gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine that can improve convenience when performing a check on control of a game machine.SOLUTION: A main control CPU can control a game state to a special RAM check state upon detection of first operation by an operation button, and can finish the special RAM check state upon detection of second operation by the operation button. In the special RAM check state, it is possible to execute abnormality determination on whether there is an abnormality in a storage content of a main control RAM. In the special RAM check state, a secondary control CPU limits execution of at least a partial performance of a stand-by performance.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Some conventional pachinko gaming machines, which are a type of gaming machine, check the control of the gaming machine at a predetermined timing. For example, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, if the RAM clear switch is not operated to the ON state when the power is turned on, a check is made to see if there is any abnormality in the contents stored in the main control RAM as a check regarding the control of the gaming machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-48181 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such gaming machines, it is desirable to further improve the convenience of checking the control of the gaming machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The gaming machine that solves the above problems is: a game execution means for executing a special game as a variable game by varying symbols; a game control means for controlling the game execution means; a special game stop control means for controlling the special game to a special game stop state that restricts the execution of the special game; and a storage means for storing various information. The gaming machine is provided with an operation means, an operation detection means capable of detecting an operation of the operation means, a control state change means capable of changing the control state of the gaming machine, an effect execution means for executing an effect, and an effect control means for controlling the effect execution means, and the control state change means is capable of controlling to a special control state when at least the operation detection means detects a first operation by the operation means. Therefore, even during the special game stop state due to the detection of a specific error, control to the special control state can be performed when the operation detection means detects the first operation by the operation means, When the special control state is in the special control state, the special control state can be ended when at least the operation detection means detects a second operation by the operation means, and the special control state is Regarding processing of the contents stored in the storage means The gist of the present invention is that when the special control state is in the control state, the performance control means restricts the execution of at least some of the performances that the performance execution means can execute. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve convenience when checking the control of a gaming machine. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko gaming machine. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the operation buttons. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view showing the game board. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine. [Figure 5] FIG. 5(a) is a schematic diagram showing the image display mode in a standby state, and FIG. 5(b) is a schematic diagram showing the image display mode in an error state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6(a) is a timing chart showing the control flow when transitioning from the standby state to the special RAM check state, and FIG. 6(b) is a timing chart showing the control flow when transitioning from the standby state to the special RAM clear state. [Figure 7] FIG. 7(a) is a timing chart showing the control flow when transitioning from an error state to a special RAM check state, and FIG. 7(b) is a timing chart showing the control flow when transitioning from an error state to a special RAM clear state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8(a) is a schematic diagram showing the display mode when the menu screen is displayed during a standby state, and FIG. 8(b) is a schematic diagram showing the display mode when the menu screen is displayed during an error state. [Figure 9] 9(a) to 9(c) are schematic diagrams showing the image display modes during the special RAM check state. [Figure 10] 10(a) to 10(e) are schematic diagrams showing the image display modes in the special RAM clear state. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the mode of limiting the standby effect. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine will be described below. In the following description, up, down, left, right, front (front), and back (back) indicate the respective directions as seen by a player. As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 10 serving as a gaming machine includes a frame 11. The frame 11 includes an installation frame 11a for fixing the pachinko gaming machine 10 to an installation in an amusement parlor or the like, and a mounting frame 11b for mounting various gaming components. The mounting frame 11b is pivotally supported on one side edge of the opening of the installation frame 11a so that it can be opened and closed relative to the installation frame 11a. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a locking device 11c that locks the mounting frame 11b to prevent it from being opened. The locking device 11c is configured to be unlocked by inserting a key that fits the locking device 11c and rotating it in a predetermined direction, allowing the mounting frame 11b to be opened.

[0009] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a gaming board YB. The gaming board YB is mounted on a mounting frame 11b. A gaming area YBa is formed on the front side of the gaming board YB, into which gaming balls as gaming media flow. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a launch handle HD. The launch handle HD is a means operated to launch gaming balls into the gaming area YBa. The launch handle HD is provided on the front side of the mounting frame 11b. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured so that the launch strength of the gaming balls can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of rotation of the launch handle HD.

[0010] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with an operation button BT as an operation means capable of performing a predetermined operation. In this embodiment, the operation button BT is disposed on the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 10. In this embodiment, the operation button BT is a button-type means configured to be capable of being pressed. The operation button BT is not limited to being a button-type button, but may also be a touch sensor type button, or may be configured to cause a predetermined display device to function as a touch panel type button.

[0011] 2, the operation button BT of this embodiment is configured to include multiple operable portions. Specifically, the operation button BT of this embodiment is configured to include a left button BT1, a right button BT2, an up button BT3, a down button BT4, and a center button BT5.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a decorative lamp La as a light-emitting means. The decorative lamp La can perform various notifications and various effects by emitting light from its light-emitting body. In the following description, effects achieved by emitting light from the light-emitting body will be referred to as "light-emitting effects." In other words, the decorative lamp La can perform light-emitting effects by emitting light from the light-emitting body. In this embodiment, the decorative lamp La corresponds to an effect execution means that executes effects, and also corresponds to an informing means that makes a predetermined notification. Note that "light-emitting" in this specification includes lighting, blinking, and turning off. In the following description, the light-emitting body of the decorative lamp La may be simply referred to as "the decorative lamp La emits light."

[0013] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a speaker Sp as an audio output means. The speaker Sp can execute various notifications and various effects by outputting audio. In the following description, effects by outputting audio will be referred to as "audio effects." In this embodiment, the speaker Sp corresponds to effect execution means that executes effects and also corresponds to notification means that issues predetermined notifications. Note that "audio" in this specification includes human and animal voices, sound effects, music, etc. The speaker Sp is provided, for example, on the frame body 11.

[0014] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a performance movable body EK as a movable performance means. The performance movable body EK is capable of executing various notifications and various performances through predetermined movements. In the following description, the performance achieved by the movement of the performance movable body EK is referred to as a "movable body performance." In other words, the performance movable body EK is capable of executing a movable body performance through predetermined movements. In this embodiment, the performance movable body EK corresponds to a performance execution means that executes a performance, and also corresponds to a notification means that makes a predetermined notification. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an actuator (not shown) that operates the performance movable body EK. Although not shown, the performance movable body EK is configured to be movable within a range from the original position of the performance movable body EK to the performance position of the performance movable body EK through the operation of the actuator.

[0015] 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an information display device 13. For example, the information display device 13 is disposed on the gaming board YB at a position visible to a player. The information display device 13 notifies various information indicating the control status of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

[0016] The information display device 13 includes a first special symbol display unit 13a and a second special symbol display unit 13b as display units capable of displaying a special game as a variable game in which symbols are varied. In this embodiment, the first special symbol display unit 13a and the second special symbol display unit 13b correspond to game execution means for executing a variable game. In the special game, predetermined symbols are displayed variably, and finally, a special symbol is displayed as a fixed, stopped symbol. The special symbol is a symbol for announcing the result of an internal lottery (a winning lottery described below). The first special symbol display unit 13a displays the first special game. The second special symbol display unit 13b displays the second special game. In this specification, "variable display" means a state in which the type of displayed symbol changes over time. In this specification, "fixed, stopped display" means a state in which symbols are fixedly displayed as a fixed, stopped symbol, and the type of displayed symbol does not change. With respect to symbols, "fixed, stopped display" and "derive" have the same meaning. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the second special game is executed with priority over the first special game. The first special game and the second special game are not executed simultaneously in parallel. The special symbols include winning symbols as a winning display result and losing symbols as a losing display result. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a winning lottery is won, a winning symbol is derived in the special game, and a winning game is awarded after the corresponding special game ends. In this embodiment, all winnings are jackpots, and all winning symbols are jackpot symbols. Therefore, in this embodiment, a jackpot game is awarded after the winning special game ends.

[0017] The information display device 13 includes a first special hold display unit 13c and a second special hold display unit 13d as display units that display information that can identify the number of reserved special games. The first special hold display unit 13c displays information that can identify the number of reserved first special games (hereinafter referred to as the first special hold number). The second special hold display unit 13d displays information that can identify the number of reserved second special games (hereinafter referred to as the second special hold number). For example, the upper limit of the first special hold number and the second special hold number is 4.

[0018] The information display device 13 includes a normal symbol display unit 13e. The normal symbol display unit 13e displays a normal game. In the normal game, predetermined symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and finally, a normal symbol is displayed as a fixed, stopped symbol. The normal symbol is a symbol for announcing the result of an internal lottery (a normal lottery described later). The normal symbols include a normal win symbol as a normal win display result and a normal loss symbol as a normal loss display result. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a normal win is won in the normal lottery, a normal win symbol is derived in the normal game, and after the normal game of the normal win is over, a normal win game is awarded. The information display device 13 includes a normal hold display unit 13f. The normal hold display unit 13f displays information that can identify the number of holds for the normal game (hereinafter referred to as the normal hold number).

[0019] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an effect display device 12 as an image display means. The effect display device 12 is capable of executing various notifications and various effects by displaying images. The effect display device 12 is, for example, a liquid crystal display type display device. The effect display device 12 may be an organic EL display type display device, or may be a display device configured to include a projector and a screen. The effect display device 12 is equipped with an image display unit GH that displays images. As one of the effects, the effect display device 12 is capable of executing an effect (hereinafter referred to as a display effect) that displays an image (picture) that resembles a predetermined character or letter. In this embodiment, the effect display device 12 corresponds to an effect execution means that executes effects, and also corresponds to an informing means that issues a predetermined informing.

[0020] The effect display device 12 displays an effect game as a variable game as one of the display effects. In the effect game, multiple columns of effect symbols are variably displayed, and finally a symbol combination of the effect symbols is derived. The effect symbols (decorative symbols) are symbols decorated with characters, patterns, etc., and are symbols for diversifying the display effects. As an example, the effect game of this embodiment is performed by variably displaying (scrolling) the effect symbols of the left, middle, and right column in a predetermined direction.

[0021] The effect game starts and ends together with the special game. In the effect game, a symbol combination of effect symbols corresponding to the special symbols derived in the special game is derived. The symbol combination of effect symbols includes a losing symbol combination as a losing display result and a winning symbol combination as a winning display result. When a winning symbol is derived in the special game, a winning symbol combination is derived in the effect game. Also, when a losing symbol is derived in the special game, a losing symbol combination is derived in the effect game. In this specification, a "temporary stop display" refers to a temporary stop state before the effect symbol is displayed as a fixed stopped symbol, such as a fluctuating display. In the following explanation, the special game and the effect game may be collectively referred to as a "variable game."

[0022] The game board YB is formed with a plurality of winning holes into which game balls can enter. The winning holes open into the game area YBa. The winning holes include a first start winning hole 14, a second start winning hole 15, and a big winning hole 17. The winning holes may include other winning holes different from these winning holes.

[0023] The first start winning opening 14 is a winning opening into which game balls enter to fulfill the conditions for awarding prize balls and the conditions for holding the first special game. As an example, the first start winning opening 14 is located below the effect display device 12. The first start winning opening 14 is always open so that game balls can enter. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a first start winning sensor SE1 that detects game balls that enter the first start winning opening 14 (see FIG. 4). In this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the second start winning sensor SE2, the conditions for awarding prize balls are fulfilled.

[0024] The second start winning opening 15 is a winning opening into which game balls enter to fulfill the conditions for awarding prize balls and the conditions for holding the second special game. As an example, the second start winning opening 15 is located at the lower right of the effect display device 12. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a second start winning sensor SE2 that detects game balls that enter the second start winning opening 15 (see FIG. 4). In this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the second start winning sensor SE2, the conditions for awarding prize balls are fulfilled.

[0025] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a normal movable piece 16 that can be in an open state in which the second start winning opening 15 is open so that a gaming ball can enter, and a closed state in which the second start winning opening 15 is closed so that a gaming ball cannot enter or is more difficult to enter than in the open state. For example, the normal movable piece 16 may be a door-like member that opens and closes the second start winning opening 15. The normal movable piece 16 is normally in a closed state and operates to an open state when a normal winning game is triggered. In other words, when a normal winning game is triggered, the second start winning opening 15 becomes capable of receiving a gaming ball. The gaming board YB is equipped with a first solenoid SL1 as a means for operating the normal movable piece 16 (see FIG. 4).

