JP7385278B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

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

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-57751

By the way, in a gaming machine that circulates game balls internally, it is necessary to store the number of game balls as data. However, in such a game machine, in connection with the operation of the firing mechanism and supply mechanism, a situation may occur in which game balls are not fired even though the number of game balls stored as data has been subtracted. Conceivable. In such a situation, the number of game balls stored as data and the game situation will become inconsistent, and there is a possibility that the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls will decrease.

A gaming machine that solves the above problem is capable of storing the number of game balls as data, and is configured to be able to play a game based on the data, with a firing operation means that can operate to fire the game balls. , a stop operation means capable of stopping the firing of game balls, a firing mechanism that fires the game balls, a supply mechanism that supplies the game balls to the firing mechanism, and a control means that performs predetermined control. The number of game balls stored as the data is subtracted in relation to at least one of the firing operation by the firing mechanism and the supplying operation by the supply mechanism, and firing of the game balls is permitted. A first condition is a firing permission state where the firing operation means is detected, a second condition is a contact detection state where contact with the firing operating means is detected, and it is detected that the amount of operation of the firing operating means exceeds a predetermined amount. If the firing condition is satisfied by satisfying all of the third condition, which is an operation detection state in which the game ball is fired, and the fourth condition, which is a non-stopping state in which no operation to stop the firing of the game ball is detected, , normal control is performed to perform a supply operation by the supply mechanism and a firing operation by the firing mechanism, and at least one of the first condition, the second condition, the third condition, and the fourth condition is satisfied. When one specific condition is no longer satisfied and the firing condition is no longer satisfied, special control is performed to cause the firing mechanism to perform a firing operation while stopping the supplying operation by the supplying mechanism, and The control means includes a main control section, a frame control section that controls at least the supply mechanism, and a firing control section that controls the firing mechanism, and during the period when the special control is performed, the special control The gist is that even if the special control is terminated midway due to cutoff of external power supply, the special control can be restarted after external power supply is started.

According to the present invention, the reliability of data regarding the number of game balls can be improved.

A front view of a pachinko gaming machine and a card unit. An enlarged view of the operation panel of the card unit. A front view of a game board of a pachinko game machine. An enlarged view of a counting switch, a counting lamp, and a game ball count display device of a pachinko game machine. A schematic diagram showing a collection path of a pachinko game machine. A schematic diagram showing a supply device of a pachinko game machine. A schematic diagram showing a supply device of a pachinko game machine. A schematic diagram showing a firing device of a pachinko game machine. A block diagram of a pachinko game machine. A block diagram of a pachinko game machine. An explanatory diagram showing errors that can be detected in a pachinko gaming machine. A timing chart for explaining the firing operation in the firing sequence. The timing chart for explaining the supply operation in the firing sequence. A timing chart for explaining special control (special sequence). A timing chart for explaining the blank firing sequence. A timing chart for explaining the blank firing sequence. A timing chart for explaining the blank firing sequence. A timing chart for explaining the blank firing sequence. 5 is a timing chart for explaining a blank firing sequence in the second embodiment. 5 is a timing chart for explaining a blank firing sequence in the second embodiment.

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

The card unit 100 will be explained.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the card unit 100 includes a card insertion section 101 into which a management card, which is an example of a storage medium, is inserted. The management card can at least store as data the remaining amount of cash and the number of game balls owned by the player (hereinafter referred to as the number of balls held) as an example of the value that enables the game. The management card may be capable of storing personal information of the player as data. The management card may be configured to store a prepaid balance (prepaid balance) instead of the cash balance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If the CPU 105a inputs a payout signal from the payout button 104b when the number of balls held is 0 or more, the CPU 105a subtracts the number of balls held by a specified number, and uses the provision information that can specify the provision of the specified number of game balls to play the pachinko game. Output to machine 10. Note that when the number of balls held is 0, the CPU 105a does not transmit award information even if a payout signal is input. In this way, the provision information can specify the number of balls provided. When receiving the counting information from the pachinko gaming machine 10, the CPU 105a adds the number of game balls that can be specified from the counting information to the number of balls held. As will be described in detail later, the count information is control information that is output when the player finishes playing the pachinko game machine 10, and is capable of specifying the number of game balls whose management is to be transferred to the card unit 100. .

The CPU 105a controls the ball count display section 104d, and updates the display content to display information that allows identification of the number of balls held at any given time. That is, the CPU 105a displays the number of balls held in real time on the number of balls display section 104d. The CPU 105a controls the remaining amount display section 104e and updates the display contents so as to display information that allows the current remaining amount to be specified. That is, the CPU 105a displays the remaining amount in real time on the remaining amount display section 104e.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the pachinko game machine 10 includes a counting switch 18. The counting switch 18 is operated by the player when finishing the game on the pachinko gaming machine 10. As will be described in detail later, when the counting switch 18 is in a predetermined counting allowing state, counting operations using the counting switch 18 are allowed. The counting switch 18 outputs a counting signal when pressed. The pachinko game machine 10 includes a counting lamp 18a, which is an example of means for notifying whether or not counting is allowed. In an example of this embodiment, the production operation device 16, the game ball number display device 17, the counting switch 18, and the counting lamp 18a are arranged in a group on the front side of the mounting frame 11b at a position where the player can operate them. There is.

As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko game machine 10 includes a game board 20. The game board 20 is assembled to the mounting frame 11b. On the front surface of the game board 20, a generally circular game area 20a is defined when viewed from the front. A display window 20b is formed approximately in the center of the gaming area 20a. A launch passage 20c is formed on the left side of the game area 20a to guide the game ball fired by the firing device 50 to the game area 20a. The game area 20a and the ejection passage 20c are covered by a protective glass (not shown) of a protective frame 11c.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A plurality of winning holes (ball entry holes) into which game balls can enter are formed in the gaming area 20a. The winning openings include at least a first starting opening 23, a second starting opening 24, a large winning opening 25, and a normal winning opening 27. The first starting hole 23 is a winning hole into which a game ball is inserted when the conditions for awarding the prize ball and the suspension conditions for the first special game are satisfied. The first starting port 23 is located below the effect display device 19, and is always open so that a game ball can enter the ball. The game board 20 includes a first starting sensor D11 that detects a game ball that has entered the first starting port 23 (see FIG. 10).

The second starting opening 24 is a prize opening into which a game ball is inserted when the conditions for awarding the prize ball and the suspension conditions for the second special game are satisfied. The second starting port 24 is located to the right of the first starting port 23. The second starting port 24 is equipped with a normal opening/closing piece 24a, which is in the shape of a door, and when a normal winning game is not given, it is impossible or difficult for the game ball to enter the ball. Like it's closed. When a normal winning game is awarded, the second starting port 24 is opened so that a game ball can enter the ball or can easily enter the ball. The game board 20 includes a normal solenoid SL1 as a means for opening the second starting port 24 (see FIG. 10). Furthermore, the game board 20 includes a second starting sensor D12 that detects a game ball that has entered the second starting port 24 (see FIG. 10). The normal opening/closing piece 24a is a so-called "normal electric accessory".

The big winning hole 25 is a winning hole into which a game ball is inserted when the conditions for awarding the prize ball are satisfied. The big prize opening 25 is located on the lower right side of the performance display device 19. The big prize opening 25 is equipped with a special opening/closing piece 25a having a door shape, for example, so that when a jackpot game is not given, the game ball cannot enter the ball or it is difficult to enter the ball. Closed. When a jackpot game is awarded, the big prize opening 25 is opened so that a game ball can be entered or it can be easily entered. The game board 20 includes a special solenoid SL2 as a means for opening the big prize opening 25 (see FIG. 10). Furthermore, the game board 20 includes a count sensor D13 that detects game balls that have entered the big prize opening 25 (see FIG. 10).

The normal winning hole 27 is a winning hole into which a game ball is inserted when the conditions for awarding the prize ball are satisfied. The normal winning openings 27 are located at the lower left of the effect display device 19 and at the lower right of the effect display device 19, respectively. The normal prize opening 27 is always open so that a game ball can be entered. The game board 20 includes a normal sensor D14 that detects a game ball that enters the normal winning hole 27 (see FIG. 10).

A gate 28 is provided in the gaming area 20a. The gate 28 is located in the right area of the gaming area 20a, above the second starting opening 24 and the big winning opening 25. The gate 28 has a gate opening 28a that is always open so that game balls can enter the ball. A gate sensor D15 is provided at the gate 28a to detect game balls entering and passing through (see FIG. 10). The gate 28 is a ball entrance into which a game ball enters when the starting conditions for the normal game are satisfied. Even if a game ball enters the gate 28, the conditions for awarding a prize ball are not satisfied. At the bottom of the gaming area 20a, there is a slot for discharging game balls that have not entered any of the first starting port 23, second starting port 24, big winning opening 25, and normal winning opening 27 from the gaming area 20a. An outlet 29 is formed. The pachinko game machine 10 includes an out sensor (not shown) that detects game balls that have entered the out port 29. The out port 29 can also be understood as a discharge port or a return port from the gaming area 20a.

The mounting frame 11b also includes a radio wave sensor D16 that detects radio waves exceeding a predetermined intensity as abnormal radio waves (see FIG. 9). The radio wave sensor D16 outputs a radio wave detection signal when detecting an abnormal radio wave. The game board 20 may be configured to include a radio wave sensor in addition to the radio wave sensor D16 on the mounting frame 11b, so that the game board 20 can detect abnormal radio waves. As described above, the pachinko game machine 10 does not use magnetic game balls, but uses non-magnetic game balls. Therefore, the mounting frame 11b 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. 9). The first door open switch D17 outputs a first door open signal when detecting the opening of the protection frame 11c. The mounting frame 11b includes a second door opening switch D18 that detects that the mounting frame 11b is open to the outer frame 11a (see FIG. 9). The second door open switch D18 outputs a second door open signal when detecting the opening of the mounting frame 11b.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 5, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a collection path 30 for collecting game balls, a maintenance device 35 for performing predetermined maintenance on the game balls, and a system for collecting game balls one by one after maintenance. It has a supply device 40 that feeds game balls so as to cut them out, and a firing device 50 that fires game balls supplied from the supply device. The supply device 40 constitutes an example of a supply mechanism that supplies game balls to a launch device 50, which is an example of a launch mechanism. The pachinko game machine 10 has the above-mentioned launch passage 20c and a foul passage 20f for collecting foul balls. A foul ball is a game ball that was fired by the firing device 50 but did not reach the game area 20a. In an example of this embodiment, the supply device 40 and the firing device 50 are arranged below the game area 20a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the supply device 40 and the firing device 50 may be arranged in the upper left portion of the game area 20a.

