JP7471659B2 - 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 device are launched by a launching device, and when the gaming balls flowing down the playing area enter 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 can be stored as data, and games can be played based on that data. The gaming machine counts the number of gaming balls depending on whether the player has more or less balls. In this type of gaming machine, gaming balls are not stored in a storage tray as in non-circulating gaming machines, so it is difficult to determine whether the gaming machine is empty when no player is seated.

The gaming machine that solves the above problem is capable of storing the number of gaming balls as data and is configured to enable a game to be played 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, a processing means that executes predetermined processing, and a plurality of operation means that can be operated by a player, and the processing means includes a game process that controls the start and stop of fluctuation in a pattern fluctuation game, a subtraction process that subtracts the number of gaming balls stored as the data in association with at least one of the launch operation by the launch mechanism and the supply operation by the supply mechanism, and a subtraction process that subtracts the number of gaming balls stored as the data in association with the operation of a specific operation means out of the plurality of operation means. The gist of the invention is that the gaming machine is capable of executing a transmission process that generates control information indicating a number of the game balls corresponding to a predetermined number and transmits the control information to the outside, and is capable of executing a predetermined notification that can identify that the gaming machine is in a game stop state when a predetermined time has passed since the occurrence of a situation in which the number of game balls is not subtracted, or a predetermined time has passed since the occurrence of a situation in which the fluctuation of the pattern fluctuation game has stopped, and even when the predetermined notification is being executed, the control information can be transmitted by the transmission process , and in the game stop state of a first situation in which the number of game balls is equal to or less than a predetermined number, the predetermined notification can be executed in a first manner that can identify that the game is in the game stop state, and in a second situation in which the number of game balls is more than the predetermined number, the notification can be executed in a second manner different from the first manner .

In the gaming machine, the light emitting means capable of executing the predetermined notification may be configured to execute the predetermined notification in a mode that is not used in the presentation related to the symbol variation game.

The present invention provides a gaming machine that can determine whether it is an available gaming machine.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine and the card unit. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board of a pachinko game machine. 2 is an enlarged view of the counting switch, counting lamp, and game ball number display device of a pachinko game machine. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the circulation path of game balls in a pachinko game machine. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a supply device of a pachinko game machine. 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. 13 is a flowchart for determining the state of a pachinko gaming machine based on the stopping of the release of gaming balls. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a mode of notification. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a mode of notification. 13 is a flowchart for determining the state of a pachinko gaming machine based on the stopping of pattern fluctuations.

First Embodiment
A first embodiment embodied in a pachinko gaming machine will be described below with reference to Figs.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the island equipment (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 in an alternating order. In other words, the card units 100 are provided alongside the pachinko gaming machines 10. In one example of this embodiment, one card unit 100 is connected to one pachinko gaming machine 10, but this is not limited thereto, and multiple card units 100 may be connected to one pachinko gaming machine 10, or one card unit 100 may be connected to multiple pachinko gaming machines 10.

The card unit 100 will now be described.
As shown in Fig. 1, 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 owned balls), 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 has an operation panel 104. The operation panel 104 has a ball loan button 104a, a payout button 104b, a return button 104c, a ball count display section 104d, and a balance display section 104e. The ball loan button 104a is operated to increase the number of game balls (the number of game balls equivalent to the player's owned balls) managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 based on the balance stored in the management card. The player can play with the number of game balls in his/her possession equivalent to the number of game balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10. The number of game balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 increases or decreases as the game progresses, as will be explained in detail later.

The payout button 104b is operated to increase the number of game balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 based on the number of balls 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 count 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 remaining balance stored in the management card.

If the number of game balls managed by the pachinko game machine 10 becomes zero, the player cannot continue playing even if there are balls remaining in the management card. In other words, the player cannot continue playing unless he increases the number of game balls managed by the pachinko game machine 10 to one or more. The number of game balls managed by the pachinko game machine 10 can be increased by operating the ball lending button 104a to lend a predetermined number of game balls. The minimum number of game balls that can be lent by operating the ball lending button 104a is 25 balls, which is equivalent to a value of 100 yen. The number of game balls managed by the pachinko game machine 10 can be increased by operating the payout button 104b to pay out to the pachinko game machine 10 the number of balls stored in the management card, up to the upper limit. The minimum number of game balls that can be paid out by operating the payout button 104b is 25 balls, which is the same as the minimum number of game balls that a player can borrow. Note that the minimum number of game balls that a player can borrow and the minimum number of game balls that a player can pay out may be 125 balls, and the minimum numbers for both may be the same or different.

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 bidirectionally.

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 capable of inputting a ball lending signal that is output when the ball lending button 104a is operated. The CU control board 105 is configured to be capable of inputting a payout signal that is output when the payout button 104b is operated. The CPU 105a is configured to be capable of inputting a return signal that is output when the return button 104c is operated. The CPU 105a is configured to be capable of controlling the display contents of the ball count display section 104d. The CPU 105a is configured to be capable of controlling the display contents of the 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 110 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 held 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 amount of cash inserted, 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 the grant information even if it receives a ball lending signal.

When the number of owned balls is 0 or more, upon inputting a payout signal from the payout button 104b, the CPU 105a subtracts a specified number from the number of owned balls and outputs grant information capable of identifying the grant of the specified number of game balls to the pachinko gaming machine 10. Note that when the number of owned balls is 0, the CPU 105a does not transmit 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 owned balls. The counting information is control information transmitted from the pachinko gaming machine 10, and is capable of identifying the number of game balls to be transferred to the card unit 100 for management, as will be described in more detail below. Circumstances in which a player transfers management to the card unit 100 include when the player ends play on the pachinko gaming machine 10, or when the player continues playing but, for example, the number of game balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 becomes too large and the player wishes to transfer some of the management 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 display content of the ball count display unit 104d can be changed when the number of balls held is subtracted by a payout signal, or when counting information is received and the number of balls held is added. The CPU 105a controls the remaining amount display unit 104e and updates the display content to display information that can identify the remaining amount at any given time. In other words, the CPU 105a causes the remaining amount display unit 104e to display the remaining amount in real time.

When the CPU 105a receives a return signal from the return button 104c, it stores the remaining amount and the number of balls stored in the RAM 105c in the management card, and initializes the remaining amount and the number of balls stored in the RAM 105c. The CPU 105a controls the card insertion 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 (a so-called managed game machine) in which a specified number of game balls are enclosed as game media and the specified number of game balls are circulated inside the machine. The pachinko game machine 10 does not have a portion for storing game balls (upper tray and lower tray). 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 is the number of gaming balls managed by the card unit 100, and is data different from the number of gaming balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10. The number of gaming balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 corresponds to the balls held by the player. 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 be able to play based on the data. The number of gaming balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 is the number of balls managed by 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 a sound effect device 12, an example of which is a speaker. The sound effect device 12 is disposed on the front side of the mounting frame 11b. The sound effect device 12 is capable of performing a performance that outputs a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as sound effect) and a notification that outputs a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as sound notification). For example, the predetermined sound is music, sound effects, etc. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a notification sound device 13, an example of which is a speaker. The notification sound device 13 is capable of performing a sound notification. In one example of this embodiment, each of the sound effect device 12 and the notification sound device 13 is 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 game 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 game balls with a launch strength according to the operation of the launch handle 15. The launch device 50 constitutes an example of a launch means for launching game 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 allows the player to operate 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 inside. 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 can display multiple (e.g., six-digit) numbers. The game ball number display device 17 can notify predetermined information (hereinafter referred to as notification display) by displaying predetermined characters. The game ball number display device 17 is an example of a number notification means or number display means that notifies the number of game balls stored as data.

1 and 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a counting switch 18. The counting switch 18 can be operated by the player. The player operates the counting switch 18 when he/she wants to end the game with the pachinko gaming machine 10, or when he/she wants to continue the game but transfer some of the management to an external party because the number of game balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 has become too large. The operation of the counting switch 18 can be said to be an operation for managing the number of game balls held, which is the number of game balls equivalent to the number of game balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10. As will be described in detail later, when the counting switch 18 is in a predetermined counting allowable state, counting operation using the counting switch 18 is allowed. When the counting switch 18 is pressed, it outputs a counting signal. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a counting lamp 18a, which is an example of a means for notifying whether or not the counting allowable state is in effect. In one example of this embodiment, the performance operation device 16, the game ball count 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. The counting switch 18 is an example of an operation means that can be operated by the player, and is operated by the player when managing the balls he or she has.

