JP7513277B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Conventionally, some pachinko gaming machines, which are an example of gaming machines, are configured to be able to execute effects in which a movable body is moved. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a logo-shaped movable body that is provided at the top of the liquid crystal screen as seen by the player. The logo-shaped movable body behaves as if it is falling during the execution of a variable game, etc. This enhances the interest of the player.

JP 2021-065289 A

Maintenance of the performance unit, which is an example of a movable body, and its associated structure is thought to be made easier by removing the performance unit. In other words, if it becomes easier to remove and install the performance unit, maintenance of the performance unit and its associated structure will become easier.

The gaming machine that solves the above problem comprises a frame, one or more base units, a wiring section on the base unit side, a presentation unit having a presentation means, the wiring section on the presentation unit side, a locking means configured to enable the presentation unit to be attached to a specified position on the base unit by locking in a connected state in which the wiring section on the base unit side and the wiring section on the presentation unit side are electrically connected, a guide means configured to guide the presentation unit to the specified position on the base unit, and an error detection means, wherein the presentation unit can be removed by releasing the locking by the locking means, and the presentation means held by the presentation unit includes at least one of a display means, a light emitting means, and a drive means, and when in the connected state and power is being supplied, the presentation means held by the presentation unit can execute a specified presentation, and a specified error detection means is generated to indicate that the presentation unit has been removed. The gist of the invention is that the predetermined error can be detected as a predetermined error when power is supplied with the presentation unit detached, and when power is supplied with the presentation unit detached, a first time from when power is supplied to when the predetermined error is reported in a situation where power is supplied with the presentation unit detached is longer than a second time from when the presentation unit is removed to when the predetermined error is reported in a situation where the presentation unit is removed while power is being supplied, and when the predetermined error is detected, at least a portion of the same information can be displayed in a first area that is visible to a player in both an attached state in which the specified presentation unit is attached to a specified position of the base unit and a detached state in which the specified presentation unit is removed from the base unit, and in a second area that is visible to a player in the detached state and is invisible or difficult to see by a player in the attached state.

The gaming machine may have a plurality of presentation units, some of which have a different shape from the other presentation units, and the locking means may be configured to lock the plurality of presentation units to a specified position on the base unit.

For the above gaming machine, the locking means may be configured to allow the removed presentation unit, or a presentation unit other than the removed presentation unit, to be attached to a specified position on the base unit by locking it.

For the above gaming machine, one of the wiring sections on the base unit side and the presentation unit side is a convex connector, and the other wiring section is a concave connector, and when the presentation unit is attached to a specified position on the base unit, the connector as the wiring section on the base unit side and the connector as the wiring section on the presentation unit side are connected by fitting together.

For the gaming machine, the locking means may be multiple, and the multiple locking means may be configured to allow the same number of presentation units as the multiple locking means to be attached to the specified positions of the base unit by locking, and the multiple locking means may be configured to allow a smaller number of presentation units than the multiple locking means to be attached to the specified positions of the base unit.

This invention makes maintenance easier.

1 is a diagram showing an outline of a pachinko gaming machine; FIG. FIG. 2 is a partially disassembled view of the game board unit. FIG. 2 illustrates a base unit. A diagram showing the state in which the performance unit is attached to the base unit. (a) is an enlarged view of the upper left mounting portion on the base unit, (b) is an enlarged view of the mounting portion on the upper performance unit, and (c) is a view showing the mounting portion on the upper performance unit attached to the upper left mounting portion on the base unit. This shows the state in which the mounting portion on the middle performance unit is attached to the right middle mounting portion and right lower mounting portion on the base unit. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko game machine. (a) to (c) are figures showing a specific example of a cantilevered upper performance unit. (a) and (b) are figures showing a specific example of a double-supported upper performance unit. (a) is a diagram showing a specific example of a special performance unit, (b) is a diagram showing a specific example of a middle performance unit that is not equipped with a stepping motor, (c) is a diagram showing a specific example of a lower performance unit, and (d) is a diagram showing a specific example of a middle performance unit equipped with a stepping motor. 11A to 11F are diagrams showing a specific example of a performance unit installed.

An embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine will be described below.
The directions up, down, left, right, front, and back shown in this specification are directions as seen by a player playing on a pachinko gaming machine.

An outline of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will now be described.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is a circulation type gaming machine configured to circulate a predetermined number of gaming balls inside the machine. However, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be a non-circulation type gaming machine. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured to receive a supply of gaming balls from an island facility (not shown) and to return gaming balls to the island facility. The gaming balls may be either magnetic or non-magnetic.

The pachinko game machine 10 comprises a machine frame 11, which is an example of a frame, and a game board unit 20. The machine frame 11 has a function of fixing the machine to the island equipment. The machine frame 11 has a function of holding the game board unit 20. The game board unit 20 has a function of providing a game using game balls. The game board unit 20 has a function of providing effects according to the progress of the game. The effects may be provided by the machine frame 11.

The fuselage frame 11 will now be described.
The machine frame 11 includes an outer frame 12, a middle frame 13, and a front frame 14. The outer frame 12 functions as a fixed frame that is fixed to the island equipment by nails or the like. The middle frame 13 functions as a mounting frame on which various game parts can be mounted. The middle frame 13 has a mechanism for holding a game board unit 20, which is one of the game parts. As an example, the middle frame 13 has a fitting portion 13A into which the game board unit 20 is fitted. The fitting portion 13A may be a recess or a hole having a shape corresponding to the game board unit 20. The middle frame 13 has a fixing mechanism 13B configured to fix the game board unit 20 fitted into the fitting portion 13A. As an example, the fixing mechanism 13B may be configured to fix a part of the game board unit 20 (an upper wall 31a of the base unit 30 described later) so as to sandwich it. The game board unit 20 is attached to the middle frame 13 by fixing using the fixing mechanism 13B. By releasing the fixation using the fixing mechanism 13B, the game board unit 20 is removed from the inner frame 13.

The front frame 14 has a protective glass 14a. The protective glass 14a protects the game pieces mounted on the middle frame 13. In other words, the front frame 14 functions as a protective frame. The middle frame 13 is supported so that it can be opened and closed relative to the outer frame 12. The front frame 14 is supported so that it can be opened and closed relative to the middle frame 13.

The machine frame 11 is equipped with a locking device 11A for locking the machine frame 11. The locking device 11A can be locked and unlocked using a suitable key. When the locking device 11A is unlocked, the middle frame 13 can be opened from the outer frame 12. When the locking device 11A is unlocked, the front frame 14 can be opened from the middle frame 13. The game board unit 20 can be attached to and detached from the middle frame 13 with the front frame 14 open from the middle frame 13.

The machine frame 11 is equipped with a firing operation unit 15. The firing operation unit 15 is an example of a means capable of performing an operation to fire game balls. As an example, the firing operation unit 15 is provided on the front side of the middle frame 13. As an example, the firing operation unit 15 is a handle type. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to shoot game balls with a firing strength according to the amount of operation of the firing operation unit 15. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a performance operation unit 16. The performance operation unit 16 is an example of a means that can be operated by a player. The performance operation unit 16 may be any of a button type, a lever type, and a touch sensor type. The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be equipped with multiple performance operation units 16, or may be equipped with one performance operation unit 16.

The body frame 11 is equipped with an audio production device 17, for example a speaker. As an example, the audio production device 17 is disposed on the front side of the middle frame 13. The audio production device 17 can execute a production that outputs a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as audio production), and an announcement that outputs a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as audio announcement). For example, the predetermined sound is a piece of music, a sound effect, a human voice reading a predetermined character string, etc.

The machine frame 11 is equipped with a light-emitting performance device 18. The light-emitting performance device 18 can perform performances (hereinafter referred to as light-emitting performances) by turning on, blinking, and extinguishing light-emitting bodies (not shown), such as LEDs. The light-emitting performance device 18 can perform notifications (hereinafter referred to as notification light) by turning on, blinking, and extinguishing light-emitting bodies (not shown). As an example, the light-emitting performance device 18 is disposed in the middle frame 13. Without being limited to this, the light-emitting performance device 18 may be disposed in the game board unit 20 instead of or in addition to the machine frame 11.

The middle frame 13 is equipped with a radio wave sensor D16 that detects radio waves that exceed a predetermined strength as abnormal radio waves (see FIG. 8). When the radio wave sensor D16 detects abnormal radio waves, it outputs a radio wave detection signal. In addition to the radio wave sensor D16 in the middle frame 13, the game board unit 20 may be equipped with a radio wave sensor, so that the game board unit 20 can detect abnormal radio waves. The pachinko game machine 10 does not have a magnetic sensor that detects magnetic fields that exceed a predetermined strength as abnormal magnetic fields. Without being limited to this, the pachinko game machine 10 may be equipped with a magnetic sensor in one or both of the middle frame 13 and the game board unit 20, so that it can detect the approach of a magnet.

The middle frame 13 is equipped with a first door opening switch D17 that detects that the front frame 14 is open relative to the middle frame 13 (see FIG. 8). The first door opening switch D17 outputs a first door opening signal when it detects that the front frame 14 is open. The middle frame 13 is equipped with a second door opening switch D18 that detects that the middle frame 13 is open relative to the outer frame 12 (see FIG. 8). The second door opening switch D18 outputs a second door opening signal when it detects that the middle frame 13 is open.

The game board unit 20 will now be described.
2 and 3, the game board unit 20 has a display/presentation device 19, a base unit 30, a presentation unit 40, a game board 50, an information display device 60, a main control board 80, and a sub-control board 81. The base unit 30 is fixed to the middle frame 13 so as to be detachable. The display/presentation device 19, the main control board 80, and the sub-control board 81 are fixed to the rear side of the base unit 30. The presentation unit 40 is detachable from the front side of the base unit 30. The game board 50 is detachable from the front side of the base unit 30.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured so that the game board unit 20 can be attached and detached as a unit to the middle frame 13. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured so that the presentation unit 40 can be attached and detached to the base unit 30 while the base unit 30 remains attached to the middle frame 13. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured so that the game board 50 can be attached and detached to the base unit 30 while the base unit 30 remains attached to the middle frame 13.

The base unit 30 will now be described.
As shown in Figures 2 to 5, as an example, the base unit 30 is configured as a single part having a rectangular frame shape. However, the base unit 30 may be configured by combining a plurality of parts. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may include one or a plurality of base units 30. The base unit 30 has a rectangular plate-shaped base wall 31 arranged so as to intersect with the front-rear direction. A display window 31g is formed in the center or approximately the center of the base wall 31, penetrating in the front-rear direction. The base unit 30 has an upper wall 31a, a lower wall 31b, a left wall 31c, and a right wall 31d, which are walls extending forward from the four edges of the base wall 31.

The base wall 31 has a portion on the rear surface of the base wall 31 for mounting the display/performance device 19. The base wall 31 has a portion on the rear surface of the base wall 31 for mounting the main control board 80. The base wall 31 has a portion on the rear surface of the base wall 31 for mounting the sub-control board 81. The display/performance device 19, the main control board 80, and the sub-control board 81 are respectively mounted on these portions.

The base unit 30 has a wiring connector 32. The wiring connector 32 is an example of a wiring section on the base unit 30 side. As an example, the wiring connector 32 includes an upper wiring connector 32a and a lower wiring connector 32b. The wiring connectors 32a and 32b are fixed to the surface of the base wall 31. The upper wiring connector 32a is a part of the base wall 31 on the upper wall 31a side, and is fixed to a central or approximately central part in the left-right direction. The lower wiring connector 32b is a part of the base wall 31 on the lower wall 31b side, and is fixed to a central or approximately central part in the left-right direction.

The base unit 30 has one or more mounting parts 33. The mounting parts 33 are parts for mounting the performance unit 40 to the base unit 30. As an example, the base unit 30 has multiple mounting parts 33. The multiple mounting parts 33 include an upper mounting part 33A, a middle mounting part 33B, and a lower mounting part 33C. It is preferable that there are two of each of the mounting parts 33A to 33C. This is not limited to this, and each of the mounting parts 33A to 33C may have one, or three or more. In the following explanation, the mounting part 33 on the base unit 30 may be referred to as the mounting part 33 on the base side. Here, the location of each mounting part 33 is explained, and an example of a specific configuration will be described later.

As an example, the upper mounting portion 33A includes an upper left mounting portion 33AL on the left side and an upper right mounting portion 33AR on the right side. As will be described in detail later, the upper mounting portions 33AL and 33AR are configured to be displaceable. The performance unit 40 attached to the upper mounting portions 33AL and 33AR can be displaced together with the upper mounting portions 33AL and 33AR. The upper mounting portions 33AL and 33AR are provided on the surface of the base wall 31. The upper mounting portions 33AL and 33AR are provided on the part of the base wall 31 on the upper wall 31a side, and are provided in a position that sandwiches the upper wiring connector 32a from the left and right direction. The upper mounting portions 33AL and 33AR are located at both ends of the display window 31g in the left and right direction. The positions of the upper mounting portions 33AL and 33AR described here are the original positions of the upper mounting portions 33AL and 33AR.

