JP7462296B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

The pachinko gaming machine described in the following Patent Document 1 is equipped with a performance CPU capable of controlling the performance, and a performance movable body that can be operated under the control of the performance PU. The performance CPU is capable of executing an initial operation to operate the performance movable body when the power is turned on.

JP 2014-045842 A

In addition to the performance movable body that can be operated under the control of the performance CPU, gaming machines also have movable members that can be operated under the control of the gaming CPU. However, in the pachinko gaming machine described in the above Patent Document 1, when the power is turned on, the gaming CPU does not execute the initial operation to operate the movable members, and there is room for improvement in checking the operation of the movable members.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances. That is, the objective of the present invention is to provide an amusement machine that allows the operation of movable members to be checked.

The gaming machine of the present invention is
A gaming CPU that controls the progress of a game;
A movable member operable under the control of the gaming CPU;
A storage means capable of storing processing information of the gaming CPU;
A game machine including a RAM clear operation means for erasing the processing information of the game CPU stored in the storage means based on an operation of the RAM clear operation means,
The gaming CPU includes:
When the RAM clear operation means is operated when the power is turned on, an initial operation mode for operating the movable member can be started during the period from when the power is turned on until the processing information of the gaming CPU is erased ;
After the initial operation mode is started, the initial operation mode is terminated based on an operation of the RAM clear operation means, processing information of the gaming CPU is erased, and a transition is made to a game control process capable of controlling a game;
This gaming machine is characterized in that after the initial operation mode is started, the initial operation mode is terminated without the operation of the operating means provided in the gaming machine, the processing information of the gaming CPU is erased, and the gaming machine automatically transitions to the game control processing .

The gaming machine of the present invention makes it possible to check the operation of the movable parts.

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. FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board of the gaming machine. 5 is an enlarged view of part A shown in FIG. 4, showing displays provided on the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the game control board of the gaming machine. FIG. A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the performance control board of the gaming machine. 2 is an oblique view showing the back side of the gaming machine. 13 is a hit type determination table. 13 is a table showing various random numbers acquired by the game control microcomputer. (A) is a jackpot determination table used when the setting value is "1", (B) is a jackpot determination table used when the setting value is "2", (C) is a jackpot determination table used when the setting value is "3", (D) is a jackpot determination table used when the setting value is "4", (E) is a jackpot determination table used when the setting value is "5", and (F) is a jackpot determination table used when the setting 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 a table for determining the electric chute opening pattern. 11 is a table showing types of operations that can be performed when the power is turned on. 11 is a table showing the relationship between the mode after power is turned on and the transition to the game control state. 13 is a flowchart of a main control process. 4 is a flowchart of a power-on process. 13 is a flowchart of a setting change mode process. 13 is a flowchart of a setting value confirmation mode process. 13 is a flowchart of a process when power is restored. 13 is a flowchart of an error mode process. 13 is a flowchart of a main-side timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a sub-control main process. 13 is a flowchart of a 1 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a 10 ms timer interrupt process. 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating a transition of the display state of the display screen when an operation to shift to a setting change mode is performed when the power is turned on. 13 is a table showing the relationship between the mode after power is turned on and the transition to the game control state in the first modified example. 13 is a table showing the relationship between the mode after power is turned on and the transition to the game control state in the second modified example.

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 game machine PY1 of the embodiment has a game machine frame 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the game machine frame 2 constitutes the outer shell of the pachinko game machine PY1 and has an outer frame 22, an inner frame 21, and a front door 23 (front frame). The outer frame 22 is a vertically rectangular frame body that forms the outer shell of the pachinko game machine PY1. The inner frame 21 is disposed inside the outer frame 22 and is a vertically rectangular frame body to which the game board 1 described below is attached. The front door 23 is disposed on the front side of the outer frame 22 and the inner frame 21 and is a vertically rectangular frame body that protects the game board 1. The front door 23 is the part that faces the player and is decorated with various ornaments.

The gaming machine frame 2 is configured with a hinge section 24 on the left end side. This hinge section 24 allows the front door 23 to rotate freely relative to the outer frame 22 and the inner frame 21, and the inner frame 21 to rotate freely relative to the outer frame 22 and the front door 23. 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 see the game area 6 described below. In this embodiment, the transparent plate 23t is a glass plate, but it may also be a transparent synthetic resin plate. In other words, the transparent plate 23t may be any plate that allows the game area 6 to be seen from the front.

As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the front door 23 is provided with a handle 72k (game ball shooting means) for shooting game balls with a shooting strength according to the rotation angle, a ball supply tray (upper tray) 34 for storing game balls, and a surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 35 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the ball supply tray 34. The front door 23 is also provided with an effect button (input section) 40k and a select button 42k that can be operated by the player during effects that are executed as the game progresses. The effect button 40k is equipped with an effect button vibration motor 40m inside for vibrating the effect button 40k horizontally, and can vibrate during effects or when the player operates the effect button 40k. The select button (cross key) 42k is composed of 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) for outputting sound.

The 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, in which game balls released by operating the handle 72k flow down, surrounded by a rail member 62. The game board 1 is also provided with a number of decorative board lamps 54. The game area 6 has a number of game nails protruding therefrom to guide the game balls. The game board 1 is an integrated unit consisting of a plate-shaped member disposed on the front side and a back unit (a unit for mounting various control boards, an image display device 50, harnesses, etc., described below) disposed on the rear side.

In addition, near the center of the game area 6, an image display device 50 (effect display means, image display means) which is a liquid crystal display device is provided. The image display device may be another image display device such as an organic EL display device. The display screen 50a (display unit) of the image display device 50 has a performance pattern display area which performs variable display of a performance pattern EZ (decorative pattern) synchronized with the variable display of the first special pattern and the second special pattern described below. The performance which displays the performance pattern EZ is called a performance pattern variable performance. The performance pattern variable performance is sometimes called a "decorative pattern variable performance" or simply a "variable performance". The performance pattern display area consists of three performance pattern display areas, for example, "left", "middle", and "right". The left performance pattern EZ1 is displayed in the left performance pattern display area, the middle performance pattern EZ2 is displayed in the middle performance pattern display area, and the right performance pattern EZ3 is displayed in the right performance pattern display area.

Each of the performance symbols EZ consists of a number of symbols, for example, representing the numbers "1" through "9." The image display device 50 clearly displays the results of the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 81a and the second special symbol display device 81b (described below) (i.e., the results of the jackpot lottery) by combining the left performance symbol EZ1, the center performance symbol EZ2, and the right performance symbol EZ3.

For example, if a jackpot is won, the EZ pattern is displayed as a repeating number such as "777". If a jackpot is lost, the EZ pattern is displayed as a random number such as "637". This makes it easier for the player to understand the progress of the game. In other words, the player generally does not understand the results of the jackpot lottery using the first special symbol display 81a or the second special symbol display 81b, but rather uses the image display device 50 to understand the results. The position of the display area for the special symbols does not have to be fixed. The EZ pattern can be displayed in a variable manner, for example by scrolling vertically.

The image display device 50 displays on the display screen 50a not only the effect pattern change effect using the effect pattern EZ as described above, but also the big win effect that is performed in parallel with the big win game, and the demo effect for waiting for customers (customer waiting effect), etc. In the effect pattern change effect, in addition to the effect pattern EZ such as numbers, effect images other than the effect pattern EZ, such as background images and character images, 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.

A center frame 61 (inner wall portion) is disposed near the center of the game area 6 and in front of the image display device 50. A stage 61s is formed at the bottom of the center frame 61, which can guide the game balls rolling on the top surface to the first starting opening 11 described below. A warp 61w is provided at the left part of the center frame 61, which allows the game balls to flow in from the entrance and out to the stage 61s from the exit. A vertically movable board body 55k (not shown in FIG. 4) is provided at the top of the center frame 61. The board body 55k can be moved from an initial position above the display screen 50a to a performance position that overlaps with the center of the display screen 50a in the front-to-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.).

In addition, below the first starting hole 11 in the game area 6, there is provided a normal variable winning device (normal electric device, so-called electric chute) 12D equipped with a second starting hole 12 (ball entry hole). The second starting hole 12 is also called the second ball entry hole, variable ball entry hole, second starting winning hole, or second starting area. The electric chute 12D is also called the second ball entry means, variable ball entry means, or second starting winning device. The entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 12 triggers the drawing of a lottery for a second special symbol (a big win lottery).

The electric chute 12D is equipped with an electric chute opening/closing member 12k (movable member) that can be in an open or closed state, and the second starting hole 12 is opened and closed by the operation of the electric chute opening/closing member 12k. The electric chute opening/closing member 12k is driven by an electric chute solenoid 12s described below. When the electric chute opening/closing member 12k is in the open state, a game ball can enter the second starting hole 12, and when it is in the closed state, a game ball cannot enter the second starting hole 12. In other words, the second starting hole 12 is a starting hole whose ease of entering a game ball can be changed. Note that the electric chute does not have to be one that makes it impossible to enter the second starting hole when it is in the closed state, as long as it makes it easier to enter the second starting hole when the electric chute opening/closing member is in the open state than when it is in the closed state.

In addition, to the right of the first starting hole 11 in the game area 6, a large prize device (special electric device) 14D equipped with a large prize hole 14 is provided. The large prize hole 14 is also called a special prize hole (special prize section). The large prize device 14D is also called an attacker (AT), special prize means, or special variable prize device. The large prize device 14D is equipped with an AT opening/closing member 14k (special prize hole opening/closing member) that can be in an open state (first state) or a closed state (second state), and opens and closes the large prize hole 14 by operating the AT opening/closing member 14k. The AT opening/closing member 14k (movable member) is driven by an AT solenoid 14s described later. The large prize hole 14 can receive game balls only when the AT opening/closing member 14k is in an open state.

A gate 13 through which the game ball can pass is provided to the right of the center frame 61. The gate 13 is also called a passing opening or a passing area. The passage of the game ball through the gate 13 triggers the execution of a normal pattern lottery (i.e., the acquisition and determination of a normal pattern random number (winning random number)) that determines whether or not the electric chute 12D is opened. Furthermore, a number of general winning openings 10 are provided at the bottom of the game area 6. Also, an outlet 19 is provided at the bottom of the game area 6 to discharge game balls that have been shot into the game area 6 but have not entered any of the winning openings out of the game area 6.

The game area 6 in which the various winning holes are arranged has a left game area 6L (first game area) on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, and a right game area 6R (second game area) on the right side. A hitting style in which the game ball is shot so that it flows down the left game area 6L is called a left hit. On the other hand, a hitting style in which the game ball is shot so that it flows down the right game area 6R is called a right hit. In this form of pachinko game machine PY1, the flow path through which the game ball flows down when playing with a left hit is called the first flow path R1, and the flow path through which the game ball flows down when playing with a right hit is called the second flow path R2.

On the first flow path R1, there are a first starting hole 11, a general winning hole 10, an electric chute 12D, and an outlet 19. By hitting a game ball so that it flows down the first flow path R1, the player can aim to win at the first starting hole 11 or the general winning hole 10. Note that since there is no gate on the first flow path R1, the electric chute 12D will not open when hitting from the left.

On the other hand, the second flow path R2 is provided with a gate 13, a general winning opening 10, a big winning device 14D, an electric chute 12D, and an outlet 19. By hitting a game ball so that it flows down the second flow path R2, the player can aim to pass through the gate 13 or win at the general winning opening 10, the second starting opening 12, or the big winning opening 14.

