JP7365716B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Conventionally, as an example of a gaming machine, a circulation-type pachinko gaming machine that circulates game balls inside the machine is known (for example, Patent Document 1). In the game machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a game ball is launched into a game area, it is stored in a storage device after flowing down the game area. Then, the game balls stored in the storage device flow down the game area again by being fired into the game area. In addition, the balls held by the player are electronically managed by a game control microcomputer. This eliminates the need for a mechanism for paying out game balls. Furthermore, since the game balls are not touched by players, they are less likely to get dirty.

JP 2021-78753 Publication

Since the above-mentioned recycling type gaming machine has a different configuration from a non-recycling type gaming machine, the errors that need to be detected and the contents of their countermeasures are also different from the non-recycling type gaming machine.

A game machine that solves the above problems is a circulation type game machine that circulates game balls inside the machine, and includes a game board having a game area, a firing section that can fire game balls toward the game area, and a game machine that includes a supply mechanism for supplying game balls collected from the supply mechanism to the firing section; an entrance-side ball detection section on the entrance side of the supply mechanism; an exit-side ball detection section on the exit side of the supply mechanism; and a predetermined control. a first control unit capable of executing the number of balls held by the player, the first control unit being able to execute a number of balls management control for managing the number of balls held by the player, and the said number of balls management control is capable of executing the number of balls held by the player. The first control unit executes error management control for managing errors, including reducing the number of balls held by the player in response to detection by at least one of the entrance side ball detection unit and the exit side ball detection unit. It is possible, and the error management control is to set a supply mechanism error when the difference between the number of detections by the entrance side ball detection unit and the number of detections by the exit side ball detection unit becomes a predetermined number or more. The gist is to include the following.

The gaming machine described above is equipped with an operation section that allows predetermined operations, and the setting of the supply mechanism error can be canceled based on the operation of the operation section without stopping the power supply. good.

Regarding the gaming machine, the setting of the supply mechanism error may be canceled when a predetermined period of time has elapsed with the operation section being operated.
The above-mentioned gaming machine includes a second control unit capable of executing predetermined control, the second control unit being able to execute game progress control regarding the progress of the game, and the first control unit controlling the power supply starting from the start of the power supply. In this case, it is possible to input startup information from the second control unit that can specify part of the information regarding the configuration of the gaming machine, and in the error management control executed by the first control unit, the power supply is After the start, the number of detections by the entrance side ball detection section and the number of detections by the exit side ball detection section may not be counted until the startup information is input.

According to the present invention, it is easy to take measures in response to errors.

It is a diagram when the pachinko game machine and the management unit are viewed from the front. 2 is a diagram showing a game board included in the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a counting operation section, a counting notification section, and a second ball count display section included in the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a game ball distribution mechanism formed in the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a supply unit included in the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a supply unit included in the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a firing section included in the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing an example of communication between a game control board and a frame control board in the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing an example of communication between a frame control board in the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. 1 and a CU control board in the management unit of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an error that can be detected by the frame control board in the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an error that can be detected by a game control board in the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an error notification mode in the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. 1. FIG.

An embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine will be described below.
As shown in FIG. 1, in an island facility (gaming island), pachinko gaming machines 10, which are an example of gaming machines, and management units 100, which are an example of a management device, are installed in alternating rows. Management unit 100 is an example of an external unit. The management unit 100 is installed alongside the pachinko gaming machine 10. The management unit 100 is communicably connected to the pachinko gaming machine 10.

The management unit 100 will be explained.
The management unit 100 includes a medium insertion section 101 into which a management medium can be inserted. As an example, the management medium is a data storage medium such as an IC card or an IC coin. The management medium can store the remaining amount of the deposit and the number of game balls owned by the player (hereinafter referred to as the first number of managed balls PA). The first managed pitch count PA is data managed by the management unit 100. The management medium may be capable of storing the player's personal information or the balance of the payment (prepaid balance). The management unit 100 includes a cash input unit 102 into which cash can be input. The amount inserted into the cash input unit 102 is added to the remaining amount stored in the management medium. As an example, cash may be either banknotes or coins.

Management unit 100 includes an operation panel 110. The operation panel 110 includes a ball lending operation section 111, a payout operation section 112, a return operation section 113, a first ball number display section 114, and a remaining amount display section 115. The ball lending operation unit 111 is operated when increasing the number of game balls owned by the player (hereinafter referred to as the second number of managed balls PB) based on the remaining amount stored in the management medium. The second managed ball count PB is data managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10. The payout operation unit 112 is operated when increasing the second number of managed balls PB based on the first number of managed balls PA. The managed pitch numbers PA and PB are examples of the number of pitches held.

The return operation unit 113 is operated when receiving the return of the management medium inserted into the management unit 100. The first pitch count display section 114 displays information (for example, Arabic numerals) that allows identification of the first managed pitch count PA. The remaining amount display section 115 displays information (for example, Arabic numerals) that can specify the remaining amount of the payment.

The management unit 100 includes a management unit control board 120 (hereinafter referred to as a CU control board). The CU control board 120 is an example of an external device located outside the machine. The CU control board 120 is an example of a first device. The CU control board 120 includes a CPU 120a, a ROM 120b, and a RAM 120c. The CPU 120a performs predetermined control by executing a management unit control program. The ROM 120b stores a management unit control program. The RAM 120c stores various information that is rewritten during the operation of the management unit 100. For example, the information stored in the RAM 120c includes flags, counters, timers, and the like. The management unit 100 includes a communication terminal 120d that is connected to the pachinko gaming machine 10 so as to be able to communicate in both directions.

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

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

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

The management unit 100 includes an external communication terminal (not shown) for connecting to an external management device prepared separately from the pachinko gaming machine 10 and the management unit 100. As an example, the external management device is installed at a gaming hall. As an example, the external management device (not shown) is a hall computer installed at a gaming hall. As an example, the external management device is a management computer that can communicate via a network with server equipment installed in a data center outside the gaming hall. In this case, it is preferable that the management computer and the management unit 100 are connected so that they can communicate in both directions.

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

When the CPU 120a receives the input signal from the cash input unit 102, the CPU 120a adds the input amount that can be specified from the input signal to the remaining amount. When the remaining amount is not 0, when a ball lending signal is input from the ball lending operation unit 111, the CPU 120a subtracts the remaining amount by a specified amount, and also displays lending information that can specify the lending of the number of game balls corresponding to the specified amount. is stored in the RAM 120c. Note that when the remaining amount is 0, the CPU 120a does not store lending information in the RAM 120c even if the ball lending signal is input.

When the first managed ball number PA is 1 or more, when a payout signal is input from the payout operation unit 112, the CPU 120a subtracts the first managed ball number PA by a predetermined number, and specifies the lending of the predetermined number of game balls. Possible lending information is stored in the RAM 120c. Note that when the first number of managed balls PA is 0, the CPU 120a does not store the payout signal in the RAM 120c even if the payout signal is input. In this way, the rental information can specify the number of rental balls.

Upon receiving the counting information from the pachinko gaming machine 10, the CPU 120a adds the number of game balls that can be specified from the counting information to the first managed ball number PA. As will be described in detail later, the count information is information that can specify the number of balls held whose management is to be transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100. Note that the counting information is periodically transmitted from the pachinko gaming machine 10, and becomes 0 if the counting operation section 18, which will be described later, is not operated in the pachinko gaming machine 10. That is, even if the CPU 120a receives counting information from the pachinko gaming machine 10, it may not add it to the first managed ball count PA. When the CPU 120a transmits the lending information to the pachinko gaming machine 10, the CPU 120a initializes the lending information stored in the RAM 120c to 0. The lending information output to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is an example of first information.

The CPU 120a controls the first pitch count display section 114 to display information that can identify the first managed pitch count PA at any given time. The first managed pitch count PA is displayed in real time on the first pitch count display section 114. The CPU 120a controls the remaining amount display section 115 to display information that allows identification of the remaining amount at any given time. The remaining amount is displayed in real time on the remaining amount display section 115. When a return signal is input from the return operation unit 113, the CPU 120a causes the remaining amount and the first number of managed balls PA stored in the RAM 120c to be stored in the management medium, and also stores the remaining amount and the first number of managed balls PA stored in the RAM 120c. Initialize. The CPU 120a controls the medium insertion section 101 so that the managed medium is ejected from the medium insertion section 101.

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

The pachinko gaming machine 10 electromagnetically manages the second managed ball number PB based on the number of rented balls Pb, the number of acquired balls Pc, the number of fired balls Pd, and the number of returned balls Pe. The number of rental balls Pb is the number of game balls lent to the player. The number of acquired balls Pc is the number of game balls acquired by the player. The number of shot balls Pd is the number of game balls shot by the player. The number of fired balls Pd can also be said to be the number of game balls supplied from the supply section 61 to the firing section 65, which will be described later. The number of returned balls Pe is the number of game balls that did not reach the game area 20a, which will be described later, among the game balls fired by the player. The number of returned balls Pe can also be said to be the number of game balls that did not reach the game area 20a among the game balls fired from the firing section 65 toward the game area 20a. The returned ball is a so-called "foul ball."

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

The pachinko game machine 10 includes an effect audio section 12, an example of which is a speaker. The performance audio section 12 is an example of an audio section that can output audio. The performance audio section 12 is arranged on the front side of the mounting frame 11b. The performance audio unit 12 is capable of performing a performance that outputs a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as audio performance) and a notification that outputs a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as audio notification). For example, the predetermined sound may be a song, a sound effect, a person's voice reading out a predetermined character string, or the like. The pachinko game machine 10 includes a notification audio section 13, an example of which is a speaker. The notification audio unit 13 can perform audio notification. As an example, the production audio section 12 and the notification audio section 13 are arranged in the mounting frame 11b.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes an effect light emitting section 14. The effect light emitting unit 14 can perform effects (hereinafter referred to as light emission effect) by lighting, blinking, and extinguishing a light emitting body (not shown) such as an LED. The effect light emitting unit 14 can perform notification (hereinafter referred to as light emission notification) by lighting, blinking, and turning off a light emitting body (not shown). As an example, the effect light emitting section 14 is arranged on the mounting frame 11b. The effect light emitting section 14 may be provided on a game board 20, which will be described later.

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

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

The firing stop switch D02 outputs a stop signal when the firing stop button 15c protruding from the side of the firing operation section 15 is pressed. The stop signal is turned on when the firing stop button 15c is operated, and turned off when it is not operated. The firing stop button 15c is an example of a means that can be operated to stop the firing of game balls. When the handle lever 15a is rotated, the handle volume D03 outputs a volume signal with a voltage corresponding to the amount of rotation operation.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes a production operation section 16. The performance operation unit 16 is an example of a means that can be operated by a player. The production operation unit 16 may be a button type that can be pressed, a touch sensor type that also serves as a display device, or a lever type.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a second ball number display section 17 that displays information that allows the second managed ball number PB to be specified. As an example, the second pitch number display section 17 has a configuration in which a plurality (for example, six) of 7 segments are arranged, and can display a plurality of (for example, six digits) numbers. The second pitch count display section 17 is capable of performing a predetermined notification by displaying predetermined characters and numbers.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes a counting operation section 18. The counting operation unit 18 is an example of an operation unit that can be operated by a player. The counting operation unit 18 is mainly operated by a player when finishing a game on the pachinko gaming machine 10. The counting operation unit 18 is allowed to perform a counting operation using the counting operation unit 18 when it is in a predetermined counting enabled state. The counting operation section 18 outputs a counting signal when a push-in operation is performed. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a count notification section 18a. The counting notification unit 18a is an example of a means for notifying whether or not counting is possible. As an example, the production operation section 16, the second ball count display section 17, the counting operation section 18, and the count notification section 18a are arranged on the front side of the mounting frame 11b.

Here, the operation mode of the counting operation section 18 will be explained. In the following description, when the count signal is indicated as on, it means that the count signal is being output. When the count signal is indicated as off, it means that the count signal is not output. The operation mode of the counting operation section 18 includes a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is an operation mode in which the operation time for the counting operation section 18 is less than a predetermined time ta (500 ms as an example). The operation time is the time from when the counting signal is turned on until it is turned off. The first mode is a so-called "single press operation". The second mode is an operation mode in which the operation time for the counting operation section 18 is longer than the predetermined time ta. The second mode is a so-called "long press operation".

As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko game machine 10 includes a game board 20. The game board 20 is assembled to the mounting frame 11b. On the front surface of the game board 20, a generally circular game area 20a is defined when viewed from the front. A display window 20b is formed approximately in the center of the gaming area 20a. A launch passage 20c is formed on the left side of the game area 20a to guide a game ball fired by operating the firing operation section 15 to the game area 20a. The game area 20a and the ejection passage 20c are covered by a protective glass (not shown) of a protective frame 11c.

The game board 20 includes an information display device 21 that displays various information. The information display device 21 includes a first special symbol display section 21a, a second special symbol display section 21b, a first reservation display section 21c, a second reservation display section 21d, a normal symbol display section 21e, and a normal reservation display section 21f. . As an example, the plurality of display sections 21a to 21f are arranged together in a part that is visible to the player, but the present invention is not limited to this, and some or all of them may be arranged in different parts.

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

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

The normal symbol display section 21e is capable of executing a normal game in which predetermined symbols are displayed variably and finally the normal symbols are stopped and displayed. The normal symbol is a symbol for informing the result of the internal lottery (normal symbol winning lottery). The normal symbols include normal winning symbols and normal losing symbols. In the pachinko game machine 10, when a normal winning symbol is won in a winning lottery of normal symbols, the normal winning symbol is stopped and displayed in the normal game, and after the normal game ends, a normal winning game is awarded.

The normal suspension display section 21f displays information that allows specifying the number of times the execution of the normal game is suspended because the suspension condition has been satisfied but the start condition has not yet been satisfied. The information display device 21 may include a right-handed display section that displays information instructing right-handed play, and a round display section that notifies the upper limit number of round games.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes an effect display section 19. The effect display section 19 has an image display area 19a that can display images. The effect display section 19 is an example of a display section that can display images. The effect display section 19 is assembled to the game board 20 so that the image display area 19a can be viewed through the display window 20b. For example, the effect display section 19 is a liquid crystal device. The effect display section 19 is capable of executing an effect (hereinafter referred to as display effect) that displays a predetermined image. For example, the predetermined images are images of performance designs, characters, scenery, characters (character strings), numbers, symbols, and the like. In the following description, when these characters, etc. are simply referred to as "displayed", it means that these characters, etc. are displayed as an image. The effect display section 19 is capable of executing notification (hereinafter referred to as display notification) of displaying a predetermined image.

Here, the effect audio section 12, the effect light emitting section 14, and the effect display section 19 are all effect sections capable of executing a predetermined effect, and constitute a presentation device ES consisting of a plurality of effect sections. The effect audio section 12, the effect light emitting section 14, and the effect display section 19 are all examples of a notification section that can execute a predetermined notification, and are examples of a second notification section. The production device ES can also be understood as a notification device. The production section and notification section included in the production device ES are not limited to the production sound section 12, the production light emitting section 14, and the production display section 19, but may have a configuration in which some of these production sections are omitted. Good too. The performance device ES may include a performance movable unit that performs a movable performance in addition to the performance unit and the notification unit, or in place of one or more that can be arbitrarily selected, and a performance vibration that performs a vibration performance. It may also include a section.

For example, the display performance in the performance display section 19 includes a performance symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as a performance game) using a plurality of rows of performance symbols (decorative symbols). In the production game, a plurality of rows of production symbols are variably displayed, and finally a combination of production symbols (hereinafter referred to as a symbol combination) is displayed in a static manner. The effect pattern (ornamental pattern) is a pattern decorated with characters, patterns, etc., and is a pattern for diversifying display effects. As an example, the production game is played by displaying the production symbols of the left symbol column, middle symbol column, and right symbol column in a variable manner (scroll display) in a predetermined direction, respectively. The performance game may include a reach performance performed by forming a reach. The performance game is started with the special game and ended with the special game. In the production game, symbol combinations corresponding to the special symbols that are stopped and displayed in the special game are stopped and displayed. When jackpot symbols are stopped and displayed in the special game, jackpot symbol combinations are stopped and displayed in the performance game. When the winning symbols are stopped and displayed in the special game, the winning symbol combinations are stopped and displayed in the performance game. In the following description, the special game and the performance game executed together with the special game are collectively referred to as a "variable game."

A plurality of winning holes 23 into which game balls can enter are formed on the game board 20. These plurality of winning holes 23 open to the gaming area 20a. The plurality of winning holes 23 include a first starting hole 23A, a second starting hole 23B, a large winning hole 23C, and a normal winning hole 23D. The plurality of winning holes may include a winning hole different from these winning holes 23.

The first starting opening 23A is a winning opening into which a game ball is inserted in order to satisfy the awarding conditions for the prize ball and the suspension conditions for the first special game. As an example, the first starting port 23A is located below the effect display section 19. The first starting port 23A is always opened so that game balls can enter the ball. The game board 20 includes a first starting sensor D11 that detects a game ball that enters the first starting port 23A (see FIG. 9).

The second starting opening 23B is a winning opening into which a game ball is inserted in order to satisfy the awarding conditions for the prize ball and the hold conditions for the second special game. As an example, the second starting port 23B is on the right side of the first starting port 23A. The second starting port 23B includes a normal opening/closing piece 23Ba having a door shape, for example. The second starting port 23B is closed so that a game ball cannot enter the ball or it is difficult to enter the ball when a normal winning game is not provided. When a normal winning game is awarded, the second starting port 23B is opened so that a game ball can enter the ball or can easily enter the ball. The game board 20 includes a normal solenoid SL1 as a means for opening the second starting port 23B (see FIG. 9). Furthermore, the game board 20 includes a second starting sensor D12 that detects a game ball that enters the second starting port 23B (see FIG. 9). The normal opening/closing piece 23Ba is a so-called "normal electric accessory".

The big winning hole 23C is a winning hole into which a game ball is inserted in order to satisfy the conditions for awarding the prize ball. As an example, the big prize opening 23C is located at the lower right of the performance display section 19. The big prize opening 23C includes a special opening/closing piece 23Ca having a door shape, for example. The big prize opening 23C is closed so that a game ball cannot enter the ball or it is difficult to enter the ball when a jackpot game is not awarded. When a jackpot game is awarded, the big prize opening 23C is opened so that a game ball can be entered or it can be easily entered. The game board 20 includes a special solenoid SL2 as a means for opening the big prize opening 23C (see FIG. 9). Furthermore, the game board 20 includes a count sensor D13 that detects game balls that have entered the big prize opening 23C (see FIG. 9).

The normal winning hole 23D is a winning hole into which a game ball is inserted in order to satisfy the conditions for awarding a prize ball. As an example, the normal winning openings 23D are located at the lower left of the performance display section 19 and at the lower right of the performance display section 19, respectively. The normal winning hole 23D is always opened so that game balls can be entered. The game board 20 includes a normal sensor D14 that detects a game ball that enters the normal winning hole 23D (see FIG. 9).

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

The game board 20 has an outlet 25 formed therein. As an example, the outlet 25 opens at the lowest part of the gaming area 20a. The game ball enters the out port 25 when the ball does not enter any of the first starting port 23A, second starting port 23B, large winning port 23C, and normal winning port 23D. The plurality of winning ports 23 and out ports 25 can be understood as discharge ports for discharging game balls from the gaming area 20a, or collection ports for collecting gaming balls from the gaming area 20a. When a game ball enters a plurality of winning holes 23 or an out hole 25, it is ejected from the game board 20. Hereinafter, game balls discharged from the game board 20 through the plurality of winning holes 23 or out holes 25 may be referred to as out balls.

The game board 20 includes a main radio wave sensor D19 that detects radio waves exceeding a predetermined intensity as abnormal radio waves. The number of main radio wave sensors D19 provided on the game board 20 may be one or more. For example, abnormal radio waves can have a predetermined effect on detection by various sensors and switches, such as causing various sensors and switches to falsely detect the signals. For example, abnormal radio waves can have a predetermined effect on communication, such as causing a problem in communication between two different devices. The occurrence of an abnormal radio wave detected by the main radio wave sensor D19 is an example of the occurrence of a specific event. The main radio wave sensor D19 is an example of a detection device capable of detecting the occurrence of abnormal radio waves, and is an example of a third device. The main radio wave sensor D19 outputs a radio wave detection signal when detecting an abnormal radio wave. The radio wave detection signal output by the main radio wave sensor D19 is an example of the third information. That is, the third information is information indicating the occurrence of abnormal radio waves.

The main radio wave sensor D19 is capable of detecting radio waves that can have a predetermined effect on detection by the first starting sensor D11. The main radio wave sensor D19 is capable of detecting radio waves that can have a predetermined influence on detection by the second starting sensor D12. The main radio wave sensor D19 is capable of detecting radio waves that can have a predetermined effect on detection by the count sensor D13. That is, the third information is also information that can specify that it may have a predetermined influence on the detection by the first start sensor D11, the second start sensor D12, and the count sensor D13. As an example, the main radio wave sensor D19 is provided adjacent to or close to the first starting sensor D11, the second starting sensor D12, or the count sensor D13. That is, the main radio wave sensor D19 is provided near the first starting sensor D11, the second starting sensor D12, or the count sensor D13. The main radio wave sensor D19 may be capable of detecting radio waves that can have a predetermined influence on detection by the normal sensor D14 and the gate sensor D15. In addition, the main radio wave sensor D19 is capable of detecting radio waves that can have a predetermined effect on communications between a plurality of different devices. For example, the main radio wave sensor D19 can detect radio waves that can have a predetermined effect on communication between a game control board 80 and a frame control board 82, which will be described later. The pachinko game machine 10 does not include a magnetic sensor that detects magnetism exceeding a predetermined strength as abnormal magnetism. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the pachinko game machine 10 may have a configuration in which one or both of the mounting frame 11b and the game board 20 are provided with a magnetic sensor to detect the approach of a magnet.

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

The player can adjust the firing strength of the game ball by operating the firing operation section 15. In other words, the player can separately hit the game ball into a left region to the left of the display window 20b and a right region to the right of the display window 20b. When the game ball flows down the right area, there is a possibility that the ball enters the second starting opening 23B, the big winning opening 23C, the normal winning opening 23D, or the gate 24. When the game ball flows down the left area, there is a possibility that the ball enters the first starting port 23A or the normal winning port 23D.