As shown in FIG. 2, 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 launch passage 20c that guides game balls launched by the launch device 50 to the game area 20a is formed on the left of the game area 20a. The game area 20a and the launch passage 20c are covered by protective glass (not shown) of a protective frame 11c. The pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment is a game machine in which a game is played by launching game balls into the game area 20a defined on the game board 20.

The game board 20 is equipped with a main display device 21, which constitutes an example of a means for displaying various information. As will be described in detail later, the main display device 21 is a display device controlled by the main control board 60. The main display device 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 constitute the main display device 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 has been met but the start condition has not yet been met. The main display device 21 may include a right-hit display device that displays information instructing a right hit, and a round display device that notifies the upper limit number of rounds.

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 holes (ball winning holes) through which game balls can enter. The winning holes include at least a first starting hole 23, a second starting hole 24, a big winning hole 25, and a normal winning hole 27. The first starting hole 23 is a winning hole 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 starting hole 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 starting sensor D11 that detects game balls that have entered the first starting hole 23 (see FIG. 9).

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. 9). 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. 9). 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 equipped with a special opening and 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 prize game is not awarded. When a big prize 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 equipped with a special solenoid SL2 as a means for opening the big prize opening 25 (see FIG. 9). The game board 20 is also equipped with a count sensor D13 that detects game balls that have entered the big prize opening 25 (see FIG. 9).

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 opening 27 is 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 opening 27 is 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 Figure 9).

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. 9). The gate 28 is an entrance opening 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 outlet 29 can also be understood as an outlet or return port from the play area 20a.

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. 8). When detecting abnormal radio waves, radio wave sensor D16 outputs a radio wave detection signal. In addition to radio wave sensor D16 in mounting frame 11b, game board 20 may also include a radio wave sensor, so that abnormal radio waves can be detected on game board 20. Note that pachinko game machine 10 may also include a magnetic sensor in one or both of mounting frame 11b and game board 20, so that it 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. 8). 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. 8). 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. 4, the pachinko game machine 10 has a recovery passage 30 that recovers game balls that are shot into the play area 20a and used in play and then discharged from the game board 20, and a lifting mechanism 36 equipped with a maintenance device 35. The pachinko game machine 10 also has a supply device 40 that supplies game balls that have been maintained so that they are cut out one by one, and a launching device 50 that launches the game balls supplied from the supply device 40. The lifting mechanism 36 transfers the game balls recovered through the recovery passage 30 to the supply device 40 located downstream and above the lifting mechanism 36. The maintenance device 35 constitutes a part of the lifting mechanism 36. The supply device 40 constitutes a supply mechanism that supplies game balls to the launching device 50. In this embodiment, the launching mechanism that performs the launching operation of the game balls is constituted by the launching device 50 and the supplying device 40. The pachinko game machine 10 has the above-mentioned shot passage 20c and a foul passage 20f for collecting foul balls (returned balls). Foul balls are game balls that have been shot by the launching device 50 but have not reached the play area 20a. In one example of this embodiment, the supplying device 40, the launching device 50, and the lifting mechanism 36 are disposed below the play area 20a. However, the supplying device 40 and the launching device 50 may be disposed in the upper left portion of the play area 20a.

The recovery passage 30 has a winning passage 31 that merges and recovers the game balls that have won the first start port 23, the second start port 24, the big winning port 25, and the normal winning port 27, and a non-winning passage 32 that recovers the game balls that have passed through the outlet 29. The recovery passage 30 has a first junction 33a where the winning passage 31 and the non-winning passage 32 merge. The recovery passage 30 has a second junction 33b where the winning passage 31, the non-winning passage 32, and the foul passage 20f merge. The recovery passage 30 has a supply passage 34 that connects the second junction 33b and a lifting mechanism 36 having a maintenance device 35. The game balls that reach the play area 20a flow down the play area 20a. When a game ball enters any of the first start port 23, the second start port 24, the big prize port 25, the normal prize port 27, and the out port 29, it flows through the prize passage 31 or the non-prize passage 32, merges at the first junction 33a, and then passes through the supply passage 34 to reach the maintenance device 35. The outlet area of the supply passage 34 is large enough for one game ball to pass through. Therefore, the game balls are aligned in a line by passing through the supply passage 34.

The maintenance device 35 is a device that performs polishing as an example of 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 pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a ball passage clogging monitoring sensor D27 that detects game balls passing through the supply passage 34. When the ball passage clogging monitoring sensor D27 detects a game ball passing through the supply passage 34, it outputs a ball clogging detection signal. The ball clogging detection signal is in an ON state when a game ball passing through the ball passage is detected, and is in an OFF state when no game ball is detected.

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 game ball (foul ball) passing through the foul passage 20f. The foul sensor D21 is located upstream of the second junction 33b of the recovery passage 30 and adjacent to the foul passage 20f. When the foul sensor D21 detects a game ball passing through the foul passage 20f, it outputs a foul signal. The foul signal is in the ON state when a game ball passing through the foul passage 20f is detected, and is in the 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 located upstream of the first junction 33a of the recovery passage 30 and adjacent to the winning passage 31. When the winning passage count sensor D25 detects a game ball passing through the winning passage 31, it outputs a winning passage signal. The winning passage signal is in an ON state when a game ball passing through the winning passage 31 is detected, and is in an OFF state when it is not detected.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a non-winning passage count sensor D26 that detects game balls passing through the non-winning passage 32. The non-winning passage count sensor D26 is located upstream of the first junction 33a of the recovery passage 30 and adjacent to the non-winning passage 32. When the non-winning passage count sensor D26 detects a game ball passing through the non-winning passage 32, it outputs a non-winning passage signal. The non-winning passage signal is in the ON state when a game ball passing through the non-winning passage 32 is detected, and is in the OFF state when it is not detected.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an out sensor D30 that detects a game ball passing through the first junction 33a of the recovery passage 30. The out sensor D30 is provided adjacent to the recovery passage 30, between the first junction 33a and the second junction 33b of the recovery passage 30. When the out sensor D30 detects a game ball passing through the recovery passage 30, it outputs an out signal. The out signal is in an on state when a game ball passing through the recovery passage 30 is detected, and is in an off state when no game ball is detected. A game ball detected by the out sensor D30 is a game ball that has passed through either the winning passage 31 or the non-winning passage 32. Hereinafter, a game ball detected by the out sensor D30 may be referred to as an out ball.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a lift inlet sensor D28 that detects game balls that have passed through the supply passage 34 and reached the lift mechanism 36, and a lift outlet sensor D29 that detects game balls that have passed through the lift mechanism 36 and are transported. The lift inlet sensor D28 is provided adjacent to a passage leading to an inlet in the lift mechanism 36 that receives game balls before maintenance by the maintenance device 35. The lift outlet sensor D29 is provided adjacent to a passage leading to an outlet in the lift mechanism 36 that discharges game balls after maintenance by the maintenance device 35. When the lift inlet sensor D28 detects a game ball, it outputs a lift inlet signal. The lift inlet signal is in an ON state when a game ball is detected, and is in an OFF state when a game ball is not detected. When the lift outlet sensor D29 detects a game ball, it outputs a lift outlet signal. The lift outlet signal is in an ON state when a game ball is detected, and is in an OFF state when a game ball is not detected.

The 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.
5 and 6, the supply device 40 has a receiving section 41 that receives game balls after maintenance by the maintenance device 35 through the lifting mechanism 36, 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 has 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.
7, 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 launches 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.

The pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment is an enclosed type game machine that circulates game balls. As shown in FIG. 4, such a pachinko game machine 10 has a passage that transports game balls (including foul balls) shot onto the game board 20 back to the launching device 50. Specifically, the above-mentioned transport passage includes a recovery passage 30 consisting of a winning passage 31, a non-winning passage 32, and a supply passage 34, a passage of a lifting mechanism 36 that receives game balls transported through the supply passage 34, a passage connecting the lifting mechanism 36 and the supplying device 40, and a passage connecting the supplying device 40 and the launching device 50. The above-mentioned transport passage also includes a foul passage 20f that connects to the recovery passage 30 at the second junction 33b. In addition, the above-mentioned transport passage is provided with a plurality of sensors as detection means for detecting game balls transported through the passage. Specifically, the sensors mentioned above include a foul sensor D21, a supply inlet sensor D22, a supply outlet sensor D23, a winning passage count sensor D25, a non-winning passage count sensor D26, a ball passage ball clogging monitor sensor D27, a lift inlet sensor D28, a lift outlet sensor D29, and an out sensor D30.

