JP7466958B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

In conventional gaming machines, such as pachinko machines, gaming balls supplied from a supply mechanism are launched by a launch mechanism, and when a gaming ball flowing down the playing area enters a winning hole, a prize ball is paid out (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-57751 A

In gaming machines that circulate gaming balls internally, the number of gaming balls needs to be stored as data. However, in such gaming machines, it is conceivable that a situation may arise in which gaming balls are not launched despite subtracting the number of gaming balls stored as data in relation to the operation of the launch mechanism or supply mechanism. In such a situation, there is a risk that the number of gaming balls stored as data will not match the gaming situation, reducing the reliability of the data regarding the number of gaming balls.

A gaming machine that solves the above problem is capable of storing the number of gaming balls as data and is configured to enable play based on the data, and is equipped with a launch operation means capable of operating to launch the gaming balls, a stop operation means capable of operating to stop the launch of the gaming balls, a launch mechanism that launches the gaming balls, a supply mechanism that supplies the gaming balls to the launch mechanism, and a control means that performs predetermined control, and in relation to at least one of the launch operation by the launch mechanism and the supply operation by the supply mechanism, the number of gaming balls stored as the data is subtracted, and a first condition is a launch permission state in which the launch of the gaming balls is permitted, a second condition is a contact detection state in which contact with the launch operation means is detected, a third condition is an operation detection state in which it is detected that the amount of operation of the launch operation means exceeds a predetermined amount, and a fourth condition is a control detection state in which an operation to stop the launch of the gaming balls is detected. When all of the fourth conditions, which are non-stop states where the ball is not stopped, are met and the launch conditions are met, normal control can be executed to cause the supply mechanism to perform the supply operation and the launch mechanism to perform the launch operation. When at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth conditions is no longer met and the launch conditions are no longer met, special control can be executed to cause the launch mechanism to perform the launch operation with the supply operation by the supply mechanism stopped. If the special control is terminated midway during the period in which it is being performed due to an interruption in the power supply from outside, the special control that was terminated midway can be resumed after the power supply from outside is resumed, and control related to the game can be resumed from the number of game balls whose update was terminated midway due to the interruption in the power supply from outside.

The present invention can improve the reliability of data regarding the number of game balls.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko game machine and the card unit. An enlarged view of the card unit's operation panel. FIG. An enlarged view of the counting switch, counting lamp, and game ball number display device of a pachinko game machine. Schematic diagram showing the recovery passage of a pachinko game machine. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a supply device of a pachinko game machine. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a supply device of a pachinko game machine. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a launch device of a pachinko game machine. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a pachinko game machine. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a pachinko game machine. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing errors that can be detected in a pachinko gaming machine. 4 is a timing chart for explaining the firing operation in the firing sequence. 6 is a timing chart for explaining a supply operation in a firing sequence. 5 is a timing chart for explaining a special control (special sequence). 4 is a timing chart for explaining a blank shot sequence. 4 is a timing chart for explaining a blank shot sequence. 4 is a timing chart for explaining a blank shot sequence. 4 is a timing chart for explaining a blank shot sequence. 13 is a timing chart for explaining a blank shot sequence in the second embodiment. 13 is a timing chart for explaining a blank shot sequence in the second embodiment.

First Embodiment
As shown in Fig. 1, in the island facility (game island), pachinko gaming machines 10, which are an example of gaming machines, and card units 100, which are an example of management devices, are installed so as to be lined up alternately. That is, the card units 100 are provided in association with the pachinko gaming machines 10. In one example of the present embodiment, one card unit 100 is connected to one pachinko gaming machine 10, but this is not limiting, and a configuration in which multiple card units 100 are connected to one pachinko gaming machine 10, or a configuration in which one card unit 100 is connected to multiple pachinko gaming machines 10, may be used.

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

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

The card unit 100 includes an operation panel 104. The operation panel 104 includes a ball loan button 104a, a payout button 104b, a return button 104c, a ball number display section 104d, and a balance display section 104e. The ball loan button 104a is operated to increase the number of game balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 based on the balance stored in the management card. The payout button 104b is operated to increase the number of game balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 based on the ball number stored in the management card. The return button 104c is operated to receive the return of the management card inserted in the card unit 100. The ball number display section 104d displays information (Arabic numerals, for example) that can identify the number of balls stored in the management card. The balance display section 104e displays information (Arabic numerals, for example) that can identify the balance stored in the management card.

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

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

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

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

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

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

When the CPU 105a receives a bill signal from the bill insertion unit 102, it adds the inserted cash amount, which can be determined from the bill signal, to the remaining balance. When the remaining balance is not 0 and the CPU 105a receives a ball lending signal from the ball lending button 104a, it subtracts a specified amount from the remaining balance and outputs grant information, which can determine the grant of a number of game balls corresponding to the specified amount, to the pachinko gaming machine 10. Note that when the remaining balance is 0, the CPU 105a does not transmit grant information even if it receives a ball lending signal.

When the number of balls held is 0 or more, upon input of a payout signal from the payout button 104b, the CPU 105a subtracts a prescribed number from the number of balls held and outputs grant information capable of identifying the grant of the prescribed number of game balls to the pachinko gaming machine 10. Note that when the number of balls held is 0, the CPU 105a does not transmit the grant information even if a payout signal is input. In this way, the grant information is capable of identifying the number of balls to be granted. When the CPU 105a receives counting information from the pachinko gaming machine 10, it adds the number of game balls that can be identified from the counting information to the number of balls held. As will be described in more detail later, the counting information is control information that is output when the player ends play on the pachinko gaming machine 10, and is capable of identifying the number of game balls to be transferred to the card unit 100.

The CPU 105a controls the ball count display unit 104d and updates the display content to display information that can identify the number of balls held at any given time. In other words, the CPU 105a causes the ball count display unit 104d to display the number of balls held in real time. The CPU 105a controls the balance display unit 104e and updates the display content to display information that can identify the remaining balance at any given time. In other words, the CPU 105a causes the balance display unit 104e to display the remaining balance in real time.

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

The pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in Fig. 1, a pachinko game machine 10, which is an example of a game machine, is configured as an enclosed game machine (so-called managed game machine) in which a specified number of game balls are enclosed as game media inside the machine and the specified number of game balls are circulated inside the machine. The game balls used in the pachinko game machine 10 are non-magnetic such as stainless steel, but are not limited to this and may be magnetic. The pachinko game machine 10 does not have a part (upper tray and lower tray) for storing game balls. In other words, the pachinko game machine 10 is structured so that the player cannot touch the game balls.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 electromagnetically manages the number of gaming balls owned by the player (hereinafter referred to as the number of gaming balls) based on the number of gaming balls loaned to the player (hereinafter referred to as the number of loaned balls), the number of gaming balls acquired by the player (hereinafter referred to as the number of acquired balls), and the number of gaming balls fired by the player (hereinafter referred to as the number of fired balls). Note that the number of balls owned mentioned above is the number of gaming balls managed by the card unit 100, and is different data from the number of gaming balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10. In this way, the pachinko gaming machine 10 as a managed gaming machine is configured to be able to store the number of gaming balls as data and to enable play based on the data.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a frame 11. The frame 11 has an outer frame 11a for fixing the machine to the island equipment, a mounting frame 11b for mounting various game parts, and a protective frame 11c. The mounting frame 11b is supported by the outer frame 11a so as to be openable and closable. The protective frame 11c is supported by the mounting frame 11b so as to be openable and closable. The protective frame 11c has a protective glass (not shown) that protects the game parts mounted on the mounting frame 11b. The protective frame 11c is a so-called front frame, or glass frame. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a locking device (not shown) that locks the frames 11b and 11c. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured so that the frames 11b and 11c cannot be opened from the outer frame 11a unless they are unlocked using a key that fits the locking device.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an audio effect device 12, an example of which is a speaker. The audio effect device 12 is disposed on the front side of the mounting frame 11b. The audio effect device 12 is capable of executing an effect that outputs a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as audio effect), and an announcement that outputs a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as audio announcement). For example, the predetermined sound is music, sound effects, etc. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an announcement audio device 13, an example of which is a speaker. The announcement audio device 13 is capable of executing audio announcements. In one example of this embodiment, the audio devices 12, 13 are disposed on the mounting frame 11b.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a performance light-emitting device 14. The performance light-emitting device 14 can perform performances (hereinafter referred to as light-emitting performances) by turning on, blinking, and extinguishing a light-emitting body (not shown), an example of which is an LED. The performance light-emitting device 14 can perform notifications (hereinafter referred to as notification light) by turning on, blinking, and extinguishing a light-emitting body (not shown). In one example of this embodiment, the performance light-emitting device 14 is disposed in the mounting frame 11b. Without being limited to this, the performance light-emitting device 14 may be disposed in the game board 20, which will be described later.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a launch handle 15, which is an example of a launch operation means capable of being operated to launch gaming balls. The launch handle 15 is disposed on the front side of the mounting frame 11b. As will be described in detail later, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to drive the launch device 50 so as to shoot gaming balls with a launch strength according to the operation of the launch handle 15. The launch device 50 constitutes an example of a launch mechanism that launches gaming balls. The launch handle 15 is equipped with a handle lever 15a supported so as to be able to be rotated, a touch sensor D01, a launch stop switch D02, and a handle volume D03.

The touch sensor D01 is connected to an electrically conductive ring 15b that is arranged to surround the side of the launch handle 15. The touch sensor D01 outputs a touch signal when a player holds the launch handle 15 and the player's fingers touch the electrically conductive ring 15b. The touch signal is in an ON state when the player's fingers are touching the electrically conductive ring 15b, and is in an OFF state when they are not touching. The touch sensor D01 is an example of a means for detecting that a player is touching the launch handle 15.

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

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a game ball number display device 17 that displays information that can identify the number of game balls managed internally. In one example of this embodiment, the game ball number display device 17 is configured with multiple (e.g., six) seven-segment displays arranged, and is capable of displaying multiple (e.g., six-digit) numbers. The game ball number display device 17 is capable of notifying predetermined information (hereinafter referred to as notification display) by displaying predetermined characters. The game ball number display device 17 is an example of a number notification means, number display means, and notification means that notify the number of game balls stored as data.

As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a counting switch 18. The counting switch 18 is operated when the player ends play on the pachinko gaming machine 10. Although details will be described later, when the counting switch 18 is in a predetermined counting permitted state, counting operations using the counting switch 18 are permitted. When the counting switch 18 is pressed, it outputs a counting signal. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a counting lamp 18a, which is an example of a means for notifying whether or not the counting is permitted. In one example of this embodiment, the performance operation device 16, the game ball number display device 17, the counting switch 18, and the counting lamp 18a are arranged together in a position that can be operated by the player on the front side of the mounting frame 11b.

As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko game machine 10 includes a game board 20. The game board 20 is attached to a mounting frame 11b. A game area 20a that is substantially circular in front view is defined on the front of the game board 20. A display window 20b is formed in the approximate center of the game area 20a. A shot passage 20c that guides game balls shot by the launching device 50 to the game area 20a is formed to the left of the game area 20a. The game area 20a and the shot passage 20c are covered by protective glass (not shown) of the protective frame 11c.

The game board 20 is equipped with a main display device group 21 that constitutes an example of a means for displaying various information. As will be described in detail later, the main display device group 21 is a display device controlled by the main control board 60. The main display device group 21 includes at least a first special symbol display device 21a, a second special symbol display device 21b, a first hold display device 21c, a second hold display device 21d, a normal symbol display device 21e, and a normal hold display device 21f. In one example of this embodiment, the multiple display devices that make up the main display device group 21 are arranged together in a part that is visible to the player, but this is not limited to this, and some or all of them may be arranged in different parts.

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

The first pending display device 21c displays information that can identify the number of first special games whose execution has been put on hold because the pending conditions have been met but the starting conditions have not yet been met (hereafter referred to as the first pending number). The second pending display device 21d displays information that can identify the number of second special games whose execution has been put on hold because the pending conditions have been met but the starting conditions have not yet been met (hereafter referred to as the second pending number).

The normal symbol display device 21e can execute a normal game in which a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner and a normal symbol is finally displayed in a static manner. The normal symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of an internal lottery (a lottery for a winning normal symbol). The normal symbols include at least a normal winning symbol and a normal losing symbol. In this embodiment, when a winning lottery for a normal symbol is won, a normal winning symbol is displayed in a static manner in the normal game, and a normal winning game is awarded after the normal game ends. The normal hold display device 21f displays information that can identify the number of normal games whose execution is on hold because the hold condition is satisfied but the start condition is not yet satisfied. The main display device group 21 may include a right-hit display device that displays information instructing a right hit, which will be described later, and a round display device that notifies the upper limit number of round games, which will be described later.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an effect display device 19 having an image display area capable of displaying an image. The effect display device 19 is attached to the game board 20 so that the image display area 19a can be viewed through the display window 20b. For example, the effect display device 19 is a liquid crystal device. The effect display device 19 can execute an effect that displays a predetermined image (hereinafter referred to as a display effect). For example, the predetermined image is an image such as an effect pattern, a character, a landscape, a letter (character string), a number, or a symbol. In the following description, when the character, etc. is simply referred to as "displaying", it means that the character, etc. is displayed as an image. The effect display device 19 can execute a notification display in a manner that displays a predetermined image.

The performance sound device 12, the performance light-emitting device 14, and the performance display device 19 are all performance devices capable of executing a specific performance, and constitute a performance device group ES consisting of multiple performance devices. As described above, the performance sound device 12, the performance light-emitting device 14, and the performance display device 19 are all capable of executing a specific notification, so the performance device group ES can also be understood as a notification device group. The performance devices (notification devices) included in the performance device group ES are not limited to the performance sound device 12, the performance light-emitting device 14, and the performance display device 19, and may be configured to omit some of these performance devices. In addition to these performance devices, or instead of one or more that can be selected arbitrarily, the performance device group ES may be equipped with a performance movable device that executes a movable performance, or a performance vibration device that executes a vibration performance.

For example, the display effects in the effect display device 19 include an effect pattern change game (hereinafter referred to as the effect game) that uses multiple rows of effect patterns (decorative patterns). In the effect game, multiple rows of effect patterns are displayed in a changing manner, and finally a combination of effect patterns (hereinafter referred to as a pattern combination) is displayed stationary. The effect patterns (decorative patterns) are patterns decorated with characters, patterns, etc., and are used to diversify the display effects. For example, the effect game of this embodiment is performed by changing (scrolling) the effect patterns of the left pattern row, center pattern row, and right pattern row in a predetermined direction. The effect game may include a reach effect that is performed by forming a reach.

The effect game starts and ends together with the special game. In the effect game, a symbol combination corresponding to the special symbol displayed in the special game is displayed. When a jackpot symbol is displayed in the special game, the effect game displays the jackpot symbol combination. When a losing symbol is displayed in the special game, the effect game displays the losing symbol combination. In the following explanation, the special game and the effect game executed together with the special game are collectively referred to as the "variable game".

The game area 20a is formed with a number of winning openings (ball entry openings) through which game balls can enter. The winning openings include at least a first start opening 23, a second start opening 24, a big prize opening 25, and a normal prize opening 27. The first start opening 23 is an opening through which game balls enter when the conditions for awarding prize balls and the reservation conditions for the first special game are met. The first start opening 23 is located below the performance display device 19, and is always open so that game balls can enter. The game board 20 is equipped with a first start sensor D11 that detects game balls that have entered the first start opening 23 (see FIG. 10).