The frame 11 (mounting frame 11b) includes a game ball distribution mechanism 29.
As shown in FIG. 4, the circulation mechanism 29 includes a collection mechanism 30, a circulation mechanism 50, a firing mechanism 60, and a ball extraction mechanism 70. The collection mechanism 30 is formed on the mounting frame 11b. The collection mechanism 30 guides the game balls discharged from the game board 20 (game area 20a) to the circulation mechanism 50. The recovery mechanism 30 is configured by combining a passage that extends downward or a passage that slopes downward. When the game balls are received by the collection mechanism 30 from the game board 20, they can reach the circulation mechanism 50 by flowing down the passage that constitutes the collection mechanism 30.

The circulation mechanism 50 is formed in the mounting frame 11b. The circulation mechanism 50 transports the game balls received from the collection mechanism 30 in a predetermined direction. As an example, the circulation mechanism 50 lifts the game ball. The firing mechanism 60 is formed on the mounting frame 11b. When the game balls are transported by the circulation mechanism 50, they are received by the firing mechanism 60. The firing mechanism 60 can fire the game balls conveyed by the circulation mechanism 50 toward the game area 20a. The ball extraction mechanism 70 is formed on the mounting frame 11b. The ball extraction mechanism 70 is a mechanism for extracting game balls from the recovery mechanism 30, circulation mechanism 50, and firing mechanism 60.

The flow of game balls in the distribution mechanism 29 will be explained. Assume that the game ball is fired by the firing mechanism 60. The game ball can reach the game area 20a. When the game ball reaches the game area 20a, it enters the plurality of winning holes 23 or out holes 25. The game balls are discharged to the collection mechanism 30 from a discharge port (not shown) formed in the game board 20. The game ball passes through the collection mechanism 30 and reaches the circulation mechanism 50. The game balls are transported by the circulation mechanism 50. The game ball returns to the firing mechanism 60. Each mechanism will be explained in detail below.

The recovery mechanism 30 will be explained in detail.
The mounting frame 11b is formed with one or more prize receiving ports 30a, one or more non-winning receiving ports 30b, and one or more foul receiving ports 30c. The prize receiving port 30a is formed below the discharge port (not shown) formed at the lower end of the game board 20 through which game balls that have entered the plurality of prize winning ports 23 are discharged. The prize receiving port 30a receives game balls discharged from the game board 20 via the plurality of prize winning ports 23. The non-winning receiving port 30b is formed below the discharge port (not shown) formed at the lower end of the game board 20 for discharging game balls that have entered the out port 25. The non-winning receiving port 30b receives game balls discharged from the game board 20 via the out port 25. The foul reception port 30c is formed below the ejection passage 20c. The foul receiving port 30c receives a game ball (hereinafter referred to as a return ball) that falls from the launch path 20c. The return ball is a game ball that was fired by the firing mechanism 60 but did not reach the game area 20a. The prize receiving port 30a, the non-prizing receiving port 30b, and the foul receiving port 30c are examples of a collecting section that collects game balls fired toward the gaming area 20a.

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

The mounting frame 11b includes a foul sensor D21 that detects a game ball (returning ball) passing through the foul passage 33. The foul sensor D21 is an example of a return ball detection unit that detects a game ball that did not reach the game area 20a among the game balls fired toward the game area 20a as a return ball, and is a second detection unit. This is an example. The foul sensor D21 is provided in the foul passage 33 or a portion adjacent to the foul passage 33. The foul sensor D21 outputs a foul signal when detecting a game ball. The foul signal is in an on state when a game ball is detected, and is in an off state when a game ball is not detected.

The mounting frame 11b includes a winning path count sensor D25 that detects game balls passing through the winning path 31. The winning passage count sensor D25 is provided at the winning passage 31 or a portion adjacent to the winning passage 31. The winning path count sensor D25 outputs a winning path signal when detecting a game ball. The winning path signal is in an on state when a game ball is detected, and is in an off state when a game ball is not detected.

The mounting frame 11b includes a non-winning path count sensor D26 that detects game balls passing through the non-winning path 32. The non-winning passage count sensor D26 is provided at the non-winning passage 32 or a portion adjacent to the non-winning passage 32. The non-winning path count sensor D26 outputs a non-winning path signal when detecting a game ball. The non-winning path signal is in an on state when a game ball is detected, and is in an off state when a game ball is not detected.

The mounting frame 11b includes an out sensor D30 that detects a game ball (valid ball) passing through the merging path 35. The effective ball is a game ball that has reached the game area 20a among the game balls fired from the firing section 65. The out sensor D30 is an example of a valid ball detection unit that detects a game ball that has reached the game area 20a as a valid ball among game balls fired toward the game area 20a, and is an example of a second detection unit. be. The out sensor D30 is provided at the merging passage 35 or a portion adjacent to the merging passage 35. The out sensor D30 outputs an out signal when detecting a game ball. The out signal is in an on state when a game ball is detected, and is in an off state when a game ball is not detected. It can also be said that the out sensor D30 detects an out ball.

The mounting frame 11b includes a frame radio wave sensor D16 that detects radio waves exceeding a predetermined intensity as abnormal radio waves. The number of frame radio wave sensors D16 provided in the mounting frame 11b may be one or more. The occurrence of abnormal radio waves detected by the frame radio wave sensor D16 is an example of the occurrence of a specific event. The frame radio wave sensor D16 is an example of a detection device capable of detecting the occurrence of abnormal radio waves, and is an example of a second device. Furthermore, the frame radio wave sensor D16 is an example of a radio wave detection section. The frame radio wave sensor D16 outputs a radio wave detection signal when detecting an abnormal radio wave. The radio wave detection signal output by the frame radio wave sensor D16 is an example of the second information. In other words, the second information is information indicating the occurrence of abnormal radio waves.

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

The mounting frame 11b includes a ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 that detects game balls passing through the supply passage 37. The ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 is provided in the supply passage 37 or a portion adjacent to the supply passage 37. When the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 detects a game ball, it outputs a ball clogging detection signal. The ball jam detection signal is in an on state when a game ball is detected, and is in an off state when a game ball is not detected.

The circulation mechanism 50 will be explained in detail.
The circulation mechanism 50 includes a transport section 52 that transports game balls received from the collection mechanism 30. As an example, the conveyance unit 52 includes a conveyance path extending along a predetermined direction, a screw accommodated in the conveyance path, and a conveyance motor 52a that rotates the screw. The game ball is transported in a predetermined direction in the transport path by rotating a screw by the transport motor 52a. The transport motor 52a transports the game balls collected from the game area 20a. The conveyance unit 52 is not limited to this, and may be a belt extending along a predetermined direction, or may be a pressure-feeding motor that force-feeds in a predetermined direction. The predetermined direction may be an upward direction, or may be an upwardly inclined direction.

The circulation mechanism 50 includes a conveyance entrance sensor D28 that detects game balls received from the supply passage 37 at the entrance of the conveyance section 52. The conveyance entrance sensor D28 is provided at the entrance of the conveyance section 52 or at a portion adjacent to the entrance. The conveyance entrance sensor D28 outputs a conveyance entrance signal when detecting a game ball. The conveyance entrance signal is in an on state when a game ball is detected, and is in an off state when a game ball is not detected.

The circulation mechanism 50 includes a conveyance exit sensor D29 at the exit of the conveyance section 52, which detects the game balls conveyed by the conveyance section 52. The transport exit sensor D29 is provided at the exit of the transport section 52 or at a portion adjacent to the exit. The conveyance exit sensor D29 outputs a conveyance exit signal when detecting a game ball. The conveyance exit signal is in an on state when a game ball is detected, and is in an off state when a game ball is not detected.

The firing mechanism 60 will be explained in detail.
The firing mechanism 60 includes a supply section 61 and a firing section 65. The supply unit 61 is an example of a supply mechanism. The supply section 61 cuts out the game balls conveyed by the conveyance section 52 one by one and supplies them to the firing section 65 . That is, the supply section 61 supplies the game balls collected by the collection section from the game area 20a to the firing section 65. The firing section 65 fires the supplied game balls toward the game area 20a.

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

The cutout mechanism 63 includes a movable piece 63a configured to be able to supply game balls K, and a supply solenoid 63b that drives the movable piece 63a. When the movable piece 63a is not performing the supply operation, the movable piece 63a blocks the game ball K so that it does not flow out from the entrance side passage 62a to the exit side passage 62b. As shown in the flow from FIG. 5 to FIG. 6, when the movable piece 63a performs one feeding operation, only the leading game ball K out of the game balls K lined up in a row in the entrance side passage 62a passes through the exit side passage. 62b. The exit side passage 62b is a passage extending downward toward the firing section 65.

The supply section 61 includes, on the entrance side of the supply section 61, a supply entrance sensor D22 that detects the game ball K received into the entrance side passage 62a. The supply inlet sensor D22 is an example of an inlet-side ball detection unit located on the inlet side of the supply unit 61. The supply inlet sensor D22 is provided in the inlet passage 62a or a portion adjacent to the inlet passage 62a. The supply entrance sensor D22 outputs a supply entrance signal when the game ball K is detected. The supply entrance signal is in an on state when a game ball K is detected, and is in an off state when it is not detected.

The supply section 61 includes a supply outlet sensor D23 on the exit side of the supply section 61, which detects the game ball K released into the exit side passage 62b. The supply outlet sensor D23 is an example of an exit-side ball detection section on the exit side of the supply section 61, and is an example of a first detection section. The supply outlet sensor D23 is provided in the outlet side passage 62b or a portion adjacent to the outlet side passage 62b. The supply outlet sensor D23 outputs a supply outlet signal when the game ball K is detected. The supply exit signal is in an on state when a game ball K is detected, and is in an off state when it is not detected.

As shown in FIG. 7, the firing section 65 includes a firing hammer 66 configured to be capable of firing game balls, and a firing solenoid 66a that drives the firing hammer 66. Firing solenoid 66a may be a motor. The game ball K flowing down the exit side passage 62b of the supply section 61 reaches the striking position 67 of the firing section 65. As an example, the firing operation of the firing hammer 66 is an operation of hitting the game ball at the hitting position 67 to launch the game ball toward the hitting path 20c. As shown by the solid line and the two-dot chain line in the figure, when the firing hammer 66 performs one firing operation, one game ball located at the hitting position 67 is fired into the hitting path 20c. As shown by arrow Y1, the game ball can fly through the launch path 20c and reach the game area 20a if there is sufficient launch strength. As shown by arrows Y2 and Y3, when the firing strength is insufficient, the game ball stalls in the launch path 20c and falls. In this case, the game ball becomes a return ball and flows into the foul passage 33 from the foul receiving port 30c.

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

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

The first ball extraction section 71 is a section (hereinafter referred to as a first 71a). A ball hole 71b is formed in the first connecting portion 71a, passing through the wall or bottom thereof in a predetermined direction. The ball removal hole 71b may be a portion where a discharge passage for game balls opens into the first connecting portion 71a. As an example, the predetermined direction is backward, but is not limited to this, and may be forward or downward.

The first ball removal part 71 has an opening/closing piece 71c that can be displaced between a sealing position for sealing the ball removal hole 71b and an open position for opening the ball removal hole 71b. The opening/closing piece 71c is located at the sealing position due to the urging force of an urging mechanism (not shown). When the opening/closing piece 71c is displaced to the open position by an external force, such as when an operating section (not shown) such as a lever is operated, the ball removal hole 71b is opened. As an example, the ball passage following the supply passage 37 is inclined downward toward the first connecting portion 71a. Therefore, the game balls present in the supply passage 37 can be discharged from the ball extraction hole 71b to the outside of the machine when the ball extraction hole 71b is opened.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the second ball extraction portion 72 is formed in the firing mechanism 60.
As described above, when the movable piece 63a is not performing the feeding operation, the game ball is blocked in the entrance side passage 62a by the movable piece 63a. A ball removal passage 73 is connected to a portion of the entrance side passage 62a where the first game ball K among the blocked game balls is located (hereinafter referred to as a second connecting portion 72a). In other words, the ball removal passage 73 opens in the second connection portion 72a as a ball removal hole 72b. The ball removal hole 72b is a hole that penetrates the wall or bottom of the second connecting portion 72a in a predetermined direction. As an example, the predetermined direction is downward, but is not limited thereto, and may be forward or backward.

The second ball removal part 72 has an opening/closing piece 72c that can be displaced between a sealing position for sealing the ball removal hole 72b and an open position for opening the ball removal hole 72b. The opening/closing piece 72c is located at the sealing position due to the urging force of an urging mechanism (not shown). When the opening/closing piece 72c is displaced to the open position by an external force, such as when an operating section (not shown) such as a lever is operated, the ball removal hole 72b is opened. As an example, the entrance side passage 62a is inclined downward toward the cutting mechanism 63 (movable piece 63a). Therefore, the game balls existing in the entrance side passage 62a flow into the ball extraction passage 73 from the ball extraction hole 72b.

The ball removal passage 73 is connected to the first connecting portion 71a. The ball removal passage 73 is configured by combining a passage that extends downward or a passage that slopes downward. Therefore, the game balls that have flowed into the ball removal passage 73 flow into the first connecting portion 71a. The game balls can be ejected from the ball extraction hole 71b to the outside of the machine when the ball extraction hole 71b is opened. The present invention is not limited to this, and the ball extraction mechanism 70 may have a configuration that does not include the ball extraction passage 73. In this case, the ball removal hole 72b is preferably formed to penetrate the wall or bottom of the second connecting portion 72a in a predetermined direction. As an example, the predetermined direction is backward, but is not limited to this, and may be forward or downward.

Next, the jackpot game will be explained.
In the jackpot game, first, a predetermined performance is performed over a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as opening time). For example, the predetermined performance is an opening performance that allows the start of a jackpot game to be recognized. In the jackpot game, after the opening time has elapsed, a round game in which the jackpot 23C is opened is performed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. One round game ends when a number condition in which a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enter the ball or a time condition in which a predetermined upper limit time elapses is satisfied. In the round game, the big prize opening 23C is opened in a predetermined opening manner (opening pattern). In each round game, a round performance is performed. In the jackpot game, when the final round game ends, a predetermined performance is performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as ending time). For example, the predetermined performance is an ending performance that makes it possible to recognize the end of the jackpot game. The jackpot game is ended as the ending time elapses.

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a probability variation function (hereinafter referred to as probability variation function).
The probability variation function is a function for varying the probability of winning a jackpot (hereinafter referred to as jackpot probability) in the special symbol winning lottery. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a low probability state in which the variable probability function does not operate, and a high probability state in which the variable probability function operates, as states in which the jackpot probability may differ. A high probability state has a higher jackpot probability than a low probability state. In a high probability state, the probability of winning a jackpot is higher than in a low probability state, which is an extremely advantageous state for the player. The high probability state is a so-called "probability variable state (probability variable state)."

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a ball entry assist function.
The ball entry assist function is a function for varying the ball entry rate into the second starting port 23B. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has two states in which the rate of balls entering the second starting port 23B may be different: a low ball entry rate state in which the ball entry assist function does not operate, and a high ball entry rate state in which the ball entry assist function operates. and. In the high ball entry rate state, the probability that the game ball enters the second starting port 23B is higher than in the low ball entry rate state. In the high ball entry rate state, the probability that the game ball enters the second starting port 23B increases, and it becomes easier for the game ball to enter the second starting port 23B, which is an advantageous state for the player. (easy ball state). The high ball entry rate state is a so-called "electric support state", and the low ball entry rate state is a so-called "non-electric support state".

For example, the high ball entry rate state can be achieved by performing one control arbitrarily selected from among the three controls described below, or by performing a combination of a plurality of controls. The first control is normal symbol fluctuation time shortening control that shortens the fluctuation time of the normal game compared to the low ball entry rate state. The second control is normal symbol probability variation control that changes the probability of winning a normal winning lottery (normal winning probability) to a higher probability than when the ball entry rate is low. The third control is an open time extension control that makes the total open time of the second starting port 23B in one normal winning game longer than in the low ball entry rate state. The opening time extension control is a control that increases the number of times the second starting port 23B is opened in one normal winning game than in a low ball entry rate state, and one opening of the second starting port 23B in a normal winning game. It is preferable that at least one of the controls is such that the time is made longer than in the low ball entry rate state. The high ball entry rate state may be realized by combining the fourth control described below. The fourth control is a special symbol fluctuation time shortening control that makes the special game fluctuation time (for example, average fluctuation time) shorter than that in the low ball entry rate state. When performing special symbol fluctuation time shortening control, a high ball entry rate state becomes a special symbol fluctuation time shortening state (time saving state), and a low ball entry rate state becomes a special symbol non fluctuating time shortening state (non time saving state). ).

The gaming state is defined by a combination of whether or not the probability change function is activated and whether or not the ball entering assist function is activated. In the following explanation, a game state that is a low probability state and a low ball entry rate state will be referred to as a "low probability low ball entry rate state", and a gaming state that is a high probability state and a low ball entry rate state will be referred to as a "high probability low ball entry rate state". "Bitch rate status". In addition, a gaming state with a low probability state and a high ball entry rate state is referred to as a "low probability high ball entry rate state", and a gaming state where a high probability state and a high ball entry rate state is a state is referred to as a "high probability high ball entry rate state". ”.

The electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 8, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a plurality of control boards. The plurality of control boards include a game control board (main control board) 80, an effect control board (sub-control board) 81, a frame control board 82, and a firing control board 83. The game control board 80 is an example of a second control unit that can execute predetermined control. The production control board 81 is an example of a third control unit that can execute predetermined control. The frame control board 82 is an example of a control unit that can execute predetermined control, and is an example of a first control unit. The plurality of control boards are provided in positions that cannot be accessed or visually recognized unless a locking device (not shown) is unlocked to open the mounting frame 11b.

The game control board 80 and the production control board 81 are connected so that communication can be performed in one direction from the game control board 80 to the production control board 81. The game control board 80 executes predetermined control and outputs control information to the production control board 81. For example, the control information is a signal, a command, or a telegram. The performance control board 81 executes predetermined control based on control information input from the game control board 80. The game control board 80 and the frame control board 82 are connected so that they can communicate in both directions. The game control board 80 executes predetermined control and outputs control information to the frame control board 82. The frame control board 82 executes predetermined control and outputs control information to the game control board 80. The frame control board 82 and the launch control board 83 are connected so that they can communicate in both directions. The frame control board 82 executes predetermined control and outputs control information to the launch control board 83. The launch control board 83 outputs control information to the frame control board 82.

The frame control board 82 of the pachinko game machine 10 and the CU control board 120 of the management unit 100 are connected via a connection terminal board 98 provided in the pachinko game machine 10 so that they can communicate in both directions. Ru. The connection terminal board 98 is an example of an external input section that can receive (input) control information from the CU control board 120 located outside the machine, and an example of an external output section that can transmit (output) control information to the CU control board 120. It is. The frame control board 82 executes predetermined control and outputs control information to the CU control board 120. The CU control board 120 executes predetermined control and outputs control information to the frame control board 82.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes a power supply unit 99 on the back side of the machine. The power supply unit 99 receives power from outside the machine, converts the input voltage into a predetermined voltage, and supplies the voltage to the production control board 81 and the frame control board 82. The power supplied to the frame control board 82 is further supplied to the game control board 80 and the launch control board 83. The power supply unit 99 supplies power to the supply solenoid 63b, firing solenoid 66a, various sensors, and switches. The power supply unit 99 includes a main switch 99a. The pachinko game machine 10 can be powered on by starting power supply to the power supply unit 99 with the main switch 99a turned on, or by turning the main switch 99a on while power is being supplied. It is composed of

The game control board 80 will be explained in detail.
As shown in FIG. 9, the game control board 80 includes a CPU 80a, a ROM 80b, a RAM 80c, and a random number generation circuit 80d. The CPU 80a executes control regarding the progress of the game by executing the main control program. The ROM 80b stores a main control program, determination values used for various determinations and lottery selections, tables, and the like. The ROM 80b stores multiple types of variation patterns. The fluctuation pattern is information that can specify the fluctuation time from the start to the end of the special game. The fluctuation pattern is information that can specify the fluctuation content (performance content) of the performance game performed during the execution of the special game. The fluctuation patterns include a jackpot fluctuation pattern and a loss fluctuation pattern. The presentation game based on the jackpot variation pattern has a variable content in which the jackpot symbol combination is finally stopped and displayed after reaching the reach presentation. A presentation game based on a losing variation pattern has a variable content in which a winning symbol combination is finally stopped and displayed after a reach effect or without a reach effect.

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

The game control board 80 is connected to a first starting sensor D11, a second starting sensor D12, a count sensor D13, a normal sensor D14, and a gate sensor D15 through communication lines. The CPU 80a can input detection signals output by each of the sensors D11 to D15 when they detect a game ball. The game control board 80 is connected to the main radio wave sensor D19 by a communication line. The CPU 80a can receive a radio wave detection signal from the main radio wave sensor D19. The game control board 80 includes a connector (not shown) that connects communication lines connected to each of these sensors to the game control board 80. The connector that connects the communication line that connects the game control board 80 and each sensor to the game control board 80 is an example of an internal input section that can input a radio wave detection signal from the main radio wave sensor D19. Each sensor is energized by being connected to the game control board 80 through a communication line. Each sensor is not energized unless it is connected to the game control board 80 by a communication line. The CPU 80a can detect whether each sensor is energized. Thereby, the CPU 80a can specify whether or not the communication line connecting the game control board 80 and each sensor is disconnected. The game control board 80 is connected to each display section 21a to 21f. The CPU 80a can control the display contents of each of the display sections 21a to 21f. The game control board 80 is connected to each solenoid SL1, SL2. The CPU 80a can control the opening mode of the second starting port 23B and the big winning port 23C by controlling the operation of each solenoid SL1, SL2.

The production control board 81 will be explained in detail.
The production control board 81 includes a CPU 81a, a ROM 81b, and a RAM 81c. The CPU 81a performs processing related to presentation by executing a sub-control program. The ROM 81b stores a sub-control program, determination values used in a predetermined lottery, and the like. The ROM 81b stores display performance data used for display performance, light emission performance data used for light emission performance, and audio performance data used for audio performance. Further, the ROM 81b stores display notification data used for display notification, light emission notification data used for light emission notification, and audio notification data used for audio notification. The RAM 81c stores various information that is rewritten during the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the information stored in the RAM 81c includes flags, counters, timers, and the like. The production control board 81 is configured to be able to generate software random numbers through random number generation processing by the CPU 81a. The production control board 81 may include a random number generation circuit and be capable of generating hardware random numbers.