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 enters, or a time condition in which a predetermined upper limit time has elapsed, is met. 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. 8, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a main control board 60 and a performance control board (sub-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. 9, 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. 8, 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 that allows game balls sealed inside the pachinko game machine 10 to 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. Note that in this embodiment, the ball removal state can be created for a predetermined time after power is turned on. In other words, the operation of the ball removal switch 85 is valid for a predetermined time after power is turned on, and operation outside the predetermined time after power is turned on is invalid.

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 error release switch 86 is not pressed. The error release signal is output to the CPU 81.

The game ball clear switch 87 is a switch 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. When the game ball clear switch 87 is operated, a state in which the game ball number information is initialized to 0 is generated. Note that, in this embodiment, the state in which the game ball number information is initialized to 0 can be generated when the power is turned on. In other words, the operation of the game ball clear switch 87 is a valid operation when the power is turned on, and operation at any time other than when the power is turned on is invalid.

The RAM clear switch 88 is a switch that is operated to initialize the main information stored in the RAM 63 and the information stored in the RAM 83 (hereinafter referred to as RAM clear). When the RAM clear switch 88 is pressed, it outputs a RAM clear signal. The RAM clear signal is turned on when the RAM clear switch 88 is pressed, and is turned off when the switch 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) required for the launch control board 90 and the launch solenoid 53 to complete a predetermined operation has elapsed. Note that the supply time 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 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 frame control board 80 is also connected to the lift inlet sensor D28, the lift outlet sensor D29, and the out sensor D30. 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, the ball clogging detection signal, the lift inlet signal, the lift outlet signal, and the out signal output by these sensors and switches. Of these signals, the frame control board 80 outputs the first door open signal and the second door open 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 lifting mechanism 36. The CPU 81 is configured to be able to control the lifting operation of the lifting mechanism 36. 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 receives an operation signal, it synthesizes the operation signal and the pulse signal received from the pulse clock generating unit, and outputs a launch timing pulse to the solenoid driving unit. Each time the solenoid driving unit receives a launch timing pulse, it supplies (outputs) a drive current of a voltage corresponding to the volume signal (voltage) received from the handle volume D03 to the launch solenoid 53. As a result, the launch solenoid 53 is driven with a strength corresponding to the amount of rotation of the handle lever 15a, and the game ball is launched. The launch control circuit 91 outputs a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 80 at a predetermined timing. When a drive current is output when the operable condition is satisfied, the holding circuit holds the voltage (voltage value) of the volume signal at that time. The holding circuit also holds the voltage (voltage value) of the volume signal. The holding circuit constitutes an example of an information holding means for holding information. The voltage value that the holding circuit can hold is an example of operation amount information generated according to the amount of operation of the launch 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.

If 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 abnormality error within the gaming machine. In other words, the CPU 81 sets a communication abnormality within the gaming machine. After that, the CPU 81 waits until it receives startup information. If the CPU 81 normally receives startup information from the main control board 60 while setting the communication abnormality within the gaming machine, it cancels the setting of the communication abnormality within the gaming machine. 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 normal frame side process described later. Not limited to this, the CPU 81 may set a communication abnormality within the gaming machine 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 storage 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 being played, whether a high probability state is being played, and whether a high ball entry rate state is being played. 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 game ball number. When the CPU 81 receives the acquired prize ball number information from the main control board 60, it adds the acquired prize ball number that can be specified from the acquired prize ball number information to the game ball number. The acquired prize ball number information is control information that the main control board 60 outputs when the condition for awarding prize balls is met in response to a winning entry into a specific winning opening, and is configured to be able to specify the number of prize balls set in the winning opening. 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 game ball number. In other words, the CPU 81 adds the number of loaned balls equivalent to the number of game balls that the player has loaned by operating the ball loan button 104a to the game ball number.

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. This subtraction process corresponds to a subtraction process that subtracts the number of game balls stored as data in relation to the supply operation by the supply mechanism. As an example, when the supply inlet signal transitions from an off state to an on state, the CPU 81 detects that one game ball has been supplied when it becomes an on state. This can be said to convert the number of game balls managed electromagnetically into actual game balls. The game ball detected by the supply inlet sensor D22 is the game ball supplied to the launching device 50. The game ball is a game ball that is launched into the play area 20a by the operation of the launching device 50, and can also be considered as a game ball launched by the player on the premise that it is not a foul ball.

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 D21, the CPU 81 increments the number of game balls. 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. 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 play area 20a even after the launching operation by the launching device 50 has been performed.

The CPU 81 may decrement the number of game balls by driving the launch solenoid 53, or may be configured to decrement the number of game balls when a sensor is provided in the launch passage 20c and detects a game ball launched from the launch device 50. In this embodiment, the number of game balls is decremented 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. The CPU 81 may also be configured to decrement the number of game balls when the supply outlet signal transitions from an on state to an off state to an on state, detecting that one game ball has been supplied.

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 transmit the counting information after subtracting the number of game balls, or may transmit 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 number display device 17 to display information that can identify the updated game ball number after the addition or subtraction. In one example of this embodiment, the CPU 81 can be understood as a means for adding the game ball number stored as data, a means for subtracting the game ball number stored as data, and a means for displaying the game ball number stored as data. As will be described in detail later, the game ball number display device 17 is also used as a device that can display information that can identify an error state set (detected) by the frame control board 80. In this embodiment, the CPU 81 is a processing means that can execute a reception process that receives the operation of the counting switch 18, which is an operating means, a generation process that generates counting information, which is control information, and a transmission process that transmits the counting information to the card unit 100, which is an external device. The counting information generated in this embodiment will be described in detail later.

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 start-up information to the frame control board 80. When a predetermined time (108 ms, for example) has elapsed since the CPU 61 transmitted the start-up information without receiving any response information, the CPU 61 transmits the start-up 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 start-up information to the frame control board 80 every time a predetermined time has elapsed. Note that the start-up 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 start-up information reaches a specified number (10 times, for example), the CPU 61 detects an abnormality in communication within the gaming machine, and stores information capable of specifying the occurrence of the abnormality in communication within the gaming machine in the RAM 63. That is, the CPU 61 sets an error related to the abnormality in communication within the gaming machine. When the CPU 61 sets the communication abnormality in the gaming machine, it outputs control information (hereinafter, referred to as a communication abnormality command in the gaming machine) capable of identifying the occurrence of an error related to the communication abnormality in the gaming machine to the performance control board 70. After that, the CPU 61 waits until the power is turned off. In this embodiment, the time required for the frame control board 80 to detect the communication abnormality in the gaming machine (for example, 3 minutes) is longer than the time required for the main control board 60 to detect the communication abnormality in the gaming machine (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 88). 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 the variation of a predetermined symbol. The CPU 61 measures the variation time set in the variation pattern. When the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed, the CPU 61 controls the second special symbol display device 21b to stop displaying the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process. When the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed, the CPU 61 outputs a variation end command to the performance control board 70. As described above, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured such that the CPU 61 executes the special symbol input process and the special symbol start process, so that a winning lottery is held when a game ball enters the start hole, and a pattern variation game can be executed based on the result of the winning lottery. In this embodiment, the CPU 61 functions as a processing means by performing game processing that controls the start and stop of variation of the pattern variation game corresponding to the first special game and the second special game as described above.

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 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 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 stopped. Note that the CPU 71 may also cause the symbol combination to be fixed and stopped when the variation time set for the variation pattern has elapsed, regardless of the variation end command. In this case, the variation end command may be omitted.

The following describes in detail the process in which the CPU 81 of the frame control board 80, upon receiving the operation of the counting switch 18, generates and transmits counting information based on the number of game balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10.