[0026] The large prize opening 17 is an opening into which game balls are allowed to enter in order to establish the conditions for awarding prize balls. As an example, the large prize opening 17 is located above and to the right of the second start prize opening 15. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a count sensor SE3 that detects game balls that have entered the large prize opening 17 (see FIG. 4). In this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the count sensor SE3, the conditions for awarding prize balls are established.

[0027] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a special opening / closing piece 18 that can be in an open state, in which the special opening / closing piece 18 opens the special winning opening 17 to allow game balls to enter, or in a closed state, in which the special opening / closing piece 18 closes the special winning opening 17 to prevent game balls from entering or to make it more difficult for game balls to enter than in the open state. For example, the special opening / closing piece 18 may be a door-like member that opens and closes the special winning opening 17. The special opening / closing piece 18 is normally in a closed state and operates to an open state when a jackpot game is generated. In other words, when a jackpot game is generated, the special winning opening 17 is opened to allow game balls to enter. The gaming board YB is equipped with a second solenoid SL2 as a means for operating the special opening / closing piece 18 (see FIG. 4).

[0028] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a gate 25 through which gaming balls flowing down the gaming area YBa can pass (enter). The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a gate sensor SE4 that detects gaming balls passing through the gate 25 (see FIG. 4). When a gaming ball is detected by the gate sensor SE4, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured such that the reserve condition for the normal game can be met, but the payout condition for prize balls is not met.

[0029] Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a ball entry assist function that assists game balls in entering the second start winning hole 15.

[0030] The ball entry assist function is a function that supports entry into the second start entry slot 15 as a normal electric device, and is the so-called "electric support function." The pachinko gaming machine 10 has multiple ball entry rate states, which are states with different game ball entry rates into the second start entry slot 15. The multiple ball entry rate states include a low ball entry rate state and a high ball entry rate state with a higher ball entry rate than the low ball entry rate state. When the ball entry assist function is activated, the ball entry rate state transitions from the low ball entry rate state to the high ball entry rate state, making it easier to fulfill the conditions for starting the second special game. Therefore, the high ball entry rate state is an advantageous state for the player.

[0031] For example, the high ball entry rate state can be achieved by executing one of the three auxiliary controls described below, which can be selected arbitrarily, or by combining multiple controls. The first auxiliary control is control for shortening the fluctuation time of the normal game compared to the low ball entry rate state. The second auxiliary control is control for changing the normal winning probability in the normal lottery to a higher probability compared to the low ball entry rate state. The second auxiliary control may be control for not conducting the normal lottery itself in the low ball entry rate state, but for conducting the normal lottery with a predetermined winning probability in the high ball entry rate state. The third auxiliary control is control for lengthening the total opening time of the normal movable piece 16 in one normal winning game compared to the low ball entry rate state. Note that the third auxiliary control may be at least one of control for increasing the number of openings of the normal movable piece 16 in one normal winning game compared to the low ball entry rate state, and control for lengthening the opening time of one opening of the normal movable piece 16 in a normal winning game compared to the low ball entry rate state.

[0032] Next, a jackpot in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of types of jackpot symbols as special jackpot symbols. The types of jackpot symbols are also the types of jackpots. The jackpot symbols are classified into one or more types. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, a jackpot game is awarded according to the type of jackpot symbol (type of jackpot).

[0033] In a jackpot game, a predetermined effect is first performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as the opening time). For example, the predetermined effect is an opening effect that can identify the start of a jackpot game. In a jackpot game, after the opening time has elapsed, a round game in which the jackpot entry port 17 is opened is performed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. One round game ends when a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enter the jackpot or when a predetermined upper limit time has elapsed. In a round game, the jackpot entry port 17 is opened in a predetermined opening manner (opening pattern). In each round game, a round effect is performed. In a jackpot game, when the final round game ends, a predetermined effect is performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as the ending time). For example, the predetermined effect is an ending effect that can identify the end of a jackpot game. The jackpot game ends as the ending time elapses.

[0034] In the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment, after the end of a jackpot game, it is set to be controlled to a high ball entry rate state until the special game is completed a predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment) or until the next jackpot game is awarded.

[0035] Next, an error occurring in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is configured to be able to detect various errors. Detectable errors in this embodiment include a magnetic error, which is detected when a magnetic sensor (not shown) detects a magnetic field of a predetermined strength or greater. Also detectable errors in this embodiment include a radio wave error, which is detected when a radio wave sensor (not shown) detects radio waves in a predetermined frequency band. Also detectable errors in this embodiment include a slot open error, which is detected when a slot open sensor (not shown) capable of detecting that the mounting slot 11b is open detects that the mounting slot 11b is open. A slot open error may be detected when an administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 10 operates the locking device 11c with an appropriate key to open the mounting slot 11b. A slot open error may also be detected when a fraudster opens the mounting slot 11b by fraudulent means.

[0036] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a main control board 40. The main control board 40 performs various processes and outputs control signals such as control commands, which are an example of control information, depending on the results of the processes. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a sub-control board 50. The main control board 40 and the sub-control board 50 are connected so that control signals can be output in one direction from the main control board 40 to the sub-control board 50. The sub-control board 50 executes predetermined processes based on control signals input from the main control board 40. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a power supply unit 60. The power supply unit 60 is connected to the main control board 40 and the sub-control board 50. In this embodiment, the main control board 40 and the sub-control board 50 operate by receiving power from an external power source via the power supply unit 60.

[0037] The main control board 40 will now be described in detail. The main control board 40 includes a microprocessor 41. The microprocessor 41 includes a processing unit (hereinafter referred to as the main control CPU 41a) and a storage unit (memory). The main control CPU 41a executes a main control program to perform various processes. The storage unit of the microprocessor 41 includes a ROM area (hereinafter referred to as the main control ROM 41b) from which information can be read but to which information cannot be written, and a RAM area (hereinafter referred to as the main control RAM 41c) from which information can be read and written.

[0038] The main control ROM 41b stores judgment values ​​and tables used for various judgments and lotteries. The main control ROM 41b stores a plurality of types of variation patterns. The variation pattern is variation information that can identify the content of the variation game. In particular, in this embodiment, the variation pattern is information that can identify the variation time from the start to the end of the special game. The variation pattern may also be information that can identify the content of the effects to be performed during the execution of the special game.

[0039] The main control RAM 41c stores various information that is rewritten depending on the results of processing by the main control CPU 41a. In this embodiment, the main control RAM 41c corresponds to a storage means for storing various information related to the game. For example, the information stored in the main control RAM 41c includes flags, counters, and timers. The microprocessor 41 includes a random number circuit (not shown) that generates hardware random numbers. The microprocessor 41 may also be capable of generating software random numbers through the random number generation process performed by the main control CPU 41a. The main control CPU 41a, main control ROM 41b, and main control RAM 41c are not limited to being configured on a single chip as the microprocessor 41, and may each be configured separately.

[0040] The main control CPU 41a is connected to the first start winning sensor SE1, the second start winning sensor SE2, the count sensor SE3, and the gate sensor SE4. The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to input detection signals output by each sensor when it detects a gaming ball. The main control CPU 41a is connected to the information display device 13. The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the display content of the information display device 13. In particular, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a functions as game control means that controls the game execution means by controlling the display content of the first special symbol display section 13a and the second special symbol display section 13b.

[0041] The main control CPU 41a is connected to the first solenoid SL1 and the second solenoid SL2. The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the operation of the normal movable piece 16 by controlling the first solenoid SL1. The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the operation of the special opening / closing piece 18 by controlling the second solenoid SL2.

[0042] The main control board 40 is also connected to a RAM clear switch 61. The RAM clear switch 61 is an initialization operation means configured to enable an operation to instruct erasure (initialization) of various information stored in the main control RAM 41c. The RAM clear switch 61 is configured to be in an ON state when pressed, and to be in an OFF state when not pressed. The RAM clear switch 61 is manually operated, for example, by the manager of the gaming facility.

[0043] The main control CPU 41a is connected to the operation buttons BT. The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to input an operation signal (ON signal) that is output when the operation button BT is operated. Specifically, the main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to input an operation signal that is output when each of the left button BT1, right button BT2, up button BT3, down button BT4, and center button BT5 is operated. This allows the main control CPU 41a to detect which button of the operation buttons BT has been operated. That is, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a functions as an operation detection means that can detect the operation of the operation means.

[0044] The main control CPU 41a is connected to a magnetic sensor (not shown). The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to input a magnetic detection signal that is output when the magnetic sensor detects a magnetic field of a predetermined strength or greater. The main control CPU 41a is connected to a radio wave sensor (not shown). The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to input a radio wave detection signal that is output when the radio wave sensor detects radio waves in a predetermined frequency band. The main control CPU 41a is connected to a frame open sensor (not shown). The main control CPU 41a is configured to be able to input an open detection signal that is output when the frame open sensor detects the opening of the mounting frame 11b.

[0045] Next, the sub-control board 50 will be described in detail. The sub-control board 50 comprises a sub-control CPU 50a, a sub-control ROM 50b, and a sub-control RAM 50c. The sub-control CPU 50a executes a sub-control program to perform various processes related to the effects. The sub-control ROM 50b stores the sub-control program and judgment values ​​used in predetermined lotteries. The sub-control ROM 50b stores display effect data used for display effects, light-emitting effect data used for light-emitting effects, audio effect data used for audio effects, and movable body effect data used for movable body effects.

[0046] The sub-control RAM 50c stores various information that is rewritten during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the information stored in the sub-control RAM 50c includes flags, counters, and timers. In this embodiment, the sub-control board 50 is also configured to be able to generate software random numbers through a random number generation process performed by the sub-control CPU 50a. The sub-control board 50 may also be equipped with a random number generation circuit and be able to generate hardware random numbers.

[0047] The sub-control CPU 50a is connected to the performance display device 12. The sub-control CPU 50a is configured to be able to control the display content of the performance display device 12. The sub-control CPU 50a is connected to a decorative lamp La. The sub-control CPU 50a is configured to be able to control the light emission mode of the decorative lamp La. The sub-control CPU 50a is connected to a speaker Sp. The sub-control CPU 50a is configured to be able to control the output mode of the speaker Sp. The sub-control CPU 50a is connected to a performance movable body EK. The sub-control CPU 50a is configured to be able to control the operation of the performance movable body EK. That is, in this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 50a functions as a performance control means that controls the performance execution means.

[0048] Next, the power supply unit 60 will be described in detail. The power supply unit 60 converts the power supply voltage supplied from an external power supply into a predetermined power supply voltage and supplies it to the main control board 40 and the sub-control board 50 .

[0049] The power supply unit 60 includes a power switch (contact device) 60a. The power switch 60a can be switched between an ON state and an OFF state and is configured to maintain the switched state. In this embodiment, when power is supplied to the pachinko gaming machine 10 from an external power source, turning the power switch 60a from OFF to ON supplies power to the main control board 40 and the sub-control board 50, and turning it back to OFF stops the power supply to the main control board 40 and the sub-control board 50. Therefore, to start the pachinko gaming machine 10, either start the power supply from the external power source while the power switch 60a is turned ON, or turn the power switch 60a from OFF to ON while power is being supplied from the external power source. In this specification, "start the power supply (turn on the power)" means to turn on the power supply to the main control board 40 and the sub-control board 50 by operating the power switch 60a, for example. In addition, in this specification, "stopping the power supply" means putting the main control board 40 and the sub-control board 50 into a state where no power is supplied from an external power source.

[0050] In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a backup function that can retain specified information using power supplied from a backup power source (not shown) when the power supply from the external power source is stopped.

[0051] In this embodiment, the information that is the target of the backup function includes various types of information stored in the main control RAM 41c. Specifically, in this embodiment, the information that is the target of the backup function includes information about special games, information about winning games, information about the game status, information about the payout of prize balls, etc. The information about special games includes, for example, information that can identify the special reserve number, various random number information, information that can identify the lottery result of the winning lottery, information that can identify the fluctuation pattern of the special game, and information that can identify the special symbol derived in the special game. The information about winning games includes information that can identify the progress of the winning game. The information about the game status includes information that can identify the current game status and information that can identify the remaining number of times until a high ball entry rate state is awarded. The information about the payout of prize balls includes information that can identify the number of prize balls that have not been paid out.