The effect control board 81 is connected to the effect display section 19. The CPU 81a can control the display content of the effect display section 19. The performance control board 81 is connected to the performance audio section 12. The CPU 81a can control the output content of the performance audio section 12. The effect control board 81 is connected to the effect light emitting section 14. The CPU 81a can control the light emission mode of the effect light emitting section 14. In this way, the effect display section 19, the effect sound section 12, and the effect light emitting section 14 are controlled by the effect control board 81 (CPU81a).

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

The performance display monitor 82d has, for example, a configuration in which a plurality (for example, six) of 7 segments are arranged, and can display a plurality of (for example, six digits) numbers. The performance display monitor 82d is an example of a notification unit that can execute a predetermined notification by displaying predetermined characters and numbers, and is an example of a first notification unit. The performance display monitor 82d displays the base value. The base value is a value indicating the ratio (ratio) of the total number of prize balls during the normal game to the total number of valid balls during the normal game. A normal game is a game in which the probability of entering a ball is low and a jackpot game is not being played. The base value is determined by the calculation formula: "Total number of prize balls acquired during normal games ÷ Total number of effective balls during normal games x 100." The performance display monitor 82d is an example of a means capable of displaying information regarding the performance (base as an example) of the game ball.

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

The error release switch 82f is an example of an operation unit that can be used to cancel the error setting after the cause of the error is resolved when a predetermined error is set. Error setting is performed when the error is detected. The error release switch 82f outputs an error release signal when pressed. The error release signal is turned on when the error release switch 82f is pressed, and turned off when the error release switch 82f is not pressed. The error release signal is output to the CPU 82a.

The game ball clear switch 82g is an example of an operation unit that can initialize the second management ball number PB (hereinafter referred to as second management ball number information) to 0, which is stored as data in the RAM 82c. The game ball clear switch 82g outputs a game ball clear signal when pressed. Performing a pushing operation is an example of being operated in a predetermined manner. The game ball clear signal is turned on when the game ball clear switch 82g is pressed, and turned off when the game ball clear switch 82g is not pressed. The game ball clear signal is output to the CPU 82a.

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

The backup power supply 82j supplies backup power to the game control board 80 (RAM80c) in addition to the RAM82c even if the power supply from the outside is cut off. In the following description, cutting off the power supply from the outside may be referred to as power off. By receiving backup power from the backup power source 82j, the RAMs 80c and 82c can retain the stored contents of the RAMs 80c and 82c even after the power is turned off. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a backup function. The present invention is not limited to this, but one or both of the RAMs 80c and 82c is a non-volatile memory that can retain stored contents even when the power supply is stopped, so that information can be retained even after the power is turned off. Good too.

As an example, the backup power source 82j is a power storage device that stores power using external power supply. Even when the external power supply is cut off, the backup power supply 82j maintains at least a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as , supply time) elapses, backup power is supplied to these devices. Note that the supply time is related to the power capacity stored for supplying to the launch control board 83 and the launch solenoid 66a, and may be the time required to release the power, or may be the time specified by a predetermined circuit. It's okay.

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

All information stored in the RAM 80c is subject to backup. As an example, information that can be stored in the RAM 80c and that can be backed up includes main information. The main information is information regarding the progress of the game. As an example, the main information includes information regarding the jackpot status (including the number of round games), information regarding the gaming status, information regarding the number of reservations, information regarding normal symbols and special symbols, and information regarding errors.

All information stored in the RAM 82c is subject to backup. As an example, information that can be stored in the RAM 82c and that can be backed up includes second management ball number information, game information, and performance information. The second number of managed pitches information is information that can specify the second number of managed pitches PB. The game information is information notified from the game control board 80 according to the progress of the game. As an example, the game information includes the occurrence of a starting opening prize, the occurrence of a regular prize, the occurrence of a big winning opening prize in a jackpot game, gate passage, confirmation of a special symbol (end of a variable game), occurrence of a jackpot, and the current status. There is information that can identify the gaming status, etc. The performance information is information related to a base value and the calculation of the base value. The information related to the calculation of the base value includes the total number of prize balls acquired during the normal game and the total number of valid balls during the normal game.

When the power supply voltage supplied from the power supply unit 99 falls below the specified voltage, the backup circuit 82k outputs a power-off detection signal to the CPU 82a and also outputs it to the CPU 80a of the game control board 80. The launch permission circuit 82m outputs to the launch control board 83 a signal (hereinafter referred to as a launch permission signal) that can specify that the game ball is in a launch permission state that allows the launch of game balls. The conditions for outputting the launch permission signal will be described later.

The frame control board 82 is connected to the counting operation section 18 . The CPU 82a is configured to be able to input the count signal output from the count operation section 18. The CPU 82a can specify whether the operation mode of the counting operation unit 18 is a "single press operation" or a "long press operation" according to the input count signal. The frame control board 82 includes a frame radio wave sensor D16, a first door open switch D17, a second door open switch D18, a foul sensor D21, a supply entrance sensor D22, a supply exit sensor D23, a winning passage count sensor D25, and a non-winning passage counting sensor. D26 and a ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 via a communication line. Further, the frame control board 82 is connected to a conveyance entrance sensor D28, a conveyance exit sensor D29, and an out sensor D30 through communication lines. The CPU 82a outputs radio wave detection signals output from these sensors and switches, a first door open signal, a second door open signal, a foul signal, a supply entrance signal, a supply exit signal, a winning passage signal, a non-winning passage signal, and ball clogging detection. It is configured to be able to input a signal, a conveyance entrance signal, a conveyance exit signal, and an out signal. The frame control board 82 includes a connector (not shown) that connects communication lines connected to these sensors and switches to the frame control board 82. A connector that connects a communication line connecting the frame control board 82 and each sensor and each switch to the game control board 80 is an example of an internal input section that can input signals from each sensor and each switch. Each sensor and each switch is energized by being connected to the frame control board 82 through a communication line. Each sensor and each switch is not energized unless connected to the frame control board 82 by a communication line. The CPU 82a can detect whether each sensor and each switch is energized. Thereby, the CPU 82a can specify whether or not the communication line connecting the frame control board 82 and each sensor and each switch is disconnected. The frame control board 82 outputs a first door open signal and a second door open signal to the game control board 80.

The frame control board 82 is connected to the notification audio section 13. The CPU 82a can control the output content of the notification audio section 13. The frame control board 82 is connected to the second pitch count display section 17. The CPU 82a is configured to be able to control the display content of the second pitch count display section 17. The frame control board 82 is connected to the maintenance section 55. The CPU 82a is configured to be able to control maintenance operations of the maintenance section 55. The frame control board 82 is connected to the transport section 52 (transport motor 52a). The CPU 82a is configured to be able to control the transport operation of the transport unit 52. Frame control board 82 is connected to supply solenoid 63b. The CPU 82a can displace the movable piece 63a by controlling the supply of electricity to the supply solenoid 63b. That is, the CPU 82a is configured to be able to control the operation of supplying game balls by the supply unit 61.

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

The launch control board 83 includes a launch control circuit 83a for controlling the operation of the launch unit 65. The firing control circuit 83a outputs a drive signal to the firing solenoid 66a based on control signals input from the frame control board 82 and signals input from sensors and switches.

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

The firing control circuit 83a includes an operation determining section, a pulse clock generating section, a timing pulse generating section, a holding circuit, and a solenoid driving section. The operation determination unit operates when the firing permission signal from the frame control board 82 is on, the stop signal from the firing stop switch D02 is off, and the touch signal from the touch sensor D01 is on. If the enabling condition is satisfied, an operation signal is output to the timing pulse generator. The operation determination unit determines that the firing permission signal from the frame control board 82 is on, the stop signal from the firing stop switch D02 is off, and the touch signal from the touch sensor D01 is on. If the operable condition is not satisfied because some or all of the above are not satisfied, the operation signal is not output to the timing pulse generator.

When the timing pulse generation section receives an operation signal, it synthesizes the operation signal and the pulse signal input from the pulse clock generation section, and outputs a firing timing pulse to the solenoid drive section. The solenoid drive unit supplies (outputs) to the firing solenoid 66a a drive current with a voltage corresponding to the volume signal (voltage) input from the handle volume D03 every time the firing timing pulse is input. Thereby, the firing solenoid 66a is driven with an intensity corresponding to the amount of rotational operation of the handle lever 15a, and the game ball is fired. The firing control circuit 83a outputs the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 82 at a predetermined timing. The holding circuit holds the voltage (voltage value) of the volume signal at that point in time when the drive current is output when the operable condition is satisfied. The firing control circuit 83a (solenoid drive unit) supplies the firing solenoid 66a with a drive current of a voltage corresponding to the voltage value held (stored) in the holding circuit, rather than the voltage value of the volume signal, in a blank firing sequence to be described later. do.

The processing executed by the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) will be explained.
The frame side power-off processing will be explained.
When the CPU 82a receives the power-off detection signal output from the backup circuit 82k, the CPU 82a executes the power-off process. In the frame side power-off process, the CPU 82a calculates the checksum value of the RAM 82c, and stores the calculated checksum value in the RAM 82c. Further, the CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information (hereinafter referred to as a backup flag) that can specify that the power-off process has been executed normally. After that, the CPU 82a waits until the power is completely turned off. Various information stored in the RAM 82c when the power is turned off is retained even after the power is turned off by the backup function described above.

The frame side power-on process will be explained.
When the CPU 82a is activated when the power is turned on and the voltage supplied to the frame control board 82 reaches the voltage necessary for the operation of the CPU 82a, the CPU 82a executes the frame side ball extraction process. In the frame side ball removal process, the CPU 82a determines whether conditions for transitioning to the ball removal state (hereinafter referred to as ball removal transition conditions) are satisfied.

As an example, the CPU 82a specifies whether the second number of managed pitches PB shown in the second number of managed pitches information is 0 or not. As an example, the CPU 82a specifies whether or not the ball removal switch 82e is operated, based on whether or not the ball removal signal is in an on state, until the operation effective period has elapsed. When activated upon power-on, the CPU 82a sets an operation validity period over a predetermined period. In other words, the operation validity period can be set for a predetermined period of time after power is turned on. The valid operation period may be a length such as 0.04 seconds that substantially requires turning on the power while operating the bulb removal switch 82e. The valid operation period is not limited to this, and may be a length such as 5 seconds that allows the administrator or the like to operate the bulb removal switch 82e after the power is turned on. The valid operation period is not limited to being set as a period measured by timer processing or the like, but may be simply set as a period from power-on to a predetermined determination timing.

The CPU 82a determines that the ball removal transition condition is satisfied when the second managed pitch count PB is 0 and the ball removal switch 82e is operated. The ball removal transition condition does not include the number of game balls inside the pachinko game machine 10. In other words, the state without balls can be shifted even if the number of game balls inside the machine is zero or less than a predetermined number. The CPU 82a determines that the ball removal transition condition is not satisfied when the second managed pitch count PB is not 0 or when the ball removal switch 82e is not operated. If the ball removal transition condition is not satisfied, the CPU 82a does not set the ball removal state and ends the frame side ball removal processing.

On the other hand, when the ball removal transition condition is satisfied, the CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information that allows identification of the ball removal state. In other words, the CPU 82a sets the ball out state. In this way, the ball removal state can be shifted to when the ball removal switch 82e, which is an example of a ball removal operation section, is operated during a predetermined operational validity period. The details of the control in the ball-extracted state will be described later. Note that the bulb removal state cannot be canceled unless the power supply is cut off. When transitioning to the ball extraction state, the CPU 82a outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as a ball extraction start command) indicating the transition to the ball extraction state to the game control board 80. Note that the game control board 80 (CPU 80a) outputs a ball extraction start command to the performance control board 81.

In the bulb removal state, the CPU 82a monitors the state of the transport entrance signal output from the transport entrance sensor D28 and the state of the transport exit signal that may be output from the transport exit sensor D29. The CPU 82a controls the operation of the transport motor 52a included in the transport unit 52 according to the state of the transport entrance signal and the state of the transport exit signal.

As an example, the CPU 82a operates the transport motor 52a in a situation where both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are in an OFF state. However, the CPU 82a is not limited to this, but when the situation changes from a situation where both the conveyance entrance signal and the conveyance exit signal are off to a situation where the conveyance entrance signal is on and the conveyance exit signal is off, the CPU 82a The transport motor 52a may be operated without providing a standby time.

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

Assume that the situation changes from a situation in which the transport motor 52a is stopped and both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are in the ON state to a situation in which the transport entrance signal is in the ON state and the transport exit signal is in the OFF state. . In this case, the CPU 82a operates the transport motor 52a when the OFF state of the transport exit signal is maintained for a waiting time (30 ms as an example). Note that the CPU 82a determines that the waiting time (for example, 200 ms) has not elapsed since the conveyance entrance signal has been turned on, before the waiting time (for example, 30 ms) has elapsed since the conveyance exit signal has been turned off. In this case, the transport motor 52a is operated after the waiting time has elapsed.

Assume that the situation changes from a situation where the transport motor 52a is in operation, the transport entrance signal is on, and the transport exit signal is off, to a situation where both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are off. . In this case, the CPU 82a stops the transport motor 52a when the OFF state of the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal is maintained for a waiting time (eg, 3000 ms). In other words, it can be said that the CPU 82a stops the transport motor 52a when the specified time has elapsed without the transport entrance sensor D28 detecting the game ball collected from the game area 20a. The CPU 82a outputs control information indicating completion of ball removal (hereinafter referred to as ball removal completion command) to the game control board 80. In addition, the game control board 80 (CPU80a) outputs a ball removal completion command to the performance control board 81. The CPU 82a specifies that the ball removal has been completed based on the fact that the conveyance entrance sensor D28 no longer detects the game balls collected from the game area 20a or the conveyance motor 52a has stopped.

In the ball extraction state, the CPU 82a does not execute processing for detecting some of the various errors described below. In other words, in the state where the ball is removed, various sensors are disabled.

When the CPU 82a is activated upon power-on, it executes a communication check process. The communication check process is executed in parallel with the frame-side ball removal process, and is executed until the frame-side power-off process is executed.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the communication check process, the CPU 82a determines whether startup information has been received from the game control board 80. As an example, the startup information is gaming machine installation information. As an example, the gaming machine installation information is information that can specify the type of gaming machine, the ID number of the CPU 80a, the manufacturer of the CPU 80a, and the like. The gaming machine installation information includes a communication serial number (0 as an example). Upon receiving the startup information, the CPU 82a transmits response information to the received startup information to the game control board 80 within response time t2 (10 ms as an example). This response information includes a communication serial number (0 as an example) according to the received startup information. Thereafter, the CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information (hereinafter referred to as a startup input flag) that can identify that the startup information has been input. In this way, the frame control board 82 is capable of inputting startup information from the game control board 80 that can specify part of the information regarding the configuration of the gaming machine when power supply starts.

If the CPU 82a does not receive the startup information during the elapse of the startup time t1 (3 minutes as an example) after the power is turned on, the CPU 82a transmits information (flag) that can identify the occurrence of a communication error within the managed gaming machine. It is stored in the RAM 82c. In other words, the CPU 82a sets a communication error within the managed gaming machine. The managed gaming machine communication error is an example of the first communication error. After that, the CPU 82a waits until it receives the startup information. When the CPU 82a receives startup information from the game control board 80 while setting the managed gaming machine communication error, the CPU 82a cancels the management gaming machine internal communication error setting and stores the startup input flag in the RAM 82c.

In the following description, when an error is referred to as "set", it means that information (for example, a flag) that can identify the error is stored in the RAM 82c. When an error is indicated as "cancelling the setting", it means that information (for example, a flag) that can identify the error is erased from the RAM 82c.

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

If the CPU 82a does not receive the next information (game information as an example) after receiving the startup information or game information from the game control board 80 until a predetermined time tb (1000 ms as an example) elapses, the CPU 82a controls the management game. Information that can identify the occurrence of an in-flight communication error is stored in the RAM 82c. In other words, the CPU 82a sets a communication error within the managed gaming machine. When the CPU 82a receives gaming information from the gaming control board 80 while setting the managed gaming machine communication error, it cancels the managed gaming machine internal communication error setting. In this way, the frame control board 82 can detect an abnormality in communication with the game control board 80 as a communication error within the managed gaming machine.

The CPU 82a determines whether the backed up information is normal or not when the frame side ball extraction process is completed without setting the ball extraction state and the startup input flag is stored in the RAM 82c. do. Here, even if the CPU 82a finishes the frame side ball extraction process, if the startup input flag is not stored, it waits until the startup input flag is stored. Specifically, the CPU 82a determines whether a backup flag is stored in the RAM 82c. Further, the CPU 82a calculates the checksum value of the RAM 82c, and determines whether or not the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value calculated in the frame side power-off process. The CPU 82a determines that it is normal if the backup flag is stored and the checksum values match, and otherwise determines it to be abnormal. If it is determined that the backed up information is abnormal, the CPU 82a initializes the second management ball count information and game information stored in the RAM 82c. At this time, the CPU 82a does not initialize the performance information. Thereafter, the CPU 82a returns based on the initialized or backed-up second management ball count information, game information, and performance information, and executes the frame side normal processing described below.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the backed up information is normal, the CPU 82a determines whether the game ball clear switch 82g is operated based on whether the game ball clear signal is in the on state. When the game ball clear switch 82g is operated in a predetermined manner, the CPU 82a initializes the second management ball number information stored in the RAM 82c in a second management ball number information generation process to be described later. At this time, the CPU 82a does not initialize the game information and performance information. The CPU 82a does not initialize the second management ball number information when the game ball clear switch 82g is not operated.

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

The frame side normal processing of the frame control board 82 will be explained.
Of the frame-side normal processing, the game information storage processing will be explained.
The game information generation process is a process for storing game information input from the game control board 80 in the RAM 82c. When the CPU 82a receives gaming information that allows the gaming state to be specified, the CPU 82a stores the gaming information in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82a transmits game information stored in the RAM 82c to the CU control board 120 in an external device communication process to be described later. By referring to the game information stored in the RAM 82c, the CPU 82a can identify whether or not a jackpot game is being played, whether or not the game is in a high probability state, and whether or not it is in a high ball entry rate state. . In addition, upon inputting various game information, the CPU 82a generates information that allows identification of the input game information and stores it in the RAM 82c.

The performance information generation process of the frame side normal process will be explained.
The performance information generation process is a process of calculating a base value as performance information. The CPU 82a refers to the gaming state flag and determines whether or not the jackpot game is not in progress and the current gaming state is a low-probability, low-ball entry rate state (that is, whether or not it is a normal game). In the case of normal gaming, the CPU 82a generates game information that can identify the occurrence of a starting opening winning (hereinafter referred to as starting opening winning information) or gaming information that can identify the occurrence of a normal winning (hereinafter referred to as ordinary winning information). ) is received, the total number of prize balls acquired during the normal game is added. The total number of prize balls acquired is stored in the RAM 82c as one piece of performance information. When the CPU 82a inputs the winning path signal or the non-winning path signal, it adds up the total number of valid balls during the normal game. The total number of effective balls is stored in the RAM 82c as one piece of performance information. The CPU 82a calculates the base value using the calculation formula: "Total number of prize balls acquired during the normal game ÷ Total number of effective balls during the normal game x 100". The CPU 82a may count the total number of prize balls obtained and the total number of valid balls in one minute intervals, and calculate the base value every minute. The CPU 82a may count the total number of prize balls obtained every time the total number of valid balls reaches a predetermined number, and calculate the base value every time the total number of valid balls reaches a predetermined number. As an example, the predetermined number may be 60,000 balls, or may be the maximum number (for example, 100 balls) that can be fired by the firing unit 65 per minute. The CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d to display information that allows identification of the calculated base value.

The CPU 82a may be configured to calculate the accessory ratio and the continuous accessory ratio as performance information and display them on the performance display monitor 82d. The accessory ratio is the ratio of the total number of prize balls obtained through electric accessory operation to the total number of prize balls obtained through all game states. The total number of prize balls acquired through electric accessory actuation is the total number of prize balls acquired by entering the second starting port 23B in normal winning games (normal electric accessory activation), and the total number of prize balls acquired through jackpot games (special electric accessory activation). This is the sum of the total number of prize balls won by winning into the prize opening 23C. The continuous role object ratio is the ratio of the total number of prize balls acquired through continuous role object operation to the total number of prize balls acquired through all game states. The total number of prize balls obtained by continuous role play is the total number of prize balls obtained by entering the jackpot hole 23C in the jackpot game.

The second management ball count information generation process of the frame side normal process will be explained.
The second managed pitch number information generation process is a process for generating (managing) the second managed pitch number PB. When the CPU 82a receives the number of award balls information from the game control board 80, the CPU 82a adds the number of award balls that can be specified from the number of award balls information to the second management ball number PB. Acquired prize ball number information is control information that is output by the game control board 80 when the conditions for awarding the prize ball are met due to winning in a predetermined winning hole, and specifies the number of prize balls set for the winning hole. configured as possible. In this way, the CPU 82a increases the second managed ball number PB in accordance with the acquired award ball number information. Upon receiving the rental information from the CU control board 120, the CPU 82a adds the number of rental balls indicated in the rental information to the second management ball number PB. In this way, the CPU 82a increases the second number of managed balls PB according to the rental information.

When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been collected as a return ball based on the foul signal output by the foul sensor D21, it adds the second number of managed balls PB. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been collected as a return ball when the foul signal transitions from the off state to the on state to the off state. In this way, the CPU 82a increases the second number of managed pitches PB in response to the detection by the foul sensor D21.

When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied to the firing section 65 based on the supply exit signal output by the supply exit sensor D23, it subtracts the second management ball number PB. In other words, when the CPU 82a detects that a game ball has been launched toward the game area 20a according to the detection by the supply outlet sensor D23, it subtracts the second managed ball number PB. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied when the supply exit signal transitions from the off state to the on state to the off state. As a result, the electromagnetically managed game balls (second number of managed balls PB) are converted into real balls. In this way, the CPU 82a decreases the second number of managed balls PB in response to the detection by the supply outlet sensor D23.

Not limited to this, the CPU 82a can detect that one game ball has been supplied to the firing section 65 based on the supply inlet signal output by the supply inlet sensor D22 instead of the supply outlet signal output by the supply outlet sensor D23. When detected, the second management ball number PB may be subtracted. When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied to the firing section 65 based on both the supply inlet signal output by the supply inlet sensor D22 and the supply outlet signal output by the supply outlet sensor D23, the CPU 82a performs the second management. The configuration may be such that the number of pitches PB is subtracted. That is, the CPU 82a may subtract the second managed ball number PB in response to detection by at least one of the supply inlet sensor D22 and the supply outlet sensor D23.

