide passage includes, for example, a guide passage for guiding the game balls stored in the ball tank to the payout unit, a guide passage for guiding the game balls (prize balls or rental balls) paid out from the payout unit to the upper tray Sa, There is a guide passage that guides the effective balls used in the game to the outside of the machine (equipment installed in the game machine). The effective sphere will be explained later in detail.

As shown in FIG. 2, on the board surface of the game board YB, a substantially circular game area YBa is defined when viewed from the front. A performance display device 11 having an image display section GH is provided substantially in the 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 display effects using images, such as a pattern variation game using effect patterns (decoration patterns). In addition, the effect display device 11 is also used when performing notification such as error notification by displaying an error image. In this embodiment, the effect display device 11 is notification means for performing notification, specific notification means configured to enable predetermined notification, and display means.

In addition, a game area YBa of the game board YB is provided with a plurality of winning holes (ball entry holes) into which game balls can enter. The winning openings include a first starting opening 12, a second starting opening 13, a big winning opening 14, and ordinary winning openings 15 and 16. - 特許庁

The first starting port 12 is a prize winning port into which a game ball is entered when establishing the starting condition of the symbol variation game. In this embodiment, the first starting port 12 is located below the effect display device 11 and is always open so that a game ball can enter. A ball passage (not shown) is connected to the first starting port 12 to guide the entered game ball to the rear side of the game board YB, and the game ball entering the first starting port 12 is detected in the ball passage. Means (first starting winning sensor SE1 shown in FIG. 5) is provided.

The second starting port 13 is a prize winning port into which a game ball is entered when establishing the starting condition of the symbol variation game. In this embodiment, the second starting port 13 is positioned to the right of the first starting port 12 . The second starting port 13 is closed so that the game ball cannot enter or is difficult to enter when the predetermined condition (winning of the normal symbol) is not satisfied. Then, the second starting port 13 is opened so that a game ball can be entered or can be easily entered by establishment of a predetermined condition (winning a normal symbol). The second starting port 13 is opened by receiving power from an actuator (solenoid, motor, etc.). As an actuator for opening the second starting port 13 in this embodiment, a first solenoid SL1 shown in FIG. 5 is provided. In addition, a ball passage (not shown) is connected to the second starting port 13 to guide the entered game ball to the rear side of the game board YB. A means (second starting winning sensor SE2 shown in FIG. 5) for detecting is provided. The second starting port 13 is a so-called "ordinary electric accessory".

The big winning hole 14 is a winning hole into which a game ball is entered when satisfying the payout condition of the prize ball. In this embodiment, the big winning opening 14 is located at the lower right side of the effect display device 11 . The big winning opening 14 is closed so that a game ball cannot be entered when a predetermined condition (election of a special symbol) is not established. Then, the big winning opening 14 can enter a game ball or is opened so as to easily enter a game ball when a predetermined condition (election of a special symbol) is established. The big winning opening 14 is opened by receiving power from an actuator (solenoid, motor, etc.). In this embodiment, a second solenoid SL2 shown in FIG. 5 is provided as an actuator for opening the big prize opening 14. As shown in FIG. In addition, a ball passage (not shown) is connected to the big winning hole 14 to guide the entering game ball to the rear side of the game board YB, and the ball passing into the big winning hole 14 is detected. Means (special winning sensor SE3 shown in FIG. 5) is provided.

The normal winning openings 15 and 16 are winning openings into which game balls are entered when fulfilling the payout conditions for the winning balls. In this embodiment, the normal winning openings 15 and 16 are located in the left area and the right area of the game area YBa, respectively. In addition, the normal winning openings 15 and 16 are always opened so that game balls can be entered.

The normal winning opening 15 on the left is located at a position where game balls shot mainly at the first start opening 12 can enter, and game balls shot aiming at the big winning opening 14 cannot enter. in position. In this embodiment, a plurality of normal winning openings 15 are provided in the left area. Each normal winning hole 15 on the left side is connected to a ball passage (not shown) that guides the entered game ball to the rear side of the game board YB. A means for detecting a game ball (first normal winning sensor SE5 shown in FIG. 5) is provided. The ball passage connected to the left normal prize winning port 15 is composed of a plurality of branch passages for receiving the game balls entering each normal prize winning port 15 and a collective passage for receiving the game balls guided through each branch passage. , and a single normal winning sensor SE5 is arranged in the collective passage.

The normal winning opening 16 on the right side is located at a position where game balls shot mainly at the big winning opening 14 can enter, and game balls shot aiming at the first start opening 12 cannot enter. in position. In other words, the normal winning hole 16 on the right side is arranged at a position where a game ball shot aiming at the big winning hole 14 can enter. In this embodiment, a single normal prize winning opening 16 is provided in the right area. A ball passage (not shown) is connected to the normal winning hole 16 on the right side to guide the entering game ball to the rear side of the game board YB, and the ball entering the normal winning hole 16 is connected to the ball passage. Means for detecting a ball (second normal winning sensor SE6 shown in FIG. 5) is provided.

In this embodiment, the first starting hole 12, the second starting hole 13, the big winning hole 14, and the normal winning holes 15, 16 satisfy the conditions for paying out prize balls when a game ball enters each of the winning holes. The first starting opening 12, the second starting opening 13 and the normal winning openings 15 and 16 are a plurality of winning openings different from the big winning opening 14. - 特許庁In this embodiment, the number of prize balls of the first start hole 12 is [4 balls], the number of prize balls of the second start hole 13 is [1 ball], and the number of prize balls of the big winning hole 14 is [15 balls]. In addition, the number of prize balls for each of the normal winning holes 15 and 16 is set to [5 balls]. It should be noted that the number of prize balls set for each winning hole may be changed as appropriate. The number of game balls defined as the number of prize balls is the number of game balls paid out from the pachinko gaming machine 10 for one ball entering. The first starting hole 12, the second starting hole 13, the big winning hole 14, and the normal winning holes 15 and 16 are ball entry devices that are the target of prize ball payout when a game ball enters the pachinko machine 10. is provided with a plurality of ball-entering devices to which prize balls are paid out as described above.

Further, an operating gate 17 is arranged in the game area YBa. In this embodiment, the operating gate 17 is located on the right side of the game area YBa and above the second starting opening 13 and the big winning opening 14 . The operating gate 17 has a gate opening 17a which is open so that game balls can be entered at all times. The gate opening 17a is provided with a means (gate sensor SE4 shown in FIG. 5) for detecting a game ball entering and passing through. The gate opening 17a of the operating gate 17 is a ball entry opening for entering a game ball when establishing the start condition of a symbol variation game using normal symbols (hereinafter referred to as "normal symbol variation game"). The second starting port 13 wins a winning lottery of a normal pattern performed by entering a game ball into an operation gate 17, and after being led out in a normal pattern variation game, it operates from a closed state to an open state. Note that the operation gate 17 is not a ball entry device that pays out prize balls when a game ball enters the operation gate 17, and even if a game ball enters the operation gate 17, the prize ball payout condition is not established.

Here, the above-mentioned effective sphere will be explained.
In this specification, the effective ball is a game ball used in a game in the pachinko game machine 10, and more specifically, a game ball that is launched by operating the launch handle HD and reaches the game area YBa of the game board YB. is. In the pachinko game machine 10, when the shooting handle HD is operated continuously, the game balls are shot at a predetermined interval (100 balls are shot per minute), and among the shot game balls, the shooting passage 20 guides the game balls. A game ball that has passed through the anti-return valve 21 corresponds to an effective ball. On the other hand, among the game balls that have been hit, the game balls that have returned or flowed back through the hitting passage 20 without passing through the anti-return valve 21 (so-called return balls) go down through the discharge passage that communicates with the middle of the hitting passage 20. Since it is discharged to the plate Sb and returned to the player, it is a game ball (ineffective ball) that has not been used in the game, and does not become a valid ball.

A game ball as an effective ball that has reached the game area YBa may enter any of the winning holes on the game board YB, or may enter the out hole 18 without entering any of the winning holes. It may also hit the ball. A valid ball entering any of the winning holes is guided to a guide passage in the middle frame WN from the ball passage connected to the winning hole into which the ball entered, and is guided out of the machine through the guide passage. , is ejected overboard. In addition, the game ball entering the out port 18 is guided from the ball passage connected to the out port 18 to the guide passage in the middle frame WN, and is guided out of the machine through the guide passage and out of the machine. Ejected.

Returning to the description of the game board YB, the game board YB is provided with an information display device 19 capable of displaying predetermined information. For example, the information display device 19 is provided at a position visible to the player on the game board YB.

The information display device 19 has a first special symbol display portion 19a. The first special symbol display unit 19a can execute a first special symbol variation game as a symbol variation game in which a predetermined symbol is variably displayed and the first special symbol is finally fixed and stopped. The information display device 19 has a second special symbol display portion 19b. The second special symbol display unit 19b can execute a second special symbol variation game as a symbol variation game in which a predetermined symbol is variably displayed and the second special symbol is finally fixed and stopped. The first special symbol and the second special symbol are symbols for reporting the result of the internal lottery.

In the following description, the first special symbol variation game will be abbreviated as "first special game", and the second special symbol variation game will be abbreviated as "second special game". Also, the first special game and the second special game are collectively referred to as "special game". In this specification, "variable display" means a state in which the type of displayed pattern changes with the lapse of time. In this specification, the term "determined stop display" means a state in which the symbols are definitely stopped and displayed, and the type of the displayed symbols does not change. With respect to the symbols, "determined stop display" and "derivation" have the same meaning.

Special symbols that can be derived from the first and second special symbol display portions 19a and 19b include at least a big hit symbol as a big hit display result and a losing symbol as a losing display result. In this embodiment, when a big win is won in a winning lottery, which is a predetermined internal lottery, a big winning pattern is derived in a special game, and after the special game ends, a big winning game as a special game is provided. That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, after the winning display result is derived in the special game under the condition that the big win is won in the winning lottery triggered by the establishment of the starting condition, the big winning opening 14 A special game that opens is given.

The information display device 19 has a first special hold display section 19c. The first special suspension display portion 19c displays information that can specify the number of first special games whose execution is suspended because the suspension condition has been met but the execution condition has not yet been met. The information display device 19 has a second special hold display section 19d. The second special suspension display portion 19d displays information that can specify the number of times of the second special game whose execution is suspended because the suspension condition has been met but the execution condition has not yet been met.

The information display device 19 includes a normal symbol display portion 19e. The normal symbol display unit 19e can execute a normal symbol variation game in which a predetermined symbol is variably displayed and the normal symbol is finally determined and stopped. The normal design is a design for notifying the result of the winning lottery of the normal design. In the following description, the normal pattern variation game may be abbreviated as "normal pattern variation game". The normal symbols that can be drawn out to the normal symbol display portion 19e include normal winning symbols and normal losing symbols. In this embodiment, when winning the winning lottery of normal symbols, the normal winning design is derived in the normal pattern variation game, and the normal winning game is provided after the end of the normal pattern variation game.

The information display device 19 has a normal hold display section 19f. The normal suspension display portion 19f displays information that can specify the number of times of the normal pattern fluctuation game whose execution is suspended because the suspension condition has been satisfied but the execution condition has not been satisfied yet. The display units 19a to 19f do not need to be provided in one display device, and may be provided in different portions. In addition, the information display device 19 may include a right-handed display section for displaying information instructing so-called "right-handed" and a round display section for notifying the upper limit number of round games, which will be described later.

In this embodiment, the player adjusts the strength of the firing intensity of the firing handle HD to separate the game balls into the left region and the right region, and the first start port 12 and the second start port 13. , the big winning opening 14, the normal winning openings 15, 16 or the operating gate 17. Specifically, when the game ball is shot by adjusting the shooting intensity to a stronger value (so-called right-handed hitting), the game ball is easily guided to flow down to the right area, the second start opening 13, the big winning opening. 14, there is a possibility of entering the normal winning opening 16 on the right or the operation gate 17. In addition, since it is necessary to shoot the game ball vigorously in order to reach the right area, the shooting intensity is adjusted to the maximum intensity or a slightly weaker intensity than the maximum intensity.

On the other hand, when the game ball is launched by adjusting the launch strength to a weaker value (so-called left-handed hitting), the game ball is likely to flow down and guided to the left region, and the first start port 12 or the left normal winning There is a possibility that the ball will enter the mouth 15. In addition, since it is not necessary to shoot the game ball as vigorously as in the case of right-handed hitting, the left-handed hitting is performed by adjusting the strength to such an extent that the fired game ball does not reach the right area. In addition, in this embodiment, when hitting to the right, the flow path of the game ball is prevented by game parts such as game nails so that the game ball cannot enter the first start hole 12 or the normal winning hole 15 on the left. is formed. In addition, the game parts may be arranged so as to restrict the entry of the ball into the first starting hole 12 or the left normal winning hole 15 when hitting to the right, or to restrict the entry of the ball to the normal winning hole 15 on the left side when hitting to the left. It may be arranged such that it is difficult to enter the first starting hole 12 or the left normal winning hole 15 (the probability of entering the ball is extremely low).

In this embodiment, the "left area" is an area located on the left side of the center line C that bisects the game area YBa when the game board YB is viewed from the front. Further, in this embodiment, the "right area" is an area located on the right side of the center line C when the game board YB is viewed from the front. A game ball shot by operating a shooting handle HD in the pachinko game machine 10 is guided by a hitting passage 20 located on the left side when the game board YB is viewed from the front, and a reversing prevention positioned at the most downstream side of the hitting passage 20.例文帳に追加It passes through the valve 21 and reaches the game area YBa. For this reason, the “left area” is also an area close to the driving passage 20 , and conversely, the “right area” is also an area away from the driving passage 20 . Then, the game ball flowed down and guided in the left area passes through the left side of the effect display device 11 located in the game area YBa and heads for the out port 18 located at the bottom of the game area YBa. In addition, the game ball guided down the right area passes through the right side of the effect display device 11 located in the game area YBa and heads for the out port 18 .

In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment includes a main control board 40, a sub-control board 50, and a power supply unit 60 on the back side (rear) of the game board YB. The main control board 40, the sub-control board 50 and the power supply unit 60 are provided on the back side of the game board YB mounted on the middle frame WN. is unlocked and the middle frame WN and the front frame WM are opened. Here, the structure of the main control board 40 will be described in detail, and the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 including the main control board 40, sub-control board 50 and power supply unit 60 will be described later.

