JP7457418B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine.

As an example of a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine, as described in Patent Document 1 below, performs a process of determining whether it is a jackpot based on the entry of a game ball into a first starting port or a second starting port. Many of them are equipped with a game control microcomputer (game control means) that performs the following. In this type of pachinko game machine, the player enters the game ball into the first starting hole or the second starting hole and expects to win a jackpot and execute a jackpot game that is advantageous to the player. You will play games while doing so.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-046601

There is room for improvement in providing a gaming machine that can give a novel impression.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. In other words, the objective is to provide a gaming machine that can give a novel impression.

The gaming machine of the present invention includes:
a gaming machine frame including a frame-shaped base frame portion and a front frame portion located on the front side of the base frame portion;
a game board arranged inside the game machine frame;
A game machine comprising: a game control board mounted on the game board and implementing a game control means that performs a determination process based on the ball entering the ball entrance;
The game control board is
A transition operation means that can be operated from a predetermined initial position to a movement position, and can be shifted to a setting mode based on the operation to the movement position;
a display means capable of displaying settings corresponding to the probability of being determined to be a jackpot in the determination process;
a signal line connected to the game control means;
a power line connected to the signal line and supplied with power at a predetermined voltage via a pull-up resistor;
When the transition operation means is in the initial position, power of the predetermined voltage is supplied to the signal line via the pull-up resistor, while when the transition operation means is in the movement position, power of the predetermined voltage is supplied to the signal line. switching means for not supplying the signal to the signal line via the pull-up resistor;
The game control means is
If the transition operation means is operated to the movement position when the power is turned on, transition to the setting mode based on inputting a second signal from the signal line,
When set to the setting mode, it is possible to display a setting corresponding to a probability of being judged as a jackpot in the judgment process on the display means,
After transitioning to the setting mode, when a first signal is input from the signal line while the transition operating means is being operated from the movement position to the initial position, the setting mode is terminated, and the setting mode is terminated. This gaming machine is characterized in that it is possible to hide settings corresponding to the probability of a jackpot being determined in the determination process on the display means.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to give a novel impression.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment. 2 is an oblique view showing the structure of the gaming machine frame of the gaming machine. FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment. It is a front view of a game board included in the game machine. It is an enlarged view of part A shown in FIG. 4, and is a diagram showing display devices included in the gaming machine. It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the game control board side of the game machine. It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the production control board side of the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the back side of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the back side of a gaming machine according to a comparative example. FIG. 11 is an electrical circuit diagram to explain the power supplied between the power supply unit, the payout control board, and the game control board in the comparative example. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an in-circuit test of a comparative example. In this embodiment, it is an electric circuit diagram for explaining the electric power supplied between the power supply unit, the payout control board, and the game control board. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an in-circuit inspection according to the present embodiment. 13 is a hit type determination table. It is a table showing various random numbers obtained by the game control microcomputer. (A) is the jackpot judgment table used when the setting value is "1", (B) is the jackpot judgment table used when the setting value is "2", and (C) is the jackpot judgment table used when the setting value is "3". (D) is the jackpot judgment table used when the setting value is "4", (E) is the jackpot judgment table used when the setting value is "5", and (F) is the jackpot judgment table used when the setting value is "5". This is a jackpot determination table used when the value is "6". (A) is a reach determination table, (B) is a normal symbol hit determination table, and (C) is a normal symbol variation pattern selection table. This is a special chart fluctuation pattern determination table. This is an opening pattern determination table for electric chews. (A) is a perspective view showing the game control board and the game control board case, and (B) is a front view showing the game control board and the game control board case. It is a front view showing a 7-segment display. This is a diagram to explain the change in the presentation mode when the setting change mode transition operation is performed, followed by the RAM clear switch operation and then the setting confirmation operation. It is a diagram showing an electric circuit around a game control microcomputer. (A) is a diagram showing the electric circuit when the setting key cylinder is in the rotation position, and (B) is a diagram showing the electric circuit when the setting key cylinder is in the middle of operation from the rotation position to the standby position. , (C) is a diagram showing the electric circuit when the setting key cylinder is in the standby position. (A) is a diagram showing a case where an error display is executed on a 7-segment display, and (B) is a diagram showing an operation suggestion image on the display screen, an error sound output from a speaker, and a frame lamp and panel lamp. It is a figure which shows the error light emission mode of. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining that the display mode is switched at specific time intervals after the initial display is performed on the 7-segment display. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a case where the first base, the second base, and the third base are not yet stored. It is a flowchart of main control main processing. It is a flowchart of processing at power-on. It is a flowchart of setting change mode processing. It is a flowchart of setting value confirmation mode processing. It is a flowchart of processing at the time of power failure recovery. It is a flowchart of error mode processing. 3 is a flowchart of main side timer interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of base arithmetic processing. It is a flowchart of base display processing. It is a flowchart of base display processing. 13 is a flowchart of a power interruption monitoring process. 13 is a flowchart of a sub-control main process. 3 is a flowchart of reception interrupt processing. 13 is a flowchart of a 1 ms timer interrupt process. It is a flowchart of 10ms timer interrupt processing. 3 is a flowchart of received command analysis processing. It is a flowchart of a fluctuating production start process. In a modified example, it is a diagram for explaining a change in the presentation mode when a settings change mode transition operation is performed, a RAM clear switch operation is performed, and a settings confirmation operation is performed. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining that the display mode of setting values changes due to a setting confirmation operation in a modified example. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining that a setting value and a base are displayed simultaneously on a 7-segment display in a modified example. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining that in a modified example, there is a first display means for displaying a setting value and a second display means for displaying a base. In a modification, it is an electric circuit diagram for explaining electric power supplied between a power supply unit, a payout control board, and a game control board. 50 is a diagram for explaining an in-circuit test of the electric circuit shown in FIG. 49; FIG. In a modification, it is an electric circuit diagram for explaining electric power supplied between a power supply unit, a payout control board, and a game control board. FIG. 52 is a diagram for explaining an in-circuit test of the electric circuit shown in FIG. 51; In a modified example, (A) is a diagram showing the electrical circuit when the setting key cylinder is in the standby position, (B) is a diagram showing the electrical circuit when the setting key cylinder is in the middle of being operated from the standby position to the rotating position, and (C) is a diagram showing the electrical circuit when the setting key cylinder is in the rotating position.

1. Structure of the gaming machine A pachinko gaming machine PY1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the left and right directions of each part of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described as being the same as the left and right directions of a player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1. In addition, the front direction of each part of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described as the direction approaching the player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1, and the rear direction of each part of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described as the direction away from the player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the embodiment includes a gaming machine frame 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine frame 2 constitutes the outer shell of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, and includes an outer frame 22, an inner frame 21, and a front door 23 (front frame). The outer frame 22 is a vertically rectangular frame that forms the outer part of the pachinko game machine PY1. The inner frame 21 is arranged inside the outer frame 22, and is a vertically rectangular frame body to which a game board 1, which will be described later, is attached. The front door 23 is arranged on the front side of the outer frame 22 and the inner frame 21, and has a vertical rectangular shape to protect the game board 1. The front door 23 is the part that directly faces the player, and is decorated with various decorations.

The gaming machine frame 2 is configured to include a hinge portion 24 on the left end side. With this hinge portion 24, the front door 23 is rotatable with respect to the outer frame 22 and the inner frame 21, respectively, and the inner frame 21 is rotatable with respect to the outer frame 22 and the front door 23, respectively. It has become. An opening 23a is formed in the center of the front door 23, and a transparent plate 23t is attached to the opening 23a so that the player can view a gaming area 6, which will be described later. Although the transparent plate 23t is a glass plate in this embodiment, it may be a transparent synthetic resin plate. That is, the transparent plate 23t may be of any type as long as it allows the gaming area 6 to be viewed from the front.

In addition, if the outer frame 22 of the gaming machine frame 2 is considered to be equivalent to the "base frame portion", then the inner frame 21 and the front door 23 can be considered to be equivalent to the "front frame portion".In addition, if the outer frame 22 and the inner frame 21 of the gaming machine frame 2 are considered to be equivalent to the "base frame portion", then the front door 23 can be considered to be equivalent to the "front frame portion".

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the front door 23 includes a handle 72k (game ball hitting means) for firing game balls with a firing intensity corresponding to the rotation angle, and a ball supply tray (for storing game balls). An upper tray) 34, and a surplus ball tray (lower tray) 35 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the ball supply tray 34 are provided. Further, the front door 23 is provided with a production button (input section) 40k and a select button 42k that can be operated by the player during production performed as the game progresses. Note that the select button (cross key) 42k includes an up button, a down button, a left button, and a right button. The front door 23 is also provided with a decorative frame lamp 212 and a speaker (not shown in FIG. 1) that outputs sound.

A game board 1 shown in FIG. 4 is attached to the game machine frame 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the game board 1 has a game area 6 surrounded by a rail member 62, in which game balls shot by operating the handle 72k flow down. The game board 1 is also provided with a large number of decorative board lamps 54. Further, in the game area 6, a plurality of game nails for guiding game balls are provided protrudingly. The game board 1 is a combination of a plate-like member placed on the front side and a back unit (a unit for attaching various control boards, image display device 50, harness, etc., which will be described later) placed on the rear side. It is something.

Further, near the center of the gaming area 6, an image display device 50 (effect display means, image display means), which is a liquid crystal display device, is provided. Note that the image display device may be another image display device such as an organic EL display device. The display screen 50a (display section) of the image display device 50 has a production pattern display area that displays a variable display of a production pattern EZ (decorative pattern) in synchronization with the variable display of a first special pattern and a second special pattern, which will be described later. . A performance that displays the performance pattern EZ is called a performance pattern variation performance. The performance symbol variation performance is sometimes referred to as a "decorative symbol variation performance" or simply a "variation performance." The effect pattern display area is composed of three effect pattern display areas, eg, "left," "middle," and "right." A left performance pattern EZ1 is displayed in the left performance pattern display area, a middle performance pattern EZ2 is displayed in the middle performance pattern display area, and a right performance pattern EZ3 is displayed in the right performance pattern display area.

Each of the performance symbols EZ is composed of a plurality of symbols each representing a number from "1" to "9", for example. The image display device 50 displays a first special symbol displayed on a first special symbol display 81a and a second special symbol display 81b, which will be described later, by a combination of a left presentation symbol EZ1, a middle presentation symbol EZ2, and a right presentation symbol EZ3. And the results of the variable display of the second special symbol (that is, the results of the jackpot lottery) are displayed in an easy-to-understand manner.

For example, if a jackpot is won, the effect pattern EZ is stopped and displayed as a zero number such as "777". Furthermore, if it is a miss, the effect pattern EZ is stopped and displayed with a miss such as "637". This makes it easier for the player to grasp the progress of the game. In other words, the player generally understands the result of the jackpot lottery on the image display device 50, rather than on the first special figure display 81a or the second special figure display 81b. Note that the position of the performance symbol display area does not have to be fixed. Moreover, as a mode of fluctuating display of the effect pattern EZ, there is, for example, a mode of scrolling in the vertical direction.

The image display device 50 has a display screen that displays, in addition to the above-described effect symbol variation effect using the effect pattern EZ, a jackpot effect performed in parallel with the jackpot game, a demonstration effect for waiting for customers (customer waiting effect), etc. 50a. In addition, in the performance pattern variation performance, in addition to the performance pattern EZ such as numbers, performance images other than the performance pattern EZ such as a background image and a character image are also displayed.

The display screen 50a of the image display device 50 also has a reserve icon display area that displays a reserve icon HA (effect reserve image) according to the number of reserved first special patterns and reserved second special patterns, which will be described later. By displaying the reserve icon HA, the number of reserved first special patterns displayed on the first special pattern reserve display 83a, which will be described later, and the number of reserved second special patterns displayed on the second special pattern reserve display 83b, which will be described later, can be clearly shown to the player.

Near the center of the gaming area 6 and in front of the image display device 50, a center frame 61 (inner wall portion) is arranged. At the lower part of the center frame 61, a stage 61s is formed that can guide a game ball rolling on the upper surface to a first starting port 11, which will be described later. Further, a warp 61w is provided on the left side of the center frame 61 to allow game balls to flow in from the entrance and to flow out the game balls from the exit to the stage 61s. Furthermore, a movable platen body 55k that can be moved up and down is provided on the upper part of the center frame 61. The board movable body 55k is movable from an origin position above the display screen 50a to a performance position overlapping the center of the display screen 50a in the front-rear direction.

Below the image display device 50 in the game area 6, a first start winning device 11D is provided, which has a first start opening 11 (ball entry opening) that always allows the game ball to enter with a constant ease. The first start opening 11 is also called the first ball entry opening, fixed ball entry opening, first start winning opening, or first start area. The first start winning device 11D is also called the first ball entry means, fixed ball entry means, or first start winning device. The entry of a game ball into the first start opening 11 triggers the drawing of a first special pattern (a jackpot drawing, i.e., obtaining and determining a jackpot random number, etc.).

Further, below the first starting port 11 in the gaming area 6, there is provided a normal variable prize winning device (normal electric accessory, so-called electric chew) 12D, which is provided with a second starting port 12 (ball entry port). The second starting hole 12 is also referred to as a second ball entrance, a variable ball entrance, a second starting prize opening, or a second starting area. The electric chew 12D is also referred to as a second ball entry means, a variable ball entry means, or a second starting winning device. The winning of the game ball into the second starting hole 12 is an opportunity for a second special symbol lottery (jackpot lottery).

The electric chew 12D includes an electric chew opening/closing member 12k (ball entrance opening/closing member) that is in an open state and a closed state, and opens and closes the second starting port 12 by the operation of the electric chew opening/closing member 12k. The electric chew opening/closing member 12k is driven by an electric chew solenoid 12s, which will be described later. When the electric chew opening/closing member 12k is in the open state, the game ball can enter the second starting port 12, and when it is in the closed state, the game ball cannot enter the second starting port 12. Become. In other words, the second starting port 12 is a starting port whose ease of entry of game balls can be changed. In addition, if the electric chew allows the ball to enter the second starting port more easily when the electric chew opening/closing member is in the open state than when it is in the closed state, the electric chew 2. It is not necessary to make it impossible for the ball to enter the starting hole.

Further, on the right side of the first starting opening 11 in the gaming area 6, a big winning device (special electric accessory) 14D having a big winning opening 14 is provided. The big winning hole 14 is also referred to as a special winning hole (special winning section). The big winning device 14D is also called an attacker (AT), special winning means, or special variable winning device. The big winning device 14D includes an AT opening/closing member 14k (special winning opening/closing member) that takes an open state (first state) and a closed state (second state), and opens the big winning opening 14 by operating the AT opening/closing member 14k. It opens and closes. The AT opening/closing member 14k is driven by an AT solenoid 14s, which will be described later. A game ball can enter the grand prize opening 14 only when the AT opening/closing member 14k is in an open state.

Further, on the right side of the center frame 61, a gate 13 is provided through which game balls can pass. The gate 13 is also referred to as a passage port or a passage area. Passage of the game ball to the gate 13 is a trigger for executing a normal symbol lottery (that is, obtaining and determining a normal symbol random number (winning random number)) to decide whether or not to release the electric chew 12D. Furthermore, a plurality of general prize winning holes 10 are provided at the bottom of the gaming area 6. Further, at the lowest part of the game area 6, an out port 19 is provided for discharging game balls that are hit into the game area 6 but do not win in any of the winning holes to the outside of the game area 6.

The gaming area 6 in which various winning openings and the like are arranged includes a left gaming area 6L (first gaming area) on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, and a right gaming area 6R (second gaming area) on the right side. There is. A hitting method in which the game ball is launched so that it flows down the left game area 6L is called left-handed hitting. On the other hand, the hitting method in which the game ball is shot so that it flows down the right game area 6R is called right-handed hitting. In the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, the flow path through which the game ball flows down when the game is played with the left hand is called the first flow path R1, and the flow path through which the game ball flows down when the game is played with the right hand is called the first flow path R1. , referred to as a second flow path R2.

A first starting port 11, a general winning port 10, an electric chew 12D, and an out port 19 are provided on the first flow path R1. A player can aim to win a prize in the first starting opening 11 or the general winning opening 10 by hitting the game ball so as to flow down the first channel R1. Note that since no gate is disposed on the first flow path R1, the electric chew 12D will not be opened when the player is hitting left-handed.

On the other hand, on the second channel R2, a gate 13, a general winning opening 10, a big winning device 14D, an electric chew 12D, and an out opening 19 are provided. By hitting the game ball so that it flows down the second flow path R2, the player can aim to pass through the gate 13 or win a prize in the general prize opening 10, the second starting opening 12, and the grand prize opening 14. can.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a display device 8 is arranged at the lower right portion of the game board 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the displays 8 include a first special symbol display 81a that variably displays a first special symbol, a second special symbol 81b that variably displays a second special symbol, and a normal symbol. A general figure display 82 that variably displays (general figure) is included. The first special symbol is also referred to as the first special symbol or special symbol 1, and the second special symbol is also referred to as the second special symbol or special symbol 2. The ordinary design is also called Fuzu.

In addition, the display devices 8 include a first special pattern holding display 83a that displays the memory number of pending activations (first special pattern holding) of a first special pattern display 81a, and a pending activation of a second special pattern display 81b. Includes a second special symbol reservation display 83b that displays the number of stored special symbols (second special symbol reservation), and a general symbol reservation display 84 that displays the number of memory for operation reservation (common symbol reservation) of the regular symbol display 82. It is.

The variable display of the first special symbol is triggered by the landing of a game ball into the first starting port 11. The variable display of the second special symbol is performed when a game ball enters the second starting port 12. In the following explanation, the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be collectively referred to as a special symbol (special symbol). Further, the first special figure display 81a and the second special figure display 81b may be collectively referred to as the special figure display 81. Further, the first special figure holding display 83a and the second special figure holding display 83b may be collectively referred to as the special figure holding display 83. In addition, the first special map reservation and the second special map reservation may be collectively referred to as special map reservation.

The special symbol display device 81 displays a special symbol (identification symbol) variably (variably displays) and then stops displaying it, so that a lottery (special symbol lottery, Announce the results of the jackpot lottery. The special symbol that is stopped and displayed (stop symbol, special symbol that is derived and displayed as a display result of variable display) is one special symbol that is selected from a plurality of types of special symbols by special symbol lottery. If the stopping symbol is a predetermined specific special symbol (special symbol with a specific stopping pattern, that is, a jackpot symbol), the opening pattern will be changed according to the type of the specific special symbol that is stopped and displayed (that is, the type of winning jackpot). A jackpot game (an example of a special game) in which the jackpot 14 is opened is played. In addition, the opening pattern of the big prize opening in the special game will be described later.

Specifically, the special symbol display 81 is made up of, for example, eight LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) arranged side by side, and displays a special symbol according to the result of the jackpot lottery depending on the lighting mode. be. For example, if you win a jackpot (one of the multiple types of jackpots described below), 1, 2 from the left, "○○●●○○●●" (○: lit, ●: off). The jackpot symbol with the 5th and 6th LEDs lit is displayed. In addition, in the case of a loss, a losing symbol such as "●●●●●●●○" with only the rightmost LED lit is displayed. A mode may be adopted in which all the LEDs are turned off as a losing symbol. Note that the losing symbol is not a specific special symbol. In addition, before the special symbol is stopped and displayed, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined variable time, and the mode of the variable display is, for example, each LED lights up so that the light repeatedly flows from left to right. This is the mode. Note that the manner of the variable display may be in any manner, such as all the LEDs blinking at once, as long as each LED is not displayed in a stopped state (lighted-up display in a specific manner).

In this pachinko game machine PY1, when a game ball enters the first starting port 11 or the second starting port 12, the values of various random numbers such as the jackpot random number obtained for that winning (numerical information , determination information) is temporarily stored in the special figure reservation storage unit 105, which will be described later. Specifically, if the prize is won in the first starting opening 11, it is stored as the first special figure reservation in the first special figure reservation storage unit 105a, which will be described later, and if it is won in the second starting opening 12, it is stored as the second special figure reservation. It is stored as a figure reservation in a second special figure reservation storage section 105b, which will be described later. There is an upper limit to the number of special figure reservations that can be stored in each special figure reservation storage section 105, and the upper limit value in this embodiment is "4".

The special figure reservation stored in the special figure reservation storage section 105 is consumed when variable display of special symbols based on the special figure reservation becomes possible. The extinguishment of the special symbol reservation means to determine the jackpot random number etc. corresponding to the special symbol reservation, and to execute a variable display of the special symbol to show the determination result. Therefore, in this pachinko gaming machine PY1, if the variable display of the special symbol based on the winning of a game ball to the first starting port 11 or the second starting port 12 cannot be performed immediately after the winning, that is, the variable display of the special symbol cannot be performed. Even if a prize is won during execution of a medium or special game, the right to draw a jackpot for that prize can be reserved up to a predetermined number.

The number of reserved special drawings is then displayed on the reserved special drawing display 83. Specifically, each reserved special drawing display 83 is composed of, for example, four LEDs, and the number of reserved special drawings is displayed by lighting up the LEDs equal to the number of reserved special drawings.

The variable display of the normal symbols is triggered by the passage of the game ball to the gate 13. The normal symbol display device 82 notifies the result of the normal symbol lottery based on the passage of the game ball to the gate 13 by variably displaying the normal symbol (fluctuating display) and then stop displaying it. The normal pattern that is stopped and displayed (the normal pattern that is stopped and the normal pattern that is derived and displayed as a display result of the variable display) is one normal pattern that is selected from a plurality of types of normal patterns by a normal pattern lottery. If the stopped and displayed normal symbol is a predetermined specific normal symbol (normal symbol in a predetermined stopping mode, that is, a normal winning symbol), the second starting port 12 is opened in an opening pattern according to the current gaming state. An auxiliary game is performed to make the game easier. Note that the opening pattern of the second starting port 12 will be described later.

Specifically, the normal symbol display 82 is composed of, for example, two LEDs (see FIG. 5), and displays a normal symbol according to the result of the normal symbol lottery depending on the lighting mode thereof. For example, if the lottery result is a win, a normal winning symbol with both LEDs lit, such as "○○" (○: lit, ●: off), is displayed. If the lottery result is a loss, a normal loss symbol such as "○○" with only the right LED lit is displayed. A mode in which all the LEDs are turned off as a normal losing symbol may be adopted. Note that the normal losing pattern is not a specific normal pattern. Before the normal symbols are stopped and displayed, the normal symbols are displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined variable time, and the mode of the variable display is, for example, in a mode in which both LEDs are lit alternately. Note that the manner of the variable display may be in any manner, such as all the LEDs flashing at once, as long as each LED is not displayed in a stopped state (lighted-up display in a specific manner).

In this pachinko game machine PY1, when a game ball passes through the gate 13, the value of the normal symbol random number (winning random number) acquired for the passage is stored as a normal symbol in reserve in the later-described normal symbol retention storage unit 106. Once it is memorized. There is an upper limit to the number of standard patterns that can be stored in the standard pattern storage unit 106, and the upper limit in this embodiment is "4."

The general symbol reservation stored in the ordinary symbol reservation storage unit 106 is consumed when the variable display of the ordinary symbol based on the ordinary symbol reservation becomes possible. The extinguishing of a normal symbol reservation means to determine the normal symbol random number (winning random number) corresponding to the ordinary symbol reservation, and to execute a variable display of the ordinary symbol to show the determination result. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine PY1, if the variable display of normal symbols based on the passing of the game ball to the gate 13 cannot be performed immediately after the passing of the game ball, that is, when the variable display of the normal symbols is being executed or the auxiliary game is being executed, winnings will be won. Even if there is, it is possible to reserve the right to draw normal symbols for the passing of a certain number up to a predetermined number.

The number of reserved general maps is then displayed on the reserved general map display 84. Specifically, the reserved general map display 84 is composed of, for example, four LEDs, and displays the number of reserved general maps by lighting up the LEDs equal to the number of reserved general maps.

2. Electrical Configuration of Gaming Machine Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be explained based on FIGS. 6 and 7. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 includes a game control board 100 (main control board) that controls gaming profits such as jackpot lottery and game state transition, and effects that are executed as the game progresses. It is equipped with an effect control board 120 (sub-control board) that performs control related to this, a payout control board 170 that performs control related to payout of game balls, and the like. In addition, the game control board 100 constitutes a main control part together with the payout control board 170, and the production control board 120 constitutes a sub-control part together with an image control board 140 and a sub-drive board 162, which will be described later.

In addition, the sub-control unit is provided with at least a production control board 120, and is capable of controlling game production using production means (image display device 50, speaker 620, board lamp 54, board movable body 55k, frame lamp 212, etc.). Bye.

The pachinko game machine PY1 also includes a power supply unit 190. The power supply unit 190 (power supply section) inputs a 24V AC power source from outside the pachinko game machine PY1, and generates various voltages (DC5V, DC12V, DC18V, DC24V) necessary for the operation of the pachinko game machine PY1 based on the AC24V power source. , DC 37V). Note that DC 5V power is mainly used as a power source for various integrated circuits (ICs). Further, DC 12V power is mainly used as a power source for various sensors and solenoids. Further, the DC 18V power is mainly used as a power source for various LEDs. Further, the 24V DC power and the 37V DC power are mainly used as power sources for the motors (driving means) for performance.