The second starting hole 24 is a winning hole through which the game ball enters when the conditions for awarding the prize ball and the reservation conditions for the second special game are met. The second starting hole 24 is located to the right of the first starting hole 23. The second starting hole 24 is provided with a normal opening and closing piece 24a, which is, for example, door-shaped, and is closed so that the game ball cannot enter or is difficult to enter when a normal winning game is not awarded. When a normal winning game is awarded, the second starting hole 24 is opened so that the game ball can enter or is easy to enter. The game board 20 is provided with a normal solenoid SL1 as a means for opening the second starting hole 24 (see FIG. 10). The game board 20 is also provided with a second starting sensor D12 that detects the game ball that has entered the second starting hole 24 (see FIG. 10). The normal opening and closing piece 24a is a so-called "normal electric device".

The big prize opening 25 is an opening through which the game balls enter when the conditions for awarding the prize balls are met. The big prize opening 25 is located at the lower right of the performance display device 19. The big prize opening 25 is provided with a special opening/closing piece 25a, for example, in the form of a door, and is closed so that game balls cannot enter or are difficult to enter when a big win game is not awarded. When a big win game is awarded, the big prize opening 25 is opened so that game balls can enter or are easy to enter. The game board 20 is provided with a special solenoid SL2 as a means for opening the big prize opening 25 (see FIG. 10). The game board 20 is also provided with a count sensor D13 that detects game balls that have entered the big prize opening 25 (see FIG. 10).

The normal winning opening 27 is a winning opening through which a game ball enters when the conditions for awarding a prize ball are met. The normal winning openings 27 are located at the lower left of the performance display device 19 and at the lower right of the performance display device 19. The normal winning openings 27 are always open so that game balls can enter. The game board 20 is equipped with a normal sensor D14 that detects game balls that enter the normal winning opening 27 (see FIG. 10).

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

The mounting frame 11b also includes a radio wave sensor D16 that detects radio waves that exceed a predetermined strength as abnormal radio waves (see FIG. 9). When the radio wave sensor D16 detects abnormal radio waves, it outputs a radio wave detection signal. In addition to the radio wave sensor D16 in the mounting frame 11b, the game board 20 may also include a radio wave sensor, so that the game board 20 can detect abnormal radio waves. As described above, the pachinko game machine 10 does not use magnetic game balls, but uses non-magnetic game balls. For this reason, the mounting frame 11b does not include a magnetic sensor that detects magnetic fields that exceed a predetermined strength as abnormal magnetism. However, the pachinko game machine 10 may also include a magnetic sensor in one or both of the mounting frame 11b and the game board 20, so that the game board 20 can detect the approach of a magnet.

The mounting frame 11b is equipped with a first door opening switch D17 that detects that the protective frame 11c is open relative to the mounting frame 11b (see FIG. 9). The first door opening switch D17 outputs a first door opening signal when it detects that the protective frame 11c is open. The mounting frame 11b is equipped with a second door opening switch D18 that detects that the mounting frame 11b is open relative to the outer frame 11a (see FIG. 9). The second door opening switch D18 outputs a second door opening signal when it detects that the mounting frame 11b is open.

By operating the launch handle 15, the player adjusts the launch strength of the game ball and hits the game ball into the left area to the left of the display window 20b and into the right area to the right of the display window 20b. For example, if the game ball is launched with a strong launch strength (hereinafter referred to as a right hit), the game ball is likely to flow down to the right area and may enter the second starting hole 24, the big prize hole 25, the normal prize hole 27, or the gate 28. Right shots require the game ball to be launched with force to reach the right area, so the launch strength is adjusted to maximum strength or a strength slightly weaker than maximum strength. On the other hand, if the game ball is launched with a weaker launch strength (hereinafter referred to as a left hit), the game ball is likely to flow down to the left area and may enter the first starting hole 23 or the normal prize hole 27. When hitting from the left, the game ball does not need to be launched as vigorously as when hitting from the right, so the strength is adjusted so that the launched game ball does not reach the right area. In this embodiment, when hitting from the right, a flow path for the game ball is formed by game parts such as game nails so that the game ball cannot enter the first starting hole 23. The game parts may be arranged to restrict the ball from entering the first starting hole 23 when hitting from the right, or may be arranged to make it more difficult for the ball to enter the first starting hole 23 compared to when hitting from the left.

In this embodiment, the left area is an area located to the left of the center line CL that divides the play area 20a into left and right halves when the play board 20 is viewed from the front. In this embodiment, the right area is an area located to the right of the center line CL when the play board 20 is viewed from the front. The game ball launched by operating the launch handle 15 is guided to the launch passage 20c on the left side of the play area 20a and reaches the play area 20a. Therefore, the left area is also an area closer to the launch passage 20c, and the right area is also an area farther from the launch passage 20c. The game ball guided down the left area passes to the left of the performance display device 19 located in the center of the play area 20a when viewed from the front, and heads toward the outlet 29 located at the bottom of the play area 20a. On the other hand, the game ball guided down the right area passes to the right of the performance display device 19 located in the center of the play area 20a when viewed from the front, and heads toward the outlet 29.

As shown in FIG. 5, the pachinko game machine 10 has a recovery passage 30 for recovering game balls, a maintenance device 35 for performing a predetermined maintenance on the game balls, a supply device 40 for supplying the game balls that have been maintained by cutting them out one by one, and a launch device 50 for launching the game balls supplied from the supply device. The supply device 40 constitutes an example of a supply mechanism that supplies game balls to the launch device 50, which is an example of a launch mechanism. The pachinko game machine 10 has the above-mentioned shot passage 20c and a foul passage 20f for recovering foul balls. Foul balls are game balls that have been launched by the launch device 50 but have not reached the play area 20a. In one example of this embodiment, the supply device 40 and the launch device 50 are disposed below the play area 20a. Not limited to this, the supply device 40 and the launch device 50 may be disposed in the upper left part of the play area 20a.

The recovery passage 30 has individual winning passages 31a that are connected to the first starting port 23, the second starting port 24, the large winning port 25, and the normal winning port 27, respectively, a prize ball junction 31b where multiple individual winning passages 31a join together, and a winning passage 31 that is connected to the prize ball junction 31b.

The recovery passage 30 has a non-winning passage 32 that is connected to the outlet 29. The recovery passage 30 has a junction 33 where the winning passage 31, the non-winning passage 32, and the foul passage 20f join. The recovery passage 30 has a supply passage 34 that connects the junction 33 and the maintenance device 35. The game ball that reaches the game area 20a flows down the game area 20a. When the game ball enters any of the first start port 23, the second start port 24, the big winning port 25, the normal winning port 27, and the out port 29, it flows through the winning passage 31 or the non-winning passage 32, joins at the junction 33, and reaches the maintenance device 35 through the supply passage 34. The outlet area of the supply passage 34 is large enough to allow one game ball to pass through. Therefore, the game balls are aligned in a row by passing through the supply passage 34.

The maintenance device 35 is a device that performs polishing as an example of a predetermined maintenance. The maintenance device 35 is equipped with a polishing belt (not shown) arranged so as to come into contact with the game balls. When the game balls pass through the maintenance device 35, they come into contact with the polishing belt and are polished. In one example of this embodiment, the maintenance device 35 is configured as a unit that integrates the polishing belt and a mechanism for driving the polishing belt. The maintenance device 35 is assembled to the mounting frame 11b so that it can be replaced as a unit when the time to replace the polishing belt arrives, such as when the use of the polishing belt is completed. As an example, the maintenance device 35 is arranged in a position that can be accessed from the back side of the mounting frame 11b when the mounting frame 11b is opened. The game balls that have undergone maintenance by the maintenance device 35 are supplied to the supply device 40 while still lined up in a row.

The maintenance device 35 is equipped with a magnet (not shown) located close to the ball passage inside the maintenance device 35. A release lever (not shown) is connected to this magnet, and by displacing the release lever to the close position, the magnet approaches the ball passage, while by displacing it to the release position, the magnet moves away from the ball passage. When the release lever is in the close position and the magnet is close to the ball passage, if a game ball made of a magnetic material (such as an iron ball) is present in the ball passage, the game ball can be captured by magnetic force. In this case, the progress of game balls following the captured game ball is hindered by the captured game ball, and the supply of game balls to the supply device 40 is prevented. Then, when the release lever is displaced to the release position, the magnet moves away from the ball passage, and the captured game ball is released.

The maintenance device 35 is equipped with a ball passage ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 that detects game balls passing through the ball passage inside the maintenance device 35, upstream of the magnet in the direction of travel of the game ball (see Figure 9). The ball passage ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 is provided adjacent to the ball passage inside the maintenance device 35, and outputs a ball clogging detection signal when it detects a game ball passing through the ball passage. The ball clogging detection signal is in the ON state when a game ball passing through the ball passage is detected, and is in the OFF state when no game ball is detected. When the ball clogging detection signal remains in the ON state, it is highly likely that a game ball made of a magnetic material (such as an iron ball) is captured by the magnet.

The supply device 40 and the launch device 50 are adjacent to each other and lined up in a specific direction (for example, the front-to-rear direction). Details of the supply device 40 and the launch device 50 will be described later. Game balls supplied one by one from the supply device 40 flow into the launch device 50. The launch passage 20c connects the launch device 50 and the play area 20a. The launch passage 20c is formed on the front side of the play board 20 so as to extend in the up-down direction along the left edge of the play area 20a. The game balls launched by the launch device 50 pass through the launch passage 20c and are guided to the play area 20a.

The foul passage 20f is a passage that connects a part of the shot passage 20c to a part of the recovery passage 30. The game balls that flow from the shot passage 20c into the foul passage 20f are returned to the recovery passage 30 and are supplied again to the supply device 40 from the supply passage 34. The game balls launched by the launch device 50 flow into the shot passage 20c and are guided thereto until they reach the play area 20a. Here, the balls may lose speed due to insufficient launch strength by the launch device 50, and may flow back (fall) down the shot passage 20c without reaching the play area 20a.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a foul sensor D21 that detects a gaming ball (foul ball) passing through the foul passage 20f. The foul sensor D21 is provided adjacent to the foul passage 20f, and outputs a foul signal when it detects a gaming ball passing through the foul passage 20f. The foul signal is in an ON state when a gaming ball passing through the foul passage 20f is detected, and is in an OFF state when it is not detected.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a winning passage count sensor D25 that detects game balls passing through the winning passage 31. The winning passage count sensor D25 is provided adjacent to the winning passage 31, and outputs a winning passage signal when it detects a game ball passing through the winning passage 31. The winning passage signal is turned on when a game ball passing through the winning passage 31 is detected, and is turned off when it is not detected.

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

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an outlet (not shown) for discharging game balls from the supply passage 34 to the outside of the machine, an opening/closing piece (not shown) for opening and closing the outlet, and an opening/closing lever (not shown) that is operated to open and close the opening/closing piece. In this embodiment, the outlet is opened by operating the opening/closing lever to displace the opening/closing piece, and game balls can be discharged to the outside of the machine from the open opening. Note that when the opening/closing lever is not operated, the outlet is closed by the opening/closing piece.

The supply device 40 will now be described.
6 and 7, the supply device 40 has a receiving section 41 that receives game balls from the maintenance device 35, a movable piece 42 that operates to dispense the game balls received by the receiving section 41 one by one, a supply solenoid 43 that drives the movable piece 42, and a supply section 44 that guides the dispensed game balls to the launch device 50. The supply device 40 includes a supply inlet sensor D22 and a supply outlet sensor D23.

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

The movable piece 42 has a holding portion 42a capable of holding (accommodating) one game ball K, and a rotating shaft 42b. The movable piece 42 is an example of a locking portion capable of locking a game ball. The movable piece 42 is supported so as to be displaceable around the rotating shaft 42b as the center of rotation between a stop position 42P1 and a supply position 42P2 rotated downward from the stop position 42P1. The stop position 42P1 is a position that allows the game ball K to flow from the receiving passage 41a to the holding portion 42a and restricts the flow of the game ball K from the holding portion 42a to the supply passage 44a. The supply position 42P2 is a position that restricts the flow of the game ball K from the receiving passage 41a to the holding portion 42a and allows the flow of the game ball K from the holding portion 42a to the supply passage 44a.

When the movable piece 42 is displaced from the stop position 42P1 to the supply position 42P2, the game ball K in the receiving passage 41a is blocked by the movable piece 42, while the game ball K held in the holding portion 42a is released to the supply passage 44a. When the movable piece 42 is displaced from the supply position 42P2 to the stop position 42P1, the game ball K in the receiving passage 41a flows into the holding portion 42a, while the game ball K does not flow out from the holding portion 42a to the supply passage 44a. The supply solenoid 43 is turned on by energization, and the movable piece 42 is displaced to the stop position 42P1. The movable piece 42 is held at the stop position 42P1 because the supply solenoid 43 is on. On the other hand, the supply solenoid 43 is turned off by de-energization, and the movable piece 42 is displaced to the supply position 42P2 by gravity. The movable piece 42 is held in the supply position 42P2 because the supply solenoid 43 is in the off state. The supply solenoid 43 is an example of a supply actuator that releases the engagement by the movable piece 42 and drives the game balls to be supplied to the launch device 50.

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

The launch device 50 will now be described.
8, the launching device 50 is disposed below the game board 20 in a front view. The launching device 50 has a launching section 51 that receives game balls K supplied from the supply device 40, a launching hammer 52 that shoots out the game balls K in the launching section 51, and a launching solenoid 53 that drives the launching hammer 52 to strike the game balls. The launching device 50 has a receiving section 55 that receives foul balls (game balls K) that flow back (fall) from the launch passage 20c, and a foul passage section 56 that forms the foul passage 20f.

The launching section 51 is formed with a launching position 51a that holds the game ball K. The game ball K flows down the supply passage 44a and is held at the launching position 51a. The launching hammer 52 has a pivot shaft 52a at the base end and a hitting section 52b at the tip end. The launching hammer 52 is supported so as to be displaceable around the pivot shaft 52a between a hitting position 52P1 where the game ball K is hit by the hitting section 52b and a retracted position 52P2 rotated downward from the hitting position 52P1. The launching hammer 52 is an example of a hitting section that hits the game ball.

When the launch solenoid 53 is energized, it is turned on, and the launch hammer 52 is displaced to the ball striking position 52P1. As shown by the arrow Y1, when the launch hammer 52 is displaced to the ball striking position 52P1, the striking part 52b strikes the game ball K at the launch position, and the game ball K is launched toward the launch passage 20c. The game ball K, which is launched with sufficient strength, passes through the launch passage 20c and reaches the game area 20a. When the launch solenoid 53 is deenergized, gravity displaces the launch hammer 52 to the retracted position 52P2. The launch hammer 52 is held in the retracted position 52P2 because the launch solenoid 53 is in the off state. The launch solenoid 53 is an example of a launch actuator that drives the launch hammer 52 to strike the game ball. The launch actuator may be a motor.

The receiving section 55 forms a receiving space 55a that opens below the shot passage 20c. The lower end of the receiving section 55 is connected to the passage member that forms the foul passage 20f. In other words, the lower end of the receiving space 55a is connected to the foul passage 20f. As shown by the arrows Y2 and Y3, the foul ball flows from the shot passage 20c into the receiving space 55a, passes through the foul passage 20f, and is returned to the supply device 40. Also, as described above, the foul sensor D21 is provided adjacent to the foul passage 20f.