A main control unit MU shown in FIG. 3 is mounted on the back side of the game board YB. The main control unit MU includes a main control board 40 and a main control board case 46 that houses the main control board 40 . The main control board 40 is, for example, a printed circuit board, on which various electronic components are surface-mounted. The main control board 40 has a microprocessor 41 , an RWM clear switch 42 , a setter 43 and a display 45 . That is, the microprocessor 41, RWM clear switch 42, setter 43, and display 45 are mounted on the same substrate.

The microprocessor 41 includes a processing section (hereinafter referred to as "main control CPU 41a") and a storage section (memory). The main control CPU 41a executes various processes by executing a main control program. The storage unit of the microprocessor 41 includes a ROM area in which information can be read but cannot be written (hereinafter referred to as "main control ROM 41b") and an RWM area in which information can be read and written (hereinafter , "main control RWM 41c") and a random number circuit 41d for generating hardware random numbers.

Here, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a backup function. The pachinko gaming machine 10 equipped with a backup function retains various information including information on game control (hereinafter referred to as "game information") even when power supply from an external power supply is stopped, and power supply is started. Sometimes it is possible to return based on the above various information.

The game information includes information on the special figure variation game, information on the jackpot game, information on the game state, and information on payout of prize balls. Information related to the special figure variation game, for example, information that can specify the lottery result of the big hit lottery, information that can specify the variation pattern of the special figure variation game, information that can specify the special pattern derived from the special figure variation game, etc. is. The information related to the jackpot game includes information that can identify the progress of the jackpot game. The information about the game state includes information that can specify whether the probability fluctuating state or information that can specify whether the ball-entering-rate-increasing state. Information relating to the payout of prize balls includes information that can identify a prize ball signal that has not yet been transmitted.

After the power is turned off, power is supplied from a backup power source (for example, an electric double layer capacitor) of the power supply unit 60, and the stored content of the main control RWM 41c at the time of the power shutdown is held as backup information. A backup power supply is mounted on the power supply unit 60 . Note that the main control CPU 41a performs backup processing for storing backup information in the main control RWM 41c when the power supply is stopped. In this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a is backup means capable of backing up various game information. The main control RWM 41c that stores backup information in this embodiment is backup information storage means. It should be noted that the main control RWM 41c may be a non-volatile memory that can hold the stored contents even when no power is supplied.

The backup function keeps various information related to game control internally even when the power supply from the external power supply is stopped (backup), and when the power supply is started, based on the various information held It is a function to return the game control. The RWM clear switch 42 is initialization operation means configured to allow an operation to instruct initialization of various backed-up information. The RWM clear switch 42 is configured to be turned on when pushed, and turned off when not pushed. The operation of the RWM clear switch 42 is, for example, a human operation by a manager of the game arcade.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a setting change function. The setting change function is a function that enables setting by changing a set value as setting information that defines a jackpot probability as a degree of advantage regarding a jackpot game. The setting device 43 of this embodiment is an operating means different from the RWM clear switch 42 .

The setting device 43 can selectively instruct permission or prohibition of transition to a setting control state (setting change state or setting confirmation state) that allows change or confirmation of setting information. Details of the setting control state will be described later. The operation using the setting keys is, for example, a human operation by the administrator of the game arcade. In this embodiment, the setting device 43 is a setting operation means configured to enable operation regarding setting information that defines the degree of advantage of the special game.

The setting device 43 includes a base end portion 43c fixed to the main control board 40, and a cylindrical cylinder 43b having a keyhole 43a into which a setting key (not shown) is inserted. The keyhole 43a opens in the tip surface of the cylinder 43b. The setting device 43 is operated in one of an ON state in which the setting key is inserted into the keyhole 43a and rotated in a predetermined direction, and an OFF state in which the setting key is not rotated in the predetermined direction. It is configured to allow the operation to switch to The setting device 43 is configured to maintain the operation state (on state or off state) after switching using the setting key without returning without manual operation. The setting device 43 is configured so that the setting key cannot be removed from the keyhole 43a unless the operation state is switched to the OFF state.

When the power is turned on, the display device 45 displays a setting value that is set internally if the conditions for shifting to either the setting change state or the setting confirmation state are satisfied. The display 45 in this embodiment displays information different from the set value, and is also used as display means for displaying other information consisting of four-digit information (numerical values, symbols, or characters). Other information different from the set value includes, for example, a base value and an identifier for specifying the type of base value to be notified. The base value is a numerical value counted (calculated) by the formula (total number of prize balls in normal game state/total number of effective balls in normal game state)×100 on the premise that the jackpot game is not in progress. . Here, the effective ball is a game ball that has been used in a game, and is a game ball that has reached the game area YBa among the game balls that have been shot by operating the shooting handle HD. The base value includes a first base value that defines a first counting period as a period for counting the base value, and a second base value that defines a second counting period different from the first counting period. For example, the first counting period is a periodic counting period each time the number of effective balls reaches 60000, and the second counting period is the period from the end of the most recent first counting period to the present.

When displaying information about the base value, the display unit 45 displays an identifier consisting of two-digit information (numerical value, symbol, or character) on the display portions 45a and 45b, and displays two-digit information on the display portions 45c and 45d ( number) should be displayed. The base values displayed on the display units 45c and 45d may be displayed in decimal notation or may be displayed in hexadecimal notation. When the base value to be notified exceeds the specified value, [FF] may be blinked on the display portions 45c and 45d. For example, the specified value is [99] for display in decimal notation, and [255] for display in hexadecimal notation.

In addition, the display device 45 may be a dedicated display means for displaying a setting value. The display unit 45 does not necessarily require the four display units 45a to 45d unless it is also used as display means for displaying information consisting of two or more digits. For example, the display unit 45 may be configured to display a one-digit numerical value by omitting the display units 45b to 45d.

Next, the main control board case 46 constituting the main control unit MU will be described with reference to FIG.
The main control board case 46 includes a first case member 47 as a base and a second case member 48 assembled to cover the first case member 47 . Both of the case members 47 and 48 are made of a transparent resin material. By assembling the two case members 47 and 48 together, a space for housing the main control board 40 is formed inside the main control board case 46 . In the present embodiment, the case members 47 and 48 are inseparably assembled without leaving any trace, so that it is possible to easily determine whether the case members 47 and 48 have been opened by, for example, a fraudulent act.

With the main control board 40 housed in the main control board case 46 , the second case member 48 allows the RWM clear switch 42 , the setter 43 , and the display 45 provided on the main control board 40 to be connected to the main control board case 46 . with one or more watermark holes to remain exposed from the Specifically, the RWM clear switch 42 is exposed through the watermark hole 48 a when the main control board 40 is accommodated in the main control board case 46 . Therefore, the RWM clear switch 42 can be turned on through the watermark hole 48a.

The setter 43 is exposed through the watermark hole 48b when the main control board 40 is accommodated in the main control board case 46. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the setting device 43 can be turned on or off by inserting a setting key (not shown) into the keyhole 43a of the cylinder 43b through the watermark hole 48b. The tip surface of the cylinder 43b is flush (or substantially flush) with the outer surface of the second case member 48. As shown in FIG. That is, the setter 43 is exposed from the main control board case 46 only at the tip surface (keyhole 43a) of the cylinder 43b, and the other parts are covered with the main control board case 46. As shown in FIG. The display 45 is exposed through the watermark hole 48c when the main control board 40 is accommodated in the main control board case 46. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the display contents of the display 45 can be visually recognized through the watermark hole 48c.

As already explained, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the middle frame WN cannot be opened unless the locking device SS is operated using the frame key managed by the manager of the game hall. That is, a player who cannot operate the locking device SS cannot open the middle frame WN in principle. Therefore, it can be said that the main control board 40 provided on the back side of the game board YB mounted on the middle frame WN is, in principle, arranged at a position out of sight of the player. Therefore, in principle, the player cannot operate the RWM clear switch 42 and the setting device 43 mounted on the main control board 40 . In addition, it can be said that the display 45 mounted on the main control board 40 is arranged at a position where it is out of sight of the player.

Next, the game state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
The pachinko game machine 10 has a low-probability state and a high-probability state as game states with different jackpot probabilities. The jackpot probability is the probability that a jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination. The high-probability state is a gaming state with a high jackpot probability compared to the low-probability state. In the high-probability state, the probability of being determined to be a big hit in the big-hit determination is higher than in the low-probability state, so that the game state is advantageous to the player. The high-probability state is a so-called "variable probability state (variable probability state)".

In addition, the pachinko game machine 10 has a low base state and a high base state as game states in which the ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of shot game balls is different. The high base state of the present embodiment is a gaming state in which the probability of the game ball entering the second starting port 13 is higher than in the low base state. In the high base state of the present embodiment, the probability that a game ball enters the second start hole 13 increases, and the game ball enters the second start hole 13 easily, which is an advantageous game state for the player. (Easy entry state). That is, the high base state in this embodiment is a so-called "electrical support state", and the low base state is a so-called "non-electrical support state". In this embodiment, the low base state corresponds to the first game state, and the high base state corresponds to the second game state which is more advantageous to the player than the low base state.

For example, the high base state can be realized by performing one control arbitrarily selected from among the three controls described below, or by performing a combination of multiple controls. The first control is normal symbol variation time shortening control for shortening the variation time of the normal symbol variation game compared to the time of the low base state. The second control is normal symbol probability variation control for varying the probability of normal winning determination (normal winning probability) in normal symbol winning determination to a higher probability than in the low base state. 3rd control is opening time extension control which lengthens the total opening time of the 2nd starting mouth 13 in one normal per game rather than the time of a low base state. In addition, as the opening time extension control, the number of times of opening the second starting port 13 in one normal winning game is more than the time of the low base state, and one time of the second starting port 13 in the normal winning game At least one control of making the open time of is longer than that in the low base state. In this embodiment, the normal hit probability in the low base state is set to zero. Therefore, the second starting port 13 is not operated to the allowable state in the low base state.

Also, the high base state may be realized by combining the fourth control described below. The fourth control is a special symbol variation time shortening control that shortens the variation time of the special game (for example, the average variation time) compared to the low base state. When the variable time shortening control of the special symbol is performed, the high base state becomes the so-called "variable time shortened state (time saving state)" for the special symbol. On the other hand, the low base state is a so-called "non-fluctuation time reduction state (non-time reduction state)" for special symbols.

In the following description, the game state of low probability and low base state is referred to as "low probability low base state", and the game state of high probability and low base state is referred to as "high probability low base state". In addition, the game state of low probability and high base state is indicated as "low probability and high base state", and the game state of high probability and high base state is indicated as "high probability and high base state".

Next, a characteristic setting change function of this embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to set the jackpot probability as a plurality of types of setting values. Specifically, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment can set the jackpot probability over all six stages from the first set value to the sixth set value as a plurality of types of set values. In the following description, "the n-th setting value is set" may be simply indicated as [setting n] (where n=1 to 6).

The jackpot probability of setting 1 is K1, the jackpot probability of setting 2 is K2, the jackpot probability of setting 3 is K3, the jackpot probability of setting 4 is K4, the jackpot probability of setting 5 is K5, The jackpot probability of setting 6 is K6. The jackpot probabilities K1 to K6 are higher in the order of jackpot probabilities K1<K2<K3<K4<K5<K6, making it easier to win the jackpot. The jackpot probabilities K1 to K6 are a set of the jackpot probability in the low probability state and the jackpot probability in the high probability state. As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the jackpot probability changes according to the set value. It should be noted that the set values do not have to be six levels, and may be any of two to five levels and seven or more levels. In this embodiment, the multiple types of set values are multiple pieces of setting information that define the degree of advantage for the special game.

In the setting change state, the internally set setting value is notified. In addition, in the setting change state, each time the setting switch is operated, the internally set setting values are changed from [setting 1]→[setting 2]→...→[setting 5]→[setting 6]→[setting 1]. → … can be changed to loop. The fact that the setting value has been changed can be confirmed by the change in the display of the setting value on the display 45 . As shown in FIG. 5, the display unit 45 displays numbers (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) corresponding to the set values in the display section 45d, and the remaining display sections 45a and 45b. , 45c are displayed with a bar (-). The indicator 45 is mounted on the main control board 40, as shown in FIG. For this reason, the indicator 45 cannot specify the notification contents from the front side of the pachinko game machine 10 when the mounting frame as the frame is closed, but when the mounting frame as the frame is opened, the notification contents can be specified. The content is identifiable.

In addition, in the setting confirmation state, the setting value set internally is displayed on the display 45 . In the setting confirmation state, changing the setting value by operating the setting switch is restricted. The set values that are set internally are displayed until the setting confirmation state ends. In this embodiment, the setting switch is also used as the RWM clear switch 42 . In this embodiment, the RWM clear switch 42 corresponds to change operation means configured to allow an operation to instruct change of setting information. The setting control state ends when the setter 43 is turned off using the setting key.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4, the main control board 40 of this embodiment performs predetermined processing, and outputs a control signal such as a control command according to the result of the processing. The main control board 40 and the sub control board 50 are connected so that a control signal can be output in one direction from the main control board 40 to the sub control board 50 . The sub control board 50 executes predetermined processing based on the control signal input from the main control board 40 .

First, the main control board 40 will be described in detail.
The main control CPU 41 a can execute control operations according to a predetermined procedure, and controls the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 10 .

The main control ROM 41b stores determination values and tables used for various determinations and lotteries. Also, the main control ROM 41b stores a plurality of types of variation patterns. The variation pattern is information that can specify the variation time from the start of the special game until the end. The variation pattern is information that can specify the effect content (variation mode) such as a symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as "effect game") using effect symbols performed during execution of the special game. The variation patterns of this embodiment include a big hit variation pattern and a losing variation pattern. The big hit variation pattern includes a variation pattern in which a ready-to-win effect is performed in the performance game and finally a combination of symbols for the big win is derived. As the losing variation pattern, there is a losing variation pattern of "with reach" that can lead to a winning symbol combination by performing a ready-to-win effect in the performance game. The loss variation pattern includes a "no reach" loss variation pattern in which no reach effect is performed in the effect game and finally a winning symbol combination is derived.