The recovery passage 30 includes an individual winning passage 31a that is connected to the first starting opening 23, the second starting opening 24, the big winning opening 25, and the normal winning opening 27, a prize ball merging section 31b where the plurality of individual winning passages 31a merge, and a prize winning passage 31 connected to the prize ball merging section 31b.

The collection passage 30 has a non-winning passage 32 that connects to the out exit 29. The recovery path 30 has a merging section 33 where the winning path 31, the non-winning path 32, and the foul path 20f merge. The recovery passage 30 has a supply passage 34 that connects the merging section 33 and the maintenance device 35. The game ball that has reached the game area 20a flows down the game area 20a. When a game ball enters any of the first starting port 23, second starting port 24, big winning port 25, normal winning port 27, and out port 29, it circulates through the winning path 31 or the non-winning path 32. They join together at the joining part 33 and reach the maintenance device 35 through the supply passage 34 . The outlet area of the supply passage 34 is large enough to allow one game ball to pass through. Therefore, the game balls are aligned in a line by passing through the supply passage 34.

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

The maintenance device 35 includes a magnet (not shown) located inside the maintenance device 35 and close to the ball passage. A release lever (not shown) is connected to this magnet, and by moving the release lever to the close position, the magnet approaches the ball path, and by moving the release lever to the release position, the magnet moves away from the ball path. Separate. When the release lever is in the close position and the magnet is close to the ball path, if a game ball made of a magnetic material (such as an iron ball) is present in the ball path, the game ball can be captured by the magnetic force. In this case, the game balls that follow the captured game balls are prevented from advancing by the captured game balls, and the supply of the game balls to the supply device 40 is blocked. Then, when the release lever is moved to the release position, the magnet is separated from the ball path and the capture of the game ball is released.

The maintenance device 35 includes a ball path ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 that detects game balls passing through a ball path inside the maintenance device 35 on the upstream side of the magnet in the traveling direction of the game balls (see FIG. 9). The ball path ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 is provided adjacent to the ball path inside the maintenance device 35, and when it detects a game ball passing through the ball path, it outputs a ball clogging detection signal. The ball jam detection signal is in an ON state when a game ball passing through the ball path is detected, and is in an OFF state when a game ball is not detected. When the ball jam detection signal continues to be on, there is a high possibility that a game ball (such as an iron ball) made of a magnetic material is captured by the magnet.

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

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

The pachinko game machine 10 includes a foul sensor D21 that detects a game ball (foul ball) passing through the foul passage 20f. The foul sensor D21 is provided adjacent to the foul passage 20f, and outputs a foul signal when it detects a game ball passing through the foul passage 20f. The foul signal is turned on when a game ball passing through the foul passage 20f is detected, and turned off when it is not detected.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes a winning path count sensor D25 that detects game balls passing through the winning path 31. The winning path count sensor D25 is provided adjacent to the winning path 31, and when it detects a game ball passing through the winning path 31, it outputs a winning path signal. The winning path signal is in an on state when a game ball passing through the winning path 31 is detected, and is in an off state when it is not detected.

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

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

The supply device 40 will be explained.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the supply device 40 includes a receiving section 41 that receives game balls from the maintenance device 35, and a movable piece 42 that operates to cut out the game balls received in the receiving section 41 one by one. , a supply solenoid 43 that drives the movable piece 42, and a supply section 44 that guides the cut out game ball to the firing device 50. The supply device 40 includes a supply inlet sensor D22 and a supply outlet sensor D23.

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

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

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

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

The launcher 50 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 8, the firing device 50 is disposed below the game board 20 when viewed from the front. The firing device 50 includes a firing section 51 that receives the game ball K supplied from the supply device 40, a firing hammer 52 that shoots out the game ball K in the firing section 51, and drives the firing hammer 52 to hit the game ball. It has a firing solenoid 53. The firing device 50 includes a receiving section 55 that receives foul balls (game balls K) flowing backward (falling) from the launch passage 20c, and a foul passage section 56 that forms a foul passage 20f.

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

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

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

Next, the jackpot game will be explained.
In the jackpot game, first, a predetermined performance is performed over a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as opening time). For example, the predetermined performance is an opening performance that allows the start of a jackpot game to be recognized. In the jackpot game, after the opening time has elapsed, a round game in which the jackpot 25 is opened is performed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. One round game ends when a number condition in which a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enter the ball or a time condition in which a predetermined upper limit time elapses is satisfied. In the round game, the big prize opening 25 is opened in a predetermined opening manner (opening pattern). In each round game, a round performance is performed. In the jackpot game, when the final round game ends, a predetermined performance is performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as ending time). For example, the predetermined performance is an ending performance that makes it possible to recognize the end of the jackpot game. The jackpot game is ended as the ending time elapses.

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

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

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

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

The electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 9, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a main control board 60 and an effect control board 70 on the back side of the machine. The main control board 60 is an example of a main control section. The main control board 60 and the effect control board 70 are connected so that control information (control commands, etc.) can be outputted in one direction from the main control board 60 to the effect control board 70. The main control board 60 executes predetermined processing and outputs control information to the production control board 70. The production control board 70 executes predetermined processing based on control information input from the main control board 60.

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

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

The main control board 60 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 10, the main control board 60 includes a CPU 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, and a random number generation circuit 64. The CPU 61 executes processing related to the progress of the game by executing the main control program. The ROM 62 stores a main control program, determination values used for various determinations and lottery selections, tables, and the like. The ROM 62 stores a plurality of types of variation patterns. The fluctuation pattern is information that can specify the fluctuation time from the start to the end of the special game. The fluctuation pattern is information that can specify the fluctuation content (performance content) of the performance game performed during the execution of the special game. The fluctuation patterns include a jackpot fluctuation pattern and a loss fluctuation pattern. The presentation game based on the jackpot variation pattern has a variable content in which the jackpot symbol combination is finally stopped and displayed after 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 63 stores various information that is rewritten according to the processing results of the CPU 61. For example, the information stored in the RAM 63 includes flags, counters, timers, and the like. The RAM 63 is an example of a storage means that can store information. The random number generation circuit 64 generates hardware random numbers. The main control board 60 may be configured to be able to generate software random numbers through random number generation processing by the CPU 61.

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

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

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

The frame control board 80 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 9, the frame control board 80 includes a CPU 81, ROM 82, RAM 83, performance display monitor 84, ball removal switch 85, error release switch 86, game ball clear switch 87, RAM clear switch 88, backup power supply 89, backup It includes a circuit 89a and a launch permission circuit 89b. The CPU 81 performs processing related to the operation of the components mounted on the mounting frame 11b by executing the frame control program. The ROM 82 stores frame control programs and the like. The RAM 83 stores various information that is rewritten during the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the information stored in the RAM 83 includes flags, counters, timers, and the like.

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

The ball removal switch 85 is a switch that is operated to create a ball removal state that allows game balls sealed inside the pachinko game machine 10 to be ejected to the outside of the machine. The ball removal switch 85 outputs a ball removal signal when a push-in operation is performed. The ball removal signal is turned on when the ball removal switch 85 is pressed, and turned off when the ball removal switch 85 is not pressed. The ball removal signal is output to the CPU 81.

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

The game ball clear switch 87 is a switch operated when initializing the number of game balls (hereinafter referred to as game ball number information) stored as data in the RAM 83 to zero. The game ball clear switch 87 outputs a game ball clear signal when pressed. The game ball clear signal is turned on when the game ball clear switch 87 is pressed, and turned off when the game ball clear switch 87 is not pressed. The game ball clear signal is output to the CPU 81.

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

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

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

By receiving backup power from the backup power supply 89, the launch control board 90 (launch control circuit 91) and the launch solenoid 53 can perform predetermined operations even after the external power supply is cut off. As will be described in detail later, the firing device 50 is configured to have an external Even if the power supply from the outside is cut off, the firing operation can be performed at least once after the power supply from the outside is cut off.

Information that can be stored in the RAM 63 and that can be backed up includes main information. The main information is information regarding the progress of the game. As an example, the main information includes information regarding the jackpot status (including the number of round games), information regarding the gaming status, information regarding the number of reservations, information regarding normal symbols and special symbols, and information regarding error status.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further, the holding circuit holds the voltage (voltage value) of the volume signal. The holding circuit constitutes an example of information holding means that holds information. The voltage value that can be held by the holding circuit is an example of operation amount information generated according to the operation amount of the firing handle 15 (handle lever 15a).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Of the frame side normal processing, the game ball number information generation processing will be explained.
The game ball number information generation process is a process for generating (managing) the number of game balls. When the CPU 81 receives the number of award balls information from the main control board 60, it adds the number of award balls that can be specified from the number of award balls information to the number of game balls. Acquired prize ball number information is control information that is output by the main control board 60 when the conditions for awarding a prize ball are met due to winning in a predetermined winning hole, and specifies the number of prize balls set for the winning hole. configured to be possible. Upon receiving the grant information from the card unit 100, the CPU 81 adds the number of balls to be awarded indicated in the grant information to the number of game balls. When the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has been supplied to the firing device 50 based on the supply entrance signal output by the supply entrance sensor D22, it subtracts the number of game balls. As an example, the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has been supplied when the supply entrance signal transitions from the OFF state to the ON state to the OFF state and becomes the ON state. As a result, it can be said that the number of game balls managed electromagnetically is converted into actual game balls.

The CPU 81 is not limited to this, and may subtract the number of game balls by driving the firing solenoid 53. A sensor may be provided in the launch passage 20c, and when the sensor detects a game ball fired from the firing device 50, the CPU 81 may subtract the number of game balls by driving the firing solenoid 53. The configuration may be such that the number of pitches is subtracted. In this embodiment, the number of game balls is subtracted as an example of the number of game balls stored as data in relation to at least one of the firing operation by the firing device 50 and the supplying operation by the supply device 40. It can be said that When the number of game balls stored as data reaches "0", which is an example of a number less than a predetermined number, the CPU 81 outputs a zero number of game balls signal to the firing permission circuit 89b.

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

Then, the CPU 81 controls the game ball number display device 17 to display information that can specify the updated number of game balls that has been added or subtracted. In an example of the present embodiment, the CPU 81 includes means for adding the number of game balls stored as data, means for subtracting the number of game balls stored as data, and displaying the number of game balls stored as data. It can be understood as a means to do so. Although details will be described later, the game ball count display device 17 also serves as a device capable of displaying information that can specify the error state set (detected) on the frame control board 80.

