Gaming Machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of confirming that main detection means operates correctly.SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine PY1 includes a game control board 100 capable of controlling the progress of a game, display devices 8 that are connected to the game control board 100 and can display special symbols in a variable manner, a big winning port sensor 14a capable of outputting a detection signal to the game control board 100, and a second start port sensor 12a capable of outputting a detection signal to the game control board 100. The game control board 100 can set a game mode to a test mode in which the progress of the game cannot be controlled. When the detection signal is input from the big winning port sensor 14a while the game mode is set to the test mode, "H1" can be displayed on the display devices 8. When the detection signal is input from the second start port sensor 12a, "H2" can be displayed on the display devices 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 41

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] The pachinko game machine described in the following Patent Document 1 is equipped with a main control board capable of controlling the progress of the game. The main control board is connected to various sensors (main detection means) such as a start hole sensor and a big prize hole sensor. Therefore, when a game ball is detected by each sensor, the detection signal from each sensor is input to the main control board. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-045842 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, there are cases where employees at game parlors assemble each component of a gaming machine and install the gaming machine. In this case, if the gaming machine is installed in the game parlor even though the main detection means is not working properly, there is a risk that players will be greatly disadvantaged. Therefore, there is a demand for a system that can confirm that the main detection means works properly in a gaming machine assembled at a game parlor.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of confirming that a main detection means is operating correctly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The gaming machine of the present invention is A main control board capable of controlling the progress of a game; An identification symbol display means connected to the main control board and capable of variably displaying an identification symbol indicating whether or not the identification symbol is a winning symbol; A first main detection means capable of outputting a detection signal to the main control board; A second main detection means capable of outputting a detection signal to the main control board; A specific winning opening opening opening member whose opening and closing operation is controlled by the main control board so as to change the ease with which game balls enter the specific winning opening, The main control board includes: When the RAM clear operation means is operated with the power turned on, The game progress can be set to an uncontrollable confirmation mode; When the confirmation mode is set, when a detection signal is input from the first main detection means, a first detection notification indicating that the detection signal has been input can be executed by the identification pattern display means; When the confirmation mode is set, when a detection signal is input from the second main detection means, a second detection notification indicating that the detection signal has been input can be executed by the identification pattern display means; When the RAM clear operation means is operated while the confirmation mode is set, the confirmation mode can be ended; After the confirmation mode is started, Check Mode This gaming machine is characterized in that the opening and closing operation of the specific winning opening opening member is repeated until the game is completed.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can confirm that the main detection means is operating correctly. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is an oblique view showing the structure of the gaming machine frame of the gaming machine. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board of the gaming machine. [Diagram 5] 5 is an enlarged view of a portion A shown in FIG. 4, showing displays provided on the gaming machine. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the game control board of the gaming machine. FIG. [Figure 7] A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the performance control board of the gaming machine. [Figure 8] 2 is an oblique view showing the back side of the gaming machine. [Figure 9] 13 is a hit type determination table. [Figure 10] 13 is a table showing various random numbers acquired by the game control microcomputer. [Figure 11] (A) is a jackpot determination table, (B) is a reach determination table, (C) is a normal symbol hit determination table, and (D) is a normal symbol variation pattern selection table. [Figure 12] This is a special chart fluctuation pattern determination table. [Figure 13] This is a table for determining the electric chute opening pattern. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a RAM cleared area and a RAM non-cleared area. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flow after power is turned on. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a flow of a test mode. [Figure 17] 4 is a flowchart of a main control process. [Figure 18] 4 is a flowchart of a power-on process. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart of a RAM clear process. [Figure 20] 13 is a flowchart of a test mode process. [Figure 21] 13 is a flowchart of a main-side timer interrupt process. [Figure 22] 13 is a flowchart of a power interruption monitoring process. [Figure 23] 13 is a flowchart of a sub-control main process. [Figure 24] 13 is a flowchart of a 1 ms timer interrupt process. [Diagram 25]13 is a flowchart of a 10 ms timer interrupt process. [Figure 26] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the game control board in the second mode. [Figure 27] 10 is a flowchart of a test mode process in the second embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the game control board in the third mode. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the game control board in the fourth mode. [Diagram 30] 13 is a flowchart showing a power interruption monitoring process in the fifth embodiment. [Diagram 31] 13 is a flowchart showing a RAM clear process in the fifth embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the game control board in the sixth mode. [Diagram 33] 20 is a flowchart showing a RAM clear process in the sixth embodiment. [Diagram 34] 20 is a flowchart showing a power interruption monitoring process in the seventh embodiment. [Diagram 35] 23 is a flowchart of a RAM clear process in the eighth embodiment. [Diagram 36] 13 is a flowchart of a test mode process in the ninth embodiment. [Figure 37] This is a front view of the game board in the tenth mode. [Figure 38] A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the game control board in the tenth mode. [Figure 39] FIG. 23 is a front view of the base display in the tenth embodiment. [Diagram 40] In the tenth embodiment, it is a driving mode confirmation table. [Diagram 41] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a flow of a test mode in the tenth embodiment. [Diagram 42] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a flow of a test mode in the tenth embodiment. [Diagram 43]23 is a flowchart of a test mode process in the tenth embodiment. [Diagram 44] 23 is a flowchart of a test mode process in the tenth embodiment. [Diagram 45] 23 is a flowchart of a test mode process in the tenth embodiment. [Diagram 46] 23 is a flowchart of a test mode process in the tenth embodiment. [Figure 47] FIG. 23 is an oblique view showing the back side of the gaming machine in the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 48] In the eleventh form, (A) is a jackpot determination table used when the setting value is "1", (B) is a jackpot determination table used when the setting value is "2", (C) is a jackpot determination table used when the setting value is "3", (D) is a jackpot determination table used when the setting value is "4", (E) is a jackpot determination table used when the setting value is "5", and (F) is a jackpot determination table used when the setting value is "6". [Figure 49] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a flow of a test mode in the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 50] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a flow of a test mode in the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 51] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a test mode ending condition according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] 1. Structure of the gaming machine A pachinko game machine PY1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the left and right directions of each part of the pachinko game machine PY1 will be described as being the same as the left and right directions of a player facing the pachinko game machine PY1. Also, the front direction of each part of the pachinko game machine PY1 will be described as the direction approaching the player facing the pachinko game machine PY1, and the rear direction of each part of the pachinko game machine PY1 will be described as the direction away from the player facing the pachinko game machine PY1.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko game machine PY1 of the embodiment includes a game machine frame 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the game machine frame 2 constitutes the outer shell of the pachinko game machine PY1, and includes an outer frame 22, an inner frame 21, and a front door 23 (front frame). The outer frame 22 is a vertically rectangular frame body that forms the outer shell of the pachinko game machine PY1. The inner frame 21 is disposed inside the outer frame 22, and is a vertically rectangular frame body to which a game board 1 described later is attached. The front door 23 is disposed on the front side of the outer frame 22 and the inner frame 21, and is a vertically rectangular frame body that protects the game board 1. The front door 23 is the part that faces the player, and is decorated with various ornaments.

[0011] The gaming machine frame 2 is configured with a hinge portion 24 on the left end side. This hinge portion 24 allows the front door 23 to rotate freely relative to the outer frame 22 and the inner frame 21, and the inner frame 21 to rotate freely relative to the outer frame 22 and the front door 23. An opening 23a is formed in the center of the front door 23, and a transparent plate 23t is attached to the opening 23a so that the player can see the game area 6 described below. In this embodiment, the transparent plate 23t is a glass plate, but it may be a transparent synthetic resin plate. In other words, the transparent plate 23t may be any plate that allows the player to see the game area 6 from the front.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the front door 23 is provided with a handle 72k (game ball shooting means) for shooting game balls with a shooting strength according to the rotation angle, a ball supply tray (upper tray) 34 for storing game balls, and a surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 35 for storing game balls that cannot be accommodated in the ball supply tray 34. The front door 23 is also provided with an effect button (input unit) 40k and a select button 42k that can be operated by a player during effects that are executed as the game progresses. The effect button 40k is provided with an effect button vibration motor 40m for vibrating the effect button 40k in the horizontal direction inside, and can vibrate during effects or when a player operates the effect button 40k. The select button (cross key) 42k is composed of an up button, a down button, a left button, and a right button. The front door 23 is also provided with a decorative frame lamp 212 and a speaker (not shown in FIG. 1) for outputting sound.

[0013] A game board 1 shown in Fig. 4 is attached to the game machine frame 2. As shown in Fig. 4, the game board 1 has a game area 6, in which game balls released by operating a handle 72k flow down, surrounded by a rail member 62. The game board 1 is also provided with a number of decorative board lamps 54. The game area 6 has a number of game nails protruding therefrom to guide the game balls. The game board 1 is an integrated unit consisting of a plate-like member disposed on the front side and a back unit (a unit for mounting various control boards, an image display device 50, harnesses, etc., described later) disposed on the rear side.

[0014] In addition, near the center of the game area 6, an image display device 50 (effect display means, image display means) which is a liquid crystal display device is provided. The image display device may be another image display device such as an organic EL display device. The display screen 50a (display unit) of the image display device 50 has an effect pattern display area which performs variable display of effect pattern EZ (decorative pattern) synchronized with the variable display of the first special pattern and the second special pattern described later. The effect which displays the effect pattern EZ is called effect pattern variable effect. The effect pattern variable effect is sometimes called "decorative pattern variable effect" or simply "variable effect". The effect pattern display area consists of three effect pattern display areas, for example, "left", "middle", and "right". The left effect pattern EZ1 is displayed in the left effect pattern display area, the middle effect pattern EZ2 is displayed in the middle effect pattern display area, and the right effect pattern EZ3 is displayed in the right effect pattern display area.

[0015] Each of the performance symbols EZ is composed of a plurality of symbols representing numbers, for example, from "1" to "9." The image display device 50 displays the results of the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 81a and the second special symbol display device 81b (described later) (that is, the results of the big win lottery) in an easy-to-understand manner by combining the left performance symbol EZ1, the center performance symbol EZ2, and the right performance symbol EZ3.

[0016] For example, if a jackpot is won, the performance pattern EZ is displayed as a random number such as "777". If a jackpot is lost, the performance pattern EZ is displayed as a random number such as "637". This makes it easier for the player to understand the progress of the game. In other words, the player generally does not understand the result of the jackpot lottery using the first special pattern display device 81a or the second special pattern display device 81b, but rather uses the image display device 50. The position of the performance pattern display area does not have to be fixed. In addition, the variable display of the performance pattern EZ can be, for example, scrolled up and down.

[0017] The image display device 50 displays on the display screen 50a not only the effect pattern change effect using the effect pattern EZ as described above, but also the big win effect performed in parallel with the big win game, and the demo effect for waiting for customers (customer waiting effect), etc. In the effect pattern change effect, in addition to the effect pattern EZ such as numbers, effect images other than the effect pattern EZ such as background images and character images are also displayed.

[0018] The display screen 50a of the image display device 50 also has a reserved icon display area that displays reserved icons HA (effect reserved images) according to the number of reserved first special symbols and reserved second special symbols described below. By displaying the reserved icons HA, the number of reserved first special symbols displayed on the first special symbol reserved display device 83a described below and the number of reserved second special symbols displayed on the second special symbol reserved display device 83b described below can be clearly shown to the player.

[0019] A center frame 61 (inner wall portion) is disposed near the center of the game area 6 and in front of the image display device 50. A stage 61s capable of guiding game balls rolling on the upper surface to a first starting opening 11 described later is formed in the lower portion of the center frame 61. A warp 61w is provided on the left portion of the center frame 61, which allows game balls to flow in from an entrance and out from an exit to the stage 61s. A vertically movable board body 55k is provided on the upper portion of the center frame 61. The board body 55k can be moved from an initial position above the display screen 50a to a performance position overlapping the center of the display screen 50a in the front-rear direction.

[0020] Below the image display device 50 in the game area 6, a first start winning device 11D is provided, which has a first start hole 11 (ball entry hole) in which the ease of entry of a game ball is always constant. The first start hole 11 is also called the first ball entry hole, fixed ball entry hole, first start winning hole, or first start area. The first start winning device 11D is also called the first ball entry means, fixed ball entry means, or first start winning device. The entry of a game ball into the first start hole 11 triggers the drawing of a first special symbol (a big win lottery, i.e., the acquisition and determination of a big win random number, etc.).

[0021] In addition, below the first starting hole 11 in the game area 6, a normal variable winning device (normal electric device, so-called electric chute) 12D equipped with a second starting hole 12 (ball entry hole, specific winning hole) is provided. The second starting hole 12 is also called the second ball entry hole, variable ball entry hole, second starting winning hole, or second starting area. The electric chute 12D is also called the second ball entry means, variable ball entry means, or second starting winning device. The entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 12 triggers the drawing of a lottery for a second special symbol (a big win lottery).

[0022] The electric chute 12D is provided with an electric chute opening / closing member 12k (specific winning opening opening / closing member) that can be in an open state or a closed state, and the second start opening 12 is opened and closed by the operation of the electric chute opening / closing member 12k. The electric chute opening / closing member 12k is driven by an electric chute solenoid 12s described below. When the electric chute opening / closing member 12k is in an open state, a game ball can enter the second start opening 12, and when it is in a closed state, a game ball cannot enter the second start opening 12. In other words, the second start opening 12 is a start opening in which the ease of entering a game ball can be changed. Note that the electric chute does not have to be one that makes it easier to enter the second start opening when the electric chute opening / closing member is in an open state than when it is in a closed state.

[0023] In addition, a large prize device (special electric device) 14D equipped with a large prize opening 14 is provided to the right of the first starting opening 11 in the game area 6. The large prize opening 14 is also called a special prize opening (special ball opening, specific prize opening). The large prize device 14D is also called an attacker (AT), a special prize means, or a special variable prize device. The large prize device 14D is equipped with an AT opening / closing member 14k (specific prize opening opening / closing member) that can be opened and closed, and opens and closes the large prize opening 14 by operating the AT opening / closing member 14k. The AT opening / closing member 14k is driven by an AT solenoid 14s described later. The large prize opening 14 is only allowed to receive game balls when the AT opening / closing member 14k is in the open state.

[0024] Also, a gate 13 through which the gaming ball can pass is provided to the right of the center frame 61. The gate 13 is also called a passing port or a passing area. The passage of the gaming ball through the gate 13 triggers the execution of a normal pattern lottery (i.e., the acquisition and determination of a normal pattern random number (a winning random number)) that determines whether or not the electric chute 12D is opened. Furthermore, a plurality of normal winning ports 10 are provided at the bottom of the gaming area 6. Also, an outlet 19 is provided at the bottom of the gaming area 6 for discharging gaming balls that have been shot into the gaming area 6 but have not entered any of the winning ports out of the gaming area 6.

[0025] In this way, the game area 6 in which various winning holes and the like are arranged has a left game area 6L (first game area) on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, and a right game area 6R (second game area) on the right side. A hitting method in which the game ball is shot so that it flows down the left game area 6L is called a left hit. On the other hand, a hitting method in which the game ball is shot so that it flows down the right game area 6R is called a right hit. In this form of pachinko game machine PY1, the flow path through which the game ball flows down when playing with a left hit is called a first flow path R1, and the flow path through which the game ball flows down when playing with a right hit is called a second flow path R2.

[0026] On the first flow path R1, there are provided a first start hole 11, a general winning hole 10, an electric chute 12D, and an outlet 19. A player can aim to win at the first start hole 11 or the general winning hole 10 by hitting a game ball so that it flows down the first flow path R1. Since there is no gate on the first flow path R1, the electric chute 12D will not open when hitting from the left.

[0027] On the other hand, the second flow path R2 is provided with a gate 13, a general winning opening 10, a big winning device 14D, an electric chute 12D, and an outlet 19. A player can aim to pass through the gate 13 or win at the general winning opening 10, the second starting opening 12, or the big winning opening 14 by hitting a game ball so that it flows down the second flow path R2.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 4, displays 8 are arranged at the lower right of the game board 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the displays 8 include a first special symbol display 81a that variably displays the first special symbol, a second special symbol display 81b that variably displays the second special symbol, and a regular symbol display 82 that variably displays the regular symbol (regular symbol). The first special symbol is also called the first special symbol or special symbol 1, and the second special symbol is also called the second special symbol or special symbol 2. The regular symbol is also called the regular symbol.

[0029] The displays 8 also include a first special chart hold display 83a which displays the number of activated reserved items (first special chart hold) stored in the first special chart display 81a, a second special chart hold display 83b which displays the number of activated reserved items (second special chart hold) stored in the second special chart display 81b, and a regular chart hold display 84 which displays the number of activated reserved items (regular chart hold) stored in the regular chart display 82.

[0030] The variable display of the first special symbol is triggered by the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 11. The variable display of the second special symbol is triggered by the entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 12. In the following description, the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be collectively referred to as special symbols (special symbols). Also, the first special symbol display 81a and the second special symbol display 81b may be collectively referred to as the special symbol display 81. Also, the first special symbol reserve display 83a and the second special symbol reserve display 83b may be collectively referred to as the special symbol reserve display 83. Also, the first special symbol reserve and the second special symbol reserve may be collectively referred to as the special symbol reserve.

[0031] The special symbol display 81 notifies the result of a lottery (special symbol lottery, jackpot lottery) based on winning at the first start port 11 or the second start port 12 by displaying (changing) a special symbol (identification symbol) in a variable manner and then displaying it in a stopped state. The special symbol displayed in a stopped state (stopping symbol, special symbol derived and displayed as a display result of a variable display) is one special symbol selected from a plurality of types of special symbols by a special symbol lottery. When the stopping symbol is a predetermined specific special symbol (a special symbol in a specific stopping mode, i.e., a jackpot symbol), a jackpot game (one example of a special game) is played in which the jackpot opening port 14 is opened in an opening pattern according to the type of the specific special symbol displayed in a stopped state (i.e., the type of jackpot that has been won). The opening pattern of the jackpot opening in the special game will be described later.

[0032] Specifically, the special symbol display 81 is composed of, for example, eight LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) arranged side by side, and displays a special symbol according to the result of the jackpot lottery by the lighting state of the LEDs. For example, when a jackpot (one of the multiple types of jackpots described later) is won, the jackpot symbol is displayed with the first, second, fifth, and sixth LEDs from the left lit, such as "○○●●○○●●" (○: lit, ●: unlit). Also, when a loss occurs, a loss symbol is displayed with only the rightmost LED lit, such as "●●●●●●●○". A mode in which all LEDs are turned off as a loss symbol may be adopted. Note that the loss symbol is not a specific special symbol. Also, before the special symbol is stopped and displayed, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined variable time, and the variable display mode is, for example, a mode in which each LED is lit so that light flows repeatedly from left to right. The manner in which the variable display takes place may be any manner, such as all LEDs flashing at the same time, as long as the individual LEDs are not displayed as stopped (illuminated in a specific manner).

[0033] In this pachinko game machine PY1, when a game ball enters the first start hole 11 or the second start hole 12, the values ​​(numerical information, judgment information) of various random numbers such as a jackpot random number acquired for the entry are temporarily stored in a special chart reservation memory unit 105 described later. In detail, if the entry is in the first start hole 11, it is stored as a first special chart reservation in a first special chart reservation memory unit 105a described later, and if the entry is in the second start hole 12, it is stored as a second special chart reservation in a second special chart reservation memory unit 105b described later. There is an upper limit to the number of special chart reservations that can be stored in each special chart reservation memory unit 105, and the upper limit in this embodiment is "4".

[0034] The reserved special symbols stored in the reserved special symbols storage unit 105 are consumed when the variable display of the special symbols based on the reserved special symbols becomes possible. The consumption of reserved special symbols means that the jackpot random number corresponding to the reserved special symbols is determined, and the variable display of the special symbols is executed to show the result of the determination. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine PY1, even if the variable display of the special symbols based on the winning of the game ball into the first start hole 11 or the second start hole 12 cannot be executed immediately after the winning, that is, even if the winning occurs during the variable display of the special symbols or during the execution of the special game, the right to the jackpot lottery for the winning can be reserved up to a predetermined number.

[0035] The number of reserved special drawings is displayed on the reserved special drawing display 83. Specifically, each reserved special drawing display 83 is composed of, for example, four LEDs, and displays the number of reserved special drawings by lighting up the LEDs as many as the number of reserved special drawings.

[0036] The variable display of the normal symbol is triggered by the passage of the game ball through the gate 13. The normal symbol display 82 notifies the result of the normal symbol lottery based on the passage of the game ball through the gate 13 by displaying the normal symbol variably (variably) and then stopping it. The normal symbol that is stopped and displayed (normal symbol stop symbol, normal symbol that is derived and displayed as the display result of the variable display) is one normal symbol selected from a plurality of normal symbols by the normal symbol lottery. If the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed is a specific normal symbol (a normal symbol in a predetermined stopping mode, i.e., a normal winning symbol), an auxiliary game is performed in which the second start hole 12 is opened in an opening pattern according to the current game state. The opening pattern of the second start hole 12 will be described later.

[0037] Specifically, the normal pattern display 82 is composed of, for example, two LEDs (see FIG. 5), and displays a normal pattern according to the result of the normal pattern lottery by the way they are lit. For example, if the lottery result is a win, a normal winning pattern with both LEDs lit, such as "○○" (○: lit, ●: off), is displayed. If the lottery result is a loss, a normal loss pattern with only the right LED lit, such as "●○", is displayed. A mode in which all LEDs are turned off may be adopted as a normal loss pattern. Note that the normal loss pattern is not a specific normal pattern. Before the normal pattern is displayed in a stopped state, the normal pattern is displayed in a specified change time, and the change display mode is, for example, a mode in which both LEDs are alternately lit. Note that the change display mode may be anything, such as all LEDs flashing at once, as long as each LED is not displayed in a stopped state (a light display in a specific mode).

[0038] In this pachinko game machine PY1, when a game ball passes through the gate 13, the value of the normal symbol random number (winning random number) obtained for that passage is temporarily stored as a normal symbol reserve in the normal symbol reserve memory unit 106 described below. There is an upper limit to the number of normal symbol reserves that can be stored in the normal symbol reserve memory unit 106, and the upper limit in this embodiment is "4".

[0039] The reserved normal symbols stored in the reserved normal symbols storage unit 106 are consumed when the variable display of the normal symbols based on the reserved normal symbols becomes possible. The consumption of reserved normal symbols means judging the normal symbol random number (winning random number) corresponding to the reserved normal symbols and executing the variable display of the normal symbols to show the judgment result. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine PY1, even if the variable display of the normal symbols based on the passage of the game ball to the gate 13 cannot be performed immediately after the passage, that is, even if a prize is won during the variable display of the normal symbols or during the execution of the auxiliary game, the right to draw the normal symbols for the passage can be reserved up to a predetermined number.

[0040] The number of such reserved maps is displayed on the reserved map display 84. Specifically, the reserved map display 84 is composed of, for example, four LEDs, and displays the number of reserved maps by lighting up the LEDs corresponding to the number of reserved maps.

[0041] 2. Electrical configuration of the gaming machine Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine PY1 will be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the pachinko game machine PY1 includes a game control board 100 (main control board) that controls game profits such as big win lottery and transition of game state, a performance control board 120 (sub-control board) that controls performances executed as the game progresses, and a payout control board 170 that controls payout of game balls. The game control board 100, the payout control board 170, and the power supply board 190 constitute a main control unit. In other words, the game control board 100, the payout control board 170, and the power supply board 190 can be said to be boards (main boards) that have functions that affect the results of the game. The performance control board 120, together with an image control board 140 and a sub-drive board 162 described later, constitute a sub-control unit.

[0042] The sub-controller at least needs to have a performance control board 120 and be capable of controlling game performance using performance means (image display device 50, speaker 620, board lamp 54, board movable body 55k, frame lamp 212, etc.).

[0043] The pachinko game machine PY1 also includes a power supply board 190. The power supply board 190 (power supply means) receives AC24V power from outside the pachinko game machine PY1 and generates various voltages (DC5V, DC12V, DC18V, DC24V, DC37V) of power (power) required for the operation of the pachinko game machine PY1 based on the AC24V power. The DC5V power is mainly used as a power supply for various integrated circuits (ICs). The DC12V power is mainly used as a power supply for various sensors and solenoids. The DC18V power is mainly used as a power supply for various LEDs. The DC24V power and DC37V power are mainly used as power supplies for motors (drive means) for effects.

[0044] The power supply board 190 first supplies the generated power to the payout control board 170. The generated power is then supplied to the game control board 100 and the performance control board 120 via the payout control board 170. The generated power is then supplied to other devices via the payout control board 170, the game control board 100, and the performance control board 120.

[0045] A power switch 195 (power switching unit) is also connected to the power supply board 190. The power switch 195 can be switched between an on state (ON state) in which power can be supplied based on an externally supplied AC 24V power source, and a cut-off state (OFF state) in which power cannot be supplied. That is, the power switch 195 switches between power on and power cut-off by an ON or OFF operation, and when the power switch 195 is turned ON, the power is turned on, and when the power switch 195 is turned OFF, the power is cut-off. When the power switch 195 is in the ON state, the pachinko game machine PY1 is in a power-on state, and when the power switch 195 is in the OFF state, the pachinko game machine PY1 is in a power-off state.

[0046] The power supply board 190 is also provided with a RAM clear switch 191 (RAM clear operation means) that can be pressed down. The RAM clear switch 191 is for erasing information related to the progress of the game (for example, information on the game state such as a high probability state, information on the results of special chart reservation and jackpot hit / miss judgment, and processing information of the game CPU 102 described later) stored in a game RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 of the game control microcomputer 101 described later.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 8, the RAM clear switch 191 is provided on the power supply board 190 arranged on the back side of the pachinko game machine PY1 (more specifically, on the right side of the power switch 195 on the power supply board 190 when the pachinko game machine PY1 is viewed from the back side). Therefore, only an employee of the game arcade who can open the game machine frame 2 can operate the RAM clear switch 191. In other words, the RAM clear switch 191 can be said to be an operation means that cannot be operated by a player. Note that the RAM clear switch 191 is a tactile switch, and when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, a detection signal (RAM clear operation signal) indicating that the RAM clear switch 191 is ON is input to the game control microcomputer 101. A state in which the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed is referred to as the ON state of the RAM clear switch 191, and a state in which the RAM clear switch 191 is not pressed is referred to as the OFF state of the RAM clear switch 191.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 6, the game control board 100 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer for game control (hereinafter, "game control microcomputer") 101 that controls the progress of the game of the pachinko game machine PY1 according to a program. The game control microcomputer 101 (main control means, game control means) includes a game ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 that stores a program for controlling the progress of the game, a game RAM 104 (storage means) used as a work memory, a game CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102 that executes the program stored in the game ROM 103, and a game I / O (Input / Output) port section 118 for inputting and outputting data and signals. The game RAM 104 (storage means) is provided with the above-mentioned special chart reservation storage section 105 (first special chart reservation storage section 105a and second special chart reservation storage section 105b) and a normal chart reservation storage section 106. 8, a base display 300 is provided on the game control board 100. The display control of the base display 300 is performed by a game control microcomputer 101.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 6, various sensors and solenoids are connected to the game control board 100 via a relay board 110. Therefore, signals are input from each sensor to the game control board 100, and signals are output from the game control board 100 to each solenoid. Specifically, the sensors connected include a first start hole sensor 11a, a second start hole sensor 12a, a gate sensor 13a, a big prize hole sensor 14a, a general prize hole sensor 10a, and an outlet sensor 18a.