The base unit 30 has a drive mechanism 34 that displaces the upper mounting parts 33AL and 33AR. The drive mechanism 34 has a left drive mechanism 34L that displaces the upper left mounting part 33AL, and a right drive mechanism 34R that displaces the upper right mounting part 33AR. Each drive mechanism 34L, 34R has a stepping motor 34A, a guide plate 34B, and a shaft 34C that is rotated by the stepping motor 34A. The guide plate 34B and the shaft 34C extend in the vertical direction. A spiral groove is formed in the shaft 34C.

A first portion of the upper left mounting portion 33AL is engaged with the guide plate 34B of the left drive mechanism 34L. A second portion of the upper left mounting portion 33AL, which is different from the first portion, is engaged with a spiral groove formed in the shaft 34C of the left drive mechanism 34L. Therefore, when the stepping motor 34A of the left drive mechanism 34L rotates the shaft 34C around its axis, the upper left mounting portion 33AL is displaced upward or downward.

A first portion of the upper right attachment portion 33AR is engaged with the guide plate 34B of the right drive mechanism 34R. A second portion of the upper right attachment portion 33AR, which is different from the first portion, is engaged with a spiral groove formed in the shaft 34C of the right drive mechanism 34R. Therefore, when the shaft 34C is rotated about its axis by the stepping motor 34A of the right drive mechanism 34R, the upper right attachment portion 33AR is displaced upward or downward.

As an example, the middle mounting portion 33B includes a left middle mounting portion 33BL on the left side and a right middle mounting portion 33BR on the right side. The middle mounting portions 33BL, 33BR are provided on the surface of the base wall 31. The left middle mounting portion 33BL is provided on the left wall 31c side of the base wall 31, and on the left side of the display window 31g. The right middle mounting portion 33BR is provided on the right wall 31d side of the base wall 31, and on the right side of the display window 31g. As an example, the left middle mounting portion 33BL is located to the lower left of the upper left mounting portion 33AL. As an example, the right middle mounting portion 33BR is located to the lower right of the upper right mounting portion 33AR.

As an example, the lower mounting portion 33C includes a lower left mounting portion 33CL on the left side and a lower right mounting portion 33CR on the right side. The lower mounting portions 33CL, 33CR are provided on the surface of the base wall 31. The lower left mounting portion 33CL is provided on the portion of the base wall 31 on the left wall 31c side and on the left side of the display window 31g. The lower right mounting portion 33CR is provided on the portion of the base wall 31 on the right wall 31d side and on the right side of the display window 31g. As an example, the lower left mounting portion 33CL is located below the left middle mounting portion 33BL. As an example, the lower right mounting portion 33CR is located below the right middle mounting portion 33BR.

The base unit 30 has one or more locking holes 35 as an example of a means for assembling the game board 50 to the base unit 30. As an example, one locking hole 35 is formed at each of the four corners of the base unit 30. As an example, one locking hole 35 is formed at each end of the upper wall 31a extending in the left-right direction. As an example, one locking hole 35 is formed at each end of the lower wall 31b extending in the left-right direction. Each locking hole 35 is a long hole that extends in the up-down direction or the left-right direction.

The performance unit 40 will be described.
As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, the game board unit 20 includes a plurality of presentation units 40. Not limited to this, the game board unit 20 may include one presentation unit 40. As will be described in detail later, there are a plurality of types of presentation units 40. The plurality of types of presentation units 40 each have a different configuration. The pachinko game machine 10 is configured so that one or a plurality of presentation units 40 from among the plurality of types of presentation units 40 can be mounted on the game board unit 20. The structure for mounting the presentation unit 40 on the game board unit 20 will be described in detail below. Specific examples of combinations of presentation units 40 will be described later.

The performance unit 40 has a base portion 41 and one or more mounting portions 43. The performance unit 40 may have one or more movable portions 42. The performance unit 40 may have a wiring connector 44. The performance unit 40 may have a stepping motor 45. The performance unit 40 may have a light-emitting portion 46 capable of performing light-emitting performances. The performance unit 40 may have a display portion 48 capable of performing display performances. The stepping motor 45, the light-emitting portion 46, and the display portion 48 operate by receiving power via the wiring connector 44. The wiring connector 44 is an example of a wiring portion on the performance unit 40 side. The performance unit 40 has an identification element 47. The identification element 47 stores information for identifying the type of performance unit 40 (hereinafter referred to as unit identification information).

The base part 41 is a component that forms the foundation of the performance unit 40. The base part 41 may be decorated according to the motif of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The movable part 42 may be decorated according to the motif of the pachinko gaming machine 10. As an example, the movable part 42 is a component that imitates letters, symbols, characters, items, etc. according to the motif. The movable part 42 may be equipped with a display unit 48.

The movable part 42 is attached to the base part 41 so that it can receive power and perform a specific operation. As will be described in more detail below, the movable part 42 receives power from a stepping motor 45 mounted on the performance unit 40, or a stepping motor 34A mounted on the base unit 30. The performance unit 40 mounting the movable part 42 is an example of a performance device that performs a movable performance by operating the movable part 42. The operation of the movable part 42 may include one or both of an operation that changes the position of the movable part 42 and an operation that changes the attitude of the movable part 42.

As an example, the movable part 42 is configured to be displaced between the original position P1 and the performance position P2. As an example, the performance position P2 may be a position that protrudes toward the center of the display window 31g, 51b from the original position P1 when viewed from the front. The movable part 42 may be configured to be displaced linearly between the original position P1 and the performance position P2, or may be configured to be displaced along a curve. Not limited to this, the movable part 42 may be configured to perform an action such as swinging, rotating, or turning. When the performance unit 40 is attached to the upper mounting parts 33AL, 33AR, the movable part 42 of the performance unit 40 is displaced by the upper mounting parts 33AL, 33AR being displaced from the original position. In this case, the original position P1 and the performance position P2 of the movable part 42 do not necessarily coincide with the original position and the destination position of the upper mounting parts 33AL, 33AR depending on the configuration of the performance unit 40.

The movable part 42, the stepping motor 45, the light-emitting part 46, and the display part 48 are examples of the performance means possessed by the performance unit. The stepping motor 45 is an example of the drive means. The light-emitting part 46 is an example of the light-emitting means. The display part 48 is an example of the display means. It is preferable that the performance unit 40 is configured to include at least one of the movable part 42, the stepping motor 45, the light-emitting part 46, and the display part 48.

The mounting portion 43 is a portion for mounting the performance unit 40 to the base unit 30. In the following description, the mounting portion 43 on the performance unit 40 may be referred to as the mounting portion 43 on the performance unit side. One mounting portion 43 is attached to one mounting portion 33. In other words, the mounting portions 33 and 43 correspond to each other. As described below, attaching the mounting portion 43 on the performance unit side to the mounting portion 33 on the base side includes engaging the mounting portion 33 and the mounting portion 43 with each other. Also, removing the mounting portion 43 on the performance unit side from the mounting portion 33 on the base side includes releasing the engagement between the mounting portion 33 and the mounting portion 43.

The performance unit 40 is assembled to the base unit 30 by attaching all of the mounting parts 43 on the performance unit 40 to the mounting parts 33 on the base side. The performance unit 40 is removed from the base unit 30 by removing all of the mounting parts 43 on the performance unit 40 from the mounting parts 33 on the base side. In this way, the multiple performance units 40 are configured to be able to be attached to and removed from the base unit 30.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured so that multiple types of presentation units 40 can be attached to the base unit 30. As an example, the presentation units 40 include an upper presentation unit 40A that can be attached using the upper mounting portion 33A on the base side. The upper presentation unit 40A includes an upper presentation unit 40AD that can be attached using both upper mounting portions 33AL and 33AR. The upper presentation unit 40AD is a double-sided upper presentation unit 40A. The upper presentation unit 40A includes an upper presentation unit 40AL that can be attached using one left center mounting portion 33BL. The upper presentation unit 40A includes an upper presentation unit 40AR that can be attached using one right center mounting portion 33BR. The upper presentation units 40AL and 40AR are cantilevered upper presentation units 40A.

The upper performance units 40AD, 40AL, 40AR do not have a wiring connector 44. The upper performance units 40AD, 40AL, 40AR may have a wiring connector 44 that protrudes upward. Here, the wiring connector 44 on the performance unit side may be a concave connector, and the upper wiring connector 32a on the base side may be a convex connector. Not limited to this, the wiring connector 44 on the performance unit side may be a convex connector, and the upper wiring connector 32a on the base side may be a concave connector. When the performance unit 40A is attached to the base unit 30 (hereinafter referred to as the attached state), the wiring connector 44 on the performance unit side and the wiring connector 32a on the base side may be connected by fitting.

As an example, the upper performance units 40AD, 40AL, and 40AR are not equipped with a stepping motor 45. The movable part 42 of the upper performance unit 40AD can operate by receiving power from both the left and right drive mechanisms 34R and 34L. The movable part 42 of the upper performance unit 40AL can operate by receiving power from the left drive mechanism 34L. The movable part 42 of the upper performance unit 40AR can operate by receiving power from the right drive mechanism 34R. Not limited to this, the upper performance units 40AD, 40AL, and 40AR may be equipped with a stepping motor 45. The movable part 42 of the upper performance units 40AD, 40AL, and 40AR may operate by receiving power from a stepping motor 45 in addition to, or instead of, the stepping motor 34A. For example, the movable part 42 of the upper performance unit 40AD, 40AL, 40AR may perform a first operation (e.g., a position change) by the power of the stepping motor 34A, and then perform a second operation (e.g., a posture change) by the power of the stepping motor 45. The upper performance unit 40AD, 40AL, 40AR may have one or both of the light-emitting unit 46 and the display unit 48, or may not have the light-emitting unit 46 and the display unit 48.

The performance unit 40 has a middle performance unit 40B that can be attached using the middle attachment part 33B. The middle performance unit 40B has a middle performance unit 40BD that can be attached using both the middle attachment parts 33BL, 33BR on the left and right. The middle performance unit 40BD is a double-supported middle performance unit 40B. The middle performance unit 40BD may be configured to use both the lower attachment parts 33CL, 33CR, or may not use the lower attachment parts 33CL, 33CR.

The middle performance unit 40B may have a middle performance unit 40BL that can be attached using one left middle attachment part 33BL. The middle performance unit 40BL may also be configured to use the lower left attachment part 33CL, or may not use the lower attachment part 33CL. The middle performance unit 40B may have a middle performance unit 40BR that can be attached using one right middle attachment part 33BR. The middle performance unit 40BR may also be configured to use the lower right attachment part 33CR, or may not use the lower attachment part 33CR. The middle performance units 40BL, 40BR are cantilever type middle performance units 40B.

The middle performance units 40BD, 40BL, 40BR may be equipped with a stepping motor 45. The movable parts 42 of the middle performance units 40BD, 40BL, 40BR may operate by receiving power from the stepping motor 45. Not limited to this, the middle performance units 40BD, 40BL, 40BR may not be equipped with a stepping motor 45. The movable parts 42 of the middle performance units 40BD, 40BL, 40BR may operate by receiving power from the drive mechanism 34. The middle performance units 40BD, 40BL, 40BR may have one or both of the light-emitting unit 46 and the display unit 48, or may not have the light-emitting unit 46 and the display unit 48.

The performance unit 40 has a lower performance unit 40C that can be attached using the lower mounting part 33C. The lower performance unit 40C has a lower performance unit 40CD that can be attached using both the lower mounting parts 33C on the left and right. The lower performance unit 40CD is a double-armed lower performance unit 40C. The lower performance unit 40C may have a lower performance unit 40CL that can be attached using one lower left mounting part 33CL. The lower performance unit 40C may have a lower performance unit 40CR that can be attached using one lower right mounting part 33CR. The lower performance units 40CL, 40CR are cantilevered lower performance units 40C.

The lower performance units 40CD, 40CL, 40CR may be equipped with a stepping motor 45. The movable parts 42 of the lower performance units 40CD, 40CL, 40CR may operate by receiving power from the stepping motor 45. Not limited to this, the lower performance units 40CD, 40CL, 40CR may not be equipped with a stepping motor 45. The movable parts 42 of the lower performance units 40CD, 40CL, 40CR may operate by receiving power from the drive mechanism 34. The lower performance units 40CD, 40CL, 40CR may have one or both of the light-emitting unit 46 and the display unit 48, or may not have the light-emitting unit 46 and the display unit 48.