Further, the CPU 82a may subtract the second managed ball number PB by driving the firing solenoid 66a.A sensor may be provided in the launching passage 20c, and when the sensor detects a game ball fired from the firing section 65, the CPU 82a may subtract the second managed ball number PB by driving the firing solenoid 66a. 2 The configuration may be such that the number of pitches managed PB is subtracted. In this way, the second managed ball number PB is subtracted in relation to at least one of the firing operation by the firing section 65 and the supplying operation by the supplying section 61. That is, the CPU 82a decreases the second managed ball number PB in accordance with the shooting of game balls. Note that even if the ball removal switch 82e is operated when the second management pitch number information generation process is executed, the state does not shift to the ball removal state because the operation is outside the effective period.

The second managed pitch count information generation process is executed as a frame-side normal process, but cannot be executed in a state where no balls are taken. In other words, when the player is out of balls, the control for managing the number of balls held is invalid. In other words, even if a game ball enters a predetermined winning hole when the ball is not being drawn, the prize balls that should be added unless the ball is being drawn are not added to the second management ball number PB. Furthermore, as will be described later, when the ball is out, it may become possible to shoot the game ball. However, when the ball is out, the second managed ball number PB is not subtracted even if a game ball is fired. That is, in the ball extraction state, the game ball firing operation can be grasped as part of the ball extraction work.

When the CPU 82a is in the counting enabled state and receives a counting signal from the counting operation unit 18, the CPU 82a adds the number of balls to be counted to the counting information stored in the RAM 82c. As an example, when the CPU 82a receives a count signal that can specify a "single press operation" from the counting operation unit 18, the CPU 82a adds the first counted number of pitches (1 as an example) to the count information and stores it in the RAM 82c. If the second managed pitch count PB is 250 or more and a count signal that can identify a "long press operation" is input from the counting operation section 18, the CPU 82a counts the second counted pitch count (250 as an example). It is added to the information and stored in the RAM 82c. In addition, when the "long press operation" is continued (when the counting signal is maintained on), the CPU 82a sets the second counted number of pitches (250 as an example) to the counting information every time the predetermined time ta elapses. It is added and stored in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82a subtracts the number of pitches added to the count information from the second managed pitch number PB. The CPU 82a may add count information after subtracting the second number of managed pitches PB, or may add count information and then subtract the second number of managed pitches PB. In this way, the CPU 82a decreases the second number of managed pitches PB in accordance with the operation of the counting operation section 18. Then, the CPU 82a changes the second number of managed pitches PB to be decreased depending on the "single press operation" and the "long press operation".

As an example, the countable state is a state in which necessary power is being supplied, communication between the frame control board 82 and the CU control board 120 is normal, and the second managed ball number PB is not zero. As an example, if the communication between the frame control board 82 and the CU control board 120 is normal, it means that a management unit communication error, which will be described later, is not set. When the CPU 82a is in the countable state, the CPU 82a controls the light emitter built in the count notification unit 18a so that the count notification unit 18a lights up. Management of the second management ball count PB is transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 by transmitting counting information to the CU control board 120 in an external device communication process to be described later. As described above, while the second management pitch number information generation process is executed as a frame side normal process, it cannot be executed in a state where a ball is removed. In other words, when the ball is out, the operation of the counting operation section 18, which is an example of an operation related to the ball held, is invalid.

Further, as described above, when power supply is started while the game ball clear switch 82g is being operated in a predetermined manner, the CPU 82a outputs the second managed ball number information (second managed ball number PB). initialize. The second managed ball number information generation process is an example of a ball held number management control that manages a second managed ball number PB, which is an example of the number of balls held by a player. As described above, the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) can execute control regarding the balls held by the player.

The CPU 82a controls the second pitch number display section 17 to display information that can specify the updated second management pitch number PB that has been added or subtracted. The second pitch count display section 17 may also be used as a device that can display information that can identify errors set (detected) on the frame control board 82.

The external device communication process of the frame side normal process will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 11, in the external device communication process, the CPU 82a transmits gaming information to the CU control board 120 at regular periodic intervals t8 (300 ms as an example). The game information includes a serial number. This serial number is updated according to the number of times game information is transmitted.

When a predetermined time t4 (100 ms as an example) has elapsed after transmitting the game information, the CPU 82a transmits the counting information stored in the RAM 82c to the CU control board 120. When the CPU 82a transmits the counting information to the CU control board 120, the CPU 82a initializes the counting information stored in the RAM 82c. The counting information is information that can specify the number of balls held by a player to be transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 in accordance with the operation of the counting operation section 18. In other words, the counting information is information that can specify the number of decreases in the second management pitch count PB in accordance with the operation of the counting operation section 18. Note that, like the game information, the counting information is transmitted at regular periodic intervals t8, and becomes 0 if the counting operation section 18 is not operated. Therefore, even if the CPU 82a transmits the counting information to the CU control board 120, it may not subtract the second number of managed balls PB. When the CPU 82a transmits counting information to the CU control board 120 to subtract the second number of managed balls PB, it is possible to identify that a predetermined number (one as an example) or more of balls in possession has been transferred to the management unit 100. Information (hereinafter referred to as a counting completion flag) is stored in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82a outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as a counting completion command) to the game control board 80 indicating that a predetermined number of balls has been transferred to the management unit 100. The counting completion command can also be said to be control information that can specify that the counting information has been transmitted. The counting completion command is an example of counting completion information. Note that the game control board 80 (CPU 80a) outputs a counting completion command to the production control board 81. The counting completion command may include information that can specify the number of balls to be transferred to the management unit 100. The counting information includes a counting serial number. This counting serial number is updated according to the number of times counting information is transmitted. In this way, the CPU 82a transmits counting information that can specify the decrease in the number of balls held by the player (second managed ball number PB) in accordance with the operation of the counting operation section 18.

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

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

The frame-side error setting process of the frame-side normal process will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 12, the frame-side error setting process is a process for setting an error. As an example, in the frame side error setting process, the errors that can be set by the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) are frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, management unit communication error, communication error within the managed game machine, supply mechanism error, and over number of game balls error. , frame disconnection error, game ball number clear error, winning ball number abnormal error, and door opening error. Furthermore, the frame-side error notification process is a process for notifying the error in a predetermined notification mode when an error is detected in the frame-side error setting process. Note that the processing contents regarding the frame-side error setting process and the frame-side error notification process will be explained in detail later.

Next, various processes performed by the game control board 80 (CPU 80a) will be explained.
The panel side power-off processing will be explained.
When the CPU 80a receives a power-off detection signal from the frame control board 82 (backup circuit 82k), it executes a power-off process. In the board-side power-off process, the CPU 80a outputs a firing stop signal to the frame control board 82. The CPU 80a calculates the checksum value of the RAM 80c and stores the calculated checksum value in the RAM 80c. Further, the CPU 80a causes the RAM 80c to store information (hereinafter referred to as a backup flag) that can specify that the power-off process has been executed normally. After that, the CPU 80a waits until the power is completely turned off. Various information stored in the RAM 80c when the power is turned off is retained even after the power is turned off by the backup function described above.

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

As shown in FIG. 10, in the communication confirmation process, when the CPU 80a is started by turning on the power, it transmits startup information to the frame control board 82. The CPU 80a transmits the startup information to the frame control board 82 when a predetermined time tc (108 ms as an example) has elapsed without receiving response information after transmitting the startup information. Thereafter, if the CPU 80a does not receive response information from the frame control board 82, it transmits startup information to the frame control board 82 every time the predetermined time tc elapses. The startup information includes a communication serial number. This communication serial number is updated according to the number of transmissions. When the CPU 80a receives the response information from the frame control board 82, the CPU 80a causes the RAM 80c to store information (hereinafter referred to as a response input flag) that can identify that the response information to the startup information has been input.

The CPU 80a detects a communication line disconnection error when the number of times the startup information is transmitted reaches a specified number (10 times as an example), and stores information that can identify the occurrence of the communication line disconnection error in the RAM 80c. In other words, the CPU 80a sets a communication line disconnection error. The communication line disconnection error is an example of the second communication error. After that, the CPU 80a waits until the power is turned off. In this embodiment, the startup time t1 (for example, 3 minutes) required for the frame control board 82 to detect a communication error within the managed game machine is the time required for the game control board 80 to detect a communication line disconnection error (for example, 3 minutes). (1080ms). The startup information is output every predetermined time tc (for example, 108 ms), and when the number of times the startup information is transmitted reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times), a communication line disconnection error is detected. Therefore, the time required for the game control board 80 to detect the communication line disconnection error is 1080 ms. After setting the communication line disconnection error, the CPU 80a cancels the communication line disconnection error setting when the power supply is stopped.

When the CPU 80a receives the response information to the startup information, the CPU 80a transmits the game information to the frame control board 82 when a periodic time t3 (108 ms as an example) has elapsed since transmitting the startup information. Thereafter, the CPU 80a transmits game information to the frame control board 82 every time the periodic time t3 elapses. The game information includes a communication serial number. This communication serial number is updated according to the number of transmissions. The CPU 80a can receive response information every time game information is transmitted. This response information includes the same communication serial number as the transmitted gaming information.

If the CPU 80a does not receive response information even once while transmitting the gaming information a prescribed number of times (for example, 10 times), the CPU 80a stores information that can identify the occurrence of a communication line disconnection error in the RAM 80c. In other words, the CPU 80a sets a communication line disconnection error. When the power supply is stopped, the CPU 80a cancels the communication line disconnection error setting. In this way, the game control board 80 can detect an abnormality in communication with the frame control board 82 as a communication line disconnection error.

When the CPU 80a is activated upon power-on, it executes a board-side ball extraction process. The board side ball removal process is executed in parallel with the communication confirmation process.
In the board-side ball extraction process, the CPU 80a determines whether or not a ball extraction start command has been input from the frame control board 82. If the ball extraction start command has not been input, the CPU 80a ends the board side ball extraction process without setting the ball extraction state. When the ball removal start command is input, the CPU 80a detects the ball removal state and stores information that can identify the occurrence of the ball removal state in the RAM 80c. In other words, the CPU 80a sets the ball removal state. When the CPU 80a sets the ball extraction state, it outputs a ball extraction start command to the production control board 81 as control information that allows the transition to the ball extraction state to be specified. After that, the CPU 80a waits until the power is turned off. During standby, when the CPU 80a inputs a ball extraction completion command, it outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as a ball extraction completion command) that can specify the completion of ball extraction to the production control board 81. In this way, a communication line disconnection error can be detected using both the period in which the ball is not removed and the period in which the ball is not removed.

When the CPU 80a finishes the board-side ball extraction process without setting the ball extraction state and the response input flag is stored in the RAM 80c, the CPU 80a determines whether the backed up information is normal or not. . The CPU 80a determines whether a backup flag is stored in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a calculates the checksum value of the RAM 80c, and determines whether the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value calculated in the power-off process. The CPU 80a determines that it is normal if the backup flag is stored and the checksum values match, and determines that it is abnormal if they are not. If the backed up information is determined to be abnormal, the CPU 80a initializes the main information stored in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a outputs to the production control board 81 a control command (hereinafter referred to as an initialization command) that can specify that various types of information have been initialized. Thereafter, the CPU 80a ends the panel side power-on process.

When determining that the backed up information is normal, the CPU 80a determines whether a RAM clear signal is input from the frame control board 82 (RAM clear switch 87). When the RAM clear signal is input, the CPU 80a initializes the main information stored in the RAM 80c. In this case, the CPU 80a outputs an initialization command to the production control board 81. On the other hand, if the RAM clear signal is not input, the CPU 80a outputs to the effect control board 81 a control command (hereinafter referred to as a power restoration command) that can specify that the power will be restored based on the backed up main information. Thereafter, the CPU 80a ends the panel side power-on process.

When the CPU 80a completes the board-side power-on processing, the CPU 80a permits timer interrupt processing. In other words, the CPU 80a can execute processing for advancing the game (hereinafter referred to as board-side normal processing). The board-side normal process is an example of game progress control that is control related to the progress of the game. If the main information has been initialized, the board-side normal processing is executed based on the initialized main information. In other words, the CPU 80a is based on the state that both the first special pending number and the second special pending number are zero, the first special game and the second special game are not being executed, and no jackpot game has been awarded. Then, various processes included in the normal processing on the board side are executed. If the main information has not been initialized, the board side normal processing is executed based on the backed up main information. In other words, if the first special pending number and the second special pending number are the pending numbers at the time of power-off, and either the first special game or the second special game is being executed, the CPU 80a causes the special game to be executed. The process returns to the process, and if the jackpot game is being awarded, the process returns to the process of awarding the jackpot game.

The CPU 80a executes special symbol input processing, special symbol start processing, etc. as timer interrupt processing performed every predetermined control cycle (4 ms as an example).
The special symbol input process among the board side normal processes will be explained.

The CPU 80a determines whether the game ball has entered the first starting port 23A based on whether or not a detection signal has been input from the first starting sensor D11. When the game ball enters the first starting port 23A, the CPU 80a determines whether the first pending number stored in the RAM 80c is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). If the first number of reservations is less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a updates the first number of reservations by adding one. Subsequently, the CPU 80a controls the first reservation display section 21c to display information that allows identification of the updated first reservation number. The suspension condition for the first special game is established when the game ball is detected by the first starting sensor D11 when the first suspension number is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the CPU 80a obtains a random number generated by the random number generation circuit 80d, and stores random number information based on the obtained random number in the RAM 80c. For example, the random numbers include a winning random number used for a special symbol winning lottery, a winning pattern random number used for determining a winning symbol, and a fluctuation pattern random number used for determining a fluctuation pattern. The CPU 80a stores the random number information so that it is possible to specify that the random number information is for the first special game and to specify the storage order of the random number information. The random number information may be the acquired random number itself, or may be information obtained by processing the random number using a predetermined method.

When the random number information for the first special game is stored in the RAM 80c, when the game ball has not entered the first starting port 23A, and when the first reserved number is not less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a stores the second special game random number information in the RAM 80c. Based on whether or not a detection signal is input from the starting sensor D12, it is determined whether the game ball has entered the second starting port 23B. When the game ball has entered the second starting port 23B, the CPU 80a determines whether the second pending number stored in the RAM 80c is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the second pending number is less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a updates the second pending number by adding one. The CPU 80a controls the second suspension display section 21d to display information that allows identification of the second suspension number after addition. The second special game suspension condition is established when the second suspension number is less than the upper limit number and the game ball is detected by the second starting sensor D12.

Next, the CPU 80a acquires a random number generated within the game control board 80, and stores random number information based on the acquired random number in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a stores the random number information so that the random number information is used for the second special game and the order in which the random number information is stored can be specified. By storing random number information used for a special game in the RAM 80c, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can suspend execution of the special game until the start conditions for the special game are satisfied. When the random number information for the second special game is stored in the RAM 80c, when the game ball has not entered the second starting port 23B, and when the second pending number is not less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a stores the special symbol Finish input processing.

The special symbol start process among the board side normal processes will be explained.
First, the CPU 80a determines whether the special game starting conditions are met. The CPU 80a makes an affirmative determination when the jackpot game is not in progress and a special game is not in progress, while making a negative determination when the jackpot game or special game is in progress. If the special game start conditions are not met, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process. If the special game start condition is satisfied, the CPU 80a determines whether the second pending number is greater than zero. If the second number of reservations is zero, the CPU 80a determines whether the first number of reservations is greater than zero. When the first pending number is zero, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process.

If the first pending number is greater than zero, the CPU 80a performs processing to execute the first special game. Specifically, the CPU 80a subtracts 1 from the first pending number and updates it. The CPU 80a controls the first suspension display section 21c to display information that allows identification of the first suspension number after subtraction. The CPU 80a acquires the first stored random number information from the RAM 80c among the random number information for the first special game. The CPU 80a uses the winning random number specified from the acquired random number information to perform a jackpot drawing (jackpot determination) as a special symbol winning drawing to determine whether or not the jackpot is won. The CPU 80a performs a jackpot lottery based on the jackpot probability according to the current probability state (whether or not the probability variable function is activated).

If the jackpot is won, the CPU 80a performs jackpot fluctuation processing. In the jackpot variation process, the CPU 80a performs a jackpot symbol lottery using a winning symbol random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a jackpot symbol to be stopped and displayed in the first special game. The CPU 80a performs a variation pattern determination lottery using variation pattern random numbers that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among a plurality of jackpot variation patterns. After that, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process.

If the jackpot is not won, the CPU 80a performs a loss variation process. In the losing variation process, the CPU 80a determines losing symbols to be stopped and displayed in the first special game. The CPU 80a performs a variation pattern determination lottery using variation pattern random numbers that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among a plurality of outlier variation patterns. After that, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process.

If the second pending number is greater than zero, the CPU 80a performs processing for executing the second special game. The process for executing the second special game includes changing the "first special game" to "second special game" and changing the "first pending number" to "second pending number". Since these processes have been changed to "number", detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. That is, the CPU 80a completes the special symbol start process after performing any of the fluctuation processes based on the result of the subtraction of the second pending number, the jackpot lottery, and the jackpot lottery.

The CPU 80a outputs a fluctuation start command and a special symbol command to the performance control board 81 in the jackpot fluctuation processing and the loss fluctuation processing. The fluctuation start command is a control command that can specify the fluctuation pattern determined in each fluctuation process and the start of the fluctuation game. The special symbol command is a control command that can specify the special symbol determined in each variation process. The fluctuation start command and the special symbol command are different control commands when the fluctuation processing of the first special game is executed and when the fluctuation processing of the second special game is executed.

When the special symbol start process is finished, the CPU 80a causes the first special game or the second special game to be executed by a process different from the special symbol start process. As an example, when executing the first special game, the CPU 80a controls the first special symbol display section 21a to start variable display of predetermined symbols. The CPU 80a measures the variation time defined in the variation pattern. The CPU 80a controls the first special symbol display section 21a to stop displaying the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process when the variation time defined in the variation pattern has elapsed. Further, when the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed, the CPU 80a outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a variation end command) that can specify the end of the variation game to the production control board 81.

As an example, when executing the second special game, the CPU 80a controls the second special symbol display section 21b to start variable display of predetermined symbols. The CPU 80a measures the variation time defined in the variation pattern. The CPU 80a controls the second special symbol display section 21b to stop displaying the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process when the variation time defined in the variation pattern has elapsed. Further, the CPU 80a outputs a variation end command to the production control board 81 when the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed. As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the CPU 80a executes the special symbol input process and the special symbol start process to perform a winning lottery when a game ball enters the starting hole, and as a result of the winning lottery. It is configured to be able to execute a symbol variation game based on the following.

The jackpot game process among the board side normal processes will be explained.
The jackpot game process is a process for awarding a jackpot game. When the CPU 80a stops displaying the jackpot symbols in the special game, the CPU 80a executes the jackpot game process after the special jackpot game ends. The CPU 80a specifies the type of jackpot game based on the jackpot symbol (type of jackpot) determined in the special symbol start process. The CPU 80a is configured to award a specified type of jackpot game.

First, the CPU 80a outputs to the effect control board 81 a control command (hereinafter referred to as an opening command) that can specify the start of the opening time. When the opening time has elapsed, the CPU 80a performs processing for executing the round game. As an example, the CPU 80a controls the special solenoid SL2 using the specified opening control data for the jackpot game, and opens the jackpot opening 23C. The CPU 80a controls the special solenoid SL2 to close the big prize opening 23C when the number of game balls detected by the count sensor D13 reaches the above-mentioned upper limit number or when the above-mentioned upper limit time has elapsed. End the round game. The CPU 80a repeatedly performs the process for executing such a round game until the upper limit number of round games determined for the jackpot game is completed. Each time the CPU 80a starts a round game, it outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a round command) that can specify the start of the round game to the production control board 81. When the final round game ends, the CPU 80a outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as an ending start command) that can specify the start of the ending time to the production control board 81. When the ending time elapses, the CPU 80a ends the jackpot game. The CPU 80a may output a control command (hereinafter referred to as an ending end command) that can specify the passage of the ending time to the production control board 81.

Among the board-side normal processing, the state transition processing will be explained.
When the CPU 80a finishes the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol among the jackpot symbols, the CPU 80a sets a high certainty flag in the RAM 80c. In other words, the CPU 80a controls to a high probability state. After the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol ends, the CPU 80a does not erase the probability change flag until the next jackpot game is awarded. On the other hand, when the CPU 80a finishes the jackpot game based on the second jackpot symbol different from the first jackpot symbol, the CPU 80a does not set the high certainty flag in the RAM 80c. In other words, the CPU 80a controls to a low probability state. When starting a jackpot game and the high probability flag is set, the CPU 80a erases the high probability flag. That is, the CPU 80a controls the game to a low probability state during the jackpot game.

When the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol or the second jackpot symbol ends, the CPU 80a sets an activation flag in the RAM 80c. In other words, the CPU 80a controls the ball to a high ball entry rate state. After the end of the jackpot game based on the second jackpot symbol, the CPU 80a updates the value of the execution counter stored in the RAM 80c every time a special game is started, thereby increasing the number of executions of the special game after the end of the jackpot game. Count. When the special game in which the number of executions of the special game after the end of the jackpot game reaches the number of activations is completed, the CPU 80a erases the activation flag stored in the RAM 80c. That is, after the end of the jackpot game based on the second jackpot symbol, the CPU 80a controls to a low ball entry rate state when the special game for the number of times of activation ends. Note that the CPU 80a does not erase the activation flag after the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol ends until the next jackpot game is awarded. When starting a jackpot game and the activation flag is set, the CPU 80a erases the activation flag. That is, the CPU 80a controls the ball into a low ball entry rate state during the jackpot game.

Various processes executed by the production control board 81 (CPU 81a) will be explained.
The performance power restoration process will be explained.
When the initialization command is input, the CPU 81a controls a part or all of the production section constituting the production device ES, and causes RAM clear notification (initialization notification) to be executed. As an example, the RAM clear notification is executed in such a manner that the performance audio unit 12 outputs a sound that can identify the execution of RAM clear, such as a person's voice reading out the character string "RAM clear". As an example, the RAM clear notification is executed in such a manner that the effect light emitting unit 14 emits light in a light emission pattern exclusively for RAM clear. As an example, the RAM clear notification is executed in such a manner that an image that can identify execution of RAM clearing, such as a character string "RAM clear", is displayed on the effect display section 19. The CPU 81a controls the production device ES to end the RAM clear notification when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the RAM clear notification. Moreover, when the initialization command is input, the CPU 81a controls the effect display section 19 to display a combination of a predetermined background image and a predetermined effect pattern.