The error setting process of the frame side normal process will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 11, the error setting process is a process for detecting the occurrence of an error state and setting the error state. In one example of the present embodiment, error states that can be detected by the frame control board 80 (CPU 81) include, in addition to the above-mentioned communication line disconnection error, a first door opening error, a second door opening error, a radio wave error, and an iron ball error. There are at least detection errors, supply inlet sensor errors, too many circulating balls errors, and too few circulating balls errors.

When the first door opening signal is input from the first door opening switch D17, the CPU 81 causes the RAM 83 to store a flag that can identify the occurrence of the first door opening error state. That is, the CPU 81 sets the first door open error when the protection frame 11c is in the open state. When the first door opening signal is no longer input, the CPU 81 cancels the setting of the first door opening error. When the CPU 81 inputs the second door opening signal from the second door opening switch D18, the CPU 81 stores in the RAM 83 a flag that can identify the occurrence of the second door opening error state. In other words, the CPU 81 sets the second door open error when the mounting frame 11b is in the open state. When the second door opening signal is no longer input, the CPU 81 cancels the second door opening error setting.

When receiving the radio wave detection signal from the radio wave sensor D16, the CPU 81 causes the RAM 83 to store a flag that can identify the occurrence of a radio wave error state. In other words, the CPU 81 sets a radio wave error. The radio wave error state is a state in which there is a high possibility that fraud (fraudulent behavior) using radio waves is being carried out. When the CPU 81 sets a radio wave error, it does not release the radio wave error until the power is turned off. Note that if the radio wave error state is resolved after the power is turned on, the radio wave error is not set, and if the radio wave error state is detected again, the radio wave error is set even after the power is turned on.

When the CPU 81 detects that ball clogging has occurred in the ball passage based on the ball clogging detection signal output by the ball passage ball clogging monitoring sensor D27, it sets a flag that can identify the occurrence of an iron ball detection error state. Store it in RAM83. In other words, the CPU 81 sets an iron ball detection error. As an example, the CPU 81 sets an iron ball detection error when a predetermined period of time has elapsed without the ball clogging detection signal turning on and turning off. As described above, when the ball jam detection signal continues to be on, there is a high possibility that a magnetic game ball, such as an iron ball, is being captured by the magnet provided in the ball path. When the ball clogging detection signal turns off, the CPU 81 cancels the iron ball detection error setting. As described above, if magnetic game balls are trapped, the ball jam in the ball path can be released by operating a release lever (not shown) to the release position.

When the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has been supplied to the firing device 50 based on the supply entrance signal output by the supply entrance sensor D22, it subtracts the number of circulating balls stored in the RAM 83. The number of circulating balls is the specified number enclosed in the pachinko game machine 10 as the initial number of balls. As an example, the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has been supplied when the supply entrance signal changes from ON state to OFF state to ON state.

The CPU 81 is not limited to this, and may subtract the number of game balls by driving the firing solenoid 53. A sensor may be provided in the launch passage 20c, and when the sensor detects a game ball fired from the firing device 50, the CPU 81 may subtract the number of game balls by driving the firing solenoid 53. The configuration may be such that the number of pitches is subtracted. In this embodiment, the number of circulating balls is subtracted as an example of the number of game balls stored as data in relation to at least one of the firing operation by the firing device 50 and the supplying operation by the supplying device 40. It can be said that

When the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has returned to the supply device 40 based on 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, the CPU 81 reads the RAM 83. Add the number of circulating balls stored in . As an example, the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has returned when the winning path signal or the non-winning path signal changes from the on state to the off state to the on state. That is, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured such that when game balls used in a game are detected, the number of game balls stored as data is added.

When the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has returned to the supply device 40 based on the foul signal output by the foul sensor D, it adds up the number of circulating balls stored in the RAM 83. As an example, when the foul signal transitions from ON state to OFF state to ON state, the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has returned. In other words, in the pachinko game machine 10, when a game ball (foul ball) that does not reach the game area 20a even after the firing operation is performed by the firing device 50 is detected, the number of game balls stored as data is added. This is the configuration that will be used.

When the CPU 81 detects that ball clogging has occurred at the inlet of the supply device 40 (receiving passage 41a) based on the supply inlet signal output by the supply inlet sensor D22, it can identify the occurrence of the supply inlet sensor error state. A flag is stored in the RAM 83. In other words, the CPU 81 sets a supply inlet sensor error. As an example, when the supply solenoid 43 is driven, the CPU 81 sets a supply inlet sensor error when a prescribed time ta elapses without the supply inlet signal being turned on and turned off. Details of how the supply solenoid 43 is driven and how the supply inlet sensor detects game balls will be described later. When the error release switch 86 is operated, the CPU 81 releases the setting of the supply inlet sensor error. Note that even if the setting of the supply inlet sensor error is canceled, if the ball clogging in the receiving passage 41a is not resolved, the supply inlet sensor error is reset after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

When the number of circulating balls exceeds the first number of circulating balls, which is greater than the initial number of balls, the CPU 81 causes the RAM 83 to store a flag that can identify the occurrence of an excessive number of circulating balls error. In other words, the CPU 81 sets an error of excessive number of circulating balls. When the number of circulating balls becomes less than the first number of circulating balls, the CPU 81 cancels the setting of the excessive number of circulating balls error. When the number of circulating balls becomes less than the second number of circulating balls, which is smaller than the initial number of balls, the CPU 81 causes the RAM 83 to store a flag that can identify the occurrence of an error in the number of circulating balls. In other words, the CPU 81 sets an error in the number of circulating balls. When the number of circulating balls becomes equal to or greater than the second number of circulating balls, the CPU 81 cancels the setting of the error of an insufficient number of circulating balls.

The error notification process of the frame side normal process will be explained.
While setting an error, the CPU 81 controls the display contents of the game pitch count display device 17 so as to display an error code, which is an example of information that can identify the error being set. The error code is information unique to each error. For example, as shown in the "Error Code" column in the figure, [E02] is used for a communication line disconnection error, [E03] is used for a supply entrance sensor error, [E21] is used for a first door open error, and [E21] is used for a first door open error. For open errors, error codes are set for each, such as [E22]. The CPU 81 alternately switches between displaying the error code and displaying the number of game balls at predetermined time intervals. Further, when a plurality of errors are set, the CPU 81 sequentially displays the plurality of errors and the number of game balls for a predetermined period of time. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU 81 may be configured to display an error code and not display the number of game balls. When the error being set is canceled, the CPU 81 controls the game ball count display device 17 so as to end displaying the error code corresponding to the canceled error. In an example of this embodiment, all errors that can be detected by the frame control board 80 are displayed as error codes in the game ball count display device 17. The game ball count display device 17 also serves as a means for notifying errors.

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

The CPU 81 controls the notification audio device 13 to output notification audio using an audio pattern that makes it possible to identify the error being set. That is, the CPU 81 causes an audio notification (hereinafter referred to as error audio notification) to notify of an error that is being set. In an example of the present embodiment, the CPU 81 targets radio wave errors, iron ball detection errors, supply inlet sensor errors, excessive number of circulating balls errors, and fewer circulating balls errors, and when setting these errors, Make an error audio notification. The CPU 81 does not target the communication line disconnection error, the first door opening error, and the second door opening error, and does not issue an error voice notification to notify these errors. The audio pattern of the error audio notification has different content depending on the type of error, and is content that allows the outline of the error being set to be specified. For example, if it is a radio wave error, a voice will read out the character string "Error code E31 has occurred. Please call an attendant."

The CPU 81 performs control to restrict the firing of game balls while setting a predetermined error (an example is a supply inlet sensor error) among a plurality of errors. If a supply entrance sensor error has occurred, the CPU 81 outputs a predetermined signal (error signal) to the firing permission circuit 89b. Here, the firing permission circuit 89b inputs a connection signal from the card unit 100, does not input a firing stop signal from the main control board 60, and inputs a zero number of game balls signal and an error signal from the CPU 81. When not, a launch permission signal is generated and output to the launch control board 90. In other words, the launch permission signal is turned on. As described above, the conditions for outputting the launch permission signal in the launch permission circuit 89b are that the connection signal is input from the card unit 100, the launch stop signal is not input from the main control board 60, and the error signal is not input from the CPU 81. This is established because the zero number of game balls signal is not input. Inputting a connection signal from the card unit 100 indicates that the card unit 100 and the pachinko gaming machine 10 are normally connected. The fact that no error signal is input from the CPU 81 indicates that no error has occurred in the frame control board 80 that requires prohibiting the shooting of game balls. The fact that the zero number of game balls signal is not input from the CPU 81 indicates that the number of game balls is not zero.

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

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

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

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

When determining that the backed up information is normal, the CPU 61 determines whether a RAM clear signal is input from the frame control board 80 (RAM clear switch 87). When the RAM clear signal is input, the CPU 61 initializes the main information stored in the RAM 63. The CPU 61 outputs an initialization command to the production control board 70. On the other hand, if the RAM clear signal is not input, the CPU 61 outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a power recovery command) that can specify the return based on the backed up main information to the production control board 70.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If the jackpot is not won, the CPU 61 performs a loss variation process. In the losing variation process, the CPU 61 determines losing symbols to be stopped and displayed in the first special game. The CPU 61 performs a variation pattern determination lottery using variation pattern random numbers that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among a plurality of outlier variation patterns. After that, the CPU 61 ends the special symbol start process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The error setting process of the main normal process will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 11, the error setting process is a process for detecting the occurrence of an error state and setting the error state. In one example of the present embodiment, the error states that can be detected by the main control board 60 (CPU 61) include at least a first door opening error and a second door opening error, in addition to the communication line disconnection error described above. Error states that can be detected by the main control board 60 (CPU 61) may include radio wave errors and magnetic errors.

When the CPU 61 receives the first door opening signal from the frame control board 80 (first door opening switch D17), the CPU 61 stores in the RAM 83 a flag that can identify the occurrence of the first door opening error state. That is, the CPU 61 sets the first door open error when the protection frame 11c is in the open state. When the first door opening error is set, the CPU 61 outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as a first door opening error generation command) that can specify the occurrence of the first door opening error to the production control board 70. When the first door opening signal is no longer input, the CPU 61 cancels the setting of the first door opening error. When the CPU 61 cancels the setting of the first door opening error, it outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as a first door opening error elimination command) that can specify the elimination of the first door opening error to the production control board 70.