The power supply unit 190 (power supply unit) first supplies the generated power to the payout control board 170. The generated power is then supplied to the game control board 100 and the performance control board 120 via the payout control board 170. The generated power is then supplied to other devices via the payout control board 170, the game control board 100, and the performance control board 120. Note that in this embodiment, the power supply unit 190 does not have a backup power circuit. This will be described in more detail later.

A power switch 195 (power switching section) is also connected to the power supply unit 190. The power switch 195 can be switched between an ON state where power can be supplied based on an externally supplied 24V AC power source, and a OFF state where power cannot be supplied. In other words, the power switch 195 switches between power ON and power OFF by an ON or OFF operation, and when the power switch 195 is turned ON, it is in the ON state, and when the power switch 195 is turned OFF, it is in the OFF state.

The power supply unit 190 also includes a RAM clear switch (RAM clear operation means) 191 for causing the gaming CPU 102 to clear information stored in the gaming RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 of the gaming control microcomputer 101, which will be described later. It is provided. As shown in FIG. 8, the RAM clear switch 191 is provided on a power supply unit 190 placed on the back side of the pachinko game machine PY1. Therefore, the RAM clear switch 191 cannot be operated unless the player is an employee of the gaming parlor who can open the gaming machine frame 2. That is, the RAM clear switch 191 can be said to be an operating means that cannot be operated by the player. When the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, a detection signal indicating that the RAM clear switch 191 is ON is input to the game control microcomputer 101.

As shown in Figure 6, the game control board 100 is equipped with a one-chip game control microcomputer (hereinafter "game control microcomputer") 101 that controls the progress of the game on the pachinko game machine PY1 according to a program. The game control microcomputer 101 (game control means) includes a game ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 that stores programs for controlling the progress of the game, a game RAM 104 used as a work memory, a game CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102 that executes the programs stored in the game ROM 103, and a game I/O (Input/Output) port section 118 for inputting and outputting data and signals. The game RAM 104 includes the special chart reservation memory unit 105 (first special chart reservation memory unit 105a and second special chart reservation memory unit 105b) and the normal chart reservation memory unit 106, as well as a setting value information memory unit 107 and a base information memory unit 108, which will be described later. The game control board 100 also includes a 7-segment display 300 and a setting key cylinder 180, as shown in FIG. 8. The 7-segment display 300 and the setting key cylinder 180 will be described in detail later.

As shown in FIG. 6, various sensors and solenoids are connected to the game control board 100 via a relay board 110. Therefore, signals are input from each sensor to the game control board 100, and signals are output from the game control board 100 to each solenoid. Specifically, as the sensors, a first starting port sensor 11a, a second starting port sensor 12a, a gate sensor 13a, a large winning port sensor 14a, a general winning port sensor 10a, and a discharge port sensor 18a are connected.

The first starting port sensor 11a is provided in the first starting port 11 and detects a game ball that has won a prize in the first starting port 11. The second starting port sensor 12a is provided in the second starting port 12 and detects a game ball that has won a prize in the second starting port 12. The gate sensor 13a is provided inside the gate 13 and detects game balls passing through the gate 13. The big winning hole sensor 14a is provided in the big winning hole 14 and detects a game ball that has entered the big winning hole 14. The general winning hole sensor 10a is provided in the general winning hole 10 and detects a game ball that has won a prize in the general winning hole 10.

The discharge port sensor 18a is provided in a discharge port (not shown) that discharges game balls to the outside of the pachinko game machine PY1, and detects game balls that have passed through the discharge port. The discharge port is provided at the lower end of the inner frame 21, and the game balls hit into the game area 6 are discharged through the first starting port 11, second starting port 12, big winning port 14, general winning port 10, and out. After the ball enters any of the ports 19, it finally passes through the discharge port. Therefore, by detecting the game balls that have passed through the discharge port with the discharge port sensor 18a, it is possible to detect all the game balls that have been hit into the game area 6. In addition, the number of all the game balls hit into the game area 6 can be called the total number of fired balls. Furthermore, since the total firing series is the same as the number of all game balls discharged outside the pachinko game machine PY1, it can also be called the number of discharged balls, the total number of discharged balls, or the number of out balls.

Further, as solenoids, an electric current solenoid 12s and an AT solenoid 14s are connected. The electric chew solenoid 12s drives the electric chew opening/closing member 12k of the electric chew 12D. The AT solenoid 14s drives the AT opening/closing member 14k of the big winning device 14D.

Furthermore, the game control board 100 includes a special figure display 81 (a first special figure display 81a and a second special figure display 81b), a regular figure display 82, a special figure reservation display 83 (a first special figure reserve display 83a, a second special figure holding display 83b), and a regular figure holding display 84 are connected. That is, the display control of these displays 8 is performed by the game control microcomputer 101.

Further, the game control board 100 transmits various commands and signals to the payout control board 170, and receives signals from the payout control board 170 for payout monitoring. The payout control board 170 includes a card unit CU (which is installed adjacent to the pachinko game machine PY1 and enables ball lending based on information such as an inserted prepaid card) and a prize ball payout device 73. The firing device 72 is also connected via the firing control circuit 175. The firing device 72 includes a handle 72k (see FIG. 1).

The payout control board 170 (first control board) is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer for payout control (hereinafter referred to as "microcomputer for payout control") 171 that can execute control processing related to payout of game balls according to a program. The payout control microcomputer 171 (payout control means) includes a payout ROM 173 that stores a program for controlling payouts, a payout RAM 174 used as a work memory, and a payout ROM 174 that executes the program stored in the payout ROM 173. It includes a CPU 172 and a payout I/O port section (input/output circuit) 178 for inputting and outputting data and signals. Note that the payout ROM 173 may be externally attached.

Based on a signal from the game control microcomputer 101 or a signal from the card unit CU connected to the pachinko game machine PY1, the payout control board 170 drives the prize ball motor 73m of the prize ball payout device 73 to pay out prize balls or pay out loan balls. For example, when a game ball enters the first start hole 11 (wins), a detection signal from the first start hole sensor 11a is input to the game control microcomputer 101. As a result, the game control microcomputer 101 outputs a prize ball signal indicating that the game ball has entered the first start hole 11 to the payout control board 170. In this case, the payout control microcomputer 171 that receives the prize ball signal drives the launch solenoid 72s via the launch control circuit 175 based on the prize ball number information stored in the payout ROM 173, and pays out prize balls (for example, three balls) based on the ball entering the first start hole 11. At this time, the paid-out game balls are detected by the prize ball sensor 73a for counting, and a detection signal from the prize ball sensor 73a is output to the payout control board 170. In this embodiment, a backup power supply circuit 179 is provided on the payout control board 170. This will be described in detail later.

Note that when the player operates the handle 72k (see FIG. 1) of the firing device 72, the touch switch 72a detects contact with the handle 72k, and the firing volume 72b detects the amount of rotation of the handle 72k. Then, the firing solenoid 72s is driven so that the game ball is fired with a strength corresponding to the magnitude of the detection signal from the firing volume 72b. In this pachinko game machine PY1, one game ball is fired in about 0.6 seconds.

Moreover, the game control board 100 transmits various commands to the production control board 120. The connection between the game control board 100 and the production control board 120 is a unidirectional communication connection that allows only the transmission of signals from the game control board 100 to the production control board 120. That is, between the game control board 100 and the performance control board 120, a unidirectional circuit (for example, a circuit using a diode), not shown, is interposed as a communication direction regulating means.

As shown in FIG. 7, the performance control board 120 is equipped with a performance control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "performance control microcomputer") 121 that controls the performance of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 according to a program. The performance control microcomputer 121 includes a performance ROM 123 that stores programs for controlling the performance as the game progresses, a performance RAM 124 used as a work memory, and a performance RAM 124 that executes programs stored in the performance ROM 123. It includes a performance CPU 122 and a performance I/O port section 138 for inputting and outputting data and signals. The performance RAM 124 is provided with a set value flag 125, which will be described later. Note that the performance ROM 123 may be externally attached. As described above, the production control board 120 is supplied with power (for example, DC5V power) from the power supply unit 190 via the payout control board 170.

As shown in FIG. 7, the image control board 140 is connected to the performance control board 120, and a sub-drive board 162 (sub-drive circuit) is also connected to it. The performance control microcomputer 121 of the performance control board 120 causes the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 to control the display of the image display device 50 based on commands received from the game control board 100. The performance control microcomputer 121 transmits a control signal via the image input circuit 147 of the image control board 140. The image CPU 141 then transmits a control signal to the image display device 50 via the image output circuit 148 of the image control board 140.

The image RAM 143 of the image control board 140 is a memory for expanding image data. The image ROM 142 of the image control board 140 stores still image data and video data to be displayed on the image display device 50, specifically image data of characters, items, figures, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. (including decorative designs) and background images. The image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 reads image data from the image ROM 142 based on instructions from the performance control microcomputer 121. Then, display control is performed based on the read image data.

A speaker 620 (sound output means) is connected to the image control board 140. The performance control microcomputer 121 outputs audio, music, sound effects, etc. from the speaker 620 via the audio CPU 149 of the image control board 140 based on commands received from the game control board 100. Note that the audio CPU 149 performs audio control of the speaker 620 via the audio control circuit 150 based on commands from the image CPU 141 . Audio data such as audio output from the speaker 620 is stored in the performance ROM 123 of the performance control board 120. However, the acoustic data may be stored in the image ROM 142 of the image control board 140.

Although the image control board 140 performs audio control of the speaker 620, an audio control board may be provided separately from the image control board 140, and this audio control board may perform audio control of the speaker 620. In this case, the audio control board may be connected to the effect control board 120 or may be connected to the effect control board 120 via the image control board 140. Further, a CPU may be mounted on the voice control board, and in that case, the CPU may be caused to execute voice control. Furthermore, in this case, a ROM may be mounted on the audio control board, and acoustic data may be stored in the ROM.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the performance control microcomputer 121 controls the lighting of lamps such as the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 via the sub-drive board 162 based on commands received from the game control board 100. . In detail, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates light emission pattern data (data that determines lighting/extinguishing, emission color, etc., also referred to as lamp data) that determines the light emission mode of each lamp, and controls the light emission of each lamp according to the light emission pattern data. Control. Note that data stored in the performance ROM 123 of the performance control board 120 is used to create the light emission pattern data.

Furthermore, the performance control microcomputer 121 controls the drive of the board movable body 55k via the sub-drive board 162 based on the command received from the game control board 100. In detail, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates operation pattern data (also referred to as drive data) that determines the operation mode of the board movable body 55k, and controls the drive of a motor for driving the board movable body 55k according to the operation pattern data. I do. Data stored in the performance ROM 123 of the performance control board 120 is used to create the motion pattern data.

A CPU may be mounted on the sub-drive board 162, in which case the CPU may be made to control the lighting of the lamps and the drive of the movable plate body 55k. In this case, a ROM may be mounted on the sub-drive board 162, and data relating to the light emission patterns and operation patterns may be stored in the ROM.

Further, an input section detection sensor (performance button detection sensor) 40a and a select button detection sensor 42a are connected to the production control board 120. The input section detection sensor 40a detects that the input section 40k (see FIG. 1) is pressed. When the input section 40k is pressed down, a detection signal is output from the input section detection sensor 40a to the production control board 120. The select button detection sensor 42a detects that the select button 42k (see FIG. 1) has been pressed. When the select button 42k is pressed down, a detection signal is output from the select button detection sensor 42a to the production control board 120.

Note that FIGS. 6 and 7 are functional block diagrams for explaining the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, and the boards shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are not the only ones provided. Except for the game control board 100, any of the plurality of boards shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 may be configured as a single board, or the single board shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 may be configured as a plurality of boards. good.

3. Power Supply Unit Next, the power supply unit 190 in this embodiment will be described based on FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 shows a power supply unit 190 of this embodiment, and FIG. 9 shows a power supply board 190X of a comparative example. Below, the power supply unit 190 and the power supply board 190X will be compared and explained.

The power supply board 190X is generally used as a power supply section in pachinko gaming machines. When using the power supply board 190X as a power supply unit, the power supply board 190X becomes a test target board. Therefore, it is not allowed to mount surface mount components on the power supply board 190X, and lead components (DIP components) with lead wires must be mounted. In addition, most of the power supply boards 190X are provided with a backup power supply circuit, and this backup power supply circuit can supply backup power to the game control microcomputer 101 and the payout control microcomputer 171 when the power is cut off. However, the power supply board 190X, which includes a backup power supply circuit unique to pachinko gaming machines, is a custom-made product. From the above, the power supply board 190X has the problem that the lead components cannot be replaced with surface mount components, and since it is equipped with a backup power supply circuit, it is forced to have a relatively large configuration as a custom-made product. Ta.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a power supply unit 190 is used instead of the power supply board 190X. The power supply unit 190 is modular and a general-purpose product. Therefore, when using the power supply unit 190 as a power supply unit, the power supply unit 190 does not become a test target board. Therefore, it is possible to mount not only lead components but also surface mount components in the power supply unit 190. As a result, by replacing conventional lead components with surface mount components, it is possible to make the power supply unit 190 smaller (compact). Furthermore, since the power supply unit 190 is a general-purpose product, it does not include a backup power supply circuit specific to pachinko gaming machines. Thereby, it is possible to configure the power supply unit 190 even smaller.

In this way, as can be seen from the comparison between the power supply unit 190 shown in FIG. 8 and the power supply board 190X shown in FIG. 9, the power supply unit 190 can be configured smaller than the power supply board 190X. Note that in the case of the power supply board 190X, it is necessary to mount lead components that have become difficult to obtain in recent years, but with the power supply unit 190, there is also the advantage that lead components that are difficult to obtain do not need to be mounted.

Next, the arrangement of the power supply unit 190 will be explained. As shown in FIG. 8, the power supply unit 190 is disposed at the rear and lower side of the inner frame 21. As shown in FIG. A payout control board 170 is arranged behind the power supply unit 190, and the power supply unit 190 and the payout control board 170 at least partially overlap in the front-rear direction. The power supply unit 190 and the payout control board 170 are arranged outside the transparent outer cover 25 provided at the rear of the game board 1. Therefore, the payout control board 170 can be called a "frame-side board" provided not on the game board 1 but on the gaming machine frame 2 (inner frame 21). The payout control board 170 is housed in a payout control board case 170A that does not obstruct the visibility of the payout control microcomputer 171.

On the other hand, the game control board 100, the above-mentioned performance control board 120, sub-drive board 162, and image control board 140 are arranged inside the outer cover 25 of the game board 1. Therefore, the game control board 100, the production control board 120, the sub-drive board 162, and the image control board 140 can be called "board-side boards" provided on the game board 1, not the game machine frame 2. The game control board 100 is housed in a game control board case 100A that does not obstruct the visibility of the game control microcomputer 101.

In this way, the power supply unit 190 and the payout control board 170 are arranged at a close distance on the lower side of the rear of the inner frame 21 outside the game board 1. In particular, the payout control board 170 is arranged so as to partially overlap the power supply unit 190 in the front-rear direction, so that it is in a positional relationship that facilitates wiring connection. Therefore, the power supply unit 190 and the payout control board 170 are connected by a harness HN3 (see FIG. 12), which will be described later. As a result, the DC5V power generated by the power supply unit 190 is first supplied from the power supply unit 190 to the payout control board 170.

Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the power supply unit 190 is arranged immediately in front of the payout control board 170, so that most of it is not exposed. That is, when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is viewed from the back side, the power supply unit 190 is hidden deeper (in front) than the payout control board 170 and is hardly visible. Therefore, it is difficult for the power supply unit 190 to connect the wiring to the other control boards except for the payout control board 170 located immediately behind.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the power supply unit 190 and the game control board 100 are not directly connected by a harness, but the payout control board 170 and the game control board 100 are connected by a harness HN4 (see FIG. 12) described later. Thereby, the DC5V power generated by the power supply unit 190 is supplied from the power supply unit 190 to the payout control board 170, and then from the payout control board 170 to the game control board 100. In this way, it is possible to supply DC5V power to the game control board 100 while simplifying the wiring.

In short, conventionally, the common method is to branch the DC5V power generated by the power supply unit 190 (power supply board 190X) into one direction toward the payout control board 170 and one toward the game control board 100. However, in this method, as shown in FIG. 8, when the power supply unit 190 is arranged so as to be hidden in front of the payout control board 170, it is difficult to connect the power supply unit 190 and the game control board 100. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to simplify wiring, the game control board 100, which is the board side board, is connected to the power supply unit 190 via the payout control board 170, which is the frame side board. As a result, the DC5V power generated by the power supply unit 190 is once supplied to the game control board 100 via the payout control board 170, and a new power supply relationship is established.

Here, the advantages of being able to configure the power supply unit 190 to be small will be explained. As shown in FIG. 8, the power supply unit 190 is disposed at the rear and lower side of the inner frame 21. As shown in FIG. By making the power supply unit 190 shown in FIG. 8 compact, the length in the vertical direction can be made shorter than that of the power supply board 190X shown in FIG. 9. Thereby, the power supply unit 190, which has a short length in the vertical direction, can be placed on the lower side of the back side of the pachinko game machine PY1.

By the way, the front of the power supply unit 190 is the lower part of the front door 23. The lower part of the front door 23 is an operating mechanism section 210 (see FIG. 1) that includes a batted ball supply tray 34 (upper tray), a lower tray 35, an input section 40k (direction button), a select button 42k, and the like. Therefore, as described above, if the power supply unit 190, which has a short vertical length, is placed on the lower side of the back side of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, the vertical length of the operating mechanism section 210 can be shortened, and the operating mechanism section The upper end position of 210 can be lowered. Thereby, it is possible to expand the game board 1 (see FIG. 4) downward and lower the lower end position of the game area 6. As a result, there is an advantage that the expansion of the gaming area 6 can improve the interest in the game.

4. Electrical circuit between the power supply unit, the payout control board, and the game control board Next, the electrical circuit DK1 (see FIG. 12) between the power supply unit 190, the payout control board 170, and the game control board 100 of this embodiment will be described. However, before describing the electrical circuit DK1 of this embodiment, the electrical circuit DKX between the power supply unit 190, the payout control board 170, and the game control board 100 of the comparative example will be described based on FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the comparative example, the power supply unit 190 and the payout control board 170 are connected by a harness HN1. Connector CN1 at one end of harness HN1 is connected to power supply unit 190, and connector CN2 at the other end of harness HN1 is connected to payout control board 170. The harness HN1 is provided with a wiring h1 for supplying DC5V (specific voltage) power (hereinafter also referred to as "normal power") from the power supply unit 190 and a wiring h2 serving as a ground line. Note that, in addition to the wiring h1 and the wiring h2, the harness HN1 is provided with wiring for supplying DC 12V power from the power supply unit 190, for example, but a description thereof will be omitted.

In the payout control board 170, there is a power line a1 (specific power line) between the connector CN2 and the branch part j1. Power line a1 is connected to wiring h1 of harness HN1 via connector CN2. Further, in the payout control board 170, there is a power line a2 connected to the ground G. Power line a2 is connected to wiring h2 of harness HN1 via connector CN2.

A filter (noise removal means) NF1 is connected to the connector CN2 side of the power line a1. The filter NF1 is composed of two coils (inductors) and one capacitor, and is a so-called three-element low-pass filter. In the filter NF1, the two coils are connected in series to the power line a1. The other coil is connected in parallel to the power line a1. In other words, one side of the capacitor is connected to the power line a1, and the other side of the capacitor is connected to ground G. This filter NF1 removes high-frequency noise from the DC 5V power supplied through the power line a1.

A capacitor CA1 is connected in parallel to the power line a1 on the branch j1 side of the filter NF1. This capacitor CA1 is an electrolytic capacitor with a relatively large capacitance (for example, a capacitance of 470 μF). An electrolytic capacitor is a capacitor in which a metal oxidized by an electrolytic solution serves as the anode, a coating formed on the metal surface serves as the dielectric, and the electrolytic solution serves as the cathode. This capacitor CA1 prevents the DC 5V voltage from dropping when the current fluctuation (load) in the normal power supply becomes large.

Further, a capacitor CA2 is connected in parallel to the branch portion j1 side of the power line a1 rather than the capacitor CA1. This capacitor CA2 is a ceramic capacitor whose capacitance is smaller than that of the capacitor CA1 (for example, the capacitance is 0.1 μF). Note that a ceramic capacitor is a capacitor that uses ceramic (metal oxide sintered body) as a dielectric. This capacitor CA2 removes high frequency noise from the normal power supply on the power line a1.

There is a power line c1 (first branch power line) that runs from branch j1 to the dispensing control microcomputer 171, and the power line c1 is connected to the Vc terminal of the dispensing control microcomputer 171. As a result, the normal power supply (DC 5V power from the power supply unit 190) is supplied to the Vc terminal of the dispensing control microcomputer 171 via wiring h1, power line a1, and power line c1. As a result, the dispensing control microcomputer 171 can operate normally based on the normal power supply.

The payout control board 170 and the game control board 100 are connected by a harness HN2. The connector CN3 at one end of the harness HN2 is connected to the payout control board 170, and the connector CN4 at the other end of the harness HN2 is connected to the game control board 100. The harness HN2 is provided with a wiring h3 for supplying normal power and a wiring h4 for supplying backup power, which will be described later. Note that, in addition to the wiring h3 and the wiring h4, the harness HN2 is provided with wiring for supplying DC 12V power from the power supply unit 190, for example, but a description thereof will be omitted.

The payout control board 170 has a power line b1 that runs from the branch j1 to the wiring h3 of the harness HN2, and a resistor T1 is connected in series to the power line b1 on the branch j1 side. The resistor T1 suppresses the current flowing from the branch j1 to the resistor T1. A diode DO1 is connected to the power line b1 on the connector CN3 side of the resistor T1. The diode DO1 allows the current to flow from the diode DO1 to the connector CN3 side, while restricting the current flow from the diode DO1 to the branch j1 side. This diode DO1 makes it possible to prevent the charge stored in the capacitor CA3 (electric double layer capacitor) described later from flowing from the diode DO1 to the branch j1.

Further, a capacitor CA3 is connected in parallel to the power line b1 closer to the connector CN3 than the diode DO1. The capacitor CA3 is an electric double layer capacitor with a rated voltage of 5.5V and a much larger capacitance than the capacitors CA1 and CA2 (for example, the capacitance is 0.33F). Note that an electric double layer capacitor is a capacitor whose operating principle is an electric double layer generated at the interface between activated carbon and an electrolyte. This capacitor CA3 releases the stored charge when normal power is no longer supplied to the Vc terminal of the payout control board 170 from the power supply unit 190 during a power outage. Thereby, it is possible to supply DC5V power (hereinafter also referred to as "backup power supply") to the Vb terminal of the payout control microcomputer 171, which will be described later, and the Vb terminal of the game control microcomputer 101, which will be described later.

Further, a capacitor CA4 is connected in parallel to the power line b1 closer to the connector CN3 than the capacitor CA3. This capacitor CA4 is a ceramic capacitor similar to the capacitor CA2 described above. This capacitor CA4 makes it possible to remove high frequency noise from the backup power supply supplied through the power line b1.

Further, there is a branch portion j2 on the power line b1 closer to the connector CN3 than the capacitor CA4. There is a power line b2 going from the branch part j2 to the payout control microcomputer 171, and the power line b2 is connected to the Vb terminal of the payout control microcomputer 171. Thereby, by discharging the charge stored in the capacitor CA3 when the power is cut off, backup power is supplied to the Vb terminal of the payout control microcomputer 171 via the power line b1 and the power line b2. As a result, the payout control microcomputer 171 can operate based on the backup power supply even during a power outage. In other words, it is possible to prevent the payout information stored in the payout RAM 174 from being erased.

Further, the power line b1 is connected to the wiring h3 via the connector CN3. Wiring h3 is connected to power line d1 of game control board 100 via connector CN4. The power line d1 is connected to the Vb terminal of the game control microcomputer 101. As a result, by releasing the charge stored in the capacitor CA3 when the power is cut off, backup power is supplied to the Vb terminal of the game control microcomputer 101 via the power line b1, the wiring h3, and the power line d1. . As a result, the game control microcomputer 101 can operate based on the backup power supply even during a power outage. In other words, it is possible to prevent the information related to the game stored in the gaming RAM 104 from being erased. Note that the power line b1, the wiring h3, and the power line d1 correspond to a "second branch power line".

Further, the payout control board 170 has a power line c2 extending from the branch portion j1, and the power line c2 is connected to the wiring h4 via the connector CN3. Wiring h4 is connected to power line d2 of game control board 100 via connector CN4. The power line d2 is connected to the Vc terminal of the game control microcomputer 101. Thereby, DC5V power from the power supply unit 190 is supplied to the Vc terminal of the game control microcomputer 101 via the wiring h1, the power line a1, the power line c2, the wiring h4, and the power line d2. As a result, the game control microcomputer 101 can normally operate based on the normal power supply (DC5V power from the power supply unit 190).

As described above, according to the electric circuit DKX of the comparative example, as shown in FIG. 10, in the payout control board 170, it is possible to supply normal power to the payout control microcomputer 171 through the power line c1 extending from the branch part j1. be. Further, it is possible to supply normal power to the capacitor CA3 through the power line b1 extending from the branch portion j1, and store electric charge in the capacitor CA3. When the power is cut off, it is possible to supply backup power to the payout control microcomputer 171 through the power line b1 and the power line b2 extending from the branch portion j1. In this way, by using the branches of the power line c1, the power line b1, and the power line b2, it is possible to supply the normal power source and the backup power source to the payout control microcomputer 171 with a simple circuit configuration.

