Gaming machine

Abstract

To improve the ball entry rate without enlarging the opening of the ball entry device. [Solution] A game ball guide section is integrally provided in the ball entry device at a predetermined inclination angle downward from the opening to guide the game balls into the opening. The inclination angle is set considering the approximate angle and speed of movement of the game balls flowing down from the guide members (game nails, windmills, stages, resin molded products, etc.). This ensures that when a game ball collides with the game ball guide section, those with a high collision speed will bounce upward towards the opening, while those with a low collision speed will easily run up the slope towards the opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine that conducts a game aiming to shoot a game ball into a ball entry device.

Background Art

[0002] In gaming machines such as pachinko machines, when a game ball launched onto a game board surface provided with a ball entry device enters the ball entry device, it is possible to give the player a privilege (bonus balls, or in the case of a first-class pachinko machine, a win / loss lottery, etc.). As such a gaming machine, there is known a pachinko machine in which the ball entry rate into the ball entry device is designed by guiding members such as game pins (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, since the guiding member repeatedly collides with the game ball, it may bend or break. Therefore, if the design of the ball entry rate into the ball entry device depends too much on the guiding member, when the guiding member is deformed, an unexpected ball entry rate will result, and there is a risk that the designed game performance cannot be exhibited.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that does not overly depend on a guiding member for the design of the ball entry rate by giving the ball entry device itself the performance of guiding the game ball.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The technology disclosed in this specification can be realized in the following forms. (Gaming Machine of the First Feature) It is equipped with a ball entry device that has an opening at the top into which game balls can be inserted, The ball entry device is provided with a ball guide unit for guiding game balls into the opening. The game ball guiding section is characterized by extending downward from the opening at a predetermined inclination angle. According to the first feature of the gaming machine, when a game ball reaches a game ball guide section that extends downwards from the opening of the ball entry device with a predetermined momentum, it will run up the slope, reducing its downward velocity. As a result, the game ball, having lost momentum, can be more easily entered into the opening.

[0007] (Gaming machine with second characteristic) The game board is equipped with a ball entry device that has an opening at the top into which game balls can be inserted. The ball entry device is provided with a ball guide unit for guiding game balls into the opening. The game ball guiding section is characterized by extending downward from the opening at a predetermined inclination angle and having a curved shape perpendicular to the game board. According to the second feature of the gaming machine, the game balls that reach the game ball guidance section can be bounced back at various angles or guided into the opening.

[0008] (Gaming machine with third characteristic) It is equipped with a ball entry device that has an opening at the top into which game balls can be inserted, The aforementioned ball entry device includes a ball guide unit for guiding game balls into the opening, A guide wall for guiding game balls into the opening is provided in front of the opening. The game ball guiding section is characterized by extending downward from the opening at a predetermined inclination angle. According to the third feature of the gaming machine, the gaming balls that have reached the opening from the gaming ball guidance section, the guidance members (gaming nails, windmills, etc.), and the gaming balls that have bounced out from the gaming ball guidance section can be guided toward the opening.

[0009] (Gaming machine with the fourth characteristic) It is equipped with a ball entry device that has an opening at the top into which game balls can be inserted, The ball entry device is provided with a ball guide unit for guiding game balls into the opening. The game ball guiding section is characterized by extending downward from the opening at a predetermined inclination angle and being arranged on both sides of the opening. According to the fourth feature of the gaming machine, the game balls that flow down from the left and right sides of the opening can be guided towards the opening by the game ball guidance unit.

[0010] (Gaming machine with the fifth characteristic) The game board is equipped with a ball entry device that has an opening at the top into which game balls can be inserted. The ball entry device is provided with a ball guide unit for guiding game balls into the opening. The game ball guiding section extends downward from the opening at a predetermined inclination angle and includes a portion that is curved in a shape perpendicular to the game board, and this portion is the lower part of the game ball guiding section. According to the fifth feature of the gaming machine, when a game ball comes into contact with the lower part of the game ball guide section at a predetermined speed, it can be guided toward the opening.

[0011] (Gaming machine with the sixth characteristic) The game board is equipped with a ball entry device that has an opening at the top into which game balls can be inserted. The ball entry device is provided with a ball guide unit for guiding game balls into the opening. The game ball guiding section extends downward from the opening at a predetermined inclination angle and includes a portion that is curved in a shape perpendicular to the game board, and this portion is the upper part of the game ball guiding section. According to the sixth feature of the gaming machine, when a game ball comes into contact with the upper part of the game ball guide section at a predetermined speed, it can be guided toward the opening.

[0012] (Gaming machine with the seventh characteristic) The game board is equipped with a ball entry device that has an opening at the top into which game balls can be inserted. The ball entry device is provided with a ball guide unit for guiding game balls into the opening. The game ball guiding part extends downward from the opening at a predetermined inclination angle, and is provided with a reinforcing part for suppressing vibration on the side of the game ball guiding part that contacts the game board. According to the pachinko machine of the seventh feature, by expanding the surface that contacts the game board, the strength of the game ball guiding part where the frequency of collision of the game balls is high can be enhanced.

[0013] (Pachinko machine of the eighth feature) It is equipped with a ball entry device provided with an opening at the upper part through which the game balls can enter. The ball entry device is provided with a game ball guiding part for guiding the game balls to the opening. The game ball guiding part extends downward from the opening at a predetermined inclination angle, and is provided with a guiding wall so as to be higher than the guiding surface in front of the game ball guiding part. According to the pachinko machine of the eighth feature, by providing a guiding wall that inhibits the movement of the game balls, the moving direction of the game balls heading in front of the game ball guiding part can be changed.

[0014] (Pachinko machine of the ninth feature) The game board is equipped with a ball entry device provided with an opening at the upper part through which the game balls can enter. The ball entry device is provided with a game ball guiding part for guiding the game balls to the opening. The game ball guiding part extends downward from the opening at a predetermined inclination angle, and is characterized in that the shape in the parallel direction with respect to the game board is curved. According to the ball entry device of the ninth feature, by curving the game ball guiding part, the moving speed can be decelerated or accelerated more than when formed by a straight line.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a front view of the pachinko machine 1 according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an explanatory drawing showing the pachinko machine 1 and the CR unit 46 disassembled. [Figure 3] It is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of pachinko machine 1. [Figure 5] Block diagram showing the main parts of the power supply circuit 90. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the power-on process. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the process that takes place when the power is cut off. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart outlining the main routine. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the process for confirming the start of the event and winning the prize. [Figure 10] This is flowchart 1, illustrating the process for determining whether a result is correct or incorrect. [Figure 11] This is flowchart 2, illustrating the process for determining whether a result is correct or incorrect. [Figure 12] This is flowchart 3, illustrating the process for determining whether a result is correct or incorrect. [Figure 13] This is flowchart 4, illustrating the process for determining whether something is correct or incorrect. [Figure 14] This is flowchart 1, showing the processing for a jackpot game. [Figure 15] This is flowchart 2, showing the processing for a jackpot game. [Figure 16] This is flowchart 3, which shows the processing for a jackpot. [Figure 17] This is flowchart 3, which shows the status information output process. [Figure 18] (A) A chart showing game status information for external output, and (B) A chart showing progress information for detailed output. [Figure 19] This is a diagram illustrating the nature of the malfunction. [Figure 20] This is flowchart 1, which shows the process for handling malfunctions. [Figure 21] This is a diagram illustrating the actions to take in response to malfunctions. [Figure 22] This is an explanatory diagram showing the normal display mode of the display screen of the unit display device 47. [Figure 23] This is explanatory diagram 1 showing the display mode for notifying an operational abnormality in the unit display device 47. [Figure 24] This is explanatory diagram 2 showing the display mode for notifying an operational abnormality in the unit display device 47. [Figure 25] This is explanatory diagram 3 showing the display mode for notifying an operational abnormality in the unit display device 47. [Figure 26] This is a diagram showing the information transmitted from CR unit 46. [Figure 27] This is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a display method for notifying of an operational abnormality. [Figure 28] This is explanatory diagram 1 showing the mechanism for ejecting illegal balls. [Figure 29] This is explanatory diagram 2 showing the mechanism for ejecting illegal balls. [Figure 30] Diagram 3 illustrates the mechanism for ejecting illegal balls. [Figure 31] These are the layout diagram, front view, top view, right side view, bottom view, and left side view of the ball entry device for Modification Example 1. [Figure 32] These are perspective views 1 and 2 of the ball entry device for the modified example 1. [Figure 33] These are front view, top view, right side view, bottom view, left side view, and perspective view of the ball entry device for Modification Example 2. [Figure 34] These are front view, top view, right side view, bottom view, left side view, and perspective view of the ball entry device for Modification Example 3. [Figure 35] These are front view, top view, right side view, bottom view, left side view, and perspective view of the ball entry device for Modification 4. [Figure 36] These are front view, top view, right side view, bottom view, left side view, and perspective view of the ball entry device for Modification Example 5. [Figure 37] These are front views 1 and 2 of the ball entry device for modified example 6. [Figure 38] These are enlarged views of the opening guide wall of the ball entry device in Modification 1, an enlarged view of the opening guide wall of the ball entry device in Modification 3, and plan views 1 and 2 of the ball entry device and enlarged views 1 and 2 of the guide surface 1 and 2 of Modification 7. [Figure 39] This shows a plan view of the ball entry device in Modification Example 8 and a front view of the ball entry device in Modification Example 9. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described below, and various forms can be taken as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pachinko machine 1 has a structure in which each component is held by an outer frame 51 that forms a vertically elongated fixed outer enclosure retaining frame. An inner frame 70 (see Figure 3) is attached to the outer frame 51 so as to be openable and closable via hinges provided on the upper and lower left sides of the outer frame 51. Furthermore, a front frame (glass frame) 52 is attached to the front of the inner frame 70 so as to be openable, and a plate glass (not shown) is detachably provided on the front frame 52. In addition, a game board 2 attached to the inner frame 70 is arranged behind (rear of) this plate glass.

[0018] Speakers 66 are positioned on the upper left and right sides of the front frame 52. The sounds emitted from these speakers 66 enhance the enjoyment of the game and alert the player. In addition, multiple decorative lamps 65 are positioned on the front frame 52, which illuminate according to the game state, further enhancing the enjoyment of the game. Furthermore, a mounting section 55 is provided in the lower central part of the front frame 52, to which the unit display device 47 of the CR unit 46 (described later) can be detachably attached. A launch handle 64 is positioned to the right of this mounting section 55. By rotating this launch handle 64 clockwise by the player, the launching device 31 (see Figure 3) is activated, launching the game ball towards the game area 3 of the game board 2.

[0019] Furthermore, the front frame 52 is equipped with a ball count display device 61 that displays the number of balls available for play, located directly above the mounting portion 55 (unit display device 47), and a counting switch 62 for transferring the ball count information held by the frame control device 81 to the CR unit 46. In addition, a performance button 63 that can be operated by the player is located to the left of the counting switch 62.

[0020] The pachinko machine 1 in this embodiment is a so-called enclosed type gaming machine, and has an adjacent card unit (CR unit) 46 that reads and writes IC cards. The CR unit 46 is equipped with a card slot 49 into which IC cards can be inserted and removed, and a banknote slot 48 into which banknotes can be inserted, and further, a unit display device 47 is provided so as to protrude to the right from the bottom of the CR unit 46. The unit display device 47 is detachably mounted on the mounting portion 55 of the front frame 52 described above, and is mounted so as to cover the mounting portion 55 when the CR unit 46 is adjacent to the left side of the pachinko machine 1. This unit display device 47 is equipped with a touch-panel LCD screen, on which the credit balance (or the number of game balls that can be lent within the credit balance) stored in the IC card inserted into the card slot 49 is displayed. This credit balance (or the number of game balls that can be lent) is updated according to the lending and return of game balls. The display mode of this unit display device 47 will be described in detail later.

[0021] Furthermore, the pachinko machine (enclosed gaming machine) 1 is connected to the hall computer 87 via the CR unit 56, and is also connected to an external information management center and a management computer via a wide-area network (not shown). As a result, each pachinko machine 1 manages information such as shipment information from the manufacturer, information of the gaming parlor where it is installed, information on movement between gaming parlors, and disposal information, based on its respective authentication information, and has a high level of security capability to prevent unauthorized use or modification.

[0022] The game board 2 is provided with a roughly circular game area 3 surrounded by guide rails 3a, and numerous game pins 301, windmills 302, and other guiding members 300 (Figure 31(a)) are provided in the game area 3. In the center of the game area 3, the LCD screen of the performance symbol display device 6 (not shown in its entirety) is positioned so that it can be seen from the front. Warp entrances, warp passages, stages 303, etc. are also provided.

[0023] Below the display device 6, the first start opening 11 is located, and to its right, the normal symbol activation gate 17 and the second start opening 12 are arranged vertically. The second start opening 12 is composed of a normal electric mechanism equipped with openable and closable wings, and is configured to allow game balls to enter only when these wings are open. Furthermore, a large prize opening 14 is located directly below the second start opening 12. In addition, two general prize openings 15 are located to the left of the first start opening 11, and one to the right. These general prize openings 15 are configured to allow game balls to enter at all times.

[0024] An out-out opening 16 is provided at the downstream end of the game area 3. If a game ball launched into the game area 3 does not enter any of the prize-winning openings 14, 15 or the starting openings 11, 12, the ball will enter the out-out opening 16.

[0025] The lower left of the game board 2 is equipped with a regular symbol display device 7 consisting of multiple LEDs, a regular symbol reserve count display device 8, a first special symbol reserve count display device 18, a second special symbol reserve count display device 19, and a first special symbol display device 9 and a second special symbol display device 10 consisting of 7-segment displays.

[0026] Figure 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. On the rear side of the pachinko machine 1, an inner frame 70 to which the above-mentioned game board 2 is detachably attached is housed in an outer frame 51. A launching device 31 for launching game balls into the above-mentioned game area 3 is provided at the top of the inner frame 70. The game balls launched by the launching device 31 fly out into the game area 3 from the upper left and flow down the game area 3. Furthermore, a polishing device 35 is installed at the bottom of the inner frame 70 to collect the game balls launched into the game area 3 and polish the collected game balls. This polishing device 35 is connected to the aforementioned starting ports 11, 12, the big prize port 14, each general prize port 15, and the out port 16 via a collection path (not shown), and game balls that enter these starting ports 11, 12, the big prize port 14, each general prize port 15, and the out port 16 are sent through this collection path. Furthermore, a lifting device 33 is arranged vertically within the inner frame 70 to send the game balls, which have been polished by the polishing device 35, to the launching device 31. This configuration, consisting of the launching device 31, the recovery path, the polishing device 35, and the lifting device 33, circulates the game balls. Specifically, game balls launched from the launching device 31 into the game area 3 enter one of the start openings 11, 12 or the out opening 16, then are sent to the polishing device 35 via the recovery path, and then supplied back to the launching device 31 via the lifting device 33.

[0027] Although not shown in detail, the machine is equipped with an intake port 20 for taking game balls into the machine, a ball ejection lever (game ball ejection means) 21 for ejecting the taken-in game balls (hereinafter also called sealed balls) out of the machine, and a sealed ball collection box (storage means) 22 for collecting the game balls ejected by operating the ball ejection lever. Furthermore, as will be explained in more detail later, a means 23 for removing illegal balls that are smaller in diameter than regular game balls (small balls) is also provided. An opening smaller in width than the diameter of a regular game ball is provided at the bottom of the circulation path for the sealed balls. Regular game balls pass through as is, but game balls smaller than the width of the opening fall out and are removed from the circulation path. The reason why game balls smaller than regular game balls are removed is that they could pass through areas with pin spacing that regular game balls could not, potentially leading to a higher-than-expected rate of balls entering the prize winning area. Game balls that fall through the opening are ejected from the machine and guided to the illegal ball collection box (illegible ball storage means) 24.

[0028] Furthermore, the back of the pachinko machine 1 is equipped with a main control device 80, a frame control device 81, a display symbol control device 82, a sub-integrated control device 83, and a power supply device 85 (see Figure 5). The main control device 80, the display symbol control device 82, and the sub-integrated control device 83 are located on the game board 2, while the frame control device 81 and the power supply device 85 are located on the inner frame 70.

[0029] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical wiring of the pachinko machine 1. Note that this block diagram does not show so-called relay boards or power supply boards that simply relay signals. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the main control device 80, frame control device 81, display symbol control device 82, and sub-integrated control device 83 are all equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, input ports, output ports, etc. Then, the CPU of each control device starts the program stored in each ROM in response to a 2ms interrupt signal and executes various controls. Furthermore, as will be described later, the frame control device 81 handles information from the performance display device 60, the number of balls held by the player, and information related to the credit balance. Therefore, non-volatile memory (such as flash memory or non-volatile RAM) may be suitably used so that this information can be retained even if the power supply is interrupted. This reduces the possibility of the player suffering a disadvantage even if the power supply is interrupted.