When the CPU 81a inputs the power restoration command, it controls part or all of the production section that constitutes the performance device ES, and causes the CPU 81a to execute the power restoration notification. As an example, the restoration notification is executed in such a manner that a voice that can identify the execution of RAM clearing is output from the performance audio unit 12, such as a person's voice reading out the character string "The power is being restored." As an example, the return notification is executed in such a manner that the effect light emitting unit 14 emits light in a light emission pattern exclusively for power recovery. As an example, the restoration notification is executed in such a manner that an image that can identify the execution of RAM clearing, such as a character string "The power is being restored", is displayed on the effect display section 19. The CPU 81a controls the production device ES to end the return notification when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the return notification. The present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU 81a may have a configuration in which the return notification is not executed. Moreover, when the CPU 81a inputs the power restoration command, it controls the performance display unit 19 to display a predetermined background image and a combination of performance symbols different from the above-described combination of predetermined performance symbols.

The jackpot production process will be explained.
The jackpot performance process is a process for executing a performance during a jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as jackpot performance). Upon receiving the opening command, the CPU 81a controls the production device ES to execute the opening production. Upon receiving the round command, the CPU 81a controls the production device ES to execute the round production. Upon receiving the ending start command, the CPU 81a controls the effect device ES to execute the ending effect. Upon receiving the ending end command, the CPU 81a controls the effect device ES to end the ending effect.

The production game processing will be explained.
The effect game process is a process for executing the effect game as one of the display effects related to the special game while the special game is being executed. Upon receiving the variation start command and the special symbol command, the CPU 81a controls the production device ES including the production display section 19 to execute the production game. Specifically, upon receiving the variation start command, the CPU 81a selects the performance pattern (performance content) of the performance game based on the fluctuation pattern that can be specified from the command. Further, upon receiving the special symbol command, the CPU 81a determines a symbol combination to be stopped and displayed in the performance game based on the special symbol that can be specified from the command. If the jackpot symbol can be specified from the special symbol command, the CPU 81a determines the jackpot symbol combination. When the CPU 81a can specify the missing symbol from the special symbol command, the CPU 81a determines the missing symbol combination. In addition, when the CPU 81a executes the ready-to-win effect, the CPU 81a determines the winning symbol combination including the ready-to-win effect.

The CPU 81a controls the effect display unit 19 to start variable display of effect symbols in each symbol row in response to input of the variation start command. In other words, the CPU 81a starts the performance game. Further, when executing a predetermined effect in connection with the effect game, the CPU 81a controls the effect device ES including the effect display section 19 so as to execute the effect. The CPU 81a causes the symbol combination to be temporarily stopped and displayed when a predetermined timing arrives after starting the performance game, and also causes the symbol combination to be definitively stopped and displayed when the variation end command is input. In addition, the CPU 81a may finalize and stop displaying the symbol combination upon the elapse of the fluctuation time set in the fluctuation pattern, regardless of the fluctuation end command. In this case, the variation end command may be omitted.

Next, various processes performed by the CPU 82a of the frame control board 82 by inputting signals from various sensors and switches will be described.
Of the frame-side normal processing, the supplied ball count monitoring processing will be explained.

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

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

Of the frame side normal processing, the winning ball number monitoring processing will be explained.
When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied to the firing section 65 based on the supply exit signal output by the supply exit sensor D23, it adds the number of shots Pf. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied when the supply exit signal transitions from the off state to the on state to the off state. The CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information that allows identification of the updated number of shots Pf. Thereby, the CPU 82a can specify the number of game balls fired toward the game area 20a according to the detection by the supply outlet sensor D23.

Not limited to this, the CPU 82a can detect that one game ball has been supplied to the firing section 65 based on the supply inlet signal output by the supply inlet sensor D22 instead of the supply outlet signal output by the supply outlet sensor D23. When detected, the configuration may be such that the number of shots Pf is added. When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied to the firing section 65 based on both the supply entrance signal outputted by the supply entrance sensor D22 and the supply exit signal outputted by the supply exit sensor D23, the CPU 82a determines the firing number Pf. It may also be configured to add . That is, the CPU 82a may add the number of shots Pf according to detection by at least one of the supply inlet sensor D22 and the supply outlet sensor D23.

Further, the CPU 82a may add the firing number Pf by driving the firing solenoid 66a, and a sensor may be provided in the launching passage 20c, and when the sensor detects the game ball fired from the firing section 65, the CPU 82a calculates the firing number Pf. A configuration in which the values are added may also be used. In this way, the firing number Pf is added in relation to at least one of the firing operation by the firing section 65 and the supplying operation by the supplying section 61. That is, the CPU 82a adds the number of shots Pf according to the shooting of game balls.

When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been collected from the gaming area 20a based on the out signal output by the out sensor D30, it adds the number of collections Pg. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been collected from the game area 20a when the out signal transitions from the off state to the on state to the off state. In this way, the CPU 82a adds the collection number Pg in accordance with the detection by the out sensor D30. The CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information that allows identification of the updated collection number Pg.

The present invention is not limited to this, and instead of the out signal output by the out sensor D30, the winning path signal outputted by the winning path count sensor D25 and the non-winning path signal outputted by the non-winning path count sensor D26 are used to determine the winning path of one ball. The configuration may be such that when it is detected that the game balls have been collected from the game area 20a, the collected number Pg is added.

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

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

The detection condition for a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is that abnormal radio waves are detected a predetermined number of times (10 times as an example). The CPU 82a detects the occurrence of an abnormal radio wave as a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error. The frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is an example of a radio wave detection error, and is an example of a specific event error. When receiving the radio wave detection signal from the frame radio wave sensor D16, the CPU 82a adds up the number of frame radio wave detections. Specifically, the CPU 82a adds 1 to the number of frame radio wave detections when the radio wave detection signal transitions from the off state to the on state. That is, the CPU 82a counts the number of times the frame radio wave sensor D16 detects the frame radio wave as the number of times the frame radio wave is detected. The CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information that allows identification of the updated number of frame radio wave detections. The number of frame radio wave detections is an example of the second number of times. When the number of frame radio wave detections reaches a predetermined number, the CPU 82a sets a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error. This predetermined number of times is not limited to 10 times. It may be any number of times from 2 to 9 times, or it may be 11 times or more. It is preferable that the predetermined number of times is not one time but multiple times. That is, the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is set when the number of detections by the frame radio wave sensor D16 reaches a predetermined number of times. In this way, the CPU 82a updates the number of frame radio wave detections based on the input status of the radio wave detection signal (second information) output by the frame radio wave sensor D16, and detects a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error based on the number of frame radio wave detections. Set. The frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is an example of the second information error.

Frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is a state in which there is a high possibility that fraud (rogue behavior) using radio waves is being carried out. Frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is canceled when the power is restored. The CPU 82a does not release the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error setting until the power supply is stopped. In other words, there is no way to cancel the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error setting other than returning the power. For example, the setting of frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is not canceled even if the error cancellation switch 82f is pressed. For example, the setting of frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is not canceled even if the frame radio wave sensor D16 no longer detects it. In other words, the setting of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is not canceled even if the cause of the setting of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is resolved.

When the power is turned on after being powered off, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error. The CPU 82a may cancel the setting of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error when the power is turned off, and may cancel the setting of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error when the power is turned on. That is, the CPU 82a cancels the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error setting upon stopping or starting power supply. When canceling the setting of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, the CPU 82a initializes the number of frame radio wave detections stored in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82a may initialize the number of frame radio wave detections when the power is turned off, and may initialize the number of frame radio wave detections when the power is turned on. In this way, the CPU 82a does not release the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error setting until the power supply is stopped. Further, the CPU 82a does not initialize the number of frame radio wave detections until the power supply is stopped. Note that if abnormal radio waves are detected again a predetermined number of times after the power is turned on, a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is set even after the power is turned on. Frame unauthorized radio wave detection errors are detected during confirmation periods other than when the ball is being removed.

The detection condition for the management unit communication error is that communication between the frame control board 82 and the CU control board 120 is not performed normally. As described above, in the external device communication process, the CPU 82a specifies that communication with the CU control board 120 will not be performed normally if the lending information is not received from the CU control board 120 multiple times (for example, twice). do. Specifically, when the CPU 82a transmits the game information, it adds up the number of times the game information has not been received. After that, when the CPU 82a receives the rental information, it subtracts the number of times the rental information has not been received. In other words, the CPU 82a counts the number of times that the game information was transmitted, but then the game information was transmitted again without receiving the lending information. The CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information that can specify the updated number of unreceived messages. The number of unreceived times is an example of the first number of times.

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

A management unit communication error is cleared only if communication is performed normally. As a specific example, upon receiving the rental information, the CPU 82a cancels the management unit communication error setting. In other words, the management unit communication error setting is canceled when the cause of the management unit communication error setting is resolved. A management unit communication error is detected as a confirmation period after the CPU 82a inputs the startup information.

As described above, the CPU 82a sets a management unit communication error based on not receiving lending information from the CU control board 120. Here, a situation in which lending information is not received from the CU control board 120 (hereinafter referred to as a management communication error situation) is, for example, a situation where the communication line connecting the connection terminal board 98 and the CU control board 120 is disconnected. is possible. In this case, it is particularly likely that the communication line through which the connection terminal board 98 receives information from the game control board 80 is disconnected. Further, as a management communication error situation, for example, lending information may be changed to abnormal information due to abnormal radio waves.

The detection condition for the communication error within the managed gaming machine is that the communication between the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 is not performed normally. The CPU 82a is capable of detecting communication errors within the managed game machine in the communication check process described above. The CPU 82a specifies that communication with the game control board 80 is not performed normally if the startup information is not received during the elapse of the startup time t1 (3 minutes as an example) after the power is turned on. do. Specifically, after the CPU 82a is started by power-on, the CPU 82a measures the post-start time after the power is turned on until it receives the start-up information. When the CPU 82a receives the startup information, it stops measuring the time after startup. When the time after startup reaches the startup time t1, the CPU 82a sets a communication error within the managed gaming machine.

In addition, if the CPU 82a does not receive the next information (game information as an example) during the elapse of the predetermined time tb (1000 ms as an example) after receiving the startup information or game information from the game control board 80, It is identified that communication with the game control board 80 is not performed normally. Specifically, after receiving the startup information or game information, the CPU 82a measures the reception time after receiving the startup information or game information until the next information is received. When the CPU 82a receives the next information, it stops measuring the reception time. When the reception time reaches the predetermined time tb, the CPU 82a sets a communication error within the managed game machine.

A communication error within a managed gaming machine is canceled if communication is performed normally. Upon receiving the startup information, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the managed gaming machine communication error. In other words, the setting of the managed gaming machine communication error is canceled when the cause of the setting of the managed gaming machine communication error is eliminated. A communication error within the managed gaming machine is detected as a confirmation period both during the ball-ejecting state and during a state other than the ball-ejecting state. As an example, a communication error within the managed gaming machine is always detected from when the power is turned on until the power is turned off.

As described above, the CPU 82a sets an intra-management gaming machine communication error based on not receiving startup information or gaming information from the gaming control board 80. Here, as a situation in which startup information or game information is not received from the game control board 80 (hereinafter referred to as a frame communication error situation), for example, the communication line connecting the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 is disconnected. It is possible that you are doing so. In this case, it is particularly likely that the communication line through which the frame control board 82 receives information from the game control board 80 is disconnected. In addition, if the communication line for the frame control board 82 to transmit information to the game control board 80 is disconnected, the game control board 80 sets a communication line disconnection error and stops the transmission of game information. As a result, the CPU 82a is unable to receive the gaming information and sets a communication error within the managed gaming machine. In this way, even if the communication line for transmitting information from the frame control board 82 to the game control board 80 is disconnected, a communication error within the managed gaming machine is set. Further, as a frame communication error situation, for example, startup information or game information may be changed to abnormal information due to abnormal radio waves.

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

The release condition for the supply mechanism error is that the error release switch 82f is pressed for a predetermined period of time td (for example, 2 seconds). The CPU 82a cancels the setting of the supply mechanism error when the predetermined time td has elapsed while the error cancellation signal remains on. When canceling the setting of the supply mechanism error, the CPU 82a initializes the number of supply inlet balls and the number of supply outlet balls stored in the RAM 82c. In this way, the setting of the supply mechanism error can be canceled based on the operation of the error cancellation switch 82f without stopping the power supply. The setting of the supply mechanism error is canceled when a predetermined time td has elapsed with the error cancellation switch 82f being operated.

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

The detection condition for the game ball number over error is that the second managed ball number PB, which is an example of the number of balls held by the player, exceeds a predetermined number of balls (40,000 as an example). When the second managed ball number PB exceeds a predetermined number of balls, the CPU 82a sets a game ball number over error.

The condition for canceling the game ball number over error is that the second management ball number PB becomes less than or equal to a specific number of balls (35,000 as an example). The specific number of pitches is less than the predetermined number of pitches. The CPU 82a cancels the setting of the game ball number over error when the second managed ball number PB becomes less than or equal to the specific number of balls. The game ball count over error is detected as a confirmation period other than during the ball removal state.

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

The condition for canceling the frame disconnection error is that an abnormality such as a disconnection in a switch or sensor connected to the frame control board 82 is resolved. When the CPU 82a detects that each sensor and each switch are energized, the CPU 82a cancels the frame disconnection error setting. The frame disconnection error is detected as a confirmation period other than during the ball removal state.

The detection condition for the game ball number clear error is that power supply is started while the game ball clear switch 82g is being operated in a predetermined manner. If the game ball clear signal is in the on state when power supply is started, the CPU 82a sets a game ball number clear error. That is, the CPU 82a sets the game ball number clear error when the second management ball number information (second management ball number PB) is initialized.

The clearing condition for the game ball number clear error is that a specific time (30 seconds as an example) has elapsed since the supply exit sensor D23, foul sensor D21, or out sensor D30 detected a game ball. When the CPU 82a receives the supply exit signal output from the supply exit sensor D23, the foul signal output from the foul sensor D21, or the out signal output from the out sensor D30, it starts measuring the release time. The CPU 82a cancels the game ball count clear error setting when the cancellation time exceeds a specific time. As described above, when a game ball is detected by the supply outlet sensor D23, when a game ball is detected by the foul sensor D21, or when a game ball is detected by the out sensor D30, the game ball is moved to the game area 20a. It can be determined that it was fired at. In this way, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the number of game balls clear error when a specific time has elapsed after specifying the firing of the game balls. The error in clearing the number of game balls is detected as a confirmation period other than during the ball removal state.

The winning ball number abnormality error indicates that the difference between the number of game balls detected by the supply outlet sensor D23 and the number of game balls detected by the foul sensor D21 and the out sensor D30 is a specific number (100 as an example) or more. This is the detection condition. When the difference between the number of shots Pf and the number of collected balls Pg reaches a specific number, the CPU 82a sets an abnormal number of winning balls error. In other words, the CPU 82a specifies the difference between the number of game balls fired toward the game area 20a and the number of game balls collected by the winning/winning slot 30a, the non-winning slot 30b, and the foul receiving slot 30c. Set an abnormal number of winning pitches error when the number exceeds the number. Note that, after setting the winning ball number abnormal error, the CPU 82a may or may not update the firing number Pf and the collection number Pg in the winning ball number monitoring process.

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

The abnormal error in the number of winning pitches is canceled only when the power is restored. The CPU 82a does not cancel the winning pitch abnormality error setting until the power supply is stopped. In other words, there is no way to cancel the winning pitch abnormality error setting other than returning the power. For example, the setting of an abnormal number of winning pitches error is not canceled even if the error cancellation switch 82f is pressed. For example, the setting of abnormal number of winning balls error is not canceled even if the difference between the number of shots Pf and the number of collected balls Pg becomes less than a specific number. More specifically, the setting of the abnormal number of winning balls error is based on the number of game balls fired toward the gaming area 20a and the number of game balls collected by the winning receiving port 30a, the non-winning receiving port 30b, and the foul receiving port 30c. It will not be canceled even if the difference between the number of balls and the number of balls is less than a certain number. The error in the number of winning balls is detected as a confirmation period other than during the ball-out state.

The detection condition for the door open error is that the off state of either the first door open switch D17 or the second door open switch D18 is detected. When the detection condition is satisfied, the CPU 82a sets a door open error. The release condition for the door opening error is that the ON state of both the first door opening switch D17 and the second door opening switch D18 is detected. When the CPU 82a detects the ON state of both the first door open switch D17 and the second door open switch D18, the CPU 82a cancels the door open error setting.The door open error is detected as a confirmation period other than during the bulb removal state. be done.

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

The frame error command can be identified as a command related to an error in the frame control board 82 by the upper 4 bits "A" of the upper bytes "A0" to "AE". In the frame error command, the type of error can be specified by the lower 4 bits "0" to "E" of the upper bytes "A0" to "AE". In the frame error command, it is possible to specify whether an error setting or an error setting has been canceled by the lower byte "xx". As an example, "01" is set when an error is set, and "02" is set when the error setting is canceled.

As shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 82a outputs a frame error setting command and a frame error cancellation error command to the game control board 80 depending on the type of error. As an example, when the CPU 82a sets a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error in the frame side error setting process, it outputs "A001H" to the game control board 80 as a frame error setting command. In the frame side error setting process, when the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, it outputs "A002H" to the game control board 80 as a frame error cancellation command. In addition, in the situation where the managed gaming machine communication error is set, the frame error command is not output to the game control board 80 because communication between the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 is not performed normally. The CPU 82a does not output a frame error command to the game control board 80 when setting a communication error within the managed gaming machine. The CPU 82a may output a frame error command to the game control board 80 when setting a communication error within the managed gaming machine. In this case, if the communication line through which the frame control board 82 transmits information to the game control board 80 is disconnected, the game control board 80 cannot input the frame error command.

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

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

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

The detection condition for the main unauthorized radio wave detection error is that abnormal radio waves are detected a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times). The CPU 80a detects the occurrence of an abnormal radio wave as a main unauthorized radio wave detection error. When the CPU 80a receives the radio wave detection signal from the main radio wave sensor D19, it adds up the number of main radio wave detections. Specifically, the CPU 80a adds 1 to the number of main radio wave detections when the radio wave detection signal transitions from the off state to the on state. That is, the CPU 80a counts the number of times the main radio wave sensor D19 detects the main radio wave as the number of times the main radio wave is detected. The CPU 80a causes the RAM 82c to store information that allows identification of the updated number of main radio wave detections. The number of times the main radio wave is detected is an example of the third number of times. When the number of main radio wave detections reaches a predetermined number, the CPU 80a sets a main unauthorized radio wave detection error. This predetermined number of times is not limited to 10 times. It may be any number of times from 2 to 9 times, or it may be 11 times or more. It is preferable that the predetermined number of times is not one time but multiple times. That is, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error is set when the number of detections by the main radio wave sensor D19 reaches a predetermined number of times. In this way, the CPU 80a updates the main radio wave detection frequency based on the input status of the radio wave detection signal (third information) output by the main radio wave sensor D19, and detects the main unauthorized radio wave detection error based on the main radio wave detection frequency. Set. The main unauthorized radio wave detection error is an example of the third information error.

The main unauthorized radio wave detection error is a state in which there is a high possibility that fraud (rogue behavior) using radio waves is being carried out. The main unauthorized radio wave detection error is canceled when the power is restored. The CPU 80a does not release the main unauthorized radio wave detection error setting until the power supply is stopped. In other words, there is no way to cancel the main unauthorized radio wave detection error setting other than returning the power. For example, the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error is not canceled even if the main radio wave sensor D19 stops detecting it. In other words, the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error is not canceled even if the cause of the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error is resolved.

When the power is turned on after being powered off, the CPU 80a cancels the main unauthorized radio wave detection error setting. The CPU 80a may cancel the main unauthorized radio wave detection error setting when the power is turned off, or may cancel the main unauthorized radio wave detection error setting when the power is turned on. That is, the CPU 80a cancels the main unauthorized radio wave detection error setting upon stopping or starting power supply. When canceling the main unauthorized radio wave detection error setting, the CPU 80a initializes the number of main radio wave detections stored in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a may initialize the number of main radio wave detections when the power is turned off, or may initialize the number of main radio wave detections when the power is turned on. In this way, the CPU 80a does not release the main unauthorized radio wave detection error setting until the power supply is stopped. Further, the CPU 80a does not initialize the number of main radio wave detections until the power supply is stopped. Note that if abnormal radio waves are detected again a predetermined number of times after the power is turned on, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error is set even after the power is turned on. The main unauthorized radio wave detection error is detected as a confirmation period other than when the ball is being removed.

The detection condition for the communication line disconnection error is that communication between the game control board 80 and the frame control board 82 is not performed normally. As described above, the CPU 80a identifies that communication with the frame control board 82 is not performed normally when the number of times the startup information is transmitted reaches a specified number (10 times as an example). Specifically, after the CPU 80a is started by turning on the power, it transmits startup information until it receives response information from the frame control board 82. The CPU 80a counts the number of times the startup information is transmitted. When the number of transmissions reaches a specified number, the CPU 80a sets a communication line disconnection error.

Further, if the CPU 80a does not receive response information even once while transmitting the game information a prescribed number of times (for example, 10 times), the CPU 80a identifies that communication with the frame control board 82 is not performed normally. Specifically, after receiving the response information to the startup information, the CPU 80a transmits the gaming information every time a periodic time t3 (108 ms as an example) elapses. The CPU 80a counts the number of times game information is transmitted each time the game information is transmitted. When the CPU 80a receives the response information for the game information, it initializes the number of times of transmission. When the number of transmissions reaches a specified number, the CPU 80a sets a communication line disconnection error.

A communication line disconnection error requires power recovery as a release condition. The CPU 80a does not release the communication line disconnection error setting until the power supply is stopped. In other words, there is no way to cancel the communication line disconnection error setting other than by returning the power. For example, the setting of a communication line disconnection error is not canceled even if response information is received. In other words, the communication line disconnection error setting is not canceled even if the cause of the communication line disconnection error setting is resolved.