Further, according to the electric circuit DKX of the comparative example, when the power is cut off, the capacitor CA3 provided on the payout control board 170 supplies backup power to the payout control microcomputer 171 via the power line b1 and the power line b2. It is possible to supply the power to the game control microcomputer 101 of the game control board 100 via the power line b1, the wiring h3, and the power line d1. That is, backup power can be supplied to the payout control microcomputer 171 and the game control microcomputer 101 without providing a capacitor as a backup power supply means on the power supply board. Therefore, the power supply unit 190 (see FIG. 8) can be used in place of the power supply board 190X (see FIG. 9), and a new backup power supply relationship can be established.

By the way, the electric circuit DKX of the comparative example has the following problems. First, various control boards (electronic circuit boards) including the dispensing control board 170 are subjected to in-circuit inspection during the manufacturing process. In-circuit inspection involves using an in-circuit tester to send signals to each electronic component while the electronic components are mounted on the board. This test checks whether there are any open or short-circuited solders, loose leads, or malfunctions of the IC. In-circuit testing is performed with the CPU and one-chip microcontroller removed from the board. Once the in-circuit test is complete, the CPU and one-chip microcontroller are mounted on the board and a functional test is performed. Note that the function test is to actually operate the control board and inspect whether the output of the entire electronic circuit board satisfies the specifications.

Here, as shown in FIG. 11, during the in-circuit test of the comparative example, the in-circuit tester INC is connected to the payout control board 170, and power is supplied from the in-circuit tester INC via the power line a1 and the power line b1. and is supplied to capacitor CA3. As a result, the capacitor CA3 stores electric charge. However, once the charge is stored in the capacitor CA3, it is not released immediately. Therefore, when the payout control microcomputer 171 is mounted on the payout control board 170 after the in-circuit test is completed, the charge remaining in the capacitor CA3 may act on the payout control microcomputer 171. As a result, there is a risk that the payout control microcomputer 171 may malfunction.

In summary, as a result of mounting capacitor CA3 as a backup power supply means on the dispensing control board 170, there was a risk that a malfunction would occur in the dispensing control microcomputer 171 due to the charge remaining during the in-circuit test. In particular, capacitor CA3 is an electric double-layer capacitor that can store a large charge but takes a relatively long time to release the charge. Therefore, charge is likely to remain in capacitor CA3, and as described above, there was a risk that malfunctions would occur in the dispensing control microcomputer 171.

The electric circuit DK1 between the power supply unit 190, payout control board 170, and game control board 100 of this embodiment is configured as shown in FIG. 12. Note that in the electric circuit DK1 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 12, explanations of parts common to the configuration of the electric circuit DKX of the comparative example shown in FIG. 10 will be omitted as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, the power supply unit 190 and the payout control board 170 are connected by a harness HN3. Connector CN5 at one end of harness HN3 is connected to power supply unit 190, and connector CN6 at the other end of harness HN3 is connected to payout control board 170. The harness HN3 is provided with a wiring H1 for supplying DC5V power (normal power) from the power supply unit 190, a wiring H2 for supplying DC5V power different from the normal power supply, and a wiring H3 serving as a ground line. It is being

In the dispensing control board 170, power lines A1 and A2 are arranged in parallel. Power line A1 is connected to wiring H1 of harness HN3 via connector CN6. As a result, normal power is supplied to power line A1 via wiring H1. Power line A2 is connected to wiring H2 of harness HN3 via connector CN6. As a result, DC 5V power, which is different from the normal power supply, is supplied to power line A2 via wiring H2. In addition, in the dispensing control board 170, there is a power line A3 that is connected to ground G. Power line A3 is connected to wiring H3 of harness HN3 via connector CN6.

A filter NF1 similar to the filter NF1 described in the comparative example (see FIG. 10) is connected to the connector CN6 side of the power line A1. This filter NF1 makes it possible to remove high frequency noise from the normal power supplied through the power line A1. Further, a capacitor CA1 similar to the capacitor CA1 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected in parallel to the power line A1 closer to the connector CN7 than the filter NF1. This capacitor CA1 can prevent the DC 5V voltage from dropping when the current fluctuation (load) in the normal power supply becomes large. Further, a capacitor CA2 similar to the capacitor CA2 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected in parallel to the power line A1 closer to the connector CN7 than the capacitor CA1. This capacitor CA2 makes it possible to remove high frequency noise from the normal power supply supplied through the power line A1.

Further, the power line A1 includes a power line C1 extending from a branch portion J1 to the payout control microcomputer 171, and the power line C1 is connected to the Vc terminal of the payout control microcomputer 171. Thereby, normal power is supplied to the Vc terminal of the payout control microcomputer 171 via the wiring H1, the power line A1, and the power line C1. As a result, the payout control microcomputer 171 can operate based on the normal power supply. Note that the power line A1 and the power line C1 correspond to a "first specific power line".

The payout control board 170 and the game control board 100 are connected by a harness HN4. The connector CN7 at one end of the harness HN4 is connected to the payout control board 170, and the connector CN8 at the other end of the harness HN4 is connected to the game control board 100. The harness HN4 is provided with a wiring H4 for supplying normal power and a wiring H5 for supplying backup power.

Power line A1 is connected to wiring H4 via connector CN7. Wiring H4 is connected to power line D1 of game control board 100 via connector CN8. The power line D1 is connected to the Vc terminal of the game control microcomputer 101. Thereby, normal power is supplied to the Vc terminal of the game control microcomputer 101 via the wiring H1, the power line A1, the wiring H4, and the power line D1. As a result, the game control microcomputer 101 can operate based on the normal power supply.

A filter NF2 is connected to the connector CN6 side of the power line A2. Filter NF2 is similar to filter NF1 described above. This filter NF2 makes it possible to remove high-frequency noise from the DC5V power (hereinafter also referred to as "charging power") supplied from the power supply unit 190. Note that the charging power is DC5V power, which is the same as the normal power supply, but it is only power for storing charge in the capacitor CA3. Further, a resistor T1 similar to the resistor T1 described in the comparative example (see FIG. 10) is connected in series on the power line A2 closer to the connector CN7 than the filter NF2. This resistor T1 makes it possible to suppress the current of the charging power supplied through the power line A2. Further, a diode DO1 similar to the diode DO1 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected to the power line A2 closer to the connector CN7 than the resistor T1. This diode DO1 can prevent the charge stored in the capacitor CA3 (electric double layer capacitor) from flowing from the diode DO1 toward the connector CN6.

Further, a capacitor CA3 (electric double layer capacitor) similar to the capacitor CA3 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected in parallel to the power line A2 closer to the connector CN7 than the diode DO1. This makes it possible to supply backup power by discharging the charge stored in the capacitor CA3 when power is cut off. Further, a capacitor CA4 similar to the capacitor CA4 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected in parallel to the power line A2 closer to the connector CN6 than the capacitor CA3. This capacitor CA4 makes it possible to remove high frequency noise from the backup power supply supplied through the power line A2.

Further, there is a branch portion J2 on the power line A2 closer to the connector CN7 than the capacitor CA4. There is a power line B1 going from this branch part J2 to the payout control microcomputer 171, and a power line B2 heading to the connector CN7. The power line B1 is connected to the Vb terminal of the payout control microcomputer 171. Thereby, in the event of a power outage, it is possible to supply backup power from the capacitor CA3 to the Vb terminal of the payout control microcomputer 171 via the power line A2 and the power line B1. Note that the power line A2 and the power line B1 correspond to a "second specific power line".

Further, power line B2 is connected to wiring H5 via connector CN7. Wiring H5 is connected to power line D2 of game control board 100 via connector CN8. The power line D2 is connected to the Vb terminal of the game control microcomputer 101. Thereby, at the time of power outage, it is possible to supply backup power from the capacitor CA3 to the Vb terminal of the game control microcomputer 101 via the power line A2, the power line B2, the wiring H5, and the power line D2. Note that a portion including the capacitor CA3, the diode DO1, the power line A2, the power line B1, and the power line B2 corresponds to the "backup power supply circuit 179 (see FIG. 6)" of this embodiment.

As described above, according to the electric circuit DK1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 specific power lines) extend toward the payout control microcomputer 171 in a separated state. Therefore, it is possible to supply normal power to the payout control microcomputer 171 through the power line A1. Further, it is possible to supply charging power to the capacitor CA3 through the power line A2 and store electric charge in the capacitor CA3. When the power is cut off, backup power can be supplied to the payout control microcomputer 171 through the power line A2 and the power line B1.

In the in-circuit test of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the in-circuit tester INC is connected to the payout control board 170 with the payout control microcomputer 171 removed from the payout control board 170. At this time, the in-circuit tester INC supplies power to the power line A1, but controls so as not to supply power to the power line A2 and the power line B1. This allows in-circuit testing to be performed without storing charge in the capacitor CA3. Therefore, even if the payout control microcomputer 171 is mounted on the payout control board 170 after the in-circuit inspection is completed, it is possible to prevent the charge remaining in the capacitor CA3 from acting on the payout control microcomputer 171. . As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation where the payout control microcomputer 171 malfunctions. Note that the other effects of this embodiment are the same as those of the above-mentioned comparative example, so the explanation thereof will be omitted.

5. Description of jackpots, etc. In the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, there are "jackpots" and "losses" as a result of the jackpot lottery (special symbol lottery). When there is a "jackpot", a "jackpot symbol" is displayed on the special symbol display 81. When there is a "loss", a "loss symbol" is displayed on the special symbol display 81. When a jackpot is won, a "jackpot game" is executed in which the big prize opening 14 is opened in an opening pattern according to the type of special symbol (type of jackpot) that is displayed. The jackpot game is also called a special game.

In this form, the jackpot game includes multiple round games (unit games), an opening (also referred to as OP) before the first round game starts, and an ending (also referred to as OP) after the final round game ends. (also written as ED). Each round game starts with the end of the OP or the end of the previous round game, and ends with the start of the next round game or the start of the ED. The closing time (interval time) of the big prize opening between round games is included in the opening round game before the closing.

There are multiple types of jackpots. The types of jackpots are as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, there are roughly two types in this embodiment. There are certain jackpots and regular jackpots. The probability variable jackpot is a jackpot that controls the gaming state after the jackpot game to a high probability state, which will be described later. A normal jackpot is a jackpot that controls the gaming state after a jackpot game to a normal probability state (low probability state), which will be described later.

More specifically, the probability variable jackpot and normal jackpot that can be won in the special drawing 1 lottery (first special symbol drawing) are as follows: From 1R to 8R, the big prize opening 14 is opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per 1R (predetermined 9R to 16R is a jackpot in which the jackpot 14 is opened for a maximum of 0.1 seconds (predetermined period) per 1R. In other words, although the total number of rounds for these jackpots is 16R, the actual number of rounds is 8R. The actual number of rounds is the number of rounds in which game balls can win prizes up to the upper limit number of prizes per round (eight balls in this embodiment). In these jackpots, from 9R to 16R, the opening time of the jackpot 14 is extremely short, making it a round in which no prize ball can be expected. In addition, if you win a "probable strange jackpot" by drawing special drawing 1, "special drawing 1_probable strange pattern" will be stopped and displayed on the first special pattern display 81a, and if you win a "regular jackpot", “Special pattern 1_normal pattern” is stopped and displayed on the first special pattern display 81a.

In addition, for the variable probability jackpot and regular jackpot that can be won in the special drawing 2 lottery (second special symbol drawing), the big prize opening 14 from 1R to 16R will be opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds (predetermined period) per 1R. It's a big hit. In other words, the actual number of rounds for these jackpots is 16R. If you win the "Probable Variable Jackpot" in the special drawing 2 lottery, "Special Pattern 2_Probable Variable Pattern" is stopped and displayed on the second special pattern display 81b, and if you win the "Regular Jackpot", the second “Special pattern 2_normal pattern” is stopped and displayed on the special pattern display 81b.

Regardless of which jackpot is won, after the jackpot is played, the machine will be controlled to the electric support control state (high base state) described below. If the electric support control state is controlled in accordance with a high probability state, it will continue until the next jackpot is won. On the other hand, if the electric support control state is controlled in accordance with a normal probability state (low probability state), the number of electric support times (time-saving times) is set to 100 times. The number of electric support times is the upper limit of the number of times the variable display of the special pattern is executed in the electric support control state.

As shown in FIG. 14, the distribution rate of jackpots in the lottery for special chart 1 and the lottery for special chart 2 is 65% for special jackpots and 35% for regular jackpots. However, the lottery for special chart 2 is set to be more advantageous for players than the lottery for special chart 1 in that if a jackpot is won based on the lottery for special chart 1, a jackpot game with an effective number of rounds is played, whereas if a jackpot is won based on the lottery for special chart 2, a jackpot game with an effective number of rounds is played.

In this pachinko game machine PY1, the lottery to determine whether or not there is a jackpot is based on a "jackpot random number," and the lottery to determine the type of jackpot that has been won is based on a "win type random number." As shown in FIG. 15(A), the jackpot random number has a value in the range of 0 to 65535. The win type random number has a value in the range of 0 to 99. Note that the random numbers obtained based on winning the first start port 11 or the second start port 12 include a "reach random number" and a "variation pattern random number" in addition to the jackpot random number and win type random number.

The reach random number is a random number that determines whether or not to generate a reach in the performance symbol variation performance that indicates the result when the result of the jackpot determination is a loss. Reach is a state in which there is only one remaining performance symbol EZ that is being variably displayed among multiple performance symbols EZ, and it depends on which symbol the fluctuatingly displayed performance symbol EZ is stopped and displayed. This is a state in which a combination of performance symbols EZ indicating a jackpot win is obtained (for example, a state of "7↓7"). Note that the effect pattern EZ that is stopped and displayed in the ready-to-reach state may be displayed as if it is shaking somewhat within the display screen 50a, or may be displayed so as to repeat enlargement and reduction. This reach random number takes a value in the range from 0 to 255.

The fluctuation pattern random number is a random number used to determine the fluctuation pattern including the fluctuation time. The fluctuation pattern random number has a value in the range of 0 to 99. The random numbers obtained based on passing through gate 13 include the normal pattern random number (winning random number) shown in FIG. 15(B). The normal pattern random number is a random number used for the lottery (normal pattern lottery) to determine whether or not to play the auxiliary game that opens electric chute 12D. The normal pattern random number has a value in the range of 0 to 65535.

Here, in the pachinko game machine PY1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not it is a jackpot (whether or not to execute a jackpot game) using the jackpot determination table. The jackpot determination table is provided corresponding to each set value, as shown in FIGS. 16(A) to 16(F). In this embodiment, six types of setting values are provided: "1", "2", "3", "4", "5", or "6".

The set value is a parameter that determines the probability of being determined to be a jackpot in the jackpot determination process (referred to as "jackpot determination probability" as appropriate). The set value is set by an employee of the gaming hall, etc., as will be described later. As shown in FIGS. 16(A) to 16(F), each of the jackpot determination tables corresponding to each setting value includes a jackpot determination table used in the normal probability state and a jackpot determination table used in the high probability state. There is a table. Note that the types of setting values and the types of jackpot determination tables are not limited to six types, and can be changed as appropriate.

As shown in FIGS. 16(A) to 16(F), jackpot random numbers that are determined to be jackpots or losses are assigned to each jackpot determination table corresponding to each set value. This pachinko game machine PY1 uses a jackpot determination table corresponding to the set value to determine whether it is a jackpot or a loss. Note that in this embodiment, the setting is made so that there is no possibility of winning a small hit, but it may be set so that a small winning may occur. Further, the probability of being determined to be a jackpot and the way in which the jackpot random number values are determined to be a jackpot are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 16(A) to 16(F), and can be changed as appropriate.

6. Description of gaming state Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment will be explained. The special figure display 81 and the regular figure display 82 of the pachinko game machine PY1 each have a probability variation function and a variation time shortening function. A state in which the probability variation function of the special figure display 81 is activated is referred to as a "high probability state," and a state in which it is not activated is referred to as a "normal probability state (non-high probability state)." In the high probability state, the jackpot probability is higher than in the normal probability state.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 16(A) to 16(F), for each setting value, the jackpot determination table used in the high probability state is better than the jackpot determination table used in the normal probability state. It is set so that it is easy to judge it as a jackpot. Furthermore, in the normal probability state or the high probability state, if the game state is the same, the higher the set value is set, the more likely it is to be determined as a jackpot.

Further, a state in which the variable time reduction function of the special figure display 81 is activated is referred to as a "time reduction state", and a state in which it is not activated is referred to as a "non-time reduction state". In the time-saving state, the variation time of the special symbol (the time from the start of variable display to the time of derivation and display of the display result) is shorter than in the non-time-saving state. That is, a fluctuation pattern is determined using a fluctuation pattern table that is determined so that a fluctuation pattern with a short fluctuation time is selected more often than a non-time saving state (see FIG. 18). That is, when the variation time shortening function of the special symbol display 81 is activated, a short variation time is more likely to be selected as the variation time of the variable display of the special symbol compared to when it is not activated. As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace at which the reserved special drawings are consumed becomes faster, and effective winnings in the starting opening (winnings that can be stored as reserved special drawings) are more likely to occur. Therefore, players can aim for a jackpot while the game progresses smoothly.

The probability variation function and the variation time reduction function of the special figure display 81 may operate at the same time, or only one may operate. The probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the regular figure display 82 operate in synchronization with the variation time shortening function of the special figure display 81. In other words, the probability variation function and the variation time reduction function of the regular map display 82 operate in the time saving state and do not operate in the non-time saving state. Therefore, in the time-saving state, the winning probability in the normal symbol lottery is higher than in the non-time-saving state. In other words, the hit determination (normal symbol determination) is performed using a normal symbol hit determination table in which the value of the normal symbol random number (hit random number) that is determined to be a hit is larger than the normal symbol hit determination table used in the non-time saving state. (See FIG. 17(B)). In other words, when the probability variation function of the ordinary symbol display 82 is activated, the probability that the display result of the variable display of the ordinary symbol by the ordinary symbol display 82 will be a normal winning symbol is higher than when it is not activated. .

Also, in the time saving state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shorter than in the non-time saving state. In this form, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is 7 seconds in the non-time saving state, but is 1 second in the time saving state (see FIG. 17(C)). Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the electric chew 12D in the auxiliary game is longer than in the non-time-saving state (see FIG. 19). That is, the opening time extension function of the electric chew 12D is operating. In addition, in the time-saving state, the number of times the electric chew 12D is opened in the auxiliary game is greater than in the non-time-saving state (see FIG. 19). That is, the function of increasing the number of times the electric chew 12D is opened is operating.

In a situation where the probability fluctuation function and fluctuation time shortening function of the general figure display 82 and the opening time extension function and opening frequency increasing function of the electric chew 12D are operating, the time difference will be lower than when these functions are not operating. As a result, the electric chew 12D is opened frequently, and game balls are frequently entered into the second starting port 12. As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of fired balls, increases. Therefore, a state in which these functions are operating is called a "high base state", and a state in which they are not operating is called a "low base state". In a high base state, you can aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls you have. Note that the high base state is a state in which so-called electric support control (control that supports winning to the second starting port 12 by the electric chew 12D) is being executed. Therefore, the high base state is also referred to as the electric support control state or the ball entry easy state. On the other hand, the low base state is also called a non-electrical support control state or a non-ball entry easy state.

The high base state may not be one in which all of the above functions are activated. That is, activation of one or more of the probability variation function of the ordinary figure display 82, the variation time shortening function of the ordinary figure indicator 82, the opening time extension function of the electric chew 12D, and the function of increasing the number of openings of the electric chew 12D. It is sufficient that the electric chew 12D is opened more easily than when the function is not activated. Further, the high base state may be controlled independently without being associated with the time saving state.

In the pachinko game machine PY1 of the present embodiment, the gaming state after the jackpot game due to the winning of the variable probability jackpot is a high probability state, a time saving state, and a high base state. This gaming state is particularly referred to as a "high probability high base state." The high probability/high base state ends when the variable display of special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times (10,000 times in this embodiment) or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed. In other words, in this embodiment, the high probability and high base state substantially continues until the next jackpot win. Note that the condition for ending the high-probability, high-base state may be only that a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed.

The game state after a jackpot game due to winning a normal jackpot is a normal probability state (a non-high probability state, i.e., a low probability state), a time-saving state, and a high base state. This game state is specifically called a "low probability, high base state." The low probability, high base state ends when the variable display of special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment), or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed.

When playing the pachinko game machine PY1 for the first time, the gaming state after the power is turned on is a normal probability state, a non-time saving state, and a low base state. This gaming state is particularly referred to as a "low probability low base state". The low probability low base state will be referred to as the "normal gaming state." Further, the state in which a special game (big hit game) is being executed will be referred to as a "special game state (big hit game state)". Furthermore, a state controlled to at least one of the high probability state and the high base state will be referred to as a "bonus game state."

In a high base state such as a high-accuracy high-base state or a low-accuracy high-base state, the game can proceed more advantageously if the game ball enters the right game area 6R (see FIG. 4) by hitting right. This is because the electric support control makes it easier for the electric chew 12D to open compared to the low base state, and it is easier to win a prize in the second starting port 12 than to win a prize in the first starting port 11. . Therefore, while passing the game ball to the gate 13 which is the trigger for the normal symbol lottery, the player performs a right hit in order to make the game ball enter the second starting port 12. This allows you to get more starting prizes (winning into the starting hole) than if you hit left-handed. In this pachinko game machine PY1, even during the jackpot game, the player plays the game with the right hand.

On the other hand, in the low base state, the game can proceed more advantageously if the game ball enters the left game area 6L (see FIG. 4) by hitting the ball to the left. Since the electric support control is not executed, the electric chew 12D is more difficult to open than in the high base state, and it is easier to win a prize in the first starting port 11 than to win a prize in the second starting port 12. This is because it has become. Therefore, in order to cause the game ball to enter the first starting hole 11, the player performs a left-handed hit. This allows you to win more starting prizes than if you hit right-handed.

7. Method for changing and confirming set values Next, a method for changing set values will be explained. In this embodiment, in order to change the setting value, it is necessary to shift to the setting change mode. In order to shift to the setting change mode, three conditions are required. The first condition is that the power is turned on. That is, by switching the power switch 195 from an OFF operation to an ON operation, the shutoff state is switched to the on state. The second condition is that the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed. The third condition is that a setting key cylinder 180, which will be described later, is in a rotational position. The setting key cylinder 180 will be explained below based on FIG. 20.

The setting key cylinder 180 (transfer operation means) is provided on the game control board 100, as shown in FIGS. ing. By rotating the inserted setting key, the setting key cylinder 180 moves between the standby position (initial position) shown in FIG. 20(B) and the rotational position (movement position) rotated 90 degrees from the standby position It is possible to move (rotate) with . Note that the setting key cylinder 180 is in the standby position in the initial state, and is configured so that it cannot be moved to the rotation position unless a dedicated setting key is used.

As shown in FIG. 20(A), the setting key cylinder 180 includes a substantially cubic base portion 180b that is directly assembled to the game control board 100, and a cylindrical column portion 180c that extends rearward from the base portion 180b. It is equipped with The base portion 180b and the cylindrical portion 180c are made of black synthetic resin, and an insertion hole through which a setting key can be inserted is formed in the cylindrical portion 180c.

Here, the rear surface 100B of the game control board case 100A is formed with an exposed portion 100C that is cut out to correspond to the position of the setting key cylinder 180. The exposed portion 100C is formed in a circular shape that is approximately the same size as the rear surface 180d of the cylindrical portion 180c of the setting key cylinder 180. Therefore, when the game control board 100 is housed in the game control board case 100A, only the rear surface 180d of the cylindrical portion 180c of the setting key cylinder 180 is exposed from the exposed portion 100C.

Further, the rear surface 180d of the cylindrical portion 180c of the setting key cylinder 180 forms substantially the same plane as the rear surface portion 100B of the game control board case 100A. In other words, the rear surface 180d does not protrude or retract with respect to the rear surface portion 100B of the game control board case 100A. In this way, by preventing the rear surface 180d of the columnar portion 180c from protruding from the rear surface portion 100B of the game control board case 100A, it is possible to prevent the corner portions of the rear surface 180d from becoming easily damaged. By making the rear surface 180d flush with the rear surface portion 100B of the game control board case 100A, the gap between the exposed portion 100C and the rear surface 180d is almost eliminated to prevent foreign matter from entering the game control board case 100A. It is possible to do so. As a result, it is possible to prevent unauthorized access to the setting key cylinder 180 and malfunction of the game control board 100.

Further, in the rear surface portion 100B of the game control board case 100A, a peripheral wall portion 100D extending rearward is formed at a position corresponding to the setting key cylinder 180. The peripheral wall portion 100D is a rectangular peripheral wall that surrounds the rear end portion of the columnar portion 180c and the base portion 180b of the setting key cylinder 180. This peripheral wall portion 100D can prevent, for example, a wire or the like from entering the inside of the game control board case 100A and illegally contacting the periphery of the columnar portion 180c. Further, it is possible to prevent the state of the setting key cylinder switch 180a provided inside the setting key cylinder 180, which will be described later, from being changed due to the influence of unauthorized magnetism.

As shown in Figures 20(A) and (B), a seven-segment display 300 (display means) capable of displaying the set value is provided on the game control board 100. Display control of the seven-segment display 300 is performed by the game control microcomputer 101. The seven-segment display 300 is provided on the game control board 100, and not on the performance control board 120, for example, for the following reason. That is, the game control board 100 (game control microcomputer 101) is the subject of inspection in tests to confirm proper operation, and if the display of the set value is controlled by the game control board 100, the reliability of the display of the set value can be guaranteed.