As shown in Fig. 4, displays 8 are arranged in the lower right corner of the game board 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the displays 8 include a first special symbol display 81a that variably displays the first special symbol, a second special symbol display 81b that variably displays the second special symbol, and a regular symbol display 82 that variably displays the regular symbol (regular symbol). The first special symbol is also called the first special symbol or special symbol 1, and the second special symbol is also called the second special symbol or special symbol 2. The regular symbol is also called the regular symbol.

The displays 8 also include a first special chart reserved display 83a that displays the number of reserved activations (first special chart reserved) stored in the first special chart display 81a, a second special chart reserved display 83b that displays the number of reserved activations (second special chart reserved) stored in the second special chart display 81b, and a regular chart reserved display 84 that displays the number of reserved activations (regular chart reserved) stored in the regular chart display 82.

The variable display of the first special symbol is triggered by the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 11. The variable display of the second special symbol is triggered by the entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 12. In the following explanation, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are sometimes collectively referred to as special symbols (special symbols). Furthermore, the first special symbol display 81a and the second special symbol display 81b are sometimes collectively referred to as the special symbol display 81. Furthermore, the first special symbol reserve display 83a and the second special symbol reserve display 83b are sometimes collectively referred to as the special symbol reserve display 83. Furthermore, the first special symbol reserve and the second special symbol reserve are sometimes collectively referred to as the special symbol reserve.

The special symbol display 81 notifies the result of a lottery (special symbol lottery, jackpot lottery) based on winning at the first start port 11 or the second start port 12 by displaying (changing) a special symbol (identification symbol) in a variable manner and then stopping to display it. The special symbol (stopping symbol, special symbol derived and displayed as a display result of the variable display) that stops to display is one special symbol selected from a plurality of types of special symbols by the special symbol lottery. If the stopping symbol is a predetermined specific special symbol (a special symbol with a specific stopping mode, i.e., a jackpot symbol), a jackpot game (one example of a special game) is played in which the jackpot opening port 14 is opened in an opening pattern that corresponds to the type of the specific special symbol that stops to display (i.e., the type of jackpot that has been won). The opening pattern of the jackpot opening in the special game will be described later.

Specifically, the special display 81 is composed of, for example, eight LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) arranged side by side, and displays a special pattern according to the result of the jackpot lottery depending on the lighting state of the LEDs. For example, if a jackpot (one of the multiple types of jackpots described below) is won, the jackpot pattern is displayed with the first, second, fifth, and sixth LEDs from the left lit, as in "○○●●○○●●" (○: lit, ●: off). Also, if the jackpot is lost, a losing pattern is displayed with only the rightmost LED lit, as in "●●●●●●●○". A mode in which all LEDs are turned off as a losing pattern may be adopted. Note that the losing pattern is not a specific special pattern. Also, before the special pattern is displayed in a stopped state, the special pattern is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined variable time, and the variable display mode is, for example, a mode in which each LED is lit so that light flows repeatedly from left to right. The manner in which the variable display takes place can be anything, such as all LEDs flashing at the same time, as long as the individual LEDs are not displayed as stopped (illuminated in a specific manner).

In this pachinko game machine PY1, when a game ball enters the first start hole 11 or the second start hole 12, the values (numerical information, judgment information) of various random numbers such as the jackpot random number obtained for that entry are temporarily stored in the special chart reservation memory unit 105 described below. In detail, if the game ball enters the first start hole 11, it is stored as the first special chart reservation in the first special chart reservation memory unit 105a described below, and if the game ball enters the second start hole 12, it is stored as the second special chart reservation in the second special chart reservation memory unit 105b described below. There is an upper limit to the number of special chart reservations that can be stored in each special chart reservation memory unit 105, and in this embodiment, the upper limit is "4".

The reserved special symbols stored in the reserved special symbols memory unit 105 are consumed when it becomes possible to change the display of the special symbols based on the reserved special symbols. The consumption of reserved special symbols means determining the jackpot random number or the like that corresponds to the reserved special symbols, and executing the changeable display of the special symbols to show the result of the determination. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine PY1, even if the changeable display of the special symbols based on the winning of the game ball into the first start hole 11 or the second start hole 12 cannot be performed immediately after the winning, that is, even if a winning occurs during the changeable display of the special symbols or during the playing of a special game, the right to draw the jackpot for that winning can be reserved up to a specified 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 symbol is triggered by the passage of the game ball through the gate 13. The normal symbol display 82 variably displays (varies) the normal symbol and then displays it in a stopped state, thereby announcing the result of the normal symbol lottery based on the passage of the game ball through the gate 13. The stopped normal symbol (normal symbol stop symbol, normal symbol derived and displayed as the display result of the variable display) is one normal symbol selected from among multiple types of normal symbols by the normal symbol lottery. If the stopped normal symbol is a specific normal symbol (a normal symbol in a predetermined stopping state, i.e., a normal winning symbol), an auxiliary game is played in which the second start hole 12 is opened in an opening pattern according to the current game state. The opening pattern of the second start hole 12 will be described later.

Specifically, the normal pattern display 82 is composed of, for example, two LEDs (see FIG. 5), and displays the normal pattern according to the result of the normal pattern lottery by the way they are lit. For example, if the lottery result is a win, a normal winning pattern with both LEDs lit is displayed as "○○" (○: lit, ●: off). If the lottery result is a loss, a normal loss pattern with only the right LED lit is displayed as "●○". A mode in which all LEDs are turned off may be adopted as a normal loss pattern. Note that a normal loss pattern is not a specific normal pattern. Before the normal pattern is displayed in a stopped state, the normal pattern is displayed in a specified change time, and the change display mode is, for example, a mode in which both LEDs are lit alternately. Note that the change display mode may be anything, such as all LEDs flashing at once, as long as the LEDs are not displayed in a stopped state (lighting display in a specific mode).

In this pachinko game machine PY1, when a game ball passes through gate 13, the value of the normal symbol random number (winning random number) obtained for that passage is temporarily stored as a normal symbol reserve in the normal symbol reserve memory unit 106 described below. There is an upper limit to the number of normal symbol reserves that can be stored in the normal symbol reserve memory unit 106, and in this embodiment, the upper limit is "4".

The reserved normal symbols stored in the reserved normal symbols memory unit 106 are consumed when it becomes possible to change the display of the normal symbols based on the reserved normal symbols. The consumption of reserved normal symbols means determining the normal symbol random number (winning random number) corresponding to the reserved normal symbols and executing the variable display of the normal symbols to show the result of the determination. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine PY1, even if the variable display of the normal symbols based on the passage of the game ball through the gate 13 cannot be performed immediately after the passage, that is, even if a prize is won while the variable display of the normal symbols is being executed or while an auxiliary game is being executed, it is possible to reserve the right to draw the normal symbols for that passage up to a specified 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 the Game Machine Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine PY1 will be described based on Figures 6 and 7. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the pachinko game machine PY1 includes a game control board 100 (game control unit, main control board) that controls game profits such as big win lottery and transition of game state, a performance control board 120 (performance control unit, sub-control board) that controls performances executed as the game progresses, and a payout control board 170 that controls payout of game balls. The game control board 100 and the payout control board 170 constitute the main control unit, and the performance control board 120 constitutes the sub-control unit together with the image control board 140 and the sub-drive board 162 described later.

The sub-controller must have at least the presentation control board 120 and be capable of controlling game presentations using presentation means (image display device 50, speaker 620, board lamp 54, board movable body 55k, frame lamp 212, etc.).

The pachinko gaming machine PY1 also includes a power supply unit 190. The power supply unit 190 (power supply unit) receives AC 24V power from outside the pachinko gaming machine PY1, and generates power (power supply) of various voltages (DC 5V, DC 12V, DC 18V, DC 24V, DC 37V) required for the operation of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 based on the AC 24V power. The DC 5V power is mainly used as a power supply for various integrated circuits (ICs). The DC 12V power is mainly used as a power supply for various sensors and solenoids. The DC 18V power is mainly used as a power supply for various LEDs. The DC 24V power and DC 37V power are mainly used as power supplies for motors (drive means) used for performance.

The power supply unit 190 (power-on means, main power section) 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 supply circuit. This will be described in more detail later.

The power supply unit 190 is also connected to a power switch 195 (power switching section). The power switch 195 can be switched between an ON state where power can be supplied based on an externally supplied 24V AC power supply, and an 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; when the power switch 195 is turned ON, the power is on, and when the power switch 195 is turned OFF, the power is off. When the power switch 195 is ON, the pachinko game machine PY1 is in a power on state, and when the power switch 195 is OFF, the pachinko game machine PY1 is in a power off state.

The power supply unit 190 is also provided with a RAM clear switch 191 (RAM clear operation means) that can be pressed. The RAM clear switch 191 is for erasing information related to the game (for example, information on the game state such as a high probability state, information such as the result of the special chart reservation and the big win judgment, and processing information of the game CPU 102 described later) stored in the game RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 of the game control microcomputer 101 described later. As shown in FIG. 8, the RAM clear switch 191 is provided on the power supply unit 190 arranged on the back side of the present pachinko game machine PY1 (more specifically, to the right of the power switch 195 on the power supply unit 190 when the pachinko game machine PY1 is viewed from the back). Therefore, only employees of the game facility who can open the game machine frame 2 can operate the RAM clear switch 191. In other words, the RAM clear switch 191 can be said to be an operation means that is substantially impossible for players to operate. The RAM clear switch 191 is a tactile switch, and 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. When the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, it is referred to as the ON state of the RAM clear switch 191, and when the RAM clear switch 191 is not pressed, it is referred to as the OFF state of the RAM clear switch 191. In this embodiment, the RAM clear switch 191 is provided on the power supply unit 190, but the location of the RAM clear switch 191 can be changed as appropriate, and it may be provided, for example, on the game control board 100 or a dedicated board.

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 (main control means, 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 (storage means) 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 (storage means) is provided with the special chart reservation memory section 105 (first special chart reservation memory section 105a and second special chart reservation memory section 105b) and the normal chart reservation memory section 106 described above, as well as a setting value information memory section 107 for storing setting value information, and a base information memory section 108 for storing base values. The game control board 100 is also provided with 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 later.

As shown in FIG. 6, various sensors and solenoids are connected to the game control board 100 via the 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, the sensors connected include a first start port sensor 11a, a second start port sensor 12a, a gate sensor 13a, a big prize port sensor 14a, a general prize port sensor 10a, and an outlet sensor 18a.

The first start opening sensor 11a is provided in the first start opening 11 and detects game balls that have entered the first start opening 11. The second start opening sensor 12a is provided in the second start opening 12 and detects game balls that have entered the second start opening 12. The gate sensor 13a is provided in the gate 13 and detects game balls that have passed through the gate 13. The large prize opening sensor 14a is provided in the large prize opening 14 and detects game balls that have entered the large prize opening 14. The general prize opening sensor 10a is provided in the general prize opening 10 and detects game balls that have entered the general prize opening 10.

The outlet sensor 18a is provided in an outlet (not shown) that discharges game balls outside the pachinko game machine PY1, and detects game balls that have passed through the outlet. The outlet is provided at the lower end of the inner frame 21, and game balls that have been shot into the game area 6 enter either the first start port 11, the second start port 12, the big prize port 14, the general prize port 10, or the out port 19, and then finally pass through the outlet. Therefore, by detecting game balls that have passed through the outlet with the outlet sensor 18a, it is possible to detect all game balls that have been shot into the game area 6. The number of all game balls that have been shot into the game area 6 can be called the total number of shot balls. The total number of shot balls is the same as the number of all game balls that are discharged outside the pachinko game machine PY1, so it can also be called the number of discharged balls, the total number of discharged balls, or the number of out balls.