Next, the big win game will be described.
In the jackpot game, a predetermined performance is first performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter, referred to as the opening time). For example, the predetermined performance is an opening performance that allows the start of the jackpot game to be recognized. In the jackpot game, after the opening time has elapsed, a round game in which the large prize winning hole 25 is opened is performed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. One round game ends when a number condition in which a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enter the hole is met, or a time condition in which a predetermined upper limit time has elapsed. In the round game, the large prize winning hole 25 is opened in a predetermined opening mode (opening pattern). In each round game, a round performance is performed. In the jackpot game, when the final round game ends, a predetermined performance is performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter, referred to as the ending time). For example, the predetermined performance is an ending performance that allows the end of the jackpot game to be recognized. The jackpot game ends with the ending time having elapsed.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a probability fluctuation function (hereinafter referred to as the probability fluctuation function).
The probability variation function is a function for varying the probability of winning a jackpot in a jackpot lottery (hereinafter referred to as the jackpot probability). That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a low probability state in which the probability variation function is not activated, and a high probability state in which the probability variation function is activated, as states in which the jackpot probability can differ. The high probability state has a higher jackpot probability than the low probability state. In the high probability state, the jackpot probability is higher than in the low probability state, making it an extremely advantageous state for the player. The high probability state is what is known as a "probability variation state (probability variation state)."

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a ball entry assistance function.
The ball entry assist function is a function for varying the ball entry rate into the second starting hole 24 by assisting winning into the second starting hole 24. That is, the pachinko game machine 10 has a low ball entry rate state in which the ball entry assist function does not operate, and a high ball entry rate state in which the ball entry assist function operates, as states in which the ball entry rate into the second starting hole 24 can be different. In the high ball entry rate state, the probability that the game ball will enter the second starting hole 24 is higher than in the low ball entry rate state. In the high ball entry rate state, the probability that the game ball will enter the second starting hole 24 increases, making it easier for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 24, which is an advantageous state for the player (easy ball entry state). The high ball entry rate state is the so-called "electric support state", and the low ball entry rate state is the so-called "non-electric support state".

For example, the high ball entry rate state can be realized by performing one of the three controls described below, which are arbitrarily selected, or by combining multiple controls. The first control is a normal pattern variation time shortening control that shortens the variation time of the normal game compared to the low ball entry rate state. The second control is a normal pattern probability variation control that varies the probability of winning the normal winning lottery (normal winning probability) to a higher probability than in the low ball entry rate state. The third control is an opening time extension control that makes the total opening time of the second start port 24 in one normal winning game longer than in the low ball entry rate state. The opening time extension control may be at least one of the following: a control that increases the number of times the second start port 24 is opened in one normal winning game compared to the low ball entry rate state, and a control that makes the opening time of the second start port 24 in one normal winning game longer than in the low ball entry rate state. The high ball entry rate state may be realized by combining the fourth control described below. The fourth control is a special symbol fluctuation time shortening control that shortens the fluctuation time of the special game (for example, the average fluctuation time) compared to when the ball is in a low winning rate state. When the special symbol fluctuation time shortening control is performed, the high winning rate state becomes a special symbol fluctuation time shortening state (time shortening state), and the low winning rate state becomes a special symbol non-fluctuation time shortening state (non-time shortening state).

In the pachinko gaming machine 10, game states are created by a combination of whether or not the probability bonus function is activated and whether or not the ball entry assistance function is activated. In the following explanation, a game state that is a low probability state and a low ball entry rate state is referred to as a "low probability low ball entry rate state," and a game state that is a high probability state and a low ball entry rate state is referred to as a "high probability low ball entry rate state." In addition, a game state that is a low probability state and a high ball entry rate state is referred to as a "low probability high ball entry rate state," and a game state that is a high probability state and a high ball entry rate state is referred to as a "high probability high ball entry rate state."

The electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in Fig. 9, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a main control board 60 and a performance control board 70 on the back side of the machine. The main control board 60 is an example of a main control unit. The main control board 60 and the performance control board 70 are connected so that control information (such as control commands) can be output in one direction from the main control board 60 to the performance control board 70. The main control board 60 executes a predetermined process and outputs the control information to the performance control board 70. The performance control board 70 executes a predetermined process based on the control information input from the main control board 60.

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

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a power supply unit 99 on the back side of the machine. The power supply unit 99 receives power from an external source, converts the input voltage to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to the performance control board 70 and the frame control board 80. The power supplied to the frame control board 80 is further supplied to the main control board 60 and the launch control board 90. The power supply unit 99 supplies power to the supply solenoid 43, the launch solenoid 53, various sensors, and switches. The power supply unit 99 is equipped with a main switch 99a. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to be powered on by starting the power supply to the power supply unit 99 with the main switch 99a in the on state, or by turning on the main switch 99a while power is being supplied.

The main control board 60 will now be described.
As shown in FIG. 10, the main control board 60 includes a CPU 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, and a random number generating circuit 64. The CPU 61 executes a main control program to execute processing related to the progress of the game. The ROM 62 stores the main control program, judgment values used for various judgments and lotteries, and tables. The ROM 62 stores a plurality of types of variation patterns. The variation pattern is information that can specify the variation time from the start to the end of the special game. The variation pattern is information that can specify the variation content (performance content) of the performance game performed during the execution of the special game. The variation patterns include a big win variation pattern and a miss variation pattern. The performance game based on the big win variation pattern is a variation content in which a big win pattern combination is stopped and displayed after a reach performance or without a reach performance. The performance game based on the miss variation pattern is a variation content in which a miss pattern combination is stopped and displayed after a reach performance or without a reach performance.

RAM 63 stores various information that is rewritten depending on the processing results of CPU 61. For example, information stored in RAM 63 includes flags, counters, and timers. RAM 63 is an example of a storage means capable of storing information. Random number generation circuit 64 generates hardware random numbers. Main control board 60 may be configured to be able to generate software random numbers by random number generation processing by CPU 61.

The main control board 60 is connected to the first start sensor D11, the second start sensor D12, the count sensor D13, the normal sensor D14, and the gate sensor D15. The CPU 61 can input detection signals output by the sensors D11-D15 when they detect a game ball. The main control board 60 is connected to the display devices 21a-21f. The CPU 61 can control the display contents of the display devices 21a-21f. The main control board 60 is connected to the solenoids SL1 and SL2. The CPU 61 can control the opening state of the second start port 24 and the large prize port 25 by controlling the operation of the solenoids SL1 and SL2.

The performance control board 70 will be described.
The performance control board 70 includes a CPU 71, a ROM 72, and a RAM 73. The CPU 71 executes a sub-control program to perform processing related to the performance. The ROM 72 stores the sub-control program and a judgment value used for a predetermined lottery. The ROM 72 stores display performance data used for display performance, light emission performance data used for light emission performance, and audio performance data used for audio performance. The RAM 73 stores various information that is rewritten during the operation of the pachinko game machine 10. For example, the information stored in the RAM 73 is a flag, a counter, a timer, and the like. The performance control board 70 is configured to be able to generate software random numbers by the random number generation process by the CPU 71. The performance control board 70 may include a random number generation circuit and be able to generate hardware random numbers.

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

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

The performance display monitor 84 displays the base value. The base value is a value indicating the ratio (proportion) of the total number of winning balls during normal play to the total number of valid balls during normal play. Normal play is play when the game is in a low probability, low ball entry rate state and no jackpot game is being played. Valid balls are game balls that have been launched from the launching device 50 and have reached the play area 20a. The base value is calculated based on the assumption that no jackpot game is being played, using the formula "total number of winning balls during normal play ÷ total number of valid balls during normal play × 100". The performance display monitor 84 is an example of a base display means capable of displaying information related to the base of a game ball.

The ball removal switch 85 is a switch that is operated to create a ball removal state in which the game balls sealed inside the pachinko gaming machine 10 can be discharged outside the machine. The ball removal switch 85 outputs a ball removal signal when pressed. The ball removal signal is turned on when the ball removal switch 85 is pressed, and is turned off when the ball removal switch 85 is not pressed. The ball removal signal is output to the CPU 81.

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

The game ball clear switch 87 is a switch that is operated when initializing the number of game balls (hereinafter referred to as game ball number information) stored as data in the RAM 83 to 0. The game ball clear switch 87 outputs a game ball clear signal when pressed. The game ball clear signal is in the ON state when the game ball clear switch 87 is pressed, and is in the OFF state when it is not pressed. The game ball clear signal is output to the CPU 81.

The RAM clear switch 88 is a switch that is operated when initializing the main information stored in the RAM 63 and the information stored in the RAM 83 (hereinafter referred to as RAM clear). When the RAM clear switch 88 is pressed, it outputs a RAM clear signal. The RAM clear signal is in the ON state when the RAM clear switch 88 is pressed, and is in the OFF state when it is not pressed. The RAM clear signal is output to the CPU 81 and also to the main control board 60 (CPU 61).

The backup power supply 89 supplies backup power to the main control board 60 (RAM 63) as well as the RAM 83 even when the power supply from the outside is cut off. By receiving backup power from the backup power supply 89, the RAMs 63, 83 can retain the contents stored in the RAMs 63, 83 when the power is turned off even after the power is turned off. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a backup function. Not limited to this, one or both of the RAMs 63, 83 may be non-volatile memory that can retain the stored contents even when the power supply is stopped, and thus can retain the stored information even after the power is turned off.

As an example, the backup power supply 89 may be a power storage device that stores power when power is being supplied from an external source. Even when the power supply from the outside is cut off, the backup power supply 89 supplies backup power to the launch control board 90 (launch control circuit 91) and the launch solenoid 53 at least until a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as the supply time TA) required for the launch control board 90 and the launch solenoid 53 to complete a predetermined operation has elapsed. Note that the supply time TA is related to the power capacity stored to be supplied to the launch control board 90 and the launch solenoid 53, and may be the time required to release the power, or may be a time specified by a predetermined circuit.

The launch control board 90 (launch control circuit 91) and the launch solenoid 53 can perform a predetermined operation even after the external power supply is cut off by receiving backup power from the backup power supply 89. As will be described in detail later, the launch device 50 is configured to be able to perform at least one launch operation after the external power supply is cut off, even if the external power supply is cut off at least either during the period when the normal launch operation (launch sequence) is being performed or during the period when the special launch operation (dry firing sequence) is being performed.

The information that can be stored in RAM 63 and that is subject to backup includes main information. The main information is information related to the progress of the game. As an example, the main information includes information related to the jackpot status (including the number of rounds of play), information related to the game status, information related to the number of reserved games, information related to normal and special patterns, and information related to the error status.

The information that can be stored in the RAM 83 and that can be backed up includes game ball number information, game information, and performance information. Game ball number information is information that can identify the number of game balls. Game information is information that is notified from the main control board 60 according to the progress of the game. As an example, the game information includes information that can identify the occurrence of a start port winning, the occurrence of a normal winning, the occurrence of a big winning port winning in a big prize game, passing through a gate, confirmation of a special pattern (end of a variable game), the occurrence of a big prize, and the current game state. Performance information is information related to a base value and the calculation of the base value. Information related to the calculation of the base value includes the total number of winning balls during normal play, and the total number of effective balls during normal play.

When the power supply voltage supplied from the power supply unit 99 drops below a specified voltage, the backup circuit 89a outputs a power interruption detection signal to the CPU 81 and also outputs a signal to the CPU 61 of the main control board 60. The launch permission circuit 89b is a circuit for outputting a signal (hereinafter referred to as the launch permission signal) to the launch control board 90 that can identify that the launch permission state is in which the launch of game balls is permitted. The output conditions for the launch permission signal will be described later.

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

The frame control board 80 is connected to the notification sound device 13. The CPU 81 is capable of controlling the output contents of the notification sound device 13. The frame control board 80 is connected to the game ball count display device 17. The CPU 81 is configured to be capable of controlling the display contents of the game ball count display device 17.

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

As described above, the frame control board 80 is connected to the card unit 100. The CPU 81 is configured to be able to receive various telegrams sent by the CU control board 105. The connection signal output by the card unit 100 is input from the connection terminal board 98 to the launch permission circuit 89b without passing through the CPU 81. As will be described in more detail later, the launch permission circuit 89b also receives the launch stop signal output by the main control board 60 and the error signal output by the CPU 81.

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

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

The firing control circuit 91 has an operation determination unit, a pulse clock generation unit, a timing pulse generation unit, a holding circuit, and a solenoid drive unit. The operation determination unit outputs an operation signal to the timing pulse generation unit when the operable conditions are met because the firing permission signal from the frame control board 80 is in the on state, the stop signal from the firing stop switch D02 is in the off state, and the touch signal from the touch sensor D01 is in the on state. The operation determination unit does not output an operation signal to the timing pulse generation unit when the operable conditions are not met because some or all of the following are not met: the firing permission signal from the frame control board 80 is in the on state, the stop signal from the firing stop switch D02 is in the off state, and the touch signal from the touch sensor D01 is in the on state.

When the timing pulse generating unit inputs an operation signal, it synthesizes the operation signal and the pulse signal input from the pulse clock generating unit, and outputs a firing timing pulse to the solenoid driving unit. Each time the solenoid driving unit inputs a firing timing pulse, it supplies (outputs) to the firing solenoid 53 a driving current whose voltage corresponds to the volume signal (voltage) input from the handle volume D03. As a result, the firing solenoid 53 is driven with a strength corresponding to the amount of rotation of the handle lever 15a, and the game ball is fired. As will be described in detail later, the firing control circuit 91 outputs a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80 at a predetermined timing. When a driving current is output when the operable condition is satisfied, the holding circuit holds the voltage (voltage value) of the volume signal at that time. In the blank firing sequence described later, the firing control circuit 91 (solenoid driving unit) supplies to the firing solenoid 53 a driving current whose voltage corresponds to the voltage value held (stored) in the holding circuit, rather than the voltage value of the volume signal.

The holding circuit also holds the voltage (voltage value) of the volume signal. The holding circuit constitutes an example of information holding means for holding information. The voltage value that the holding circuit can hold is an example of operation amount information that is generated according to the amount of operation of the firing handle 15 (handle lever 15a).

The process executed by the frame control board 80 (CPU 81) will be described.
The frame side power cut-off process will be described.
When the CPU 81 receives a power-off detection signal output by the backup circuit 89a when the power supply voltage drops below a specified voltage, the CPU 81 executes a power-off process. In the power-off process, the CPU 81 calculates a checksum value of the RAM 83 and stores the calculated checksum value in the RAM 83. The CPU 81 also stores information (hereinafter, referred to as a backup flag) capable of identifying that the power-off process has been executed normally in the RAM 83. The CPU 81 then waits until the power is completely turned off. The various pieces of information stored in the RAM 83 when the power is turned off are retained even after the power is turned off by the backup function described above.

The frame side power-on process will now be described.
When the voltage supplied to the frame control board 80 reaches a voltage required for the operation of the CPU 81 and the CPU 81 starts up with power-on, the CPU 81 judges whether the backed-up information is normal or not. Specifically, the CPU 81 judges whether a backup flag is stored in the RAM 83. The CPU 81 also calculates a checksum value of the RAM 83 and judges whether the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value calculated in the power-off process. If the backup flag is stored and the checksum values match, the CPU 81 judges the information as normal, whereas if they do not, the CPU 81 judges the information as abnormal. If the backed-up information is judged as abnormal, the CPU 81 initializes the game ball number information and game information stored in the RAM 83. At this time, the CPU 81 does not initialize the performance information. After that, the CPU 81 moves to a communication check process described later.

If the backed up information is determined to be normal, the CPU 81 determines whether the game ball clear switch 87 has been operated based on whether the game ball clear signal is in the on state. When the game ball clear switch 87 has been operated, the CPU 81 initializes the game ball count information stored in the RAM 83. At this time, the CPU 81 does not initialize the game information and performance information. When the game ball clear switch 87 has not been operated, the CPU 81 does not initialize the game ball count information.

