JP7534818B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

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

As one example of a gaming machine, pachinko gaming machines, as described in Patent Document 1 below, are often equipped with a gaming control microcomputer (gaming control means) that performs a process to determine whether or not a jackpot has been reached based on the entry of a gaming ball into the first or second start hole. In this type of pachinko gaming machine, the player plays the game by placing a gaming ball into the first or second start hole, hoping to win a jackpot and then execute a jackpot game that is advantageous to the player.

JP 2001-046601 A

However, there was room for improvement in providing a more innovative gaming machine than the one described in Patent Document 1 above.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances. That is, the objective of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can give a novel impression.

The gaming machine of the present invention is
A gaming machine frame including a frame-shaped base frame portion and a front frame portion located on a front side of the base frame portion;
A game board disposed inside the game machine frame;
a power supply unit provided in the gaming machine frame and capable of supplying power based on a power source supplied from an external source;
A frame side control board that is provided in the gaming machine frame and has a specific control means mounted thereon ;
A game control board is provided on the game board and has a game control means for performing a determination process based on a ball entering the ball entrance.
the power supply unit is capable of supplying power of a specific voltage to the frame-side control board ,
The frame side control board is capable of supplying the power of the specific voltage supplied from the power supply unit to the game control board, and is provided with a backup power supply means capable of storing a backup power supply and supplying the backup power supply;
The frame side control board has:
a specific power line for supplying power of the specific voltage from the power supply unit to the specific control means and the game control means;
A backup line is provided which is branched from the specific power line and supplies the backup power source to the specific control means and the game control means,
The backup line is provided with a current regulating means for permitting a current flow to the game control means while regulating a current flow to the power supply unit,
The backup power supply means is connected to the backup line on the side of the gaming control board closer to the current regulating means, and is configured to be able to supply backup power to the specific control means and the gaming control means via the backup line when power of the specific voltage is not being supplied from the power supply unit to the specific control means and the gaming control means.

The gaming machine of the present invention can give a fresh impression.

1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment. 2 is an oblique view showing the structure of the gaming machine frame of the gaming machine. FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board of the gaming machine. 5 is an enlarged view of part A shown in FIG. 4, showing displays provided on the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the game control board of the gaming machine. FIG. A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the performance control board of the gaming machine. 2 is an oblique view showing the back side of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the back side of a gaming machine according to a comparative example. FIG. FIG. 11 is an electrical circuit diagram to explain the power supplied between the power supply unit, the payout control board, and the game control board in the comparative example. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an in-circuit inspection in a comparative example. This is an electrical circuit diagram to explain the power supplied between the power supply unit, the payout control board, and the game control board in this embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an in-circuit inspection according to the present embodiment. 13 is a hit type determination table. 13 is a table showing various random numbers acquired by the game control microcomputer. (A) is a jackpot determination table used when the setting value is "1", (B) is a jackpot determination table used when the setting value is "2", (C) is a jackpot determination table used when the setting value is "3", (D) is a jackpot determination table used when the setting value is "4", (E) is a jackpot determination table used when the setting value is "5", and (F) is a jackpot determination table used when the setting value is "6". (A) is a reach determination table, (B) is a normal symbol hit determination table, and (C) is a normal symbol variation pattern selection table. This is a special chart fluctuation pattern determination table. This is a table for determining the electric chute opening pattern. 1A is an oblique view showing a gaming control board and a gaming control board case, and FIG. 1B is a front view showing the gaming control board and the gaming control board case. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a seven-segment display. This is a diagram to explain the change in the presentation mode when the setting change mode transition operation is performed, followed by the RAM clear switch operation and then the setting confirmation operation. A diagram showing the electrical circuits around the game control microcontroller. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing the electrical circuit when the setting key cylinder is in a rotating position, FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the electrical circuit when the setting key cylinder is in the middle of being operated from the rotating position to the standby position, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing the electrical circuit when the setting key cylinder is in the standby position. (A) is a diagram showing a case where an error display is executed on a 7-segment display, and (B) is a diagram showing an operation suggestion image on the display screen, an error sound output from the speaker, and the error light emission pattern of the frame lamp and board lamp. 11 is a diagram for explaining how the display mode is switched at specific time intervals after the initial display is performed on the 7-segment display device. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a case where the one-before-now base, the two-before-now base, and the three-before-now base have not yet been stored. A diagram showing nine types of performance patterns (from the first performance pattern to the ninth performance pattern). (A) is a performance pattern selection table used when the setting value is "1", (B) is a performance pattern selection table used when the setting value is "2", (C) is a performance pattern selection table used when the setting value is "3", (D) is a performance pattern selection table used when the setting value is "4", (E) is a performance pattern selection table used when the setting value is "5", and (F) is a performance pattern selection table used when the setting value is "6". This is a diagram to explain the pattern setting suggestion effect that is executed when the performance pattern is displayed in a losing mode. This is a diagram to explain the high setting suggestion effect that is executed when the SP reach is missed. 13 is a flowchart of a main control process. 4 is a flowchart of a power-on process. 13 is a flowchart of a setting change mode process. 13 is a flowchart of a setting value confirmation mode process. 13 is a flowchart of a process when power is restored. 13 is a flowchart of an error mode process. 13 is a flowchart of a main-side timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a base calculation process. 13 is a flowchart of a base display process. 13 is a flowchart of a base display process. 13 is a flowchart of a power interruption monitoring process. 13 is a flowchart of a sub-control main process. 13 is a flowchart of a reception interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a 1 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a 10 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a received command analysis process. 13 is a flowchart of a received command analysis process. 13 is a flowchart of the variable performance start processing. 13 is a flowchart of the performance pattern selection process. 13 is a flowchart of a variable performance pattern selection process. 13 is a diagram for explaining the change in presentation mode when a setting change mode transition operation is performed, followed by a RAM clear switch operation and then a setting confirmation operation in a modified example. FIG. 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining how the display mode of a setting value changes in response to a setting confirmation operation in a modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining how a set value and a base are simultaneously displayed on a seven-segment display in a modified example. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining that a modified example has a first display means for displaying a set value and a second display means for displaying a base. FIG. 11 is an electrical circuit diagram for explaining the power supplied between the power supply unit, the payout control board, and the game control board in the modified example. FIG. 50 is a diagram for explaining an in-circuit inspection of the electric circuit shown in FIG. 49 . FIG. 11 is an electrical circuit diagram for explaining the power supplied between the power supply unit, the payout control board, and the game control board in the modified example. FIG. 52 is a diagram for explaining an in-circuit inspection of the electric circuit shown in FIG. 51 . In a modified example, (A) is a diagram showing the electrical circuit when the setting key cylinder is in the standby position, (B) is a diagram showing the electrical circuit when the setting key cylinder is in the middle of being operated from the standby position to the rotating position, and (C) is a diagram showing the electrical circuit when the setting key cylinder is in the rotating position.

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

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

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

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

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the front door 23 is provided with a handle 72k (game ball shooting means) for shooting game balls with a shooting strength according to the rotation angle, a ball supply tray (upper tray) 34 for storing game balls, and a surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 35 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the ball supply tray 34. The front door 23 is also provided with a performance button (input unit) 40k and a select button 42k that can be operated by the player during performances that are executed as the game progresses. The select button (cross key) 42k is composed of an up button, a down button, a left button, and a right button. The front door 23 is also provided with a decorative frame lamp 212 and a speaker that outputs sound (not shown in Figure 1).

The game board 1 shown in FIG. 4 is attached to the game machine frame 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the game board 1 has a game area 6, in which game balls released by operating the handle 72k flow down, surrounded by a rail member 62. The game board 1 is also provided with a number of decorative board lamps 54. The game area 6 has a number of game nails protruding therefrom to guide the game balls. The game board 1 is an integrated unit consisting of a plate-shaped member disposed on the front side and a back unit (a unit for mounting various control boards, an image display device 50, harnesses, etc., described below) disposed on the rear side.

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

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

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

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

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

A center frame 61 (inner wall portion) is disposed near the center of the game area 6 and in front of the image display device 50. A stage 61s is formed at the bottom of the center frame 61, which can guide the game balls rolling on the top surface to the first starting opening 11 described below. A warp 61w is provided at the left part of the center frame 61, which allows the game balls to flow in from the entrance and out to the stage 61s from the exit. A board movable body 55k that can move up and down is provided at the top of the center frame 61. The board movable body 55k can be moved from an origin position above the display screen 50a to a performance position that overlaps with the center of the display screen 50a in the front-to-rear direction.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The reserved special symbols stored in the reserved special symbols memory unit 105 are consumed when it becomes possible to change the display of the special symbols based on the reserved special symbols. The consumption of reserved special symbols means determining the jackpot random number or the like that corresponds to the reserved special symbols, and executing the changeable display of the special symbols to show the result of the determination. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine PY1, even if the changeable display of the special symbols based on the winning of the game ball into the first start hole 11 or the second start hole 12 cannot be performed immediately after the winning, that is, even if a winning occurs during the changeable display of the special symbols or during the playing of a special game, the right to draw the jackpot for that winning can be reserved up to a specified number.

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

The variable display of the normal symbol is triggered by the passage of the game ball through the gate 13. The normal symbol display 82 variably displays (varies) the normal symbol and then displays it in a stopped state, thereby announcing the result of the normal symbol lottery based on the passage of the game ball through the gate 13. The stopped normal symbol (normal symbol stop symbol, normal symbol derived and displayed as the display result of the variable display) is one normal symbol selected from among multiple types of normal symbols by the normal symbol lottery. If the stopped normal symbol is a specific normal symbol (a normal symbol in a predetermined stopping state, i.e., a normal winning symbol), an auxiliary game is played in which the second start hole 12 is opened in an opening pattern according to the current game state. The opening pattern of the second start hole 12 will be described later.

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

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

The reserved normal symbols stored in the reserved normal symbols memory unit 106 are consumed when it becomes possible to change the display of the normal symbols based on the reserved normal symbols. The consumption of reserved normal symbols means determining the normal symbol random number (winning random number) corresponding to the reserved normal symbols and executing the variable display of the normal symbols to show the result of the determination. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine PY1, even if the variable display of the normal symbols based on the passage of the game ball through the gate 13 cannot be performed immediately after the passage, that is, even if a prize is won while the variable display of the normal symbols is being executed or while an auxiliary game is being executed, it is possible to reserve the right to draw the normal symbols for that passage up to a specified number.

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

2. Electrical Configuration of the Game Machine Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine PY1 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the pachinko game machine PY1 includes a game control board 100 (main control board) that controls game profits such as big win lottery and transition of game state, a performance control board 120 (sub-control board) that controls performances executed as the game progresses, and a payout control board 170 that controls payout of game balls. The game control board 100 and the payout control board 170 constitute a main control unit, and the performance control board 120 and the image control board 140 and the sub-drive board 162, which will be described later, constitute a sub-control unit.

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

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

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

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

The power supply unit 190 is also provided with a RAM clear switch 191 (RAM clear operation means) that can be pressed. The RAM clear switch 191 is for erasing information related to the game (such as information on the game state, such as high probability state, information on the results of special chart reservation and jackpot judgment, etc.) stored in the game RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 of the game control microcomputer 101 described later. As shown in FIG. 8, the RAM clear switch 191 is provided on the power supply unit 190 arranged on the back side of the present pachinko game machine PY1. Therefore, only employees of the game arcade who can open the game machine frame 2 can operate the RAM clear switch 191. In other words, the RAM clear switch 191 can be said to be an operation means that cannot be operated by the player. When the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, a detection signal indicating that the RAM clear switch 191 is ON is input to the game control microcomputer 101. In this embodiment, the RAM clear switch 191 is provided on the power supply unit 190, but the location of the RAM clear switch 191 can be changed as appropriate; for example, it may be provided on the game control board 100 or a dedicated board.

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

As shown in FIG. 6, various sensors and solenoids are connected to the game control board 100 via the relay board 110. Therefore, signals are input from each sensor to the game control board 100, and signals are output from the game control board 100 to each solenoid. Specifically, the sensors connected include a first start port sensor 11a, a second start port sensor 12a, a gate sensor 13a, a big prize port sensor 14a, a general prize port sensor 10a, and an outlet sensor 18a.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 7, the performance control board 120 is equipped with a performance control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as the "performance control microcomputer") 121 that controls the performance of the pachinko game machine PY1 according to a program. The performance control microcomputer 121 includes a performance ROM 123 that stores programs for controlling the performance as the game progresses, a performance RAM 124 used as a work memory, a performance CPU 122 that executes the programs stored in the performance ROM 123, and a performance I/O port unit 138 for inputting and outputting data and signals. The performance RAM 124 is provided with a setting value flag 125, which will be described later. The performance ROM 123 may be external. As described above, the performance control board 120 is configured to receive power (e.g., DC 5V power) from the power supply unit 190 via the payout control board 170.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Power supply unit Next, the power supply unit 190 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Fig. 8 shows the power supply unit 190 in this embodiment, and Fig. 9 shows a power supply board 190X as a comparative example. Below, the power supply unit 190 and the power supply board 190X will be described in comparison.

The power supply board 190X is generally used as a power supply unit in pachinko gaming machines. When the power supply board 190X is used as a power supply unit, the power supply board 190X becomes a test target board. For this reason, surface mount components are not permitted to be mounted on the power supply board 190X, and lead components (DIP components) with lead wires must be mounted. In addition, most power supply boards 190X are provided with a backup power circuit, which is capable of supplying backup power to the game control microcomputer 101 and the payout control microcomputer 171 in the event of a power outage. However, a power supply board 190X equipped with a backup power circuit specific to pachinko gaming machines is a custom-made product. For these reasons, the power supply board 190X has the problem that the lead components cannot be replaced with surface mount components, and the inclusion of a backup power circuit means that the custom-made product is inevitably relatively large in configuration.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a power supply unit 190 is used instead of the power supply board 190X. The power supply unit 190 is modularized and is a general-purpose product. Therefore, when the power supply unit 190 is used as a power supply unit, the power supply unit 190 is not a test target board. Therefore, not only lead components but also surface mount components can be mounted on the power supply unit 190. As a result, by replacing the conventional lead components with surface mount components, it is possible to configure the power supply unit 190 to be small (compact). Also, since the power supply unit 190 is a general-purpose product, it does not have a backup power circuit specific to pachinko gaming machines. This makes it possible to configure the power supply unit 190 even smaller.

As can be seen from a comparison between the power supply unit 190 shown in FIG. 8 and the power supply board 190X shown in FIG. 9, the power supply unit 190 can be configured to be smaller than the power supply board 190X. Note that while the power supply board 190X requires the implementation of lead components that have become difficult to obtain in recent years, the power supply unit 190 has the advantage of not requiring the implementation of lead components that are difficult to obtain.

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

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

Thus, the power supply unit 190 and the payout control board 170 are positioned outside the game board 1, close to each other on the lower rear side of the inner frame 21. In particular, the payout control board 170 is positioned so that a portion of it overlaps with the power supply unit 190 in the front-to-rear direction, making it easy to connect wiring. Therefore, the power supply unit 190 and the payout control board 170 are connected by a harness HN3 (see Figure 12), which will be described later. As a result, the DC 5V power generated by the power supply unit 190 is first supplied from the power supply unit 190 to the payout control board 170.

As shown in FIG. 8, the power supply unit 190 is located immediately in front of the payout control board 170, and is hardly exposed at all. In other words, when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is viewed from the back, the power supply unit 190 is hidden behind (in front of) the payout control board 170, and is barely visible. Therefore, it is difficult for the power supply unit 190 to connect wiring to the other control boards, except for the payout control board 170, which is located immediately behind it.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the power supply unit 190 and the game control board 100 are not directly connected by a harness, but the payout control board 170 and the game control board 100 are connected by a harness HN4 (see FIG. 12) described below. As a result, the DC 5V power generated by the power supply unit 190 is supplied from the power supply unit 190 to the payout control board 170, and then supplied from the payout control board 170 to the game control board 100. In this way, it is possible to supply DC 5V power to the game control board 100 while simplifying the wiring.

In short, in the past, the DC 5V power generated by the power supply unit 190 (power supply board 190X) was generally branched to the payout control board 170 and the game control board 100. However, with this method, as shown in FIG. 8, when the power supply unit 190 is arranged in front of the payout control board 170 so as to be hidden, it is difficult to connect the power supply unit 190 and the game control board 100. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to simplify the wiring, the game control board 100, which is the board on the board, is connected to the power supply unit 190 via the payout control board 170, which is the frame side board. As a result, the DC 5V power generated by the power supply unit 190 is supplied to the game control board 100 once via the payout control board 170, and a new power supply relationship is established.

Here, we will explain the advantages of being able to make the power supply unit 190 smaller. As shown in Figure 8, the power supply unit 190 is located on the lower rear side of the inner frame 21. The power supply unit 190 shown in Figure 8 can be made more compact, making its vertical length shorter than the power supply board 190X shown in Figure 9. This allows the power supply unit 190, which has a shorter vertical length, to be located on the lower rear side of the pachinko gaming machine PY1.

The front of the power supply unit 190 is the lower part of the front door 23. The lower part of the front door 23 is the operation mechanism part 210 (see FIG. 1) which includes the ball supply tray 34 (upper tray), the lower tray 35, the input part 40k (effect button), the select button 42k, etc. Therefore, as described above, by arranging the power supply unit 190, which has a short vertical length, on the lower side of the back side of the pachinko game machine PY1, the vertical length of the operation mechanism part 210 can be shortened and the upper end position of the operation mechanism part 210 can be lowered. This makes it possible to expand the game board 1 (see FIG. 4) downward and lower the lower end position of the game area 6. As a result, there is an advantage in that the expansion of the game area 6 can increase the interest in the game.

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

As shown in FIG. 10, in the comparative example, the power supply unit 190 and the dispensing control board 170 are connected by a harness HN1. A connector CN1 at one end of the harness HN1 is connected to the power supply unit 190, and a connector CN2 at the other end of the harness HN1 is connected to the dispensing control board 170. The harness HN1 is provided with a wire h1 for supplying DC 5V (specific voltage) power (hereinafter also referred to as "normal power supply") from the power supply unit 190, and a wire h2 that serves as a ground line. In addition to the wires h1 and h2, the harness HN1 is provided with wires for supplying DC 12V power from the power supply unit 190, for example, but a description of these will be omitted.

In the dispensing control board 170, there is a power line a1 (specific power line) between the connector CN2 and the branch portion j1. The power line a1 is connected to the wiring h1 of the harness HN1 via the connector CN2. In addition, in the dispensing control board 170, there is a power line a2 that is connected to ground G. The power line a2 is connected to the wiring h2 of the harness HN1 via the connector CN2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In addition, the capacitor CA3 is connected in parallel to the power line b1 on the connector CN3 side of the diode DO1. The capacitor CA3 is an electric double layer capacitor with a rated voltage of 5.5V and a much larger capacitance than the capacitors CA1 and CA2 (for example, a capacitance of 0.33F). The electric double layer capacitor is a capacitor whose operating principle is the electric double layer generated at the interface between the activated carbon and the electrolyte. This capacitor CA3 releases the stored charge when normal power is no longer supplied from the power supply unit 190 to the Vc terminal of the payout control board 170 during a power outage. This makes it possible to supply DC 5V power (hereinafter also referred to as "backup power") to the Vb terminal of the payout control microcomputer 171 described later and the Vb terminal of the game control microcomputer 101 described later.

In addition, capacitor CA4 is connected in parallel to power line b1 on the connector CN3 side of capacitor CA3. This capacitor CA4 is a ceramic capacitor similar to capacitor CA2 described above. This capacitor CA4 makes it possible to remove high-frequency noise from the backup power source supplied by power line b1.

Furthermore, on the power line b1, there is a branch j2 on the connector CN3 side of the capacitor CA4. Then, there is a power line b2 that goes from the branch j2 to the payout control microcomputer 171, and the power line b2 is connected to the Vb terminal of the payout control microcomputer 171. As a result, by discharging the charge stored in the capacitor CA3 when power is interrupted, the backup power source is supplied to the Vb terminal of the payout control microcomputer 171 via the power lines b1 and b2. As a result, the payout control microcomputer 171 can operate based on the backup power source even when power is interrupted. In other words, it is possible to prevent the information related to payouts stored in the payout RAM 174 from being erased.

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

The payout control board 170 also has a power line c2 extending from the branch j1, and the power line c2 is connected to a wire h4 via a connector CN3. The wire h4 is connected to a power line d2 of the game control board 100 via a connector CN4. The power line d2 is connected to the Vc terminal of the game control microcomputer 101. This allows DC 5V power from the power supply unit 190 to be supplied to the Vc terminal of the game control microcomputer 101 via the wire h1, the power line a1, the power line c2, the wire h4, and the power line d2. As a result, the game control microcomputer 101 can normally operate based on the normal power supply (DC 5V power from the power supply unit 190).

As described above, according to the electric circuit DKX of the comparative example, as shown in FIG. 10, in the dispensing control board 170, the power line c1 extending from the branch j1 can supply normal power to the dispensing control microcomputer 171. Also, the power line b1 extending from the branch j1 can supply normal power to the capacitor CA3, and store an electric charge in the capacitor CA3. In the event of a power outage, the power lines b1 and b2 extending from the branch j1 can supply backup power to the dispensing control microcomputer 171. In this way, by utilizing the branch between the power line c1 and the power lines b1 and b2, it is possible to supply normal power and backup power to the dispensing control microcomputer 171 with a simple circuit configuration.

In addition, according to the electric circuit DKX of the comparative example, in the event of a power outage, the capacitor CA3 provided on the payout control board 170 can supply backup power to the payout control microcomputer 171 via the power lines b1 and b2, and can also supply backup power to the game control microcomputer 101 of the game control board 100 via the power lines b1, h3, and d1. In other words, even if a capacitor is not provided on the power board as a backup power supply means, backup power can be supplied to the payout control microcomputer 171 and the game control microcomputer 101. Therefore, the power supply unit 190 (see FIG. 8) can be used instead of the power board 190X (see FIG. 9), and a new backup power supply relationship can be established.

However, the electric circuit DKX of the comparative example has the following problems. First, in-circuit inspection is performed during the manufacturing process on various control boards (electronic circuit boards) including the dispensing control board 170. In-circuit inspection is performed by using an in-circuit tester to send signals to each electronic component with electronic components mounted on the board to check for errors in the number of components (resistance value, capacitor value, inductance value), open or short circuit in soldering, floating leads, and IC malfunctions. In-circuit inspection is performed with the CPU and one-chip microcomputer removed from the board. After the in-circuit inspection is completed, the CPU and one-chip microcomputer are mounted on the board and a function test is performed. The function test is performed by actually operating the control board to check whether the output of the electronic circuit board as a whole meets the specifications.

As shown in FIG. 11, during the in-circuit inspection of the comparative example, an in-circuit tester INC is connected to the dispensing control board 170, and power is supplied from the in-circuit tester INC to the capacitor CA3 via the power line a1 and the power line b1. This causes the capacitor CA3 to store an electric charge. However, once the electric charge has been stored in the capacitor CA3, it is not immediately released. Therefore, when the dispensing control microcomputer 171 is mounted on the dispensing control board 170 after the in-circuit inspection is completed, the electric charge remaining in the capacitor CA3 may act on the dispensing control microcomputer 171. As a result, there is a risk of the dispensing control microcomputer 171 malfunctioning.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, the power supply unit 190 and the dispensing control board 170 are connected by a harness HN3. A connector CN5 at one end of the harness HN3 is connected to the power supply unit 190, and a connector CN6 at the other end of the harness HN3 is connected to the dispensing control board 170. The harness HN3 is provided with a wire H1 for supplying DC 5V power (normal power supply) from the power supply unit 190, a wire H2 for supplying DC 5V power different from the normal power supply, and a wire H3 that serves as a ground line.

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

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

Power line A1 also has power line C1 that runs from branch point J1 to dispensing control microcomputer 171, and power line C1 is connected to the Vc terminal of dispensing control microcomputer 171. This allows normal power to be supplied to the Vc terminal of dispensing control microcomputer 171 via wiring H1, power line A1, and power line C1. As a result, dispensing control microcomputer 171 can operate based on the normal power. Note that power line A1 and power line C1 correspond to the "first specified power line."

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

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

A filter NF2 is connected to the connector CN6 side of the power line A2. The filter NF2 is the same as the filter NF1 described above. This filter NF2 can remove high-frequency noise from the DC 5V power (hereinafter also referred to as "charging power") supplied from the power supply unit 190. The charging power is DC 5V power, the same as that of the normal power supply, but it is only power for storing electric charge in the capacitor CA3. A resistor T1 similar to the resistor T1 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected in series to the connector CN7 side of the power line A2 from the filter NF2. This resistor T1 can suppress the current of the charging power supplied by the power line A2. A diode DO1 similar to the diode DO1 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected to the connector CN7 side of the power line A2 from the resistor T1. This diode DO1 can prevent the electric charge stored in the capacitor CA3 (electric double layer capacitor) from moving from the diode DO1 to the connector CN6 side.

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

Furthermore, power line A2 has a branch portion J2 on the connector CN7 side of capacitor CA4. From this branch portion J2 there is a power line B1 heading toward the dispensing control microcomputer 171, and a power line B2 heading toward connector CN7. Power line B1 is connected to the Vb terminal of dispensing control microcomputer 171. In this way, in the event of a power outage, it is possible to supply backup power from capacitor CA3 to the Vb terminal of dispensing control microcomputer 171 via power line A2 and power line B1. Power line A2 and power line B1 correspond to the "second specified power line."