The solenoids connected include an electric chute solenoid 12s and an AT solenoid 14s. The electric chute solenoid 12s drives the electric chute opening and closing member 12k of the electric chute 12D. The AT solenoid 14s drives the AT opening and closing member 14k of the big prize device 14D.

Furthermore, the game control board 100 is connected to a special chart display 81 (first special chart display 81a and second special chart display 81b), a regular chart display 82, a special chart reserve display 83 (first special chart reserve display 83a and second special chart reserve display 83b), and a regular chart reserve display 84. In other words, the display control of these displays 8 is performed by the game control microcomputer 101.

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

The payout control board 170 (first control board) is equipped with a payout control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter "payout control microcomputer") 171 that can execute control processing related to the 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 payout, a payout RAM 174 used as a work memory, a payout CPU 172 that executes the program stored in the payout ROM 173, and a payout I/O port unit (input/output circuit) 178 for inputting and outputting data and signals. The payout ROM 173 may be external.

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 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. 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. Here, in this embodiment, a backup power supply circuit 179 is provided on the payout control board 170.

When the player operates the handle 72k (see FIG. 1) of the launching device 72, the touch switch 72a detects contact with the handle 72k, and the launch volume 72b detects the amount of rotation of the handle 72k. The launch solenoid 72s is then driven so that the game ball is launched with a strength that corresponds to the size of the detection signal from the launch volume 72b. In this pachinko game machine PY1, one game ball is launched in about 0.6 seconds.

The gaming control board 100 also transmits various commands to the presentation control board 120. The connection between the gaming control board 100 and the presentation control board 120 is a one-way communication connection that only allows signals to be sent from the gaming control board 100 to the presentation control board 120. In other words, a unidirectional circuit (not shown, for example, a circuit using a diode) is interposed between the gaming control board 100 and the presentation control board 120 as a means for restricting the direction of communication.

As shown in FIG. 7, the performance control board 120 is equipped with a performance control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as the "performance control microcomputer") 121 that controls the performance of the pachinko game 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, a performance CPU 122 that executes the programs stored in the performance ROM 123, and a performance I/O port unit 138 for inputting and outputting data and signals. The performance RAM 124 is provided with a setting value flag 125 for storing information on setting values. The performance ROM 123 may be external. As described above, the performance control board 120 is configured to receive power (e.g., DC 5V 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 presentation control board 120, and a sub-drive board 162 (sub-drive circuit) is also connected to it. The presentation control microcomputer 121 (presentation control means) of the presentation 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 presentation 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 voice, music, sound effects, etc. from the speaker 620 via the sound CPU 149 of the image control board 140 based on commands received from the game control board 100. The sound CPU 149 controls the sound of the speaker 620 via the sound control circuit 150 based on instructions from the image CPU 141. Sound data such as sound output from the speaker 620 is stored in the performance ROM 123 of the performance control board 120. However, the sound data may also be stored in the image ROM 142 of the image control board 140.

In the above embodiment, the image control board 140 controls the audio of the speaker 620, but an audio control board may be provided separately from the image control board 140, and this audio control board may control the audio of the speaker 620. In this case, the audio control board may be connected to the performance control board 120, or may be connected to the performance control board 120 via the image control board 140. A CPU may also be implemented on the audio control board, in which case the CPU may be made to execute the audio control. Furthermore, in this case, a ROM may also be implemented on the audio control board, and audio data may be stored in the ROM.

As shown in FIG. 7, the performance control microcomputer 121 controls the lighting of lamps such as the frame lamp 212 and 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 pattern data (data that determines the on/off state, light color, etc., also called lamp data) that determines the light emission mode of each lamp, and controls the light emission of each lamp according to the light pattern data. Note that data stored in the performance ROM 123 of the performance control board 120 is used to create the light pattern data.

Furthermore, the performance control microcomputer 121 controls the drive of the movable board 55k and the performance button 40k via the sub-drive board 162 based on commands received from the game control board 100. In detail, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates operation pattern data (also called drive data) that determines the operation mode (vibration mode) of the movable board 55k and the performance button 40k, and controls the board movable body drive motor 55m that drives the movable board 55k and the performance button vibration motor 40m that vibrates the performance button 40k according to the operation pattern data. Data stored in the performance ROM 123 of the performance control board 120 is used to create the operation pattern data.

A CPU may be implemented 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 board 55k and the performance buttons 40k. In this case, a ROM may be implemented on the sub-drive board 162, and data relating to the light emission patterns and operation patterns may be stored in the ROM.

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

In addition, unlike the game control board 100, the performance control board 120 incorporates a backup power circuit 126. The backup power circuit 126 is equipped with a capacitor (not shown), and the performance control microcomputer 121 is able to operate when DC 5V power (backup power) is supplied from the backup power circuit 126 (capacitor) during a power outage when normal power is not being supplied.

Note that Figures 6 and 7 are merely functional block diagrams for explaining the electrical configuration of this pachinko game machine PY1, and the boards shown in Figures 6 and 7 are not the only boards provided. With the exception of the game control board 100, any of the boards shown in Figures 6 and 7 may be configured as one board, and the one board shown in Figures 6 and 7 may be configured as multiple boards.

3. 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 rounds of play (unit play), an opening (also written as OP) before the first round of play begins, and an ending (also written as ED) after the final round of play ends. Each round of play begins with the end of the OP or the end of the previous round of play, and ends with the start of the next round of play or the start of the ED. The time (interval time) for the jackpot opening to be closed between rounds of play is included in the open round of play before that closure.

There are multiple types of jackpots. The types of jackpots are as shown in Figure 9. As shown in Figure 9, in this embodiment, there are broadly two types: a special jackpot and a normal jackpot. A special jackpot is a jackpot that controls the game state after a jackpot game to a high probability state, which will be described later. A normal jackpot is a jackpot that controls the game state after a jackpot game to a normal probability state (low probability state), which will be described later.

More specifically, the guaranteed jackpot and normal jackpot that can be won in the drawing of special chart 1 (drawing of the first special pattern) are jackpots in which the jackpot opening 14 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds (predetermined period) per round from round 1 to round 8, and in which the jackpot opening 14 is open for a maximum of 0.1 seconds (predetermined period) per round from round 9 to round 16. In other words, although the total number of rounds in these jackpots is 16 rounds, the actual number of rounds is 8 rounds. The actual number of rounds refers to the number of rounds in which game balls can win up to the maximum number of winning balls per round (8 balls in this embodiment). In these jackpots, the opening time of the jackpot opening 14 is extremely short from round 9 to round 16, making these rounds unlikely to win any winning balls. In addition, if the "probable jackpot" is won by the lottery of special chart 1, the "special chart 1_probable jackpot pattern" is displayed on the first special chart display 81a, and if the "normal jackpot" is won, the "special chart 1_normal pattern" is displayed on the first special chart display 81a.

The special jackpot and normal jackpot that can be won in the special drawing (drawing for the second special symbol) are jackpots that open the jackpot slot 14 for a maximum of 29.5 seconds (predetermined period) per round from round 1 to round 16. In other words, the effective number of rounds for these jackpots is also 16 rounds. If a special jackpot is won in the special drawing, the second special symbol display 81b will display a stopped "special jackpot 2_special jackpot symbol," and if a normal jackpot is won, the second special symbol display 81b will display a stopped "special jackpot 2_normal symbol."

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 it 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 Figure 9, 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. 10(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 a reach occurs in the performance pattern change performance that indicates a jackpot result when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss. A reach is a state in which there is only one performance pattern EZ remaining out of multiple performance patterns EZ that are displayed in a changing manner, and depending on which of the performance patterns EZ displayed in a changing manner are displayed, a combination of performance patterns EZ that indicates a jackpot win (for example, a "7↓7" state). Note that the performance pattern EZ displayed in a stopped state in the reach state may be displayed as if it is shaking slightly on the display screen 50a, or may be displayed as if it is repeatedly expanding and contracting. This reach random number has a value in the range of 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. 10(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 this embodiment, a jackpot determination table can be used to determine whether or not a jackpot has occurred (whether or not a jackpot game should be executed). As shown in Figures 11(A) to 11(F), the jackpot determination table is provided corresponding to each of the setting values. In this embodiment, six types of setting values are provided: "1", "2", "3", "4", "5", and "6".

The set value is a parameter that determines the probability of determining a jackpot in the jackpot determination process (referred to as the "jackpot determination probability" or "jackpot winning probability") The set value is set by an employee of the arcade, as described below. As shown in Figures 11(A) to 11(F), each jackpot determination table corresponding to each set value has a jackpot determination table used in a normal probability state and a jackpot determination table used in a high probability state. Note that the types of set values and jackpot determination tables are not limited to six types and can be changed as appropriate.

As shown in Figures 11(A) to 11(F), the jackpot random number value that is determined as a jackpot or a miss is allocated to each jackpot determination table corresponding to each set value. This pachinko game machine PY1 uses the jackpot determination table corresponding to the set value to determine whether it is a jackpot or a miss. In this embodiment, it is set so that a small jackpot cannot be won, but it may be set so that a small jackpot can be won. In addition, the probability of being determined as a jackpot and the method of allocating the jackpot random number value that is determined as a jackpot are not limited to Figures 11(A) to 11(F) and can be changed as appropriate.

Note that a setting with a setting value of "1" is called "setting 1", a setting with a setting value of "2" is called "setting 2", a setting with a setting value of "3" is called "setting 3", a setting with a setting value of "4" is called "setting 4", a setting with a setting value of "5" is called "setting 5", and a setting with a setting value of "6" is called "setting 6".

4. Description of the Game State Next, the game state of the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment will be described. The special chart display 81 and the normal chart display 82 of the pachinko game machine PY1 each have a probability variation function and a variation time shortening function. The state in which the probability variation function of the special chart display 81 is activated is called the "high probability state," and the state in which it is not activated is called the "normal probability state (non-high probability state)." In the high probability state, the probability of a jackpot is higher than in the normal probability state.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 11(A) to 11(F), for each set value, the jackpot determination table used in the high probability state is set to be more likely to determine a jackpot than the jackpot determination table used in the normal probability state. Furthermore, in the same game state, in either the normal probability state or the high probability state, the higher the set value is set, the more likely it is to be determined that a jackpot has occurred.

The state in which the variable time shortening function of the special symbol display 81 is activated is called the "time shortening state", and the state in which it is not activated is called the "non-time shortening state". In the time shortening state, the variable time of the special symbol (the time from the start of the variable display to the derivation and display of the display result) is shorter than in the non-time shortening state. In other words, the variable pattern is determined using a variable pattern table that is determined so that a variable pattern with a short variable time is selected more often than in the non-time shortening state (see FIG. 13). In other words, when the variable time shortening function of the special symbol display 81 is activated, a short variable time is more likely to be selected as the variable time of the variable display of the special symbol compared to when it is not activated. As a result, in the time shortening state, the pace of consumption of the special symbol reservation is faster, and effective winning at the starting port (winning that can be stored as a special symbol reservation) is more likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to aim for a jackpot under smooth game progress.