When the CPU 61 receives the second door opening signal from the frame control board 80 (second door opening switch D18), the CPU 61 stores in the RAM 83 a flag that can identify the occurrence of the second door opening error state. In other words, the CPU 61 sets a second door open error when the mounting frame 11b is in the open state. When the CPU 61 sets the second door opening error, it outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as a second door opening error generation command) that can specify the occurrence of the second door opening error to the production control board 70. When the second door opening signal is no longer input, the CPU 61 cancels the second door opening error setting. When the CPU 61 cancels the setting of the second door opening error, it outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as a second door opening error elimination command) that can specify the elimination of the second door opening error to the production control board 70.

The CPU 61 performs control to restrict the firing of game balls while setting a predetermined error (for example, the first door opening error) among a plurality of errors. If the first door opening error has occurred, the CPU 61 outputs a firing stop signal to the frame control board 80 (launch permission circuit 89b). In other words, the firing stop signal is turned on. As described above, when the launch permission circuit 89b receives the launch stop signal, the launch permission signal to the launch control board 90 is turned off, and its output is stopped. As described above, the output condition for the firing permission signal is satisfied if the firing permission state is in which firing of the game ball is permitted. In other words, the conditions for outputting the firing permission signal do not hold if the firing is prohibited.

The firing permission state is when the card unit 100 and the pachinko gaming machine 10 are connected normally, no specific error has occurred on the main control board 60 (for example, a first door opening error), and the frame is not open. This is a state in which no specific error (for example, a supply inlet sensor error) has occurred in the control board 80. The firing prohibited state is caused by the card unit 100 and the pachinko gaming machine 10 not being connected properly, a specific error occurring in the main control board 60, or a specific error occurring in the frame control board 80. A state in which one or more of the following things are occurring. In an example of the present embodiment, even if the second door opening error is the same door opening error, the second door opening error does not correspond to the above-mentioned specific error, and the occurrence of the second door opening error does not result in a firing prohibited state.

The firing prohibited state in which the first condition is not satisfied includes a state in which power supply from the outside is cut off. In other words, when the power supply from the outside is cut off, the main control board 60 (CPU 61) enters a signal output state instructing to stop firing (for example, turns on the firing stop signal), and the frame control board 80 (CPU 81) A signal output state indicating that launch is not permitted (launch permission signal is turned off) is entered. The "state in which power supply from the outside is cut off" as the launch prohibition state is a state in which the frame control board 80 outputs a signal instructing to disallow launch.

The firing prohibited state in which the first condition is not satisfied includes a state in which the number of game balls specified from the data is less than a predetermined number (as an example, the number of game balls = 0). When the number of game balls specified from the data becomes less than a predetermined number, the frame control board 80 enters a signal output state (turns off the firing permission signal) instructing that firing is not permitted. A state in which the number of game balls specified from the data as a firing prohibited state is less than a predetermined number is a state in which the frame control board 80 outputs a signal instructing to disallow firing. As described above, in this embodiment, it can be said that there are multiple types of firing prohibited states in which the first condition is not satisfied.

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

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

The error notification process will be explained.
When the CPU 71 inputs the first door opening error occurrence command or the second door opening error occurrence command, it controls some or all of the production devices constituting the production device group ES, and causes the door opening error notification to be executed. As an example, the door opening error notification may be performed by outputting a sound from the production sound device 12 that can identify the opening of at least one of the loading frame 11b and the protection frame 11c, such as a sound reading out the character string "The door is open." It will be executed at As an example, the door open error notification is executed in such a manner that the effect light emitting device 14 emits light in a light emission pattern dedicated to the door open error. As an example, the door opening error notification is performed by displaying on the effect display device 19 an image that can identify the opening of at least one of the mounting frame 11b and the protection frame 11c, such as a character string "The door is open." be done. The CPU 71 determines that all door opening errors have been resolved (both the mounting frame 11b and the protection frame 11c are closed) by inputting one or both of the first door opening error elimination command and the second door opening error elimination command. When it is specified that the door opening error notification is completed, the production device group ES is controlled to end the door opening error notification.

When the communication line disconnection error command is input, the CPU 71 controls some or all of the production devices constituting the production device group ES to execute communication line disconnection error notification. As an example, the communication line disconnection error notification is performed by outputting a sound that can identify the occurrence of a communication line disconnection error from the performance audio device 12, such as a voice that reads out a character string "A communication line disconnection error has occurred." executed. As an example, the communication line disconnection error notification is executed in such a manner that the effect light emitting device 14 emits light in a light emission pattern dedicated to the communication line disconnection error. As an example, the communication line disconnection error notification is executed in such a manner that an image that can identify the occurrence of a communication line disconnection error, such as a character string "Communication line disconnection error!", is displayed on the effect display device 19. Note that the communication line disconnection error setting on the main control board 60 is not canceled until the power is turned off. That is, once the CPU 71 starts notifying the communication line disconnection error, it controls the presentation device group ES to continue the communication line disconnection error notification until the power is turned off.

In an example of this embodiment, the time required for the frame control board 80 to detect a communication line disconnection error is longer than the time required for the main control board 60 to detect a communication line disconnection error. That is, in this embodiment, the timing at which the display of the error code on the game pitch count display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84 starts is different from the timing at which the presentation device group ES starts reporting. More preferably, the error notification by the game ball count display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84 is performed before the error notification by the production device group ES.

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

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

Then, the CPU 71 controls the effect display device 19 to start variable display of the effect symbols in each symbol row in response to the input of the variation start command. That is, the CPU 71 starts the performance game. Further, when executing a predetermined effect in connection with the effect game, the CPU 71 controls the effect device group ES including the effect display device 19 to execute the effect. When a predetermined timing arrives after starting the production game, the CPU 71 temporarily stops and displays the symbol combination, and when the variation end command is input, it permanently stops and displays the symbol combination. Incidentally, the CPU 71 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.

The operation when firing a game ball will be explained.
In an example of the present embodiment, the firing and supplying of game balls is performed by a combination of control of the feeding device 40 by the frame control board 80 (CPU 81) and control of the firing device 50 by the firing control board 90 (firing control circuit 91). Realized. Hereinafter, a series of operations (hereinafter referred to as a firing sequence) executed by the firing control circuit 91 to fire a game ball and the processing of the frame control board 80 will be described in detail. The firing sequence is executable when a firing condition is satisfied, and is an example of normal control (normal firing operation) that causes the firing device 50 to perform a firing operation and the supply device 40 to perform a supplying operation.

The operation of the launch control board 90 (launch control circuit 91) will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 12, in a situation where the stop signal is off, the firing permission signal of the frame control board 80 turns on at time Ta1, and the touch signal turns on at time Ta2, causing the firing solenoid to 53 operable conditions are satisfied. Subsequently, at time Ta3, the input of the volume signal starts in response to the operation of the handle lever 15a, and when the voltage of the volume signal (indicated as dial voltage in the figure) exceeds the threshold at time Ta4, the game ball The firing conditions are met. In addition, "idle firing" shown in the figure indicates a situation in which the firing device 50 performs a firing operation but the game ball is not fired, and "launching" indicates a situation in which the firing device 50 performs a firing operation and the game ball is fired. Indicate the situation.

The game ball firing condition is established when all of the first condition, second condition, third condition, and fourth condition 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 when the touch signal is turned on and the touch detection state is in which contact with the firing handle 15 is detected. The third condition is satisfied by the operation detection state in which it is detected that the amount of operation of the firing handle 15 (handle lever 15a) exceeds a predetermined amount because the voltage of the volume signal exceeds a threshold value. It will be done. 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 an example of this embodiment, among these four conditions, the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition are examples of specific conditions.

At time Ta5, when a predetermined time t1 has elapsed after the firing condition is satisfied, the firing control circuit 91 supplies a drive current to the firing solenoid 53 in accordance with the firing timing pulse. This drives the firing solenoid 53. The voltage of the drive current at this time corresponds to the voltage of the volume signal at time Ta5. That is, the firing control circuit 91 sets the firing intensity by referring to the voltage of the volume signal. The holding circuit of the firing control circuit 91 newly holds (updates) the voltage value of the volume signal at this time. As an example, the specified time t1 is 37.5 ms, and the output time t2 of the drive signal is 16 ms. The firing control circuit 91 outputs a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80 for a specified time t3 (37.5 ms as an example) from the time point Ta5 at which the drive current is output.

Since the firing condition is satisfied at the time Ta6 when the prescribed time t4 (562.5 ms as an example) has elapsed after outputting the drive current to the firing solenoid 53, the firing control circuit 91 changes the prescribed time t1 from the time Ta6. At time point Ta7, when the time has elapsed, the drive current is supplied to the firing solenoid 53. The firing control board 90 (the firing control circuit 91) outputs the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80 for a specified time t3 from the time point Ta7 when the drive current is supplied.

It is assumed that the firing stop button 15c is pressed and the stop signal is turned on at time Ta8 before the specified time t4 has elapsed. In other words, the fourth condition is not satisfied. Thereafter, at a time point Ta9 when a prescribed time t4 has elapsed since the drive current was supplied to the firing solenoid 53, the firing condition is not satisfied. In this case, the firing control circuit 91 supplies the driving current to the firing solenoid 53 at time Ta10 when the prescribed time t1 has elapsed from time Ta9. The voltage of the drive current at this time corresponds to the voltage of the volume signal at time Ta10. That is, the intensity of the firing operation by the firing device 50 is set with reference to the amount of operation of the firing handle 15. Further, the holding circuit of the firing control circuit 91 newly holds the voltage value of the volume signal at this time. On the other hand, the firing control circuit 91 does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80 at time Ta10 (indicated by a broken line in the figure).

Thereafter, if the stop signal remains in the ON state, the firing condition will not be satisfied at time points Ta11 and Ta13 when the specified time t4 has elapsed since the previous supply of drive current. For this reason, the firing control circuit 91 supplies the drive current at time points Ta12 and Ta14 when the prescribed time t1 has elapsed from time points Ta11 and Ta13, respectively, but does not output the subtraction reference signal (indicated by a broken line in the figure). The voltage of the drive current at this time corresponds to the voltage of the volume signal at time points Ta12 and Ta14. The holding circuit of the firing control circuit 91 newly holds the voltage value of the volume signal at each time point Ta12 and Ta14. That is, the holding circuit stores the latest volume signal voltage for each firing operation in the firing sequence. With such a configuration, the firing solenoid 53 is driven every firing cycle t5. Then, at a timing a prescribed time t1 before the firing period t5, it is determined whether the firing condition is satisfied. The timing before the specified time t1 with respect to the driving timing (firing cycle t5) of the firing solenoid 53 is the determination timing for determining whether the firing condition is satisfied. The firing period t5 is equal to the sum of the specified time t1 and the specified time t4. As an example, the firing period t5 is 600 ms.