The power line B2 is also connected to the wiring H5 via the connector CN7. The wiring H5 is connected to the power line D2 of the game control board 100 via the connector CN8. The power line D2 is connected to the Vb terminal of the game control microcomputer 101. This allows backup power from the capacitor CA3 to be supplied to the Vb terminal of the game control microcomputer 101 via the power lines A2, B2, H5, and D2 in the event of a power outage. The part including the capacitor CA3, the diode DO1, the power lines A2, B1, and B2 corresponds to the "backup power circuit 179 (see FIG. 6)" of this embodiment.

As described above, according to the electric circuit DK1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, in the dispensing control board 170, the power lines A1 and C1 (first specified power lines) and the power lines A2 and B1 (second specified power lines) each extend in a separated state toward the dispensing control microcomputer 171. Therefore, it is possible to supply normal power to the dispensing control microcomputer 171 via the power line A1. In addition, it is possible to supply charging power to the capacitor CA3 via the power line A2, and store an electric charge in the capacitor CA3. And in the event of a power outage, it is possible to supply backup power to the dispensing control microcomputer 171 via the power line A2 and the power line B1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The reach random number is a random number that determines whether or not a reach occurs in the performance pattern change performance that indicates a jackpot result when the result of the jackpot determination is a miss. A reach is a state in which there is only one performance pattern EZ remaining out of multiple performance patterns EZ that are displayed in a changing manner, and depending on which of the performance patterns EZ displayed in a changing manner are displayed, a combination of performance patterns EZ that indicates a jackpot win (for example, a "7↓7" state). Note that the performance pattern EZ displayed in a stopped state in the reach state may be displayed as if it is shaking slightly on the display screen 50a, or may be displayed as if it is repeatedly expanding and contracting. This reach random number has a value in the range of 0 to 255.

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

Here, in the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, a jackpot determination table can be used to determine whether or not a jackpot has occurred (whether or not a jackpot game should be executed). As shown in Figures 16(A) to 16(F), the jackpot determination table is provided corresponding to each of the setting values. In this embodiment, six types of setting values are provided: "1", "2", "3", "4", "5", and "6".

The set value is a parameter that determines the probability of determining a jackpot in the jackpot determination process (probably referred to as the "jackpot determination probability"). The set value is set by an employee of the arcade, as described below. As shown in Figures 16(A) to 16(F), each jackpot determination table corresponding to each set value has a jackpot determination table used in a normal probability state and a jackpot determination table used in a high probability state. Note that the types of set values and jackpot determination tables are not limited to six types and can be changed as appropriate.

As shown in Figures 16(A) to 16(F), the jackpot random number value that is determined as a jackpot or a miss is allocated to each jackpot determination table corresponding to each set value. This pachinko game machine PY1 uses the jackpot determination table corresponding to the set value to determine whether it is a jackpot or a miss. In this embodiment, it is set so that a small jackpot cannot be won, but it may be set so that a small jackpot can be won. In addition, the probability of being determined as a jackpot and the method of allocating the jackpot random number value that is determined as a jackpot are not limited to Figures 16(A) to 16(F) and can be changed as appropriate.

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

In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 16(A) to 16(F), for each set value, the jackpot determination table used in the high probability state is set to be more likely to determine a jackpot than the jackpot determination table used in the normal probability state. Furthermore, in the same game state, in either the normal probability state or the high probability state, the higher the set value is set, the more likely it is to be determined that a jackpot has occurred.

The state in which the variable time shortening function of the special symbol display 81 is activated is called the "time shortening state", and the state in which it is not activated is called the "non-time shortening state". In the time shortening state, the variable time of the special symbol (the time from the start of the variable display to the derivation and display of the display result) is shorter than in the non-time shortening state. In other words, the variable pattern is determined using a variable pattern table that is determined so that a variable pattern with a short variable time is selected more often than in the non-time shortening state (see FIG. 18). In other words, when the variable time shortening function of the special symbol display 81 is activated, a short variable time is more likely to be selected as the variable time of the variable display of the special symbol compared to when it is not activated. As a result, in the time shortening state, the pace of consumption of the special symbol reservation is faster, and effective winning at the starting port (winning that can be stored as a special symbol reservation) is more likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to aim for a jackpot under smooth game progress.

The probability change function and the time shortening function of the special pattern display 81 may operate simultaneously, or only one of them may operate. The probability change function and the time shortening function of the normal pattern display 82 operate in synchronization with the time shortening function of the special pattern display 81. That is, the probability change function and the time shortening function of the normal pattern display 82 operate in the time shortening state, and do not operate in the non-time shortening state. Therefore, in the time shortening state, the probability of winning in the normal pattern lottery is higher than in the non-time shortening state. That is, a win judgment (determination of the normal pattern) is performed using a normal pattern win judgment table in which the value of the normal pattern random number (win random number) that is judged as a win is higher than the normal pattern win judgment table used in the non-time shortening state (see FIG. 17 (B)). In other words, when the probability change function of the normal pattern display 82 is activated, the probability that the display result of the variable display of the normal pattern by the normal pattern display 82 will be a normal winning pattern is higher than when it is not activated.

In addition, in the time-saving state, the time it takes for the normal symbols to change is shorter than in the non-time-saving state. In this embodiment, the time it takes for the normal symbols to change is 7 seconds in the non-time-saving state, but 1 second in the time-saving state (see FIG. 17(C)). Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the time the electric chute 12D is open during auxiliary play is longer than in the non-time-saving state (see FIG. 19). In other words, the function to extend the opening time of the electric chute 12D is activated. In addition, in the time-saving state, the number of times the electric chute 12D is opened during auxiliary play is greater than in the non-time-saving state (see FIG. 19). In other words, the function to increase the number of times the electric chute 12D is opened is activated.

When the probability variation function and variation time shortening function of the normal display 82, and the opening time extension function and opening count increase function of the electric chute 12D are operating, the electric chute 12D opens more frequently and game balls enter the second starting hole 12 more frequently than when these functions are not operating. As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of shot balls, becomes higher. Therefore, the state in which these functions are operating is called a "high base state," and the state in which they are not operating is called a "low base state." In the high base state, you can aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls you have. Note that the high base state is a state in which so-called electric support control (control that supports the electric chute 12D to enter the second starting hole 12) is being executed. Therefore, the high base state is also called an electric support control state or an easy-to-enter state. In contrast, the low base state is also called a non-electric support control state or a non-easy-to-enter state.

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

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

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

When playing pachinko game machine PY1 for the first time, the game state after powering on is a normal probability state, a non-time-saving state, and a low base state. This game state is specifically referred to as the "low probability, low base state." The low probability, low base state will be referred to as the "normal game state." In addition, the state during which a special game (jackpot game) is being played will be referred to as the "special game state (jackpot game state)." Furthermore, the state in which the game is controlled to at least one of the high probability state and the high base state will be referred to as the "bonus game state."

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

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

7. Method of Changing and Confirming the Setting Value Next, a method of changing the setting value will be described. In this embodiment, in order to change the setting value, it is necessary to switch to the setting change mode. Three conditions are necessary to switch to the setting change mode. The first condition is that the power is turned on. That is, the power switch 195 is switched from the OFF operation to the ON operation, switching from the cut-off state to the ON state. The second condition is that the RAM clear switch 191 (transition operation unit) is pressed. The third condition is that the setting key cylinder 180, which will be described later, is in a rotated position. The setting key cylinder 180 will be described below with reference to FIG. 20.

The setting key cylinder 180 (transition operation means) is provided on the game control board 100 as shown in Figures 20 (A) and (B), and is designed so that a setting key (not shown) can be inserted as a key. By rotating the inserted setting key, the setting key cylinder 180 can be moved (rotated) between the standby position (initial position) shown in Figure 20 (B) and a rotation position (movement position) rotated 90 degrees from the standby position. The setting key cylinder 180 is initially in the standby position, and is configured so that it cannot be moved to the rotation position unless a dedicated setting key is used.

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

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

Furthermore, the rear surface 180d of the cylindrical portion 180c of the setting key cylinder 180 forms approximately the same plane as the rear surface 100B of the game control board case 100A. In other words, the rear surface 180d does not protrude or recede from the rear surface 100B of the game control board case 100A. In this way, by not having the rear surface 180d of the cylindrical portion 180c protrude from the rear surface 100B of the game control board case 100A, it is possible to prevent the corners of the rear surface 180d from becoming easily damaged. And by making the rear surface 180d flush with the rear surface 100B of the game control board case 100A, it is possible to almost completely eliminate the gap between the exposed portion 100C and the rear surface 180d, and to prevent foreign objects from entering the game control board case 100A. As a result, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts against the setting key cylinder 180 and malfunctions in the game control board 100.

A peripheral wall 100D is formed on the rear surface 100B of the game control board case 100A at a position corresponding to the setting key cylinder 180. The peripheral wall 100D is a rectangular peripheral wall that surrounds the rear end of the cylindrical portion 180c and base portion 180b of the setting key cylinder 180. This peripheral wall 100D can prevent, for example, a wire from entering the game control board case 100A and illegally contacting the periphery of the cylindrical portion 180c. It can also make it less likely that the state of the setting key cylinder switch 180a provided inside the setting key cylinder 180 (described later) will be changed due to illegal magnetic influence.

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

As shown in FIG. 21, the 7-segment display 300 is a so-called 4-segment 7-segment display, and has a total of 32 lighted (illuminating) parts. Specifically, the 7-segment display 300 has, from left to right, a first display area 310, a second display area 320, a third display area 330, and a fourth display area 340. The four display areas 310, 320, 330, and 340 each have eight lighted parts (LED elements) LB1 to LB8, LB9 to LB16, LB17 to LB24, and LB25 to LB32 to display the numbers "0" to "9". Note that 4-segment 7-segment displays are common products on the market, so by using 4-segment 7-segment displays (7-segment display 300), it is possible to construct a display means at low cost.

In this embodiment, a set value between "1" and "6" is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300. When the set value is displayed, the lighting portions LB25 to LB32 of the fourth display area 340 are illuminated in a lighting manner (a lighting manner in which they continue to emit light) to represent the number of the set value. When the set value is displayed in the fourth display area 340, nothing is displayed in the first display area 310, the second display area 320, and the third display area 330.

As described above, in this embodiment, in order to change the setting value, it is necessary to satisfy three conditions (based on the establishment of certain transition conditions) and transition to the setting change mode. Specifically, the setting key cylinder 180 is rotated 90 degrees from the standby position using the setting key, and the power switch 195 is switched from OFF to ON while the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed. An operation that satisfies these three conditions will be referred to below as the "setting change mode transition operation." The three conditions are set as the setting change mode transition operation for the following reasons.

First, the condition of the power-on state is to allow the game to switch to the setting change mode only when an employee of the game arcade turns on the power. In other words, this is to prevent a situation in which a player can switch to the setting change mode while the special symbols are changing or a jackpot game is being played, and the setting value is changed during the game. Next, the condition of pressing the RAM clear switch 191 is to prevent the game from starting based on the information related to the game before the power was turned on, even if the setting value has been changed. In other words, if the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the power is turned on, the information related to the game stored in the game RAM 104 will be erased (RAM cleared) as described later. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the remaining reserved special symbols are judged to be a jackpot with the setting value before the power is turned off, but the remaining reserved special symbols are judged to be a loss with the setting value changed after the power is turned on, resulting in inconsistencies in the game.

Finally, the reason why the condition is that the setting key cylinder 180 is in the rotated position is to verify the intention of the arcade employee who will be changing the setting value. In other words, the setting change mode is merely a special mode in which the setting value can be changed, and this is to prevent the setting change mode from being entered randomly or simply. As described above, the setting change mode entry operation cannot be performed by players who cannot see the back of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 (see Figure 8).

Next, we will explain the display mode on the 7-segment display 300 and the presentation mode on the presentation means (image display device 50, speaker 620, frame lamp 212, and board lamp 54) when the setting value is changed.

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

When the setting change mode is entered, as shown in FIG. 22(B), a setting change image SH (mode suggestion image) showing the words "setting change in progress" is displayed on the display screen 50a of the image display device 50. The setting change image SH indicates that the setting value can be changed. When the setting change image SH starts to be displayed, it is possible for the arcade employee who changes the setting value (hereinafter referred to as the "setting changer") to understand that the setting change mode has been successfully entered. The setting change image SH continues to be displayed on the display screen 50a until the setting change mode ends. Therefore, the setting changer can clearly understand the period from the start to the end of the setting change mode based on the display period of the setting change image SH.

Furthermore, when the setting change mode is entered, as shown in FIG. 22 (B), a voice (mode indication sound) saying "Settings can be changed" is output from speaker 620. This voice saying "Settings can be changed" suggests that the setting value can be changed. When the voice saying "Settings can be changed" starts, it is possible for the person changing the settings to audibly understand that they have successfully entered the setting change mode. Furthermore, the voice saying "Settings can be changed" is output repeatedly until the setting change mode ends, except for the moment when the setting value is changed. Therefore, as long as the person changing the settings continues to hear the voice saying "Settings can be changed", they can clearly understand the period from the start to the end of the setting change mode.

When the setting change mode is entered, the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 emit light in a special first light emission mode, as shown in FIG. 22(B). This light emission in the special first light emission mode indicates that the setting value can be changed. When light emission in the first light emission mode begins, it is possible for the person changing the settings to understand that they have successfully entered the setting change mode. Furthermore, the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 continue to emit light in the first light emission mode until the setting change mode ends, except for the timing when the setting value is changed. Therefore, as long as the person changing the settings continues to watch the light emission in the first light emission mode, they can clearly understand the period from the start to the end of the setting change mode.

Thus, in this embodiment, when in the setting change mode, not only is the setting change image SH displayed, but the sound "Settings can be changed" is output, and light is emitted in the special first light emission mode. As a result, the person changing the settings can reliably grasp the situation in which the setting value can be changed both visually and audibly. And while the setting change mode of this embodiment is a cumbersome operation that requires the satisfaction of three conditions as described above, the person changing the settings can determine whether or not the operation to transition to the setting change mode has been performed correctly based on whether or not the mode suggestions of the display of the setting change image SH, the sound "Settings can be changed," and the light emission in the special first light emission mode are initiated.

In this embodiment, in the setting change mode, pressing the RAM clear switch 191 allows the setting value to be changed. Specifically, each time the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, the setting value can be increased by one in the following order: "1" ⇒ "2" ⇒ "3" ⇒ "4" ⇒ "5" ⇒ "6". When the setting value is "6", pressing the RAM clear switch 191 returns the setting value to "1". Thus, by switching the setting value by one each time the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, the method of switching the setting value is made as simple as possible.

The existing RAM clear switch 191 is used as the operating means for switching the set values, and no dedicated operating means has been newly provided. Conventionally, the RAM clear switch 191 has only been used to erase information stored in the game RAM 104 and the payout RAM 174 when the power is turned on, and has not been used at any other time. Therefore, in this embodiment, the RAM clear switch 191 serves both as an operating means for switching the set values and an operating means for erasing stored information in the game RAM 104, etc., thereby making it possible to reduce the number of parts.

However, when the setting change mode is set, pressing the RAM clear switch 191 does not erase the game information stored in the game RAM 104 at the time of pressing the switch, nor the payout information stored in the payout RAM 174. This is because if the game control microcomputer 101 and the payout control microcomputer 171 were to erase the stored information every time the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, the control process would become cumbersome. In this way, while the setting change mode is set, the information stored in the game RAM 104 and the payout RAM 174 is not erased, preventing the control process of the game control microcomputer 101 and the payout control microcomputer 171 from becoming cumbersome.

As shown in FIG. 22(B), when the setting mode is switched to and the setting value is changed, for example, when the seven-segment display 300 displays a setting value of "1," if the RAM clear switch 191 is then pressed, as shown in FIG. 22(C), the fourth display area 340 of the seven-segment display 300 displays a setting value of "2." In other words, the display switches from setting value "1" to setting value "2." This allows the person changing the settings to understand that the setting value has changed to "2."

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

As shown in FIG. 22(C), a voice message saying "The setting value has been changed" is output from speaker 620. This voice message saying "The setting value has been changed" makes it possible for the person changing the setting to understand that the setting value has been changed. Note that the voice message saying "The setting value has been changed" is output only once, and thereafter the voice message saying "The setting can be changed" is repeatedly output, as described above.

As shown in FIG. 22C, the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 emit light in a special second light-emitting mode. This second light-emitting mode allows the person changing the settings to understand that the setting has been changed. Note that the light emission in the second light-emitting mode lasts for only a few seconds after the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, and then the light emission returns to the first light-emitting mode as described above.

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

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

The person who changes the settings basically faces the back of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 (see FIG. 8) and looks at the 7-segment display 300 when pressing the RAM clear switch 191. Therefore, it is difficult for the person who changes the settings to understand the display of the setting value change image YG on the display screen 50a and the illumination of the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 in the special second illumination mode. Therefore, the display of the setting value change image YG and the illumination of the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 in the special second illumination mode are intended to indicate (notify) the employees of the gaming facility around the pachinko gaming machine PY1 that the setting value has been changed. In this way, the employees of the gaming facility in the surrounding area can understand that the setting value has been changed, and can therefore understand that the setting value has not been changed fraudulently.

In particular, when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 22(C)(D), the display screen 50a displays the setting value change image YG (change suggestion) in preference to the setting change in progress image SH (mode suggestion). Also, the speaker 620 outputs the voice "The setting value has been changed" in preference to the voice "The setting can be changed" (mode suggestion). Also, the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 emit light in a special second light-emitting mode (change suggestion) in preference to the light in a special first light-emitting mode (mode suggestion). In this way, by giving priority to the indication that the setting value has been changed in preference to the indication that the setting value can be changed, it is possible to make it easier for employees of nearby arcades to notice fraudulent behavior in the event that the setting value is fraudulently changed.

As shown in FIG. 22(C)(D), the setting value change image YG is an image that does not indicate the setting value itself to be changed, but simply indicates that the setting value has been changed. The sound "The setting value has been changed" also does not indicate the setting value itself to be changed, but simply indicates that the setting value has been changed. In this way, when in the setting change mode, the setting value is not displayed by the image display device 50, speaker 620, or other presentation means, except for the 7-segment display 300 that is mainly seen only by the person changing the setting. Therefore, although employees of the surrounding game arcades can understand that the setting value can be changed and that the setting value has been changed, they cannot understand the value of the setting value itself. Therefore, even if an outsider such as a player sees the display screen 50a or hears the sound from the speaker 620 in the setting change mode, it is possible to prevent the setting value from being understood.

Next, we will explain how to confirm the setting value. To confirm the setting value, in the setting change mode, it is necessary to use the setting key to rotate the setting key cylinder 180 from the rotation position to the standby position. This ends the setting change mode, and the setting value last displayed in the setting change mode is confirmed. The operation of rotating the setting key cylinder 180 from the rotation position to the standby position will be referred to as the "setting confirmation operation" as appropriate.

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

When the setting confirmation operation is performed, as shown in FIG. 22(F), a voice saying "The setting value has been confirmed" is output from speaker 620. This voice saying "The setting value has been confirmed" makes it possible for the person changing the setting or employees of the surrounding amusement arcade to understand that the setting value has been confirmed. Note that the voice saying "The setting value has been confirmed" is output only once at the time when the setting confirmation operation is performed.

When the setting confirmation operation is performed, the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 emit light in a special third light emission mode, as shown in FIG. 22(F). This light emission in the third light emission mode makes it possible for the person changing the settings or employees of the surrounding arcade to know that the setting value has been confirmed. Note that the light emission in the third light emission mode is performed for a very short time after the setting confirmation operation is performed, and then ends.

In this embodiment, when the setting change mode ends after the setting confirmation operation, the setting value (for example, "3" shown in FIG. 22(D)) that was displayed in a lit state (changeable state) on the 7-segment display 300 becomes invisible. In other words, the setting value becomes invisible (non-display state). Instead, the 7-segment display 300 executes the initial display (see FIG. 22(F)) described below. In this way, the setting changer can understand that the setting value has been confirmed, as the setting value that was displayed in a lit state becomes invisible. Furthermore, since the setting value is not displayed after it has been confirmed, it is possible to make it difficult for others to notice the confirmed setting value.

When the setting value is confirmed in this way, as shown in FIG. 22(F), all of the lighting portions LB1 to LB32 (see FIG. 21) from the first display area 310 to the fourth display area 340 are lit as the initial display on the 7-segment display 300. By lighting all of the lighting portions LB1 to LB32 in this way, it is possible to clearly indicate to the person who performed the setting confirmation operation that the initial display is being executed.

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

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

In this embodiment, the setting change mode is terminated before the setting key cylinder 180 is rotated to the standby position by the setting confirmation operation. Specifically, the setting change mode is terminated and the setting value is confirmed the moment the setting key cylinder 180 starts to move from the rotation position to the standby position. Therefore, the following describes the configuration of the setting key cylinder switch 180a provided inside the setting key cylinder 180 and the configuration of the electrical circuitry around the game control microcomputer 101, while also providing a detailed explanation of the timing for confirming the setting value.

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

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

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

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

Next, the timing for determining the setting value will be explained with reference to Figures 24 (A), (B), and (C). Figure 24 (A) shows the state of the setting key cylinder switch 180a when the setting key cylinder 180 is in the rotated position. At this time, terminals s1 and s2 are in a conductive state, and DC 5V power supplied to the power line E2 is supplied to the signal line E1 via the setting key cylinder switch 180a. As a result, an "H" level switch signal is input from the signal line E1 to the input terminal P14 of the game control microcomputer 101. In this way, while an "H" level switch signal is being input to the input terminal P14 of the game control microcomputer 101, the setting change mode is entered.

Then, the setting changer rotates the setting key cylinder 180 from the rotation position to the standby position by the setting confirmation operation. FIG. 24(B) is a diagram showing the state of the setting key cylinder switch 180a at the moment when the setting key cylinder 180 starts to rotate from the rotation position. As shown in FIG. 24(B), when the switching piece s4 is separated from the terminal s2, the terminals s1 and s2 are in a non-conductive state. Therefore, the DC 5V power supplied to the power line E2 is no longer supplied to the signal line E1 via the setting key cylinder switch 180a. At this time, since the signal line E1 connected to the input terminal P14 is connected to the ground line E4 at the branch part Q1, the switch signal is switched from the "H" level to the "L" level. In other words, the "L" level switch signal is input to the input terminal P14 of the game control microcomputer 101. As a result, the setting change mode is ended and the setting value is confirmed.

Figure 24 (C) shows the state of the setting key cylinder switch 180a when the setting key cylinder 180 is in the standby position. When the person changing the settings rotates the setting key cylinder 180 completely to the standby position by performing the setting confirmation operation, the switching piece s4 contacts the terminal s3. At this time, as with the above, the DC 5V power supplied to the power line E2 is not supplied to the signal line E1 via the setting key cylinder switch 180a, so the switch signal remains at the "L" level.

As can be seen from the above explanation, the timing for confirming the setting value is the timing shown in FIG. 24(B), and the setting change mode ends as soon as the setting key cylinder 180 starts to rotate from the rotation position. Therefore, as soon as the setting changer starts the setting confirmation operation, the setting value displayed on the 7-segment display 300 in the setting change mode (for example, the setting value "3" shown in FIG. 22(D)) can be made invisible (see FIG. 22(F)). In other words, it is possible to make the setting value invisible on the 7-segment display 300 before the setting key cylinder 180 finishes rotating to the standby position. In this way, by making the setting value displayed on the 7-segment display 300 invisible as soon as possible, it is possible to minimize the risk of the confirmed setting value being discovered by those around.

Also, when a busy arcade employee (setting changer) performs a setting confirmation operation before the arcade opens, there is a risk that the setting key cylinder 180 will not be rotated correctly to the standby position due to carelessness or inexperience. However, even if such a situation occurs, the switch signal input to the game control microcomputer 101 switches from "H" level to "L" level (see Figures 24 (A) and (B)), so it is possible to confirm the setting value and make it invisible. Therefore, even if the setting changer operates carelessly or inexperiencedly, it is possible to end the setting change mode and prevent the setting value from continuing to be displayed on the 7-segment display 300. Furthermore, since the setting change mode ends early, the timing at which the display of the setting change image SH, the output of the voice saying "setting can be changed," and the mode suggestion of light emission in the special first light emission mode also ends early. Therefore, even if the setting key cylinder 180 is not rotated correctly to the standby position due to carelessness or inexperience, it is possible to prevent the suggestion that the setting value can be changed from continuing.

On the other hand, in order to switch to the setting change mode when the power is turned on, the setting key cylinder 180 must be rotated completely from the standby position (see FIG. 24(C)) to the rotation position (FIG. 24(A)). In other words, if the setting key cylinder 180 is rotated partially from the standby position due to the setting changer's unfamiliar operation or vibration, the switch signal will not switch from "L" level to "H" level (see FIG. 24(B)), and it will not be possible to switch to the setting change mode. In this way, it is possible to prevent unintentional switching to the setting change mode as much as possible by making it possible to change the setting value only when the setting changer has reliably rotated the setting key cylinder 180 to the rotation position.