[0052] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the information that is the target of the backup function does not include the various information stored in the secondary control RAM 50c, and therefore, the information stored in the secondary control RAM 50c is erased when the power supply from the external power source is stopped.

[0053] Next, various processes (controls) executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. First, the power-on process executed by the main control CPU 41a when the power is turned on will be described. In the power-on process, the main control CPU 41a determines whether the RAM clear switch 61 is operated to the ON state based on whether an operation signal is received from the RAM clear switch 61.

[0054] When the RAM clear switch 61 is operated to the ON state, the main control CPU 41a performs a RAM clear process. In the RAM clear process, the main control CPU 41a erases (initializes) the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c. That is, the main control CPU 41a can execute erase control to erase the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c when power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is started. Next, the main control CPU 41a controls the system to a state in which a special game can be played, based on the information initialized by the RAM clear process. Thereafter, the main control CPU 41a ends the RAM clear process and also ends the power-on process.

[0055] On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch 61 is not turned on, the main control CPU 41a determines whether or not there is a backup abnormality, that is, whether or not there is an abnormality in the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c. If there is a backup abnormality, the main control CPU 41a performs RAM clear processing in the same way as when the RAM clear switch 61 is turned on.

[0056] If there is no backup abnormality, the main control CPU 41a performs main control return processing. In the main control return processing, the main control CPU 41a controls the special game to be executable based on various information stored (backed up) in the main control RAM 41c. Thereafter, the main control CPU 41a ends the main control return processing and the power-on processing.

[0057] In addition, the main control CPU 41a generates a RAM clear process start command in response to the start of the RAM clear process and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a. Furthermore, the main control CPU 41a generates a return process start command in response to the start of the main control return process and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a.

[0058] Next, various processes performed by the main control CPU 41a as timer interrupt processes performed every predetermined control period (for example, 4 ms) will be described. The main control CPU 41a executes various processes such as special symbol input process and special symbol start process as timer interrupt processes based on the main control program.

[0059] First, the special symbol input process will be described. In the special symbol input process, the main control CPU 41a determines whether a gaming ball has entered the first start winning port 14. At this time, the main control CPU 41a determines that a gaming ball has entered the first start winning port 14 by inputting a detection signal from the first start winning sensor SE1. If a gaming ball has entered the first start winning port 14, the main control CPU 41a determines whether the number of first special reserves stored in the main control RAM 41c is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). If the number of first special reserves is less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU 41a updates the number of first special reserves stored in the main control RAM 41c by adding 1. At this time, the main control CPU 41a controls the information display device 13 to display the updated number of first special reserves. In this way, in this embodiment, when the first special reserve number is less than the upper limit number, a game ball enters the first start winning port 14, and the entering game ball is detected by the first start winning sensor SE1, thereby establishing the reserve condition for the first special game.

[0060] Next, the main control CPU 41a acquires random numbers generated within the main control board 40 and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main control RAM 41c. For example, the random numbers may be winning random numbers, jackpot symbol random numbers, or variation pattern random numbers. At this time, the main control CPU 41a stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that the random number information is for the first special game and to identify the storage order of the random number information. The random number information may be the acquired random numbers themselves, or may be information obtained by processing the random numbers using a predetermined method. In this embodiment, by storing the random number information for the first special game in the main control RAM 41c, the execution of the first special game can be suspended until the start condition of the first special game is met. That is, in this embodiment, by storing the random number information for the first special game in the main control RAM 41c, the execution of the first special game can be suspended when the suspension condition for the first special game is met. At this time, the main control CPU 41a generates a reservation number command that can identify the first special reservation number stored in the main control RAM 41c and sets it in the output buffer. In this embodiment, the command set in the output buffer is output to the sub-control CPU 50a in a predetermined output process.

[0061] Furthermore, if no gaming ball has entered the first start winning port 14, and if the number of first special reserves is not less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU 41a determines whether a gaming ball has entered the second start winning port 15. At this time, the main control CPU 41a determines that a gaming ball has entered the second start winning port 15 by inputting a detection signal from the second start winning sensor SE2. If no gaming ball has entered the second start winning port 15, the main control CPU 41a terminates the special symbol input process. On the other hand, if a gaming ball has entered the second start winning port 15, the main control CPU 41a determines whether the number of second special reserves stored in the main control RAM 41c is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). If the number of second special reserves is not less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU 41a terminates the special symbol input process. On the other hand, if the second special reserve number is less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU 41a updates the second special reserve number stored in the main control RAM 41c by adding 1. At this time, the main control CPU 41a controls the information display device 13 to display the updated second special reserve number. In this way, in this embodiment, if the second special reserve number is less than the upper limit number, a game ball enters the second start winning hole 15, and the entering game ball is detected by the second start winning sensor SE2, thereby establishing the reserve condition for the second special game.

[0062] Next, the main control CPU 41a acquires random numbers generated within the main control board 40 and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main control RAM 41c. At this time, the main control CPU 41a stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information for the second special game and the storage order of the random number information. In this embodiment, by storing the random number information for the second special game in the main control RAM 41c, its execution can be suspended until the start condition of the second special game is met. That is, in this embodiment, by storing the random number information for the second special game in the main control RAM 41c, the execution of the second special game can be suspended upon the satisfaction of the suspension condition of the second special game. Furthermore, the main control CPU 41a generates a suspension number command that can identify the second special suspension number stored in the main control RAM 41c and sets it in the output buffer. Then, the main control CPU 41a terminates the special symbol input process.

[0063] Next, the special symbol start process will be described. In the special symbol start processing, the main control CPU41a determines whether the start conditions for the special game are met. The main control CPU41a makes a positive determination when neither a jackpot game nor a special game is being played, and makes a negative determination when a jackpot game or a special game is being played. If the start conditions for the special game are not met, the main control CPU41a ends the special symbol start processing. If the start conditions for the special game are met, the main control CPU41a determines whether the second special reserve number is greater than zero. If the second special reserve number is zero, the main control CPU41a determines whether the first special reserve number is greater than zero.

[0064] If the first special reserved number is zero, the main control CPU 41a determines whether an output flag has been set in a predetermined storage area in the main control RAM 41c. The output flag is information that can identify that a standby state command has been output, which can identify a standby state. The standby state is a state when a special game is not being executed, a jackpot game has not been awarded, and a special game is not reserved. If the output flag has not been set, the main control CPU 41a generates a standby state command and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a, and sets an output flag in the main control RAM 41c. Then, the main control CPU 41a ends the special symbol start process. On the other hand, if the output flag has been set, the main control CPU 41a ends the special symbol start process without generating a new standby state command. In the following description, the period when the standby state is not in effect is referred to as the "play period." In other words, in this embodiment, the game period is the period during which the special game is being played, the jackpot game is being played, or the interval time after the special game ends (hereinafter referred to as variable standby).

[0065] If the first special reserve number is greater than zero, the main control CPU41a performs processing to execute the first special game. Specifically, the main control CPU41a updates the first special reserve number by subtracting 1. The main control CPU41a controls the first special reserve display unit 13c to display information that can identify the updated first special reserve number. Also, at this time, if an output flag has been set in the main control RAM 41c, the main control CPU41a erases the output flag.

[0066] Next, the main control CPU 41a acquires the random number information for the first special game that was stored first from the main control RAM 41c. Subsequently, the main control CPU 41a performs a winning lottery (winning determination) to determine whether or not a winning prize will be awarded, using a winning random number identified from the acquired random number information. As described above, all winning prizes in this embodiment are jackpots. Therefore, in this embodiment, the winning lottery can be understood as a jackpot lottery to determine whether or not a winning prize will be awarded.

[0067] When a jackpot is won, the main control CPU 41a performs jackpot variation processing. In the jackpot variation processing, the main control CPU 41a performs a lottery for a jackpot pattern using a jackpot pattern random number that can be identified from the random number information, and determines the jackpot pattern to be derived in the first special game. In addition, the main control CPU 41a performs a lottery for determining a variation pattern using a variation pattern random number that can be identified from the random number information, and determines the jackpot variation pattern. Thereafter, the main control CPU 41a ends the special pattern start processing.

[0068] If a jackpot is not won, the main control CPU41a performs a loss variation process. In the loss variation process, the main control CPU41a determines the loss symbol to be derived in the first special game. The main control CPU41a also performs a variation pattern determination lottery using a variation pattern random number that can be identified from the random number information, and determines the loss variation pattern. At this time, the main control CPU41a determines the loss variation pattern at a determination ratio that varies depending on the current first special reserved number. After that, the main control CPU41a ends the special symbol start process.

[0069] If the second special reserved number is greater than zero, the main control CPU41a performs processing to execute the second special game. The processing to execute the second special game is the processing to execute the first special game, with "first special game" replaced with "second special game" and "first special reserved number" replaced with "second special reserved number", so a detailed explanation will be omitted. In other words, the main control CPU41a subtracts the second special reserved number, performs a jackpot lottery, and performs any variation processing based on the result of the jackpot lottery, and then ends the special symbol start processing.

[0070] The main control CPU 41a outputs a fluctuation start command and a special symbol command to the sub-control CPU 50a in the jackpot fluctuation process and the loss fluctuation process. The fluctuation start command is a control command that can specify the fluctuation pattern determined in each fluctuation process and the start of the special game (effect game). The special symbol command is a control command that can specify the special symbol (jackpot symbol or loss symbol) determined in each fluctuation process. The fluctuation start command and the special symbol command are different control commands when the fluctuation process of the first special game is executed and when the fluctuation process of the second special game is executed.

[0071] When the special symbol start process is completed, the main control CPU 41a executes the first special game or the second special game by a process separate from the special symbol start process. That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when the start condition of the special game is met, the main control CPU 41a executes the following process to start the pending special game.

[0072] Specifically, when the main control CPU 41a executes a first special game, it controls the first special symbol display unit 13a to start varying display of predetermined symbols. The main control CPU 41a measures a variation time set in a variation pattern. When the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed, the main control CPU 41a controls the first special symbol display unit 13a to derive the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process. Furthermore, when the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed, the main control CPU 41a outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a variation end command) capable of specifying the end of the special game (effect game) to the sub-control CPU 50a.

[0073] On the other hand, when the main control CPU 41a executes the second special game, it controls the second special symbol display unit 13b to start varying display of predetermined symbols. The main control CPU 41a measures the variation time set in the variation pattern. When the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed, the main control CPU 41a controls the second special symbol display unit 13b to derive the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process. Furthermore, when the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed, the main control CPU 41a outputs a variation end command to the sub control CPU 50a.

[0074] Next, the big win game process will be explained. The jackpot game processing is a process for awarding a jackpot game. When the main control CPU 41a causes a jackpot symbol to be derived in a special game, the main control CPU 41a executes the jackpot game processing after the end of the jackpot special game. The main control CPU 41a specifies the type of jackpot game based on the jackpot symbol (i.e., the type of jackpot) determined in the special symbol start processing. The main control CPU 41a awards the specified type of jackpot game.

[0075] First, the main control CPU 41a outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as an opening command) capable of specifying the start of an opening time to the sub-control CPU 50a. After the opening time has elapsed, the main control CPU 41a performs processing to execute a round of play. Specifically, the main control CPU 41a controls the second solenoid SL2 using the specified opening control data for the jackpot game to open the jackpot opening 17. When the number of game balls detected by the count sensor SE3 reaches the upper limit or the upper limit time has elapsed, the main control CPU 41a controls the second solenoid SL2 to close the jackpot opening 17, thereby ending the round of play. The main control CPU 41a repeatedly performs this processing to execute a round of play until the upper limit number of rounds set for the jackpot game has been completed. Each time a round of play is started, the main control CPU 41a outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a round command) capable of specifying the start of a round of play to the sub-control CPU 50a. When the final round of play ends, the main control CPU41a outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as an ending command) capable of specifying the start of the ending time to the sub-control CPU50a. When the ending time has elapsed, the main control CPU41a ends the jackpot game. The main control CPU41a may be configured to output a control command (hereinafter referred to as an ending end command) capable of specifying the elapse of the ending time to the sub-control CPU50a.