[0050] The first start hole sensor 11a is provided in the first start hole 11 and detects game balls that have entered the first start hole 11. The second start hole sensor 12a is provided in the second start hole 12 and detects game balls that have entered the second start hole 12. The gate sensor 13a is provided in the gate 13 and detects game balls that have passed through the gate 13. The special prize hole sensor 14a is provided in the special prize hole 14 and detects game balls that have entered the special prize hole 14. The general prize hole sensor 10a is provided in the general prize hole 10 and detects game balls that have entered the general prize hole 10.

[0051] The outlet sensor 18a is provided in an outlet (not shown) that discharges game balls to the outside of the pachinko game machine PY1, and detects game balls that have passed through the outlet. The outlet is provided at the lower end of the inner frame 21, and game balls that have been shot into the game area 6 enter either the first start port 11, the second start port 12, the big prize port 14, the general prize port 10, or the out port 19, and then finally pass through the outlet. Therefore, by detecting game balls that have passed through the outlet with the outlet sensor 18a, it is possible to detect all game balls that have been shot into the game area 6 (that have flowed down the game area 6). The number of all game balls that have been shot into the game area 6 can be called the total number of shot balls. The total number of shot balls is the same as the number of all game balls that are discharged to the outside of the pachinko game machine PY1, and can also be called the number of discharged balls, the total number of discharged balls, or the number of out balls.

[0052] In addition, the solenoids connected include an electric chute solenoid 12s and an automatic transmission solenoid 14s. The electric chute solenoid 12s drives an electric chute opening / closing member 12k of the electric chute 12D. The automatic transmission solenoid 14s drives an automatic transmission opening / closing member 14k of the special prize device 14D.

[0053] Furthermore, the game control board 100 is connected to a special chart display 81 (first special chart display 81a and second special chart display 81b), a normal chart display 82, a special chart reserve display 83 (first special chart reserve display 83a and second special chart reserve display 83b), and a normal chart reserve display 84. That is, the display control of these displays 8 is performed by the game control microcomputer 101.

[0054] The game control board 100 also transmits various commands and signals to the payout control board 170, and receives signals from the payout control board 170 to monitor payouts. The payout control board 170 is connected to a card unit CU (installed adjacent to the pachinko game machine PY1, which enables ball lending based on information on an inserted prepaid card, etc.) and a prize ball payout device 73, and is also connected to a launching device 72 via a launching control circuit 175. The launching device 72 includes a handle 72k (see FIG. 1).

[0055] Here, as described above, the game control board 100 (game control microcomputer 101) controls the opening and closing operation of the AT opening and closing member 14k, controls the opening and closing operation of the electric chute opening and closing member 12k, controls the display (light emission) of the displays 8, and controls the display (light emission) of the base display 300. In other words, the AT opening and closing member 14k, the electric chute opening and closing member 12k, the displays 8, and the base display 300 are controlled by the game control board 100, and each can be referred to as the "main driving means."

[0056] The payout control board 170 is equipped with a payout control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter, "payout control microcomputer") 171 that can execute control processing related to the payout of game balls according to a program. The payout control microcomputer 171 (payout control means) includes a payout ROM 173 that stores a program for controlling payout, a payout RAM 174 used as a work memory, a payout CPU 172 that executes the program stored in the payout ROM 173, and a payout I / O port unit (input / output circuit) 178 for inputting and outputting data and signals. The payout ROM 173 may be external.

[0057] The payout control board 170 drives the prize ball motor 73m of the prize ball payout device 73 to pay out prize balls or pay out loan balls based on a signal from the game control microcomputer 101 or a signal from the card unit CU connected to the pachinko game machine PY1. For example, when a game ball enters the first start hole 11 (wins), a detection signal from the first start hole sensor 11a is input to the game control microcomputer 101. As a result, the game control microcomputer 101 outputs a prize ball command (prize ball signal) indicating that the game ball has entered the first start hole 11 to the payout control board 170. In this case, the payout control microcomputer 171 that has received the prize ball command drives the launch solenoid 72s via the launch control circuit 175 based on the prize ball number information stored in the payout ROM 173 to pay out prize balls (for example, three balls) based on the ball entering the first start hole 11. At this time, the paid-out game balls are detected by the prize ball sensor 73a for counting, and a detection signal by the prize ball sensor 73a is output to the payout control board 170.

[0058] In this embodiment, a backup power circuit 179 is provided on the payout control board 170. The backup power circuit 179 is equipped with a capacitor (not shown), and when power is not supplied from the power supply board 190, DC 5V power (backup power) is supplied from the backup power circuit 179 (capacitor) to the payout RAM 174 and the game RAM 104. This allows the memory contents of the payout RAM 174 and the game RAM 104 to be retained even when power is interrupted.

[0059] When the player operates the handle 72k (see FIG. 1) of the launcher 72, the touch switch 72a detects the touch with the handle 72k, and the launch volume 72b detects the amount of rotation of the handle 72k. The launch solenoid 72s is then driven so that the game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the magnitude of the detection signal of the launch volume 72b. In this pachinko game machine PY1, one game ball is launched in about 0.6 seconds.

[0060] The game control board 100 also transmits various commands to the performance control board 120. The connection between the game control board 100 and the performance control board 120 is a one-way communication connection that allows only the transmission of signals from the game control board 100 to the performance control board 120. In other words, a one-way circuit (not shown, for example, a circuit using a diode) is interposed between the game control board 100 and the performance control board 120 as a communication direction restriction means.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 7, the performance control board 120 is equipped with a performance control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "performance control microcomputer") 121 that controls the performance of the pachinko game machine PY1 according to a program. The performance control microcomputer 121 includes a performance ROM 123 that stores a program for controlling the performance as the game progresses, a performance RAM 124 used as a work memory, a performance CPU 122 that executes the program stored in the performance ROM 123, and a performance I / O port unit 138 for inputting and outputting data and signals. The performance ROM 123 may be external. As described above, the performance control board 120 is configured to receive power (for example, DC 5V power) from the power supply board 190 via the payout control board 170.

[0062] 7, the image control board 140 is connected to the performance control board 120, and a sub-drive board 162 (sub-drive circuit) is also connected to the performance control board 120. The performance control microcomputer 121 (performance control means) of the performance control board 120 causes the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 to control the display of the image display device 50 based on a command received from the game control board 100. The performance control microcomputer 121 transmits a control signal via the image input circuit 147 of the image control board 140. The image CPU 141 transmits a control signal to the image display device 50 via the image output circuit 148 of the image control board 140.

[0063] The image RAM 143 of the image control board 140 is a memory for expanding image data. The image ROM 142 of the image control board 140 stores still image data and video data to be displayed on the image display device 50, specifically image data of characters, items, figures, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. (including decorative patterns) and background images. The image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 reads image data from the image ROM 142 based on a command from the performance control microcomputer 121. Then, display control is performed based on the read image data.

[0064] A speaker 620 (sound output means) is connected to the image control board 140. The performance control microcomputer 121 outputs voice, music, sound effects, etc. from the speaker 620 via the sound CPU 149 of the image control board 140 based on a command received from the game control board 100. The sound CPU 149 performs sound control of the speaker 620 via the sound control circuit 150 based on a command from the image CPU 141. Sound data such as sound output from the speaker 620 is stored in the performance ROM 123 of the performance control board 120. However, the sound data may be stored in the image ROM 142 of the image control board 140.

[0065] Although image control board 140 is made to control the sound of speaker 620, an audio control board may be provided separately from image control board 140, and this audio control board may control the sound of speaker 620. In this case, the audio control board may be connected to performance control board 120, or may be connected to performance control board 120 via image control board 140. A CPU may be mounted on the audio control board, and in this case, the CPU may be made to execute the sound control. Furthermore, in this case, a ROM may be mounted on the audio control board, and sound data may be stored in the ROM.

[0066] 7, the performance control microcomputer 121 controls the lighting of lamps such as the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 via the sub-drive board 162 based on commands received from the game control board 100. In detail, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates light emission pattern data (data that determines the on / off state, light emission color, etc., also called lamp data) that determines the light emission mode of each lamp, and controls the light emission of each lamp according to the light emission pattern data. Note that data stored in the performance ROM 123 of the performance control board 120 is used to create the light emission pattern data.

[0067] Furthermore, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs drive control of the board movable body 55k and the performance button 40k via the sub-drive board 162 based on the command received from the game control board 100. In detail, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates operation pattern data (also called drive data) that determines the operation mode (vibration mode) of the board movable body 55k and the performance button 40k, and performs motor control of the board movable body drive motor 55m that drives the board movable body 55k and motor control of the performance button vibration motor 40m that vibrates the performance button 40k according to the operation pattern data. Data stored in the performance ROM 123 of the performance control board 120 is used to create the operation pattern data.

[0068] A CPU may be mounted on the sub-drive board 162, in which case the CPU may be made to control the lighting of the lamps and the driving of the movable board body 55k and the performance buttons 40k. Furthermore, in this case, a ROM may be mounted on the sub-drive board 162, and data relating to light emission patterns and operation patterns may be stored in the ROM.

[0069] In addition, a performance button detection sensor (input unit detection sensor) 40a and a select button detection sensor 42a are connected to the performance control board 120. The performance button detection sensor 40a detects that the performance button 40k (see FIG. 1) has been pressed. When the performance button 40k is pressed, a detection signal is output from the performance button detection sensor 40a to the performance control board 120. The select button detection sensor 42a detects that the select button 42k (see FIG. 1) has been pressed. When the select button 42k is pressed, a detection signal is output from the select button detection sensor 42a to the performance control board 120.

[0070] Also, unlike the game control board 100, the performance control board 120 incorporates a backup power supply circuit 126. The backup power supply circuit 126 is equipped with a capacitor (not shown), and in the event of a power interruption in which power is not supplied from the power supply board 190, DC 5V power (backup power supply) is supplied from the backup power supply circuit 126 (capacitor) to the performance RAM 124. This allows the stored contents of the performance RAM 124 to be maintained.

[0071] 6 and 7 are merely functional block diagrams for explaining the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine PY1, and are not limited to the boards shown in Fig. 6 and 7. Except for the game control board 100, any of the boards shown in Fig. 6 and 7 may be configured as one board, and the one board shown in Fig. 6 and 7 may be configured as multiple boards.

[0072] Here, as described above, the performance control board 120 (performance control microcomputer 121) controls the image display of the image display device 50, controls the audio output from the speaker 620, controls the light emission (lighting) of the frame lamp 212, controls the light emission (lighting) of the board lamp 54, controls the operation of the board movable body 55k, and controls the vibration of the performance button 40k. In other words, the image display device 50, speaker 620, frame lamp 212, board lamp 54, board movable body 55k, and performance button 40 are driven and controlled by the performance control board 120, and can each be called a "sub-driving means (performance means)."

[0073] 3. Explanation of the jackpot etc. In this form of pachinko game machine PY1, the results of the jackpot lottery (special symbol lottery) are a "jackpot" and a "loss." When there is a "jackpot," a "jackpot symbol" is displayed frozen on the special symbol display 81. When there is a "loss," a "loss symbol" is displayed frozen on the special symbol display 81. When a jackpot is won, a "jackpot game" is executed in which the jackpot winning hole 14 is opened in an opening pattern according to the type of special symbol (type of jackpot) that is frozen and displayed. The jackpot game is also called a special game.

[0074] In this embodiment, the jackpot game includes multiple round games (unit opening games), an opening (also written as OP) before the first round game starts, and an ending (also written as ED) after the final round game ends. Each round game starts with the end of the OP or the end of the previous round game, and ends with the start of the next round game or the start of the ED. The time (interval time) for closing the jackpot opening between round games is included in the open round game before the closure.

[0075] There are several types of jackpots. The types of jackpots are as shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, jackpots are divided into special jackpots and normal jackpots. A special jackpot is a jackpot that controls the game state after a jackpot game to a high probability state, which will be described later. A normal jackpot is a jackpot that controls the game state after a jackpot game to a normal probability state (low probability state), which will be described later.

[0076] There are three types of jackpots: 10R jackpot, 6R jackpot, and 3R jackpot. As shown in FIG. 9, the 10R jackpot is a jackpot in which the jackpot opening 14 is opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per R from 1R to 10R. The 6R jackpot is a jackpot in which the jackpot opening 14 is opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per R from 1R to 6R. The 3R jackpot is a jackpot in which the jackpot opening 14 is opened for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per R from 1R to 3R. In each round, game balls can enter (enter) the jackpot opening 14 up to the maximum number of winning balls (10 in this embodiment).

[0077] Thus, there are two types of jackpots that can be won in the lottery for special symbol 1 (lottery for the first special symbol), 10R special symbol 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "special symbol 1") and 3R normal symbol 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "normal symbol 1"), as shown in Fig. 9. When the 10R special symbol 1 is won, "special symbol 1_special symbol" is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 81a, and when the 3R normal symbol 1 is won, "special symbol 1_normal symbol" is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 81a.

[0078] In addition, there are two types of jackpots that can be won in the lottery for special symbol 2 (lottery for the second special symbol), 10R special symbol 2 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "special symbol 2") and 6R normal symbol 2 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "normal symbol 1"), as shown in Figure 9. If the 10R special symbol 2 is won, the "special symbol 2_special symbol" is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 81b, and if the 6R normal symbol 2 is won, the "special symbol 2_normal symbol" is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display 81b.

[0079] Regardless of which jackpot is won, after the jackpot game, the machine will be controlled to the electric support control state (high base state) described below. When the electric support control state is controlled in accordance with the high probability state, it will continue until the next jackpot is won. On the other hand, when it is controlled in accordance with the normal probability state (low probability state), the electric support count (time-saving count) is set to 100 times. The electric support count is the upper limit number of times that the variable display of the special pattern is executed in the electric support control state. Thus, in the case of a 3R normal jackpot 1 that can be won by drawing special chart 1, and in the case of a 6R normal jackpot 2 that can be won by drawing special chart 2, the time-saving count is set to 100 times.

[0080] As shown in Figure 9, the distribution rate of the jackpot in the lottery of special chart 1 and the lottery of special chart 2 is 80% for the special jackpot and 20% for the regular jackpot. However, as mentioned above, if the regular jackpot is won based on the lottery of special chart 1, it is 3R regular jackpot 1, whereas if the regular jackpot is won based on the lottery of special chart 2, it is 6R regular jackpot 2. Therefore, the lottery of special chart 2 is more advantageous for the player than the lottery of special chart 1.

[0081] In this pachinko game machine PY1, the lottery for determining whether or not a jackpot has been won is based on a "jackpot random number," and the lottery for the type of jackpot won is based on a "win type random number." As shown in FIG. 10(A), the jackpot random number has a value in the range of 0 to 65535. The win type random number has a value in the range of 0 to 99. The random numbers obtained based on winning at the first start port 11 or the second start port 12 include a "reach random number" and a "variation pattern random number" in addition to the jackpot random number and win type random number.

[0082] The reach random number is a random number that determines whether or not a reach occurs in the performance pattern variation performance that indicates the result when the result of the jackpot judgment is a miss. A reach is a state in which there is only one performance pattern remaining among multiple performance patterns that are displayed in a variable manner, and depending on which of the performance patterns that are displayed in a variable manner are displayed as stopped, a combination of performance patterns that indicates a jackpot win (for example, a "7↓7" state). Note that the performance pattern displayed in a stopped state in the reach state may be displayed as if it is shaking slightly on the display screen 50a, or may be displayed as if it is repeatedly expanding and contracting. This reach random number has a value in the range of 0 to 255.

[0083] The fluctuation pattern random number is a random number for determining a fluctuation pattern including a fluctuation time. The fluctuation pattern random number has a value in the range of 0 to 99. The random numbers obtained based on passing through the gate 13 include a normal symbol random number (winning random number) shown in FIG. 10(B). The normal symbol random number is a random number for a lottery (normal symbol lottery) for determining whether or not to play an auxiliary game that opens the electric chute 12D. The normal symbol random number has a value in the range of 0 to 65535.

[0084] 4. Description of game status Next, the game state of the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment will be described. The special symbol display 81 and the normal symbol display 82 of the pachinko game machine PY1 each have a probability variation function and a variation time shortening function. The state in which the probability variation function of the special symbol display 81 is activated is called the "high probability state", and the state in which it is not activated is called the "normal probability state (non-high probability state, low probability state)". In the high probability state, the probability of a jackpot is higher than in the normal probability state. That is, a jackpot determination is performed using a jackpot determination table in which the value of the jackpot random number determined to be a jackpot is greater than that of the jackpot determination table used in the normal probability state (see FIG. 11(A)). In other words, when the probability variation function of the special symbol display 81 is activated, the probability that the display result of the variable display of the special symbol by the special symbol display 81 (i.e., the stopped symbol) will be a jackpot symbol is higher than when it is not activated.

[0085] In addition, the state in which the variable time shortening function of the special symbol display 81 is operating is called the "time shortening state", and the state in which it is not operating is called the "non-time shortening state". In the time shortening state, the variable time of the special symbol (the time from the start of the variable display to the derivation display of the display result) is shorter than in the non-time shortening state. In other words, the variable pattern is determined using a special symbol variable pattern table that is determined so that a variable pattern with a short variable time is selected more often than in the non-time shortening state (see FIG. 12). In other words, when the variable time shortening function of the special symbol display 81 is operating, a short variable time is more likely to be selected as the variable time of the variable display of the special symbol compared to when it is not operating. As a result, in the time shortening state, the pace of consumption of the special symbol reservation is faster, and effective winning (winning that can be stored as a special symbol reservation) at the starting port is more likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to aim for a jackpot under smooth game progress.

[0086] The probability variation function and the time shortening function of the special pattern display 81 may operate simultaneously, or only one of them may operate. The probability variation function and the time shortening function of the normal pattern display 82 are designed to operate in synchronization with the time shortening function of the special pattern display 81. That is, the probability variation function and the time shortening function of the normal pattern display 82 operate in the time shortening state, and do not operate in the non-time shortening state. Therefore, in the time shortening state, the probability of winning in the normal pattern lottery is higher than in the non-time shortening state. That is, a win judgment (judgment of the normal pattern) is performed using a normal pattern win judgment table in which the value of the normal pattern random number (win random number) judged as a win is greater than the normal pattern win judgment table used in the non-time shortening state (see FIG. 11(C)). In other words, when the probability variation function of the normal pattern display 82 operates, the probability that the display result of the variable display of the normal pattern by the normal pattern display 82 will be a normal winning pattern is higher than when it is not operating.

[0087] Also, in the time-saving state, the time for which the normal symbols change is shorter than in the non-time-saving state. In this embodiment, the time for which the normal symbols change is 7 seconds in the non-time-saving state, but 1 second in the time-saving state (see FIG. 11(D)). Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the time for which the electric chute 12D is open during auxiliary play is longer than in the non-time-saving state (see FIG. 13). In other words, the function for extending the opening time of the electric chute 12D is activated. Additionally, in the time-saving state, the number of times the electric chute 12D is opened during auxiliary play is greater than in the non-time-saving state (see FIG. 13). In other words, the function for increasing the number of times the electric chute 12D is opened is activated.

[0088] When the probability variation function and variation time shortening function of the normal display 82, and the opening time extension function and opening count increase function of the electric chute 12D are operating, the electric chute 12D opens more frequently and game balls enter the second starting hole 12 more frequently than when these functions are not operating. As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of shot balls, becomes higher. Therefore, the state in which these functions are operating is called a "high base state," and the state in which they are not operating is called a "low base state." In the high base state, you can aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls you have. The high base state is a state in which so-called electric support control (control that supports the entry of a ball into the second starting hole 12 by the electric chute 12D) is being executed. Therefore, the high base state is also called an electric support control state or an easy-to-enter state. In contrast, the low base state is also called a non-electric support control state or a non-easy-to-enter state.

[0089] The high base state does not have to be one in which all of the above functions are activated. In other words, it is sufficient that the activation of one or more of the following functions makes it easier for the electric chute 12D to open than when the function is not activated: the probability fluctuation function of the normal map display 82, the fluctuation time reduction function of the normal map display 82, the opening time extension function of the electric chute 12D, and the opening count increase function of the electric chute 12D. Also, the high base state may be controlled independently without being associated with the time-saving state.

[0090] In the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, the game state after a jackpot game due to winning a high probability jackpot is a high probability state, a time-saving state, and a high base state. This game state is particularly called a "high probability high base state" or a "high probability time-saving state." The high probability high base state (high probability time-saving state) ends when a variable display of a special pattern is executed a predetermined number of times (10,000 times in this embodiment), or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed. In other words, in this embodiment, the high probability high base state essentially continues until the next jackpot is won. The condition for ending the high probability high base state may be only that a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed.

[0091] In addition, the game state after winning a regular jackpot is a normal probability state (non-high probability state, i.e., a low probability state), a time-saving state, and a high base state. This game state is particularly called a "low probability high base state" or a "low probability time-saving state." The low probability high base state (low probability time-saving state) ends when the variable display of special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment), or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed.

[0092] When playing the pachinko game machine PY1 for the first time, the game state after powering on is a normal probability state, a non-time-saving state, and a low base state. This game state is particularly called a "low probability low base state" or a "normal game state." Also, the state during which a special game (jackpot game) is being played is called a "special game state" or a "jackpot game state." Furthermore, the state controlled to at least one of the high probability state and the time-saving state (high base state) is called a "bonus game state."

[0093] In a high base state such as a high probability high base state or a low probability high base state, it is more advantageous to play by hitting the ball to the right game area 6R (see FIG. 4). This is because the electric support control makes it easier to open the electric chute 12D than in a low base state, making it easier to win the second start hole 12 than the first start hole 11. Therefore, the ball is hit to the right in order to win the second start hole 12 while passing through the gate 13, which is the trigger for the normal pattern lottery. This allows more start wins (wins at the start hole) to be obtained than by hitting to the left. In this pachinko game machine PY1, the game is played by hitting to the right even during a jackpot game.

[0094] On the other hand, in the low base state, it is more advantageous to hit the game ball from the left to enter the left game area 6L (see FIG. 4). Because the electric support control is not being executed, the electric chute 12D is less likely to open than in the high base state, and it is easier to win the first start hole 11 than the second start hole 12. Therefore, the left hit is performed to make the game ball enter the first start hole 11. This allows more start wins to be obtained than by hitting from the right.

[0095] 5. Test Mode Next, the test mode, which is a feature of this embodiment, will be described. The test mode is a mode that the game control board 100 (game control microcomputer 101) sets after power is turned on. The test mode is a mode (drive check mode) for checking whether the main drive means is operating correctly. Therefore, in the test mode, the game control board 100 (game control microcomputer 101) performs the opening and closing operation of the AT opening and closing member 14k, the opening and closing operation of the electric chute opening and closing member 12k, the illumination of the displays 8, and the illumination of the base display 300. In this way, an employee of the game arcade can check whether the main drive means is operating correctly in the test mode after power is turned on.

[0096] In the test mode, the progress of the game is not controlled by the game control board 100, and the player cannot play the game. When the test mode ends, the game mode is switched to in which the progress of the game is controlled by the game control board 100, and the player can play the game. Therefore, the test mode can be said to be a mode (non-game mode) in which the progress of the game cannot be controlled by the game control board 100.

[0097] Here, the reason why the pachinko machine PY1 can be switched to the test mode after the power is turned on and before the game mode is switched to will be explained. Conventionally, each game machine manufacturer sends the pachinko machine to the game hall (hall) in an assembled state. Therefore, each game machine manufacturer checks in advance whether the main drive means operates correctly before sending the pachinko machine to the game hall, and at the game hall, an employee sets up the pachinko machine in an already assembled state.

[0098] Incidentally, when changing the specifications of a pachinko machine or manufacturing a successor or derivative model, there are cases where only the game board 1 or only the movable body unit (a part of the front door 23) is replaced without manufacturing the entire pachinko machine anew. In such cases, the applicant does not send the manufactured pachinko machine to the game parlor (hall) in an assembled state, but is adopting an on-site replacement method in which the game board 1 and the movable body unit are sent to the game parlor (hall) and employees of the game parlor replace the game board 1 and the movable body unit that have been sent to complete the pachinko machine.

[0099] This on-site replacement method has the following problems. As described above, in the on-site replacement method, for example, in the game parlor where the game board 1 is delivered, an employee will assemble the pachinko game machine PY1 using the game machine frame that has already been installed. In this case, the employee of the game parlor needs to check whether the main drive means of the assembled pachinko game machine PY1 operates correctly. This is because if a player plays a game when the main drive means does not operate correctly, the player may be greatly disadvantaged.

[0100] Therefore, in the present pachinko game machine PY1, a test mode can be set before the machine goes into the game mode after the power is turned on so that the staff of the game arcade can easily check whether the main driving means is operating correctly. Next, the conditions for going into the test mode will be explained. Three conditions are necessary for going into the test mode.

[0101] The first condition is that the power switch 195 is turned on to turn the power on. In this embodiment, the test mode can be entered only when the power is turned on, so that the test mode can be entered only immediately after the power is turned on. In other words, the test mode will not be entered suddenly during a game (in a game mode).