The main control RWM 41c stores various information rewritten according to the processing result of the main control CPU 41a. For example, information stored by the main control RWM 41c includes flags, counters, and timers. The microprocessor 41 also includes a random number circuit 41d for generating hardware random numbers. The microprocessor 41 may be capable of generating software random numbers through random number generation processing by the main control CPU 41a. The main control CPU 41a, the main control ROM 41b, the main control RWM 41c, and the random number circuit 41d do not need to be configured as one chip as the microprocessor 41, and may be separate bodies.

Connected to the main control board 40 are a first starting winning sensor SE1, a second starting winning sensor SE2, a special winning sensor SE3, a gate sensor SE4, a first ordinary winning sensor SE5, and a second ordinary winning sensor SE6. The main control CPU 41a can receive detection signals from the sensors SE1 to SE6. The pachinko game machine 10 also includes an open detection sensor SE7 as open detection means for detecting the opening of the mounting frame. The main control CPU 41a can receive a detection signal from the open detection sensor SE7.

In addition, the main control CPU 41a controls the display contents of the information display device 19 and controls the operations of the first and second solenoids SL1 and SL2. The main control CPU 41 a is also connected to the RWM clear switch 42 . The main control CPU 41a can receive an operation signal that is transmitted when the RWM clear switch 42 is turned on (pressed). The main control CPU 41 a is connected to the setting device 43 . The main control CPU 41a can receive an operation signal that is transmitted when the setting device 43 is turned on. The main control CPU 41 a is connected to the display 45 . The main control CPU 41 a controls the display contents of the display 45 .

Next, the sub-control board 50 will be described in detail.
The sub-control board 50 includes a sub-control CPU 50a, a sub-control ROM 50b, and a sub-control RWM 50c. By executing the sub-control program, the sub-control CPU 50a performs processing related to effects as predetermined processing. The sub-control ROM 50b stores a sub-control program, a judgment value used for a predetermined lottery, and the like. The sub-control ROM 50b stores display effect data used for display effects, light emission effect data used for light emission effects, sound effect data used for sound effects, and movable body effect data used for movable body effects that operate movable bodies (not shown). is doing.

The sub-control RWM 50c stores various information rewritten during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. - 特許庁For example, the information stored by the sub-control RWM 50c includes flags, counters, and timers. Further, the sub-control board 50 may be configured to be capable of generating software random numbers through random-number generation processing by the sub-control CPU 50a. The sub control board 50 may include a random number generation circuit and be capable of generating hardware random numbers.

The sub-control CPU 50 a is connected to the effect display device 11 . The sub-control CPU 50a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the effect display device 11. FIG. The sub-control CPU 50a is connected to the decoration lamps LA1 and LA2. The sub-control CPU 50a is configured to be able to control the lighting modes of the decorative lamps LA1 and LA2. The sub-control CPU 50a is connected to the speaker SP. The sub-control CPU 50a is configured to be able to control the output mode of the speaker SP. The sub-control CPU 50a is connected to the effect button BT. The sub-control CPU 50a can receive an operation signal that is transmitted when the effect button BT is operated.

In the decoration lamps LA1 and LA2, different notifications can be given by the decoration lamp LA1 and the decoration lamp LA2 under the control of the sub-control CPU 50a. Therefore, it is possible to make a notification by combining the decoration lamp LA1 and the decoration lamp LA2, and various kinds of notification are possible. For example, when one is blinking in red, the occurrence of an error is reported, and the type of error can be reported from the light emission mode of the other.

Next, the power supply unit 60 will be explained.
The power supply unit 60 should convert the power supply voltage supplied from an external power supply such as a game arcade into a predetermined power supply voltage (V1) and supply the converted power supply voltage (V1) to each of the control boards 40 and 50. It is further converted to a power supply voltage (V2). The power supply unit 60 is connected to each of the control boards 40 and 50 via a plurality of power supply lines, and each board operates by receiving power supply through the power supply lines.

The power unit 60 includes a power switch (contact device) 60a. The power switch 60a can be operated to switch between an ON state and an OFF state, and is configured to maintain the operation state after switching. In this embodiment, when the power switch 60a is operated from the off state to the on state while power is being supplied from the external power source to the pachinko gaming machine 10, power is supplied to the respective control boards 40 and 50, and the power is further turned off. , the power supply to each of the control boards 40 and 50 is cut off.

Therefore, in order to start the pachinko game machine 10, power supply from the external power supply is started while the power switch 60a is operated in the ON state, or power supply is started while the power supply from the external power supply is continued. The switch 60a is operated from the OFF state to the ON state. In this specification, "powering on" means operating the power switch 60a to supply power to each of the control boards 40 and 50. "To cut off (power off)" means to bring the control boards 40 and 50 into a state in which power is not supplied.

The pachinko game machine 10 has an external terminal board 70 as external connection means. The main control board 40 is connected to the external terminal board 70 . The external terminal board 70 is a board that connects the pachinko gaming machine 10 with a hall computer as an external device installed in the control room of the gaming facility in order to manage the operating state of each pachinko gaming machine installed in the gaming facility. is. The external terminal plate 70 is provided with a connection terminal that can be connected to an external device (external device), and the main control CPU 41a controls the output of the external signal that is output to the external device connected to the connection terminal. It is possible. In the security signal output process, the main control CPU 41a outputs a security signal. The security signal corresponds to an external signal output from a specific connection terminal among the connection terminals of the external terminal board 70 when the external device is connected to the specific connection terminal.

The external terminal board 70 has a plurality of input terminals and a plurality of output terminals. Separate signal lines are connected to the input terminals of the external terminal plate 70 so as to be able to separately receive a plurality of types of signals transmitted from the dispensing board. Separate signal lines are connected to the output terminals of the external terminal plate 70 so that each received signal can be separately transmitted.

Next, the setting control state will be described in detail.
The setting control state includes a setting change state that allows changing of the setting information (setting value) and a setting confirmation state that does not allow changing the setting information but allows checking of the currently set setting information (setting value). and including. Then, it is possible to shift to the setting change state or the setting confirmation state by a combination of operation of the setting device 43 and operation of the RWM clear switch 42 .

As shown in FIG. 6, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the setting device 43 is operated to the ON state (ON) by the setting key, and the RWM clear switch 42 is operated to the ON state (ON). When the power is turned on in the state, it shifts to the setting change state. In the setting change state, an internally set value is notified, and the internally set value can be changed by operating the setting switch. The setting change state ends when the setter 43 is turned off using the setting key.

When the setting device 43 is turned on by the setting key and the power is turned on with the RWM clear switch 42 turned off, the setting confirming state is entered. In the setting confirmation state, the internally set setting values are notified. In addition, in the setting confirmation state, even if the setting switch is operated, the setting value set internally cannot be changed. The setting confirmation state ends when the setter 43 is turned off using the setting key.

Each of the transition condition to the setting change state and the transition condition to the setting confirmation state includes an operation to turn on the setter 43 . In this embodiment, the predetermined mode operation of the setting operation means included in the transition condition to the setting change state and the transition condition to the setting confirmation state is an operation to turn on the setting device 43 . In addition, an operation to turn off the setter 43 is included in the conditions for ending either of the setting change state and the setting confirmation state.

By the way, in the pachinko game machine 10 equipped with a backup function, there are two forms of shifting to the normal control state after turning on the power: a form via RWM clear that initializes the main control RWM 41c and a form that does not via RWM clear. , is equipped with A form that does not go through RWM clear is a power recovery that starts based on backup information without initializing the main control RWM 41c. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, when the power is turned on with the setter 43 turned off and the RWM clear switch 42 turned on, normal operation is performed via RWM clear. Transition to control state. As shown in FIG. 6, when the power is turned on with both the setter 43 and the RWM clear switch 42 turned off, the normal control state is entered without going through the RWM clear.

Next, errors detected in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
Errors detected in the pachinko gaming machine 10 include setting error, setting change, setting confirmation, RWM clear, power recovery, door opening, etc., as illustrated in FIG. In addition, although not illustrated in FIG. 7, errors detected by the pachinko game machine 10 include random number update, magnetic detection, induced magnetic field detection, special electric accessory fraudulent prize winning, normal electric accessory fraudulent prize winning, full, etc. There is These errors are just an example, and the pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a function of detecting various errors according to specifications.

The setting error includes an information abnormality error and a setting change operation error. Of the setting errors, an information abnormality error occurs on the condition that the setting information is abnormal. In addition, among the setting errors, the setting change operation error is that the power supply to the pachinko game machine 10 is stopped when it is in the setting change state, and when the power supply is restarted after that, it does not shift to the setting change state. It occurs on the condition that the The setting change occurs under the condition that the power is turned on when the mounting frame (middle frame WN) is in the open state, the setting key is in the ON state, and the RWM clear switch 42 is in the ON state. Setting confirmation occurs on the condition that the power is turned on when the mounting frame (middle frame WN) is in the open state, the setting key is in the ON state, and the RWM clear switch 42 is in the OFF state.

RWM clear occurs on the condition that the loading frame (middle frame WN) is in the closed state or the setting key is in the OFF state and the power is turned on when the RWM clear switch 42 is in the ON state. do. Power restoration occurs under the condition that the power is turned on when the mounting frame (middle frame WN) is in the closed state or the setting key is in the OFF state and the RWM clear switch 42 is in the OFF state. do. Door opening occurs on condition that the mounting frame (front frame WM, middle frame WN) is in an open state. It should be noted that although the aforementioned setting change, setting confirmation, RWM clearing, and power restoration are all legitimate processes, they are events that greatly affect the progress of the game and may also lead to fraudulence. positioned as a kind of

The random number update occurs on condition that the hardware random number generation (update) of the main control board 40 is abnormal. Magnetic sensing occurs on the condition that the magnetic sensor installed in the pachinko game machine 10 detects magnetism of a predetermined strength or higher. Induction magnetic field detection occurs on the condition that radio waves in a specific frequency band are detected by the radio wave sensor provided in the pachinko game machine 10 . The special electric role product fraudulent winning occurs on the condition that a ball entering the big prize winning port 14 is detected when the big winning game is not generated (when the special electric role product device is not operated). The normal electric accessory illegal winning occurs on the condition that the ball entering the second start port 13 is detected while the normal electric accessory device is not in operation. Fullness occurs on the condition that the fullness sensor detects that the storage tray (lower tray Sb) is full.

Of the errors exemplified above, the setting change and setting confirmation are errors related to the setting control state. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment can detect a plurality of errors including errors related to the setting control state. All of the various errors exemplified above are errors subject to error notification, and the plurality of errors detectable by the pachinko gaming machine 10 include errors for which error notification is performed.

The error notification is performed to make the player or the administrator of the game parlor aware of the occurrence of an error due to the establishment of the above conditions and the type of error that has occurred. Error notification is performed by any one of display of an error image by the effect display device 11, output of an error sound from the speaker SP, and light emission by the decoration lamps LA1 and LA2, or a combination thereof. In this embodiment, the performance display device 11, the speaker SP, and the decoration lamps LA1 and LA2 for error notification correspond to error notification means. Note that the notification mode of the error notification by the effect display device 11 includes a first notification mode in which the display amount of the error notification displayed on the image display portion GH, which is the screen of the effect display device 11, is large, and a larger error notification mode than the first notification mode. and a second notification mode in which the display amount of the error notification is small. Error notification in the first notification mode is generally performed by displaying an error image in an area corresponding to the entire area of the image display section GH. The guideline for the area corresponding to the entire area is, for example, the degree of covering the display area of the effect game using the effect symbols displayed on the image display unit GH, in other words, the visibility of the effect game using the effect symbols is reduced. It is a display that makes Error notification in the second notification mode is performed by displaying an error image in an extremely small area compared to the entire area of the image display section GH. A guideline for the extremely small area is, for example, a display area that is extremely small compared to the display area of a performance game using performance symbols displayed on the image display unit GH, in other words, a display that does not reduce the visibility of the performance game using performance symbols. is. The error notification in the second notification mode is performed by displaying, for example, a band-shaped error image, and the band-shaped error image may be displayed fixedly, scrolled in a predetermined direction, or displayed as a telop. .

Further, the error notification corresponding to the error that has occurred is executed according to a predetermined priority (notification priority).
FIG. 7 shows the order of priority of setting error, setting change, setting confirmation, RWM clear, power recovery, and door opening among multiple types of errors. In this embodiment, the priority of setting error (indicated by [1] in the figure) is the highest, followed by the priority of setting change, setting confirmation, RWM clear, and power recovery (indicated by [1] in the figure). 2]) is high, and the priority of opening the door (indicated by [X] in the figure) has a lower priority than these errors.

Each error described above is detected by an error detecting means for detecting an error. The error detection means that has detected the error transmits a notification command instructing error notification to the sub-control CPU 50a. The sub-control CPU 50a that has received the notification command controls the error notification means that is the target of the error notification. As a result, error notification is performed by the error notification means. All errors occurring in the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be detected by the main control CPU 41a, or some errors may be detected by a CPU other than the main control CPU 41a. The CPU other than the main control CPU 41a can be, for example, a CPU of a payout control board, and the CPU may detect an error regarding the payout of game balls. Therefore, the error detection means corresponds to a CPU that detects an error, such as the main control CPU 41a. Also, a notification command may be provided for each type of error. For example, when the error notification is to be made recognizable by error type, the notification command may be provided for each error type. In addition, the notification command may be used for both different types of errors if the error notification mode is the same.

Execution of error reporting according to priority, that is, execution of errors with priority means that when multiple errors with different priorities occur at the same time, error reporting with high priority is It means giving priority to notification. Prioritization includes not having low priority error reporting, having high priority error reporting followed by low priority error reporting, having both error reporting running but not having low priority error reporting. This includes making the amount of notification less than the amount of error notification with higher priority. Reducing the notification amount means, for example, when only the relevant error occurs, error notification is performed by a plurality of error notification means, but when the notification amount is reduced, the error notification is executed by reducing the number of error notification means. It is to reduce the area.