In this embodiment, the counting information is generated as control information corresponding to a different predetermined number depending on the operation mode of the counting switch 18. Specifically, when the operation mode of the counting switch 18 is the first operation mode, the counting information is generated as information that can specify "1 ball" as the number of counted balls when the number of game balls is 1 or more. "1 ball" is, for example, a number that is less than the number of prize balls when a ball enters the big prize winning hole 25 or the minimum number of balls lent to a player. In addition, when the operation mode of the counting switch 18 is the second operation mode, the counting information is generated as information that can specify "250 balls" as the maximum number of counted balls when the number of game balls is 1 or more. The first operation mode of this embodiment is an operation in which the operation time of the counting switch 18 is less than "500 ms". On the other hand, the second operation mode of this embodiment is an operation in which the operation time of the counting switch 18 is "500 ms" or more. When the operation of the first operation mode is a "short operation (single push operation)", the operation of the second operation mode can be specified as a "long operation (long push operation)" since the operation time is long. In order to transfer the number of game balls efficiently in a short time, it is desirable to transfer many counted balls with one short or long operation of the counting switch 18. However, the reason for enabling the operation of the first operation mode is to provide convenience so that the player can transfer the fractional part at his/her discretion, for example, by transferring the "2 balls" in the ones digit when the number of game balls is "1202 balls". In addition, the reason for not transferring all game balls with one short or long operation of the counting switch 18 is to prevent a situation in which all game balls are lost due to a communication failure or the like during the transmission of the counting information. In addition, it is considered that the player can easily feel the transfer being made and feel a sense of security if the balls are transferred in stages.

The CPU 81 counts the operation time of the counting switch 18. If the operation time when the operation of the counting switch 18 is completed is less than "500 ms", the CPU 81 generates counting information that can identify "1 ball" and transmits the counting information to the card unit 100. Also, if the operation time when the operation of the counting switch 18 is completed is "500 ms" or more, the CPU 81 generates counting information with "250 balls" as the maximum number and transmits the counting information to the card unit 100. Specifically, if the number of game balls when the operation of the counting switch 18 is completed exceeds 250 balls, the CPU 81 generates counting information that can identify "250 balls". On the other hand, if the number of game balls when the operation of the counting switch 18 is completed is less than 250 balls, the CPU 81 generates counting information that can identify the number. Even if the operation time when the operation of the counting switch 18 is finished is "500 ms" or more, if the number of game balls at that time is "1 ball", the CPU 81 generates counting information that can identify "1 ball" in the same way as when the operation time is less than "500 ms". In addition, when the counting switch 18 is continuously operated, the CPU 81 generates counting information with a maximum number of "250 balls" each time the operation time reaches "500 ms". For example, when the number of game balls is 600 and the operation time of the counting switch 18 is "1000 ms", the CPU 81 generates counting information that can identify "250 balls" twice, and transmits the counting information to the card unit 100 in sequence each time it is generated. In this example, "500 balls" are subtracted from the number of game balls, so "100 balls" remain as the number of game balls managed by the pachinko game machine 10.

Since the operation of the counting switch 18 is managed by the operation time as described above, it can be said that long-length operations are invalid during short-length operations, and short-length operations are invalid during long-length operations. Furthermore, the transmission of counting information is performed regardless of the progress of the game. Therefore, even when counting information is being transmitted, the launch of game balls, processing associated with balls entering ball entry holes such as the first starting hole 23, the start and end of variable games, the progress of jackpot games, and the operation of the performance operation device 16 are all performed in the same way as when counting information is not being transmitted. In other words, the various processes described above are valid.

Next, referring to FIG. 10, the control for determining whether the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is in a game stop state will be described. The game stop state referred to here means a state in which no game is being played on the pachinko gaming machine 10, or a state in which it is assumed that there is no intention or low intention to continue playing, and is not a state in which game play is impossible or impossible due to some kind of restriction. Some kind of restriction includes, for example, a stop due to an error or a stop due to a power cut. In addition, the game referred to here includes actions and events such as playing a variable game, firing a game ball, and playing a jackpot game. In other words, the actions and events included in the game are those that are caused by the player's intention. In this embodiment, the game stop state is determined using whether or not a game ball is being fired as an indicator of judgment. Incidentally, in this specification, a state in which a game is being played, or a state in which there is an intention or high intention to continue playing, regardless of whether a game is actually being played, is called a game progress state.

In step S10, the CPU 81 of the frame control board 80 checks whether a supply inlet signal has been input from the supply inlet sensor D22. If the CPU 81 has input a supply inlet signal, game balls are being supplied to the launching device 50, that is, game balls are being launched. For this reason, since the game is in progress in this case, the CPU 81 cannot determine that the game is stopped, and so denies step S10 and ends processing. On the other hand, if the CPU 81 has not input a supply inlet signal, game balls are not being supplied to the launching device 50, that is, game balls have not been launched. In this state, the CPU 81 has stopped subtracting the number of game balls stored as data, so it affirms step S10 and moves to step S11.

In step S11, the CPU 81 checks the number of game balls (number of game balls) stored as data. Next, in step S12, the CPU 81 checks whether the number of game balls checked in step S11 is equal to or less than a predetermined number X. In this embodiment, the predetermined number X is "125 (balls)". If the rate for lending game balls is 4 yen per ball, 125 balls is equivalent to a value of 1000 yen, and it is difficult to imagine that a player will stop playing and leave his seat with 1000 yen worth of game balls remaining. For this reason, in the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment, the predetermined number X is set to "125 (balls)". Then, when the number of game balls remaining exceeds the predetermined number X, the CPU 81 denies step S12 as a game progress state regardless of whether the player has left his seat, and ends the process. Note that the predetermined number X may be a number less than or greater than the "125 (balls)" set in the embodiment. For example, the number may be around 10 or 25 balls. Even with conventional pachinko machines, some players will stop playing and leave the game balls in the storage tray when there are only a few balls left, so if the predetermined number X is set to a small number based on this tendency, the accuracy of determining whether the game has stopped can be improved. Incidentally, 25 balls is the minimum number of balls that can be borrowed.

On the other hand, when the number of game balls is equal to or less than the predetermined number X, the CPU 81 judges that the game may be stopped regardless of whether the player has left the seat, and affirms step S12 to start counting the time in the next step S13. In this embodiment, when the confirmation of the number of game balls in the previous step S12 is the first condition for judging that the game is stopped, counting the time in step S13 is the second condition for finally judging that the game is stopped. Then, the CPU 81, which has started counting the time, confirms in step S14 whether the subtraction of the number of game balls stored as data has been resumed. In other words, in step S14, the CPU 81 confirms whether the launch of the game balls has been temporarily stopped. In step S15, if the state in which the subtraction of the number of game balls is stopped continues based on the result confirmed in step S14, the CPU 81 affirms step S15 and proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, in step S15, if the subtraction of the number of game balls is resumed based on the result confirmed in step S14, the CPU 81 denies step S15 and ends the process. The determination in step S15 is made based on whether the CPU 81 has input a supply inlet signal.

In step S16, the CPU 81 checks whether the time when counting was started in step S13 is equal to or longer than time T1. In this embodiment, time T1 is "5 minutes". Time T1 may be set to a time when it is considered that the player is away from the seat, and may be set to, for example, 10 minutes. In step S16, if the time is less than time T1, the CPU 81 denies step S16, returns to step S14, and repeats the process from step S14. On the other hand, in step S16, if the time when counting was started in step S13 is equal to or longer than time T1, the CPU 81 denies step S16 and proceeds to step S17. In other words, the CPU 81 that denies step S16 determines that the game is stopped at this stage, that is, determines that the pachinko game machine 10 is an empty machine where no game is being played, since both the first condition regarding the number of game balls and the second condition regarding time described above satisfy the requirements for determining that the game is stopped.

In step S17, the CPU 81 executes a process to notify the user that the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in a game stop state. Specifically, the CPU 81 transmits a notification command as control information instructing the CPU 71 of the performance control board 70 to issue a notification. The notification command is transmitted to the performance control board 70 via the main control board 60. In this embodiment, the notification of a game stop state is executed based on the satisfaction of the first and second conditions described above, regardless of whether a player is seated at the pachinko gaming machine 10 that has been determined to be in a game stop state. In other words, the notification is executed by regarding the machine as an empty machine from which the player has left his seat.