[0102] The second condition is that the RAM clear is executed. The RAM clear is to erase information related to the progress of the game stored in the game RAM 104. In this embodiment, by making it possible to transition to the test mode on the condition that the RAM clear is executed, it is possible to ensure that the transition to the test mode does not occur simply by turning on the power. Note that, in order for the RAM clear to be executed, it is necessary to press the RAM clear switch 191 when the power is turned on, so that the first condition can be said to be a part of the second condition. In this way, in order to transition to the test mode, two operations are required, namely, turning on the power switch 195 and pressing the RAM clear switch 191, so that transition to the test mode is not possible with a simple operation.

[0103] However, if the test mode is entered only under the first and second conditions, the machine will necessarily enter the test mode every time the RAM is cleared, which may be bothersome to employees of the arcade. In other words, if the machine necessarily enters the test mode after the RAM is cleared, the employee who has already confirmed that the main drive means operates correctly will no longer need the test mode. Therefore, it is preferable for the employee to enter the test mode only when the power is turned on at a certain time after assembling the pachinko machine PY1 at the arcade (hall), and not enter the test mode at other times.

[0104] Therefore, in this embodiment, a third condition is set, which is that the RAM clear switch 191 must be pressed when the power is cut off. That is, in this embodiment, the test mode can be set only if the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the power is cut off and is pressed when the power is turned on thereafter. In this way, by requiring an operation not only when the power is turned on but also when the power is turned off, it is possible for the employees of the game arcade to switch to the test mode only immediately after a certain power is turned on. That is, it is possible to eliminate the hassle of switching to the test mode every time the RAM is cleared.

[0105] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 14, the game RAM 104 is provided with a RAM clear erasure area 104a and a RAM clear non-erasure area 104b (predetermined storage section). The RAM clear erasure area 104a is a storage area in which information (storage contents) stored when RAM clear is executed is erased. This RAM clear erasure area 104a is configured to store information related to the progress of the game (for example, information on the game state such as a high probability state, information on the results of special chart reservation and jackpot hit / miss judgment, etc.).

[0106] On the other hand, the RAM clear non-erasing area 104b is an area in which stored information is not erased (maintained) even if the RAM clear is executed. In this embodiment, if the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the power is cut off, cut-off operation information (predetermined information) based on the pressing operation (predetermined operation) is stored in the RAM clear non-erasing area 104b. Therefore, when the cut-off operation information is stored in the RAM clear non-erasing area 104b, the cut-off operation information is not erased even if the RAM clear is executed after that. As a result, the game control board 100 (game control microcomputer 101) can determine whether the RAM clear switch 191 was pressed when the power was cut off based on whether the cut-off operation information is stored in the RAM clear non-erasing area 104b after the RAM clear is executed.

[0107] In addition, when the cut-off operation information is stored in the RAM clear non-erasing area 104b, the game control board 100 (game control microcomputer 101) erases the cut-off operation information stored in the RAM clear non-erasing area 104b when transitioning to the test mode. This makes it possible to prevent transition to the test mode when the RAM clear is executed the next time the power is turned on.

[0108] Next, the flow after power-on will be described with reference to Fig. 15. As shown in Fig. 15, the flow after power-on can be largely divided into a case where the RAM clear switch 191 is not pressed when power-on, and a case where the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when power-on. In other words, the flow can be divided into a case where the RAM clear is not executed immediately after power-on, and a case where the RAM clear is executed. If the RAM clear switch 191 is not pressed when power-on, the game mode is set after power-on.

[0109] On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the power is turned on, this can be further divided into a case where the RAM clear switch 191 is not pressed when the power is turned off, and a case where the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the power is turned off. If the RAM clear switch 191 is not pressed when the power is turned off, the conditions for transition to the test mode are not met, so after power is turned on, the RAM is cleared and the game mode is set. On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the power is turned off, the conditions for transition to the test mode are met, so after power is turned on, the RAM is cleared and the game mode is set.

[0110] Next, the flow of the test mode will be described with reference to Fig. 16. As shown in Fig. 16, when switching to the test mode, an employee of the game arcade turns off the power switch 195 and presses the RAM clear switch 191 when the power is cut off. This causes cut-off operation information to be stored in the RAM clear non-erasure area 104b of the game RAM 104. Also, until just before the power is cut off, for example, a daytime background image Ha indicating a normal game state is displayed on the display screen 50a of the image display device 50. Then, when the power is cut off, the display screen 50a goes black (nothing is displayed).

[0111] Thereafter, when the power is turned on, an employee of the gaming facility turns on the power switch 195 and also turns on the RAM clear switch 191, which executes a RAM clear. The mode of the gaming control board 100 (game control microcomputer 101) when a RAM clear is being executed is referred to as a RAM clear mode. When in the RAM clear mode, a RAM clear suggestion image CL indicating "RAM clearing in progress" is displayed on the display screen 50a. The display of this RAM clear suggestion image CL makes it possible for the employee of the gaming facility to understand that a RAM clear is being executed.

[0112] After that, when the RAM clear is completed, the game automatically transitions to the test mode. When the game is in the test mode, a test mode suggestion image TE indicating "test mode" is displayed on the display screen 50a. Also, a test mode sound saying "test mode" is output from the speaker 620. The display of the test mode suggestion image TE and the output of the test mode sound make it possible for the employees of the game arcade to understand that the game is in the test mode, i.e., that the main drive means is operating.

[0113] In the test mode, the main drive means, AT opening / closing member 14k, electric chute opening / closing member 12k, display devices 8, and base display device 300, are each driven. If each main drive means were driven simultaneously, the employees of the arcade might not be able to check whether each main drive means is operating normally. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the test mode, each main drive means is driven one by one in sequence.

[0114] Specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, first, (1) the AT opening / closing member 14k operates in a special operation mode. The special operation mode is an operation mode in which the AT opening / closing member 14k opens and closes the large prize opening 14 three times. When the special operation mode of the AT opening / closing member 14k ends, next, (2) the electric chute opening / closing member 12k operates in a special operation mode. The special operation mode is an operation mode in which the electric chute opening / closing member 12k opens and closes the second starting opening 12 three times. When the special operation mode of the electric chute opening / closing member 12k ends, next, (3) the indicators 8 emit light in a special light-emitting mode. The special light-emitting mode is an illumination mode in which all LEDs included in the indicators 8 (first special chart indicator 81a, second special chart indicator 81b, normal chart indicator 82, special chart reserved indicator 83, normal chart reserved indicator 84) are lit for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds). When the special light-emitting mode of the displays 8 ends, finally, (4) the base display 300 emits light in a special light-emitting mode. The special light-emitting mode is a light-emitting mode ("8.8.8.8.") in which all LEDs included in the base display 300 are lit for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds). Thus, in the test mode, each main drive means is driven one by one in sequence, allowing the arcade staff to correctly check the operation of each main drive means one by one.

[0115] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, even if the driving of each main driving means is terminated, the test mode does not automatically end, but the test mode ends when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed. That is, the condition for terminating the test mode is to press the RAM clear switch 191. Thus, when the test mode ends by pressing the RAM clear switch 191, the mode automatically transitions to the game mode. When the mode transitions to the game mode, the day background image Ha showing the normal game state is displayed on the display screen 50a, and the performance pattern EZ is displayed in the initial number stop mode showing, for example, "135". Therefore, the employees of the game arcade can understand that the test mode has ended (the game mode has started) by looking at the display of the day background image Ha and the performance pattern EZ in the initial number stop mode.

[0116] In this embodiment, the RAM clear switch 191 is provided on the power supply board 190, not on the game control board 100, as shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 8. Therefore, the game control board 100 receives a signal based on the pressing operation of the RAM clear switch 191 (hereinafter referred to as "RAM clear operation signal (specific signal, operation signal)") from the power supply board 190 (specific transmission unit) that is external to the game control board 100.

[0117] Therefore, in this embodiment, the game control board 100 is characterized in that when the game control board 100 receives a RAM clear operation signal from the outside, the game control board 100 sets the test mode after power is turned on. In addition, in this embodiment, the game control board 100 is characterized in that when the game control board 100 receives a RAM clear operation signal from the outside, the game control board 100 switches from the test mode to the game mode. In other words, in conventional pachinko game machines, the game control board does not set or switch modes based on a signal received from the outside, but in this pachinko game machine PY1, the game control board 100 sets or switches modes based on a specific signal (RAM clear operation signal) received from the outside.

[0118] In the test mode, the game control board 100 (game control microcomputer 101) cannot control the progress of the game. In other words, the drawing of special symbols (drawing of whether it is a jackpot) and the variable display of special symbols are not executed. However, in the test mode, the game control board 100 controls the launch of game balls via the payout control board 170. Therefore, in the test mode, while it is possible to launch game balls toward the game area 6, the following situations can be expected because the AT opening / closing member 14k performs an opening / closing operation and the electric chute opening / closing member 12k performs an opening / closing operation.

[0119] That is, there is a risk that an employee of the game arcade may forget to end the test mode by not pressing the RAM clear switch 191 after setting the test mode after turning on the power. In this case, if the test mode is still set during business hours and a player plays a game (shoots a game ball), a situation may occur in which the game ball may enter the opened big prize opening 14 or the opened electric chute 12D. If this happens, a situation may occur in which the player is given an unintended (unfair) prize ball.

[0120] In contrast, in this embodiment, the game control board 100 (game control microcomputer 101) controls so as not to award prize balls when the test mode is set. Specifically, when the test mode is set, the game control microcomputer 101 does not execute the input process (S102, see FIG. 21) described later, and therefore does not detect the game balls that have entered the large prize opening 14 and the electric chute 12D. Therefore, in the test mode, the game control microcomputer 101 does not output a prize ball command for paying out prize balls according to the type of the prize opening to the payout control board 170. Therefore, even if the game ball shot by the player enters the opened large prize opening 14 or the opened electric chute 12D in the test mode, it is possible to reliably prevent the player from receiving an unintended prize ball.

[0121] 6. Operation of the gaming control microcomputer 101 [Main control main processing] Next, the operation of the game control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to Figs. 17 to 22. The counter, timer, flag, status, buffer, etc., which appear in the operation description of the game control microcomputer 101, are provided in the game RAM 104 (particularly the RAM clear erasure area 104a). The initial value of the counter is "0", the initial value of the flag is "0" or "OFF", and the initial value of the status is "1". When the power of the pachinko game machine PY1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 101 provided in the game control board 100 reads out and executes the program of the main control main processing shown in Fig. 17 from the game ROM 103. As shown in the figure, in the main control main processing, first, the power-on processing (S001) described later is performed.

[0122] Then, following the power-on process (S001), interrupts are prohibited (S002), and normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) is executed. In this normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003), the various random number counter values ​​shown in FIG. 10 are updated by incrementing them by 1. When each random number counter value reaches its upper limit, it returns to "0" and is incremented again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" and may be changed randomly. Each random number may be a so-called hardware random number generated using a known random number generation circuit consisting of a counter IC or the like.

[0123] When the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S003) is completed, an interrupt is permitted (S004). While the interrupt is permitted, the main side timer interrupt process (S005) can be executed. The main side timer interrupt process (S005) is executed based on an interrupt pulse repeatedly input to the gaming CPU 102, for example, at a 4 msec cycle. That is, it is executed at a 4 msec cycle, for example. Then, from the time when the main side timer interrupt process (S005) is completed until the next time when the main side timer interrupt process (S005) is started, the update process of various counter values ​​by the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S003) is repeatedly executed.

[0124] [Power-on processing] As shown in FIG. 18, in the power-on processing (S001), the game control microcomputer 101 first sets permission for access to the game RAM 104 (S011). This allows writing and reading of information to and from the game RAM 104. Next, the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether the RAM clear switch 191 has been pressed (whether it has been turned ON) (S012). That is, the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether it has received a RAM clear operation signal from the power supply board 190 when the power is turned on. If the RAM clear switch 191 has been pressed (YES in S012), the process proceeds to the RAM clear processing of step S018. On the other hand, if it has not been pressed (NO in S012), the process then judges whether the power off flag is ON (S013). The power interruption flag is a flag that indicates the occurrence of a power interruption (that the supply of power has been cut off), and is a flag that is turned ON in a power interruption monitoring process (see FIG. 22) that will be described later.

[0125] If the power-off flag is not ON (NO in S013), the power may not have been shut off properly, so the process proceeds to the RAM clear process in step S018. On the other hand, if the power-off flag is ON (YES in S013), the checksum is calculated (S014) and compared with the checksum calculated when the power was shut off (see step S113 in FIG. 22) (S015). The checksum is calculated by treating the game information stored in the game RAM 104 (particularly the RAM clear erasure area 104a) as numerical values ​​and adding them up. If the checksum values ​​do not match (NO in S015), the memory contents of the RAM clear erasure area 104a are not normal, so the process proceeds to the RAM clear process in step S018. On the other hand, if the checksum values ​​match (YES in S015), it is determined that the memory contents of the RAM clear erasure area 104a are normal, and the process proceeds to step S016.

[0126] In step S016, the setting management of the working area of ​​the game RAM 104 at the time of power recovery is performed. In this setting process, the power recovery information is read from the game ROM 103, and this power recovery information is set in the working area of ​​the game RAM 104. After that, the game control microcomputer 101 turns off the power interruption flag (S017) and proceeds to step S019.

[0127] In step S019, as other initial settings, the game control microcomputer 101 performs settings of the game CPU 102, SIO, PIO, CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), etc., and then ends this process.

[0128] [RAM Clear Processing] As shown in Fig. 19, in the RAM clear processing (S018), the game control microcomputer 101 outputs a RAM clear notification command to the performance control board 120 (S020). In response to this, the performance control microcomputer 121, which has received the RAM clear notification command, knows that RAM clearing is about to begin, and outputs a command to the image control board 140 to display a RAM clear indication image CL (see Fig. 16).

[0129] Next, the game control microcomputer 101 erases information related to the progress of the game stored in the RAM clear erasure area 104a of the game RAM 104 (for example, information on the game state such as a high probability state, information on the result of the judgment of whether or not a special chart is reserved or a big win) (S021). At this time, information (blocking operation information) stored in the RAM clear non-erasure area 104b of the game RAM 104 is not erased. Then, it is determined whether the RAM clear has been completed, that is, whether all the memory contents stored in the RAM clear erasure area 104a have been erased (S022). If the RAM clear has not been completed (NO in S022), the process returns to step S021. On the other hand, if the RAM clear has been completed (YES in S022), the initial setting of the action area of ​​the game RAM 104 is performed (S023). In this initial setting, the initial setting information read from the game ROM 103 is set in the work area of ​​the game RAM 104.

[0130] Next, the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether or not cut-off operation information is stored in the RAM clear non-erasure area 104b (S024). If the cut-off operation information is stored (YES in S024), it means that the RAM clear switch 191 was pressed when the power was cut off, and the process proceeds to the test mode process (special process) of step S025. On the other hand, if the cut-off operation information is not stored (NO in S024), the process does not transition to the test mode, and the process proceeds to step S019 shown in FIG. 18.

[0131] [Test mode processing] As shown in Fig. 20, in the test mode processing (S030), the game control microcomputer 101 outputs a test mode notification command to the performance control board 120 (S030). As a result, the performance control microcomputer 121, which has received the test mode notification command, understands that it has moved to the test mode, and outputs a command to the image control board 140 to display the test mode suggestion image TE (see Fig. 16), and outputs a command to output the test mode sound (see Fig. 16) from the speaker 620.

[0132] Next, the game control microcomputer 101 executes an AT solenoid confirmation drive process (S031). This AT solenoid confirmation drive process (S031) causes the AT opening / closing member 14k to operate in a special operation mode that opens and closes the big prize opening 14 three times. This allows the employees of the game arcade to confirm that the AT opening / closing member 14k is operating correctly. Following step S031, the game control microcomputer 101 determines whether the AT solenoid confirmation drive process has been completed (S032). If it has not been completed (NO in S032), the process returns to step S031. On the other hand, if it has been completed (YES in S032), the process proceeds to step S033.

[0133] In step S033, an electric chute solenoid confirmation drive process is executed. This electric chute solenoid confirmation drive process (S033) causes the electric chute opening and closing member 12k to operate in a special operating mode that opens and closes the second starting hole 12 three times. This allows game center employees to confirm that the electric chute opening and closing member 12k is operating correctly. Following step S033, the game control microcomputer 101 determines whether the electric chute solenoid confirmation drive process has ended (S034). If it has not ended (NO in S034), the process returns to step S033. On the other hand, if it has been completed (YES in S034), the process proceeds to step S035.

[0134] In step S035, a display confirmation drive process is executed. This display confirmation drive process (S035) causes the display 8 to emit light in a special light emission mode in which all LEDs are lit for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds). This allows the arcade staff to confirm that the display 8 is operating correctly. Following step S035, the game control microcomputer 101 determines whether the display confirmation drive process has been completed (S036). If it has not been completed (NO in S036), the process returns to step S035. On the other hand, if it has been completed (YES in S036), the process proceeds to step S037.

[0135] In step S037, a base display confirmation drive process is executed. This base display confirmation drive process (S037) causes the base display 300 to emit light in a special light emission mode in which all LEDs are lit for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds). This allows the employees of the game arcade to confirm that the base display 300 is operating correctly. Following step S037, the game control microcomputer 101 determines whether the base display confirmation drive process has been completed (S038). If it has not been completed (NO in S038), the process returns to step S037. On the other hand, if it has been completed (YES in S038), the process proceeds to step S039.

[0136] In step S039, the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether the RAM clear switch 191 has been pressed (whether it has been turned ON). That is, the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether it has received a RAM clear operation signal from the power supply board 190. If the RAM clear switch 191 has not been pressed (NO in S039), the test mode is still continued, so the process returns to step S039. On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch 191 has been pressed (YES in S039), the test mode termination condition is met, and the process proceeds to step S040.

[0137] In step S040, the game control microcomputer 101 outputs a test mode end command to the performance control board 120 (S040). In response to this, the performance control microcomputer 121 receives the test mode end command and understands that the test mode has ended, and outputs a command to the image control board 140 to end the display of the test mode suggestion image TE (see FIG. 16).

[0138] Next, in step S041, the game control microcomputer 101 clears the cutoff operation information stored in the RAM clear non-erasing area 104b. This makes it possible to prevent the game from going into the test mode even if the RAM clear is executed the next time the power is turned on. After executing step S041, the game proceeds to step S019 shown in FIG.

[0139] [Main timer interrupt processing] The game control microcomputer 101 repeats the main timer interrupt processing (S005) shown in Fig. 21 at short intervals, for example, 4 msec. When this main timer interrupt processing (S005) is started, the game control microcomputer 101 transitions to a game mode in which the progress of the game can be controlled. In the main timer interrupt processing (S005), the game control microcomputer 101 performs random number update processing (S101) to update the jackpot random number used in the jackpot lottery, the win type random number for determining the type of jackpot, the reach random number for determining whether or not to enter a reach state in the performance pattern variation performance, the variation pattern random number for determining the variation pattern, the normal pattern random number (win random number) used in the normal pattern lottery, etc.

[0140] Next, the game control microcomputer 101 performs input processing (S102). In the input processing (S102), the microcomputer 101 reads detection signals detected by various sensors (general winning hole sensor 10a, first start hole sensor 11a, second start hole sensor 12a, gate sensor 13a, big winning hole sensor 14a, and discharge hole sensor 18a (see FIG. 6)) attached mainly to the pachinko game machine PY1, and sets a prize ball command for paying out prize balls according to the type of winning hole in the output buffer of the game RAM 104. As a result, the set prize ball command is transmitted to the payout control board 170 by the output processing (S107) described later.

[0141] Here, in this embodiment, as described above, when the test mode is set, the input process (S102) of the main timer interrupt process (S005) is not executed. That is, in the test mode, the game control microcomputer 101 does not read the detection signal detected by the large prize entrance sensor 14a, the detection signal detected by the second start entrance sensor 12a, and the detection signal detected by the first start entrance sensor 11a. Therefore, a prize ball command is not transmitted to the payout control board 170. Therefore, even if the game balls shot by the player enter various prize entrances in the test mode, it is possible to reliably prevent the player from receiving unintended prize balls.

[0142] Following the input process (S102), the game control microcomputer 101 executes a start hole sensor detection process (S103), a special action process (S104), and a normal action process (S105). In the start hole sensor detection process (S103), if there is a winning detection by the first start hole sensor 11a or the second start hole sensor 12a, random numbers such as a jackpot random number (jackpot random number, winning type random number, reach random number, and variable pattern random number (see FIG. 10(A))) are acquired on the condition that the reserved memory corresponding to the start hole where the winning detection occurred is less than four. Also, if there is a passage detection by the gate sensor 13a, a normal pattern random number (see FIG. 10(B)) is acquired on the condition that the reserved normal pattern is less than four.

[0143] In the special operation process (S104), the random numbers such as the jackpot random number acquired in the start port sensor detection process (S103) are judged using the jackpot judgment table (see FIG. 11(A)), the win type judgment table (see FIG. 9), the reach judgment table (see FIG. 11(B)), and the special pattern variation pattern judgment table (see FIG. 12). Then, a special pattern is displayed (variable display and stationary display) to show the result of the jackpot lottery. When starting the variable display of the special pattern, a variation start command including information on the variable display pattern of the special pattern is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104 (RAM clear erasure area 104a). Also, when starting the stationary display of the special pattern, a variation stop command is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104. If the jackpot random number judgment result indicates that a jackpot has been won, a jackpot game is played in which the jackpot winning port 14 is opened according to a predetermined opening pattern (opening time and number of openings, see FIG. 9) corresponding to the type of jackpot.

[0144] In the execution of a jackpot game, when starting an opening, the game control microcomputer 101 sets an opening command including information on the type of the jackpot symbol that has been won in the output buffer of the game RAM 104 (RAM clear erasure area 104a). When starting a round game, the game control microcomputer 101 sets a round designation command in the output buffer of the game RAM 104 (RAM clear erasure area 104a). When starting an ending, the game control microcomputer 101 sets an ending command in the output buffer of the game RAM 104 (RAM clear erasure area 104a). When the game state is changed in the special operation process (S104), a game state designation command including information on the game state is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104 (RAM clear erasure area 104a). When there is no random number such as a jackpot random number stored in the special operation process (S104), a customer waiting standby command is set to cause the performance control microcomputer 121 to execute a customer waiting performance.

[0145] In the normal operation process (S105), a determination is made using the normal symbol random number obtained in the start hole sensor detection process (S103) and a normal symbol winning determination table (see FIG. 11(C)), and a normal symbol variation pattern selection table (see FIG. 11(D)) is used to select the normal symbol variation time according to the game status. Then, normal symbols are displayed (variable display and stationary display) to notify the result of the normal symbol lottery determination. If the normal symbol random number determination shows that a normal winning symbol has been selected, an auxiliary game is played in which the electric chute 12D is opened according to a predetermined opening pattern (opening time and number of openings, see FIG. 13) according to the game status.

[0146] Next, the game control microcomputer 101 executes a base display process (S106). In the base display process (S106), in the normal game state, the normal total number of winning balls (the total number of winning balls in the normal game state) is calculated based on the detection signal from the general winning hole sensor 10a, the detection signal from the first starting hole sensor 11a, and the detection signal from the second starting hole sensor 12a. In addition, in the normal game state, the normal number of shot balls (the total number of shot balls in the normal game state) is calculated based on the detection signal from the discharge hole sensor 15a. In this way, the game control microcomputer 101 sequentially calculates the normal base (the base in the normal game state), which is the ratio between the normal total number of winning balls and the normal number of shot balls. And, the game control microcomputer 101 sequentially displays the normal base in two digits (%) on the base display 300 regardless of the game state (whatever the game state). In addition, the game control microcomputer 101 counts the total number of shot balls in succession based on the detection signal from the outlet sensor 18a in all game states. In addition, since the counted total number of normal winning balls, normal shot balls, and total shot balls are stored in the RAM clear non-erasing area 104b of the game RAM 104, these stored contents are not erased even if the RAM clear is executed.

[0147] Next, the game control microcomputer 101 executes an output process (S108). In each of the above processes, the command etc. set in the game RAM 104 (RAM clear erasure area 104a) is output to the performance control board 120, and the command etc. set in the game RAM 104 (RAM clear erasure area 104a) is output to the payout control board 170. After that, the game control microcomputer 101 executes a power interruption monitoring process (S108) to be described later, and ends this process.

[0148] [Power off monitoring process] In the power off monitoring process (S108), the game control microcomputer 101, as shown in FIG. 22, first judges whether or not a power off signal has been input (S110), and if there is no input (NO in S110), ends the process. The power off signal is a signal input to the game control microcomputer 101 when the power supply voltage starts to drop due to the power being cut off (for example, the power switch 195 being turned OFF). In step S110, if there is a power off signal input (YES in S110), the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether or not the RAM clear switch 191 has been pressed (whether or not it has been turned ON) (S111). That is, the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether or not it has received a RAM clear operation signal from the power supply board 190 when the power is cut off.

[0149] If the RAM clear switch 191 has been pressed (YES in S111), the game control microcomputer 101 stores cut-off operation information in the RAM clear non-erasure area 104b (S112) and proceeds to step S113. On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch 191 has not been pressed (NO in S111), the process skips step S112 and proceeds to step S113. Thus, in this embodiment, the condition for transitioning to the test mode includes the RAM clear switch 191 being pressed when the power is cut off (third condition).

[0150] In step S113, a checksum is calculated and stored in the RAM clear erasure area 104a of the game RAM 104 (S113), and the power off flag is turned ON (S114). Then, a setting to prohibit access to the game RAM 104 is performed (S115). This makes it impossible to write or read information to or from the game RAM 104. After that, the loop processing is performed without returning to the main timer interrupt processing (see FIG. 21).

[0151] 7. Operation of the performance control microcomputer Next, the operation of performance control microcomputer 121 will be described with reference to Figs.

[0152] [Sub-control main processing] When power is turned on, the performance control microcomputer 121 provided on the performance control board 120 reads out and executes the sub-control main processing program shown in Fig. 23 from the performance ROM 123. As shown in Fig. 23, in the sub-control main processing, it is determined whether the sub-side power-off flag is ON and the contents of the performance RAM 124 are normal (S1001). The sub-side power-off flag is a flag indicating that the power has been cut off. If the determination result in step S1001 is NO, that is, if the sub-side power-off flag is not ON, or if the sub-side power-off flag is ON but the contents of the performance RAM 124 are not normal, the performance RAM 124 is initialized (S1002) and the process proceeds to step S1003.