The probability change function and the time shortening function of the special pattern display 81 may operate simultaneously, or only one of them may operate. The probability change function and the time shortening function of the normal pattern display 82 operate in synchronization with the time shortening function of the special pattern display 81. That is, the probability change function and the time shortening function of the normal pattern display 82 operate in the time shortening state, and do not operate in the non-time shortening state. Therefore, in the time shortening state, the probability of winning in the normal pattern lottery is higher than in the non-time shortening state. That is, a win judgment (determination of the normal pattern) is performed using a normal pattern win judgment table in which the value of the normal pattern random number (win random number) that is judged as a win is higher than the normal pattern win judgment table used in the non-time shortening state (see FIG. 12 (B)). In other words, when the probability change function of the normal pattern display 82 is activated, the probability that the display result of the variable display of the normal pattern by the normal pattern display 82 will be a normal winning pattern is higher than when it is not activated.

In addition, in the time-saving state, the time it takes for the normal symbols to change is shorter than in the non-time-saving state. In this embodiment, the time it takes for the normal symbols to change is 7 seconds in the non-time-saving state, but 1 second in the time-saving state (see FIG. 12(C)). Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the time the electric chute 12D is open during auxiliary play is longer than in the non-time-saving state (see FIG. 14). In other words, the function to extend the opening time of the electric chute 12D is activated. In addition, in the time-saving state, the number of times the electric chute 12D is opened during auxiliary play is greater than in the non-time-saving state (see FIG. 14). In other words, the function to increase the number of times the electric chute 12D is opened is activated.

When the probability variation function and variation time shortening function of the normal display 82, and the opening time extension function and opening count increase function of the electric chute 12D are operating, the electric chute 12D opens more frequently and game balls enter the second starting hole 12 more frequently than when these functions are not operating. As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of shot balls, becomes higher. Therefore, the state in which these functions are operating is called a "high base state," and the state in which they are not operating is called a "low base state." In the 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 the entry of a winning ball into the second starting hole 12 by the electric chute 12D) is being executed. Therefore, the high base state is also called an electric support control state or an easy-to-enter state. In contrast, the low base state is also called a non-electric support control state or a non-easy-to-enter state.

The high base state does not have to have all of the above functions activated. In other words, it is sufficient that the activation of one or more of the following functions - the probability fluctuation function of the normal map display 82, the fluctuation time reduction function of the normal map display 82, the opening time extension function of the electric chute 12D, and the opening count increase function of the electric chute 12D - makes it easier for the electric chute 12D to open than when that function is not activated. Also, the high base state may be controlled independently without being associated with the time-saving state.

In this embodiment of the pachinko game machine PY1, the game state after winning a jackpot game due to winning a special jackpot is a high probability state, a time-saving state, and a high base state. This game state is particularly called the "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 high base state essentially continues until the next jackpot is won. Note that the condition for ending the high probability high base state may be simply 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 pachinko game machine PY1 for the first time, the game state after powering on is a normal probability state, a non-time-saving state, and a low base state. This game state is specifically referred to as the "low probability, low base state." The low probability, low base state will be referred to as the "normal game state." In addition, the state during which a special game (jackpot game) is being played will be referred to as the "special game state (jackpot game state)." Furthermore, the state in which the game is controlled to at least one of the high probability state and the high base state will be referred to as the "bonus game state."

In a high base state, such as a high-probability high base state or a low-probability high base state, it is more advantageous to play by hitting the ball to the right game area 6R (see Figure 4). This is because the electric support control makes it easier for the electric chute 12D to open than in a low base state, making it easier to win in the second start hole 12 than in the first start hole 11. Therefore, the ball is hit to the right to enter the second start hole 12 while passing through the gate 13, which triggers the normal pattern lottery. This allows more start wins (wins in the start hole) to be obtained than by hitting to the left. In this pachinko game machine PY1, the game is played by hitting to the right even during jackpot play.

In contrast, in the low base state, it is more advantageous to play by hitting the game ball from the left into the left game area 6L (see Figure 4). Because electric support control is not being executed, the electric chute 12D is less likely to open than in the high base state, making it easier to win in the first starting hole 11 than in the second starting hole 12. For this reason, the game ball is hit from the left in order to win in the first starting hole 11. This allows more start wins to be obtained than by hitting from the right.

5. Method for Changing the Setting Value Next, a method for changing the setting will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, a setting key cylinder 180 is provided on the game control board 100. The setting key cylinder 180 (transition operation means) is a switch part that can switch between an ON state and an OFF state using a dedicated setting key. By inserting a setting key into the setting key cylinder 180 and rotating the setting key from an OFF position (also called a standby position or initial position) to an ON position (also called a rotation position or moving position), the ON/OFF of a switching circuit (a setting key cylinder switch 180a described later) in the setting key cylinder 180 can be switched. Note that the state in which the setting key cylinder switch 180a is OFF is referred to as the OFF state of the setting key cylinder 180, and the state in which the setting key cylinder switch 180a is ON is referred to as the ON state of the setting key cylinder 180. The ON position of the setting key is a position rotated 90 degrees from the OFF position.

Now, the 7-segment display 300 (display means) will be described. Display control of the 7-segment display 300 is performed by the game control microcomputer 101. As shown in FIG. 8, the 7-segment display 300 is a so-called 4-segment 7-segment display (7-segment display), and has a total of 32 illuminated (light-emitting) parts (segments). In this embodiment, any of the set values from "1" to "6" is displayed on the 7-segment display 300.

Next, a method for changing the setting value will be explained. To change the setting value, it is necessary to switch to setting change mode (setting mode). Switching to setting change mode can only be done when the power is turned on. Here, not only the operation for switching to setting change mode, but also various operations that can be performed when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is turned on will be explained. As shown in FIG. 15, there are four types of operations that can be performed when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is turned on: a setting change mode switching operation, a setting confirmation operation, a RAM clear operation, and a normal power-on operation.

The setting change mode transition operation is an operation for transitioning to a setting change mode in which the setting value can be changed. Specifically, it is an operation of turning on the power switch 195 (turning on the power switch 195) while turning on both the setting key cylinder 180 (setting key switch) and the RAM clear switch 191. This operation supplies power to the pachinko game machine PY1 (the pachinko game machine PY1 is in a power-on state), and the mode after power-on is set to the setting change mode. In the setting change mode, the setting value is switched to increase by one each time the RAM clear switch is pressed. Note that when the setting value is "6", pressing the RAM clear switch 191 switches the setting value to "1". When the setting key cylinder 180 is switched from the ON state to the OFF state (when the setting key is rotated to the OFF position) during the setting change mode, the setting value is confirmed and the setting change mode ends. This results in a playable game mode (game control state).

The setting confirmation operation is an operation for transitioning to the setting confirmation mode (one of the non-setting change modes). In the setting confirmation mode, the setting value cannot be changed, but the setting value is displayed on the 7-segment display 300, so that the setting value can be confirmed. Specifically, the setting confirmation operation is an operation of turning the power switch 195 ON (turning the power switch 195 ON) while turning the setting key cylinder 180 ON. In the setting confirmation operation, the RAM clear switch 191 is left OFF. This setting confirmation operation supplies power to the pachinko game machine PY1, and the mode after power is turned on becomes the setting confirmation mode. The setting confirmation mode ends when the setting key cylinder 180 becomes OFF (the setting key is rotated to the OFF position). This causes the game to enter a playable game mode (game control state).

The RAM clear operation is an operation for shifting to the RAM clear mode (one of the non-setting change modes). The RAM clear mode is a mode in which a "RAM clear" is performed to initialize a predetermined storage area of the gaming RAM 104 provided in the gaming control microcomputer 101. When the RAM clear is performed, the game contents (processing information of the gaming CPU 102) up to that point are cleared. Even if the RAM is cleared, the setting value information stored in the gaming RAM 104 is not erased but is retained. Even if the mode is shifted to the RAM clear mode, the setting value cannot be changed, and the setting value is not displayed on the 7-segment display 300. Specifically, the RAM clear operation is an operation of turning the power switch 195 to the ON state (turning the power switch 195 to the ON state) while turning the RAM clear switch 191 to the ON state. In the RAM clear operation, the setting key cylinder 180 is left in the OFF state. By such a RAM clear operation, power is supplied to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 and the RAM is cleared. The RAM clear mode ends automatically when a specific process related to RAM clearing is executed. When the RAM clear mode ends, the game enters a playable game mode (game control state). In this embodiment, the RAM is also cleared when the setting change mode is ended. However, by providing an operation that clears the RAM without changing the settings in this way, it is possible to clear the RAM with less work than changing the settings.

A normal power-on operation is an operation for powering on the pachinko gaming machine PY1 without transitioning to the setting change mode, transitioning to the setting confirmation mode, or clearing the RAM. Specifically, a normal power-on operation is an operation in which the setting key cylinder 180 and the RAM clear switch 191 are both left in the OFF state, and the power switch 195 is turned ON (the power switch 195 is turned ON). This operation supplies power to the pachinko gaming machine PY1, and it enters a playable play mode.

The four operations mentioned above (switching to setting change mode, checking settings, clearing RAM, and normal power-on) are generally performed by arcade employees, and cannot be performed by players who cannot see the back of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 (see Figure 8).

Next, we will explain the case where information indicating the setting values (setting value information) is not stored in the pachinko gaming machine PY1. The setting value information is stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 of the gaming RAM 104 each time a setting value is selected (changed) in the setting change mode. However, when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is shipped from the production factory (factory shipment), no setting value information is stored in the setting value information storage unit 107. In other words, the state is such that no setting values have been set.

This pachinko gaming machine PY1 is designed to transition to error mode if the power is turned on with no settings set. Even if no settings are set, if the setting change mode transition operation is performed, the machine will transition to setting change mode rather than error mode. Error mode is a mode in which control related to play cannot be executed on the pachinko gaming machine PY1, and will not be released unless the power switch 195 is turned OFF to cut off the power.

In this embodiment, the setting value information stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 of the game RAM 104 is not erased even if the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the power is turned on. Therefore, if the setting value information is stored once in the setting value information storage unit 107 by performing the setting change mode transition operation after factory shipment, the setting value information will not be stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 after that. Therefore, in this case, the game will not transition to the error mode when the game is turned on the next time. In other words, the game will transition to the error mode when no setting value has been set and the setting change mode transition operation is not performed when the game is turned on. In this way, it is possible to prevent unnecessary transition to the error mode by not erasing the setting value information simply when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed or when the power is not turned on (shutoff state). The setting value information storage unit 107 is configured of a volatile storage means (DRAM) so as to be able to handle relatively many (frequent) accesses, but may also be configured of a non-volatile storage means (EEPROM, etc.), for example.

In this embodiment, the base can be displayed on the 7-segment display 300 (see FIG. 8). The base is the ratio of the number of winning balls (total winning balls) won by the player to the number of balls fired (total number of balls fired), 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 defect has occurred.

6. Initial operation of the main movable member Next, the initial operation of the main movable member will be described. The main movable member is a movable member whose operation is controlled by the game control microcomputer 101 (control means). In this pachinko game machine PY1, the AT opening and closing member 14k of the big winning device 14D and the electric chute opening and closing member 12k of the electric chute 12D are the main movable members. Also, the initial operation means that the movable member is operated to check that it operates normally, regardless of the game.

However, in conventional pachinko gaming machines, the main movable member was not initialized. In other words, the game control microcomputer 101 did not operate the main movable member to check that it was operating normally between the time the power was turned on and the start of play. For this reason, conventionally, employees of the gaming parlor would actually play the game and win a jackpot in a lottery for a special symbol, thereby opening and closing the AT opening and closing member 14k of the big prize device 14D and the electric chute opening and closing member 12k of the electric chute 12D. This confirmed that the main movable member was operating normally.