Control of the frame control board 80 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 13, at time Tb1, the CPU 81 of the frame control board 80 changes the supply outlet signal to is in the on state. The timing at which the specified time t2a has elapsed with reference to the drive timing (firing cycle t5) of the firing solenoid 53 is the determination timing for determining whether the supply condition is satisfied. Here, since the supply outlet signal is in the OFF state, the CPU 81 determines that the supply condition is satisfied, supplies the drive current to the supply solenoid 43 for a specified time t6 (75 ms as an example), and turns the supply solenoid 43 on. The movable piece 42 is moved to the stop position 42P1. That is, the movable piece 42 is held at the stop position 42P1 for the specified time t6. As a result, the game balls in the receiving passage 41a flow into the holding portion 42a of the movable piece 42. In the present embodiment, the specified time t2a is a time equal in length to the output time t2, which is the drive time of the firing solenoid 53 (16 ms as an example). Therefore, the supply solenoid 43 is driven at the timing when the firing solenoid 53 (firing hammer 52) ends.

At time Tb3, the supply inlet signal from the supply inlet sensor D22 transitions from the OFF state to the ON state, and then transitions from the ON state to the OFF state. When the supply entrance signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state, the CPU 81 of the frame control board 80 detects the supply of game balls and subtracts the number of game balls stored in the RAM 83. In the game ball number display device 17, the number of game balls being displayed decreases by 1 at time Tb3.

When the specified time t6 has elapsed, the CPU 81 stops supplying the drive current to the supply solenoid 43, finishes driving the supply solenoid 43, and displaces the movable piece 42 to the supply position 42P2. As a result, the game ball held by the holding portion 42a of the movable piece 42 is released into the supply passage 44a. The game balls released into the supply passage 44a flow down the supply passage 44a and are detected by the supply outlet sensor D23 at time Tb4, and the supply outlet signal changes from the OFF state to the ON state to the OFF state.

At time Tb5, when the firing period t5 has elapsed from time Tb1 when the subtraction reference signal transitioned to the ON state, when the subtraction reference signal transitions to the ON state as the firing solenoid 53 is driven, a prescribed time t2a elapses. At time Tb6, the supply solenoid 43 (movable piece 42) is driven. Then, at time Tb7, the CPU 81 subtracts the number of game balls based on the transition of the supply entrance signal from the supply entrance sensor D22, and displays the number of game balls after the subtraction on the game ball number display device 17. Thereafter, at time Tb8, the game ball is detected by the supply outlet sensor D23.

As described above, when the firing conditions are met, the firing control board 90 (firing control circuit 91) outputs the subtraction reference signal as an example of the supply signal in response to the firing solenoid 53 being driven. The frame control board 80 causes the supply device 40 (supply solenoid 43) to perform a supply operation based on the subtraction reference signal. The output time of the subtraction reference signal (37.5 ms as an example) and the drive time of the firing solenoid 53 (16 ms as an example) have different lengths. Furthermore, the output time of the subtraction reference signal (37.5 ms as an example) and the driving time of the supply solenoid 43 (75 ms as an example) are different in length.

The operation when clogging of balls is detected by the supply outlet sensor D23 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 14, it is assumed that at time Tc1, the subtraction reference signal transitions to the on state as the firing solenoid 53 is driven. The CPU 81 determines whether the supply condition is satisfied at a time Tc2 when a prescribed time t2a has elapsed from the time Tc1 when the subtraction reference signal transitioned to the ON state. Here, since the supply condition is satisfied because the supply restriction flag is not stored in the RAM 83 and the supply outlet signal is in the OFF state, the CPU 81 drives the supply solenoid 43. The supply restriction flag is information that can specify that ball clogging (hereinafter referred to as supply passage ball clogging) has occurred in the supply passage 44a. At time Tc3, the CPU 81 subtracts the number of game balls based on the transition of the supply entrance signal from the supply entrance sensor D22, and displays the number of game balls after the subtraction on the game ball number display device 17.

Assume that at time Tc4, a game ball is detected by the supply exit sensor D23, and the supply exit signal transitions to the on state. It is assumed that due to some factor, the game balls become clogged in the supply passage 44a, and the transition from the on state to the off state is no longer possible. In one example of the present embodiment, the supply passage 44a is a passage that connects the part where the movable piece 42 is located (the holding part 42a) and the firing position 51a, and has a straight or substantially straight shape without a bent part. It is a passageway. In other words, the supply passage 44a is configured such that ball clogging is unlikely to occur, and even if ball clogging occurs, it can be relatively easily resolved by vibrations caused by driving the firing solenoid 53.

Thereafter, it is assumed that at time Tc5, the subtraction reference signal transitions to the ON state as the firing solenoid 53 is driven, and the prescribed time t2a has elapsed, and the determination timing has arrived. Although the supply restriction flag is not set, the supply outlet signal from the supply outlet sensor D23 is in the ON state, so the CPU 81 determines that the supply condition is not satisfied and starts special control. In such a situation, there is a high possibility that the supply passage ball is clogged when attempting to drive the supply solenoid 43. The CPU 81 stores the supply restriction flag in the RAM 83. While the supply restriction flag is being set, the CPU 81 does not supply drive current to the supply solenoid 43 and does not drive the supply solenoid 43 even if the subtraction reference signal is input. The CPU 81 does not subtract the number of game balls, and the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display device 17 does not change. Similar operations occur at time points Tc7 and Tc8 when the firing period t5 elapses from time point Tc5.

Assume that at time Tc9, the ball clogging in the supply passage 44a is resolved and the supply outlet signal transitions to the OFF state. The CPU 81 inputs the subtraction reference signal at time Tc10, and when the determination timing arrives at time Tc11 when the specified time t2a has elapsed, it determines whether the supply condition is satisfied. Here, since the supply restriction flag is set and the supply exit signal is in the OFF state, the CPU 81 adds 1 to the number of times the supply condition is satisfied stored in the RAM 83, and at the same time, the CPU 81 drives the supply solenoid 43. No current is supplied and the supply solenoid 43 is not driven.

The CPU 81 inputs the subtraction reference signal at time Tc12, and when the determination timing arrives at time Tc13 when the specified time t2a has elapsed, it determines whether the supply condition is satisfied. Here, since the supply restriction flag is set and the supply exit signal is in the OFF state, the CPU 81 adds 1 to the number of times the supply condition is satisfied stored in the RAM 83, and at the same time, the CPU 81 drives the supply solenoid 43. No current is supplied and the supply solenoid 43 is not driven. The CPU 81 erases the supply regulation flag stored in the RAM 83 when the number of times the supply condition is met reaches a predetermined number (two times, for example). In other words, the CPU 81 ends the special control. While setting the supply regulation flag, when the supply exit signal is in the ON state at the determination timing, if the number of times the supply condition is met stored in the RAM 83 is 0, the CPU 81 does not add it to the number of times the supply condition is met; If so, reset the number of times it is true to 0.

The CPU 81 inputs the subtraction reference signal at time Tc14, and when the determination timing arrives at time Tc15 when the specified time t2a has elapsed, it determines whether the supply condition is satisfied. Here, since the supply restriction flag is not set and the supply outlet signal is in the OFF state, the CPU 81 drives the supply solenoid 43. Then, at time Tc16, the CPU 81 subtracts the number of game balls based on the transition of the supply entrance signal from the supply entrance sensor D22, and displays the number of game balls after the subtraction on the game ball number display device 17. At time Tc17, the game ball flowing down the supply passage 44a is detected by the supply outlet sensor D23, and the supply outlet signal is normally turned on. The voltage of the drive current supplied to the firing solenoid 53 at time points Tc1, Tc5, Tc7, Tc10, Tc12, and Tc14 is a voltage corresponding to the voltage of the volume signal at that time point. That is, the intensity of the firing operation by the firing device 50 is set with reference to the amount of operation of the firing handle 15. The holding circuit of the firing control circuit 91 newly holds the voltage value of the volume signal input at each time point.

As described above, in one example of the present embodiment, when a predetermined special error occurs during execution of a firing sequence, a special error occurs that causes the firing device 50 to perform a firing operation while limiting the feeding operation by the feeding device 40. Control (special sequence) is performed. While the special control by the CPU 81 is being executed, the firing control board 90 controls the intensity of the firing operation by the firing device 50 with reference to the amount of operation of the firing handle 15. In this embodiment, this special error is a ball clogging error in the supply device 40 (supply passage 44a).

The special control (special sequence) is such that even if the supply outlet signal is turned off and the clogging of the supply passage bulb is resolved, the supply outlet signal remains off a predetermined number of times (for example, twice). ) will not be released unless it is determined. Although the CPU 81 does not display an error code on the performance display monitor 84 and the game ball count display device 17 even if the ball clogging in the supply passage occurs, the configuration is not limited to this, and allows the error code to be displayed. It's okay. The CPU 81 may be configured to display an error code if it determines that the supply outlet signal is in the OFF state a specific number of times, which is two or more times, while setting the supply restriction flag.

The firing control board 90 drives the firing solenoid 53 when the firing conditions no longer hold due to certain conditions (first condition, second condition, and third condition) not being satisfied while executing the firing sequence described above. The subtraction reference signal is not outputted while the subtraction reference signal is being output. That is, the firing control circuit 91 executes a series of operations (hereinafter referred to as a blank firing sequence) for blank firing. An example of a blank firing sequence will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 15, the firing control circuit 91 supplies a drive current to the firing solenoid 53 based on the establishment of firing conditions at time Te1, drives the firing solenoid 53, and outputs a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80. do. After inputting the subtraction reference signal, the frame control board 80 drives the supply solenoid 43 at time Te2 to move the game ball to the firing position 51a.

It is assumed that the touch signal is turned off (the second condition is not satisfied) at time Te3, and the game ball firing condition is no longer satisfied. In this case, since the firing condition is no longer satisfied at the determination timing Te4a, the firing control circuit 91 ends the firing sequence and starts a blank firing sequence. The holding circuit of the firing control circuit 91 holds the voltage value of the volume signal at the previous time point Te1. Then, at time Te4 when the firing period t5 has elapsed from time Te1, the firing control circuit 91 supplies the driving current to the firing solenoid 53, but does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80. The voltage of the drive current at this time is a voltage value held in the holding circuit, that is, a voltage corresponding to the voltage of the volume signal at the time point Te1 when the previous firing operation was performed. Furthermore, at time Te4, the subtraction reference signal is not output, so the supply solenoid 43 is not driven.