[0153] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S1001 is YES, that is, if the sub-side power cut flag has been turned ON due to a power cut but the contents of the performance RAM 124 are maintained normally, it is next determined whether or not a RAM clear notification command has been received (S1011). If a RAM clear notification command has been received (YES in S1011), this indicates that a RAM clear has been executed. Therefore, at this time, the performance control microcomputer clears the performance RAM 124 of the performance control board 120 (S1002) and outputs a command to the image control board 140 to display a RAM clear suggestion image CL (see FIG. 16). On the other hand, if the RAM clear notification command has not been received (NO in S1011), the performance RAM 124 is not cleared and the process proceeds to step S1003.

[0154] In step S1003, other initial settings are performed. For example, the other initial settings include settings for performance CPU 122, SIO, PIO, CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), etc. Also, if the sub-side power off flag is ON, it is turned OFF. Also, in other initial settings (S1003), if performance control microcomputer 121 has received a test mode notification command, it outputs a command to image control board 140 to display test mode suggestion image TE (see FIG. 16), and outputs a command to output test mode sound from speaker 620.

[0155] In step S1004, interrupts are inhibited. Next, a random number seed update process is executed (S1005). In the random number seed update process (S1005), the values ​​of various random number counters for determining effects are updated. When the random number seed update process (S1005) is completed, a command transmission process is executed (S1006). In the command transmission process (S1006), various commands stored in the output buffer in the performance RAM 124 of the performance control board 120 are transmitted to the image control board 140. The image control board 140 that has received the command executes various performances (variable performances, opening performances, round performances, and jackpot performances consisting of ending performances, etc.) using the image display device 50 in accordance with the command. The performance control microcomputer 121 then permits interrupts (S1007). Thereafter, steps S1004 to S1007 are looped. While interrupts are enabled, the sub-side power interruption monitoring process (S1012), the receive interrupt process (S1008), the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S1009), and the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S1010) can be executed.

[0156] [1 ms timer interrupt processing] The 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S1009) is executed each time an interrupt pulse with a 1 msec period is input to the performance control board 120. As shown in Fig. 24, the 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S1009) first performs input processing (S1201). In the input processing (S1201), switch data (edge ​​data and level data) is created based on detection signals from the performance button detection sensor 40a (see Fig. 7) and the select button detection sensor 42a (see Fig. 7).

[0157] Next, lamp data output processing is performed (S1202). In the lamp data output processing (S1202), in order to make the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 emit light at a timing that matches the performance, the set lamp data (data that controls the emission of the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54) is output to the sub drive board 162. As a result, the sub drive board 162 controls the emission of the frame lamp 56 and the board lamp 54.

[0158] Next, a drive control process (S1203) is performed. In the drive control process (S1203), drive data is created and output to drive the board movable body 55k at a timing that matches the performance. In other words, the board movable body 55k is driven in a predetermined operating mode according to the drive data. Then, a watchdog timer process (S1204) is performed to reset the watchdog timer, and this process is completed.

[0159] [10 ms timer interrupt processing] The 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S1010) is executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 10 msec period is input to the performance control board 120. As shown in FIG. 25, the 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S1010) first performs a received command analysis processing (S1301). In the received command analysis processing (S1301), the performance control microcomputer 121 judges whether or not it has received a variation start command from the game control microcomputer 101, and if it has received it, it executes a variation performance pattern selection processing. In the received command analysis processing (S1301), it also judges whether or not it has received an opening command from the game control microcomputer 101, and if it has received it, it executes an opening performance selection processing. In addition, if it has received a round designation command, it executes a round performance selection processing, and if it has received an ending command, it executes an ending performance selection processing.

[0160] Following the received command analysis process (S1301), the performance control microcomputer 121 performs a switch state acquisition process (S1302) to store the switch data created in the 1 ms timer interrupt process in the performance RAM 124 as switch data for the 10 ms timer interrupt process. Next, a switch process (S1303) is performed to set the display contents of the display screen 50a based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition process (S1302).

[0161] Thereafter, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs lamp processing (S1304). In the lamp processing (S1304), lamp data (data for controlling the lighting of the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54) is created, and time management of the light emission performance is performed. Next, audio control processing (S1305) is performed. In the audio control processing (S1305), audio data (data for controlling the output of audio from the speaker 620) is created and output to the audio control board 161, and time management of the audio performance is performed. As a result, audio suited to the performance to be executed is output from the speaker 620. Then, other processing such as updating various random numbers for determining performance is performed (S1306), and this processing ends.

[0162] 8.Effects of this Form As described above in detail, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment (first embodiment), the game control board 100 can be set to a game mode or a test mode. When the game control board 100 receives a RAM clear operation signal from a power supply board 190 (see Figs. 6 and 8) provided outside the game control board 100 when the power is turned on, the game control board 100 can be set to the test mode. When the game control board 100 receives a RAM clear operation signal from the power supply board 190 provided outside the game control board 100 while set to the test mode, the game control board 100 can be switched from the test mode to the game mode. In this way, it is possible to provide a novel pachinko game machine PY1 in which the mode set by the game control board 100 is switched by the game control board 100 receiving a RAM clear operation signal from the outside.

[0163] According to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, when the game control board 100 is set to the test mode as shown in Fig. 16, it is possible to check whether the main driving means (AT opening / closing member 14k, electric chute opening / closing member 12k, displays 8, and base display 300) are operating correctly. And, when the game control board 100 receives a RAM clear operation signal from the power supply board 190 provided outside the game control board 100 as described above, it is possible to switch from the test mode to the game mode.

[0164] According to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, when the game control board 100 is set to the test mode, the AT opening and closing member 14k opens and closes so that the game ball can easily enter the big prize opening 14. Similarly, the electric chute opening and closing member 12k opens and closes so that the game ball can easily enter the second start opening 12. At this time (in the test mode), even if the game ball shot by the player enters the big prize opening 14 or the electric chute 12D (the second start opening 12), the game control board 100 does not send a prize ball command to the payout control board 170 and does not award the prize ball. Therefore, in the test mode, it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of a situation in which an unfair advantage is given to the player.

[0165] Furthermore, according to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, when the RAM clear switch 191 provided on the power supply board 190 is pressed, the gaming control board 100 receives a RAM clear operation signal. This causes the mode set by the gaming control board 100 to be switched. In this way, by utilizing the RAM clear switch 191 provided outside the gaming control board 100, it is possible to provide a novel pachinko gaming machine PY1 in which the mode set by the gaming control board 100 is switched.

[0166] According to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, when the RAM clear switch 191 provided on the power supply board 190 is pressed when the power is turned on, a RAM clear operation signal is sent to the game control board 100, and the game can be set to the test mode, as shown in Fig. 16. When the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed again in the test mode, a RAM clear operation signal is sent to the game control board 100, and the game mode is switched from the test mode to the game mode. In this way, the RAM clear switch 191 for executing the RAM clear can be used to set the game to the test mode immediately after the power is turned on, and to switch from the test mode to the game mode.

[0167] According to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, if the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the power is cut off, the RAM clear non-erasing area 104b of the game control board 100 stores cut-off operation information (see step S112 shown in FIG. 22). If the cut-off operation information is stored in the RAM clear non-erasing area 104b before the game mode is entered after the power is turned on, the test mode process (S025) can be executed, whereas if the cut-off operation information is not stored in the RAM clear non-erasing area 104b, the test mode process (S025) is not executed (see steps S024 and S025 shown in FIG. 19). In this way, it is possible to provide a novel pachinko game machine PY1 in which the execution or non-execution of the test mode process (S025) is determined before the game mode is entered after the power is turned on, depending on the pressing operation of the RAM clear switch 191 when the power is cut off.

[0168] According to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, when the condition (third condition) that the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the power is turned off and the condition (second condition) that the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the power is turned on are satisfied, the test mode process (S025) can be executed before the transition to the game mode after the power is turned on. In this way, multiple operations are required to execute the test mode process (S025), and it is possible to prevent the test mode process (S025) from being executed frequently before the transition to the game mode. In other words, if the RAM clear switch 191 is not pressed when the power is turned off, it is possible to prevent the test mode process (S025) from being executed even if the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the power is turned on.

[0169] According to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, even if the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the power is turned on, the shutoff operation information stored in the RAM clear non-erasing area 104b is retained (not erased). Therefore, if the shutoff operation information is stored after the RAM clear is executed, the test mode process (S025) is executed, whereas if the shutoff operation information is not stored, the test mode process (S025) is not executed (see steps S022, S024, and S025 shown in FIG. 19). In other words, the game control board 100 can determine whether or not to execute the test mode process (S025) based on the pressing operation on the RAM clear switch 191 when the power is turned off, without being affected by the RAM clear.

[0170] Furthermore, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of this embodiment, if the condition (third condition) that the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the power is turned off and the condition (second condition) that the RAM clear switch is pressed when the power is turned on are satisfied, it is possible to execute the test mode process (S025) before transitioning to the game mode. In this way, in order to execute the test mode process (S025), it is only necessary to operate the same RAM clear switch 191 when the power is turned off and on, and it is possible to prevent the operation from becoming complicated.

[0171] Furthermore, according to the pachinko gaming machine PY1 of this embodiment, if the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the power is cut off, the test mode is set before the game mode is entered when the power is turned on. In this way, it is possible to provide a novel pachinko gaming machine PY1 that is set to the test mode immediately after the power is turned on in response to the pressing of the RAM clear switch 191 when the power is cut off. In this test mode, as described above, it is possible to check whether the main drive means (AT opening / closing member 14k, electric chute opening / closing member 12k, display devices 8, and base display device 300) are operating properly.

[0172] 9.Example of changes The following describes modified examples. In the description of the modified examples, the same components as those in the pachinko game machine PY1 of the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description is omitted. Of course, the modified examples may be appropriately combined to form a configuration. Furthermore, the technical features in the above embodiment and the following modified examples may be appropriately deleted unless they are described as essential in this specification.

[0173] <Second form> In the first embodiment, the game control board 100 is configured to switch from the test mode to the game mode when the RAM clear switch 191 (see Figs. 6 and 8) provided on the power supply board 190 is pressed while the game control board 100 is set to the test mode. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the game control board 100 is configured to switch from the test mode to the game mode when the mode change switch 192 (see Fig. 26) provided on the game control board 100 is pressed while the game control board 100 is set to the test mode.

[0174] In the second mode, as shown in Fig. 26, the reason why the mode changeover switch 192 (special operation means) is provided on the game control board 100 will be described. In the first and second modes, a RAM clear switch 191 is provided on the power supply board 190 (see Figs. 6 and 26). Since the power supply board 190 is a board that is external to the game control board 100, the game control board 100 receives a RAM clear operation signal from the external power supply board 190.

[0175] Here, in the first embodiment, as described above, the gaming control board 100 is configured to switch to the gaming mode when it receives a RAM clear operation signal from the external power supply board 190 while it is set to the test mode. However, in a gaming machine test, the gaming control board 100 may not be allowed to switch the mode based on a signal transmitted from outside the gaming control board 100. In other words, although the gaming control board 100 may be allowed to switch the mode based on a signal from a switch or sensor provided on the gaming control board 100, it may not be allowed to switch the mode based on a signal from a switch or sensor not provided on the gaming control board 100.

[0176] In the second embodiment, in order to address the above-mentioned problems, a mode changeover switch 192 is provided on the game control board 100 as shown in FIG. 26. This mode changeover switch 192 can be pressed, and when pressed, a signal based on the pressing operation (hereinafter referred to as a "switching operation signal") is input to the game control microcomputer 101. In this way, when the game control board 100 (game control microcomputer 101) is set to the test mode, it switches from the test mode to the game mode based on the switching operation signal from the mode changeover switch 192 provided on the game control board 100. Therefore, it is possible to reliably recognize that the game control board 100 can switch from the test mode to the game mode during the test of the game machine.

[0177] Incidentally, providing the mode changeover switch 192 on the gaming control board 100 has the following advantages. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine PY1, the gaming control board 100 is disposed above the power supply board 190, and the power supply board 190 is disposed at the lowest position among the various control boards. Therefore, it is difficult for the employees of the gaming parlor to press down the RAM clear switch 191 provided on the power supply board 190. In contrast, if the mode changeover switch 192 (not shown) is provided on the gaming control board 100, the mode changeover switch 192 is easier to press down than the RAM clear switch 191. Thus, in the first form, the RAM clear switch 191 on the power supply board 190 is pressed to end the test mode, whereas in the second form, the mode change switch 192 on the game control board 100 is pressed to end the test mode, so that the second form provides improved operability when ending the test mode (in other words, switching from test mode to game mode) compared to the first form.

[0178] As described above, in the second form, the condition for ending the test mode is to press the mode change switch 192. Note that the condition for transitioning to the test mode in the second form is the same as the condition for transitioning to the test mode in the first form, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0179] [Test Mode Processing] Based on FIG. 27, the test mode processing (S025) of the second form will be described. However, the difference from the test mode processing (S025) of the first form shown in FIG. 20 will be mainly described. As shown in FIG. 27, when the game control microcomputer 101 judges YES in the processing of step S038, it judges whether or not the mode changeover switch 192 has been pressed in step S042. That is, the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether or not a switching operation signal has been received from the mode changeover switch 192 provided on the game control board 100. If the mode changeover switch 192 has not been pressed (NO in S042), the test mode continues, so the process returns to step S042. On the other hand, if the mode changeover switch 192 has been pressed (YES in S042), the test mode termination condition is met, and the process proceeds to step S040. In this way, the test mode can be switched to the game mode by pressing the mode changeover switch 192.

[0180] As described above, according to the pachinko game machine PY1 of the second embodiment, the game control board 100 can set the game mode or the test mode. When the game control board 100 receives a RAM clear operation signal from the power supply board 190 (see FIG. 26) provided outside the game control board 100 when the power is turned on, the game control board 100 can be set to the test mode. When the mode change switch 192 provided on the game control board 100 is pressed while the game control board 100 is set to the test mode, the game control board 100 can switch from the test mode to the game mode. In this way, it is possible to provide a novel pachinko game machine PY1 in which the mode set by the game control board 100 is changed by operating the mode change switch 192 provided on the game control board 100.

[0181] Furthermore, according to the second type of pachinko game machine PY1, when the game control board 100 is set to the test mode, it is possible to check whether the main drive means (AT opening / closing member 14k, electric chute opening / closing member 12k, displays 8, and base display 300) are operating correctly. As described above, when the mode change switch 192 provided on the game control board 100 is pressed, the game control board 100 can switch from the test mode to the game mode.

[0182] According to the second type of pachinko game machine PY1, when the game control board 100 is set to the test mode, the AT opening / closing member 14k opens and closes so that the game ball can easily enter the big prize opening 14. Similarly, the electric chute opening / closing member 12k opens and closes so that the game ball can easily enter the second start opening 12. At this time (in the test mode), even if the game ball shot by the player enters the big prize opening 14 or the electric chute 12D (the second start opening 12), the game control board 100 does not send a prize ball command to the payout control board 170 and does not award the prize ball. Therefore, in the test mode, it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of a situation in which an unfair advantage is given to the player.

[0183] According to the second type of pachinko game machine PY1, when the power is turned on, the game control board 100 can be set to the test mode when it receives a RAM clear operation signal from the power supply board 190 provided outside the game control board 100. After that, when in the test mode, when the mode changeover switch 192 provided on the game control board 100 is pressed, the test mode is switched to the game mode. Thus, when the power is turned on, the game control board 100 can be set to the test mode based on the RAM clear operation signal transmitted from the outside, and can be switched from the test mode to the game mode based on the mode changeover switch 192 provided on the game control board 100 itself (the game control board 100) being pressed.

[0184] According to the second type of pachinko game machine PY1, when the mode change switch 192 provided on the game control board 100 is pressed in the test mode, the mode is changed from the test mode to the game mode. Thus, in the test of the game machine, even if the RAM clear switch 191 provided on the power supply board 190 is not pressed to change from the test mode to the game mode, the mode change switch 192 provided on the game control board 100 can be pressed to change from the test mode to the game mode.

[0185] <3rd form> In the first mode, the game control board 100 executes setting to the test mode immediately after power-on and switching from the test mode to the game mode when the RAM clear switch 191 (see Figs. 6 and 8) provided on the power supply board 190 is pressed. In contrast, in the third mode, the game control board 100 is configured to execute setting to the test mode immediately after power-on and switching from the test mode to the game mode when the RAM clear switch 193 (see Fig. 28) provided on the game control board 100 is pressed.

[0186] As shown in Fig. 28, in the third mode, the power supply board 190 is not provided with a RAM clear switch, and the game control board 100 is provided with a RAM clear switch 193 (special operation means). Therefore, when the RAM clear switch 193 provided on the game control board 100 is pressed when the power is turned on, the game control board 100 can be set to the test mode. In other words, when the game control microcomputer 101 receives a RAM clear operation signal from the RAM clear switch 193 provided on the game control board 100 when the power is turned on, it can end the test mode.

[0187] In the third embodiment, when the game control board 100 is set to the test mode, it can be switched from the test mode to the game mode when the RAM clear switch 193 provided on the game control board 100 is pressed. In other words, when the game control microcomputer 101 is set to the test mode and receives a RAM clear operation signal from the RAM clear switch 193 provided on the game control board 100, it can be set to the game mode.

[0188] Thus, in the third form, the game control board 100 does not execute the setting to the test mode immediately after power-on and the switching from the test mode to the game mode based on a signal transmitted from the outside, but executes the setting to the test mode immediately after power-on and the switching from the test mode to the game mode based on a RAM clear operation signal from a RAM clear switch 193 provided on the game control board 100. Therefore, in the test of the game machine, it is possible to allow both the game control board 100 to set the test mode immediately after power-on and the game control board 100 to switch from the test mode to the game mode, in comparison with the first and second forms.

[0189] <4th form> In the first mode, when the RAM clear switch 191 (see Figs. 6 and 8) provided on the power supply board 190 is pressed, the game control board 100 sets the game mode to the test mode immediately after power is turned on and switches from the test mode to the game mode. In contrast, in the fourth mode, when the mode change switch 194 (see Fig. 29) provided on the game control board 100 is pressed, the game control board 100 sets the game mode to the test mode immediately after power is turned on and switches from the test mode to the game mode.

[0190] In the fourth mode, as shown in FIG. 29, a RAM clear switch 193 is provided on the gaming control board 100. A mode change switch 194 (special operation means) is also provided on the gaming control board 100. In the fourth mode, the conditions for transition to the test mode are only the following two conditions. That is, the first condition is that the power is turned on by turning on the power switch 195, and the second condition is that the mode change switch 194 is pressed when the power is turned on. Therefore, the gaming control board 100 can be set to the test mode by a change operation signal based on the pressing operation of the mode change switch 194 when the power is turned on. Thus, in the fourth mode, regardless of whether the RAM clear is executed or not, the employee of the gaming center can set the test mode by simply pressing the mode change switch 194 when the power is turned on. And, regardless of the operation when the power is turned off, the test mode can be set.

[0191] In the fourth mode, the condition for ending the test mode is to press the mode change switch 194 when the test mode is set. Therefore, when the game control board 100 is set to the test mode, it is possible to switch from the test mode to the game mode by a switching operation signal based on the pressing operation of the mode change switch 194. In this way, it is possible to switch from the test mode to the game mode regardless of the pressing operation of the RAM clear switch 193.

[0192] <5th form> In the first mode, when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed during power off as shown in Fig. 22, cut-off operation information is stored in the RAM clear non-erasure area 104b of the game RAM 104 (see steps S111 and S112). In contrast, in the fifth mode, when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed during power off as shown in Fig. 30, cut-off operation information is stored in the RAM clear erasure area 104a of the game RAM 104. In the fifth mode, the RAM clear switch 191 is provided on the power supply board 190 as in the first mode (see Fig. 6).

[0193] [Power-off monitoring process] The power-off monitoring process (S108) of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 30. However, the description will focus on the difference from the power-off monitoring process (S108) of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 22. As shown in Fig. 30, when the game control microcomputer 101 determines in step S111 that the RAM clear switch 191 has been pressed (YES in S111), it stores cut-off operation information in the RAM clear erasure area 104a of the game RAM 104 (S120). On the other hand, when it determines in step S111 that the RAM clear switch 191 has not been pressed (NO in S111), it skips step S120 and proceeds to step S113.

[0194] [RAM Clear Processing] Based on FIG. 31, the RAM clear processing (S018) of the fifth form will be described. However, the difference from the RAM clear processing (S018) of the first form shown in FIG. 19 will be mainly described. As shown in FIG. 31, after the processing of step S020, the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether or not cut-off operation information is stored in the RAM clear erasure area 104a (S050). Then, if the cut-off operation information is stored (YES in S050), the cut-off operation information is stored in the RAM clear non-erasure area 104b (S051) and proceeds to step S021. On the other hand, if the cut-off operation information is not stored (NO in S051), the step S051 is skipped and the step S021 is proceeded to. In step S021, all the memory contents stored in the RAM clear erasure area 104a are erased.

[0195] As described above, in the pachinko game machine PY1 of the fifth embodiment, if the shutoff operation information is stored in the RAM clear erasure area 104a when the power is shut off, the shutoff operation information is stored in the RAM clear non-erasure area 104b immediately before the RAM clear is executed when the power is turned on (see step S051 in FIG. 31). As a result, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to maintain information (shutoff operation information) that the RAM clear switch 191 was pressed when the power was shut off, even if the RAM clear is executed. Therefore, if the shutoff operation information is stored in the RAM clear non-erasure area 104b after the RAM clear is executed, the game control board 100 can be set to the test mode.

[0196] <6th form> In the first mode, one of the conditions for switching to the test mode (third condition) is that the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the power is turned off. In contrast, in the sixth mode, one of the conditions for switching to the test mode (third condition) is that the gaming machine frame 2 is opened when the power is turned on.

[0197] In the sixth embodiment, a frame opening sensor 2a is provided on the gaming machine frame 2. The frame opening sensor 2a detects the opening of the front door 23 relative to the inner frame 21, or the opening of the inner frame 21 relative to the outer frame 22. Hereinafter, if at least one of the opening of the front door 23 relative to the inner frame 21 and the opening of the inner frame 21 relative to the outer frame 22 is detected, it is assumed that the opening of the gaming machine frame 2 is detected. Note that the frame opening sensor that detects the opening of the front door 23 relative to the inner frame 21 and the sensor that detects the opening of the inner frame 21 relative to the outer frame 22 may be provided separately.

[0198] As shown in Fig. 32, the frame opening sensor 2a is connected to the gaming control board 100. When an employee of the gaming facility opens the front door 23 relative to the inner frame 21, or opens the inner frame 21 relative to the outer frame 22, the frame opening sensor 2a outputs a signal to the gaming control board 100 based on the fact that the gaming machine frame 2 is open (hereinafter referred to as a "frame opening signal").

[0199] Thus, in the sixth mode, one of the conditions for transitioning to the test mode (third condition) is that the game control board 100 receives a frame open signal when the power is turned on. Note that the first and second conditions for transitioning to the test mode are the same as those in the first mode. That is, the first condition is that the power switch 195 is turned on to turn the power on. Also, the second condition is that the RAM is cleared.

[0200] [RAM Clear Processing] Based on FIG. 33, the RAM clear processing (S018) of the sixth form will be described. However, the difference from the RAM clear processing (S018) of the first form shown in FIG. 19 will be mainly described. As shown in FIG. 33, after the processing of step S023, the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether the frame opening sensor 2a is ON or not (S060). In other words, the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether the frame opening signal is received from the frame opening sensor 2a or not. If the frame opening signal is received (YES in S060), the test mode processing (S025) is executed, and the test mode is set. On the other hand, if the frame opening signal is not received (NO in S060), the test mode processing (S025) is not executed, and the game mode is set.

[0201] As described above, according to the sixth embodiment of the pachinko game machine PY1, if an employee of the game arcade presses the RAM clear switch 191 and performs an opening operation to the game machine frame 2 when the power is turned on, the game control microcomputer 101 receives a RAM clear operation signal and a frame opening signal. In this way, the game control board 100 can be set to the test mode based on the RAM clear operation signal and the frame opening signal received when the power is turned on.

[0202] Now, in the sixth embodiment, the reason why the game machine frame 2 is opened when the power is turned on as one of the conditions (third condition) for switching to the test mode is described below. In order to switch to the test mode, an employee of the game arcade needs to press the RAM clear switch 191 when the power is turned on. Here, the RAM clear switch 191 is arranged on the back side of the pachinko game machine PY1 as shown in FIG. 8. Therefore, in most cases, when the employee of the game arcade presses the RAM clear switch 191, the game machine frame 2 is open (mainly the inner frame 21 is open to the outer frame 22). Thus, in the sixth embodiment, in consideration of the situation in which the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, if the employee of the game arcade performs the opening operation of the game machine frame 2 when the power is turned on, the test mode is set, and if the employee of the game arcade does not perform the opening operation of the game machine frame 2, the test mode is not set.

[0203] <7th form> In the first embodiment, one of the conditions for switching to the test mode (third condition) is that the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed when the power is cut off. In contrast, in the seventh embodiment, one of the conditions for switching to the test mode (third condition) is that the gaming machine frame 2 is open when the power is cut off.

[0204] In the seventh mode, as in the sixth mode shown in Fig. 32, a frame opening sensor 2a is connected to the gaming control board 100, and when an employee of the gaming facility opens the gaming machine frame 2, a frame opening signal is output from the frame opening sensor 2a to the gaming control board 100. In the seventh mode, one of the conditions for switching to the test mode (third condition) is that the gaming control board 100 may receive a frame opening signal when the power is cut off. Note that the first and second conditions for switching to the test mode are the same as those in the first mode.

[0205] [Power off monitoring process] Based on FIG. 34, the power off monitoring process (S108) of the seventh embodiment will be described. However, the difference from the power off monitoring process (S108) of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 22 will be mainly described. As shown in FIG. 34, when the game control microcomputer 101 judges YES in the process of step S110, it judges whether the frame opening sensor 2a is ON or not (S060). In other words, the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether the frame opening signal is received from the frame opening sensor 2a or not. If the frame opening signal is received (YES in S130), it stores the cutoff operation information in the RAM clear non-erasure area 104b (S112). On the other hand, if the frame opening signal is not received (NO in S130), it proceeds to step S113.