The performance unit 40BD has a wiring connector 44 that protrudes upward. The performance unit 40CD has a wiring connector 44 that protrudes downward. The wiring connector 44 on the performance unit side is preferably a concave connector, and the wiring connectors 32a, 32b on the base side are preferably convex connectors. Not limited to this, the wiring connector 44 on the performance unit side may be a convex connector, and the lower wiring connector 32b on the base side may be a concave connector. When the performance unit 40 is attached to the base unit 30 (hereinafter referred to as the attached state), the wiring connectors 44, 44 on the performance unit side and the wiring connectors 32a, 32b on the base side may be connected by fitting. Similarly, the performance units 40BL, 40BR, 40CL, 40CR may have wiring connectors 44 or may not have wiring connectors 44.

The performance unit 40 includes a special performance unit 40D that can be attached by fitting the upper wiring connector 32a on the base side with the wiring connector 44 on the performance unit side without using the mounting parts 33A to 33C on the base side. The special performance unit 40D has a wiring connector 44 that protrudes upward. Here, the wiring connector 44 on the performance unit side may be a concave connector, and the upper wiring connector 32a on the base side may be a convex connector. Not limited to this, the wiring connector 44 on the performance unit side may be a convex connector, and the upper wiring connector 32a on the base side may be a concave connector. In a state where the performance unit 40A is attached to the base unit 30 (hereinafter referred to as the attached state), the wiring connector 44 on the performance unit side and the upper wiring connector 32a on the base side may be connected by fitting. The special performance unit 40D has a base part 41, but does not have one or more movable parts 42, one or more mounting parts 43, or a stepping motor 45. Without being limited thereto, the special effect unit 40D may have a movable part 42 and a stepping motor 45. The effect unit 40D may have one or both of a light-emitting part 46 and a display part 48. The effect unit 40D may not have a light-emitting part 46 and a display part 48.

The multiple types of performance units 40 can be classified into those in which the number of mounting parts 33 used for installation is a first number and those in which the number is a second number. As an example, the first number is 1 and the second number is 2 or more. Without being limited to this, the second number may be any number greater than the first number, and the first number and the second number can be changed arbitrarily. It can also be said that the multiple types of performance units 40 can be classified into those that use mounting parts 33 for installation and those that do not use mounting parts 33.

The multiple types of performance units 40 can be classified into those in which the mounting portion 33 used for installation is in a first position, and those in which the mounting portion 33 is in a second position. As an example, the first position may be the upper mounting portion 33A, and the second position may be mounting portions 33B and 33C. Without being limited to this, other mounting portions may be provided as the first and second positions instead of or in addition to mounting portions 33A to 33C. It can also be said that the multiple types of performance units 40 can be classified into those that use a wiring connector 32 for installation, and those that do not use a wiring connector 32.

The multiple types of performance units 40 can also be classified from the perspective of whether or not they are equipped with a stepping motor 45. In other words, the multiple types of performance units 40 can also be classified from the perspective of whether or not the movable part 42 is operated by the drive mechanism 34 mounted on the base unit 30. It can also be said that the multiple types of performance units 40 can be classified into those that have a movable part 42 and those that do not have a movable part 42.

The mounting portion 43 on the performance unit side and the mounting portion 33 on the base side constitute an attachment mechanism 70 for attaching and detaching the performance unit 40 to and from the base unit 30. The mounting portion 43 on the performance unit side includes the mounting portion 43A on the upper performance unit 40A and the mounting portion 43B on the performance units 40B and 40C. The attachment mechanism 70 includes a first attachment mechanism 71 including the mounting portion 43A on the upper performance unit 40A and the upper attachment portion 33A on the base unit 30. The attachment mechanism 70 includes a second attachment mechanism 72 including the mounting portion 43B on the performance units 40B and 40C and the mounting portions 33B and 33C on the base unit 30. The wiring connectors 32 and 44 can also be said to constitute the attachment mechanism.

A specific example of the first attachment mechanism 71 will be described.
As shown in Fig. 5, the first mounting mechanism 71 includes a first mounting mechanism 71L composed of the upper left mounting part 33AL on the base side and the mounting part 43A on the performance unit side, and a first mounting mechanism 71R composed of the upper right mounting part 33AR on the base side and the mounting part 43A on the performance unit side. The first mounting mechanism 71L and the first mounting mechanism 71R are configured symmetrically. The first mounting mechanism 71L will be explained in detail. The explanation of the first mounting mechanism 71R will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 6(a), the upper left mounting part 33AL has a rectangular plate-shaped base part 33a arranged to intersect with the front-rear direction. The upper left mounting part 33AL has an upper wall 33b, a left wall 33c, and a right wall 33d that extend forward from the edge of the base part 33a. In other words, the upper left mounting part 33AL is box-shaped and opens forward and downward. The left wall 33c has a first locking part 33e that protrudes to the left as an example of a first part. The first locking part 33e is locked to the guide plate 34B. The left wall 33c has a second locking part 33f that protrudes to the left as an example of a second part. The second locking part 33f is locked to a spiral groove formed in the shaft 34C. Guide grooves 33g are formed on the surfaces of the left wall 33c and the right wall 33d where these walls 33c and 33d face each other. The guide grooves 33g extend in the vertical direction. A lock hole 33h is formed on the front surface of each of the left wall 33c and the right wall 33d.

As shown in FIG. 6(b), the mounting portion 43A has a rectangular base portion 43a. The base portion 43a has a guide piece 43g protruding leftward on its left surface. The base portion 43a has a guide piece 43g protruding rightward on its right surface. The guide pieces 43g, 43g extend in the vertical direction. The mounting portion 43A has a lever 43b. The lever 43b is a U-shaped part having two arms 43c, 43c. The tip of each arm 43c, 43c is supported by the base portion 43a so that the entire lever 43b can rotate in the front-rear direction around the tip. Each arm 43c, 43c has a lock piece 43d protruding rearward.

As shown in FIG. 6(c), the mounting part 43A on the performance unit side is attached to the mounting part 33AL on the base side from below. At this time, the guide pieces 43g, 43g on the mounting part 43A on the performance unit side are inserted into the guide grooves 33g, 33g on the mounting part 33AL on the base side. In other words, the mounting part 43A is guided upward by the guide grooves 33g, 33g. The position where the upper end of the base part 43a on the mounting part 43A on the performance unit side hits the lower surface of the upper wall 33b of the mounting part 33AL on the base side is the specified position PF of the performance unit 40A. The specified position PF is the position where the performance unit 40A should be fixed to the base unit 30. The guide grooves 33g, 33g are an example of a guide means configured to guide the performance unit 40 to the specified position PF of the base unit 30. The guide pieces 43g are engaged with the guide grooves 33g. If the performance unit 40A has a wiring connector 44, when the performance unit 40A reaches the specified position PF, the wiring connector 44 of the performance unit 40A is inserted into the upper wiring connector 32a on the base side. In other words, the wiring connectors 32a and 44 are mechanically connected by fitting together. The wiring connectors 32a and 44 are also electrically connected.

When the performance unit 40A is in the specified position PF, the lever 43b is rotated backward. The lock pieces 43d on each arm 43c, 43c of the lever 43b are inserted into the lock holes 33h in the mounting portion 33AL. In this state, if the performance unit 40A attempts to displace downward, the lock pieces 43d are engaged with the lower inner wall surface of the lock hole 33h. In other words, the performance unit 40 is prevented from falling off. This places the pachinko game machine 10 in an attached state in which the performance unit 40 is attached to the specified position PF of the base unit 30. The attached state may be a connected state in which the upper wiring connector 32a on the base unit side and the wiring connector 44 on the performance unit 40A side are electrically connected.

When the performance unit 40A is attached, the performance unit 40A is operated by the drive mechanism 34. For example, when the stepping motor 34A is driven in the attached state, the attachment part 33A engaged with the shaft 34C is displaced in the vertical direction. In other words, the movable part 42 of the performance unit 40A is also displaced along with the attachment part 43A on the performance unit side attached to the attachment part 33A.

A specific example of the second attachment mechanism 72 will be described.
5, the second mounting mechanism 72 includes a second mounting mechanism 72BL including a left center mounting portion 33BL on the base side and a mounting portion 43B on the performance unit side, and a second mounting mechanism 72BR including a right center mounting portion 33BR on the base side and a mounting portion 43B on the performance unit side. The second mounting mechanism 72 includes a second mounting mechanism 72CL including a left lower mounting portion 33CL on the base side and a mounting portion 43B on the performance unit side, and a second mounting mechanism 72CR including a right lower mounting portion 33CR on the base side and a mounting portion 43B on the performance unit side.

The second mounting mechanisms 72BL, 72CL have the same configuration. The second mounting mechanisms 72BR, 72CR have the same configuration. The second mounting mechanisms 72BL and 72BR are configured symmetrically. The second mounting mechanisms 72CL and 72CR are configured symmetrically. The second mounting mechanism 72BR will be described in detail. The description of the second mounting mechanisms 72BL, 72CL, 72CR will be omitted.

As shown in Figures 5 and 7, as an example, the mounting portion 33BR on the base side is a locking hole 33m formed in the guide plate 34B. As an example, the locking hole 33m is a long hole extending in the vertical direction. The mounting portion 43B on the performance unit side has a locking hook 43m.

The performance unit 40B is pressed against the base unit 30 from the front to the rear. At this time, the locking hooks 43m on one or more (two in one example) mounting parts 43B on the performance unit side are inserted into the locking holes 33m on each mounting part 33B on the base side. Next, the performance unit 40B is displaced downward. At this time, the one or more locking hooks 43m are guided downward by the left and right edges of the locking holes 33m that extend in the vertical direction.

The position where the base end of the locking hook 43m on the mounting part 43B on the performance unit side abuts against the lower edge of the locking hole 33m on the mounting part 33B on the base side is the specified position PF of the performance unit 40B. The specified position PF is the position where the performance unit 40B should be fixed to the base unit 30. The left and right edges of the edge of the locking hole 33m extending in the vertical direction are an example of a guide means configured to guide the performance unit 40B to the specified position PF of the base unit 30. The locking hook 43m is locked to the edge of the locking hole 33m. When the performance unit 40B reaches the specified position PF, the wiring connector 44 of the performance unit 40B is inserted into the lower wiring connector 32b on the base side. In other words, the wiring connectors 32b, 44 are mechanically connected by fitting. The wiring connectors 32b, 44 are also electrically connected. When assembling the performance unit 40C to the base unit 30, the locking hooks 43m on one or more (for example, two) mounting parts 43B on the performance unit side can be inserted into the locking holes 33m on each mounting part 33C on the base side to lock them in place.

As a result, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is in an attached state with the presentation units 40B, 40C attached to the specified position PF of the base unit 30. The attached state may be a connected state in which the wiring connector 32b on the base unit side and the wiring connector 44 on the presentation units 40B, 40C side are electrically connected. In the attached state of the presentation units 40B, 40C, power is supplied via the wiring connectors 32b, 44, and the electrical components mounted on these presentation units can operate. For example, in the attached state, when the stepping motor 45 is driven, the movable part 42 is displaced in the vertical direction. For example, a light-emitting presentation is performed by the light-emitting part 46. For example, a display presentation is performed by the display part 48.

The performance unit 40 can be attached to and detached from the base unit 30, but is not fixed to the fitting portion 13A of the middle frame 13 by the fixing mechanism 13B. Therefore, the performance unit 40 can be attached to and detached from the base unit 30 while the base unit 30 remains fixed to the middle frame 13. In addition, the display performance device 19 and the control boards 80 and 81 may remain attached to the base unit 30.

As described above, the mounting mechanisms 71 and 72 are configured so that the performance unit 40 can be attached to the specified position PF of the base unit 30 by engaging it when the wiring connector 32 on the base side and the wiring connector 44 on the performance unit side are electrically connected. The mounting mechanisms 71 and 72 are an example of a locking means. The performance unit 40 can be removed by releasing the locking provided by the mounting mechanisms 71 and 72.

There are multiple mounting mechanisms 71, 72. The multiple mounting mechanisms 71 are configured so that the same number of performance units 40 as the multiple mounting mechanisms 71 can be attached to the specified positions PF of the base unit 30 by engaging them. It can also be said that the multiple mounting mechanisms 71 are configured so that a smaller number of performance units 40 than the multiple mounting mechanisms 71 can be attached to the specified positions of the base unit. The same can be said for the mounting mechanism 72.

The game board 50 will now be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 50 has a square-shaped game board 51. For example, the game board 51 is made of wood or acrylic. A game area 51a that is substantially circular when viewed from the front is defined on the front of the game board 51. Nails, windmills, etc. are arranged in the game area 51a. A display window 51b is formed in the approximate center of the game area 51a so as to penetrate the game board 51 in the front-rear direction. A shot passage 51c is formed to the left of the game area 51a, which guides the game ball shot by operating the shot operation unit 15 to the game area 51a. The game area 51a and the shot passage 51c are covered by the protective glass 14a of the front frame 14.