[0030] The main control device 80 receives detection signals via the game board relay terminal board 74 from the following sources: a first start port switch 11a for detecting game balls that enter the first start port 11; a second start port switch 12a for detecting game balls that enter the second start port 12; a normal symbol activation switch 17a for detecting game balls that pass through the normal symbol activation gate 17; a count switch 14a for counting game balls that enter the big prize port 14; individual general prize port switches 15a for detecting game balls that enter each of the general prize ports 15; a magnetic sensor for detecting magnetism; a radio wave sensor for detecting radio waves; and so on.

[0031] The main control unit 80 operates according to the program stored in its ROM, generates various commands related to the progress of the game based on the detection signals and the like, and outputs these commands to the frame control unit 81 and the sub-integrated control unit 83. Furthermore, the main control device 80 controls the display of the first special symbol display device 9, the second special symbol display device 10, and the ordinary symbol display device 7 via the symbol display device relay terminal board 71, and also controls the lighting of the first special symbol hold count display device 18, the second special symbol hold count display device 19, and the ordinary symbol hold count display device 8. Furthermore, the main control device 80 is also connected to the large prize opening solenoid 14b and the regular electric mechanism solenoid 12b via the game board relay terminal board 74. The main control device 80 controls the opening and closing of the large prize opening 14 by controlling the large prize opening solenoid 14b, and controls the opening and closing of the second start opening 12 by controlling the regular electric mechanism solenoid 12b. Furthermore, the main control device 80 outputs signals for managing symbol changes and jackpots, and these output signals are sent from the frame control device 81 to the hall computer via the CR unit 46. In addition, the main control device 80 is connected to a prize ball display device 99, which controls the display of the prize ball count. This prize ball display device 99 makes it easy for players to understand the number of prize balls generated by entering each prize slot (start slot, general prize slot, big prize slot, etc.). However, in enclosed gaming machines, there is a ball count display device 61 that is displayed and controlled by the frame control device 81, and it is also possible to understand the prize ball count using the ball count display device 61, so the prize ball display device 99 is not essential.

[0032] The main control unit 80 and the frame control unit 81 are connected so that bidirectional communication is possible between the main control unit 80 and the frame control unit 81. The main control unit 80 mainly takes the lead in controlling gameplay, while the frame control unit 81 mainly takes the lead in controlling game balls (number of balls launched, number of prize balls awarded, number of balls held, etc.). Furthermore, a configuration that allows one-way communication from the main control unit 80 to the frame control unit 81 is also conceivable. In this way, the situation in which instruction signals are input to the main control unit 80 can be eliminated, making the gaming machine more resistant to fraud.

[0033] The frame control device 81 is communicatively connected to the CR unit 46 via the game ball dispensing device 75. It is also communicatively connected to the unit display device 47 of the CR unit 46, and signals are input to the frame control device 81 from the dispensing switch 58 and the return switch 59 provided on the unit display device 47. The frame control device 81 grasps the credit balance and the number of balls stored in the IC card inserted into the CR unit 46, sets the number of balls according to the dispensing signal received from the dispensing switch 58, processes the return of the credit balance according to the return signal received from the return switch 59, and manages the remaining balls on the frame control device 81 side. The system performs operations such as transferring the number of balls held to an IC card, based on the operation of the counting switch 62. Furthermore, the frame control device 81 is connected to the hall computer 87 via the CR unit 46 so as to be able to communicate with it, and transmits game information of the pachinko machine 1 to the hall computer 87.

[0034] Furthermore, the frame control device 81 receives input from the handle volume 101 via the firing operation relay terminal board 76, including a rotation amount signal for the firing handle 64, a firing stop signal from the firing stop switch 103, and a touch signal from the touch switch 102. The rotation amount signal is output when the player rotates the firing handle 64, the touch signal is output when the player touches the firing handle 64, and the firing stop signal is output when the player presses the firing stop switch 103. Furthermore, if a touch signal is not received, the game ball cannot be launched. Also, if the launch stop switch signal is received, the game ball cannot be launched even if the player is touching the launch handle 64. Furthermore, the counting switch 62 and the ball count display device 61 are connected via the launch operation unit relay terminal board 76 and the operation unit relay terminal board 73, and the frame control device 81 receives the operation signal from the counting switch 62 and controls the display of the ball count display device 61. The ball count display device 61 displays the number of balls held by the player (the number of game balls the player can use to play) on the frame control device 81 side. The ball count is updated in real time by subtraction due to balls being launched by the launching device 31, detection by the winning ball sensor 120 and detection by the out ball sensor 121, and addition of the number of winning balls when balls are entered into the starting holes 11, 12, general winning hole 15, and large winning hole 14.

[0035] Furthermore, the frame control device 81 is connected to the ball feeding sensor 104, launch inlet sensor 105, launch motor 106, and ball feeding solenoid 107 of the launch device 31 via the launch device relay terminal board 77. The ball transport sensor 104 detects the game balls that have been sent to the launch position of the launching device 31 and outputs a vibration signal indicating the detection of the game balls. The launch inlet sensor 105 detects the game balls supplied from the aforementioned lifting device 33 to the launching device 31 and outputs a detection signal for the game balls. The frame control device 81 then drives and controls the launch motor 106 and the ball feed solenoid 107 to launch or stop the game balls based on the signals transmitted from the handle volume 101, launch stop switch 103, touch switch 102, ball feed sensor 104, and launch entrance sensor 105.

[0036] Furthermore, the frame control device 81 is connected to the cassette switch 108, polishing motor sensor 109, cassette motor 110, and polishing motor 111 via the polishing device relay terminal board 78. Based on detection signals from the cassette switch 108 and the polishing motor sensor 109, the frame control device 81 drives the cassette motor 110 and the polishing motor 111, thereby driving the polishing device 35. Since the polishing device 35 is a consumable item, it is designed in a cassette format to facilitate replacement. Furthermore, the frame control device 81 is connected to the lifting inlet sensor 113, the lifting motor monitoring sensor 114, and the lifting motor 112 via the lifting relay terminal board 79, and detection from the lifting inlet sensor 113 and the lifting motor monitoring sensor 114 The lifting device 33 is driven by controlling the drive of the lifting motor 112 based on the signal.

[0037] Furthermore, the frame control device 81 is connected to the prize ball sensor 120, the out ball sensor 121, the appropriate amount sensor 122, the full sensor 123, and the night monitoring switch 124 via the inner frame relay terminal board 72, and signals from each of these sensors and switches are input. Here, the prize ball sensor 120 is installed in the recovery path that connects each of the prize holes, the start holes 11, 12, the large prize hole 14, and the general prize hole 15, to the polishing device 35, and detects game balls that have entered each of these prize holes. Furthermore, the out ball sensor 121 is installed in the recovery path that connects the out port 16 and the polishing device 35, and detects game balls that have entered the out port 16. Furthermore, the appropriate quantity sensor 122 detects the appropriate quantity of game balls to be circulated inside the machine. In addition, the frame control device 81 is also connected to the glass frame release switch 125 and the inner frame release switch 126, and detection signals from these are input to it.

[0038] Furthermore, a performance display device 60 is also connected to the frame control device 81. The performance display device 60 is installed to prevent the machine's performance from being altered by illegally adjusting the game pins, and it displays the base value under normal conditions. The base value for the normal state is obtained when the main control device 80 indicates that the system is in a normal state (when a signal indicating the system is in a normal state is received). This is done by checking the number of game balls launched by the ball-transmission sensor 104 that sends game balls to the launching device 31, or by detecting game balls entered by the prize ball sensor 120 and the out-of-bounds ball sensor 121. The number of returned balls is then calculated using this number of launched balls and the number of prize balls indicated in the prize ball information transmitted from the main control device 80. Here, since the number of launched balls is approximately 100 per minute, for example, the base value obtained when 60,000 balls are launched in about 10 hours can be used as the fixed value.

[0039] The sub-integrated control unit 83 receives data and commands transmitted from the main control unit 80, sorts them into data for performance display control, sound control, and lamp control, transmits commands for performance display control, etc. to the performance pattern control unit 82, and distributes data for sound control and lamp control to the respective control units (functional components as sound control unit and lamp control unit) included in itself. The audio control unit controls the output of sound from the speaker 66 by operating the sound LSI based on audio control data, and the lamp control unit controls the illumination of various LEDs and lamps 65 by operating the lamp driver based on lamp control data. The circuit between the sub-integrated control unit 83 and the main control unit 80 is configured as a one-way communication circuit from the main control unit 80 to the sub-integrated control unit 83.

[0040] Furthermore, the sub-integrated control device 83 is connected to switches that detect operations such as the performance buttons 63 and the jog dial, and when each switch detects an operation by the player, a signal is input.

[0041] The performance symbol control device 82 performs control based on data and commands transmitted from the sub-integrated control device 83 (those transmitted from the main control device 80 and those generated by the sub-integrated control device 83 based on input from the main control device 80 and input from performance buttons, etc.), and displays performance images such as pseudo-symbols on the screen of the performance symbol display device 6.

[0042] The CR unit 46 reads and writes information such as the credit balance and the number of balls held on the IC card inserted into the card slot 49. The information read from the IC card is then transmitted to the frame control device 81. As a result, the frame control device 81 updates and manages information such as the credit balance and the number of balls that can be dispensed as the game progresses, and displays the credit balance and the number of balls that can be dispensed on the unit display device 47. Furthermore, at the end of the game, the number of balls held is transmitted from the frame control device 81 to the CR unit 46, and the information on the IC card is updated.

[0043] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the main parts of the power supply circuit 90 of the pachinko machine 1. The power supply unit 85 is configured as a DC power supply that generates a DC voltage from power supplied from an external AC power source, and supplies power to each part that makes up the pachinko machine 1. The power supply unit 85, although not shown in the diagram, includes a main switch for switching between supplying and not supplying power to each part of the pachinko machine 1, a 5V power supply generation circuit, a 12V power supply generation circuit, a 24V power supply generation circuit, a power outage detection circuit (power failure monitoring circuit), and the like. The power generated by each of these generation circuits is then supplied to the frame control device 81 and the sub-integrated control device 83, etc., via the power supply relay board 91. Furthermore, when the power supply voltage drops to a predetermined lower limit, the power supply failure detection circuit determines that the main switch has been turned OFF or a power outage has occurred, and transmits a signal indicating the voltage drop to the power supply relay board 91, which will be described later.

[0044] The power relay board 91 is equipped with a backup power supply circuit 92 consisting of capacitors and the like, which generates a backup power supply using the 5V power supply supplied from the power supply unit 85. When the power relay board 91 receives a voltage drop signal from the power failure detection circuit described above, it supplies the backup power supply generated by the backup power supply circuit 92 to the frame control device 81 and the sub-integrated control device 83, respectively. Furthermore, the backup power supply, 5V power supply, 12V power supply, and 24V power supply are supplied to the main control unit 80 via the frame control unit 81. Similarly, the backup power supply, 5V power supply, 12V power supply, and 24V power supply are supplied to the display symbol control unit 82 via the sub-integrated control unit 83. This backup power supply is provided to the main control unit 80, the frame control unit 81, the sub-integrated control unit 83, and the display symbol control unit 82, so that when the power supply is interrupted, such as during a power outage, the contents of the RAM, which is the storage means of each of these control units 80 to 83, are retained for a certain period of time. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as will be described later, even if the frame control device 81 forcibly stops the power supply to the main control device 80 (5V power supply, 12V power supply, and 24V power supply), the backup power supply circuit 92 is configured to supply backup power to the main control device 80.

[0045] Furthermore, the frame control device 81 in this embodiment is provided with a changeover switch 95 that switches between a supply state, in which 5V, 12V, and 24V power supplies supplied from the power supply relay board 91 are supplied to the main control device 80, and a non-supply state, in which the supply is stopped. This changeover switch 95 is activated by a signal from the CPU of the frame control device 81 to switch between the supply state and the non-supply state. Furthermore, the backup power supply is supplied to the main control unit 80 without going through the changeover switch 95. Therefore, regardless of whether the changeover switch 95 is in a supply or non-supply state, the backup power supply from the power relay board 91 is supplied to the main control unit 80 via the frame control unit 81. In this way, the frame control device 81 can stop a game in progress by the main control device 80 by stopping the power supply via the changeover switch 95. In other words, the frame control device 81 has the function of forcibly stopping the progress of a game by controlling the drive of the changeover switch 95. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the frame control device 81 has a delay circuit 96 between its CPU and the changeover switch 95. This delay circuit 96 has the function of delaying the signal sent from the CPU to the changeover switch 95 by a predetermined time. Therefore, in the frame control device 81, the signal transmitted from the CPU to the changeover switch 95 (the signal that converts the changeover switch to a non-supply state) is received by the changeover switch 95 with a predetermined delay due to the delay circuit 96. The drive control of the changeover switch 95 is a key part of the present invention and will be described in detail later. Furthermore, since the delay circuit 96 can be a conventionally known configuration, its details will be omitted.

[0046] Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 1 in this embodiment will be described. Pachinko machine 1 is configured to play by sealing a predetermined number of game balls inside the machine and circulating the sealed game balls. Therefore, it only manages the number of game balls used in the game by increasing or decreasing data according to the progress of the game, and does not actually lend out game balls or pay out game balls as prizes.

[0047] When a player starts playing, an IC card is inserted into the card slot 49 of the CR unit 46, and the credit balance or number of balls read from the IC card is displayed on the unit display device 47. When the player operates the lending operation area 158 (see Figure 22) of the unit display device 47, the lending switch 58 is activated ON, and in response to this operation, the credit balance is converted to the number of balls held, and as the credit balance decreases, the number of balls held by the frame control device 81 increases. On the other hand, if the player has balls remaining, they can operate the lending operation area 158 to add the number of balls held by the frame control device 81 (or, a separate operation area for balls may be set up to allow for selective operation between lending based on credit balance. When lending balls, a predetermined unit (for example, 125 balls) is transferred from the number of balls held on the IC card to the frame control device 81). In this way, the player can play within the range of the number of balls held by the frame control device 81. The number of balls held by the frame control device 81 is displayed on the ball count display device 61.

[0048] When the game starts with the player operating the launch handle, the player's ball count is consumed with each launch, and the number of balls increases with each prize ball awarded for entering the start openings 11, 12 and the general prize opening 15. During gameplay, the number of balls increases or decreases in this way, and the display on the ball count display device 61 is updated accordingly.

[0049] When a game ball launched into the game area passes through the normal symbol activation gate 17 (the normal symbol activation switch 17a in Figure 4 detects the game ball), the normal symbol display device 7 starts to display the normal symbols in a variable manner. If the normal symbols that stop after a predetermined time are in a predetermined winning state, the wing members of the normal electric mechanism are driven, and the game ball can enter the second start opening 12. In this case, the wing component of the standard electric mechanism opens once for 0.2 seconds in the normal state and three times for 1 second each in the time-saving state, depending on the number of wins of the standard symbols. This opening operation of the standard electric mechanism in the time-saving state is called the opening extension function of the standard electric mechanism.

[0050] When a game ball enters the first start port 11 (the first start port switch 11a in Figure 4 detects the game ball), the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 9 starts to change and stops after a predetermined time. Furthermore, when a game ball enters the second start port 12 (the second start port switch 12a in Figure 4 detects the game ball), the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 10 begins to change and stops after a predetermined time. During the changes of the first and second special symbols, the performance symbol display device 6 displays the performance changes of pseudo symbols that are linked to the changes of each special symbol. The display of pseudo symbols on this performance symbol display device 6 allows players to recognize the changes of each special symbol and whether they have won or lost. Here, regardless of the order in which the first and second special symbols enter the first and second start openings 11 and 12, the second special symbol's variation is prioritized. Specifically, if there is a reserved memory for the first special symbol, the variation of the second special symbol stops and the state becomes one where there is no reserved memory for the second special symbol, and the variation of the reserved first special symbol begins. Note that this is merely one form, and variations may occur in the order of entry, or the variation of the first special symbol may be prioritized.