The CPU 81 determines whether the RAM clear switch 88 has been operated based on whether the RAM clear signal is in the ON state. When the RAM clear switch 88 has been operated, the CPU 81 initializes the game information stored in the RAM 83. At this time, the CPU 81 does not initialize the game ball count information and the performance information. When the RAM clear switch 88 has not been operated, the CPU 81 does not initialize the game information. In this embodiment, the performance information is not initialized in either the situation where the game ball count information is initialized in response to the operation of the game ball clear switch 87, or the situation where the game information is initialized in response to the operation of the RAM clear switch 88. After that, the CPU 81 proceeds to a communication check process.

In the communication check process, the CPU 81 determines whether or not it has received startup information from the main control board 60. In one example of this embodiment, the startup information is gaming machine installation information. As an example, the gaming machine installation information is information that can identify the type of gaming machine, the ID number of the CPU 61, the manufacturer of the CPU 61, and the like. When the CPU 81 successfully receives the startup information, it transmits response information to the main control board 60. Thereafter, the CPU 81 ends the communication check process, returns based on the initialized or backed up game ball count information, game information, and performance information, and executes the normal frame side processing described below.

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

The frame side normal processing of the frame control board 80 will be described.
The game information storage process included in the frame-side normal process will be described below.
The game information generation process is a process of storing game information input from the main control board 60 in the RAM 83. When the CPU 81 receives game information capable of identifying a game state, the CPU 81 stores the game information in the RAM 83. By referring to the game information stored in the RAM 83, the CPU 81 can identify whether a jackpot game is in progress, whether a high probability state is in progress, and whether a high ball entry rate state is in progress. In addition, when the CPU 81 inputs various game information, the CPU 81 generates information capable of identifying the input game information and stores the information in the RAM 83. In addition, when the CPU 81 receives game information, the CPU 81 transmits a part or all of the received game information to an external device (such as a hall computer).

The performance information generation process of the frame-side normal process will be described.
The performance information generation process is a process of calculating a base value as performance information. The CPU 81 refers to the game state flag and judges whether or not the game is not in a jackpot game and the current game state is in a low probability low ball entry rate state (i.e., whether or not the game is in a normal game). When the game is in a normal game, the CPU 81 adds up the total number of winning balls during the normal game when it receives game information that can specify the occurrence of a start port winning (hereinafter referred to as start port winning information) or game information that can specify the occurrence of a normal winning (hereinafter referred to as normal winning information). The total number of winning balls is stored in the RAM 83 as one of the performance information. When the CPU 81 inputs a winning passage signal or a non-winning passage signal, it adds up the total number of effective balls during the normal game. The total number of effective balls is stored in the RAM 83 as one of the performance information. The CPU 81 calculates the base value by the calculation formula of "total number of winning balls during normal game ÷ total number of effective balls during normal game × 100". The CPU 81 may count the total number of winning balls and the total number of valid balls in one-minute intervals, and calculate the base value every minute. The CPU 81 may count the total number of winning balls in one-minute intervals, and calculate the base value every time the total number of valid balls reaches a specified number. As an example, the specified number may be 60,000 balls, or may be the maximum number (e.g., 100 balls) that can be fired by the firing device 50 per minute. The CPU 81 controls the performance display monitor 84 to display information that can identify the calculated base value.

The CPU 81 may be configured to calculate the ratio of prize balls acquired by the operation of electric prize balls as performance information and display the ratio on the performance display monitor 84. The ratio of prize balls acquired by the operation of electric prize balls is the sum of the total number of prize balls acquired by winning the second start hole 24 in a normal hit game (normal electric prize balls operated) and the total number of prize balls acquired by winning the large prize hole 25 in a jackpot game (special electric prize balls operated). The ratio of consecutive prize balls is the ratio of the total number of prize balls acquired by the operation of consecutive prize balls to the total number of prize balls acquired through all game states. The total number of prize balls acquired by the operation of consecutive prize balls is the total number of prize balls acquired by winning the large prize hole 25 in a jackpot game.

The game ball count information generation process, which is part of the normal frame-side processing, will be described below.
The game ball number information generating process is a process for generating (managing) the number of game balls. When the CPU 81 receives the winning prize ball number information from the main control board 60, it adds the winning prize ball number that can be specified from the winning prize ball number information to the number of game balls. The winning prize ball number information is control information that the main control board 60 outputs when the condition for awarding the prize balls is met in association with the winning of a predetermined winning port, and is configured to be able to specify the number of prize balls set in the winning port. When the CPU 81 receives the award information from the card unit 100, it adds the number of award balls indicated in the award information to the number of game balls. When the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has been supplied to the launching device 50 based on the supply inlet signal output by the supply inlet sensor D22, it subtracts the number of game balls. As an example, when the supply inlet signal transitions from the off state to the on state to the off state, the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has been supplied when the supply inlet signal becomes the on state. This means that the number of gaming balls managed electromagnetically is converted into actual gaming balls.

Without being limited to this, the CPU 81 may subtract the number of game balls by driving the launch solenoid 53, or a sensor may be provided in the launch passage 20c and the number of game balls may be subtracted when the sensor detects a game ball launched from the launch device 50. In this embodiment, the number of game balls is subtracted as an example of the number of game balls stored as data in relation to at least one of the launch operation by the launch device 50 and the supply operation by the supply device 40. When the number of game balls stored as data becomes "0", which is an example of a number less than a predetermined number, the CPU 81 outputs a zero game ball number signal to the launch permission circuit 89b.

When the CPU 81 is in a countable state, upon input of a counting signal from the counting switch 18, it transmits counting information capable of identifying the number of counted balls to the card unit 100. The CPU 81 subtracts the number of counted balls, which can be identified from the counting information, from the number of game balls. The CPU 81 may subtract the number of game balls before outputting the counting information, or may output the counting information and then subtract the number of game balls. As an example, the countable state is a state in which the necessary power is supplied and the number of game balls is not 0. When the CPU 81 is in a countable state, it controls the light emitter built into the counting lamp 18a so that the counting lamp 18a is lit. In one example of this embodiment, the management of the number of game balls is transferred to the card unit 100 by transmitting the counting information to the card unit 100.

Then, the CPU 81 controls the game ball count display device 17 to display information that can identify the updated number of game balls after adding or subtracting. In one example of this embodiment, the CPU 81 can be understood as a means for adding the number of game balls stored as data, a means for subtracting the number of game balls stored as data, and a means for displaying the number of game balls stored as data. As will be described in more detail later, the game ball count display device 17 also serves as a device that can display information that can identify an error state set (detected) by the frame control board 80.

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

When the CPU 81 receives a first door open signal from the first door open switch D17, it stores in the RAM 83 a flag that can identify the occurrence of a first door open error state. That is, the CPU 81 sets a first door open error in which the protective frame 11c is in an open state. When the CPU 81 stops receiving the first door open signal, it cancels the setting of the first door open error. When the CPU 81 receives a second door open signal from the second door open switch D18, it stores in the RAM 83 a flag that can identify the occurrence of a second door open error state. That is, the CPU 81 sets a second door open error in which the mounting frame 11b is in an open state. When the CPU 81 stops receiving the second door open signal, it cancels the setting of the second door open error.

When the CPU 81 receives a radio wave detection signal from the radio wave sensor D16, it stores a flag in the RAM 83 that can identify the occurrence of a radio wave error state. In other words, the CPU 81 sets a radio wave error. A radio wave error state is a state in which there is a high possibility that fraud (cheating) using radio waves is occurring. Once the CPU 81 sets a radio wave error, it will not cancel the radio wave error until the power is turned off. Note that if the radio wave error state is resolved after power is turned on, the radio wave error will not be set, and if a radio wave error state is detected again, the radio wave error will be set even after power is turned on.

When the CPU 81 detects that a ball has been jammed in the ball passage based on the ball jam detection signal output by the ball passage ball jam monitoring sensor D27, it stores in the RAM 83 a flag capable of identifying the occurrence of an iron ball detection error state. In other words, the CPU 81 sets an iron ball detection error. As an example, the CPU 81 sets an iron ball detection error when a specified time has elapsed since the ball jam detection signal turned on without turning off. As described above, when the ball jam detection signal continues to be on, it is highly likely that a magnetic game ball, such as an iron ball, has been captured by the magnet installed in the ball passage. When the ball jam detection signal turns off, the CPU 81 cancels the setting of the iron ball detection error. As described above, if a magnetic game ball has been captured, the ball jam in the ball passage can be released by operating the release lever (not shown) to the release position.

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

In addition to this, the CPU 81 may decrement the number of game balls by driving the launch solenoid 53, or a sensor may be provided in the launch passage 20c and the number of game balls may be decremented when the sensor detects a game ball launched from the launch device 50. In this embodiment, the number of circulating balls is decremented as an example of the number of game balls stored as data in association with at least one of the launch operation by the launch device 50 and the supply operation by the supply device 40.

When the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has returned to the supply device 40 based on the winning passage signal output by the winning passage count sensor D25 and the non-winning passage signal output by the non-winning passage count sensor D26, the CPU 81 increments the number of circulating balls stored in the RAM 83. As an example, the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has returned when the winning passage signal or non-winning passage signal transitions from on state → off state → on state. In other words, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured to increment the number of game balls stored as data when a game ball used in a game is detected.

When the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has returned to the supply device 40 based on the foul signal output by the foul sensor D, it increments the number of circulating balls stored in the RAM 83. As an example, the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has returned when the foul signal transitions from ON state → OFF state → ON state. In other words, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured to increment the number of game balls stored as data when it detects a game ball (a foul ball) that did not reach the game area 20a even after the launch operation by the launch device 50 has been performed.

When the CPU 81 detects that balls are jammed at the inlet (receiving passage 41a) of the supply device 40 based on the supply inlet signal output by the supply inlet sensor D22, it stores a flag in the RAM 83 that can identify the occurrence of a supply inlet sensor error state. That is, the CPU 81 sets a supply inlet sensor error. As an example, the CPU 81 sets a supply inlet sensor error when the supply solenoid 43 is driven and the supply inlet signal is turned on and does not turn off for a specified time ta. Details of the drive of the supply solenoid 43 and the detection mode of the game balls by the supply inlet sensor will be described later. When the error reset switch 86 is operated, the CPU 81 resets the supply inlet sensor error. Note that even if the supply inlet sensor error setting is reset, if the ball jam in the receiving passage 41a is not resolved, the supply inlet sensor error is reset after a specified time has passed.

When the number of circulating balls becomes equal to or greater than a first circulating ball number that is greater than the initial number of balls, the CPU 81 stores in the RAM 83 a flag that can identify the occurrence of an excessive number of circulating balls error. That is, the CPU 81 sets an excessive number of circulating balls error. When the number of circulating balls becomes less than the first circulating ball number, the CPU 81 cancels the setting of the excessive number of circulating balls error. When the number of circulating balls becomes less than a second circulating ball number that is less than the initial number of balls, the CPU 81 stores in the RAM 83 a flag that can identify the occurrence of an insufficient number of circulating balls error. That is, the CPU 81 sets an insufficient number of circulating balls error. When the number of circulating balls becomes equal to or greater than the second circulating ball number, the CPU 81 cancels the setting of the insufficient number of circulating balls error.

The error notification process in the frame-side normal process will be described below.
The CPU 81 controls the display contents of the game ball number display device 17 so as to display an error code, which is an example of information that can identify the error being set, while an error is being set. The error code is information unique to each error. For example, as shown in the "error code" column in the figure, an error code is set for each error, such as [E02] for a communication line disconnection error, [E03] for a supply inlet sensor error, [E21] for a first door open error, and [E22] for a second door open error. The CPU 81 alternates between displaying the error code and displaying the number of game balls every predetermined time. In addition, when multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 81 displays the multiple types of errors and the number of game balls in sequence for a predetermined time. Not limited to this, the CPU 81 may be configured to display the error code and not display the number of game balls. When the error being set is released, the CPU 81 controls the game ball number display device 17 so as to end displaying the error code corresponding to the released error. In one example of this embodiment, all errors that can be detected by the frame control board 80 are subject to display as error codes on the game ball count display device 17. The game ball count display device 17 also serves as a means for notifying errors.

The CPU 81 controls the display contents of the performance display monitor 84 so as to display an error code that can identify the error being set. That is, the error code is displayed on both the game ball number display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84. The CPU 81 alternates between displaying the error code and displaying the base value (performance information) at predetermined time intervals. In addition, when multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 81 displays multiple types of error codes and the base value in sequence for a predetermined time. Not limited to this, the CPU 81 may be configured to display the error code and not display the base value. Furthermore, the CPU 81 may be configured to display the number of game balls in addition to the base value and error code on the performance display monitor 84. In this case, the CPU 81 may display these three types of information in sequence while switching them at predetermined time intervals. The CPU 81 controls the performance display monitor 84 so as to end the display of the error code when the error being set is released. In one example of this embodiment, all errors that can be detected by the frame control board 80 are subject to display as error codes on the performance display monitor 84. In this embodiment, the performance display monitor 84 also serves as a means for notifying an error. The CPU 81 starts displaying an error code on the performance display monitor 84 and on the game ball count display device 17 at the same or approximately the same time.

The CPU 81 controls the alarm sound device 13 to output an alarm sound in a sound pattern that can identify the error being set. That is, the CPU 81 causes an audio alarm (hereinafter, referred to as an error audio alarm) to be issued to notify the error being set. In one example of this embodiment, the CPU 81 sets radio wave errors, iron ball detection errors, supply inlet sensor errors, circulating ball count excess errors, and circulating ball count insufficient errors as the objects to be notified, and causes an error audio alarm to be issued when these errors are being set. The CPU 81 does not set communication line disconnection errors, first door open errors, and second door open errors as the objects to be notified, and does not cause an error audio alarm to be issued to notify these errors. The audio pattern of the error audio alarm has different content for each type of error, and is content that can identify the outline of the error being set. As an example, for a radio wave error, the audio is a voice that reads out the character string "Error code E31 has occurred, please call an attendant."

The CPU 81 performs control to restrict the launch of game balls while a predetermined error (for example, a supply inlet sensor error) is set among a plurality of errors. When a supply inlet sensor error occurs, the CPU 81 outputs a predetermined signal (error signal) to the launch permission circuit 89b. Here, the launch permission circuit 89b generates a launch permission signal when it receives a connection signal from the card unit 100, does not receive a launch stop signal from the main control board 60, and does not receive a zero game ball count signal and an error signal from the CPU 81, and outputs the signal to the launch control board 90. In other words, the launch permission signal is in an ON state. In this way, the output condition of the launch permission signal in the launch permission circuit 89b is satisfied by receiving a connection signal from the card unit 100, not receiving a launch stop signal from the main control board 60, and not receiving an error signal and a zero game ball count signal from the CPU 81. The input of a connection signal from the card unit 100 indicates that the card unit 100 and the pachinko game machine 10 are normally connected. The fact that no error signal is being input from the CPU 81 indicates that no error has occurred that requires the frame control board 80 to prohibit the release of game balls. The fact that no zero game ball count signal is being input from the CPU 81 indicates that the number of game balls is not zero.

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

The main power-on process will now be described.
When the voltage supplied to the main control board 60 reaches a voltage required for the operation of the CPU 61 upon power-on, the CPU 61 inhibits timer interrupt processing. Next, the CPU 61 transmits startup information to the frame control board 80. When a predetermined time (108 ms, for example) has elapsed since the CPU 61 transmitted the startup information without receiving any response information, the CPU 61 transmits the startup information to the frame control board 80. Thereafter, if the CPU 61 does not receive any response information from the frame control board 80, the CPU 61 transmits the startup information to the frame control board 80 every time a predetermined time has elapsed. Note that the startup information transmitted multiple times may be the same information, or may be different information so that the number of transmissions can be specified. When the number of transmissions of the startup information reaches a specified number (10 times, for example), the CPU 61 detects a communication line disconnection and stores information capable of specifying the occurrence of a communication line disconnection error in the RAM 63. That is, the CPU 61 sets a communication line disconnection error. When the CPU 61 sets the communication line disconnection error, it outputs control information capable of identifying the occurrence of the communication line disconnection error (hereinafter, referred to as a communication line disconnection error command) to the performance control board 70. The CPU 61 then waits until the power is turned off. In this embodiment, the time required for the frame control board 80 to detect the communication line disconnection error (for example, 3 minutes) is longer than the time required for the main control board 60 to detect the communication line disconnection error (for example, 1080 ms).