The game board 50 has one or more fixed operation units 58. The fixed operation unit 58 is an example of a means for assembling the game board 50 to the base unit 30. As an example, the fixed operation units 58 are formed at each of the four corners of the game board 51. Each fixed operation unit 58 has an operation unit arranged on the front side of the game board 51 and a locking shaft extending backward from the operation unit so as to penetrate the game board 51. When the operation unit is rotated in the first direction with the locking shaft inserted into the locking hole 35 of the base unit 30, the tip of the locking shaft is locked to the edge of the locking hole 35. When all the fixed operation units 58 are operated in the same way, the game board 50 is fixed to the front side of the base unit 30. When the operation unit of the fixed operation unit 58 is rotated in the second direction, the locking shaft and the base unit 30 are released from each other. When all of the fixed operation units 58 are operated in the same manner, the game board 50 can be removed from the base unit 30. In this way, the game board 50 is configured to be attachable and detachable to the base unit 30.

As described above, the base unit 30 is fixed to the fitting portion 13A of the middle frame 13 by the fixing mechanism 13B. The game board 50 is not fixed to the middle frame 13 by the fixing mechanism 13B. Therefore, the game board 50 can be attached to and detached from the base unit 30 while the base unit 30 remains fixed to the middle frame 13. In addition, the display device 19 and the control boards 80 and 81 may remain attached to the base unit 30.

The game board 50 is formed with a plurality of winning holes 53 through which game balls can enter. These winning holes 53 open into the game area 51a. The winning holes 53 include a first starting hole 53A, a second starting hole 53B, a big winning hole 53C, and a normal winning hole 53D. The winning holes may include other winning holes different from these winning holes 53.

The first start opening 53A is a winning opening through which game balls are inserted to satisfy the conditions for awarding prize balls and the reservation conditions for the first special game. The first special game will be described later. As an example, the first start opening 53A is located below the display and performance device 19. The first start opening 53A is always open so that game balls can be inserted. The game board unit 20 is equipped with a first start sensor D11 that detects game balls that have entered the first start opening 53A (see FIG. 8).

The second starting hole 53B is a winning hole through which a game ball is inserted to satisfy the conditions for awarding a prize ball and the reservation conditions for the second special game. The second special game will be described later. As an example, the second starting hole 53B is located to the right of the first starting hole 53A. The second starting hole 53B is provided with a normal opening and closing piece 53Ba, which is, for example, in the form of a door. When a normal winning game is not awarded, the second starting hole 53B is closed so that a game ball cannot be inserted or is difficult to insert. When a normal winning game is awarded, the second starting hole 53B is opened so that a game ball can be inserted or is easy to insert. The game board unit 20 is provided with a normal solenoid SL1 as a means for opening the second starting hole 53B (see FIG. 8). The game board unit 20 is also provided with a second starting sensor D12 for detecting a game ball that has entered the second starting hole 53B (see FIG. 8). The normal opening and closing piece 53Ba is what is known as a "normal electric device."

The big prize opening 53C is an opening through which game balls enter in order to satisfy the conditions for awarding prize balls. As an example, the big prize opening 53C is located at the lower right of the display and performance device 19. The big prize opening 53C is provided with a special opening and closing piece 53Ca, which is, for example, in the form of a door. When a big prize game is not awarded, the big prize opening 53C is closed so that game balls cannot enter or are difficult to enter. When a big prize game is awarded, the big prize opening 53C is opened so that game balls can enter or are easy to enter. The game board unit 20 is provided with a special solenoid SL2 as a means for opening the big prize opening 53C (see FIG. 8). The game board unit 20 is also provided with a count sensor D13 that detects game balls that have entered the big prize opening 53C (see FIG. 8).

The normal winning opening 53D is a winning opening through which game balls enter in order to satisfy the conditions for awarding prize balls. As an example, the normal winning opening 53D is located at the lower left of the display and performance device 19 and at the lower right of the display and performance device 19. The normal winning opening 53D is always open so that game balls can enter. The game board unit 20 is equipped with a normal sensor D14 that detects game balls that enter the normal winning opening 53D (see FIG. 8).

The game board 50 has a gate 54. As an example, the gate 54 is located in the right area of the game area 51a, above the second start opening 53B and the big prize opening 53C. The gate 54 has a gate opening 54a. The gate opening 54a is always open so that game balls can enter the gate. The gate 54 has a gate sensor D15 that detects game balls that have entered the gate opening 54a (see FIG. 8). The gate 54 is an entrance opening through which game balls can enter in order to establish the starting conditions for the normal game. Even if a game ball enters the gate 54, the conditions for awarding prize balls are not established. The normal game will be described later.

An outlet 55 is formed on the game board 50. As an example, the outlet 55 opens at the bottom of the game area 51a. If a game ball does not enter any of the first start opening 53A, the second start opening 53B, the big prize opening 53C, or the normal prize opening 53D, the game ball enters the outlet 55. The multiple prize openings 53 and the outlet 55 can be understood as outlets for discharging game balls from the game area 51a, or as return openings for returning game balls from the game area 51a. When a game ball enters the multiple prize openings 53 or the outlet 55, it is discharged from the game board unit 20. Hereinafter, game balls discharged from the game board unit 20 are so-called "out balls."

The information display device 60 will be described.
As an example, the information display device 60 is provided on the game board 50. The information display device 60 displays various information. As an example, the information display device 60 includes a first special symbol display section 61, a second special symbol display section 62, a first hold display section 63, a second hold display section 64, a normal symbol display section 65, and a normal hold display section 66. As an example, the multiple display sections 61 to 66 are arranged together in a portion of the game board 50 that is visible to the player, but this is not limited thereto, and some or all of them may be arranged in different portions.

The special symbol display units 61 and 62 can execute a special symbol changing game (hereinafter referred to as a special game) in which a predetermined symbol is changed and finally a special symbol is stopped and displayed. The special symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of an internal lottery (a lottery for a special symbol). The special symbol includes a big win symbol and a losing symbol. The special symbol may include a small win symbol. In the pachinko game machine 10, when a big win is won in the lottery for a special symbol, the big win symbol is stopped and displayed in a special game, and a big win game is awarded after the special game for the big win ends. The big win game will be described later. In the following description, the special game executed in the first special symbol display unit 61 is referred to as the "first special game", and the special game executed in the second special symbol display unit 62 is referred to as the "second special game".

The first pending display unit 63 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 unit 64 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 unit 65 is capable of executing a normal game in which a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and finally a normal symbol is displayed stationarily. The normal symbol is a symbol for announcing the result of an internal lottery (a lottery for a winning normal symbol). There are normal winning symbols and normal losing symbols. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a normal winning symbol is won in the lottery for a winning normal symbol, the normal winning symbol is displayed stationarily in the normal game, and a normal winning game is awarded after the normal game ends.

The regular hold display unit 66 displays information that can identify the number of regular games whose execution is on hold because the hold conditions have been met but the start conditions have not yet been met. The information display device 60 may include a right-hit display unit that displays information instructing a right hit, and a round display unit that notifies the player of the upper limit of the number of rounds that can be played.

The control boards 80 and 81 will now be described.
2, a main control board 80 and a sub-control board 81 are attached to the rear surface of the base unit 30. Alternatively, the control boards 80 and 81 may be attached to the rear surface of the display performance device 19. The multiple control boards 80 and 81 are provided in positions that cannot be accessed unless the locking device 11A is unlocked and the inner frame 13 is opened. The electrical configuration of the control boards 80 and 81 will be described later.

The display performance device 19 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 5, the display performance device 19 has an image display area 19a capable of displaying an image. The display performance device 19 is attached to the rear surface of the base unit 30 so that the image display area 19a can be viewed through the display windows 31g and 51b. As an example, the display performance device 19 is a liquid crystal display. The display performance device 19 can execute a performance of displaying a predetermined image (hereinafter, referred to as a display performance). For example, the predetermined image is an image such as a performance pattern, a character, a landscape, a character (character string), a number, and 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 display performance device 19 can execute a predetermined notification in a manner of displaying a predetermined image.

Here, the audio performance device 17, the light-emitting performance device 18, and the display performance device 19 constitute a performance device ES, which is an example of a means for executing a specified performance (see FIG. 1). The audio performance device 17, the light-emitting performance device 18, and the display performance device 19 can all execute a specified notification. The performance device ES constitutes an example of a means for executing a specified notification. The performance devices included in the performance device ES are not limited to the audio performance device 17, the light-emitting performance device 18, and the display performance 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 ES may include a performance unit 40 having a movable part 42 as a movable performance device that executes a movable performance, and may include a vibration performance device that executes a vibration performance.

For example, the display effects in the display effect device 19 include a performance pattern change game (hereinafter referred to as a performance game) using multiple rows of performance patterns (decorative patterns). In the performance game, multiple rows of performance patterns are displayed in a variable manner, and finally a combination of performance patterns (hereinafter referred to as a pattern combination) is displayed in a stopped manner. The performance patterns (decorative patterns) are patterns decorated with characters, patterns, etc., and are patterns for diversifying the display effects. As an example, the performance game is performed by displaying (scrolling) the performance patterns of the left pattern row, the center pattern row, and the right pattern row in a variable manner in a predetermined direction. The performance game may include a reach effect that is performed by forming a reach. The performance game is started together with the special game and ended together with the special game. In the performance game, a pattern combination corresponding to the special pattern displayed in the special game is displayed in a stopped manner. When a jackpot pattern is displayed in the special game, the jackpot pattern combination is displayed in a stopped manner in the performance game. When a losing symbol is displayed in the special game, a losing symbol combination is displayed in the effect game. In the following explanation, the special game and the effect game that is executed together with the special game are collectively referred to as the "variable game."

We will explain about jackpot games.
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 53C 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 53C 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 functions of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will now be described.
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 special symbol winning lottery (hereinafter referred to as the jackpot probability). In other words, 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 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 53B. In other words, 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 53B can be different. In the high ball entry rate state, the probability that the game ball will enter the second starting hole 53B 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 53B increases, making it easier for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 53B, 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 53B 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 53B 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 53B 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).

The game state is determined by a combination of whether or not the special chance function is activated and whether or not the ball-scoring assistance function is activated. In the following explanation, a game state that is a low probability state and a low ball-scoring rate state is referred to as a "low probability low ball-scoring rate state," and a game state that is a high probability state and a low ball-scoring rate state is referred to as a "high probability low ball-scoring rate state." In addition, a game state that is a low probability state and a high ball-scoring rate state is referred to as a "low probability high ball-scoring rate state," and a game state that is a high probability state and a high ball-scoring rate state is referred to as a "high probability high ball-scoring rate state."

The electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
8, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a plurality of control boards. The plurality of control boards include a main control board 80 and a sub-control board 81.

The main control board 80 and the sub-control board 81 are connected so that control information (such as control commands) can be output in one direction from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 81. The main control board 80 executes a predetermined process and outputs the control information to the sub-control board 81. The sub-control board 81 executes a predetermined process based on the control information input from the main control board 80.

The main control board 80 will now be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 8, the main control board 80 includes a CPU 80a, a ROM 80b, a RAM 80c, and a random number generating circuit 80d. The CPU 80a executes a main control program to execute processing related to the progress of the game. The ROM 80b stores the main control program, judgment values used for various judgments and lotteries, and tables. The ROM 80b 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. As an example, the variation pattern includes a big win variation pattern and a miss variation pattern. As an example, the performance game based on the big win variation pattern has a variation content in which a big win pattern combination is stopped and displayed after a reach performance or without a reach performance. As an example, the performance game based on the miss variation pattern has a variation content in which a miss pattern combination is stopped and displayed after a reach performance or without a reach performance.

RAM 80c stores various information that is rewritten depending on the processing results of CPU 80a. For example, information stored in RAM 80c includes flags, counters, and timers. RAM 80c is an example of a means capable of storing information. Random number generation circuit 80d generates hardware random numbers. The main control board 80 may be configured to be capable of generating software random numbers through random number generation processing by CPU 80a.

The main control board 80 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 80a can input detection signals output by each of the sensors D11 to D15 when they detect a game ball. The main control board 80 is connected to the radio wave sensor D16. The CPU 80a can input a radio wave detection signal. The main control board 80 is connected to the first door opening switch D17 and the second door opening switch D18. The CPU 80a can input a first door opening signal and a second door opening signal. The main control board 80 is connected to each of the display units 61 to 66. The CPU 80a can control the display contents of each of the display units 61 to 66. The main control board 80 is connected to each of the solenoids SL1, SL2. The CPU 80a can control the opening state of the second start opening 53B and the big prize opening 53C by controlling the operation of each solenoid SL1, SL2.