[0051] If the first special symbol stopped on the first special symbol display device 9 and the second special symbol stopped on the second special symbol display device 10 are in a predetermined jackpot configuration, a jackpot game is executed in which the jackpot opening 14 is opened and closed. Furthermore, the display device 6 displays pseudo-symbols in a manner corresponding to the winning patterns of the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

[0052] In a jackpot game, an opening and closing round is repeatedly performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times) in which the large prize slot 14 is opened and closed. The large prize slot 14 is provided with a door member that opens and closes when driven by a large prize slot solenoid 14b, which will be described later. The opening and closing operation of this door member converts the slot into an open state in which game balls can be entered and a closed state in which they cannot be entered. Then, one opening and closing round is performed by the predetermined opening and closing operation of the door member, and in a jackpot game, this opening and closing round is repeated 16 times.

[0053] The pachinko machine 1 in this embodiment is configured as a probability variation machine. That is, the gameplay with this configuration is broadly divided into the game with the large prize slot 14 closed and the jackpot game with the large prize slot 14 open. The game with the large prize slot 14 closed has a normal probability state (hereinafter referred to as the normal state) and a high probability state (hereinafter referred to as the probability variation state) in which the probability of winning with special symbols is higher than in the normal state. After the jackpot game ends, the game transitions to either the normal state or the probability variation state. In the normal state, the probability of hitting a special symbol is set to 1 / 220, and in the probability variation state, the probability of hitting a special symbol is set to 1 / 30.

[0054] Furthermore, under normal circumstances, after transitioning from a big win, the game enters a time-saving state for a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times). During this time-saving state, the variation time of special and regular symbols is shortened, and the opening time and number of openings of the regular electric mechanism are increased by the activation of the opening extension function. Furthermore, in the probability variation state, similar to the time reduction state, the variation time of special symbols and regular symbols is shortened, and the opening time and number of openings of the regular electric mechanism are increased. Note that the opening extension function may increase only the opening time of the regular electric mechanism, or it may increase only the number of openings.

[0055] Furthermore, while the game is in progress, the game balls launched by the launching device 31 enter either the start openings 11, 12, the general prize opening 15, or the out opening 16. During a jackpot, the balls also enter the big prize opening 14. The game balls that enter the machine are sent to the polishing device 35 via the recovery path described above, and then supplied back to the launching device 31 via the lifting device 33. In this way, a predetermined number of game balls sealed inside the machine are circulated, and the game described above proceeds.

[0056] Next, the processing of various programs executed by the main control unit 80 and the frame control unit 81 will be described. Figure 6 shows a flowchart of the power-on process executed by the main control unit 80. This power-on process covers the process from power-on to the main routine described later, and is executed when the power is turned on when the amusement parlor opens, when power is restored after a power outage, and when power is restored after a forced power supply shutdown by the frame control unit 81 described later.

[0057] During the power-on process, once power is applied, access to RAM is permitted (S10), and the power-off flag is cleared (S15). Next, in S20, it is determined whether the RAM clear signal is ON or OFF. If the result is positive (S20:Yes), proceed to S30; if negative (S20:No), proceed to S25. In S25, it is determined whether the backup flag is ON or OFF. If negative (S25:No), proceed to S30; if positive (S25:Yes), proceed to S60. If the backup flag is OFF, the system will start from the initial state through the process that follows from S30. On the other hand, if the backup flag is ON, the system will restart from the state before the power was cut off.

[0058] S30 is a process that follows the affirmative determination of S20 or S25, and performs the stack setting process. Next, the RAM work area is cleared (S35) and the RAM work area is initialized (S40). Furthermore, a command is sent to the sub-integrated control unit 83 to perform the initial animation (S45) and a command is sent to the frame control unit 81 to perform the initial settings (S50). After that, the process proceeds to the main routine described later.

[0059] On the other hand, in S60, which follows the negative determination in S25, power restoration processing is performed. In this power restoration processing, the game information stored in RAM before the power was cut off is read, and the game is resumed according to that game information. Here, the game information before the power cut-off refers to information indicating the state of the game that was in progress before the power cut-off, and includes the number of winnings, the number of reserved balls, information about big win games, information about small win games, etc. After S60, the backup signal is turned OFF. Then (S65), proceed to the main routine described later.

[0060] Next, the power outage processing performed by the main control unit 80 will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 7. This power interruption processing occurs when the main power is turned off, during a power outage, and when the frame control device described later is turned off. This process is executed when the power supply is forcibly shut off by device 81, and is triggered by a non-maskable interrupt that occurs when a power outage occurs.

[0061] During power-off processing, S70 sets a power-off flag. Next, S75 determines whether or not to perform backup processing. If the result is positive (S75:Yes), proceed to S80; if negative (S75:No), proceed to S85. S80 stores game information, which indicates the state of the game before power-off, in RAM. Then proceed to S85. S85 prohibits access to RAM and waits in preparation for power-down. Note that the game information stored in the S80 is the same as the information stored before the power was cut off when the power is restored. This information is necessary to resume gameplay from that state, and as mentioned above, it includes information such as the number of winnings and information related to jackpot games.

[0062] Next, the main routine executed by the main control unit 80 will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 8. The main routine performs the main processing from S100 to S160 and executes said main processing. This consists of the remaining processing of S170, which is repeated as long as time permits within the remaining time, and is executed periodically by a hardware interrupt every 2ms. When a hardware interrupt is executed by the microcontroller, it is first determined whether or not it is a normal interrupt (S100). This decision process is performed by determining whether the value in a predetermined area of ​​RAM (memory) is a predetermined value. When the processing executed by the microcontroller transitions to this process, it determines whether it is permissible to perform normal processing.

[0063] If a negative result is obtained here (i.e., it is determined that it is not a normal interrupt) (S100: No), the initial setup (S105) is executed, and the process moves on to residual processing (S170). In this initial setup, for example, predetermined values ​​are written to a predetermined area of ​​the RAM, and initial values ​​are written to the RAM's working area, such as setting special symbols and normal symbols as initial symbols. On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made (i.e., it is determined that it is a normal interrupt) (S100:Yes), the following processes are performed: updating the initial random number (S110), updating the random number for determining the jackpot (S115), updating the random number for determining the jackpot symbol (S120), updating the random number for determining the win (S125), updating the random number for determining the reach (S130), updating the random number for determining the variation pattern (S135), confirming the winning combination (S140), determining whether the win or loss occurs (S145), special game processing (S150), fraud monitoring processing (S155), and various output processes (S160) that send various information to the frame control device 81, etc. Then, within the remaining time until the next interrupt signal is input, the initial random number update process (S170) is looped.

[0064] Next, the start-up prize confirmation process performed by the main control device 80 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 9. This start-up prize confirmation process is one of the subroutines called in the prize confirmation process (S140) of the main routine described above.

[0065] In the start-up prize confirmation process, it is determined whether the first start-up switch 11a has detected a game ball (S200). If the determination is negative (S200: No), the process proceeds to S220. If S200 is a positive result (S200: Yes), then it is determined whether the number of first reserved memories has reached the upper limit (for example, 4) (S205). If the result in S205 is positive (S205:Yes), proceed to S220; if the result is negative (S205:No), execute the first random number extraction and storage process (S210). In the first random number extraction and storage processing (S210), random numbers for determining the jackpot, random numbers for determining the jackpot symbols, random numbers for determining the reach, random numbers for determining the variation pattern, etc., are extracted and stored as the first reserved memory. At the same time, 1 is added to the first reserved counter, which indicates the number of first reserved memories, and the information of the first reserved counter is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83.

[0066] S220 is a process executed following the negative determination of S210 or S200, or the positive determination of S205, and determines whether the first start port switch 11a has detected a game ball. If the determination is negative (S220: No), the start entry confirmation process is terminated, and if the determination is positive (S220: Yes), it is determined whether the number of second reserved memory has reached the upper limit (for example, 4) (S225). If the result in S225 is positive (S225:Yes), the start-up prize confirmation process is terminated; if the result is negative (S225:No), the second random number extraction reserve storage process is terminated. Execute the logic (S230). In the second random number extraction and storage processing (S230), random numbers for determining the jackpot, random numbers for determining the jackpot symbols, random numbers for determining the reach, random numbers for determining the variation pattern, etc., are extracted and stored as second reserved storage. At the same time, 1 is added to the second reserved counter, which indicates the number of second reserved storages, and the information of the second reserved counter is transmitted to the sub-integrated control device 83.

[0067] Furthermore, when the sub-integrated control device 83 receives information from the first reserved counter and the second reserved counter, it performs the necessary processing to illuminate the first special symbol reserved display device 18 and the second special symbol reserved display device 19 according to the information.

[0068] Next, the pass / fail determination process executed by the main control unit 80 will be explained using the flowcharts in Figures 10-13. The pass / fail determination process is executed from the main routine.

[0069] In the win / loss determination process, as shown in Figure 10, it is determined whether or not the special electric mechanism is in operation (i.e., whether or not a big win game or a small win game is being played) (S250). If the result is positive (S250: Yes), the win / failure determination process ends; if the result is negative (S250: No), proceed to S255. In S255, it is determined whether the first and second special symbols are currently being displayed in a variable state. If the result is positive (S255: Yes), proceed to S400 in Figure 12; if the result is negative (S255: No), proceed to S260. In S260, it is determined whether the first and second special symbols are currently displayed in a confirmed state. If the determination is positive (S260: Yes), the process proceeds to S450 in Figure 13; if the determination is negative (S260: No), the process proceeds to S265.

[0070] In S265, it is determined whether or not there is a second reserved memory. If the determination is positive (S265:Yes), the process proceeds to S270; if the determination is negative (S265:No), the process proceeds to S275. In S270, the number of second-reserve memories is decremented, the oldest second-reserve memory is selected, and the information (numerical data such as random values) stored in that second-reserve memory is moved to a predetermined buffer for determining the jackpot. After that, the process proceeds to S285.

[0071] In S275, it is determined whether or not there is a first pending memory. If the determination is positive (S275:Yes), the process proceeds to S280. If the determination is negative (S275:No), the correct / incorrect determination process ends. In S280, the number of first reserved memories is decremented, the oldest first reserved memory is selected, and the information stored in that first reserved memory is moved to a predetermined buffer for determining a jackpot, similar to S270, and then the process proceeds to S285. In this embodiment, the validity determination process prioritizes the second reserved memory over the first reserved memory when determining validity. Therefore, the first reserved memory is only subject to validity determination if the second reserved memory does not exist.

[0072] In S285, it is determined whether the probability variation flag, which indicates that the game is in a probability variation state, is set to 1 or not. If the determination is positive (S285:Yes), the process proceeds to S290; if the determination is negative (S285:No), the process proceeds to S295.

[0073] In S290, a win / loss determination table (probability variation table) for the probability variation state is selected, and based on the selected probability variation table, the random number for determining the jackpot, which has been moved to the buffer for determining the jackpot, is determined to be a jackpot or not, and the reserved memory related to the random number for determining the jackpot is consumed. In this embodiment, based on the selected probability variation table, it is also determined whether the random number used for determining a big win is a small win or not. After processing in S290, the process proceeds to S300 in Figure 11.

[0074] On the other hand, in S295, a win / loss determination table for the normal state (normal table) is selected, and based on the selected normal table, the random number for determining the jackpot, which has been moved to the buffer for determining the jackpot, is determined to be a jackpot or not, and the reserved memory related to the random number for determining the jackpot is consumed. In this embodiment, based on the selected normal table, it is also determined whether the random number used for determining a jackpot is a minor win or not. After processing in S295, the process proceeds to S300 in Figure 11.

[0075] In S300 of Figure 11, it is determined whether or not it is a jackpot based on the result of S290 or S295. If the determination is positive (S300: Yes), proceed to S305; if the determination is negative (S300: No), proceed to S320.

[0076] In S305, the winning symbols are determined based on the random numbers used to determine the winning symbols related to the consumed reserved memory. Then, the process proceeds to S310. In S310, the variation time of the special symbols is determined based on the random numbers used to determine the variation pattern related to the consumed reserved memory, and the process proceeds to S315. In S315, the number of rounds for the jackpot game, the opening pattern of the jackpot entry point, the duration of the jackpot game's performance, the interval time, and the performance style of the jackpot game are set, and then the process proceeds to S350.

[0077] On the other hand, in S320, which follows the negative determination in S300, it is determined whether or not it is a minor win based on the determination result in S290 or S295. If the determination is positive (S320: Yes), proceed to S325; if the determination is negative (S320: No), proceed to S340.

[0078] In S325, the minor win symbols are determined based on the random numbers used to determine the big win symbols related to the consumed reserved memory, and the process proceeds to S330. In S330, the variation time of the special symbols is determined based on the random numbers used to determine the variation pattern related to the consumed reserved memory, and the process proceeds to S335. In S335, the opening pattern of the big prize slot during the minor prize game, the duration of the performance related to the minor prize game, and the performance style of the minor prize game are set, and then the process proceeds to S350. In addition, S335, as with S345 described later, also updates counters that show the remaining number of jackpot draws that can be performed during the probability variation mode, and counters that show the remaining number of jackpot draws that can be performed during the time reduction mode.

[0079] Furthermore, in S340, which follows the negative determination in S320, the variation time of the special symbols is determined based on random numbers used to determine the variation pattern related to the consumed pending memory, and prior to this, a process is performed to determine the losing symbols. After S340, the process proceeds to S345. In S345, counters are updated to show the remaining number of jackpot draws that can be performed during the probability variation mode, and counters are updated to show the remaining number of jackpot draws that can be performed during the time reduction mode. Then, the process proceeds to S350. In this embodiment, the process for determining the losing symbols is performed in S340, but the system is not limited to this, and a configuration in which the process for determining the losing symbols is performed before S340 is also possible.

[0080] In S350, a hold count command indicating the number of hold memories decremented in S270 and S280 is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83. Furthermore, a start command indicating the special symbol variation time and the result of the jackpot lottery is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83, and the variation of the special symbol is started, ending the win / loss determination process. Furthermore, upon receiving the command to start the variation, the sub-integrated control device 83, based on the result of the jackpot lottery, selects a pseudo-animation to be displayed on the animation symbol display device 6 from among animations that last the same amount of time as the variation of the special symbols, and displays the selected pseudo-animation.

[0081] Following the affirmative determination in S255 described above, in S400 of Figure 12, it is determined whether or not the time for the special symbol to change has elapsed. If the determination is affirmative (S400: Yes), the process proceeds to S405; if the determination is negative (S400: No), the win / fail determination process ends. In S405, the display of the special symbols is terminated, and the confirmed special symbols (i.e., the jackpot symbols determined in S405, the minor win symbols determined in S325, or the losing symbols determined in S340) are displayed. At the same time, a symbol confirmation command is sent to the sub-integrated control device 83 to execute the display of the confirmed performance symbols, and the win / loss determination process is terminated.

[0082] Furthermore, in S450 of Figure 13, which follows the affirmative determination in S260 described above, it is determined whether the duration of the special symbol confirmation display has ended. If the determination is affirmative (S450: Yes), the process proceeds to S455; if the determination is negative (S450: No), the win / fail determination process ends. In S455, the confirmation display of the special symbol ends and the process proceeds to S460. In S460, it is determined whether the confirmed special symbol is a winning symbol. If the determination is positive (S460: Yes), the process proceeds to S465; if the determination is negative (S460: No), the process proceeds to S510. In S465, the probability variation flag, which indicates that the game is in a probability variation state, is checked. If the probability variation flag is 1, the probability variation flag is cleared (S470), and the game proceeds to S475. In S475, the time-saving flag, which indicates that the system is in a time-saving state, is checked. If the time-saving flag is 1, the time-saving flag is cleared (S480), and the system proceeds to S490. Subsequently, the following processes are executed sequentially: state specification command transmission process (S490), condition device operation start process (S495), continuous mechanism operation start process (S500), and jackpot start animation process (S505). This sends commands indicating the type of jackpot game and commands instructing the start of the jackpot game to the sub-integrated control device 83, thereby starting the jackpot game and ending the win / loss determination process.

[0083] On the other hand, in S510, which follows the negative judgment in S460, the probability variation flag is referenced, and if the flag is 1 (S510: Yes), the remaining number of jackpot draws that can be performed during probability variation mode (number of probability variations) is referenced (S515). If the number of probability variations is 0 (S515: Yes), the probability variation flag is cleared (S520), and the process proceeds to S525. In S525, the time-saving flag is checked, and if the flag is 1 (S525:Yes), the remaining number of jackpot draws that can be performed during time-saving mode (number of time-saving draws) is checked (S530). If the number of time-saving draws is 0 (S530:Yes), the time-saving flag is cleared (S535), and the process proceeds to S540. In S540, the state specification command transmission process is executed, and the process proceeds to S545.

[0084] In S545, it is determined whether the specially displayed symbol is a symbol that results in a minor win. If the determination is positive (S545:Yes), the process proceeds to S550, where the special electric mechanism activation process (S550) and the minor win start animation process (S555) are executed sequentially. This sends commands indicating the type of minor win game and commands instructing the start of the minor win game to the sub-integrated control device 83, thereby starting the minor win game and ending the win / failure determination process. If the determination in S545 is negative (S545:No), the win / failure determination process ends.