When the power is turned on after being powered off, the CPU 80a cancels the communication line disconnection error setting. The CPU 80a may cancel the communication line disconnection error setting when the power is turned off, or may cancel the communication line disconnection error setting when the power is turned on. That is, the CPU 80a cancels the communication line disconnection error setting upon stopping or starting power supply. When canceling the communication line disconnection error setting, the CPU 80a initializes the number of transmissions stored in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a may initialize the number of transmissions when the power is turned off, or may initialize the number of transmissions when the power is turned on. In this way, the CPU 80a does not release the communication line disconnection error setting until the power supply is stopped. A communication line disconnection error is detected as a confirmation period both during the ball-pulling state and in a state other than the ball-pulling state. As an example, a communication line disconnection error is always detected from when the power is turned on until the power is turned off.

As described above, the CPU 80a sets a communication line disconnection error based on not receiving response information from the frame control board 82. Here, a situation in which response information is not received from the frame control board 82 (hereinafter referred to as a main communication error situation) is, for example, a situation where the communication line connecting the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 is disconnected. is possible. In this case, it is particularly likely that the communication line through which the game control board 80 receives information from the frame control board 82 is disconnected. In addition, if the communication line for the game control board 80 to transmit information to the frame control board 82 is disconnected, the frame control board 82 cannot receive the startup information and the game information, so the response information is transmitted to the game control board 82. It is not transmitted to the board 80. As a result, the CPU 80a is unable to receive the response information and sets a communication line disconnection error. In this way, even if the communication line through which the gaming control board 80 transmits information to the frame control board 82 is disconnected, a communication line disconnection error is set. Further, as a main communication error situation, for example, response information may change to abnormal information due to abnormal radio waves.

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

The release condition for the main disconnection error is that the abnormality such as disconnection of the sensor connected to the game control board 80 has been resolved. When the CPU 80a detects that each sensor is energized, it cancels the main disconnection error setting. The main disconnection error is detected as a confirmation section other than during the ball removal state.

Next, a description will be given of control commands that are output when an error is set and when the error setting is canceled in the panel-side error setting process.
The game control board 80 (CPU 80a) outputs a board error command to the frame control board 82 and the performance control board 81 when setting an error or canceling the error setting. The panel error command includes a control command that can identify that an error has been set (hereinafter referred to as a panel error setting command), and a control command that can identify that an error setting has been canceled (hereinafter referred to as a panel error reset command). command). The panel error setting command is also a control command that can specify the type of error that has been set. The panel error cancellation command is also a control command that can specify the type of error whose settings have been canceled. The CPU 82a outputs control commands "E0xxH" to "EFxxH" as board error commands.

The board error command can be identified as a command related to an error in the gaming control board 80 by the upper 4 bits "E" of the upper bytes "E0" to "EF". In the board error command, the type of error can be specified by the lower 4 bits "0" to "F" of the upper bytes "E0" to "EF". In the board error command, it is possible to specify whether an error setting or an error setting has been canceled by the lower byte "xx". As an example, "01" is set when an error is set, and "02" is set when the error setting is canceled.

As shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 80a outputs a board error setting command and a board error cancellation error command to the frame control board 82 and the production control board 81, depending on the type of error. As an example, when the CPU 80a sets the main unauthorized radio wave detection error in the board-side error setting process, it outputs "E001H" to the frame control board 82 and the production control board 81 as a board error setting command. When the CPU 80a cancels the main unauthorized radio wave detection error setting in the board-side error setting process, it outputs "E002H" to the frame control board 82 and the production control board 81 as a board error cancellation command. In addition, in a situation where a communication line disconnection error is set, communication between the game control board 80 and the frame control board 82 is not performed normally, so the board error command is not output to the frame control board 82, but the production It is output to the control board 81. The CPU 80a does not output a board error command to the frame control board 82 when a communication line disconnection error is set. The CPU 82a may output a board error command to the game control board 80 when setting a communication line disconnection error. In this case, if the communication line through which the game control board 80 transmits information to the frame control board 82 is disconnected, the frame control board 82 cannot input a board error command.

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

When the production control board 81 (CPU81a) inputs the board error setting command, it updates the error information based on the input board error setting command and stores it in the RAM 81c. When the CPU 81a inputs the board error cancellation command, the CPU 81a updates the error information based on the input board error cancellation command and stores it in the RAM 81c. Thereby, the CPU 81a can identify an error during setting in the pachinko gaming machine 10.

Further, the CPU 80a performs control to restrict the firing of game balls while setting a predetermined error (door opening as an example) among a plurality of errors. If a door opening error is set, the CPU 80a outputs a firing stop signal to the frame control board 82 (launch permission circuit 82m). In other words, the firing stop signal is turned on. When the launch permission circuit 82m receives the launch stop signal, the launch permission signal to the launch control board 83 is turned off, and its output is stopped. As described above, the conditions for outputting the firing permission signal are established when the firing permission state is in which firing of game balls is permitted. In other words, the conditions for outputting the firing permission signal do not hold if the firing is prohibited.

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

When an error is set, the CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d to display an error code, which is an example of information that can identify the error being set. The error code is information specific to the error. As an example, as shown in the column of "Performance Display Monitor" in the figure, [E10] is used for frame unauthorized radio wave detection error notification, [E14] is used for management unit communication error notification, and [E15] is used for managed gaming machine communication error notification. [E19] is displayed for frame disconnection error notification.

As an example, [E00] is displayed as an error code when the ball is removed. Strictly speaking, the ball-out state is not an error, but it is an event that the administrator of the pachinko game machine 10 should be made aware of, so it is regarded as one of the errors and is notified. The present invention is not limited to this, and the error code that can be displayed on the performance display monitor 82d may not include the error code that indicates the ball is removed.

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

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

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

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

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

As an example, when the CPU 82a sets a communication error within the managed gaming machine and a frame disconnection error, the CPU 82a alternately displays the error code [E15] of the communication error notification within the managed gaming machine and the base value. On the other hand, the CPU 82a does not display the error code [E19] for notifying a frame disconnection error. In other words, the performance display monitor 82d notifies the management gaming machine internal communication error in priority over the performance display monitor 82d notifies the frame disconnection error.

The CPU 82a displays an error code when an error is set in the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80, but may have a configuration in which the base value is not displayed. Further, the CPU 82a may be configured to display the error code, the second number of managed pitches PB, and the base value on the performance display monitor 82d while switching them. In this way, the performance display monitor 82d is a means for displaying a base value, and also serves as a means for displaying an error code.

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

In this way, the performance display monitor 82d performs error notification according to the set error. In the performance display monitor 82d, when an error is set, the set error notification starts, and when the error setting is canceled, the notification of the canceled error ends. The error code notified on the performance display monitor 82d is information specific to the error. In other words, the reporting modes of the plurality of types of errors that can be reported on the performance display monitor 82d are different from each other.

The CPU 82a may control the second ball count display unit 17 to display an error code indicating the set error when an error is set on the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80. good. That is, the error code may be displayed on both the performance display monitor 82d and the second pitch count display section 17. The CPU 82a may control the second pitch count display section 17 to alternately display the error code and the second managed pitch count PB. The error code that can be displayed on the second pitch count display section 17 may include an error code that indicates a ball-missing state. The error code that can be displayed on the second pitch count display section 17 does not need to include an error code that indicates a ball-missing state. The error code that can be displayed on the second pitch count display section 17 may include an error code for notifying completion of counting. The error code that can be displayed on the second pitch count display section 17 does not need to include the error code for notifying completion of counting.

When multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 82a may alternately display the error code with the highest priority and the second managed ball count PB. The CPU 82a may be configured to display an error code when an error is set, but not to display the second number of managed pitches PB. Further, the CPU 82a may be configured to display the error code, the second managed pitch count PB, and the base value on the second pitch count display section 17 while switching them. When the error setting is canceled, the CPU 82a may control the second pitch count display section 17 so as to end displaying the error code indicating the canceled error. In this way, the second pitch count display section 17 is a means for displaying the second managed pitch count PB, and may also be used as a means for displaying an error code. The CPU 82a may start displaying the error code on the performance display monitor 82d and displaying the error code on the second pitch count display section 17 at the same or substantially the same timing.

In this manner, the second pitch count display section 17 may perform error notification according to the set error. In the second pitch count display section 17, when an error is set, the notification of the set error may be started, and when the error setting is canceled, the notification of the set error may be terminated. The error code notified by the second pitch count display section 17 is information specific to the error. That is, the notification modes of the plurality of types of errors that can be reported in the second pitch count display section 17 are different from each other.

When an error is set in the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80, the CPU 82a controls the notification audio unit 13 to output an error sound as an example of information that can identify the set error. You may. In other words, the CPU 82a may execute a voice notification (hereinafter referred to as error voice notification) for notifying a set error. As an example, the CPU 82a may notify a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error notification, a management unit communication error notification, a communication error notification within the managed game machine, a supply mechanism error notification, a game ball count over error notification, a frame disconnection error notification, a game ball count clear error notification, and abnormal error notification of the number of winning pitches are to be notified using the notification audio section 13. As an example, the CPU 82a does not target the main unauthorized radio wave detection error notification, the main disconnection error notification, and the door opening error notification using the notification audio unit 13. The CPU 82a causes the notification audio unit 13 to notify at least some of the errors set in the frame control board 82. On the other hand, the CPU 82a does not cause the notification audio section 13 to perform notification of all errors among the errors set in the game control board 80. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU 82a may cause the notification audio section 13 to notify all errors among the errors set in the frame control board 82. The CPU 82a may cause the notification audio unit 13 to notify some or all of the errors set in the game control board 80. The sound pattern of the error sound notification has different contents depending on the error, and it is preferable that the sound pattern is such that the outline of the set error can be specified. For example, if the error voice is an error notification of frame unauthorized radio wave detection, the error voice is the voice of a person who reads out the character string "Error code E10 has occurred. Please call an attendant."

When multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 82a may cause an error voice notification to notify the error with the highest priority. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU 82a may be configured to sequentially switch and execute error voice notifications when multiple types of errors are set. When the error setting is canceled, the CPU 82a controls the notification audio section 13 to end the error audio notification indicating the error for which the setting has been canceled.

As an example, the CPU 82a may cause the notification audio section 13 to notify the completion of counting. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU 82a does not have to make the notification audio unit 13 notify of the completion of counting. As an example, the notifying voice of the completion of counting outputted by the notifying audio unit 13 may be a predetermined number (1 as an example) or more, such as the voice of a person reading out the string "The ball has been transferred to the management unit." may include information that can specifically identify that the number of balls held by the pachinko game machine 10 has been transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100. As an example, the notifying sound of the completion of counting outputted by the notifying audio unit 13 may be a predetermined song, sound effect, etc., such as a predetermined number of balls (one as an example) or more, from the pachinko game machine 10 to the management unit 100. It is not necessary to include information that can specifically identify that the transfer has been made.

As an example, the CPU 82a does not make the notification sound section 13 report the ball-out state. However, the CPU 82a is not limited to this, and the CPU 82a may make the notification sound unit 13 notify the state of the ball being removed. As an example, the error sound output by the notification audio unit 13 may include information that can specifically identify that the ball is being removed, such as the voice of a person reading out the string ``The ball is being removed.'' But that's fine. As an example, the error sound output by the notification audio unit 13 may not include information that can specifically identify that the ball is out, such as a predetermined song or sound effect.

In this way, the notification audio unit 13 may perform error notification according to the set error. In the notification audio section 13, when an error is set, the notification of the set error may be started, and when the error setting is canceled, the notification of the set error may be terminated. The error voice notification notified by the notification audio section 13 differs depending on the error. In other words, the notification modes of the plurality of types of errors that can be reported by the notification audio section 13 are different from each other.

The performance-side error notification process executed by the performance control board 81 (CPU81a) will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 14, in the performance-side error notification process, the CPU 81a controls part or all of the performance section that constitutes the performance device ES so as to execute the notification of the error set in the pachinko gaming machine 10. . As an example, the CPU 81a causes the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error notification to be executed in accordance with the setting of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error. The CPU 81a causes the main unauthorized radio wave detection error notification to be executed in accordance with the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error. The CPU 81a causes the management unit communication error notification to be executed according to the management unit communication error setting. The CPU 81a causes communication line disconnection error notification to be executed in accordance with the communication line disconnection error setting. The CPU 81a causes the supply mechanism error notification to be executed in accordance with the setting of the supply mechanism error. The CPU 81a causes the game ball number over error notification to be executed in accordance with the setting of the game ball number over error. The CPU 81a causes the frame disconnection error notification to be executed in accordance with the setting of the frame disconnection error. The CPU 81a causes the main wire breakage error notification to be executed according to the main wire breakage error setting. The CPU 81a causes the game ball number clear error notification to be executed in accordance with the setting of the game ball number clear error. The CPU 81a causes the abnormal number of winning balls error notification to be executed in accordance with the setting of the abnormal number of winning balls. The CPU 81a causes the door open error notification to be executed in accordance with the door open error setting.

When multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 81a causes the error notification with the highest priority to be executed. Note that the priority is the same as the error code displayed on the performance display monitor 82d described above. Frame unauthorized radio wave detection error notification is set to have the highest priority among multiple types of errors. That is, the notification of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is executed in the production device ES with priority over the notification of a predetermined error different from the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error.

As an example, when a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error and a management unit communication error are set, the CPU 81a causes an unauthorized frame radio wave detection error notification to be executed. On the other hand, the CPU 81a does not cause the management unit communication error notification to be executed. In other words, notification of a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error in the production device ES is executed with priority over notification of a management unit communication error. As an example, when a main unauthorized radio wave detection error and a communication line disconnection error are set, the CPU 81a causes the main unauthorized radio wave detection error notification to be executed. On the other hand, the CPU 81a does not execute communication line disconnection error notification. That is, the notification of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error in the production device ES is executed with priority over the notification of the communication line disconnection error.

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

When the CPU 81a identifies that the error setting has been canceled based on the error information, the CPU 81a may control the effect display section 19 to end the notification of the error whose setting has been canceled. Specifically, the CPU 81a cancels the settings of a management unit communication error, a supply mechanism error, an over-number of game balls error, a frame disconnection error, a main disconnection error, a clear number of game balls error, an abnormal number of winning balls error, and a door opening error. When it is specified that the setting has been canceled, the effect display section 19 is controlled to end the notification of the error in which the setting has been canceled.

The CPU 81a may control the effect display section 19 to end the error notification when a special time (30 seconds as an example) has elapsed since the start of the error notification. Specifically, if a special time has elapsed since the start of the notification of the number of game balls clear error, the CPU 81a displays the number of game balls clear error on the production display section 19 even if the number of game balls clear error is being set. end the notification. On the other hand, the CPU 81a does not end the notification of errors other than the game ball count clear error on the performance display section 19 even if a special time has elapsed since the start of the error notification.

The setting of the game ball number clear error is canceled when a specific time (30 seconds as an example) has elapsed since the supply exit sensor D23, the foul sensor D21, or the out sensor D30 was detected. For this reason, after the number of game balls clear error is set, the time required until the setting of the number of game balls clear error is canceled is likely to be longer than the special time. Therefore, the game ball number clear error notification is difficult to end before the game ball number clear error setting is canceled. The specific time is not limited to 30 seconds, and may be longer than 30 seconds. In other words, the specific time is longer than the special time. This makes it more difficult for the game ball number clear error notification to end before the game ball number clear error setting is canceled.

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

When the CPU 81a identifies that an error has been set based on the error information, the CPU 81a controls the production sound section 12 to execute error notification according to the set error. As an example, as shown in the column of "Production audio part" in the figure, the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error notification may be a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error or the main This is executed in such a manner that a sound that can specify that an unauthorized radio wave detection error has been set is outputted from the effect sound section 12. As an example, the management unit communication error notification is a sound that can identify which one of multiple types of errors has been set, such as a person's voice reading out the string "Please call the staff." This is executed in the manner of output from the unit 12. As an example, an over-number-of-playing-balls error notification can produce a sound that can identify that an over-number of playing balls error has been set, such as a person's voice reading out the string "Please move the game balls to the management unit." This is executed in the manner of outputting from the audio section 12. As an example, the number of game balls clearing error notification can be performed by producing a sound that can identify that a number of game balls clearing error has been set, such as a person's voice reading out the string ``The number of game balls has been cleared.'' 12.

When the CPU 81a identifies that the error setting has been canceled based on the error information, the CPU 81a may control the performance audio section 12 to end the notification of the error whose setting has been canceled. Specifically, the CPU 81a cancels the settings of management unit communication error, supply mechanism error, excessive number of game balls error, frame disconnection error, main disconnection error, number of game balls clear error, abnormal number of winning balls error, and door open error. When it is specified that the setting has been canceled, the production sound section 12 is controlled to end the notification of the error whose setting has been canceled.

If a special time (30 seconds as an example) has elapsed since the start of the notification of the number of game balls clear error, the CPU 81a controls the number of game balls in the performance audio section 12 even if the number of game balls clear error is being set. Terminate clear error notification. Regarding the notification of errors other than the game ball count clear error in the performance audio section 12, if a predetermined time te (30 seconds as an example) has elapsed since the start of notification of the error being set, the CPU 81a indicates that an error is being set. Even if it is, the error notification is terminated.

The set error notification ends when the power is turned off. In other words, all error notifications being executed in the production audio section 12 are terminated when the power is turned off. Note that the error notification being executed in the performance audio section 12 will not be executed even if the power is turned on after being turned off. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU 81a may notify of an error during setting when the power is turned on after being powered off. As an example, when the power is turned on, the CPU 80a may transmit a frame error setting command and a board error setting command to the production control board 81 based on the set error. The CPU 81a stores error information in the RAM 81c based on the input frame error setting command and board error setting command. The CPU 81a may cause notification of the error being set based on the updated error information. As an example, when the power is turned on after the power is turned off, the CPU 81a does not need to notify the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error, and the communication line disconnection error. On the other hand, when the power is turned on after being powered off, the CPU 81a may issue notification of an error different from the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error, and the communication line disconnection error.

The CPU 81a controls the performance audio section 12 when the power is turned off, and ends the notification of the error being set. The CPU 81a controls the performance audio section 12 when the power is turned off, and ends all error notifications. Note that even if the power is turned on after being powered off, the CPU 81a does not notify of an error during setting. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU 81a may notify of an error during setting when the power is turned on after being powered off. As an example, when the power is turned on after the power is turned off, the CPU 81a does not need to notify the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error, and the communication line disconnection error. On the other hand, when the power is turned on after being powered off, the CPU 81a may issue notification of an error different from the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error, and the communication line disconnection error.

When the CPU 81a identifies that an error has been set based on the error information, the CPU 81a controls the effect light emitting unit 14 to execute error notification according to the set error. As an example, as shown in the column of "effect light emitting part" in the figure, the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error notification can be made by lighting up the luminous body in red, so that it can be specified that the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error has been set. This is executed in such a manner that the effect light emitting section 14 emits light in a light emitting pattern. As an example, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error notification is performed by causing the production light emitting unit 14 to emit light in a light emission pattern that can identify that the main unauthorized radio wave detection error has been set, such as by lighting up a light emitter in yellow. be done. As an example, the management unit communication error notification may be performed by causing the production light emitting unit 14 to emit light in a light emission pattern that can identify that an error has been set on the frame control board 82, such as by lighting up a light emitter in green. be done. As an example, the communication line disconnection error notification is performed by causing the production light emitting unit 14 to emit light in a light emitting pattern that can identify that an error has been set on the game control board 80, such as by lighting up a light emitter in blue. be done.

When the CPU 81a identifies that the error setting has been canceled based on the error information, the CPU 81a may control the effect light emitting unit 14 to end the notification of the error whose setting has been canceled. Specifically, the CPU 81a cancels the settings of a management unit communication error, a supply mechanism error, an over-number of game balls error, a frame disconnection error, a main disconnection error, a clear number of game balls error, an abnormal number of winning balls error, and a door opening error. When it is specified that the setting has been canceled, the effect light emitting part 14 is controlled to end the notification of the error in which the setting has been canceled.

If a special time (30 seconds as an example) has elapsed since the start of the notification of the number of game balls clear error, the CPU 81a controls the number of game balls in the production light emitting unit 14 even if the number of game balls clear error is being set. Terminate clear error notification. Regarding the notification of errors other than the game ball number clear error in the production light emitting unit 14, if a predetermined time te (30 seconds as an example) has elapsed since the start of notification of the error being set, the CPU 81a indicates that an error is being set. Even if it is, the error notification is terminated.

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

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

Note that when the managed gaming machine communication error is set, the frame error command is not output from the frame control board 82 to the game control board 80. Therefore, the CPU 81a cannot specify that a managed gaming machine communication error has been set based on the error information. Therefore, the CPU 81a does not execute error notification in the production device ES when a communication error within the managed gaming machine is set.

When the CPU 81a inputs the counting completion command, the CPU 81a controls the production sound section 12 to issue a notification of the completion of counting. That is, in the performance audio unit 12, notification of the completion of counting is executed in response to the counting information being transmitted from the frame control board 82 to the CU control board 120. On the other hand, even if the CPU 81a inputs the counting completion command, the effect display section 19 and the effect light emitting section 14 do not notify the completion of counting. However, the CPU 81a may control the effect display section 19 and the effect light emitting section 14 to notify the completion of counting upon inputting the counting completion command. As an example, the notification of the completion of counting may be a voice of a person reading out the string "Counting is completed", etc., when a predetermined number (for example, 1) or more of balls in possession is transferred from the pachinko machine 10 to the management unit 100. This is executed in such a manner that a sound that can identify the event is outputted from the effect sound section 12. The notification of the completion of counting by the performance audio section 12 ends when "Counting is completed" is output once. Note that the notification of the completion of counting ends when the power is turned off in the middle of a voice such as "counting", and even if the power is turned on after the power is turned off, the notification of the completion of counting is not executed. However, the CPU 81a is not limited to this, and the CPU 81a may notify the completion of counting when the power is turned on after the power is turned off.

Here, the notification of the game ball count over error has a higher priority than the notification of the completion of counting. In other words, the notification of the error in the number of game balls exceeds the notification of the completion of counting in the performance audio section 12, and is executed with priority. For this reason, for example, even if the counting operation section 18 is operated in a situation where an over error in the number of game balls is being notified, the production sound section 12 will not notify the completion of counting. However, if the notification of the error in the number of game balls exceeded by the performance audio section 12 has been completed, the notification of the completion of counting can be executed. In addition, the notification of the over error of the number of game balls on the performance display section 19 can be executed even after the predetermined time te has elapsed. For this reason, the notification of the game ball count over error and the notification of the completion of counting can be executed at the same time in different notification units.