The sub-control board 81 will now be described in detail.
The sub-control board 81 includes a CPU 81a, a ROM 81b, and a RAM 81c. The CPU 81a executes a sub-control program to perform processing related to the performance. The ROM 81b stores the sub-control program and a judgment value used for a predetermined lottery. The ROM 81b 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 81c stores various information that is rewritten during the operation of the pachinko game machine 10. For example, the information stored in the RAM 81c includes a flag, a counter, and a timer. The sub-control board 81 is configured to be able to generate software random numbers by the random number generation process by the CPU 81a. The sub-control board 81 may include a random number generation circuit and be able to generate hardware random numbers.

The sub-control board 81 is connected to the display performance device 19. The CPU 81a can control the display contents of the display performance device 19. The sub-control board 81 is connected to the audio performance device 17. The CPU 81a can control the output contents of the audio performance device 17. The sub-control board 81 is connected to the light-emitting performance device 18. The CPU 81a can control the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting performance device 18. The sub-control board 81 is connected to the performance operation unit 16. The CPU 81a can input an operation signal that is output when the performance operation unit 16 is operated.

The sub-control board 81 is connected to the stepping motor 34A that constitutes the drive mechanism 34. The CPU 81a is capable of controlling the operation of the stepping motor 34A. In other words, the CPU 81a is configured to be able to control, together with the mounting part 33A, the operation of the movable part 42 of the performance unit 40 that is attached to the mounting part 33A.

The sub-control board 81 can be connected to one or more performance units 40 via the wiring connectors 32, 44. The CPU 81a can determine whether the wiring connector 44 on the performance unit side is connected to the wiring connector 32 on the base side by monitoring the power supply state of the wiring connector 32 on the base side. The CPU 81a can read unit identification information from the identification element 47 mounted on the performance unit 40. When a stepping motor 45 is mounted on the performance unit 40, the CPU 81a can control the operation of the stepping motor 45. In other words, the CPU 81a is configured to be able to control the operation of the movable part 42 mounted on the performance unit 40. When a light-emitting part 46 is mounted on the performance unit 40, the CPU 81a is configured to be able to control the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting part 46. When a display part 48 is mounted on the performance unit 40, the CPU 81a is configured to be able to control the display content of the display part 48.

Various processes performed by the main control board 80 (CPU 80a) will be described.
When the CPU 80a is started up following power-on, it executes a main power-on process.
The main control board 80 is configured to be able to retain various information stored in the RAM 80c by using power supplied from a backup power source (not shown) even if the power is cut off. The various information includes information necessary for the progress of a game (hereinafter referred to as game information).

The CPU 80a judges whether the backed up information is normal. For example, the CPU 80a judges whether a backup flag is stored in the RAM 80c. When the processing when the power is cut off (hereinafter referred to as the main power cut processing) can be executed normally, the CPU 80a stores the backup flag in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a calculates a checksum value of the RAM 80c and judges whether the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value calculated in the main power cut processing. When the backup flag is stored and the checksum values match, the CPU 80a judges the information as normal, whereas when they do not, the CPU 80a judges the information as abnormal. When the backed up information is judged as abnormal, the CPU 80a initializes the game information stored in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as the initialization command) capable of identifying that the game information has been initialized to the sub-control board 81. After that, the CPU 80a ends the main power on processing.

If the backed up information is determined to be normal, the CPU 80a determines whether or not a RAM clear signal has been input from a RAM clear switch (not shown). The RAM clear switch (not shown) may be provided on the main control board 80, or may be provided on a control board different from the main control board 80. If a RAM clear signal has been input, the CPU 80a initializes the game information stored in the RAM 80c. In this case, the CPU 80a outputs an initialization command to the sub-control board 81. On the other hand, if a RAM clear signal has not been input, the CPU 80a outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a power recovery command) that can specify a return based on the backed up game information to the sub-control board 81. After that, the CPU 80a ends the main power-on process.

When the CPU 80a finishes the main power-on process, it allows the timer interrupt process. In other words, if the game information has been initialized, the timer interrupt process is executed based on the game information after initialization. In this case, the CPU 80a executes various processes 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 game information has not been initialized, the timer interrupt process is executed based on the backed-up game information. In this case, if the first special reserved number and the second special reserved number are the reserved numbers at the time of power failure, and either the first special game or the second special game is being executed at the time of power failure, the CPU 80a returns to the process of executing the special game, and if a jackpot game is being awarded at the time of power failure, the CPU 80a returns to the process of awarding the jackpot game.

The CPU 80a 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). Processing realized as timer interrupt processing also includes processing for jackpot game processing, state transition processing, and main error processing, which will be described later.

The special symbol input process will be described.
The CPU 80a judges whether the game ball has entered the first start hole 53A 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 53A, the CPU 80a judges whether the first reserved number stored in the RAM 80c 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 80a adds 1 to the first reserved number and updates it. Then, the CPU 80a controls the first reserved display unit 63 to display information that can identify the updated first reserved number. The reserved condition of the first special game is met when the game ball is detected by the first start sensor D11 when the first reserved number is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the CPU 80a acquires the random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 80d, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the RAM 80c. For example, the random numbers are winning random numbers used in the lottery for selecting 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 80a 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 was 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.

When the random number information for the first special game is stored in the RAM 80c, the CPU 80a determines whether the game ball has entered the second start port 53B based on whether a detection signal has been input from the second start sensor D12 when the game ball has not entered the first start port 53A and when the first reserved number is not less than the upper limit number. When the game ball has entered the second start port 53B, the CPU 80a determines whether the second reserved number stored in the RAM 80c is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the second reserved number is less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a adds 1 to the second reserved number and updates it. The CPU 80a controls the second reserved display unit 64 to display information that can identify the second reserved number after the addition. 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 80a acquires random numbers generated within the main control board 80, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that the random number information is used for the second special game, and the order in which the random number information is stored. By storing the random number information used for the special game in the RAM 80c, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can suspend the execution of the special game until the start conditions of the special game are met. When the random number information for the second special game is stored in the RAM 80c, if the game ball has not entered the second start hole 53B, and if the second reserved number is not less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol input process.

The special symbol start process will be described.
First, the CPU 80a judges whether the start condition of the special game is satisfied. The CPU 80a judges it as positive when neither a jackpot game nor a special game is being played, and judges it as negative when a jackpot game or a special game is being played. If the start condition of the special game is not satisfied, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process. If the start condition of the special game is satisfied, the CPU 80a judges whether the second reserved number is greater than zero. If the second reserved number is zero, the CPU 80a judges whether the first reserved number is greater than zero. If the first reserved number is zero, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process.

If the first reserved number is greater than zero, the CPU 80a performs processing to execute the first special game. Specifically, the CPU 80a updates the first reserved number by subtracting one. The CPU 80a controls the first reserved display unit 63 to display information that can identify the first reserved number after subtraction. The CPU 80a acquires the random number information stored first from the random number information for the first special game from the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a 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 80a performs a jackpot lottery with a jackpot probability according to the current probability state (whether or not the special jackpot function is activated).

When a jackpot is won, the CPU 80a performs jackpot variation processing. In the jackpot variation processing, the CPU 80a performs a lottery for a jackpot pattern using a winning pattern random number that can be identified from the random number information, and determines the jackpot pattern to be stopped and displayed in the first special game. The CPU 80a performs a lottery for determining a variation pattern using a variation pattern random number that can be identified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among multiple jackpot variation patterns. After that, the CPU 80a ends the special pattern start processing.

If the jackpot is not won, the CPU 80a performs a loss variation process. In the loss variation process, the CPU 80a determines the loss symbol to be stopped and displayed in the first special game. The CPU 80a 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 80a ends the special symbol start process.

If the second reserved number is greater than zero, the CPU 80a 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 "first special game" is replaced with "second special game" and "first reserved number" is replaced with "second reserved number", and therefore a detailed explanation is omitted. In other words, the CPU 80a 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 80a outputs a variation start command and a special pattern command to the sub-control board 81 during the jackpot variation process and the miss 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 determined in each variation process. 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 80a executes a first special game or a second special game through a process separate from the special pattern start process. As an example, when the CPU 80a executes the first special game, it controls the first special pattern display unit 61 to start the variable display of a specified pattern. The CPU 80a measures the variable time set in the variable pattern. When the variable time set in the variable pattern has elapsed, the CPU 80a controls the first special pattern display unit 61 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 80a outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a variable end command) capable of identifying the end of the variable game to the sub-control board 81.

As an example, when the CPU 80a executes the second special game, it controls the second special symbol display unit 62 to start displaying a predetermined symbol. The CPU 80a measures the change time set in the change pattern. When the change time set in the change pattern has elapsed, the CPU 80a controls the second special symbol display unit 62 to stop displaying the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process. When the change time set in the change pattern has elapsed, the CPU 80a also outputs a change end command to the sub-control board 81. As described above, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured to be able to execute a winning lottery when a game ball enters the start hole and execute a pattern change game based on the result of the winning lottery by the CPU 80a executing the special symbol input process and the special symbol start process.

The big win game processing will be explained.
The jackpot game process is a process for awarding a jackpot game. When the CPU 80a stops and displays a jackpot symbol in a special game, the CPU 80a executes the jackpot game process after the end of the jackpot special game. The CPU 80a specifies the type of jackpot game based on the jackpot symbol (type of jackpot) determined in the special symbol start process. The CPU 80a is configured to award the specified type of jackpot game.

First, the CPU 80a outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as an opening command) capable of identifying the start of the opening time to the sub-control board 81. When the opening time has elapsed, the CPU 80a performs processing to execute a round game. As an example, the CPU 80a controls the special solenoid SL2 using the specified opening control data for the big win game to open the big win opening 53C. 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 80a controls the special solenoid SL2 to close the big win opening 53C, thereby ending the round game. The CPU 80a 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 80a outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a round command) capable of identifying the start of the round game to the sub-control board 81 every time a round game is started. When the final round of play ends, the CPU 80a outputs a control command capable of identifying the start of the ending time (hereinafter referred to as the ending start command) to the sub-control board 81. When the ending time has elapsed, the CPU 80a ends the jackpot game. The CPU 80a may output a control command capable of identifying the elapse of the ending time (hereinafter referred to as the ending end command) to the sub-control board 81.

The state transition process will now be described.
As an example, when the CPU 80a ends a jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern among the jackpot patterns, it sets a high probability flag in the RAM 80c. That is, the CPU 80a controls to a high probability state. After the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern ends, the CPU 80a does not erase the probability flag until the next jackpot game is awarded. As an example, when the CPU 80a ends a jackpot game based on a second jackpot pattern different from the first jackpot pattern, it does not set a high probability flag in the RAM 80c. That is, the CPU 80a controls to a low probability state. When the CPU 80a starts a jackpot game and the high probability flag is set, it erases the high probability flag. That is, the CPU 80a controls to a low probability state during a jackpot game.

As an example, the CPU 80a sets an operation flag in the RAM 80c when a jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern or the second jackpot pattern ends. In other words, the CPU 80a controls to a high ball entry rate state. After the jackpot game based on the second jackpot pattern ends, the CPU 80a 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 80c each time a special game is started. As an example, the CPU 80a erases the operation flag stored in the RAM 80c when a special game in which the number of times the special game is executed after the jackpot game ends reaches the activation number ends. In other words, the CPU 80a controls to a low ball entry rate state when the special game for the activation number ends after the jackpot game based on the second jackpot pattern ends. Note that the CPU 80a 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 80a clears the activation flag. In other words, the CPU 80a controls the jackpot game to a low ball entry rate state.

The main error processing will now be described.
In the main error processing, various types of errors are set and the error settings are released. In the following description, when an error is referred to as being "set," it means that information (such as a flag) capable of identifying the error is stored in the RAM. When an error is referred to as being "released," it means that information (such as a flag) capable of identifying the error is erased from the RAM.

When the CPU 80a receives a radio wave detection signal from the radio wave sensor D16, it sets an unauthorized radio wave error. The unauthorized radio wave error setting is not released until the power is turned off. When the unauthorized radio wave error is set, the CPU 80a sends specified control information (hereinafter referred to as the unauthorized radio wave error setting command) to the sub-control board 81.

The CPU 80a sets a door open error when a first door open signal is input from the first door open switch D17, and when a second door open signal is input from the second door open switch D18. When a door open error is set, the CPU 80a sends specified control information (hereinafter referred to as a door open error setting command) to the sub-control board 81. When neither the first door open signal nor the second door open signal is input, the CPU 80a cancels the door open error setting. When the door open error setting is canceled, the CPU 80a sends specified control information (hereinafter referred to as a door open error cancellation command) to the sub-control board 81.

Various processes executed by the sub-control board 81 (CPU 81a) will be described.
The sub power-on process will now be described.
When the CPU 81a is started up following power-on, it waits until an initialization command or a power recovery command is input. When the initialization command or power recovery command is input, the CPU 81a executes a sub power-on process. In the following description, the period from when the CPU 81a is started up until when the initialization command or power recovery command is input is referred to as a standby period t1.