[0076] Next, the process of transitioning the gaming state will be described. When a jackpot game ends, the main control CPU 41a sets an activation flag in the main control RAM 41c to control the system to a high ball entry rate state. The main control CPU 41a counts the number of special games executed after the jackpot game ends by updating the value of the execution counter stored in the main control RAM 41c each time a special game is started after a jackpot game based on a normal symbol ends. When a special game ends in which the number of special games executed after the jackpot game reaches the activation count, the main control CPU 41a erases the activation flag stored in the main control RAM 41c. That is, when the activation count of a special game ends after a jackpot game based on a normal symbol ends, the main control CPU 41a controls the system to a low ball entry rate state. When a jackpot game starts and the activation flag is set, the main control CPU 41a erases the activation flag. That is, the main control CPU 41a controls the system to a low ball entry rate state during a jackpot game. The main control CPU 41a controls the ball to a short fluctuation time state when controlling the ball to a high ball scoring rate state, and controls the ball to a long fluctuation time state when controlling the ball to a low ball scoring rate state.

[0077] Furthermore, the main control CPU 41a erases the operation flag in the RAM clear process of the main control RAM 41c, thereby controlling the current gaming state to the normal state. When the main control CPU 41a shifts the gaming state, it generates a gaming state command that can identify the current gaming state and outputs the command to the sub-control CPU 50a.

[0078] Next, the process of detecting various errors will be described. The main control CPU 41a, upon receiving a magnetic detection signal from the magnetic sensor, controls the machine to enter a game stop error state, temporarily stopping the game. In this embodiment, the game stop error state is a game stop state that restricts the execution of special games and jackpot games. Furthermore, the main control CPU 41a controls the machine to enter a game stop error state upon receiving a radio wave detection signal from the radio wave sensor. Furthermore, the main control CPU 41a controls the machine to enter a playable error state, allowing the game to continue, upon receiving an open detection signal from the slot open sensor. In this embodiment, the playable error state is a state in which the special game and jackpot games can be executed, but some controls are restricted. For example, in this embodiment, some of the controls restricted in the playable error state include the control of paying out game balls.

[0079] By the above-described control, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a functions as a stop control means capable of controlling to a game stop state that restricts the execution of the variable game. In the following description, the game stop error state and the playable error state may be collectively referred to as the "error state."

[0080] Upon detecting an error, the main control CPU 41a sets an error state flag in the main control RAM 41c to the ON state. The error state flag is information that can identify an error state. The main control CPU 41a sets the error state flag to the ON state by storing a predetermined value in the error state flag, and sets the error state flag to the OFF state by erasing the value of the error state flag. Furthermore, upon detecting an error, the main control CPU 41a generates an error state command indicating the occurrence of an error and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a.

[0081] The error status commands in this embodiment include a magnetic detection command indicating the occurrence of a magnetic error, a radio wave detection command indicating the occurrence of a radio wave error, and an open detection command indicating the occurrence of a frame open error. Specifically, the main control CPU 41a generates a magnetic detection command upon receiving a magnetic detection signal from the magnetic sensor and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a. The main control CPU 41a also generates a radio wave detection command upon receiving a radio wave detection signal from the radio wave sensor and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a. The main control CPU 41a also generates an open detection command upon receiving an open detection signal from the frame open sensor and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a.

[0082] In addition to the above-mentioned processes, the main control CPU 41a also performs the processes described below. For example, the main control CPU 41a also performs processes related to normal symbols and processes related to errors. In the processes related to normal symbols, the main control CPU 41a performs processes such as inputting a detection signal from the gate sensor SE4, executing a normal lottery to determine whether or not a normal win has occurred, and starting a normal symbol variation game.

[0083] Next, a description will be given of various processes executed by the sub-control CPU 50a of the sub-control board 50 based on the sub-control program. When a control signal is input from the main control CPU 41a, the sub-control CPU 50a executes various processes in accordance with the control signal.

[0084] First, the sub-control RAM clearing process executed by the sub-control CPU 50a in response to input of a RAM clearing process start command will be described. In the sub-control RAM clearing process, the sub-control CPU 50a erases (initializes) the contents stored in the sub-control RAM 50c. That is, the sub-control CPU 50a can execute erasure control to erase the contents stored in the sub-control RAM 50c when power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is started. Next, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the sub-control RAM 50c to a state in which various effects can be executed, based on the information initialized by the sub-control RAM clearing process. Thereafter, the sub-control CPU 50a ends the sub-control RAM clearing process.

[0085] Next, the secondary control return process executed by the secondary control CPU 50a in response to input of a return process start command will be described. In the secondary control return process, the secondary control CPU 50a controls various effects to be executable based on various information stored (backed up) in the secondary control RAM 50c. After that, the secondary control CPU 50a ends the secondary control return process and waits until a predetermined command is input from the main control CPU 41a. In this embodiment, the predetermined command is, for example, a fluctuation start command, an opening command, a round command, an ending command, a standby state command, etc.

[0086] Next, the effect symbol variation process for executing the effect game will be described. In the effect symbol variation process, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a special symbol command, it determines the combination of effect symbols to be derived in the effect game based on the special symbol specified from the special symbol command. When the sub-control CPU 50a specifies a jackpot symbol for the special symbol, it determines the symbol combination for the jackpot based on the effect symbol. Also, when the sub-control CPU 50a specifies a losing symbol for the special symbol, it determines the combination of effect symbols to be derived in the effect game based on the variation pattern specified from the variation start command.

[0087] Furthermore, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a fluctuation start command, it determines the effects to be executed during the execution of the special game based on the fluctuation pattern identified from the input fluctuation start command. In this embodiment, the determination ratio of the effects to be executed during the execution of the special game varies depending on the fluctuation pattern identified from the fluctuation start command. The sub-control CPU 50a then controls the effect display device 12, speaker Sp, and decorative lamp La to execute the determined effects. In the following description, the effect display device 12, speaker Sp, and decorative lamp La may be collectively referred to as the "effect device group."

[0088] Thereafter, the sub-control CPU 50a ends the effect game in response to the input of the variation end command, and controls the effect display device 12 to derive a combination of effect symbols. The sub-control CPU 50a may start measuring the variation time in response to the input of the variation start command, and may end the effect game in response to the passage of the variation time set for the variation pattern identified from the variation start command. In other words, the end of the effect game may be controlled without outputting a variation end command from the main control board 40.

[0089] Next, the control relating to the big win game will be explained. When the sub-control CPU 50a receives an opening command, it controls the group of effect devices to execute an opening effect among the effects during a jackpot game. When the sub-control CPU 50a receives a round command, it controls the group of effect devices to execute a round effect among the effects during a jackpot game. When the sub-control CPU 50a receives an ending command, it controls the group of effect devices to execute an ending effect among the effects during a jackpot game.

[0090] Next, the control relating to the standby state will be described. When the sub-control CPU 50a receives the standby state command, it controls the group of performance devices so as to execute the performance during the standby state.

[0091] 5(a), in this embodiment, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a standby state command, it controls the performance display device 12 to display a background image G20 for the standby state. Also, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a standby state command, it controls the speaker Sp to output background music for the standby state.

[0092] Next, control regarding an error state will be described. When the sub-control CPU 50a receives an error state command indicating the occurrence of an error, it controls the group of performance devices to notify the user of the error.

[0093] 5(b), in this embodiment, when the sub-control CPU 50a receives an error state command, it controls the performance display device 12 to display a first error notification image G30 for error notification. Also, when the sub-control CPU 50a receives an error state command, it controls the speaker Sp to output sound for error notification.

[0094] The special RAM check process and the special RAM clear process that can be executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described below. The special RAM check process is a process that executes an abnormality determination as to whether or not there is an abnormality in the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c without powering on the pachinko gaming machine 10. Specifically, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a can execute the special RAM check process when the operation button BT is operated during a standby state or an error state. In the following description, the state during which the special RAM check process is being executed may be referred to as the "special RAM check state." In this embodiment, the abnormality determination is an example of a check regarding the control of the gaming machine. In other words, in this embodiment, the special RAM check state corresponds to a special control state in which a check regarding the control of the gaming machine is performed.

[0095] Furthermore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, a performance movable body EK operation check can be performed after the special RAM check process is completed. Specifically, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, if the special RAM check process is executed in response to the operation button BT being operated during a standby state, a performance movable body EK operation check is performed after the special RAM check process is completed. On the other hand, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, if the special RAM check process is executed in response to the operation button BT being operated during an error state, a performance movable body EK operation check is not performed after the special RAM check process is completed. In this embodiment, in the performance movable body EK operation check, the performance movable body EK operates in a predetermined operating mode. For example, the operating mode in the performance movable body EK operation check is a mode in which the performance movable body EK moves from the home position to the performance position and then moves back to the home position. In this embodiment, the performance movable body EK operation check is an example of a confirmation operation related to performance.

[0096] The special RAM clearing process is a process for erasing the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c without powering on the pachinko gaming machine 10. Specifically, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a can execute the special RAM clearing process when the operation button BT is operated during a standby state or an error state. In the following description, the state during which the special RAM clearing process is being executed may be referred to as the "special RAM clearing state."

[0097] In addition, as will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, in the special RAM clear state, an abnormality determination may be made as to whether or not there is an abnormality in the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c. That is, in this embodiment, the special RAM clear state corresponds to a special control state in which confirmation regarding the control of the gaming machine is performed.

[0098] Here, the control for executing the special RAM check process and the special RAM clear process will be explained. The pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment can change the control state of the gaming machine to a standby state, an error state, a special RAM check state, and a special RAM clear state by the following control. That is, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a corresponds to a control state change means that can change the control state of the gaming machine.

[0099] First, we will explain the control when it is decided to execute the special RAM check process during the standby state. The decision to execute the special RAM check process during the standby state corresponds to the transition from the standby state to the special RAM check state.

[0100] In the example shown in Fig. 6(a), the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to be in a standby state and a standby effect is being executed (time t0). That is, at time t0, the effect display device 12 displays a background image G20 for the standby state, and the speaker Sp outputs background music for the standby state.

[0101] Here, when the center button BT5 is operated, the main control CPU 41a generates a menu display command that instructs the display of a predetermined menu screen MG, outputs the command to the sub-control CPU 50a, and controls the menu flag in the main control RAM 41c to be in the ON state (time point t1). The menu flag is information that can identify that the menu screen MG is being displayed. The main control CPU 41a sets the menu flag to the ON state by storing a predetermined value in the menu flag, and sets the menu flag to the OFF state by clearing the value of the menu flag.

[0102] Then, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs an operation command indicating that the center button BT5 has been operated during standby mode, it controls the performance display device 12 to display a predetermined menu screen MG. At this time, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the performance display device 12 to display the menu screen MG in a manner that superimposes it on the background image G20 for the standby mode. In other words, when the sub-control CPU 50a displays the menu screen MG during standby mode, it hides part of the background image G20 for the standby mode.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 8(a), the menu screen MG allows the user to specify that a special RAM check process and a special RAM clear process are available. Specifically, the menu screen MG of this embodiment displays the character string "RAM check" corresponding to the special RAM check process, the character string "RAM clear" corresponding to the special RAM clear process, and the character string "back" corresponding to a process for terminating the display of the menu screen MG without executing either the special RAM check process or the special RAM clear process. The menu screen MG of this embodiment also displays a marker indicating the currently selected process. The marker is displayed to the left of the character string indicating the currently selected process.

[0104] Furthermore, the main control CPU 41a can switch the currently selected process by updating the value of the menu selection flag in the main control RAM 41c when the up button BT3 or the down button BT4 is operated while the menu flag is ON. The menu selection flag stores one of a value that can identify a special RAM check process, a value that can identify a special RAM clear process, and a value that can identify ending the display of the menu screen MG. Specifically, the main control CPU 41a stores a value that can identify a special RAM check process in the menu selection flag when the center button BT5 is operated during standby mode. Furthermore, the main control CPU 41a updates the value of the menu selection flag in a predetermined order when the up button BT3 or the down button BT4 is operated while the menu flag is ON. For example, when the up button BT3 is operated, the main control CPU 41a updates the value of the menu selection flag in the following order: "value that can identify a special RAM check process" → "value that can identify a special RAM clear process" → "value that can identify ending the display of the menu screen MG" → "value that can identify a special RAM check process" → .... Also, when the down button BT4 is operated, the main control CPU 41a updates the value of the menu selection flag in the following order: "value that can identify a special RAM check process" → "value that can identify ending the display of the menu screen MG" → "value that can identify a special RAM clear process" → "value that can identify a special RAM check process" → .... After updating the value of the menu selection flag, the main control CPU 41a generates a selection command that can identify the updated value of the menu selection flag and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a. When a selection command is input, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the menu screen MG to display a marker at a position indicating a character string corresponding to a process that can be identified from the input selection command.