As shown in Figures 20(A) and 20(B), the setting key cylinder 180 is positioned to the left of the 7-segment display 300. In other words, when viewed from the back of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 (see Figure 8) by the person changing the settings, the setting key cylinder 180 is positioned to the right of the 7-segment display 300. This is for the following reason. That is, most setting changers attempt to operate the setting key with their right hand, which is their dominant hand, when performing a setting confirmation operation. At this time, if the setting key cylinder 180 is located to the left of the 7-segment display 300 from the perspective of the setting changer, the right hand of the setting changer will cover the 7-segment display 300, making it difficult to see the setting value immediately before confirmation (the setting value immediately before it becomes invisible).

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

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

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

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

Next, a case will be described where information indicating the setting values (setting value information) is not stored in the pachinko gaming machine PY1. The setting value information is stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 (setting value information storage means, see FIG. 6) of the gaming RAM 104 each time a setting value is selected (changed) in the setting change mode. However, when the pachinko gaming machine PY1 is shipped from the production factory (factory shipment), no setting value information is stored in the setting value information storage unit 107. In other words, no setting value is set. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the setting value information storage unit 107 is a storage area (storage means) provided in the gaming RAM 104, but it may be a storage means provided separately from the gaming RAM 104.

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

When in error mode, as shown in FIG. 25(A), the lighting portions LB25, LB28, LB29, LB30, and LB31 (see FIG. 21) in the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300 light up in an error lighting mode to show the letter "E." This lighting can let arcade employees and others know that the device has entered error mode, i.e., that no set value has been set. This lighting in error lighting mode (indicating an error) continues until the error mode is released by cutting off the power.

When in error mode, as shown in FIG. 25(B), an operation suggestion image SE is displayed on the display screen 50a, showing the text "Setting value not set. Please perform operation to switch to setting change mode." The display of this operation suggestion image SE (error notification) makes it possible for arcade employees to understand the situation in which a setting value must be set. The display of the operation suggestion image SE continues until the error mode is released by cutting off the power.

When in error mode, as shown in FIG. 25(B), a special error sound is output from speaker 620. At this time, as shown in FIG. 25(B), frame lamp 212 and board lamp 54 also emit light in a special error light-emitting mode. The output of the error sound (error notification) and the emission of light in the error light-emitting mode (error notification) make it possible for arcade employees and the like to understand that the machine has entered error mode. The output of the error sound and the emission of light in the error light-emitting mode continue until the error mode is released by cutting off the power.

Here, in this embodiment, the setting value information stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 of the game RAM 104 is not erased even if the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the power is turned on. Therefore, if the setting value information is once stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 by performing the setting change mode transition operation after factory shipment, the situation does not occur in which the setting value information is not stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 after that. Therefore, in this case, the error mode will not be entered when the power is turned on the next time. In other words, the error mode is entered when the setting value has never been set and the setting change mode transition operation is not performed when the power is turned on. In this way, it is possible to prevent unnecessary transition to the error mode by not erasing the setting value information simply when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed or when the power is not turned on (cut-off state). The setting value information storage unit 107 is configured with a volatile storage means (DRAM) so as to be able to handle relatively many (frequent) accesses, but may also be configured with a non-volatile storage means (EEPROM, etc.), for example.

8. Display of the base Next, the display of the base will be described with reference to Fig. 26 and Fig. 27. In this embodiment, the base can be displayed on the 7-segment display 300. The base is the ratio of the number of winning balls (total winning balls) acquired by the player to the number of balls fired (total number of balls fired), which is the number of game balls fired by the player. By checking the base on the 7-segment display 300, it is possible to know that the pachinko game machine PY1 has been illegally modified or that a malfunction or defect has occurred.

The base described in this embodiment means the base in the normal game state, and does not mean the base in the jackpot game state, the base in the high probability state and time-saving state, the base in the normal probability state and time-saving state, or the base from when the power is turned on to the present. In other words, the base described below in this embodiment means the ratio of the number of prize balls (total prize balls) won by the player in the normal game state to the number of fired balls (total fired balls), which is the number of game balls fired by the player in the normal game state. Therefore, the total number of fired balls or prize balls described below means the total number of prize balls or prize balls in the normal game state.

In this embodiment, the base is newly calculated each time the total number of shot balls reaches 60,000. The base information calculated each time 60,000 shots are reached (base information) is stored in sequence in the base information storage unit 108 (see FIG. 6) of the gaming RAM 104. However, the base information storage unit 108 stores information on the currently calculated base (hereinafter referred to as the "current base"), information on the base calculated when the total number of shot balls reached 60,000 before the start of calculation of the current base (hereinafter referred to as the "previous base"), information on the base calculated when the total number of shot balls reached 60,000 before the previous base (hereinafter referred to as the "second base"), and information on the base calculated when the total number of shot balls reached 60,000 before the second base (hereinafter referred to as the "third base"). In this way, the 7-segment display 300 can display the current base, the one-before-ago base, the two-before-ago base, and the three-before-ago base based on the current base information, the one-before-ago base information, the two-before-ago base information, and the three-before-ago base information stored in the base information storage unit 108.

The timing at which the display of the base starts varies depending on whether or not the setting change mode has been entered, i.e., whether or not the operation to enter the setting change mode has been performed. If the operation to enter the setting change mode has been performed, the setting change mode is entered after the power is turned on as described above. In this case, the setting change mode ends and the initial display is executed on the 7-segment display 300, and then the display of the base starts. On the other hand, if the power is turned on without the operation to enter the setting change mode being performed, the initial display is executed on the 7-segment display 300 immediately after the power is turned on, and then the display of the base starts. Note that in either case, the fact remains that the initial display is executed on the 7-segment display 300, and then the display of the base starts.

As shown in FIG. 26(A), when the initial display starts on the 7-segment display 300, the initial display is executed for a predetermined specific time (4.8 seconds in this embodiment). After that, as the initial display ends, the display of the current base starts as shown in FIG. 26(B). When the current base is displayed here, the current base (for example, "36") is displayed in two digits (displayed as a percentage) in the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300. Then, in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, the lighting parts LB1 to LB16 light up in a lighting mode (a mode in which they continue to light up) to show "bL." In other words, the lighting of "bL." means that the current base is being displayed.

The display of the current base shown in FIG. 26(B) is executed for a specific predetermined time (4.8 seconds in this embodiment). After that, when the display of the current base ends, if the information of the previous base is stored in the base information storage unit 108, the display of the previous base starts as shown in FIG. 26(C). When the previous base is displayed here, the previous base (for example, "37") is displayed in two digits in the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300. Then, in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, the lighting parts LB1 to LB16 are illuminated in a lighting manner to indicate "b1." In other words, the lighting of "b1." means that the previous base is being displayed.

The display of the one-before base shown in FIG. 26(C) is executed for a specific time (4.8 seconds in this embodiment). After that, when the display of the one-before base ends, if the information of the two-before base is stored in the base information storage unit 108, the display of the two-before base starts as shown in FIG. 26(D). When the two-before base is displayed here, the two-before base (for example, "35") is displayed in two digits in the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300. Then, in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, the lighting parts LB1 to LB16 are illuminated in a lighting manner to indicate "b2." In other words, the lighting of "b2." means that the two-before base is being displayed.

The display of the two-back base shown in FIG. 26(D) is executed for a predetermined specific time (4.8 seconds in this embodiment). After that, when the display of the two-back base ends, if the information of the three-back base is stored in the base information storage unit 108, the display of the three-back base starts as shown in FIG. 26(E). When the three-back base is displayed here, the three-back base (for example, "38") is displayed in two digits in the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340 of the seven-segment display 300. Then, in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, the lighting parts LB1 to LB16 are illuminated in a lighting manner to indicate "b3." In other words, the lighting of "b3." means that the three-back base is being displayed.

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

Incidentally, FIG. 26(C) shows a case where the previous base is displayed when the base information storage unit 108 stores information on the previous base. In contrast, when the base information storage unit 108 does not store information on the previous base, the display shown in FIG. 27(C) is executed. That is, as shown in FIG. 27(C), in the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300, the lighting parts LB23 and LB31 (see FIG. 21) light up in a lighting mode to indicate "--". In the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, the lighting parts LB1 to LB16 light up in a blinking mode (a mode in which light is turned on and off repeatedly) to indicate "b1." In this way, the blinking light of "b1." and the display of "--" indicate that the previous base cannot yet be displayed.

Similarly, if the information on the two previous bases is not stored in the base information storage unit 108, as shown in FIG. 27(D), the lighting portions LB23 and LB31 in the third display area 330 and fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300 light up in a lit state to indicate "--". Then, in the first display area 310 and second display area 320, the lighting portions LB1 to LB16 light up in a blinking state to indicate "b2.". In this way, the blinking illumination of "b2." and the display of "--" indicate that the two previous bases cannot yet be displayed.

If the base information storage unit 108 does not store information on the 3rd previous base, the lighting portions LB23 and LB31 light up in a lighting manner to indicate "--" in the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300 as shown in FIG. 27(E). Then, the lighting portions LB1 to LB16 light up in a blinking manner to indicate "b3." in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320. Thus, the blinking illumination of "b3." and the display of "--" indicate that the 3rd previous base cannot yet be displayed. The base information storage unit 108 is configured with a volatile storage means (DRAM) so that it can handle relatively many (frequent) accesses, but may also be configured with a non-volatile storage means (EEPROM, etc.).

9. Transition after power-on Next, the transition after power-on in the pachinko game machine PY1 will be explained by dividing it into various operations. When power is turned on, the power switch 195 is switched from OFF to ON. After power is turned on, there are five cases as shown below.

In the first case, a setting change mode transition operation is performed. In this case, as soon as the power is turned on, the setting change mode is entered as described above. Once the setting change mode is entered, the setting change mode does not end unless the setting key cylinder 180 is rotated from the rotation position toward the standby position. When the setting change mode ends, the initial display is executed on the 7-segment display 300 as described above, and then the base display is performed (see FIG. 26).

In this embodiment, the operation of switching to the setting change mode includes pressing the RAM clear switch 191 when the power is turned on. However, as described above, when the setting change mode is set, the information related to the game stored in the game RAM 104 is not erased. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the setting change mode is ended, the information related to the game is automatically erased before the processing related to the game (the game control processing from step S101 to step S106 shown in FIG. 38) is executed. This makes it possible to prevent the game from being resumed in a state where the information related to the game stored before the power is turned on remains even though the setting value has been changed in the setting change mode. In addition, when the setting change mode is ended, the information related to the game is erased without pressing the RAM clear switch 191 again, so it is possible to erase the information related to the game without forcing the setting changer to perform the same operation twice.

However, when the information related to the game is erased after the setting change mode ends, the setting value information stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 is not erased. If the setting value information were to be erased along with the information related to the game, the setting value determined in the setting change mode would become meaningless. By not erasing the setting value information in this way, the setting value information remains stored even the next time the power is turned on. As a result, it is no longer necessary for the employees of the arcade to set the setting value again when the same setting value as the previous time is sufficient, making it possible to avoid an increase in the operational burden.

When the setting change mode ends as described above, the game control microcomputer 101 erases the information related to the game. After that, the main timer interrupt process (S005, see FIG. 38) described later executes the process related to the game (game control process from step S101 to step S106), and also executes the process related to the initial display and base display on the 7-segment display 300 (base display process in step S108).

In the second case, when the setting value information is not stored and the setting change mode transition operation is not performed when the power is turned on, the machine transitions to the error mode as described above. In this case, as soon as the power is turned on, the machine transitions to the error mode as described above. In the error mode, as shown in FIG. 25(A), the 7-segment display 300 emits light in an error lighting mode to show the letter "E". This allows the employees of the game arcade who see the letter "E" instead of the setting value on the 7-segment display 300 to understand that the setting value has not yet been set. Also, in the error mode, as shown in FIG. 25(B), a special error sound is output from the speaker 620, and the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 emit light in a special error lighting mode. This makes it possible to more clearly indicate the transition to the error mode than when the 7-segment display 300 shows the letter "E" on the back side of the pachinko game machine PY1 (see FIG. 8). As a result, it is possible to make it easier for the person who turned on the power switch 195 and employees of the surrounding game arcade to recognize that the pachinko game machine PY1 is in a state where it cannot be played. Once it has entered the error mode, it cannot be released until the power is cut off. Therefore, the next time the power is turned on, it is necessary to enter the setting change mode and set the setting value (store the setting value information).

The third case is when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the power is turned on while the setting value information is stored. However, the third case is when the setting key cylinder 180 is not rotated to the movement position when the power switch 195 is switched from OFF to ON. In this case, the game-related information stored in the game RAM 104 is erased immediately after power is turned on, without switching to setting change mode. However, even in this case, the setting value information stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 is not erased. If the setting value information were to be erased, it would be necessary to perform a setting change mode transition operation to avoid switching to error mode the next time the power is turned on, which would lead to cumbersome operations. After the information related to the game is erased in this way, the game control microcomputer 101 executes the game-related processing (game control processing from step S101 to step S106) through the main timer interrupt processing (S005, see FIG. 38) described below, and also executes the processing related to the initial display and base display on the 7-segment display 300 (base display processing in step S108).

In the fourth case, the setting key cylinder 180 may be rotated to the rotation position when the power is turned on while the setting value information is stored. However, the fourth case is when the RAM clear switch 191 is not pressed when the power switch 195 is switched from OFF to ON. In this case, the mode does not switch to the setting change mode immediately after the power is turned on, but switches to the setting value confirmation mode. Unlike the setting change mode, the setting value confirmation mode does not allow the user to select a setting value, but it is a mode for confirming the setting value based on the stored setting value information. For example, when the setting value information indicating that the setting value is "1" is stored, when the mode switches to the setting value confirmation mode, the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300 emits light to indicate "1" as shown in FIG. 22 (A). This setting value confirmation mode ends when a certain time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed since the 7-segment display 300 started displaying the setting value. In this way, if an arcade employee simply wants to check what the setting is, without erasing game-related information (RAM clearing) when turning on the power, they can switch to setting value confirmation mode and check the current setting value.

The transition to the setting value confirmation mode may occur, for example, in the following cases. During a game by a player, a malfunction of the image display device 50 or a malfunction of the movable members (the movable board body 55k, the movable frame body provided on the gaming machine frame 2, the AT opening and closing member 14k, the electric chute opening and closing member 12k, etc.) may occur. In this case, the employee of the game arcade may turn the power switch 195 OFF and then ON to re-power the machine in order to resolve the above-mentioned malfunction. At this time, since the game is interrupted, the RAM clear switch 191 is not pressed when the power is turned on so as not to erase information related to the game. However, the employee of the game arcade may want to check the set value. In such a case, by leaving the setting key cylinder 180 in the rotated position when the power is turned on, the game can be transitioned to the setting value confirmation mode, and the setting value can be confirmed on the 7-segment display 300. At this time, the setting value is only displayed on the 7-segment display 300, and the setting value is not suggested by the presentation means such as the image display device 50 and the speaker 620. This is to prevent the player from knowing the setting value. Note that a presentation such as the image display device 50 and speaker 620 may be used to present a presentation that suggests that the setting value confirmation mode has been set.

When the setting value confirmation mode ends, the game control microcomputer 101 basically does not clear the information related to the game, but executes the game-related processing (game control processing from step S101 to step S106) by the main timer interrupt processing (S005, see FIG. 38) described later, and also executes the processing related to the initial display and base display on the 7-segment display 300 (base display processing in step S108). However, if it is determined that the checksum of the game RAM 104 does not match the checksum of the game RAM 104 stored (memorized) at the time of power outage before executing the game-related processing, it exceptionally determines that the memory contents of the game RAM 104 are abnormal, and the information related to the game is cleared.

Finally, in the fifth case, the power switch 195 is simply switched from OFF to ON while the setting value information is stored. That is, in the fifth case, the setting key cylinder 180 is not rotated to the rotation position when the power is turned on, and the RAM clear switch 191 is not pressed. In this case, the setting change mode or the setting value confirmation mode is not entered after the power is turned on. Therefore, as soon as the power is turned on, the game control microcomputer 101 basically does not clear the information related to the game, but executes the game-related processing and executes the processing related to the initial display and the base display on the 7-segment display 300. However, before executing the processing related to the game, if it is determined that the checksum of the game RAM 104 does not match the checksum of the game RAM 104 stored at the time of the power outage, the game-related information is exceptionally cleared.

10. Symbol setting suggestion effect and high setting suggestion effect In this embodiment, when the setting change mode is set as described above, in order to reduce the possibility that the setting value is known by the surroundings, no image suggesting the setting value is displayed on the display screen 50a of the image display device 50. However, if no image suggesting the setting value is displayed on the display screen 50a of the image display device 50 even after the setting change mode is ended, it is not possible to provide the player with the interest of guessing the setting value during the game. Therefore, in this embodiment, after the setting change mode is ended, a symbol setting suggestion effect or a high setting suggestion effect may be executed on the display screen 50a of the image display device 50, thereby providing the player with the interest.

First, we will explain the symbol setting suggestion effect. The symbol setting suggestion effect is an effect that suggests the set value by either the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, or the right performance pattern EZ3 when the performance pattern EZ is stopped and displayed in a losing mode. Note that the left performance pattern EZ1 means the performance pattern EZ that is stopped and displayed in the left performance pattern display area on the left side of the display screen 50a. Also, the middle performance pattern EZ2 means the performance pattern EZ that is stopped and displayed in the middle performance pattern display area in the center of the display screen 50a. Also, the right performance pattern EZ3 means the performance pattern EZ that is stopped and displayed in the right performance pattern display area on the right side of the display screen 50a.

As shown in Figure 28, the performance pattern EZ is a display form that combines a part showing numbers (number portion) and a part showing characters, and there are nine types of performance pattern EZ. In the following, the performance pattern EZ whose number part is "1" will be referred to as the first performance pattern EZa, the performance pattern EZ whose number part is "2" will be referred to as the second performance pattern EZb, the performance pattern EZ whose number part is "3" will be referred to as the third performance pattern EZc, the performance pattern EZ whose number part is "4" will be referred to as the fourth performance pattern EZd, the performance pattern EZ whose number part is "5" will be referred to as the fifth performance pattern EZe, the performance pattern EZ whose number part is "6" will be referred to as the sixth performance pattern EZf, the performance pattern EZ whose number part is "7" will be referred to as the seventh performance pattern EZg, the performance pattern EZ whose number part is "8" will be referred to as the eighth performance pattern EZh, and the performance pattern EZ whose number part is "9" will be referred to as the ninth performance pattern EZi.

The symbol setting suggestion effect is executed when the jackpot is determined to be a miss. In this case, one of the three stop-displayed effect symbols EZ (left effect symbol EZ1, center effect symbol EZ2, right effect symbol EZ3) is determined using the miss effect symbol selection table shown in FIG. 29(A)-(F). The miss effect symbol selection tables shown in FIG. 29(A)-(F) are provided according to the setting value. Therefore, among the miss effect symbol selection tables shown in FIG. 29(A)-(F), the table corresponding to the currently set setting value is used. As shown in FIG. 29(A)-(F), the various miss effect symbol selection tables are set so that the ratio (allocation rate) of the first effect symbol EZa to the ninth effect symbol EZi that corresponds to the setting value is higher than the other effect symbols EZ. The effect pattern EZ determined by the various losing effect pattern lottery tables is determined by lottery as either the left effect pattern EZ1, the center effect pattern EZ2, or the right effect pattern EZ3. The remaining two effect patterns EZ other than the effect pattern EZ determined by the losing effect pattern lottery table are determined by lottery using an effect pattern lottery table (not shown) based on the variation pattern.

For example, when the setting value is set to "6", when the performance pattern EZ is stopped in a losing stop mode, the frequency of the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, or the right performance pattern EZ3 being the sixth performance pattern EZf increases. In other words, after the variable performance starts as shown in FIG. 30(A), when the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3 are stopped as shown in FIG. 30(B), any of the three performance patterns EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 is likely to be stopped as the sixth performance pattern EZf. As a result, the player is made to grasp the stopping display of the sixth performance pattern EZf relatively frequently, and it is possible to guess that the setting value is "6". In other words, it is possible to make the player pay attention to which performance pattern EZ is stopped frequently even if it is a losing one, and it is possible to provide a novel game interest.

Next, we will explain the high setting suggestion effect. The high setting suggestion effect is an effect that suggests that the setting value is a high setting of "4", "5", or "6" when the effect pattern EZ is stopped and displayed due to a missed SP reach. This high setting suggestion effect is executed only when the setting value is set to "4", "5", or "6", and is not executed when the setting value is set to "1", "2", or "3". Therefore, when the player realizes that the high setting suggestion effect is being executed, he or she can know that the setting value is "4", "5", or "6".

The high setting suggestion effect of this form is executed when the following conditions are met: the SP reach is a miss; and the number of balls fired since power-on has reached a multiple of 10,000, such as 10,000, 20,000, 30,000, 40,000, 50,000, or 600,000. The reason why the condition of the SP reach being a miss is set is to allow players who are greatly disappointed by the SP reach being a miss to maintain their motivation to play by executing the high setting suggestion effect. Also, the reason why the condition of the number of balls fired reaching a multiple of 10,000 is set is to make the high setting suggestion effect a special privilege that can be executed very rarely.

Specifically, the high setting suggestion effect is executed as shown in FIG. 31. That is, after the reach is reached, a battle effect is executed as an SP reach as shown in FIG. 31(A). In FIG. 31(A), a battle image BT showing that the main character and the rival character fight in baseball is displayed on the display screen 50a as a battle effect. After that, a battle defeat effect is executed as an SP reach failure as shown in FIG. 31(A). In FIG. 31(B), a battle defeat image BH showing that the main character has been defeated by the enemy character is displayed on the display screen 50a as a battle defeat effect. Next, as shown in FIG. 31(C), the performance patterns EZ (left performance pattern EZ1, center performance pattern EZ2, right performance pattern EZ3) are stopped and displayed in a failure mode (for example, "191"). In this way, the player is made to understand that the SP reach is a failure, and a high setting suggestion effect is executed as shown in FIG. 31(D). Specifically, in FIG. 31(D), a phoenix image FT (suggestive effect image) showing a flying phoenix is displayed on the display screen 50a as a high setting suggestive effect. This allows the player who sees the phoenix image FT to understand that the setting value is "4", "5", or "6", making them forget the disappointment of missing the SP reach, while also giving them a great sense of elation that comes from a high setting.

11. Control Operation of Pachinko Game Machine Next, the operation of the game control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to Figures 32 to 38, and the operation of the performance control microcomputer 121 will be described with reference to Figures 39 to 51. First, the operation of the game control microcomputer 101 will be described.

[Main control process] When the power is turned on, the game control microcomputer 101 provided on the game control board 100 reads out the program of the main control process shown in FIG. 32 from the game ROM 103 and executes it. The counter, timer, flag, status, buffer, etc. that appear in the operation description of the game control microcomputer 101 are provided in the game RAM 104. The initial value of the counter is "0", the initial value of the flag is "0" or "OFF", and the initial value of the status is "1".

As shown in FIG. 33, the main control main processing first performs the power-on processing (S001) described below. Following the power-on processing (S001), interrupts are prohibited (S002), and the normal and special symbol main random number update processing is executed (S003). In this normal and special symbol main random number update processing (S003), the various random number counter values shown in FIG. 15 are updated by incrementing them by 1. When each random number counter value reaches its upper limit, it returns to "0" and is incremented again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0", and may be changed randomly. Each random number may also be a so-called hardware random number generated using a known random number generation circuit consisting of a counter IC or the like.

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

[Power-on processing] As shown in FIG. 33, in the power-on processing (S001), the game control microcomputer 101 first sets permission for access to the game RAM 104 (S009). This allows information to be written to and read from the game RAM 104. Next, a setting value designation command is sent to the performance control board 120 to notify the setting value information (setting value information) stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 of the game RAM 104 (S010). As a result, when the power is turned on, the performance control board 120 receives the setting value designation command, and the performance control microcomputer 121 can grasp the setting value that was set in the previous game. However, in the processing of step S010, if the setting value information has not yet been stored in the setting value information storage unit 107, the game control microcomputer 101 will not send the setting value designation command.

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

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

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

In step S013, the information stored in the game RAM 104 is cleared (S013). However, at this time, the setting value information stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 and the information related to the base stored in the base information storage unit 108 (information on the total number of shot balls, information on the total number of winning balls, information on the base one before, information on the base two before, and information on the base three before) are not cleared.

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

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

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

[Setting change mode processing] As shown in FIG. 34, in the setting change mode processing (S012), the game control microcomputer 101 first sends a setting mode transition command to the performance control board 120 to notify the transition to the setting change mode (S030). Then, it is determined whether setting value information is stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 (S031). If the setting value information is stored (YES in S031), the setting value was set before the power failure, so the setting value is displayed on the 7-segment display 300 based on the setting value information (S032) (see FIG. 22 (B)). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 101 transmits serial data for displaying the setting value from the serial data transmission terminal TX3 (see FIG. 23) to the LED driver 350. In this way, the setting changer can grasp the setting value that was set before the power failure on the 7-segment display 300 immediately after performing the setting change mode transition operation.

In step S033, it is determined whether the RAM clear switch 191 is ON. In other words, it is determined whether the RAM clear switch 191 has been pressed in the setting change mode. If it is ON (YES in S033), new setting value information is stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 to increment the setting value by one (S034). Note that when the setting value is "6", if the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, setting value information indicating that the setting value is "1" is stored. Next, the setting value is displayed on the 7-segment display 300 based on the new setting value information (S035) (see Figures 22 (C) and (D)). This allows the person changing the setting to understand that the setting value has been incremented.