Figure 11 shows an example of a notification in the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment. Figure 11 shows an example of a notification means in which an image IN that can be recognized as a game stop state is displayed in the image display area 19a of the performance display device 19 to execute the notification. The image IN in Figure 11 is, for example, a text image of "You can play!!" In Figure 11, an example of a notification is shown in which an image IN is displayed in the image display area 19a, but instead of or in addition to the image notification, the notification may be executed using the performance sound device 12 or the performance light-emitting device 14. Alternatively, if a data display device that displays, for example, the number of jackpots or the number of games is installed in the island equipment where the pachinko game machine 10 is installed, the notification may be executed by sending a command to the data display device. Note that it is preferable that the notification of the game stop state is a dedicated notification. In this embodiment, the performance display device 19 having the image display area 19a that displays the image IN corresponds to the notification means. In addition, the effect display device 19 notifies the lottery results and the like by displaying effects such as effect games, and is a dual-purpose means for notifying players of things other than the fact that play has stopped.

The notification of the game stop state is executed when the game ball has not been shot and this state continues for time T1, as described in the process of FIG. 10. Assuming that time T1 is set to "5 minutes", for example, in the pachinko game machine 10, if there are no special games left pending (the number of pending games is zero), the demonstration performance is usually executed before time T1 has elapsed. The demonstration performance is executed, for example, by making the image of the performance pattern used for the performance game displayed in the image display area 19a move or by displaying a dedicated image. The dedicated image may be a still image or a moving image. In this embodiment, the image IN shown in FIG. 11 is displayed in the image display area 19a when the demonstration performance is being executed in the image display area 19a. Therefore, the player can see the image IN together with the image G (diagonal lines in the figure) related to the demonstration performance, as shown in FIG. 11. This makes it possible to further emphasize that the pachinko game machine 10 is in a game stop state.

The notification of the game stop state ends when any one of a number of predetermined end conditions is met. The end conditions include the launch of a game ball and the restart of subtraction of the number of game balls. The end conditions also include, as conditions other than the restart of subtraction of the number of game balls, a time condition for a predetermined time to elapse from the start of the notification and a condition related to the start of a game in which a special game is started by the occurrence of a winning entry in the starting hole. In this embodiment, the start conditions for starting the notification of the game stop state are as shown in the process of FIG. 10, and as described above, there are more end conditions for the notification. The end conditions may also include a condition for operating an operation means such as the performance operation device 16, and under this condition, the player can end the notification at his own will. In other words, if the performance operation device 16 is operated while the notification of the game stop state is being executed, the operation is reflected and the notification of the game stop state ends, and the notification content of the performance display device 19 changes, making it easy to know that the notification has ended.

Note that some of the termination conditions for the notification that play has stopped may also be used as termination conditions for terminating the demonstration presentation. For example, the condition for starting a game in which a special game is started by winning the starting gate may be a condition for terminating the notification that play has stopped and also a condition for terminating the demonstration presentation. Note that the notification that play has stopped and the demonstration presentation will also end if an event such as a power cut, CPU reset, or specific error occurs. Also, even when a notification that play has stopped is being executed, it is possible to transmit counting information. In other words, the operation of the counting switch 18 is valid. The transmission of counting information is the same when a demonstration presentation is being executed.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a notification that is executed separately from the notification of a game stop state executed by the process of FIG.
The notification in FIG. 12 is positioned as an auxiliary notification that is executed before the execution timing of the main notification, when the notification of the game stop state executed by the process in FIG. 10 is regarded as the main notification. The auxiliary notification is executed by displaying a predetermined image in the image display area 19a. Specifically, the auxiliary notification is executed by displaying an image INa consisting of the characters "game stop" at the lower right of the image display area 19a. The area of the area displaying the image INa of the auxiliary notification is smaller than the area of the area displaying the image IN of the main notification. In other words, the auxiliary notification is executed unobtrusively, unlike the main notification. In addition, an image H1 corresponding to the number of first special games whose execution is suspended and an image H2 corresponding to the number of second special games whose execution is suspended are displayed at the lower left of the image display area 19a. In FIG. 12, both the image H1 and the image H2 are images that display "0 (zero)", indicating that there are no special games whose execution is suspended. The manner of notifying the number of games whose execution is suspended can be changed arbitrarily. That is, the number may be directly announced, or an image of a character may be announced for each game.

The image INa is displayed at a predetermined position in the image display area 19a when the variation of the special game and the performance game associated with the special game stops. In addition, the images H1 and H2 are changed and displayed so that 1 is added when the reserved condition is established, while they are changed and displayed so that 1 is subtracted when the variation of the special game starts. Therefore, when both the images H1 and H2 indicate "0" and the image INa is displayed due to the stop of the variation, it is possible to identify that the game is stopped. In addition, if at least one of the images H1 and H2 indicates "1" or more, it is possible to identify that the game is in progress regardless of whether the image INa is displayed. In this embodiment, the performance display device 19 having the image display area 19a that displays the images H1, H2, and INa corresponds to the notification means. In addition, when the auxiliary notification of this embodiment is executed, it is not taken into consideration whether the game ball is launched or not. For this reason, it can be said that the auxiliary notification suggests that the game may not be played. In addition, the auxiliary notification ends with the start of the variation of the special game as the end condition. Additionally, the auxiliary notification will end when the main notification is executed.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1-1) In a pachinko game machine 10 that circulates game balls internally, it is possible to determine whether a game is stopped. Therefore, in a pachinko game machine 10 in which physical game balls cannot be confirmed, it is possible to provide an indicator for determining whether the pachinko game machine 10 is not in play.

(1-2) Furthermore, by announcing the results of the pachinko gaming machine 10's determination, the player can be made aware that the machine is available. As a result, players who are unsure whether the machine is available or not and are unsure whether they should play can be allowed to play. This can also reduce the stress of players who are searching for a pachinko gaming machine 10 to play on.

(1-3) Whether the game is stopped is judged based on whether game balls have been released. Therefore, even if there is no storage tray and game balls cannot be physically confirmed, a judgment can be made that is in line with the actual conditions of the pachinko game machine 10. In other words, the accuracy of the judgment can be improved.

(1-4) The means for notifying that a game has stopped (in this embodiment, the performance display device 19) also serves as a means for other notifications. This makes it possible to suppress the complexity of the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 without providing a separate means for notifying that a game has stopped. In other words, in conventional pachinko gaming machines equipped with a storage tray, the storage tray serves as a means for storing game balls and also serves as a means for determining whether a game has stopped, but in this embodiment, a single means can also have multiple functions.

(1-5) On the other hand, even if a dual-purpose means is used, the notification of the game stop state is a dedicated notification mode that is separate from other notifications. Therefore, the notification of the game stop state is easy to distinguish from other notifications, and the state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 can be reliably notified.

(1-6) When notifying that a game is stopped, it is also possible to notify that the number of game balls managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 is low (for example, 0 balls, or a specific number close to 0 balls or less). This makes it easier to encourage other players to play, knowing that a game is stopped. In other words, even if there are game balls remaining in the pachinko gaming machine 10, a player can assume that the number is low and that the previous player has decided that they are no longer needed and has left his/her seat, and can therefore determine that it is OK to play on that pachinko gaming machine 10.

(1-7) There are more conditions for terminating a notification that a game has stopped than for initiating it. In an embodiment, the termination conditions include other conditions in addition to the opposite of the start conditions. This allows for strict management of notifications that a game has stopped, improving reliability. On the other hand, when a notification that a game has stopped is received, a new player can easily terminate the game, improving convenience.

(1-8) By executing an auxiliary notification, it is possible to notify in advance the possibility of a gaming stop state.
(1-9) It is possible to generate counting information capable of identifying the number of balls to be counted according to the operation mode of the counting switch 18. The management of the generated counting information can be transferred by transmitting it to an external device. When generating counting information, it is possible to generate counting information capable of identifying a number less than the minimum number of balls to be loaned to a player. This improves convenience for the player compared to a case where counting information is generated in which the number of all game balls is counted by a single operation of the counting switch 18. Furthermore, counting information in which the number of counted balls differs depending on the operation mode of the counting switch 18 is generated. This allows the player to operate the counting switch 18 in the style desired.