FIG. 7 further shows a specific aspect of error notification for each error in addition to the error notification priority exemplified in this embodiment.
In the [Security Signal] column of FIG. 7, [○] is written for errors that cause a security signal to be sent when an error occurs, and [−] is written for errors that do not send a security signal. [Notification time] in FIG. 7 indicates the time from the start of the error notification to the end of the error notification. "Until power failure" in the figure for the setting error indicates that the error notification regarding the setting error is continuously executed until the power is shut off. Further, when a setting error occurs, instead of displaying the setting value, the display unit 45 displays characters (E1, E2) corresponding to the type of setting error in the display portions 45c and 45d, and the remaining display portion 45a. , 45b are displayed with a bar (-). The setting errors include an information abnormality error (E1) and a setting change operation error (E2) as described above.

In addition, [Until cancellation] in the figure for setting change and setting confirmation indicates that the error notification regarding setting change is continuously executed until the setting change state is canceled, and the error notification regarding setting confirmation is continued until the setting confirmation state is reached. This indicates that execution will continue until canceled. "Time T1" in the figure for RWM clear and power recovery indicates that each error notification relating to RWM clear and power recovery is continuously executed until time T1 elapses. [Time T2] in the figure for the door opening indicates that the error notification regarding the door opening is continuously executed until the time T2 elapses.

Columns of [Display], [Sound], and [Light Emitting] in FIG. 7 show modes of error notification executed by the effect display device 11, the speaker SP, and the decoration lamp LA when an error occurs. In the error notification regarding the setting error, the character string [setting error] is displayed on the effect display device 11, and the sound consisting of the character string [setting error] is output from the speaker SP, and the decorative lamp LA flashes red. do. In addition, in the error notification regarding the setting change, the effect display device 11 displays the character string "setting is being changed", the speaker SP outputs a voice consisting of the character string "setting is being changed", and furthermore, the decorative lamp is output. LA flashes green. In addition, in error notification related to setting confirmation, the effect display device 11 displays the character string "setting is being confirmed", the speaker SP outputs a voice consisting of the character string "setting is being confirmed", and furthermore, the decorative lamp is output. LA blinks blue.

In the error notification regarding RWM clear, [initial combination of performance patterns (initial patterns in the figure)] is displayed on the performance display device 11, a ram clear sound is output from the speaker SP, and all the decoration lamps LA are lit. Note that the term "all lighting" as used herein means sequentially lighting the luminescent colors that can be emitted. In the error notification regarding the power recovery, [combination of power recovery patterns (power recovery pattern in the figure)] is displayed on the effect display device 11, power recovery sound is output from the speaker SP, and the decorative lamp LA is fully lit. Light. In the error notification regarding door opening, the speaker SP displays the character string "Door is open" and the decoration lamp LA flashes white.

In this embodiment, an image is displayed on the effect display device 11 for each error notification regarding setting error, setting change, setting confirmation, RWM clear, and power recovery. It is a mode. For example, the first notification mode is full-screen display. It should be noted that the specific mode of error notification of each error described above may be arbitrarily changed. In addition, when the door is opened, the effect display device 11 does not execute the error notification, but for example, a character string of [The door is open] may be displayed. Two notification modes may be used.

Power-on processing executed by the main control CPU 41a will be described below. In the power-on process, transition to each state shown in FIG. 6 is controlled, and error notification related to setting error, setting change, setting confirmation, RWM clear, and power recovery shown in FIG. 7 is controlled. Note that the power-on processing shown in FIG. 7 is processing based on the premise that the mounting frame (middle frame WN) is open, that is, the door opening error is detected.

The main control CPU 41a is powered on, and when the voltage supplied to the main control board 40 reaches the voltage necessary for the operation of the main control CPU 41a, it executes start-up processing (boot processing), and transitions to a state where various types of processing can be executed. do. After completing the activation process, the main control CPU 41a executes the power-on process described below.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the power-on process, the main control CPU 41a determines whether the RWM clear switch 42 is turned on based on whether an operation signal is received from the RWM clear switch 42. Determine (S101).

When the RWM clear switch 42 is turned on (S101: YES), the main control CPU 41a turns on external information output (S102). Specifically, the main control CPU 41a causes the external terminal board 70 to start outputting a security signal. In this embodiment, the output of the security signal is continued until the output is stopped in the process of step S113, which will be described later, when the output is started in the process of step S102.

Next, the main control CPU 41a performs RWM clear (initialization processing of the RWM area) (S103). In the initialization process of step S103, the main control CPU 41a initializes the area storing game information related to game control, information necessary for counting the base value, information necessary for displaying the base value, and Do not initialize the area that stores information about setting values. That is, the area of the main control RWM 41c is divided into an area to be initialized and an area not to be initialized. Next, the main control CPU 41a determines whether or not the setting key is ON based on whether or not an operation signal is received from the setting device 43, that is, whether or not the setting device 43 is operated to the ON state. (S104).

When the setting device 43 is turned on (S104: YES), the main control CPU 41a transmits a setting change notification command as a notification command to the sub control CPU 50a of the sub control board 50 (S105). Here, when the sub-control CPU 50a receives the setting change notification command, the sub-control CPU 50a notifies information that can specify that the setting change state is in progress (hereinafter referred to as "setting change notification"). For example, in the image display section GH of the effect display device 11, an image showing a character string such as "setting change in progress" is displayed as information that can specify that the setting change state is in progress. For example, the speaker SP outputs a dedicated sound as information capable of specifying that the setting is being changed. The dedicated sound that constitutes the setting change notification is configured by repeating (looping) the voice reading out the character string "setting change" as one unit notification, for example. For example, in the decoration lamp LA, exclusive light emission is performed as information that can specify that it is in the setting change state. The dedicated light emission that constitutes the setting change notification is configured, for example, by repeating (looping) the light emission by a dedicated light emission pattern as one unit notification and repeating (looping) the unit notification. Note that the setting change notification may be configured by combining one or two of the display effect, the light effect, and the sound effect.

Returning to the description of the power-on process, the main control CPU 41a displays the setting value after completing the process of step S105 (S106). In the process of step S106, the main control CPU 41a reads out the current set value stored in the RWM area and controls the display 45 to display the read out set value. The setting values displayed here are the setting values that were set when the power supply was most recently turned off, and are the setting values that are stored and held by the backup function. In other words, the display device 45 first displays information that can specify the setting value set at that time among the plurality of setting values, triggered by the transition to the setting change state. Further, in the display device 45, when the transition to the setting change state is triggered, a value different from the initial value (the first setting value [01], which will be described later) among the plurality of setting values is displayed without the need to operate the setting switch. It is configured to be able to display information that can identify the set value.

Next, the main control CPU 41a determines whether or not the setting switch (RWM clear switch 42) has been operated based on whether or not an operation signal has been received from the setting switch (RWM clear switch 42) (S107). If the setting switch is operated (S107: YES), the main control CPU 41a changes the currently set setting value. Here, the main control CPU 41a sets [setting 1]→[setting 2]→...→[setting 5]→[setting 6]→[setting 1]→... every time the setting switch is operated. switch to loop the set value that is being set. When switching the setting value, the main control CPU 41a converts information stored in a predetermined area of the RWM area and information that can identify the setting value set at that time to the setting value after switching. to identifiable information.

When the processing of step S108 is completed, or when the setting switch is not operated (S107: NO), the main control CPU 41a turns off the setting key based on whether or not an operation signal is received from the setting device 43. It is determined whether or not the setting device 43 is turned off (S109). If the setting key is not turned off (S109: NO), the main control CPU 41a returns to the process of step S106. In the process of step S106 after returning from step S109, the main control CPU 41a controls the display 45 so as to display the changed set value set at that time.

If the setting key is OFF (S109: YES), the main control CPU 41a performs RWM clear (initialization processing of the RWM area) as in step S103 (S110). In the power-on processing of this embodiment, when shifting to the setting change state, RWM clear is performed twice before the setting change in step S103 and after the setting change in step S110. After finishing the processing of step S110, the main control CPU 41a determines whether or not the currently set setting value is one of six levels from the first setting value to the sixth setting value (S111). Specifically, the main control CPU 41a determines that, in an area for storing a predetermined numerical value as information capable of specifying the currently set setting value, the actually stored numerical value is the first setting value to the sixth setting value. Affirmative determination is made when the numerical value indicates any one of the set values of all six stages up to the value. On the other hand, the main control CPU 41a determines that the actually stored numerical values range from the first set value to the sixth set value in the area that stores the predetermined numerical value as information that can specify the currently set set value. is not any of the numerical values indicating the set values of all the six steps, a negative determination is made. That is, the main control CPU 41a determines a setting error when the numerical value that can specify the setting value is not within the proper numerical range.

If it is not a setting error (S111: YES), the main control CPU 41a performs device setting (S112). In device setting, the main control CPU 41a starts reading detection results from the sensors SE1 to SE6. In other words, all of the sensors SE1 to SE6 that have been disabled since power-on become enabled. The processing of step S112 corresponds to transition processing for transitioning to a state in which all sensors are valid. Note that each of the sensors SE1 to SE6 is also disabled during this transition process. Also, the main control CPU 41a returns to a state in which the variable game can be executed based on the game information initialized by the initialization process of step S103 or step S110. That is, the main control CPU 41a shifts to the normal control state in which the special figure variation game based on the result of the jackpot lottery can be executed by the process of step S111. The normal control state is a control state different from the above-described setting change state and setting confirmation state.

Next, the main control CPU 41a turns off external information output (S113). Specifically, the main control CPU 41 a stops the output of the security signal from the external terminal board 70 . Here, the main control CPU 41a sets the period (output period) from when the output of the security signal is started by the process of step S102 to when the output of the security signal is stopped by the process of step S113 to a predetermined period (for example, 50 ms). If not, the output of the security signal is extended until the predetermined period elapses. The main control CPU 41a does not extend the output of the security signal, or when it stops after extending the output, it ends the processing of step S113.

Next, the main control CPU 41a transmits a power-on initial designation command to the sub-control CPU 50a of the sub-control board 50 (S114). Here, when the sub-control CPU 50a receives the power-on initial time designation command, it ends the notification of the information that can specify that the setting change state is in progress. That is, the setting change notification ends in the effect display device 11, the speaker SP, and the decoration lamp LA. On the other hand, when the sub-control CPU 50a receives the power-on initial designation command, it notifies the RWM clear because the RWM clear has been performed. In the RWM clear notification, the decorative lamp LA is caused to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern, and the speaker SP outputs a sound exclusively for RWM clear. The RWM clear notification is executed for a predetermined period of time (for example, 30 seconds), and ends when the predetermined period of time elapses. Further, when the sub-control CPU 50a receives the power-on initial designation command, the image display unit GH displays an initial screen such as an initial combination of a plurality of rows of effect symbols and a predetermined background image. The initial combination of performance symbols is a combination depending on the series of the pachinko gaming machine 10.例文帳に追加In addition, when the sub-control CPU 50a receives a power-on designation command, it controls the state in which the design variation game of the performance symbols can be executed. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to execute a demonstration effect when conditions for executing the demonstration effect are satisfied, such as when the special figure variation game is not started even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the initial screen was displayed. may be configured. After completing the process of step S114, the main control CPU 41a ends the power-on process.

Also, if there is a setting error (S111: NO), the main control CPU 41a shifts to a game stop state where all game-related processes are stopped (S115). In the processing of step S115, the main control CPU 41a initializes the information regarding the set values. Specifically, the main control CPU 41a stores an initial numerical value (in this embodiment, the first set value [01 ]) is stored. It should be noted that the game stop state cannot be canceled unless the power is turned off and then turned on again. In this embodiment, when a setting error is determined and a specific initialization condition is established, the backed up setting values are initialized. Of the initialization conditions for initializing the RWM, the initialization conditions other than the specific initialization conditions are normal initialization conditions. The initial setting values indicated by the initial numerical values correspond to initial setting information.

Also, in the process of step S115, the main control CPU 41a transmits a setting error command to the sub control CPU 50a. Here, when the sub-control CPU 50a receives the setting error command, the sub-control CPU 50a notifies information that can identify the setting error (hereinafter referred to as "setting error notification"). For example, in the image display section GH of the effect display device 11, an image showing a character string such as "setting error" is displayed. The setting error notification may be performed by the speaker SP or the decoration lamp LA.

If the setter 43 is not turned on (S104: NO), the main control CPU 41a proceeds to step S111 without executing steps S105 to S110. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 does not shift to either the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, and shifts to the normal control state after performing the initialization process.

In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when the power is turned on in a state where the RWM clear switch 42 is in the ON state and the setting device 43 is in the ON state, , the setting change state including the processing of steps S104 to S109. When shifting to the setting change state, the RWM is initialized. Then, after the setting change state ends, the normal control state is entered based on the game information initialized by the initialization process. That is, when the processing of steps S104 to S110 shown in FIG. 8 is performed, the setting It corresponds to the setting change transit form that transitions via the change state. In this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a corresponds to initialization control means configured to enable initialization control for initializing game information that is backed up.

On the other hand, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when the power is turned on in a state where the RWM clear switch 42 is in the ON state and the setting device 43 is in the OFF state, the setting change state Initialize RWM without moving to . After the initialization of RWM is completed, the normal control state is entered based on the initialized game information. In other words, if the processing of steps S104 to S110 shown in FIG. 8 is not performed, the transition form of shifting to the normal control state based on the game information initialized by executing RWM clear as initialization control, It corresponds to the setting change non-passing form in which transition is made without going through the setting change state.

On the other hand, if the RWM clear switch 42 is not turned on (S101: NO), the main control CPU 41a checks whether there is a backup abnormality, that is, whether there is an abnormality in the stored contents of the RWM area. (S116). If the backup is abnormal (S116: YES), the main control CPU 41a initializes the RWM as in step S103 (S117). When the process of step S117 is completed, or when there is no backup abnormality (S116: NO), the main control CPU 41a determines that the currently set setting value is any of six levels from the first setting value to the sixth setting value. It is determined whether or not (S118). That is, it is determined whether or not there is a setting error, as in the processing of step S111.

If there is a setting error (S118: NO), the main control CPU 41a proceeds to the process of step S119 and performs the same process as step S115. If it is not a setting error (S118: YES), the main control CPU 41a determines whether or not the setting key is turned on, that is, whether or not the setting device 43 is turned on (S120).

When the setting device 43 is turned on (S120: YES), the main control CPU 41a turns on external information output (S121). Specifically, the main control CPU 41a causes the external terminal board 70 to start outputting a security signal. In this embodiment, the output of the security signal is continued until the output is stopped in the process of step S126, which will be described later, when the output is started in the process of step S121.