As shown in FIG. 21, the 7-segment display 300 is a so-called 4-segment 7-segment display, and includes a total of 32 lighting (light-emitting) parts. Specifically, the 7-segment display 300 includes, in order from left to right, a first display area 310, a second display area 320, a third display area 330, and a fourth display area 340. The four display areas 310, 320, 330, and 340 each have eight lighting parts (LED elements) LB1 to LB8, LB9 to LB16, so that they can each represent numbers from "0" to "9". It has LB17 to LB24 and LB25 to LB32. Note that since the 4-segment 7-segment is a widely distributed product on the market, by using the 4-segment 7-segment (7-segment display 300), it is possible to configure the display means at a low cost.

In this embodiment, any set value from “1” to “6” is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300. Further, when the set value is displayed, the lighting portions LB25 to LB32 of the fourth display area 340 emit light in a lighting manner (a light emitting manner that continues to emit light) to represent the number of the set value. Note that while the setting value is displayed in the fourth display area 340, nothing is displayed in the first display area 310, second display area 320, and third display area 330.

Next, the display mode on the 7-segment display 300 and the presentation mode on the presentation means (the image display device 50, the speaker 620, the frame lamp 212, and the panel lamp 54) when changing the set value will be explained. In this embodiment, in order to change the setting value as described above, it is necessary to satisfy three conditions (based on establishment of a predetermined transition condition) and transition to the setting change mode. Specifically, the setting key cylinder 180 is rotated 90 degrees from the standby position using the setting key, and the power switch 195 is turned from the OFF operation to the ON operation while the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed down. Switch. An operation that satisfies these three conditions will hereinafter be referred to as a "setting change mode transition operation." The setting change mode transition operation is generally performed by an employee of a gaming parlor, and cannot be performed by a player who cannot see the back side of the pachinko game machine PY1 (see FIG. 8).

As shown in FIG. 22(A), when the setting change mode transition operation is performed to transition to the setting change mode, the setting value (e.g., "1") that was set before the power was turned on is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300 as shown in FIG. 22(B). In other words, the setting value information that was set during the previous game (hereinafter "setting value information") is not erased even when the power is cut off. Therefore, when the setting change mode transition operation is performed when the power is turned on, the setting value that was set during the previous game is displayed on the 7-segment display 300 based on the stored setting value information.

Further, when the setting change mode is entered, as shown in FIG. 22(B), a setting changing image SH indicating the words "Settings changing" is displayed on the display screen 50a of the image display device 50. By starting to display the settings change image SH, it is possible to let the amusement center employee who changes the settings (hereinafter referred to as the "settings changer") understand that the transition to settings change mode has been correctly made. It is. Further, the settings changing image SH continues to be displayed on the display screen 50a until the settings changing mode ends. Therefore, the person changing the settings can grasp the situation in which the settings can be changed by viewing the settings changing image SH.

Further, when the setting change mode is entered, as shown in FIG. 22(B), the speaker 620 outputs a voice saying "Settings can be changed." By starting the voice saying "Settings can be changed", it is possible for the person changing the settings to audibly understand that the setting change mode has been correctly transitioned. Furthermore, the voice "Settings can be changed" is repeatedly output until the setting change mode ends, except when the setting value is changed. Therefore, as long as the person who changes the settings continues to hear the voice saying "Settings can be changed," it is possible to grasp the situation in which the settings can be changed.

Further, when the setting change mode is entered, the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 emit light in a special first light emission mode, as shown in FIG. 22(B). By starting light emission in the first light emission mode, it is possible to let the person changing the settings know that the setting change mode has been correctly shifted. Further, the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 continue to emit light in the first light emission mode until the setting change mode ends, except for the timing when the setting value is changed. Therefore, as long as the person changing the settings continues to see the light emission in the first light emission mode, it is possible for the person changing the settings to grasp the situation in which the setting value can be changed.

Here, in this embodiment, when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed in the setting change mode, the set value can be changed. Specifically, each time the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, the set value is increased by one in the order of "1" → "2" → "3" → "4" → "5" → "6". It is possible to do so. If the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the set value is "6", the set value returns to "1".

In this way, the existing RAM clear switch 191 is used as the operating means for switching the set value, and no new dedicated operating means is provided. Conventionally, the RAM clear switch 191 was used only to erase the stored information in the gaming RAM 104 and payout RAM 174 when the power was turned on, and was not used at any time other than when the power was turned on. Therefore, as in this embodiment, the number of parts can be reduced by using the RAM clear switch 191 as an operating means for switching setting values and as an operating means for erasing information stored in the gaming RAM 104, etc. It is possible to achieve this. Note that in the setting change mode, even if the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, the information stored in the gaming RAM 104 etc. is not erased at the timing of the pressing operation.

As shown in FIG. 22(B), for example, after the setting value "1" is displayed on the 7-segment display 300 when shifting to the setting change mode, when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, the setting value shown in FIG. 22(C) is displayed. As shown in FIG. 3, the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300 displays the set value "2". In other words, the display of the set value "1" is switched to the display of the set value "2". This allows the person who changed the setting to understand that the setting value has been switched to "2".

Further, when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 22(C), the display screen 50a of the image display device 50 displays a setting value change icon superimposed on the setting changing image SH, indicating an upward arrow. Image YG is displayed. By displaying this setting value change image YG, it is possible for the person changing the settings to understand that the setting value has been changed (increased). Note that the setting value changing image YG is displayed for only a few seconds after the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed and then disappears, and only the setting changing image SH is displayed on the display screen 50a again.

Further, when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, a voice saying "The setting value has been changed" is output from the speaker 620, as shown in FIG. 22(C). This voice saying "The setting value has been changed" allows the person making the setting change to understand that the setting value has been changed. Note that the voice "Setting values have been changed" is output only once, and then the voice repeats "Settings can be changed" as described above.

Further, when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed down, the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 emit light in a special second light emission mode, as shown in FIG. 22(C). By emitting light in this second light emitting mode, it is possible to let the person changing the settings know that the set value has been changed. Note that the light emission in the second light emission mode is executed for only a few seconds after the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, and then the light emission in the first light emission mode is resumed as described above.

Next, when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed while the setting value "2" is displayed on the 7-segment display 300 as shown in FIG. 22(C), the setting value "2" is displayed as shown in FIG. The setting value “3” is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the segment display device 300. In other words, the display of the set value "2" is switched to the display of the set value "3". This allows the person who changed the setting to understand that the setting value has been switched to "3".

As shown in FIG. 22(D), the setting value change image YG is displayed on the display screen 50a of the image display device 50, a voice message saying "The setting value has been changed" is output from the speaker 620, and the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 emit light in a special second light emission mode. This allows the person changing the settings to understand that the setting value has been changed again.

By the way, when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed in the setting change mode, the person changing the settings is basically facing the back side of the pachinko game machine PY1 (see FIG. 8) and looking at the 7-segment display 300. Therefore, it is difficult for the person changing the settings to understand the display of the setting value change image YG on the display screen 50a and the light emission in the special second light emission mode by the frame lamp 212 and the panel lamp 54. Therefore, the display of the setting value change image YG and the emitting of light in the special second light emission mode are intended mainly to notify the employees of the gaming parlor who are around the pachinko gaming machine PY1 that the setting value has been changed. It means to inform. In this way, the employees of the surrounding gaming parlors can understand the change in the setting value, thereby making it possible to know that the setting value has not been changed illegally.

Next, a method of determining the set value will be explained. In order to confirm the setting value, it is necessary to use the setting key to rotate the setting key cylinder 180 from the rotation position to the standby position in the setting change mode. This ends the setting change mode, and the setting value that was last displayed in the setting change mode is determined. Note that the operation of rotating the setting key cylinder 180 from the rotation position toward the standby position will be appropriately referred to as a "setting confirmation operation."

When the setting confirmation operation is performed, as shown in FIG. 22(F), a setting value confirmation image SK showing the words "Setting value confirmed" is displayed on the display screen 50a of the image display device 50. By displaying this setting value confirmation image SK, it is possible for the person changing the setting or nearby arcade employees to understand that the setting value has been confirmed. Note that the setting value confirmation image SK is displayed for a very short time after the setting confirmation operation is performed, and then disappears.

Furthermore, when the setting confirmation operation is performed, as shown in FIG. 22(F), the speaker 620 outputs a voice saying "The setting value has been confirmed." This voice saying "The setting value has been finalized" makes it possible for the person making the setting change or the employees of the surrounding amusement park to understand that the setting value has been finalized. Note that the voice "Setting value has been confirmed" is output only once at the timing when the setting confirmation operation is performed.

Further, when the setting confirmation operation is performed, the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 emit light in a special third light emission mode, as shown in FIG. 22(F). By emitting light in this third light emitting mode, it is possible to let the person changing the settings or the employees of the surrounding gaming hall know that the set value has been finalized. Note that the light emission in the third light emission mode is executed for a very short time after the setting confirmation operation is performed, and then ends.

In this embodiment, when the setting change mode is completed by performing the setting confirmation operation, the setting value displayed in the lighting mode (changeable mode) on the 7-segment display 300 (for example, " 3) becomes invisible. In other words, the set value is hidden (hidden mode). Then, on the 7-segment display 300, an initial display (see FIG. 22(F)), which will be described later, is executed instead. In this way, the setting changer can understand that the setting value has been finalized by changing the setting value that was displayed in a lighting mode to a non-displaying mode. Furthermore, by not displaying the set value after the set value is determined, it is possible to make the determined set value less noticeable to those around you.

When the set value is determined in this way, as shown in FIG. (See Figure 21) lights up. By lighting up all the lighting parts LB1 to LB32 in this way, it is possible to clearly indicate to the setting changer who has performed the setting confirmation operation that the initial display is to be performed.

The meaning of the initial display on the 7-segment display 300 is as follows. The 7-segment display 300 displays the set value as described above, and also displays the base as described below. However, the set value or base displayed on the 7-segment display 300 is based on the assumption that the 7-segment display 300 is functioning normally, and there is a possibility that the 7-segment display 300 itself may be broken, defective, or tampered with.

In this embodiment, when the setting change mode ends, the initial display is automatically executed on the 7-segment display 300. This allows the person changing the settings to know that the 7-segment display 300 is functioning normally. In other words, it is possible to confirm that the setting value displayed in the setting change mode was the correct value. Furthermore, it is possible to recognize that the base displayed after the initial display will also be displayed correctly. Note that if the setting change mode is not entered when the power is turned on, the initial display will be executed on the 7-segment display 300 immediately after the power is turned on.

By the way, in this embodiment, the setting change mode is configured to end before the setting key cylinder 180 is rotated to the standby position by the setting confirmation operation. Specifically, the moment the setting key cylinder 180 begins to move from the rotational position to the standby position, the setting change mode ends and the set value is determined. Therefore, below, while explaining the configuration of the setting key cylinder switch 180a provided inside the setting key cylinder 180 and the configuration of the electric circuit around the game control microcomputer 101, the timing for determining the setting value will be explained in detail. do.

As shown in FIG. 23, the game control microcomputer 101 is provided with an input terminal P14 (see FIGS. 24(A), (B), and (C)). Input terminal P14 receives a switch signal of either "H" level (voltage higher than the upper limit threshold voltage) or "L" level (voltage lower than the lower limit threshold voltage) from the signal line E1. There is. Note that when the gaming control microcomputer 101 inputs the "H" level switch signal (first signal) from the signal line E1, it determines that the setting key cylinder switch 180a is ON, and inputs the "L" level from the signal line E1. If the switch signal (second signal) is input, it is determined that the setting key cylinder switch 180a is OFF.

The signal line E1 is connected to the terminal s1 of the setting key cylinder switch 180a. A ground line E4 is provided that extends from the branch Q1 of the signal line E1 toward the ground G. A resistor T2 is connected in series to the ground line E4, and the resistor T2 makes it difficult for current to flow from the signal line E1 to the ground line E4. In this way, the signal line E1 extending from the input terminal P14 is connected to the setting key cylinder switch 180a, while the ground line E4 is connected at the branch Q1 between the setting key cylinder switch 180a and the input terminal P14. The resistor T2 is used as a pull-down resistor. Therefore, the level of the switch signal on the signal line E1 is set to the "L" level unless DC 5V power is supplied via the setting key cylinder switch 180a.

The setting key cylinder switch 180a is provided with a terminal s2. A power line E2 is connected to the terminal s2, and DC5V power is supplied to the power line E2. Note that in FIG. 23, the symbol Vc means that DC 5V power is supplied. A resistor T3 is connected in series to the power line E2. Further, the setting key cylinder switch 180a is provided with a terminal s3. A ground line E3 extending toward the ground G is connected to the terminal s3.

Here, the setting key cylinder switch 180a is provided with a switching piece s4. One end of the switching piece s4 is connected to the terminal s1. On the other hand, the other end of the switching piece s4 can be brought into contact with the terminal s2 or the terminal s3 by the setting changer using a rotation operation using a setting key. Thus, when the setting key cylinder 180 is in the standby position, the switching piece s4 is in contact with the terminal s3 (see the solid line in FIG. 23), and when the setting key cylinder 180 is in the rotating position, the switching piece s4 is in contact with the terminal s2. are in contact (see FIG. 24(A)).

Next, the timing for deciding the set value will be explained based on FIGS. 24(A), (B), and (C). FIG. 24(A) is a diagram showing the state of the setting key cylinder switch 180a when the setting key cylinder 180 is in the rotation position. At this time, the terminal s1 and the terminal s2 are in a conductive state, and the DC5V power supplied to the power line E2 is supplied to the signal line E1 via the setting key cylinder switch 180a. As a result, an "H" level switch signal is input from the signal line E1 to the input terminal P14 of the game control microcomputer 101. In this way, while the "H" level switch signal is input to the input terminal P14 of the game control microcomputer 101, the setting change mode is entered.

Then, the setting changer rotates the setting key cylinder 180 from the rotation position toward the standby position by a setting confirmation operation. FIG. 24(B) is a diagram showing the state of the setting key cylinder switch 180a at the moment when the setting key cylinder 180 starts rotating from the rotation position. As shown in FIG. 24(B), when the switching piece s4 separates from the terminal s2, the terminal s1 and the terminal s2 become non-conductive. Therefore, the DC5V power supplied to the power line E2 is no longer supplied to the signal line E1 via the setting key cylinder switch 180a. At this time, since the signal line E1 connected to the input terminal P14 is connected to the ground line E4 at the branch portion Q1, the switch signal switches from the "H" level to the "L" level. In other words, the "L" level switch signal is input to the input terminal P14 of the game control microcomputer 101. As a result, the setting change mode ends and the set value is finalized.

Note that FIG. 24(C) is a diagram showing the state of the setting key cylinder switch 180a when the setting key cylinder 180 is in the standby position. When the setting changer completely rotates the setting key cylinder 180 to the standby position by a setting confirmation operation, the switching piece s4 contacts the terminal s3. At this time, similarly to the above, the 5V DC power supplied to the power line E2 is not supplied to the signal line E1 via the setting key cylinder switch 180a, so the switch signal remains at the "L" level.

As can be seen from the above description, the setting value confirmation timing is the timing shown in FIG. 24(B), and the setting change mode ends as soon as the setting key cylinder 180 starts rotating from the rotation position. Therefore, as soon as the setting changer starts the setting confirmation operation, the setting value displayed on the 7-segment display 300 in the setting change mode (for example, the setting value "3" shown in FIG. 22(D)) is hidden. (See FIG. 22(F)). In other words, it is possible to make the setting value invisible on the 7-segment display 300 before the setting key cylinder 180 finishes rotating to the standby position. In this way, by hiding the setting values displayed on the 7-segment display 300 as soon as possible, it is possible to minimize the risk that the established setting values will be recognized by those around you.

Furthermore, when a busy game hall employee (setting changer) performs a setting confirmation operation before the game hall opens, there is a risk that the setting key cylinder 180 may not be correctly rotated to the standby position due to careless or unfamiliar operation. However, even if such a situation were to occur, the switch signal input to the gaming control microcomputer 101 would switch from the "H" level to the "L" level (see FIGS. 24(A) and 24(B)). It is possible to fix the value and hide it. Therefore, even if the setting changer performs a careless or unfamiliar operation, it is possible to end the setting change mode, and it is also possible to prevent the setting value from continuing to be displayed on the 7-segment display 300. .

On the other hand, if the setting key cylinder 180 is not firmly rotated from the standby position (see Fig. 24(C)) to the rotation position (Fig. 24(A)), the switch signal will change from the "L" level to the "H" level. does not switch to setting change mode. In other words, if the setting key cylinder 180 is half-rotated from the standby position due to an inexperienced operation by the setting changer, vibration, etc., the switch signal will not go to the "H" level, so it will not be possible to shift to the setting change mode. Can not. In this way, the setting value can be changed only when the setting changer has reliably rotated the setting key cylinder 180 to the rotation position, and it is possible to prevent an unintentional transition to the setting change mode. be.

By the way, as shown in FIGS. 20(A) and 20(B), the setting key cylinder 180 is arranged to the left of the 7-segment display 300. In other words, on the back side of the pachinko game machine PY1 (see FIG. 8), the setting key cylinder 180 is arranged to the right of the 7-segment display 300 when viewed from the setting changer. This is based on the following reasons. That is, most setting changers try to operate the setting keys with their right hand, which is their dominant hand, when performing a setting confirmation operation. At this time, if the setting key cylinder 180 is to the left of the 7-segment display 300 from the perspective of the person changing the settings, the right hand of the person changing the settings will overlap the 7-segment display 300, and the setting value immediately before confirmation (the setting value just before it was hidden) becomes difficult to see.

In this embodiment, the setting key cylinder 180 is positioned to the right of the 7-segment display 300 when viewed from the person changing the settings, so that the right hand of the person changing the settings performing the setting confirmation operation does not cover the 7-segment display 300. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the setting value immediately before it becomes invisible cannot be seen, and it becomes unclear which setting value has been confirmed.

Next, the LED driver 350 shown in FIG. 23 will be described. The LED driver 350 is integrated into the 7-segment display 300, and is not mounted on the game control board 100. In this way, by using a general-purpose 7-segment display 300 with an LED driver 350 built in, space for mounting the LED driver on the game control board 100 is not required. As a result, it is possible to control the display of the 7-segment display 300 while reducing the burden of design changes to the game control board 100.

As shown in FIG. 23, the game control microcomputer 101 is provided with a serial data transmission terminal TX3. The LED driver 350 is provided with a serial data reception terminal RXD. The serial data transmission terminal TX3 and the serial data reception terminal RXD are connected by a serial data line E5. Therefore, the game control microcomputer 101 can control the driving of the LED driver 350 by transmitting serial data via the serial data line E5. As a result, the 7-segment display 300 can perform display control of the setting value, initial display, and base display control described later. In this way, by performing display control by serial communication, it is possible to simplify the wiring on the game control board 100 compared to the case where display control is performed by parallel communication. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the burden of design changes to the game control board 100.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 23, a damping resistor T4 is connected in series to the serial data line E5. This damping resistor T4 can attenuate noise on the serial data line E5. Further, the LED driver 350 is provided with an RST terminal. A reset signal line E6 is connected to the RST terminal. The reset signal line E6 is a line to which a reset signal is transmitted from the power supply unit 190 via the payout control board 170, and a capacitor CA5 is connected in parallel to this reset signal line E6. This capacitor CA5 can prevent a situation where the reset signal drops to the "L" level even though it is at the "H" level due to the influence of static electricity or the like.

Next, a case will be described in which information indicating setting values (hereinafter referred to as "setting value information") is not stored in the pachinko gaming machine PY1. The setting value information is stored in the setting value information storage section 107 (see FIG. 6) of the gaming RAM 104 every time the setting value is changed in the setting change mode. However, when the pachinko game machine PY1 is shipped from the production factory (factory shipment), the setting value information storage unit 107 does not store the setting value information. In other words, no setting value is set.

This pachinko gaming machine PY1 is designed to transition to error mode if the power is turned on when no settings have been set. Even if no settings have been set, if the operation to transition to setting change mode is performed, the machine will transition to setting change mode rather than error mode. The error mode is a mode in which play is not possible with the pachinko gaming machine PY1, and will not be released unless the power switch 195 is turned OFF to shut off the power.

In the error mode, as shown in FIG. 25(A), in the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300, the lit portions LB25, LB28, LB29, LB30, and LB31 (see FIG. 21) display "E". ” will be emitted in an error lighting mode. This light emission makes it possible for employees of the game parlor to understand that the game has entered the error mode, that is, that the set value has not been set. Note that the light emission in the error lighting mode continues until the error mode is canceled.

In addition, when the error mode is in effect, as shown in FIG. 25(B), an operation suggestion image SE showing the words "Setting value has not been set. Please perform the operation to shift to setting change mode" is displayed on the display screen 50a. Is displayed. By displaying this operation suggestion image SE, it is possible for an employee of the game parlor or the like to understand the situation in which setting values must be set. Note that the display of the operation suggestion image SE continues until the error mode is canceled.

Furthermore, when in the error mode, a special error sound is output from the speaker 620, as shown in FIG. 25(B). Further, at this time, as shown in FIG. 25(B), the frame lamp 212 and the panel lamp 54 emit light in a special error light emission mode. By outputting these error sounds and emitting light in the error light emission mode, it is possible for employees of the game parlor etc. to understand that the system has entered the error mode. Note that the output of the error sound and the light emission in the error light emission mode continue until the error mode is canceled.

Here, in this embodiment, the setting value information stored in the setting value information storage section 107 of the gaming RAM 104 is not erased even when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed. Therefore, even if the setting value information is once stored in the setting value information storage section 107 by performing a setting change mode transition operation after factory shipment, the situation may arise in which the setting value information is no longer stored in the setting value information storage section 107. does not occur. Therefore, in this case, the system will not enter the error mode the next time the power is turned on. In short, the device enters the error mode when the setting value has never been set and no setting change mode transition operation is performed when the power is turned on. In this way, even if the RAM clear switch 191 is simply pressed or the power is not turned on (cut off state), setting value information is not erased, thereby preventing unnecessary transition to error mode. It is possible to prevent this.

8. Base Display Next, base display will be explained based on FIGS. 26 and 27. In this embodiment, the base can be displayed on the 7-segment display 300. The base is the ratio of the number of prize balls won by the player (total number of prize balls) to the number of fired balls (total number of fired balls), which is the number of game balls fired by the player. By checking the base on the 7-segment display 300, it is possible to know if the pachinko game machine PY1 has been illegally modified, or if a malfunction or malfunction has occurred.

In this embodiment, the base is newly calculated every time the total number of fired balls reaches 60,000. Then, the base information (base information) calculated every time the number of shots reaches 60,000 is sequentially stored in the base information storage section 108 (see FIG. 6) of the gaming RAM 104. However, information on the base currently being calculated (hereinafter referred to as "current base") and information on the base calculated when the total number of balls fired reached 60,000 before starting calculation of the current base (hereinafter referred to as "one time base") The information on the base calculated when the total number of balls fired reached 60,000 before the first base (hereinafter referred to as the "second base"), and the information on the base calculated when the total number of balls fired reached 60,000 before the first base Information up to the base calculated when the total number of balls fired before the previous base reaches 60,000 (hereinafter referred to as "three previous base") is stored in the base information storage unit 108. In this way, the 7-segment display 300 uses information based on the current base information, the 1st previous base information, the 2nd previous base information, and the 3rd previous base information stored in the base information storage unit 108. , the current base, the first base, the second base, and the third base can be displayed.

The timing at which the base display starts differs depending on whether or not the setting change mode has been entered, that is, whether or not the setting change mode shift operation has been performed. When the setting change mode transition operation is performed, the setting change mode is entered after the power is turned on as described above. In this case, after the setting change mode ends and the initial display is executed on the 7-segment display 300, the display of the base is started. On the other hand, when the power is turned on without performing the setting change mode transition operation, the initial display is executed on the 7-segment display 300 immediately after the power is turned on, and then the base display is started. In either case, the point remains that the 7-segment display 300 starts displaying the base after initial display.

As shown in FIG. 26(A), when the initial display starts on the 7-segment display 300, the initial display is performed for a predetermined specific time (4.8 seconds in this embodiment). Thereafter, as the initial display ends, the current base display starts, as shown in FIG. 26(B). When the current base is displayed here, the current base (for example, "36") is displayed in two digits (displayed as a percentage) in the third display area 330 and fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300. . In the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, the lighting portions LB1 to LB16 emit light in a lighting mode (a mode in which light continues to emit light) as shown in "bL.". That is, if you look at the light emission in the lighting mode of "bL.", it means that the base is currently displayed.

The current base display shown in FIG. 26(B) is executed for a predetermined specific time (4.8 seconds in this embodiment). Thereafter, when the display of the current base ends, if the information on the previous base is stored in the base information storage unit 108, the display of the previous base is started as shown in FIG. 26(C). When the previous base is displayed here, the previous base (for example, "37") is displayed in two digits in the third display area 330 and fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300. . In the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, the lighting portions LB1 to LB16 emit light in a lighting manner as shown in "b1.". That is, if you look at the light emission in the lighting mode of "b1.", it means that the previous base is being displayed.