When the CPU 81a inputs the ball extraction start command, it controls a part or all of the production section constituting the production device ES, and causes notification of the ball extraction state to be executed. As an example, the notification of the state where the ball is removed may be a sound that can identify the transition to the state where the ball is removed, such as a person's voice reading out the strings ``Start removing the ball'' or ``This is the state where the ball is removed.'' 12. When the CPU 81a inputs the ball removal completion command, it ends the notification of the ball removal state.

When a predetermined time te (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the notification of the ball removed state, the CPU 81a controls the effect audio section 12 to end the notification of the ball removed state. The CPU 81a controls the production sound part 12 when the power is turned off, and ends the notification of the bulb removal state. Note that the CPU 81a does not notify the bulb removal state even if the power is turned on after the power is turned off. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU 81a may notify the bulb removal state when the power is turned on after the power is turned off.

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

Here, notification of errors other than the communication line disconnection error and the communication error within the managed gaming machine is executed by the performance display monitor 82d and the production device ES. On the other hand, although notification of a communication line disconnection error is executed by the production device ES, it is not executed by the performance display monitor 82d. Moreover, although the notification of the communication error within the managed gaming machine is executed by the performance display monitor 82d, it is not executed by the production device ES. In other words, notification of a communication error within the managed gaming machine is executed by the performance display monitor 82d among the plurality of notification units, while notification of a communication line disconnection error is executed by a production device different from the performance display monitor 82d among the plurality of notification units. Executed in ES.

In the performance display monitor 82d and the effect device ES, error notification is performed according to a set error among a plurality of types of errors. As described above, the notification modes for the plurality of types of errors are different from each other. As an example, the manner in which the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is reported by the performance display monitor 82d is different from the manner in which the management unit communication error is reported by the performance display monitor 82d. Further, the manner in which a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is reported in the production device ES is different from the manner in which a management unit communication error is reported in the production device ES. As an example, the notification mode of frame unauthorized radio wave detection error on the performance display monitor 82d is different from the notification format of the main unauthorized radio wave detection on the performance display monitor 82d. Furthermore, the notification mode of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error in the production device ES is different from the notification format of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error in the production device ES. In this way, the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error and the main unauthorized radio wave detection error are notifications regarding the same event that is notification of the occurrence of abnormal radio waves, but the error notifications are performed in different reporting modes.

The conditions for terminating the error notification executed in the performance display monitor 82d, the effect display section 19, the effect sound section 12, and the effect light emitting section 14 may be different. As described above, the error notification on the performance display monitor 82d ends on the condition that the error setting is canceled. Error notifications in the effect display section 19, effect sound section 12, and effect light emitting section 14 indicate that the error setting has been canceled, that a special time has passed since the error notification started, and that the error notification has started. The process is terminated on the condition that a predetermined period of time te has elapsed since then, and that the power supply has been stopped.

As an example, the notification of frame unauthorized radio wave detection error on the performance display monitor 82d ends when the error setting is canceled. The notification of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error on the effect display section 19 ends when the power supply is stopped. The notification of a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error in the production audio section 12 and production light emission section 14 ends when a predetermined time te (30 seconds as an example) has elapsed since the error notification started, or when the power supply has stopped. do. In this way, the notification of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error executed in the effect display section 19, the effect sound section 12, and the effect light emitting section 14 ends when the power supply is stopped. Then, the notification of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error executed in the production sound unit 12 and the production light emission unit 14 is performed for a predetermined period of time te after the notification of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error starts even before the power supply is stopped. Ends when the time elapses. On the other hand, the notification of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error executed in the effect display section 19 does not end even if the predetermined time te has elapsed since the notification of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error started.

As an example, the notification of the abnormal number of winning pitches error on the performance display monitor 82d ends when the error setting is canceled. The notification of the abnormal number of winning pitches error on the effect display section 19 ends when the error setting is canceled or when the power supply is stopped. The notification of the abnormal number of winning pitches error in the performance audio section 12 and the performance light emitting section 14 ends when a predetermined time te (30 seconds as an example) has elapsed since the start of the error notification, or when the power supply has stopped. do. In this way, the notification of the winning pitch abnormality error executed in the effect display section 19, the effect sound section 12, and the effect light emitting section 14 ends when the power supply is stopped. The notification of the abnormal number of winning balls error executed in the production audio section 12 and the production light emitting section 14 is carried out for a predetermined period of time te after the notification of the abnormal number of winning balls error starts even before the power supply is stopped. Ends when the time elapses. On the other hand, the notification of the abnormal number of winning balls error executed in the effect display section 19 does not end even if the predetermined time te has passed since the notification of the abnormal number of winning balls error started.

As an example, the notification of the game ball number clear error on the performance display monitor 82d ends when the error setting is canceled. The effect display section 19, effect sound section 12, and effect light emitting section 14 will notify you of a game ball count clear error when a special time (30 seconds as an example) has elapsed since the error notification started, or when the power supply is interrupted. It ends when it stops. In this way, in the performance display monitor 82d, even if a special time has elapsed after the notification of the number of game balls clear error was started, the notification of the number of game balls clear error is not notified until the setting of the number of game balls clear error is canceled. Not terminated. On the other hand, in the performance display section 19, the performance audio section 12, and the performance light emitting section 14, when the special time has elapsed after the start of the notification of the game ball number clear error, the notification of the game ball number clear error is ended. In addition, in the effect display section 19, effect sound section 12, and effect light emitting section 14, even before the special time has elapsed after notification of the number of game balls clear error has started, the setting of the number of game balls clear error can be made. When it is canceled, the notification of the game ball count clear error is terminated.

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

The operation of the launch control board 83 (launch control circuit 83a) will be explained.
The firing control circuit 83a repeatedly executes the firing sequence when the game ball firing conditions are satisfied. The game ball firing conditions are established when all of the first to fourth conditions are satisfied. The first condition is satisfied by being in a firing permission state in which firing of game balls is permitted. The second condition is satisfied by being in a contact detection state in which the touch signal is turned on and contact with the firing operation section 15 is detected. The third condition is an operation detection state in which it is detected that the amount of operation of the firing operation section 15 (handle lever 15a) exceeds a predetermined amount because the voltage of the volume signal exceeds a threshold value. It is filled. The fourth condition is satisfied because the stop signal is in the OFF state and the game ball is in a non-stop state where no operation to stop the shooting of the game ball is detected.

In the firing sequence, the firing control circuit 83a first waits for a prescribed time t9 (37.5 ms as an example). When the prescribed time t9 has elapsed, the firing control circuit 83a supplies a drive current to the firing solenoid 66a in accordance with the firing timing pulse. The firing control circuit 83a sets the firing intensity by referring to the voltage of the volume signal. The holding circuit of the firing control circuit 83a newly holds the voltage value of the volume signal at this time. The firing control circuit 83a outputs the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 82 at the timing of outputting the drive current. The firing control circuit 83a waits until a prescribed time t10 (562.5 ms as an example) has elapsed after outputting the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a. With the above, one firing sequence is completed.

The firing control circuit 83a determines whether or not the firing condition is satisfied at the time when a specified time t10 has elapsed since outputting the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a (hereinafter referred to as determination time T0). The behavior is different. The determination time T0 can also be said to be the time when one firing sequence ends. At the determination time T0, if the firing condition is satisfied, the firing control circuit 83a starts a new firing sequence. The decision time T0 arrives every time the firing sequence ends. Therefore, the firing sequence is repeatedly executed when the game ball firing conditions are met. Thereby, the firing cycle of the game ball is equal to the sum of the specified time t9 and the specified time t10. As an example, the firing period is 600ms.

On the other hand, if the firing condition is not satisfied at the determination time T0, the firing control circuit 83a executes a blank firing sequence. In the blank firing sequence, the firing control circuit 83a first waits for a prescribed time t9. When the prescribed time t9 has elapsed, the firing control circuit 83a supplies a drive current to the firing solenoid 66a in accordance with the firing timing pulse. The voltage of the drive current at this time corresponds to the voltage of the volume signal held in the holding circuit of the firing control circuit 83a. Further, the holding circuit of the firing control circuit 83a newly holds the voltage value of the volume signal at this time. Even if the firing control circuit 83a supplies the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a, it does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 82. The firing control circuit 83a waits until a prescribed time t10 has elapsed after outputting the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a. With the above, one blank firing sequence is completed.

As a blank firing sequence, the firing control circuit 83a determines whether or not firing conditions are satisfied at a time when a prescribed time t10 has elapsed after outputting the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a (hereinafter referred to as determination time T1). , the subsequent behavior is different. The determination time T1 can also be said to be the time when one blank firing sequence ends. At the determination time T1, if the firing condition is satisfied, the firing control circuit 83a starts the firing sequence described above. On the other hand, if the firing condition is not satisfied at the determination time T1, the firing control circuit 83a executes the second blank firing sequence. Also in the second blank firing sequence, the firing control circuit 83a outputs the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a, but does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 82.

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

Control of the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) will be explained.
When the subtraction reference signal transitions to the on state, the CPU 82a waits for a specified time t10a. The specified time t10a is a time equal to the driving time of the firing solenoid 66a (16 ms as an example). Next, the CPU 82a supplies a drive current to the supply solenoid 63b to drive the supply solenoid 63b. That is, the movable piece 63a performs one supply operation. When the movable piece 63a performs one supply operation, the first game ball among the game balls K lined up in a row in the entrance side passage 62a is discharged to the exit side passage 62b.

As mentioned above, the subtraction reference signal is output when the firing sequence is executed. The subtraction reference signal is not output even if a blank firing sequence is executed. In other words, if the firing condition for the game ball is no longer satisfied and the firing section 65 performs two blank shots, the game ball will not be supplied to the firing section 65. Therefore, in the pachinko game machine 10, when the game ball firing conditions are no longer satisfied, the game ball is prevented from remaining at the hitting position 67. That is, when the firing condition is no longer satisfied, the game ball is in a state where it does not exist downstream of the cutout mechanism 63 in principle.

The ball extraction work in the pachinko game machine 10 will be explained.
It is preferable to carry out the ball removal operation in a state where the ball is removed. In the ball-dropping state, any type of error that can be detected as a confirmation period other than the ball-pulling state is not detected, the error is not set, and the error is not notified. In other words, the ball removed state can be said to be a state in which various sensors used for error detection are disabled except during the ball removed state, or a state in which the detection results of the various sensors are not accepted.

As described above, the collection mechanism 30 is configured by combining a passage that extends downward or a passage that slopes downward. That is, the winning passage 31, the non-winning passage 32, the foul passage 33, the merging passage 35, and the supply passage 37 are all passages that extend downward or are inclined downward. Therefore, when a game ball is received from the game board 20 into any of the receiving ports 30a to 30c, it can flow down the passage due to the action of gravity and finally reach the conveyance section 52. Adjacent to the supply passage 37, a portion where game balls can be detected by the conveyance entrance sensor D28 and the first ball extraction section 71 are lined up in this order on the upstream side of the conveyance section 52. Therefore, the game ball passes through the portion that can be detected by the conveyance entrance sensor D28 and the first ball extraction portion 71 in this order.

Assume that in the ball extraction state, a lever (not shown) of the first ball extraction part 71 is operated, and the opening/closing piece 71c is displaced to the open position. In the first connecting portion 71a, the ball removal hole 71b is open. As a result, the game balls in the first connecting portion 71a are discharged to the outside of the machine from the ball removal hole 71b. In addition, in the first ball extraction section 71, as the game balls are sequentially discharged out of the machine from the ball extraction hole 71b, the game balls in the passages 31 to 33, 35, and 37 that constitute the collection mechanism 30 are It moves forward toward the transport section 52. Finally, all the game balls in the passages 31 to 33, 35, and 37 are discharged to the outside of the machine through the ball extraction hole 71b which is in an open state.

It is also assumed that the lever (not shown) of the second ball removal part 72 is operated and the opening/closing piece 72c is displaced to the open position. In the second connecting portion 72a, the ball removal hole 72b is open. As a result, the game ball in the second connection portion 72a is discharged from the ball removal hole 72b to the ball removal passage 73. In addition, in the second connecting part 72a, as the game balls are sequentially discharged from the ball removing hole 72b to the ball removing passage 73, the game balls in the entrance side passage 62a move forward toward the second connecting part 72a. do. Further, in the ball removal state, the conveying section 52 is driven. That is, the game balls inside the transport section 52 are discharged to the entrance side passage 62a, and further advance toward the second connecting section 72a. Then, the game ball that has reached the second connecting portion 72a flows into the ball removal passage 73 from the ball removal hole 72b.

The ball removal passage 73 is configured by combining a passage that extends downward or a passage that slopes downward. Therefore, when the game ball flows into the ball extraction passage 73, it passes through the ball extraction passage 73 and reaches the first ball extraction part 71. If the ball extraction hole 71b is in an open state, the game ball is discharged from the ball extraction hole 71b to the outside of the machine. Finally, the game balls in the circulation mechanism 50 and the firing mechanism 60 are discharged from the second connection part 72a, via the ball extraction passage 73 and the first ball extraction part 71, to the outside of the machine.

As described above, when the game ball firing conditions are no longer satisfied, the blank firing sequence is executed. By executing the blank hitting sequence, the game ball does not remain at the hitting position 67. That is, in a situation where the ball extraction state is started after the power is turned on, the game ball does not exist downstream of the extraction mechanism 63. Therefore, when ball extraction is executed according to the above-described procedure, all of the game balls enclosed in the pachinko game machine 10 can be ejected to the outside of the machine. This does not require firing the game ball by the operation of the firing section 65. Therefore, the game balls can be discharged from the distribution mechanism 29 formed in the frame 11 even when the game board 20 is not assembled to the frame 11.

Here, in the launch permission state, the management unit 100 and the pachinko gaming machine 10 are normally connected, no specific error has occurred in the game control board 80 (a door opening error as an example), and This is a state in which no specific error (for example, a supply mechanism error) has occurred in the frame control board 82. The firing prohibited state is caused by the fact that the management unit 100 and the pachinko game machine 10 are not connected normally, a specific error is set on the game control board 80, or a specific error is set in the frame control board 82. A state in which one or more of the following are occurring. The fact that the management unit 100 and the pachinko gaming machine 10 are normally connected corresponds to the fact that no management unit communication error is set on the frame control board 82. Note that even if the door opening error is the same, if the second door opening signal is input, it does not correspond to the above-mentioned specific error, and depending on its occurrence, the firing may not be prohibited.

The firing permission state can be generated even when the ball is out of the ball as long as the above-mentioned necessary conditions are met. In other words, even if the ball is not drawn, the game ball firing conditions can be met. Therefore, even if the game ball remains at the hitting position 67, it can be fired into the game area 20a by operating the firing operation section 15. The game balls launched into the game area 20a are discharged to the outside of the machine via the collection mechanism 30. Note that if the abnormal communication error within the game machine is not set, the configuration may be such that the firing is prohibited instead of being in the firing permission state. For example, when the game board 20 is not assembled to the frame 11, the configuration may be such that the firing is prohibited and the game balls cannot be fired.

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

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the frame control board 82 (CPU82a) and the game control board 80 (CPU80a) communicate bidirectionally, and while the frame control board 82 manages the balls held, the game control board 80 By controlling the progress of the game, each control section cooperates and a gaming environment is provided as a whole of the gaming machine. Based on such a premise, it is possible to separately detect a communication error within the managed game machine, which is a communication abnormality seen from the frame control board 82, and a communication line disconnection error, which is a communication abnormality seen from the game control board 80. By doing so, communication abnormalities between control boards can be detected without exception. In particular, since notifications of these communication errors are executed by different notification units, it is possible to prevent notifications from being overlooked. Furthermore, when notification by one of the notification units is not executed, it is possible to easily identify which control unit is not normally able to detect a communication error. Therefore, it is easy to take measures depending on the error.

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

(3) The pachinko gaming machine 10 can perform notification according to the priority of the error to be dealt with. In other words, if a communication abnormality between control boards occurs due to the generation of abnormal radio waves, it is difficult to eliminate the communication abnormality unless the generation of the abnormal radio waves is resolved. The notification of frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is executed with priority over the notification of communication error within the managed game machine. This makes it easier for the user to understand that the generation of abnormal radio waves should be resolved first. In other words, it is possible to facilitate appropriate treatment.

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

(5) The frame control board 82 can detect a radio wave that can have a predetermined influence on the detection by the foul sensor D21, which triggers the addition of the number of balls held by the player, and can set a frame illegal radio wave detection error. Thereby, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of balls held by the player even though no return balls (so-called foul balls) have occurred. In a situation where an illegal frame radio wave detection error is set, there is a possibility that an act of illegally increasing the number of balls held by a player (so-called cheating) is being carried out. The setting of frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is not canceled until the power supply is stopped. For this reason, for example, it is possible to prevent the setting of a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error from being canceled without being recognized by the administrator of the gaming machine or the like. Therefore, the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is easily recognized by the administrator and the like. Therefore, it is easy to take measures depending on the error.

(6) Frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is set when the number of detections by the frame radio wave sensor D16 reaches a predetermined number of times (10 times as an example). Thereby, it is possible to suppress setting of an unauthorized frame radio wave detection error due to false detection by the frame radio wave sensor D16. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an action is taken in response to an error in detecting an illegal frame radio wave even though no radio wave is actually generated that could have a predetermined effect on the detection by the foul sensor D21. In other words, the treatment is prevented from being wasted.

(7) Notification of frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is performed with priority over notification of predetermined errors other than frame unauthorized radio wave detection error. As described above, there is a possibility that so-called fraud is being carried out in a situation where the notification of an error in detecting illegal radio waves is executed. That is, by preferentially notifying a more serious frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, it is possible to prompt the user to preferentially take action regarding the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error.

(8) Since the notification of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is executed by both the effect display section 19 and the effect audio section 12, it is possible to prevent the notification from being overlooked. Further, the notification by the performance audio unit 12 ends before the notification by the performance display unit 19. Therefore, by continuing to be notified by both the performance display section 19 and the performance audio section 12, it is possible to prevent the administrator and the like from feeling bothered.

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

(10) The setting of an unauthorized frame radio wave detection error is not canceled even if the cause of the setting of the unauthorized frame radio wave detection error is resolved. Therefore, it is possible to make the user aware of the fact that an illegal frame radio wave detection error has been set even after the cause of the error has been resolved. On the other hand, the management unit communication error setting is canceled when the cause of the management unit communication error setting is resolved. In other words, it is possible to position the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error as a relatively important error and make it easier for the administrator or the like to notice it. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate appropriate treatment.

(11) Notification of frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is executed with priority over notification of management unit communication error. Therefore, it is possible to position a situation in which an illegal frame radio wave detection error is set as a relatively important error, and make it easier to notice that it has occurred. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate appropriate treatment.

(12) The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a gaming environment as a circulating gaming machine through the cooperation of the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80. Under such a premise, the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 update the number of times based on the input status from the radio wave sensor that can detect the occurrence of the same abnormal radio wave, and based on the updated number of times. Set error. Although the error notification set by the frame control board 82 and the error notification set by the game control board 80 are both "notification that an abnormal radio wave has occurred," they have different notification modes. . Therefore, the administrator or the like can be made aware of which control board caused the error. Therefore, it is easy to take measures depending on the error.

(13) The number of balls held by the player is reduced in response to detection by at least one of the supply inlet sensor D22 and the supply outlet sensor D23. For example, if one or both of the supply inlet sensor D22 and the supply outlet sensor D23 breaks down, it can be assumed that the number of balls held by the player cannot be accurately managed. In this embodiment, a supply mechanism error is set when the difference between the number of detections by the supply inlet sensor D22 and the number of detections by the supply outlet sensor D23 becomes a predetermined number (50 as an example) or more. This makes it easier to identify that an abnormality has occurred in one or both of the supply inlet sensor D22 and the supply outlet sensor D23. Therefore, it is easy to take measures depending on the error.

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

(15) Since it is necessary to operate the error release switch 82f for a predetermined time td (for example, 2 seconds) in order to release the setting of the supply mechanism error, it is necessary to operate the error release switch 82f for a predetermined period of time td (for example, 2 seconds), so the setting should be canceled by a person who understands the release method. can do. Therefore, appropriate measures can be taken.

(16) The frame control board 82 does not count the number of detections by the supply inlet sensor D22 and the number of detections by the supply outlet sensor D23 until the startup information is input. In other words, the frame control board 82 does not perform control regarding the setting of the supply mechanism error until the startup information is input. A situation in which startup information is not input is a situation in which the frame control board 82 is unable to specify the information required at startup, so it is difficult to determine that the information input by the frame control board 82 is correct information. Since the frame control board 82 executes control related to the setting of the supply mechanism error after inputting the startup information, it is possible to increase the credibility that the supply mechanism error has been set, and to take appropriate measures. can.

(17) Once the number of balls managed by the frame control board 82 (second number of managed balls PB) is initialized, the performance display monitor 82d and the production device ES In both cases, notification of the game ball count clear error is made. Therefore, it is possible to easily make the game machine administrator etc. recognize that the game ball count clear error has been set. If a special time has elapsed since the firing of a game ball is specified, the performance display monitor 82d continues to notify the number of game balls clearing error, while the performance device ES continues to notify the number of game balls clearing error. be terminated. Therefore, the notification of the game ball count clear error continues to be executed on both the performance display monitor 82d and the production device ES, thereby suppressing the inconvenience caused to the administrator of the gaming machine and the like. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the notification of the game ball count clear error is completely terminated, it is possible to make it easier for the administrator of the gaming machine to understand the game ball count clear error. The notification of the game ball number clear error on the performance display monitor 82d is terminated when the setting of the game ball number clear error is cancelled. Here, the setting of the number of game balls clearing error is canceled when a special time has elapsed since the firing of game balls was specified, that is, when the game by the player or the like has started. Thereby, while making it easier for the administrator of the gaming machine to recognize that the game ball count clear error has been set, it is also possible to prevent the player and the like from interfering with the game. Therefore, it is easy to take measures depending on the error.

(18) In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the notification of the game ball number clear error on the performance display monitor 82d and the notification of the game ball number clear error on the presentation device ES are prevented from ending at the same time. In other words, it is possible to easily secure a period during which notification of the game ball number clear error is executed on both the performance display monitor 82d and the production device ES. Therefore, it is easy to take measures depending on the error.