Thereafter, the blank firing sequence is continued because the firing condition is not satisfied at time points Te5a and Te6a when the determination timing arrives. In the blank firing sequence, the firing solenoid 53 is driven at times Te5 and Te6 when the firing period t5 has elapsed since the previous driving of the firing solenoid 53, but the subtraction reference signal is not output to the frame control board 80 at each time. The voltage of the drive current at this time is a voltage corresponding to the voltage value held in the holding circuit. The blank firing sequence ends when the firing solenoid 53 is driven three times. In other words, the firing solenoid 53 is not driven at a time Te7 when the firing period t5 has elapsed from the time Te6 when the firing solenoid 53 is driven for the third time in the blank firing sequence.

In this embodiment, during the three dry firings at time points Te4 to Te6, the voltage of the drive current supplied to the firing solenoid 53 is the voltage of the volume signal input when the last firing operation in the firing sequence is performed. This is a voltage corresponding to the voltage value held in the holding circuit of the firing control circuit 91. In the blank firing sequence, the intensity of the firing operation is controlled based on the voltage value held by the holding circuit rather than the voltage of the volume signal input at that time. Note that in the blank firing sequence, even if the firing device 50 performs a firing operation, the voltage value stored in the holding circuit is not updated.

In this way, in the blank firing sequence, multiple firing operations are performed, and the strength of the first firing operation among the multiple firing operations in the blank firing sequence is the same as that of the last firing operation in the firing sequence immediately before the blank firing sequence. The intensity is the same or approximately the same as the firing action. Furthermore, the intensity of the second and subsequent firing operations among the plurality of firing operations in the blank firing sequence is the same or approximately the same intensity as the last firing operation in the firing sequence immediately before the blank firing sequence.

In the blank shooting sequence, the subtraction reference signal is not output to the frame control board 80, so that the feeding operation of the game ball by the feeding device 40 is regulated. In the blank firing sequence of this embodiment, the firing solenoid 53 is driven a maximum of three times, that is, the firing operation of the firing device 50 is performed a maximum of three times. As described above, in this embodiment, when the specific condition, which is at least one of the first condition, the second condition, the third condition, and the fourth condition, is no longer satisfied and the firing condition is no longer satisfied, the supply A blank firing sequence is performed as an example of special control (special firing operation) for causing the firing device 50 to perform a firing operation while the supplying operation by the device 40 is restricted.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, if at least one of a first door opening error and a supply entrance sensor error, which are examples of predetermined errors, occurs during execution of the firing sequence, the firing is prohibited and the firing permission signal is turned off. Transition to. In other words, the first condition is not satisfied and the firing condition is also not satisfied, so the firing sequence ends and the blank firing sequence begins. On the other hand, even if another error such as a second door opening error occurs during execution of the firing sequence, the firing permission signal remains on because the firing permission state remains. That is, the firing sequence continues rather than being terminated based on the occurrence of these errors. Errors other than the first door opening error and the supply inlet sensor error are examples of the first error.

FIG. 16 shows that during the blank firing sequence under the same situation as in FIG. 15, at time Te10, the touch signal transitions to the on state (the second condition is met), and the game ball firing condition is met. Indicate the situation. In this case, the firing control circuit 91 determines that the firing condition is satisfied at a time point Te11 (determination timing) when a prescribed time t4 has elapsed since the previous driving of the firing solenoid 53 at a time point Te4, and switches to the firing sequence. The firing control circuit 91 supplies a drive current to the firing solenoid 53 and outputs a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80 at a time Te5 when a predetermined time t1 has elapsed from the time Te11. The voltage of the drive current supplied to the firing solenoid 53 at time Te5 is a voltage corresponding to the voltage of the volume signal at that time. The frame control board 80 drives the supply solenoid 43 based on the subtraction reference signal.

The firing control circuit 91 supplies a drive current to the firing solenoid 53 and outputs a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80 at a time Te6 when a firing period t5 has elapsed since the previous driving of the firing solenoid 53 at a time Te5. . The frame control board 80 drives the supply solenoid 43 based on the subtraction reference signal. Thereafter, the firing control circuit 91 repeatedly executes the firing sequence. In this way, even if the firing control circuit 91 of this embodiment is executing the blank firing sequence, if it is determined at the determination timing that the firing condition for the game ball is satisfied, the firing control circuit 91 controls the firing solenoid 53 for the next time. The drive is switched to the firing sequence.

As described above, when the first condition and the fourth condition are satisfied, but at least one of the second condition and the third condition is not satisfied, and a blank firing sequence is performed, the second condition When the firing condition is satisfied by satisfying , and the third condition, the blank firing sequence is terminated midway and the firing sequence is performed. Further, in the present embodiment, in the firing sequence, the intensity of the firing operation by the firing device 50 is controlled with reference to the amount of operation of the firing handle 15 during the firing sequence. On the other hand, in the blank firing sequence, the intensity of the firing operation by the firing device 50 is controlled without reference to the operating amount of the firing handle 15 during the blank firing sequence.

Here, suppose that at least one of the first door opening error and the supply inlet sensor error occurs while the blank firing sequence is being executed based on the non-satisfaction of the second condition or the third condition, and furthermore, the first condition is not satisfied. shall be In this case, although the launch permission signal is newly turned off, the launch control circuit 91 does not perform any new operation because there is no difference in the situation where the operable condition is not satisfied. Therefore, in the firing control circuit 91, even if the first condition is newly not satisfied, the empty firing sequence that is being executed is not ended but continues. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured such that when a blank play sequence is performed, it is continued without being terminated based on the occurrence of a specific error. The first door opening error and the supply inlet sensor error are examples of the specific error and the second error. Further, the specific errors include a wrecking ball detection error. As mentioned above, the iron ball detection error is that a magnetic game ball is detected.

In the firing control circuit 91, even if the number of game balls specified from the data becomes less than a predetermined number (as an example, the number of game balls = 0) while the blank firing sequence is being performed, the blank firing sequence is continued. Ru. Specifically, during the execution of the blank shooting sequence, even if the number of game balls becomes 0 due to the output of counting information by operating the counting switch 18, the firing control circuit 91 determines that the operable condition is not satisfied. There is no doubt that the situation is such that no new action is taken. In other words, the firing control circuit 91 continues the blank firing sequence even if the number of game balls becomes 0 while executing the blank firing sequence. In an example of this embodiment, even if the number of game balls specified from the data becomes less than a predetermined number while the blank firing sequence is being performed, the blank firing sequence is continued.

In the firing control circuit 91, if the firing condition is satisfied while the blank firing sequence is being performed, the firing sequence is started immediately after the next determination timing. That is, when a blank firing sequence is performed due to the occurrence of an error other than a special error, when the error is resolved, the blank firing sequence ends and the firing sequence is restarted. As described above, in the special control (special sequence), even if the supply passage ball clogging is resolved, the supply solenoid 43 is not driven and game balls are not fired unless at least two firing operations are completed. In other words, there is virtually no transition to the firing sequence.

FIG. 17 shows a situation in which the external power supply is cut off at time Te21 after time Te4 has passed during the execution of the blank firing sequence in the situation shown in FIG. 15 (indicated as power cut in the figure). .

In this case, at time Te21, frame side power-off processing and main-side power-off processing are executed, and the storage contents of the RAMs 63 and 83 are retained. At time Te21, the firing stop signal is turned on, and the firing permission signal is correspondingly turned off. As described above, the backup power supply 89 supplies backup power to the launch control board 90 and the launch device 50 (the launch solenoid 53) for the supply time TA after the external power supply is cut off. Here, the supply time TA is set to be the same length as the firing period t5 or slightly longer. Therefore, the firing control circuit 91 performs a blank firing sequence until the firing device 50 completes at least one firing operation after the power is cut off at the time Te21 and until the time Te22 when the supply time TA has elapsed. Can continue. In other words, the firing control circuit 91 supplies driving power to the firing solenoid 53 and does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80 at the time Te5 after the time Te21 when the power is cut off has elapsed. Thereafter, at time Te6, since the supply of backup power has already stopped, no drive current is supplied to the firing solenoid 53 (indicated by a broken line in the figure).

It is assumed that power supply from the outside is resumed at time Te23 (indicated as power on in the figure). In this case, at time Te24 when the firing cycle t5 that starts from power-on arrives, the firing control circuit 91 does not restart the blank firing sequence that was halfway terminated due to the interruption of the power supply (indicated by a broken line in the figure). This is because the firing control circuit 91 is not configured to back up information indicating the progress status of the sequence being executed. When a new game ball launch condition is established, the launch control circuit 91 executes a game ball launch sequence based on the establishment of the launch condition. Further, the main control board 60 and the frame control board 80 will return to normal operation based on the various types of backed up information and will perform their respective normal processes. In other words, the frame control board 80 updates (adds and subtracts) the number of backed up game balls (the number of game balls and the number of circulating balls) based on various signals, and displays it on the game ball number display device 17 or the like. You can restart the process. In this way, in this embodiment, if the blank firing sequence is terminated midway due to cutoff of power supply from the outside during the period in which the blank firing sequence is being performed, the blank firing sequence that was terminated midway will be terminated. , the external power supply is not restarted after it has been started. On the other hand, the pachinko game machine 10 (frame control board 80) is configured to be able to resume control regarding the game from the number of game balls whose update was terminated midway due to interruption of power supply from the outside.

FIG. 18 shows a situation in which, in the situation shown in FIG. 15, the external power supply is cut off at time Te31 after time Te1 has passed during execution of the firing sequence (indicated as power cutoff in the figure). In this case, at time Te31, frame side power-off processing and main-side power-off processing are executed, and the storage contents of the RAMs 63 and 83 are retained. At time Te31, the firing stop signal that the main control board 60 outputs to the frame control board 80 turns on, and in response, the firing permission signal that the frame control board 80 outputs turns off.

The backup power supply 89 supplies backup power to the launch control board 90 and the launch solenoid 53 for a supply time TA after the external power supply is cut off. Here, the supply time TA is set to be the same length as the firing period t5 or slightly longer. Therefore, the firing control circuit 91 shifts to the blank firing sequence and controls at least one firing operation by the firing device 50 after the power is cut off at time Te31 until time Te32 when the supply time TA has elapsed. can be completed. That is, the firing control circuit 91 supplies the driving power to the firing solenoid 53 and does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80 at the time Te4 after the time Te31 when the power is cut off has elapsed. Thereafter, at time points Te5 and Te6, since the supply of backup power has already stopped, no drive current is supplied to the firing solenoid 53 (indicated by a broken line in the figure).