The previous display shown in FIG. 26C is executed for a predetermined specific time (4.8 seconds in this embodiment). Thereafter, if the information on the second previous base is stored in the base information storage unit 108 when the display of the first previous base is finished, the display of the second previous base is started as shown in FIG. 26(D). Ru. When the second previous base is displayed here, the second previous base (for example, "35") is displayed in two digits in the third display area 330 and fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300. . In the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, the lighting portions LB1 to LB16 emit light in a lighting manner as shown in "b2.". That is, if you look at the light emission in the lighting mode of "b2.", it means that the 2nd previous base is displayed.

The display based on the previous two times shown in FIG. 26(D) is executed for a predetermined specific time (4.8 seconds in this embodiment). After that, when the display of the 2nd previous base is finished, if the 3rd previous base information is stored in the base information storage unit 108, the 3rd previous base is displayed as shown in FIG. 26(E). will be started. When the third previous base is displayed here, the third previous base (for example, "38") is displayed in two digits in the third display area 330 and fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300. . In the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, the lighting portions LB1 to LB16 emit light in a lighting manner as shown in "b3.". That is, if you look at the light emission in the lighting mode of "b3.", it means that the 3rd previous base is displayed.

The display of the three-times-ago base shown in FIG. 26(D) is executed for a predetermined specific time (4.8 seconds in this embodiment). After that, with the end of the three-times-ago base display, the display of the current base starts again as shown in FIG. 26(B). Thereafter, the current base display shown in FIG. 26(B), the one-time-ago base display shown in FIG. 26(C), the two-times-ago base display shown in FIG. 26(D), and the three-times-ago base display shown in FIG. 26(E) are repeatedly executed every predetermined specific time. Note that the current base, one-time-ago base, two-times-ago base, and three-times-ago base are displayed in units of 1%, but they may be displayed in units of 5%, for example, and can be changed as appropriate.

By the way, FIG. 26C shows a case where the previous base is displayed when the base information storage unit 108 stores information on the previous base. On the other hand, if the previous base information is not stored in the base information storage unit 108, the display shown in FIG. 27(C) is executed. That is, as shown in FIG. 27(C), in the third display area 330 and fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300, the lighting portions LB23 and LB31 (see FIG. 21) are displayed as "--". It emits light in a lighting mode. In the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, the lighted portions LB1 to LB16 emit light in a blinking manner (a manner in which light is repeatedly emitted and extinguished) as indicated by "b1.". In this way, the flashing light of "b1." and the display of "--" indicate that the previous base cannot be displayed yet.

Similarly, if the base information storage unit 108 does not store the information on the second previous base, as shown in FIG. 27(D), the third display area 330 and the fourth display In the region 340, the lighting portions LB23 and LB31 emit light in a lighting manner as shown by "--". In the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, the lighting portions LB1 to LB16 emit light in a blinking manner to indicate "b2.". In this way, the flashing light of "b2." and the display of "--" indicate that the second previous base cannot be displayed yet.

Further, when the base information storage unit 108 does not store the information on the base three times before, as shown in FIG. , the lighting portions LB23 and LB31 emit light in a lighting manner so as to indicate "--". In the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, the lighting portions LB1 to LB16 emit light in a blinking manner as shown in "b3.". In this way, the flashing flashing of "b3." and the display of "--" indicate that the base from three times ago cannot be displayed yet.

9. Control Operation of Pachinko Game Machine Next, the operation of the game control microcomputer 101 will be explained based on FIGS. 28 to 38, and the operation of the performance control microcomputer 121 will be explained based on FIGS. 39 to 44. First, the operation of the game control microcomputer 101 will be explained.

[Main Control Main Processing] The gaming control microcomputer 101 provided in the gaming control board 100 reads out and executes the main control main processing program shown in FIG. 28 from the gaming ROM 103 when the power is turned on. Note that the counter, timer, flag, status, buffer, etc. that appear in the explanation of the operation of the gaming control microcomputer 101 are provided in the gaming RAM 104. The initial value of the counter is "0", the initial value of the flag is "0" or "OFF", and the initial value of the status is "1".

As shown in FIG. 28, the main control main processing first performs the power-on processing (S001) described below. Following the power-on processing (S001), interrupts are prohibited (S002), and the normal and special symbol main random number update processing is executed (S003). In this normal and special symbol main random number update processing (S003), the various random number counter values shown in FIG. 15 are updated by incrementing them by 1. When each random number counter value reaches its upper limit, it returns to "0" and is incremented again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0", and may be changed randomly. Each random number may also be a so-called hardware random number generated using a known random number generation circuit consisting of a counter IC or the like.

When the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) is completed, an interrupt is permitted (S004). While the interrupt is permitted, the main timer interrupt process (S005) can be executed. The main timer interrupt process (S005) is executed based on an interrupt pulse repeatedly input to the gaming CPU 102, for example, at a 4 msec cycle. That is, it is executed at a 4 msec cycle, for example. Then, from the end of the main timer interrupt process (S005) until the next start of the main timer interrupt process (S005), the update process of various counter values by the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) is repeatedly executed. Note that if an interrupt pulse is input to the gaming CPU 102 when the interrupt is prohibited, the main timer interrupt process (S005) does not start immediately, but starts after the interrupt is permitted (S004).

[Power-on processing] As shown in FIG. 29, in the power-on processing (S001), the gaming control microcomputer 101 first sets permission for access to the gaming RAM 104 (S010). This makes it possible to write and read information into and from the gaming RAM 104. Next, it is determined whether the RAM clear switch 191 is ON (being pressed) and the setting key cylinder switch 180a is ON (S011). That is, it is determined whether a setting change mode transition operation is being executed. If the setting change mode transition operation has been executed (YES in S011), the process proceeds to step S013 via setting change mode processing (S012), which will be described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S011 that the setting change mode transition operation has not been executed (NO in S011), then it is determined whether or not setting value information is stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 (S016). ). If the setting value information is not stored (NO in S016), it means that the setting value has never been set, and the process proceeds to error mode processing (S021), which will be described later. On the other hand, if the setting value information is stored (YES in S016), then it is determined whether the RAM clear switch 191 is ON (S017). In short, the process of step S017 is a process of determining whether or not the RAM clear switch 191 has been pressed, although the process does not shift to the setting change mode. If the RAM clear switch 191 is ON (YES in S017), the process advances to step S013.

On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch 191 is not ON (NO in S017), it is next determined whether the setting key cylinder switch 180a is ON (S018). In short, the process of step S018 is a process for determining whether the setting key cylinder 180 is in a rotating state, without transitioning to the setting change mode. If the setting key cylinder switch 180a is ON (YES in S018), the setting value confirmation mode process described later is executed (S019), and the process proceeds to step S020. On the other hand, if the setting key cylinder switch 180a is not ON (NO in S018), the RAM clear switch 191 was not pressed when the power was turned on, and the setting key cylinder 180 was not in a rotating state. In this case, the process proceeds to step S020 without executing the setting confirmation mode process of step S019. When the process proceeds to step S020, the power interruption recovery process described later is executed, and the process proceeds to step S022.

In step S013, the information stored in the gaming RAM 104 is cleared (S013). However, at this time, the setting value information stored in the setting value information storage section 107 and the information related to the base stored in the base information storage section 108 (information on the total number of fired balls, information on the total number of prize balls, 1 Information based on the previous time, information based on the second time ago, information based on the third time ago) will not be cleared.

In this way, even if the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the power is turned on, the set value information is not cleared, so it is possible to restart the game with the set values that were set before the power was cut off. In other words, it is possible to play a game without having to shift to the setting change mode and set setting values every time the power is turned on. In addition, even if the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the power is turned on, the information related to the base is not cleared, so the 7-segment display 300 displays the same current base, 1st previous base, and 2nd previous base as before the power was turned off. It is possible to display the base and the base three times before.

After step S013, the gaming control microcomputer 101 initializes the work area of the gaming RAM 104 (S014). In this initial setting process, the initial setting information read from the gaming ROM 103 is set in the working area of the gaming RAM 104. Subsequently, a RAM clear notification command is sent to the performance control board 120 to notify clearing of the contents stored in the gaming RAM 104 (S015), and the process proceeds to step S022. In step S022, other power-on processing is performed, such as setting of the gaming CPU 102, setting of SIO, PIO, and CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), and the present processing ends.

[Setting change mode processing] As shown in FIG. 30, in the setting change mode processing (S012), the game control microcomputer 101 first changes settings to notify the performance control board 120 of transition to the setting change mode. Send a mode transition command (S030). Then, it is determined whether the setting value information is stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 (S031). If the setting value information is stored (YES in S031), the setting value is displayed on the 7-segment display 300 based on the setting value information (S032) (Fig. 22(B)). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 101 transmits serial data for displaying set values to the LED driver 350 from the serial data transmission terminal TX3 (see FIG. 23). In this way, the person changing the settings can grasp the setting value that was set before the power outage on the 7-segment display 300 immediately after performing the operation to shift to the setting change mode. After step S032, a setting value designation command for notifying the current setting value information (setting value information) is transmitted to the production control board 120 (S033), and the process proceeds to step S034. On the other hand, if the setting value information is not stored in step S031 (NO in S031), steps S032 and S033 are passed and the process proceeds to step S034.

In step S034, it is determined whether the RAM clear switch 191 is ON. That is, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear switch 191 has been pressed in the setting change mode. If it is ON (YES in S034), new setting value information is stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 in order to increment the setting value by one (S035). Note that if the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the set value is "6", set value information indicating that the set value is "1" will be stored. Subsequently, the setting value is displayed on the 7-segment display 300 based on the new setting value information (see FIGS. 22C and 22D). This allows the person making the setting change to understand that the setting value has been increased.

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 sends a setting value change command to the performance control board 120 to notify that the setting value has been changed (S037), and sends a setting value designation command to notify the setting value information (setting value information) that has been incremented by one (S038), and proceeds to step S039. In step S039, it is determined whether the setting key cylinder switch is OFF. In other words, it is determined whether the setting confirmation operation has been performed. If it is not OFF (NO in S039), it is not yet time to end the setting change mode, so it returns to step S034. On the other hand, if it is OFF (YES in S039), it sends a setting mode end command to the performance control board 120 to notify the end of the setting change mode (S040). Then, the setting value displayed on the 7-segment display 300 is made non-displayable (S041), and proceeds to the above-mentioned step S013 (see FIG. 29). In this way, as soon as the setting key cylinder switch 180a is turned OFF, the setting value becomes invisible on the 7-segment display 300, making it difficult for those around to understand the confirmed setting value. The processing from step S013 onwards has been described above, so a description will be omitted.

[Setting value confirmation mode processing] As shown in FIG. 31, in the setting value confirmation mode processing (S019), the game control microcomputer 101 first displays the setting value on the 7-segment display 300 based on the setting value information (S050). Next, it is determined whether a certain time (e.g., 3 seconds) has passed since the 7-segment display 300 started displaying the setting value. If the time has not passed (NO in S051), the processing of step S051 is repeated, and the display of the setting value on the 7-segment display 300 continues. On the other hand, if the time has passed (YES in S051), the setting value displayed on the 7-segment display 300 is made invisible (S052), and the process proceeds to step S020 (see the power outage recovery processing in FIG. 32) described later. As described above, in the setting value confirmation mode processing (S019), unlike the setting change mode processing (S012) described above, the setting value is not changed, and the current setting value is simply displayed on the 7-segment display 300.

[Recovery processing at power outage] As shown in FIG. 32, in the recovery processing at power outage (S020), the game control microcomputer 101 first determines whether or not the power outage flag is ON (S060). The power outage flag is a flag that indicates the occurrence of a power outage, and is a flag that is turned ON in a power outage monitoring process (see FIG. 38), which will be described later. If the power-off flag is not ON (NO in S060), the process proceeds to step S065 because the power may not have been properly shut off.

On the other hand, if the power-off flag is ON (YES in S060), the checksum of the gaming RAM 104 is calculated (S061), and this is the checksum of the gaming RAM 104 that was stored (memorized) at the time of the power-off. (see step S161 in FIG. 38) is determined (S062). If these checksum values do not match (NO in S062), it is determined that the storage contents of the gaming RAM 104 are abnormal, and the process proceeds to step S065. On the other hand, if the checksum values match (YES in S062), it is determined that the storage contents of the gaming RAM 104 are normal, and the process proceeds to step S063.

In step S063, the setting and management of the work area of the gaming RAM 104 at the time of power restoration is performed. In this setting process, power restoration information is read from the gaming ROM 103, and this power restoration information is set in the work area of the gaming RAM 104. Thereafter, the game control microcomputer 101 turns off the power-off flag (S064), and proceeds to step S022 (see FIG. 29) described above. Since the processing after step S022 has been described above, the explanation will be omitted.

On the other hand, in step S065, the information stored in the game RAM 104 is cleared. At this time, the setting value information stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 and the information related to the base stored in the base information storage unit 108 (information on the total number of shot balls, information on the total number of winning balls, information on the base one before, information on the base two before, and information on the base three before) are not cleared. However, the process proceeds to step S065 when the power may not have been shut off properly, or when the checksum values do not match and the contents stored in the game RAM 104 may be abnormal. Therefore, instead of the process of step S065, the setting value information and the information related to the base may also be cleared. And in this case, after the setting value information is cleared, the setting value information indicating, for example, "1" as the initial setting value may be newly stored in the setting value information storage unit 107. In addition, in the process of step S065, if the power-off flag set in the game RAM 104 is ON, the power-off flag is turned OFF.

After step S065, the working area of the game RAM 104 is initialized (S066). In this initialization process, the initial setting information read from the game ROM 103 is set in the working area of the game RAM 104. Next, the game control microcomputer 101 sends a RAM clear notification command to the performance control board 120 to notify it of clearing the memory contents of the game RAM 104 (S067), and proceeds to step S022 (see Figure 29) described above.

[Error mode processing] As shown in FIG. 33, in the error mode processing (S021), the gaming control microcomputer 101 first executes an error display processing to display the letter "E" (see FIG. 25) in the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300 (S080). Specifically, the gaming control microcomputer 101 transmits serial data to display the letter "E" from the serial data transmission terminal TX3 (see FIG. 23) to the LED driver 350. As a result, the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300 emits light in an error lighting mode to display the letter "E". In this way, by showing the letter "E" on the 7-segment display 300, employees of the gaming facility can be made aware of the transition to error mode.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 101 transmits an error command to the production control board 120 to notify the transition to the error mode (S081). After that, loop processing is performed without returning to the power-on processing (S001, see FIG. 29). In this way, when the error mode is entered, the error mode continues until the power is turned off. Therefore, the game cannot be started unless the setting value is set by entering the setting change mode the next time the power is turned on.

[Main timer interrupt processing] The game control microcomputer 101 repeats the main timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 34 every short time, for example, 4 msec. First, the game control microcomputer 101 performs random number update processing (S101) to update the jackpot random number used in the jackpot lottery, the win type random number for determining the type of jackpot, the reach random number for determining whether or not to enter a reach state in the performance pattern change performance, the change pattern random number for determining the change pattern, the normal pattern random number (win random number) used in the normal pattern lottery, etc. Note that at least a part of each random number may be a so-called hardware random number generated using a known random number generation circuit consisting of a counter IC or the like. If all random numbers are hardware random numbers, random number update processing by software is not required. Also, the random number generation circuit may be built into the game control microcomputer 101.

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 performs input processing (S102). In the input processing (S102), various sensors attached to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 (first starting opening sensor 11a, second starting opening sensor 12a, gate sensor 13a, big winning opening sensor 14a, general winning opening sensor 10a) , the discharge port sensor 18a (see FIG. 6)) is read, and a prize ball command for paying out prize balls according to the type of winning hole is set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104. Note that the set prize ball command is transmitted to the payout control board 170.

Subsequently, the game control microcomputer 101 executes a starting port sensor detection process (S103), a special operation process (S104), and a normal operation process (S105). In the starting port sensor detection process (S103), if a winning is detected by the first starting port sensor 11a or the second starting port sensor 12a, it is determined that there are less than 4 pending memories corresponding to the starting port where the winning is detected. A random number such as a jackpot random number (jackpot random number, hit type random number, reach random number, and fluctuation pattern random number (see FIG. 15(A))) is acquired as a condition. Further, if the passage is detected by the gate sensor 13a, a normal symbol random number (see FIG. 15(B)) is acquired on the condition that the number of ordinary symbols pending is less than 4.

In the special operation process (S104), random numbers such as the jackpot random number acquired in the starting port sensor detection process (S103) are used in a jackpot determination table (see FIGS. 16(A) to 16(F)) based on the setting value indicated by the setting value information. ), the hit type determination table (see FIG. 14), the reach determination table (see FIG. 17(A)), and the special figure fluctuation pattern determination table (see FIG. 18). Note that the jackpot determination process that determines whether it is a jackpot using the jackpot determination tables shown in FIGS. 16(A) to (F) corresponds to the "determination process performed based on the ball entering the ball entrance". Then, special symbols are displayed (fluctuating display and static display) to indicate the result of the jackpot lottery. When displaying this special symbol, a variation start command including information on a variation pattern of the variation display of the special symbol is set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104. If the result of the jackpot random number determination is that the jackpot has been won, a jackpot game in which the jackpot opening 14 is opened according to a predetermined opening pattern (opening time and number of openings, see FIG. 14) according to the type of jackpot. (special game). When executing this jackpot game, an opening command including information on the type of the winning jackpot symbol is set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104. In addition, in the special operation process (S104), if there is no memory of random numbers such as jackpot random numbers, a customer waiting standby command for causing the performance control microcomputer 121 to execute a customer waiting performance is set.

In the normal operation process (S105), judgment is made using the normal symbol random number acquired in the starting port sensor detection process (S103), the normal symbol hit determination table (see FIG. 17(B)), and the normal symbol fluctuation pattern selection table. (See FIG. 17(C)) to select the variation time of the normal symbols according to the gaming state. Then, normal symbols are displayed (fluctuating display and static display) to notify the determination result of the common symbol lottery. As a result of the determination of the normal symbol random number, if the normal winning symbol has been won, an auxiliary game is played in which the electric chew 12D is opened according to a predetermined opening pattern (opening time and number of openings, see FIG. 19) according to the game state. conduct.

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 performs an output process to output the commands etc. set in each of the above-mentioned processes to the performance control board 120 etc. (S106). Then, a base calculation process (S107), a base display process (S108), and a power-off monitoring process (S109), which will be described later, are executed, and this process ends.

[Base calculation process] As shown in FIG. 35, in the base calculation process (S107), the game control microcomputer 101 first executes a shot ball count process (S110). In the shot ball number counting process (S110), the value of the shot ball number counter provided in the gaming RAM 104 is increased based on the detection signal from the discharge port sensor 18a. Next, a process for counting the total number of prize balls is executed (S111). In the total prize ball counting process (S111), based on the detection signals from the first starting hole sensor 11a, the second starting hole sensor 12a, the big winning hole sensor 14a, and the general winning hole sensor 10a, The value of the total number of prize balls counter is increased by a value corresponding to the number of prize balls. Next, current base calculation processing is executed (S112). In the current base calculation process (S112), the current base (%) is calculated by dividing the value of the total award ball number counter by the value of the shot ball number counter and multiplying by 100. Then, the calculated current base information (current base information) is stored in the base information storage unit 108.

After step S112, it is determined whether the number of shot balls has reached 60,000, that is, whether the value of the shot ball number counter is 60,000 or more (S113). If the number of shots has not reached 60,000 (NO in S113), this process ends. On the other hand, if the number of shots has reached 60,000 (YES in S113), the base information stored in the base information storage unit 108 is shifted and stored (S114).

Specifically, if there is information on the third previous base information (third previous base information) stored, the third previous base information is cleared. Furthermore, if there is memory of information based on the second time ago (second time previous base information), the second time previous base information is stored as the third time previous base information. Further, if information on the previous base (first time base information) is stored, the first time previous base information is stored as the second time previous base information. Further, current base information (current base information) is stored as previous base information.

After step S114, the value of the shot ball number counter is cleared (S115), and the value of the total award ball number counter is cleared (S116), and this process ends. In this way, each time the number of fired balls reaches 60,000, the number of fired balls and the total number of prized balls are reset, and calculations are performed on the current basis.

[Base Performance Display Process] As shown in FIG. 36, in the base display process (S108), the game control microcomputer 101 first determines whether or not the initial display end flag is ON (S120). The initial display flag is a flag indicating that the initial display on the 7-segment display 300 has ended. If the initial display end flag is not ON (NO in S120), an initial display process for performing an initial display on the 7-segment display 300 is executed (S121). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 101 transmits serial data for lighting all the lighting parts LB1 to LB32 of the 7-segment display 300 to the LED driver 350 from the serial data transmission terminal TX3 (see FIG. 23). . In this way, as shown in FIG. 22(F), by performing the initial display on the 7-segment display 300, it is confirmed that the 7-segment display 300 itself has not been malfunctioning, malfunctioning, or has not been illegally modified. Is possible.

Subsequently, it is determined whether a specific time (4.8 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the initial display started on the 7-segment display 300 (S122). If the time has not elapsed yet (NO in S122), this process ends in order to continue the initial display on the 7-segment display 300. On the other hand, if it has elapsed (YES in S122), it is the timing to end the initial display on the 7-segment display 300, and the current base display flag is turned ON (S123). The current base display flag is a flag indicating that the 7-segment display 300 displays the current base. After step S123, the initial display end flag is turned ON (S124), and this process ends.

If the initial display flag is ON in step S120 (YES in S120), the process advances to step S125, and it is determined whether the current base display flag is ON (S125). If the current base display flag is ON (YES in S125), a current base display process is executed to display the current base on the 7-segment display 300 (S126). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 101 displays "bL." in the lighting mode in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 from the serial data transmission terminal TX3 (see FIG. 23), and displays "bL." in the third display. Serial data for displaying the current base in area 330 and fourth display area 340 is transmitted to LED driver 350 . In this way, as shown in FIG. 26(B), the current base can be grasped on the 7-segment display 300, and it is possible to check whether there is a failure, malfunction, or unauthorized modification of the pachinko game machine PY1. Is possible.

Subsequently, it is determined whether a specific time (4.8 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the 7-segment display 300 started displaying the current base (S127). If the time has not elapsed yet (NO in S127), this process ends in order to continue displaying the current base on the 7-segment display 300. On the other hand, if it has elapsed (YES in S127), it is the timing to end the display of the current base on the 7-segment display 300, and the previous base display flag is turned ON (S128). The 1st previous base display flag is a flag indicating that the display timing is based on the 1st previous base. After step S128, the current base display flag is turned OFF (S129), and this process ends.

In step S125, if the current base display flag is not ON (NO in S125), the process advances to step S130 shown in FIG. 37, and it is determined whether the previous base display flag is ON. If the previous base display flag is ON (YES in S130), then it is determined whether the base information storage unit 108 stores the previous base information (S131). If there is memory (YES in S131), the previous base display process for displaying the previous base on the 7-segment display 300 is executed (S132). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 101 displays "b1." in a lighting mode in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 from the serial data transmission terminal TX3 (see FIG. 23), and the third display Serial data for displaying the previous base in the area 330 and the fourth display area 340 is transmitted to the LED driver 350. In this way, on the 7-segment display 300, it is possible to grasp not only the current base but also the previous base as shown in FIG. It is possible to more accurately judge whether or not it has been applied.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S131 that the previous base information is not stored (NO in S131), the previous base non-display process is executed (S134). In this previous base non-display process (S134), the game control microcomputer 101 displays "b1" in a blinking manner in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 from the serial data transmission terminal TX3 (see FIG. 23). ” and transmits serial data to the LED driver 350 for displaying “--” in a lighting mode in the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340. At this time, as shown in FIG. 27(C), the previous base cannot be grasped yet on the 7-segment display 300.

Next, it is determined whether a specific time (4.8 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous base display process (S132) or the first base hide process (S134) (S135). ). If the elapsed time has not elapsed (NO in S135), this process ends in order to continue the previous base display process (S132) or the previous base non-display process (S134). On the other hand, if the time has elapsed (YES in S135), the 2nd previous base display flag is turned ON (S136). The second previous base display flag is a flag indicating that the display timing is based on the second previous base. After step S136, the previous base display flag is turned OFF (S137), and this process ends.

In step S130, if the 1st previous base display flag is not ON (NO in S130), the process proceeds to step S138, and it is determined whether the 2nd previous base display flag is ON. If the 2nd previous base display flag is ON (YES in S138), then it is determined whether the 2nd previous base information is stored in the base information storage unit 108 (S139). If there is memory (YES in S139), a 2nd previous base display process is executed to display the 2nd previous base on the 7-segment display 300 (S140). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 101 displays "b2." in a lighting mode in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 from the serial data transmission terminal TX3 (see FIG. 23), and displays "b2." in the third display. Serial data for displaying the 2nd previous base in the area 330 and the fourth display area 340 is transmitted to the LED driver 350. In this way, on the 7-segment display 300, it is possible to grasp not only the current base and the previous base, but also the second previous base as shown in FIG. 26(D). Alternatively, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not unauthorized modifications have been made.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S139 that the second previous base information is not stored (NO in S139), the second previous base hiding process is executed (S141). In this two-times-ago base hiding process (S141), the game control microcomputer 101 sends "b2" in a blinking manner from the serial data transmission terminal TX3 (see FIG. ” and transmits serial data to the LED driver 350 for displaying “--” in a lighting mode in the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340. At this time, as shown in FIG. 27(D), the 7-segment display 300 cannot yet grasp the base of the previous two rounds.