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 sends a setting value change command to the performance control board 120 to notify that the setting value has been changed (S036), and sends a setting value designation command to notify the setting value information (setting value information) of the incremented setting value (S037), and proceeds to step S038. In step S038, it is determined whether the setting key cylinder switch 180a is OFF. In other words, it is determined whether the setting confirmation operation has been performed. If it is not OFF (NO in S038), it is not yet time to end the setting change mode, so it returns to step S033. On the other hand, if it is OFF (YES in S038), it sends a setting mode end command to notify the performance control board 120 of the end of the setting change mode (S039). Then, it sends a setting value designation command (confirmed setting information) to notify the performance control board 120 of the confirmed setting value information (setting value information) (S040). Furthermore, the set value displayed on the 7-segment display 300 is made invisible (S041), and the process proceeds to step S013 (see FIG. 33) described above. In this way, as soon as the setting key cylinder switch 180a is turned OFF, the set value becomes invisible on the 7-segment display 300, making it difficult for those around to grasp the confirmed set value. The process from step S013 onwards has been described above, so a description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, there are three timings for sending a setting value designation command including information on the setting value to the performance control board 120. The first timing is when the setting value designation command is sent by the processing of step S010 when the power is turned on. The second timing is when the setting value is changed in the setting change mode and the setting value is sent by the processing of step S037. The third timing is when the setting value is finalized following the end of the setting change mode and the setting value designation command is sent by the processing of step S040.

In this way, by limiting the timing at which the setting value designation command is sent to only three times, it is possible to minimize the risk of the setting value information being illegally obtained by an external party. In other words, the first, second, and third timings described above occur in the short period from when the power is turned on until the game-related processing (the game control processing from step S101 to step S106 shown in FIG. 38) begins, and are timings that do not occur after the game has begun. In this way, the game control board 100 does not send a setting value designation command to the performance control board 120 during business hours (mainly during gameplay), and it is possible to minimize the risk of the setting value being illegally obtained by skimming the setting value designation command.

[Setting value confirmation mode processing] As shown in FIG. 35, in the setting value confirmation mode processing (S019), the game control microcomputer 101 first displays the setting value on the 7-segment display 300 based on the setting value information (S050). Next, it is determined whether a certain time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed since the 7-segment display 300 started displaying the setting value. If the certain time has not elapsed (NO in S051), the processing of step S051 is repeated, and the display of the setting value on the 7-segment display 300 continues. On the other hand, if the certain time has elapsed (YES in S051), the setting value displayed on the 7-segment display 300 is made invisible (S052), and the process proceeds to step S020 (see the power outage recovery processing in FIG. 32) described later. As described above, in the setting value confirmation mode processing (S019), unlike the setting change mode processing (S012) described above, the setting value is not changed, and the current setting value is simply displayed on the 7-segment display 300.

[Power outage recovery processing] As shown in FIG. 36, in the power outage recovery processing (S020), the game control microcomputer 101 first determines whether the power outage flag is ON or not (S060). The power outage flag is a flag that indicates the occurrence of a power outage, and is a flag that is turned ON in the power outage monitoring processing (see FIG. 42) described below. If the power outage flag is not ON (NO in S060), there is a possibility that the power was not shut off properly, so proceed to step S065.

On the other hand, if the power failure flag is ON (YES in S060), the checksum of the game RAM 104 is calculated (S061) and it is determined whether it matches the checksum of the game RAM 104 that was stored (memorized) at the time of power failure (see step S161 in FIG. 42) (S062). If these checksum values do not match (NO in S062), it is determined that the memory contents of the game RAM 104 are abnormal, and the process proceeds to step S065. On the other hand, if the checksum values match (YES in S062), it is determined that the memory contents of the game RAM 104 are normal, and the process proceeds to step S063.

In step S063, the setting management of the working area of the gaming RAM 104 when power is restored is performed. In this setting process, power restoration information is read from the gaming ROM 103, and this power restoration information is set in the working area of the gaming RAM 104. After that, the gaming control microcomputer 101 turns off the power interruption flag (S064) and proceeds to step S022 (see FIG. 33) described above. The processing from step S022 onwards has been described above, so a description will be omitted.

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

After step S065, the working area of the game RAM 104 is initialized (S066). In this initialization process, the initial setting information read from the game ROM 103 is set in the working area of the game RAM 104. Next, the game control microcomputer 101 sends a RAM clear notification command to the performance control board 120 to notify it of clearing the memory contents of the game RAM 104 (S067), and proceeds to step S022 (see Figure 33) described above.

[Error mode processing] As shown in FIG. 37, in the error mode processing (S021), the gaming control microcomputer 101 first executes an error display processing to display the letter "E" (see FIG. 25(A)) in the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300 (S080). Specifically, the gaming control microcomputer 101 transmits serial data to display the letter "E" from the serial data transmission terminal TX3 (see FIG. 23) to the LED driver 350. As a result, the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300 emits light in an error lighting mode to display the letter "E". In this way, by showing the letter "E" on the 7-segment display 300, employees of the gaming facility can be made aware of the transition to error mode.

The game control microcomputer 101 then sends an error command to the performance control board 120 to notify it of the transition to error mode (S081). After that, loop processing is performed without returning to the power-on processing (S001, see FIG. 33). In this way, if the game transitions to error mode, the error mode will continue until the power is cut off. Therefore, the next time the power is turned on, the game cannot be started unless the game transitions to setting change mode and the setting values are set.

[Main timer interrupt processing] The game control microcomputer 101 repeats the main timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 38 at short intervals, such as every 4 msec. First, the game control microcomputer 101 performs random number update processing (S101) to update the jackpot random number used in the jackpot lottery, the win type random number for determining the type of jackpot, the reach random number for determining whether or not to enter a reach state in the performance pattern change performance, the fluctuation pattern random number for determining the fluctuation pattern, the normal pattern random number (win random number) used in the normal pattern lottery, etc. Note that at least a portion of each random number may be a so-called hardware random number generated using a known random number generation circuit made of a counter IC or the like. If all random numbers are hardware random numbers, random number update processing by software is not required. The random number generation circuit may also be built into the game control microcomputer 101.

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

Then, the game control microcomputer 101 executes the start gate sensor detection process (S103), the special action process (S104), and the normal action process (S105). In the start gate sensor detection process (S103), if a winning entry is detected by the first start gate sensor 11a or the second start gate sensor 12a, random numbers such as a jackpot random number (jackpot random number, winning type random number, reach random number, and variable pattern random number (see FIG. 15 (A))) are obtained, provided that there are less than four reserved memories corresponding to the start gate where the winning entry was detected. In addition, if a passage is detected by the gate sensor 13a, a normal pattern random number (see FIG. 15 (B)) is obtained, provided that there are less than four reserved normal symbols.

In the special action process (S104), random numbers such as the jackpot random number obtained in the start port sensor detection process (S103) are judged using a jackpot determination table (see Figures 16 (A) to (F)) based on the setting value indicated by the setting value information, a hit type determination table (see Figure 14), a reach determination table (see Figure 17 (A)), and a special symbol fluctuation pattern determination table (see Figure 18). The jackpot determination process that determines whether or not there is a jackpot using the jackpot determination table shown in Figures 16 (A) to (F) corresponds to the "determination process based on the ball entering the ball entrance". Then, a special symbol is displayed (fluctuating display and stationary display) to show the result of the jackpot lottery. When this special symbol is displayed, a fluctuation start command including information on the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol fluctuation display is set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104. If the result of the jackpot random number determination indicates that a jackpot has been won, a jackpot game (special game) is played in which the jackpot winning port 14 is opened according to a predetermined opening pattern (opening time and number of openings, see FIG. 14) corresponding to the type of jackpot. When playing this jackpot game, an opening command including information on the type of jackpot symbol that has been won is set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104. In the special operation process (S104), if no random numbers such as a jackpot random number are stored, a customer waiting standby command is set in the performance control microcomputer 121 to execute a customer waiting performance.

In the normal operation process (S105), a determination is made using the normal symbol random number obtained in the start hole sensor detection process (S103) and a normal symbol winning determination table (see FIG. 17(B)), and a normal symbol variation pattern selection table (see FIG. 17(C)) is used to select the normal symbol variation time according to the game status. Then, normal symbols are displayed (variable display and stationary display) to notify the result of the normal symbol lottery determination. If the result of the normal symbol random number determination is that a normal winning symbol has been selected, an auxiliary game is played in which the electric chute 12D is opened according to a predetermined opening pattern (opening time and number of openings, see FIG. 19) according to the game status.

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

[Base calculation process] As shown in FIG. 39, in the base calculation process (S107), the game control microcomputer 101 first executes the shot ball count process (S110). In the shot ball count process (S110), the value of the shot ball count counter provided in the game RAM 104 is increased based on the detection signal from the discharge port sensor 18a. However, in this embodiment, in order to calculate the base in the normal game state, the value of the shot ball count counter is increased only when the game is in the normal game state. Next, it is determined whether the number of shot balls is a multiple of 10,000, that is, whether the value of the shot ball count counter is a multiple of 10,000, such as 10,000, 20,000, 30,000, 40,000, 50,000, or 60,000 (S111). If it is not a multiple of 10,000 (NO in S111), proceed to step S113. On the other hand, if the number is a multiple of 10,000 (YES in S111), a setting suggestion condition establishment command is set in the game RAM 104 to notify the performance control microcomputer 121 that the number of balls fired has become a multiple of 10,000 (S112).

Next, in step S113, a total prize ball count process is executed. In the total prize ball count process (S113), the value of the total prize ball counter provided in the game RAM 104 is increased by a value corresponding to the number of prize balls based on the detection signals from the first start hole sensor 11a, the second start hole sensor 12a, the large prize hole sensor 14a, and the general prize hole sensor 10a. However, in this embodiment, in order to calculate the base in the normal game state, the value of the total prize ball counter is increased by a value corresponding to the number of prize balls only when the game is in the normal game state. In this embodiment, the number of prize balls for winning the first start hole 11 is "3", the number of prize balls for winning the second start hole 12 is "1", the number of prize balls for winning the large prize hole is "10", and the number of prize balls for winning the general prize hole 10 is "5", but these numbers of prize balls can be changed as appropriate.

Next, a current base calculation process is executed (S114). In the current base calculation process (S114), the current base (%) is calculated by dividing the value of the total number of winning balls counter by the value of the number of shot balls counter and multiplying the result by 100. The calculated current base information (current base information) is then stored in the base information storage unit 108.

After step S114, it is determined whether the number of shots has reached 60,000, i.e., whether the value of the shot ball counter is 60,000 or more (S115). If 60,000 shots have not been reached (NO in S115), this process ends. On the other hand, if 60,000 shots have been reached (YES in S115), the base information stored in the base information storage unit 108 is shifted and stored (S116).

Specifically, if 3-times-ago base information (3-times-ago base information) is stored, that 3-times-ago base information is cleared. If 2-times-ago base information (2-times-ago base information) is stored, that 2-times-ago base information is stored as 3-times-ago base information. If 1-time-ago base information (1-times-ago base information) is stored, that 1-time-ago base information is stored as 2-times-ago base information. Current base information (current base information) is stored as 1-time-ago base information.

After step S116, the value of the number of shot balls counter is cleared (S117), and the value of the total number of winning balls counter is cleared (S118), and this process ends. In this way, each time the number of shot balls reaches 60,000, the number of shot balls and the total number of winning balls are reset, and calculations are performed on a current basis.

[Base display process] As shown in FIG. 40, in the base display process (S108), the game control microcomputer 101 first determines whether the initial display end flag is ON (S120). The initial display flag is a flag that indicates that the initial display on the 7-segment display 300 has ended. If the initial display end flag is not ON (NO in S120), the game control microcomputer 101 executes the initial display process for executing the initial display on the 7-segment display 300 (S121). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 101 transmits serial data from the serial data transmission terminal TX3 (see FIG. 23) to the LED driver 350 for lighting all the lighting parts LB1 to LB32 of the 7-segment display 300. In this way, as shown in FIG. 22 (F), the initial display is executed on the 7-segment display 300, so that it is possible to confirm that the 7-segment display 300 itself has no malfunctions, defects, or has not been illegally modified.

Next, it is determined whether a specific time (4.8 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the initial display on the 7-segment display 300 (S122). If the time has not elapsed (NO in S122), the initial display on the 7-segment display 300 is still to be continued, and this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the time has elapsed (YES in S122), it is time to end the initial display on the 7-segment display 300, and the current base display flag is set ON (S123). The current base display flag is a flag that indicates that the current base is to be displayed on the 7-segment display 300. After step S123, the initial display end flag is set ON (S124), and this process is terminated.

In step S120, if the initial display flag is ON (YES in S120), the process proceeds to step S125, where it is determined whether the current base display flag is ON (S125). If the current base display flag is ON (YES in S125), a current base display process is executed to display the current base on the 7-segment display 300 (S126). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 101 transmits serial data to the LED driver 350 from the serial data transmission terminal TX3 (see FIG. 23) to display "bL." in a lit state in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, and to display the current base in the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340. In this way, as shown in FIG. 26 (B), the current base can be grasped on the 7-segment display 300, and it is possible to check whether the pachinko game machine PY1 has a malfunction, defect, or has been illegally modified.

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

In step S125, if the current base display flag is not ON (NO in S125), proceed to step S130 shown in FIG. 41 to determine whether the previous base display flag is ON. If the previous base display flag is ON (YES in S130), then determine whether the previous base information is stored in the base information storage unit 108 (S131). If it is stored (YES in S131), execute the previous base display process to display the previous base on the 7-segment display 300 (S132). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 101 transmits serial data from the serial data transmission terminal TX3 (see FIG. 23) to the LED driver 350 to display "b1." in a lit state in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, and to display the previous base in the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340. In this way, the 7-segment display 300 can grasp not only the current base, but also the previous base, as shown in FIG. 26(C), making it possible to more accurately determine whether the pachinko gaming machine PY1 has a malfunction, defect, or has been illegally tampered with.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S131 that the previous base information is not stored (NO in S131), a process to hide the previous base is executed (S134). In this process (S134), the game control microcomputer 101 transmits serial data from the serial data transmission terminal TX3 (see FIG. 23) to the LED driver 350 to display "b1." in a blinking manner in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, and to display "--" in a lit manner in the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340. At this time, as shown in FIG. 27(C), the 7-segment display 300 is still unable to grasp the previous base.

Next, it is determined whether a specific time (4.8 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the one-previous base display process (S132) or the one-previous base non-display process (S134) (S135). If the time has not elapsed (NO in S135), this process ends in order to continue the one-previous base display process (S132) or the one-previous base non-display process (S134). On the other hand, if the time has elapsed (YES in S135), the two-previous base display flag is set to ON (S136). The two-previous base display flag is a flag that indicates that it is time to display the two-previous base. After step S136, the one-previous base display flag is set to OFF (S137), and this process ends.

In step S130, if the one-before base display flag is not ON (NO in S130), proceed to step S138 to determine whether the two-before base display flag is ON. If the two-before base display flag is ON (YES in S138), then determine whether the two-before base information is stored in the base information storage unit 108 (S139). If it is stored (YES in S139), execute the two-before base display process to display the two-before base on the 7-segment display 300 (S140). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 101 transmits serial data from the serial data transmission terminal TX3 (see FIG. 23) to the LED driver 350 to display "b2." in a lit state in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, and to display the two-before base in the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340. In this way, the 7-segment display 300 can grasp not only the current base and the previous base, but also the previous base, as shown in FIG. 26(D), making it possible to more accurately determine whether the pachinko gaming machine PY1 has a malfunction, defect, or has been illegally tampered with.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S139 that the two-before base information is not stored (NO in S139), the two-before base non-display process is executed (S141). In this two-before base non-display process (S141), the game control microcomputer 101 transmits serial data from the serial data transmission terminal TX3 (see FIG. 23) to the LED driver 350 to display "b2." in a blinking manner in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, and to display "--" in a lit manner in the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340. At this time, as shown in FIG. 27 (D), the seven-segment display 300 is still unable to grasp the two-before base.

Next, it is determined whether a specific time (4.8 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the second-previous base display process (S140) or the second-previous base non-display process (S141) (S142). If the time has not elapsed (NO in S142), the second-previous base display process (S140) or the second-previous base non-display process (S141) is continued, and this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the time has elapsed (YES in S142), the third-previous base display flag is set to ON (S143). The third-previous base display flag is a flag that indicates that it is time to display the third-previous base. After step S143, the second-previous base display flag is set to OFF (S144), and this process is terminated.

In step S138, if the 2-times-ago base display flag is not ON (NO in S138), the process proceeds to step S145, where it is determined whether the 3-times-ago base display flag is ON or not. Note that in step S145, it is practically never determined that the 3-times-ago base display flag is not ON. In other words, when proceeding to step S145, the 3-times-ago base display flag is ON, so the process always proceeds to step S146. In step S146, it is determined whether the 3-times-ago base information is stored in the base information storage unit 108. If it is stored (YES in S146), the 3-times-ago base display process is executed to display the 3-times-ago base on the 7-segment display device 300 (S147). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 101 transmits serial data from the serial data transmission terminal TX3 (see FIG. 23) to the LED driver 350 to display "b3." in a lit state in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, and to display the three previous bases in the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340. In this way, the seven-segment display 300 can grasp not only the current base, the one previous base, and the two previous bases, but also the three previous bases as shown in FIG. 26(E), making it possible to more accurately determine whether the pachinko game machine PY1 has a malfunction, defect, or has been illegally modified.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S146 that the 3-before base information is not stored (NO in S146), the 3-before base non-display process is executed (S148). In this 3-before base non-display process (S148), the game control microcomputer 101 transmits serial data from the serial data transmission terminal TX3 (see FIG. 23) to the LED driver 350 to display "b3." in a blinking manner in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, and to display "--" in a lit manner in the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340. At this time, as shown in FIG. 27 (E), the 7-segment display 300 is still unable to grasp the 3-before base.

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

[Power off monitoring process] In the power off monitoring process (S109), as shown in FIG. 42, the game control microcomputer 101 first determines whether a power off signal has been input (S160), and if not (NO in S160), ends this process. The power off signal is a signal output from the power supply unit 190 when the voltage of the monitored power supply (e.g., DC 24 V) is not detected for a predetermined period (e.g., 25 ms). If a power off signal has been input (YES in S160), a checksum is calculated and stored in the game RAM 104 (S161), and the power off flag is turned ON (S162). Then, a setting to prohibit access to the game RAM 104 is made (S163). This makes it impossible to write or read information to or from the game RAM 104. After that, loop processing is performed without returning to the main timer interrupt process (S005, see FIG. 38).

In parallel with the above processing in the game control microcomputer 101, the presentation control microcomputer 121 performs the processing shown in Figures 43 to 51. The operation of the presentation control microcomputer 121 is explained below.

[Sub-control main processing] When the power is turned on, the performance control microcomputer 121 provided on the performance control board 120 reads out the sub-control main processing program shown in FIG. 43 from the performance ROM 123 and executes it. Note that counters, timers, flags, status, buffers, etc. that appear in the operation description of the performance control microcomputer 121 are provided in the performance RAM 124.

As shown in FIG. 43, in the sub-control main processing, it is determined whether the sub-side power-off flag (a flag that is turned ON when the power is cut off) is ON and the contents of the performance RAM 124 are normal (S1001). If the result of this determination is NO, that is, if the sub-side power-off flag is not ON, or if the sub-side power-off flag is ON but the contents of the performance RAM 124 are not normal, the performance RAM 124 is initialized (S1002) and the process proceeds to step S1003.

On the other hand, if the determination result in step S1001 is YES, that is, if the sub-side power off flag has been turned ON due to a power outage but the contents of the presentation RAM 124 are maintained normally, then it is determined whether or not a RAM clear notification command has been received (S1011). If a RAM clear notification command has been received (YES in S1011), the game RAM 104 of the game control board 100 has been cleared. Therefore, the presentation RAM 124 of the presentation control board 120 is cleared (S1002), and the process proceeds to step S1003. On the other hand, if a RAM clear notification command has not been received (NO in S1011), the presentation RAM 124 is not cleared and the process proceeds to step S1003.

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

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

In step S1004, interrupts are prohibited. Next, a random number seed update process is executed (S1005). In the random number seed update process (S1005), the values of various random number counters for determining effects are updated. The random numbers for determining effects include random numbers for determining effect patterns to determine effect patterns, random numbers for determining variable effect patterns to determine variable effect patterns, and random numbers for determining preview effects to determine various preview effects. The method of updating the random numbers can be the same as the random number update process performed by the game control board 100 described above. When updating, the random number values may be added by 2 instead of by 1. This is also the same as in the random number update process performed by the game control board 100 described above.

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

[Reception interrupt processing] The reception interrupt processing (S1008) is executed in priority over other interrupt processing (S1009, S1010) when the strobe signal (STB signal) is turned ON, that is, when the strobe signal sent from the game control board 100 is input to the external INT input section of the performance control microcomputer 121. As shown in FIG. 44, in the reception interrupt processing (S1008), various commands sent from the game control board 100 are stored in the reception buffer of the performance RAM 124 (S1101).

[1 ms timer interrupt processing] The 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S1009) is executed each time an interrupt pulse with a 1 msec period is input to the performance control board 120. As shown in FIG. 45, the 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S1009) first performs input processing (S1201). In the input processing (S1201), switch data (edge data and level data) is created based on detection signals from the input section detection sensor 40a (see FIG. 7) and the select button detection sensor 42a (see FIG. 7).

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

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

[10 ms timer interrupt processing] The 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S1010) is executed each time an interrupt pulse with a 10 msec period is input to the performance control board 120. As shown in FIG. 46, the 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S1010) first performs a received command analysis processing (S1301) described below. Next, a switch state acquisition processing is performed (S1302) to store the switch data created in the 1 ms timer interrupt processing in the performance RAM 124 as switch data for the 10 ms timer interrupt processing. Next, a switch processing (S1303) is performed to set the display contents of the display screen 50a based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition processing (S1302).

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

[Received command analysis process] As shown in FIG. 47, in the received command analysis process (S1301), the presentation control microcomputer 121 first determines whether or not a fluctuation start command has been received from the game control board 100 (S1401), and if so, performs the fluctuation presentation start process described below (S1402).

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

Then, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether an opening command has been received from the game control board 100 (S1405), and if so, performs an opening performance selection process (S1406). In the opening performance selection process (S1406), the opening command is analyzed, and based on the analysis results, a pattern (content) of the opening performance to be executed during the opening of the jackpot game is selected. Then, an opening performance start command for starting an opening performance with the selected opening performance pattern is set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124.

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

Then, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether an ending command has been received from the game control board 100 (S1409), and if so, performs an ending performance selection process (S1410). In the ending performance selection process (S1410), the ending command is analyzed, and based on the analysis results, a pattern (content) of the ending performance to be executed during the ending of the jackpot game is selected. Then, an ending performance start command for starting the ending performance with the selected ending performance pattern is set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not a setting value designation command has been received from the game control board 100 (S1411), and if so, performs a setting value flag change process (S1412). In the setting value flag change process (S1412), the setting value flag 125 of the performance RAM 124 is set based on the setting value information contained in the setting value designation command. For example, if the setting value designation command contains information on the setting value "1", the setting value flag 125 is set to "1", and if the setting value designation command contains information on the setting value "6", the setting value flag 125 is set to "6". This allows the performance control microcomputer 121 to grasp the current setting value.

Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the performance control microcomputer 121 executes initialization of the performance RAM 124 (setting value flag 125) in step S1002 (see FIG. 43) described above, it is possible to grasp the current setting value based on the received setting value designation command. This makes it possible to execute the pattern setting suggestion performance and the high setting suggestion performance, as described below.

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

In the setting mode transition performance process (S1414), sound data for outputting the sound "You can change the settings" (see FIG. 22B) is set in a predetermined storage area of the performance RAM 124. As a result, the sound CPU 149 of the image control board 140, which has received the sound data, outputs the sound "You can change the settings" from the speaker 620. In the setting mode transition performance process (S1414), lamp data for illuminating the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 in a special first light-emitting mode (see FIG. 22B) is set in a predetermined storage area of the performance RAM 124. As a result, the sub-drive board 162, which has received the lamp data, illuminates the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 in the special first light-emitting mode. As a result, the display of the setting change image SH, the sound "You can change the settings", and the light emission in the special first light-emitting mode allow the setting changer to understand that the setting change mode can be switched to and the setting value can be changed as desired.

Then, the presentation control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not a setting value change command has been received from the game control board 100 (S1415), and if so, performs a setting value change presentation process (S1416). In the setting value change presentation process (S1416), a setting value change presentation command for displaying the setting value change image YG shown in FIG. 22 (C) or FIG. 22 (D) is set in the output buffer of the presentation RAM 124. As a result, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 that received the setting value change presentation command displays the setting value change image YG on the display screen 50a, superimposed (in a layer) on the setting change image SH. As a result, it is possible to make the setting value change image YG easier to recognize than the setting change image SH, and to preferentially show the situation in which the setting value has been changed.

In addition, in the setting value change performance process (S1416), audio data for outputting the sound "The setting value has been changed" (see FIG. 22 (C) or FIG. 22 (D)) is set in a specified memory area of the performance RAM 124. As a result, the audio CPU 149 of the image control board 140, which has received the audio data, outputs the sound "The setting value has been changed" from the speaker 620. In addition, in the setting value change performance process (S1416), lamp data for causing the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 to emit light in a special second light-emitting mode (see FIG. 22 (C) or FIG. 22 (D)) is set in a specified memory area of the performance RAM 124. As a result, the sub-drive board 162, which has received the lamp data, causes the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 to emit light in the special second light-emitting mode. As a result of the above, by displaying the setting value change image YG, hearing the voice saying "The setting value has been changed," and emitting light in the special second light emission mode, it is possible for not only the person who changed the setting, but also employees of the surrounding arcades to be aware that the setting value has been changed.