[0105] When the center button BT5 is operated while the menu flag is in the ON state, the main control CPU 41a performs control so as to execute the selected process. In the example of FIG. 6(a), it is assumed that the special RAM check process has been selected. In this case, the main control CPU 41a starts the special RAM check process and erases the values ​​of the menu flag and menu selection flag (time t2). That is, the main control CPU 41a controls the special RAM check state. At this time, the main control CPU 41a generates a special check start command indicating the start of the special RAM check process and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a. When the sub-control CPU 50a inputs the special check start command, it terminates the display of the menu screen MG and controls the performance display device 12 to display various images that can identify that the special RAM check process is being executed. Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 50a, upon input of the special check start command, controls the performance display device 12 to terminate the display of the standby state background image G20.

[0106] As shown in Figure 9(a), when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a special check start command, it controls the performance display device 12 to display a check in progress image CG1 indicating that an abnormality determination is being made to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c, and to display a progress image G50 that indicates the progress of the abnormality determination. Also, in the special RAM check process, the main control CPU 41a determines the progress of the abnormality determination at a predetermined control cycle, generates a progress command indicating the determined progress, and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a. The sub-control CPU 50a controls the display mode of the progress image G50 to be updated based on the input progress command.

[0107] As shown in Figure 6(a), when the main control CPU 41a completes the abnormality determination in the special RAM check process, it generates a control command capable of identifying the result of the abnormality determination and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a (time point t3). Specifically, if the main control CPU 41a determines in the abnormality determination that there is no abnormality in the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c, it generates a normality determination command and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a. On the other hand, if the main control CPU 41a determines in the abnormality determination that there is an abnormality in the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c, it generates an abnormality determination command and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a. Then, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a control command capable of identifying the result of the abnormality determination, it controls the performance display device 12 to display an image corresponding to the input command.

[0108] As shown in Figure 9(b), when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a normal judgment command, it terminates the display of the check in progress image CG1 and the progress image G50, and controls the performance display device 12 to display a normal judgment image CG2 indicating that there is no abnormality in the memory contents of the main control RAM 41c.

[0109] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 9(c), when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs an abnormality determination command, it controls the performance display device 12 to terminate the display of the check in progress image CG1 and the progress image G50, and to display the abnormality determination image CG3 indicating that there is an abnormality in the memory contents of the main control RAM 41c.

[0110] Furthermore, regardless of whether a normal judgment command or an abnormal judgment command is input, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the performance display device 12 to display a first end operation image G51 indicating that the special RAM check process can be ended by a predetermined operation. The first end operation image G51 is, for example, a character string that reads "End with center button."

[0111] As shown in Figure 6(a), when the center button BT5 is operated after the abnormality determination is completed, the main control CPU 41a terminates the special RAM check process and controls the system to a standby state, and generates a special check termination command indicating the end of the special RAM check process and a standby state command and outputs them to the sub-control CPU 50a (time t4).

[0112] When the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a special check end command, it controls the effect display device 12 to end the display of the normal judgment image CG2 or the abnormal judgment image CG3 and to end the display of the first end operation image G51. Furthermore, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a standby state command, it controls the effect display device group to execute a standby effect. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the effect display device 12 to display the background image G20 for the standby state.

[0113] Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the execution of an operation check of the performance movable body EK in response to the input of the special check end command and the standby state command. The operation check of the performance movable body EK ends after the performance movable body EK is operated in a predetermined operating mode (time t5).

[0114] By the above-described control, in this embodiment, it is possible to execute the special RAM check process during the standby state. As described above, the main control CPU 41a controls the device to enter the special RAM check state when the center button BT5 is operated while the menu selection flag stores a value that can identify the special RAM check process. In this embodiment, operating the center button BT5 while the menu selection flag stores a value that can identify the special RAM check process is an example of a first operation. That is, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a can control the device to enter the special RAM check state when detecting the first operation. Furthermore, when the main control CPU 41a controls the device to enter the special RAM check state, it performs an abnormality determination to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c. That is, in this embodiment, operating the center button BT5 while the menu selection flag stores a value that can identify the special RAM check process is an example of the confirmation condition being met.

[0115] Then, even when the abnormality determination is completed, the main control CPU 41a does not terminate the special RAM check state, but terminates the special RAM check state when the center button BT5 is operated after the abnormality determination is completed. That is, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a does not terminate the special RAM clear state when the confirmation condition is met. In this embodiment, operating the center button BT5 after the abnormality determination is completed is an example of a second operation. That is, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a can terminate the special RAM check state when the second operation is detected.

[0116] The sub-control CPU 50a can then control the execution of an operation check of the performance movable object EK after the special RAM check state has ended. As described above, the special RAM check state is ended when the main control CPU 41a detects a second operation. In other words, when the sub-control CPU 50a is controlled to the special RAM check state, it can control the execution of an operation check of the performance movable object EK in accordance with the timing at which the main control CPU 41a detects a second operation in the special RAM check state.

[0117] Furthermore, when in the special RAM check state, the performance display device 12 can display a normal judgment image CG2 or an abnormality judgment image CG3 depending on the result of the abnormality judgment. In this embodiment, the normal judgment image CG2 or the abnormality judgment image CG3 is an example of a specific notification regarding the current situation. That is, in this embodiment, the notification made by the performance display device 12 includes a specific notification regarding the current situation.

[0118] Next, we will explain the control when it is decided to execute the special RAM clear process during the standby state. The case where it is decided to execute the special RAM clear process during the standby state corresponds to the case where the standby state is switched to the special RAM clear state.

[0119] In the example shown in Fig. 6(b), the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to be in a standby state and a standby effect is being executed (time t10). That is, at time t10, the effect display device 12 displays a background image G20 for the standby state, and the speaker Sp outputs background music for the standby state.

[0120] Here, when the center button BT5 is operated, the main control CPU 41a generates a menu display command and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a, and controls the menu flag in the main control RAM 41c to be in the ON state (time t11). Then, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs an operation command indicating that the center button BT5 has been operated during the standby state, it controls the performance display device 12 to display the menu screen MG. The control for displaying the menu screen MG and the control for selecting the process to be executed by operating the operation button BT (times t11 to t12) are the same as when it is decided to execute the special RAM check process during the standby state (times t1 to t2 in FIG. 6(a)), and therefore will not be described here.

[0121] Thereafter, when the special RAM clearing process is selected by operating the operation button BT, the main control CPU 41a starts the special RAM clearing process and erases the values ​​of the menu flag and menu selection flag (time point t12). That is, the main control CPU 41a controls the special RAM clearing state. At this time, the main control CPU 41a generates a special clear start command that instructs the display of a predetermined clearing menu screen G41 and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a, and controls the clearing menu flag in the main control RAM 41c to be in the ON state. The special clear start command can also be understood as a control command indicating the start of the special RAM clearing process. The clearing menu flag is information that can identify that the clearing menu screen G41 is being displayed. The main control CPU 41a stores a predetermined value in the clearing menu flag to set the clearing menu flag to the ON state, and erases the value of the clearing menu flag to set the clearing menu flag to the OFF state.

[0122] Then, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs the special clear start command, it terminates the display of the menu screen MG and controls the effect display device 12 to display various images that can identify that the special RAM clear process is being executed. Also, the sub-control CPU 50a, upon input of the special clear start command, controls the effect display device 12 to terminate the display of the background image G20 for the standby state and controls the speaker Sp to terminate the output of the background music for the standby state.

[0123] As shown in Figure 10(a), when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a special clear start command, it displays a clear waiting image G40 indicating that the erase control that erases the stored contents of the main control RAM 41c is waiting, and controls the performance display device 12 to display a clear menu screen G41.

[0124] The clear menu screen G41 allows the user to specify whether erasure control, which erases the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c, and abnormality determination, which determines whether there is an abnormality in the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c, are possible. Specifically, the clear menu screen G41 of this embodiment displays the text "RAM Clear" corresponding to the erasure control, the text "RAM Check" corresponding to the abnormality determination, and the text "End" corresponding to the process of terminating the display of the clear menu screen G41 without executing either the erasure control or the abnormality determination. Furthermore, the clear menu screen G41 of this embodiment displays a marker indicating the currently selected process. The marker is displayed to the left of the text indicating the currently selected process.

[0125] Furthermore, the main control CPU 41a can switch the currently selected process by updating the value of the clear menu selection flag in the main control RAM 41c when the up button BT3 or the down button BT4 is operated while the clear menu flag is ON. The clear menu selection flag stores one of a value that can identify clear control, a value that can identify abnormality determination, and a value that can identify terminating the display of the clear menu screen G41. Specifically, the main control CPU 41a stores a value that can identify clear control in the clear menu selection flag when the special RAM clear process is started. Furthermore, the main control CPU 41a updates the value of the clear menu selection flag in a predetermined order when the up button BT3 or the down button BT4 is operated while the clear menu flag is ON. For example, when the up button BT3 is operated, the main control CPU 41a updates the value of the clear menu selection flag in the following order: "value that can identify erasure control" → "value that can identify abnormality determination" → "value that can identify terminating the display of the clear menu screen G41" → "value that can identify erasure control" → .... Also, when the down button BT4 is operated, the main control CPU 41a updates the value of the clear menu selection flag in the following order: "value that can identify erasure control" → "value that can identify terminating the display of the clear menu screen G41" → "value that can identify abnormality determination" → "value that can identify erasure control" → .... After updating the value of the clear menu selection flag, the main control CPU 41a generates a selection command that can identify the updated value of the clear menu selection flag and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a. When the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a selection command, it controls the clear menu screen G41 to display a marker at a position indicating a character string corresponding to a process that can be identified from the input selection command.

[0126] When the center button BT5 is operated while the clear menu flag is in the ON state, the main control CPU 41a performs control so as to execute the selected process. In the example of Fig. 6(b), it is assumed that abnormality determination is selected. In this case, the main control CPU 41a starts abnormality determination to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c, and erases the values ​​of the clear menu flag and the clear menu selection flag (time point t13). At this time, the main control CPU 41a also generates an abnormality determination start command indicating the start of abnormality determination and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a.

[0127] 10(c) to 10(e), when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs an abnormality judgment start command, it terminates the display of the clear menu screen G41 and controls the performance display device 12 to display various images that can identify that an abnormality judgment is being performed. Note that the control when an abnormality judgment is performed during the special RAM clear state is the same as when the special RAM check process is performed, except that the clear standby image G40 is displayed even during the abnormality judgment and the first end operation image G51 is not displayed after input of a normal judgment command or an abnormality judgment command, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0128] 6(b), when a predetermined time has elapsed since the main control CPU 41a outputted the normal judgment command or the abnormal judgment command, the main control CPU 41a generates a special clear resume command that instructs the display of the clear menu screen G41 again, outputs this to the sub-control CPU 50a, and controls the clear menu flag in the main control RAM 41c to be in the ON state. When the sub-control CPU 50a inputs the special clear resume command, it controls the performance display device 12 to display the clear menu screen G41.

[0129] Furthermore, when the erase control is selected by operating the operation button BT, the main control CPU 41a starts the erase control to erase the stored contents of the main control RAM 41c, and erases the values ​​of the clear menu flag and the clear menu selection flag (time t15). At this time, the main control CPU 41a also generates an erase control command and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a. The input of the erase control command triggers the sub-control CPU 50a to erase (initialize) the stored contents of the sub-control RAM 50c. Next, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the sub-control RAM 50c to a state in which various effects can be executed, based on the information initialized by the sub-control RAM clear process.

[0130] 10(b), the sub-control CPU 50a controls the effect display device 12 to terminate the display of the clear standby image G40 as the clear control is executed, and to display an erase completion image G42 indicating that the clear control has been executed, and a second end operation image G52 indicating that the special RAM clear process can be terminated by a predetermined operation. The second end operation image G52 is, for example, a character string that reads "End with center button."

[0131] Then, as shown in Figure 6(b), when the center button BT5 is operated after the erasure control has ended, the main control CPU 41a ends the special RAM clear process and controls to a standby state, and generates a special clear end command indicating the end of the special RAM clear process and a standby state command and outputs them to the sub-control CPU 50a (time t16).