Next, it is determined whether a specific time (4.8 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the 2nd previous base display process (S140) or the 2nd previous base hidden process (S141) (S142). ). If the elapsed time has not elapsed (NO in S142), this process ends in order to continue the 2nd previous base display process (S140) or the 2nd previous base hide process (S141). On the other hand, if it has elapsed (YES in S142), the 3rd previous base display flag is turned on (S143). The 3rd previous base display flag is a flag indicating that the display timing is based on the 3rd previous base. After step S143, the 2nd previous base display flag is turned OFF (S144), and this process ends.

In step S138, if the 2nd previous base display flag is not ON (NO in S138), the process proceeds to step S145, and it is determined whether the 3rd previous base display flag is ON. Note that it is virtually never determined that the three-times-ago base display flag is not ON in step S145. In other words, when the process proceeds to step S145, since the three times previous base display flag is ON, the process necessarily proceeds to step S146. In step S146, it is determined whether or not the base information storage unit 108 stores the three times previous base information. If there is memory (YES in S146), a 3rd previous base display process is executed to display the 3rd previous base on the 7-segment display 300 (S147). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 101 displays "b3." in a lighting mode in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 from the serial data transmission terminal TX3 (see FIG. 23), and the third display Serial data for displaying the 3rd previous base in the area 330 and the fourth display area 340 is transmitted to the LED driver 350. In this way, the 7-segment display 300 can grasp not only the current base, the 1st previous base, and the 2nd previous base, but also the 3rd previous base as shown in FIG. 26(E). It is possible to more accurately determine whether there is a failure, malfunction, or unauthorized modification to the device.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S146 that the 3rd previous base information is not stored (NO in S146), the 3rd previous base hiding process is executed (S148). In this three-times-ago base hiding process (S148), the game control microcomputer 101 sends "b3" from the serial data transmission terminal TX3 (see FIG. 23) to the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 in a blinking manner. ” and transmits serial data to the LED driver 350 for displaying “--” in the lighting mode in the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340. At this time, as shown in FIG. 27(E), the 7-segment display 300 cannot yet grasp the base of the previous three times.

Next, it is determined whether a specific time (4.8 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the 3rd previous base display process (S147) or the 3rd previous base hidden process (S147) (S149). ). If the elapsed time has not elapsed (NO in S149), this process ends in order to continue the 3rd previous base display process (S147) or the 3rd previous base hide process (S148). On the other hand, if it has elapsed (YES in S149), the current base display flag is turned ON (S150). As a result, in the next base display process (S108), the 7-segment display 300 starts displaying the current base. After step S150, the 3rd previous base display flag is turned OFF (S151), and this process ends.

[Power cutoff monitoring process] In the power cutoff monitoring process (S109), as shown in FIG. If (NO in S160), this process ends. The power-off signal is a signal output from the power supply unit 190 when the voltage of the monitored power supply (for example, DC 24V) is not detected for a predetermined period (for example, 25 ms). If a power-off signal is input (YES in S160), a checksum is calculated and stored in the gaming RAM 104 (S161), and a power-off flag is turned on (S162). Then, prohibition of access to the gaming RAM 104 is set (S163). This makes it impossible to write or read information into or from the gaming RAM 104. Thereafter, loop processing is performed without returning to the main side timer interrupt processing (S005, see FIG. 34).

In parallel with the above processing in the game control microcomputer 101, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs the processing shown in FIGS. 39 to 44. Hereinafter, the operation of the production control microcomputer 121 will be explained.

[Sub-control main processing] When the power is turned on, the performance control microcomputer 121 provided on the performance control board 120 reads out the sub-control main processing program shown in FIG. 39 from the performance ROM 123 and executes it. Note that counters, timers, flags, status, buffers, etc. that appear in the operation description of the performance control microcomputer 121 are provided in the performance RAM 124.

As shown in FIG. 39, in the sub-control main process, it is determined whether the sub-side power-off flag (a flag that is turned ON when the power is cut off) is ON and the contents of the performance RAM 124 are normal (S1001). If this determination result is NO, that is, if the sub-side power-off flag is not ON, or if the contents of the performance RAM 124 are not normal even if the sub-side power-off flag is ON, the contents of the performance RAM 124 are Initialize (S1002) and proceed to step S1003.

On the other hand, if the determination result in step S1001 is YES, that is, if the sub-side power-off flag is turned ON due to a power outage, but the contents of the performance RAM 124 are maintained normally, then the RAM is cleared. It is determined whether a notification command has been received (S1011). If the RAM clear notification command has been received (YES in S1011), the gaming RAM 104 of the gaming control board 100 has been cleared. Therefore, the performance RAM 124 of the performance control board 120 is cleared (S1002), and the process proceeds to step S1003. On the other hand, if the RAM clear notification command has not been received (NO in S1011), the process proceeds to step S1003 without clearing the performance RAM 124.

In step S1003, other initial settings are performed. For example, the settings of the performance CPU 122, SIO, PIO, CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), etc. are performed. Also, if the sub-side power off flag is ON, it is turned OFF.

In step S1004, interrupts are prohibited. Next, random number seed update processing is executed (S1005). In the random number seed update process (S1005), the values of various performance determination random number counters are updated. Note that the random numbers for performance determination include random numbers for performance design determination for determining performance symbols, random numbers for determining variable performance patterns for determining variable performance patterns, and random numbers for determining preview performance for determining various preview performances. etc. The random number updating method can be the same as the random number updating process performed by the game control board 100 described above. When updating, the random number values may be added by 2 instead of being added by 1. This also applies to the random number update process performed by the game control board 100 described above.

When the random number seed update process (S1005) is completed, a command transmission process is executed (S1006). In the command transmission process (S1006), various commands stored in the output buffer in the performance RAM 124 of the performance control board 120 are transmitted to the image control board 140. The image control board 140 that has received the command uses the image display device 50 to execute various performances (such as a variable performance, a jackpot performance consisting of an opening performance, a round performance, and an ending performance) according to the command. The performance control microcomputer 121 then permits an interrupt (S1007). Thereafter, steps S1004 to S1007 are looped. While interrupts are enabled, reception interrupt processing (S1008), 1ms timer interrupt processing (S1009), and 10ms timer interrupt processing (S1010) can be executed.

[Reception interrupt processing] In the reception interrupt processing (S1008), when the strobe signal (STB signal) is turned ON, that is, the strobe signal sent from the game control board 100 is input to the external INT input section of the production control microcomputer 121. This is a process that is executed with priority over other interrupt processes (S1009, S1010). As shown in FIG. 40, in the reception interrupt process (S1008), various commands transmitted from the game control board 100 are stored in the reception buffer of the performance RAM 124 (S1101).

[1ms timer interrupt process] The 1ms timer interrupt process (S1009) is executed every time an interrupt pulse of 1 msec period is input to the production control board 120. As shown in FIG. 41, in the 1ms timer interrupt processing (S1009), input processing is first performed (S1201). In the input process (S1201), switch data (edge data and level data) is created based on detection signals from the input section detection sensor 40a (see FIG. 7) and the select button detection sensor 42a (see FIG. 7).

Next, lamp data output processing is performed (S1202). In the lamp data output processing (S1202), the set lamp data (data that controls the emission of the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54) is output to the sub-drive board 162 so that the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 are illuminated at a timing that matches the performance. In this way, the sub-drive board 162 controls the emission of the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54, and as described below, it is possible to illuminate the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 in a special first emission mode (see Figures 22(B)(E)), a special second emission mode (see Figures 22(C)(D)), a special third emission mode (see Figure 22(F)), or a special error emission mode (see Figure 25(D)).

Next, drive control processing (S1203) is performed. In the drive control process (S1203), drive data is created and output in order to drive the board movable body 55k at a timing that suits the performance. That is, the movable platen 55k is driven in a predetermined operation mode according to the drive data. Then, watchdog timer processing (S1204) is performed to reset the watchdog timer, and this processing ends.

[10ms timer interrupt process] The 10ms timer interrupt process (S1010) is executed every time an interrupt pulse with a period of 10 msec is input to the production control board 120. As shown in FIG. 42, in the 10ms timer interrupt process (S1010), first, a received command analysis process, which will be described later, is performed (S1301). Next, a switch state acquisition process is performed in which the switch data created in the 1ms timer interrupt process is stored in the performance RAM 124 as switch data for the 10ms timer interrupt process (S1302). Next, a switch process is performed to set the display contents of the display screen 50a based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition process (S1302) (S1303).

Then, the performance control microcomputer 121 executes a voice control process to create voice data (control data to output voice from the speaker 620) and output the voice data to the image control board 140 (S1304). This voice control process (S1304) causes the speaker 620 to output a voice saying "The setting can be changed" (see FIG. 22 (B) (E)), a voice saying "The setting value has been changed" (see FIG. 22 (C) (D)), a voice saying "The setting value has been confirmed", and a special error sound (see FIG. 25 (B)), as described below. The performance control microcomputer 121 then executes other processes such as creating lamp data and updating various random numbers for determining performances (S1305), and ends this process.

[Received command analysis process] As shown in FIG. 43, in the received command analysis process (S1301), the performance control microcomputer 121 first determines whether or not a fluctuation start command has been received from the game control board 100 (S1401), If it has been received, a variable effect start process to be described later is performed (S1402).

Subsequently, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not a fluctuation stop command has been received from the game control board 100 (S1403), and if it has received it, performs a fluctuation performance end process (S1404). In the fluctuating performance end process (S1404), the fluctuation stop command is analyzed, and based on the analysis result, a fluctuating performance end command for ending the fluctuating performance is set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124.

Subsequently, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not an opening command has been received from the game control board 100 (S1405), and if so, performs an opening performance selection process (S1406). In the opening performance selection process (S1406), the opening command is analyzed and, based on the analysis result, the pattern (content) of the opening performance to be executed during the opening of the jackpot game is selected. Then, an opening performance start command for starting an opening performance using the selected opening performance pattern is set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124.

Subsequently, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not a round designation command has been received from the game control board 100 (S1407), and if so, performs a round performance selection process (S1408). In the round performance selection process (S1408), the round designation command is analyzed, and based on the analysis result, the pattern (content) of the round performance to be executed during the round game of the jackpot game is selected. Then, a round performance start command for starting a round performance using the selected round performance pattern is set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124.

Subsequently, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not an ending command has been received from the game control board 100 (S1409), and if it has received it, performs an ending performance selection process (S1410). In the ending effect selection process (S1410), the ending command is analyzed, and based on the analysis result, the pattern (content) of the ending effect to be executed during the ending of the jackpot game is selected. Then, an ending effect start command for starting an ending effect using the selected ending effect pattern is set in the output buffer of the effect RAM 124.

Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not a set value designation command has been received from the game control board 100 (S1411), and if it has been received, performs a set value flag change process (S1412). In the setting value flag change process (S1412), the setting value flag 125 of the effect RAM 124 is set based on the setting value information included in the setting value designation command. For example, if the setting value designation command includes information about the setting value "1", the setting value flag 125 is set to "1". Thereby, the performance control microcomputer 121 can grasp the current set value, and can execute a suggestive performance that suggests the set value using a performance means such as the image display device 50. Note that when the effect RAM 124 is initialized in step S1002 (see FIG. 39) described above, the contents of the set value flag 125 are erased.

Subsequently, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not a setting mode transition command has been received from the game control board 100 (S1413), and if it has received it, performs a setting mode transition performance process (S1414). In the setting mode transition performance processing (S1414), a setting mode transition performance command for displaying the setting changing image SH shown in FIG. 22(B) is set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124. As a result, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 that has received the setting mode transition production command displays the setting changing image SH on the display screen 50a.

Further, in the setting mode transition effect processing (S1414), audio data for outputting a voice saying "Settings can be changed" (see FIG. 22(B)) is set in a predetermined storage area of the effect RAM 124. Thereby, the audio CPU 149 of the image control board 140 that has received the audio data causes the speaker 620 to output a voice saying "Settings can be changed." In addition, in the setting mode transition effect processing (S1414), lamp data for causing the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 to emit light in a special first light emission mode (see FIG. 22(B)) is stored in a predetermined storage area of the effect RAM 124. Set to . Thereby, the sub-drive board 162 that has received the lamp data causes the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 to emit light in a special first light emission mode. As described above, by displaying the settings changing image SH, hearing the voice message "Settings can be changed," and emitting light in the special first lighting mode, the person changing the settings can move to the settings change mode and make the desired settings. It is possible to make the user understand that the value can be changed.

Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not a set value change command has been received from the game control board 100 (S1415), and if it has received it, performs a set value change production process (S1416). In the setting value change effect processing (S1416), a setting value change effect command for displaying the setting value change image YG shown in FIG. 22(C) or FIG. 22(D) is set in the output buffer of the effect RAM 124. As a result, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 that has received the setting value change production command displays the setting value change image YG superimposed (in a layered manner) on the setting value changing image SH on the display screen 50a.

In addition, in the setting value change effect processing (S1416), audio data for outputting the voice "The setting value has been changed" (see FIG. 22(C) or FIG. 22(D)) is stored in a predetermined location in the effect RAM 124. Set it in the storage area. Thereby, the audio CPU 149 of the image control board 140, which received the audio data, causes the speaker 620 to output an audio message saying "The setting value has been changed." In addition, in the setting value change effect processing (S1416), lamp data for causing the frame lamp 212 and the panel lamp 54 to emit light in a special second light emission mode (see FIG. 22(C) or FIG. 22(D)) is used for effect. Set it in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 124. Thereby, the sub-drive board 162 that has received the lamp data causes the frame lamp 212 and the panel lamp 54 to emit light in a special second light emission mode. As described above, by displaying the setting value change image YG, the voice saying "The setting value has been changed", and the emission of light in the special second emission mode, not only the person making the setting change but also employees of the surrounding amusement facilities can It is also possible for personnel to understand the status of changes in setting values.

Subsequently, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not a setting mode end command has been received from the game control board 100 (S1417), and if it has received it, performs a setting mode end performance process (S1418). In the setting mode end production process (S1418), a setting value confirmation production command for displaying the setting value confirmation image SK shown in FIG. 22(F) is set in the output buffer of the production RAM 124. As a result, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 that has received the setting value finalization effect command changes the setting shown in FIG. 22(F) from the display of the setting changing image SH shown in FIG. 22(E) on the display screen 50a. The display switches to the value confirmed image SK.

Further, in the setting mode end effect processing (S1418), audio data for outputting the voice "setting value has been confirmed" (see FIG. 22(F)) is set in a predetermined storage area of the effect RAM 124. Thereby, the audio CPU 149 of the image control board 140 that has received the audio data causes the speaker 620 to output an audio message saying "setting values have been determined." In addition, in the setting mode end effect processing (S1418), lamp data for causing the frame lamp 212 and the panel lamp 54 to emit light in a special third light emission mode (see FIG. 22(F)) is stored in a predetermined storage area of the effect RAM 124. Set to . As a result, the sub-drive board 162 that has received the lamp data causes the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 to emit light in a special third light emission mode. As a result, the setting value confirmation image SK is displayed, the voice saying "The setting value has been confirmed", and the light is emitted in the special third lighting mode, so that not only the person changing the setting but also the employees of the surrounding amusement park can It is also possible to grasp the situation in which the set value has been determined.

Subsequently, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not an error command has been received from the game control board 100 (S1419), and if so, performs error mode notification processing (S1420). In the error mode notification process (S1420), an operation suggestion production command for displaying the operation suggestion image SE shown in FIG. 25(B) is set in the output buffer of the production RAM 124. Thereby, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 that has received the operation suggestion production command displays the operation suggestion image SE shown in FIG. 25(B) on the display screen 50a.

In the error mode notification process (S1420), audio data for outputting a special error sound (see FIG. 25(B)) is set in a predetermined storage area of the performance RAM 124. Thereby, the audio CPU 149 of the image control board 140 that has received the audio data causes the speaker 620 to output a special error sound. In addition, in the error mode notification process (S1420), lamp data for causing the frame lamp 212 and board lamp 54 to emit light in a special error light emission mode (see FIG. 25(B)) is set in a predetermined storage area of the production RAM 124. do. As a result, the sub-drive board 162 that has received the lamp data causes the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 to emit light in a special error light emission mode. As described above, by displaying the operation suggestion image SE, making a special error sound, and emitting light in a special error light emission mode, employees at the game center can be informed that the error mode has been entered, that is, the setting value has been set. It is possible to make them understand that they are not.

Then, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs other processing (S1421) based on received commands other than the above commands (for example, processing to perform a performance associated with the variable display of normal symbols). Then, the received command analysis processing (S1301) ends.

[Fluctuating effect start processing] As shown in FIG. 44, in the variable effect starting process (S1402), first, the effect control microcomputer 121 analyzes the variable start command (S1501). The fluctuation start command includes information on the fluctuation pattern (see FIG. 18) and information on special pattern stop symbol data based on jackpot determination and the like. Next, the performance control microcomputer 121 selects the performance pattern EZ to be finally stopped and displayed in the variable performance (S1502). Then, based on the analysis result of the fluctuation start command, a fluctuation performance pattern that is the content of the fluctuation performance is selected (S1503). Once the variable performance pattern is decided, the time of the variable performance, the variable display mode of the performance symbol, the presence or absence of the reach performance, the content of the reach performance, the presence or absence of the suggestion performance that suggests the set value, the content of the suggestion performance, the SW performance (performance button performance) ), the contents of the SW performance, the performance development configuration, the type of background of the performance pattern, etc. The details of the content of the variable performance are determined.

Subsequently, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs preview performance selection processing (S1504). As a result, the contents of the preview performances such as so-called step-up preview performances and chance-up preview performances are determined. Next, a drive data setting process for setting drive data according to the selected variation effect pattern is executed (S1505).

After that, the performance control microcomputer 121 sets the selected performance symbol, the variable performance pattern, and a variable performance start command for starting the variable performance in the preview performance in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124 (S1506), and The production start process (S1402) ends. When the variable effect start command set in step S1506 is sent to the image control board 140, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 reads a predetermined effect image from the image ROM 142 and displays it on the image display device 50. A variable effect is performed on the screen 50a.

10. Effects of the Present Embodiment As described above in detail, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of the present embodiment (first embodiment), both the transition to the setting change mode and the confirmation of the setting value (end of the setting change mode) can be set. The condition is that the key cylinder 180 be operated. Therefore, it is possible to confirm the set value without newly providing a dedicated operation means for confirming the set value. In other words, by using the setting key cylinder 180 as both the operation means for starting the setting change mode and the operation means for ending the setting change mode, the number of parts can be reduced and the operation method can be simplified. It is possible to avoid complications.

Further, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of the present embodiment, when shifting to the setting change mode, it is necessary to rotate the setting key cylinder 180 sufficiently to the rotation position. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an unintentional transition to the setting change mode. On the other hand, when ending the setting change mode, a certain setting value is selected (for example, see FIG. 22(D)), and before the setting key cylinder 180 is completely returned from the rotation position to the standby position. Then, the set value is confirmed. Therefore, it is possible to set the setting value as early as possible. In addition, even if the setting changer does not completely return the setting key cylinder 180 from the rotating position to the standby position due to carelessness or inexperience, the set value can be determined, so it is possible to deal with the carelessness or inexperience of the setting changer. It is possible.

In addition, with the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, the setting change mode is not entered unless the setting key cylinder 180 is rotated sufficiently to the rotation position, and the setting value is confirmed as soon as the setting key cylinder 180 is returned from the rotation position to the standby position. As shown in FIG. 23, an electrical circuit can be easily realized by the power line E2, signal line E1, setting key cylinder switch 180a, and ground line E4.

Further, according to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the present embodiment, when the setting value is determined (when the setting change mode ends), the display screen 50a changes from the state shown in FIG. 22(E) to the state shown in FIG. 22(F). The display of the settings changing image SH is switched to the setting value finalized image SK. In addition, from the situation where the speaker 620 repeatedly outputs the voice saying "Settings can be changed," the voice saying "Setting values have been determined" is output. Furthermore, the situation in which the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 continue to emit light in the special second light emission mode is switched to light emission in the special third light emission mode. Due to the above changes in the performance mode, the person changing the settings can understand that the setting value has been correctly determined even before the setting key cylinder 180 has completely returned to the standby position.

Further, according to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the present embodiment, when the set value is determined, an initial display indicating that the 7-segment display 300 is normal is executed as shown in FIG. 22(F). This initial display allows confirmation that the displayed setting values are correct.

Further, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of the present embodiment, only when the setting change mode transition operation is performed when the power is turned on, it is possible to transition to the setting change mode in which the setting value can be changed. Therefore, even if the setting key cylinder 180 is operated during the variable display of special symbols (during the game), it is impossible to shift to the setting change mode. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player or the like from illegally shifting to the setting change mode and determining setting values during a game.

Furthermore, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of the present embodiment, the setting change mode can be entered based on the setting key cylinder 180 being rotated to the rotation position and the power switch 195 being switched from the shut-off state to the on-state. Therefore, only an employee of the game parlor who can operate the power switch 195 can shift to the setting change mode and determine the setting value.

Further, according to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 22(B) to 22(D), in the 7-segment display 300, while the setting value is emitting light in the lighting mode, the setting value is Values can be changed. Then, when the set value is determined, the set value that was in the lighting mode is changed to the non-display mode (no longer displayed), as shown in FIG. 22(F). In this way, by changing the display mode of the set values, it is possible to know whether the set values have been finalized. After the setting value is determined, by making the setting value invisible, it is possible to minimize the risk that the determined setting value will be recognized by those around you.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, as shown in Figures 26 (B) (C) (D) (E), the base is displayed on the seven-segment display 300. Therefore, by looking at the base displayed on the seven-segment display 300, it is possible to easily determine whether the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is one that may give an excessive advantage or disadvantage to the player. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 22 (B) (C) (D), the seven-segment display 300 can also display a set value. In this way, by using a display means that displays the set value and a display means that displays the base together, it is possible to reduce the number of parts.

Further, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of the present embodiment, the game control microcomputer 101 does not display both the set value and the base at the same time on the 7-segment display 300, but only displays one of them. . Thereby, it is possible to avoid the processing load on the game control microcomputer 101 from becoming too large.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, when the setting change mode ends (when the setting value is confirmed), the 7-segment display 300 displays the bases (current base, previous base, 2nd previous base, 3rd previous base) shown in Figures 26(B), (C), (D), and (E) after passing through the initial display shown in Figure 26(A). Therefore, it is possible for employees of the gaming facility who see the initial display to recognize that not only the setting value but also the base is displayed correctly on the 7-segment display 300.

11. Example of change Below, an example of change will be explained. In addition, in the description of the modification example, the same components as those of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. Of course, the configurations according to the modified examples may be combined as appropriate. Further, the technical features in the above embodiments and the modified examples described below can be deleted as appropriate unless they are described as essential in this specification.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 22B, 22C, and 22D, the setting value may be directly displayed on the 7-segment display 300, while the display screen 50a of the image display device 50 and the speaker 620 may be displayed directly on the 7-segment display 300. The setting value was not directly indicated using the method. On the other hand, as in a modification shown in FIG. 45, the setting value may be directly indicated using the display screen 50a of the image display device 50 and the speaker 620.

That is, when the setting change mode transition operation is performed, as shown in FIG. 45(B), the setting value that was set before the power was turned on (for example, " 1") is displayed on the display screen 50a of the image display device 50, and an initial setting value image YG1 indicating the setting value (for example, "1") is displayed from above the setting changing image SH. With this initial setting value image YG1, it is possible for the person changing the settings and the employees of the surrounding gaming parlor to more easily understand the setting values that were set before the power was turned on. In addition, in this modification, the game control microcomputer 101 transmits a setting value designation command in step S033 shown in FIG. 30, and the production control microcomputer 121 receives the setting value designation command. It is sufficient to execute display control of image YG1.

Thereafter, when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, the set value "2" is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300, as shown in FIG. 45(C), and the image display device On the display screen 50a of 50, a changed setting value image YG2 indicating the setting value "2" is displayed from above the setting changing image SH. Also, at this time, the speaker 620 outputs a voice saying "The setting value has been changed to "2"." By displaying the changed setting value image YG2 and the sound from the speaker 620, it is possible to make the person changing the settings and the employees of the surrounding gaming hall understand the changed setting values more easily. In addition, in this modification, the game control microcomputer 101 transmits a setting value designation command in step S037 shown in FIG. What is necessary is to perform display control of image YG2 and voice control saying "The setting value has been changed to '2'".

Subsequently, when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, the changed setting value image YG3 indicating the setting value "3" is displayed on the display screen 50a, and the speaker 620 will output a voice saying "The setting value has been changed to '3'", and the setting value notification will change from '2' to '3'. This is the same as in the case shown.

Thereafter, when the setting confirmation operation is performed, the initial display is performed on the 7-segment display 300 from the state shown in FIG. 45(E) to the state shown in FIG. 45(F), and the display screen 50a of the image display device 50 is , a setting value confirmation notification image SL indicating the text "The setting value has been confirmed to '3'" is displayed. At this time, the speaker 620 outputs a voice saying, "The setting value has been determined to be 3." By displaying the set value finalization notification image SL and the sound from the speaker 620, it is possible for the person changing the settings and the employees of the surrounding gaming hall to understand the final set value more easily. In this modification, the game control microcomputer 101 transmits a setting mode end command in step S040 shown in FIG. What is necessary is to perform display control of the notification image SL and voice control saying "The setting value has been determined to be '3'."