Next, the main control CPU 41a transmits a setting confirmation notification command to the sub-control CPU 50a of the sub-control board 50 (S121). Here, when the sub-control CPU 50a receives the setting confirmation notification command, the sub-control CPU 50a notifies information that can specify that the setting confirmation state is in progress (hereinafter referred to as "setting confirmation notification"). For example, in the image display section GH of the effect display device 11, an image showing a character string such as "setting confirmation in progress" is displayed as information capable of specifying that the setting confirmation state is in progress. For example, the speaker SP outputs a dedicated sound as information that can specify that the setting confirmation state is in progress. The dedicated sound that constitutes the setting confirmation notification is configured by repeating (looping) the voice reading out the character string "setting confirmation" as one unit notification, for example. For example, in the decoration lamp LA, exclusive light emission is performed as information that can specify that it is in the setting confirmation state. The dedicated light emission that constitutes the setting confirmation notification is configured, for example, by repeating (looping) the light emission by a dedicated light emission pattern as one unit notification and repeating (looping) the unit notification. Note that the setting confirmation notification may be configured by combining one or two of the display effect, the light effect, and the sound effect. The setting confirmation notification corresponds to the first type notification. In this embodiment, the setting change notification and the setting confirmation notification are different notification modes.

Returning to the description of the power-on process, the main control CPU 41a displays the setting value after completing the process of step S122 (S123). In the process of step S123, the main control CPU 41a reads out the current set value stored in the RWM area, and controls the display 45 to display the read out set value. The setting value displayed here is the setting value that was set when the power was cut off most recently, and is the setting value that was stored and retained by the backup function, just as when the state was changed to the setting change state. be.

Next, the main control CPU 41a determines whether or not the setting key is turned off, that is, whether or not the setting device 43 is turned off (S124). If the setting key is not turned off (S124: NO), the main control CPU 41a returns to the process of step S123. That is, the main control CPU 41a controls the display 45 so as to continue the display of the currently set setting value. Here, the main control CPU 41a does not switch the currently set setting value even if the setting switch (RWM clear switch 42) is operated. In other words, the main control CPU 41a does not allow the setting information to be changed triggered by the operation of the setting switch.

If the setting key is OFF (S124: YES), the main control CPU 41a performs device setting (S125). In the process of step S125, the main control CPU 41a starts reading detection results from the sensors SE1 to SE6. In other words, all of the sensors SE1 to SE6 that have been disabled since power-on become enabled. That is, the process of step S125 corresponds to transition processing for transitioning to a state in which all switches are valid. Note that each of the sensors SE1 to SE6 is also disabled during this transition process. In addition, the main control CPU 41a, in principle, returns to a state in which the variable game can be executed based on the game information that has been backed up. That is, the main control CPU 41a shifts to the normal control state by the process of step S125. Thus, the normal control state is a control state different from the set control state. It should be noted that when the initialization process is performed in step S117, the normal control state is entered based on the initialized game information.

Next, the main control CPU 41a turns off external information output (S126). Specifically, the main control CPU 41 a stops the output of the security signal from the external terminal board 70 . Here, when the period from when the output of the security signal is started by the process of step S121 to when the output of the security signal is stopped by the process of step S126 is less than a predetermined period (for example, 50 ms), the main control CPU 41a The output of the security signal is extended until the predetermined period elapses. The main control CPU 41a does not extend the output of the security signal, or when it stops after extending the output, it ends the processing of step S126. Next, the main control CPU 41a transmits a power-on/power-recovery designation command to the sub-control CPU 50a of the sub-control board 50 (S127). Here, when the sub-control CPU 50a receives the power-on/power-recovery designation command, it ends the notification of the information that can specify that the setting confirmation state is in progress. That is, the effect display device 11, the speaker SP, and the decoration lamp LA end the setting confirmation notification. On the other hand, when the sub-control CPU 50a receives the power-on/power-recovery designation command, the sub-control CPU 50a performs power recovery notification. In the power recovery notification, the decoration lamp LA is caused to emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern, and a sound dedicated to power recovery is output from the speaker SP. The power recovery notification is executed for a predetermined period of time (for example, 30 seconds), and ends when the predetermined period of time elapses. In this embodiment, the predetermined light emission pattern of the decorative lamp LA included in the power restoration notification is the same as the predetermined light emission pattern of the decorative lamp LA included in the RWM clear notification.

Further, when the sub-control CPU 50a receives a power-on/power-recovery designation command, it causes the image display section GH to display a power-recovery image such as a power-recovery combination of a plurality of rows of performance symbols and a predetermined background image. It can be said that the display contents of the image display section GH when going through the RWM clear and when going through the power restoration are the same in terms of displaying the combination of performance symbols and displaying the background image. The power recovery combination of the performance symbols is a combination depending on the series of the pachinko game machine 10.例文帳に追加In addition, when the sub-control CPU 50a receives a power-on/power-recovery designation command, the sub-control CPU 50a controls to enable execution of the symbol variation game of the production symbols. It should be noted that the pachinko gaming machine 10, after displaying the power recovery screen, when the special figure variation game is not started even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, when the conditions for executing the demonstration effect are established, the demonstration effect is executed. may be configured to After completing the process of step S127, the main control CPU 41a ends the power-on process.

If the setter 43 is not turned on (S120: NO), the main control CPU 41a proceeds to step S127 without executing steps S121 to S126. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 does not transition to either the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, and transitions to the normal control state without performing the initialization processing.

In the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when the power is turned on in a state where the RWM clear switch 42 is in the OFF state and the setting device 43 is in the ON state, , to the setting confirmation state composed of the processing of steps S121 to S126. When shifting to the setting confirmation state, as a general rule, the RWM is not initialized, and the normal control state is shifted to based on the backed up game information. That is, when the processing of steps S121 to S126 shown in FIG. 8 is performed, the setting of the transition mode in which the normal control state is transitioned based on the game information that is backed up without executing the RWM clear as the initialization control It corresponds to the setting confirmation transit form that transitions via the confirmation state.

On the other hand, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when the power is turned on with the RWM clear switch 42 in the OFF state and the setting device 43 in the OFF state, the setting confirmation state , and in principle without initializing the RWM, it shifts to the normal control state based on the game information backed up. That is, when the processing of steps S121 to S126 shown in FIG. 8 is not performed, the normal control state is shifted to based on the backed up game information without executing RWM clear as initialization control. It corresponds to the setting confirmation non-passing mode in which the transition is made without going through the setting confirmation state.

As described above, the main control CPU 41a that executes the power-on process shown in FIG. 8 is configured to be able to set at least one of a plurality of setting information that defines the degree of advantage regarding the special game. It functions as a setting control means.

Next, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the procedure and the flow of control when the manager of the game hall or the like only confirms the setting values without changing them will be described. In the following description, the performance display device 11, the speaker SP, and the decoration lamp LA may be collectively referred to as an "informing device."

It is assumed that the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is not turned on at time X10 shown in FIG. At time X10, the power is not turned on, so the sensors SE1 to SE7, RWM clear switch 42, and setter 43 are not operating. At time X10, the display 45 is not displayed, the external terminal board 70 is not outputting an external signal, the error notification is not performed by the notification device, and the main control CPU 41a is not activated.

First, the manager of the game hall unlocks the locking device SS using the frame keys (keys) managed by him/herself, releases the mounting frames (middle frame WN and front frame WM), and sets the setting key (key ) to turn on the setting device 43 (time point X11). Next, the manager of the game hall turns on the power switch (turns on the power) while the RWM clear switch 42 is not turned on (turned off). Power is turned on (time point X12). At this time, the setting device 43 is maintained in the ON state.

During the special period from time X12 to X13, the main control CPU 41a executes start-up processing (boot processing), as indicated by "booting" in the figure, and stands up in a state where various processes can be executed. During the period from time X13 to X14, the main control CPU 41a reads the detection result of the switch regarding the setting control state. Switches related to the setting control state are, for example, the RWM clear switch 42 and the setter 43 .

At time X14, the main control CPU 41a starts power-on processing. At the time point X14, the main control CPU 41a shifts to the setting confirmation state as indicated by "Confirming setting" in the figure because the RWM clear switch 42 is in the OFF state and the setter 43 is in the ON state. After time X14 has elapsed, the main control CPU 41a does not perform various processes based on whether the RWM clear switch 42 is in the ON state, as indicated by "no input" in the drawing.

Next, the manager of the game hall uses the setting key (key) to turn off the setting device 43 (time point X15). At time X15, the main control CPU 41a terminates the setting confirmation state because the operation state of the setting device 43 has been switched to the OFF state. Then, during the period from time X15 to X16, the main control CPU 41a performs transition processing for ending the setting confirmation state and shifting to the normal control state, as indicated by "finishing setting confirmation" in the drawing. At time X16, the main control CPU 41a shifts to the normal control state, as indicated by "normal game in progress" in the figure. In this embodiment, when shifting to the setting confirmation state, the main control CPU 41a does not, in principle, initialize the RWM between power-on and transition to the normal control state.

During the period from time X12 to X16 (that is, the period from power-on to transition to the normal control state), the main control CPU 41a does not control not only the display of the base value but also the counting of the base value. That is, the main control CPU 41a does not count the base value when in the setting confirmation state. At time X16, the main control CPU 41a completes the setting confirmation state, and based on various backed-up information, performs various processing related to the progress of the game, controls related to the counting of the base value, and controls related to the display of the base value. and start. Specifically, the main control CPU 41a stores and holds a normal prize ball counter, a normal valid ball counter, a full state valid ball counter, a normal prize ball buffer, and a normal valid ball buffer. Based on each value of , the counting of the base value is restarted and the control to display the base value is restarted. Therefore, the display of the base value that was displayed when the power supply was stopped is restored on the display 45 . That is, when the power supply is started, the display contents of the identifier display section and the base display section of the display 45 are restored to the state when the power supply was stopped. After that, when the game progresses with the shooting of the game ball, the base value is counted accordingly.

During the period up to time X14, the display 45 is in the off state as indicated by "display off" in the drawing. During the period from time X14 to X16, the display 45 displays the set value set at that time. Therefore, the manager of the game hall can recognize the setting value set in the pachinko game machine 10 by visually checking the display contents of the display 45 on the back side of the game board YB. Note that the display device 45 maintains the third display state (display of the set value) even if the mounting frame is closed while the setting confirmation state is maintained (that is, the setting device 43 is not turned off). In other words, the main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the display 45 so that the setting value set at that time can be confirmed even if the state of the machine body is not in the specific state. In the period after time X16, the display 45 constantly (continuously) displays the base value and the identifier while switching between the display of the first base value and the display of the second base value. Therefore, the manager of the game hall can recognize the base value by visually recognizing the display contents of the display device 45 on the back side of the game board YB.

No external signal is output from the external terminal board 70 during the period up to time X14. A security signal is output from the external terminal board 70 during the period from time X14 to X15. In this embodiment, the output period of the security signal is the period of the setting confirmation state or the predetermined period (for example, 50 ms), whichever is longer. That is, the security signal is output when the information about the set value is displayed. For this reason, even a person other than the person who directly maintains the pachinko gaming machine 10 among the managers of the gaming arcade can use the hall computer to ensure that the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in the setting confirmation state or the setting change state. It is easy to infer that In the period after time X16, when an error is detected in the external terminal board 70, an external signal corresponding to the detected error is output.

The notification device does not perform any notification during the period up to time X14. During the period from time X14 to X16, the notification device performs setting confirmation notification. In this embodiment, the period during which the setting confirmation notification is executed is the period during which the setting confirmation state is set or a predetermined period (for example, 50 ms), whichever is longer. Therefore, the manager of the game arcade can understand that the settings are being confirmed from the notification contents of the notification device without looking into the back side of the mounting frame (game board YB). For example, the time required for one unit notification constituting the setting confirmation notification is 1 second. In general, it takes several minutes for the administrator to confirm the settings. Therefore, the length of the period (specified period) during which the setting confirmation notification is performed is set to a length that allows the unit notification of the setting confirmation notification to be performed at least twice. period.

It should be noted that, in the period after time X16, the notification device performs notification according to the detected error when the error is detected. In addition, the notification device of this embodiment is also used as an effect device for executing various effects (game effects) related to games. Therefore, in the period after the time point X16, the notification device (effect device) performs a game effect related to the special figure variation game or the big hit game if no error is detected. At time X16, the effect display device 11 displays the initial screen.

In the period up to time X14, the special figure display device 23 will be in a light-off state in which no notification of information is performed. During the period from time X14 to X15, the special symbol display portions 19a and 19b perform display according to the setting notification pattern, as indicated by "display during setting confirmation" in the figure. Therefore, the manager of the game hall can confirm that the pachinko game machine 10 is in the setting confirmation state or the setting change state by visually recognizing the special figure display device 23 without looking into the back side of the mounting frame (game board YB). can recognize During the period from time X15 to X16, the special symbol display portions 19a and 19b are turned off again. In the period after the time point X16, the special symbol display units 19a and 19b do not perform display according to the set notification pattern, but perform display of the special symbol variation game. At time X16, the special symbol display units 19a and 19b display a predetermined initial special symbol (for example, a lost symbol).

During the period up to time X13, the sensors SE1 to SE7, the RWM clear switch 42, and the setting device 43 (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "switches") have not started up the main control CPU 41a itself in the first place. The detection result is not read by the main control CPU 41a either. When the main control CPU 41a reads the detection results of the switches, depending on whether or not the detection signal is received from each switch, the area corresponding to each switch in the RWM area is filled with the reception of the detection signal. It means to store information that can specify the presence or absence. Invalidity of the switches means that the detection result is not read, and validity of the switch means that the detection result is read. It should be noted that the situation in which the switches are disabled can be assumed to be a situation in which the switches are not operating in the first place, or a situation in which the main control CPU 41a does not read the detection results even though the switches are operating.

Therefore, all switches are disabled during the period up to time X13, as indicated by "all switches disabled" in the drawing. During the period from time points X13 to X16, the sensors SE1 to SE7 among the switches are ineffective because their detection results are not read by the main control CPU 41a. In other words, in the setting confirmation state, switches other than the switches related to the setting control state are invalid. On the other hand, during the period from time X13 to X16, among the switches, the RWM clear switch 42 and the setter 43 are effective because the detection result is read by the main control CPU 41a. That is, in the setting confirmation state, the switches relating to the setting control state are valid. In the period after time X16, all switches are valid, as indicated by "all switches valid" in the figure. In other words, at least each of the sensors SE1 to SE7 is effective when displaying information about the base value. Further, the sensors SE1 to SE7 remain disabled during the period from time X15 to X16 (the period during which transition processing is performed).