[0132] When the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a special clear end command, it controls the effect display device 12 to end the display of the clear completion image G42 and the second end operation image G52. Furthermore, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a standby state command, it controls the effect display device group to execute a standby effect. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the effect display device 12 to display the background image G20 for the standby state, and controls the speaker Sp to output background music for the standby state. Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 50a does not execute an operation check of the effect movable body EK when it inputs the special clear end command and the standby state command.

[0133] By the above-described control, in this embodiment, the special RAM clear process can be executed during the standby state. As described above, the main control CPU 41a controls the device to the special RAM check state when the center button BT5 is operated while a value that can identify the special RAM clear process is stored in the menu selection flag. In this embodiment, operating the center button BT5 while a value that can identify the special RAM clear process is stored in the menu selection flag is an example of a first operation. In other words, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a can control the device to the special RAM clear state when the first operation is detected.

[0134] Furthermore, the main control CPU 41a ends the special RAM clear state when the center button BT5 is operated after the deletion control has ended. In this embodiment, operating the center button BT5 after the deletion control has ended is an example of a second operation. That is, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a can end the special RAM clear state when the second operation is detected.

[0135] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the special RAM clear state, when the clear menu selection flag stores a value that can identify an abnormality determination, operation of the center button BT5 can be used as a trigger to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c. In this embodiment, operating the center button BT5 when the clear menu selection flag stores a value that can identify an abnormality determination is an example of the confirmation condition being met. In other words, in this embodiment, in the special RAM clear state, the confirmation condition being met can be used as a trigger to determine whether or not there is an abnormality.

[0136] The main control CPU 41a does not end the special RAM clear state even when the abnormality determination is completed. On the other hand, the main control CPU 41a ends the special RAM clear state when the center button BT5 is operated while a value that can specify that the display of the clear menu screen G41 is terminated is stored in the clear menu selection flag, or when the center button BT5 is operated after the deletion control is completed. In other words, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 41a does not end the special RAM clear state when the confirmation condition is met.

[0137] Furthermore, when in the special RAM clear state, the performance display device 12 can display the normal judgment image CG2 or the abnormality judgment image CG3 according to the result of the abnormality judgment, just as when in the special RAM check state. That is, in this embodiment, the performance display device 12 can execute a specific notification regarding the current situation regardless of which of the multiple special control states it is in.

[0138] Next, we will explain the control when it is decided to execute the special RAM check process during an error state. The case where it is decided to execute the special RAM check process during an error state corresponds to the case where the system transitions from the error state to the special RAM check state.

[0139] In the example shown in FIG. 7(a), the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to an error state due to an error being detected during the standby state, and an error notification is being executed (time t20). That is, at time t20, the effect display device 12 displays a first error notification image G30 for error notification, and the speaker Sp outputs an error notification sound. In this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 50a terminates the standby effect upon being controlled to the error state. That is, in this embodiment, in the error state, the background image G20 for the standby state is not displayed, and the background music for the standby state is not output.

[0140] Here, when the center button BT5 is operated, the main control CPU 41a generates a menu display command and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a, and controls the menu flag in the main control RAM 41c to be in the ON state (time point t21).

[0141] As shown in FIG. 8(b), when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs an operation command indicating that the center button BT5 has been operated during an error state, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the performance display device 12 to display the menu screen MG. The sub-control CPU 50a also controls the performance display device 12 to end the display of the first error notification image G30 and display the second error notification image G31. In this embodiment, the second error notification image G31 is an image that is smaller than the first error notification image G30. In this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the performance display device 12 to display the second error notification image G31 in a manner that is superimposed on the menu screen MG.

[0142] Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 7(a), when the special RAM check process is selected by operating the operation button BT, the main control CPU 41a starts the special RAM check process and erases the values ​​of the menu flag and the menu selection flag (time t22). That is, the main control CPU 41a controls to enter the special RAM check state. Note that the control (times t22 to t24) of the main control CPU 41a and the sub-control CPU 50a regarding the special RAM check process when it is decided to execute the special RAM check process during the error state is the same as when it is decided to execute the special RAM check process during the standby state (times t2 to t4 in Fig. 6(a)), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0143] Then, when the main control CPU 41a completes the abnormality determination in the special RAM check process (time t23), and thereafter the center button BT5 is operated, the main control CPU 41a ends the special RAM check process (time t24). At this time, the main control CPU 41a controls the special RAM check process to an error state because the error state flag is set to the ON state. Therefore, the main control CPU 41a generates a special check end command indicating the end of the special RAM check process and an error state command, and outputs them to the sub control CPU 50a.

[0144] When the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a special check end command, it controls the performance display device 12 to end the display of the normal judgment image CG2 or the abnormal judgment image CG3 and to end the display of the first end operation image G51. Furthermore, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs an error state command, it controls the performance device group to execute an error notification. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 50a ends the display of the second error notification image G31, while controlling the performance display device 12 to display the first error notification image G30. Note that the sub-control CPU 50a does not execute an operation check of the performance movable body EK when it inputs the special check end command and the error state command.

[0145] By the above-described control, in this embodiment, it is possible to execute a special RAM check process during an error state. As described above, even in an error state, the main control CPU 41a can control to the special RAM check state when the center button BT5 is operated while a value that can identify the special RAM check process is stored in the menu selection flag. Therefore, even in a game stop error state, which is an example of a game stop state among error states, the main control CPU 41a can control to the special RAM check state when the first operation is detected.

[0146] Next, we will explain the control when it is decided to execute the special RAM clear process during an error state. The case where it is decided to execute the special RAM clear process during an error state corresponds to the case where the system transitions from the error state to the special RAM clear state.

[0147] 7(b), the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to an error state due to an error being detected during standby, and an error notification is being executed (time t30). That is, at time t30, the effect display device 12 displays a first error notification image G30 for error notification, and the speaker Sp outputs a sound for error notification.

[0148] Here, when the center button BT5 is operated, the main control CPU 41a generates a menu display command and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a, and controls the menu flag in the main control RAM 41c to be in the ON state (time t31). Then, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs an operation command indicating that the center button BT5 has been operated during an error state, it controls the performance display device 12 to display the menu screen MG. The control for displaying the menu screen MG and the control for selecting the process to be executed by operating the operation button BT (times t31 to t32) are the same as when it is decided to execute the special RAM check process during an error state (times t21 to t22 in Figure 7(a)), and therefore will not be described here.

[0149] Thereafter, when the special RAM clearing process is selected by operating the operation button BT, the main control CPU 41a starts the special RAM clearing process and erases the values ​​of the menu flag and menu selection flag (time t32). That is, the main control CPU 41a controls to the special RAM clearing state. Note that the control (times t32 to t36) of the main control CPU 41a and the sub-control CPU 50a regarding the special RAM clearing process when it is decided to execute the special RAM clearing process during the error state is the same as when it is decided to execute the special RAM clearing process during the standby state (times t12 to t16 in FIG. 6(b)), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0150] Then, when the center button BT5 is operated after the deletion control is completed, the main control CPU 41a ends the special RAM clear process (time t36). At this time, the main control CPU 41a controls the special RAM clear process to a standby state because the error state flag is set to an OFF state by clearing the value of the error state flag during the deletion control. Therefore, the main control CPU 41a generates a special clear end command indicating the end of the special RAM clear process and a standby state command, and outputs them to the sub control CPU 50a.

[0151] When the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a special clear end command, it controls the effect display device 12 to end the display of the clear completion image G42 and the second end operation image G52. Furthermore, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs a standby state command, it controls the effect display device group to execute a standby effect. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 50a controls the effect display device 12 to display the background image G20 for the standby state, and controls the speaker Sp to output background music for the standby state. Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 50a does not execute an operation check of the effect movable body EK when it inputs the special clear end command and the standby state command.

[0152] By the above-described control, in this embodiment, it is possible to execute the special RAM clear process during an error state. As described above, even during an error state, the main control CPU 41a can control to the special RAM clear state when the center button BT5 is operated while a value that can identify the special RAM clear process is stored in the menu selection flag. Therefore, even during a game stop error state, which is an example of a game stop state among error states, the main control CPU 41a can control to the special RAM clear state when the first operation is detected.

[0153] Also, although not shown, in this embodiment, when the menu flag is in the ON state and a process to end the display of the menu screen MG is selected by operating the operation button BT, the main control CPU 41a erases the values ​​of the menu flag and the menu selection flag. Furthermore, the main control CPU 41a generates a menu end command that instructs the display of the menu screen MG to end and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a. Then, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs the menu end command, it controls the performance display device 12 to end the display of the menu screen MG. Note that the sub-control CPU 50a does not execute an operation check of the performance movable body EK when the menu end command is input.

[0154] Furthermore, although not shown, in this embodiment, when the operation button BT is operated while the clear menu flag is ON and a process to end the display of the clear menu screen G41 is selected, the main control CPU 41a erases the values ​​of the clear menu flag and the clear menu selection flag and ends the special RAM clear process. At this time, the main control CPU 41a generates a clear menu end command that instructs the display of the clear menu screen G41 to end and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a. Then, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs the clear menu end command, it controls the performance display device 12 to end the display of the clear menu screen G41.

[0155] Furthermore, when the process of ending the display of the clear menu screen G41 is selected by operating the operation button BT while the clear menu flag is in the ON state, if the error state flag is set to the OFF state, the main control CPU 41a controls the display to the standby state. In this case, the main control CPU 41a generates a standby state command and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a. Then, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs the standby state command, it controls the group of performance devices to execute a standby performance. Note that the sub-control CPU 50a does not execute an operation check of the performance movable body EK when it inputs the clear menu end command and the standby state command.

[0156] On the other hand, when the process of ending the display of the clear menu screen G41 is selected by operating the operation button BT while the clear menu flag is in the ON state, if the error state flag is set to the ON state, the main control CPU 41a controls to the error state. In this case, the main control CPU 41a generates an error state command and outputs it to the sub-control CPU 50a. Then, when the sub-control CPU 50a inputs the error state command, it controls the group of performance devices to execute an error notification. Note that the sub-control CPU 50a does not execute an operation check of the performance movable body EK when it inputs the clear menu end command and the error state command.

[0157] Furthermore, according to the control described above, in this embodiment, the execution of the standby effect is limited depending on the control state of the pachinko gaming machine 10. As shown in Figure 11, when the device is in standby mode and the menu screen MG is not displayed, and the device is not in an error state, the performance display device 12 displays a background image G20 for the standby mode, and the speaker Sp outputs background music for the standby mode.

[0158] When the menu screen MG is displayed during standby and the error state is not occurring, the effect display device 12 displays the menu screen MG in a manner that superimposes it on the background image G20 for the standby state, thereby hiding a portion of the background image G20 for the standby state. On the other hand, when the menu screen MG is displayed during standby and the error state is not occurring, the speaker Sp outputs background music for the standby state in the same manner as when the menu screen MG is not displayed. In other words, when the menu screen MG is not displayed during standby and the error state is not occurring, the execution of the standby effect is restricted by hiding a portion of the background image G20 for the standby state.

[0159] When the special RAM check state is in effect and the error state is not in effect, the background image G20 for the standby state is not displayed on the effect display device 12, while the background music for the standby state is output from the speaker Sp in the same manner as when the effect is in effect. In other words, when the special RAM check state is in effect and the error state is not in effect, the execution of the standby effect is restricted by the mode in which the entire background image G20 for the standby state is not displayed.

[0160] When the special RAM clear state is in effect and the error state is not in effect, the effect display device 12 does not display the background image G20 for the standby state, and the background music for the standby state is not output from the speaker Sp. In other words, when the special RAM clear state is in effect and the error state is not in effect, the entire background image G20 for the standby state is not displayed, and the background music for the standby state is not output, thereby restricting the execution of the standby effect. In other words, when the special RAM clear state is in effect and the error state is not in effect, the standby effect is not executed.

[0161] Then, when in an error state, regardless of whether it is in a standby state, a special RAM check state, or a special RAM clear state, the effect display device 12 does not display the background image G20 for the standby state, and the background music for the standby state is not output from the speaker Sp. In other words, when in an error state, the entire background image G20 for the standby state is not displayed, and the execution of the standby effect is restricted by not outputting the background music for the standby state. In other words, when in an error state, the standby effect is not executed.