When the CPU 81a inputs an initialization command, it controls some or all of the performance devices 17-19 that make up the performance equipment ES to execute a RAM clear notification (initialization notification). As an example, the RAM clear notification includes displaying information that can identify the execution of a RAM clear, such as the string "RAM clear" (hereinafter referred to as RAM clear information) on the display performance device 19. As an example, the RAM clear information is displayed in the normal area 19e of the image display area 19a of the display performance device 19 (see Figure 5). The normal area 19e is set to the non-overlapping area 19f of the image display area 19a that does not overlap with the performance unit 40. However, if the performance unit 40 has a movable part 42, the movable part 42 is set to be in the original position P1. The CPU 81a controls the performance equipment ES to end the RAM clear notification when a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the RAM clear notification. Furthermore, when an initialization command is input, the CPU 81a controls the display/effect device 19 to display a predetermined background image and a combination of predetermined effect patterns.

When the CPU 81a inputs a power restoration command, it controls some or all of the performance devices 17-19 that make up the performance equipment ES to execute a power restoration notification. As an example, the power restoration notification includes displaying information that can identify non-execution of RAM clearing (hereinafter referred to as power restoration information) on the display performance device 19, such as the string "Power restoration in progress." As an example, the power restoration information is displayed in the normal area 19e of the image display area 19a of the display performance device 19 (see FIG. 5). The CPU 81a controls the performance equipment ES to end the power restoration notification when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the power restoration notification. Without being limited to this, the CPU 81a may be configured not to execute the power restoration notification. Furthermore, when the CPU 81a inputs a power restoration command, it controls the display performance device 19 to display a predetermined background image and a combination of performance patterns that is different from the combination of the predetermined performance patterns.

When the CPU 81a receives an initialization command or a power recovery command, it executes various normal processing operations at a predetermined control period (e.g., every 108 ms). Normal processing operations include sub-error processing, presentation unit confirmation processing, jackpot presentation processing, and presentation game processing.

The sub-error process will now be described.
The sub-error process is a process for executing an error notification in response to an error-related command input from the main control board 80. When the CPU 81a inputs an unauthorized radio wave error setting command, it controls some or all of the performance devices 17-19 constituting the performance equipment ES to execute an unauthorized radio wave error notification. As an example, the unauthorized radio wave error notification includes displaying information that can identify that unauthorized radio waves have been detected (hereinafter referred to as unauthorized radio wave error information) on the display performance device 19, such as the character string "unauthorized radio waves have been detected." As an example, the unauthorized radio wave error information is displayed in the normal area 19e of the image display area 19a of the display performance device 19 (see FIG. 5).

When the CPU 81a inputs a door open error setting command, it controls some or all of the performance devices 17-19 that make up the performance equipment ES to notify the user of a door open error. As an example, the door open error notification includes displaying, on the display performance device 19, information that can identify that at least one of the middle frame 13 and the front frame 14 is open (hereinafter referred to as door open error information), such as the text "Door is open." As an example, the door open error information is displayed in the normal area 19e of the image display area 19a of the display performance device 19 (see FIG. 5). When the CPU 81a inputs a door open error release command, it controls some or all of the performance devices 17-19 that make up the performance equipment ES to end the door open error notification. That is, as an example, the display of the door open error information ends.

The performance unit confirmation process will be explained.
In the performance unit confirmation process, an error is set for the performance unit 40, and the error is cleared. The waiting period t1 is a period (e.g., 500 ms) longer than a predetermined control period. In other words, in a situation where power is supplied while the performance unit 40 is removed, the first time from when power is supplied to when an error is reported is different in length from when the performance unit 40 is removed to when an error is reported when the performance unit 40 is removed while power is being supplied.

The CPU 81a determines whether the wiring connector 44 of the performance unit 40 is connected to the wiring connectors 32a and 32b. As an example, the CPU 81a determines that the wiring connector 44 of the performance unit 40 is connected when the upper wiring connector 32a is in an energized state. As an example, the performance unit 40 attached to the upper wiring connector 32a is assumed to be either of the performance units 40A and 40D. The CPU 81a determines that the wiring connector 44 of the performance unit 40 is not connected when the upper wiring connector 32a is in a non-energized state. As an example, the CPU 81a determines that the wiring connector 44 of the performance unit 40 is connected when the lower wiring connector 32b is in an energized state. As an example, the performance unit 40 attached to the lower wiring connector 32b is assumed to be either of the performance units 40B and 40C. When the lower wiring connector 32b is not energized, the CPU 81a determines that the wiring connector 44 of the performance unit 40 is not connected. In other words, the CPU 81a determines whether the performance unit 40 is attached to the base unit 30 by monitoring the energized state of the wiring connectors 32a and 32b.

When the CPU 81a determines that the wiring connector 44 is not connected to one or both of the wiring connectors 32a and 32b, it sets a non-connection error. When the CPU 81a sets a non-connection error, it controls some or all of the performance devices 17-19 that constitute the performance equipment ES, and causes them to notify the non-connection error that is being set. In other words, the performance equipment ES notifies the non-connection error while the non-connection error is being set. The pachinko game machine 10 is configured so that when power is supplied with the performance unit 40 removed, it is detected as a non-connection error, which is an example of a predetermined error. The non-connection error can also be understood as an error that the performance unit 40 is not attached to the base unit 30. In other words, it can be said that the CPU 81a determines whether or not the performance unit 40 is attached to the base unit 30.

The notification of the unconnected error includes displaying error information on the display and performance device 19. As an example, the error information indicating the unconnected error (hereinafter referred to as the unconnected error information) is the character string "Performance unit abnormality". As an example, the unconnected error information is displayed in the normal area 19e of the image display area 19a of the display and performance device 19 (see FIG. 5). The CPU 81a may display the character string "Detailed information: Performance unit is not connected" as an example of specific information different from the unconnected error information in the specific area 19c of the image display area 19a of the display and performance device 19. The specific area 19c is set in the overlap area 19b of the image display area 19a that overlaps with the performance unit 40. However, if the performance unit 40 has a movable part 42, the movable part 42 is in the original position P1. The specific information is also an example of error information indicating the unconnected error.

When the unconnected error is set, if the CPU 81a determines in the performance unit confirmation process that the wiring connector 44 (performance unit 40) is connected to both wiring connectors 32a, 32b, the CPU 81a cancels the unconnected error setting. When the CPU 81a cancels the error setting, it controls some or all of the performance devices 17-19 that make up the performance equipment ES, and ends the notification of the error whose setting has been canceled. In the performance equipment ES, as the unconnected error setting is canceled, the notification of the unconnected error is terminated. In other words, the display of the unconnected error information is terminated.

When the CPU 81a determines that the wiring connector 44 is connected to both wiring connectors 32a and 32b, it acquires unit identification information from the identification element 47 of each performance unit 40. The CPU 81a determines whether the type of performance unit 40 indicated in the acquired unit identification information is a type of performance unit 40 that is compatible with the sub-control program stored in the ROM 81b. In other words, the CPU 81a self-diagnoses whether a performance unit 40 that should be controlled by executing the sub-control program is installed. A compatible performance unit 40 can also be said to be a combination of the sub-control board 81 and the performance unit 40 that is as expected by the developer, etc.

The CPU 81a sets a connection incompatibility error when an incompatible presentation unit 40 is connected to one or both of the wiring connectors 32a, 32b. When the CPU 81a sets a connection incompatibility error, it controls some or all of the presentation devices 17-19 that make up the presentation equipment ES, and causes a notification of the connection incompatibility error to be executed. In other words, the presentation equipment ES issues a notification of the connection incompatibility error while the connection incompatibility error is set. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured so that when a presentation unit 40 that is an incompatible unit different from a compatible presentation unit 40 is attached, it is detected as a connection incompatibility error, which is an example of a specific error. The CPU 81a is an example of an error detection means.

Notification of a connection incompatibility error includes displaying error information indicating a connection incompatibility error (hereinafter referred to as connection incompatibility error information) on the display and performance device 19. As an example, the connection incompatibility error information is the string "Performance unit abnormality." As an example, the connection incompatibility error information is displayed in the normal area 19e of the image display area 19a of the display and performance device 19 (see FIG. 5). In addition, the CPU 81a may display the string "Detailed information: Performance unit is inconsistent" as an example of specific information different from the connection incompatibility error information in the specific area 19c of the image display area 19a of the display and performance device 19. The specific information is also an example of error information indicating a connection incompatibility error.

The normal area 19e is an example of the first area, and the specific area 19c is an example of the second area. The normal area 19e is an area that is visible to the player in both an attached state in which the presentation unit 40 is attached to the specified position PF of the base unit 30, and a detached state in which the presentation unit 40 is detached from the base unit 30. On the other hand, the specific area 19c is an area that is visible to the player in the detached state, but is invisible or difficult to see by the player in the attached state. However, the movable part 42 is assumed to be in the original position P1.

When the connection incompatibility error is set, if the CPU 81a determines in the performance unit confirmation process that a compatible performance unit 40 is connected to both wiring connectors 32a, 32b, it cancels the connection incompatibility error setting. When the CPU 81a cancels the connection incompatibility error setting, it controls some or all of the performance devices 17-19 that make up the performance equipment ES, and ends the notification of the connection incompatibility error. In the performance equipment ES, as the connection incompatibility error setting is canceled, the notification of the connection incompatibility error is terminated. In other words, the display of the connection incompatibility error information ends.

In order to cancel the setting of a connection incompatibility error in the pachinko gaming machine 10, it is necessary to connect a compatible presentation unit 40. In general, the compatible presentation unit 40 must be installed after removing the incompatible presentation unit 40. Therefore, the error setting state transitions in the following order: "Connection incompatibility error is being set" -> "Connection incompatibility error and unconnected error are being set" -> "Connection incompatibility error and unconnected error are being set canceled (neither error is set)." Without being limited to this, the CPU 81a may be configured to cancel the connection incompatibility error setting when an unconnected error is set.

When the CPU 81a determines in the performance unit confirmation process that a compatible performance unit 40 is connected to both wiring connectors 32a, 32b, the CPU 81a ends the performance unit confirmation process. In this case, the CPU 81a stores information (hereinafter referred to as connection completion information) that can identify that a compatible performance unit 40 is installed in the RAM 81c. The connection completion information can also be said to be information indicating that a specified performance (hereinafter referred to as unit performance) using the performance unit 40 can be executed. The state in which the connection completion information is set can be said to be a connected state in which the wiring connector 32 on the base unit 30 side and the wiring connector 44 on the performance unit 40 side are electrically connected.

The big win presentation process will be described.
The jackpot performance process is a process for executing a performance during a jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as a jackpot performance). When the CPU 81a receives an opening command, it controls the performance device ES to execute an opening performance. When the CPU 81a receives a round command, it controls the performance device ES to execute a round performance. When the CPU 81a receives an ending start command, it controls the performance device ES to execute an ending performance. When the CPU 81a receives an ending end command, it controls the performance device ES to end the ending performance.

The CPU 81a can execute a unit performance using the performance unit 40 as one of the big win performances. When the connection completion information is stored in the RAM 81c, the CPU 81a executes the unit performance when the performance start time set during the big win game arrives. When the connection completion information is not stored in the RAM 81c, the CPU 81a does not execute the unit performance even when the performance start time arrives. In other words, the execution of the unit performance is restricted. In this way, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured such that when a connection incompatibility error is detected, the performance unit 40 as an incompatible unit does not operate even when the performance start time of a specified performance arrives. In addition, there are multiple types of errors related to the performance unit 40. It can be said that the performance means of the performance unit 40 does not execute the specified performance even when the performance start time arrives when any of the multiple types of errors related to the performance unit 40 is detected.

The performance execution process will now be described.
In the performance execution process, a unit performance is executed according to the performance unit 40 attached to the base unit 30. The performance execution process is a process for executing the unit performance when the performance start time arrives.

The upper performance unit 40A has a wiring connector 44. As an example, the CPU 81a controls the drive mechanism 34 (stepping motor 34A) based on a predetermined operation pattern, causing the movable part 42 of the upper performance unit 40A to perform a first operation. As an example, if the upper performance unit 40A has a stepping motor 45, the CPU 81a controls the stepping motor 45 based on a predetermined operation pattern, causing the movable part 42 to perform a second operation. If the upper performance unit 40A has a light-emitting part 46, the CPU 81a controls the light-emitting part 46 based on a predetermined light-emitting pattern, causing the light-emitting part 46 to perform a light-emitting performance of turning on, off, or blinking. If the upper performance unit 40A has a display part 48, the CPU 81a controls the display part 48 based on a predetermined display pattern, causing the display part 48 to perform a display performance of displaying a predetermined image.