Then, the presentation control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not a setting mode end command has been received from the game control board 100 (S1417), and if so, performs setting mode end presentation processing (S1418). In the setting mode end presentation processing (S1418), a setting value confirmation presentation command for displaying the setting value confirmation image SK shown in FIG. 22 (F) is set in the output buffer of the presentation RAM 124. As a result, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140, which has received the setting value confirmation presentation command, switches the display screen 50a from displaying the setting change image SH shown in FIG. 22 (E) to displaying the setting value confirmation image SK shown in FIG. 22 (F).

In addition, in the setting mode end performance process (S1418), audio data for outputting the sound "The setting value has been confirmed" (see FIG. 22 (F)) is set in a predetermined storage area of the performance RAM 124. As a result, the audio CPU 149 of the image control board 140, which has received the audio data, outputs the sound "The setting value has been confirmed" from the speaker 620. In addition, in the setting mode end performance process (S1418), lamp data for illuminating the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 in a special third light-emitting mode (see FIG. 22 (F)) is set in a predetermined storage area of the performance RAM 124. As a result, the sub-drive board 162, which has received the lamp data, causes the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 to emit light in the special third light-emitting mode. As a result, the display of the setting value confirmation image SK, the sound "The setting value has been confirmed," and the light emission in the special third light-emitting mode make it possible for not only the person who changed the setting but also employees of the surrounding game center to understand that the setting value has been confirmed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 48, the presentation control microcomputer 121 determines whether an error command has been received from the game control board 100 (S1419), and if so, performs error mode notification processing (S1420). In the error mode notification processing (S1420), an operation suggestion presentation command for displaying the operation suggestion image SE shown in FIG. 25 (B) is set in the output buffer of the presentation RAM 124. As a result, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140, which has received the operation suggestion presentation command, displays the operation suggestion image SE shown in FIG. 25 (B) on the display screen 50a.

In the error mode notification process (S1420), sound data for outputting a special error sound (see FIG. 25B) is set in a predetermined storage area of the performance RAM 124. As a result, the sound CPU 149 of the image control board 140, which has received the sound data, outputs a special error sound from the speaker 620. In the error mode notification process (S1420), lamp data for illuminating the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 in a special error light-emitting mode (see FIG. 25B) is set in a predetermined storage area of the performance RAM 124. As a result, the sub-drive board 162, which has received the lamp data, illuminates the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 in a special error light-emitting mode. As a result, the display of the operation suggestion image SE, the special error sound, and the light emission in the special error light-emitting mode make it possible for the arcade staff to understand that the game has shifted to error mode, i.e., that the setting value has not been set.

Then, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not a setting suggestion condition establishment command has been received from the game control board 100 (S1421), and if so, turns on the setting suggestion condition establishment flag (S1422). The setting suggestion condition establishment flag is a flag that indicates that the number of balls fired has become a multiple of 10,000, such as 10,000, 20,000, 30,000, 40,000, 50,000, or 60,000.

Then, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs other processing (S1423) based on received commands other than the above commands (for example, processing to perform a performance associated with the variable display of normal symbols). Then, the received command analysis processing (S1301) ends.

[Variable performance start processing] As shown in FIG. 49, in the variable performance start processing (S1402), first, the performance control microcomputer 121 analyzes the variable performance start command (S1501). The variable performance start command includes information on the variable pattern (see FIG. 18) and information on special chart stop pattern data based on the determination of a jackpot, etc. Next, the performance pattern selection processing described later is executed (S1502), and then the variable performance pattern selection processing described later is executed (S1503).

Then, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs a preview performance selection process (S1504). This determines the content of the preview performance, such as a so-called step-up preview performance or a chance-up preview performance. Next, a drive data setting process is executed to set drive data according to the selected variable performance pattern (S1505).

Then, the performance control microcomputer 121 sets a variable performance start command for starting a variable performance with the selected performance design, variable performance pattern, and preview performance in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124 (S1506), and ends the variable performance start process (S1402). When the variable performance start command set in step S1506 is sent to the image control board 140, the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 reads out a specified performance image from the image ROM 142, and performs a variable performance on the display screen 50a of the image display device 50.

[Performance symbol selection process] The performance symbol selection process (S1502) is a process for determining the performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that will be finally stopped and displayed in the variable performance. As shown in FIG. 50, in the performance symbol selection process (S1502), the performance control microcomputer 121 first determines whether the information on the variable pattern (see FIG. 18) indicates a miss (S1601). If it indicates a miss (YES in S1601), then the miss performance symbol EZ is determined (S1602) using a miss performance symbol lottery table based on the setting value flag 125. The determined miss performance symbol EZ is the performance symbol EZ that is the last to be stopped and displayed among the three performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that indicate a miss mode. Following step S1602, the two performance symbols EZ, excluding the losing performance symbol EZ, are determined by lottery using a performance symbol lottery table (not shown) based on the variation pattern, and this process is completed.

As a result, for example, if the setting value flag 125 indicates "6", a losing performance symbol random number is obtained and the losing performance symbol random number is determined using the losing performance symbol lottery table shown in FIG. 29 (F). In this case, since the sixth performance symbol EZf is likely to be determined as the losing performance symbol EZ, the frequency of the symbol setting suggestion effect as shown in FIG. 30 (B) increases. As a result, it is possible to make the player guess that the setting value is "6", and to arouse interest in the losing aspect of the performance symbol EZ.

On the other hand, in step S1601, if the fluctuation pattern information does not indicate a miss (NO in S1601), it means that a jackpot has been won, and the process proceeds to step S1604. In this case, the three performance symbols EZ1, EZ2, and EZ3 that are stopped and displayed in the jackpot mode (double number) are determined by lottery using a performance symbol lottery table for jackpots (not shown) based on the fluctuation pattern (S1604), and this process ends.

[Variable performance pattern selection process] The variable performance pattern selection process (S1503) is a process for deciding the variable performance pattern, which is the content of the variable performance. Once the variable performance pattern is decided, the details of the variable performance content will be decided, including the time of the variable performance, the variable display mode of the performance pattern, the presence or absence of a reach performance, the content of the reach performance, the presence or absence of a setting value suggestion performance that suggests a setting value, the content of the setting value suggestion performance, the presence or absence of a SW performance (performance button performance), the content of the SW performance, the performance development configuration, and the type of background of the performance pattern.

As shown in FIG. 51, in the variable presentation pattern selection process (S1503), the presentation control microcomputer 121 first determines whether the information on the variable pattern (see FIG. 18) indicates an SP reach miss (S1701). Specifically, it determines whether the variable pattern is P11, P12, P13, P41, P42, or P43 (see FIG. 18). If it indicates an SP reach miss (YES in S1701), it then determines whether the setting suggestion condition establishment flag is ON (S1702). If it is ON (YES in S1702), the setting suggestion condition establishment flag is turned OFF (S1703) and the process proceeds to step S1704. In short, the process proceeds to step S1704 when the SP reach miss is present and the number of balls fired exceeds a multiple of 10,000.

In step S1704, it is determined whether the value of the setting value flag is "4", "5", or "6". If it is "4", "5", or "6" (YES in S1704), a lottery is performed using a not-shown variable presentation pattern table for high setting suggestion presentation based on the variation pattern. As a result, an SP reach miss variable presentation pattern with high setting suggestion presentation is determined, and this process is terminated. In this way, when an SP reach miss variable presentation pattern with high setting suggestion presentation is determined, a battle presentation shown in FIG. 31 (A) ⇒ a battle defeat presentation shown in FIG. 31 (B) ⇒ a stop display in a miss mode of the presentation pattern EZ shown in FIG. 31 (C) is performed, and then a high setting suggestion presentation showing a phoenix image FT is executed as shown in FIG. 31 (D). This allows players who are disappointed after missing out on a SP reach to see the phoenix image FT, giving them a sense of elation as if they have been resurrected and achieved a high setting (setting value "4", "5", or "6").

On the other hand, if the SP reach is not a miss (NO in S1701), if the setting condition suggestion flag is not ON (NO in S1702), or if the setting value is not a high setting ("4", "5", or "6") (NO in S1704), the process proceeds to step S1706. In step S1706, a lottery is performed based on the fluctuation pattern using a fluctuation presentation pattern table for no high setting suggestion presentation (not shown). As a result, a fluctuation presentation pattern without a high setting suggestion presentation is determined, and this process ends.

12. Effect of the Present Form As described above in detail, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of the present form, when the setting change mode is set, as shown in FIG. 22(B), the setting change image SH is displayed on the display screen 50a, the speaker 620 outputs a voice saying "setting change is possible," and the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 emit light in a special first light emission mode. These make it possible to clearly indicate the situation in which the setting value is changeable. In particular, the display of the setting change image SH and the voice saying "setting change is possible" make it possible to clearly indicate the situation in which the setting value is changeable both visually and audibly. In addition, the display of the setting change image SH, the output of the voice saying "setting change is possible," and the emission of light in the special first light emission mode by the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 are executed only while the setting change mode is set. Therefore, it is possible to clearly grasp the period from the start to the end of the setting change mode.

In addition, with the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, when the power is turned on, the setting change mode can be entered based on the RAM clear switch 191 being pressed and the setting key cylinder 180 being rotated to the rotated position. However, if the setting changer is careless or unfamiliar with the operation and the setting key cylinder 180 is not rotated properly to the rotated position, the setting change mode cannot be entered. In other words, the display of the setting change image SH, the output of the voice saying "settings can be changed", and the illumination of the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 in the special first illumination mode are not initiated to indicate the setting change mode. Therefore, when the power is turned on, it is possible to determine whether the setting key cylinder 180 has been rotated correctly based on whether the setting change mode is initiated.

Furthermore, with the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, even before the setting key cylinder 180 is completely returned from the rotation position to the standby position, the setting change mode ends and the above-mentioned mode suggestion ends. Therefore, it is possible to end the setting change mode as quickly as possible, and it is also possible to end the mode suggestion as quickly as possible. Furthermore, even if the setting key cylinder 180 is inadvertently not completely returned from the rotation position to the standby position, it is possible to know that the setting change mode has ended by the end of the mode suggestion.

In addition, according to this embodiment of the pachinko game machine PY1, when the setting change mode is set and the selected setting value is changed, a setting value change image YG is displayed on the display screen 50a, a voice saying "The setting value has been changed" is output from the speaker 620, and the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 emit light in a special second light emission mode. This makes it possible to clearly indicate to the person who changed the setting and to people nearby that the setting value has been changed.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, it is possible to switch to the setting change mode based on whether the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the power is turned on. Then, when the setting change mode is set, the setting value can be changed based on the RAM clear switch 191 being pressed. In this way, the number of parts can be reduced by using the RAM clear switch 191 as both the operating means for switching to the setting change mode and the operating means for changing the setting value.

In addition, with the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, the setting value can be changed using the existing RAM clear switch 191, so there is no need to provide a new operating means for changing the setting value in hardware. If the information related to the game were to be erased every time the RAM clear switch 191 was pressed when the setting change mode was set, the control processing by the game control microcomputer 101 would become cumbersome. Therefore, by preventing the information related to the game from being erased even when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the setting change mode is set, it is possible to avoid the control processing by the game control microcomputer 101 becoming cumbersome.

In addition, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, when the machine transitions to the setting change mode based on the RAM clear switch 191 being pressed when the power is turned on, as described above, in the setting change mode, the information related to the game stored in the game RAM 104 is not erased even if the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed. Furthermore, when the setting change mode ends, it is possible to erase the information related to the game stored in the game RAM 104 without subsequently pressing the RAM clear switch 191. In this way, the pressing of the RAM clear switch 191 when transitioning to the setting change mode is used as a trigger to erase the information related to the game after the setting change mode ends.

In addition, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, when the setting value selected in the setting change mode is changed, the display of the setting change image YG, the output of the voice saying "The setting value has been changed," and the illumination of the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 in the special second illumination mode are prioritized over the mode suggestion to switch to the setting change mode, which is the display of the setting change image SH, the output of the voice saying "The setting can be changed," and the illumination of the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 in the special first illumination mode. This makes it possible to prevent the indication of the setting change mode from making it difficult to notice that the setting value has been changed. As a result, if the setting value is changed fraudulently, it is possible for people nearby to easily notice the fraudulent behavior.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, when the setting value selected in the setting change mode is changed, as shown in FIG. 22(C), a setting value change image YG is displayed on the display screen 50a, superimposed on the setting change image SH. This allows the person changing the setting to understand that the setting value can be changed, while also visually indicating that the setting value has been changed in an easier-to-understand manner.

In addition, according to this embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, when the setting change mode is set, as shown in FIG. 22(B), a setting change image SH is displayed on the display screen 50a, indicating that the setting value can be changed, but no image showing the specific setting value is displayed. This makes it possible to clearly indicate the situation in which the setting value can be changed, while preventing people in the vicinity from noticing the value of the setting value itself.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, when the setting value selected in the setting change mode is changed, as shown in FIG. 22(C), a setting value change image YG is displayed on the display screen 50a, suggesting that the setting value has been changed without showing the specific setting value. This makes it possible to clearly show the situation in which the setting value has been changed, without letting people around you notice the changed setting value itself.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the pachinko game machine PY1, in the setting change mode to which the machine is switched when the power is turned on, no image indicating the setting value is displayed on the display screen 50a. However, after the setting change mode ends, the display screen 50a displays suggestive effect images suggesting the setting value, such as the effect pattern EZ displayed in a losing state by the effect of the effect of the effect of the effect of the effect of the effect of the effect of the effect of the pattern setting, and the phoenix image FT by the effect of the effect of the effect of the effect of the high setting. Therefore, the setting value is only not suggested on the display screen 50a for a short period of time after the power is turned on, and from the player's perspective, the display of the above-mentioned suggestive effect images can increase their motivation to play.

In addition, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, when the setting change mode is ended, a setting value designation command (determined setting information) for notifying information on the determined setting value is transmitted from the game control microcomputer 101 to the performance control microcomputer 121. After the setting change mode is ended, the setting value designation command for notifying information on the determined setting value is not transmitted from the game control microcomputer 101 to the performance control microcomputer 121. In this way, the setting value designation command is transmitted to the performance control microcomputer 121 only for a short period after the power is turned on, so that it is possible to minimize the risk of the setting value designation command being illegally acquired (skimmed) by the outside. On the other hand, after the setting change mode is ended, the performance control microcomputer 121 can display a suggestive performance image (performance pattern EZ that stops and displays in a losing mode, phoenix image FT) that suggests the setting value based on the setting value information indicated by the received setting value designation command.

In addition, according to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, even when the game-related information stored in the gaming RAM 104 is erased based on the pressing operation of the RAM clear switch 191, the setting value information stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 is not erased. Therefore, in this pachinko gaming machine PY1, once a setting value is determined, the setting value information continues to be stored unless the setting value is subsequently changed in the setting change mode. Therefore, it is possible to continue with the previous setting value without having to set the setting value every time the game-related information is erased.

Furthermore, according to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, when the machine transitions to the setting change mode upon power-on, the setting value is displayed on the 7-segment display 300 based on the setting value information stored in the setting value information storage unit 107. In this way, when the machine is powered on, it is possible to first check the previously determined setting value. Then, while checking the previously determined setting value, the setting value can be changed by pressing the RAM clear switch 191.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, when the power is turned on, if the setting change mode is not entered and no setting value information is stored in the setting value information storage unit 107, the mode will enter error mode. In other words, if a setting value has never been set before, the error mode makes it impossible to play the game. In this way, it is possible to make the pachinko gaming machine PY1 capable of playing the game, provided that a setting value has been set.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, when the machine switches to error mode, as shown in FIG. 25(A), the seven-segment display 300 emits light in an error lighting mode to show the letter "E." In other words, the seven-segment display 300 executes an error indication that suggests that the machine is set to error mode. This makes it impossible to play the game, and makes it possible to know that the setting value has never been set. Also, because the seven-segment display 300 that displays the setting value and the seven-segment display 300 that executes the error indication are shared, it is possible to reduce the number of parts.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, when the machine transitions to the error mode, not only does the 7-segment display 300 emit light in an error mode to show the letter "E," but as shown in FIG. 25(B), an operation suggestion image SE showing the words "Setting value not set. Please perform the operation to transition to setting change mode" is displayed on the display screen 50a. Furthermore, a special error sound is output from the speaker 620, and the frame lamp 212 and board lamp 54 emit light in a special error emission mode. This makes it easier for the person who switched the power switch 195 to ON and people around them to understand that the machine has transitioned to the error mode.

Furthermore, with the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, for example, an employee of an arcade may not change the setting value when the power is turned on, but may want to check the previous setting value. In this case, when the power is turned on, the setting key cylinder 180 is operated to the rotated position, but the RAM clear switch 191 is not pressed, thereby making it possible to switch to the setting value confirmation mode. In this setting value confirmation mode, the setting value is displayed on the 7-segment display 300 based on the setting value information stored before the power was turned on. Therefore, the employee of the arcade can check the previous setting value without switching to the setting change mode.

In addition, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, when the power is turned on, an employee of the game arcade may press only the RAM clear switch 191 to erase the information related to the game stored in the game RAM 104, rather than changing the setting value. At this time, if the setting key cylinder 180 is rotated to the rotation position, the game will unintentionally switch to the setting change mode. However, even in this case, when the setting change mode ends, the information related to the game stored in the game RAM 104 will be erased. In this way, even if the game unintentionally switches to the setting change mode, it is possible to play the game with the information related to the game cleared. Even if the game arcade employee accidentally switches to the setting change mode when the power is turned on, the employee of the game arcade can immediately understand that the game has been switched to by mistake, by the display of the setting change image SH, the output of the voice saying "settings can be changed," and the light emitted by the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 in the special first light emission mode.

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

In the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 22 (B), (C), and (D), the set value may be directly displayed on the 7-segment display 300, but the set value is not directly displayed using the display screen 50a and speaker 620 of the image display device 50. In contrast, as shown in the modified example in Fig. 52, the set value may be directly displayed using the display screen 50a and speaker 620 of the image display device 50.

That is, when the setting change mode transition operation is performed, as shown in FIG. 52(B), the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300 displays the setting value (e.g., "1") that was set before the power was turned on, and the display screen 50a of the image display device 50 displays the initial setting value image YG1 indicating the above setting value (e.g., "1") on top of the setting change image SH. This initial setting value image YG1 makes it possible for the person changing the setting and employees of the surrounding game center to more clearly understand the setting value that was set before the power was turned on. In this modified example, the game control microcomputer 101 transmits a setting value designation command in step S033 shown in FIG. 34, and the performance control microcomputer 121 receives the setting value designation command, and based on this, the display control of the initial setting value image YG1 can be executed.

After that, when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 52(C), the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300 displays the setting value "2", and the display screen 50a of the image display device 50 displays the changed setting value image YG2 indicating the setting value "2" on top of the setting change image SH. At this time, the speaker 620 outputs a voice saying "The setting value has been changed to "2". The display of the changed setting value image YG2 and the voice from the speaker 620 make it possible for the person who changed the setting and employees of the surrounding game arcades to more clearly understand the changed setting value. In this modified example, the game control microcomputer 101 transmits a setting value designation command in step S037 shown in FIG. 34, and the performance control microcomputer 121 receives the setting value designation command, and based on this, the display control of the changed setting value image YG2 and the voice control of "The setting value has been changed to "2".

Next, when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 52(D), a changed setting value image YG3 indicating a setting value of "3" is displayed on the display screen 50a, and a voice message stating "The setting value has been changed to '3'" is output from the speaker 620. This is the same as the case shown in FIG. 52(C) above, except that the notification of the setting value changes from "2" to "3."

After that, when the setting confirmation operation is performed, the 7-segment display 300 executes the initial display as shown in FIG. 52(F) from the state shown in FIG. 52(E), and the display screen 50a of the image display device 50 displays a setting value confirmation notification image SL showing the text "The setting value has been confirmed to be "3". At this time, the speaker 620 outputs a voice saying "The setting value has been confirmed to be "3". The display of the setting value confirmation notification image SL and the voice from the speaker 620 make it possible for the person who changed the setting and employees of the surrounding game arcade to more clearly understand the confirmed setting value. In this modified example, the game control microcomputer 101 transmits a setting mode end command in step S040 shown in FIG. 34, and the performance control microcomputer 121 receives the setting mode end command, and based on this, the display control of the setting value confirmation notification image SL and the voice control of "The setting value has been confirmed to be "3".

As described above, the modified example shown in FIG. 52 has the advantage that the setting values that were set before the power was turned on, the changed setting values, and the final setting values can be easily understood. On the other hand, it has the disadvantage that the setting values are more likely to be understood by people other than arcade employees. Note that light-emitting means such as the frame lamp 212 and board lamp 54 may be used to notify the setting values that were set before the power was turned on, the changed setting values, and the final setting values.

In the above embodiment, when the setting confirmation operation is performed, the setting value displayed in the lit state (changeable state) on the 7-segment display 300 becomes non-lit as shown in FIG. 22(D), and the initial display is performed instead as shown in FIG. 22(F). In contrast, as in the modified example shown in FIG. 53, when the setting confirmation operation is performed, the setting value displayed in the lit state may be changed to a display state other than the non-lit state.

That is, as shown in FIG. 53(A), in the setting change mode, the setting value indicating, for example, "3" is displayed in a lit state in the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300. When the setting confirmation operation is performed at this time, as shown in FIG. 53(B), the setting value indicating "3" may be made to flash (repeatedly turn on and off) in the fourth display area 340 of the 7-segment display 300. This makes it easier for the person changing the setting to know which setting value has been confirmed. Then, after the setting value is displayed in a flashing state for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), as shown in FIG. 53(C), the setting value may be made to be in a non-display state and the initial display may be performed on the 7-segment display 300. Note that in the modified example shown in FIG. 53, the display state of the setting value displayed during the setting change mode is a lit state, and the display state of the setting value displayed when the setting confirmation operation is performed is a flashing state, but these display states are merely examples and can be changed as appropriate.

In the above embodiment, the gaming control microcomputer 101 does not display the base when displaying the set value on the 7-segment display 300, and does not display the set value when displaying the base. However, as in the modified example shown in FIG. 54, the 7-segment display 300 may display the base, for example, in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, and display the set value, for example, in the fourth display area 340. In this case, employees of the gaming center can grasp both the set value and the base at the same time. It is possible to change which display area among the first display area 310 to the fourth display area 340 in which the set value or the base is displayed as appropriate.

In the above embodiment, the set value and the base can be displayed on one 7-segment display 300. Alternatively, as shown in the modified example in FIG. 55, a display means for displaying the set value and a display means for displaying the base may be provided separately. For example, as shown in FIG. 55(A), the set value may be displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the first display means (7-segment display) 300A, and the base may be displayed in the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340 of the second display means (7-segment display) 300B, as shown in FIG. 55(B). The display means for displaying the set value or the base is not limited to the 7-segment display, and may be other segment displays, the display screen 50a of the image display device 50, a sub-liquid crystal display device, or the like. The display means for displaying the set value and the display means for displaying the base may be provided on a board other than the game control board 100.

In addition, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, after the backup power from capacitor CA3 is supplied from the payout control board 170 to the game control board 100, it is not supplied back to the payout control board 170 again. In contrast, in the modified example shown in FIG. 56, the backup power from capacitor CA3 is supplied from the payout control board 170 to the game control board 100, and then it is supplied back to the payout control board 170 again.

As shown in FIG. 56, in the electrical circuit DK2 of this modified example, the power supply unit 190 and the dispensing control board 170 are connected by a harness HN5. A connector CN9 at one end of the harness HN5 is connected to the power supply unit 190, and a connector CN10 at the other end of the harness HN5 is connected to the dispensing control board 170. The harness HN5 is provided with a wire H11 for supplying DC 5V power (normal power supply) from the power supply unit 190, and a wire H12 that serves as a ground line.

In the dispensing control board 170, there is a power line A11 (specific power line) between the connector CN10 and the branch point J3. The power line A11 is connected to the wiring H11 of the harness HN5 via the connector CN10. In addition, in the dispensing control board 170, there is a power line A14 that is connected to ground G. The power line A14 is connected to the wiring H12 of the harness HN5 via the connector CN10.

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

In addition, a capacitor CA2 similar to the capacitor CA2 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected in parallel to the power line A11 closer to the branch J3 than the capacitor CA1. This capacitor CA2 makes it possible to remove high-frequency noise from the normal power supply on the power line A11. There is a power line C11 (first specific power line) that runs from the branch J3 to the dispensing control microcomputer 171, and the power line C11 is connected to the Vc terminal of the dispensing control microcomputer 171. As a result, the normal power supply is supplied to the Vc terminal of the dispensing control microcomputer 171 via the wiring H11, the power line A11, and the power line C11. As a result, the dispensing control microcomputer 171 can operate based on the normal power supply under normal circumstances.

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

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

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

The power line A12 is also connected to a wire H14 via a connector CN11. The wire H14 is connected to a power line D11 of the game control board 100 via a connector CN12. The power line D11 is connected to the Vb terminal of the game control microcomputer 101. This makes it possible to supply backup power from the capacitor CA3 to the Vb terminal of the game control microcomputer 101 via the power line A12, the wire H14, and the power line D11 in the event of a power outage.