[0162] As described above, in this embodiment, the manner in which the execution of effects is restricted differs depending on the control state of the pachinko gaming machine 10. In particular, in this embodiment, the execution of at least some of the standby effects is restricted in both the special RAM check state and the special RAM clear state. In other words, in this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 50a restricts the execution of at least some of the effects that can be executed in the group of effect devices when in the special RAM check state or the special RAM clear state. Also, in this embodiment, the manner in which the execution of standby effects is restricted differs between the special RAM check state and the special RAM clear state. That is, in this embodiment, the manner in which the execution of effects is restricted differs between the multiple special control states.

[0163] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) In this embodiment, the special RAM check process can be used to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c without powering on the pachinko gaming machine 10, making it possible to easily check whether or not there is an abnormality in the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to improve the convenience of checking the control of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

[0164] (2) In this embodiment, the special RAM clearing process can execute erasure control to erase the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c without powering on the pachinko gaming machine 10, so the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c can be easily initialized. Therefore, in this embodiment, the convenience of initializing the contents stored in the pachinko gaming machine 10 can be improved.

[0165] (3) In the special RAM clearing process of this embodiment, an abnormality determination can be performed to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the contents of the main control RAM 41c before executing the erasure control to erase the contents of the main control RAM 41c. This allows the special RAM clearing process to determine whether or not the contents of the main control RAM 41c need to be initialized based on the results of the abnormality determination. Therefore, in this embodiment, unnecessary initialization of the contents of the main control RAM 41c can be prevented.

[0166] (4) The special RAM check state is ended by the second operation of the operation button BT. Therefore, in this embodiment, by adjusting the timing of operating the operation button BT, it is possible to prevent the period of control in the special RAM check state from becoming too short or too long. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to more reliably check the control of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the special RAM check state.

[0167] (5) The special RAM clear state is ended by the second operation of the operation button BT. Therefore, in this embodiment, by adjusting the timing of operating the operation button BT, it is possible to prevent the period controlled to the special RAM clear state from becoming too short or too long. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to more reliably confirm that the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c have been initialized in the special RAM clear state.

[0168] (6) In particular, in the special RAM check state and the special RAM clear state, the respective states are not terminated when the abnormality determination of whether or not there is an abnormality in the memory contents of the main control RAM 41c is completed, so that the control of the gaming machine can be confirmed more reliably.

[0169] (7) In the special RAM check state and the special RAM clear state, the execution of some of the standby effects is restricted. This prevents the execution of effects from making it difficult to check the content of the control executed in each state. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to improve the convenience of checking the control of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

[0170] (8) The manner in which the execution of the standby effect is restricted differs between the special RAM check state and the special RAM clear state. In other words, the execution of the standby effect is restricted in an appropriate manner depending on the state in the special RAM check state and the special RAM clear state, which more effectively prevents the content of the control executed in each state from becoming difficult to check.

[0171] (9) Even during an error state, including a game stop error state, a special RAM check process can be executed in response to the first operation of the operation button BT, thereby improving convenience when checking the control of the pachinko game machine 10.

[0172] (10) Even during an error state, including a game stop error state, the special RAM clear process can be executed by the first operation of the operation button BT. This allows the error state to be resolved without turning on the power, improving the convenience of resolving the error state.

[0173] (11) In this embodiment, when the standby state is transitioned to the special RAM check state, the operation check of the performance movable body EK is executed after the special RAM check state ends. This makes it possible to check whether there is an abnormality in the memory contents of the main control RAM 41c in the special RAM check state, as well as whether there is an abnormality in the operation of the performance movable body EK.

[0174] (12) The operation check of the performance movable body EK is executed when the special RAM check is ended by the second operation of the operation button BT. In other words, the timing of the operation check of the performance movable body EK can be adjusted by the second operation of the operation button BT, so that the operation check of the performance movable body EK can be prevented from being overlooked.

[0175] The above-described embodiment can be modified as follows: The above-described embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0176] The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured to be able to perform confirmation operations related to the effects instead of or in addition to checking the operation of the effect movable body EK. For example, the confirmation operation related to the effects may be to display a predetermined image on the effect display device 12. Furthermore, the confirmation operation related to the effects may be to output a predetermined sound from the speaker Sp, or to light up the decorative lamp La in a predetermined light-emitting mode.

[0177] The timing for executing the confirmation operation regarding the effect may be changed as appropriate. For example, even if the sub-control CPU 50a transitions from an error state to a special RAM check state, the sub-control CPU 50a may execute the confirmation operation regarding the effect when the special RAM check state ends. Furthermore, the confirmation operation regarding the effect may be executed when the special RAM clear state ends, or the confirmation operation regarding the effect may be executed during the special RAM check state or the special RAM clear state.

[0178] The sub-control CPU 50a may be configured to perform a check of the operation of the performance movable object EK at a predetermined timing, regardless of operation of the operation button BT. The sub-control CPU 50a may be configured to execute an operation check of the performance movable object EK when the power is turned on to the pachinko gaming machine 10. In this case, the sub-control CPU 50a may determine whether or not to execute an operation check of the performance movable object EK depending on whether or not the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c were erased when the power was turned on to the pachinko gaming machine 10. In this case, the sub-control CPU 50a may not execute an operation check of the performance movable object EK when the special RAM check state ends.

[0179] The type of effect whose execution is restricted in each state may be changed as appropriate. In other words, the manner in which the execution of an effect is restricted in each state may be changed as appropriate. For example, the manner in which the execution of a standby effect is restricted may be the same in the special RAM check state and the special RAM clear state. Furthermore, in each state, the execution of effects other than standby effects may be restricted instead of or in addition to standby effects. Furthermore, the execution of effects may not be restricted in one or both of the special RAM check state and the special RAM clear state.

[0180] The type of image displayed on the performance display device 12 during the special RAM check state may be changed as appropriate. For example, the sub-control CPU 50a may perform control so that the progress image G50 is not displayed during the special RAM check state. Similarly, the type of image displayed on the performance display device 12 during the special RAM clear state may be changed as appropriate.

[0181] The abnormality determination performed in the special RAM check process to determine whether there is an abnormality in the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c and the abnormality determination performed in the power-on process to determine whether there is an abnormality in the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c may be the same or different. The present invention may also be embodied in a gaming machine that performs only the abnormality determination in the power-on process without performing the special RAM check process. In this case, the power-on process may be executed upon detecting the operation of the power switch 60a, but may be terminated upon detecting a predetermined operation using the operation button BT. In this example, the control state during the power-on process corresponds to a special control state. That is, in this example, the operation of the power switch 60a corresponds to a first operation, and the predetermined operation using the operation button BT corresponds to a second operation.

[0182] The erasure control for erasing the contents of the main control RAM 41c in the special RAM clearing process and the erasure control for erasing the contents of the main control RAM 41c in the RAM clearing process may be the same or different. For example, the memory areas erased in the erasure control may be different. Furthermore, the present invention may be embodied in a gaming machine that executes only the erasure control in the RAM clearing process without executing the special RAM clearing process. In this case, the RAM clearing process may be executed upon detecting operation of the power switch 60a while the RAM clearing switch 61 is in the ON state, and terminated upon detecting a predetermined operation using the operation button BT. In this example, the control state when the RAM clearing process is being executed corresponds to a special control state. That is, in this example, operation of the power switch 60a while the RAM clearing switch 61 is in the ON state corresponds to a first operation, and a predetermined operation using the operation button BT corresponds to a second operation.

[0183] The main control CPU 41a may control the game to be stopped when it determines in the abnormality determination in the special RAM check process that there is an abnormality in the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c. Furthermore, the main control CPU 41a may execute erasure control to erase the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c when it determines in the abnormality determination in the special RAM check process that there is an abnormality in the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c. In these cases, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may not display a judgment image notifying the result of the abnormality determination in the special RAM check process during the special RAM check state. In other words, when it determines in the abnormality determination in the special RAM check process that there is an abnormality in the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c, the pachinko gaming machine 10 only needs to control the game not to continue with the abnormality occurring, and does not necessarily need to notify the result of the abnormality determination. Furthermore, similar control may be performed when it determines in the abnormality determination in the special RAM clear process that there is an abnormality in the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c.

[0184] The content of the specific notifications executable during the special RAM check state and the special RAM clear state may be changed as appropriate. For example, the specific notifications executable during the special RAM check state and the special RAM clear state may be notifications indicating the current control state. Furthermore, the specific content of the specific notifications executed during the special RAM check state and the special RAM clear state may differ as long as the notification targets are the same. For example, if the specific notifications executed during the special RAM check state and the special RAM clear state both notify the results of an abnormality determination, the specific notification aspects, such as the type of notification means used to execute the specific notifications and the type of image displayed, may differ. Furthermore, if the specific notifications executed during the special RAM check state and the special RAM clear state both notify the current control state, the content of the notifications may differ.

[0185] The special RAM check process may be terminated after the abnormality determination is completed, without the operation of the operation button BT. In other words, when the main control CPU 41a executes the abnormality determination in response to the establishment of the confirmation condition, the main control CPU 41a may terminate the special RAM check state in response to the completion of the abnormality determination.

[0186] The special RAM clear process may be ended after the deletion control is completed, without the operation of the operation button BT. In other words, when executing the deletion control, the main control CPU 41a may end the special RAM clear state when the deletion control is completed.

[0187] The operation of the operation button BT for determining whether to execute the special RAM check process may differ depending on the current control state. For example, the operation of the operation button BT for determining whether to execute the special RAM check process may differ depending on whether the system is in an error state or not. Similarly, the operation of the operation button BT for determining whether to execute the special RAM clear process may differ depending on the current control state.

[0188] The main control CPU 41a may not decide to execute the special RAM check process when an error state is in progress. In other words, the main control CPU 41a may not control to the special RAM check state when an error state is in progress. The main control CPU 41a may also determine whether or not to execute the special RAM check process depending on the type of error state. For example, the main control CPU 41a may be able to decide to execute the special RAM check process when a game is in a playable error state, but may not decide to execute the special RAM check process when a game is stopped error state.

[0189] The main control CPU 41a may not decide to execute the special RAM clearing process when an error state is occurring. In other words, the main control CPU 41a may not control to the special RAM clearing state when an error state is occurring. The main control CPU 41a may also determine whether or not to execute the special RAM clearing process depending on the type of error state. For example, the main control CPU 41a may be able to decide to execute the special RAM clearing process when a game-playable error state is occurring, but may not decide to execute the special RAM clearing process when a game-stopped error state is occurring.

[0190] The main control CPU 41a may be able to determine the execution of the special RAM check process even when not in a standby state. For example, the main control CPU 41a may be able to determine the execution of the special RAM check process while a special game is being executed, or may be able to determine the execution of the special RAM check process while a special game is being executed during a jackpot game. Similarly, the main control CPU 41a may be able to determine the execution of the special RAM clear process even when not in a standby state.

[0191] The manner in which an error is reported during an error state may be changed as appropriate. For example, during each error state, an error may be reported in a manner that allows the type of error to be identified. That is, the error state may be a control state in which the error that has occurred can be confirmed. For example, the main control CPU 41a may be able to control the system to a frame open error state in which it can be confirmed that a frame open error has occurred upon detecting an operation to open the mounting slot 11b, and may be able to terminate the frame open error state upon detecting an operation to close the mounting slot 11b. In this example, the frame open error state corresponds to a control state when confirming control of the gaming machine. That is, the main control CPU 41a may be able to control the system to a frame open error state upon detecting a first operation to open the mounting slot 11b, and may be able to terminate the frame open error state upon detecting a second operation to close the mounting slot 11b.

[0192] The operation button BT may be located on the back of the machine, where it cannot be accessed unless the locking device 11c is unlocked and the mounting frame 11b is opened. In this case, the operation button BT for executing the special RAM check process or the special RAM clear process is performed by an administrator of the gaming machine who owns a key that matches the locking device 11c.

[0193] Instead of or in addition to the operation button BT, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be provided with a specific operation means that is operated using a specific member that is separate from the pachinko gaming machine 10. In this case, the sub-control CPU 50a may be able to execute a special RAM check process or a special RAM clear process in response to operation of the specific operation means using the specific member. This prevents the special RAM check process and the special RAM clear process from being executed by anyone other than the person who owns the specific member, thereby enabling the pachinko gaming machine 10 to be managed appropriately.