(1-10) Operation of the effect operation device 16 is valid even while the counting information is being transmitted. In other words, the effect is not invalidated by transmitting the counting information. Therefore, the player can operate the counting switch 18 while playing the game normally to transfer the management of the game balls to an external party. This improves processing efficiency and increases convenience for the player. In addition, if an upper limit is set on the number of game balls managed by the pachinko game machine 10, it is also possible to quickly resolve a situation where the upper limit is being reached.

(1-11) Even when a notification that game play has stopped is being issued, counting information can be generated by operating the counting switch 18, and management of the game balls can be transferred to an external party. This allows for a rapid response to the situation regarding the balls held by the player.

Second Embodiment
The second embodiment embodied in a pachinko game machine will be described below with reference to FIG.
In the following embodiments, the same configurations as those in the previously described embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

In this embodiment, a new condition is added to the judgment of whether to execute a notification that the game is stopped. Figure 13 shows the newly added condition. The judgment in Figure 13 is executed after step S10 in the process of Figure 10 is denied. Note that the judgment in this embodiment is an additional processing step to the process of Figure 10, and the process of Figure 10 is executed in the same way in this embodiment. In addition, in this embodiment, the CPU 61 of the main control board 60 also outputs a fluctuation start command to the frame control board 80 when starting the fluctuation of the fluctuation game, and also outputs a fluctuation end command to the frame control board 80 when ending the fluctuation of the fluctuation game.

When the CPU 81 judges step S10 in FIG. 10 as negative, i.e., when a supply inlet signal has been input, it proceeds to step S20 in FIG. 13 to check whether the fluctuation of the variable game has stopped, i.e., whether a fluctuation end command has been input. When the CPU 81 has not input a fluctuation end command, the fluctuation of the variable game has not stopped. Therefore, in this case, the game is in progress, and the CPU 81 cannot determine that the game is in a stopped state, so it denies step S20 and ends the process. On the other hand, when the CPU 81 has input a fluctuation end command, there is a possibility that the game may be in a stopped state, so it judges step S20 as positive and proceeds to step S21.

The CPU 81 proceeds to step S21 and starts counting time. After starting counting time, the CPU 81 checks in step S22 whether the fluctuation of the variable game has resumed. That is, in step S22, the CPU 81 checks whether the fluctuation of the variable game has been temporarily stopped. In step S23, if the state in which the fluctuation of the variable game has been stopped continues based on the result checked in step S22, the CPU 81 judges in the affirmative in step S23 and proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if the fluctuation of the variable game has resumed based on the result checked in step S22, the CPU 81 judges in the negative in step S23 and ends the process. The judgment in step S23 is made based on whether the CPU 81 has input a fluctuation start command.

In step S24, the CPU 81 checks whether the time when counting was started in step S21 is equal to or longer than time T2. In this embodiment, time T2 is "5 minutes". Time T2 may be set to a time when it is considered that it is acceptable to determine that the player has left the seat, and may be set to, for example, 10 minutes. If the time is less than time T2 in step S24, the CPU 81 denies step S24, returns to step S22, and repeats the process from step S22. On the other hand, if the time when counting was started in step S21 is equal to or longer than time T2 in step S24, the CPU 81 denies step S24 and proceeds to step S25. In other words, the CPU 81 that denies step S24 determines that the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in a game-stopped state at this stage, that is, determines that the pachinko gaming machine 10 is an empty machine in which no game is being played, since the time-related conditions satisfy the requirements for determining that the game is in a game-stopped state.

The process of FIG. 13 is executed when step S10 of FIG. 10 is negative. If the process of FIG. 13 reaches step S24, it is possible that the game balls have been shot but the fluctuation of the variable game has stopped, that is, the start hole prize has not been obtained. In the pachinko game machine 10, there may be cases where the start hole prize is not obtained even if the game balls continue to be shot, but when the time T2 used in step S24 is set to "5 minutes", it is considered to be an extremely rare event that the start hole prize is not obtained at all during that time. For this reason, if step S24 is positive, it can be determined that the shooting of the game balls has already stopped and it is highly likely that the player has left his/her seat, or that the player is occupying the seat without playing.

In step S25, the CPU 81 executes a process to notify the user that the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in a game stop state. Specifically, the CPU 81 transmits a notification command as control information instructing the CPU 71 of the performance control board 70 to issue a notification. The notification command is transmitted to the performance control board 70 via the main control board 60. In this embodiment, the notification of the game stop state is executed based on the satisfaction of the above-mentioned time-related conditions, regardless of whether a player is seated at the pachinko gaming machine 10 determined to be in a game stop state. In other words, the notification is executed by regarding the machine as an empty machine from which the player has left. Note that the notification mode executed in this embodiment is the same as the notification mode described in FIG. 11. Also, the end condition of the notification executed in this embodiment is the same as the end condition of the notification described in FIG. 11. In other words, the notification ends when any of a plurality of end conditions, including the condition related to the start of a game in which a special game is started by the occurrence of a winning entry into the starting hole, is satisfied.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(2-1) Whether the game is stopped is judged based on whether the fluctuation of the variable game has stopped. Therefore, even if there is no storage tray and the game balls cannot be physically confirmed, a judgment based on the actual state of the pachinko game machine 10 can be made. In other words, the accuracy of the judgment can be improved.

(2-2) Furthermore, since the game stop state is determined based on two criteria, namely, whether the game balls are being shot and whether the fluctuation of the variable game has stopped, the game stop state can be determined quickly. As a result, it is possible to prevent the pachinko game machine 10 from being left for an extended period of time without any game being played.

The above-described embodiment can be modified as follows. The above-described embodiment and the following modified examples can be combined with each other to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent.

- The determination of whether or not play is stopped in the first embodiment may be made by the main control board 60 instead of the frame control board 80. In this case, when the CPU 81 of the frame control board 80 receives a supply inlet signal, it transmits the signal to the CPU 61 of the main control board 60. The supply inlet signal may also be input directly to the main control board 60.

- In the first embodiment, when determining whether or not a game has stopped, step S10 in FIG. 10 may be checked based on whether or not a supply outlet signal has been input. Also, the processing of steps S11 and S12 in FIG. 10 may be omitted, and whether or not a game has stopped may be determined based on the time that has elapsed since the game balls were no longer released.

- The determination of whether the game is stopped in the second embodiment may be performed by the main control board 60 instead of the frame control board 80. In this case, when the CPU 81 of the frame control board 80 determines step S10 to be negative in the process of FIG. 10, it is sufficient to send a control command indicating this to the CPU 61 of the main control board 60. Also, the notification of the game is stopped may be performed based only on the determination of whether the game is stopped in the second embodiment. Also, the determination of whether the game is stopped in the first embodiment may be performed by the frame control board 80, while the determination of whether the game is stopped in the second embodiment may be performed by the main control board 60. In this case, the results of each determination are independent, and the notification of the game is stopped may be performed based on each determination result. Note that when a notification is performed based on one determination result, if a determination is made to perform a notification on the other side, the notification based on one determination result may be continued.

-Also, in the above alternative example, if the CPU 61 of the main control board 60 or the CPU 81 of the frame control board 80 transmits the control information required to determine whether play is stopped to the CPU 71 of the presentation control board 70, the CPU 71 can make the determination and issue a notification.

- In each embodiment, the means for notifying the user that play has stopped may be provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10, or the pachinko gaming machine 10 may output a control command instructing the user to make the notification and have an external means execute the notification.

In the second embodiment, confirmation of whether the fluctuation of the fluctuation game has stopped may be performed on the condition that both the fluctuation start command and the fluctuation end command have been input.
In the second embodiment, in step S20 of Fig. 13, it may be possible to check both whether the variation has been stopped and whether the number of variation games on hold is zero. When the above check is performed by the frame control board 80, the main control board 60 transmits a command specifying the number of reserved games to the frame control board 80. By checking the number of variation games on hold in addition to the variation stop, the possibility of a game stop state can be determined more reliably. In other words, if the number of variation games on hold is zero, it can be said that there is a high possibility of a game stop state.

- In each embodiment, when the number of game balls becomes zero as a result of subtracting the number of counted balls from the number of game balls by operating the counting switch 18, a voice notification such as "Counting is complete" or "All transferred" may be executed.