The performance units 40B, 40C have a wiring connector 44. As an example, if the performance units 40B, 40C have a movable part 42 and a stepping motor 45, the CPU 81a controls the stepping motor 45 based on a predetermined operation pattern to operate the movable part 42. If the performance units 40B, 40C have a light-emitting part 46, the CPU 81a controls the light-emitting part 46 based on a predetermined light-emitting pattern to perform a light-emitting performance of turning on, off, or blinking. If the performance units 40B, 40C have a display part 48, the CPU 81a controls the display part 48 based on a predetermined display pattern to perform a display performance of displaying a predetermined image.

The presentation unit 40D has a wiring connector 44. As an example, when the presentation unit 40D has a movable part 42 and a stepping motor 45, the CPU 81a controls the stepping motor 45 based on a predetermined operation pattern to operate the movable part 42. When the presentation unit 40D has a light-emitting part 46, the CPU 81a controls the light-emitting part 46 based on a predetermined light-emitting pattern to perform a light-emitting presentation of turning on, off, or blinking. When the presentation unit 40D has a display part 48, the CPU 81a controls the display part 48 based on a predetermined display pattern to perform a display presentation of displaying a predetermined image. In this way, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured so that the presentation means of the presentation unit 40 can perform a predetermined presentation when the pachinko game machine 10 is in a connected state and power is being supplied. The predetermined presentation may include a presentation in which the stepping motor 45 moves the movable part 42.

In the above-mentioned performance unit confirmation process, the CPU 81a checks the connection between the wiring connectors 32a, 32b and the wiring connector 44. For this reason, for example, if a performance unit 40 that does not have a wiring connector 44 is attached to the base unit 30, the CPU 81a cannot determine whether the performance unit 40 is a compatible performance unit 40 or not. In this case, when an upper performance unit 40A that does not have a wiring connector 44 is attached to the base unit 30 and connection completion information is set, the CPU 81a may execute the unit performance in a manner that operates the movable part 42 of the upper performance unit 40A by controlling the drive mechanism 34.

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 81a receives a variation start command and a special symbol command, it controls the presentation device ES including the display presentation device 19 to execute a presentation game. Specifically, when the CPU 81a 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 81a 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 81a determines a jackpot symbol combination. When a miss symbol can be specified from the special symbol command, the CPU 81a determines a miss symbol combination. Note that when the CPU 81a executes a reach presentation, it determines a miss symbol combination including a reach.

The CPU 81a controls the display and effect 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. In other words, the CPU 81a starts the presentation game. Furthermore, when the CPU 81a is to execute a preview presentation in relation to the presentation game, it controls the presentation equipment ES including the display and effect device 19 to execute the preview presentation. The preview presentation is a presentation that suggests or notifies the expectation that the currently executed presentation game will be a jackpot (hereinafter referred to as the jackpot expectation). The preview presentation may also be a presentation that suggests or notifies the expectation of a jackpot for a pending variable game.

The CPU 81a can execute a unit performance as one of the preview performances. When the connection completion information is stored in the RAM 81c, the CPU 81a executes the unit performance when the performance start time set in the execution period of the performance game arrives. When the connection completion information is not stored in the RAM 81c, the CPU 81a does not execute the unit performance even when the performance start time arrives. In other words, the execution of the unit performance is restricted. In this way, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured so that when a connection incompatibility error is detected, the performance unit 40 as an incompatible unit does not operate even when the performance start time of a specified performance arrives. In addition, there are multiple types of errors related to the performance unit 40. It can be said that the performance means possessed by the performance unit 40 does not execute the specified performance even when the performance start time arrives when any of the multiple types of errors related to the performance unit 40 is detected. In addition, the CPU 81a executes the unit performance by executing the performance execution process described above.

When a predetermined timing arrives after starting the presentation game, the CPU 81a causes the symbol combination to be temporarily frozen and then causes the symbol combination to be confirmed and frozen when a variation end command is input. Note that the CPU 81a may also cause the symbol combination to be confirmed and frozen when a variation time set in the variation pattern elapses, regardless of the variation end command. In this case, the variation end command may be omitted.

The operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be explained together with the method of installing and removing the presentation unit 40.
1 to 3, the locking device 11A is operated to unlock the machine frame 11. The game board unit 20 fixed to the middle frame 13 is exposed by opening the front frame 14. In other words, the locking and unlocking by the attachment mechanisms 71, 72 are possible at least when the machine frame 11 is in the open state. The fixing mechanism 13B is not operated, and the base unit 30 is left fixed to the fitting portion 13A of the middle frame 13. All of the fixing operation portions 58 on the game board 50 are operated to remove the game board 50 from the base unit 30.

As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the upper performance unit 40A can be removed from the base unit 30 by operating the first attachment mechanism 71. This makes it easier to perform maintenance on the upper performance unit 40A compared to when the upper performance unit 40A is attached to the base unit 30. It also makes it easier to perform maintenance on the part of the base unit 30 where the upper performance unit 40A is attached. In addition, the upper performance unit 40A can be attached to the base unit 30 by operating the first attachment mechanism 71.

By operating the second attachment mechanism 72, the middle performance unit 40B or the lower performance unit 40C can be removed from the base unit 30. This makes it easier to perform maintenance on the performance units 40B, 40C compared to when the performance units 40B, 40C are attached to the base unit 30. It also makes it easier to perform maintenance on the part of the base unit 30 where the performance units 40B, 40C are attached. Also, by operating the second attachment mechanism 72, the performance units 40B, 40C can be attached to the base unit 30.

The special performance unit 40D can be removed from the base unit 30 by releasing the engagement between the wiring connector 32 on the base side and the wiring connector 44 on the performance unit side. This makes it easier to perform maintenance on the special performance unit 40D compared to when the special performance unit 40D is attached to the base unit 30. It also makes it easier to perform maintenance on the part of the base unit 30 where the special performance unit 40D is attached. In addition, the special performance unit 40D can be attached to the base unit 30 by engaging the wiring connectors 32, 44.

In this way, the presentation unit 40 can be removed from the base unit 30 without removing the entire pachinko gaming machine 10 from the island equipment or removing the entire game board unit 20 from the middle frame 13. Furthermore, if the removed presentation unit 40 is broken, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can easily install a new presentation unit 40 of the same type. Engagement and release of said engagement by the mounting mechanisms 71, 72 are possible without removing the base unit 30. The engagement of the wiring connectors 32, 44 is also a form of engagement.

In addition, after removing the performance unit 40, the pachinko game machine 10 can also install a different type of performance unit 40. In this case, the control boards 80, 81 can also be replaced with control boards 80, 81 that are compatible with the type of the newly installed performance unit 40. The control boards 80, 81 can be replaced from the rear side of the middle frame 13 by opening the middle frame 13 relative to the outer frame 12. In this way, there are multiple performance units 40, and some of the multiple performance units 40 have a different shape from the other performance units 40. The mounting mechanisms 71, 72 are configured to allow multiple performance units 40 to be mounted by engagement with the specified position PF of the base unit 30. The mounting mechanisms 71, 72 are configured to allow the removed performance unit 40 or a different performance unit 40 from the removed performance unit 40 to be mounted by engagement with the specified position PF of the base unit 30. The fitting of the wiring connectors 32, 44 can be understood in a similar manner.

Next, a specific example of the variations in the performance unit 40 will be described.
As shown in Figures 9 (a) to (c), there may be multiple types of cantilevered upper performance units 40AL and 40AR. The multiple types of upper performance units 40AL, 40AR have a base section 41, a movable section 42, and one mounting section 43. The multiple types of upper performance units 40AL, 40AR may have an illumination section 46 and a display section 48. The multiple types of upper performance units 40AL, 40AR do not have a stepping motor 45. The movable section 42 of the upper performance units 40AL, 40AR operates by receiving power from the drive mechanism 34.

As an example, of the upper performance unit 40AL, the upper performance units 40AL1 and 40AL2 differ in at least one of the base part 41 and the movable part 42. As an example, of the upper performance unit 40AR, the upper performance units 40AR1 and 40AR2 differ in at least one of the base part 41 and the movable part 42. As an example, "different" with respect to the base part 41 and the movable part 42 means that their shapes, sizes, materials, printed characters, etc. are different. As an example, "different" with respect to the movable part 42 may mean that the operating mode of the movable part 42 is different.

As shown in Figures 10(a) and (b), there may be multiple types of double-supported upper performance units 40AD. The multiple types of upper performance units 40AD have a base section 41, a movable section 42, and two mounting sections 43. The multiple types of upper performance units 40AD may have an illumination section 46 and a display section 48. The multiple types of upper performance units 40AD do not have a stepping motor 45. The movable section 42 of the upper performance unit 40AD operates by receiving power from the drive mechanism 34. As an example, among the upper performance units 40AD, upper performance units 40AD1 and 40AD2 have at least one of the base section 41 and the movable section 42 different from each other.

As shown in FIG. 11(a), there may be multiple types of special performance units 40D. The multiple types of special performance units 40D have a base portion 41 and a wiring connector 44. The multiple types of special performance units 40D do not have a movable portion 42, an attachment portion 43, or a stepping motor 45. The multiple types of special performance units 40D may have a light-emitting portion 46 and a display portion 48. As an example, the multiple types of performance units 40AD have different base portions 41.

As shown in Figures 11 (b) to (d), there may be multiple types of double-supported middle performance unit 40BD and lower performance unit 40CD. Each performance unit 40BD, 40CD has a base portion 41, two mounting portions 43, and a wiring connector 44.

The middle performance unit 40BD1 and the lower performance unit 40CD do not have a movable part 42 and a stepping motor 45. The middle performance unit 40BD2 has a movable part 42 and a stepping motor 45. The movable part 42 of the middle performance unit 40BD2 operates by receiving power from the stepping motor 45.

The performance units 40BD1, 40BD2, and 40CD may have a light-emitting unit 46 and a display unit 48. As an example, the performance units 40BD1, 40BD2, and 40CD differ at least in the base unit 41. The performance units 40BD1, 40BD2, and 40CD also differ in terms of whether or not they have a movable unit 42.

As shown in FIGS. 12( a ) to 12 ( f ), the game board unit 20 can be attached to a base unit 30 in combination with various presentation units 40 .
Figure 12 (a) is an example of a performance unit 40BD1, 40CD, and an upper performance unit 40AD1 attached to a base unit 30. In this example, as shown by arrow A1, the movable part 42 of the upper performance unit 40AD1 is operated by the power of the drive mechanism 34. In the performance units 40AD1, 40BD1, and 40CD, the light emitting part 46 can emit light and the display part 48 can display light.

Figure 12 (b) shows an example of the performance units 40BD2, 40D and the upper performance units 40AL2, 40AR2 attached to the base unit 30. In this example, as shown by arrow A2, the movable part 42 of the upper performance units 40AL2, 40AR2 is operated by the power of the drive mechanism 34. In addition, the movable part 42 of the middle performance unit 40BD2 is operated by the power of the stepping motor 45 possessed by the middle performance unit 40BD2. In the performance units 40AL2, 40AR2, 40BD2, 40D, the light emitting unit 46 can emit light and the display unit 48 can display.

Figure 12 (c) shows an example of a special performance unit 40D and upper performance units 40AL1, 40AR1 attached to a base unit 30. In this example, as shown by arrow A3, the movable parts 42 of the upper performance units 40AL1, 40AR1 are operated by the power of the drive mechanism 34. In the performance units 40D, 40AL1, 40AR1, the light emitting unit 46 can emit light and the display unit 48 can display information.

Figure 12 (d) shows an example of a lower performance unit 40CD attached to the base unit 30. In this example, the movable part 42 does not operate, but the light emitting part 46 can emit light and the display part 48 can display.

Figure 12 (e) shows an example of a performance unit 40BD2 and an upper performance unit 40AD1 attached to a base unit 30. In this example, as shown by arrow A4, the movable part 42 of the performance unit 40AD1 is operated by the power of the drive mechanism 34. In addition, the movable part 42 of the middle performance unit 40BD2 is operated by the power of the stepping motor 45 possessed by the middle performance unit 40BD2. In the performance units 40AD1 and 40BD2, the light emitting part 46 can emit light and the display part 48 can display.

Figure 12 (f) shows an example of performance units 40BD2, 40D and upper performance unit 40AL1 attached to a base unit 30. In this example, as shown by arrow A5, the movable part 42 of performance unit 40AL1 is operated by the power of drive mechanism 34. In addition, the movable part 42 of middle performance unit 40BD2 is operated by the power of stepping motor 45 possessed by middle performance unit 40BD2. In performance units 40AL1, 40BD2, 40D, the light emitting unit 46 can emit light and the display unit 48 can display.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the pachinko game machine 10, in a connected state in which the wiring connectors 32, 44 are electrically connected, the presentation unit 40 having the presentation means can be attached to the specified position PF of the base unit 30 by engaging the mounting mechanisms 71, 72. This allows the presentation means of the presentation unit 40 to execute a predetermined presentation by supplying power. In addition, the presentation unit 40 can be removed by releasing the engagement by the mounting mechanisms 71, 72. In other words, the presentation unit 40 can be easily attached and detached. This makes maintenance easier.