After that, at time Te33, it is assumed that the external power supply is resumed (indicated as power-on in the figure). In this case, similar to the situation described with reference to FIG. 17, the firing control circuit 91 does not restart the blank firing sequence that was halfway terminated due to the interruption of the power supply. When a new game ball launch condition is established, the launch control circuit 91 executes a game ball launch sequence based on the establishment of the launch condition. As described above, in this embodiment, even if the external power supply is cut off during at least one of the period when the firing sequence is being performed and the period when the blank firing sequence is being performed, The firing device 50 is capable of performing at least one firing operation after the external power supply is cut off.

Referring to FIG. 12, the relationship between the timing at which the firing condition is not satisfied and the timing at which the blank firing sequence is started will be described. Here, the explanation will focus on the period from time point Ta7 to time point Ta10 among the execution periods of the repeated firing sequence. In the following description, a period in which the specific conditions (the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition) are not satisfied and the firing condition is not satisfied will be referred to as a "non-satisfied period TN."

If the non-establishment period TN that started after the elapse of time Ta6 ends before reaching the next determination timing (time Ta9), the driving period of the firing solenoid 53 (output time t2) is started during the non-establishment period TN. When some or all of the firing periods are included, the blank firing sequence is not started from time Ta10 when the firing period t5 comes after time Ta9. That is, the firing sequence continues. In addition, if the non-establishment period TN that started after the elapse of the determination timing (time Ta9) ends before the next time Ta10 when the firing solenoid 53 is driven, the blank firing sequence starts from the time Ta10. is not started. That is, the firing sequence continues.

On the other hand, when the determination timing (time Ta9) is included in the non-establishment period TN that started after the elapse of time Ta6, when the drive period (output time t2) of the firing solenoid 53 is included in the non-establishment period TN, In either case, the blank firing sequence is started from time Ta10 when the firing period t5 arrives after time Ta9. That is, the firing sequence is not continued.

The effects of this embodiment will be explained.
(1-1) According to the present embodiment, when the specific condition, which is at least one of the first condition, the second condition, the third condition, and the fourth condition, is no longer satisfied, the game ball supply operation is performed. When the "firing conditions" for performing the firing operation are no longer satisfied, the firing operation (so-called blank firing) is performed while the supplying operation is restricted. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which no game balls are fired even though the number of game balls has been subtracted based on the data. Therefore, the reliability of data regarding the number of game balls can be improved.

(1-2) According to the present embodiment, even if the external power supply is cut off, at least one of the firing operations as a blank firing sequence is possible using backup power. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the occurrence of a situation in which no game balls are fired even though the number of game balls has been subtracted from the data.

(1-3) According to the present embodiment, since power can be supplied by the backup power supply 89, "dry firing" can be performed even if the power supply from the outside is cut off.
(1-4) According to the present embodiment, if there is an unlaunched game ball at the firing position 51a, the game ball is moved by the last firing action in the firing sequence by at least the first firing action in the blank firing sequence. is fired with the same or approximately the same intensity as. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being fired with an intensity not intended by the player.

(1-5) According to the present embodiment, when there is an unfired game ball at the firing position 51a, the game ball is moved by the second and subsequent firing motions in the blank firing sequence, and by the final firing motion in the firing sequence. is fired with the same or approximately the same intensity as. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being fired with an intensity not intended by the player.

(1-6) According to the present embodiment, when the firing condition is established by satisfying the second condition and the third condition during execution of the blank firing sequence, firing of the game ball can be promptly resumed. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to feel stress due to not being able to shoot the game ball.

(1-7) According to this embodiment, error notification is performed on the performance display monitor 84. Therefore, there is no need to provide a dedicated means for notifying errors in addition to the performance display monitor 84, and the configuration of the pachinko game machine 10 can be simplified.

(1-8) According to the present embodiment, the error notification on the performance display monitor 84 on the back side of the machine and the error notification on the game ball count display device 17 on the front side of the machine have the same or substantially the same start timing. . Therefore, whether the mounting frame 11b is in the open state or the closed state, the error notification can be recognized at the same timing.

(1-9) According to this embodiment, the firing sequence is not interrupted even if another error different from the first door opening error and the supply entrance sensor error occurs, so a blank firing sequence (blank firing) is not necessary. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of such situations.

(1-10) According to the present embodiment, even if a first door opening error or a supply inlet sensor error newly occurs during the execution of the blank firing sequence, the blank firing sequence is not interrupted, so that unfired game balls are Even if the ball exists, the game ball can be reliably fired. Therefore, the reliability of data regarding the number of game balls can be further improved.

(1-11) According to the present embodiment, based on the detection of game balls used in games or game balls that could not be used in games (so-called foul balls), the number of game balls stored as data is determined. The number (number of circulating balls) is added. Therefore, the reliability of data regarding the number of game balls can be further improved.

(1-12) According to the present embodiment, in the blank firing sequence, the voltage value held in the holding circuit of the firing control circuit 91 is used instead of the voltage of the volume signal generated according to the amount of operation of the firing handle 15. Based on this, the intensity of the firing action is controlled. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the game ball from being fired with an intensity that is not intended by the player.

(1-13) According to the present embodiment, in controlling the intensity of the firing operation, the operation amount of the firing handle 15 (voltage of the volume signal) is not referred to in the blank firing sequence. Therefore, in the blank firing sequence, it becomes possible to fire the game ball with an intensity different from the amount of operation of the firing handle 15. In other words, regardless of the amount of operation of the firing handle 15, blank firing can be performed with an intensity suitable for the situation at that time.

(1-14) According to the present embodiment, when a special error (for example, a ball clogging error in the supply device 40) occurs, the operating amount of the firing handle 15 (voltage of the volume signal) is referenced. A blank shot will be performed using a special sequence. Therefore, after the special error is resolved, the game ball can be immediately fired with an intensity corresponding to the amount of operation of the firing handle 15.

(1-15) According to the present embodiment, by using the special sequence, it is possible to perform dry firing in response to the occurrence of ball clogging in the supply device 40, and immediately after the ball clogging is resolved, the operation amount of the firing handle 15 can be Game balls can be fired with intensity according to the intensity.

(1-16) According to the present embodiment, if a predetermined error (for example, a supply inlet sensor error and a first door opening error) occurs, the firing condition will no longer be met. Nevertheless, it is possible to prevent game balls from continuing to be fired. Even in such a situation, the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls can be further improved because so-called "dry hitting" is performed.

(1-17) According to the present embodiment, when the power supply from the outside is cut off, the shooting condition is no longer satisfied, so when the power supply from the outside is cut off, the shooting of the game ball can be stopped immediately. Even in such a situation, the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls can be further improved because so-called "dry hitting" is performed.

(1-18) According to the present embodiment, when the power supply from the outside is cut off, the main control board 60 enters a signal output state instructing to stop firing (the firing stop signal is in the ON state), and the frame control board 80 becomes a signal output state instructing launch disapproval (the launch permission signal is in an OFF state), and the launch condition is not satisfied. Therefore, since the firing of game balls can be stopped in conjunction with the operations of the main control board 60 and the frame control board 80, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of discrepancies in the interlocking of the control boards.

(1-19) According to the present embodiment, even if a specific error occurs during the blank firing sequence, the so-called "dry firing" can be performed without interrupting the blank firing sequence, so the game ball The reliability of data regarding the number of objects can be further improved.

(1-20) According to this embodiment, the specific error is that a magnetic game ball is detected. Although it is possible to use a magnet to influence the behavior of magnetic game balls, it cannot be said that they cannot be fired or fed. In this embodiment, although detection of a magnetic game ball is regarded as an error, it is possible to launch the game ball and so-called "dry firing", thereby achieving a balance between error detection and the player's interests. .

(1-21) According to this embodiment, the number of game balls display device 17 can notify the number of game balls (number of game balls), and this game ball number display device 17 is a means for notifying an error. It is also used as Therefore, the number of game balls and errors can be easily grasped by one means.

(1-22) According to the present embodiment, when the number of game balls specified from the data becomes less than a predetermined number, the firing condition no longer holds true. can be stopped immediately. Even in such a situation, the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls can be further improved because so-called "dry hitting" is performed.

(1-23) According to the present embodiment, when the number of game balls specified from the data becomes less than a predetermined number, the frame control board 80 outputs a signal instructing to disallow firing (the firing permission signal is in an OFF state) Therefore, the firing condition is not satisfied. Therefore, since the firing of game balls can be stopped in conjunction with the operation of the frame control board 80, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of discrepancies in the interlocking of the control boards.

(1-24) According to the present embodiment, since the number of game balls that can be specified from the data is displayed on the game ball number display device 17, the number of game balls that can be specified from the data is less than the predetermined number. When the firing operation of the game ball is stopped, it is possible to easily understand what to do.

(1-25) According to the present embodiment, even if the number of game balls specified from the data becomes less than the predetermined number while the blank firing sequence is being performed, the blank firing sequence is continued. Therefore, the reliability of data regarding the number of game balls can be further improved.

(1-26) According to the present embodiment, since there are multiple types of firing prohibited states in which the first condition is not satisfied, the firing sequence can be terminated according to various situations. In any situation, since so-called "dry hitting" is carried out, the reliability of data regarding the number of game balls can be suitably improved.

(1-27) According to the present embodiment, when a blank firing sequence is being performed, even if the blank firing sequence is terminated midway due to cutoff of external power supply, the external power supply is not started. It does not restart after Therefore, even if power supply from the outside is started, so-called "dry firing" is not restarted, so that it is possible to prevent interference with control after the start of power supply from the outside.

(1-28) According to the present embodiment, when a firing sequence or a blank firing sequence is performed, even if the power supply from the outside is cut off, the firing device 50 can perform at least one firing. operation is possible. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even if the power supply from the outside is cut off, it is possible to prevent the game balls from remaining without being fired.

(1-29) According to this embodiment, the backup power supply 89 can supply backup power until the firing period t5 in the firing sequence has elapsed. Therefore, even if the external power supply is cut off, at least one firing operation can be performed.

(1-30) According to the present embodiment, when the third condition is no longer satisfied, the blank firing sequence is executed. In the blank firing sequence when the third condition is not satisfied, the firing solenoid 53 is driven with a voltage that corresponds (substantially corresponds) to the threshold value of the volume signal. That is, the game ball can be ejected with the weakest ejection intensity that the ejection solenoid 53 can drive. Therefore, although almost all the game balls become foul balls, no game balls remain at the firing position 51a, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of discrepancies in the number of game balls and the number of circulating balls.