When the CPU 61 receives response information to the startup information, it determines that the communication line is normal. If the communication line is normal, the CPU 61 determines whether the backed up information is normal or not. Specifically, the CPU 61 determines whether a backup flag is stored in the RAM 63. The CPU 61 also calculates a checksum value in the RAM 63 and determines whether the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value calculated in the power-off process. The CPU 61 determines that the communication line is normal if the backup flag is stored and the checksum values match, and determines that an abnormality exists if they do not.

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

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

Then, when the CPU 61 finishes the main power-on process, it permits the timer interrupt process. That is, the CPU 61 becomes able to execute a process for progressing the game (hereinafter referred to as the main normal process). If the main information has been initialized, the main normal process is executed based on the main information after initialization. That is, the CPU 61 executes various processes included in the main normal process based on a state in which the first special reserved number and the second special reserved number are both zero, neither the first special game nor the second special game is being executed, and no jackpot game has been awarded. If the main information has not been initialized, the main normal process is executed based on the backed-up main information. That is, if the first special reserved number and the second special reserved number are the reserved numbers at the time of power off, and either the first special game or the second special game is being executed, the CPU 61 returns to the process of executing the special game, and if a jackpot game is being awarded, the CPU 61 returns to the process of awarding the jackpot game.

The CPU 61 executes special symbol input processing, special symbol start processing, and the like as timer interrupt processing that is performed every predetermined control period (e.g., 4 ms). Both the special symbol input processing and the special symbol start processing are main normal processing.

The special symbol input process will be described.
The CPU 61 judges whether the game ball has entered the first start hole 23 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the first start sensor D11. When the game ball has entered the first start hole 23, the CPU 61 judges whether the first reserved number stored in the RAM 63 is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the first reserved number is less than the upper limit number, the CPU 61 adds 1 to the first reserved number to update it. Next, the CPU 61 controls the first reserved display device 21c to display information that can identify the updated first reserved number. In this embodiment, the reserved condition of the first special game is met when the first reserved number is less than the upper limit number and the game ball is detected by the first start sensor D11.

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

When the random number information for the first special game is stored in the RAM 63, if the game ball has not entered the first start hole 23 and if the first reserved number is not less than the upper limit number, the CPU 61 determines whether the game ball has entered the second start hole 24 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the second start sensor D12. If the game ball has entered the second start hole 24, the CPU 61 determines whether the second reserved number stored in the RAM 63 is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). If the second reserved number is less than the upper limit number, the CPU 61 adds 1 to the second reserved number to update it. The CPU 61 controls the second reserved display device 21d to display information that can identify the second reserved number after the addition. In this embodiment, the reserved condition for the second special game is met when the game ball is detected by the second start sensor D12 when the second reserved number is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the CPU 61 acquires random numbers generated within the main control board 60, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the RAM 63. The CPU 61 stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that the random number information is to be used for the second special game, and the order in which the random number information is stored. By storing the random number information to be used for the second special game in the RAM 63, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can suspend the execution of the second special game until the start conditions of the second special game are met. When the random number information for the second special game is stored in the RAM 63, if the game ball has not entered the second start hole 24, and if the second reserved number is not less than the upper limit number, the CPU 61 ends the special symbol input process.

The special symbol start process will be described.
First, the CPU 61 judges whether or not the start condition of the special game is satisfied. The CPU 61 judges positively when neither a jackpot game nor a special game is being played, whereas it judges negatively when a jackpot game or a special game is being played. When the start condition of the special game is not satisfied, the CPU 61 ends the special symbol start process. When the start condition of the special game is satisfied, the CPU 61 judges whether or not the second reserved number is greater than zero. When the second reserved number is zero, the CPU 61 judges whether or not the first reserved number is greater than zero. When the first reserved number is zero, the CPU 61 ends the special symbol start process.

If the first reserved number is greater than zero, the CPU 61 performs processing to execute the first special game. Specifically, the CPU 61 updates the first reserved number by subtracting one. The CPU 61 controls the first reserved display device 21c to display information that can identify the first reserved number after subtraction. Next, the CPU 61 acquires from the RAM 63 the random number information that was stored first among the random number information for the first special game. Next, the CPU 61 uses the winning random number identified from the acquired random number information to perform a jackpot lottery (jackpot determination) to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won as a winning lottery for the special pattern. The CPU 61 performs the jackpot lottery with a jackpot probability that corresponds to the current probability state (whether or not the special jackpot function is activated).

When a jackpot is won, the CPU 61 performs jackpot variation processing. In the jackpot variation processing, the CPU 61 performs a lottery for a jackpot pattern using a winning pattern random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines the jackpot pattern to be stopped and displayed in the first special game. The CPU 61 performs a lottery for determining a variation pattern using a variation pattern random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among multiple jackpot variation patterns. After that, the CPU 61 ends the special pattern start processing.

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

If the second reserved number is greater than zero, the CPU 61 performs processing to execute a second special game. The processing to execute a second special game is the same as the processing to execute a first special game, except that the "first special game" is replaced with the "second special game" and the "first reserved number" is replaced with the "second reserved number," and therefore a detailed explanation is omitted. In other words, the CPU 61 subtracts the second reserved number, performs a jackpot drawing, and performs any variation processing based on the result of the jackpot drawing, and then ends the special symbol start processing.

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

When the special pattern start process is completed, the CPU 61 executes a first special game or a second special game by a process separate from the special pattern start process. Specifically, when the CPU 61 executes the first special game, it controls the first special pattern display device 21a to start the variable display of a specified pattern. The CPU 61 measures the variable time set in the variable pattern. When the variable time set in the variable pattern has elapsed, the CPU 61 controls the first special pattern display device 21a to stop displaying the special pattern determined in the special pattern start process. In addition, when the variable time set in the variable pattern has elapsed, the CPU 61 outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a variable end command) capable of identifying the end of the variable game to the performance control board 70.

On the other hand, when the CPU 61 executes the second special game, it controls the second special symbol display device 21b to start displaying a predetermined symbol. The CPU 61 measures the change time set in the change pattern. When the change time set in the change pattern has elapsed, the CPU 61 controls the second special symbol display device 21b to stop displaying the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process. When the change time set in the change pattern has elapsed, the CPU 61 outputs a change end command to the performance control board 70. As described above, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured to be able to execute a winning lottery when a game ball enters the start hole and execute a pattern change game based on the result of the winning lottery by the CPU 61 executing the special symbol input process and the special symbol start process.

The big win game processing will be explained.
The jackpot game process is a process for awarding a jackpot game. When the CPU 61 stops and displays a jackpot symbol in a special game, the CPU 61 executes the jackpot game process after the end of the jackpot special game. The CPU 61 specifies the type of jackpot game based on the jackpot symbol (i.e., the type of jackpot) determined in the special symbol start process. The CPU 61 awards the specified type of jackpot game.

First, the CPU 61 outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as an opening command) capable of identifying the start of the opening time to the performance control board 70. When the opening time has elapsed, the CPU 61 performs processing to execute the round game. That is, the CPU 61 controls the special solenoid SL2 using the specified opening control data for the big win game to open the big win opening 25. When the number of game balls detected by the count sensor D13 reaches the above-mentioned upper limit number or the above-mentioned upper limit time has elapsed, the CPU 61 controls the special solenoid SL2 to close the big win opening 25, thereby ending the round game. The CPU 61 repeats such processing to execute the round game until the upper limit number of round games set for the big win game is completed. The CPU 61 outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a round command) capable of identifying the start of the round game to the performance control board 70 every time a round game is started. When the final round of play ends, the CPU 61 outputs a control command capable of identifying the start of the ending time (hereinafter referred to as the ending start command) to the performance control board 70. When the ending time has elapsed, the CPU 61 ends the jackpot game. The CPU 61 outputs a control command capable of identifying the elapse of the ending time (hereinafter referred to as the ending end command) to the performance control board 70.

The state transition process will now be described.
When the CPU 61 ends a jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol among the jackpot symbols, it sets a high probability flag in the RAM 63. That is, the CPU 61 controls to a high probability state. After the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol ends, the CPU 61 does not erase the probability flag until the next jackpot game is awarded. On the other hand, when the CPU 61 ends a jackpot game based on a second jackpot symbol different from the first jackpot symbol, it does not set the high probability flag in the RAM 63. That is, the CPU 61 controls to a low probability state. When the CPU 61 starts a jackpot game and the high probability flag is set, it erases the high probability flag. That is, the CPU 61 controls to a low probability state during a jackpot game.

When the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern or the second jackpot pattern ends, the CPU 61 sets an operation flag in the RAM 63. That is, the CPU 61 controls to a high ball entry rate state. After the jackpot game based on the second jackpot pattern ends, the CPU 61 counts the number of times the special game is executed after the jackpot game ends by updating the value of the execution counter stored in the RAM 63 each time the special game is started. When the special game ends in which the number of times the special game is executed after the jackpot game ends reaches the activation number, the CPU 61 erases the activation flag stored in the RAM 63. That is, after the jackpot game based on the second jackpot pattern ends, the CPU 61 controls to a low ball entry rate state when the special game for the activation number ends. Note that the CPU 61 does not erase the activation flag until the next jackpot game is awarded after the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern ends. When starting a jackpot game and the activation flag is set, the CPU 61 clears the activation flag. In other words, the CPU 61 controls the game to a low ball entry rate state during the jackpot game.

The error setting process in the main normal process will be described.
As shown in Fig. 11, the error setting process is a process for detecting the occurrence of an error state and setting the error state. In one example of this embodiment, the error states detectable by the main control board 60 (CPU 61) include at least a first door open error and a second door open error in addition to the above-mentioned communication line disconnection error. The error states detectable by the main control board 60 (CPU 61) may also include a radio wave error and a magnetic error.

When the CPU 61 inputs a first door opening signal from the frame control board 80 (first door opening switch D17), it stores a flag capable of identifying the occurrence of a first door opening error state in the RAM 83. That is, the CPU 61 sets a first door opening error in which the protective frame 11c is in an open state. When the CPU 61 sets the first door opening error, it outputs control information capable of identifying the occurrence of the first door opening error (hereinafter referred to as a first door opening error occurrence command) to the performance control board 70. When the CPU 61 stops inputting the first door opening signal, it cancels the setting of the first door opening error. When the CPU 61 cancels the setting of the first door opening error, it outputs control information capable of identifying the elimination of the first door opening error (hereinafter referred to as a first door opening error elimination command) to the performance control board 70.

When the CPU 61 inputs a second door opening signal from the frame control board 80 (second door opening switch D18), it stores a flag capable of identifying the occurrence of a second door opening error state in the RAM 83. That is, the CPU 61 sets a second door opening error in which the mounting frame 11b is in an open state. When the CPU 61 sets the second door opening error, it outputs control information capable of identifying the occurrence of a second door opening error (hereinafter referred to as a second door opening error occurrence command) to the performance control board 70. When the CPU 61 stops inputting the second door opening signal, it cancels the setting of the second door opening error. When the CPU 61 cancels the setting of the second door opening error, it outputs control information capable of identifying the elimination of the second door opening error (hereinafter referred to as a second door opening error elimination command) to the performance control board 70.

The CPU 61 exercises control to restrict the launch of game balls while a specific error (a first door open error is an example) is set among a number of different errors. When a first door open error occurs, the CPU 61 outputs a launch stop signal to the frame control board 80 (launch permission circuit 89b). In other words, the launch stop signal is turned on. As described above, when the launch permission circuit 89b inputs a launch stop signal, the launch permission signal to the launch control board 90 is turned off, and its output is stopped. As described above, the output condition for the launch permission signal is met when the launch permission state is reached, in which the launch of game balls is permitted. In other words, the output condition for the launch permission signal is not met when the launch prohibition state is reached.

The firing permitted state is a state in which the card unit 100 and the pachinko gaming machine 10 are normally connected, no specific error (for example, a first door open error) has occurred in the main control board 60, and no specific error (for example, a supply inlet sensor error) has occurred in the frame control board 80. The firing prohibited state is a state in which one or more of the following has occurred: the card unit 100 and the pachinko gaming machine 10 are not normally connected, a specific error has occurred in the main control board 60, and a specific error has occurred in the frame control board 80. In one example of this embodiment, even if it is the same door open error, the second door open error does not fall under the above-mentioned specific error, and its occurrence does not result in a firing prohibited state.

The launch prohibited state in which the first condition is not met includes a state in which the external power supply is cut off. In other words, when the external power supply is cut off, the main control board 60 (CPU 61) goes into a signal output state instructing launch to be stopped (as an example, the launch stop signal is turned on), and the frame control board 80 (CPU 81) goes into a signal output state instructing launch not to be permitted (the launch permission signal is turned off). The "state in which the external power supply is cut off" as a launch prohibited state is a state in which the frame control board 80 is in a signal output state instructing launch not to be permitted.

The launch prohibition state in which the first condition is not met includes a state in which the number of game balls identified from the data is less than a predetermined number (as an example, the number of game balls = 0). When the number of game balls identified from the data falls below the predetermined number, the frame control board 80 goes into a signal output state instructing that launch is not permitted (the launch permission signal is turned off). The state in which the number of game balls identified from the data as the launch prohibition state is less than a predetermined number is a state in which the frame control board 80 is in a signal output state instructing that launch is not permitted. As described above, in this embodiment, it can be said that there are multiple types of launch prohibition states in which the first condition is not met.

The various processes executed by the performance control board 70 (CPU 71) will be described.
The power restoration process will now be described.
When the CPU 71 inputs an initialization command, it controls some or all of the performance devices constituting the performance device group ES to execute a RAM clear notification (initialization notification). As an example, the RAM clear notification is executed in a manner in which a sound capable of identifying the execution of a RAM clear, such as a sound reading out the character string "RAM clear", is output from the performance sound device 12. As an example, the RAM clear notification is executed in a manner in which the performance light-emitting device 14 is made to emit light in a light-emitting pattern dedicated to RAM clear. As an example, the RAM clear notification is executed in a manner in which an image capable of identifying the execution of a RAM clear, such as the character string "RAM clear", is displayed on the performance display device 19. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the RAM clear notification, the CPU 71 controls the performance device group ES to end the RAM clear notification. Also, when the CPU 71 inputs an initialization command, it controls the performance display device 19 to display a combination of a predetermined background image and a predetermined performance pattern.

When the CPU 71 inputs a power restoration command, it controls some or all of the performance devices constituting the performance device group ES to execute a power restoration notification. As an example, the power restoration notification is executed in a manner in which a sound capable of identifying the execution of a RAM clear, such as a sound reading out the character string "Power restoration in progress", is output from the performance sound device 12. As an example, the power restoration notification is executed in a manner in which the performance light-emitting device 14 is illuminated in a light-emitting pattern dedicated to power restoration. As an example, the power restoration notification is executed in a manner in which an image capable of identifying the execution of a RAM clear, such as the character string "Power restoration in progress", is displayed on the performance display device 19. The CPU 71 controls the performance device group ES to end the power restoration notification when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the power restoration notification. Not limited to this, the CPU 71 may be configured not to execute the power restoration notification. Also, when the CPU 71 inputs a power restoration command, it controls the performance display device 19 to display a predetermined background image and a combination of performance patterns different from the combination of predetermined performance patterns.