- Multiple counting switches may be provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of each embodiment. The number of counted balls may differ depending on the type of counting switch operated. Which counting switch is operated corresponds to the operation mode of the operating means. In this case, when one counting switch is operated, the operation of the other counting switch is invalid. Among the multiple counting switches, there may be a counting switch that generates counting information with all game balls as the number of counted balls with one operation. Furthermore, when one counting switch is provided as in the embodiment, the operation mode may include an operation mode in which counting information with all game balls as the number of counted balls is generated.

- In each embodiment, an error may be notified by the performance display monitor 84. This eliminates the need to provide a dedicated means for notifying errors separate from the performance display monitor 84, simplifying the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

- In each 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 may also be used as a means for notifying errors. This allows the number of game balls and errors to be easily grasped using a single means. In this case, the game ball count display device 17 will notify the number of game balls and errors in different ways. For example, the number of game balls will be notified using only numbers, but errors will be notified using a code made up of numbers and letters (alphabet), for example.

- In the above alternative example, the start timing of the error notification on the performance display monitor 84 on the back of the machine and the error notification on the game ball count display device 17 on the front of the machine may be 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.

- In the above alternative example, the start timing of the error notification in the performance display monitor 84 and the error notification in the game ball count display device 17 was 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 an error notification before the performance display monitor 84. With this configuration, it is possible to make the player, etc. aware of the error state on the front side of the machine quickly. For example, the performance display monitor 84 may be configured to start an error notification before the game ball count display device 17. With this configuration, it is possible to make the administrator aware of the error state 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 the above alternative example, the game ball count display device 17 may be configured to issue an error notification, while the performance display monitor 84 may not be configured to issue an error notification. Also, instead of or in addition to the game ball count display device 17 or the performance display monitor 84, a dedicated means for issuing an error notification may be provided. The dedicated means may be in any form, such as a display, light emission, or sound.

- In each embodiment, the notification of the game stop state may be continued with some restriction rather than being completely terminated when the termination condition described in the embodiment is met. For example, if the notification is made by image, the intensity of the notification may be weakened by reducing the display size, making the display color lighter, or moving the display position to a corner. Similarly, if the notification is made by sound, the volume is reduced to reduce the intensity of the notification. Similarly, if the notification is made by light emission, the amount of light is reduced to reduce the intensity of the notification. Note that such a restricted notification may be terminated when a separately determined termination condition is met, or may be terminated after a predetermined time has passed.

In each embodiment, the pachinko game machine 10 may be provided with a means for notifying the outside world that the player has left his/her seat. For example, such a means may be provided with an operation button that the player can operate, and when the operation button is operated, the player is notified that the player has left his/her seat by displaying an image or emitting light. This notification may be terminated when the operation button is operated, or may be forcibly terminated after a predetermined time has passed. When the player expresses his/her intention to leave his/her seat in this manner, measures may be taken to prevent the player from being disadvantaged by the actions of others other than the player, such as prohibiting the release of game balls or disabling the operation of the counting switch 18. When the player expresses his/her intention to leave his/her seat, the determination of whether the game has been stopped in each embodiment may not be performed in a controlled manner. The notification content of the notification means in this alternative example may be content indicating that the game is being played.

In each embodiment, the pachinko game machine 10 may be provided with a means for notifying the outside that the player has finished playing. For example, such a means may be provided with an operation button that the player can operate, and when the operation button is operated, the end of the game is notified by displaying an image or the like, or by emitting light. This notification may be terminated when the payout button 104b or the ball lending button 104a is operated. Alternatively, the notification may be terminated when a winning ball is entered into the starting hole or when a variable game starts. The operation button that triggers the notification may be a dedicated button or may be the counting switch 18. When the counting switch 18 is used, the notification may be triggered by the counting switch 18 being operated until the number of game balls reaches a specific number (for example, 0 balls or less than 10 balls). The pachinko gaming machine 10 may also be equipped with both a means for notifying the player of the end of play in this alternative example, and a means for notifying the player of leaving the seat with the intention of continuing play in the previously described alternative example.

In each embodiment, the notification mode of the game stop state may be changed as desired. In each embodiment, the game stop state is notified actively, such as by displaying an image, but instead, the amount of light emitted (brightness) of the performance display device 19 or the amount of light emitted (brightness) of the decorative light-emitting lamp may be controlled in a different manner from the normal state, such as by drastically reducing the amount of light emitted (brightness) (including turning off the lights). In this case, the amount of light emitted is preferably a dedicated amount of light not used for performances, etc. In this way, the fact that a different manner from the normal state can be taken when the game is stopped corresponds to a notification. In addition, the means for notifying the game stop state may be provided in the pachinko game machine 10 or may be provided externally. For example, a signal may be sent to the hall computer, and the manager of the game center who confirms the signal may be notified that the game is stopped.

The pachinko game machine 10 of each embodiment may be configured to perform a predetermined process in relation to the number of game balls acquired by the player. Specifically, a predetermined process may be performed when the difference between the number of game balls used in a game during a predetermined period and the number of game balls acquired by the player during that period exceeds a predetermined number. The predetermined period is, for example, during business hours of one day or the period from when the power supply to the pachinko game machine 10 is started to when the power supply is stopped. The game balls used in a game can be counted based on the number of game balls detected by the out sensor D30. Alternatively, the game balls used in a game can be counted based on the total number of game balls detected by the winning passage count sensor D25 and the number of game balls detected by the non-winning passage count sensor D26. The number of game balls acquired by the player can be counted based on the winning ball number information transmitted by the CPU 61 of the main control board 60. The predetermined number that is the basis for carrying out the above-mentioned predetermined process is a number larger than the number X used in the confirmation of step S12 in FIG. 10. The predetermined process is to notify the fact that the difference in the number exceeds the predetermined number using a notification means such as the performance display device 19. Other predetermined processes can be considered to be stopping the game, stopping the launch of the game balls, or stopping both the game and the launch of the game balls. Stopping the game includes invalidating the entry of balls into the ball entry holes arranged on the game board 20, such as the first start hole 23, the second start hole 24, the normal winning hole 27, and the large winning hole 25. The above-mentioned notification can be terminated by power recovery after the power supply of the pachinko game machine 10 is cut off, or by clearing the RAM. The processing of this modified example is performed by the CPU 81 of the frame control board 80. The notification performed in this modified example is distinguished from the notification of the game stop state performed in each embodiment in that it is performed in a different manner. Furthermore, when the firing of game balls is stopped as a measure in this example, the game may enter the stopped state described in each embodiment, but the stopped state resulting from the processing in this example and the stopped state in each embodiment are states created as a result of different judgments. In the pachinko game machine 10 that allows the processing in this example to be performed, the judgment indicators include the number of game balls, which is a common point, but the states that can arise depending on the judgment results are different, and different notifications are executed depending on the occurrence of the state.

- The pachinko gaming machine 10 of each embodiment may be configured so that the volume of the sound effect device 12 and the light intensity of the light effect light-emitting device 14 and the light effect display device 19 can be adjusted by the player or the manager of the gaming facility.

- The pachinko gaming machine 10 of each embodiment may be a pachinko gaming machine that is structurally incapable of generating foul balls (for example, a type in which gaming balls are launched from the upper left of the gaming board 20). In the case of this modified pachinko gaming machine 10, foul balls are not taken into consideration when counting the number of gaming balls.

In the pachinko game machine 10 of each embodiment, the operation of the counting switch 18 may be always valid except under certain circumstances. The certain circumstances include when the number of game balls is zero. According to this, the operation of the counting switch 18 is always valid when the number of game balls is one or more, regardless of whether the game balls are not being shot, when the shot game balls are being guided down the game area 20a, or when the shot game balls have not yet been detected by the out sensor D30. In addition, the certain circumstances include when the connection with an external device (for example, the card unit 100) connected to the pachinko game machine 10 cannot be confirmed. In addition, the operation of the counting switch 18 is not invalidated even if the operation is stopped once after the short-length or long-length operation of the counting switch 18, and is valid even if the operation is performed again. In addition, when the counting switch 18 is operated at the timing of the shooting of the game balls, that is, when the shooting of the game balls and the operation of the counting switch 18 occur simultaneously or almost simultaneously, the shooting of the game balls takes priority. Firing a game ball can be considered as a player's intention to continue playing. Therefore, prioritizing continuing the game over transferring the number of game balls can respect the player's intention to continue playing.