[0206] As described above, according to the seventh embodiment of the pachinko game machine PY1, if an employee of the game arcade performs an operation to open the game machine frame 2 when the power is cut off, the game control microcomputer 101 stores the cut-off operation information in the RAM clear non-erasure area 104b. After that, when the power is turned on, if the employee of the game arcade presses the RAM clear switch 191, it is possible to set the test mode. In this way, it is possible to set the test mode immediately after power is turned on, provided that the employee of the game arcade performs an operation other than pressing the RAM clear switch 191 (an operation to open the game machine frame 2) when the power is cut off.

[0207] Now, in the seventh embodiment, the reason why the game machine frame 2 is open when the power is cut off as one of the conditions (third condition) for transitioning to the test mode is described below. When the power is cut off, an employee of the game arcade performs an OFF operation on the power switch 195. Here, the power switch 195 is arranged on the back side of the pachinko game machine PY1 as shown in FIG. 8. Therefore, in a situation where an employee of the game arcade performs an OFF operation on the power switch 195, the game machine frame 2 is basically open (mainly the inner frame 21 is open to the outer frame 22) in many cases. Thus, in the seventh embodiment, in consideration of the situation where the power switch 195 is turned OFF, if an employee of the game arcade performs an opening operation on the game machine frame 2 when the power is cut off, the game machine frame 2 can be set to the test mode immediately after the power is turned on, whereas if an employee of the game arcade does not perform an opening operation on the game machine frame 2, the game machine frame 2 cannot be set to the test mode immediately after the power is turned on.

[0208] <8th form> In the first embodiment, the game control board 100 (game control microcomputer 101) controls the game so that no prize balls are awarded when the game control board 100 is set to the test mode, even if the game balls enter the various winning holes. In contrast, in the eighth embodiment, the game control board 100 (game control microcomputer 101) controls the game so that the game balls cannot be launched toward the game area 6 when the game control board 100 is set to the test mode.

[0209] In the eighth embodiment, when the test mode is started, the game control board 100 outputs a launch control stop signal to the payout control board 170. When the payout control microcomputer 171 of the payout control board 170 receives the launch control stop signal, it controls the launch solenoid 72s of the launch device 72 not to be driven via the launch control circuit 175. As a result, when the test mode is set, the game balls are not launched toward the game area 6 even if the player rotates the handle 72k (see FIG. 1).

[0210] Then, when the test mode is ended, the game control board 100 outputs a launch stop release signal to the payout control board 170. As a result, when the payout control microcomputer 171 of the payout control board 170 receives the launch stop release signal, it controls so that the launch solenoid 72s of the launch device 72 can be driven. As a result, when the test mode is switched to the game mode, the game ball is launched toward the game area 6 when the player rotates the handle 72k (see FIG. 1).

[0211] [RAM Clear Processing] Based on FIG. 35, the RAM clear processing (S018) of the eighth form will be described. However, the difference from the RAM clear processing (S018) of the first form shown in FIG. 19 will be mainly described. As shown in FIG. 35, when the game control microcomputer 101 judges YES in the processing of step S024, it outputs a launch control stop signal to the payout control board 170 (S070). As a result, as described above, the launch solenoid 72s is not driven, so that the game ball is not launched toward the game area 6. Then, the game control microcomputer 101 outputs a launch stop release signal to the payout control board 170 through the test mode processing of step S025 (S071). As a result, as described above, the launch solenoid 72s becomes capable of being driven, and the game ball becomes capable of being launched toward the game area 6.

[0212] As described above, according to the eighth form of the pachinko game machine PY1, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being shot toward the game area 6 even if the handle 72k is operated while the test mode is set. As a result, when the test mode is set, even if the AT opening / closing member 14k performs an opening / closing operation and the electric chute opening / closing member 12k performs an opening / closing operation, the game ball will not enter the big prize opening 14 or the electric chute 12D (second starting opening 12). Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the player from gaining an unfair advantage in the test mode.

[0213] In addition, when comparing the case where the game balls are controlled not to be shot toward the game area 6 while the test mode is set as in the eighth form, and the case where the prize balls are controlled not to be awarded while the test mode is set as in the first form, the eighth form is preferable to the first form. This is because, in the eighth form, the game balls do not flow down the game area 6 while the test mode is set, so that the possibility of balls getting stuck in the big prize device 14D or the electric chute 12D can be eliminated.

[0214] <9th form> In the first embodiment, the condition for terminating the test mode is to press the RAM clear switch 191. In the second embodiment, the condition for terminating the test mode is to press the mode change switch 192. In contrast, in the ninth embodiment, the test mode is configured to automatically terminate when a specific time (e.g., five minutes) has elapsed since the test mode was set.

[0215] [RAM Clear Processing] The test mode processing (S025) of the ninth form will be described with reference to FIG. 36. However, the differences from the test mode processing (S025) of the first form shown in FIG. 20 will be mainly described. As shown in FIG. 36, when the game control microcomputer 101 judges YES in the processing of step S038, it judges whether or not a specific time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed since the test mode processing (S025) was started. If the specific time has not elapsed (NO in S043), it is not time to end the test mode, so it executes the processing of step S043 again. On the other hand, if the specific time has elapsed (YES in S043), it is time to end the test mode, so it proceeds to step S040.

[0216] As described above, according to the ninth embodiment of the pachinko game machine PY1, it is possible for the arcade staff to eliminate the need to operate the operating means to switch from the test mode to the game mode. In other words, after the arcade staff sets the test mode after the power is turned on, they can end the test mode without performing any operation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the arcade staff from forgetting to end the test mode and leaving it in the test mode.

[0217] In the ninth embodiment, it is preferable that the game control board 100 controls so that prize balls are not awarded or so that game balls are not shot toward the game area 6 until the test mode is terminated (see the eighth embodiment). This is to reliably prevent a situation in which business hours start before the specific time has elapsed since the test mode was set, and the game ball shot by the player enters the big prize opening 14 or the electric chute 12D, thereby giving the player an unfair advantage. The specific time until the test mode is terminated may be at least the time until the driving of all the main drive means (AT opening / closing member 14k, electric chute opening / closing member 12k, display devices 8, and base display device 300) is terminated.

[0218] <10th form> In the first mode, in the test mode (confirmation mode), the game control board 100 drives each main drive means (AT opening / closing member 14k, electric chute opening / closing member 12k, displays 8, base display 300). In contrast, in the tenth mode, in the test mode (confirmation mode), the game control board 100 drives each main drive means and can input detection signals from each sensor. Before explaining the tenth mode, the problems with the first to ninth modes will be explained.

[0219] The game control board 100 is connected to the general winning hole sensor 10a, the first start hole sensor 11a, the second start hole sensor 12a, the gate sensor 13a, the special winning hole sensor 14a, and the discharge hole sensor 18a. Therefore, the game control board 100 is capable of inputting the detection signals output from each of these sensors. In the following, the sensors connected to the game control board 100, namely the first start hole sensor 11a, the second start hole sensor 12a, the gate sensor 13a, the special winning hole sensor 14a, the general winning hole sensor 10a (the first general winning hole sensor 10x, the second general winning hole sensor 10y, and the third general winning hole sensor 10z described later), and the discharge hole sensor 18a, will be referred to as the "main detection means." In addition, the main detection means and main drive means (AT opening and closing member 14k, electric chute opening and closing member 12k, displays 8, base display 300) correspond to the “electrical connection means” connected to the game control board 100.

[0220] In the tenth form, three general winning openings 10 are arranged in the game area 6, as in the first form shown in FIG. 4. In order to distinguish between these three general winning openings 10, the general winning opening 10 arranged in the left game area 6L in the tenth form will be called the "first general winning opening 10A" as shown in FIG. 37. Of the two general winning openings 10 arranged in the right game area 6R, the right general winning opening will be called the "second general winning opening 10B" and the left general winning opening 10 will be called the "third general winning opening 10C."

[0221] As shown in Fig. 38, the first general winning opening sensor 10x is provided in the first general winning opening 10A and detects a game ball that has won (entered) the first general winning opening 10A. The second general winning opening sensor 10y is provided in the second general winning opening 10B and detects a game ball that has won the second general winning opening 10B. The third general winning opening sensor 10z is provided in the third general winning opening 10C and detects a game ball that has won the third general winning opening 10C. In this way, each main detection means (first start port sensor 11a, second start port sensor 12a, large prize port sensor 14a, first general prize port sensor 10x, second general prize port sensor 10y, third general prize port sensor 10z, discharge port sensor 18a, gate sensor 13a) is configured to output a detection signal to the game control board 100 when it detects a game ball.

[0222] In the tenth mode, as shown in Fig. 38, a RAM clear switch 193 is arranged on the game control board 100, similarly to the third mode (see Fig. 28). That is, in the tenth mode, unlike the first mode (see Fig. 6), a RAM clear switch 191 is not arranged on the power supply board 190.

[0223] However, in the above-mentioned first to ninth forms, in the test mode, it was not confirmed whether each main detection means operated correctly. In other words, in the above-mentioned test mode, there was no way to confirm whether each main detection means output a detection signal correctly. Therefore, in the on-site replacement method, if an employee of a game parlor assembles this pachinko game machine PY1, but a player plays the game in a state where the main detection means is not operating correctly, there is a risk that the player will be greatly disadvantaged.

[0224] Therefore, in the tenth form, in the test mode, it is configured to be possible to confirm that the main detection means (the first start opening sensor 11a, the second start opening sensor 12a, the gate sensor 13a, the special prize opening sensor 14a, the first general prize opening sensor 10x, the second general prize opening sensor 10y, the third general prize opening sensor 10z, and the discharge opening sensor 18a) are operating correctly. Here, the conditions for transitioning to the test mode in the tenth form are the same as those for the first form, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0225] In the test mode of the tenth form, a confirmation section is assigned to confirm whether each main driving means and each main detection means is operating correctly. That is, as shown in FIG. 40, first, there is a confirmation section for the AT opening and closing member 14k and the large winning hole sensor 14a. Next, there is a confirmation section for the electric chute opening and closing member 12k and the second starting hole sensor 12a. Next, there is a confirmation section for the display devices 8. Next, there is a confirmation section for the base display device 300. Next, there is a confirmation section for the first starting hole sensor 11a. Next, there is a confirmation section for the first general winning hole sensor 10x. Next, there is a confirmation section for the second general winning hole sensor 10y. Next, there is a confirmation section for the third general winning hole sensor 10z. Next, there is a confirmation section for the ninth outlet sensor 18a. Finally, there is a confirmation section for the gate sensor 13a.

[0226] Thus, in the test mode of the tenth form, it is possible to check whether the target main driving means or main detection means is operating correctly for each confirmation section. Specifically, in the confirmation section for the AT opening / closing member 14k and the large prize opening sensor 14a, the opening / closing operation of the AT opening / closing member 14k is repeatedly executed. In other words, the AT opening / closing member 14k repeats the opening / closing operation until the confirmation section for the AT opening / closing member 14k and the large prize opening sensor 14a ends.

[0227] In the confirmation zone for the AT opening / closing member 14k and the special prize opening sensor 14a, the AT opening / closing member 14k opens, and the employee of the game arcade opens the front door 23 and manually directs the game ball toward the special prize opening 14. When the game ball that has entered the special prize opening 14 is detected by the special prize opening sensor 14a, the special prize opening sensor 14a outputs a detection signal, and the game control board 100 inputs the detection signal.

[0228] In the tenth form, when an employee of the arcade presses the RAM clear switch 193 during the confirmation period for the AT opening / closing member 14k and the large prize opening sensor 14a, the confirmation period switches to the confirmation period for the electric chute opening / closing member 12k and the second start opening sensor 12a. In other words, the confirmation period for the AT opening / closing member 14k and the large prize opening sensor 14a remains as is unless the RAM clear switch 193 is pressed. In this way, the employee of the arcade can end the confirmation period for the AT opening / closing member 14k and the large prize opening sensor 14a based on his / her own operation, so that it is possible to secure time for the game ball to enter the large prize opening 14.

[0229] Next, in the confirmation section for the electric chute opening / closing member 12k and the second start hole sensor 12a, the opening and closing operation of the electric chute opening / closing member 12k is repeatedly executed. In other words, the electric chute opening / closing member 12k repeats the opening and closing operation until the confirmation section for the electric chute opening / closing member 12k and the second start hole sensor 12a ends.

[0230] Then, in the confirmation zone for the electric chute opening / closing member 12k and the special prize opening sensor 14a, the electric chute opening / closing member 12k opens, and the employee of the game center opens the front door 23 and manually directs the game ball into the second start opening 12. When the game ball that has entered the second start opening 12 is detected by the second start opening sensor 12a, the second start opening sensor 12a outputs a detection signal, and the game control board 100 inputs the detection signal.

[0231] In the tenth form, if an employee of the amusement facility presses the RAM clear switch 193 during the confirmation period for electric chute opening / closing member 12k and second start hole sensor 12a, the period switches to the confirmation period for displays 8. In other words, the period remains the confirmation period for electric chute opening / closing member 12k and second start hole sensor 12a unless the RAM clear switch 193 is pressed. In this way, the employee of the amusement facility can end the confirmation period for electric chute opening / closing member 12k and second start hole sensor 12a based on their own operation, thereby ensuring time for the game ball to enter second start hole 12.

[0232] Next, in the confirmation interval for the indicators 8, the indicators 8 emit light in a special light-emitting mode. The special light-emitting mode of the tenth form is a light-emitting mode in which all LEDs included in the indicators 8 (first special chart indicator 81a, second special chart indicator 81b, ordinary chart indicator 82, special chart reserved indicator 83, ordinary chart reserved indicator 84) continue to be lit. In other words, the indicators 8 continue to emit light in the special light-emitting mode until the confirmation interval for the indicators 8 ends.

[0233] In the tenth mode, if an employee of the arcade presses the RAM clear switch 193 during the confirmation period for the displays 8, the period switches to the confirmation period for the base display 300. In other words, the period remains the confirmation period for the displays 8 unless the RAM clear switch 193 is pressed.

[0234] Next, in the confirmation interval for the base display 300, the base display 300 emits light in a special light-emitting mode. The base display 300 displays the normal base (specific value) as in the first form. As shown in FIG. 39, the base display 300 includes a first display area 310, a second display area 320, a third display area 330, and a fourth display area 340, and is configured as a so-called "4-segment 7-segment display (4-digit 7-segment display)". The specific light-emitting mode is a light-emitting mode in which the LEDs included in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 do not light up, while all the LEDs included in the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340 continue to light up ("8.8.") (see FIG. 40). Thus, the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 continue to emit light in the specific light-emitting mode until the confirmation interval for the base display 300 ends.

[0235] In the tenth form, when an employee of the game center presses the RAM clear switch 193 during the confirmation period for the base display 300, the confirmation period switches to the confirmation period for the first start hole sensor 11a. In other words, the confirmation period for the base display 300 remains as it is unless the RAM clear switch 193 is pressed.

[0236] Next, in the confirmation section for the first start hole sensor 11a, the employee of the game center, with the front door 23 open, manually places a game ball toward the first start hole 11. When the game ball that has entered the first start hole 11 is detected by the first start hole sensor 11a, the first start hole sensor 11a outputs a detection signal, and the game control board 100 inputs the detection signal.

[0237] In the tenth embodiment, when the confirmation period for the first start hole sensor 11a is reached, if an employee of the game arcade presses the RAM clear switch 193, the confirmation period for the first general winning hole sensor 10x is switched to. In other words, the confirmation period for the first start hole sensor 11a remains as is unless the RAM clear switch 193 is pressed. In this way, the employee of the game arcade can end the confirmation period for the first start hole sensor 11a based on his or her own operation, so that it is possible to secure time for the game ball to enter the first start hole 11.

[0238] Next, in the confirmation section for the first general winning opening sensor 10x, the employee of the game arcade manually throws a game ball toward the first general winning opening 10A while opening the front door 23. When the game ball that has entered the first general winning opening 10A is detected by the first general winning opening sensor 10x, the first general winning opening sensor 10x outputs a detection signal, and the game control board 100 inputs the detection signal.

[0239] In the tenth form, when an employee of the game arcade presses the RAM clear switch 193 during the confirmation period for the first general winning opening sensor 10x, the confirmation period switches to the confirmation period for the second general winning opening sensor 10y. In other words, the confirmation period for the first general winning opening sensor 10x remains unless the RAM clear switch 193 is pressed. In this way, the employee of the game arcade can end the confirmation period for the first general winning opening sensor 10x based on his / her own operation, so that it is possible to secure time for the game ball to enter the first general winning opening 10A.

[0240] Next, in the confirmation section for the second general winning opening sensor 10y, the employee of the game arcade manually places a game ball toward the second general winning opening 10B with the front door 23 open. When the game ball that has entered the second general winning opening 10B is detected by the second general winning opening sensor 10y, the second general winning opening sensor 10y outputs a detection signal, and the game control board 100 inputs the detection signal.

[0241] In the tenth form, when the confirmation period for the second general winning opening sensor 10y is reached, if an employee of the arcade presses the RAM clear switch 193, the confirmation period for the third general winning opening sensor 10z is switched to. In other words, the confirmation period for the second general winning opening sensor 10y remains as is unless the RAM clear switch 193 is pressed. In this way, the employee of the arcade can end the confirmation period for the second general winning opening sensor 10y based on his / her own operation, so that it is possible to secure time for the game ball to enter the second general winning opening 10B.

[0242] Next, in the confirmation section for the third general winning opening sensor 10z, the employee of the game arcade manually places a game ball toward the third general winning opening 10C with the front door 23 open. When the game ball that has entered the third general winning opening 10C is detected by the third general winning opening sensor 10z, the third general winning opening sensor 10z outputs a detection signal, and the game control board 100 inputs the detection signal.

[0243] In the tenth form, when the arcade employee presses the RAM clear switch 193 during the confirmation period for the third general winning opening sensor 10z, the confirmation period for the outlet sensor 18a is switched to. In other words, the confirmation period for the third general winning opening sensor 10z remains as it is unless the RAM clear switch 193 is pressed. In this way, the arcade employee can end the confirmation period for the third general winning opening sensor 10z based on his / her own operation, so that it is possible to secure time for the game ball to enter the third general winning opening 10C.

[0244] Next, in the confirmation section for the outlet sensor 18a, the employee of the game parlor, with the front door 23 open, manually directs the game ball toward the outlet 19. When the game ball that entered the outlet 19 passes through the outlet, the game ball is detected by the outlet sensor 18a. As a result, the outlet sensor 18a outputs a detection signal, and the game control board 100 inputs the detection signal.

[0245] In the tenth embodiment, if an employee of the arcade presses the RAM clear switch 193 during the confirmation period for the outlet sensor 18a, the period switches to the confirmation period for the gate sensor 13a. In other words, the period remains the confirmation period for the outlet sensor 18a unless the RAM clear switch 193 is pressed. In this way, the employee of the arcade can end the confirmation period for the outlet sensor 18a based on his / her own operation, so that it is possible to secure time for the game ball to enter the outlet.

[0246] Finally, in the confirmation section for the gate sensor 13a, the employee of the game arcade, with the front door 23 open, manually passes (enters) a game ball through the gate 13. When the game ball that has passed through the gate 13 is detected by the gate sensor 13a, the gate sensor 13a outputs a detection signal, and the game control board 100 inputs the detection signal.

[0247] Incidentally, when the test mode is set, an employee of the game arcade can check whether the main driving means (AT opening / closing member 14k, electric chute opening / closing member 12k, displays 8, base display 300) are operating and confirm whether the main driving means is operating correctly. However, even if the main detection means (first start hole sensor 11a, second start hole sensor 12a, gate sensor 13a, special prize hole sensor 14a, first general prize hole sensor 10x, second general prize hole sensor 10y, third general prize hole sensor 10z, discharge hole sensor 18a, gate sensor 13a) output detection signals to the game control board 100, this alone is not enough for the employee of the game arcade to check whether the main detection means is operating correctly.

[0248] Therefore, in the tenth embodiment, it is configured so that whether the main detection means is operating correctly can be confirmed by the display mode of the base display 300 (predetermined notification means). Furthermore, it is configured so that it is possible to confirm which confirmation section is currently in by the display mode of the base display 300, and also to confirm whether the main drive means is operating correctly.

[0249] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 40 and FIG. 41, first, when it is a confirmation interval for the AT opening / closing member 14k (first main driving means) and the special winning opening sensor 14a (first main detection means), the game control board 100 displays "H1" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display 300 (illuminates to show "H1"). Therefore, if an employee of the game arcade sees "H1" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, he / she can understand that it is a confirmation interval for the AT opening / closing member 14k and the special winning opening sensor 14a. Also, at this time, the game control board 100 is performing the opening / closing operation of the AT opening / closing member 14k, and displays "0" in the third display area 330 of the base display 300. Therefore, if an employee of the game arcade sees "0" in the third display area 330, he / she can understand that the AT opening / closing member 14k is operating correctly. It should be noted that the display of "H1" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 and the display of "0" in the third display area 330 correspond to a "first drive notification."

[0250] Then, when the confirmation interval for the AT opening / closing member 14k and the large prize opening sensor 14a is reached, the game control board 100 inputs a detection signal from the large prize opening sensor 14a, and displays the number of balls that have entered the large prize opening 14 in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 (lights up to indicate the number of balls that have entered). In other words, after the confirmation interval for the AT opening / closing member 14k and the large prize opening sensor 14a is reached, the game control board 100 inputs a detection signal from the large prize opening sensor 14a for the first time, and displays "1" in the fourth display area 340, and then displays "2" in the fourth display area 340 when it inputs a detection signal from the large prize opening sensor 14a. Note that if the game control board 100 does not input a detection signal from the large prize opening sensor 14a, it displays "-" in the fourth display area 340. In this way, an employee of the arcade can confirm that the special prize opening sensor 14a is operating correctly by looking at the number indicating the number of balls that have entered the special prize opening 14 in the fourth display area 340. The display of "H1" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 and the display of a "number" in the fourth display area 340 corresponds to a "first detection notification."

[0251] Next, when it is the confirmation zone for the electric chute opening / closing member 12k and the second start hole sensor 12a, the game control board 100 displays "H2" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display 300. Therefore, if an employee of the game arcade sees "H2" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, he / she can understand that it is the confirmation zone for the electric chute opening / closing member 12k and the second start hole sensor 12a. Also, at this time, the game control board 100 is performing the opening and closing operation of the electric chute opening / closing member 12k, and displays "0" in the third display area 330 of the base display 300. Therefore, if an employee of the game arcade sees "0" in the third display area 330, he / she can understand that the electric chute opening / closing member 12k is operating correctly. Note that the display of "H2" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 and the display of "0" in the third display area 330 correspond to the "second drive notification".

[0252] Then, when the confirmation section for the electric chute opening / closing member 12k and the second start hole sensor 12a is reached, the game control board 100 inputs a detection signal from the second start hole sensor 12a and displays the number of balls that have entered the second start hole 12 in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 (lights up to indicate the number of balls that have entered). If the game control board 100 does not input a detection signal from the second start hole sensor 12a, it displays "-" in the fourth display area 340. In this way, an employee of the game arcade can confirm that the second start hole sensor 12a is operating correctly by looking at the number indicating the number of balls that have entered the second start hole 12 in the fourth display area 340. The display of "H2" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 and the display of "numbers" in the fourth display area 340 corresponds to a "second detection notification".

[0253] Next, when it is a confirmation interval for the display devices 8, the gaming control board 100 displays "H3" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display 300. Therefore, if an employee of the gaming facility sees "H3" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, he or she can understand that it is a confirmation interval for the display devices 8. Also, at this time, the gaming control board 100 displays "0" in the third display area 330 of the base display 300 because the display devices 8 are illuminated in a special illumination mode. Therefore, if an employee of the gaming facility sees "0" in the third display area 330, he or she can understand that the display devices 8 are operating correctly. Note that, when it is a confirmation interval for the display devices 8, the gaming control board 100 displays "0" in the fourth display area 340.

[0254] Next, when it is the confirmation interval for the base display 300, the gaming control board 100 displays "H4" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display 300. Therefore, if an employee of the gaming facility sees "H4" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, he or she can understand that it is the confirmation interval for the base display 300. Also, at this time, as described above, the gaming control board 100 causes the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 to emit light in a specific light-emitting mode ("8.", "8."). Therefore, if an employee of the gaming facility sees "8.8." in the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340, he or she can understand that the base display 300 is operating correctly.

[0255] Next, when it is the confirmation zone for the first start hole sensor 11a, the game control board 100 displays "H5" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display 300. Therefore, if an employee of the game center sees "H5" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, he or she can understand that it is the confirmation zone for the first start hole sensor 11a. Also, at this time, when the game control board 100 inputs a detection signal from the first start hole sensor 11a, it displays the number of balls that have entered the first start hole 11 in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 (light is emitted to indicate the number of balls that have entered). Note that, if the game control board 100 does not input a detection signal from the first start hole sensor 11a, it displays "-" in the fourth display area 340. In this way, an employee of the arcade can check the number of balls that have entered the first starting hole 11 in the fourth display area 340 to confirm that the first starting hole sensor 11a is operating correctly.

[0256] Next, when it is the confirmation zone for the first general winning opening sensor 10x, the gaming control board 100 displays "H6" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display 300. Therefore, if an employee of the gaming facility sees "H6" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, he or she can understand that it is the confirmation zone for the first general winning opening sensor 10x. Also, at this time, when the gaming control board 100 inputs a detection signal from the first general winning opening sensor 10x, it displays the number of balls that have entered the first general winning opening 10A in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 (light is emitted to indicate the number of balls that have entered). Note that the gaming control board 100 always displays "-" in the third display area 330, and if it does not input a detection signal from the first general winning opening sensor 10x, it also displays "-" in the fourth display area 340. In this way, an employee of the arcade can confirm that the first starting hole sensor 11a is operating correctly by looking at the number in the fourth display area 340 indicating the number of balls that have entered the first general winning hole 10A.

[0257] Next, when it is the confirmation zone for the second general winning opening sensor 10y, the game control board 100 displays "H7" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display 300. Therefore, if an employee of the game arcade sees "H7" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, he or she can understand that it is the confirmation zone for the second general winning opening sensor 10y. Also, at this time, when the game control board 100 inputs a detection signal from the second general winning opening sensor 10y, it displays the number of balls that have entered the second general winning opening 10B in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 (light is emitted to indicate the number of balls that have entered). Note that the game control board 100 always displays "-" in the third display area 330, and if it does not input a detection signal from the second general winning opening sensor 10y, it also displays "-" in the fourth display area 340. In this way, an employee of the arcade can confirm that the second general winning port sensor 10y is operating correctly by looking at the number indicating the number of balls that have entered the second general winning port 10B in the fourth display area 340.