[0085] Next, the jackpot game processing performed by the main control device 80 will be explained using the flowcharts in Figures 14 to 16. This jackpot game processing is executed by the main control device 80 when a jackpot is determined by the above-described win / failure determination process, upon completion of the win / failure determination process.

[0086] In the jackpot game processing, as shown in Figure 14, it is determined whether or not the continuous mechanism is operating (i.e., the jackpot game is being played) (S600). If the determination is positive (S600:Yes), the process proceeds to S605; if the determination is negative (S600:No), the jackpot game processing ends.

[0087] In S605, it is determined whether or not the large prize slot 14 is open. If the determination is positive (S605:Yes), the process proceeds to S650 in Figure 15. If the determination is negative (S605:No), the process proceeds to S610. In S610, it is determined whether or not it is during the interval between each opening and closing round in the jackpot game. If the result is positive (S610: Yes), proceed to S670 in Figure 15; if the result is negative (S610: No), proceed to S615. In S615, it is determined whether or not the game is in the final animation sequence of a jackpot. If the result is positive (S615: Yes), proceed to S700 in Figure 16; if the result is negative (S615: No), proceed to S620.

[0088] In S620, it is determined whether the start animation time for the jackpot game has elapsed. If the result is positive (S620: Yes), the process proceeds to S625; if the result is negative (S620: No), the jackpot game process ends. In S625, the big prize slot opening process is executed to open the big prize slot 14, and the jackpot game process ends.

[0089] Following the affirmative determination in S605 above, S650 in Figure 15 determines whether the number of game balls that have entered the large prize slot 14 has reached 10. If the determination is affirmative (S650: Yes), proceed to S660; if the determination is negative (S650: No), proceed to S655. In S655, determine whether the opening time for the large prize slot 14 has ended. If the result is positive (S655: Yes), proceed to S660; if the result is negative (S655: No), terminate the jackpot game processing. In S660, execute the jackpot opening closure process to close the jackpot opening 14, and proceed to S665. In S665, execute the jackpot interval processing to set the interval between each round of the jackpot game, and terminate the jackpot game processing.

[0090] On the other hand, in S670, which follows the affirmative determination in S610, it is determined whether or not the interval time for the jackpot game has elapsed. If the determination is affirmative (S670: Yes), the process proceeds to S675; if the determination is negative (S670: No), the jackpot game process ends. In S675, it is determined whether or not the final round (16th round) has ended. If the determination is positive (S675:Yes), the process proceeds to S680; if the determination is negative (S675:No), the process proceeds to S685. In S680, the jackpot ending animation process is executed, which shows the animation that concludes the jackpot game, and the jackpot game process ends. In the jackpot opening process in S685, the process of opening the jackpot opening 14 is executed, and the jackpot game process ends.

[0091] Furthermore, in S700 of Figure 16, which follows the affirmative determination in S615 above, it is determined whether the time for the ending animation has ended. If the determination is affirmative (S700: Yes), the process proceeds to S705, and S705 and S710 are executed sequentially. If the determination is negative (S700: No), the jackpot game processing is terminated. In S705 and S710, the continuous operation device and the condition device are stopped, and the process proceeds to S715. In S715, it is determined whether or not the game will transition to a probability variation state after a big win. If the determination is positive (S715: Yes), the number of big win draws that will continue the probability variation state (number of probability variation draws) is set (S720), the probability variation flag is set (S725), and the game proceeds to S730. In S730, it is determined whether or not to enter a time-saving state after a jackpot game. If the determination is positive (S730: Yes), the number of jackpot draws to continue the time-saving state (time-saving count) is set (S735), a time-saving flag is set (S740), and the process proceeds to S745. In S745 and S750, the process of sending a jackpot termination command to the sub-integrated control device 83 to end the jackpot game-related effects and the process of sending a state specification command are executed, and the jackpot game process is terminated.

[0092] Next, the status information output processing performed by the main control unit 80 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 17. This status information output process is one of the subroutines called in the output process (S160) of the main routine described above.

[0093] In the status information output process, two types of information are transmitted to the frame control device 81: game status information for external output sent to the hall computer, and progress status information for detailed output that shows in detail the progress of the game played by the player.

[0094] As shown in Figure 18(A), the game state information for external output consists of first game state information, second game state information, and third game state information. The first game state information is information indicating the details of the big win or small win that was won in the win / failure determination process described above, and the details of the big win include information corresponding to the type of big win that was won (for example, a probability variation big win or a normal big win). The second game state information indicates whether a big win is in progress, a small win is in progress, a probability variation state is in progress, a time reduction state is in progress, or a special symbol is changing. This information can be checked by referring to the flags set according to each of these states. The third game state information is information indicating fraudulent activity performed on the game board 2, and includes the details of fraudulent activity detected by the fraud monitoring process (S112) of the main routine described above. Specifically, it includes information on fraudulent radio waves detected by the radio wave sensor, information on fraudulent magnetism detected by the magnet sensor, and information on fraudulent winning detected by the count switch 14a of the big prize winning hole 14 during normal gameplay. This fraudulent activity detection information is considered valid when each fraudulent activity is detected and is invalidated by the administrator of the game parlor through a deactivation process.

[0095] Furthermore, the progress information for detailed output consists of multiple pieces of information, as shown in Figure 18(B). Specifically, it includes information that shows the progress of the jackpot game in detail, such as during the opening, during the 1st to 16th opening and closing rounds, the number of balls entering the big prize slot during the opening and closing rounds, during the ending, and during the round interval. Furthermore, the information includes details showing the progress of minor win games, information indicating whether or not there is an extension function for opening in probability fluctuation states and normal states, and information indicating the number of reserved balls in the first and second reserved ball memory. Each of these pieces of information can be confirmed by referring to the content generated or modified by each process in the main routine described above (start entry confirmation process, big win game process, etc.). Although not shown in the diagram, other information such as the number of wins in the general prize slot 15, the number of first and second reserved balls, the number of regular reserved balls, and the number of V-winning balls are also output as part of the progress status information.

[0096] As shown in Figure 17, the status information output process checks the content of each piece of information of the first to third game status information by referring to the respective flags that indicate the content of each piece of information (S800). Then, in S805, the status information transmission process is performed to send the confirmed content of each piece of information to the frame control device 81. As a result, the above information content included in the first to third game state information controls the frame. The information is sent to device 81. When the frame control device 81 receives the first to third game state information transmitted from the main control device 80, it transmits it to the hall computer 87 via the CR unit 46, along with information on the number of balls held, base value information, and error information (information output when an operational abnormality occurs).

[0097] Following S805, S810 is executed to check the contents of each piece of progress information described above. Then, in S815, a progress information transmission process is performed to send the confirmed contents of each piece of information to the frame control device 81. As a result, the information contained in the progress status information is sent to the frame control device 81.

[0098] Furthermore, in this enclosed-type pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the main control device 80 is configured so that no signals from other control devices are input to it. This configuration makes it difficult to tamper with the main control unit 80, thus providing high security capabilities. Furthermore, since communication with external control devices such as the hall computer 87 is performed via the frame control device 81, the configuration is such that the main control unit 80 transmits the information content to the frame control device 81 through the status information output processing described above.

[0099] Next, the essential parts of the present invention will be described. As described above, the pachinko machine 1 in this embodiment has a sealed configuration that circulates a predetermined number of game balls sealed inside the machine. The frame control device 81 controls the drive of each device that circulates the game balls (launching device 31, lifting device 33, polishing device 35, etc.) and manages the increase or decrease in the number of balls held in the player's possession due to ball lending and prize balls. When the frame control device 81 detects an abnormality in the operation of the machine, it performs processing corresponding to the abnormality. Furthermore, the frame control device 81 in this embodiment has the function of receiving signals from the main control device 80, the CR unit 46, and the hall computer 87, and the function of transmitting signals to the CR unit 46 and the hall computer 87. Therefore, it is a control device that plays an important role in communicating the pachinko machine 1 with external control devices.

[0100] Figure 19 shows the operational abnormalities that the frame control device 81 addresses. Operational abnormalities are broadly classified into device abnormalities, ball jamming abnormalities, various other abnormalities, and malfunction abnormalities, and are detected based on signals input from each sensor connected to the frame control device 81. Specifically, a malfunction in the game ball count display device is an operational error (such as a switch malfunction or display malfunction) that occurs in the counting switch 62 or the ball count display device 61, and is detected based on the signals (information) output from the counting switch 62 and the ball count display device 61. A ball polishing device malfunction is an operational error that occurs in the polishing device 35 and is detected based on a signal output from the polishing motor sensor 109. A ball circulation device malfunction is an operational error that occurs in the lifting device 33 and is detected based on a signal output from the lifting motor monitoring sensor 114. Furthermore, ball jamming abnormalities and ball retrieval abnormalities are ball jamming errors that occur in the retrieval path from the out port 16 to the polishing device 35, and are detected by the out ball sensor 121. Prize ball retrieval abnormalities are ball jamming errors that occur in the retrieval path from the start ports 11, 12, the large prize port 14, and the general prize port 15 to the polishing device 35, and are detected by the prize ball sensor 120. The polishing device passage abnormality is a ball jam error that occurs inside the polishing device 35 and is detected based on the failure of the lifting inlet sensor 113 to detect game balls. An abnormality in the lifting device passage is a ball jam error that occurs inside the lifting device 33 and is detected based on the failure of the launch entrance sensor 105 to detect game balls. Furthermore, various abnormal cassette failures indicate that the polishing device 35 is not properly installed and are detected by the cassette switch 108. A game ball display overflow is an error that occurs when the number of balls held exceeds the number that can be displayed by the ball count display device 61 and is detected based on the signal output from the ball count display device 61. A decrease or increase in the number of game balls is an error that occurs when the number of game balls to be circulated is less or more than the preset appropriate amount, and is detected based on a signal output from the appropriate amount sensor 122. Communication errors and disconnection errors are errors that result in a loss of communication with each sensor, switch, relay terminal board, and each device, and are detected based on whether or not communication is established with each respective device. Furthermore, the detection of an abnormal front frame opening indicates that the front frame 52 has been opened, and this is detected by the glass frame opening switch 125. Inner frame opening detection is an abnormality indicating that the inner frame 70 has been opened, and the inner frame opening switch 126 is detected. The detection of a steel ball indicates an anomaly in which a steel ball other than the enclosed stainless steel game ball has been used, and is detected by a detection sensor (not shown). Furthermore, by using stainless steel game balls, fraud using magnets can be prevented. However, since the fraud can be committed if an iron ball is mixed in, the aforementioned iron ball detection function is incorporated to prevent fraud caused by the mixing of iron balls. Small ball detection is an anomaly indicating that a ball smaller than the enclosed game ball was used, and is detected by a detection sensor (not shown). Furthermore, an unauthorized electromagnetic wave anomaly is an anomaly that indicates the detection of unauthorized radio waves or magnets. This anomaly is detected by the main control unit 80 based on signals output from the magnet sensor and radio wave sensor, and the frame control unit 81 acquires the detection signal transmitted from the main control unit 80. Nighttime frame opening detection is an anomaly detected by the nighttime monitoring switch 124. Game board replacement detection is an anomaly in which a different game board ID is received during the authentication process when power is restored compared to before the power was cut off, and is detected by a device that receives game board IDs (not shown). An abnormality in the entry of a winning ball is an abnormality in which a ball is detected entering the large winning opening 14 during normal gameplay. This abnormality is detected by the main control device 80 based on a signal output from the count switch 14a and acquired by the frame control device 81. An abnormality in illegal ball dispensing is detected by the CR unit 46, and the frame control device 81 acquires it based on a signal transmitted from the CR unit 46. Authentication mismatch detection is an anomaly indicating that the authentication IDs were mismatched during the authentication process between the game board 2 and the CR unit 46, and is detected by an authentication device (not shown).

[0101] The frame control device 81 performs an abnormal operation response process to address such abnormal operation. This abnormal operation response process is executed periodically by the frame control device 81 (for example, by a timer interrupt process with a 2ms period). The process for handling malfunctions is explained below using the flowchart in Figure 20.

[0102] In the abnormal operation response process, S1000 determines whether or not an abnormal operation has been detected. Here, the detection of an abnormal operation is, as described above, based on detection signals from various sensors connected to the frame control device 81 via a relay board, and the reception of detection signals indicating an abnormal operation from the main control device 80 and the CR unit 46. If an operational abnormality is detected (S1000:Yes), the process proceeds to S1005. If no operational abnormality is detected (S1000:No), the operational abnormality response process is terminated.

[0103] In S1005, an abnormality response classification process is executed, and based on the detected operational abnormality information and the content of the progress information input from the main control unit 80 through the status information output process described above, the system classifies the combinations into two types: Type 1 combinations that involve a power cut-off, and Type 2 combinations that do not involve a power cut-off. Here, the classification into Class 1 or Class 2 is made based on the combination of the information on the malfunction (the content of the malfunction described above) and the information content shown in the progress status information. Class 1 combinations, which result in a power cut-off, are those in which continuing to play after the malfunction occurs would result in a disadvantage to the player, while Class 2 combinations, which do not result in a power cut-off, are those in which continuing to play after the malfunction occurs would not result in a disadvantage to the player. In addition to the Class 1 and Class 2 classifications, it is also possible to set up other classifications (for example, Class 3 and Class 4). For example, a Class 3 could be set up where power is shut off and other actions (such as notification content) are different, or a Class 4 could be set up where power is not shut off and other actions are different. Furthermore, by setting multiple response options other than power cut-off, it is possible to set even more classifications (such as Class 5 or Class 6). In this way, the number and method of classification can be determined arbitrarily.

[0104] A specific example is shown in Figure 21. If the information regarding the malfunction is one of the ball jamming malfunctions described above (out ball retrieval malfunction, winning ball retrieval malfunction, polishing device passage malfunction, lifting device passage malfunction), then the information content of the progress status information is one of the following: during the jackpot opening, during the interval between rounds of the jackpot game, during the 1st to 16th opening / closing rounds, during the minor jackpot opening, or during the opening of the minor jackpot game. On the other hand, in the case of the aforementioned ball jamming abnormality, if the information content of the progress status information is in the middle of a big win ending, in the middle of a small win ending, in a probability variation state / open extension function, in a probability variation state without the open extension function, in a normal state / open extension function, in a normal state without the open extension function, or in the operation of the condition device, it is classified as the second type. Furthermore, if the information regarding the malfunction indicates a decrease or increase in the number of game balls, it will be classified as Category 2, regardless of the content of the progress status information. Furthermore, if the information regarding the malfunction indicates a wire break error, it will be classified under Category 1, regardless of the content of the progress status information. Furthermore, if the information regarding the malfunction is a ball jam that occurred during closing hours, it will be classified as Category 2 regardless of the content of the progress information. Thus, depending on the nature of the malfunction, it may be classified as Category 1 or Category 2 without referring to the progress information. Note that a ball jam that occurs during closing hours refers to a ball jam that occurs during maintenance performed at closing time. Although not shown in the diagram, if the information regarding the malfunction is an abnormal electromagnetic wave (or abnormal ball entry detection) obtained from the main control unit 80, it will be determined to be a fraudulent act and classified as Category 1 regardless of the content of the progress status information.

[0105] After the anomaly response classification process described above, S1010 is performed. In S1010, the classification result of the anomaly response classification process is referred to to determine whether or not the combination was classified into the first category. Here, if the result is positive (S1010: Yes), proceed to S1015; if the result is negative (S1010: No), proceed to S1025.

[0106] In step S1015, a power supply shutdown process is performed. This process involves switching the changeover switch 95 from a powered state to a non-powered state, thereby stopping the power supply to the main control unit 80. Here, the conversion operation of the changeover switch 95 due to the power supply cutoff process is controlled via the delay circuit 96 described above (see Figure 5). This delay circuit 96 ensures that the timing at which the changeover switch 95 is converted to the non-powered state occurs after sufficient time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed from the time the malfunction is detected for the game ball launched into the game area 3 to enter one of the prize winning or out winning pockets. Therefore, after the abnormality notification process described later causes the unit display device 47 to start notifying of an operational abnormality, the changeover switch 95 is converted to a non-powered state, and the power supply to the main control device 80 is stopped. The frame control device 81 also transmits a signal to the power supply relay board 91 mentioned above, indicating that the changeover switch 95 is in a non-powered state. When the power relay board 91 receives this signal, it supplies the backup power generated by the backup power supply circuit 92 to the main control unit 80. Furthermore, when the power supply from the frame control device 81 is stopped, the main control device 80 performs the power cut-off processing described above (Figure 6), and stores game information indicating the state of the game before the power cut-off in the RAM. Even if the power supply is cut off as described above, the backup power supply is supplied as described above. As a result, the contents of the memory in RAM are saved.