In the period after time X14, the detection result of the RWM clear switch 42 is not referred to by the main control CPU 41a, as indicated by "no input" in the drawing, and is not used for various processing. That is, during the period from time X14 to X15, the main control CPU 41a neither initializes the RWM nor changes the set value even if the RWM clear switch 42 is operated. In addition, in the period after the time point X15, the main control CPU 41a does not initialize the RWM, does not change the set value, and displays the set value even if the RWM clear switch 42 is operated. do not have. Further, during the period after time X16, the operation result of the setting device 43 is not referred to by the main control CPU 41a and is not used for various processes, as indicated by "no input" in the drawing. That is, the main control CPU 41a maintains the setting control state (the setting change state and the setting confirmation state), and the setting value is not displayed.

After confirming the settings, the manager of the game arcade closes the mounting slots (time point X17). At time X17, the main control CPU 41a does not perform the initialization notification because the RWM has not been initialized. That is, the notification device does not perform initialization notification at time X17. No security signal is output from the external terminal board 70 at time X17. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the security signal is output when shifting to the setting confirmation state, but when the setting confirmation state ends, the security signal is not output again and the output of the security signal is not extended.

Next, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, a procedure and a flow of control when an administrator of a game hall or the like changes and confirms setting values will be described. In the following description, only points that are different from those when shifting to the setting confirmation state will be described in detail, and detailed descriptions of common points will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 10, first, the manager of the game arcade unlocks the locking device SS using the frame key managed by him/herself to release the mounting frame (middle frame WN and front frame WM). The set key is used to turn on the setter 43 (time point X11). Next, the manager of the game parlor turns on the power switch (power ON) while turning on the RWM clear switch 42 to turn on the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10 (time point X12). .

The main control CPU 41a executes start-up processing at time points X12 to X13, and reads the detection results of the RWM clear switch 42 and the setting device 43 at time points X13 to X14. At time X14, the main control CPU 41a executes power-on processing. At the time point X14, the main control CPU 41a shifts to the setting change state as indicated by "setting changing" in the figure because the RWM clear switch 42 is on and the setter 43 is on.

Every time an operation signal (detection signal) is input from the RWM clear switch 42 during the period from time X14 to X15, the main control CPU 41a changes the currently set value to the next set value. During the period from time X14 to X15, the main control CPU 41a controls the display 45 so as to display the set value currently set. That is, at time points X14 to X15, the display 45 displays the backed-up setting values before the setting switch is operated, and displays the changed settings each time the setting switch is operated after the setting switch is operated. Show value. Note that the display device 45 maintains the display of the set value even if the mounting frame is closed while the setting change state is maintained (that is, the setting device 43 is not operated to the OFF state). In other words, the main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the display 45 so that the setting value set at that point in time can be checked among the plurality of setting values even if the state of the machine body is not in a specific state. .

Next, the manager of the game arcade uses the setting key to turn off the setting device 43 (time point X15). At time X15, the main control CPU 41a ends the setting change state because the operation state of the setting device 43 has been switched to the OFF state. That is, the set value is determined at time X15. Then, during the period from time X15 to X16, the main control CPU 41a performs transition processing for ending the setting change state and shifting to the normal control state, as indicated by "Ending setting change" in the drawing. At time X16, the main control CPU 41a shifts to the normal control state, as indicated by "normal game in progress" in the figure. In this embodiment, when shifting to the setting change state, the main control CPU 41a initializes the RWM after the power is turned on before shifting to the normal control state.

During the period from time points X12 to X16, the main control CPU 41a does not control not only the display of the base value but also the counting of the base value. That is, the main control CPU 41a does not count the base value when in the setting change state. At time X16, the main control CPU 41a ends the setting change state, so based on the initialized game information, the main control CPU 41a starts various processes related to the progress of the game. Start the control related to counting and the control related to the display of the base value. At this time, the main control CPU 41a does not care whether or not the setting value is actually changed and set in the current setting change state. In other words, the main control CPU 41a, in the current setting change state, when the setting value is changed and set, and when the setting value is not changed and set, the various information backed up Based on this, the control related to the counting of the base value and the control related to the display of the base value are started. Therefore, regardless of whether or not the setting has been changed, the display of the base value that was displayed when the power supply was stopped is restored on the display 45 .

During the period from time X14 to X16, the display 45 displays the set value set at that time. Therefore, the manager of the game hall can recognize the set value (including after change) set in the pachinko game machine 10 by visually recognizing the display contents of the display device 45 on the back side of the game board YB. In the period after time X16, the display 45 constantly (continuously) displays the base value and the identifier while switching between the first display state and the second display state. Therefore, the manager of the game hall can recognize the base value by visually recognizing the display contents of the display device 45 on the back side of the game board YB.

A security signal is output from the external terminal board 70 during the period from X14 to X16. That is, the security signal is output when the information about the set value is displayed. Therefore, even a person other than the person who directly maintains the pachinko game machine 10 among the managers of the game arcade can confirm that the pachinko game machine 10 is in the setting confirmation state or the setting change state by using the hall computer. can be easily inferred.

During the period from time X14 to X16, the notification device performs setting change notification. In this embodiment, the period during which the setting change notification is executed is the period during which the setting change state is set or a predetermined period (for example, 50 ms), whichever is longer. Therefore, the manager of the game arcade can know that the settings are being changed from the notification contents of the notification device without looking into the back side of the middle frame WN (game board YB). For example, the time required for one unit notification constituting the setting change notification is 1 second. In general, it takes several minutes for the administrator to change the settings. Therefore, the length of the period (specified period) during which the setting change notification is performed is set to a length that allows the unit notification of the setting change notification to be performed at least twice. period.

During the period from time X14 to X15, the special symbol display portions 19a and 19b perform display according to the setting notification pattern, as indicated by "display during setting confirmation" in the figure. Therefore, the administrator of the game hall can confirm that the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in the setting confirmation state or the setting change state by visually recognizing the special symbol display portions 19a and 19b without looking into the back side of the middle frame WN (game board YB). It can be recognized that

Then, after finishing the setting change, the manager of the game arcade closes the loading frame (time point X17). At the time point X17, the main control CPU 41a performs initialization notification since the RWM is being initialized. At time X17, the notification device performs initialization notification for a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds). At time X17, the external terminal board 70 outputs a security signal. That is, after switching to the display of information about the base value, the same external signal as in the setting control state is output.

During the period up to time X13 (including the special period), all switches are disabled, as indicated by "all switches disabled" in the figure. During the period from X13 to X16, the sensors SE1 to SE7 among the switches are disabled, while the RWM clear switch 42 and the setter 43 among the switches are enabled. In the period after time X16, all switches are valid, as indicated by "all switches valid" in the figure. Further, during the transition process at time points X15 to X16, the sensors SE1 to SE7 remain disabled.

In the period after time X15, the detection result of the RWM clear switch 42 is not referred to by the main control CPU 41a, as indicated by "no input" in the drawing, and is not used for various processes. In other words, in the period after the time point X15, the main control CPU 41a does not initialize the RWM, does not change the set value even if the RWM clear switch 42 is operated, and displays the set value (second 3) is not performed either. Further, during the period after time X16, the operation result of the setting device 43 is not referred to by the main control CPU 41a and is not used for various processes, as indicated by "no input" in the drawing. In other words, during the period after time X16 (after the setting change state ends, that is, when the base value is being displayed), the main control CPU 41a maintains the setting control state (setting change state) even if the setter 43 is turned on. and setting confirmation state), and the setting value is not displayed.

Below, according to FIGS. 11 to 13, of the various notifications executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the setting control state notification, the RWM clear notification, and the power recovery notification will be described together with their effects.

The pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. can take any one of a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, an RWM clear state, and a power recovery state. The pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is configured to be capable of making a notification according to the state that can be obtained when the power is turned on.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the setting change state, a setting change notification is executed which consists of a sound notification, a light notification, and a display notification. It is said that Specifically, the notification is performed by a dedicated sound notification, a dedicated light emitting pattern notification, and a dedicated display consisting of a character image of "setting change in progress" as shown in FIG. 13(a).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, in the setting confirmation state, similarly to the setting change state, the setting confirmation information including the notification by sound, the notification by light, and the notification by display is executed. All of the notifications are designed for the setting confirmation state. Specifically, the notification is performed by a dedicated sound notification, a dedicated light emission pattern notification, and a dedicated display consisting of a character image of "Confirming settings" as shown in FIG. 13(b).

As described above, in both the setting change state and the setting confirmation state, the same notification means such as the speaker SP, the decorative lamp LA, and the effect display device 11 are used to perform notification. The content of the notification differs depending on whether the That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when shifting to either the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, the notification is executed so that the type of the setting control state of the shift destination can be distinguished. In this embodiment, in the setting control state, the notification that makes it possible to distinguish between the setting change state and the setting confirmation state corresponds to the first notification. In this embodiment, the setting change notification and setting confirmation notification corresponding to the first notification include notification by the effect display device 11 as display means and notification by the speaker SP as sound output means. Then, in the setting change notification, the effect display device 11 executes the notification of "setting change in progress", while the speaker SP outputs a dedicated sound for the setting change notification. Relevant notifications are made. The special sound for notification of the setting change is a voice reading out the character string "setting change in progress", and is related to the character string "setting change in progress" displayed on the effect display device 11. FIG. In addition, in the setting confirmation notification, the effect display device 11 executes the notification of "setting confirmation in progress", while the speaker SP outputs a dedicated sound for the setting confirmation notification. Relevant notifications are made. Note that the dedicated sound for notification of setting confirmation is a voice reading out the character string "Confirming setting", and is related to the character string "Confirming setting" displayed on the effect display device 11. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when the backed-up game information is initialized (RWM cleared) and shifted to the normal control state, it can be specified that the initialization has been shifted. RWM clear notification can be executed as the initialization notification. The RWM clear notification corresponds to a transition notification that can specify that the state has shifted to the normal control state. RWM clear notification consists of notification by sound, notification by light, and notification by display. Both sound and light notification are specified as RWM clear notification, and normal screen is displayed for display notification. It's like Specifically, notification by a dedicated sound, notification by a dedicated light emission pattern, and notification by an initial combination image (for example, [123]) of production symbols and a background image as a normal screen are executed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when the backed-up game information is not initialized and shifts to the normal control state, it can be specified that the shift has been made without being initialized. Power recovery notification can be executed as non-initialization notification. The power recovery notification corresponds to a shift notification that can specify that the state has shifted to the normal control state. Power recovery notification consists of notification by sound, notification by light, and notification by display. In the notification of display, the normal screen is displayed. More specifically, notification by a dedicated sound, notification by a dedicated light emission pattern, and notification by an image (for example, [456]) of a power recovery combination of a production pattern as a normal screen and a background image are executed. .

Then, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the RWM clear notification is executed when shifting to the normal game state through the setting change state, and the RWM clear notification executed at this time is the setting control state. The same notification as the RWM clear notification when shifting to the normal control state without going through the (setting change state) is executed. Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, power recovery notification is executed when shifting to the normal game state through the setting confirmation state. The same notification as the power recovery notification when shifting to the normal control state without passing through the (setting confirmation state) is executed.

Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the RWM clear notification and the power recovery notification are different in notification by sound and notification by display, but are the same in notification by light. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the RWM clear notification is executed after the setting control state ends, it can be recognized from the content of the RWM clear notification that the setting change state has ended in the setting control state. On the other hand, in this embodiment, when power recovery notification is executed after the setting control state ends, it can be recognized from the content of the power recovery notification that the setting confirmation state has ended in the setting control state. In this embodiment, the notifications (RWM clear notification and power recovery notification) after the end of the setting control state include a second notification capable of distinguishing which state of the setting change state and the setting confirmation state has ended; There is a third notification in which it is impossible to distinguish which of the setting change state and the setting confirmation state has ended. Note that the notification by display in the RWM clear notification and the power recovery notification can be regarded as the same notification if only the combination of the effect pattern and the background image are displayed, but the effect when the RWM is cleared and when the power is restored Considering the rules for combining symbols, it can be regarded as a different notification.

Further, as described above, the RWM clear notification and power recovery notification as transition notification that can specify that the state has shifted to the normal control state have different notification modes depending on whether the setting change state or the setting confirmation state has been passed. different. The RWM clearing and the power recovery notification in this embodiment are all performed by each notification by sound, light and display, so it can be said that the means for executing the notification are the same, but the notification contents of some means are different. As a result, the notification modes of the RWM clear notification and the power recovery notification are different. Further, these RWM clear notification and power recovery notification are executed with priority over the door open notification that can specify that the mounting frame is open as shown in FIG. It should be noted that when different notification modes are used, different types of notification means may be used.

In addition, the speaker SP, the decoration lamp LA, and the effect display device 11, which perform the setting change notification in the setting change state, notify the contents of the notification from the front side of the pachinko game machine 10 even when the mounting frame, which is the frame body, is closed. is a means that can identify However, in the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to recognize that the setting is changed from the content of the notification of the speaker SP, the decoration lamp LA, and the effect display device 11 for notifying the setting change, but the setting information is changed. I can't even recognize it. In other words, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the setting information is changed from the notification content of the display device 45 as the first notification means capable of specifying the notification content when the mounting frame, which is the frame body, is released. can recognize that. In addition, the speaker SP, the decoration lamp LA, and the effect display device 11 are used as second notification means that can specify the notification content from the front side of the pachinko game machine 10 even when the mounting frame, which is the frame body, is closed. Equivalent to.

In addition, the speaker SP, the decoration lamp LA, and the effect display device 11, which perform the setting confirmation notification in the setting confirmation state, notify the contents of the notification from the front side of the pachinko game machine 10 even when the mounting frame, which is the frame body, is closed. is a means that can identify However, in the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment, although it is possible to recognize that it is in the setting confirmation state from the notification contents of the speaker SP, the decoration lamp LA, and the effect display device 11 that perform setting confirmation notification, the setting is not performed at that time. cannot recognize the configuration information in That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is set at that point in time from the notification content of the display 45 as the first notification means that can specify the notification content when the mounting frame, which is the frame, is released. can recognize configuration information that is present.