(1-31) According to the present embodiment, the timing at which the error code starts to be displayed on the game ball count display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84 is different from the timing at which the error notification starts at the production device group ES. It is. Therefore, as an error notification means, it is possible to start error notification at an appropriate timing depending on the respective installation positions and notification strengths. It should be noted that the notification by the performance device group ES has a high appeal to the senses, and can be said to have a lower notification intensity than a simple display of an error code.

(1-32) According to this embodiment, the error notification by the game ball count display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84 is executed before the error notification by the production device group ES. Therefore, it is possible to first notify the administrator of the error and then start to notify the player of the error that is easy to understand.

(1-33) According to the present embodiment, even if the supply passage ball clogging is resolved during execution of the special control, if "dry firing" is not performed a predetermined number of times (two times as an example), the special control ( special sequence) does not finish. Therefore, it is possible to prevent new game balls from being supplied even though game balls remain in the supply passage 44a and the firing position 51a.

(Second embodiment)
In the pachinko game machine 10 of the first embodiment, when the firing condition for the game ball is satisfied during the execution of the blank firing sequence, the blank firing sequence is terminated midway from the time when it is determined that the firing condition is satisfied at the determination timing. to begin the firing sequence. In contrast, the pachinko game machine 10 of the second embodiment is different in that the firing sequence is started after the blank firing sequence is completed. In the blank firing sequence of this embodiment, the firing solenoid 53 is driven twice, that is, the firing operation of the firing device 50 is performed twice.

As shown in FIG. 19, if the game ball firing conditions are not reestablished during the execution of the blank firing sequence, this is the same as in the first embodiment except that the number of times the firing device 50 is driven is two. Detailed explanation will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 20, under the same situation as in FIG. 19, the touch signal transitions to the on state at time Te10 while the blank firing sequence is being executed from time Te4, and the game ball launch condition is re-established. shows.

In this case, the firing control circuit 91 determines that the firing condition is satisfied at time Te11 (judgment timing) when the prescribed time t4 has elapsed since the previous activation of the firing solenoid 53 at time Te4, but continues the blank firing sequence. do. That is, the firing control circuit 91 supplies the driving current to the firing solenoid 53 at the time Te5 when the prescribed time t1 has elapsed from the time Te11, but does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80. Therefore, the frame control board 80 does not input the subtraction reference signal and does not drive the supply solenoid 43.

The firing control circuit 91 ends the blank firing sequence and shifts to the firing sequence at a time Te6 when a firing period t5 has elapsed since the previous driving of the firing solenoid 53 at a time Te5, and supplies a drive current to the firing solenoid 53. At the same time, a subtraction reference signal is output to the frame control board 80. The frame control board 80 drives the supply solenoid 43 based on the subtraction reference signal. Thereafter, the firing control circuit 91 repeatedly executes the firing sequence. In this way, the firing control circuit 91 of the present embodiment is configured to continue firing until the blank firing sequence is completed, even if it is determined that the game ball firing conditions are met at the determination timing while the blank firing sequence is being executed. Can't switch to sequence.

The effects of this embodiment will be explained.
(2-1) According to the present embodiment, even if the conditions for firing the game ball are met during the execution of the blank firing sequence, the firing sequence is started after the blank firing sequence is completed. In other words, it is possible to reliably perform blank firing a predetermined number of times. Therefore, the reliability of data regarding the number of game balls can be further improved.

The above embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. The above embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.
- In this embodiment, the special error is the supply passage ball clogging, but it is not limited to this, and one or more of the errors that can be detected (set) by the CPU 81 can be arbitrarily selected as the special error, It may be configured to execute special control (special sequence).

- In the present embodiment, the firing control circuit 91 outputs the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80 at the same timing as the supply of drive current to the firing solenoid 53; however, the present invention is not limited to this. The configuration may be such that the subtraction reference signal is output to the frame control board 80 at the timing when the supply of current ends. According to this modified example, there is no need for a program for counting the prescribed time t2a on the frame control board 80.

- In this embodiment, the blank firing sequence is executed when the firing condition is not satisfied because the first condition, the second condition, or the third condition is no longer satisfied as a specific condition, but this is not limited to this. do not have. The blank firing sequence may be executed when the stop signal is turned on and the fourth condition is no longer satisfied. Further, the blank firing sequence may be configured such that it is not executed when the first condition is no longer satisfied, may be configured such that it is not executed when the second condition is no longer satisfied, or when the third condition is no longer satisfied. It may be configured such that it is not executed sometimes. That is, the specific condition can be set to one or more conditions that can be arbitrarily selected from among the first condition, second condition, third condition, and fourth condition.

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

- In this embodiment, the timing at which the error code starts to be displayed on the game ball count display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84 is different from the timing at which error notification starts at the production device group ES. However, the timing is not limited to, and may be the same or substantially the same timing. Further, the timing at which the error code starts to be displayed on the game ball count display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84 may be earlier than the timing at which the presentation device group ES starts notifying the error.

- In the present embodiment, one unit of the firing sequence is such that the firing solenoid 53 is driven and the subtraction reference signal is output at the same time, and the supply solenoid 43 is driven, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one unit of the firing sequence may be configured such that the subtraction reference signal is first output, the supply solenoid 43 is driven, and the firing sequence ends with the firing solenoid 53 being driven (that is, firing). According to this modified example, the firing sequence ends after the game ball firing operation. Therefore, for example, even if a power failure occurs during execution of a firing sequence, if the firing sequence can be completed using backup power, at least one firing operation can be ensured without newly executing a blank firing sequence. In other words, even if the power supply from the outside is interrupted, at least one of the firing operation as a firing sequence and the firing operation as a blank firing sequence may be configured to be possible.

- In the present embodiment, the voltage of the volume signal is not referenced in the blank firing sequence, but this is not limited to this, and some of the predetermined number of blank firing operations included in the blank firing sequence can be selected arbitrarily. , or all of them may be configured to supply a drive current according to the voltage of the volume signal at that time. For example, the voltage of the volume signal may be referred to for the second and subsequent firing operations in the blank firing sequence.

- In this embodiment, the firing device 50 performs at least one firing operation after the external power supply is cut off, both during the period when the firing sequence is performed and during the period when the blank firing sequence is performed. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the backup power supply 89 supplies backup power to the firing control board 90 and the firing solenoid 53 only during one of the periods when the firing sequence is being performed and the period when the blank firing sequence is being performed, which can be selected arbitrarily. It may also be configured to supply the

- In this embodiment, the firing control board 90 realizes a firing sequence and a blank firing sequence by being provided with a firing control circuit 91. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the firing control board 90 may include a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and may be configured to execute the firing sequence and the blank firing sequence through arithmetic processing by the CPU. Furthermore, in this modified example, when the external power supply is cut off, the CPU of the launch control board 90 stores information that can identify the progress status of the blank firing sequence in the RAM, and when the external power supply is cut off, The blank firing sequence may be restarted when it is reinserted.

- In this embodiment, the firing conditions are met before a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times) of the specified number of times (for example, 5 times) of the dry firing operations that make up the blank firing sequence are completed. If the firing sequence is established again, the firing sequence may be started after the specified number of blank firing operations are completed. In this modified example, if the specified number of blank firing operations have been completed, the blank firing sequence may be ended from the next firing operation for which the firing condition is met, and the firing sequence may be executed.

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

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

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

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

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

- In this embodiment, the game machine is configured to circulate all of a predetermined amount of game media (game balls as an example), but the present invention is not limited to this. The configuration may be such that it can be replaced with a medium.

Next, technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiment and modified examples will be described.
(1) The control means includes a firing control section that controls the firing mechanism, and a supply control section that controls the supply mechanism, and the firing mechanism includes a hitting section that hits the game ball, and a hitting section that hits the game ball. a firing actuator that drives the part to hit the game ball, and when the firing condition is satisfied, the firing control part outputs a supply signal in response to the driving of the firing actuator. The supply control unit may cause the supply mechanism to perform a supply operation based on the supply signal, and the output time of the supply signal and the driving time of the firing actuator may have different lengths.

(2) The supply mechanism includes a locking part that locks the game ball, and a supply actuator that releases the lock by the locking part and drives the game ball so that it is supplied to the firing mechanism. The output time of the supply signal and the drive time of the supply actuator may have different lengths.

(3) When the special control is performed because the first condition and the fourth condition are satisfied but the second condition and the third condition are not satisfied, the second condition When the firing condition is established by satisfying the condition and the third condition, the special control may be terminated midway and the normal control may be performed.

(4) It is preferable to include a base display means capable of displaying information regarding the base of the game ball, and the base display means may also be used as a means for notifying an error.

10... Pachinko game machine 15... Firing handle 15c... Firing stop button 17... Game ball number display device 20... Game board 20a... Game area 40... Supply device 42... Movable piece 43... Supply solenoid 50... Firing device 52... Firing hammer 53 ...Fire solenoid 60...Main control board 63...RAM
80...Frame control board 83...RAM
84... Performance display monitor 89... Backup power supply 90... Launch control board 91... Launch control circuit D22... Supply inlet sensor D23... Supply outlet sensor

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine configured to be able to store the number of game balls as data and to play a game based on the data,
a firing operation means capable of firing a game ball;
A stop operation means capable of stopping the firing of the game ball;
a firing mechanism that fires a game ball;
a supply mechanism that supplies game balls to the firing mechanism;
A control means for performing predetermined control,
The number of game balls stored as the data is subtracted in relation to at least one of the firing operation by the firing mechanism and the supplying operation by the supplying mechanism,
A first condition is a firing permission state in which firing of a game ball is permitted; a second condition is a contact detection state in which contact with the firing operating means is detected; the amount of operation of the firing operating means exceeds a predetermined amount; The third condition, which is an operation detection state in which it is detected that the firing of the game ball is being performed, and the fourth condition, which is a non-stopping state in which no operation to stop the firing of the game ball is detected, are all satisfied and the firing condition is satisfied. If it is true, normal control is performed to cause the supply mechanism to perform a supply operation and the firing mechanism to perform a firing operation,
When the specific condition, which is at least one of the first condition, the second condition, the third condition, and the fourth condition, is no longer satisfied and the firing condition is no longer satisfied, the supply by the supply mechanism Special control is performed to cause the firing mechanism to perform a firing operation while the operation is stopped,
The control means includes a main control section, a frame control section that controls at least the supply mechanism, and a firing control section that controls the firing mechanism,
During the period in which the special control is being performed, even if the special control is terminated midway due to cutoff of power supply from the outside, the special control can be restarted after the power supply from the outside is started. A gaming machine featuring :