However, as mentioned above, the method of checking the operation of the main movable member by winning a jackpot during play is a very time-consuming method. In other words, since the arcade staff must win the jackpot by themselves, it takes a very long time from when the power is turned on until the operation of the main movable member can be checked. In particular, when checking the operation of the main movable member for a large number of pachinko gaming machines, the workload of the arcade staff becomes extremely heavy. Therefore, it is preferable to be able to check the operation of the main movable member as quickly and simply as possible after the power is turned on to the pachinko gaming machine.

In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, the pachinko game machine PY1 is configured such that the game control microcomputer 101 can execute the initial operation of the main movable members (initial operation of the AT opening/closing member 14k, initial operation of the electric chute opening/closing member 12k) between the time the power is turned on and the time the RAM is cleared. The initial operation of the AT opening/closing member 14k is specifically an operation in which the AT opening/closing member 14k repeats an open state and a closed state a predetermined number of times (e.g., three times). The initial operation of the electric chute opening/closing member 12k is specifically an operation in which the electric chute opening/closing member 12k repeats an open state and a closed state a predetermined number of times (e.g., three times).

In this embodiment, the presence or absence of an initial operation of the main movable member and the timing of the execution of the initial operation of the main movable member differ depending on the mode after power is turned on. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, the initial operation of the main movable member will be explained for each mode after power is turned on. FIG. 16 is a table showing the relationship between the mode after power is turned on and the transition up to the game control state. Note that the game control state means that the game is in a playable game mode, and that the variable display of the special pattern and the variable display of the EZ performance pattern can be executed.

First, the setting change mode will be described as the mode after power is turned on. As shown in FIG. 15, the setting change mode is the mode to which the machine enters when the operation to enter the setting change mode is performed when the machine is turned on. As shown in FIG. 16, when the machine enters the setting change mode after power is turned on, the initial operation of the main movable members (initial operation of the AT opening and closing member 14k, initial operation of the electric chute opening and closing member 12k) is executed during the setting change mode. After that, when the setting key cylinder 180 is turned OFF, the setting change mode ends. Next, the RAM is cleared. After the RAM is cleared, the machine enters the game control state and the game can be played.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the setting change mode is entered after the power is turned on, the initial operation of the main movable member is executed in the setting change mode. Therefore, the employees of the game arcade do not need to actually play the game and check that the main movable member is operating normally after winning the jackpot in the special symbol lottery, as in the past. In addition, since the initial operation of the main movable member is executed before the RAM is cleared, the operation of the main movable member can be checked immediately after the power is turned on. Therefore, even when checking the operation of the main movable member for a large number of pachinko game machines, the employees of the game arcade can check the operation of the main movable member as quickly and simply as possible.

Next, the setting check mode will be described as the mode after power is turned on. As shown in FIG. 15, the setting check mode is the mode to which the machine enters when a setting check operation is performed when the machine is turned on. As shown in FIG. 16, when the machine enters the setting check mode after power is turned on, the initial operation of the main movable members (initial operation of the AT opening and closing member 14k, initial operation of the electric chute opening and closing member 12k) is executed during the setting check mode. After that, when the setting key cylinder 180 is turned OFF, the setting check mode ends. When the setting check mode ends, the machine enters the game control state without clearing the RAM, and the game can be played.

In this manner, in this embodiment, when the mode transitions to the setting check mode after the power is turned on, the initial operation of the main movable member is executed in the setting check mode. Therefore, even in this case, the operation of the main movable member can be checked immediately after the power is turned on, just as in the case of transitioning to the setting change mode.

Here, the setting confirmation mode and setting change mode are modes related to the setting values before transitioning to the game control state, and are in a game stop state in which game play cannot be performed. Therefore, even if the initial operation of the main movable members (initial operation of the AT opening and closing member 14k, initial operation of the electric chute opening and closing member 12k) is performed in this game stop state, there is no misunderstanding that the AT opening and closing member 14k or the electric chute opening and closing member 12k is malfunctioning. In other words, if the initial operation of the main movable members is performed in the game control state, there is a risk of misunderstanding that the AT opening and closing member 14k or the electric chute opening and closing member 12k is malfunctioning, and this embodiment makes it possible to prevent such misunderstanding.

However, when the initial operation of the main movable member is started in the setting change mode or setting confirmation mode, it is possible that the initial operation of the main movable member has not been completed when the setting change mode or setting confirmation mode ends. In this case, if the game control microcomputer 101 determines that the initial operation of the main movable member has not been completed when the setting change mode or setting confirmation mode ends, it returns the main movable members (AT opening/closing member 14k, electric chute opening/closing member 12k) to the origin position (closed state) and forcibly ends the initial operation of the main movable members. This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which the AT opening/closing member 14k or electric chute opening/closing member 12k is not in the origin position (not in the closed state) when in the game control state.

Next, the case where the mode after power is turned on will be described. Note that the RAM clear mode is the mode to which the mode is switched when a RAM clear operation is performed when the power is turned on, as shown in FIG. 15. When the mode is switched to the RAM clear mode after power is turned on, RAM clear is executed, as shown in FIG. 16. Then, when the RAM clear is completed, the state is switched to a game control state, and the game can be played. Thus, when the mode is switched to the RAM clear mode, the initial operation of the main movable member is not executed.

Finally, the case where the mode after power is turned on will be described. Note that the game mode is the mode to which the device is switched when the normal power-on operation is performed when the device is turned on, as shown in FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 16, when the device switches to the game mode after power is turned on, the RAM is not cleared, but the device switches to a game control state and becomes playable. In this way, when the device switches to the game mode, the initial operation of the main movable member is not executed.

In this way, when the game mode is switched to RAM clear mode or game mode after power is turned on, the initial operation of the main movable member is not executed, unlike when the game mode is switched to setting change mode or setting confirmation mode. Therefore, for example, when the power is turned back on after a power outage during play, the game mode is switched to and the initial operation of the main movable member is not executed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has stopped playing midway from seeing the initial operation of the main movable member (the operation of the AT opening and closing member 14k and the electric chute opening and closing member 12k). In other words, by executing the initial operation of the main movable member only when there are certainly no players around, such as in setting change mode or setting confirmation mode, it is possible to allow only limited people, such as employees of the game center and design developers, to see the initial operation of the main movable member moving automatically.

Here, the initial operation of the sub-movable member in this embodiment will be described. The sub-movable member is a movable member whose operation is controlled by the performance control microcomputer 121 (control means). In this pachinko game machine PY1, the performance button 40k and the board movable body 55k are the sub-movable members. The initial operation of the performance button 40k is specifically an operation in which the performance button 40k vibrates for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds). The initial operation of the board movable body 55k is specifically an operation in which the board movable body 55k moves from an initial position above the display screen 50a to a performance position where it overlaps with the center of the display screen 50a in the front-to-back direction, and then returns from the performance position to the initial position.

As shown in FIG. 16, the initial operation of the sub movable member is started at the timing of transition to the game control state. That is, when the mode after power-on is transitioned to the setting change mode, the initial operation of the sub movable member is executed at the timing of transition to the game control state after the setting change mode ends and RAM clear is executed. Also, when the mode after power-on is transitioned to the setting check mode, the initial operation of the sub movable member is executed at the timing of transition to the game control state after the setting check mode ends. Also, when the mode after power-on is transitioned to the RAM clear mode, the initial operation of the sub movable member is executed at the timing of transition to the game control state after RAM clear is executed. Also, when the mode after power-on is transitioned to the game mode, the initial operation of the sub movable member is executed at the timing of transition to the game control state immediately after power-on and RAM clear is executed.

Thus, unlike the initial operation of the main movable member, when the RAM is cleared, the initial operation of the sub-movable member is initiated after the RAM is cleared. Therefore, the initial operation of the main movable member and the initial operation of the sub-movable member are not executed at the same timing. This prevents arcade employees from having to simultaneously check the operation of the main movable member and the sub-movable member, making the checking operation less cumbersome. Note that, since the initial operation of the sub-movable member is executed when the game control state is entered, the initial operation of the sub-movable member continues even if the variable display of the special pattern and the display of the EZ performance pattern are started immediately after the game control state is entered.

Next, the transition of the display state of the display screen 50a when the setting change mode transition operation is performed when the power is turned on will be described with reference to FIG. 27. When the setting change mode transition operation is performed when the power is turned on, the setting change mode will be entered. In this case, as shown in FIG. 27(A), the setting change mode image SH showing the characters "setting change in progress" is first displayed on the display screen 50a. The setting change mode image SH suggests that the setting change mode is set. When the setting change mode is set, the AT opening and closing member 14k repeats the open and closed states a predetermined number of times (e.g., three times) as the initial operation of the main movable member, and the electric chute opening and closing member 12k repeats the open and closed states a predetermined number of times (e.g., three times). At this time, the display screen 50a displays an initial operation suggestion image SD showing the characters "initial operation in progress". The initial operation suggestion image SD suggests that the initial operation of the main movable member is being performed. In this way, the employees of the game arcade can easily recognize that the initial operation of the main movable member is being performed when the setting change mode is set. In other words, even if the AT opening/closing member 14k and the electric chute opening/closing member 12k are moving automatically, it is possible to reliably confirm that this is not a malfunction.

After that, when the setting change mode ends, the RAM is cleared. At this time, a RAM clearing image RC showing the words "RAM clearing in progress" is displayed on the display screen 50a, as shown in FIG. 27(B). This allows the arcade staff to recognize that the RAM is being cleared and that it is not yet possible to start playing.

Then, when the RAM clearing is completed, the game control state is entered. At this time, the daytime background image Ha, which indicates that the game is in the normal game state, is displayed on the display screen 50a, and the performance pattern EZ is displayed in a stopped state of "179", which is the initial display mode. The initial display mode of the performance pattern EZ refers to the display mode shown as the initial result of the performance pattern EZ after the power is turned on. Also, from the timing of the transition to the game control state, as the initial operation of the sub-movable member, the performance button 40k vibrates for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds), and the board movable body 55k moves from the initial position to the performance position and then returns from the performance position to the initial position.

If a setting check operation is performed when the power is turned on and the setting check mode is entered, a setting check mode image showing the words "Settings Checking" is displayed instead of the setting change mode image SH shown in FIG. 27(A). The setting check mode image indicates that the setting check mode is set. After that, when the setting check mode ends, the display screen 50a shows that the game is in control, as shown in FIG. 27(C), without displaying the RAM clearing image RC shown in FIG. 27(B). In addition, the initial operation of the sub movable member is executed from the timing of the transition to the game control state.

In addition, if a RAM clear operation is performed when the power is turned on and the RAM clear mode is entered, the RAM clearing image RC shown in FIG. 27(B) will first be displayed on the display screen 50a. Then, when the RAM clear is completed, the game control state will be displayed as shown in FIG. 27(C). In addition, from the timing of the transition to the game control state, the initial operation of the sub movable member will be executed.

In addition, if the normal power-on operation is performed when the power is turned on and the game control state is entered, the display screen 50a will show that the game control state is entered, as shown in FIG. 27(C). In addition, the initial operation of the sub movable member is executed from the timing of the transition to the game control state.