As described above, the modification shown in FIG. 45 has the advantage that it is easy to understand the setting values that were set before the power was turned on, the changed setting values, and the final setting values. On the other hand, there is a disadvantage that there is an increased risk that the setting values will be grasped by people other than the employees of the gaming parlor. Incidentally, a light emitting means such as the frame lamp 212 or the panel lamp 54 may be used to notify the setting values that were set before the power was turned on, the changed setting values, and the final setting values.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the setting confirmation operation is performed, the setting value that was displayed in a lighting mode (changeable mode) on the 7-segment display 300 becomes a non-display mode, as shown in FIG. 22(D). Instead, an initial display was performed as shown in FIG. 22(F). On the other hand, as in the modification shown in FIG. 46, when a setting confirmation operation is performed, the setting value displayed in the lighting mode may be changed to a display mode other than the non-display mode.

That is, as shown in FIG. 46(A), it is assumed that in the setting change mode, a setting value indicating, for example, "3" is displayed in a lighting manner in the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300. When the setting confirmation operation is performed at this time, as shown in FIG. It may also be possible to emit light according to the mode). In this way, it is possible to more clearly indicate to the person changing the settings which setting value has been finalized. Then, after the set value is displayed in a flashing manner for a predetermined period of time (for example, 5 seconds), the set value becomes hidden and the initial display is not displayed on the 7-segment display 300, as shown in FIG. 46(C). It may also be executed. Note that in the modification shown in FIG. 46, the setting value displayed during the setting change mode is displayed in a lighting mode, and the setting value displayed when the setting confirmation operation is performed in a blinking mode. The display mode is just an example and can be changed as appropriate.

Further, in the above embodiment, the game control microcomputer 101 does not display the base when displaying the set value on the 7-segment display 300, and does not display the set value when displaying the base. However, as in the modification shown in FIG. 47, in the 7-segment display 300, for example, the base is displayed in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, and the set value is displayed in the fourth display area 340, for example. You can do it like this. In this case, an employee of the gaming hall can grasp both the set value and the base at the same time. Note that which display area from the first display area 310 to the fourth display area 340 displays the setting value or the base can be changed as appropriate.

Further, in the above embodiment, the setting value and the base can be displayed on one 7-segment display 300. On the other hand, as in a modification shown in FIG. 48, a display means for displaying the set value and a display means for displaying the base may be provided separately. For example, as shown in FIG. 48(A), the setting value is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the first display means (7-segment display) 300A, and the second display means (7-segment display) The base may be displayed in the third display area 330 and fourth display area 340 of 300B. Note that the display means for displaying the set value or base is not limited to the 7-segment display, and may be other segment displays, the display screen 50a of the image display device 50, a sub-liquid crystal display, or the like.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, after the backup power from capacitor CA3 is supplied from the payout control board 170 to the game control board 100, it is not supplied back to the payout control board 170 again. In contrast, in the modified example shown in FIG. 49, the backup power from capacitor CA3 is supplied from the payout control board 170 to the game control board 100, and is then supplied back to the payout control board 170 again.

As shown in FIG. 49, in the electric circuit DK2 of this modification, the power supply unit 190 and the payout control board 170 are connected by a harness HN5. Connector CN9 at one end of harness HN5 is connected to power supply unit 190, and connector CN10 at the other end of harness HN5 is connected to payout control board 170. The harness HN5 is provided with a wiring H11 for supplying DC5V power (normal power) from the power supply unit 190 and a wiring H12 serving as a ground line.

In the payout control board 170, there is a power line A11 (specific power line) between the connector CN10 and the branch portion J3. Power line A11 is connected to wiring H11 of harness HN5 via connector CN10. Further, in the payout control board 170, there is a power line A14 connected to the ground G. Power line A14 is connected to wiring H12 of harness HN5 via connector CN10.

A filter NF1 similar to the filter NF1 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected to the connector CN10 side of the power line A11. This filter NF1 makes it possible to remove high-frequency noise from the normal power supply supplied through the power line A11. In addition, a capacitor CA1 similar to the capacitor CA1 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected in parallel to the power line A11 on the branch portion J3 side of the filter NF1. This capacitor CA1 makes it possible to prevent the DC 5V voltage from dropping when the current fluctuation (load) in the normal power supply becomes large.

Further, on the power line A11, a capacitor CA2 similar to the capacitor CA2 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected in parallel on the side closer to the branch portion J3 than the capacitor CA1. This capacitor CA2 makes it possible to remove high frequency noise from the normal power supply on the power line A11. There is a power line C11 (first specific power line) going from the branch part J3 to the payout control microcomputer 171, and the power line C11 is connected to the Vc terminal of the payout control microcomputer 171. Thereby, normal power is supplied to the Vc terminal of the payout control microcomputer 171 via the wiring H11, the power line A11, and the power line C11. As a result, the payout control microcomputer 171 can operate based on the normal power supply during normal times.

The payout control board 170 and the game control board 100 are connected by a harness HN6. The connector CN11 at one end of the harness HN6 is connected to the payout control board 170, and the connector CN12 at the other end of the harness HN6 is connected to the game control board 100. The harness HN6 includes a wiring H16 for supplying backup power from the game control board 100 to the payout control board 170, a wiring H14 for supplying backup power from the payout control board 170 to the game control board 100, and a normal power supply. Wiring H15 for supplying from the payout control board 170 to the game control board 100 is provided.

The payout control board 170 has a power line A12 (second specific power line) that runs from the branch J3 to the wiring H14 of the harness HN6, and a resistor T1 similar to the resistor T1 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected in series to the branch J3 side of the power line A12. This resistor T1 makes it possible to suppress the current flowing from the branch J3 to the resistor T1. In addition, a diode DO1 similar to the diode DO1 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected to the connector CN11 side of the resistor T1 on the power line A12. This diode DO1 makes it possible to prevent the charge stored in the capacitor CA3 (electric double layer capacitor) described later from flowing from the diode DO1 to the branch J3.

In addition, on the power line A12, closer to the connector CN11 than the diode DO1, a capacitor CA3 (electric double layer capacitor) similar to the capacitor CA3 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected in parallel. This makes it possible to supply backup power by discharging the charge stored in the capacitor CA3 in the event of a power interruption. In addition, on the power line A12, closer to the connector CN11 than the capacitor CA3, a capacitor CA4 similar to the capacitor CA4 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected in parallel. This capacitor CA4 makes it possible to remove high frequency noise from the backup power supplied by the power line A12.

Further, the power line A12 is connected to the wiring H14 via the connector CN11. Wiring H14 is connected to power line D11 of game control board 100 via connector CN12. The power line D11 is connected to the Vb terminal of the game control microcomputer 101. Thereby, it is possible to supply backup power from the capacitor CA3 to the Vb terminal of the game control microcomputer 101 via the power line A12, the wiring H14, and the power line D11 at the time of power outage.

The payout control board 170 has a power line A13 extending from the branch portion J3 to the wiring H15 of the harness HN6. Power line A13 is connected to wiring H15 via connector CN11. Wiring H15 is connected to power line D12 of game control board 100 via connector CN12. The power line D12 is connected to the Vc terminal of the game control microcomputer 101. Thereby, it is possible to supply normal power to the Vc terminal of the game control microcomputer 101 via the wiring H11, the power line A11, the power line A13, the wiring H15, and the power line D12.

In the electric circuit DK2 of this modification, a power line D13 branches from a branch portion J4 of the power line D11 of the game control board 100. Power line D13 is connected to wiring H16 via connector CN12. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 49, only when the payout control board 170 and the game control board 100 are connected by the harness HN6, the backup power from the capacitor CA3 is connected to the power line A12, the wiring H14, and the power line D11. It is possible to supply the power to the Vb terminal of the payout control microcomputer 171 via the power line D13, the wiring H16, and the power line B11. In other words, the backup power is supplied from the payout control board 170 to the game control board 100, and then supplied back from the game control board 100 to the payout control board 170, thereby being supplied to the Vb terminal of the payout control microcomputer 171. It has become so.

Here, during the in-circuit test, as shown in FIG. 50, the in-circuit tester INC is connected to the payout control board 170 with the payout control microcomputer 171 removed from the payout control board 170. At this time, the in-circuit tester INC controls to supply power to the power line A11 and the power line A12. As a result, an in-circuit test is performed while charge is stored in the capacitor CA3. After the in-circuit test is completed, the payout control microcomputer 171 is mounted on the payout control board 170. However, at this time, the payout control board 170 is not connected to the game control board 100 via the harness HN6 (see FIG. 49).

Therefore, the charge stored in capacitor CA3 does not return from the payout control board 170 to the payout control board 170 via the game control board 100, and does not act on the payout control microcomputer 171. As a result, it is possible to prevent malfunctions in the payout control microcomputer 171. When the entire pachinko game machine PY1 is assembled, at the stage when the payout control board 170 and the game control board 100 are connected with the harness HN6, no charge remains in capacitor CA3, so malfunctions do not occur in the payout control microcomputer 171.

As explained in detail above, according to the electric circuit DK2 of this modification, as shown in FIG. 100 (another board), and can also be supplied to the payout control microcomputer 171 (specific control means) of the payout control board 170. Therefore, it is possible to supply backup power to the two control boards without installing a capacitor as a backup power supply means in the power supply section (power supply board, power supply unit), creating a new supply relationship for backup power. It is possible to do so.

Further, according to the electric circuit DK2 of this modification, when the game control board 100 is removed from the payout control board 170, the backup power supply is no longer supplied to the game control microcomputer 101 of the game control board 100. Furthermore, since the backup power supply is not supplied back from the payout control board 170 to the payout control board 170 via the game control board 100, the backup power supply is also no longer supplied to the payout control microcomputer 171. Therefore, it is possible to initialize the game control microcomputer 101 and the payout control microcomputer 171 at the same time as removing the game control board 100. In other words, even though the game control board 100 has been removed and the control related to the game has stopped (the information related to the game has been cleared in the gaming RAM 104), the information related to the payout remains in the payout RAM 174. It is possible to prevent the memorized state. As a result, when the game control microcomputer 101 and the payout control microcomputer 171 are operated again by the normal power supply, they can start operating from the initialized state.

According to the electric circuit DK2 of this modified example, as shown in FIG. 50, during the in-circuit inspection, DC 5V power is supplied through the power line A11 and the power line A12, and a charge is stored in the capacitor CA3. Therefore, immediately after the in-circuit inspection, a charge remains in the capacitor CA3. Therefore, when the payout control microcomputer 171 is mounted on the payout control board 170 after the in-circuit inspection, the payout control board 170 and the game control board 100 are not connected. This makes it possible to prevent the charge remaining in the capacitor CA3 from acting on the payout control microcomputer 171, and to prevent malfunctions in the payout control microcomputer 171. Note that other effects are substantially the same as those of the present embodiment described above, and therefore their description will be omitted.

Further, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, it was impossible to switch between a conductive state in which backup power can be supplied from the capacitor CA3 to the payout control microcomputer 171 and a non-conductive state in which backup power cannot be supplied. On the other hand, in the modification shown in FIG. 51, a switch SW1 is provided which can switch between a conductive state in which backup power can be supplied from the capacitor CA3 to the payout control microcomputer 171 and a non-conductive state in which backup power cannot be supplied.

As shown in FIG. 51, in the electric circuit DK3 of this modification, a power supply unit 190 and a payout control board 170 (specific control board) are connected by a harness HN7. Connector CN13 at one end of harness HN7 is connected to power supply unit 190, and connector CN14 at the other end of harness HN7 is connected to payout control board 170. The harness HN7 is provided with a wiring H21 for supplying DC5V power (normal power) from the power supply unit 190 and a wiring H22 serving as a ground line.

In the payout control board 170, there is a power line A21 between the connector CN14 and the branch portion J5. Power line A21 is connected to wiring H21 of harness HN7 via connector CN14. Further, in the payout control board 170, there is a power line A13 connected to the ground G. Power line A13 is connected to wiring H22 of harness HN7 via connector CN14.

A filter NF1 similar to the filter NF1 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected to the connector CN14 side of the power line A21. A capacitor CA1 similar to the capacitor CA1 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected in parallel to the branch part J5 side of the power line A21 from the filter NF1. A capacitor CA2 similar to the capacitor CA2 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected in parallel to the branch part J5 side of the power line A11 from the capacitor CA1. There is a power line C21 going from the branch part J5 to the dispensing control microcomputer 171, and the power line C21 is connected to the Vc terminal of the dispensing control microcomputer 171. As a result, the normal power supply is supplied to the Vc terminal of the dispensing control microcomputer 171 via the wiring H21, the power line A21, and the power line C21. As a result, the dispensing control microcomputer 171 (specific control means) can operate based on the normal power supply during normal times. Power line A21 corresponds to a "specific power line" and power line C21 corresponds to a "normal power line."

The payout control board 170 and the game control board 100 are connected by a harness HN8. Connector CN15 at one end of harness HN8 is connected to payout control board 170, and connector CN16 at the other end of harness HN8 is connected to game control board 100. The harness HN8 is provided with wiring H24 for supplying backup power from the game control board 100 to the payout control board 170, and wiring H25 for supplying normal power from the payout control board 170 to the game control board 100. There is.

The payout control board 170 has a power line A22 going from the branch part J5 to the wiring H24 of the harness HN8, and a resistor similar to the resistor T1 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is provided on the branch part J5 side of the power line A22. A resistor T1 is connected in series. Further, a diode DO1 similar to the diode DO1 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected to the power line A22 closer to the connector CN15 than the resistor T1.

Further, a capacitor CA3 (electric double layer capacitor) similar to the capacitor CA3 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected in parallel to the power line A22 on the side closer to the connector CN15 than the diode DO1. Thereby, in the event of a power outage, it is possible to supply backup power by discharging the charge stored in the capacitor CA3. Further, on the power line A22, a capacitor CA4 similar to the capacitor CA4 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected in parallel on the side closer to the connector CN15 than the capacitor CA3.

Further, in the power line A22, there is a branch portion J6 closer to the connector CN15 than the capacitor CA4. A power line A23 extends from the branch portion J6 toward the Vb terminal of the payout control microcomputer 171, and the power line A23 is connected to the Vb terminal of the payout control microcomputer 171. However, in the third embodiment, the power line A23 is provided with a switch SW1. The switch SW1 (switching means) switches between a conductive state (first state) in which backup power can be supplied through the power line A23 and a non-conductive state (second state) in which backup power cannot be supplied through the power line A23. It is something.

The switch SW1 is a toggle switch that can be switched between a conductive state and a non-conductive state by manual operation. However, the switching means capable of switching the conductive state or non-conductive state of the power line A23 is not limited to the mechanical switch SW1 such as a toggle switch. For example, it may be electronically controlled using semiconductor elements such as MOSFETs, and can be changed as appropriate. Note that the power line A22 and the power line A23 correspond to a "backup power line".

In this manner, when the pachinko game machine PY1 of this modification is set in a game parlor, the switch SW1 is in a conductive state as shown in FIG. 51. Therefore, when the power is cut off, the charge stored in the capacitor CA3 is released, and backup power can be supplied to the Vb terminal of the payout control microcomputer 171 via the power line A22 and the power line A23.

Further, the power line A22 is connected to the wiring H24 via the connector CN15. The wiring H24 is connected to the power line D21 of the game control board 100 (another control board) via the connector CN16. The power line D21 is connected to the Vb terminal of the game control microcomputer 101. This makes it possible to supply backup power from the capacitor CA3 to the Vb terminal of the game control microcomputer 101 (other control means) via the power line A22, the wiring H24, and the power line D21 in the event of a power outage. be.

The payout control board 170 has a power line C22 running from the branch portion J5 to the wiring H25 of the harness HN8. Power line C22 is connected to wiring H25 via connector CN15. Wiring H25 is connected to power line D22 of game control board 100 via connector CN16. The power line D22 is connected to the Vc terminal of the game control microcomputer 101. Thereby, it is possible to supply normal power to the Vc terminal of the game control microcomputer 101 via the wiring H21, the power line A21, the power line A22, the wiring H25, and the power line D22.

Here, during the in-circuit test, as shown in FIG. 52, the in-circuit tester INC is connected to the payout control board 170 with the payout control microcomputer 171 removed from the payout control board 170. At this time, the in-circuit tester INC controls to supply power to the power line A21 and the power line A22. As a result, an in-circuit test is performed while charge is stored in the capacitor CA3. After the in-circuit test is completed, the switch SW1 is operated to bring the power line A23 into a non-conducting state (see FIG. 22) in which backup power cannot be supplied. Note that the switch SW1 may be made non-conductive before performing the in-circuit test.

In this way, the payout control microcomputer 171 is mounted on the payout control board 170 while keeping the switch SW1 in a non-conductive state. Thereby, the charge stored in the capacitor CA3 does not act on the payout control microcomputer 171 via the power line A23. As a result, it is possible to prevent the dispensing control microcomputer 171 from malfunctioning. Before assembling the entire pachinko game machine PY1, the switch SW1 is operated to bring the power line A23 into a conductive state (see FIG. 51) where backup power can be supplied. This is to enable backup power to be supplied to the payout control microcomputer 171 in the event of a power outage.

As described above in detail, according to the electric circuit DK3 of this modification, the switch SW1 is brought into a non-conducting state in which backup power cannot be supplied from the power line A23. This makes it impossible to supply backup power from the capacitor CA3 to the payout control microcomputer 171. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation where backup power is unintentionally supplied to the payout control microcomputer 171, and it is possible to prevent a problem from occurring in the payout control microcomputer 171.

Further, according to the electric circuit DK2 of this modification, as shown in FIG. 52, during an in-circuit test, 5V DC power is supplied from the power line A22, and electric charge is stored in the capacitor CA3. Therefore, immediately after the in-circuit test, a charge remains in the capacitor CA3. Therefore, when mounting the payout control microcomputer 171 on the payout control board 170 after the in-circuit test, the switch SW1 is set to a non-conducting state where backup power cannot be supplied from the power line A23. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the charge remaining in the capacitor CA3 from acting on the payout control microcomputer 171, and it is possible to prevent the payout control microcomputer 171 from malfunctioning. Note that the other effects are substantially the same as those of the present embodiment described above, so their explanation will be omitted.

Further, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24(A), when the setting key cylinder 180 is in the rotation position, an "H" level switch signal is input to the game control microcomputer 101, and as shown in FIG. 24(B). As shown in FIG. 24(C), when the setting key cylinder 180 is in the middle of being operated from the rotation position to the standby position, the switch signal changes from the "H" level to the "L" level, and as shown in FIG. When the key cylinder 180 is in the standby position, an "L" level switch signal is input to the game control microcomputer 101. However, as in the modification shown in FIG. 53, the relationship between the "H" level and the "L" level in the switch signal of the above embodiment may be reversed.

That is, as shown in FIG. 53(A), when the setting key cylinder 180 is in the standby position, an "H" level switch signal is input to the game control microcomputer 101, and as shown in FIG. 53(B), , when the setting key cylinder 180 is in the middle of being operated from the standby position to the rotation position, the switch signal switches from the "H" level to the "L" level, and as shown in FIG. 53(C), the setting key cylinder 180 An "L" level switch signal may be input to the game control microcomputer 101 when the is in the rotating position.

However, in the modification shown in FIG. 53, as soon as the setting key cylinder 180 starts rotating from the standby position, the switch signal changes from the "H" level to the "L" level, as shown in FIG. 53(B). This will move you to setting change mode. In this case, it becomes easy to shift to the setting change mode unintentionally due to unfamiliar operations or vibrations by the setting changer. Therefore, the above embodiment (see FIG. 24) is preferable in that it can prevent unintentional transition to the setting change mode. Furthermore, in the modification shown in FIG. 53, when ending the setting change mode, the setting value cannot be confirmed unless the setting key cylinder 180 is sufficiently rotated to the standby position, as shown in FIG. 53(A). Can not. In this case, if the person changing the settings forgets to perform a sufficient rotation operation to reach the standby position, the set value will continue to be displayed on the 7-segment display 300, increasing the risk that the set value will be recognized by those around you. . Therefore, in the above embodiment (see FIGS. 22(E) and 22(F)), as soon as the setting key cylinder 180 starts rotating from the rotation position, the setting change mode ends and the setting value is displayed on the 7-segment display 300. This is preferable in that it becomes invisible (in a non-display mode).

In addition, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, in the normal state (when the setting key cylinder 180 is in the standby position), the resistor T2 functions as a pull-down resistor, and the game control microcomputer 101 switches to the "L" level. A signal (second signal) was input. Then, when in the setting change mode, an "H" level switch signal (first signal) is input to the game control microcomputer 101. However, when a predetermined resistor is normally used as a pull-up resistor and a switch signal (first signal) at the "H" level is input to the game control microcomputer 101, and the game control microcomputer 101 is in the setting change mode, the game control An “L” level switch signal (second signal) may be input to the microcomputer 101. However, even in this case, the setting change mode cannot be entered unless the setting key cylinder 180 is sufficiently rotated to the rotation position, and it is preferable that the setting change mode ends as soon as the setting key cylinder 180 starts rotating from the rotation position. .

Further, in the above embodiment, the transition operation means capable of transitioning to the setting change mode and confirming the setting value is the rotatable setting key cylinder 180. However, it may also be possible to use other transition operation means, such as a direct-acting operation means or a switch-type operation means, to transition to the setting change mode and confirm the set value. .

Further, in the above embodiment, as soon as the setting key cylinder 180 starts rotating from the rotation position to the standby position, the setting key cylinder switch 180a is switched from ON to OFF (see FIGS. 24(A) and 24(B)). Settings change mode was supposed to end. However, the setting change mode may be ended at other timings. For example, when the setting key cylinder 180 is rotated to an intermediate position between the rotation position and the standby position, the setting key cylinder switch 180a may be switched from ON to OFF. Further, the setting key cylinder switch 180a may not be switched from ON to OFF unless the setting key cylinder 180 is completely rotated to the standby position.

In the above embodiment, when the mode is changed to the setting change mode, as shown in FIG. 22(B), a setting change image SH is displayed on the display screen 50a, a sound "Settings can be changed" is output from the speaker 620, and the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 are illuminated in a special first illumination mode. However, other presentation modes may be used to notify (indicate) that the mode has been changed to the setting change mode (that the setting value can be changed). For example, the mode may be notified by outputting a special alarm sound from the speaker 620 or by displaying a special character image on the display screen 50a.

In the above embodiment, when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed during the setting change mode, as shown in FIG. 22(C), a setting value change image YG is displayed on the display screen 50a, a sound saying "The setting value has been changed" is output from the speaker 620, and the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 are illuminated in a special second light emission mode. However, other presentation modes may be used to notify (indicate) that the setting value has been changed. For example, the setting value may be notified by outputting a sound effect indicating a pitch (sound height) according to the setting value from the speaker 620, or by displaying a background image according to the setting value on the display screen 50a.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the setting confirmation operation is performed, the setting value confirmation image SK is displayed on the display screen 50a, as shown in FIG. was output, causing the frame lamp 212 and the panel lamp 54 to emit light in a special third light emission mode. However, other effects may be used to notify (suggest) that the set value has been correctly determined. For example, it may be possible to notify that the setting value has been correctly determined by outputting a special sound from the speaker 620 or displaying a special effect image on the display screen 50a.

Further, in the above embodiment, after shifting to the setting change mode, the 7-segment display 300 sequentially displays the setting value, the initial display, and the base. However, the order of these displays can be changed as appropriate. For example, the initial display may be started first, then the setting values may be displayed with the start of the setting change mode, and the base may be displayed when the setting change mode ends. In the above embodiment, all the lighting parts LB1 to LB32 on the 7-segment display 300 are lit as the initial display, but other lighting modes (lighting modes) may be used and can be changed as appropriate. .

Further, in the above embodiment, the set value can be changed each time the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed in the setting change mode. However, the setting value may be changed by operating an operating means other than the RAM clear switch 191.

Further, in the above embodiment, the conditions for transitioning to the setting change mode are that the setting key cylinder 180 is in the rotation position, the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed down, and the power switch 195 is turned on. . However, the conditions for transitioning to the setting change mode can be changed as appropriate. For example, the gaming machine frame 2 is open (the inner frame 21 is open to the outer frame, or the front door 23 is open to the inner frame 21), and the machine is waiting for a customer (the special symbols change. It is also possible that the jackpot game is not being displayed and the jackpot game is not being executed. Note that during the game (during the variable display of special symbols or during the execution of the jackpot game), the setting value may be changed by shifting to the setting change mode.

Further, in the above embodiment, it was possible to end the setting change mode by rotating the setting key cylinder 180 from the rotation position to the standby position. However, the setting change mode may be ended using an operating means other than the setting key cylinder 180.

Further, in the above embodiment, the base that is not calculated is displayed on the 7-segment display 300, divided into sections for each gaming state. However, the calculated base may be displayed by dividing it into each gaming state. That is, even if the 7-segment display 300 can display the base in the normal gaming state, the base in the high probability state and time saving state, the base in the normal probability state and time saving state, and the base in the jackpot gaming state. good.

Further, in the above embodiment, the number of fired balls was counted based on detection by the discharge port sensor 18a. However, the method for detecting the number of fired balls can be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of fired balls may be counted based on the detection by the first starting hole sensor 11a, the second starting hole sensor 12a, the general winning hole sensor 10a, and the big winning hole sensor 14a. You can also do it.