In the pachinko game machine 10, the operation of the counting switch 18 may be valid when an error occurs, when an error notification is executed, when a game ball that is a factor in decreasing the number of game balls is fired, when a prize ball that is a factor in increasing the number of game balls is generated, or when a foul ball that is a factor in increasing the number of game balls is generated. The operation of the counting switch 18 may also be valid when any combination of these situations occurs. For example, the operation of the counting switch 18 may be valid when a game ball is fired and a prize ball is generated, when a game ball is fired and a foul ball is generated, or when a prize ball is generated and a foul ball is generated. If the operation of the counting switch 18 is valid in this way, the number of game balls can be transferred by operating the counting switch 18 even when there is a change in the number of game balls related to the operation of the counting switch 18 or a change in the number of game balls related to a game such as firing or winning balls. In addition, the operation of the counting switch 18 may be enabled when an error occurs or an error is notified in combination with the release of game balls, the generation of prize balls, or the generation of foul balls.

- In each embodiment, an alarm sound may be generated according to the manner in which the counting switch 18 is operated. This allows the player to understand from the manner of the alarm how he or she has operated the counting switch 18 and, as a result, how much of the game balls will be managed and transferred to an external party. Note that even if the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is cut off while the alarm sound is being output and then restored, the power supply may not be restored as it was before the cutoff. In this way, the alarm sound will be restored after the power is restored, preventing the player from having unnecessary worries about what has happened.

- In each embodiment, the number of out balls may be the sum of the number detected by the winning passage count sensor D25 and the number detected by the non-winning passage count sensor D26. In this case, the out sensor D30 may or may not be provided.

In each embodiment, the winning passage count sensor D25 and the non-winning passage count sensor D26 may not be provided, and the discharged game ball may be detected only by the out sensor D30.
In each embodiment, when an out sensor D30 is provided, the out sensor D30 may be provided on the game board 20 or on the frame.

- In each embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 10 equipped with the probability variable function may be a machine that provides a high probability state until the next jackpot game, a machine that provides a high probability state until a drop lottery is won (a so-called drop machine), 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 variable 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 variable machine). The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be a machine that combines the specifications of a drop machine and a V probability variable machine.

- In each 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 each 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 each 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 each embodiment, the specific configuration of the game board 20 may be changed as desired.

- In each embodiment, the performance control board 70 may be 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 emitting 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 embodiments, 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 each 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.

- The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be equipped with a magnetic sensor on one or both of the mounting frame 11b and the game board 20. This configuration makes it possible to detect magnetic foreign objects that should not be present in the pachinko gaming machine 10. It can also detect the possibility that a goto tool such as a magnet or wire that does not fall under the category of normal objects normally used in the pachinko gaming machine 10 is being used. It can also contribute to discovering actions such as intentionally creating a pile-up of game balls using magnetic game balls and magnets.

Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiment and other examples will be described below.
(i) A gaming machine capable of storing the number of gaming balls as data and configured to enable play based on the data, the gaming machine comprising: a launch operation means capable of operating to launch gaming balls; a stop operation means capable of operating to stop the launch of gaming balls; a launch mechanism that launches gaming balls; a supply mechanism that supplies gaming balls to the launch mechanism; and a processing means that executes predetermined processing, the processing means being capable of executing a game process that controls the start and stop of fluctuation in a pattern variation game, and a subtraction process that subtracts the number of gaming balls stored as the data in association with at least one of the launch operation by the launch mechanism and the supply operation by the supply mechanism, the gaming machine being capable of identifying that the gaming machine is in a play-stop state when a predetermined time has passed since a situation occurs in which the number of gaming balls is not subtracted, or when a predetermined time has passed since a situation occurs in which the fluctuation in the pattern variation game has stopped.

(B) A gaming machine capable of storing the number of game balls as data and configured to enable play based on the data, the gaming machine is equipped with a launch operation means capable of operating to launch game balls, a stop operation means capable of operating to stop the launch of game balls, a launch mechanism for launching game balls, a supply mechanism for supplying game balls to the launch mechanism, and a processing means for executing a predetermined process, the processing means being capable of executing a subtraction process for subtracting the number of game balls stored as the data in association with at least one of the launch operation by the launch mechanism and the supply operation by the supply mechanism, the gaming machine being capable of executing a predetermined notification that can identify that the gaming machine is in a game stop state when a predetermined time has passed since a situation occurs in which the number of game balls is not subtracted, the game stop state is resolved by the occurrence of a situation in which the number of game balls is subtracted, and the predetermined notification can be terminated or the execution mode can be restricted when either a condition for resuming the situation in which the number of game balls is subtracted or another condition other than the condition is satisfied.

(C) A gaming machine capable of storing the number of game balls as data and configured to enable play based on the data, the gaming machine comprising: a launch operation means operable to launch game balls; a stop operation means operable to stop the launch of game balls; a launch mechanism for launching game balls; a supply mechanism for supplying game balls to the launch mechanism; and a processing means for executing a predetermined process, the processing means being capable of executing game process for controlling the start and stop of fluctuation in a pattern change game, and a predetermined notification being capable of identifying that the gaming machine is in a game stop state when a predetermined time has elapsed since the occurrence of a situation in which fluctuation in the pattern change game has stopped, the predetermined notification being capable of ending or restricting the execution mode when either a condition for resuming the pattern change game or a condition other than the condition is satisfied.

(ii) A gaming machine capable of storing the number of game balls as data and configured to enable play based on the data, the gaming machine is equipped with a launch operation means capable of operating to launch game balls, a stop operation means capable of operating to stop the launch of game balls, a launch mechanism for launching game balls, a supply mechanism for supplying game balls to the launch mechanism, and a processing means for executing a predetermined process, the processing means being capable of executing a game process for controlling the start and stop of fluctuation in a symbol fluctuation game, and a subtraction process for subtracting the number of game balls stored as the data in relation to at least one of the launch operation by the launch mechanism and the supply operation by the supply mechanism, the gaming machine being capable of executing a predetermined notification that can identify that the gaming machine is in a game stop state when a predetermined time has passed since the occurrence of a situation in which the number of game balls is not subtracted, or when a predetermined time has passed since the occurrence of a situation in which the fluctuation in the symbol fluctuation game has stopped, the gaming machine being equipped with a notification means for identifying whether the gaming machine is in the game stop state or in a game progress state before the predetermined notification starts.

(e) The notification that game play has stopped can also be made by identifying that the number of game balls stored as data at the time when a situation occurs in which the number of game balls is not subtracted is below a specific number.

(F) The notification that game play has stopped can be ended when a specific end condition is met, and there are more end conditions than start conditions that start the notification that game play has stopped.

10... Pachinko game machine 13... Notification sound device 16... Performance operation device 17... Game ball number display device 18... Counting switch 19... Performance display device 19a... Image display area 20... Game board 20a... Game area 40... Supply device 50... Firing device 60... Main control board 61... CPU 62... ROM 63... RAM 80... Frame control board 81... CPU 82... ROM 83... RAM

Claims (2)

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 processing means for executing a predetermined process;
A plurality of operation means operable by a player;
The processing means is capable of executing a game process for controlling the start and stop of fluctuation in a pattern fluctuation game, a subtraction process for subtracting the number of game balls stored as the data in association with at least one of the launching operation by the launch mechanism and the supplying operation by the supply mechanism, and a transmission process for generating control information indicating a number corresponding to a predetermined number among the number of game balls stored as the data, in response to an operation of a specific operation means among the plurality of operation means, and transmitting the control information to an outside,
A predetermined notification that can be used to identify that the gaming machine is in a game stop state can be executed when a predetermined time has passed since the occurrence of a situation in which the number of game balls is not subtracted, or when a predetermined time has passed since the occurrence of a situation in which the variation of the symbol variation game has stopped,
The control information can be transmitted by the transmission process even when the predetermined notification is being executed,
A gaming machine characterized in that, in the game stop state of a first situation in which the number of game balls is a predetermined number or less, the predetermined notification can be executed in a first manner that can identify that the game stop state is in that situation, and, in a second situation in which the number of game balls is more than the predetermined number, the notification can be executed in a second manner different from the first manner . 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the light emitting means capable of executing the predetermined notification executes the predetermined notification in a manner not used in an effect related to a symbol variation game .

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