[0107] In the subsequent S1020, a ball lending invalidation process is performed. This process invalidates the operation of the lending operation area 158 of the unit display device 47, which will be described later. This prevents the lending of balls from the credit balance to the player's own balls. Furthermore, this ball dispensing disabled state, caused by the ball dispensing stop process, is released when power is restored to the main control device 80. By disabling the ball dispensing operation in this way, it is possible to minimize the risk of players suffering unforeseen losses after an operational malfunction occurs. More specifically, depending on the nature of the operational malfunction, it is conceivable that even if the counting switch 62 is operated, the ball count information on the frame control device 81 may not be transferred to the ball count information on the CR unit 46. Also, it is conceivable that it may take a long time to resolve the operational malfunction. By disabling the ball dispensing operation, the aforementioned unforeseen losses that may occur in such situations can be prevented.

[0108] In S1025, an abnormality notification process is performed. In the abnormality notification process, the unit display device 47 notifies of the occurrence of an operational abnormality. Here, the notification by the unit display device 47 is made according to whether or not the power supply has been stopped and the information of the operational abnormality. Therefore, in addition to displaying information about the malfunction, in the case of the first pattern described above, it will also be displayed that the power supply will be stopped. After the execution of S1025, the malfunction response process will be terminated.

[0109] On the other hand, the changeover switch 95 of the frame control device 81 is configured to switch from a non-powered state to a powered state when the main switch of the power supply device 85 is turned ON. Therefore, if the frame control device 81 has its changeover switch 95 de-powered due to the power supply stop processing of the malfunction response processing described above, the staff of the amusement parlor (the so-called manager of the pachinko machine) will resolve the malfunction and turn on the main switch, thereby converting the changeover switch 95 back to powered state and resuming power supply to the main control device 80. Once power supply to the main control device 80 is resumed in this way, the main control device 80 will execute the power-on processing (Figure 5) described above. Then, the game will resume from the state it was in before the power supply was cut off due to the abnormal notification process described above. Furthermore, turning on the main switch will also resolve the aforementioned state of invalid ball dispensing. Here, the resumption of power supply to the main control unit 80 is not limited to the ON operation of the main switch, but may also be performed by operating a dedicated error release switch. For example, an error release switch can be provided on the frame control unit 81, and power supply to the main control unit 80 can be resumed by operating this switch after the malfunction has been resolved. With this configuration, there is no need to stop the power supply to the frame control device 81, and it can also be used as a trigger to release malfunctions classified as Category 2.

[0110] Next, an example of the display on the unit display device 47 due to the abnormality notification process of the operation abnormality response process described above will be explained with reference to Figures 22 to 25. The unit display device 47 is a touch panel type liquid crystal display, and as shown in Figure 22, its display screen includes a lending operation area 158 and a return operation area 159. When a player touches the lending operation area 158, the lending switch 58 is activated ON, and this signal is transmitted to the frame control device 81. Similarly, when a player touches the return operation area 159, the return switch 59 is activated, and the signal is transmitted to the frame control device 81. Furthermore, a balance symbol 157 indicating the remaining credit balance that can be exchanged for balls is displayed on the display screen of the unit display device 47. The display content of this balance symbol 157 is updated by the frame control device 81 each time the credit balance increases or decreases in response to operations in the lending operation area 158 and the return operation area 159. Figure 22 is an example of normal operation (a normal state without operational abnormalities).

[0111] Furthermore, the unit display device 47 is equipped with abnormal information symbols 161a to 161d that indicate malfunction information, a power outage information symbol 162 that notifies of power outage, an explanatory symbol 163 that explains power outage, and a response symbol 164 that prompts the player to take action, and is selected and displayed as appropriate according to the command transmitted from the frame control device 81. These abnormal information symbols 161a to 161d, the blocking information symbol 162, the explanatory symbol 163, and the corresponding symbol 164 are text symbols that indicate the content of their respective symbols, making it relatively easy for players to recognize what each symbol represents. Furthermore, the frame control device 81, through the abnormality notification process of the abnormality response process described above, instructs the various patterns to be displayed on the unit display device 47 based on commands transmitted according to the information of the abnormality and the combination of Class 1 and Class 2.

[0112] Figure 23(A) shows an example of what is displayed by the abnormal notification process when the power supply is stopped during the abnormal operation response process. Specifically, when a ball jam error is detected during a jackpot game (during the opening, interval, or opening / closing round), the abnormal response classification process classifies it as Category 1, and the frame control device 81 performs the operation to convert the changeover switch 95 to a non-powered state by the power supply stop process. Accordingly, the frame control device 81 executes the abnormality notification process and displays an abnormality information symbol (a symbol with the text "Ball jam abnormality occurred!") 161a, a shutdown information symbol (a symbol with the text "Power to the game board is being turned off!") 162, and an explanatory symbol (a symbol with text indicating that the game state is being saved, etc.) 163 on the display screen of the unit display device 47. Furthermore, since the ball dispensing invalidation process is also executed when the power supply is cut off, the "×" symbol indicating invalid operation is displayed in the dispensing operation area 158 to inform the player that balls cannot be dispensed. In addition, a predetermined character symbol (Tatsukichi the bear) 167 is displayed on the display screen of the unit display device 47. Displaying this character symbol 167 makes it easier for the player to notice the abnormal notification from the unit display device 47. In this embodiment, the character design 167 includes two different designs of "Tatsukichi the Bear" with varying expressions, and one of them is selectively displayed depending on whether the power supply is stopped or not. When the power supply is stopped, the design of "Tatsukichi the Bear" with a troubled expression is displayed, and when the power supply is not stopped, the design of "Tatsukichi the Bear" with an anxious expression is displayed.

[0113] As described above, the display on the unit display device 47 ends when the main switch is turned ON. Then, it returns to the normal display shown in Figure 22. This indicates to the player that the malfunction has been resolved and that they can resume playing.

[0114] Figure 23(B) shows an example of what is displayed by the abnormality notification process when the power supply shutdown process is not executed in the abnormality response process. Specifically, when a ball jam error is detected during gameplay in normal or probability variation states, the abnormality response classification process classifies it as Category 2, and therefore, instead of executing the power supply cut-off process and the ball dispensing invalidation process, the abnormality notification process is executed. As a result, the display screen of the unit display device 47 displays an abnormality information symbol 161a that notifies the occurrence of a ball jam error, and a corresponding symbol (a symbol with the text "Please call an attendant") 164. Furthermore, the aforementioned character design ("Tatsukichi the Bear" with a panicked expression) 167 is displayed. In addition, if the power supply is not shut off, the call operation area 160 pre-installed on the unit display device 47 is activated, and a design prompting the player to take action (a design with the word "Call") is displayed in the call operation area 160. When the player operates this call operation area 160, a predetermined call sound is emitted from the speaker, or a predetermined call light is emitted from the lamp, notifying the staff of the amusement parlor of the occurrence of an operational abnormality. These displays will disappear once the malfunction is resolved, and the display will return to normal. Additionally, the call operation area 160 can be electrically connected to the call switch on the gaming parlor's island equipment via the CR unit 46. Generally, the call switch is located on an information display above the machine, and some players had to interrupt their game, stand up, and operate the call switch. In contrast, if the system is configured to allow calls via the unit display device 47 using the call operation area 160, players can call an attendant without having to interrupt their game or stand up as described above.

[0115] In the event of any operational abnormality other than the ball jam error described above, the unit display device 47 will similarly display the error. For example, if a game ball count reduction error is detected, regardless of the game's progress, the error is classified as Category 2 by the error response classification process. As shown in Figure 24(A), the display screen of the unit display device 47 displays an error information symbol (a symbol with the text "Insufficient circulating balls") 161b, a corresponding symbol (a symbol with the text "Please call an attendant") 164, and a character symbol (a frantic-looking "Kuma no Tatsukichi") 167, and also enables the call operation area 160. Furthermore, if a wire break error is detected, regardless of the game's progress, the system classifies it as Category 1 through abnormality response classification processing. As shown in Figure 24(B), the system displays an abnormality information symbol ("Wire Break Error Occurred!" text symbol) 161c, a cutoff information symbol 162, an explanatory symbol 163, and a character symbol ("Kuma no Tatsukichi" with a troubled expression) 167 to indicate the occurrence of a wire break error. In addition, an "×" symbol indicating invalid operation is displayed in the lending operation area 158. Furthermore, if a ball jam error is detected during closing hours (maintenance), it is classified as a Category 2 error by the error response classification process. As shown in Figure 25(A), the display screen of the unit display device 47 displays an error information symbol 161a indicating the occurrence of a ball jam error, a symbol 165 indicating the location of the error, and a character symbol 167. During closing hours, the symbol 165 indicating the location of the error is displayed, allowing staff and workers to easily identify the location of the error. This symbol 165 indicating the location of the error is displayed selectively according to the information on the malfunction detected by the frame control device 81. Furthermore, in the case of an error caused by the detection of illegal radio waves, the abnormality response classification process classifies it as Category 1, and as shown in Figure 25(B), an abnormality information symbol ("Radio Wave Detected!" text symbol) 161d, a blocking information symbol 162, an explanatory symbol 163, and a character symbol ("Tatsukichi the Bear" with a troubled expression) 167 are displayed to notify the occurrence of a radio wave error. In addition, an "×" symbol indicating invalid operation is displayed in the lending operation area 158. Figures 23(A), 24(B), and 25(B) show an example of displaying the cutoff information symbol 162 indicating that the power supply cutoff process is in progress. However, since the game board 2 cannot provide any notification when power is being cut off to the main control device 80, the unit display device 47 can also display a different symbol indicating that power is being cut off. Because this unit display device 47 is located at the bottom center of the machine, it is highly visible to the player, making it relatively easy to recognize that the machine's power is off. Furthermore, the symbol 165 shown in Figure 25(A) may be displayed even outside of closing hours, allowing staff and operators to quickly resolve any malfunctions. In addition, during closing hours, the character symbol 167 may be hidden, or the displayed content may differ between opening hours and closing hours. This is because, during closing hours, it can generally be assumed that the player is not operating the machine. Furthermore, since opening and closing times vary from one amusement parlor to another, and operating hours may differ on a special basis, it is desirable to have a system that allows each amusement parlor to set its own hours.

[0116] As described above, in this embodiment of the pachinko machine 1, the frame control device 81 performs processing to respond to operational abnormalities. Therefore, the frame control device 81, which controls the launching and circulation of game balls, can quickly respond to operational abnormalities such as ball jams, and the load on the main control device 80 can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the main control device responds to operational abnormalities. Furthermore, since the system is configured to communicate only in one direction from the main control unit 80 to the frame control unit 81, and the main control unit 80 is inaccessible from the outside, unauthorized access from the outside can be prevented. Furthermore, it is highly effective in preventing fraudulent acts (so-called "hanging tampering") such as attaching an unauthorized circuit board between the main control device 80 and the frame control device 81. Furthermore, since this embodiment is a sealed type in which a predetermined number of game balls sealed inside the machine are circulated, there is a risk of malfunctions such as ball jams occurring in the polishing device 35 and lifting device 33, which are not present in types that dispense game balls. However, by using the frame control device 81 that controls the polishing device 35 and lifting device 33 to respond to such malfunctions, a quick and appropriate response can be made as described above.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the combination of detected operational abnormality information and progress information received from the main control unit results in a combination that would be detrimental to the player, the power supply to the main control unit is stopped. This minimizes the disadvantages incurred by the player due to operational abnormalities. Furthermore, when the power supply is stopped, the system notifies the user of the stoppage and the occurrence of the malfunction, and even when the power supply is not stopped, it notifies the user of the occurrence of the malfunction. This helps to suppress the feelings of distrust and anxiety that may arise in the user due to the occurrence of the malfunction. In this way, when a malfunction occurs, by taking appropriate action based on the malfunction and the progress of the game, the disadvantages caused by the malfunction can be effectively suppressed. Furthermore, the main control unit 80 backs up the data in the RAM when the power supply is interrupted, and resumes gameplay according to the backed-up data after power is restored. This minimizes the disadvantage suffered by players due to power outages caused by malfunctions. Therefore, even if a malfunction occurs, players can maintain their confidence in playing pachinko.

[0118] In this embodiment, the frame control device 81 is equipped with a power supply circuit 90 that supplies power to the main control device 80 via the frame control device 81, and a changeover switch 95 that can forcibly stop the power supply is also provided on the frame control device 81. With this configuration, the frame control device 81 can stably and reliably perform the operation of forcibly stopping the power supply to the main control device 80 in the event of the aforementioned malfunction.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the frame control device 81 is equipped with a delay circuit 96 between the CPU and the changeover switch 95 (see Figure 5). The delay circuit 96 stops the power supply to the main control device 80 after a predetermined time delay from the timing of the malfunction. As a result, the game is forcibly stopped after the fate of the game balls that were launched into the game area 3 at the time of the malfunction has been determined. Therefore, after a malfunction occurs, the player can receive the gains generated by winning into the starting slots 11 and 12 and the big prize slot 14 after power is restored, thus ensuring that the player's profits are properly maintained. Furthermore, because the delay circuit 96 delays the shutdown of the power supply, the unit display device 47 mentioned above will notify the player of the malfunction before the game stops due to the power supply shutdown. Therefore, the player has the advantage of being able to prepare for the game shutdown because they will know about it in advance.

[0120] [Sealed Ball Collection Box] In this embodiment, a game ball discharge passage is provided at a predetermined position on the circulation path of the sealed balls (such as the polishing device 35, the lifting device 33, and the recovery passage), which is opened by operating the ball removal lever (game ball discharge means) 21. The game ball discharge path should preferably be perpendicular to the ground in order to utilize the weight of the game balls. This eliminates the need for electricity, allowing the sealed balls to be discharged whether the pachinko machine 1 is powered on or not. Of course, there is no problem with a configuration that uses electric power to discharge the sealed balls. Game balls discharged from the game ball discharge channel are stored in the sealed ball collection box 22 located directly below the game ball discharge channel. The sealed ball collection box is a box-shaped structure with an open top, designed to catch and store game balls that fall from the game ball discharge channel. Furthermore, there is a recommended number of balls to be enclosed in enclosed games. If the number is less than this, the circulation of the game balls may not keep up, potentially causing the launch to be interrupted. If the number is more than this, the game balls may overflow from the out-out opening 16 on the game board. In addition, game configurations equipped with a storage device may have a higher recommended number of enclosed balls than game configurations without a storage device. In the pachinko machine 1 of this embodiment, 30 to 39 balls are recommended. Thus, when a new pachinko machine is installed, or when a game board is replaced with a new one, it is necessary to adjust the number of enclosed balls to the recommended number.

[0121] While it is conceivable to count the number of balls enclosed manually or to prepare a dedicated ball counting tray, the enclosed ball collection box 22 in this embodiment is equipped with a counting means that makes it easy to visually determine the number of game balls, similar to a ball counting tray. In this embodiment, the ball collection box is sized to accommodate 10 game balls in each row horizontally, and 5 game balls in each row vertically. Therefore, it is designed to count up to 50 balls (10 x 5). Furthermore, a short distance from where the game balls are stored, the horizontal rows are marked with markers numbered 25 at intervals of 5 game balls, and the vertical rows are marked with markers numbered 26 at intervals of 1 game ball. Up to the "30" mark in the vertical column, the game balls are lined up to the "10" mark in the horizontal row, so it is immediately clear that there are 30 game balls. At the "40" mark in the vertical column, there is one more ball than the "5" in the horizontal row, so it is clear that there are 6 balls in this vertical column, and in total, it is possible to recognize that there are 36 game balls. By using markers 25 and 26 to indicate how many game balls can be lined up horizontally and vertically, it becomes easy to count them by visual estimation. While I have described the advantages of loading sealed balls into the aircraft, there are also advantages when ejecting them. If you know how many balls were sealed inside, you can check whether all of them have been ejected using the sealed ball collection box 22, making it useful both when loading into the aircraft and when ejecting them outside.