[0258] Next, when it is the confirmation zone for the third general winning opening sensor 10z, the game control board 100 displays "H8" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display 300. Therefore, if an employee of the game arcade sees "H8" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, he or she can understand that it is the confirmation zone for the third general winning opening sensor 10z. Also, at this time, when the game control board 100 inputs a detection signal from the third general winning opening sensor 10z, it displays the number of balls that have entered the third general winning opening 10C in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 (it emits light to indicate the number of passing balls). Note that the game control board 100 always displays "-" in the third display area 330, and if it does not input a detection signal from the third general winning opening sensor 10z, it also displays "-" in the fourth display area 340. In this way, an arcade employee can check the number in the fourth display area 340 indicating the number of balls that have passed through the third general winning opening 10C to confirm that the third general winning opening sensor 10z is operating correctly.

[0259] Finally, when it is the confirmation zone for the gate sensor 13a, the gaming control board 100 displays "H0" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display 300. Therefore, if an employee of the gaming facility sees "H0" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320, he or she can understand that it is the confirmation zone for the gate sensor 13a. Also, at this time, when the gaming control board 100 inputs a detection signal from the gate sensor 13a, it displays the number of balls that have entered the gate 13 (the number of balls that have passed) in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 (light is emitted to indicate the number of balls that have entered). Note that the gaming control board 100 always displays "-" in the third display area 330, and if it does not input a detection signal from the gate sensor 13a, it also displays "-" in the fourth display area 340. In this way, an employee of the arcade can check the number indicating the number of balls that have passed through gate 13 in fourth display area 340 to confirm that gate sensor 13a is operating correctly.

[0260] As described above, in the test mode, it is possible to know which main drive means (AT opening / closing member 14k, electric chute opening / closing member 12k, displays 8, base display 300) is being driven by looking at the first display area 310, the second display area 320, and the third display area 330 of the base display 300. Therefore, the display of the first display area 310, the second display area 320, and the third display area 330 on the base display 300 corresponds to a "drive notification." Also, in the test mode, by looking at the first display area 310, the second display area 320, and the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300, it is possible to know which main detection means (the large prize opening sensor 14a, the second start opening sensor 12a, the first start opening sensor 11a, the first general prize opening sensor 10x, the second general prize opening sensor 10y, the third general prize opening sensor 10z, the discharge opening sensor 18a, and the gate sensor 13a) are outputting a detection signal (operating). Therefore, the display of the first display area 310, the second display area 320, and the fourth display area 340 on the base display 300 corresponds to a "detection notification" and an "identification notification".

[0261] Incidentally, in the test mode of the tenth form, when the condition that each main detection means (large prize opening sensor 14a, second start opening sensor 12a, first start opening sensor 11a, first general prize opening sensor 10x, second general prize opening sensor 10y, third general prize opening sensor 10z, outlet sensor 18a, gate sensor 13a) outputs a detection signal is met, and then when it is the confirmation zone for gate sensor 13a, an employee of the game arcade presses RAM clear switch 193, the test mode can be ended. In other words, even if the RAM clear switch 193 is pressed during the confirmation zone for gate sensor 13a, the test mode does not necessarily end. This is based on the following reason.

[0262] In the test mode of the tenth form, an employee of the game arcade will check whether each main detection means is operating correctly by depositing a game ball into each ball entrance, ball exit, and gate 13 in each check section. However, because there are many check sections, there is a risk that a player will forget to check the operation of some of the main detection means. Therefore, in the tenth form, to prevent the player from missing any checks, the test mode can be ended on the condition that the game control board 100 has input detection signals from all of the main detection means.

[0263] In the tenth mode, as shown in Fig. 42, when the game control board 100 does not receive detection signals from all the main detection means, pressing the RAM clear switch 193 in the confirmation section for the gate sensor 13a returns the confirmation section for the AT opening / closing member 14k and the special winning opening sensor 14a (see Fig. 41). After the confirmation section returns, the employee of the game arcade searches for a confirmation section indicated by "-" in the fourth display area 340 while pressing the RAM clear switch 193. This makes it possible to identify the main detection means whose operation has been forgotten to be checked, and to prevent oversights in checking.

[0264] In the tenth form, since it is possible to return from the confirmation section for the gate sensor 13a (see FIG. 42) to the confirmation section for the AT opening / closing member 14k and the large prize opening sensor 14a (see FIG. 41), it is possible to perform the confirmation work of the desired main driving means or main detection means again. For example, it is assumed that the confirmation section for the AT opening / closing member 14k and the large prize opening sensor 14a has ended without sufficient confirmation of the operation of the AT opening / closing member 14k. In this case, the RAM clear switch 193 is pressed to enter the confirmation section for the gate sensor 13a, and then the RAM clear switch 193 is pressed again. This makes it possible to return to the confirmation section for the AT opening / closing member 14k and the large prize opening sensor 14a (see FIG. 41) and perform confirmation of the operation of the AT opening / closing member 14k.

[0265] [Test mode processing] The test mode processing (S025) of the 10th form will be described with reference to Fig. 43. As shown in Fig. 43, in the test mode processing (S025), the game control microcomputer 101 first outputs a test mode notification command to the performance control board 120 (S201). As a result, a test mode suggestion image TE (see Fig. 16) is displayed on the display screen 50a, and a test mode sound (see Fig. 16) is output from the speaker 620.

[0266] Next, the game control microcomputer 101 executes an AT solenoid confirmation display process (S202). This AT solenoid confirmation display process (S202) causes "H1" to be displayed in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display unit 300 (see FIG. 41). Next, an AT solenoid drive display process is executed (S203). This AT solenoid drive display process (S203) causes the AT opening / closing member 14k to repeatedly open and close, and causes "0" to be displayed in the third display area 330 of the base display unit 300 (see FIG. 41).

[0267] Next, the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether or not a detection signal has been input from the special prize opening sensor 14a (S204). If not (NO in S204), proceed to step S206. On the other hand, if a detection signal has been input (YES in S204), execute the special prize opening sensor detection display process (S205) and proceed to step S206. In the special prize opening sensor detection display process (S205), a number indicating the number of balls that have entered the special prize opening 14 is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 41). Note that if no detection signal has been input from the special prize opening sensor 14a, "-" is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300.

[0268] In step S206, the game control microcomputer 101 determines whether the RAM clear switch 191 has been pressed (whether it has been turned ON). If it has not been pressed (NO in S206), the timing has not yet come to the end of the confirmation period for the AT opening / closing member 14k and the special winning hole sensor 14a, so the process returns to step S204. On the other hand, if it has been pressed (YES in S206), the process proceeds to step S207 to move to the confirmation period for the electric chute opening / closing member 12k and the second start hole sensor 12a.

[0269] In step S207, the game control microcomputer 101 executes an electric chute solenoid confirmation display process. This electric chute solenoid confirmation display process (S207) causes "H2" to be displayed in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 41). Next, an electric chute solenoid drive display process is executed (S208). This electric chute solenoid drive display process (S208) causes the electric chute opening / closing member 12k to repeatedly open and close, and causes "0" to be displayed in the third display area 330 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 41).

[0270] Next, the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether or not a detection signal has been input from the second start hole sensor 12a (S209). If not (NO in S209), proceed to step S211. On the other hand, if input (YES in S209), execute the second start hole sensor detection display process (S210) and proceed to step S211. In the second start hole sensor detection display process (S210), a number indicating the number of balls entering the second start hole 12 is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 41). Note that if no detection signal has been input from the second start hole sensor 12a, "-" is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300.

[0271] In step S211, the game control microcomputer 101 determines whether the RAM clear switch 191 has been pressed (whether it has been turned ON). If it has not been pressed (NO in S211), the timing has not come to the end of the confirmation period for the electric chute opening / closing member 12k and the second start hole sensor 12a, so the process returns to step S209. On the other hand, if it has been pressed (YES in S211), the process proceeds to step S212 shown in FIG. 44 in order to move to the confirmation period for the indicators 8.

[0272] In step S212, the game control microcomputer 101 executes a display confirmation display process. This display confirmation display process (S212) causes "H3" to be displayed in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 41). Next, a display drive display process is executed (S213). This display drive display process (S213) causes the display 8 to emit light in a special light emission mode, and causes "00" to be displayed in the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 41).

[0273] Next, in step S214, the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether the RAM clear switch 191 has been pressed (whether it has been turned ON). If it has not been pressed (NO in S214), it is not the time for the confirmation period for the displays 8 to end, so the process returns to step S214. On the other hand, if it has been pressed (YES in S214), the process proceeds to step S215 to move to the confirmation period for the base display 300.

[0274] In step S215, the game control microcomputer 101 executes a base display confirmation display process. This base display confirmation display process (S215) causes "H4" to be displayed in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 41). Next, a base display drive display process is executed (S216). This base display drive display process (S216) causes the third display area 330 and the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 to emit light in a specific light-emitting mode ("8.", "8.").

[0275] Next, in step S217, the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether the RAM clear switch 191 has been pressed (whether it has been turned ON). If it has not been pressed (NO in S217), the timing is not the end of the confirmation period for the base display 300, so the process returns to step S217. On the other hand, if it has been pressed (YES in S217), the process proceeds to step S218 to move to the confirmation period for the first start hole sensor 11a.

[0276] In step S218, the game control microcomputer 101 executes a first start hole sensor confirmation display process. This first start hole sensor confirmation display process (S218) causes "H5" to be displayed in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 42). Also, the first start hole sensor confirmation display process (S218) causes "-" to be displayed in the third display area 330 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 42).

[0277] Next, it is determined whether or not a detection signal has been input from the first start hole sensor 11a (S219). If not (NO in S219), proceed to step S221. On the other hand, if a detection signal has been input (YES in S219), execute the first start hole sensor detection display process (S220) and proceed to step S221. In the first start hole sensor detection display process (S220), a number indicating the number of balls that have entered the first start hole 11 is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 42). Note that if no detection signal has been input from the first start hole sensor 11a, "-" is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300.

[0278] In step S221, the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether the RAM clear switch 191 has been pressed (whether it has been turned ON). If it has not been pressed (NO in S221), the timing is not the end of the confirmation period for the first start hole sensor 11a, so the process returns to step S219. On the other hand, if it has been pressed (YES in S221), the process proceeds to step S222 shown in FIG. 45 in order to move to the confirmation period for the first general winning hole sensor 10x.

[0279] In step S222, the game control microcomputer 101 executes a first general winning opening sensor confirmation display process. This first general winning opening sensor confirmation display process (S222) causes "H6" to be displayed in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 42). Also, the first general winning opening sensor confirmation display process (S222) causes "-" to be displayed in the third display area 330 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 42).

[0280] Next, it is determined whether or not a detection signal has been input from the first general winning opening sensor 10x (S223). If not (NO in S223), proceed to step S225. On the other hand, if a detection signal has been input (YES in S225), execute the first general winning opening sensor detection display process (S224) and proceed to step S225. In the first general winning opening sensor detection display process (S224), a number indicating the number of balls that have entered the first general winning opening 10A is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 42). Note that if no detection signal has been input from the first general winning opening sensor 10x, "-" is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300.

[0281] In step S225, the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether the RAM clear switch 191 has been pressed (whether it has been turned ON). If it has not been pressed (NO in S225), the timing is not the end of the confirmation period for the first general winning opening sensor 10x, so the process returns to step S223. On the other hand, if it has been pressed (YES in S225), the process proceeds to step S226 to move to the confirmation period for the second general winning opening sensor 10y.

[0282] In step S226, the game control microcomputer 101 executes a second general winning opening sensor confirmation display process. This second general winning opening sensor confirmation display process (S226) causes "H7" to be displayed in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 42). Also, the second general winning opening sensor confirmation display process (S226) causes "-" to be displayed in the third display area 330 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 42).

[0283] Next, it is determined whether or not a detection signal has been input from the second general winning opening sensor 10y (S227). If not (NO in S227), proceed to step S229. On the other hand, if a detection signal has been input (YES in S227), execute the second general winning opening sensor detection display process (S228) and proceed to step S229. In the second general winning opening sensor detection display process (S228), a number indicating the number of balls that have entered the second general winning opening 10B is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 42). Note that if no detection signal has been input from the second general winning opening sensor 10y, "-" is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300.

[0284] In step S229, the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether the RAM clear switch 191 has been pressed (whether it has been turned ON). If it has not been pressed (NO in S229), the timing is not the end of the confirmation period for the second general winning opening sensor 10y, so the process returns to step S227. On the other hand, if it has been pressed (YES in S229), the process proceeds to step S230 to move to the confirmation period for the third general winning opening sensor 10z.

[0285] In step S230, the game control microcomputer 101 executes a third general winning opening sensor confirmation display process. This third general winning opening sensor confirmation display process (S230) causes "H8" to be displayed in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display device 300 (see FIG. 42). Also, the third general winning opening sensor confirmation display process (S230) causes "-" to be displayed in the third display area 330 of the base display device 300 (see FIG. 42).

[0286] Next, it is determined whether or not a detection signal has been input from the third general winning opening sensor 10z (S231). If not (NO in S231), proceed to step S233. On the other hand, if a detection signal has been input (YES in S231), execute the third general winning opening sensor detection display process (S232) and proceed to step S233. In the third general winning opening sensor detection display process (S232), a number indicating the number of balls that have entered the third general winning opening 10C is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 42). Note that if no detection signal has been input from the third general winning opening sensor 10z, "-" is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300.

[0287] In step S233, the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether the RAM clear switch 191 has been pressed (whether it has been turned ON). If it has not been pressed (NO in S233), the timing is not the end of the confirmation period for the third general winning port sensor 10z, so the process returns to step S231. On the other hand, if it has been pressed (YES in S233), the process proceeds to step S234 shown in FIG. 46 in order to move to the confirmation period for the discharge port sensor 18a.

[0288] In step S234, the game control microcomputer 101 executes the discharge outlet sensor confirmation display process. This discharge outlet sensor confirmation display process (S234) causes "H9" to be displayed in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 42). Also, the discharge outlet sensor confirmation display process (S234) causes "-" to be displayed in the third display area 330 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 42).

[0289] Next, it is determined whether or not a detection signal has been input from the outlet sensor 18a (S235). If not (NO in S235), proceed to step S237. On the other hand, if a detection signal has been input (YES in S235), execute an outlet sensor detection display process (S236) and proceed to step S237. In the outlet sensor detection display process (S236), a number indicating the number of balls entering the outlet (number of balls passing) is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 42). Note that if no detection signal has been input from the outlet sensor 18a, "-" is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300.

[0290] In step S237, the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether the RAM clear switch 191 has been pressed (whether it has been turned ON). If it has not been pressed (NO in S237), the timing is not the end of the confirmation period for the discharge port sensor 18a, so the process returns to step S235. On the other hand, if it has been pressed (YES in S237), the process proceeds to step S238 to move to the confirmation period for the gate sensor 13a.

[0291] In step S238, the game control microcomputer 101 executes a gate sensor confirmation display process. This gate sensor confirmation display process (S238) causes "H0" to be displayed in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 42). Also, the gate sensor confirmation display process (S238) causes "-" to be displayed in the third display area 330 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 42).

[0292] Next, it is determined whether or not a detection signal has been input from the gate sensor 13a (S239). If not (NO in S239), the process proceeds to step S241. On the other hand, if a detection signal has been input (YES in S239), the process executes a gate sensor detection display process (S240) and proceeds to step S241. In the gate sensor detection display process (S240), a number indicating the number of balls that entered the gate 13 (number of balls that passed) is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 42). Note that if no detection signal has been input from the gate sensor 13a, "-" is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300.

[0293] In step S241, the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether the RAM clear switch 191 has been pressed (whether it has been turned ON). If it has not been pressed (NO in S241), it is not the time for the confirmation period for the gate sensor 13a to end, so the process returns to step S239. On the other hand, if it has been pressed (YES in S241), it then judges whether the end condition for the test mode is established.

[0294] As described above, the condition for terminating this test mode is that in the test mode, each main detection means (large prize opening sensor 14a, second start opening sensor 12a, first start opening sensor 11a, first general prize opening sensor 10x, second general prize opening sensor 10y, third general prize opening sensor 10z, discharge opening sensor 18a, gate sensor 13a) outputs a detection signal. Specifically, in the confirmation section for the AT opening / closing member 14k and the large prize opening sensor 14a, 1 or more was displayed in the fourth display area 340, and in the confirmation section for the electric chute opening / closing member 12k and the second start opening sensor 12a, 1 or more was displayed in the fourth display area 340, and in the confirmation section for the first start opening sensor 11a, 1 or more was displayed in the fourth display area 340, and in the confirmation section for the first general prize opening sensor 10x, 1 or more was displayed in the fourth display area 340, and in the confirmation section for the second general prize opening sensor 10y, 1 or more was displayed in the fourth display area 340, and in the confirmation section for the third general prize opening sensor 10z, 1 or more was displayed in the fourth display area 340, and in the confirmation section for the discharge opening sensor 18a, 1 or more was displayed in the fourth display area 340, and in the confirmation section for the gate sensor 13a, 1 or more was displayed in the fourth display area 340.

[0295] In step S242, if the game control microcomputer 101 determines that the end condition of the test mode is met (YES in S242), it proceeds to step S019 shown in Fig. 18. Thus, the test mode ends. On the other hand, if it determines that the end condition of the test mode is not met (NO in S242), it returns to step S202 shown in Fig. 43. Thus, it returns from the confirmation section for the gate sensor 13a to the confirmation section for the AT opening / closing member 14k and the big prize opening sensor 14a.

[0296] As described above, in the tenth embodiment, when the game control board 100 is set to the test mode, upon receiving a detection signal from the main detection means (the large prize opening sensor 14a, the second start opening sensor 12a, the first start opening sensor 11a, the first general prize opening sensor 10x, the second general prize opening sensor 10y, the third general prize opening sensor 10z, the discharge opening sensor 18a, and the gate sensor 13a), the base display 300 displays that the detection signal has been received. Specifically, the fourth display area 340 displays a number indicating the number of times the detection signal has been received (see Figs. 41 and 42). In this way, an employee of the game arcade can check that the main detection means is operating correctly by looking at the number displayed in the fourth display area 340.

[0297] In the tenth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 38, a base display 300 is disposed on the game control board 100, and this base display 300 can not only display the normal base, but also display that the game control board 100 has received a detection signal from the main detection means. Therefore, it is possible to check that the main detection means is operating correctly without providing a dedicated display means for displaying that the game control board 100 has received a detection signal from the main detection means.

[0298] In the tenth form, the game control board 100 displays "H1" in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display 300 during the confirmation period for the AT opening / closing member 14k and the special winning hole sensor 14a in the test mode. At this time, when a detection signal is input from the special winning hole sensor 14a, a number indicating the number of times the detection signal has been input is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 41). On the other hand, in the confirmation period for the electric chute opening / closing member 12k and the second start hole sensor 12a in the test mode, "H2" is displayed in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display 300. At this time, when a detection signal is input from the second start hole sensor 12a, a number indicating the number of times the detection signal has been input is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 41). In this way, even if there are multiple main detection means, it is possible to check which main detection means is correctly driven by looking at the first display area 310, the second display area 320, and the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300.

[0299] In the tenth form, the game control board 100 repeats the opening and closing operation of the AT opening and closing member 14k in the confirmation section for the AT opening and closing member 14k and the special winning hole sensor 14a in the test mode. At this time, "H1" is displayed in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display 300, and "0" is displayed in the third display area 330 (see FIG. 41). On the other hand, the game control board 100 repeats the opening and closing operation of the electric chute opening and closing member 12k in the confirmation section for the electric chute opening and closing member 12k and the second starting hole sensor 12a in the test mode. At this time, "H2" is displayed in the first display area 310 and the second display area 320 of the base display 300, and "0" is displayed in the third display area 330 (see FIG. 41). In this way, in a situation where there are multiple main driving means, it is possible to check which main driving means is operating correctly by looking at the first display area 310, the second display area 320, and the third display area 330 of the base display 300 without directly observing the operation of each main driving means.

[0300] Also, in the tenth embodiment, the game control board 100 can end the test mode when it is set to the test mode, on the condition that a detection signal is input from each of the main detection means (the large prize opening sensor 14a, the second start opening sensor 12a, the first start opening sensor 11a, the first general prize opening sensor 10x, the second general prize opening sensor 10y, the third general prize opening sensor 10z, the discharge opening sensor 18a, and the gate sensor 13a) (see FIG. 42). In other words, the test mode will not end unless each of the main detection means outputs a detection signal. In this way, in the test mode, it is possible to ensure that the operation of each main detection means is confirmed. In other words, it is possible to prevent the operation of each main detection means from being overlooked.

[0301] In the tenth embodiment, when the game control board 100 receives a detection signal from each main detection means (the large prize opening sensor 14a, the second start opening sensor 12a, the first start opening sensor 11a, the first general prize opening sensor 10x, the second general prize opening sensor 10y, the third general prize opening sensor 10z, the discharge opening sensor 18a, and the gate sensor 13a) in the test mode, the first display area 310, the second display area 320, and the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 display the main detection means from which the detection signal was input so that it can be identified (see Figs. 40, 41, and 42). In this way, by looking at the base display 300, it is possible to confirm which main detection means has operated correctly.

[0302] In the tenth form, an employee of the game center who checks the operation of each main detection means (the large prize opening sensor 14a, the second start opening sensor 12a, the first start opening sensor 11a, the first general prize opening sensor 10x, the second general prize opening sensor 10y, the third general prize opening sensor 10z, the discharge opening sensor 18a, the gate sensor 13a) and each main drive means (the AT opening / closing member 14k, the electric chute opening / closing member 12k, the display devices 8, the base display device 300) can select each main detection means and each main drive means to be checked by pressing the RAM clear switch 193 when the game is set to the test mode (see Figs. 41 and 42). Therefore, it is possible to check that each main detection means and each main drive means connected to the game control board 100 is operating correctly at any timing.

[0303] Here, it is assumed that the operation means for selecting the operation check target is not arranged on the game control board 100. In this case, the game control board 100 selects each main detection means and each main drive means as the operation check target based on the input of a signal based on the operation to the operation means from the outside (outside the game control board 100). In that case, there is a risk that the game control board 100 will not be recognized as appropriate in the test of the pachinko game machine. Therefore, in the tenth form, as shown in FIG. 38, an operation means (RAM clear switch 193) for selecting the operation check target is arranged on the game control board 100. Therefore, the game control board 100 can select the operation check target without inputting a signal from the outside. This makes it possible to avoid the occurrence of a situation in which the game control board 100 is not recognized as appropriate in the test of the pachinko game machine.

[0304] <11th form> In the first embodiment, in the test mode, each confirmation section is switched by pressing the RAM clear switch 193. In other words, the main detection means and main drive means to be the objects of operation confirmation can be selected based on pressing the RAM clear switch 193. In contrast, in the eleventh embodiment, the main detection means and main drive means to be the objects of operation confirmation can be selected based on rotating the setting key cylinder 180.

[0305] In the eleventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 47, a setting key cylinder 180 is arranged on the game control board 100. The setting key cylinder 180 (setting change means) is an operating means for switching between an ON state (ON position) and an OFF state (OFF position) by a rotating operation using a dedicated setting key (not shown). The ON position of the setting key cylinder 180 is a position rotated 90 degrees from the OFF position of the setting key cylinder 180. In the eleventh embodiment, the RAM clear switch 191 is arranged on the power supply board 190, not on the game control board 100.

[0306] In the pachinko game machine PY1 of the eleventh embodiment, as shown in Fig. 48(A) to Fig. 48(F), a jackpot determination table is provided corresponding to each of the setting values. In the eleventh embodiment, six types of setting values ​​are provided: "1", "2", "3", "4", "5", and "6". The setting value is a parameter that determines the probability of determining a jackpot in the jackpot determination process (referred to as "jackpot determination probability" or "jackpot winning probability" as appropriate). The setting value is set (changed) by an employee of the game arcade by setting the machine to a setting change mode after powering on.

[0307] As shown in FIG. 48(A) to FIG. 48(F), the jackpot determination tables corresponding to each set value include a jackpot determination table used in a normal probability state and a jackpot determination table used in a high probability state. The types of set values ​​and the types of jackpot determination tables are not limited to six types, and can be changed as appropriate. As shown in FIG. 48(A) to FIG. 48(F), the jackpot determination tables corresponding to each set value are each assigned a jackpot random number value that is determined as a jackpot or a miss, and the larger the set value, the higher the jackpot determination probability. This pachinko game machine PY1 uses the jackpot determination table corresponding to the set value to determine whether it is a jackpot or a miss. In this embodiment, it is set so that a small win cannot be won, but it may be set so that a small win can be won.

[0308] To switch to the setting change mode, the power must be turned on (the power switch 195 must be turned on). Three conditions are required: the setting change mode is started when the setting change switch 191 is pressed, the setting key cylinder 180 is in the ON position, and the setting change mode is started when the setting change mode is started. In other words, only when all the above three conditions are met, the setting change mode can be started immediately after the power is turned on. When the setting change mode is set, the setting value can be changed by pressing the RAM clear switch 191. When the setting change mode is set, if the setting key cylinder 180 is rotated from the ON position to the OFF position, the setting change mode ends and the mode is changed to the game mode. When the setting change mode is set, the setting value is displayed in the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300.

[0309] Here, in the eleventh embodiment, as shown in Fig. 47, the RAM clear switch is not arranged on the game control board 100, but the RAM clear switch 191 is arranged on the power supply board 190. Therefore, in the test mode, it is considered that the main detection means and the main drive means to be the objects of the operation check can be selected based on the RAM clear switch 191 on the power supply board 190 being pressed. However, in this case, the game control board 100 switches the objects of the operation check based on the input of a signal (RAM clear operation signal) from outside the game control board 100, so there is a risk that the game control board 100 will not be recognized as appropriate in the test of the pachinko game machine.

[0310] Therefore, in the eleventh embodiment, as shown in Figures 49 and 50, in the test mode, each time the setting key cylinder 180 arranged on the game control board 100 is rotated from the OFF position to the ON position, the main detection means and main drive means to be checked can be selected. In other words, in the test mode, an employee of the game arcade rotates the setting key cylinder 180 from the OFF position to the ON position. As a result, the game control board 100 switches the check section when it receives a signal based on the rotation (rotation operation signal).