7. Operation of the Game Control Microcomputer Next, the operation of the game control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Main control process] When the power is turned on, the game control microcomputer 101 provided on the game control board 100 reads out the program of the main control process shown in FIG. 17 from the game ROM 103 and executes it. The counter, timer, flag, status, buffer, etc. that appear in the operation description of the game control microcomputer 101 are provided in the game 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. 17, 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. 10 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. 18, in the power-on processing (S001), the game control microcomputer 101 first sets permission for access to the game RAM 104 (S009). This allows information to be written to and read from the game RAM 104. Next, a setting value designation command is sent to the performance control board 120 to notify the setting value information (setting value information) stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 of the game RAM 104 (S010). As a result, when the power is turned on, the performance control board 120 receives the setting value designation command, and the performance control microcomputer 121 can grasp the setting value that was set in the previous game. However, if the setting value information has not yet been stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 in the processing of step S010, the game control microcomputer 101 will not send the setting value designation command.

Next, it is determined whether the RAM clear switch 191 is ON (depressed) and whether the setting key cylinder switch 180a is ON (S011). In other words, it is determined whether the setting change mode transition operation is being performed. If the setting change mode transition operation is being performed (YES in S011), the process proceeds to step S013 via the setting change mode process (S012) described below.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S011 that the setting change mode transition operation has not been performed (NO in S011), it is then determined whether or not setting value information is stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 (S016). If setting value information is not stored (NO in S016), it means that no setting value has ever been set, and the process proceeds to error mode processing (S021) described below. On the other hand, if setting value information is stored (YES in S016), it is next determined whether or not the RAM clear switch 191 is ON (S017). In short, the process of step S017 is a process for determining whether or not the RAM clear switch 191 has been pressed, although the mode is not transitioned to the setting change mode. If the RAM clear switch 191 is ON (YES in S017), the process proceeds 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 the rotated position 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 the rotated position. 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 game RAM 104 is cleared (S013). In other words, a RAM clear is executed. However, 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) are not cleared.

In this way, even if the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the power is turned on, the setting value information is not cleared, so it is possible to resume play with the setting values that were set before the power was cut off. In other words, it is possible to play without having to switch to setting change mode and set the setting values every time the power is turned on. Also, 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 it is possible to display the same base as before the power was cut off on the 7-segment display 300.

When the setting change mode transition operation is performed, step S011 is judged as YES, and the process proceeds to step S012. In this case, the game-related information stored in the game RAM 104 is not cleared in step S013 unless the setting change mode processing in step S012 is completed. In short, when the setting change mode transition operation is performed, the game-related information stored in the game RAM 104 can be cleared (RAM clear) after the setting change mode is completed. On the other hand, if the setting key cylinder 180 is not in the rotated position when the power is turned on, but the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, step S017 is judged as YES, and the process proceeds to step S013. In this case, the game-related information stored in the game RAM 104 can be cleared immediately after the power is turned on.

After step S013, the game control microcomputer 101 performs initial settings on the working area of the game RAM 104 (S014). In this initial setting process, the initial setting information read from the game ROM 103 is set in the working area of the game RAM 104. Next, a RAM clear notification command is sent to the performance control board 120 to notify it that the memory contents of the game RAM 104 have been cleared (S015), and the process proceeds to step S022.

In step S022, other power-on processing, such as setting the gaming CPU 102, setting the SIO, PIO, and CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), is performed, and this processing ends.

[Setting change mode processing] As shown in FIG. 19, in the setting change mode processing (S012), the game control microcomputer 101 first sends a setting mode transition command to the performance control board 120 to notify the transition to the setting change mode (S030). Next, the main movable member initial operation setting processing is executed (S031). As a result, in the setting change mode, the initial operation of the AT opening and closing member 14k and the initial operation of the electric chute opening and closing member 12k are executed, so it is possible to check whether the AT opening and closing member 14k and the electric chute opening and closing member 12k operate normally. Then, it is determined whether the setting value information is stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 (S032). If the setting value information is stored (YES in S032), the setting value was set before the power was cut off, so the setting value is displayed on the 7-segment display 300 based on the setting value information (S033).

In step S034, it is determined whether the RAM clear switch 191 is ON. In other words, it is determined whether 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 to increment the setting value by one (S035). Note that when the setting value is "6", if the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, setting value information indicating that the setting value is "1" is stored. Next, the setting value is displayed on the 7-segment display 300 based on the new setting value information (S036).

The game control microcomputer 101 then 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) of the incremented setting value (S038), and proceeds to step S039. In step S039, it is determined whether the setting key cylinder switch 180a is OFF. In other words, it is determined whether a 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 the setting key cylinder switch is OFF (YES in S039), it is determined whether or not the main movable member is in the origin position (S040). That is, it is determined whether the AT opening/closing member 14k is in the closed state and the electric chute opening/closing member 12k is in the closed state. The method for determining whether the AT opening/closing member 14k and the electric chute opening/closing member 12k are in the origin position can be determined based on the state of the AT solenoid 14s and the electric chute solenoid 12s, or by providing a sensor to detect the position and making a determination based on the detection of the sensor.

If the main movable member is not in the origin position (NO in S040), execute the main movable member origin position return process (S041). The main movable member origin position return process (S041) is a process for returning the AT opening/closing member 14k and the electric chute opening/closing member 12k to the origin position (closed state). This makes it possible to prevent the AT opening/closing member 14k or the electric chute opening/closing member 12k from not being in the closed state after the setting change mode has ended. If the main movable member is in the origin position (YES in S040), skip step S041 and proceed to step S042.

In step S042, a setting value designation command (confirmed setting information) is sent to the performance control board 120 to notify the performance control board 120 of the confirmed setting value information (setting value information). Then, a setting mode end command is sent to the performance control board 120 to notify the end of the setting change mode (S043). Furthermore, the setting value displayed on the 7-segment display 300 is made invisible (S044), and the process proceeds to step S013 (see FIG. 18) described above. 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 possible for those around to have difficulty understanding the confirmed setting value. The processing from step S013 onwards has been described above, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[Setting value confirmation mode processing] As shown in FIG. 20, 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, the main movable member initial operation setting processing is executed (S051). As a result, in the setting confirmation mode, the initial operation of the AT opening/closing member 14k and the electric chute opening/closing member 12k is executed, so that it can be confirmed whether the AT opening/closing member 14k and the electric chute opening/closing member 12k are operating normally.

Next, it is determined whether the setting key cylinder switch is OFF (S052). If it is not OFF (NO in S052), the process of step S052 is repeated to maintain the setting confirmation mode. On the other hand, if the setting key cylinder switch is OFF (YES in S052), the setting value displayed on the 7-segment display 300 is made invisible to end the setting confirmation mode (S053). Then, it is determined whether the main movable member is in the origin position (S054). That is, it is determined whether the AT opening/closing member 14k is in the closed state and the electric chute opening/closing member 12k is in the closed state. If the main movable member is not in the origin position (NO in S054), the main movable member origin position return process is executed (S055) and the process proceeds to step S020 (see the power interruption recovery process in FIG. 18) described later. This main movable member origin position return process (S055) makes it possible to prevent the AT opening/closing member 14k or the electric chute opening/closing member 12k from not being in the closed state after the setting confirmation mode ends. If the main movable member is in the origin position (YES in S054), skip step S054 and proceed to step S020 (see power outage recovery processing in Figure 18) described below.

[Power outage recovery processing] As shown in FIG. 21, in the power outage recovery processing (S020), the game control microcomputer 101 first determines whether the power outage flag is ON or not (S060). The power outage flag is a flag that indicates the occurrence of a power outage. If the power outage flag is not ON (NO in S060), the power may not have been shut off properly, so proceed to step S065.

On the other hand, if the power failure flag is ON (YES in S060), the checksum of the game RAM 104 is calculated (S061) and it is determined whether it matches the checksum of the game RAM 104 that was stored (memorized) at the time of power failure (S062). If these checksum values do not match (NO in S062), it is determined that the memory contents of the game 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 memory contents of the game RAM 104 are normal, and the process proceeds to step S063.

In step S063, the setting management of the working area of the gaming RAM 104 when power is restored 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 working area of the gaming RAM 104. After that, the gaming control microcomputer 101 turns off the power interruption flag (S064) and proceeds to step S022 (see FIG. 18) described above. The processing from step S022 onwards has been described above, so a description will be omitted.

On the other hand, in step S065, the information stored in the game RAM 104 is cleared (RAM clear is executed). 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) 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. Note that 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 18) described above.

[Error mode processing] As shown in FIG. 22, in the error mode processing (S021), the game control microcomputer 101 first executes an error display processing to display the letter "E" on the 7-segment display 300 (S080). This allows the employees of the game arcade to understand the transition to error mode by seeing the letter "E" on the 7-segment display 300. Next, the game control microcomputer 101 transmits an error command to the performance control board 120 to notify the transition to error mode (S081). After that, the loop processing is performed without returning to the power-on processing (S001, see FIG. 17). In this way, when the error mode is entered, the error mode will continue until the power is turned off. Therefore, the game cannot be started unless the setting change mode is entered and the setting value is set the next time the power is turned on.

[Main timer interrupt processing] The game control microcomputer 101 repeats the main timer interrupt processing (S005) shown in FIG. 23 every short time, for example, 4 msec. The main timer interrupt processing (S005) corresponds to the processing for controlling the progress of the game, and is executed by the game CPU 102. First, the game control microcomputer 101 performs a random number update processing (S101) for updating 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. At least a part of the random numbers may be so-called hardware random numbers 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 necessary. The random number generation circuit may also be built into the game control microcomputer 101.

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 performs input processing (S102). In the input processing (S102), the microcomputer 101 reads detection signals detected by various sensors (first start hole sensor 11a, second start hole sensor 12a, gate sensor 13a, large prize hole sensor 14a, general prize hole sensor 10a, and discharge hole sensor 18a (see FIG. 6)) attached mainly to the pachinko game machine PY1, and sets a prize ball command for paying out prize balls according to the type of prize hole in the output buffer of the game RAM 104. The set prize ball command is sent to the payout control board 170.

Then, the game control microcomputer 101 executes the start port sensor detection process (S103), the special action process (S104), and the normal action process (S105). In the start port sensor detection process (S103), if a winning entry is detected by the first start port sensor 11a or the second start port sensor 12a, random numbers such as a jackpot random number (jackpot random number, winning type random number, reach random number, and variable pattern random number (see FIG. 10 (A))) are obtained, provided that there are less than four reserved memories corresponding to the start port where the winning entry was detected. In addition, if a passage is detected by the gate sensor 13a, a normal pattern random number (see FIG. 10 (B)) is obtained, provided that there are less than four reserved normal symbols.

In the special operation process (S104), random numbers such as the jackpot random number obtained in the start port sensor detection process (S103) are judged using the jackpot judgment table (see Figs. 11 (A) to (F)), the hit type judgment table (see Fig. 9), the reach judgment table (see Fig. 12 (A)), and the special symbol change pattern judgment table (see Fig. 13) based on the setting value indicated by the setting value information. Then, a special symbol is displayed (changing display and stationary display) to indicate the result of the jackpot lottery. When starting the changing display of the special symbol, a change start command including information on the change pattern of the special symbol change display is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104. Also, when starting the stationary display of the special symbol, a change stop command is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104. If the result of the jackpot random number judgment indicates that a jackpot has been won, a jackpot game (special game) is played in which the large prize winning port 14 is opened according to a predetermined opening pattern (opening time and number of openings, see Fig. 14) corresponding to the type of jackpot. In executing this jackpot game, when starting the opening, an opening command including information on the type of jackpot symbol that was won is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104. When starting a round game, a round designation command is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104. When starting an ending, an ending command is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104. In addition, in the special operation process (S104), if the game state has changed, a game state designation command including information on the game state is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104. In addition, in the special operation process (S104), if no random numbers such as a jackpot random number are stored, a customer waiting standby command is set to cause the performance control microcomputer 121 to execute a customer waiting performance.