The error notification process will be described.
When the CPU 71 inputs the first door opening error occurrence command or the second door opening error occurrence command, it controls some or all of the performance devices constituting the performance device group ES to execute the door opening error notification. As an example, the door opening error notification is executed in a manner in which a sound capable of identifying the opening of at least one of the mounting frame 11b and the protective frame 11c is output from the performance sound device 12, such as a sound that reads out the character string "The door is open". As an example, the door opening error notification is executed in a manner in which the performance light-emitting device 14 is made to emit light in a light-emitting pattern dedicated to the door opening error. As an example, the door opening error notification is executed in a manner in which an image capable of identifying the opening of at least one of the mounting frame 11b and the protective frame 11c, such as the character string "The door is open", is displayed on the performance display device 19. When the CPU 71 determines that all door opening errors have been resolved (both the mounting frame 11b and the protective frame 11c are closed) by inputting one or both of the first door opening error resolution command and the second door opening error resolution command, it controls the performance device group ES to end the door opening error notification.

When the CPU 71 inputs a communication line disconnection error command, it controls some or all of the performance devices constituting the performance device group ES to execute a communication line disconnection error notification. As an example, the communication line disconnection error notification is executed in a manner in which a sound capable of identifying the occurrence of a communication line disconnection error is output from the performance sound device 12, such as a sound reciting the character string "A communication line disconnection error has occurred." As an example, the communication line disconnection error notification is executed in a manner in which the performance light-emitting device 14 is illuminated in a light-emitting pattern dedicated to communication line disconnection errors. As an example, the communication line disconnection error notification is executed in a manner in which an image capable of identifying the occurrence of a communication line disconnection error, such as the character string "Communication line disconnection error!", is displayed on the performance display device 19. Note that the communication line disconnection error setting in the main control board 60 is not released until the power is cut off. In other words, when the CPU 71 starts the notification of the communication line disconnection error, it controls the performance device group ES to continue the communication line disconnection error notification until the power is cut off.

In one example of this embodiment, the time required for the frame control board 80 to detect a communication line disconnection error is longer than the time required for the main control board 60 to detect a communication line disconnection error. In other words, in this embodiment, the timing at which the game ball count display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84 start displaying an error code is different from the timing at which the presentation device group ES starts notifying the user. More preferably, the game ball count display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84 notify the user of an error before the presentation device group ES notifies the user of an error.

The big win presentation process will be described.
The jackpot presentation process is a process for executing a presentation during a jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as a jackpot presentation). When the CPU 71 receives an opening command, it controls the presentation device group ES to execute an opening presentation. When the CPU 71 receives a round command, it controls the presentation device group ES to execute a round presentation. When the CPU 71 receives an ending start command, it controls the presentation device group ES to execute an ending presentation. When the CPU 71 receives an ending end command, it controls the presentation device group ES to end the ending presentation.

The effect game process will now be described.
The presentation game process is a process for executing a presentation game as one of the display presentations related to a special game during the execution of the special game. When the CPU 71 receives a variation start command and a special symbol command, it controls the presentation device group ES including the presentation display device 19 to execute a presentation game. Specifically, when the CPU 71 receives a variation start command, it selects a presentation pattern (presentation content) of the presentation game based on a variation pattern that can be specified from the command. Also, when the CPU 71 receives a special symbol command, it determines a symbol combination to be stopped and displayed in the presentation game based on a special symbol that can be specified from the command. When a jackpot symbol can be specified from the special symbol command, the CPU 71 determines a jackpot symbol combination. When a miss symbol can be specified from the special symbol command, the CPU 71 determines a miss symbol combination. Note that when the CPU 71 executes a reach presentation, it determines a miss symbol combination including a reach.

Then, the CPU 71 controls the effect display device 19 to start the variable display of the effect symbols in each symbol row in response to the input of the variation start command. That is, the CPU 71 starts the effect game. Furthermore, when the CPU 71 is to execute a predetermined effect in relation to the effect game, it controls the effect device group ES including the effect display device 19 to execute the effect. When a predetermined timing arrives after the CPU 71 starts the effect game, the CPU 71 causes the symbol combination to be temporarily stopped and displayed, and in response to the input of the variation end command, causes the symbol combination to be fixed and displayed. Note that the CPU 71 may also cause the symbol combination to be fixed and displayed in response to the passage of a variation time set for the variation pattern, regardless of the variation end command. In this case, the variation end command may be omitted.

The operation of launching a game ball will now be described.
In one example of this embodiment, the launch and supply of game balls are realized by a combination of control of the supply device 40 by the frame control board 80 (CPU 81) and control of the launch device 50 by the launch control board 90 (launch control circuit 91). Below, a series of operations (hereinafter referred to as the launch sequence) executed by the launch control circuit 91 to launch game balls and the processing of the frame control board 80 will be described in detail. The launch sequence can be executed when the launch condition is established, and is an example of normal control (normal launch operation) that causes the launch device 50 to perform a launch operation and the supply device 40 to perform a supply operation.

The operation of the launch control board 90 (launch control circuit 91) will now be described.
12, when the stop signal is in the OFF state, the launch permission signal of the frame control board 80 is turned ON at time Ta1, and the touch signal is turned ON at time Ta2, thereby establishing the operable condition of the launch solenoid 53. Then, at time Ta3, input of the volume signal begins in response to the operation of the handle lever 15a, and when the voltage of the volume signal (shown as dial voltage in the figure) exceeds the threshold at time Ta4, the launch condition of the game ball is established. Note that "blank shot" shown in the figure indicates a situation in which the launch device 50 performs a launch operation but the game ball is not launched, and "launch" indicates a situation in which the launch device 50 performs a launch operation and the game ball is launched.

The condition for launching the game ball is met when all of the first, second, third, and fourth conditions are satisfied. The first condition is met when the launch permission state is established, in which the launch of the game ball is permitted. The second condition is met when the touch signal is in the ON state, and a contact detection state is established in which contact with the launch handle 15 is detected. The third condition is met when the voltage of the volume signal exceeds a threshold, and an operation detection state is established in which it is detected that the operation amount of the launch handle 15 (handle lever 15a) exceeds a predetermined amount. The fourth condition is met when the stop signal is in the OFF state, and a non-stop state is established in which an operation to stop the launch of the game ball is not detected. In one example of this embodiment, of these four conditions, the first, second, and third conditions are examples of specific conditions.

At time Ta5, when the specified time t1 has elapsed since the firing condition was met, the firing control circuit 91 supplies a drive current to the firing solenoid 53 in response to the firing timing pulse. This drives the firing solenoid 53. The voltage of the drive current at this time is a voltage that corresponds to the voltage of the volume signal at time Ta5. In other words, the firing control circuit 91 sets the firing intensity by referring to the voltage of the volume signal. The holding circuit of the firing control circuit 91 newly holds (updates) the voltage value of the volume signal at this time. As an example, the specified time t1 is 37.5 ms, and the output time t2 of the drive signal is 16 ms. The firing control circuit 91 outputs a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80 for the specified time t3 (37.5 ms, for example) from time Ta5 when the drive current is output.

The launch control circuit 91 determines that the launch conditions are met at time Ta6, when a specified time t4 (for example, 562.5 ms) has elapsed since the drive current was output to the launch solenoid 53, and therefore supplies the drive current to the launch solenoid 53 at time Ta7, when a specified time t1 has elapsed since time Ta6. The launch control board 90 (launch control circuit 91) outputs a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80 for the specified time t3, starting from time Ta7 when the drive current is supplied.

Then, at time Ta8 before the specified time t4 has elapsed, the firing stop button 15c is pressed and the stop signal transitions to the ON state. In other words, the fourth condition is not met. After that, at time Ta9 when the specified time t4 has elapsed since the drive current was supplied to the firing solenoid 53, the firing condition is not met. In this case, the firing control circuit 91 supplies the drive current to the firing solenoid 53 at time Ta10 when the specified time t1 has elapsed from time Ta9. The voltage of the drive current at this time is a voltage corresponding to the voltage of the volume signal at time Ta10. In other words, the intensity of the firing operation by the firing device 50 is set with reference to the amount of operation of the firing handle 15. In addition, the holding circuit of the firing control circuit 91 newly holds the voltage value of the volume signal at this time. On the other hand, the firing control circuit 91 does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80 at time Ta10 (indicated by a dashed line in the figure).

If the stop signal remains on thereafter, the firing condition is not met at time points Ta11 and Ta13 when the specified time t4 has elapsed since the previous supply of the driving current. Therefore, the firing control circuit 91 supplies the driving current at time points Ta12 and Ta14 when the specified time t1 has elapsed from time points Ta11 and Ta13, respectively, while not outputting the subtraction reference signal (shown by the dashed line in the figure). The voltage of the driving current at this time is a voltage corresponding to the voltage of the volume signal at time points Ta12 and Ta14. The holding circuit of the firing control circuit 91 newly holds the voltage value of the volume signal at each of time points Ta12 and Ta14. In other words, the holding circuit stores the latest volume signal voltage for each firing operation in the firing sequence. With this configuration, the firing solenoid 53 is driven every firing cycle t5. Then, it is determined whether the firing condition is met at the timing before the specified time t1 based on the firing cycle t5. The timing before the specified time t1 based on the drive timing (firing cycle t5) of the firing solenoid 53 is the judgment timing for determining whether the firing conditions are met. The firing cycle t5 is equal to the sum of the specified time t1 and the specified time t4. As an example, the firing cycle t5 is 600 ms.

The control of the frame control board 80 will now be described.
As shown in FIG. 13, at time Tb1, when the subtraction reference signal transitions to the ON state in response to the drive of the launch solenoid 53, the CPU 81 of the frame control board 80 judges whether the supply outlet signal is ON or not at time Tb2 when the specified time t2a has elapsed. The timing when the specified time t2a has elapsed based on the drive timing (launch cycle t5) of the launch solenoid 53 is the judgment timing for judging whether the supply condition is established or not. Here, since the supply outlet signal is OFF, the CPU 81 judges that the supply condition is established, supplies a drive current to the supply solenoid 43 for the specified time t6 (75 ms as an example), drives the supply solenoid 43, and displaces the movable piece 42 to the stop position 42P1. In other words, the movable piece 42 is held at the stop position 42P1 for the specified time t6. As a result, the game balls in the receiving passage 41a flow into the holding portion 42a of the movable piece 42. In this embodiment, the specified time t2a is a time (for example, 16 ms) that is equal to the output time t2, which is the drive time of the firing solenoid 53. Therefore, the supply solenoid 43 is driven at the timing when the drive of the firing solenoid 53 (firing hammer 52) ends.

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

When the specified time t6 has elapsed, the CPU 81 stops the supply of drive current to the supply solenoid 43, terminates the drive of the supply solenoid 43, and displaces the movable piece 42 to the supply position 42P2. This causes the game ball held in the holding portion 42a of the movable piece 42 to be released into the supply passage 44a. The game ball released into the supply passage 44a flows down the supply passage 44a and is detected by the supply outlet sensor D23 at time Tb4, and the supply outlet signal transitions from OFF state → ON state → OFF state.

When the subtraction reference signal transitions to the ON state with the driving of the firing solenoid 53 at time Tb5, which is the elapse of the firing cycle t5 from time Tb1 when the subtraction reference signal transitions to the ON state, the CPU 81 drives the supply solenoid 43 (movable piece 42) at time Tb6, which is the elapse of the specified time t2a. Then, at time Tb7, the CPU 81 subtracts the number of game balls based on the transition of the supply inlet signal from the supply inlet sensor D22, and displays the number of game balls after the subtraction on the game ball number display device 17. After that, at time Tb8, the game balls are detected by the supply outlet sensor D23.

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

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

At time Tc4, it is assumed that a game ball is detected by the supply outlet sensor D23 and the supply outlet signal transitions to the ON state. Then, for some reason, it is assumed that a game ball becomes clogged in the supply passage 44a and the state no longer transitions from the ON state to the OFF state. In one example of this embodiment, the supply passage 44a is a passage that connects the portion where the movable piece 42 is located (the holding portion 42a) and the launch position 51a, and is a straight or nearly straight passage that does not have any curved portions. In other words, the supply passage 44a is configured so that ball clogging is unlikely to occur, and even if ball clogging does occur, it can be relatively easily eliminated by vibration caused by the drive of the launch solenoid 53.

After that, at time Tc5, the subtraction reference signal transitions to the ON state with the driving of the launch solenoid 53, and the specified time t2a has elapsed and the judgment timing has arrived. Although the supply restriction flag is not set, the supply outlet signal from the supply outlet sensor D23 is in the ON state, so the CPU 81 judges that the supply condition is not met and starts special control. In such a situation, it is highly likely that the supply passage balls are clogged when the supply solenoid 43 is to be driven. The CPU 81 stores the supply restriction flag in the RAM 83. While the supply restriction flag is set, the CPU 81 does not supply a drive current to the supply solenoid 43 even if the subtraction reference signal is input, and does not drive the supply solenoid 43. The CPU 81 does not subtract the number of game balls, and the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display device 17 does not change. The same operation is performed for times Tc7 and Tc8, when the launch cycle t5 has elapsed from time Tc5.

At time Tc9, the ball jam in the supply passage 44a is cleared and the supply outlet signal transitions to the OFF state. The CPU 81 inputs a subtraction reference signal at time Tc10, and when the judgment timing arrives at time Tc11 when the specified time t2a has elapsed, it judges whether the supply condition is satisfied. Here, the supply restriction flag is set and the supply outlet signal is in the OFF state, so the CPU 81 adds 1 to the number of times the supply condition has been satisfied stored in the RAM 83, but does not supply a drive current to the supply solenoid 43, and does not drive the supply solenoid 43.

The CPU 81 inputs a subtraction reference signal at time Tc12, and when the judgment timing arrives at time Tc13 when the specified time t2a has elapsed, it judges whether the supply condition is satisfied. Here, since the supply restriction flag is set and the supply outlet signal is in the OFF state, the CPU 81 adds 1 to the number of times the supply condition is satisfied stored in the RAM 83, but does not supply a drive current to the supply solenoid 43 and does not drive the supply solenoid 43. When the number of times the supply condition is satisfied reaches a predetermined number (for example, 2 times), the CPU 81 erases the supply restriction flag stored in the RAM 83. In other words, the CPU 81 ends the special control. When the supply restriction flag is set and the supply outlet signal is in the ON state at the judgment timing, if the number of times the supply condition is satisfied stored in the RAM 83 is 0, the CPU 81 does not add to the number of times it is satisfied, and if it is 1 or more, resets the number of times it is satisfied to 0.

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

As described above, in one example of this embodiment, when a predetermined special error occurs during execution of a firing sequence, special control (special sequence) is performed to cause the firing device 50 to perform a firing operation while restricting the supply operation by the supply device 40. While the special control is being executed by the CPU 81, the firing control board 90 controls the strength of the firing operation by the firing device 50 by referring to the amount of operation of the firing handle 15. In this embodiment, this special error is a ball jamming error in the supply device 40 (supply passage 44a).

The special control (special sequence) is not released unless the supply outlet signal is turned off and the supply passage ball jam is cleared, and the supply outlet signal is determined to be off a predetermined number of times in succession (for example, twice). Even if a supply passage ball jam occurs, the CPU 81 does not cause the performance display monitor 84 and the game ball count display device 17 to display an error code, but this is not limited to the above, and the configuration may be such that an error code is displayed. The CPU 81 may be configured to display an error code when it determines that the supply outlet signal is off a specific number of times, two or more, while the supply restriction flag is set.