(19) In the pachinko game machine 10, when a game ball is fired, either the game ball reaches the game area 20a or the game ball does not reach the game area 20a (that is, the ball returns). Even if the game is being played, it is possible to cancel the setting of the game ball count clear error and prevent it from interfering with the game. Therefore, appropriate measures can be taken.

(20) The number of balls held by the player (second managed ball number PB) is subtracted when balls are fired toward the gaming area 20a. Here, normally, the number of game balls fired toward the game area 20a (number of shots Pf), and the game balls collected by the prize receiving port 30a, the non-winning receiving port 30b, and the foul receiving port 30c. The number (recovery number Pg) should not differ greatly, except for the number of game balls flowing down the game area 20a. If the difference between the number of shots Pf and the number of collections Pg is greater than or equal to a specific number (100 as an example), it can be assumed that some kind of abnormality has occurred or that some kind of cheating has occurred. Since the abnormal number of winning balls error setting will not be canceled unless the power supply is stopped or started, the setting of the abnormal number of winning balls error may be canceled without the administrator of the gaming machine recognizing that the abnormal number of winning balls error has been set. This prevents the occurrence of Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not there is any fraudulent activity. Therefore, it is easy to take measures depending on the error.

(21) If the number of collected balls Pg is smaller than the number of shots Pf, it is assumed that the game balls are staying in the game area 20a. The pachinko game machine 10 does not release the abnormal number of winning balls error even if the cause for which the abnormal number of winning balls error was set is resolved. Therefore, for example, it is possible to easily confirm whether a situation in which game balls remain in the game area 20a has occurred. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate appropriate treatment.

(22) If the number of balls collected Pg is greater than the number of balls fired Pf, the number of balls fired is not detected by the supply outlet sensor D23 used to manage the number of balls held by the player (second management number PB). There is a possibility that there are. In other words, there is a possibility that the number of balls held by the player is not decreasing and is being fired. The pachinko game machine 10 does not release the abnormal number of winning balls error even if the cause for which the abnormal number of winning balls error was set is resolved. Therefore, for example, it is possible to easily confirm whether an event has occurred in which the number of balls held by the player has not decreased even though game balls are being shot. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate appropriate treatment.

(23) Since the notification of the abnormal number of winning pitches error is executed by both the performance display section 19 and the performance audio section 12, it is possible to prevent the notification from being overlooked. Further, the notification by the performance audio unit 12 ends before the notification by the performance display unit 19. Therefore, by continuing to make notifications through both the performance display section 19 and the performance audio section 12, it is possible to prevent the game machine administrator and the like from feeling bothered.

(24) The pachinko gaming machine 10 can notify that the number of balls held by the player (second managed ball number PB) exceeds a predetermined number (40,000 as an example), and the number of balls held by the player can be encouraged to be transferred to an external device (for example, the CU control board 120). When the number of balls held by a player is transferred to an external device, a notification of completion of counting is executed to make it easier for the player to understand that the number of balls held by the player has been transferred to the external device. I can do it. Since the number of balls held by the player is transferred to the external device, the number of balls held by the player can be reduced to a specific number (35,000 as an example) or less. In this way, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can make it easier to understand the situation until the over-number of game balls error is canceled when the over-number of game balls error is set. Therefore, it is easy to take measures depending on the error.

(25) The notification of the over error in the number of game balls is executed in the performance audio section 12 with priority over the notification of the completion of counting. This makes it easier to identify that the number of balls held by the player is not less than the specific number of balls. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the player to understand that the setting of the game ball overage error has not been canceled, and it is possible to make it easier to take appropriate measures.

(26) When transferring the number of balls held by a player to an external device, the number of balls held by the player can be transferred differently depending on the operation of the counting operation section 18: a single press operation and a long press operation. Therefore, it is possible to improve convenience for the player.

(27) Since the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) does not initialize the number of frame radio wave detections, which is the number of times the frame radio wave sensor D16 has detected, until the power supply is stopped, it may have a predetermined influence on the detection by the foul sensor D21. To reliably set an illegal frame radio wave detection error even when radio waves occur at intervals. Therefore, it is possible to suppress oversight of so-called goofing off.

(28) The rental information and the radio wave detection signal are information that can affect the number of balls held by the player. The frame control board 82 updates the number of times based on the input status of these two pieces of information, and can separately set the management unit communication error and the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error. The management unit communication error and the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error are reported in different manners. Therefore, the administrator of the gaming machine or the like can check whether the number of balls held by a player is affected, and if it is affected, they can identify the cause. Therefore, it is easy to take measures depending on the error.

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

(30) Since the notification of the game ball clear error ends when the player etc. starts playing the game, it is possible to prevent the player etc. from interfering with the game. Therefore, while making it easier for the administrator of the gaming machine etc. to recognize that the game ball count clear error has been set, it is also possible to prevent the players etc. from interfering with the game.

(31) The performance display monitor 82d, which is difficult for players to recognize, notifies game ball count clear errors until the game starts, so game machine administrators etc. are notified of game ball count clear errors. You can make it easier to recognize things. On the other hand, in the production device ES, which is easy for players to recognize, the notification of the game ball count clear error ends when a special time (30 seconds as an example) has elapsed, making it easier for players etc. to start playing the game. be able to. Therefore, it is easy to take measures depending on the error.

(32) During the ball extraction state, it is also assumed that the fired game balls are ejected outside the machine before being collected. If an abnormal number of winning balls error is set in such a state, there is a risk that the administrator of the gaming machine or the like may find it rather troublesome. In the present embodiment, an abnormal number of winning balls error is not set during the ball withdrawal state. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the administrator of the gaming machine and the like from feeling troublesome.

(33) If the number of collected shots Pg is greater than the number of fired shots Pf, there is a possibility that abnormal radio waves are being generated, which has a predetermined effect on the detection by the out sensor D30. Some of these radio waves are generated due to fraud (so-called fraud). According to this embodiment, by setting the frame illegal radio wave detection error, it is possible to easily identify the cause of the setting of the abnormal number of winning balls error. Therefore, it is easy to take measures depending on the error.

(34) Since the notification of the error in the number of game balls exceeded by the performance audio section 12 ends when the predetermined time te has elapsed, notification of the completion of counting can be executed. On the other hand, the notification of the excessive number of game balls error on the effect display section 19 can be displayed even after the predetermined time te has elapsed until the setting of the excessive number of game balls error is canceled. For this reason, in the pachinko game machine 10, it is possible to simultaneously perform different notifications of an error in the number of game balls exceeded and a notification of completion of counting. This makes it easier to operate the counting operation section 18 until the setting for the excessive number of game balls error is canceled, and also makes the user understand that the process for canceling the setting for the excessive number of game balls error is being executed. It can be made easier. Therefore, it is easy to take measures depending on the error.

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

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

- In the production device ES, in response to the termination of the ball-pulling state, a status notification regarding the ball-pulling state may be executed. As an example, when the ball-pulling state is canceled by turning on the power again, the effect device ES may be configured to notify the end of the ball-pulling state. The notification of the end of the ball-pulling state may be executed in such a manner that a sound that can identify the end of the ball-pulling state is outputted from the performance audio section 12. As an example, the notification of the completion of the ball removal state may be executed in such a manner that the effect light emitting unit 14 emits light in a light emission pattern dedicated to the notification of the completion of the ball removal state. As an example, the notification of the end of the ball-pulling state may include displaying an image on the effect display section 19 that can identify the end of the ball-pulling state, such as a character string such as "Ball-pulling has ended" or "Ball-pulling state has ended." It may be executed in such a manner. In this manner, the production device ES provides status notification regarding the ball-pulling state in response to at least one of starting the ball-pulling state, being in the ball-pulling state, and ending the ball-pulling state. may be executed.

- The error notification on the performance display monitor 82d and the error notification on the second pitch count display section 17 may have different start timings. For example, the second pitch count display section 17 may be configured to start error notification earlier than the performance display monitor 82d. According to this configuration, it is possible to make the player or the like quickly understand the error state on the machine front side. For example, the performance display monitor 82d may be configured to start error notification earlier than the second pitch count display section 17. According to this configuration, when the administrator opens the mounting frame 11b and performs maintenance, the administrator can be made aware of the error state before the player or the like who visually checks the front side of the machine.

- The timing to start displaying the error code on the performance display monitor 82d may be the same or substantially the same timing as the timing to start error notification in the production device ES. Further, the timing to start displaying the error code on the performance display monitor 82d may be earlier than the timing to start error notification in the production device ES.

- The manner in which the error notification is performed in the performance audio section 12 may be different depending on the error, and may be a dedicated voice.
- The error notification mode executed by the effect light emitting unit 14 may be different depending on the error, and may be a dedicated light emission pattern.

- When multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 81a may cause the effect display section 19 to execute multiple error notifications. As an example, when a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error and a management unit communication error are set, the effect display section 19 displays the character string "Unauthorized radio wave detection [frame]" and the character string "management unit communication error". Both may be displayed. In this case, in the image display area 19a of the effect display section 19, the area where the character string "Unauthorized radio wave detection [frame]" is displayed is wider than the area where the character string "Management unit communication error" is displayed. Good too. That is, when a plurality of error notifications are executed simultaneously, the display area of the error notification with a higher priority may be widened. Therefore, since errors with a high priority are more easily noticed, it can be said that notification of errors with a high priority is executed with priority.

- After detecting that the difference between the number of supply inlet balls and the number of supply outlet balls has reached a predetermined number, the CPU 82a detects that the difference between the number of supply inlet balls and the number of supply outlet balls has reached a predetermined number for a predetermined elapsed time. When the above conditions are maintained, a supply mechanism error may be set. Note that measuring the time is also included in counting the predetermined number.

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

- After the CPU 82a detects that the difference between the number of shots Pf and the number of collections Pg has reached a specific number, the CPU 82a maintains the difference between the number of shots Pf and the number of collections Pg at or above the specific number for a predetermined elapsed time. In some cases, an abnormal error in the number of winning pitches may be set. Note that measuring the time is also included in counting the predetermined number.

- The CPU 82a adds the collection number Pg in response to the detection by the out sensor D30, but does not need to add the collection number Pg in response to the detection by the foul sensor D21. In other words, the number of recovered balls Pg may be added only by out balls without including returned balls. The possibility of a return ball occurring in a situation where game balls are continuously fired is extremely small. In other words, it is difficult to imagine that a large number of returning balls will occur continuously in a short period of time. From this, it is not necessary to take the returned balls into consideration when detecting the abnormal number of winning balls error. Alternatively, if the pachinko game machine is structurally unable to generate return balls (for example, a type that fires game balls from the upper left of the game board 20), an abnormal number of winning balls error is set based on the number of shots Pf and out balls. may be done.

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

- The ejected game ball may be detected only by the out sensor D30 without providing the winning path count sensor D25 and the non-winning path count sensor D26.
- The out sensor D30 may be provided on the game board 20 or may be provided on the frame 11.

- The CPU 82a or the CPU 80a may detect an error even during the ball extraction state, and may issue an error notification if an error is set. The error notification in this case may be performed in a manner different from that when an error is set in a state other than a state in which a ball is not drawn. For example, the error notification may be performed by a notification unit that is different from the notification unit that performs the error notification when an error is set in a state other than the ball-out state. In addition, multiple notification units are used to issue an error notification when an error is set in a state other than the ball removal state, but when an error is set during the ball removal state, the plurality of notification units are used. Error notification may be performed by some of the notification units.

・Communication errors within the managed gaming machine do not need to be included in the confirmation period other than when the ball is being removed. The management unit communication error does not need to be included in the confirmation period other than during the ball removal state. During the ball extraction state, the second management ball number PB is 0 and no game is played, so the need for game information to be transmitted from the game control board 80 to the frame control board 82 is low. Furthermore, by making it difficult to issue an error notification while the player is in the ball-less state, it is possible to make it easier to notify the player of the ball-less state and make it easier to recognize that the player is in the ball-less state. Therefore, appropriate measures can be taken.

- The CPU 82a adds the number of unreceived times when transmitting game information, but the invention is not limited to this. Instead of the game information, the CPU 82a may add the number of unreceived counts when transmitting count information. The CPU 82a may add the number of unreceived times when both the game information and the count information are transmitted.

- Although the CPU 82a adds the number of frame radio wave detections when the radio wave detection signal of the frame radio wave sensor D16 transitions from the off state to the on state, the present invention is not limited to this. After the radio wave detection signal of the frame radio wave sensor D16 changes from the off state to the on state, the CPU 82a may add the value every time the on state is maintained and a predetermined period of time (one second as an example) elapses. As an example, if the radio wave detection signal of the frame radio wave sensor D16 changes from an off state to an on state, and a predetermined period of time elapses a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times) while the radio wave detection signal of the frame radio wave sensor D16 is in an on state, the CPU 82a detects an unauthorized frame radio wave detection error. may be set.

- Although the CPU 80a adds the number of main radio wave detections when the radio wave detection signal of the main radio wave sensor D19 transitions from the off state to the on state, the present invention is not limited to this. After the radio wave detection signal of the main radio wave sensor D19 changes from the off state to the on state, the CPU 80a may add the value every time the on state is maintained and a predetermined period of time (one second as an example) elapses. As an example, if the radio wave detection signal of the main radio wave sensor D19 changes from an off state to an on state, and a predetermined period of time elapses a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times) while it remains on, the CPU 80a detects a main unauthorized radio wave detection error. may be set.

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

- The second counted number of balls may be the entire number of balls held by the player. As an example, when the second managed pitch count PB is 100 and a count signal that can specify a "long press operation" is input from the counting operation section 18, the CPU 82a sets 100 as the second counted pitch count in the count information. It may be added to and stored in the RAM 82c. As an example, when the second managed pitch count PB is 5000 and a count signal that can specify a "long press operation" is input from the counting operation section 18, the CPU 82a sets 5000 as the second counted pitch count information. It may be added to and stored in the RAM 82c. According to this, for example, when a player ends a game on the pachinko game machine 10, the entire number of balls held can be transferred to the management unit 100 by one long press operation. Therefore, it is possible to improve convenience for the player.

- When the second managed pitch number PB is greater than the first counted number of pitches and less than the second counted number of pitches, the CPU 82a sends a count signal that can identify the "long press operation" from the counting operation section 18. If input, the entire second managed pitch count PB may be added to the counting information and stored in the RAM 82c. As an example, when the second management ball count PB is 10 and a count signal that can identify a "long press operation" is input from the count operation section 18, the CPU 82a adds 10 to the count information and stores it in the RAM 82c. It may be memorized.

- When the counting operation unit 18 is operated, the CPU 82a sends control information (hereinafter referred to as a counting operation command) that can identify the operation of the counting operation unit 18 and the second management ball number PB to game control. It may also be output to the board 80. The game control board 80 (CPU 80a) may output a counting operation command to the production control board 81. When the production control board 81 inputs the counting operation command, it may control the production audio section 12 to output sound effects. As an example, when the production control board 81 inputs a counting operation command that can specify that the second number of managed balls PB is 1 or more, the production control board 81 outputs a predetermined number of pitches, such as the voice of a person who reads out the character string "I will count". The execution may be performed in such a manner that a sound that can specify that the above number of balls held is transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 is outputted from the production sound section 12. As an example, when the production control board 81 inputs a counting operation command that can identify that the second managed ball count PB is 0, the performance control board 81 may display a message such as the voice of a person reading out the character string "I have no balls". The execution may be performed in such a manner that a sound that can specify that the number is not transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 is output from the performance sound section 12.

- The notification of the completion of counting may be executed in different ways depending on the number of balls transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100. As an example, notification of completion of counting may be given when the number of balls transferred from the pachinko machine 10 to the management unit 100 is the first counted number of balls (1 as an example), and when the second counted number of balls (250 as an example). ) may be executed in different manners. That is, the notification of the completion of counting may be performed in different manners depending on whether the operation mode of the counting operation section 18 is a "single press operation" or a "long press operation."

- The completion of counting is notified by producing a sound that can identify the number of balls transferred from the pachinko machine 10 to the management unit 100, such as a person's voice reading out the string ``250 balls, settled.'' The audio section 12 It may also be executed in such a manner that it is output from.

- When the CPU 82a receives the out signal output by the out sensor D30, the CPU 82a outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as a game command) that can specify that the game ball has flown down the game area 20a to the game control board 80. Good too. The game command is an example of predetermined information. When transmitting the game command to the game control board 80, the CPU 82a may combine the game command and the counting completion command and transmit the combined result. That is, the game command and the counting completion command may be combined into one control command and transmitted. In this modified example, a control command for transmitting a game command based on the frequent phenomenon of game balls flowing down the game area 20a is combined with a count completion command and transmitted, so that the count information is transmitted after the count information is transmitted. It is possible to shorten the time until notification of the completion of counting starts. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate appropriate treatment.

- The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a specification that provides a high probability state until the next jackpot game, a specification that provides a high probability state until winning a falling lottery (so-called falling machine), or until a specified number of variable games are completed. A specification that provides a high probability state (so-called ST machine) can be adopted. The pachinko game machine 10 can adopt a specification (so-called V-probability changing machine) that provides a high probability state on the condition that the game ball passes through a specific area. The pachinko game machine 10 may have a specification that is a mixture of the specifications of a falling machine and the specifications of a V-probability changing machine.

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

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

- The CPU 80a, ROM 80b, RAM 80c, and random number generation circuit 80d may be configured on one chip. The CPU 82a, ROM 82b, and RAM 82c may be configured on one chip.

- The specific configuration of the game board 20 may be changed arbitrarily.
- The production control board 81 is used as a sub-integration control board, and apart from the production control board 81, a display control board that exclusively controls the production display section 19, a light emission control board that exclusively controls the production light emitting section 14, and a production sound section 12 are installed. A sound control board for specialized control may be provided. The sub-board may include such a sub-integration control board and a board for controlling other effects. Further, in the embodiment, the CPU 80a and the CPU 81a may be mounted on a single board. Further, the display control board, the light emission control board, and the sound control board may be arbitrarily combined to form a single board or a plurality of boards.

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

・Although it is configured as a gaming machine that circulates a predetermined amount of gaming media (game balls as an example), it is not limited to this, and some or all of the gaming media can be exchanged with gaming media located outside the gaming machine. It may be a configuration.

- The pachinko game machine 10 may include a magnetic sensor on one or both of the mounting frame 11b and the game board 20. According to this configuration, it is possible to detect a foreign object having magnetism that should not exist in the pachinko gaming machine 10. Further, it is possible to detect that there is a possibility that a goto device such as a magnet or a wire that does not correspond to the game media normally used in the pachinko game machine 10 is used. It can also contribute to the discovery of actions that intentionally create a state in which game balls are piled up using magnetic game balls and magnets.

- The pachinko game machine 10 may be equipped with a configuration that detects game balls that have been deformed due to dents, scratches, or the like. For example, a sensor such as a camera may be installed in the supply passage 37 to detect whether the ball is a normal game ball without dents or scratches from the acquired image. A game ball with such dents or scratches should not be used normally and falls under the category of an abnormal object. It is unclear whether a game ball with dents or scratches can be fired accurately by the firing unit 65, and even if it is fired, it will move in the same way as a game ball without dents or scratches in the game area 20a. Since it is unknown whether this is the case, it is preferable not to use it.

- Although the entirety of the distribution mechanism 29 is formed on the mounting frame 11b, a portion thereof may be formed on the game board 20. In other words, the game board 20 may constitute a part of the distribution mechanism 29.
Next, technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiment and other examples will be added below.

(1) The number of detections by the entrance side ball detection section and the number of detections by the exit side ball detection section are initialized based on the operation of the operation section.

D16... Frame radio wave sensor D19... Main radio wave sensor D21... Foul sensor D22... Supply inlet sensor D23... Supply outlet sensor D30... Out sensor PB... Number of second management balls Pe... Number of returned balls Pf... Number of shots Pg... Number of collected 10... Pachinko gaming machine 12... Production audio section 14... Production light emitting section 15... Firing operation section 18... Counting operation section 19... Production display section 20... Game board 20a... Game area 20c... Launch passage 23A... First starting port 23B... Second Starting port 25...Out port 29...Distribution mechanism 30...Recovery mechanism 30a...Win prize acceptance port 30b...Non prize acceptance port 30c...Foul acceptance port 31...Win prize passage 32...Non prize winning passage 33...Foul passage 60...Fire mechanism 61...Supply Part 62a... Entrance side passage 62b... Exit side passage 65... Launching part 80... Game control board 80a... CPU 80c... RAM 81... Production control board 81a... CPU 81c... RAM 82... Frame control board 82a... CPU 82c... RAM 82d... Performance display monitor 82f...Error release switch 82g...Game ball clear switch 98...Connection terminal board 100...Management unit 120...CU control board 120a...CPU

Claims (4)

In a circulating game machine that circulates game balls inside the machine,
a game board having a game area;
a firing section capable of firing a game ball toward the game area;
a supply mechanism that supplies game balls collected from the game area to the firing section;
an inlet side ball detection section on the inlet side of the supply mechanism;
an exit side ball detection section on the exit side of the supply mechanism;
A first control unit capable of executing predetermined control,
The first control unit is capable of executing ball number management control for managing the number of balls held by the player, and the ball number management control is performed by controlling the number of balls held by the player and the ball detection unit on the entrance side and the exit side ball detection unit. reducing the number of balls held by the player in response to the detection by at least one of the players;
The first control unit is capable of executing error management control for managing errors, and the error management control is based on the difference between the number of detections by the entrance side ball detection unit and the number of detections by the exit side ball detection unit. 1. A gaming machine characterized in that the game machine includes setting a supply mechanism error when the number of game machines exceeds a predetermined number. Equipped with an operation section that allows predetermined operations,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the setting of the supply mechanism error can be canceled based on the operation of the operation unit without stopping power supply. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the setting of the supply mechanism error is canceled when a predetermined period of time has elapsed with the operation section being operated. comprising a second control section capable of executing predetermined control;
The second control unit is capable of executing game progress control regarding the progress of the game,
The first control unit is capable of inputting startup information from the second control unit that can specify part of information regarding the configuration of the gaming machine when power supply starts;
In the error management control executed by the first control section, after the power supply starts and until the start-up information is input, the number of detections by the entrance side ball detection section and the number of detections by the exit side ball detection section are performed. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the game machine is not counted.

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