The payout control board 170 has a power line A13 that runs from the branch point J3 toward the wire H15 of the harness HN6. The power line A13 is connected to the wire H15 via the connector CN11. The wire H15 is connected to the power line D12 of the game control board 100 via the connector CN12. The power line D12 is connected to the Vc terminal of the game control microcomputer 101. This makes it possible to supply normal power to the Vc terminal of the game control microcomputer 101 via the wire H11, the power line A11, the power line A13, the wire H15, and the power line D12.

In the electric circuit DK2 of this modified example, a power line D13 branches off from the branch point J4 of the power line D11 of the game control board 100. The power line D13 is connected to the wiring H16 via the connector CN12. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 56, only when the payout control board 170 and the game control board 100 are connected with the harness HN6, the backup power from the capacitor CA3 can be supplied to the Vb terminal of the payout control microcomputer 171 via the power line A12, wiring H14, power line D11, power line D13, wiring H16, and power line B11. In other words, the backup power is supplied from the payout control board 170 to the game control board 100, and then returned from the game control board 100 to the payout control board 170, so that it is supplied to the Vb terminal of the payout control microcomputer 171.

During in-circuit testing, as shown in FIG. 57, the payout control microcomputer 171 is removed from the payout control board 170 and the in-circuit tester INC is connected to the payout control board 170. At this time, the in-circuit tester INC controls the power line A11 and the power line A12 to be supplied with power. This causes a charge to be stored in the capacitor CA3 while the in-circuit testing is performed. Then, after the in-circuit testing is completed, the payout control microcomputer 171 is mounted on the payout control board 170. However, at this time, the payout control board 170 is not connected to the game control board 100 via the harness HN6 (see FIG. 56).

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

As explained in detail above, according to the electric circuit DK2 of this modified example, as shown in FIG. 56, the capacitor CA3 provided on the payout control board 170 (specific control board) can supply backup power to the game control board 100 (other board) and also to the payout control microcomputer 171 (specific control means) of the payout control board 170. Therefore, without providing a capacitor as a backup power supply means in the power supply section (power supply board, power supply unit), backup power can be supplied to two control boards, making it possible to establish a new supply relationship for backup power.

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

According to the electric circuit DK2 of this modified example, as shown in FIG. 57, during the in-circuit inspection, DC 5V power is supplied through the power line A11 and the power line A12, and a charge is stored in the capacitor CA3. Therefore, immediately after the in-circuit inspection, a charge remains in the capacitor CA3. Therefore, when the payout control microcomputer 171 is mounted on the payout control board 170 after the in-circuit inspection, the payout control board 170 and the game control board 100 are not connected. This makes it possible to prevent the charge remaining in the capacitor CA3 from acting on the payout control microcomputer 171, and to prevent malfunctions in the payout control microcomputer 171. Note that other effects are substantially the same as those of the present embodiment described above, and therefore their description will be omitted.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, it was not possible to switch between a conductive state in which backup power can be supplied from the capacitor CA3 to the dispensing control microcomputer 171 and a non-conductive state in which no power can be supplied. In contrast, in the modified example shown in FIG. 58, a switch SW1 is provided that can switch between a conductive state in which backup power can be supplied from the capacitor CA3 to the dispensing control microcomputer 171 and a non-conductive state in which no power can be supplied.

As shown in FIG. 58, in the electrical circuit DK3 of this modified example, the power supply unit 190 and the dispensing control board 170 (specific control board) are connected by a harness HN7. The connector CN13 at one end of the harness HN7 is connected to the power supply unit 190, and the connector CN14 at the other end of the harness HN7 is connected to the dispensing control board 170. The harness HN7 is provided with a wire H21 for supplying DC 5V power (normal power supply) from the power supply unit 190, and a wire H22 that serves as a ground line.

In the dispensing control board 170, there is a power line A21 between the connector CN14 and the branch point J5. The power line A21 is connected to the wiring H21 of the harness HN7 via the connector CN14. In addition, in the dispensing control board 170, there is a power line A13 that is connected to ground G. The power line A13 is connected to the wiring H22 of the harness HN7 via the connector CN14.

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

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

The dispensing control board 170 has a power line A22 that runs from the branch point J5 toward the wiring H24 of the harness HN8, and a resistor T1 similar to the resistor T1 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected in series to the branch point J5 side of the power line A22. In addition, a diode DO1 similar to the diode DO1 (see FIG. 10) described in the comparative example is connected to the connector CN15 side of the power line A22 from the resistor T1.

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

The power line A22 also has a branch J6 on the connector CN15 side of the capacitor CA4. A power line A23 extends from the branch J6 toward the Vb terminal of the dispensing control microcomputer 171, and is connected to the Vb terminal of the dispensing control microcomputer 171. However, in the third form, a switch SW1 is provided on the power line A23. The switch SW1 (switching means) switches between a conductive state (first state) in which backup power can be supplied through the power line A23, and a non-conductive state (second state) in which backup power cannot be supplied through the power line A23.

This switch SW1 is configured as a toggle switch that can be manually switched between a conductive state and a non-conductive state. However, the switching means capable of switching the conductive state and non-conductive state of the power line A23 is not limited to a mechanical switch SW1 such as a toggle switch. For example, it may be an electronically controlled one using a semiconductor element such as a MOSFET, and can be modified as appropriate. Note that the power lines A22 and A23 correspond to the "backup power lines."

Thus, when this modified pachinko gaming machine PY1 is set up in an arcade, as shown in FIG. 58, switch SW1 is in a conductive state. Therefore, in the event of a power outage, the charge stored in capacitor CA3 is released, and backup power can be supplied to the Vb terminal of payout control microcomputer 171 via power line A22 and power line A23.

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

The payout control board 170 has a power line C22 that runs from the branch point J5 toward the wire H25 of the harness HN8. The power line C22 is connected to the wire H25 via the connector CN15. The wire H25 is connected to the power line D22 of the game control board 100 via the connector CN16. The power line D22 is connected to the Vc terminal of the game control microcomputer 101. This makes it possible to supply normal power to the Vc terminal of the game control microcomputer 101 via the wire H21, the power line A21, the power line A22, the wire H25, and the power line D22.

During the in-circuit inspection, as shown in FIG. 59, the in-circuit tester INC is connected to the dispensing control board 170 with the dispensing control microcomputer 171 removed from the dispensing control board 170. At this time, the in-circuit tester INC controls the supply of power to the power lines A21 and A22. This allows charge to be stored in the capacitor CA3 while the in-circuit inspection is performed. After the in-circuit inspection is completed, the switch SW1 is operated to set the power line A23 to a non-conductive state (see FIG. 22) in which backup power cannot be supplied. Note that the switch SW1 may be set to a non-conductive state before the in-circuit inspection is performed.

In this way, the payout control microcomputer 171 is mounted on the payout control board 170 with the switch SW1 in a non-conductive state. This prevents the charge stored in the capacitor CA3 from acting on the payout control microcomputer 171 via the power line A23. As a result, it is possible to prevent malfunctions in the payout control microcomputer 171. Before assembling the entire pachinko gaming machine PY1, the switch SW1 is operated to set the power line A23 to a conductive state (see Figure 58) that allows backup power to be supplied. This is to ensure that backup power can be supplied to the payout control microcomputer 171 in the event of a power outage.

As described above in detail, according to the electrical circuit DK3 of this modified example, the switch SW1 puts the power line A23 into a non-conductive state in which backup power cannot be supplied. This makes it impossible to supply backup power from the capacitor CA3 to the dispensing control microcomputer 171. This makes it possible to prevent the backup power from being unintentionally supplied to the dispensing control microcomputer 171, and to prevent malfunctions in the dispensing control microcomputer 171.

In addition, according to the electric circuit DK2 of this modified example, as shown in FIG. 59, during in-circuit inspection, DC 5V power is supplied through the power line A22, and a charge is stored in the capacitor CA3. Therefore, immediately after the in-circuit inspection, a charge remains in the capacitor CA3. Therefore, after the in-circuit inspection, when the dispensing control microcomputer 171 is mounted on the dispensing control board 170, the switch SW1 is set to a non-conductive state in which the backup power cannot be supplied through the power line A23. This makes it possible to prevent the charge remaining in the capacitor CA3 from acting on the dispensing control microcomputer 171, and to prevent malfunctions in the dispensing control microcomputer 171. Note that other effects are substantially the same as those of the present embodiment described above, and therefore their description will be omitted.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24(A), when the setting key cylinder 180 is in the rotation position, a "H" level switch signal is input to the game control microcomputer 101, as shown in FIG. 24(B), when the setting key cylinder 180 is in the middle of being operated from the rotation position to the standby position, the switch signal switches from "H" level to "L" level, and as shown in FIG. 24(C), when the setting key cylinder 180 is in the standby position, a "L" level switch signal is input to the game control microcomputer 101. However, as in the modified example shown in FIG. 60, the relationship between the "H" level and the "L" level in the switch signal of the above embodiment may be reversed.

That is, as shown in FIG. 60(A), when the setting key cylinder 180 is in the standby position, a "H" level switch signal is input to the game control microcomputer 101, as shown in FIG. 60(B), when the setting key cylinder 180 is in the middle of being operated from the standby position to the rotating position, the switch signal switches from "H" level to "L" level, and as shown in FIG. 60(C), when the setting key cylinder 180 is in the rotating position, a "L" level switch signal may be input to the game control microcomputer 101.

However, in the modified example shown in FIG. 60, as soon as the setting key cylinder 180 starts to rotate from the standby position, the switch signal switches from "H" level to "L" level as shown in FIG. 60(B), and the setting mode is changed. In this case, the setting mode is easily changed unintentionally due to the setting changer's unfamiliar operation or vibration. Therefore, the above embodiment (see FIG. 24) is preferable in that it can prevent the setting mode from being changed unintentionally. In addition, in the modified example shown in FIG. 60, when the setting change mode is ended, the setting value cannot be confirmed unless the setting key cylinder 180 is rotated sufficiently to the standby position as shown in FIG. 60(A). In this case, if the setting changer forgets to rotate the setting key cylinder 180 sufficiently to the standby position, the setting value continues to be displayed on the 7-segment display 300, increasing the risk that the setting value will be known by those around. Therefore, the above configuration (see Figures 22 (E) and (F)) is preferable in that as soon as the setting key cylinder 180 starts to rotate from the rotation position, the setting change mode ends and the setting value becomes invisible (display mode) on the 7-segment display 300.

In the above embodiment, when the setting change mode is set, a setting change image SH showing the text "setting change in progress" is displayed on the display screen 50a of the image display device 50 as a mode suggestion to the setting change mode, a voice saying "settings can be changed" is output from the speaker 620, and the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 are illuminated in a special first light emission mode (see FIG. 22(B)). However, the mode suggestion to the setting change mode may be achieved using a presentation means (e.g., a sub-liquid crystal display device) other than the above-mentioned presentation means (image display device 50, speaker 620, frame lamp 212, and board lamp 54). Also, a presentation mode other than the above (e.g., display of an effect image or output of a special sound effect) may be used, and for example, a special alarm sound may be output from the speaker 620 or a special character image may be displayed on the display screen 50a to suggest that the setting change mode has been entered (the setting value can be changed).

In addition, in the above embodiment, the mode suggestion (display of the setting change image SH, output of the voice saying "Settings can be changed", and illumination in the special first illumination mode by the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54) merely suggests that the setting value can be changed, but does not allow the user to grasp the selected setting value itself. However, it would also be acceptable to adopt a presentation mode that allows the user to grasp the selected setting value.

In the above embodiment, the setting change image SH continues to be displayed from the time the setting change mode is entered until the setting change mode is terminated, the voice "Settings can be changed" is repeatedly output, and the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 continue to emit light in the special first emission mode. In other words, the mode suggestion continues to be executed only while the setting change mode is set. However, the execution period of the mode suggestion can be changed as appropriate, and for example, the mode suggestion may be executed only for a predetermined period after the setting change mode is entered, or the mode suggestion may be executed and not executed periodically alternately.

In the above embodiment, when the setting value selected in the setting change mode is changed, a setting value change image YG showing an upward arrow is displayed on the display screen 50a of the image display device 50 as a change suggestion suggesting that the setting value has been changed, a sound "The setting value has been changed" is output from the speaker 620, and the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 are illuminated in a special second light emission mode. However, the change suggestion suggesting that the setting value has been changed may be achieved using a presentation means (e.g., a sub-liquid crystal display device) other than the above-mentioned presentation means (the image display device 50, the speaker 620, the frame lamp 212, and the board lamp 54). Also, a presentation mode other than the above (e.g., display of an effect image or output of a special sound effect) may be used, and for example, a sound effect indicating a pitch (sound height) according to the setting value may be output from the speaker 620, or a background image or item image according to the setting value may be displayed on the display screen 50a to notify that the setting value has been changed.

In the above embodiment, when the setting change mode is set, pressing the RAM clear switch 191 makes it possible to change the setting value. However, it is also possible to make it possible to change the setting value by operating an operating means other than the RAM clear switch 191 (for example, an operating means dedicated to changing the setting value, or the input unit 40k or the select button 42k).

In the above embodiment, when the power is turned on, it is possible to transition to the setting change mode based on pressing the RAM clear switch 191 (transition operation unit). However, it may also be possible to transition to the setting change mode based on operating a transition operation unit other than the RAM clear switch 191 (for example, a dedicated switch provided on the game control board 100) when the power is turned on. In this case, it is preferable that when in the setting change mode, the setting value can be changed by operating a transition operation means other than the RAM clear switch 191. This is because the number of parts would increase if the transition operation unit for transitioning to the setting change mode and the operation means for changing the setting value were provided separately.

In the above embodiment, the information related to the game stored in the gaming RAM 104 is erased after the setting change mode is ended, even if the RAM clear switch 191 is not pressed. However, it may be possible to configure the information related to the game stored in the gaming RAM 104 not to be erased unless the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed after the setting change mode is ended. In this case, an employee of the gaming facility can change the setting value in the setting change mode, and by not pressing the RAM clear switch 191 after the setting change mode is ended, it is possible to create a situation in which the setting value has been changed without erasing the information related to the game.

In the above embodiment, the change suggestion, which suggests that the setting value has been changed, is executed in priority over the mode suggestion, which suggests that the setting value can be changed. In other words, the display of the setting value change image YG is executed in priority over the display of the setting change image SH, the output of the voice "The setting value has been changed" is executed in priority over the output of the voice "The setting can be changed", and the emission of the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 in the special second emission mode is executed in priority over the emission of the special first emission mode. However, the relationship between the change suggestion and the mode suggestion can be appropriately changed, and for example, the change suggestion and the mode suggestion may be executed simultaneously (at the same timing). For example, the display of the setting value change image YG and the display of the setting change image SH may be executed in different display areas (the first display area and the second display area) of the display screen 50a. Also, for example, the speaker 620 (first sound output means) on the left side may output a voice message saying "The setting can be changed," while the speaker 620 (second sound output means) on the right side may output a voice message saying "The setting value has been changed." Also, for example, the frame lamp 212 (first light-emitting means) may be illuminated in a special first light-emitting mode, while the board lamp 54 (second light-emitting means) may be illuminated in a special second light-emitting mode.

In the above embodiment, when the setting value is changed, the setting value change image YG is displayed in its entirety over the setting change image SH (see FIG. 22(C)). However, as long as the display of the setting value change image YG (change suggestion image) is executed so as to be more prominent (given priority) than the setting change image SH (mode suggestion image), the setting value change image YG and the setting change image SH may be arranged in any way. For example, a part of the setting value change image YG may be displayed over the setting change image SH. The setting value change image YG may also be displayed larger than the setting change image SH or in a prominent display area of the display screen 50a. The display mode of the setting value change image YG shows an upward arrow (see FIG. 22(C)), but it can be changed as appropriate as long as it can suggest that the setting value has been changed. The display mode of the setting change image SH shows the words "setting change" (see FIG. 22(B)), but it can be changed as appropriate as long as it can suggest a situation in which the setting value can be changed.

In the above embodiment, after the setting change mode is ended, suggestive effect images suggesting the setting value include the phoenix image FT (see FIG. 31(D)), which suggests a high setting value, and the effect pattern EZ, which suggests the setting value by the number portion when indicating a losing mode. However, suggestive effect images other than those mentioned above may also be displayed. In other words, effects other than the high setting suggestive effect and the effect suggesting the pattern setting mentioned above may also be executed. For example, a suggestive effect image suggesting the setting value may be displayed during the execution of a customer waiting effect, which indicates that the game is not being played.

In the above embodiment, the high setting suggestion effect is executed when the conditions that the SP reach is a miss and that the number of balls fired since the power is turned on reaches a multiple of 10,000 (predetermined number of balls) are met. However, it may be executed when only one of the two conditions is met, and the above conditions can be changed as appropriate. For example, the high setting suggestion effect may be executed when there is a big win or when it is determined by a predetermined lottery. The high setting suggestion effect is executed when the setting value is "4", "5", or "6", but it may be executed only when the setting value is "6", for example, and the setting value at which it is executed can be changed as appropriate. The high setting suggestion effect is executed after the performance pattern EZ is stopped and displayed in a miss mode (see Figures 31 (C) and (D)), but the execution timing of the high setting suggestion effect (the display timing of the suggestion effect image) can be changed as appropriate. For example, the high setting suggestion effect may be executed before the battle defeat effect shown in Figure 32 (B) is executed. Also, instead of a high setting suggestion effect, a low setting suggestion effect may be executed when the setting value is "1," "2," or "3."

In the above embodiment, the symbol setting suggestion effect is executed when the winning combination is a miss. However, the conditions for executing the symbol setting suggestion effect are not limited to when the winning combination is a miss, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the symbol setting suggestion effect may be executed when the winning combination is a jackpot or when the winning combination is determined by a predetermined lottery. In the symbol setting suggestion effect, the setting value is suggested by the numerical portion of the effect pattern EZ, which indicates a miss, but the setting value may be suggested by something other than the effect pattern EZ. For example, the setting value may be suggested by the numerical portion of the character image or item image. The setting value may also be suggested (a suggestion effect image is displayed) at a timing different from the timing when the effect pattern EZ is stopped and displayed (see FIG. 30(B)).

In the above embodiment, the game control microcomputer 101 transmits the setting value designation command to the presentation control microcomputer 121 at the following three timings. That is, there is a first timing for processing step S010 when the power is turned on, a second timing for processing step S037 when the setting value is changed, and a third timing for processing step S040 when the setting value is confirmed with the end of the setting change mode. However, the game control microcomputer 101 may transmit the setting value designation command at a timing other than the above, for example, even after the setting change mode is ended. In this case, for example, the setting value designation command may be transmitted at the start of the first fluctuation after the power is turned on. Alternatively, the game control microcomputer 101 may manage the execution of a setting value suggestion presentation (display of a suggestion presentation image) that suggests a setting value, and transmit the setting value designation command only when the presentation control microcomputer 121 is caused to execute a setting value suggestion presentation.

In the above embodiment, even when the information related to the game stored in the game RAM 104 is erased based on the pressing operation of the RAM clear switch 191, the setting value information stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 is not erased. However, the setting value information may also be erased when the information related to the game is erased. In this case, for example, only when the operation to switch to the setting change mode is performed, the information related to the game and the setting value information may be erased immediately after power-on, and then the setting change mode may be switched to. In this way, it is possible to prevent the game control from being executed even though the setting value information is not stored, and the game from being executed with no setting value set.

In the above embodiment, when the power is turned on, the setting value can be displayed on the 7-segment display 300 based on the setting value information stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 (see FIG. 22(B)). However, the setting value that was set in the previous game may also be displayed on a display means other than the 7-segment display 300 (for example, a dedicated display or the display screen 50a of the image display device 50).

In the above embodiment, once the device entered error mode, the error mode continued until the power was cut off. Therefore, no control related to the game was executed. However, even if the device entered error mode, the device may be configured to end the error mode and enter setting change mode based on a specific operation. In this case, the setting value is set in setting change mode, and control related to the game is then executed. As a result, it is preferable to be able to execute the game.

In the above embodiment, when the error mode is entered, the 7-segment display 300 emits light in an error lighting mode to indicate the letter "E" as an indication of an error. However, the light emission mode can be changed as appropriate as long as it can indicate that the error mode has been entered. For example, the first display area 310 to the fourth display area 340 (see FIG. 21) may be illuminated in a lighting mode indicating "---".

In the above embodiment, when the device transitions to the error mode, an operation suggestion image SE showing the text "Setting value not set. Please perform the operation to transition to setting change mode" is displayed on the display screen 50a as an error notification indicating that the device is set to the error mode, a special error sound is output from the speaker 620, and the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 light up in a special error light emission mode. However, the error notification may be executed using a presentation means (e.g., a sub-liquid crystal display device) other than the above-mentioned presentation means (the image display device 50, the speaker 620, the frame lamp 212, and the board lamp 54). Also, a presentation mode other than the above (e.g., displaying a red image in the display area of the display screen 50a) may be used.

In the above embodiment, when the power is turned on, if the setting key cylinder 180 is rotated to the rotation position but the RAM clear switch 191 is not pressed, the setting value confirmation mode is entered. However, it may be possible to enter the setting value confirmation mode based on an operation other than the above. For example, it may be possible to enter the setting value confirmation mode while control related to the game is being executed other than when the power is turned on. Specifically, it may be possible to enter the setting value confirmation mode based on the opening of the gaming machine frame 2 in a customer waiting state (a state in which the special pattern is not being displayed in a variable manner and a jackpot game is not being executed).

In the above embodiment, after the setting change mode is ended, the information related to the game stored in the game RAM 104 is erased even if the RAM clear switch 191 is not pressed. However, after the setting change mode is ended, a predetermined presentation means (e.g., the display screen 50a of the image display device 50) may suggest that the information related to the game will be erased based on the pressing of the RAM clear switch 191. In this case, the information related to the game may be erased only if the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed. In this case, it is possible for an employee of the game arcade to freely choose whether or not to erase the information related to the game after the setting change mode is ended.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, during normal operation (when the setting key cylinder 180 is in the standby position), the resistor T2 functions as a pull-down resistor, and an "L" level switch signal (second signal) is input to the game control microcomputer 101. Then, during the setting change mode, an "H" level switch signal (first signal) is input to the game control microcomputer 101. However, during normal operation, a predetermined resistor may function as a pull-up resistor, and an "H" level switch signal (first signal) is input to the game control microcomputer 101, and during the setting change mode, an "L" level switch signal (second signal) may be input to the game control microcomputer 101. However, even in this case, if the setting key cylinder 180 is not rotated sufficiently to the rotation position, the setting change mode cannot be entered, and it is preferable that the setting change mode be terminated as soon as the setting key cylinder 180 starts to rotate from the rotation position.

In the above embodiment, the transition operation means capable of transitioning to the setting change mode and confirming the setting value was the setting key cylinder 180 which can be rotated. However, it is also possible to use other transition operation means such as a linear operation operation means or a switch-type operation means to transition to the setting change mode and confirm the setting value. Also, an operation means which enables transition to the setting change mode and an operation means which enables confirmation of the setting value may be provided separately.

In the above embodiment, as soon as the setting key cylinder 180 starts to rotate from the rotation position toward the standby position, the setting key cylinder switch 180a switches from ON to OFF (see Figures 24(A) and (B)), and the setting change mode ends. However, the setting change mode may be ended at other times. For example, the setting key cylinder switch 180a may switch from ON to OFF when the setting key cylinder 180 is rotated to an intermediate position between the rotation position and the standby position. Also, the setting key cylinder switch 180a may not switch from ON to OFF unless the setting key cylinder 180 is rotated completely to the standby position.

In the above embodiment, when a setting confirmation operation is performed, as shown in FIG. 22(F), a setting value confirmation image SK is displayed on the display screen 50a, a sound "The setting value has been confirmed" is output from the speaker 620, and the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 are illuminated in a special third light emission mode. However, other presentation modes may be used to notify (suggest) that the setting value has been confirmed correctly. For example, a special sound may be output from the speaker 620, or a special effect image may be displayed on the display screen 50a to notify that the setting value has been confirmed correctly.

In the above embodiment, after switching to the setting change mode, the seven-segment display 300 sequentially displays the setting value, the initial display, and the base. However, the order of these displays can be changed as appropriate. For example, the initial display can be started first, followed by the display of the setting value when the setting change mode starts, and then the display of the base when the setting change mode ends. Note that in the above embodiment, all the lighting parts LB1 to LB32 on the seven-segment display 300 are lit as the initial display, but other light emission modes (lighting modes) may also be used and can be changed as appropriate.

In the above embodiment, the condition for switching to the setting change mode was to have the setting key cylinder 180 in the rotated position, the RAM clear switch 191 pressed, and the power switch 195 switched to ON. However, the condition for switching to the setting change mode can be changed as appropriate. For example, the condition may be that the gaming machine frame 2 is open (the inner frame 21 is open to the outer frame, or the front door 23 is open to the inner frame 21) and that the machine is in a waiting state (the special symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner and a jackpot game is not being played). It may also be possible to switch to the setting change mode during play (when the special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner or when a jackpot game is being played) and change the setting value.

In the above embodiment, the setting change mode can be ended by rotating the setting key cylinder 180 from the rotation position to the standby position. However, the setting change mode may be ended by using an operating means other than the setting key cylinder 180.