[0311] Thus, in the eleventh embodiment, the game control board 100 can select the operation check target without inputting a signal (RAM clear operation signal, etc.) from the outside. This makes it possible to avoid the occurrence of a situation in which the game control board 100 is not recognized as appropriate in the test of the pachinko game machine. In addition, in the pachinko game machine PY1 in which a setting value corresponding to the probability of determining a big win can be set, a setting key cylinder 180 is arranged in advance on the game control board 100. Therefore, by effectively utilizing this setting key cylinder 180, it is possible to avoid providing a dedicated operating means for selecting the operation check target on the game control board 100.

[0312] The conditions for transitioning to the test mode in the 11th form are the same as those for transitioning to the test mode in the 1st form. Also, the conditions for ending the test mode in the 11th form are the same as those for ending the test mode in the 10th form, except that the pressing operation of the RAM clear switch 193 is replaced by a rotation operation of the setting key cylinder 180 from the OFF position to the ON position.

[0313] <Other Modifications> In each of the above embodiments, the test mode (non-play mode, drive check mode) may be set after the RAM clear is executed. However, the test mode may be set before the RAM clear is executed after the power is turned on. Also, the test mode may be set during the RAM clear.

[0314] In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, one of the conditions (first condition) for transition to the test mode is turning on the power. However, turning on the power may not be a condition for transition to the test mode. In this case, for example, the test mode may be set based on the RAM clear switch 191 (see FIG. 6) provided on the power supply board 190 being pressed or the RAM clear switch 193 (see FIG. 28) provided on the game control board 100 being pressed after the power supply is turned on and before the game mode is started. Alternatively, the test mode may be set based on the mode changeover switch (not shown) provided on the power supply board 190 or the mode changeover switch 192 (see FIG. 26) provided on the game control board 100 being pressed after the power supply is turned on and before the game mode is started.

[0315] In each of the above embodiments, the game control board 100 does not switch from the game mode to the test mode. However, the game control board 100 may be configured to switch from the game mode to the test mode. In this case, for example, when the game mode is set, the game mode may be switched to the test mode based on the RAM clear switch 191 (see FIG. 6) provided on the power supply board 190 being pressed, or the RAM clear switch 193 (see FIG. 28) provided on the game control board 100 being pressed. Alternatively, when the game mode is set, the game mode may be switched to the test mode based on the mode changeover switch (not shown) provided on the power supply board 190 or the mode changeover switch 192 (see FIG. 26) provided on the game control board 100 being pressed.

[0316] In each of the above embodiments, the test mode may be set based on pressing the RAM clear switches 191, 193 or the mode changeover switch 194. However, the predetermined operation performed on the RAM clear switches 191, 193 or the mode changeover switches 192, 194 to set the test mode is not limited to a pressing operation and may be changed as appropriate. Therefore, for example, the test mode may be set based on pressing and holding the RAM clear switches 191, 193 or the mode changeover switches 192, 194 for a predetermined period of time (several seconds) or pressing them multiple times (for example, three or more times).

[0317] In each of the above embodiments, the test mode is switched to the game mode (the test mode is terminated) based on pressing the RAM clear switch 191, 193 or the mode changeover switch 192, 194. However, the predetermined operation performed on the RAM clear switch 191, 193 or the mode changeover switch 192, 194 to switch from the test mode to the game mode (to terminate the test mode) is not limited to a pressing operation and can be changed as appropriate. Therefore, for example, the test mode may be switched to the game mode (the test mode is terminated) based on pressing and holding the RAM clear switch 191 or the mode changeover switch 192 for a predetermined time (several seconds) or pressing the switch multiple times (for example, three or more times).

[0318] In the first embodiment, the game control board 100 can be set to the test mode (non-game mode) when it receives a RAM clear operation signal (specific signal) from the power supply board 190 (specific transmission unit). However, a mode changeover switch may be provided on the power supply board 190, and the game control board 100 may be set to the test mode when it receives a changeover operation signal (specific signal) based on a pressing operation on the mode changeover switch.

[0319] In the first embodiment, the game control board 100 was able to switch from the test mode (non-game mode) to the game mode when it received a RAM clear operation signal (specific signal) from the power supply board 190 (specific transmission unit). However, a mode switching switch may be provided on the power supply board 190, and the game control board 100 may be able to switch from the test mode to the game mode when it receives a switching operation signal (specific signal) based on a pressing operation on the mode switching switch.

[0320] In the first embodiment, when the RAM clear switch 191 provided on the power supply board 190 is pressed at the time of power off, the shutoff operation information is stored in the RAM clear non-erasing area 104b, and when the shutoff operation information is stored in the RAM clear non-erasing area 104b at the time of power on, the game control board 100 is made to be able to execute the test mode process (S025). However, when the operation means (e.g., the mode changeover switch 192 shown in FIG. 26) provided on a board other than the power supply board (e.g., the game control board 100 or the payout control board 170) is operated in a predetermined manner at the time of power off, the predetermined information (e.g., the switching operation information) is stored in the RAM clear non-erasing area 104b, and when the predetermined information is stored in the RAM clear non-erasing area 104b at the time of power on, the test mode process (S025) may be executed.

[0321] In the first embodiment, when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed at the time of power off, the cut-off operation information is stored in the RAM clear non-erasing area 104b. However, when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed at the time of power off, the cut-off operation information may be stored in the RAM clear erasing area 104a. In this case, when the RAM clear is executed, the cut-off operation information stored in the RAM clear erasing area 104a is erased. Therefore, in this case, if the cut-off operation information is stored in the RAM clear erasing area 104a (predetermined storage unit) before the RAM clear is executed, the test mode process (S025) may be executed. In this way, the execution timing of the test mode process (S025) (special process) is not limited to after the RAM clear is executed, but may be changed as appropriate as long as it is before the transition to the game mode, and may be before the RAM clear is executed. Furthermore, the special processing is not limited to the test mode processing in step S025, but may be, for example, a processing for setting a mode for checking a setting value, a processing for setting a mode in which it is possible to check whether an error has occurred in the pachinko game machine PY1, a processing for setting a mode in which special information such as a serial number can be checked, etc.

[0322] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed during power off, the cut-off operation information is stored in the RAM clear non-erasing area 104b, and if the cut-off operation information is stored in the RAM clear non-erasing area 104b before the transition to the game mode after the power is turned on, the game control board 100 is made to be able to execute the test mode process (S025). However, if the cut-off operation information is not stored in the RAM clear non-erasing area 104b before the transition to the game mode after the power is turned on, the game control board 100 may be made to be able to execute the test mode process (S025) (special process), and if the cut-off operation information is stored in the RAM clear non-erasing area 104b, the game control board 100 may be made not to execute the test mode process (S025). In other words, if the arcade staff has not performed a predetermined operation (such as pressing the RAM clear switch 191 or opening the frame) when the power is cut off, the game control board 100 can execute the special process immediately after the power is turned on, but if the arcade staff has performed a predetermined operation when the power is cut off, the special process may not be executed. Even in this way, it is possible to provide a novel pachinko game machine PY1 in which whether or not to execute the special process is determined before the game mode is entered after the power is turned on, depending on the predetermined operation performed when the power is cut off.

[0323] In the fifth embodiment, when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed during power off, the cut-off operation information is stored in the RAM clear erasure area 104a (see step S120 in FIG. 30), and when the power is turned on, the cut-off operation information is stored in the RAM clear non-erasure area 104b (see step S051 in FIG. 31). However, when the cut-off operation information is stored in the RAM clear erasure area 104a during power on, the gaming CPU 102 of the gaming control microcomputer 101 may store the cut-off operation information in a built-in register. This is because, even if the RAM clear is executed, the cut-off operation information stored in the register is maintained. After the RAM clear is executed, the gaming control microcomputer 101 may set the test mode (execute the test mode process in step S025) if the cut-off operation information is stored in the register.

[0324] In each of the above embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, the game RAM 104 is provided with a RAM clear erasure area 104a in which the stored contents are erased when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed, and a RAM clear non-erasure area 104b in which the stored contents are maintained. However, a special memory different from the game RAM 104 may be provided so that the stored contents of the special memory are not erased even when the RAM clear switch 191 is pressed. In this case, when the power is cut off, predetermined information based on a predetermined operation (cutoff operation information based on the pressing operation of the RAM clear switch 191, cutoff operation information based on the pressing operation of the mode change switch 192) may be stored in the special memory. The special memory is not limited to a volatile memory, and may be a nonvolatile memory (e.g., FRAM (registered trademark)).

[0325] In each of the above embodiments, the test mode may be set based on the operation of the RAM clear switches 191 and 193 provided on the power supply board 190 and the mode changeover switch 194 provided on the game control board 100. However, the test mode may be set when the operation means provided on a board other than the power supply board 190 and the game control board 100 is operated. For example, the test mode may be set when the operation means provided on the payout control board 170 (specific transmission unit), the operation means provided on the relay board or the dedicated board is operated. In addition, the test mode may be set when the operation means provided on the unit (specific transmission unit) (for example, the RAM clear switch provided on the power supply unit) is operated, not limited to the operation means provided on the board.

[0326] In each of the above embodiments, the test mode is switched to the game mode based on the operation of the RAM clear switch 191 provided on the power supply board 190 and the mode changeover switches 192 and 194 provided on the game control board 100. However, when the operation means provided on a board other than the power supply board 190 and the game control board 100 is operated, the test mode may be switched to the game mode. For example, when the operation means provided on the payout control board 170 (specific transmission unit), the relay board, or the dedicated board is operated, the test mode may be switched to the game mode. In addition, the operation means is not limited to the operation means provided on the board, and when the operation means provided on the unit (specific transmission unit) (for example, the RAM clear switch provided on the power supply unit) is operated, the test mode may be switched to the game mode.

[0327] In the first to ninth modes, in the test mode, as shown in Figs. 16 and 41, the gaming control board 100 drives the main drive means (AT opening / closing member 14k, electric chute opening / closing member 12k, displays 8, and base display 300) one by one in sequence. However, in the test mode, the timing and order in which the gaming control board 100 drives each drive means can be changed as appropriate. Therefore, for example, the gaming control board 100 may drive each main drive means (AT opening / closing member 14k, electric chute opening / closing member 12k, displays 8, and base display 300) at the same timing. In this case, an employee of the gaming facility can check the operation of each main drive means in a short period of time.

[0328] In the above first to ninth modes, in the test mode, the AT opening / closing member 14k operates to open and close the special prize opening 14 three times as a special operation mode. However, the special operation mode is not limited to the above, and for example, the AT opening / closing member 14k may repeat the opening and closing operation of the special prize opening 14 until the test mode ends. In this way, for example, if an employee of the game center forgets that the test mode is set, it is possible to make it easier for him or her to notice that the test mode is set.

[0329] In the above first to ninth forms, in the test mode, the electric chute opening and closing member 12k operates to open and close the second start opening 12 three times as a special operation mode. However, the special operation mode is not limited to the above, and for example, the electric chute opening and closing member 12k may repeat the opening and closing operation of the second start opening 12 until the test mode ends. In this way, for example, if an employee of the game center forgets that the game is set to the test mode, it is possible to make it easier for him or her to notice that the game is set to the test mode.

[0330] In the above-mentioned first to ninth forms, in the test mode, the indicators 8 are in a special light-emitting mode in which all LEDs included in the first special display 81a, the second special display 81b, the ordinary display 82, the special display reserve 83, and the ordinary display reserve 84 are lit for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds). However, the special light-emitting mode is not limited to the above, and for example, all LEDs included in the first special display 81a, the second special display 81b, the ordinary display 82, the special display reserve 83, and the ordinary display reserve 84 may be made to continue to light up until the test mode ends. In this way, for example, when an employee of the game center forgets that the game center is set to the test mode, it is possible to easily notice that the game center is set to the test mode.

[0331] In the above first to ninth forms, in the test mode, the base display 300 lights up all of its own LEDs as a special light-emitting mode. However, the special light-emitting mode is not limited to the above, and for example, all of the LEDs included in the base display 300 may continue to light up until the test mode ends. In this way, for example, if an employee of the game arcade forgets that the game arcade is set to the test mode, it is possible to make the employee more aware that the game arcade is set to the test mode.

[0332] In each of the above embodiments, in the test mode, the performance control microcomputer 121 displays a test mode suggestion image TE (see FIG. 16) on the display screen 50a and outputs a test mode sound (see FIG. 16) from the speaker 620. However, the suggestion performance for suggesting that the game is in the test mode is not limited to the above and can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the test mode, the performance control microcomputer 121 may cause the frame lamp 212 and the board lamp 54 to emit light in a special light-emitting manner. In addition, the performance control microcomputer 121 may continue to execute the suggestion performance for suggesting that the game is in the test mode until the test mode ends. In this way, for example, when an employee of the game arcade forgets that the game is in the test mode, it is possible to easily notice that the game is in the test mode.

[0333] In each of the above embodiments, the game control board 100 (main control board) is set to a test mode (drive confirmation mode) as a non-game mode when it receives a specific signal (RAM clear operation signal, switching operation signal) from an external power supply board 190 (specific transmission unit). However, the game control board 100 may be set to a non-game mode other than the test mode when it receives a specific signal (RAM clear operation signal, switching operation signal) from an external power supply board 190 (specific transmission unit). For example, it may be set to a mode for checking the setting value, a mode in which it is possible to check whether an error has occurred in the pachinko game machine PY1, or a mode in which special information such as a serial number can be checked.

[0334] In each of the above embodiments, in the test mode, the game control board 100 drives the main drive means (AT opening / closing member 14k, electric chute opening / closing member 12k, displays 8, base display 300), while the performance control board 120 does not drive the sub drive means (image display device 50, speaker 620, frame lamp 212, board lamp 54, board movable body 55k, performance button 40). However, in the test mode, the game control board 100 may drive the main drive means and the performance control board 120 may drive the sub drive means.

[0335] In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, in the test mode (drive confirmation mode), the game control board 100 drives the main drive means (AT opening / closing member 14k, electric chute opening / closing member 12k, display devices 8, base display device 300). However, the main drive means driven in the drive confirmation mode is not limited to those described above and can be changed as appropriate. Therefore, for example, in the case where a specific area opening / closing member for opening and closing a specific area (V area) in the large prize opening is provided, in the drive confirmation mode, the game control board 100 may drive the specific area opening / closing member in a predetermined operation mode. Also, in the drive confirmation mode, the game control board 100 may drive some of the main drive means without necessarily driving all of the main drive means. Also, the drive confirmation mode may include a plurality of types of drive confirmation modes (for example, a first drive confirmation mode and a second drive confirmation mode), and the main drive means to be driven may be different depending on the type of drive confirmation mode. In this case, the game control board 100 may determine which drive confirmation mode to set according to the type of the specific signal received.

[0336] In the ninth embodiment, the end condition of the test mode is changed from the first embodiment to the lapse of a specific time (for example, 5 minutes) after the test mode is started. However, the end conditions of the test mode in the other embodiments (the second embodiment to the eighth embodiment) may be changed to the end condition of the test mode in the ninth embodiment (the lapse of a specific time after the test mode is started). The end condition of the test mode may be the lapse of a specific time after the drive of the main drive means is started, or, in the case of a plurality of main drive means, the lapse of a specific time after the drive of the first main drive means is started. The end condition of the test mode may be the end of the drive of the main drive means, or, in the case of a plurality of main drive means, the end of the drive of the last main drive means. The end condition of the test mode may be the lapse of a specific time after the drive of the main drive means is ended, or, in the case of a plurality of main drive means, the lapse of a specific time after the drive of the last main drive means is ended. Here, in the ninth embodiment or the modified example of the ninth embodiment, the game control board 100 can transition to the test mode based on receiving a RAM clear operation signal or a switching operation signal when the power is turned on, and switches from the test mode (non-game mode) to the game mode after a specific time has passed. Even in this case, it can be said that the game control board 100 can execute switching from the test mode (non-game mode) to the game mode when it receives a RAM clear operation signal or a switching operation signal (under the condition that it is received, based on the reception).

[0337] In the above tenth and eleventh forms, as shown in FIG. 42, the game control board 100 has a condition for terminating the test mode that detection signals are input from all main detection means (the large prize opening sensor 14a, the second start opening sensor 12a, the first start opening sensor 11a, the first general prize opening sensor 10x, the second general prize opening sensor 10y, the third general prize opening sensor 10z, the discharge opening sensor 18a, and the gate sensor 13a). However, the test mode termination condition in the tenth and eleventh forms may be changed to the test mode termination conditions in the first to ninth forms and their modified examples. Also, as shown in FIG. 51, the game control board 100 may terminate the test mode on the condition that detection signals are input from all main detection means in a predetermined order.

[0338] Specifically, the game control board 100 may be configured to end the test mode in the following predetermined order in the test mode: first, a detection signal is input from the big winning hole sensor 14a, then a detection signal is input from the second starting hole sensor 12a, then a detection signal is input from the first starting hole sensor 11a, then a detection signal is input from the first general winning hole sensor 10x, then a detection signal is input from the second general winning hole sensor 10y, then a detection signal is input from the third general winning hole sensor 10z, then a detection signal is input from the discharge hole sensor 18a, and finally a detection signal is input from the gate sensor 13a. In this way, if the test mode does not end despite having caused game balls to enter each ball entrance, discharge hole, and gate 13 in the test mode, the employee of the game arcade may suspect that the connection destination of the wiring from the main detection means is incorrect. In this way, by including the order of inputting the detection signals from each main detection means in the test mode end condition, it is possible to find the mistake in the connection destination of the wiring. The order in which the main detecting means output the detection signals to end the test mode is not limited to the above, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0339] In the above tenth and eleventh forms, the test mode can be terminated on the condition that all the main detection means (the large prize opening sensor 14a, the second start opening sensor 12a, the first start opening sensor 11a, the first general prize opening sensor 10x, the second general prize opening sensor 10y, the third general prize opening sensor 10z, the discharge opening sensor 18a, and the gate sensor 13a) connected to the game control board 100 output a detection signal. However, the test mode may be terminated on the condition that any of a plurality of the main detection means (for example, the large prize opening sensor 14a, the second start opening sensor 12a, the first start opening sensor 11a) or any one of the main detection means (for example, only the large prize opening sensor 14a) outputs a detection signal, instead of all the main detection means.

[0340] In the above tenth and eleventh forms, the game control board 100 is configured to be able to check the operation of the main detection means (the large prize opening sensor 14a, the second start opening sensor 12a, the first start opening sensor 11a, the first general prize opening sensor 10x, the second general prize opening sensor 10y, the third general prize opening sensor 10z, the discharge opening sensor 18a, and the gate sensor 13a) and the main drive means (the AT opening / closing member 14k, the electric chute opening / closing member 12k, the display devices 8, and the base display device 300) in the test mode. However, the operation check target is not limited to the above and can be changed as appropriate. Therefore, for example, a specific area may be provided inside the large prize opening 14, and a specific area detection means capable of detecting a game ball passing through this specific area may be included in the operation check target.

[0341] In the above-mentioned 10th form, the operation check target can be selected by pressing the RAM clear switch 193 in the test mode (see Figs. 41 and 42), and in the above-mentioned 11th form, the operation check target can be selected by rotating the setting key cylinder 180 in the test mode (see Figs. 49 and 50). However, the operation means for switching the operation check target is not limited to the RAM clear switch 193 or the setting key cylinder 180, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the operation check target may be selected by pressing the RAM clear switch 191 (see Fig. 6) arranged on the power supply board 190, or by pressing the mode changeover switch 192 (see Fig. 26) arranged on the game control board 100, or by operating other operation means arranged on the power supply board 190 or the payout control board 170.

[0342] In the above-mentioned 10th and 11th modes, in the test mode, the main detection means to be checked can be selected by operating the operation means (RAM clear switch 193, setting key cylinder 180). However, in the test mode, when the game control board 100 receives a detection signal from a certain main detection means, it may switch to another main detection means to be checked.

[0343] In the above eleventh embodiment, in the pachinko game machine PY1 in which the set value can be set, when the test mode is set, the operation check target is selected by rotating the setting key cylinder 180 arranged on the game control board 100. However, in the pachinko game machine in which the set value cannot be set, when the test mode is set, the operation check target may be selected by rotating the setting key cylinder 180 arranged on the game control board 100. In addition, the condition for transitioning to the test mode may be a rotation operation of the setting key cylinder 180, and the condition for ending the test mode may be a rotation operation of the setting key cylinder 180.

[0344] In the above tenth and eleventh modes, when the game control board 100 inputs a detection signal from a main detection means while set to the test mode, the base display 300 (predetermined notification means, specific display means) is configured to know from which main detection means the detection signal has been input (see FIG. 40). However, the notification means for knowing from which main detection means the detection signal has been input is not limited to the base display 300 arranged on the game control board 100, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the display devices 8, the image display device 50, the speaker 620, the light-emitting means (board lamp 54, frame lamp 212), etc. may be used to know from which main detection means the detection signal has been input.

[0345] In the above tenth and eleventh modes, when the game control board 100 drives the main drive means while the test mode is set, the base display 300 (predetermined notification means, specific display means) is configured to allow the user to know which main drive means is being driven (see FIG. 40). However, the notification means for knowing which main drive means has been driven is not limited to the base display 300 arranged on the game control board 100, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the user may be able to know which main drive means has been driven by the display devices 8, the image display device 50, the speaker 620, the light-emitting means (board lamp 54, frame lamp 212), etc.

[0346] In the above tenth and eleventh forms, when the test mode is set, it is possible to check which main detection means is operating correctly by looking at the first display area 310, the second display area 320, and the fourth display area 340 of the base display 300 (see Figs. 41 and 42). However, the detection notification (first detection notification, second detection notification) for checking which main detection means is operating correctly is not limited to the method shown in Figs. 41 and 42, and can be changed as appropriate. Therefore, for example, a corresponding number may be pre-assigned to each main detection means (large prize opening sensor 14a, second start opening sensor 12a, first start opening sensor 11a, first general prize opening sensor 10x, second general prize opening sensor 10y, third general prize opening sensor 10z, outlet sensor 18a, gate sensor 13a), and when the game control board 100 inputs a detection signal from a certain main detection means, it may display the number corresponding to that main detection means on the base display 300.

[0347] In the above tenth and eleventh forms, when the test mode is set, it is possible to check which main driving means (AT opening / closing member 14k, electric chute opening / closing member 12k, display devices 8) is driving correctly by looking at the first display area 310, the second display area 320, and the third display area 330 of the base display 300 (see FIG. 41). However, the driving notification (first driving notification, second driving notification) for checking which main driving means is driving correctly is not limited to the method shown in FIG. 41 and can be changed as appropriate. Therefore, for example, when the AT opening / closing member 14k is driven, "0" may be displayed in the first display area 310 of the base display 300, when the electric chute opening / closing member 12k is driven, "0" may be displayed in the second display area 320 of the base display 300, and when the display devices 8 are driven, "0" may be displayed in the third display area 330 of the base display 300.

[0348] In each of the above forms, the game machine is configured as a game machine in which a transition to a high probability state is determined based on the type of the winning jackpot pattern, but it may be configured as a so-called V-guaranteed machine (a game machine that controls to a high probability state based on the passage of a specific area (V area) in the big prize winning port). In addition, in each of the above forms, the game machine is configured as a game machine (a so-called probability loop type game machine) in which once it is controlled to a high probability state, it continues to be controlled to the high probability state until the start of the next jackpot game, but it may be configured as a so-called ST machine (a game machine with a limited number of chances) or a falling machine (a game machine in which the high probability state ends depending on the lottery result). It may also be configured as a so-called one-type two-type mixed machine or a swing type game machine. In other words, the invention shown in this specification can be suitably adopted for game machines with various game properties, regardless of the game properties of the game machine.

[0349] In the above embodiments, the machine is configured as a so-called non-inserted type pachinko machine, but it may be configured as a so-called inserted type pachinko machine. When configured as an inserted type pachinko machine, the payout control board 170 has substantially the same functions as the frame control board.

[0350] In the above embodiments, the game machine is configured as a pachinko game machine. However, the game machine may be configured as a slot machine (a reel game machine, a pachislot game machine).

[0351] 10. The invention shown in the above embodiment The above-mentioned embodiment describes the invention of each of the following means. In the following description of the means, the corresponding component names and expressions in the above-mentioned embodiment and the symbols used in the drawings are added in parentheses for reference. However, the components of each invention are not limited to these additions.

[0352] <Means A> The invention according to means A1 is as follows: A main control board (game control board 100) capable of controlling the progress of a game; In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with main detection means (a large prize opening sensor 14a, a second start opening sensor 12a, a first start opening sensor 11a, a first general prize opening sensor 10x, a second general prize opening sensor 10y, a third general prize opening sensor 10z, an outlet sensor 18a, and a gate sensor 13a) capable of outputting a detection signal to the main control board, The main control board includes: The game progress can be set to an uncontrollable confirmation mode (test mode), This gaming machine is characterized in that when set to the confirmation mode, when a detection signal is input from the main detection means, a detection notification (see Figures 41 and 42) indicating that the detection signal has been input can be executed by a specified notification means (base display 300).

[0353] According to the gaming machine of this configuration, when the main control board is set to the confirmation mode and receives a detection signal from the main detection means, the predetermined notification means executes a detection notification indicating that the detection signal has been received. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that allows the player to confirm that the main detection means is operating correctly by the detection notification.

[0354] The invention according to means A2 is as follows: In the gaming machine described in the means A1, A specific display means (base display 300) capable of displaying a specific value (normal base) related to a game is arranged on the main control board, The main control board includes: The gaming machine is characterized in that the detection notification (see Figures 41 and 42) can be executed by the specific display means.

[0355] According to the gaming machine having this configuration, the specific display means arranged on the main control board can not only display the specific value but also execute the detection notification, so that the detection notification can be executed without providing a dedicated display means for executing the detection notification.

[0356] The invention according to means A3 is as follows: In the gaming machine according to the means A1 or A2, The main detection means includes a first main detection means (a big prize opening sensor 41a) and a second main detection means (a second start opening sensor 12a). The main control board includes: When the confirmation mode is set, if a detection signal is input from the first main detection means, a first detection notification (see FIG. 41(1)) indicating that the detection signal has been input by the predetermined notification means can be executed, This gaming machine is characterized in that when a detection signal is input from the second main detection means while set to the confirmation mode, a second detection notification (see Figure 41 (2)) can be executed by the specified notification means, indicating that the detection signal has been input.