[0122] Furthermore, the sealed ball collection box 22 has a sloped bottom surface to eliminate the need to manually level and arrange the stored game balls to make them easier to count. In detail, the leftmost edge of the base is made the lowest. This causes the game balls placed in the ball collection box 22 to flow to the front left due to their own weight, making it easier for them to line up horizontally and vertically starting from the game ball at the front left. Furthermore, by sloping the rightmost edge of the base to be the second lowest, the base slopes towards the front and also to the left, making it even easier for the balls to line up. Furthermore, along with the slope of the base, the surface on which the game balls can be arranged could be such that the game ball in the front left is in the deepest position, with the horizontal rows angled upwards from there, and the vertical rows angled to line up diagonally to the right of the deepest game ball. With this arrangement, the game balls arranged in a vertical column will fall between the game balls in the row below and be positioned in contact with two game balls. This makes it easier for the game balls to align themselves using their own weight, and also makes them less likely to fall over even with some impact. In addition, it is conceivable to create spherical recesses on the bottom surface at alignment positions so that the game balls can fit into them. If numbers are written in the recesses, it will be easier to keep track of the number of balls. In this way, the ball collection box, which was originally used only for ejecting the enclosed balls from the machine, can also be used for counting the number of game balls. Considering that hundreds of pachinko machines are typically installed in amusement parlors, it is desirable to significantly reduce the time required for loading the sealed balls.

[0123] [Illegal Ball Collection Box] The above describes a configuration in which a counting mechanism for game balls is provided in the sealed ball collection box 22, but a configuration in which a counting mechanism for game balls is provided in the illegal ball collection box 24 is also conceivable. In Figure 3, the illegal ball collection box 24 is shown as a smaller box than the sealed ball collection box, considering its intended use. However, if it is to have a function to count the number of balls inserted into the machine, it should be the same size as the sealed ball collection box.

[0124] [Illegal ball ejection means 23] The illegal ball collection box 24 stores the illegal balls that have been ejected from the machine by the illegal ball ejection means 23. The illegal ball ejection means 23 in this embodiment is provided to remove game balls whose diameter is smaller than the standard. Game balls with a diameter smaller than the standard can pass through gaps that regular game balls cannot, and are highly likely to have a significant impact on the outcome of the game, such as increasing the rate at which the balls enter the winning slot. Moreover, once an illegal ball is sealed inside, it will circulate and be ejected many times, so if it cannot be removed, the damage will be enormous.

[0125] Therefore, as shown in Figure 28, a counterfeit ball discharge means 23 is provided on the circulation passage through which the sealed balls always pass. The counterfeit ball discharge means 23 is installed so as to be located at the bottom of the passage, as shown in Figure 28(a). If the bottom is filled with counterfeit balls, then when a legitimate game ball that has moved from the first passage reaches the opening where the counterfeit ball discharge means 23 is installed, it will pass through without falling out of the opening and move to the second passage because the opening width is narrow (Figures 29(a), 30(a)). However, when a small ball smaller than the diameter of a legitimate game ball reaches the opening from the first passage, it will fall out of the opening due to its own weight because the opening width is wider than the diameter of the ball (Figures 29(b), 30(b)). The fallen game ball moves to the third passage and is stored in the counterfeit ball collection box 24.

[0126] In particular, if the illegal ball discharge means 23 is attached to the bottom of the lower end of the section where the passage bends downward as shown in Figure 28(a), the game balls will reach the opening in an accelerated state due to gravity, allowing for the removal of small balls with high precision. Furthermore, in order to allow legitimate game balls to move smoothly to the second passage even when accelerated at the bend, the second passage is positioned downstream of the bend, and the illegal ball discharge means 23 is positioned diagonally so that it is lower on the second passage side. In this way, it can function not only as a means of removing small balls, but also as the bottom of the passage that guides legitimate game balls to the second passage. As described above, by installing the illegal ball discharge means in a position where the circulation passage slopes downward in the direction of travel, it can effectively perform its role without the need for a dedicated power source. Furthermore, the circulation passage does not necessarily need to be inclined; the illegal ball discharge means 23 can be provided regardless of the inclination as long as the environment is such that the game balls are moving to circulate.

[0127] The illegal ball ejection mechanism 23 shown in Figure 28(b) is L-shaped and is installed from outside the passage. An opening width adjustment section 28 is provided perpendicular to a mounting section 27 which has screw holes. The opening width adjustment section 28 is provided with a length adjusted so that the opening width is less than the diameter of a regular game ball. The passage has a notch for attaching the illegal ball ejection means 23, and the mounting part 27 is aligned with it and fixed with a screw. In this embodiment, it is fixed with a screw, but it is not limited to any configuration that allows for removal. By making it removable, it becomes easier to change the size of the illegal balls to be ejected, to replace the illegal ball ejection means 23 with an illegal ball ejection means 23 of a different length in order to change the size of the illegal balls to be ejected, as well as to perform maintenance on the passage and replace the illegal ball ejection means 23 when it is damaged. In this embodiment, the configuration is provided in a straight line, but it may also be provided in a curved shape to match the shape of the circulation passage. The goal is to guide regular game balls into the second passage and small balls into the third passage. Furthermore, multiple illegal ball ejection means 23 may be arranged on the circulation path, or illegal ball ejection means with different configurations may be provided. Accuracy can be improved by providing a variety of methods for ejecting small balls. Furthermore, the illegal ball ejection means 23 could also be used to remove oversized balls. In that case, the opening width adjustment unit 28 is provided to adjust the width so that only game balls with a diameter smaller than or equal to that of a regular game ball can pass through, and game balls that cannot pass through that width are guided to a passage for ejection to the outside of the machine as oversized balls. However, in the case of oversized balls, they may get stuck in places where regular game balls can pass through, causing subsequent game balls to accumulate (so-called "grapes"), or they may be used for radio wave cheating by being stopped near the game ball detection switch. Thus, since either small or large balls may be used depending on the model, countermeasures can be easily taken by replacing the illegal ball ejection means 23 of the opening width adjustment unit 28 with one that matches the actual circumstances of the fraud. By making it detachable, in addition to addressing the aforementioned fraud, daily maintenance can be made easier, such as replacing the illegal ball ejection means 23 if it is damaged or if the actual opening width changes due to dirt, etc. This embodiment also includes a small ball detection function, but the small ball detection is provided for the purpose of promptly notifying that fraud has occurred and is not related to the fraudulent ball ejection means 23. However, the small ball detection and the fraudulent ball ejection means 23 may be operated in conjunction. Specifically, a proximity switch is placed in the third passage, and when the proximity switch detects a game ball, it outputs a signal to the main control device 80 to notify that a small ball has been placed inside the machine.

[0128] The purpose of the illegal ball collection box is to store game balls with a different diameter from the regular game balls, but the counting mechanism is solely for the purpose of counting regular game balls. Therefore, the counting mechanism can be configured in the same way as the sealed ball collection box. Therefore, it will no longer be able to accurately count the illegally dispensed balls. In this way, the illegal ball collection box, which would otherwise go unused unless illegal balls are inserted, can be used to measure the recommended number of game balls when inserting game balls into the machine.

[0129] In the above-described embodiment, the pachinko machine 1 corresponds to the gaming machine according to the present invention. The improper ball ejection means 23 corresponds to the sorting unit and sorting means according to the present invention.

[0130] Next, another example of the above-described embodiment will be explained below. In the above-described embodiment, the power supply to the main control device 80 is stopped based on a combination of information about malfunction and information about the progress of the game. However, the conditions for stopping the power supply are not limited to the combination in this embodiment and can be set in various ways. For example, if a ball jam error occurs, and the game is in progress, the power supply to the main control unit 80 may be stopped. The decision on whether or not to stop the power supply may be based primarily on information about the malfunction. Furthermore, the conditions for stopping the power supply to the main control device 80 may be set not by the above combination, but based on whether or not it causes disadvantage to the player, using the occurrence of an operational abnormality and the progress of the game. For example, if a ball jam error occurs during a jackpot game, the operation control may be set to stop the power supply. Furthermore, the frame control device 81 can also be configured to respond to operational abnormalities that occur on the main control device 80 side. Specifically, the main control device 80 includes a panel-side abnormality detection means that detects operational abnormalities on the main control device 80 side, and a panel-side abnormality information transmission means that transmits information about the operational abnormality to the frame control device 81 when the panel-side abnormality detection means detects an operational abnormality. When the frame control device 81 receives the information about the operational abnormality, it refers to the status of the frame control device 81 side (or, depending on the nature of the operational abnormality, regardless of the status of the frame control device 81 side) and executes a predetermined abnormality response process. Here, multiple abnormality response processes are set according to the nature of the operational abnormality, and one of them is selectively executed based on the operational abnormality information received from the main control unit 80. In this configuration, the functions for responding to operational abnormalities that occur on the main control unit 80 side and operational abnormalities that occur on the frame control unit 81 side are consolidated in the frame control unit 81, so that the frame control unit 81 can respond appropriately to either operational abnormality. Furthermore, since the frame control device 81 can also receive information from the CR unit 46, when an operational abnormality occurs on the main control device 80 side, it may refer to the information from the CR unit 46 and select and execute the appropriate processing (abnormality response processing). Alternatively, when an operational abnormality occurs on the CR unit 46 side, it may refer to the game progress information received from the main control device 80 and select and execute the appropriate processing. Here, the information transmitted from the CR unit 46 to the frame control device 81 can be set to, for example, the information shown in Figure 26. In Figure 26, the information indicating the countable status shows whether or not it is possible to perform the counting process that transfers the ball count information from the frame control device 81 to the ball count information from the CR unit 46, and the information indicating the ball lending instruction is information that notifies the frame control device 81 that the lending operation area 158 (lending switch 58) has been operated. Such a configuration allows for proper response to operational abnormalities occurring outside the frame control device 81, even when no operational abnormalities are occurring in the frame control device 81. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is also possible to provide such a configuration.

[0131] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the power supply to the main control device 80 is stopped due to the occurrence of an operational abnormality, the launching of game balls by the launching device 31 may also be stopped. Specifically, in the power supply stop processing or ball dispensing stop processing of the operational abnormality response processing, processing is performed to forcibly stop the transmission of signals to the launching motor 106 of the launching device 31. This allows for the forced cessation of game ball launches to the game area 3 before the power supply to the main control device 80 is cut off, thereby minimizing the increase in disadvantages caused by malfunctions.

[0132] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the game progress information combined with the information about malfunctions is defined as the information content shown in Figure 18(B), but it is not limited to this, and other information content can also be used. For example, in addition to the information shown in Figure 19(B), it is also possible to use information such as information specifying the content of the performance during a jackpot game, information regarding the variation pattern, and information regarding the number of reserved balls. For example, in a configuration that uses information on variation patterns, it is preferable to assign variation patterns that select an SP reach animation to Category 1, variation patterns that select a losing animation to Category 2, and variation patterns that result in a jackpot to Category 1. With such a configuration, the response to malfunctions changes depending on the level of expectation the player gets from the variation animation, so it is possible to implement a response that is in line with the player's psychology. Furthermore, in configurations that include a V-entry feature during jackpot games, information about the opening and closing rounds in which a V-entry occurs, and information about whether or not a V-entry has occurred, can also be used as game progress information. Here, a V-entry may refer to a specific area within the large prize opening 14 where a jackpot game occurs when a game ball enters that area, or, in game configurations with a probability variation function, where a V-entry may refer to a specific area within the large prize opening where a game ball enters that area during a jackpot game, causing the probability of a jackpot to change to a high probability after the jackpot game. In any case, since this is important prize information that provides a favorable state to the player, it is conceivable to classify it into first-class and second-class categories depending on the content of the information. Furthermore, in configurations that allow for the temporary storage of game balls within the game area, such as those known as "wing-type" machines, whether or not game balls are being stored can be used as information indicating the progress of the game. In such configurations, if the storage of game balls is released when the power supply is cut off, the game can be continued as a Category 2 game if the balls are being stored, and then treated as a Category 1 game when the storage is released and a V-win occurs, thus minimizing the disadvantage to the player. In this way, it is preferable to set the game progress information according to the type of game being played on the machine.

[0133] Furthermore, it is possible to use the information transmitted to the hall computer 87 shown in Figure 18(A) for the game progress information combined with the information about the malfunction. By using this information transmitted to the hall computer 87, the process of transmitting information to the hall computer 87 and the process of selecting how to respond to the malfunction can be performed using only this information, thereby reducing the transmission load from the main control device 80 to the frame control device 81.

[0134] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the operational abnormalities detected were the device malfunction, ball jamming, various other abnormalities, and illicit electromagnetic wave abnormalities shown in Figure 19. However, the system is not limited to these, and other operational abnormalities may also be detected. For example, the CR unit can be configured to detect errors such as card ID reading errors and security errors in the CR unit, and when these errors are detected, it sends an error detection signal to the frame control device 81. In the event of such an operational abnormality in the CR unit, the system can selectively perform actions such as cutting off the power supply to the main control device 80 or notifying the player, as described above. Furthermore, error information from the CR unit can be recognized by the frame control device through information transmitted from the CR unit to the frame control device (see Figure 26). Here, since the frame control device 81 can receive information from both the main control device 80 and the CR unit, it is possible to make a comprehensive judgment and respond to operational abnormalities, including the information that the frame control device 81 can directly obtain. For example, when the frame control device 81 detects an abnormal operation due to a ball jam and receives information on the progress of the jackpot opening from the main control device 80, it performs an abnormal response process that determines whether or not to transfer the ball count information on the frame control device 81 side depending on whether it has received information from the CR unit 46 indicating whether the IC card is inserted or not. Alternatively, when a card ID reading error occurs and information on the progress of the jackpot opening is received, it performs an abnormal response process that stops the power supply to the main control device 80. Thus, even when no operational abnormality occurs in the frame control device 81, if an operational abnormality occurs in the CR unit 46 or the main control device 80, the frame control device 81 can perform corresponding processing based on the information of the respective operational abnormality. This is a function that is only possible with a frame control device 81 configured to collect all the information. Furthermore, a configuration is possible in which information received from the CR unit 46 is prioritized over information from the frame control device 81. For example, if a player removes their IC card and leaves their seat for a toilet break or other reason, while the frame control device 81 still retains the ball count information, and another player inserts their IC card without realizing that the ball count information remains, the frame control device 81 can be configured to compare it with the stored card ID and take action such as notifying the player that the game is interrupted due to a mismatch, or notifying the player that the card ID does not match. Such a configuration can prevent disputes between players.

[0135] Furthermore, the display mode used by the unit display device 47 to notify of the occurrence of an operational abnormality is not limited to the embodiment described above and can be set in various ways. For example, if the power supply stop process is not executed in the operational abnormality response process, as shown in Figure 27, an abnormality information pattern 161a notifying of the occurrence of a ball jam error, a pattern 165 indicating the location of the abnormality, and a pattern prompting operation in the return operation area (a pattern with the text "Please take your card just in case") 168 are displayed. Furthermore, the enlarged return operation area 169 pre-provided on the unit display device 47 is enabled. This display method may prompt the player to return the card when an operational abnormality occurs.

[0136] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment is configured such that the conversion timing of the changeover switch 95 is delayed by a predetermined time by a delay circuit 96 provided in the frame control device 81, but it is not limited to this configuration, and a configuration without a delay circuit is also possible. In a configuration without a delay circuit, the power supply to the main control device may be stopped immediately upon detection of an operational abnormality, or the conversion timing of the changeover switch may be delayed by program processing or the like. Here, as a configuration that delays the switching timing of the changeover switch without providing a delay circuit, the frame control device 81 may, after performing the abnormality response classification process of the operation abnormality response process (Figure 20), notify that it will stop supplying power to the main control device 80 after a predetermined time (how many seconds later) or after all the game balls launched into the game area have entered, and further execute a process to stop the power supply (a process to change the changeover switch) in conjunction with this notification. Furthermore, by having the frame control device 81 forcibly stop the launching device 31, it is possible to notify the player of the power supply shutdown and process the shutdown in a shorter time. In any case, since the changeover switch is performed after a certain amount of time has passed, the power supply can be shut off while preventing players from being confused by a sudden game shutdown.

[0137] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the unit display device 47 is configured to display notifications of malfunctions or power outages, but the system is not limited to this configuration, and the notifications may also be displayed on the performance symbol display device 6. In this case, the system is configured to send commands from the frame control device to the sub-integrated control device, and the aforementioned abnormal information symbols, corresponding symbols, explanatory symbols, character symbols, etc., are displayed on the performance symbol display device 6. By providing notifications on the performance symbol display device 6 in this way, players can more easily recognize the occurrence of malfunctions and other issues. Naturally, it is also possible to notify of such operational abnormalities using both the unit display device 47 and the performance symbol display device 6. In this configuration, when the power supply to the main control device 80 is stopped (a response classified as Category 1), the performance symbol display device 6 cannot display the abnormality, so the unit display device 47 notifies the abnormality. On the other hand, if the power supply to the main control unit 80 is not stopped (a response classified as Category 2), the display symbol display device 6 will issue an abnormality notification. In this way, abnormality notifications can be issued at the point that the player pays the most attention to.