When the above-mentioned firing sequence is being executed, if a specific condition (first condition, second condition, or third condition) is no longer met, causing the firing conditions to no longer be met, the firing control board 90 is configured to drive the firing solenoid 53 without outputting the subtraction reference signal. In other words, the firing control circuit 91 executes a series of operations for performing a blank firing (hereinafter referred to as a blank firing sequence). An example of a blank firing sequence is described below.

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

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

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

In this embodiment, in the three blank shots at times Te4 to Te6, the voltage of the drive current supplied to the firing solenoid 53 is a voltage that corresponds to the voltage of the volume signal input when the final firing operation in the firing sequence is performed, and is a voltage value held in the holding circuit of the firing control circuit 91. In the blank shot sequence, the intensity of the firing operation is controlled based on the voltage value held by the holding circuit, not the voltage of the volume signal input at that time. Note that in the blank shot sequence, the voltage value stored in the holding circuit is not updated even if the firing device 50 is made to perform a firing operation.

In this way, in the blank firing sequence, multiple firing actions are performed, and the intensity of the first of the multiple firing actions in the blank firing sequence is the same or approximately the same as the last firing action in the firing sequence immediately before the blank firing sequence is performed. Furthermore, the intensity of the second and subsequent firing actions in the multiple firing actions in the blank firing sequence is the same or approximately the same as the last firing action in the firing sequence immediately before the blank firing sequence is performed.

In the blank firing sequence, the subtraction reference signal is not output to the frame control board 80, thereby restricting the supplying operation of game balls by the supply device 40. In the blank firing sequence of this embodiment, the firing solenoid 53 is driven a maximum of three times, that is, the firing operation of the firing device 50 is performed a maximum of three times. As described above, in this embodiment, when at least one specific condition among the first condition, the second condition, the third condition, and the fourth condition is no longer satisfied and the firing condition is no longer established, the blank firing sequence is performed as an example of special control (special firing operation) that causes the firing operation of the firing device 50 to be performed while restricting the supplying operation by the supply device 40.

In addition, in the pachinko game machine 10, if at least one of the first door open error and the supply inlet sensor error, which are examples of predetermined errors, occurs during execution of the firing sequence, the firing is prohibited and the firing permission signal transitions to the OFF state. In other words, the first condition is not met and the firing condition is also not met, so the firing sequence ends and transitions to the blank firing sequence. On the other hand, even if another error such as a second door open error occurs during execution of the firing sequence, the firing permission state remains, so the firing permission signal is maintained in the ON state. In other words, the firing sequence continues without being terminated based on the occurrence of these errors. Errors other than the first door open error and the supply inlet sensor error are examples of the first error.

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

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

As described above, when the blank firing sequence is being performed because the first and fourth conditions are satisfied but at least one of the second and third conditions is not satisfied, if the second and third conditions are satisfied and the firing condition is established, the blank firing sequence is terminated midway and the firing sequence is performed. Also, in this embodiment, in the firing sequence, the intensity of the firing action by the firing device 50 is controlled by referring to the amount of operation of the firing handle 15 when the firing sequence is being performed. On the other hand, in the blank firing sequence, the intensity of the firing action by the firing device 50 is controlled without referring to the amount of operation of the firing handle 15 when the blank firing sequence is being performed.

Now, let us suppose that, while the blank shot sequence is being executed based on the non-satisfaction of the second or third condition, at least one of the first door open error and the supply inlet sensor error occurs, and the first condition is also not satisfied. In this case, the launch control circuit 91 does not perform a new operation because the launch permission signal is now in the OFF state, but the situation is the same in which the operable condition is not satisfied. Therefore, even if the first condition is now not satisfied, the launch control circuit 91 does not terminate the blank shot sequence being executed, but continues it. In other words, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured to continue the blank shot sequence without terminating it based on the occurrence of a specific error when the blank shot sequence is being executed. The first door open error and the supply inlet sensor error are examples of the specific error and the second error. The specific error also includes an iron ball detection error. As mentioned above, an iron ball detection error is the detection of a magnetic game ball.

In the firing control circuit 91, when the blank shot sequence is being performed, even if the number of game balls identified from the data falls below a predetermined number (as an example, the number of game balls = 0), the blank shot sequence continues. Specifically, even if the number of game balls falls to 0 as a result of counting information being output by operating the counting switch 18 while the blank shot sequence is being performed, the firing control circuit 91 does not perform a new operation because this is still a situation in which the operable condition is not met. In other words, the firing control circuit 91 continues the blank shot sequence while the blank shot sequence is being performed, even if the number of game balls falls to 0. In one example of this embodiment, when the blank shot sequence is being performed, even if the number of game balls identified from the data falls below a predetermined number, the blank shot sequence continues.

In the firing control circuit 91, if the firing conditions are met while the blank firing sequence is being performed, the firing sequence will start immediately after the next judgment timing. In other words, if the blank firing sequence is being performed due to the occurrence of an error other than a special error, the blank firing sequence will end and the firing sequence will resume when the error is resolved. As described above, in the special control (special sequence), even if the supply passage ball blockage is cleared, the supply solenoid 43 will not be driven and the game ball will not be fired unless at least two firing operations are completed. In other words, there is essentially no transition to the firing sequence.

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

In this case, at time Te21, the frame side power cutoff process and the main side power cutoff process are executed, and the memory contents of the RAMs 63 and 83 are maintained. At time Te21, the firing stop signal is turned on, and the firing permission signal is turned off accordingly. As described above, the backup power supply 89 supplies backup power to the firing control board 90 and the firing device 50 (firing solenoid 53) for the supply time TA after the power supply from the outside is cut off. Here, the supply time TA is set to be the same length as the firing cycle t5, or a slightly longer time. Therefore, after the power cut occurs at time Te21, the firing control circuit 91 can continue the blank firing sequence until at least one firing operation by the firing device 50 is completed between time Te22 when the supply time TA has elapsed and time Te22 when the power cut occurs. In other words, at time Te5 when the power cut occurs, the firing control circuit 91 supplies driving power to the firing solenoid 53 and does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80. After that, at time point Te6, the supply of backup power has already stopped, so no drive current is supplied to the firing solenoid 53 (shown by the dashed line in the figure).

At time Te23, the power supply from the outside is resumed (shown as power-on in the figure). In this case, at time Te24 when the launch cycle t5, which starts from the power-on, arrives, the launch control circuit 91 does not resume the blank shot sequence that was terminated midway due to the interruption of the power supply (shown by the dashed line in the figure). This is because the launch control circuit 91 is not configured to back up information indicating the progress of the sequence being executed. When a new launch condition for the game ball is established, the launch control circuit 91 executes the launch sequence for the game ball based on the establishment of the launch condition. In addition, the main control board 60 and the frame control board 80 return based on the various backed up information and execute their respective normal processes. In other words, the frame control board 80 can resume the process of updating (adding and subtracting) the number of backed up game balls (number of game balls and number of circulating balls) based on various signals, and displaying them on the game ball number display device 17, etc. Thus, in this embodiment, if the blank shot sequence is terminated midway due to an external power supply interruption while the blank shot sequence is being performed, the blank shot sequence that was terminated midway will not be resumed after the external power supply is restarted. On the other hand, the pachinko game machine 10 (frame control board 80) is configured to be able to resume control of the game from the number of game balls whose update was terminated midway due to an external power supply interruption.

Figure 18 shows a situation in which, in the situation shown in Figure 15, the external power supply is cut off at time Te31, after time Te1, during execution of the firing sequence (indicated as power off in the figure). In this case, at time Te31, frame-side power-off processing and main-side power-off processing are executed, and the contents stored in RAMs 63 and 83 are retained. At time Te31, the firing stop signal output by the main control board 60 to the frame control board 80 goes to the ON state, and in response, the firing permission signal output by the frame control board 80 goes to the OFF state.

The backup power supply 89 supplies backup power to the launch control board 90 and the launch solenoid 53 for a supply time TA after the power supply from the outside is cut off. Here, the supply time TA is set to be the same length as the launch cycle t5 or slightly longer. Therefore, after the power cut occurs at time Te31, the launch control circuit 91 can transition to the blank firing sequence and complete at least one launch operation by the launch device 50 by time Te32 when the supply time TA has elapsed. In other words, at time Te4, when the power cut occurs at time Te31 has elapsed, the launch control circuit 91 supplies drive power to the launch solenoid 53 and does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80. After that, at times Te5 and Te6, the supply of backup power has already stopped, so no drive current is supplied to the launch solenoid 53 (shown by the dashed line in the figure).

After that, at time Te33, the external power supply is resumed (indicated as power on in the figure). In this case, similar to the situation described in FIG. 17, the launch control circuit 91 does not resume the blank firing sequence that was terminated midway due to the interruption of the power supply. When a new condition for launching a game ball is satisfied, the launch control circuit 91 executes the game ball launch sequence based on the satisfaction of the launch condition. As described above, in this embodiment, even if the external power supply is interrupted during at least one of the periods during which the launch sequence and the blank firing sequence are being performed, the launch device 50 can perform at least one launch operation after the external power supply is interrupted.

Referring to FIG. 12, the relationship between the timing at which the firing conditions are not met and the timing at which the blank firing sequence is started will be explained. Here, the explanation focuses on the period from time Ta7 to time Ta10 during the execution period of the repeated firing sequence. In the explanation below, the period during which a specific condition (first condition, second condition, and third condition) is not met and the firing conditions are not met will be referred to as the "non-met period TN."

If the non-established period TN that started after time Ta6 has elapsed ends before the next determination timing (time Ta9), and if the non-established period TN includes part or all of the drive period (output time t2) of the firing solenoid 53, then the blank firing sequence will not start from time Ta10, when the firing cycle t5 arrives after time Ta9. In other words, the firing sequence will continue. Also, if the non-established period TN that started after the determination timing (time Ta9) has elapsed ends before the time Ta10, when the firing solenoid 53 is next driven, then the blank firing sequence will not start from time Ta10. In other words, the firing sequence will continue.

On the other hand, if the non-established period TN that started after time Ta6 includes the judgment timing (time Ta9), the blank firing sequence will start from time Ta10 when the firing cycle t5 arrives after time Ta9, regardless of whether the non-established period TN includes the driving period (output time t2) of the firing solenoid 53 or not. In other words, the firing sequence will not continue.

The effects of this embodiment will be described.
(1-1) According to this embodiment, when a specific condition, which is at least one of the first condition, the second condition, the third condition, and the fourth condition, is not satisfied and thus the "launch condition" for supplying and launching game balls is not satisfied, the launch operation (so-called blank shot) is performed with the supply operation restricted. This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which the game balls are not launched even though the number of game balls has been subtracted from the data. This makes it possible to improve the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls.

(1-2) According to this embodiment, even if the power supply from the outside is cut off, at least one of the firing operations as a blank firing sequence is possible with backup power. This further reduces the occurrence of a situation in which the number of game balls has been subtracted from the data, but the game balls have not been fired.

(1-3) According to this embodiment, power can be supplied by the backup power supply 89, so that “blank firing” can be performed even if the external power supply is cut off.
(1-4) According to this embodiment, when there is an unshot game ball at the launch position 51a, the game ball is shot with the same or substantially the same strength as the last shot in the shot sequence by at least the first shot in the blank shot sequence. This makes it possible to prevent the game ball from being shot with a strength unintended by the player.

(1-5) According to this embodiment, if there is an unfired game ball at the firing position 51a, the game ball is fired with the same or approximately the same strength as the last firing operation in the firing sequence by the second or subsequent firing operation in the blank firing sequence. This makes it possible to prevent the game ball from being fired with a strength that is not intended by the player.

(1-6) According to this embodiment, when the blank firing sequence is being executed, if the firing condition is established by satisfying the second and third conditions, the firing of the game balls can be resumed promptly. This makes it possible to prevent the player from feeling stressed about not being able to fire the game balls.

(1-7) According to this embodiment, an error is reported by the performance display monitor 84. Therefore, there is no need to provide a dedicated means for reporting an error separate from the performance display monitor 84, and the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 can be simplified.

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

(1-9) According to this embodiment, the firing sequence is not interrupted even if an error other than the first door open error and the supply inlet sensor error occurs, so the occurrence of a situation requiring a blank firing sequence (blank firing) can be suppressed.

(1-10) According to this embodiment, even if a new first door open error or supply inlet sensor error occurs during execution of the blank firing sequence, the blank firing sequence is not interrupted. Therefore, even if there are game balls that have not been fired, those game balls can be fired reliably. This further improves the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls.

(1-11) According to this embodiment, the number of game balls (number of circulating balls) stored as data is added based on the detection of game balls that have been used in a game or game balls that could not be used in a game (so-called foul balls). This further improves the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls.

(1-12) According to this embodiment, in the blank firing sequence, the strength of the firing action is controlled based on the voltage value held in the holding circuit of the firing control circuit 91, rather than the voltage of the volume signal generated according to the amount of operation of the firing handle 15. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the game ball from being fired with a strength that is not intended by the player.

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

(1-14) According to this embodiment, when a special error (for example, a ball jam error in the supply device 40) occurs, a blank shot is performed using a special sequence while referring to the amount of operation of the launch handle 15 (the voltage of the volume signal). Therefore, once the special error is resolved, the game ball can be launched immediately with a strength according to the amount of operation of the launch handle 15.

(1-15) According to this embodiment, a special sequence allows for blank shots to be performed in response to the occurrence of ball jams in the supply device 40, and game balls can be launched with a strength that corresponds to the amount of operation of the launch handle 15 immediately after the ball jam is cleared.

(1-16) According to this embodiment, when a certain error occurs (for example, a supply inlet sensor error and a first door open error), the launch condition is no longer met, so it is possible to prevent game balls from continuing to be launched despite the occurrence of a certain error. Even in such a situation, so-called "blank shots" are performed, which further improves the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls.

(1-17) According to this embodiment, when the power supply from the outside is cut off, the launch condition is no longer met, so the launch of game balls can be quickly stopped when the power supply from the outside is cut off. Even in such a situation, so-called "blank shots" are performed, which further improves the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls.

(1-18) According to this embodiment, when the external power supply is cut off, the main control board 60 goes into a signal output state instructing the firing to be stopped (the firing stop signal is on), and the frame control board 80 goes into a signal output state instructing the firing not to be permitted (the firing permission signal is off), and the firing conditions are not met. Therefore, since the firing of the game ball can be stopped in conjunction with the operation of the main control board 60 and the frame control board 80, it is possible to prevent discrepancies in the interlocking between the control boards.

(1-19) According to this embodiment, even if a specific error occurs during the blank shot sequence, the blank shot can be performed without interrupting the blank shot sequence, which further improves the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls.

(1-20) According to this embodiment, a specific error is the detection of a magnetic gaming ball. Although it is possible to cheat a magnetic gaming ball by using a magnet to affect its behavior, it cannot be said that it is impossible to launch or supply the ball. In this embodiment, while the detection of a magnetic gaming ball is considered an error, it is possible to launch the ball and perform so-called "dry shots," thereby achieving a balance between the detection of errors and the player's interests.

(1-21) According to this embodiment, the game ball count display device 17 can notify the number of game balls (number of game balls), and this game ball count display device 17 also serves as a means for notifying errors. Therefore, the number of game balls and errors can be easily grasped by a single means.

(1-22) According to this embodiment, when the number of game balls identified from the data falls below a predetermined number, the launch condition is no longer met, so that the launch of game balls can be stopped quickly when the number of game balls falls below the predetermined number. Even in such a situation, so-called "blank shots" are performed, so that the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls can be further improved.