In the above embodiment, the seven-segment display 300 displays the base in the normal game state. However, it may be possible to display the base in other game states. That is, the seven-segment display 300 may be able to display the base in a jackpot game state, the base in a high probability state and time-saving state, the base in a normal probability state and time-saving state, etc. It may also be possible to display the base from when the power is turned on to the present time (the base is not divided by game state).

In the above embodiment, the number of balls fired is counted based on detection by the discharge port sensor 18a. However, the method for detecting the number of balls fired can be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of balls fired may be counted based on detection by the first start port sensor 11a, detection by the second start port sensor 12a, detection by the general prize port sensor 10a, and detection by the special prize port sensor 14a.

In the above embodiment, the base can be displayed on the 7-segment display 300. However, the 7-segment display 300 may be capable of displaying information related to the performance of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 other than the base. For example, the number of balls (total number of winning balls - number of shot balls) or the payout rate may be displayed as information related to the performance of the pachinko gaming machine PY1. The payout rate is the ratio of the number of winning balls acquired based on the operation of the role among the total number of winning balls acquired from the time the power was turned on to the present time. The payout rate includes the role ratio and the consecutive role ratio. The role ratio is the ratio of the number of winning balls (number of role winning balls) acquired based on the operation of all roles, including the normal electric role (electric chute 12D) and the special electric role (big prize device 14D), among the total number of winning balls. The consecutive role ratio is the ratio of the number of winning balls (number of consecutive role winning balls) acquired based on the continuous operation of the special electric role among the total number of winning balls. In other words, the consecutive win ratio is the percentage of the total number of winning balls that are won solely as a result of the execution of the jackpot game.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the payout control board 170 is provided with a capacitor CA3 capable of supplying backup power. Alternatively, a capacitor capable of supplying backup power may be provided to the game control board 100. Also, in the modified example shown in FIG. 56, a capacitor capable of supplying backup power may be provided to the game control board 100. Also, in the modified example shown in FIG. 58, a capacitor capable of supplying backup power may be provided to the game control board 100. In these cases, the relationship between the payout control board 170 and the game control board 100 described in FIG. 12, FIG. 56, and FIG. 58 is reversed, and the relationship between the payout control microcomputer 171 and the game control microcomputer 101 is simply reversed.

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

In the above embodiment, the capacitor CA3 serving as the backup power supply means is an electric double layer capacitor. However, the backup power supply means may be a capacitor (e.g., an electrolytic capacitor) with a smaller capacitance than an electric double layer capacitor. The backup power supply means may also be something other than a capacitor, such as a battery, and may be modified as appropriate. However, in consideration of the possibility of a fire occurring due to heat generation, a capacitor is preferable to a battery from a safety standpoint.

In the above embodiment, the power supply unit capable of supplying power based on an externally supplied power source (AC 24V power) is configured as a power supply unit 190 (module) on which surface mount components can be mounted. However, the power supply unit may also be configured as a power supply board on which surface mount components cannot be mounted. The power supply unit 190 or the power supply board may also be integrally incorporated with a launch control circuit that controls the launch of the game ball (game medium).

In the above embodiment, the normal power supply supplied to the payout control microcomputer 171 and the game control microcomputer 101 was DC 5V (specific voltage) power. However, it may be power based on other voltages. In the above embodiment, the normal power supply supplied to the payout control microcomputer 171 and the game control microcomputer 101 was DC 5V power. However, it may be power based on other voltages.

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

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

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

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

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

In addition, in each of the above embodiments, four random numbers, including a jackpot random number, are obtained as random numbers (determination information) based on winning at the first start port 11 or the second start port 12, but it is also possible to obtain one random number and determine whether or not there is a jackpot, the type of win, whether or not there is a reach, and the type of fluctuation pattern based on that random number. In other words, the number of random numbers obtained based on a start winning and what is determined from each random number can be set arbitrarily.

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

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

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

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

With a gaming machine of this configuration, it is possible for the player to play while guessing which setting value has been set (what the probability of a jackpot being determined), which can give a novel impression. In addition, both the transition to setting change mode and the confirmation of the setting value require operation of the transition operation means. Therefore, it is possible to confirm the setting value without providing a dedicated operation means for confirming the setting value.

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

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

The invention according to Means A3 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means A2,
A power line (E2) to which power of a predetermined voltage (DC 5V) is supplied;
A signal line (E1) connected to the game control means;
a switching means (setting key cylinder switch 180 a) that connects to ground (G) when the transition operating means is in the initial position, and connects to the power line when the transition operating means is in the moving position,
The signal line is
connected to the switching means,
A ground line (E4) is provided from a branch portion (Q1) between the switching means and the game control means to a ground (G) (see FIG. 23 );
The game control means includes:
a switch device that switches to the setting change mode when the transition operation means is operated to the moving position and receives a first signal (a switch signal at an “H” level) from the signal line;
This gaming machine is characterized in that the set value is determined based on inputting a second signal (an "L" level switch signal) while the transition operating means is being operated from the moving position to the initial position.

With this type of gaming machine, it is possible to easily realize an electrical circuit that determines the set value as soon as the transition operating means is returned from the movement position to the initial position, using a power line, a signal line, a switching means, and a ground line.

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

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

The invention according to Means A5 is:
In the gaming machine according to any one of means A2 to A4,
A display means (7-segment display 300) capable of displaying the set value is provided,
The game control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that when the setting value is confirmed while the transition operating means is being operated from the moving position to the initial position, the display means can execute an initial display (see Figure 22 (F)) indicating that the display means is normal.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, once the set value is confirmed, an initial display can be executed to indicate that the display means is normal. This initial display makes it possible to confirm that the displayed set value was correct.

In the gaming machine described in JP2001-046601A, the probability of a jackpot being determined in the normal probability state is uniformly determined. In the high probability state, the probability of a jackpot being determined is higher than in the normal probability state, but the probability is uniformly determined. Therefore, the player is forced to always know the probability of a jackpot while playing, and there is room for improvement in providing a novel game. Therefore, the invention of means A1 to A5 is different from the gaming machine described in JP2001-046601A in that it is equipped with a transition operation means that can transition to a setting change mode based on an operation, and the game control means determines one setting value selected from multiple setting values when in the setting change mode based on an operation on the transition operation means. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that can give a novel impression (achieve the effect of doing so).

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

With a gaming machine of this configuration, it is possible for the player to guess which setting value has been set (what the probability of a jackpot being determined) while playing the game, which can give a novel impression. In addition, even if the transition operation means is operated while the changing display of the identification pattern is in progress (during play), it is not possible to transition to the setting change mode. Therefore, it is possible to prevent players from fraudulently transitioning to the setting change mode during play and determining the setting value.

The invention according to means B2 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means B1,
The transition operation means is operable from a predetermined initial position (standby position) to a moving position (rotation position),
A power switching unit (power switch 195) is provided that can switch between an on state where power can be supplied based on an external power source (AC 24 V power source) and a cut-off state where power cannot be supplied,
The game control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that it is capable of transitioning to the setting change mode based on the transition operating means being operated to the moving position and the power switching unit being switched from the cut-off state to the on state.

With this type of gaming machine, the machine can transition to the setting change mode when the transition operating means is operated to the moving position and the power switching unit is switched from the off state to the on state. Therefore, only arcade employees who can operate the power switching unit can transition to the setting change mode and determine the setting value.

The invention according to means B3 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means B2,
The game control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that after transitioning to the setting change mode, the setting change mode can be terminated based on the transition operation means being operated from the moving position (setting confirmation operation).

In a gaming machine with this configuration, the game machine transitions to the setting change mode when the transition operating means is operated to the movement position, and the setting change mode ends when the transition operating means is operated from the movement position. In this way, by using a single operating means to start the setting change mode and to end the setting change mode, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and avoid a complicated operation method.

The invention according to means B4 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means B3,
The game control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that after transitioning to the setting change mode, it is possible to end the setting change mode while the transition operating means is being operated from the moving position to the initial position (as soon as it begins to rotate from the rotating position toward the standby position).

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

The invention according to means B5 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means B3 or B4,
A display means (7-segment display 300) capable of displaying the set value is provided,
The game control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that when the setting change mode is ended, the display means is capable of executing an initial display (see FIG. 22(F)) indicating that the display means is normal.

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

In the gaming machine described in JP2001-046601A, the probability of a jackpot being determined in the normal probability state is uniformly determined. In the high probability state, the probability of a jackpot being determined is higher than in the normal probability state, but the probability is uniformly determined. Therefore, the player is forced to always know the probability of a jackpot while playing, and there is room for improvement in providing a novel game. Therefore, the invention of means B1 to B5 is different from the gaming machine described in JP2001-046601A in that it is equipped with a transition operation means that can transition to a setting change mode in which one setting value can be selected from multiple setting values based on an operation, and the game control means makes it impossible to transition to the setting change mode even if the transition operation means is operated during the variable display of the identification pattern. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that can give a novel impression (achieve the effect of doing so).

<Method C>
The invention according to Means C1 is
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a gaming control means (gaming control microcomputer 101) that performs a judgment process (jackpot judgment process) based on a ball entering a ball entrance (first starting entrance 11, second starting entrance 12),
A plurality of (six) set values ("1" to "6") are provided, each of which has a different probability of being determined as a jackpot in the determination process (see FIGS. 16A to 16F).
a display means (7-segment display 300) capable of displaying one setting value selected from the plurality of setting values;
The game control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that the display means displays the setting value in a changeable mode (lighting mode) indicating that the setting value can be changed, and then changes the display mode from the changeable mode based on the setting value being confirmed (see Figures 22 (D) (E) (F)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, it is possible for the player to play while guessing which setting value has been set (what the probability of a jackpot being determined), which can give a novel impression. In addition, the display means displays the setting value in a changeable manner, and when the setting value is confirmed, the display manner is changed from the changeable manner. This makes it possible to know that the setting value has been confirmed.

The invention according to Means C2 is:
In the gaming machine according to the means C1,
The game control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that the display means changes the setting value from the changeable mode to a non-display mode in which the setting value is not displayed based on the setting value being confirmed (see Figures 22 (D) (E) (F)).

In a gaming machine with this configuration, when a set value is confirmed, the display means changes from a changeable mode to a non-display mode in which the set value is not displayed. In other words, after a set value is confirmed, the set value does not continue to be displayed. This makes it possible to minimize the risk that the confirmed set value will be discovered by those around.

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

In a gaming machine with this configuration, the display means displays information related to the performance of the gaming machine after changing from a changeable mode to a non-changeable mode. This makes it possible to check whether the gaming machine is operating normally while preventing the confirmed setting value from being known by those around. In addition, by using a single display means for displaying the setting value and a display means for displaying information related to the performance of the gaming machine, it is possible to reduce the number of parts.

The invention according to Means C4 is:
In the gaming machine according to the means C3,
The game control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized by being able to display a base, which is the ratio of the total number of winning balls won by a player to the number of fired balls, which is the number of gaming balls fired by the player, as information related to the performance of the gaming machine.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, by looking at the base on the display means, it is possible to easily determine whether the gaming machine is likely to give the player excessive advantage or disadvantage.

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

<Method D>
The invention according to means D1 is
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a gaming control means (gaming control microcomputer 101) that performs a judgment process (jackpot judgment process) based on a ball entering a ball entrance (first starting entrance 11, second starting entrance 12),
A plurality of (six) set values ("1" to "6") are provided, each of which has a different probability of being determined as a jackpot in the determination process (see FIGS. 16A to 16F).
The game control means includes:
A setting value selected from the plurality of setting values can be displayed on a predetermined display means (a seven-segment display 300),
The gaming machine is characterized in that the display means is capable of displaying information (base) relating to the performance of the gaming machine.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, it is possible for the player to guess which setting value has been set (what the probability of a jackpot being determined) while playing the game, which can give a novel impression. Furthermore, by viewing the setting value on the display means, it is possible to ascertain the current setting value, and by viewing information related to the performance of the gaming machine on the display means, it is possible to confirm whether the gaming machine is operating normally. Furthermore, by using a single display means that displays the setting value and also displays information related to the performance of the gaming machine, it is possible to reduce the number of parts.

The invention according to means D2 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means D1,
The game control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that when the display means displays the setting value, it does not display information related to the performance of the gaming machine (see Figures 22 (B) (C) (D)), and when it displays information related to the performance of the gaming machine, it does not display the setting value (see Figures 26 (B) (C) (D) (E)).

In a gaming machine with this configuration, the gaming control means does not simultaneously display the setting values and the information related to the performance of the gaming machine on the display means, but only displays one of them. This makes it possible to avoid placing too much of a processing load on the gaming control means.

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

With a gaming machine of this configuration, when the gaming machine is switched on and then goes into setting change mode, the setting value is displayed. In this case, when the setting change mode is subsequently ended, information related to the performance of the gaming machine is displayed, and the setting value is not displayed. In this way, the setting value can be displayed on the display means for only a short period of time after the gaming machine is switched on, thereby minimizing the risk of the setting value being discovered by those around.

The invention according to means D4 is
In the gaming machine according to the means D3,
The game control means includes:
When the setting change mode is ended, the display means can execute an initial display (see FIG. 22(F)) indicating that the display means is normal;
This gaming machine is characterized in that after the initial display is executed, the display means can display information (base) relating to the performance of the gaming machine (see Figures 26 (B) (C) (D) (E)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, when the setting change mode ends, an initial display can be executed to indicate that the display means is normal. This initial display makes it possible to confirm that the displayed setting values were correct. Then, after the initial display, information related to the performance of the gaming machine can be displayed. This makes it possible to recognize that the information related to the performance of the gaming machine is displayed correctly.

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

With a gaming machine of this configuration, by looking at the base on the display means, it is possible to easily determine whether the gaming machine is likely to give the player excessive advantage or disadvantage.

In the gaming machine described in JP2001-046601A, the probability of a jackpot being determined in the normal probability state is uniformly determined. In the high probability state, the probability of a jackpot being determined is higher than in the normal probability state, but the probability is uniformly determined. Therefore, the player is forced to always be aware of the probability of a jackpot while playing, and there is room for improvement in providing a novel game. Therefore, the invention of means D1 to D5 differs from the gaming machine described in JP2001-046601A in that the game control means is capable of displaying one setting value selected from a plurality of setting values on a predetermined display means, and is also capable of displaying information related to the performance of the gaming machine on the display means. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that can give a novel impression (achieve the effect of doing so).

<Means E>
The invention according to means E1 is as follows:
A game control means (a microcomputer 101 for game control) that performs a judgment process (a big win judgment process) based on the ball entering the ball entrance (the first entrance 11, the second entrance 12);
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of controlling performance,
A plurality of (six) set values ("1" to "6") are provided, each of which has a different probability of being determined as a jackpot in the determination process (see FIGS. 16A to 16F).
The game control means can be set to a setting change mode in which one setting value can be selected from the plurality of setting values,
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when set to the setting change mode, the presentation control means is capable of executing a mode suggestion (display of a setting change image SH, output of a voice saying "setting can be changed", illumination of the frame lamp 212 and the panel lamp 54 in a special first illumination mode, see Figure 22 (B)) using a specified presentation means (image display device 50, speaker 620, frame lamp 212 and panel lamp 54) to suggest that the setting value can be changed.

A gaming machine with this configuration is provided with multiple setting values with different probabilities of determining a jackpot, making it possible to provide a novel gaming experience. In addition, when the setting value is set to a selectable setting change mode, the presentation means executes a mode suggestion that indicates that the setting value can be changed. This makes it possible to clearly show the situation in which the setting value can be changed.

The invention according to means E2 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means E1,
The production means includes an image display means (image display device 50) capable of displaying an image, and a sound output means (speaker 620) capable of outputting a sound,
The presentation control means is a gaming machine characterized in that, when set to the setting change mode, it displays, as the mode suggestion, a mode suggestion image (setting change image SH) on the image display means suggesting that the setting value can be changed, and outputs a mode suggestion sound (a sound saying "setting can be changed") from the sound output means suggesting that the setting value can be changed.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, a mode suggestion image is displayed as a mode suggestion, indicating that the setting value can be changed, and a mode suggestion sound is output, indicating that the setting value can be changed. This makes it possible to clearly indicate, both visually and audibly, the situation in which the setting value can be changed.

The invention according to means E3 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means E1 or E2,
The presentation control means starts the mode suggestion when the setting change mode is entered (see FIG. 22(B)), continues to execute the mode suggestion while the setting change mode is set (continues to display an image SH indicating that the setting is being changed, repeatedly outputs a voice message saying "Settings can be changed", and the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 continue to emit light in a special first light-emitting mode), and ends the mode suggestion when the setting change mode is ended (see FIG. 22(F)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, setting suggestions continue to be executed only while the setting change mode is set. This makes it possible to clearly grasp the period from the start to the end of the setting change mode.

The invention according to means E4 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means E2 or E3,
A transition operation means (setting key cylinder 180) that can be operated from a predetermined initial position (standby position) to a moving position (rotation position);
a power switching unit (power switch 195) that can switch between an on state where power can be supplied based on an external power source (AC 24 V power source) and a cut-off state where power cannot be supplied,
The game control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that it is capable of transitioning to the setting change mode based on the transition operating means being operated to the moving position and the power switching unit being switched from the cut-off state to the on state.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the setting change mode can be entered by operating the transition operation means to the moving position and switching the power switching unit from the off state to the on state. However, if the transition operation means is not operated properly to the moving position due to carelessness or inexperience, the setting change mode cannot be entered and the mode suggestion does not start. Therefore, when the power is turned on, it is possible to determine whether the transition operation means has been operated correctly based on whether the mode suggestion starts.

The invention according to means E5 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means E4,
The gaming machine is characterized in that, after transitioning to the setting change mode, the game control means terminates the setting change mode while the transition operation means is being operated from the moving position to the initial position (as soon as it begins to rotate from the rotating position toward the standby position).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, the setting change mode ends and the mode suggestion ends even before the transition operating means is completely returned from the moving position to the initial position. Therefore, it is possible to end the setting change mode as quickly as possible, and it is also possible to end the mode suggestion as quickly as possible. Furthermore, even if the transition operating means is inadvertently not completely returned from the moving position to the initial position, it is possible to know that the setting change mode has ended by the end of the mode suggestion.

In the gaming machine described in JP2001-046601A, the probability of a jackpot being determined in the normal probability state is uniformly determined. In the high probability state, the probability of a jackpot being determined is higher than in the normal probability state, but the probability is uniformly determined. Therefore, the player is forced to always be aware of the probability of a jackpot while playing, and there is room for improvement in providing a novel game. Therefore, the invention relating to means E1 to E5 differs from the gaming machine described in JP2001-046601A in that the game control means can be set to a setting change mode in which one setting value can be selected from multiple setting values, and the presentation control means can execute a mode suggestion that suggests that the setting value can be changed by a predetermined presentation means when set to the setting change mode. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that can give a novel impression (achieve the effect of doing so).

<Method F>
The invention according to means F1 is
A game control means (a microcomputer 101 for game control) that performs a judgment process (a big win judgment process) based on the ball entering the ball entrance (the first entrance 11, the second entrance 12);
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of controlling performance,
A plurality of (six) set values ("1" to "6") are provided, each of which has a different probability of being determined as a jackpot in the determination process (see FIGS. 16A to 16F).
The game control means can be set to a setting change mode in which one setting value can be selected from the plurality of setting values,
The presentation control means is a gaming machine characterized in that, when a setting value selected in the setting change mode is changed, it is capable of executing a change indication by a specified presentation means (image display device 50, speaker 620, frame lamp 212 and board lamp 54) to indicate that the setting value has been changed (display of a setting value change image YG, output of a voice saying "The setting value has been changed", illumination in a special second illumination mode by the frame lamp 212 and board lamp 54, see Figure 22 (C)).

A gaming machine with this configuration is provided with multiple setting values with different probabilities of determining a jackpot, making it possible to provide a novel gaming experience. In addition, when the setting value selected in the setting change mode is changed, a change suggestion is executed by the presentation means to indicate that the setting value has been changed. This makes it possible to clearly indicate to the person who changed the setting value and to people nearby that the setting value has been changed.

The invention according to means F2 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means F1,
a transition operation unit (RAM clear switch 191) that can transition to the setting change mode based on an operation (pressing operation),
The gaming machine is characterized in that the game control means is capable of changing the setting value based on the transition operation unit being operated when the setting change mode is set.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, it is possible to transition to the setting change mode based on an operation on the transition operation unit. Furthermore, when the setting change mode is set, the setting value can be changed based on an operation on the transition operation unit. In this way, the number of parts can be reduced by using the transition operation unit as both the operation means for transitioning to the setting change mode and the operation means for changing the setting value.

The invention according to means F3 is
In the gaming machine according to the means F2,
The game control means includes a storage means (game RAM 104) capable of storing information related to a game,
The transition operation unit is a RAM clear operation means (RAM clear switch 191) that can erase information related to the game stored in the storage means based on an operation (for example, information on the game state such as a high probability state, information on the special chart reservation and the result of the jackpot hit/miss judgment, etc.),
The game control means is a gaming machine characterized in that when the setting change mode is set and the RAM clear operation means is operated, the setting value can be changed (the processing of step S034 can be executed), but when the setting change mode is set, the game-related information stored in the memory means is not erased (the game RAM 104 is not cleared in the setting change mode processing of step S012).

In a gaming machine with this configuration, the setting value can be changed using the existing RAM clear operation means, so there is no need to provide a new operation means for changing the setting value. However, if the game control means were to erase information related to the game every time the RAM clear operation means was operated when the setting change mode was set, the control process would become cumbersome. Therefore, when the setting change mode is set, even if the RAM clear operation means is operated, the game control means does not erase information related to the game, so that it is possible to avoid the control process becoming cumbersome.

The invention according to means F4 is
In the gaming machine according to the means F3,
A power switching unit (power switch 195) is provided that can switch between an on state where power can be supplied based on an external power source (AC 24 V power source) and a cut-off state where power cannot be supplied,
The game control means includes:
The setting change mode can be entered based on the RAM clear operation means being operated and the power switching unit being switched from the cut-off state to the power-on state,
This gaming machine is characterized in that after the setting change mode is ended, even if the RAM clear operation means is not operated, the information related to the game stored in the memory means can be erased (the gaming RAM 104 is cleared in step S013).

According to a gaming machine of this configuration, when the machine transitions to the setting change mode upon power-on, the information related to the game stored in the storage means is not erased even if the RAM clear operation means is operated. However, when the setting change mode ends, it is possible to erase the information related to the game stored in the storage means even if the RAM clear operation means is not operated thereafter. In this way, the operation of the RAM clear operation means when transitioning to the setting change mode is used as a trigger to erase the information related to the game after the setting change mode ends.

In the gaming machine described in JP2001-046601A, the probability of a jackpot being determined in the normal probability state is uniformly determined. In the high probability state, the probability of a jackpot being determined is higher than in the normal probability state, but the probability is uniformly determined. Therefore, the player is forced to always know the probability of a jackpot while playing, and there is room for improvement in providing a novel game. Therefore, the invention relating to means F1 to F4 differs from the gaming machine described in JP2001-046601A in that the game control means can be set to a setting change mode in which one setting value can be selected from multiple setting values, and the presentation control means can execute a change suggestion that suggests that the setting value has been changed by a specified presentation means when the one setting value selected in the setting change mode is changed. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that can give a novel impression (achieve the effect of doing so).

<Means G>
The invention according to means G1 is as follows:
A game control means (a microcomputer 101 for game control) that performs a judgment process (a big win judgment process) based on the ball entering the ball entrance (the first entrance 11, the second entrance 12);
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of controlling performance,
A plurality of (six) set values ("1" to "6") are provided, each of which has a different probability of being determined as a jackpot in the determination process (see FIGS. 16A to 16F).
The game control means can be set to a setting change mode in which one setting value can be selected from the plurality of setting values,
The performance control means includes:
When the setting change mode is set, a mode suggestion that suggests that the setting value can be changed can be executed by a predetermined effect means (the image display device 50, the speaker 620, the frame lamp 212, and the board lamp 54) (display of a setting change image SH, output of a voice saying "setting can be changed", illumination in a special first illumination mode by the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54, see FIG. 22(B)).
This gaming machine is characterized in that when a setting value selected in the setting change mode is changed, the presentation means can execute a change suggestion indicating that the setting value has been changed (displaying a setting value change image YG, outputting a voice saying "The setting value has been changed," and causing the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 to emit light in a special second light-emitting mode; see Figure 22 (C)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, multiple setting values with different probabilities of determining a jackpot are provided, making it possible to provide a novel gaming experience. Furthermore, when the setting value is set to a selectable setting change mode, the presentation means executes a mode suggestion that indicates that the setting value can be changed. This makes it possible to clearly show a situation in which the setting value can be changed. Furthermore, when the setting value selected in the setting change mode is changed, the presentation means executes a change suggestion that indicates that the setting value has been changed. This makes it possible to clearly show the person who changed the setting value and those around them that the setting value has been changed.

The invention according to means G2 is as follows:
In the gaming machine described in means G1,
The performance control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that, when a setting value selected in the setting change mode is changed, the change suggestion can be executed with priority over the mode suggestion (display of the setting value change image YG is executed with priority over display of the setting change in progress image SH, output of the voice saying "The setting value has been changed" is executed with priority over output of the voice saying "The setting can be changed", and illumination in a special second illumination mode by the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 is executed with priority over illumination in a special first illumination mode; see Figure 22 (C)).