[0138] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, a power supply relay board 91 is provided between the power supply unit 85 and the frame control device 81, and a backup power supply circuit 92 is provided on the power supply relay board 91. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and a circuit (device) that generates backup power can be provided separately from the power supply relay board 91. For example, the backup power supply circuit may be provided in the power supply unit 85, or in the main control unit 80 or the frame control unit 81. Alternatively, a power supply relay board may be provided to relay between the main control unit 80 and the frame control unit 81, and the backup power supply circuit may be provided on the power supply relay board. Furthermore, the power supply unit 85, power relay board 91, main control unit 80, frame control unit 81, and all or more of the power relay board may be configured to have backup power supply circuits. In any case, as long as the information of the main control unit 80 and frame control unit 81 can be backed up as described above, any of the above configurations can be adopted. The power relay board that relays between the main control unit 80 and the frame control unit 81 is provided there when the game board 2 is connected to the inner frame 70 via a drawer connector. Furthermore, in a configuration where backup power supply circuits are provided for the power supply unit 85, the main control unit 80, and the frame control unit 81, it is also possible to omit the installation of a power supply relay board. Furthermore, the means (changeover switch) for switching between supplying and not supplying power to the main control device 80 can be provided on the power relay board 91 or the power supply device 85, rather than on the frame control device 81. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a power outage monitoring circuit (see Figure 5) that monitors power interruption due to the main switch being turned OFF or a power outage is provided in the power supply unit 85. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the power outage monitoring circuit may be provided in the power relay board 91, or in the main control unit 80 or the frame control unit 81. Alternatively, it may be provided in all or more of the power supply unit 85, power relay board 91, main control unit 80, and frame control unit 81. In any of these configurations, this embodiment can be suitably implemented.

[0139] Incidentally, with conventional ball entry devices (especially special symbol start gates and regular symbol start gates), it is common practice to place game pins above the ball entry device to assist in ball entry. However, repeated collisions of the game balls with these game pins can cause deformation, leading to problems such as exceeding the expected winning rate or, conversely, falling below the expected winning rate. In recent years, there have been gaming machines that have made the rate of winning at the starting gate extremely high. To increase the rate of ball entry, the placement of the game pins has been devised, or the opening width of the ball entry device itself has been widened. However, since the opening width of the starting gate is limited by regulations, there are limits to how wide the opening can be made. As a result, some gaming machines have addressed this by installing a guidance device above the starting gate to guide the game balls into the starting gate. However, installing a guidance device required a different gauge configuration (arrangement of game pins) than typical gaming machines with a standard ball entry opening, and a newly designed discharge passage for game balls that entered the opening. Because of the lack of compatibility, many parts had to be newly manufactured, making it difficult to reuse parts from other gaming machines, resulting in a high-cost gaming machine. Therefore, the following modified example demonstrates a function incorporated into the ball entry device itself to improve the ball entry rate.

[0140] (Variation 1) Modification 1 is described below. Note that explanations of parts that are the same as those exemplified in the above embodiment will be omitted. The starting port 200 of the modified example 1 shown in Figures 31(a), (b) and 32(a), (b) does not have a game pin (so-called life pin) 301 positioned above the starting port, unlike when a conventional starting port 11 is positioned. This is to avoid obstructing the movement of the game balls in the game ball guidance section 201, which will be described in detail later, and because it is unnecessary in the starting port 200 of this modified example. The game pin positioned above the starting port is called the life pin because it has the greatest influence on the rate of winning at the starting port. Because the game pin is repeatedly struck by the game balls, it can become deformed or bent, and amusement parlors perform daily maintenance on it. In particular, the "life pin" is the part that has the greatest impact on the business of the amusement parlor because the rate of winning at the starting gate has the greatest impact on the operation of the parlor. Therefore, maintenance of the life pin is the area that receives the most attention. Eliminating such placement of life-saving nails is expected to reduce the effort required for maintaining the game nails at amusement parlors, and it will also allow players to avoid playing with altered winning rates due to deformation of the game nails.

[0141] Furthermore, in Modification 1, the arrangement of the so-called jump nails, which were placed to the side of the life nail in the conventional starting port 11, has also been eliminated. The jump nails play the role of causing the game balls that flow down from the side to bounce upward by colliding with the jump nails. The reason for removing the jump nails is to avoid obstructing the movement of the game balls in the game ball guidance section, and also because they are unnecessary in the starting port 200 in this modification. By eliminating the jump pins, the maintenance effort required by the arcade will be reduced, similar to the life pins, and players will be able to avoid playing with altered winning rates due to deformation of the game pins. Furthermore, depending on the size, shape, and placement of the starting opening 200 in Modification 1, and the arrangement of the game pins (gauge configuration), it is not a problem if a life pin or a jump pin is placed there. Even if these are placed there, it is not a problem as long as the game ball guidance unit 201 functions properly, and as long as the function is not hindered, it is not a problem if other game pins or guidance components (windmills, resin-molded passages, etc.) are placed around them.

[0142] The configuration of the starting port in this modified example 1 will be explained using Figures 31(a), (b), and 32(a), (b). Note that the starting gates refer to the special symbol starting gate 11 and the regular symbol starting gate 17, but they may also be used as starting gates that activate the special electric mechanism (large prize gate) without a lottery upon ball entry, and starting gates that activate the regular electric mechanism (also called regular electric) without a lottery upon ball entry. In Modification 1, the ball entry device is described as the starting gate, but it may also be used as another prize entry point.

[0143] Figure 31(a) is an enlarged view of the lower part of the game board 2 in Figure 1, showing a configuration in which the game board 2 is equipped with a start opening 200 as in Modification 1 instead of the start opening 11. Guide members 300 (game nails 301, windmill 302, stage 303 (which drops game balls from the center of the stage to make it easier for them to enter the start opening 200), resin molded product 304, etc.) are arranged around the start opening, and as shown in Figure 31(a), the guide members 300 are arranged so that game balls flowing from the upper left of the game board change their flow path to the right at the windmill 302, which is a guide member 300, and flow down to the lower right to reach the start opening 200. Furthermore, even if a fast-moving game ball goes over the starting opening 200, there are game pins 301 arranged to the right of the starting opening 200 in an upward sloping manner, and these are positioned as guiding members 300 to direct the game ball downwards to the left.

[0144] As shown in Figure 31(b), the starting port has game ball guide sections 201 on both sides of the opening 202, which is the entrance to the ball entry device. The game ball guide sections 201 are installed at an angle downward from the position of the opening 202 and are provided in the form of a passage that is in contact with the opening 202 so that the game balls can roll through. Generally speaking, to increase the rate at which balls enter the opening 202, it is more efficient to position the game ball guide unit 201 at an angle above the opening, as this ensures that game balls that reach the game ball guide unit 201 will definitely head towards the opening 202. However, this would prevent the enjoyment of pachinko, which lies in the unpredictable movement of the game balls and whether or not they will enter the machine. Furthermore, regulations stipulate an upper limit on the opening width of the starting gate in order to sell the machine. If the game ball guide section 201 is installed at an upward incline, the width of the game ball guide section 201 will be considered the effective opening width, and even if manufactured, it will not meet the standards and therefore cannot be sold. Even if the game ball guide section 201 is installed within the upper limit width, the ball entry rate will be almost the same as that of a typical ball entry device that does not have a game ball guide section 201.

[0145] In contrast, in the modified example 1, the starting port 200 is provided with the game ball guide section 201 tilted downwards, so the opening width as a ball entry device is measured at the width of the opening 202. Therefore, although it has the same width as a typical starting port, the game ball guide section 201 guides the game balls, which can improve the ball entry rate. The game balls are guided downwards to the right by the guide member 300, but once they reach the game ball guide section 201, they then move upwards to the right (Figure 32(b)). As a result, the speed of the game balls is reduced, and when they reach the opening, they are more likely to fall into the opening due to their own weight. Furthermore, since the game balls not only flow down the guide member 300 but also collide with the guide member 300 and bounce as they fall, some game balls that reach the game ball guide section 201 will not only roll along the guide section but will also collide with it and bounce upwards (bouncing motion). In this case as well, since the game ball guide section 201 is inclined, the angle of fall from the guide member 300 and the angle of collision with the game ball guide section 201 can cause many game balls to bounce straight up, and by causing these game balls to fall near the opening, the ball entry rate can be increased. Furthermore, the rebound motion of the game ball changes depending on local conditions such as gravity, drag, Magnus effect, buoyancy, properties, collision velocity, rotation, and temperature. Therefore, the movement of the game ball upon reaching the game ball guidance unit 201 becomes very complex, but it is sufficient if it is designed so that the above effects are roughly achieved.

[0146] The inclination angle of the game ball guide section 201 is set in accordance with the inflow angle of the game balls due to the so-called gauge configuration (arrangement configuration of game nails 301, windmill 302, stage 303, resin molded product 304, etc.). Verification results show that the function of guiding the balls to the opening is achieved by setting the inclination angle between 4° and 15°. If the inclination angle is less than 4°, the effect of suppressing the movement speed of the game balls will be poor, and if it exceeds 15°, the proportion of game balls that reach the opening will decrease, and the desired effect will not be achieved. When creating a game ball entry device with a high ball entry rate, it is preferable to install it with an inclination angle within the above range, taking into consideration the gauge configuration. As described above, since the game ball guiding section 201 is configured to be tilted downwards, the game ball guiding section 201 is most effective when positioned so that game balls flow down into the starting opening 200 from the upper left, upper right, or left or right sides. For example, if the game ball guiding section 201 is positioned so that game balls only flow down from directly above, it will be almost unable to perform its function of guiding the game balls into the opening 202, and the ball entry rate will be no different from that of a typical ball entry device. Furthermore, it is desirable that the gauge configuration and other elements be set so that the game balls enter the game ball guidance unit 201 with a certain degree of movement speed. If the incoming game balls lack momentum, the likelihood of them climbing up the game ball guidance unit 201 decreases, and the effect of increasing the ball entry rate will not be effectively realized. High effectiveness can be achieved when used under these conditions.

[0147] Figure 31(b) shows the top, front, bottom, left side, and right side views of the start port 200. An opening 202 is located in the center of the device, with game ball guide sections 201 provided on both sides. The game ball guide section 201 has a guide surface 203 on its upper surface, providing space for game balls to roll. The opening 202 is provided with a passage 205 for taking in game balls that have entered the machine. Behind the starting port 200, ribs 204 are provided on either side of the passage 205 for positioning when attaching to the game board. When attached to the game board 2, screw holes 206 for fastening screws are provided below the game ball guide unit 201.

[0148] An opening guide wall 207 is provided in front of the opening 202, protruding slightly upward. Figure 38(a) shows an enlarged view of the opening 202 and the opening guide wall 207 of the start port 200. The opening guide wall 207 is provided to guide game balls that have arrived from the game ball guide section 201, or game balls that have bounced and flown, into the opening 202. It also serves to prevent game balls from getting stuck between the glass G in front of the start port 200 and the start port 200. The above describes the structure of the starter port 200, which is variation 1. Although it takes up more width compared to a typical starter port 11, it does not require a life pin or jump pin, so it can be installed without significantly changing the gauge configuration. This shows that even if you want to change from a typical starter port 11 to a starter port 200 due to a change in the performance of the machine, it can be easily changed. In recent years, it has become common to sell multiple models with different specifications, each with varying performance characteristics, under the same copyright. In such cases, the fewer changes required, the lower the cost of manufacturing models with different specifications. Furthermore, development becomes easier because the gauge configuration can be manufactured without worrying about whether it corresponds to the standard start port 11 or the start port 200 in the modified example 1.

[0149] The above describes the ball entry device of Modification 1, which allows players to enjoy the movement of the game balls while achieving a higher ball entry rate than conventional ball entry devices.

[0150] (Modification 2) Modification 2 is described below. Note that explanations of parts that are the same as those exemplified in the above embodiment will be omitted. Modification 2 shown in Figures 33(a) and (b) is a starting opening 210 that is almost identical in structure to the ball entry device compared to Modification 1, but has a mounting plate 211 to further strengthen its fixation to the game board 2. Unlike typical starting openings, the starting port 210 is equipped with a game ball guide section 201, which increases the chances of game balls colliding with it. Furthermore, if the fixing to the game board 2 is loose, vibrations will occur each time a game ball collides, affecting the guidance of the game balls into the opening 202. Therefore, in Modification 2, a mounting plate 211 and a reinforcing part 212 are provided. The mounting plate 211 has four ribs 204, more than in Modification 1, and also has four screw holes 206 for screw fastening. This further strengthens the fixation to the game board 2 and suppresses vibration. The reinforcing section 212 is also provided to increase the strength of the game ball guide section 201 in order to suppress vibrations when a game ball collides with it, thereby stabilizing the guidance performance. The mounting plate 211 increases the overall strength of the starting opening 210, and the reinforcing section 212 increases the strength of the game ball guide section 201.

[0151] Note that the shape of the mounting plate 211 shown in Modification 2 is just one example, and the shape should be selected in consideration of the placement location and the gauge configuration. It is also conceivable to provide a means to adjust the ball entry rate into the opening 202 by adding protrusions or the like to the mounting plate 211. In that case, it would be possible to install a component that affects the winning rate while strengthening the fixation to the game board 2. In the modified example 2, the reinforcing portion 212 is installed so as not to come into contact with the game balls, but it may also be installed to a size that allows contact with the game balls to occur, thereby altering the movement of the game balls or influencing the rate at which they are guided into the opening 202.

[0152] The above describes the ball entry device of modified example 2. It allows players to enjoy the movement of the game balls, achieves a higher ball entry rate than conventional ball entry devices, and suppresses vibrations caused by collisions with the game balls.

[0153] (Variation 3) Modification 3 is described below. Note that explanations of parts that are the same as those exemplified in the above embodiment will be omitted. Modified example 3, shown in Figures 34(a) and 34(b), is a starting opening 220 characterized in that, compared to modified example 1, the guidance surface 223 of the game ball guidance section 201 is curved downward in the direction perpendicular to the game board 2. When a game ball that has flowed down from the guide member 300 with strong momentum (high speed) collides with the guide surface 223, it bounces in a variety of ways because it is formed on a curved surface. Therefore, it is possible to enjoy the movement of the game ball that is inherent to pachinko games. In addition, a game ball that reaches the guide surface 223 with weak momentum (slow speed) is easily guided (dropped) to the lowest surface of the curved surface, and since the lowest surface is provided so as to continue to the opening 202, it also has the effect of making it easier for the ball to reach the opening 202.

[0154] The curved surface provided on the guide surface 223 may be curved from the upper end 223a to the lower end 223b. As mentioned above, it can also function as a guide path to the opening 202, and when the incoming game ball collides with it, it bounces up at various angles, allowing for a variety of movement for the game ball. Alternatively, the upper end 223a could be flat, but gradually curved towards the lower end 223b, or conversely, the lower end 223b could be flat, but gradually curved towards the upper end 223a. If the structure is gradually curved towards the lower end 223b, the game balls that have flowed down towards the lower end 223b can be directed toward the opening 202, which is effective for game balls that are at a certain distance from the opening 202. If the structure is gradually curved towards the upper end 223a, game balls that have moved near the opening 202 can be directed towards the opening 202, and this is effective for game balls that are relatively close to the opening 202. Thus, the shape of the guide surface 223 can be appropriately selected depending on the ball entry rate and gauge configuration to be designed, and in any case, it has the effect of influencing the ball entry rate into the opening 202.

[0155] Furthermore, the modified example 3 is provided with an opening guide wall 227 that has a different shape from the modified example 1. Figure 38(b) shows an enlarged view of the opening 202 and opening guide wall 227 of the starting port 220. In modified example 3, the opening guide wall 227 is provided to protrude into the opening range of the opening 202 to prevent game balls that have moved from the game ball guidance unit 201 from passing straight through the opening 202. Game balls that have not lost speed even when they reach the opening 202 will pass straight through and try to go towards the game ball guidance unit 201 on the opposite side. However, when they come into contact with the opening guide wall 227, their direction of movement is changed to the direction of the passage 205 that takes game balls into the machine, which is located at the back of the opening 202. As a result, the rate of balls entering the opening 202 can be increased compared to a configuration without the opening guide wall 227. When viewed from the front, the starting port 220 appears to be a larger ball entry device than the starting port 200 in Modification 1 and the starting port 210 in Modification 2. However, it only has the opening 202 and the game ball guide section 201, and the front is simply covered with a decorative panel. It is made to appear large as a starting ball entry device to give the impression that game balls the width of the game ball guide section 201 are entering it. This also makes it intuitively seem to the player that it is an easy starting port for ball entry. Note that the shapes shown in Figures 34(a) and (b) are just examples, and the appearance can be determined according to the design and gauge configuration.