In the normal operation process (S105), a determination is made using the normal symbol random number obtained in the start hole sensor detection process (S103) and a normal symbol winning determination table (see FIG. 12 (B)), and a normal symbol variation pattern selection table (see FIG. 12 (C)) is used to select the normal symbol variation time according to the game status. Then, normal symbols are displayed (variable display and stationary display) to notify the result of the normal symbol lottery determination. If the result of the normal symbol random number determination is that a normal winning symbol has been selected, an auxiliary game is played in which the electric chute 12D is opened according to a predetermined opening pattern (opening time and number of openings, see FIG. 14) according to the game status.

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 performs an output process to output the commands etc. set in each of the above processes to the performance control board 120 etc. (S106), and then ends this process.

8. Operation of the Performance Control Microcomputer Next, the operation of the performance control microcomputer 121 will be described with reference to Figs.

[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. 24 from the performance ROM 123 and executes it. Note that the 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. 24, in the sub-control main processing, it is determined whether the sub-side power-off flag is ON and the contents of the performance RAM 124 are normal (S1001). The sub-side power-off flag is a flag that indicates the occurrence of a power outage. If the determination result in step S1001 is NO, that is, if the sub-side power-off flag is not ON, or if the sub-side power-off flag is ON but the contents of the performance RAM 124 are not normal, the performance RAM 124 is initialized (S1002) and the process proceeds to step S1013.

On the other hand, if the determination result in step S1001 is YES, that is, if the sub-side power off flag has been turned ON due to a power outage but the contents of the presentation RAM 124 are maintained normally, then it is determined whether or not a RAM clear notification command has been received (S1011). If a RAM clear notification command has been received (YES in S1011), the game RAM 104 of the game control board 100 has been cleared. Therefore, the presentation RAM 124 of the presentation control board 120 is cleared (S1002), and the process proceeds to step S1013. On the other hand, if a RAM clear notification command has not been received (NO in S1011), the presentation RAM 124 is not cleared and the process proceeds to step S1013.

When the performance RAM 124 is cleared in the processing of step S1002, the information in the setting value flag 125 (see FIG. 7), which will be described later, is also cleared (erased). The setting value flag 125 is used by the performance control microcomputer 121 to grasp the setting value as information on the performance side (sub side). Therefore, when the performance control microcomputer 121 clears the performance RAM 124 when the power is turned on, it also clears the setting value information.

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, a random number seed update process is executed (S1005). In the random number seed update process (S1005), the values of various random number counters for determining effects are updated. The random numbers for determining effects include random numbers for determining effect patterns to determine effect patterns, random numbers for determining variable effect patterns to determine variable effect patterns, and random numbers for determining preview effects to determine various preview effects. The method of updating the random numbers can be the same as the random number update process performed by the game control board 100 described above. When updating, the random number values may be added by 2 instead of by 1. This is also the same as in the random number update process performed by the game control board 100 described above.

When the random number seed update process (S1005) is completed, the command transmission process (S1006) is executed. 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, which has received the command, executes various performances (variable performances, opening performances, round performances, and ending performances, etc.) using the image display device 50 according to the command. The performance control microcomputer 121 then permits interrupts (S1007). Thereafter, steps S1004 to S1007 are looped. While the interrupts are permitted, the sub-side power interruption monitoring process (S1012), reception interrupt process (S1008), 1 ms timer interrupt process (S1009), and 10 ms timer interrupt process (S1010) can be executed.

The reception interrupt process (S1008) is executed in priority over other interrupt processes (S1009, S1010) when the strobe signal (STB signal) is turned ON, that is, when the strobe signal sent from the game control board 100 is input to the external INT input section of the performance control microcomputer 121. In the reception interrupt process (S1008), various commands sent from the game control board 100 are stored in the reception buffer of the performance RAM 124.

[1 ms timer interrupt processing] The 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S1009) is executed each time an interrupt pulse with a 1 msec period is input to the performance control board 120. As shown in FIG. 25, the 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S1009) first performs input processing (S1201). In the input processing (S1201), switch data (edge data and level data) is created based on detection signals from the performance button 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 emit light at a timing that matches the performance. As a result, the sub-drive board 162 controls the emission of the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54.

Next, a drive control process (S1203) is performed. In the drive control process (S1203), drive data is created and output to drive the movable board body 55k at a timing that matches the performance. In other words, the movable board body 55k is driven in a predetermined operating mode according to the drive data. In addition, when the performance control microcomputer 121 determines in this drive control process (S1203) that it has transitioned to a game control state (when it becomes possible to execute the variable display of the performance pattern EZ), it starts the initial operation of the sub-movable members (performance button 40k, movable board body 55k). After the drive control process (S1203), a watchdog timer process (S1204) is performed to reset the watchdog timer, and this process ends.

[10 ms timer interrupt processing] The 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S1010) is executed each time an interrupt pulse with a 10 msec period is input to the performance control board 120. As shown in FIG. 26, the 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S1010) first performs a received command analysis processing (S1301). Based on the commands analyzed by this received command analysis processing (S1301), the performance control microcomputer 121 sets in the performance RAM 124 a variable performance start command for starting a variable performance, a variable performance end command for ending a variable performance, an opening performance start command for starting an opening performance, a round performance start command for starting a round performance, and an ending performance start command for starting an ending performance.

In addition, in the received command analysis process (S1301), when the presentation control microcomputer 91 receives a setting mode transition command, it sets in the presentation RAM 124 a command to display the setting change mode image SH shown in FIG. 27(A) and the initial action suggestion image SD shown in FIG. 27(A). After that, when it receives a setting mode end command, it sets in the presentation RAM 124 a command to display the RAM clearing image RC (see FIG. 27(B)). Then, when it transitions to the game control state, it sets in the presentation RAM 124 a command to display the presentation pattern EZ and daytime background image Ha (see FIG. 27(C)), which are the initial display mode.

After the received command analysis process (S1301), the performance control microcomputer 121 performs a switch state acquisition process (S1302) to store the switch data created in the 1 ms timer interrupt process in the performance RAM 124 as switch data for the 10 ms timer interrupt process. Next, a switch process (S1303) is performed to set the display contents of the display screen 50a, etc., based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition process (S1302).

Then, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates audio data (control data for outputting audio from the speaker 620) and executes audio control processing to output the audio data to the image control board 140 (S1304). After that, the performance control microcomputer 121 executes other processing such as creating lamp data and updating various random numbers for determining performances (S1305), and ends this processing.

9. Effect of this embodiment Conventionally, the only way to check the operation of the main movable member was to operate the main movable member by winning a jackpot during play, which was a complicated method. However, according to this pachinko game machine PY1, the game CPU 102 executes an initial operation to operate the main movable member (AT opening/closing member 14k, electric chute opening/closing member 12k) based on power-on. This makes it easier to check the operation of the main movable member controlled by the game control microcomputer 101 than with the conventional method.

In addition, according to this pachinko game machine PY1, during the period from when the power is turned on until the processing information (e.g., information on the game status) of the game CPU 102 is erased (game stop period), the game control microcomputer 101 executes an initial operation to operate the main movable members (AT opening/closing member 14k, electric chute opening/closing member 12k). Therefore, it is possible to check the operation of the main movable members as soon as possible after the power is turned on.

Here, a hypothetical method is considered in which the initial operation of the main movable members (AT opening/closing member 14k, electric chute opening/closing member 12k) is executed immediately after transition to the game control state. However, in this method, the movement of the main movable members in the game control state may be mistaken for a malfunction, so in reality, it is impossible to execute the initial operation of the main movable members in the game control state. Therefore, as in this embodiment, by executing the initial operation of the main movable members in a game stop state in which game play cannot be performed, it is possible to prevent it from being mistaken for a malfunction of the main movable members.

According to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, the setting change mode is a game stop state in which no game is being played. Therefore, in this setting change mode, the initial operation of the main movable member is performed, and a person checking the operation of the main movable member can easily determine that this is a checking operation. In this way, it is possible to create the timing for executing the initial operation of the main movable member by utilizing the fact that the setting change mode is a game stop state. In other words, the setting change mode is a mode that can be set manually by an employee of the game arcade by switching the setting key cylinder between ON and OFF. Therefore, by utilizing the period in this setting change mode, it is possible to reliably create a period for executing the initial operation of the main movable member before the RAM is cleared.

10. Modifications The following describes modification examples. In the description of the modification examples, the same components as those in the pachinko game machine PY1 of the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. Of course, the components of the modification examples may be appropriately combined. Furthermore, the technical features in the above embodiment and the following modification examples may be appropriately deleted unless they are described as essential in this specification.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the initial operation of the sub-movable member is started at the timing of transition to the game control state. In contrast, as in the first modified example shown in FIG. 28, the initial operation of the sub-movable member (effect button 40k, board movable body 55k) may be executed before transition to the game control state.

Specifically, in the first modified example, as shown in FIG. 28, when the mode after power-on is to transition to the setting change mode, the initial operation of the main movable member and the initial operation of the sub movable member are performed during the setting change mode. When the mode after power-on is to transition to the setting check mode, the initial operation of the main movable member and the initial operation of the sub movable member are performed during the setting check mode. When the mode after power-on is to transition to the RAM clear mode, the initial operation of the sub movable member is executed first when the power is turned on. Then, the RAM clear is executed, and when the RAM clear is completed, the state transitions to the game control state. When the mode after power-on is to transition to the game mode, the initial operation of the sub movable member is executed first when the power is turned on. Then, the state transitions to the game control state.

As described above, according to the first modified example, when RAM clear is executed, the initial operation of the sub-movable member is executed before RAM clear is executed, similar to the initial operation of the main movable member. Therefore, it is possible to check the operation of the sub-movable member as early as possible after the power is turned on.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the initial operation of the main movable member was not executed when the mode after power-on was to transition to RAM clear mode or game mode. In contrast, as in the second modified example shown in FIG. 29, the initial operation of the main movable member (AT opening/closing member 14k, electric chute opening/closing member 12k) may be executed even when the mode after power-on was to transition to RAM clear mode or game mode.

Specifically, in the second modified example, as shown in FIG. 29, when the mode after power-on is to transition to the RAM clear mode, first, the initial operation of the main movable member and the initial operation of the sub movable member are executed when the power is turned on. Then, the RAM clear is executed, and when the RAM clear is completed, the mode transitions to the game control state. Also, when the mode after power-on is to transition to the game mode, first, the initial operation of the main movable member and the initial operation of the sub movable member are executed when the power is turned on. Then, the mode transitions to the game control state.

As described above, according to the second modified example, when the power is turned on, regardless of whether the mode is changed to the setting change mode, setting confirmation mode, RAM clear mode, or game mode, the initial operation of the main movable member is executed before the game control state is entered. Therefore, regardless of the operation performed by the arcade employee when the power is turned on, it is possible to have the operation of the main movable member checked.