(2) The pachinko gaming machine 10 can be fitted with multiple presentation units 40, including those with different shapes, by engaging them with the specified positions PF of the base unit 30. This allows for improved design of the pachinko gaming machine.

(3) The pachinko gaming machine 10 can reattach a removed presentation unit 40 or can attach a different presentation unit 40. In other words, it is easy to replace the presentation unit 40.

(4) When the performance unit 40 is installed in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the wiring connector 32 on the base unit side and the wiring connector 44 on the performance unit 40 side can be connected by fitting them together. This makes it easy to install the performance unit 40.

(5) The performance unit 40D can be installed simply by fitting the wiring connectors 32, 44. The installation of the other performance units 40 can also be reinforced by the mounting mechanisms 71, 72.

(6) The pachinko gaming machine 10 can attach not only the same number of performance units 40 as the number of mounting mechanisms 71, but also a smaller number of performance units 40 to the base unit 30. The same is true for the number of mounting mechanisms 72. This allows for greater freedom in design.

(7) The presentation unit 40, which has the movable part 42 and the stepping motor 45, can be said to be a game component that is relatively prone to malfunction. However, because the presentation unit 40 is easy to install and remove, even if the presentation unit 40 does malfunction, the maintenance burden can be reduced.

(8) The pachinko game machine 10 can be locked and unlocked by the attachment mechanisms 71, 72 when the machine frame 11 is in the open state, which prevents the presentation unit 40 from accidentally coming into contact with the machine frame 11 during operation.

(9) Engagement and release of the engagement by the mounting mechanisms 71, 72 are possible without removing the base unit 30 from the middle frame 13 as the game board unit 20. Therefore, when removing and installing the presentation unit 40, there is no need to remove the base unit 30 from the machine frame 11. This makes maintenance easier.

(10) If power is supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 10 with the presentation unit 40 removed, this is detected as a specified error (disconnection error). This prevents the machine from being used for play with the presentation unit 40 removed. This makes maintenance easier.

(11) When a presentation unit 40 other than a compatible presentation unit 40 is installed in the pachinko gaming machine 10, a specific error (connection incompatibility error) is detected. This prevents the machine from being used for play with an inappropriate unit installed. This makes maintenance easier.

(12) When an incompatible presentation unit 40 different from the presentation unit 40 is installed in the pachinko gaming machine 10, a specific error is detected and the operation of the machine is restricted. This prevents the inappropriate unit from causing an inappropriate presentation. This makes maintenance easier.

(13) When any of the multiple types of errors related to the presentation unit 40 is detected, the pachinko gaming machine 10 restricts the execution of a specified presentation. This prevents an incomplete presentation from being executed, making maintenance easier.

(14) In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the time until a specified error is detected differs between the first scene in which power is supplied with the presentation unit 40 removed and the second scene in which the presentation unit 40 is removed with power supplied. Therefore, the time until an error is detected can be optimized depending on whether it is the first scene or the second scene. In other words, the time required for a specified procedure can be set. This makes maintenance easier.

(15) When an error related to the presentation unit 40 is detected in the pachinko gaming machine 10, notification information is displayed in the normal area 19e, which is visible regardless of whether the presentation unit 40 is present or not, making it easy to grasp the error. On the other hand, specific information is displayed in the specific area 19c, which is difficult or impossible to see when the presentation unit 40 is installed. For this reason, it is possible to display information in the specific area 19c that is not intended to be seen by players but is useful for maintenance. This makes maintenance easier.

(16) The specific information is the specific content of the error related to the performance unit 40. Therefore, when the performance unit 40 is removed, the specific content of the error can be grasped.
The above-described embodiment can be modified as follows: The above-described embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

- When an error related to the performance unit 40 is detected, the performance means possessed by the performance unit 40 may be configured not to execute a specified performance even when the performance start time arrives, while a specific unit different from the performance unit can operate. For example, assume that a compatible performance unit 40 and an incompatible performance unit 40 are connected. In this case, in the performance unit confirmation process, the CPU 81a may set an error and set connection completion information for each performance unit 40. Then, when the performance start time arrives, the CPU 81a controls the compatible performance unit 40 to execute a specified performance. On the other hand, when the performance start time arrives, the CPU 81a may not allow the incompatible performance unit 40 to execute the specified performance. In this modified example, the compatible performance unit 40 is an example of a specific unit.

According to this modified example, when an error is detected in the presentation unit 40, the execution of a specified presentation is restricted. This prevents an incomplete presentation from being executed. On the other hand, presentation units 40 other than the presentation unit 40 in which the error was detected can operate, so that the operations required for the pachinko gaming machine 10 can be guaranteed. This makes maintenance easier.

- The game board unit 20 may have a specific presentation unit that cannot be attached or detached. In this case, the CPU 81a may be configured so that when an error related to the presentation unit 40 is detected, the presentation means of the presentation unit 40 does not execute a specific presentation even when the presentation start time arrives, while a specific presentation unit different from the presentation unit 40 can operate. In this modified example, the specific presentation unit is an example of a specific unit. The specific presentation unit may have a stepping motor, a light-emitting unit, and part or all of a display unit as presentation means. The specific presentation unit may have a ball entrance through which a game ball can enter, and may be configured to execute a specific presentation based on the game ball entering the ball entrance. Note that the ball entrance in this modified example may be configured so that the conditions for awarding a prize ball can be met by the game ball entering the ball entrance.

- The CPU 81a may be configured to be able to set an operation error as an error related to the performance unit 40, instead of or in addition to a non-connection error and a connection incompatibility error. As an example, assume that a performance unit 40 having a movable part 42 and a stepping motor 45 is connected. When the power is turned on, the CPU 81a controls the stepping motor 45 so that the movable part 42 moves in the order of original position P1 -> performance position P2 -> original position P1. Then, if the movable part 42 does not return to the original position P1 even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU 81a may set a movement error.

Without being limited to this, the CPU 81a may control the drive mechanism 34 so that when the power is turned on, the attachment section 33 (movable section 42) is displaced in the order of original position P1 → performance position P2 → original position P1. The CPU 81a may set a movement error if the attachment section 33 (movable section 42) does not return to the original position P1 even after a predetermined time has elapsed. If the CPU 81a does not set a movement error, it may store connection completion information in the RAM 81c. The movement error setting may be released by turning off the power.

- The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be equipped with a light guide plate. The light guide plate has a predetermined pattern engraved on its surface, and is configured so that the pattern can be seen by shining light on the edge. The light guide plate is configured to be attachable to the front side of the gaming board 51 and removable. The light guide plate is attached in a position that covers all or part of the display window 51b of the gaming board 51. The light guide plate can be attached to and removed from the base unit 30 together with the gaming board 51.

- Mounting portion 33A and mounting portion 43A may also be used as wiring connectors. In this case, when attaching upper performance unit 40A to base unit 30, connection incompatibility errors and non-connection errors can be detected.

- The upper performance unit 40A may be configured to be able to receive power from a performance unit 40 having a wiring connector 44. In this case, the upper performance unit 40A may be understood as part of the performance unit 40 having the wiring connector 44.

The pachinko game machine 10 may be configured to display various information in the image display area 19a of the display and effect device 19. For example, in addition to or instead of error information related to the effect unit 40, the specific area 19c may display mode information associated with the effect mode and effect information associated with various game effects. For example, if the effect mode includes a unit effect, it is possible that the unit effect is not executed and the effect mode is incomplete because the connection completion information is not set. In such a case, by displaying the mode information in the specific area 19c, the administrator who can remove the effect unit 40 can understand the effect mode. For example, if a specific game effect includes a unit effect, it is possible that the unit effect is not executed and the specific game effect is incomplete because the connection completion information is not set. In such a case, by displaying the effect information in the specific area 19c, the administrator who can remove the effect unit 40 can understand the game effect.

- The specific area 19c may be configured to display some or all of the same information as the normal area 19e. According to this modified example, if the performance unit 40 is removed, at least some of the same information as the normal area 19e can be seen even in the part hidden by the performance unit 40, which reduces the risk of information being overlooked.

- When a non-connection error is set (when a non-connection error notification is executed), the CPU 81a may be configured not to execute the unit performance even if the performance start time arrives until a predetermined period (hereinafter referred to as the special period) has elapsed, even if the performance unit 40 is subsequently connected. The special period may be the period until the currently running variable game ends, the period until a predetermined number of variable games end, the period until the power is turned off, or the period until the next performance start time has elapsed.

For example, suppose there is a presentation unit 40 having a movable part 42 as a movable body. When this presentation unit 40 is connected normally, the movable part 42 can perform a moving presentation by receiving power from the drive mechanism 34 or stepping motor 45 during the "moving body operation period" that begins when the presentation start time arrives. In this case, when a non-connection error is notified (a non-connection error is set), the CPU 81a may not operate the movable body during a special period even if a variable game starts and the CPU 81a connects to any period of the "moving body operation period" set for the variable game.

- When an unconnected error is set (when an unconnected error notification is executed), when the performance unit 40 is subsequently connected, the CPU 81a may control some or all of the performance devices 17-19 that make up the performance equipment ES, and may execute a notification that the performance unit 40 has been connected (hereinafter referred to as a connection notification). As one example, the connection notification may be executed by the light-emitting section 46 of the performance unit 40, or by the light-emitting performance device 18.

- The pachinko gaming machine 10 may adopt a specification that provides a high probability state until the next big win game, a specification that provides a high probability state until a fall lottery is won (a so-called fall machine), or a specification that provides a high probability state until a specified number of variable games are completed (a so-called ST machine). The pachinko gaming machine 10 may adopt a specification that provides a high probability state on the condition that the gaming ball passes through a specified area (a so-called "V area") (a so-called V-variable machine). The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be a specification that combines the specifications of a fall machine and a V-variable machine.

- In addition to the big win lottery, the special symbol winning lottery may be configured to include a small win lottery. 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).

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

The CPU 80a, the ROM 80b, the RAM 80c, and the random number generation circuit 80d may be configured on a single chip.
The specific configuration of the game board unit 20 may be changed as desired.

- The sub-control board 81 may be a sub-general control board, and a display control board that specializes in controlling the display performance device 19, a light-emitting control board that specializes in controlling the light-emitting performance device 18, and a sound control board that specializes in controlling the sound performance device 17 may be provided separately from the sub-control board 81. Such a sub-general control board and boards that control other performances may be combined to form a sub-board. In an embodiment, the CPU 80a and CPU 81a may be mounted on a single board. The display control board, light-emitting control board, and sound control board may also be arbitrarily combined to form a single or multiple boards.

Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiment and other examples will be described below.
(1) The performance means includes the drive means, the performance unit has a movable part, and the specified performance is a performance in which the drive means moves the movable part.

10... Pachinko game machine 11... Machine frame 12... Outer frame 13... Middle frame 14... Front frame 20... Game board unit 30... Base unit 32, 32a, 32b... Wiring connector 33... Mounting part 33g... Guide groove 33m... Locking hole 40... Presentation unit 42... Movable part 43... Mounting part 43g... Guide piece 43m... Locking hook 44... Wiring connector 45... Stepping motor 46... Light emitting part 47... Display part 50... Game board 70, 71, 72... Mounting mechanism PF... Specified position

Claims (1)

A frame body,
one or more base units;
A wiring section on the base unit side;
A directing unit having a directing means;
A wiring section on the performance unit side;
A locking means configured to be able to attach the performance unit to a specified position of the base unit by locking it in a connected state in which the wiring section on the base unit side and the wiring section on the performance unit side are electrically connected;
A guide means configured to guide the performance unit to a specified position of the base unit;
An error detection means,
The performance unit can be removed by releasing the locking means,
The performance means of the performance unit includes at least one of a display means, a light emitting means, and a driving means;
When the connected state is established and power is being supplied, the performance means of the performance unit can execute a predetermined performance,
The removal of the performance unit can be detected as a predetermined error,
If power is supplied while the performance unit is removed, a specified error is detected,
In a situation where power is supplied while the performance unit is removed, a first time from when power is supplied to when the predetermined error is notified is longer than a second time from when the performance unit is removed to when the predetermined error is notified, in a situation where the performance unit is removed while power is being supplied ,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the specified error is detected, at least a portion of the same information can be displayed in a first area that is visible to the player in both an installed state in which the specified presentation unit is installed in a specified position on the base unit, and a removed state in which the specified presentation unit is removed from the base unit, and in a second area that is visible to the player in the removed state and is invisible or difficult to see by the player in the installed state .

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