[0357] According to the gaming machine of this configuration, when the main control board is set to the confirmation mode, if a detection signal is input from the first main detection means, the predetermined notification means executes a first detection notification, and if a detection signal is input from the second main detection means, the predetermined notification means executes a second detection notification. In this way, by checking the type of detection notification, it is possible to check which main detection means is operating correctly.

[0358] The invention according to Means A4 is as follows: In the gaming machine according to any one of means A1 to A3, The main driving means (AT opening / closing member 14k, electric tube opening / closing member 12k, display devices 8, base display device 300) whose driving is controlled by the main control board is provided, The main control board includes: This gaming machine is characterized in that when the confirmation mode is set and the main drive means is driven, the specified notification means can execute a drive notification (see Figure 41) to indicate that the main drive means is driving.

[0359] According to the gaming machine of this configuration, when the main control board is set to the confirmation mode, the predetermined notification means can execute a detection notification and can execute a drive notification that shows that the main drive means is operating. Thus, in the confirmation mode, it is possible to confirm that the main detection means and the main drive means are operating correctly.

[0360] The invention according to means A5 is as follows: In the gaming machine described in the means A4, The main driving means includes a first main driving means (AT opening / closing member 14k) and a second main driving means (electric tube opening / closing member 12k), The main control board includes: When the confirmation mode is set, when the first main driving means is driven, a first driving notification (see FIG. 41(1)) can be executed by the predetermined notification means to indicate that the first main driving means is being driven; This gaming machine is characterized in that when the second main drive means is driven while set to the confirmation mode, the specified notification means can execute a second drive notification (see Figure 41 (2)) indicating that the second main drive means is driving.

[0361] According to the gaming machine of this configuration, when the main control board is set to the confirmation mode, when the first drive means is driven, the predetermined notification means can execute the first drive notification, and when the second drive means is driven, the predetermined notification means can execute the second drive notification. In this way, by checking the type of drive notification, it is possible to check which main drive means is operating correctly.

[0362] Incidentally, the gaming machine described in JP 2014-045842 A includes a main control board capable of controlling the progress of a game. The main control board is connected to various sensors (main detection means) such as a start hole sensor and a big prize hole sensor. Therefore, when a gaming ball is detected by each sensor, a detection signal from each sensor is input to the main control board. Here, in recent years, there are cases where an employee at an amusement parlor assembles each component of a gaming machine and installs the gaming machine. In this case, if the gaming machine is installed in the amusement parlor even though the main detection means is not operating properly, there is a risk of causing a great disadvantage to players. Therefore, it is required to be able to confirm that the main detection means operates properly in a gaming machine assembled at an amusement parlor. The invention according to the means A1 to A5 differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2014-045842 A in that it is possible to set a confirmation mode in which the progress of the game cannot be controlled, and when the confirmation mode is set, when a detection signal is input from the main detection means, a detection notification indicating that the detection signal has been input can be executed by a predetermined notification means. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that allows confirmation that the main detection means is operating correctly (to achieve an effect).

[0363] <Method B> The invention according to means B1 is as follows: A main control board (game control board 100) capable of controlling the progress of a game; In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a plurality of main detection means (a large prize opening sensor 14a, a second start opening sensor 12a, a first start opening sensor 11a, a first general prize opening sensor 10x, a second general prize opening sensor 10y, a third general prize opening sensor 10z, an outlet sensor 18a, and a gate sensor 13a) capable of outputting detection signals to the main control board, The main control board includes: The game progress can be set to an uncontrollable confirmation mode (test mode), This gaming machine is characterized in that it is possible to end the confirmation mode on the condition that detection signals are input from each of the multiple main detection means when the confirmation mode is set (see Figure 42).

[0364] According to the gaming machine of this configuration, the main control board can end the confirmation mode on the condition that the detection signals are input from each of the main detection means when the confirmation mode is set. In other words, the confirmation mode does not end unless each of the main detection means outputs a detection signal. In this way, it is possible to provide a novel gaming machine that can guarantee the operation confirmation of the multiple main detection means in the confirmation mode.

[0365] The invention according to means B2 is as follows: In the gaming machine according to the means B1, The main control board includes: This gaming machine is characterized in that when the confirmation mode is set, it is possible to end the confirmation mode on the condition that detection signals are input from the multiple main detection means in a predetermined order (see Figure 51).

[0366] According to the gaming machine of this configuration, the main control board can end the confirmation mode when the confirmation mode is set, on the condition that the detection signals are input from the multiple main detection means in a predetermined order. Therefore, if the confirmation mode does not end even though the detection signals are output from the multiple main detection means, it means that the connection destination of the wiring from the main detection means is incorrect. In this way, it is possible to find the mistake in the connection destination of the wiring.

[0367] The invention according to means B3 is as follows: In the gaming machine according to the means B1 or B2, The main control board includes: A gaming machine characterized in that, when set to the confirmation mode, a specified notification means (base display 300) is capable of executing an identification notification (see Figures 41 and 42) indicating which of the multiple main detection means has input a detection signal.

[0368] In the gaming machine having this configuration, when the main control board is set to the confirmation mode, a predetermined notification means executes an identification notification indicating which main detection means has input a detection signal. In this way, by grasping the identification notification, it is possible to confirm which main detection means has operated correctly.

[0369] Incidentally, the gaming machine described in JP 2014-045842 A includes a main control board capable of controlling the progress of the game. The main control board is connected to various sensors (main detection means) such as a start port sensor and a big prize port sensor. Therefore, when a gaming ball is detected by each sensor, a detection signal from each sensor is input to the main control board. Here, in recent years, an employee at an amusement parlor may assemble each component of the gaming machine and install the gaming machine. In this case, if the gaming machine is installed in the amusement parlor even though the main detection means is not operating properly, there is a risk of causing a great disadvantage to the player. Therefore, it is required to be able to confirm that the main detection means operates properly in the gaming machine assembled at the amusement parlor. Therefore, although it is conceivable that an employee at the amusement parlor may check that the main detection means operates properly, there is a risk of overlooking the operation check since a plurality of main detection means are generally provided. Therefore, the invention according to means B1 to B3 differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2014-045842 A in that the main control board can be set to a confirmation mode in which the progress of the game cannot be controlled, and can end the confirmation mode on the condition that detection signals are input from each of the main detection means while the confirmation mode is set. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that can ensure operation confirmation for the multiple main detection means (achieve the effect of doing so).

[0370] <Means C> The invention according to Means C1 is as follows: A main control board (game control board 100) capable of controlling the progress of a game; An operable operating means (RAM clear switch 193); In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a plurality of electrical connection means (main detection means (big prize opening sensor 14a, second start opening sensor 12a, first start opening sensor 11a, first general prize opening sensor 10x, second general prize opening sensor 10y, third general prize opening sensor 10z, discharge opening sensor 18a, gate sensor 13a) electrically connected to the main control board and main drive means (AT opening / closing member 14k, electric chute opening / closing member 12k, displays 8, base display 300), The main control board includes: A confirmation mode (test mode) can be set in which the progress of a game cannot be controlled and the operation of the plurality of electrical connection means can be confirmed; This gaming machine is characterized in that when set in the confirmation mode, the electrical connection means to be checked for operation can be selected from the multiple electrical connection means based on the operation of the operating means (see Figures 41 and 42).

[0371] According to the gaming machine of this configuration, a person who checks the operation of the plurality of electrical connection means can select the electrical connection means to be checked by operating the operation means when the checking mode is set. Therefore, it is possible to provide a novel gaming machine in which the correct operation of the plurality of electrical connection means connected to the main control board can be checked at any time.

[0372] The invention according to Means C2 is as follows: In the gaming machine described in the means C1, The gaming machine is characterized in that the operating means is disposed on the main control board (see FIG. 38).

[0373] If the operating means is not arranged on the main control board, the main control board selects the electrical connection means to be checked for operation based on an external input of a signal based on the operation of the operating means. In this case, there is a risk that the main control board will not be recognized as appropriate in the test of the gaming machine. Therefore, according to the gaming machine of this configuration, the operating means is arranged on the main control board. Therefore, the main control board can select the electrical connection means to be checked for operation without externally inputting a signal based on the operation of the operating means. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the main control board is not recognized as appropriate in the test of the gaming machine.

[0374] The invention according to Means C3 is as follows: In the gaming machine according to the means C2, The main control board can be set to a setting change mode in which a setting value corresponding to a probability of determining a jackpot can be changed, The main control board is provided with a setting change means (setting key cylinder 180) that can switch to the setting change mode based on whether it is operated when the power is turned on (see FIG. 47). A gaming machine characterized in that the operation means is the setting change means.

[0375] According to the gaming machine having this configuration, the electrical connection means to be checked is selected by operating the setting change means arranged on the main control board, so that it is possible to select the electrical connection means to be checked without providing a dedicated operating means for selecting the electrical connection means on the main control board.

[0376] Incidentally, the gaming machine described in JP 2014-045842 A is equipped with a main control board capable of controlling the progress of the game. In addition to various sensors such as a start port sensor and a special prize port sensor, many electrical connection members such as a special prize port opening / closing member and an electric chute opening / closing member are connected to the main control board. Here, in recent years, an employee at an amusement parlor may assemble each part of the gaming machine and install the gaming machine. In this case, if the gaming machine is installed in the amusement parlor even though the electrical connection members are not working properly, there is a risk of causing a great disadvantage to the player. Therefore, it is required to be able to confirm that the electrical connection members work properly in the gaming machine assembled at the amusement parlor. Therefore, although it is conceivable that an employee at the amusement parlor may check that the electrical connection members work properly, there is a risk that the checking work will be cumbersome since many electrical connection members are generally provided. Therefore, the invention according to means C1 to C3 differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2014-045842 A in that the main control board cannot control the progress of the game, can be set to a confirmation mode in which the operation of the plurality of electrical connection means can be confirmed, and when set to the confirmation mode, can select the electrical connection means to be checked for operation from among the plurality of electrical connection means based on the operation of the operating means. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a gaming machine that can check the correct operation of the plurality of electrical connection means at any timing (achieve the effect of doing so).

[0377] <Means D> The invention according to means D1 is as follows: In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a main control board (game control board 100) capable of controlling the progress of a game, A specific transmission unit (power supply board 190) capable of transmitting a specific signal (RAM clear operation signal) to the main control board from outside the main control board, The main control board includes: The game mode can be set to a game mode in which the game progress can be controlled, or a non-game mode (test mode) in which the game progress cannot be controlled. This gaming machine is characterized in that, upon receiving the specific signal from the specific transmission unit, it is capable of performing at least one of switching from the non-game mode to the game mode, or switching from the game mode to the non-game mode (see Figure 16).

[0378] In a gaming machine of this configuration, the main control board can set a gaming mode or a non-gaming mode. When the main control board receives a specific signal from a specific transmission unit provided outside the main control board, the main control board can switch from the non-gaming mode to the gaming mode or from the gaming mode to the non-gaming mode. In this way, it is possible to provide a novel gaming machine in which the mode (gaming mode or non-gaming mode) set by the main control board is switched by the main control board receiving a specific signal from the outside.

[0379] The invention according to means D2 is as follows: In the gaming machine according to the means D1, The main driving means (AT opening / closing member 14k, electric tube opening / closing member 12k, display devices 8, base display device 300) whose driving is controlled by the main control board is provided, This gaming machine is characterized in that the non-play mode is a drive confirmation mode (test mode) in which the main drive means is driven while making the progress of the game uncontrollable, thereby making it possible to confirm the operation of the main drive means.

[0380] According to the gaming machine of this configuration, when the main control board is set to the drive confirmation mode, it is possible to confirm whether the main drive means is operating correctly. Then, when the main control board receives a specific signal from a specific transmission unit provided outside the main control board, it is possible to switch from the drive confirmation mode to the game mode or from the game mode to the drive confirmation mode.

[0381] The invention according to means D3 is as follows: In the gaming machine according to the means D2, The main driving means is a specific winning opening opening / closing member (AT opening / closing member 14k, electric chute opening / closing member 12k), The main control board includes: In the drive confirmation mode, it is possible to drive the specific winning opening opening / closing member so that the game ball can easily enter the specific winning opening (the large winning opening 14, the second starting opening 12), This gaming machine is characterized in that, when in the drive confirmation mode, even if a gaming ball enters the specific winning port, no prize ball is awarded (a prize ball command is not sent to the payout control board 170).

[0382] According to the gaming machine of this configuration, when the main control board is set to the drive confirmation mode, the specific winning hole opening and closing member is driven so that the game ball can easily enter the specific winning hole. At this time, even if the game ball shot by the player enters the specific winning hole, the main control board does not award the prize ball. Therefore, in the drive confirmation mode, it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of a situation in which an unfair advantage is given to the player.

[0383] The invention according to means D4 is as follows: In the gaming machine according to any one of means D1 to D3, The main control board is capable of storing information related to the progress of the game (for example, information on the game state such as a high probability state, information on the result of a special chart reservation or a jackpot hit or a hit / miss judgment, etc.), The specific transmission unit (power supply board 190) is provided with a RAM clear operation means (RAM clear switch 191) capable of erasing information related to the progress of the game stored in the main control board, The specific signal is an operation signal (RAM clear operation signal) based on the operation of the RAM clear operation means.

[0384] According to the gaming machine of this configuration, when the RAM clear operation means provided in the specific transmission unit is operated, the main control board receives the operation signal. This causes the mode (game mode or non-game mode) set by the main control board to be switched. In this way, it is possible to provide a novel gaming machine in which the mode set by the main control board can be switched by utilizing the RAM clear operation means provided outside the main control board.

[0385] The invention according to means D5 is as follows: In the gaming machine according to the means D4, The main control board includes: When the operation signal (RAM clear operation signal) is received from the specific transmission unit upon power-on, the non-play mode (test mode) can be set; This gaming machine is characterized in that when the operation signal (RAM clear operation signal) is received from the specific transmission unit while in the non-play mode, it is possible to switch from the non-play mode to the play mode (see Figure 16).

[0386] According to the gaming machine of this configuration, when the RAM clear operation means provided in the specific transmission unit is operated when the power is turned on, an operation signal is sent to the main control board, and it is possible to set the non-game mode. After that, when the RAM clear operation means is operated again while in the non-game mode, an operation signal is sent to the main control board, and the non-game mode is switched to the game mode. In this way, by using the RAM clear operation means for executing the RAM clear, it is possible to set the non-game mode immediately after the power is turned on, and to switch from the non-game mode to the game mode.

[0387] Incidentally, the gaming machine described in JP 2014-045842 A is equipped with a main control board capable of controlling the progress of a game. When the power is turned on, the main control board automatically enters a game mode capable of controlling the progress of a game, and executes control processing related to the progress of a game. Here, in order to provide an innovative gaming machine, it is considered that the main control board can be set not only to a game mode, but also to a non-game mode in which the progress of a game cannot be controlled. In this case, the problem is how to switch the mode (game mode or non-game mode) set by the main control board. Therefore, the invention according to the means D1 to D5 differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2014-045842 A in that the main control board can be set to a gaming mode in which the progress of the game can be controlled, or a non-gaming mode in which the progress of the game cannot be controlled, and when a specific signal is received from a specific transmission unit, at least one of switching from the non-gaming mode to the gaming mode or switching from the gaming mode to the non-gaming mode can be executed. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a novel gaming machine in which the mode set by the main control board can be switched (to achieve the effect).

[0388] <Means E> The invention according to means E1 is as follows: In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a main control board (game control board 100) capable of controlling the progress of a game, The main control board includes: A special operation means (mode changeover switch 192, see FIG. 26) is provided, The game mode can be set to a game mode in which the game progress can be controlled, or a non-game mode (test mode) in which the game progress cannot be controlled. This gaming machine is characterized in that, when the special operation means is operated, at least one of switching from the non-game mode to the game mode or switching from the game mode to the non-game mode can be executed.

[0389] In this gaming machine, the main control board can set a gaming mode or a non-gaming mode. When a special operation means provided on the main control board is operated, the main control board can switch from the non-gaming mode to the gaming mode or from the gaming mode to the non-gaming mode. In this way, it is possible to provide a novel gaming machine in which the mode (gaming mode or non-gaming mode) set by the main control board can be switched by operating the special operation means provided on the main control board.

[0390] The invention according to means E2 is as follows: In the gaming machine described in the means E1, The main driving means (AT opening / closing member 14k, electric tube opening / closing member 12k, display devices 8, base display device 300) whose driving is controlled by the main control board is provided, This gaming machine is characterized in that the non-play mode is a drive confirmation mode (test mode) in which the main drive means is driven while making the progress of the game uncontrollable, thereby making it possible to confirm the operation of the main drive means.

[0391] According to the gaming machine of this configuration, when the main control board is set to the drive confirmation mode, it is possible to confirm whether the main drive means is driving correctly. Then, when the special operation means provided on the main control board is operated, the main control board can execute switching from the drive confirmation mode to the game mode or switching from the game mode to the drive confirmation mode.

[0392] The invention according to means E3 is as follows: In the gaming machine described in means E2, The main driving means is a specific winning opening opening / closing member (AT opening / closing member 14k, electric chute opening / closing member 12k), The main control board includes: In the drive confirmation mode, it is possible to drive the specific winning opening opening / closing member so that the game ball can easily enter the specific winning opening (the large winning opening 14, the second starting opening 12), This gaming machine is characterized in that, when in the drive confirmation mode, even if a gaming ball enters the specific winning port, no prize ball is awarded (a prize ball command is not sent to the payout control board 170).

[0393] According to the gaming machine of this configuration, when the main control board is set to the drive confirmation mode, the specific winning hole opening and closing member is driven so that the game ball can easily enter the specific winning hole. At this time, even if the game ball shot by the player enters the specific winning hole, the main control board does not award the prize ball. Therefore, in the drive confirmation mode, it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of a situation in which an unfair advantage is given to the player.

[0394] The invention according to means E4 is as follows: In the gaming machine according to any one of means E1 to E3, A specific transmission unit (power supply board 190) capable of transmitting a specific signal (RAM clear operation signal) to the main control board from outside the main control board, The main control board includes: When a specific signal is received from the specific transmission unit upon power-on, the non-play mode can be set; This gaming machine is characterized in that when the special operation means (mode changeover switch 192) is operated in the non-game mode, it is possible to switch from the non-game mode to the game mode.

[0395] According to the gaming machine of this configuration, when the power is turned on, the main control board can be set to a non-game mode when it receives a specific signal from a specific transmission unit provided outside the main control board. After that, when the non-game mode is in the non-game mode, the non-game mode is switched to the game mode when the special operation means provided on the main control board is operated. Thus, when the power is turned on, the main control board can be set to the non-game mode based on a specific signal transmitted from the outside, and when switching from the non-game mode to the game mode, it can be executed based on the operation of the special operation means provided on the main control board.

[0396] The invention according to means E5 is as follows: In the gaming machine according to the means E4, The main control board is capable of storing information related to the progress of the game (for example, information on the game state such as a high probability state, information on the result of a special chart reservation or a jackpot hit or a hit / miss judgment, etc.), The specific transmission unit (power supply board 190) is provided with a RAM clear operation means (RAM clear switch 191) capable of erasing information related to the progress of the game stored in the main control board, The specific signal is an operation signal (RAM clear operation signal) based on the operation of the RAM clear operation means.

[0397] According to the gaming machine of this configuration, when the RAM clear operation means provided in the specific transmission unit is operated when the power is turned on, the main control board can be set to a non-game mode by receiving an operation signal. After that, when the special operation means provided in the main control board is operated while in the non-game mode, the non-game mode is switched to the game mode. Thus, in a gaming machine test, even if the switching from the non-game mode to the game mode is not permitted by operating the RAM clear operation means provided outside the main control board, it is possible to switch from the non-game mode to the game mode by operating the special operation means provided in the main control board.

[0398] Incidentally, the gaming machine described in JP 2014-045842 A is equipped with a main control board capable of controlling the progress of a game. When the power is turned on, the main control board automatically enters a game mode capable of controlling the progress of a game, and executes control processing related to the progress of a game. Here, in order to provide an innovative gaming machine, it is considered that the main control board can be set not only to a game mode, but also to a non-game mode in which the progress of a game cannot be controlled. In this case, the problem is how to switch the mode (game mode or non-game mode) set by the main control board. Therefore, the invention according to means E1 to E5 differs from the gaming machine described in JP 2014-045842 A in that the main control board has an operable special operation means, and can be set to a gaming mode in which the progress of the game can be controlled, or a non-game mode in which the progress of the game cannot be controlled, and when the special operation means is operated, at least one of switching from the non-game mode to the gaming mode or switching from the gaming mode to the non-game mode can be executed. This makes it possible to solve the problem of providing a novel gaming machine capable of switching the mode set by the main control board (achieve the effect of working).

[0399] <Means F> The invention according to means F1 is as follows: In a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine PY1) equipped with a main control board (game control board 100) capable of controlling the progress of a game, The main control board includes: A predetermined storage unit (RAM clear non-erasure area 104b, see FIG. 14) is provided for storing predetermined information (shutdown operation information) based on a predetermined operation (a pressing operation on the RAM clear switch 191) when the power is shut down, This gaming machine is characterized in that if the specified information is stored in the specified memory unit after the power is turned on and before transitioning to a game mode in which the progress of the game can be controlled, special processing (test mode processing in step S025) can be executed, but if the specified information is not stored in the specified memory unit, the special processing is not executed (see Figure 19).

[0400] According to the gaming machine of this configuration, if a predetermined operation is being performed when the power is cut off, the predetermined storage unit of the main control board can store predetermined information based on the predetermined operation. Then, if the predetermined information is stored before the transition to the gaming mode after the power is turned on, a special process can be executed, whereas if the predetermined information is not stored, the special process is not executed. In this way, it is possible to provide an innovative gaming machine in which whether or not to execute a special process before the transition to the gaming mode after the power is turned on is determined according to the predetermined operation performed when the power is cut off.

[0401] The invention according to means F2 is as follows: In the gaming machine described in the means F1, A RAM clear operation means (RAM clear switch 191) is provided which, when operated upon power-on, can erase information related to the progress of the game stored in the main control board (for example, information on the game state such as a high probability state, information on the results of the special chart reservation and the jackpot judgment, etc.); The main control board includes: This is a gaming machine characterized in that when the RAM clear operation means is operated when the power is turned on, if the specified information (shutoff operation information) is stored in the specified memory section, a special process (test mode processing in step S025) can be executed, whereas if the specified information is not stored in the specified memory section, the special process is not executed (see Figure 19).

[0402] According to the gaming machine of this configuration, if the condition that a predetermined operation is being performed when the power is cut off and the condition that the RAM clear operation means is operated when the power is turned on are satisfied, the special process is executed after the power is turned on and before the transition to the gaming mode is made. In this way, in order to execute the special process, multiple operations are required, and it is possible to prevent the special process from being executed frequently before the transition to the gaming mode. In other words, if the predetermined operation is not being performed when the power is cut off, it is possible to prevent the special process from being executed even if the RAM clear operation means is operated when the power is turned on.

[0403] The invention according to means F3 is as follows: In the gaming machine described in means F2, The main control board includes: Even if the RAM clear operation means is operated when the power is turned on, the predetermined information (shutoff operation information) stored in the predetermined storage unit (RAM clear non-erasure area 104b) can be retained, This gaming machine is characterized in that after information related to the progress of the game is erased by operating the RAM clear operation means (after executing step S022), if the specified information is stored in the specified memory section, a special process (test mode process in step S025) can be executed, but if the specified information is not stored in the specified memory section, the special process is not executed.

[0404] According to the gaming machine of this configuration, even if the RAM clear operation means is operated when the power is turned on, the predetermined information stored in the predetermined storage unit is retained. Therefore, after the information related to the progress of the game is erased by operating the RAM clear operation means, if the predetermined information is stored, the special process is executed, but if the predetermined information is not stored, the special process is not executed. In other words, the main control board can determine whether or not to execute the special process based on the predetermined operation at the time of power cut, without being affected by the RAM clear.

[0405] The invention according to means F4 is as follows: In the gaming machine according to the means F2 or F3, The main control board includes: This gaming machine is characterized in that when the RAM clear operation means is operated (pressed) in a specified manner when the power is cut off, the specified information (cutoff operation information) can be stored in the specified memory unit (RAM clear non-erasure area 104b) (step S112 can be executed).

[0406] According to the gaming machine of this configuration, if the condition that the RAM clear operation means is operated in a predetermined manner when the power is cut off and the condition that the RAM clear operation means is operated when the power is turned on are met, it is possible to execute a special process before transitioning to the gaming mode. In this way, in order to execute the special process, it is sufficient to operate the same RAM clear operation means when the power is cut off and when the power is turned on, and it is possible to prevent the operation from becoming complicated.

[0407] The invention relating to means F5 is as follows: In the gaming machine according to any one of means F1 to F4, The main control board includes: The game mode or a non-game mode (test mode) in which the game progress cannot be controlled can be set, This gaming machine is characterized in that the special process is set to the non-gaming mode (executing the test mode process in step S025).

[0408] According to the gaming machine of this configuration, if a predetermined operation is performed when the power is cut off, the gaming machine may be set to the non-gaming mode before switching to the gaming mode when the power is turned on thereafter. In thi...

Claims

[Claim 1] A main control board capable of controlling the progress of a game; An identification symbol display means connected to the main control board and capable of variably displaying an identification symbol indicating whether or not the identification symbol is a winning symbol; a first main detection means capable of outputting a detection signal to the main control board; A second main detection means capable of outputting a detection signal to the main control board; A specific winning opening opening opening member whose opening and closing operation is controlled by the main control board so as to change the ease with which game balls enter the specific winning opening, The main control board includes: When the RAM clear operation means is operated with the power turned on, the game progress can be set to an uncontrollable confirmation mode; When the confirmation mode is set, when a detection signal is input from the first main detection means, a first detection notification indicating that the detection signal has been input can be executed by the identification pattern display means; When the confirmation mode is set, when a detection signal is input from the second main detection means, a second detection notification indicating that the detection signal has been input can be executed by the identification pattern display means; When the RAM clear operation means is operated while the confirmation mode is set, the confirmation mode can be ended; A gaming machine characterized in that the opening and closing operation of the specific winning opening opening member is repeated from the start of the confirmation mode until the end of the confirmation mode.

Images