Further, in the above embodiment, the base can be displayed on the 7-segment display 300. However, the 7-segment display 300 may be able to display information related to the performance of the pachinko game machine PY1 other than the base. For example, as information related to the performance of the pachinko game machine PY1, the ball output (total number of prize balls minus the number of fired balls) or the ball output rate may be displayed. The winning rate is the ratio of the number of prize balls obtained based on the operation of the accessory to the total number of prize balls obtained from the time the power was turned on until the present time. The output rate includes the yakuza ratio and the continuous yakuza ratio. The prize ball ratio is the number of prize balls (prize balls) won based on the operation of all the prize balls, including the normal electric accessory (electric chew 12D) and the special electric accessory (big prize device 14D), out of the total number of prize balls. This is the ratio of the number of pitches thrown. The continuous accessory ratio is the ratio of the number of prize balls (continuous accessory prize ball number) obtained by continuously operating the special electric accessory to the total number of prize balls. In other words, the continuous role prize ratio is the ratio of the number of prize balls acquired based only on the execution of the jackpot game to the total number of prize balls.

Further, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a capacitor CA3 capable of supplying backup power to the payout control board 170 was provided. On the other hand, a capacitor capable of supplying backup power may be provided to the game control board 100. Also in the modification shown in FIG. 49, a capacitor capable of supplying backup power may be provided to the game control board 100. Also in the modification shown in FIG. 51, a capacitor capable of supplying backup power may be provided to the game control board 100. In these cases, the relationship between the payout control board 170 and the game control board 100 explained in FIGS. 12, 49, and 51 is reversed, and the relationship between the payout control microcomputer 171 and the game control microcomputer 101 is simply reversed. It is.

Further, in the above embodiment, when normal power is not supplied from the power supply unit 190 to the payout control microcomputer 171, the capacitor CA3 of the payout control board 170 supplies backup power to both the payout control microcomputer 171 and the game control microcomputer 101. It was configured to be able to supply However, the capacitor CA3 of the payout control board 170 may be configured to be able to supply backup power to either the payout control microcomputer 171 or the game control microcomputer 101.

Further, in the above embodiment, the capacitor CA3 serving as a backup power supply means is an electric double layer capacitor. However, the backup power supply means may be a capacitor (for example, an electrolytic capacitor) having a smaller capacitance than the electric double layer capacitor. Further, the backup power supply means may be, for example, a battery other than a capacitor, and can be changed as appropriate. However, considering the possibility of a fire occurring due to heat generation, a capacitor is preferable to a battery in terms of safety.

Further, in the above embodiment, the power supply unit capable of supplying power based on an externally supplied power supply (AC 24V power) is configured as a power supply unit 190 (module) capable of mounting surface-mounted components. However, the power supply section may be configured as a power supply board on which surface mount components cannot be mounted. Note that the power supply unit 190 and the power supply board may be ones that integrally incorporate a firing control circuit that controls the firing of game balls (gaming media).

Further, in the above embodiment, the normal power supply supplied to the payout control microcomputer 171 and the game control microcomputer 101 was DC5V (specific voltage) power. However, the power may be based on other voltages. Further, the backup power supply supplied to the payout control microcomputer 171 and the game control microcomputer 101 was DC5V power. However, the power may be based on other voltages.

In each of the above embodiments, the payout control board 170 or the game control board 100 is provided with a capacitor CA3 as a backup power supply means. However, in addition to the payout control board 170 or the game control board 100, which is a control board (main board) that affects (may affect) the result of the game, a capacitor CA3 may be provided as a backup power supply means. That is, the effect control board 120, the image control board 140, and the sub-drive board 162 may be provided with a capacitor CA3 as a backup power supply means. Further, in this case, the objects to which backup power is supplied may be the production control microcomputer 121, the image CPU 141, the image RAM 143, etc.

In the above embodiment, the power supply unit 190 supplies DC 5V power (normal power supply) to the game control board 100, which is the board-side board, via the payout control board 170, which is the frame-side board. However, the relationship between the frame-side board and the board-side board is not limited to the relationship between the payout control board 170 and the game control board 100, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the power supply unit 190 may supply DC 5V power to the performance control board 120, which is the board-side board, via the launch control board (board that implements the launch control circuit 175), which is the frame-side board. The power supply unit 190 is not limited to DC 5V power, and may supply, for example, DC 12V power, DC 18V power, DC 24V power, or DC 37V power to the board-side board via the frame-side board. The frame-side board and the board-side board may be relay boards that do not implement an integrated circuit (IC).

In addition, each of the above-mentioned forms is configured as a gaming machine in which the transition to a high-probability state is determined based on the type of the winning jackpot symbol. It may also be configured as a gaming machine (gaming machine) that controls to a high probability state based on the above. Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, once the control is made to a high probability state, the control to the high probability state continues until the start of the next jackpot game (a so-called variable loop type gaming machine). It may also be configured as a game machine with variable probability (number of times cut) or a falling machine (a game machine in which a high probability state ends depending on the lottery result). Further, it may be configured as a so-called 1 type 2 type mixing machine or a spinner type game machine. That is, the invention disclosed in this specification can be suitably applied to gaming machines with various gaming properties, regardless of the gaming properties of the gaming machines.

In addition, a small win game (a special game in which the total opening time of the large prize opening is short, less than a predetermined time (e.g., 1.8 seconds)) may be played as a special game. The state in which a small win game is being played is called the small win game state.

Further, there may be a plurality of (for example, two) big winning openings (big winning devices). In this case, the first big winning hole, the first big winning hole sensor that can detect the game ball that entered the first big winning hole, the second big winning hole, and the game ball that entered the second big winning hole. The game machine is equipped with a second big prize opening sensor capable of detecting balls.

In addition, in each of the above embodiments, four random numbers such as a jackpot random number are acquired as random numbers (judgment information) based on winning in the first starting hole 11 or the second starting hole 12, but one A random number may be obtained, and based on the random number, whether or not it is a jackpot, the type of hit, whether there is reach or not, and the type of fluctuation pattern may be determined. That is, the number of random numbers to be obtained based on the starting winnings and what to determine for each random number can be arbitrarily set.

In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the pachinko gaming machine is configured to be controlled to a jackpot gaming state (special gaming state) when the control condition is that a special symbol indicating a jackpot has been won and has stopped to be displayed. In contrast, the machine may be configured as a slot machine (a reel gaming machine, a pachislot gaming machine).

Furthermore, the slot machine may be of any type. In the case of a so-called normal machine (A type slot machine) in which the number of medals earned is increased by winning a big bonus or regular bonus, the state in which bonuses such as the big bonus or regular bonus are being executed corresponds to the special gaming state. In addition, if it is a so-called ART machine or AT machine that increases medals during special game periods such as ART (Assist Replay Time) and AT (Assist Time) where you can win small prizes frequently, the state during ART and AT corresponds to a special game state. In addition, on a normal machine, the control condition for entering the special gaming state is that after winning a big bonus or regular bonus, a combination of symbols that triggers the transition to the big bonus or regular bonus must appear on the activated winning line. It is derived and displayed as a display result of the reel. In addition, for ART machines and AT machines, the control condition for entering the special gaming state is, for example, after winning the ART or AT execution lottery and playing the specified number of games, the timing for ART or AT activation is reached. be.

12. Inventions shown in the embodiments described above In the embodiments described above, inventions of the following means are shown. In the explanation of the means described below, the corresponding configuration names and expressions in the above-described embodiments, and the symbols used in the drawings are added in parentheses for reference. However, the constituent elements of each invention are not limited to this appendix.

<Means A>
The invention according to Means A1 is as follows:
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a gaming control means (gaming control microcomputer 101) that performs a judgment process (jackpot judgment process) based on a ball entering a ball entrance (first starting entrance 11, second starting entrance 12),
A plurality of (six) set values ("1" to "6") are provided, each of which has a different probability of being determined as a jackpot in the determination process (see FIGS. 16A to 16F).
A transition operation means (setting key cylinder 180) capable of transitioning to a setting change mode based on an operation (rotation operation),
The game control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that when in the setting change mode, one setting value selected from the multiple setting values is confirmed based on an operation (setting confirmation operation) to the transition operation means.

According to the gaming machine with this configuration, it is possible to have the player guess which setting value is set (what is the probability of being judged as a jackpot) while playing the game, giving a novel impression. Is possible. Further, both the transition to the setting change mode and the confirmation of the set value are conditioned on the operation of the transition operation means. Therefore, it is possible to determine the set value without providing a dedicated operation means for determining the set value.

The invention according to Means A2 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means A1,
The transition operation means is
It is operable from a predetermined initial position (standby position) to a moving position (rotation position),
The setting change mode can be switched to the setting change mode based on the fact that the operation has been performed to the movement position,
The game control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that, when in the setting change mode, one setting value selected from the plurality of setting values is confirmed while the transition operation means is being operated from the moving position to the initial position (as soon as the transition operation means starts to rotate from the rotating position to the standby position).

According to the gaming machine having this configuration, when one setting value is selected in the setting change mode, that setting value is determined before the transition operation means is completely returned from the movement position to the initial position. Therefore, it is possible to set the setting value as early as possible. Further, even if the transfer operation means is not completely returned from the movement position to the initial position due to carelessness, the set value can be determined, so it is possible to deal with the carelessness of the person operating the transfer operation means.

The invention related to means A3 is:
In the gaming machine according to means A2,
a power line (E2) to which power of a predetermined voltage (DC5V) is supplied;
a signal line (E1) connected to the game control means;
switching means (setting key cylinder switch 180a) connected to ground (G) when the transition operation means is in the initial position, and connected to the power line when the transition operation means is in the movement position; Equipped with
The signal line is
connected to the switching means,
A ground line (E4) running from a branching part (Q1) between the switching means and the game control means to the ground (G) (see FIG. 23),
The game control means is
It is possible to shift to the setting change mode based on inputting a first signal (a switch signal of "H" level) from the signal line when the shift operation means is operated to the movement position,
The set value is determined on the basis of inputting a second signal (a switch signal at "L" level) during the operation of the transition operation means from the movement position to the initial position. It is a gaming machine with

According to the gaming machine having this configuration, the electric circuit in which the set value is determined immediately when the transition operation means is returned from the movement position to the initial position is connected to the power line, the signal line, the switching means, and the ground line. This can be easily realized by

The invention according to Means A4 is:
In the gaming machine according to the means A2 or A3,
The presenter is provided with a performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of controlling the performance executed by a predetermined performance means (image display device 50, speaker 620, frame lamp 212, and board lamp 54),
The performance control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that when the setting value is confirmed while the transition operating means is being operated from the moving position to the initial position, the presentation mode of the presentation means can be changed (a setting value confirmation image SK can be displayed, a sound saying "The setting value has been confirmed" can be output, and light can be emitted in a special third light-emitting mode).

In a gaming machine with this configuration, when the set value is confirmed, the presentation mode of the presentation means is changed. Therefore, the person determining the set value can know that the set value has been confirmed correctly even before the transition operation means has completely returned to the initial position.

The invention related to means A5 is:
In the gaming machine according to any one of means A2 to means A4,
comprising a display means (7 segment display 300) capable of displaying the set value,
The game control means is
When the setting value is determined while the transition operation means is being operated from the movement position to the initial position, the display means displays an initial display indicating that the display means is normal (FIG. 22(F)). This is a gaming machine characterized by being able to execute (see ).

According to the gaming machine having this configuration, when the set value is determined, an initial display indicating that the display means is normal can be executed. This initial display allows confirmation that the displayed setting values are correct.

By the way, in the gaming machine described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-046601, the probability of determining a jackpot is uniformly determined in the normal probability state. Furthermore, in the high probability state, the probability of being judged as a jackpot is higher than in the normal probability state, but the probability is uniformly determined. Therefore, the player is forced to play the game while always being aware of the probability of a jackpot, and there is room for improvement in providing an innovative game. Therefore, the invention according to means A1 to A5 provides the gaming machine described in JP-A-2001-046601 with a transition operation means capable of shifting to a setting change mode based on an operation, and a game control means. , is different in that when in the setting change mode, one setting value selected from a plurality of setting values is determined based on the operation on the transition operation means. Thereby, it is possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that can give a novel impression (achieve effects).

<Method B>
The invention according to means B1 is as follows:
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a gaming control means (gaming control microcomputer 101) capable of variably displaying an identification symbol (special symbol) showing the result of a judgment process (jackpot judgment process) based on a ball entering the ball entrance (first starting hole 11, second starting hole 12),
A plurality of (six) set values ("1" to "6") are provided, each of which has a different probability of being determined as a jackpot in the determination process (see FIGS. 16A to 16F).
a transition operation means (a setting key cylinder 180) capable of transitioning to a setting change mode in which one setting value can be selected from the plurality of setting values based on an operation (rotation operation);
The game control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that even if the transition operation means is operated during the varying display of the identification symbols, transition to the setting change mode is not possible.

According to the gaming machine with this configuration, it is possible to have the player guess which setting value is set (what is the probability of being judged as a jackpot) while playing the game, giving a novel impression. Is possible. Further, even if the transition operation means is operated while the identification symbols are being displayed in a variable manner (during a game), it is impossible to transition to the setting change mode. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player or the like from illegally shifting to the setting change mode and determining setting values during a game.

The invention related to means B2 is:
In the gaming machine according to means B1,
The transition operation means is operable from a predetermined initial position (standby position) to a movement position (rotation position),
Equipped with a power switching unit (power switch 195) that can switch between an on state in which power can be supplied or a cut off state in which power cannot be supplied based on an externally supplied power source (AC 24 V power source),
The game control means is
The game machine is characterized in that it is possible to shift to the setting change mode based on the transition operation means being operated to the movement position and the power switching section being switched from the cutoff state to the power on state. It is.

According to the gaming machine having this configuration, the transition to the setting change mode can be made based on the transition operation means being operated to the movement position and the power switching unit being switched from the cut-off state to the power-on state. Therefore, only an employee of the game parlor who can operate the power switching section can shift to the setting change mode and determine the setting value.

The invention related to means B3 is:
In the gaming machine according to means B2,
The game control means is
After transitioning to the setting change mode, the game machine is capable of ending the setting change mode based on the transition operation means being operated from the movement position (setting confirmation operation). It is.

According to the gaming machine having this configuration, the setting change mode is entered based on the transition operation means being operated to the movement position, and the setting change mode is terminated based on the transition operation means being operated from the movement position. do. In this way, by using both the operating means for starting the setting change mode and the operating means for ending the setting change mode, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and avoid complicating the operation method. It is possible.

The invention related to means B4 is:
In the gaming machine according to means B3,
The game control means is
After transitioning to the setting change mode, while the transition operating means is being operated from the movement position to the initial position (as soon as it starts rotating from the rotation position to the standby position), the setting change mode is changed. This gaming machine is characterized in that it can be terminated.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, when one setting value is selected in the setting change mode, the setting change mode ends before the transition operation means is completely returned from the moving position to the initial position. Therefore, it is possible to end the setting change mode as early as possible. In addition, even if the transition operation means is inadvertently not completely returned from the moving position to the initial position, the setting change mode can be ended, so it is possible to deal with carelessness on the part of the person operating the transition operation means.

The invention related to means B5 is:
In the gaming machine described in means B3 or means B4,
comprising a display means (7 segment display 300) capable of displaying the set value,
The game control means is
The gaming machine is characterized in that when the setting change mode ends, the display means can perform an initial display (see FIG. 22(F)) indicating that the display means is normal.

When the gaming machine with this configuration ends the setting change mode, an initial display can be displayed to indicate that the display means is normal. This initial display makes it possible to confirm that the setting values that were displayed were correct.

By the way, in the gaming machine described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-046601, the probability of determining a jackpot is uniformly determined in the normal probability state. Furthermore, in the high probability state, the probability of being judged as a jackpot is higher than in the normal probability state, but the probability is uniformly determined. Therefore, the player is forced to play the game while always being aware of the probability of a jackpot, and there is room for improvement in providing an innovative game. Therefore, the invention according to means B1 to B5 shifts the gaming machine described in JP-A-2001-046601 to a setting change mode in which one setting value can be selected from a plurality of setting values based on the operation. The game control means is different in that it is provided with a transition operation means that can change the display, and the game control means does not allow transition to the setting change mode even if the transition operation means is operated while the identification symbols are being displayed in a variable manner. Thereby, it is possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that can give a novel impression (achieve effects).

<Means C>
The invention related to means C1 is
A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine) equipped with a game control means (game control microcomputer 101) that performs a determination process (jackpot determination process) based on the ball entering the ball entrance (first starting port 11, second starting port 12). In PY1),
A plurality of (six types) setting values (“1” to “6”) with different probabilities of being determined as a jackpot in the determination process are provided (see FIGS. 16(A) to (F)),
comprising display means (7-segment display 300) capable of displaying one setting value selected from the plurality of setting values,
The game control means is
After displaying the setting value in a changeable mode (lit mode) indicating that the setting value can be changed on the display means, the setting value is changed from the changeable mode based on the setting value being determined. This is a gaming machine characterized by changing the display mode (see FIGS. 22(D), (E), and (F)).

According to the gaming machine with this configuration, it is possible to have the player guess which setting value is set (what is the probability of being judged as a jackpot) while playing the game, giving a novel impression. Is possible. Further, in the display means, after the set value is displayed in the changeable mode, when the set value is determined, the display mode is changed from the changeable mode. Thereby, it is possible to know whether the set value has been finalized.

The invention related to means C2 is
In the gaming machine according to means C1,
The game control means is
The display means changes from the changeable mode to a non-display mode in which the set value is not displayed based on the setting value being determined (see FIGS. 22(D), (E), and (F)). This is a gaming machine with special features.

According to the gaming machine having this configuration, when the set value is determined, the display means changes from the changeable mode to the non-display mode in which the set value is not displayed. In other words, even after the set value is determined, the set value does not continue to be displayed. Thereby, it is possible to minimize the risk that the determined setting value will be known to those around you.

The invention according to Means C3 is:
In the gaming machine according to the means C2,
The game control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that after the display means changes from the changeable mode to the non-display mode, information (base) relating to the performance of the gaming machine can be displayed (see Figures 26 (B) (C) (D) (E)).

According to the gaming machine having this configuration, the display means displays information regarding the performance of the gaming machine after changing from the changeable mode to the non-display mode. Therefore, it is possible to confirm whether the gaming machine is operating normally while preventing the established setting values from being known to those around the player. By using both the display means for displaying setting values and the display means for displaying information related to the performance of the gaming machine, it is possible to reduce the number of parts.

The invention related to means C4 is
In the gaming machine described in means C3,
The game control means is
The game machine is characterized by being able to display a base, which is the ratio of the total number of prize balls won by the player to the number of balls fired, which is the number of game balls shot by the player, as information related to the performance of the gaming machine. It is a gaming machine that

According to the gaming machine having this configuration, by looking at the base on the display means, it is possible to easily determine whether the gaming machine is likely to give excessive profits or disadvantages to the player.

In the gaming machine described in JP2001-046601A, the probability of a jackpot being determined in the normal probability state is uniformly determined. In the high probability state, the probability of a jackpot being determined is higher than in the normal probability state, but the probability is uniformly determined. Therefore, the player is forced to always be aware of the probability of a jackpot while playing, and there is room for improvement in providing a novel game. Therefore, the invention of means C1 to C4 differs from the gaming machine described in JP2001-046601A in that the game control means displays the set value in a changeable mode indicating that the set value can be changed on the display means, and then changes the display mode from the changeable mode based on the set value being confirmed. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that can give a novel impression (achieve the effect of doing so).

<Means D>
The invention related to means D1 is:
A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine) equipped with a game control means (game control microcomputer 101) that performs a determination process (jackpot determination process) based on the ball entering the ball entrance (first starting port 11, second starting port 12). In PY1),
A plurality of (six types) setting values (“1” to “6”) with different probabilities of being determined as a jackpot in the determination process are provided (see FIGS. 16(A) to (F)),
The game control means is
One setting value selected from the plurality of setting values can be displayed on a predetermined display means (7-segment display 300), and
The gaming machine is characterized in that information (base) related to the performance of the gaming machine can be displayed on the display means.

According to the gaming machine with this configuration, it is possible to have the player guess which setting value is set (what is the probability of being judged as a jackpot) while playing the game, giving a novel impression. Is possible. Furthermore, by looking at the setting values on the display means, it is possible to grasp the current setting values, and by looking at information regarding the performance of the gaming machine on the display means, it is possible to know that the gaming machine is operating normally. It is possible to check if there is. By using both the display means for displaying setting values and the display means for displaying information related to the performance of the gaming machine, it is possible to reduce the number of parts.

The invention related to means D2 is:
In the gaming machine according to means D1,
The game control means is
When displaying the set value on the display means, information regarding the performance of the gaming machine is not displayed (see FIGS. 22(B), (C), and (D)), and information regarding the performance of the gaming machine is displayed. This gaming machine is characterized in that when displaying the set value, the setting value is not displayed (see FIGS. 26(B), (C), (D), and (E)).

According to the gaming machine having this configuration, the gaming control means does not display both the setting value and the information related to the performance of the gaming machine on the displaying means at the same time, but only displays one of them. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the processing load on the game control means from becoming too large.

The invention related to means D3 is:
In the gaming machine according to means D2,
The game control means is
Based on establishment of a predetermined transition condition (setting change mode transition operation) when power is supplied to the gaming machine, it is possible to transition to a setting change mode in which one setting value can be selected from the plurality of setting values. and
In the setting change mode, the setting value can be displayed on the display means, but information related to the performance of the gaming machine is not displayed (see FIGS. 22(B), (C), and (D));
When the setting change mode ends, the display means can display information regarding the performance of the gaming machine, but does not display the setting value (see FIGS. 26(B), (C), (D), and (E)). This gaming machine is characterized by:

According to the gaming machine having this configuration, when the gaming machine enters the setting change mode after being powered on, the setting value is displayed. In this case, when the setting change mode ends thereafter, information related to the performance of the gaming machine is displayed, and the setting value is not displayed. In this way, the setting value can be displayed on the display means for only a short period after the power is turned on to the gaming machine, thereby minimizing the risk that the setting value will be recognized by those around you. .

The invention related to means D4 is
In the gaming machine according to means D3,
The game control means is
When the setting change mode ends, the display means can perform an initial display (see FIG. 22(F)) indicating that the display means is normal;
After executing the initial display, information (base) regarding the performance of the gaming machine can be displayed on the display means (see FIGS. 26(B), (C), (D), and (E)). It is a gaming machine.

According to the gaming machine having this configuration, when the setting change mode ends, an initial display indicating that the display means is normal can be executed. This initial display allows confirmation that the displayed setting values are correct. After the initial display, information regarding the performance of the gaming machine may be displayed. This makes it possible to recognize that information related to the performance of the gaming machine is correctly displayed.

The invention related to means D5 is:
In the gaming machine according to any one of means D1 to means D4,
The game control means is
The game machine is characterized by being able to display a base, which is the ratio of the total number of prize balls won by the player to the number of balls fired, which is the number of game balls shot by the player, as information related to the performance of the gaming machine. It is a gaming machine that

According to the gaming machine having this configuration, by looking at the base on the display means, it is possible to easily determine whether the gaming machine is likely to give excessive profits or disadvantages to the player.

By the way, in the gaming machine described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-046601, the probability of determining a jackpot is uniformly determined in the normal probability state. Furthermore, in the high probability state, the probability of being judged as a jackpot is higher than in the normal probability state, but the probability is uniformly determined. Therefore, the player is forced to play the game while always being aware of the probability of a jackpot, and there is room for improvement in providing an innovative game. Therefore, the invention relating to means D1 to D5 provides a gaming machine described in JP-A No. 2001-046601, in which the game control means selects one of the set values selected from a plurality of setting values on a predetermined display means. It is different in that it is possible to display set values and also display information related to the performance of the gaming machine on the display means. Thereby, it is possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that can give a novel impression (achieve effects).

PY1...Pachinko game machine 50...Image display device 50a...Display screen 100...Game control board 101...Microcomputer for game control 120...Production control board 121...Microcomputer for production control 180...Setting key cylinder 180a...Setting key cylinder switch 191...RAM Clear switch 300...7 segment display

Claims (1)

A gaming machine frame including a frame-shaped base frame portion and a front frame portion located on a front side of the base frame portion;
A game board disposed inside the game machine frame;
A game control board is provided on the game board and has a game control means for performing a determination process based on a ball entering the ball entrance.
The game control board includes:
a transition operation means that can be operated from a predetermined initial position to a movement position and can transition to a setting mode based on the operation to the movement position;
a display means capable of displaying a setting corresponding to a probability of being determined as a jackpot in the determination process;
A signal line connected to the game control means;
a power line connected to the signal line and supplied with power of a predetermined voltage via a pull-up resistor;
a switching means for supplying power of the predetermined voltage to the signal line via the pull-up resistor when the transition operation means is in the initial position, and for not supplying power of the predetermined voltage to the signal line via the pull-up resistor when the transition operation means is in the moving position,
The game control means includes:
When the transition operation means is operated to the movement position when the power is turned on, the mode transitions to the setting mode in response to a second signal being input from the signal line,
When the setting mode is set, the display means can display a setting corresponding to a probability of determining a jackpot in the determination process,
A gaming machine characterized in that, after transitioning to the setting mode, when a first signal is input from the signal line while the transition operating means is being operated from the moving position to the initial position, the setting mode is terminated and the setting corresponding to the probability of being determined to be a jackpot in the determination process is hidden on the display means.

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