Therefore, this embodiment can obtain the following effects.
(1) By providing the setting change state, it is possible to change the development of the game in the same pachinko gaming machine 10 . In other words, it is possible to change the process of winning a big win such that it is easier to win a big win or less likely to win a big win. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the decline in interest of the player. In the pachinko game machine 10 capable of suppressing the decline in the player's interest, the administrator of the game parlor can make a notification distinguishable between the setting change state and the setting confirmation state. can be made to perform appropriate setting change work.

(2) In addition, the setting change notification regarding the setting change state and the setting confirmation notification regarding the setting confirmation state are executed including display and sound means. Alternatively, the setting confirmation state can be realized by an easy-to-understand notification.

(3) In the case of initializing backed-up gaming information and shifting to the normal control state, it is possible to specify whether to shift to the normal control state whether or not the setting change state is passed through. different notifications with the same notification. Therefore, it is possible to realize the initialization of the backed-up game information with an easy-to-understand notification.

(4) In the case of shifting to the normal control state without initializing the backed-up game information, it is possible to shift to the normal control state whether or not the setting confirmation state is passed through. Identifiable notifications are executed with the same notification. Therefore, it is possible to realize that the backed-up game information has not been initialized, that is, that the power has been restored with an easy-to-understand notification.

(5) Execute the RWM clear notification when shifting to the normal control state via the setting change state, and execute the power recovery notification when shifting to the normal control state via the setting confirmation state. By making the notification modes of the notifications executed in these transition modes different, it is possible to determine whether the transition to the normal control state occurred via the setting change state or the normal control state via the setting confirmation state. can be realized by easy-to-understand notification.

(6) Since the RWM clear notification and power recovery notification for notifying that the state has shifted to the normal control state are executed with priority over the door opening notification, how the pachinko game machine 10 shifts to the normal control state by turning on the power. You can recognize what you have done.

(7) By enabling execution of setting error notification, it is possible to make the manager of the game arcade recognize that there is an abnormality in the setting information. The setting information is information related to the jackpot lottery, and is information that greatly affects the progress of the game. Therefore, by making the setting error notification executable, it is possible to avoid causing disadvantages to both the player and the game arcade.

(8) In addition, since the setting error notification notifies an error that greatly affects the progress of the game as described in the effect of (7) above, the setting error can be prevented by increasing the display amount of the error notification. It is possible to easily make the manager of the game arcade recognize that the

(9) The setting change state or setting confirmation state is notified in a manner that can be recognized without opening the mounting frame (setting change notification, setting confirmation notification), but the setting information itself does not open the mounting frame. It is reported in a manner that cannot be recognized. The loading frame cannot be released unless the lock device SS is unlocked using a lock key managed by the administrator of the game arcade. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the setting information itself from being visually recognized by a player or the like.

Note that the embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The embodiments and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.
- Embodiment may be embodied in the pachinko game machine 10 provided with the movable body for production|presentation. Then, a second notification that can distinguish which state of the setting change state and the setting confirmation state has ended after the setting control state ends may be executed by the operation of the movable body for effect. The second notification by the motion of the performance movable body may be executed in place of or in addition to the second notification by other means. Further, the third notification may be executed in which it is impossible to distinguish which state has ended, out of the setting change state and the setting confirmation state, depending on the operation of the effect movable body. The third notification by the motion of the performance movable body may be executed in place of or in addition to the third notification by other means. Further, both the second notification and the third notification may be executed by the action of the movable body for presentation.

- The power-on process in FIG. 8 is executed on the assumption that the mounting frame is open, but it may be executed in the same manner even if the mounting frame is closed.
・On the other hand, if the loading frame is closed, even if the operation to shift to the setting change state or setting confirmation state shown in Fig. 6 is being performed, the setting change state or setting confirmation state cannot be entered. The power-on process of FIG. 8 may be configured so as not to shift. In the case of not shifting to the setting change state or the setting confirmation state in this manner, the normal control state may be shifted to after executing the RWM clear or without executing the RWM clear.

- In the power-on process of FIG. 8, the RWM clear process of step S110 may be omitted, and the RWM clear process of step S103 may be performed only once. Further, in the power-on process of FIG. 8, the RWM clear process of step S103 is omitted, and the RWM clear process of step S110 is performed at the time of transition from step S109 and at the time of transition from step S104, and the RWM clear process is performed. You may make it perform only once.

- Among the errors that execute error notification, there are errors that execute error notification even if they occur during execution of setting error notification, and errors that execute error notification if they occur during execution of setting error notification. It may contain errors that do not. Errors for which error reporting is performed are, for example, errors with high priority, such as magnetic sensing and induced magnetic field sensing. Errors for which error notification is not executed are, for example, errors with low priority, such as full capacity. Also, during execution of a setting error, some devices (e.g., sound and light emission) notify the setting error, and other devices (e.g., display) notify the error separately from the setting error at the same time as the setting error. Alternatively, it may be performed in place of notification of the setting error. In this case, for example, when an error that has occurred separately is notified by display, the notification mode may be the second notification mode.

・When multiple errors with the same priority of error notification occur, the notification of the error that occurred first is maintained and the notification of the error that occurred later is not performed, or after the notification of the error that occurred earlier is completed, An error that occurs later may be notified. Alternatively, when a plurality of errors having the same error notification priority occur, the error that occurred later may be notified instead of the error that occurred first.

- Embodiment may be embodied in the pachinko game machine 10 provided with the movable body for production|presentation. A pachinko game machine 10 equipped with a movable body for effect executes a predetermined initial operation in accordance with the transition to a normal control state, and the movable body for effect operates normally from the detection result of the sensor for detecting the original position. or whether there is an abnormality in the sensor. Also, it notifies whether or not the initial motion of the performance movable body is operating normally. The initial motion of the rendering movable body is executed without distinction regardless of whether the mode of transition to the normal control state is the configuration via setting change, the configuration without configuration change, the configuration with configuration confirmation, or the configuration without configuration confirmation. be done. In other words, it is impossible to distinguish which state of the setting change state and the setting confirmation state has ended from the initial motion of the movable body for effect.

- In the embodiment, the second notification may be performed by the decoration lamp LA and the effect display device 11, and the third notification may be performed by the speaker SP. That is, the notification means for performing the second notification and the third notification may be changed.

- In an embodiment, the 1st alerting|reporting or 2nd alerting|reporting performed with a different alerting|reporting means does not need to start and end at the same time.
- In embodiment, the 3rd alert|reporting may contain the alerting|reporting which does not alert|report. In other words, it may be controlled such that it is impossible to distinguish between the setting change state and the setting confirmation state by not giving notification.

- In the embodiment, the specific notification means configured to enable predetermined notification may be provided with notification means other than the speaker SP, the decoration lamp LA, and the effect display device 11 . For example, an effect display device different from the effect display device 11 or a vibration effect device may be used.

- In the embodiment, the decoration lamps LA1 and LA2 may be selectively used for notification in the set control state and transition notification that can specify that the transition to the normal control state is possible.
- In the embodiment, the notification means for notifying the transition is not limited to the notification means connected to the sub control board 50, and may be the notification means connected to the main control board 40. FIG. Specifically, it may be specified that the setting value displayed on the display 45 is hidden to indicate that the control state is to be changed to the normal control state.

- In the embodiment, the storage contents of the sub-control RWM 50c may be held as backup information.
- In an embodiment, it may be controlled so that the mode of transition notification changes depending on the game state to be returned to.

- In the embodiment, notification means dedicated to notification of the set control state may be provided.
- In the embodiment, the setting switch may not be shared with other switches such as the RWM clear switch 42, but may be a dedicated operation means.

- In the embodiment, the setting switch may also be used as an error cancellation switch instead of the RWM clear switch 42 if an error cancellation switch to be operated when canceling the error notification is provided.

- In the embodiment, an error reporting means may be provided. Specifically, as the second notification means, notification means for notifying only the setting control state may be provided.

- In the embodiment, a board different from the main control board 40 may be provided with the configuration related to the setting control. Specifically, it may be provided in a board for setting control, or may be provided in a payout control board capable of transmitting information to the main control board 40 .

- In the embodiment, the priority of error notification of setting change, setting confirmation, RWM clear, and power recovery may be changed arbitrarily within the range of higher priority than door opening.
- In the embodiment, the operation of the setting switch is not limited to the push button type, and may be arbitrarily changed to a lever type, a dial type, or the like.

- In the embodiment, the setting change operation is performed each time the setting switch is operated. Specifically, by pressing the switch indicated as "1", it is possible to set to "setting 1", by pressing the switch indicated by "2", it is possible to set to "setting 2", and so on. may be controlled.

- In the embodiment, the operation of the setting device 43 is not limited to the two operations of ON operation and OFF operation, and may be changed arbitrarily. Specifically, the setting device 43 is configured to be operable into a first state in which a setting change state can be entered, a second state in which a setting confirmation state can be entered, and a third state in which a setting key can be removed and inserted. may be That is, since the operation mode of the setting device 43 differs between the setting change state and the setting confirmation state, the setting change state and the setting state can be determined by confirming whether the setting device 43 is in the first state or the second state. The confirmation state may be configured to be distinguishable. Further, in the third state, the control may be performed such that the removal and insertion of the setting key are conditions for starting and ending the normal control state. Specifically, if the user forgets to pull out the setting key after entering the third state in order to end the setting control state, the conditions for starting the normal control state are not satisfied, and control is performed so as not to shift to the normal control state. good too.

- In the embodiment, the frame key for unlocking the locking device SS and the setting key for operating the setting device 43 may be the same. Specifically, in order to operate the setting device 43, it is necessary to pull out the key that unlocked the locking device SS, and in order to lock the locking device SS, it is necessary to pull out the key that operated the setting device 43. may be configured such that there is

- In the embodiment, it may be configured to be able to execute setting change impossibility notification. Specifically, in the setting confirmation state, even if the setting switch is operated, the setting may not be changed, and the indicator 45 may notify that the setting cannot be changed.

- In the embodiment, the processing procedure of the power-on processing may be changed arbitrarily. Specifically, in the power-on process, the main control CPU 41a determines whether the setter 43 is turned on before determining whether the RWM clear switch 42 is turned on. You may

・In the embodiment, when the RWM clear switch 42 and the setting device 43 were operated while the middle frame WN was closed, and the state shifted to the normal control state, it was impossible to shift to the setting control state due to the closing of the middle frame WN. You may perform the notification which can specify that.

- For one or both of the setting confirmation state and the setting change state, an external signal different from the security signal may be output in addition to or instead of the security signal. For example, an external signal common and dedicated to both the setting confirmation state and the setting change state, an external signal dedicated to the setting change state, or an external signal dedicated to the setting confirmation state may be used. It may also be used as an external signal different from the security signal.

- The minimum security signal output time may be changed for one or both of the setting confirmation state and the setting change state. For example, 30 seconds may be set as the minimum output time.
Outputting a security signal for a predetermined period (for example, 50 ms) when transitioning to either the setting confirmation state or the setting change state, and outputting the security signal without waiting for the setting device 43 to be turned off. may be stopped.

- The initial combination of performance symbols displayed at the time of transition to the normal control state and the power recovery combination of performance symbols may be the same combination. Then, it is preferable that the combination of these is a combination in which deviation can be recognized.

・In the above modified example, the initial combination of the effect symbols displayed at the time of transition to the normal control state may be a combination that cannot appear when the relevant effect game is lost in the normal effect game, or may be a combination that does not appear in the normal effect game. A combination that can appear when the performance game is lost may be used.

・When shifting to the normal control state via the setting change state, in addition to the RWM clear notification, a character string "setting information has been changed" may be displayed on the effect display device 11, or "setting information has been changed" may be output from the speaker SP. Either display or audio output in this modification may be performed, or both may be performed.

・As a pachinko gaming machine 10 equipped with a probability variation function, a specification that provides a variable probability state until the next win is won, a specification that provides a variable probability state until the fall lottery is won (falling machine), or a predetermined number of times There is a specification (ST machine) that gives a probability variation state until the minute pattern variation game ends. In addition, the pachinko game machine equipped with the probability variation function has a specification (V probability variation machine) that gives a probability variation state when the game ball passes through a specific area. The pachinko gaming machine 10 of each embodiment may be embodied as a pachinko gaming machine with any of these specifications. Moreover, the pachinko game machine 10 may be a pachinko game machine having specifications in which the above-described falling machine and the V-variable machine are mixed.

· The pachinko gaming machine 10 of each embodiment may be embodied as a gaming machine (a so-called 1 type 2 type mixing machine) that gives a big hit game when a game ball passes through a specific area. In this case, the normal game for which the base value is counted is a game with a low base and not during the jackpot game.

-Each embodiment may be embodied as a pachinko machine 10 that is classified as a second type pachinko machine that is also called a "feather type" or a "plane type." In this type of pachinko machine, when a game ball enters the starting hole, the opening/closing blade (opening/closing member) of the ball entry device (large winning hole) opens, and the game ball that enters the ball entry device wins a special prize. A jackpot game is generated by entering the ball into the mouth. In this case, the base value is counted when the normal game is not during the jackpot game, and the base value is counted when the opening and closing blades of the ball entry device are open due to the ball entering the starting port (small win). may be

A one-chip microcomputer may be used as the means for controlling the progress of the game mounted on the main control board 40 .
- The pachinko gaming machine 10 of each embodiment may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine that uses only special symbols. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of each embodiment may be a pachinko gaming machine having a plurality of large winning openings, a pachinko gaming machine having a single starting opening and using a single special symbol, or having a plurality of starting openings. However, it may be embodied in a pachinko machine that uses a single special symbol. That is, the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10, particularly the specific configuration of the game board YB, may be arbitrarily changed.