(1-23) According to this embodiment, when the number of game balls identified from the data falls below a predetermined number, the frame control board 80 goes into a signal output state instructing that launch is not permitted (the launch permission signal is in an OFF state), and the launch conditions are not met. Therefore, since the launch of game balls can be stopped in conjunction with the operation of the frame control board 80, it is possible to prevent discrepancies from occurring in the linkage between the control boards.

(1-24) According to this embodiment, the number of game balls that can be identified from the data is displayed on the game ball count display device 17, so when the number of game balls identified from the data falls below a predetermined number and the game ball launching operation is stopped, it is easy to understand how to respond.

(1-25) According to this embodiment, when the blank shot sequence is being performed, even if the number of game balls identified from the data falls below a predetermined number, the blank shot sequence continues. This further improves the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls.

(1-26) According to this embodiment, since there are multiple types of firing prohibition states in which the first condition is not satisfied, the firing sequence can be terminated according to various situations. Moreover, in any situation, a so-called "blank shot" is performed, which can favorably improve the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls.

(1-27) According to this embodiment, even if the blank shot sequence is terminated midway due to the interruption of the external power supply while the blank shot sequence is being performed, the blank shot sequence is not resumed after the external power supply is started. Therefore, even if the external power supply is started, the so-called "blank shot" is not resumed, so that it is possible to prevent the blank shot sequence from interfering with control after the external power supply is started.

(1-28) According to this embodiment, when a launch sequence or a blank shot sequence is being performed, even if the power supply from the outside is cut off, the launch device 50 can perform at least one launch operation. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if the power supply from the outside is cut off, it is possible to prevent game balls from remaining unlaunched.

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

(1-30) According to this embodiment, when the third condition is no longer satisfied, the blank shot sequence is executed. In the blank shot sequence when the third condition is no longer satisfied, the firing solenoid 53 is driven with a voltage that corresponds (approximately corresponds) to the threshold value of the volume signal. In other words, the game ball can be fired with the weakest firing strength at which the firing solenoid 53 can be driven. Therefore, although almost all game balls become foul balls, no game balls are left at the firing position 51a, and discrepancies in the number of game balls and the number of circulating balls can be suppressed.

(1-31) According to this embodiment, the timing at which the game ball count display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84 start displaying an error code is different from the timing at which the performance device group ES starts notifying an error. Therefore, as an error notification means, the error notification can be started at an appropriate timing depending on the respective arrangement positions and notification strength. Note that the notification by the performance device group ES has a high perceptual appeal and is lower in notification strength than the simple display of an error code.

(1-32) According to this embodiment, the error notification by the game ball count display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84 is executed before the error notification by the performance device group ES. Therefore, the error notification that is mainly intended for the administrator can be executed first, and then the error notification that is easy for the player to understand can be started.

(1-33) According to this embodiment, even if the supply passage ball blockage is cleared while special control is being performed, the special control (special sequence) will not end unless a predetermined number of "empty shots" (for example, two shots) have been performed. This makes it possible to prevent new game balls from being supplied even though game balls remain in the supply passage 44a or the launch position 51a.

Second Embodiment
In the pachinko game machine 10 of the first embodiment, when the conditions for launching the game balls are met during the execution of the blank shot sequence, the blank shot sequence is terminated midway and the launch sequence is started from the moment when it is determined that the launch condition is met at the determination timing. In contrast, the pachinko game machine 10 of the second embodiment differs in that the launch sequence is started after the blank shot sequence is completed. In the blank shot sequence of this embodiment, the launch solenoid 53 is driven twice, that is, the launch operation of the launch device 50 is performed twice.

As shown in FIG. 19, if the conditions for launching the game ball are not met again during execution of the blank firing sequence, the number of times the launch device 50 is driven is two, which is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore a detailed explanation is omitted.

As shown in Figure 20, under the same circumstances as Figure 19, while the blank shot sequence is being executed from time Te4, at time Te10 the touch signal transitions to the ON state, and the conditions for launching the game ball are re-established.

In this case, the firing control circuit 91 determines that the firing conditions are met at time Te11 (judgment timing), when the specified time t4 has elapsed since the previous activation of the firing solenoid 53 at time Te4, but continues the blank firing sequence. In other words, the firing control circuit 91 supplies a drive current to the firing solenoid 53 at time Te5, when the specified time t1 has elapsed from time Te11, but does not output a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80. Therefore, the frame control board 80 does not input a subtraction reference signal and does not activate the supply solenoid 43.

At time Te6, when a firing cycle t5 has elapsed since the previous drive of the firing solenoid 53 at time Te5, the firing control circuit 91 ends the blank firing sequence and transitions to the firing sequence, supplying a drive current to the firing solenoid 53 and outputting a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80. The frame control board 80 drives the supply solenoid 43 based on the subtraction reference signal. Thereafter, the firing control circuit 91 repeatedly executes the firing sequence. In this way, even if the firing control circuit 91 of this embodiment determines that the conditions for firing the game ball are met at the judgment timing while executing the blank firing sequence, it does not switch to the firing sequence until the blank firing sequence is completed.

The effects of this embodiment will be described.
(2-1) According to this embodiment, even if the conditions for launching game balls are met during the execution of the blank shot sequence, the sequence is shifted to the launch sequence after the blank shot sequence is completed. In other words, the blank shots can be performed a predetermined number of times reliably. Therefore, the reliability of the data regarding the number of game balls can be further improved.

The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.
In this embodiment, the special error was a supply passage ball clogging, but this is not limited to this. Of the errors that can be detected (set) by the CPU 81, one or more that can be arbitrarily selected may be set as special errors, and special control (special sequence) may be executed.

- In this embodiment, the firing control circuit 91 outputs the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80 at the same timing as the supply of drive current to the firing solenoid 53, but this is not limited thereto, and the configuration may be such that the subtraction reference signal is output to the frame control board 80 at the timing when the supply of drive current to the firing solenoid 53 ends. According to this modified example, a program for counting the specified time t2a is not required in the frame control board 80.

- In this embodiment, the blank firing sequence is executed when the firing condition is not met due to the specific condition being no longer satisfied, such as the first condition, the second condition, or the third condition, but this is not limited to the above. The blank firing sequence may also be executed when the stop signal is turned on and the fourth condition is no longer satisfied. In addition, the blank firing sequence may be configured not to be executed when the first condition is no longer satisfied, or when the second condition is no longer satisfied, or when the third condition is no longer satisfied. In other words, the specific condition may be set to one or more conditions that can be arbitrarily selected from the first condition, the second condition, the third condition, and the fourth condition.

- In this embodiment, the start timing of the error notification on the performance display monitor 84 and the error notification on the game ball count display device 17 is the same, but this is not limited to the above and the start timing may be different. For example, the game ball count display device 17 may be configured to start notifying an error before the performance display monitor 84. With this configuration, it is possible to make the player, etc. aware of the error on the front side of the machine quickly. For example, the performance display monitor 84 may be configured to start notifying an error before the game ball count display device 17. With this configuration, it is possible to make the administrator aware of the error before the player, etc. who is viewing the front side of the machine, for example when the administrator opens the mounting frame 11b to perform maintenance.

- In this embodiment, the timing at which the game ball count display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84 start displaying the error code is different from the timing at which the performance device group ES starts notifying of the error, but this is not limited to the above, and they may be the same or approximately the same timing. In addition, the timing at which the game ball count display device 17 and the performance display monitor 84 start displaying the error code may be earlier than the timing at which the performance device group ES starts notifying of the error.

- In this embodiment, one unit of the launch sequence is configured to drive the launch solenoid 53 and output the subtraction reference signal at the same time to drive the supply solenoid 43, but this is not limited to the above. For example, one unit of the launch sequence may be configured to first output the subtraction reference signal, drive the supply solenoid 43, and end with driving the launch solenoid 53 (i.e., launch). According to this modified example, the launch sequence ends with the launch operation of the game ball. For this reason, even if a power outage occurs during the execution of the launch sequence, if the launch sequence can be completed using backup power, at least one launch operation can be ensured without executing a new blank firing sequence. In other words, it is sufficient that at least one of the launch operation as the launch sequence and the launch operation as the blank firing sequence is possible even if the power supply from the outside is cut off.

- In this embodiment, the blank shot sequence is configured not to reference the voltage of the volume signal, but the present invention is not limited to this. For a selected part or all of the blank shot operations included in the blank shot sequence, a drive current corresponding to the voltage of the volume signal at that time may be supplied. For example, the voltage of the volume signal may be referenced for the second and subsequent firing operations in the blank shot sequence.

- In this embodiment, the launch device 50 is configured to be able to perform at least one launch operation after the external power supply is cut off during both the period when the launch sequence is being performed and the period when the blank firing sequence is being performed, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the backup power supply 89 may be configured to supply backup power to the launch control board 90 and the launch solenoid 53 only during one of the periods when the launch sequence is being performed and the period when the blank firing sequence is being performed, which can be selected at will.

- In this embodiment, the launch control board 90 is provided with a launch control circuit 91 to realize the launch sequence and the blank firing sequence. Without being limited to this, the launch control board 90 may be configured to include a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and to execute the launch sequence and the blank firing sequence through calculation processing by the CPU. Furthermore, in this modified example, the CPU of the launch control board 90 may be configured to store information capable of identifying the progress of the blank firing sequence in the RAM when the external power supply is cut off, and to resume the blank firing sequence when the external power supply is re-applied.

- In this embodiment, if the firing condition is met again before a predetermined specific number of blank shot operations (three times as an example) out of the specified number of blank shot operations (five times as an example) that constitute the blank shot sequence are completed, the configuration may be such that the firing sequence begins after the specific number of blank shot operations are completed. In this modified example, if the specific number of blank shot operations have been completed, the blank shot sequence may end from the next firing operation for which the firing condition is met, and the firing sequence may be executed.

- In this embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 10 equipped with the probability change function may be a machine that provides a high probability state until the next big win, a machine that provides a high probability state until a fall lottery is won, or a machine that provides a high probability state until a specified number of variable games are completed (a so-called ST machine). In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 equipped with the probability change function may be a machine that provides a high probability state on the condition that the gaming ball passes through a specific area (a so-called V probability change machine). The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be a machine that combines the specifications of a fall machine and a V probability change machine.

- In this embodiment, in addition to the big win lottery, a small win lottery may be held as the winning lottery for the special pattern. If a small win is won in the winning lottery, a small win game (winning game) is awarded after the special game ends. In this embodiment, the system may be configured to be controllable to a state (so-called small win rush) in which the number of times (frequency) a small win is won per unit time or the number of times (frequency) a small win game is awarded per unit time is increased compared to a normal game state (for example, a low probability, low ball entry rate state).

- In this embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be of the second type, also known as the "wing type" or "airplane type." In this type of pachinko gaming machine, the opening and closing wings (opening and closing members) of the ball entry device (big prize entry port) open when a game ball enters the starting port, and the game ball that entered the ball entry device enters the special prize entry port, generating a big win game.

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

- In this embodiment, the performance control board 70 is a sub-general control board, and a display control board that specializes in controlling the performance display device 19, a light emission control board that specializes in controlling the performance light emission device 14, and a sound control board that specializes in controlling the performance sound device 12 may be provided separately from the performance control board 70. Such a sub-general control board and boards that control other performances may be combined to form a sub-board. Also, in the embodiment, the CPU 61 and CPU 71 may be mounted on a single board. Also, the display control board, light emission control board, and sound control board may be arbitrarily combined to form a single or multiple boards.

- In this embodiment, the gaming machine is configured to circulate all of a predetermined amount of gaming media (gaming balls as an example), but this is not limited to this, and the gaming machine may be configured so that some or all of the gaming media can be replaced with gaming media outside the gaming machine.

Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiment and modified examples will be described.
(1) The control means includes a launch control unit that controls the launch mechanism and a supply control unit that controls the supply mechanism. The launch mechanism includes a striking unit that strikes a game ball and a launch actuator that drives the striking unit to strike the game ball. When the launch condition is met, the launch control unit outputs a supply signal in response to the launch actuator being driven. The supply control unit causes the supply mechanism to perform a supply operation based on the supply signal. The output time of the supply signal and the drive time of the launch actuator may be different in length.

(2) The supply mechanism includes a locking portion that locks the game ball, and a supply actuator that releases the locking portion to supply the game ball to the launch mechanism,
It is preferable that the output time of the supply signal and the drive time of the supply actuator are different in length.

(3) When the first condition and the fourth condition are satisfied while the second condition and the third condition are not satisfied and therefore the special control is being performed, if the second condition and the third condition are satisfied and therefore the launch condition is established, the special control may be terminated midway and the normal control may be performed.

(4) The game machine may be provided with a base display means capable of displaying information regarding the base of the gaming ball, and the base display means may also be used as a means for notifying an error.
(5) A gaming machine capable of storing the number of gaming balls as data and configured to enable playing based on the data, the gaming machine comprises a launch operation means capable of operating to launch the gaming balls, a stop operation means capable of operating to stop the launch of the gaming balls, a launch mechanism which launches the gaming balls, a supply mechanism which supplies the gaming balls to the launch mechanism, and a control means which performs a predetermined control, and in association with at least one of the launch operation by the launch mechanism and the supply operation by the supply mechanism, the number of gaming balls stored as the data is subtracted, and a first condition is a launch permission state in which the launch of the gaming balls is permitted, a second condition is a contact detection state in which contact with the launch operation means is detected, a third condition is an operation detection state in which it is detected that the amount of operation of the launch operation means exceeds a predetermined amount, and a third condition is an operation detection state in which an operation to stop the launch of the gaming balls is detected. a fourth condition, which is a non-stop state in which the ball is not stopped and all of the first, second, third, and fourth conditions are satisfied and the launch condition is established, a normal control is performed to cause the supply operation by the supply mechanism and the launch operation by the launch mechanism to be performed, and when a specific condition which is at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth conditions is no longer satisfied and the launch condition is no longer established, a special control is performed to cause the launch operation by the launch mechanism to be performed in a state in which the supply operation by the supply mechanism is stopped, and if the special control is terminated midway due to an interruption of the power supply from outside during a period in which the special control is being performed, the special control that was terminated midway is not resumed after the power supply from outside is started, but control related to the game can be resumed from the number of game balls whose update was terminated midway due to the interruption of the power supply from outside.

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

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of storing the number of game balls as data and configured to enable a game to be played based on the data,
A launch operation means capable of operating to launch a game ball;
A stop operation means capable of stopping the launch of the game balls;
A launching mechanism for launching game balls;
A supply mechanism that supplies game balls to the launch mechanism;
A control means for performing a predetermined control,
The number of game balls stored as the data is subtracted in association with at least one of the launch operation by the launch mechanism and the supply operation by the supply mechanism;
When the first condition, which is a launch permission state in which the launch of game balls is permitted, the second condition, which is a contact detection state in which contact with the launch operation means is detected, the third condition, which is an operation detection state in which it is detected that the operation amount of the launch operation means exceeds a predetermined amount, and the fourth condition, which is a non-stop state in which an operation to stop the launch of the game balls is not detected, are all satisfied and the launch condition is established, normal control can be executed to perform a supply operation by the supply mechanism and a launch operation by the launch mechanism,
When at least one specific condition among the first condition, the second condition, the third condition, and the fourth condition is no longer satisfied and the firing condition is no longer established, a special control can be executed to stop the supply operation by the supply mechanism and to cause the firing mechanism to perform a firing operation;
A gaming machine characterized in that if the special control is terminated midway due to an external power supply being cut off during the period in which the special control is being performed, the special control that was terminated midway can be resumed after the external power supply is started again, and control related to the game can be resumed from the number of game balls whose update was terminated midway due to the cutoff of the external power supply.