[0156] The above describes the prize-winning device of modified example 3. By curving the guidance surface 223, the unpredictable bounce of the game balls is increased, and game balls moving at a predetermined speed or slower can be guided to the opening 202. Furthermore, the curved shape may be configured solely to increase the unpredictable bounce of the game balls, or conversely, solely to guide the game balls into the opening 202. The appropriate configuration should be selected based on the game concept of the gaming machine and the desired ball entry rate. Furthermore, although the guiding surface 223 was described as being curved straight from the lower end 223b to the upper end 223a toward the opening 202 with the center being the lowest point, it is also possible to curve it so that the lowest point is anywhere other than the center, or to curve the lowest point diagonally rather than straight toward the opening 202. These can be appropriately selected to achieve the desired movement of the game ball.

[0157] (Modification 4) Modification 4 is described below. Note that explanations of parts that are the same as those exemplified in the above embodiment will be omitted. Modification 4 shown in Figures 35(a) and (b) is a start port 230 in which a guide wall 231 is provided in front of the guide surface 203, compared to Modification 1. When a game ball reaches the guide surface 203, it will collide with the glass G if it moves forward from the guide surface 203. However, by providing the guide wall 231, the force with which it collides with the glass G can be reduced. In addition, the guide wall 231 can direct the game ball, which was moving forward from the starting opening 230, towards the opening 202 or the lower end of the game ball guide section 201.

[0158] In addition, the starting opening 230 shown in Figures 35(a) and (b) is provided with a reinforcing section 212 on the game board 2 side, and the guide wall 231 and the reinforcing section 212 may be provided so as side walls of the guide surface 203 that they come into contact with the game balls. As in Modification 4, the guide surface 203 can be made into a passage, which restricts the bounce movement of the game balls but allows for high guidance force to be exerted. Furthermore, even if the reinforcing section 212 is configured not to come into contact with the game balls, the game board 2 acts as a side wall, so a similar effect can be achieved.

[0159] In the modified example 4, the starting port 230 has a guide wall 231 and a reinforcing section 212, with the upper end of the guide surface being lower and the lower end being higher. This makes it difficult to see that the game ball guide section 201 is inclined downward from the opening 202 when the starting port 230 is viewed from the front, and the shape of the guide wall 231 gives the effect that it is inclined upward from the opening 202, either parallel or in the opposite direction. When a player sees the game ball guide section 201, which is installed at a downward slope from the opening 202, there is a risk that they may not intuitively perceive it as contributing to the ball entry rate, which could potentially cause them to hesitate to play. The purpose of the guide wall 231 and reinforcing section 212 is to make the player not even aware of the downward slope, thereby giving the impression that it is easy to get the ball in and encouraging them to play.

[0160] The above describes the ball entry device of Modification 4. By providing a guide wall 231 in front of the guide surface 203, it is possible to guide the game balls that have reached the guide surface 203 into the opening 202 while preventing them from colliding forcefully with the glass in front. Furthermore, when viewing the ball entry device from the front, it is possible to make it difficult to determine the inclination angle of the game ball guide section 201. Furthermore, it is not necessarily required to provide the guide wall 231 across the entire front surface of the guide surface 203; it may be provided only on the lower end side of the guide surface 203, only on the upper end side, or only in the middle. Furthermore, if the guide surface 223 is curved, as in the modified example 3, a guide wall 231 or reinforcing section 212 may be provided as an extension of it. In this case, the entire structure can be shown as the guide surface 223, resulting in an aesthetically simple design.

[0161] (Variation 5) Modification 5 is described below. Note that explanations of parts that are the same as those exemplified in the above embodiment will be omitted. Modification 5 shown in Figures 36(a) and (b) is a starting opening 240 in which the game ball guidance section 201 is provided in a shorter configuration compared to Modification 4. Depending on the gauge configuration and ball entry rate, it may be possible to change the length of the game ball guide section 201. In particular, if you want to guide the game ball caught by the guide surface 203 towards the opening 202 without any play, compared to the starting opening 230 in Modification 4, it may be possible to use the starting opening 240, which has a shorter distance of the game ball guide section 201.

[0162] Also, when it is desired to achieve the same ball entry rate at the starting port 240 as that of the starting port 230 in the fourth modification, it is conceivable to adjust the inclination angle only by shortening the distance of the game ball guiding section 201, or to change the friction coefficient of the guiding surface 203 to achieve an equivalent ball entry rate. By doing so, for example, when it is impossible to secure a satisfactory width of the starting port in terms of the gauge configuration, it is possible to deal with the situation by shortening the distance of the game ball guiding section 201 as in the starting port 240. Regarding changing the ball entry rate according to the friction coefficient of the guiding surface 203, it is feasible in any of the modifications, and changing the distance of the game ball guiding section 201 is also feasible in any of the modifications.

[0163] The above is the ball entry device of the fifth modification, but it can also be dealt with by adjusting the length of the game ball guiding section 201 according to the gauge configuration and the desired ball entry rate. Also, if the game ball guiding section 201 is relatively long, it can affect the rolling of the game ball to a greater extent, and can further diversify the movement of the game balls peculiar to pachinko machines.

[0164] (Modification 6) The sixth modification will be described below. Note that the description will be omitted for parts that are the same as those exemplified in the above embodiment. The sixth modification shown in FIGS. 37(a) and (b) is a starting port 250 in which the shape of the game ball guiding section 201 in the direction parallel to the game board 2 is curved. FIG. 37(a) shows a configuration in which the guiding surface 253 is curved downward. By curving it downward, the inclination becomes stronger as it approaches the opening 202, and the moving speed of the game ball moving along the guiding surface 253 toward the opening direction can be suppressed. Therefore, since the moving speed of the game ball reaching the opening 202 is slow, the probability of dropping without passing through the opening 202 increases. Also, game balls that did not have enough moving speed and could not climb up can now be accelerated in moving speed and released from the guiding surface 253 in the lateral direction (or diagonally upward depending on the shape), which can give a new pattern to the movement of the game balls and is expected to eliminate the retention of the game balls on the guiding surface 253. The degree of the curve is arbitrary and can be set according to the gauge configuration and the desired ball entry rate. It can also be designed in conjunction with the length, inclination angle, material, and friction coefficient of the guide surface 253.

[0165] Figure 37(b) shows a configuration in which the guide surface 263 is curved upwards, the opposite of Figure 37(a). By curving it upwards, the speed of movement is suppressed in the steepest part of the slope before reaching the opening 202, and as it approaches the opening 202 the slope becomes gentler, the ball can accelerate and enter the opening 202. The game is entertaining as players see whether or not the game ball can climb to the top of the steepest part of the slope, and if the game ball climbs to the top, it accelerates again towards the opening 202, so the movement of the game ball, which decelerates and accelerates, is entertaining. Furthermore, since game balls that cannot climb the steepest slope are released diagonally downwards from the guide surface 263, it is possible to introduce new patterns to the movement of the game balls and to eliminate the problem of game balls getting stuck on the guide surface 263.

[0166] The above describes the ball entry device of modified example 6. By curving the shape of the game ball guidance unit 201 in a direction parallel to the game board 2, it is possible to set the gauge configuration, the desired ball entry rate, and how the game balls should behave. Furthermore, the configuration of Modified Example 6 may be combined with the configurations of Modified Examples 2 to 5. In particular, by curving the shape perpendicular to the game board 2 in Modified Example 3, a synergistic effect can be achieved on the movement of the game balls that come into contact with the guide surface 203.

[0167] (Example 7) Modification 7 is described below. Note that explanations of parts that are the same as those exemplified in the above embodiment will be omitted. Modification example 7, shown in Figures 38(c) and (d), is a configuration in which a guide rail is provided on the guiding surface 203. Figure 38(c) shows a configuration in which a single groove is provided near the center of the guiding surface 203, leading towards the opening 202, forming a guide rail 270. When a game ball B lands on the guide rail 270, it is held at two points in the groove, allowing it to be guided to the opening 202. In this way, game balls that reach the guiding surface 203 at a high speed will bounce or move at a high speed, but game balls that reach it at a low speed are more likely to get stuck in the guide rail 270. Once stuck, they are more likely to move along the route of the guide rail 270 towards the opening 202, thereby increasing the chances of the ball entering the opening.

[0168] Figure 38(d) shows a configuration in which two guide rails 280 are installed approximately in the center of the guidance surface 203. In this configuration as well, when a game ball lands on the guide rails 280, it becomes easier to guide the game ball to the opening 202 along the route of the guide rails 280. However, compared to the guide rail 270 in Figure 38(c), the guide rail 280 protrudes from the guiding surface 203, so the probability of a game ball coming from the side of the guide rail 280 landing on the guide rail is lower. Therefore, the number of game balls that can land on the guide rail 280 is limited, but this also adds to the excitement of whether or not a game ball heading towards the guiding surface 203 will land on the guide rail 280, which can entertain the player.

[0169] The above describes the ball entry device of modified example 7. By providing guide rails, game balls that are on the guide rails can be guided into the opening 202 with a high probability. Although the guide rails were described using a groove configuration and a configuration of two rails, it is also possible to use a configuration with multiple rails, such as installing six rails and three guide rails, or to make the probability of guidance to the opening 202 different depending on the guide rail. It is also possible to make the guide rails movable so that they can move to a protruding position or be embedded in the guidance surface 203. In this way, any configuration is acceptable as long as it performs the function of guiding to the opening 202, and there are no limitations on the shape.

[0170] (Variation 8) Modification 8 is described below. Note that explanations of parts that are the same as those exemplified in the above embodiment will be omitted. Modified example 8 shown in Figure 39(a) is a configuration in which a deceleration zone 290 is provided on the guidance surface 203 to reduce the movement speed of the game balls that flow in. This allows the momentum of the game balls that flow into the game ball guidance section 201 to be reduced not only by the inclination angle but also by the deceleration zone 290, and can be used when it is desired to strongly reduce the movement speed of the game balls due to the gauge configuration, etc. Furthermore, the game balls that bounce and fly onto the guide surface 203 may or may not collide with the steps of the deceleration zone 290, resulting in more complex bounces and a richer range of motion for the game balls.

[0171] Although a configuration with steps as a speed-reducing zone has been shown, it is also possible to arrange the steps diagonally, install guide rails as in Modification 7, or use materials with different coefficients of friction instead of steps. If the steps are arranged diagonally, the steps act as guide rails to release game balls that have lost momentum along the way, thus reducing the accumulation of game balls on the guide surface 203. When materials with different coefficients of friction are used, there are no visible obstacles to movement, creating a strong sense of unease when the game ball suddenly decelerates, thus intriguing players as a ball entry device with unusual movement. In addition, the steps of the deceleration zone can be used to create patterns or other design features.

[0172] The above describes the ball entry device of modified example 8. By providing a deceleration zone, even in the game ball guidance section 201, which has a limited travel distance, the ball can be strongly decelerated, and the rate of guidance to the opening 202 can be improved.

[0173] (Extreme variation 9) Modification 9 is described below. Note that explanations of parts that are the same as those exemplified in the above embodiment will be omitted. The modified example 9 shown in Figure 39(b) is a configuration in which the game ball guide unit 201 is provided only on the left side of the opening 202. Depending on the gauge configuration, this configuration may be used when game balls do not flow to the right side due to the opening 202, or when the ball entry rate is set so that it is not a problem even if balls do not enter from the right side. In the modified example 9, since there is no need to place the game ball guide section 201 on the right side of the opening 202, the width of the starting opening 260 is reduced (in the diagram, the width does not change much because the mounting plate 211 is large). Also, because the right side is absent, the game ball guide section 201 on the left side can be made longer.

[0174] Furthermore, if the gauge configuration places the inflow of game balls from the right side at a high position, it is sufficient to place the game ball guide section 201 only on the right side, or, considering the gauge configuration, an asymmetrical game ball guide section 201 may be provided on both sides. If the inflow of game balls is higher from the left side, it is conceivable to provide a guide rail as shown in Modification 7 only on the left side of the game ball guide section 201, or a deceleration zone as shown in Modification 8 only on the right side, or simply to change the shape of the guide surface 203 or the coefficient of friction. Furthermore, if you want to make the way the game balls bounce differently in the game ball guide sections 201 on the left and right sides, you can make the shape of one side curve downwards in the direction perpendicular to the game board, as in Modification 3, or provide a guide wall 231 on one side, as in Modification 4, or curve the shape parallel to the game board, as in Modification 6. Even if only one side is modified, the effect is the same as described in Modifications 1 to 8, and it can affect the rate at which balls enter the opening 202.

[0175] The above describes the ball entry device of modified example 9. However, the same effect can be achieved even if the game ball guidance unit 201 is placed on only the left or right side, so it can be appropriately selected according to the gauge configuration and the designed ball entry rate.

[0176] As shown in the modified examples 1 to 9 above, a ball entry device (starting port) equipped with a game ball guidance unit 201 can be used not only as a ball entry device but also as a guidance device for guiding game balls. If the opening 202 is provided as a passage that releases the balls directly onto the game board below, rather than guiding them into a passage 205 for guiding them into the game machine, not only balls that pass directly through the opening but also game balls guided by the game ball guidance unit 201 can be dropped from the position of the opening, allowing game balls to be concentrated at a desired location. When used as a guide device, if a starting port is provided below the opening, it can perform the same function as the starting port shown in the modified example. It is also possible to place a large prize opening (also called a special electric mechanism; a ball entry device that opens when a special symbol is won) 14 or a regular electric mechanism (a ball entry device that opens when a regular symbol is won) 12 instead of a starting port, and in either case, the rate at which game balls enter the game can be increased.

[0177] The ball entry devices of variations 1 to 9 can be used with any type of pachinko machine 1, but because of the high ball entry rate, when used as a starting point, it is preferable to have a short average variation time for the symbols that indicate the winning result. Because the frequency of winning is high, the shorter the time it takes to show the result of a single draw, the shorter the time it takes for the reserve memory (data for determining whether a game ball enters the starting point is acquired and reserved and stored up to a predetermined upper limit) to reach its limit, resulting in fewer wasted ball entries (balls that are not reserved and stored) and a more comfortable gameplay experience. Furthermore, simply shortening the average fluctuation time of a typical pachinko machine 1 would increase the number of draws and jackpots per unit of time, resulting in excessively high performance. Therefore, it is preferable to use a game configuration that is similar to a "charge win," where approximately half of the wins result in a very small payout and no bonus game (such as a time-saving feature or a probability change), and compensate for this by enhancing the performance when a bonus game is granted, a so-called lucky trigger. This effectively lowers the probability of hitting a winning combination that actually yields a decent payout, making it easier to maintain balance even if the number of draws per unit of time is increased. Of course, there would be no problem if this were implemented in other types of pachinko machines.

[0178] In addition to the above-described alternative examples each having an independent configuration, it is of course possible to have a configuration in which a plurality of alternative examples are combined.

Explanation of Signs

[0179] 1 Pachinko machine (pinball game machine) 2 Game board 3 Game area 11 First start port (winning port) 12 Second start port (winning port) 14 Big winning port (winning port) 15 General winning port (winning port) 16 Out port 22 Enclosed ball collection BOX 23 Illegal ball discharge means 24 Illegal ball collection BOX 28 Opening width adjustment unit 31 Launching device 33 Lifting and conveying device 35 Grinding device 80 Main control device 81 Frame control device 85 Power supply device 90 Power supply circuit 95 Switch 200 Start port of Modification 1 (ball entry device) 201 Game ball guiding part 202 Opening part 203 Guiding surface 207 Opening guiding wall 210 Start port of Modification 2 (ball entry device) 211 Mounting plate 212 Reinforcing part 220 Start port of Modification 3 (ball entry device) 223a Upper end of guiding surface 223b Lower end of guiding surface 230 Start port of Modification 4 (ball entry device) 231 Guiding wall 240 Start port of Modification 5 (ball entry device) 250 Start port of Modification 6 (ball entry device) 260 Start port of Modification 9 (ball entry device) 300 Guiding member 301 Game nails 302 Windmill 303 Warp 304 Structures

Claims

[Claim 1] The game board is equipped with a ball entry device that has an opening at the top into which game balls can be inserted. The ball entry device is provided with a ball guide unit for guiding game balls into the opening. The game ball guiding section extends downward from the opening at a predetermined inclination angle and includes a portion that is curved in a shape perpendicular to the game board, the portion being the lower part of the game ball guiding section.

Images