Technical ideas that can be grasped from the above-described embodiment and another example will be added below.
(1-1) In a gaming machine that provides a special game that opens a large winning opening on the condition that a winning lottery triggered by the establishment of a starting condition is established, a plurality of settings that determine the degree of advantage related to the special game Setting control means configured to enable at least control to set any setting information among information, and setting operation means configured to enable operation related to the setting information, and perform control related to the setting information. In the setting control state, it is possible to check a setting change state in which setting information can be changed to any one of the plurality of setting information and the setting information set at that time among the plurality of setting information. and a setting confirmation state in which notification is made as described above, wherein the condition for transitioning to the setting change state and the condition for transition to the setting confirmation state include a predetermined mode operation of the setting operation means, and the The gaming machine comprises: a first notification for distinguishing between the setting change state and the setting confirmation state in the setting control state; and the setting change state after the setting control state ends. and a second notification capable of distinguishing which one of the setting confirmation states has ended, and a third notification executed after the end of the setting control state, wherein the third notification is A game machine in which it is impossible to distinguish which of the setting change state and the setting confirmation state has ended.

(1-2) The first notification includes notification by display means and notification by sound output means. The gaming machine according to (1-1) above, wherein in the setting confirmation state, the display means and the sound output means perform related notifications.

(1-3) The gaming machine according to (1-1) or (1-2) above, wherein the third notification includes notification to operate the movable body.
(1-4) Backup means capable of backing up game information, backup information storage means for storing the backed up game information, and initialization control for initializing the backed up game information. and an initialization control means, wherein a control state different from the setting change state and the setting confirmation state includes a normal control state capable of executing a variable game based on the winning lottery, and the initialization control The transition mode for transitioning to the normal control state based on the game information initialized by executing is a setting change transition mode for transitioning via the setting change state and a setting change transition mode for transitioning via the setting change state. There is a setting change non-passing form in which the game is transferred without executing the initialization control, and the transition form in which the normal control state is transferred to the normal control state based on the game information that is backed up without executing the initialization control. and a setting confirmation non-passing form in which the transition is made without going through the setting confirmation state. The same notification is performed as an initialization notification that can specify that the backed-up game information is initialized and transitions to the normal control state, and the backup is performed in the setting confirmation via mode and the setting confirmation non-via mode. The game machine according to (1-1) to (1-3) above, which performs the same notification as the non-initialization notification capable of specifying that the existing game information is not initialized and shifts to the normal control state.

(2-1) In a gaming machine that provides a special game that opens a large winning opening on the condition that a winning lottery triggered by the establishment of a starting condition is established, a plurality of settings that determine the degree of advantage related to the special game setting control means configured to enable at least control to set any setting information among information; setting operation means configured to enable operation related to the setting information; and specific configuration configured to enable predetermined notification a setting control state for controlling the setting information includes a setting change state in which any of the plurality of setting information can be changed and set; Among these, there is a setting confirmation state for controlling the setting notification means so that the setting information set at that time can be confirmed. includes a predetermined mode of operation of the setting operation means, and as a control state different from the setting change state and the setting confirmation state, there is a normal control state in which a variable game based on the winning lottery can be executed, The mode of transition to the normal control state includes a setting change transition mode in which the transition to the normal control state is performed via the setting change state, and a setting confirmation via transition to the normal control state via the setting confirmation state. The specific notification means can execute a transition notification that can specify that the transition to the normal control state has been performed, and the transition notification is performed in the setting change via mode and the setting confirmation via mode. A game machine in which the notification mode is different from the time of .

(2-2) Differentiating the notification mode of the shift notification means that the type of specific notification means that performs the notification is different, or the specific notification means that performs the notification is the same but the notification content is different. The game machine of (2-1).

(2-3) In the setting change state, the display means and the sound output means perform related notification, and in the setting confirmation state, the display means and the sound output means perform related notification. ) or (2-2) gaming machine.

(2-4) Backup means capable of backing up game information, backup information storage means for storing the backed up game information, and initialization control for initializing the backed up game information. and an initialization control means configured to perform the initialization control, and in a transition form that transitions to the normal control state based on the game information initialized by executing the initialization control, via the setting change state There are a setting change via form in which the transition is made and a setting change non-passing form in which the transition is made without going through the setting change state, and based on the game information backed up without executing the initialization control. The mode of transition to the normal control state includes the above-mentioned setting confirmation intermediate mode in which the transition is made via the setting confirmation state, and the setting confirmation non-transit form in which the transition is made without going through the setting confirmation state. The specific notification means outputs the same notification as the shift notification capable of specifying that the backed-up game information is initialized and transitions to the normal control state in the setting change-passing mode and the setting change non-passing mode. and performing the same notification as the transition notification capable of specifying that the backed-up game information is not initialized and transitions to the normal control state in the setting confirmation via mode and the setting confirmation non-via mode. Any game machine of (2-1) to (2-3).

(4-1) In a gaming machine that provides a special game that opens a large winning opening on the condition that a winning lottery triggered by the establishment of a starting condition is established, a plurality of settings that determine the degree of advantage related to the special game Setting control means configured to enable at least control to set any setting information among information, and setting operation means configured to enable operation related to the setting information, and perform control related to the setting information. In the setting control state, it is possible to check a setting change state in which setting information can be changed to any one of the plurality of setting information and the setting information set at that time among the plurality of setting information. and a setting confirmation state in which notification is made as described above, wherein the condition for transitioning to the setting change state and the condition for transition to the setting confirmation state include a predetermined mode operation of the setting operation means, and the The game machine is configured to be capable of executing setting error notification when an error related to the setting control state occurs with power-on of the game machine.

(4-2) The game machine is capable of detecting a plurality of errors including an error related to the setting control state, the plurality of errors includes an error for error notification, and the setting error notification The gaming machine (4-1) above is executed with priority over the error notification.

(4-3) The gaming machine is capable of detecting a plurality of errors including an error related to the setting control state, the plurality of errors includes an error for reporting an error, and the error for reporting an error is includes an error for which error notification is performed even if it occurs during execution of the setting error, and an error for which error notification is not performed if it occurs during execution of the setting error (4- 1) game machine.

(4-4) The error notification means for performing the error notification includes display means, and the notification mode of the error notification by the display means is a first notification in which the display amount of the error notification displayed on the screen of the display means is large. and a second notification mode in which the display amount of the error notification is smaller than that of the first notification mode, wherein the setting error notification by the display means is executed in the first notification mode (4- 1) to any gaming machine of (4-3).

(4-5) The game machine retains information regarding game control even when power supply is stopped, and can be restored based on the game information when power supply is started, and the game machine is capable of performing the setting The gaming machine according to any one of (4-1) to (4-4) above, wherein the setting error notification can be executed when an information abnormality error has occurred.

(4-6) When the game machine is in the setting change state, the power supply to the game machine is stopped, and when the power supply is restarted after that, the setting change does not shift to the setting change state. The game machine according to any one of (4-1) to (4-5) above, wherein the setting error notification can be executed when an operation error occurs.

(5-1) Equipped with various game components including a game board, equipped with a mounting frame that can be opened by operating a locking device, and winning a winning lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition. In a gaming machine that provides a special game for opening a winning opening, setting control means configured to at least enable control for setting any one of a plurality of setting information defining an advantage degree related to the special game; setting operation means configured to enable operation relating to the setting information; change operation means configured to enable operation to instruct change of the setting information; and a plurality of notification means for performing notification; The means includes first notification means that cannot specify the content of notification from the front side of the gaming machine when the mounting frame is closed, but can identify the content of notification when the mounting frame is open; and a second notification means capable of specifying notification contents from the front side of the game machine even when the mounting frame is closed, and a setting control state for performing control related to the setting information includes the plurality of information. The first notification means is controlled so that a setting change state that can be set by changing to any setting information among the setting information and setting information that is set at that time among the plurality of setting information can be confirmed. a setting confirmation state, wherein the transition condition to the setting change state and the transition condition to the setting confirmation state include a predetermined mode operation of the setting operation means; and the second notification means includes specific notification means capable of distinguishably notifying that the setting change state and the setting confirmation state are set, and in the setting change state, the setting information can be changed by operating the change operation means. In addition, although it is possible to recognize that the setting information has been changed from the notification contents of the first notification means, it is not possible to recognize that the setting information has been changed from the notification contents of the second notification means. game machine.

(5-2) The gaming machine has a plurality of means as the specific notification means, the plurality of specific notification means includes display means and sound output means, and the display means is operated in the setting change state. and the sound output means perform related notification, and in the setting confirmation state, the display means and the sound output means perform related notification.

(5-3) Backup means capable of backing up game information, backup information storage means for storing the backed up game information, and initialization control for initializing the backed up game information. and an initialization control means, wherein a control state different from the setting change state and the setting confirmation state includes a normal control state capable of executing a variable game based on the winning lottery, and the initialization control There are a transition form in which the normal control state is shifted to the normal control state based on the game information initialized by executing the above, and a setting change intermediate form passing through the setting change state and a transition without passing through the setting change state. There is a setting change non-passing form, and a transition form that shifts to the normal control state based on the game information that is backed up without executing the initialization control includes setting confirmation via the setting confirmation state. There are a transit mode and a setting confirmation non-transit mode in which the transition is made without going through the setting confirmation state. The same notification is performed as an initialization notification that can specify that the information is initialized and the transition to the normal control state is performed, and the backed up game information is initialized in the setting confirmation via mode and the setting confirmation non-via mode. The game machine according to (5-1) or (5-2), which performs the same notification as the non-initialization notification that can specify that the transition to the normal control state is performed without being initialized.

(6-1) Equipped with various game components including a game board, equipped with a mounting frame that can be opened by operating a locking device, and winning a winning lottery triggered by the establishment of the start condition. In a gaming machine that provides a special game for opening a winning opening, setting control means configured to at least enable control for setting any one of a plurality of setting information defining an advantage degree related to the special game; setting operation means configured to enable operation relating to the setting information; change operation means configured to enable operation to instruct change of the setting information; and a plurality of notification means for performing notification; The means includes first notification means that cannot specify the content of notification from the front side of the gaming machine when the mounting frame is closed, but can identify the content of notification when the mounting frame is open; and a second notification means capable of specifying notification contents from the front side of the game machine even when the mounting frame is closed, and a setting control state for performing control related to the setting information includes the plurality of information. The first notification means is controlled so that a setting change state that can be set by changing to any setting information among the setting information and setting information that is set at that time among the plurality of setting information can be confirmed. a setting confirmation state, wherein the transition condition to the setting change state and the transition condition to the setting confirmation state include a predetermined mode operation of the setting operation means; and the second notification means includes specific notifying means capable of distinguishably notifying the setting change state and the setting confirmation state, and in the setting confirmation state, the setting information is not changed even if the change operation means is operated. The setting information set at that time point can be recognized from the notification contents of the first notification means, but the setting confirmation state cannot be recognized from the notification contents of the second notification means. A game machine that can obtain but cannot recognize the setting information set at that time.

(6-2) The game machine has a plurality of means as the specific notification means, the plurality of specific notification means includes display means and sound output means, and the display means is operated in the setting change state. and the sound output means perform related notification, and in the setting confirmation state, the display means and the sound output means perform related notification.

(6-3) Backup means capable of backing up game information, backup information storage means for storing the backed up game information, and initialization control for initializing the backed up game information. and an initialization control means, wherein a control state different from the setting change state and the setting confirmation state includes a normal control state capable of executing a variable game based on the winning lottery, and the initialization control There are a transition form in which the normal control state is shifted to the normal control state based on the game information initialized by executing the above, and a setting change intermediate form passing through the setting change state and a transition without passing through the setting change state. There is a setting change non-passing form, and a transition form that shifts to the normal control state based on the game information that is backed up without executing the initialization control includes setting confirmation via the setting confirmation state. There are a transit mode and a setting confirmation non-transit mode in which the transition is made without going through the setting confirmation state. The same notification is performed as an initialization notification that can specify that the information is initialized and the transition to the normal control state is performed, and the backed up game information is initialized in the setting confirmation via mode and the setting confirmation non-via mode. The gaming machine according to (6-1) or (6-2) above, in which the same notification is made as the non-initialization notification that can specify that the control state is shifted to the normal control state without being initialized.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Pachinko game machine, 11... Effect display device, SP... Speaker, 14... Big winning opening, 40... Main control board, 41a... Main control CPU, 41c... Main control RWM, 42... RWM clear switch, 43... Setting device , WN...middle frame, WM...front frame, SE7...open detection sensor.

Claims (1)

A special game is provided with a mounting frame for mounting various game components including a game board, and opens a big winning slot provided on the game board on the condition that a jackpot lottery triggered by establishment of a starting condition is won. In the gaming machine to be given,
setting control means configured to be able to control setting information;
setting operation means configured to enable a predetermined operation;
an informing means for informing;
open detection means for detecting opening of the mounting frame;
and external signal output means for outputting an external signal,
Winning the jackpot lottery with a winning probability according to the set setting information,
In the setting control state for controlling the setting information,
There are a setting change state in which the setting information can be set, and a setting confirmation state in which the setting notification means is controlled so that the set setting information can be confirmed,
The condition for transitioning to the setting change state and the condition for transitioning to the setting confirmation state include a predetermined mode operation of the setting operation means,
As a control state different from the setting change state and the setting confirmation state, there is a normal control state in which a variable game based on the big win lottery can be executed,
The mode of transition to the normal control state includes a setting change transition mode in which the transition to the normal control state is performed via the setting change state, and a setting confirmation via transition to the normal control state via the setting confirmation state. There is a form and a
The notification means includes a notification means capable of executing a transition notification capable of specifying that the state has shifted to the normal control state, and a notification means capable of executing a release notification capable of specifying that the opening of the mounting frame has been detected. and including
The transition notification is executed with priority over the release notification,
The external signal is output in response to transition to the setting change state or in response to transition to the setting confirmation state, and even if the setting change state ends within the minimum output time, the external signal is at least output for the minimum output time, and even if the setting confirmation state ends within the minimum output time, the external signal is output for at least the minimum output time, and the setting change state and the setting confirmation state are the minimum output time. is different,
The game machine is configured to be capable of executing notification in the setting change state and notification in the setting confirmation state. is configured to enable setting error notification,
The setting error notification is executed with priority over the notification in the setting change state and the notification in the setting confirmation state,
When the setting error notification is being performed, the external signal is output,
The setting error includes a first error and a second error,
The first error is an error that occurs on condition that the setting information is abnormal,
The second error is that after the power supply to the game machine was stopped while in the setting change state, the game machine did not transition to the setting change state or did not transition to the setting change state when the power supply was restarted. This error occurs under the condition that
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the setting error notification is executed, the first error and the second error are identified and notified.

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