According to a gaming machine with this configuration, when the setting value selected in the setting change mode is changed, the presentation means executes the change suggestion with priority over the mode suggestion. This makes it possible to prevent the mode suggestion from making it difficult to notice that the setting value has been changed. As a result, if the setting value is changed fraudulently, it is possible for people nearby to easily notice the fraudulent behavior.

The invention according to means G3 is as follows:
In the gaming machine described in means G2,
The production means includes an image display means (image display device 50) capable of displaying an image,
The mode suggestion is to display a mode suggestion image (setting change image SH) on the image display means, the mode suggestion image suggesting that the setting value can be changed;
The change suggestion is to display a change suggestion image (a setting value change image YG) on the image display means, the change suggestion image indicating that the setting value has been changed;
The performance control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that when a setting value selected in the setting change mode is changed, the change suggestion image can be displayed overlaid on top of the mode suggestion image (see Figure 22 (C)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, when the setting value selected in the setting change mode is changed, the image display means displays a change suggestion image superimposed on the mode suggestion image. This allows the person who changed the setting value to visually understand that the setting value can be changed, while clearly indicating that the setting value has been changed.

The invention according to means G4 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means G2 or G3,
a transition operation unit (RAM clear switch 191) that can transition to the setting change mode based on an operation (pressing operation),
The gaming machine is characterized in that the game control means is capable of changing the setting value (capable of executing the processing of step S034) based on the transition operation unit being operated when the setting change mode is set.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, it is possible to transition to the setting change mode based on an operation on the transition operation unit. Furthermore, when the setting change mode is set, the setting value can be changed based on an operation on the transition operation unit. In this way, the number of parts can be reduced by using the transition operation unit as both the operation means for transitioning to the setting change mode and the operation means for changing the setting value.

In the gaming machine described in JP 2001-046601 A, the probability of a jackpot being determined in the normal probability state is uniformly determined. In the high probability state, the probability of a jackpot being determined is higher than in the normal probability state, but the probability is uniformly determined. Therefore, the player is made to always know the probability of a jackpot while playing, and there is room for improvement in providing an innovative game. Therefore, the invention relating to means G1 to G4 differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2001-046601 A in that the game control means can be set to a setting change mode in which one setting value can be selected from multiple setting values, the presentation control means can execute a mode suggestion that suggests that the setting value can be changed by a predetermined presentation means when set to the setting change mode, and can execute a change suggestion that suggests that the setting value has been changed by the presentation means when one setting value selected in the setting change mode is changed. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that can give a novel impression (achieve the effect of doing so).

<Means H>
The invention according to means H1 is as follows:
A game control means (a microcomputer 101 for game control) that performs a judgment process (a big win judgment process) based on the ball entering the ball entrance (the first entrance 11, the second entrance 12);
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of controlling display by a predetermined image display means (image display device 50),
A plurality of (six) set values ("1" to "6") are provided, each of which has a different probability of being determined as a jackpot in the determination process (see FIGS. 16A to 16F).
The game control means can be set to a setting change mode in which one setting value can be selected from the plurality of setting values,
This gaming machine is characterized in that, when set to the setting change mode, the presentation control means does not display an image indicating the setting value on the image display means, but is capable of displaying a mode suggestion image (setting change image SH) indicating that the setting value can be changed (see Figure 22 (B)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, multiple setting values with different probabilities of determining a jackpot are provided, making it possible to provide a novel gaming experience. Furthermore, when the setting value is set to a selectable setting change mode, the image display means displays a mode suggestion image indicating that the setting value can be changed, but does not display an image showing the setting value. This makes it possible to clearly indicate the situation in which the setting value can be changed, while preventing people in the vicinity from noticing the value of the setting value itself.

The invention according to means H2 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means H1,
The presentation control means of this gaming machine is characterized in that, when a setting value selected in the setting change mode is changed, the image display means is capable of displaying a change suggestion image (setting value change image YG) that suggests that the setting value has been changed without indicating the setting value (see Figure 22 (C)).

According to a gaming machine with this configuration, when a setting value selected in the setting change mode is changed, the image display means displays a change suggestion image that suggests that the setting value has been changed without showing the setting value itself. This makes it possible to clearly show the situation in which the setting value has been changed to people nearby without making them aware of the changed setting value itself.

The invention according to means H3 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means H1 or H2,
A power switching unit (power switch 195) is provided that can switch between an on state where power can be supplied based on an external power source (AC 24 V power source) and a cut-off state where power cannot be supplied,
The game control means includes:
The setting change mode can be entered based on the power switching unit being switched from the cut-off state to the power-on state,
The effect control means is a gaming machine characterized in that after the setting change mode is terminated, the effect control means is capable of displaying, on the image display means, a suggestive effect image suggesting one setting value selected in the setting change mode (a phoenix image FT in a high setting suggestive effect (see FIG. 31(D) and an effect pattern EZ in a losing mode in a pattern setting suggestive effect (see FIG. 30(B))).

In a gaming machine with this configuration, in the setting change mode to which the machine transitions when the power is turned on, the image display means does not display an image showing the setting value, but after the setting change mode ends, a suggestive effect image suggesting the setting value may be displayed. Therefore, although the setting value is only not suggested by the image display means for a short period of time after the power is turned on, from the player's perspective, the display of the suggestive effect image can increase the player's motivation to play.

The invention according to means H4 is:
In the gaming machine according to the means H3,
The game control means includes:
When the setting change mode is terminated, the final setting information (setting value designation command) including information on one setting value selected in the setting change mode (setting value information) can be transmitted to the performance control means (the processing of step S040 can be executed). However, after the setting change mode is terminated, the final setting information is not transmitted,
The performance control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that the image display means is capable of displaying the suggestive performance image (capable of executing processing of step S1705, capable of executing processing of step S1602) based on the confirmed setting information received when the setting change mode is ended.

According to a gaming machine of this configuration, the final setting information is transmitted from the gaming control means to the presentation control means when the setting change mode ends, and the final setting information is not transmitted after the setting change mode ends. In this way, the final setting information is transmitted to the presentation control means only for a short period of time after the power is turned on, thereby minimizing the risk of the final setting information being illegally obtained by an external party. On the other hand, after the setting change mode ends, the presentation control means is able to display a suggestive presentation image based on the setting value information indicated by the received final setting information.

In the gaming machine described in JP2001-046601A, the probability of a jackpot being determined in the normal probability state is uniformly determined. In the high probability state, the probability of a jackpot being determined is higher than in the normal probability state, but the probability is uniformly determined. Therefore, the player is made to always know the probability of a jackpot while playing, and there is room for improvement in providing a novel game. Therefore, the invention relating to means H1 to H4 differs from the gaming machine described in JP2001-046601A in that the game control means can be set to a setting change mode in which one setting value can be selected from multiple setting values, and the presentation control means, when set to the setting change mode, does not display an image showing the setting value on the image display means, but can display a mode suggestion image suggesting that the setting value can be changed. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that can give a novel impression (achieve the effect of working).

<Means I>
The invention according to means I1 is
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a gaming control means (gaming control microcomputer 101) that performs a judgment process (jackpot judgment process) based on a ball entering a ball entrance (first starting entrance 11, second starting entrance 12),
A plurality of (six) set values ("1" to "6") are provided, each of which has a different probability of being determined as a jackpot in the determination process (see FIGS. 16A to 16F).
The game control means can be set to a setting change mode in which one setting value can be selected from the plurality of setting values,
A storage means (gaming RAM 104) capable of storing information related to a game (for example, information on a game state such as a high probability state, information on a special chart reservation or a result of a jackpot judgment, etc.);
and a RAM clear operation means (RAM clear switch 191) capable of erasing information related to a game stored in the storage means based on an operation (pressing operation),
The game control means is a gaming machine characterized in that when the setting change mode is set and the RAM clear operation means is operated, the setting value can be changed (the processing of step S034 can be executed), but when the setting change mode is set, the game-related information stored in the memory means is not erased (the game RAM 104 is not cleared in the setting change mode processing of step S012).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, multiple setting values with different probabilities of determining a jackpot are provided, making it possible to provide a novel gaming experience. Furthermore, when in setting change mode, the setting value can be changed by operating the existing RAM clear operation means, making it unnecessary to provide a new operation means for changing the setting value. On the other hand, even if the RAM clear operation means is operated in setting change mode, the game control means does not need to erase the information related to the game stored in the storage means, making it possible to avoid cumbersome control processing.

The invention according to means I2 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means I1,
A power switching unit (power switch 195) is provided that can switch between an on state where power can be supplied based on an external power source (AC 24 V power source) and a cut-off state where power cannot be supplied,
The game control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that it can transition to the setting change mode based on the RAM clear operation means being operated and the power switching unit being switched from the cut-off state to the on state.

With this gaming machine configuration, it is possible to transition to the setting change mode by operating the RAM clear operation means and switching the power switching unit from a cut-off state to a power-on state. In this way, the RAM clear operation means serves both as the operation means for transitioning to the setting change mode and the operation means for changing the setting value, making it possible to reduce the number of parts.

The invention according to means I3 is
In the gaming machine according to the means I2,
The game control means includes:
When the setting change mode is entered based on the operation of the RAM clear operation means, when the setting change mode is set, the information related to the game stored in the storage means is not erased (the game RAM 104 is not cleared),
This gaming machine is characterized in that after the setting change mode is ended, the game-related information stored in the memory means can be erased (the game RAM 104 is cleared in step S013) even if the RAM clear operation means is not operated.

According to a gaming machine of this configuration, in order to switch to the setting change mode, it is necessary to operate the RAM clear operation means, and at this time, information related to the game is not erased. On the other hand, after the setting change mode has ended, it is possible to erase information related to the game without operating the RAM clear operation means. In this way, after the setting change mode has ended, there is no need to operate the RAM clear operation means again to erase information related to the game, and it is possible to avoid duplication of operations.

The invention according to means I4 is
In the gaming machine according to any one of means I1 to I3,
a setting value information storage unit (107) capable of storing setting value information which is information on one setting value selected in the setting change mode,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the game control means does not erase the setting value information stored in the setting value information storage means (does not clear the setting value information storage unit 107 in the processing of step S013) even when erasing information related to the game stored in the storage means based on an operation to the RAM clear operation means.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, even when game-related information is erased based on an operation on the RAM clear operation means, the setting value information, which is information on a single setting value selected in the setting change mode, is not erased. Therefore, once a setting value is determined in this gaming machine, the setting value information continues to be stored unless the setting value is subsequently changed in the setting change mode. Therefore, it is possible to continue with the previous setting value without having to set the setting value every time game-related information is erased.

The invention according to means I5 is
In the gaming machine according to the means I4,
a power switching unit (power switch 195) that can be switched between an on state where power can be supplied based on an external power source (AC 24 V power source) and a cut-off state where power cannot be supplied;
a display means (7-segment display 300) capable of displaying one setting value selected from the plurality of setting values,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the game control means is capable of displaying the setting value on the display means (capable of executing the processing of step S032) based on the setting value information stored in the setting value information storage means when the power switching unit is switched from the cut-off state to the power-on state (see Figure 22 (B)).

With this gaming machine, when the power switching unit is switched to the on state, the setting value can be displayed on the display means based on the setting value information stored previously. This makes it possible to first check the previously determined setting value when the power is turned on.

In the gaming machine described in JP 2001-046601 A, the probability of a jackpot being determined in the normal probability state is uniformly determined. In the high probability state, the probability of a jackpot being determined is higher than in the normal probability state, but the probability is uniformly determined. Therefore, the player is made to always know the probability of a jackpot while playing, and there is room for improvement in providing an innovative game. Therefore, the invention of means I1 to I5 is different from the gaming machine described in JP 2001-046601 A in that the game control means can be set to a setting change mode in which one setting value can be selected from a plurality of setting values, and is equipped with a storage means capable of storing information related to the game and a RAM clear operation means capable of erasing the information related to the game stored in the storage means based on an operation, and the game control means is different in that when the RAM clear operation means is operated while the setting mode is set, the setting value can be changed, but the information related to the game stored in the storage means is not erased when the setting mode is set. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that can give a novel impression (achieve the effect of doing so).

<Means J>
The invention according to means J1 is as follows:
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a gaming control means (gaming control microcomputer 101) that performs a judgment process (jackpot judgment process) based on a ball entering a ball entrance (first starting entrance 11, second starting entrance 12),
A plurality of (six) set values ("1" to "6") are provided, each of which has a different probability of being determined as a jackpot in the determination process (see FIGS. 16A to 16F).
The game control means can be set to a setting change mode in which one setting value can be selected from the plurality of setting values,
A storage means (gaming RAM 104) capable of storing information related to a game (for example, information on a game state such as a high probability state, information on a special chart reservation or a result of a jackpot judgment, etc.);
a setting value information storage unit (107) capable of storing setting value information which is information on one setting value selected in the setting change mode;
and a RAM clear operation means (RAM clear switch 191) capable of erasing information related to a game stored in the storage means based on an operation (pressing operation),
The gaming control means is capable of erasing information relating to the game stored in the memory means based on an operation on the RAM clear operation means (the information relating to the game is cleared in the processing of step S013), while not erasing the setting value information stored in the setting value information memory means (the setting value information stored in the setting value information memory unit 107 is not cleared in the processing of step S013). This is a gaming machine characterized by this.

A gaming machine with this configuration is provided with multiple setting values with different probabilities of determining a jackpot, making it possible to provide a novel gaming experience. Furthermore, even if game-related information is erased based on the operation of the RAM clear operation means, the setting value information, which is information on one setting value selected in the setting change mode, is not erased. Therefore, once a setting value is determined in this gaming machine, the setting value information will continue to be stored unless the setting value is subsequently changed in the setting change mode. Therefore, it is possible to continue with the previous setting value without having to set the setting value each time game-related information is erased.

The invention according to means J2 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means J1,
A power switching unit (power switch 195) is provided that can switch between an on state where power can be supplied based on an external power source (AC 24 V power source) and a cut-off state where power cannot be supplied,
The gaming machine is characterized in that when the power switching unit is switched from the cut-off state to the on state, if the setting change mode is not entered and the setting value information is not stored in the setting value information storage means, the game control means sets the game-related control to an error mode in which it is impossible to execute (executes the error mode processing of step S021).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, when the power switching unit is switched to the on state, if the mode does not change to the setting change mode and the setting value information is not stored, the mode changes to the error mode. In other words, if a setting value has never been set before, the error mode makes it impossible to play a game. In this way, it is possible to make the gaming machine capable of playing a game, provided that a setting value has been set.

The invention according to means J3 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means J2,
a display means (7-segment display 300) capable of displaying one setting value selected from the plurality of setting values;
The gaming machine is characterized in that the game control means is capable of executing an error indication on the display means when the error mode is set, which indicates that the error mode has been set (illuminating in an error lighting mode to represent the letter "E"; see Figure 25 (A)).

In a gaming machine with this configuration, when the power switching unit is switched to the on state, if the setting mode is not changed to the setting change mode but is set to the error mode, an error indication is executed on the display means. This makes it impossible to play the game, and makes it possible to know that the setting value has never been set. In addition, because the display means for displaying the setting value and the display means for executing the error indication are combined, it is possible to reduce the number of parts.

The invention according to means J4 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means J3,
The presenter is provided with a performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of controlling the performance using a predetermined performance means (image display device 50, speaker 620, frame lamp 212, and board lamp 54),
The gaming machine is characterized in that the presentation control means is capable of executing an error notification (displaying an operation suggestion image SE on the display screen 50a, outputting a special error sound from the speaker 620, and causing the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 to emit light in a special error light-emitting mode, see Figure 25 (B)) indicating that the presentation means has set the error mode when the error mode is set.

When a gaming machine with this configuration transitions to error mode, not only is an error indication executed by the display means, but an error notification is also executed by the presentation means. This makes it easier for the person who switched the power switching unit to the on state, and people around them, to understand that the machine has transitioned to error mode.

The invention according to means J5 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means J1,
a display means (7-segment display 300) capable of displaying one setting value selected from the plurality of setting values;
a power switching unit (power switch 195) that can be switched between an on state where power can be supplied based on an external power source (AC 24 V power source) and a cut-off state where power cannot be supplied;
A transition operation means (setting key cylinder 180) that can be operated from a predetermined initial position (standby position) to a moving position (rotating position),
The game control means includes:
When the power switching unit is switched from the cut-off state to the power-on state, if the transition operation means is operated to the moving position and the RAM clear operation means is operated (if a transition operation to the setting change mode is performed), the mode can be transitioned to the setting change mode,
This gaming machine is characterized in that, when the setting change mode is entered, the setting value can be displayed on the display means (the processing of step S032 can be executed) based on the setting value information stored in the setting value information storage means (see Figure 22 (A)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, when the power is turned on, if the transition operation means is operated to the movement position and the RAM clear operation means is operated, it is possible to transition to the setting change mode. When the setting change mode is entered, the setting value is displayed on the display means based on the setting value information before the power was turned on. This makes it possible to change the setting value while checking the previous setting value.

The invention according to means J6 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means J5,
The game control means includes:
When the power switching unit is switched from the cut-off state to the power-on state, if the transition operation means has been operated to the movement position but the RAM clear operation means has not been operated, the device can transition to a setting value confirmation mode in which the setting value can be displayed (the device can execute the process of step S019);
This gaming machine is characterized in that when the setting value confirmation mode is entered, the setting value cannot be selected, but the setting value can be displayed on the display means (the processing of step S050 can be executed) based on the setting value information stored in the setting value information storage means (see Figure 22 (A)).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, for example, an employee of an arcade may not change the setting value when the power is turned on, but may want to check the previous setting value. In this case, it is possible to transition to the setting value confirmation mode by operating the transition operation means to the movement position when the power is turned on, but not by operating the RAM clear operation means. This causes the setting value to be displayed on the display means based on the setting value information stored before the power was turned on, so that the employee of the arcade can check the previous setting value without transitioning to the setting change mode.

In the gaming machine described in JP 2001-046601 A, in the normal probability state, the probability of a jackpot being determined to be a big win is uniformly determined. Also, in the high probability state, the probability of a jackpot being determined to be a big win is higher than in the normal probability state, but this probability is also uniformly determined. This means that the player is forced to constantly be aware of the probability of a jackpot being determined to be a big win while playing, and there is room for improvement in providing an innovative game. Therefore, the invention relating to means J1 to J6 differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2001-046601 A in that the gaming control means can be set to a setting change mode in which one setting value can be selected from a plurality of setting values, and is equipped with a setting value information storage means capable of storing setting value information that is information on the one setting value selected in the setting change mode, and a RAM clear operation means capable of erasing information related to the game stored in the storage means based on an operation of the RAM clear operation means, and the gaming control means is capable of erasing information related to the game stored in the storage means based on an operation of the RAM clear operation means, but does not erase the setting value information stored in the setting value information storage means. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that can give a novel impression (achieve the effect of doing so).

<Means K>
The invention according to means K1 is as follows:
In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a gaming control means (gaming control microcomputer 101) that performs a judgment process (jackpot judgment process) based on a ball entering a ball entrance (first starting entrance 11, second starting entrance 12),
A plurality of (six) set values ("1" to "6") are provided, each of which has a different probability of being determined as a jackpot in the determination process (see FIGS. 16A to 16F).
a transition operation means (setting key cylinder 180) that can be operated from a predetermined initial position (standby position) to a moving position (rotating position) and that can transition to a setting change mode in which one setting value can be selected from the plurality of setting values based on the operation to the moving position;
A storage means (gaming RAM 104) capable of storing information related to a game (for example, information on a game state such as a high probability state, information on a special chart reservation or a result of a jackpot judgment, etc.);
and a RAM clear operation means (RAM clear switch 191) capable of erasing information related to a game stored in the storage means based on an operation (pressing operation),
The game control means includes:
When the transition operation means is not operated to the movement position when the power is turned on and the RAM clear operation means is operated, the setting change mode is not entered (the setting change mode process of step S012 is not executed), and the information related to the game stored in the storage means can be erased (the information related to the game is cleared in the process of step S013),
This gaming machine is characterized in that when the transition operation means is operated to the movement position when the power is turned on and the RAM clear operation means is operated, the game transitions to the setting change mode (executing the setting change mode processing of step S012), and when the setting change mode ends, the game-related information stored in the memory means is erased (the game-related information is cleared by the processing of step S013).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, multiple setting values with different probabilities of determining a jackpot are provided, making it possible to provide a novel gaming experience. Here, when the power is turned on, the setting value is not changed, and only the RAM clear operation means may be operated to erase information related to the game. At this time, if the transition operation means is operated to the movement position, the game will unintentionally transition to setting change mode. However, even in this case, when the setting change mode ends, the information related to the game will be erased. In this way, even if the game transitions to setting change mode unintentionally, it is possible to play the game with all information related to the game cleared.

The invention according to means K2 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means K1,
A performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of controlling the performance is provided.
The performance control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that when the setting change mode is entered, a predetermined presentation means (image display device 50, speaker 620, frame lamp 212, and board lamp 54) executes a mode indication (display of a setting change image SH, output of a voice saying "setting can be changed", and illumination in a special first illumination mode by the frame lamp 212 and board lamp 54; see Figure 22 (B)) that indicates that the setting value can be changed, without indicating that information related to the game has been erased.

With a gaming machine of this configuration, an employee of the gaming facility may operate the RAM clear operation means when turning on the power in order to erase information related to the game, but may unintentionally switch to setting change mode. In this case, the employee can understand that the information related to the game was not erased and that the setting change mode was mistakenly switched to by the mode suggestion executed by the presentation means.

The invention according to means K3 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to the means K1 or K2,
a setting value information storage unit (107) capable of storing setting value information which is information on one setting value selected in the setting change mode,
The game control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that even when the information related to the game stored in the storage means is erased after the setting change mode is ended (the information related to the game is cleared in the processing of step S013), the setting value information stored in the setting value information storage means is not erased (the setting value information stored in the setting value information storage unit 107 is not cleared in the processing of step S013).

With a gaming machine of this configuration, even if the information related to the game is erased after the setting change mode ends, the setting value information, which is information on the setting values, is not erased. In other words, the setting value information continues to be stored. Therefore, when the power is turned on again after being cut off, it is possible to play with the same setting values as before.

The invention relating to means K4 is as follows:
In the gaming machine according to any one of means K1 to K3,
The game control means includes:
This gaming machine is characterized in that after the setting change mode is ended, the information related to the game stored in the memory means can be erased even if the RAM clear operation means is not operated (the information related to the game is cleared by processing in step S013).

According to a gaming machine of this configuration, in order to switch to the setting change mode, an operation on the RAM clear operation means is required, and when the setting change mode is set, information related to the game is not erased. On the other hand, after the setting change mode is ended, it is possible to erase information related to the game without operating the RAM clear operation means. In this way, after the setting change mode is ended, there is no need to operate the RAM clear operation means again to erase information related to the game, and it is possible to avoid duplication of operations.

In the gaming machine described in JP 2001-046601 A, in the normal probability state, the probability of a jackpot being determined to be a big win is uniformly determined. Also, in the high probability state, the probability of a jackpot being determined to be a big win is higher than in the normal probability state, but this probability is also uniformly determined. This means that the player is forced to constantly be aware of the probability of a jackpot being determined to be a big win while playing, and there is room for improvement in providing an innovative game. Therefore, the invention relating to means K1 to K4 differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2001-046601 A in that it is equipped with a transition operation means that can be operated from a predetermined initial position to a moving position and can transition to a setting change mode in which one setting value can be selected from among multiple setting values based on the fact that it has been operated to the moving position, and the game control means is capable of erasing information related to the game stored in the storage means without transitioning to the setting change mode if the transition operation means has not been operated to the moving position and the RAM clear operation means has been operated when the power is turned on, and is capable of transitioning to the setting change mode and erasing information related to the game stored in the storage means when the transition operation means has been operated to the moving position and the RAM clear operation means has been operated when the power is turned on. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that can give a novel impression (achieve the effect of doing so).

PY1... Pachinko game machine 50... Image display device 50a... Display screen 54... Board lamp 100... Game control board 104... Game RAM
101... Game control microcomputer 120... Presentation control board 121... Presentation control microcomputer 180... Setting key cylinder 180a... Setting key cylinder switch 191... RAM clear switch 212... Frame lamp 300... 7-segment display 620... Speaker

Claims (1)

A gaming machine frame including a frame-shaped base frame portion and a front frame portion located on a front side of the base frame portion;
A game board disposed inside the game machine frame;
a power supply unit provided in the gaming machine frame and capable of supplying power based on a power source supplied from an external source;
A frame side control board that is provided in the gaming machine frame and has a specific control means mounted thereon ;
A game control board is provided on the game board and has a game control means for performing a determination process based on a ball entering the ball entrance.
the power supply unit is capable of supplying power of a specific voltage to the frame-side control board ,
The frame side control board is capable of supplying the power of the specific voltage supplied from the power supply unit to the game control board, and is provided with a backup power supply means capable of storing a backup power supply and supplying the backup power supply;
The frame side control board has:
a specific power line for supplying power of the specific voltage from the power supply unit to the specific control means and the game control means;
A backup line is provided which is branched from the specific power line and supplies the backup power source to the specific control means and the game control means,
The backup line is provided with a current regulating means for permitting a current flow to the game control means while regulating a current flow to the power supply unit,
The backup power supply means is connected to the backup line on the side of the gaming control board closer to the current regulating means, and is configured to be able to supply backup power to the specific control means and the gaming control means via the backup line when power of the specific voltage is not being supplied from the power supply unit to the specific control means and the gaming control means.

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