In the above embodiment, the initial operation of the main movable member is executed before the RAM is cleared. However, the initial operation of the main movable member may be executed after the RAM is cleared and before the transition to the game control state. In this case, it is preferable that the initial operation of the main movable member and the initial operation of the sub-movable member are executed at different times. This is because there is no need to check the operation of the main movable member and the sub-movable member at the same time, which prevents the checking process from becoming complicated.

In the above embodiment, the main movable members (movable members) on which the initial operation is performed are the AT opening/closing member 14k and the electric chute opening/closing member 12k. However, the main movable members on which the initial operation is performed are not limited to those described above. For example, a large prize opening other than the large prize opening 14 may be provided, and an opening/closing member that opens and closes the other large prize opening may be used as the main movable member on which the initial operation is performed. Also, the large prize opening may be provided with a specific area and a distribution member inside, and the distribution member that distributes the flow of game balls may be used as the main movable member on which the initial operation is performed.

In the above embodiment, the initial operation of the main movable member is an operation in which the AT opening/closing member 14k repeats an open state and a closed state a predetermined number of times (e.g., three times), and the electric chute opening/closing member 12k repeats an open state and a closed state a predetermined number of times (e.g., three times). However, the operation mode of the initial operation of the main movable member is not limited to the above, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the AT opening/closing member 14k may open and close only once, and the electric chute opening/closing member 12k may open and close only once. However, there is an advantage in that the opening and closing operations are easier to confirm if they are performed multiple times (two or more times).

In the above embodiment, the sub-movable members (movable members) on which the initial operation is performed are the performance button 40k and the board movable body 55k. However, the sub-movable members on which the initial operation is performed are not limited to those described above. For example, a frame movable member may be provided on the gaming machine frame 2, and the frame movable member may be the sub-movable member on which the initial operation is performed.

In the above embodiment, the initial operation of the sub-movable member is that the performance button 40k vibrates for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds), and the board movable body 55k moves from the initial position to the performance position and then returns to the initial position. However, the operating mode of the initial operation of the sub-movable member is not limited to the above and can be changed as appropriate.

In the above embodiment, in order to make it easier to understand the initial movement of the main movable member, an initial movement suggestion image SD is displayed on the display screen 50a as shown in FIG. 27(A). However, other presentation modes may be used to make it easier to understand the initial movement of the main movable member. For example, a special sound may be output from the speaker 620 (sound output means), or the board lamp 54 and the frame lamp 212 (light-emitting means) may be illuminated in a special illumination mode.

In the above embodiment, the initial operation of the main movable member is performed before the RAM clear is executed (started). However, the initial operation of the main movable member may be executed while the RAM clear is being executed, provided that the RAM clear is not yet finished (completed). Also, the initial operation of the main movable member may be executed (started) after the RAM clear is finished.

In the above embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is a machine in which the setting value is selected from a number of different setting values ranging from "1" to "6," and the game is played with a jackpot determination probability corresponding to the setting value. However, the pachinko gaming machine may be one in which only one setting value is provided, and even in such a pachinko gaming machine, it is sufficient to execute the initial operation of the main movable member when the setting change mode (setting mode) is set.

In the above embodiment, the initial operation of the main movable member is executed when the setting change mode is set, and when the setting change mode ends, the RAM is cleared and the game control process is started. However, the initial operation of the main movable member may be executed regardless of whether the setting change mode is set. Also, the game control process may automatically start after the initial operation of the main movable member is finished. Conversely, the game control process may not automatically start after the initial operation of the main movable member is finished, but may start based on the operation of a specified operating means (e.g., RAM clear switch 191). In this way, the timing of the transition to the game control process becomes random (not fixed), making it easier to prevent cheaters from cheating.

In the above embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 can transition to a setting change mode or a setting confirmation mode after power is turned on. However, the pachinko gaming machine may be one that cannot transition to a setting change mode or a setting confirmation mode. In other words, it may be a pachinko gaming machine that does not set a setting value. In this case, when transitioning to a RAM clear mode after power is turned on, the initial operation of the main movable member and the initial operation of the sub movable member may be performed before the RAM clear is executed.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the machine is configured as a gaming machine in which the transition to a high probability state is determined based on the type of winning jackpot pattern, but it may be configured as a so-called V-guaranteed machine (a gaming machine that controls the high probability state based on the passage of a specific area (V area) in the winning jackpot). In the above-mentioned embodiment, the machine is configured as a gaming machine that, once controlled to a high probability state, continues to be controlled to the high probability state until the start of the next jackpot game (a so-called guaranteed loop type gaming machine), but it may be configured as a so-called ST machine (a guaranteed loop type gaming machine with a limited number of times) or a falling machine (a gaming machine in which the high probability state ends depending on the lottery result). It may also be configured as a so-called one-type two-type mixed machine or a swing type gaming machine. In other words, the invention shown in this specification can be suitably adopted for gaming machines with various game characteristics, regardless of the game characteristics of the gaming machine.

In addition, a small win game (a special game in which the total opening time of the large prize opening is a specified time (e.g., 1.8 seconds) or less) 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.

There may also be multiple (e.g., two) big prize openings (big prize devices). In this case, the gaming machine is provided with a first big prize opening, a first big prize opening sensor capable of detecting a gaming ball that has entered the first big prize opening, a second big prize opening, and a second big prize opening sensor capable of detecting a gaming ball that has entered the second big prize opening.

In the above embodiment, the pachinko machine is controlled to a jackpot game state (special game state) when the control condition is that a special symbol indicating a jackpot has been won and has stopped to be displayed. However, the machine may also be configured as a slot machine (a reel-type game machine, a pachislot game machine).

The type of slot machine may be any type. In the case of a so-called normal machine (A-type slot machine) that increases the number of medals acquired by winning a big bonus or a regular bonus, the state in which a bonus such as a big bonus or a regular bonus is being executed corresponds to the special gaming state. In the case of a so-called ART machine or AT machine that increases the number of medals acquired during a special gaming period such as ART (assist replay time) or AT (assist time) in which small winning combinations can be frequently won corresponds to the special gaming state. In the case of a normal machine, the control condition for entering the special gaming state is that after winning a big bonus or a regular bonus, a combination of symbols that will be a transition trigger to a big bonus or a regular bonus is derived and displayed as a display result for each reel on the activated winning line. In the case of an ART machine or AT machine, the control condition for entering the special gaming state is, for example, winning the execution lottery for the ART or AT, and then reaching the timing for activating the ART or AT by playing a specified number of games.

11. Inventions Described in the Above-described Embodiments The above-described embodiments describe the inventions of the following means. In the explanation of the means described below, the corresponding component names and expressions in the above-described embodiments and the symbols used in the drawings are added in parentheses for reference. However, the components of each invention are not limited to these additions.

The invention according to means 1 is as follows:
A gaming CPU (102) that controls the progress of a game;
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) having movable members (AT opening and closing member 14k, electric chute opening and closing member 12k) that can be operated under the control of the gaming CPU,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the gaming CPU is capable of executing an initial operation for operating the movable member upon power-on (see Figure 27).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, when the power is turned on, the gaming CPU executes an initial operation to operate the movable member. This makes it possible to check the operation of the movable member that can be operated under the control of the gaming CPU in a simpler manner than in the past.

The invention according to means 2 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the first aspect,
A storage means (gaming RAM 104) capable of storing processing information of the gaming CPU is provided;
The gaming CPU includes:
After the power is turned on, the processing information of the gaming CPU stored in the storage means can be erased (RAM clear can be executed);
This gaming machine is characterized in that it is possible to execute an initial operation for moving the movable member between the time the power is turned on and the time the processing information of the gaming CPU is erased (see Figure 27).

In a gaming machine with this configuration, the gaming CPU executes the initial operation of the movable member between when the power is turned on and when the processing information of the gaming CPU is erased. Therefore, it is possible to check the operation of the movable member as soon as possible after the power is turned on.

The invention according to means 3 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the second aspect,
The gaming CPU includes:
It is possible to shift to a setting mode (setting change mode) for setting a setting value corresponding to the probability of determining a jackpot,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the setting mode is set, an initial operation for operating the movable member can be executed (see Figure 27).

In a gaming machine with this configuration, the setting change mode is a game stop state in which no game is being played. Therefore, in this setting change mode, the movable member operates, and a person checking the operation of the movable member can easily determine that it is an operation for checking. In this way, it is possible to create the timing for executing the initial operation of the movable member by taking advantage of the fact that the setting change mode is a game stop state.

The gaming machine described in JP 2014-045842 A is equipped with a performance CPU capable of controlling the performance, and a performance movable body operable under the control of a performance PU. The performance CPU is capable of executing an initial operation to operate the performance movable body based on power-on. In addition to the performance movable body operable under the control of the performance CPU, the gaming machine also has a movable member operable under the control of the gaming CPU. However, in the gaming machine described in JP 2014-045842 A, the gaming CPU does not execute an initial operation to operate the movable member when the power is turned on, and there is room for improvement in the operation confirmation of the movable member. Therefore, the inventions according to means 1 to 3 differ from the gaming machine described in JP 2014-045842 A in that they are equipped with a movable member operable under the control of the gaming CPU, and the gaming CPU is capable of executing an initial operation to operate the movable member based on power-on. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine capable of performing operation confirmation of the movable member (achieve the effect of the operation).

The gaming machine of the present invention may be configured as follows.
The present invention relates to
A game control means (a game control microcomputer 101) capable of controlling a game;
A performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of controlling the performance;
A game movable member (AT opening/closing member 14k, electric chute opening/closing member 12k) whose operation is controlled by the game control means;
and a performance movable member (performance button 40, board movable body 55k) whose operation is controlled by the performance control means;
The performance control means is capable of executing an initial performance operation for operating the performance movable member after power is turned on (see FIG. 27(C) );
The gaming machine is characterized in that the game control means is capable of executing a game initial action that operates the game movable member at a timing different from the execution timing of the performance initial action after the power is turned on (see Figure 27 (A)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the initial action for presentation and the initial action for play are executed at different times, so it is possible to check the action of the movable parts for presentation and the movable parts for play without any complication.

In the above-mentioned invention,
It is preferable that the game control means executes the game initial operation during a game suspension period during which a game cannot be played.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the initial gaming operation is performed during the game stop period, making it possible to prevent the player from being mistakenly convinced that the gaming movable member is malfunctioning.

PY1... Pachinko game machine 12D... Electric chute 12k... Electric chute opening and closing member 14D... Big prize device 14k... Big prize opening and closing member 40k... Performance button 50... Image display device 50a... Display screen 55k... Board movable body 101... Game control microcomputer 102... Game CPU
104...Game RAM
121... Performance control microcomputer 180... Setting key cylinder 191... RAM clear switch

Claims (1)

A gaming CPU that controls the progress of a game;
A movable member operable under the control of the gaming CPU;
A storage means capable of storing processing information of the gaming CPU;
A game machine including a RAM clear operation means for erasing the processing information of the game CPU stored in the storage means based on an operation of the RAM clear operation means,
The gaming CPU includes:
When the RAM clear operation means is operated when the power is turned on, an initial operation mode for operating the movable member can be started during the period from when the power is turned on until the processing information of the gaming CPU is erased ;
After the initial operation mode is started, the initial operation mode is terminated based on an operation of the RAM clear operation means, processing information of the gaming CPU is erased, and a transition is made to a game control process capable of controlling a game;
A gaming machine characterized in that after the initial operation mode is started, the initial operation mode is terminated without the operation of an operating means provided in the gaming machine, the processing information of the gaming CPU is erased, and the gaming machine is automatically transitioned to the gaming control processing .

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