[0194] The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be controlled to a state in which a special RAM check process can be executed by an operation when the power is turned on. For example, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may determine whether or not to control the special RAM check process to a state in which a predetermined operating means arranged on the back of the machine is operated when the power is turned on. In this case, for example, by controlling the special RAM check process to a state in which a special RAM check process can be executed during inspection of the pachinko gaming machine 10, it is possible to check whether an abnormality has occurred in the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c during inspection without turning on the power, thereby further improving the convenience of checking the control of the pachinko gaming machine 10 when inspecting the pachinko gaming machine 10. Similarly, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be controlled to a state in which a special RAM clear process can be executed by an operation when the power is turned on. For example, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may determine whether or not to control the special RAM clear process to a state in which a predetermined operating means arranged on the back of the machine is operated when the power is turned on. In this case, for example, by controlling the pachinko gaming machine 10 to a state where a special RAM clear process can be executed when inspecting the pachinko gaming machine 10, the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c can be initialized without turning on the power during inspection, thereby further improving the convenience of initializing the contents stored in the main control RAM 41c when inspecting the pachinko gaming machine 10.

[0195] The present invention may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine 10 that allows for the customization of effects. Examples of the customization of effects include adjusting the volume of audio effects and adjusting the amount of light in light-emitting effects.

[0196] As an example of customization related to effects, when the pachinko gaming machine 10 is embodied in a pachinko gaming machine in which the volume of the audio effects can be adjusted, whether or not the volume of the audio effects can be controlled to be adjustable may be determined depending on whether or not a predetermined operating means arranged on the back of the machine is operated in a predetermined manner when the power is turned on. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be started in a state in which the volume of the audio effects can be adjusted, or in a state in which the volume of the audio effects cannot be adjusted.

[0197] Whether or not the audio effects are controlled to be executable may depend on whether a predetermined operation means disposed on the rear side of the machine is operated in a predetermined manner when the machine is powered on. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be activated in either a state in which audio effects are executable or a state in which audio effects are not executable. Here, the state in which audio effects are not executable includes a state in which the audio effects are muted. When the pachinko gaming machine 10 is activated in a state in which audio effects are not executable, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be activated in a state in which audio effects are executable when the pachinko gaming machine 10 is powered off and then powered on again with the predetermined operation means operated in a predetermined manner. In other words, in this example, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be controlled to be in an inexecutable state when a first operation by the predetermined operation means is detected, while the inexecutable state of audio effects may be terminated when a second operation by the predetermined operation means is detected. In this case, the inexecutable state of audio effects may be, for example, a state used during inspection of the pachinko gaming machine 10. According to this, by controlling the sound effects to a state in which they cannot be executed when inspecting the pachinko gaming machine 10, it is possible to check the control of the gaming machine without being distracted by the sounds output by the sound effects. That is, in this example, the state in which the sound effects cannot be executed can be understood as an example of the control state when checking the control.

[0198] The present invention may be embodied in a gaming machine equipped with a power-saving mode that conserves the power required for the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. In this case, the main control CPU 41a may determine whether to control the gaming machine to the power-saving mode depending on whether a predetermined operating means disposed on the rear side of the gaming machine is operated in a predetermined manner when the gaming machine is powered on. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be started in the power-saving mode or not. When started in the power-saving mode, the power-saving mode may be terminated when the gaming machine 10 is powered on again while the predetermined operating means is operated in a predetermined manner after the power is turned off. That is, in this example, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be controlled to the power-saving mode upon detecting a first operation by the predetermined operating means, and may terminate the power-saving mode upon detecting a second operation by the predetermined operating means. In this case, the power-saving mode may be, for example, a state used during inspection of the pachinko gaming machine 10. According to this, when inspecting the pachinko gaming machine 10, by controlling it to a power-saving state that saves the power required for the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10, it is possible to prevent unnecessary consumption of power when checking the control of the gaming machine. That is, in this example, the power-saving state can be understood as an example of a control state when checking the control.

[0199] The present invention may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine 10 equipped with a setting change function that changes setting information that determines the probability of winning a jackpot in a winning lottery. In this case, whether or not the setting information is controlled to a setting change state in which it can be changed may be determined depending on whether or not a predetermined operating means disposed on the back of the machine is operated in a predetermined manner when the power is turned on. In this case, the setting change state may be terminated when a predetermined operation by the predetermined operating means is detected in the setting change state. Here, the operation for controlling the setting change state and the operation for terminating the setting change state may be performed using the same operating means, or may be performed using different operating means. Furthermore, the operation for controlling the setting change state and the operation for terminating the setting change state may be performed using different operating means. In this example, the sub-control CPU 50a may limit the execution of some or all of the various effects when the setting change state is in the setting change state.

[0200] When the present invention is embodied in a pachinko gaming machine 10 equipped with a setting change function for changing setting information that determines the probability of winning a jackpot in a winning lottery, whether or not the machine is controlled to a setting confirmation state in which the current setting information can be confirmed may be determined depending on whether a predetermined operation means disposed on the back of the machine is operated in a predetermined manner when the machine is powered on. In this case, the setting confirmation state may be terminated when a predetermined operation by the predetermined operation means is detected in the setting confirmation state. Here, the operation for controlling the machine to the setting confirmation state and the operation for terminating the setting confirmation state may be performed using the same operation means, or may be performed using different operation means. Furthermore, the operation for controlling the machine to the setting confirmation state and the operation for terminating the setting confirmation state may be performed using different operation means using the same operation means. In this example, the setting confirmation state corresponds to a control state in which confirmation regarding the control of the gaming machine is performed. That is, in this example, the main control CPU 41a may be triggered to enter the setting confirmation state when it detects a first operation by a predetermined operation means, and may be triggered to end the setting confirmation state when it detects a second operation by a predetermined operation means while in the setting confirmation state. Also, in this example, the sub-control CPU 50a may be configured to restrict the execution of some or all of the various effects when in the setting confirmation state.

[0201] The present invention may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine 10 that has two or more types of probability states as probability states that determine the probability of winning the jackpot lottery. In other words, the present invention may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine 10 that has a probability fluctuation function.

[0202] The present invention may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine 10 having three or more types of ball entry rate states. Also, the present invention may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine 10 having one type of ball entry rate state. In other words, the present invention may be embodied in a pachinko gaming machine 10 that does not have a ball entry assist function.

[0203] The present invention may be embodied in a pachinko game machine 10 having a function of stopping the game when the difference between the first number of balls calculated based on the number of game balls used in the game and the second number of balls calculated based on the number of game balls acquired as prize balls reaches a predetermined number.

[0204] The sub-control board 50 may be a sub-integrated control board, and a display control board that specializes in controlling the performance display device 12, an audio control board that specializes in controlling the speaker Sp, and a lamp control board that specializes in controlling the decorative lamp La may be provided separately from the sub-control board 50. Also, some or all of the display control board, audio control board, and lamp control board may be the same board. Also, the sub-control CPU 50a may be composed of multiple CPUs mounted on a single board.

[0205] The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be provided with a single control board that integrates the functions of the main control board 40 and the sub-control board 50. The functions of the main control board 40 may also be realized by dividing them into multiple boards. The main control CPU 41a may be composed of multiple CPUs mounted on a single board.

[0206] The first special game and the second special game may be played in accordance with the order in which the game balls enter the start winning slots 14, 15, or may be played simultaneously in parallel. The second special game may also be omitted.

[0207] The present invention may be applied to a pachinko gaming machine 10 that does not execute a special effect game. In this case, it is preferable that the special effect display device 12 displays a special symbol. In this embodiment, the gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine, but is not limited to this and may be configured as a slot machine.

[0208] The technical ideas that can be understood from this embodiment and its modifications will be described. (Appendix 1) A gaming machine comprising an operation means, an operation detection means capable of detecting the operation of said operation means, a control state change means capable of changing the control state of the gaming machine, an effect execution means for executing an effect, and an effect control means for controlling said effect execution means, wherein said control state change means is capable of controlling to a special control state when said operation detection means detects a first operation by said operation means, and when in said special control state, is capable of ending said special control state when said operation detection means detects a second operation by said operation means, said special control state is a control state when confirmation regarding the control of the gaming machine is made, and said effect control means, when in said special control state, restricts the execution of at least some of the effects that said effect execution means can execute.

[0209] (Appendix 2) A gaming machine as described in Appendix 1, comprising a game execution means for executing a variable game by varying symbols, a game control means for controlling the game execution means, and a stop control means capable of controlling to a game stop state that restricts the execution of the variable game, wherein the control state change means is capable of controlling to the special control state when the operation detection means detects the first operation by the operation means, even during the game stop state.

[0210] (Appendix 3) A gaming machine as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein the effect execution means is capable of executing a confirmation operation related to the effect, and the effect control means, when controlled to the special control state, is capable of controlling the execution of the confirmation operation in accordance with the timing at which the operation detection means detects the second operation by the operation means in the special control state.

[0211] (Appendix 4) A gaming machine described in any one of Appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that there are multiple special control states, and the multiple special control states have different ways in which the execution of the effects is restricted.

[0212] (Appendix 5) A gaming machine described in any one of Appendices 1 to 4, in which in the special control state, confirmation regarding the control of the gaming machine can be made when a predetermined confirmation condition is met, and the control state change means does not end the special control state when the confirmation condition is met. [Explanation of symbols]

[0213] BT...Operation button (operation means) BT1...Left button BT2...Right button BT3...Up button BT4...Down button BT5...Centre button CG1...Check in progress image CG2...Normal judgment image CG3...Abnormal judgment image EK...Moving body for performance (performance execution means, notification means) G20...Background image G30...First error notification image G31...Second error notification image G40...Clear waiting image G41...Clear menu screen G42...Erase completion image G50...Progress image G51...First end operation image G52...Second end operation image GH...Image display unit HD...Launch handle La...Decorative lamp (performance execution means, notification means) MG...Menu screen SE1...First start winning sensor SE2...Second start winning sensor SE3...Count sensor SE4...Gate sensor SL1...First solenoid SL2...Second solenoid Sp...Speaker (performance execution means, notification means) YB...Game board YBa... Game area 10... Pachinko game machine 11... Frame body 11a... Installation frame 11b... Mounting frame 11c... Locking device 12... Performance display device (performance execution means, notification means) 13... Information display device 13a... First special symbol display unit (game execution means) 13b... Second special symbol display unit (game execution means) 13c... First special hold display unit 13d... Second special hold display unit 13e... Normal symbol display unit 13f... Normal hold display unit 14... First start winning opening 15... Second start winning opening 16... Normal movable piece 17... Big winning opening 18... Special opening / closing piece 25... Gate 40... Main controller board 41... Microprocessor 41a... Main control CPU (operation detection means, control state change means, game control means) 41b... Main control ROM 41c... Main control RAM 50... Sub-control board 50a... Sub-control CPU (performance control means) 50b... Sub-control ROM 50c... Sub-control RAM 60... Power supply unit 60a... Power switch 61... RAM clear switch

Claims

1. A game execution means for executing a special game as a variable game in which symbols are varied; game control means for controlling the game execution means; a special game stop control means capable of controlling the special game to a special game stop state that restricts execution of the special game; a storage means for storing various types of information; An operating means; an operation detection means capable of detecting an operation of the operation means; a control state changing means for changing the control state of the gaming machine; a performance execution means for executing a performance; a performance control means for controlling the performance execution means, The control state changing means The special control state can be controlled at least when the operation detection means detects a first operation by the operation means, Even during the special game stop state resulting from the detection of a specific error, control to the special control state is possible when the operation detection means detects the first operation by the operation means, When the special control state is in the special control state, the special control state can be ended in response to at least the operation detection means detecting a second operation by the operation means, the special control state is a control state relating to processing of the contents stored in the storage means, The gaming machine is characterized in that, when in the special control state, the effect control means restricts the execution of at least some of the effects that can be executed by the effect execution means.

2. The performance execution means is capable of executing a confirmation operation regarding the performance, The gaming machine described in claim 1, wherein when controlled to the special control state, the presentation control means is capable of controlling the execution of the confirmation action depending on the timing at which the operation detection means detects the second operation by the operation means in the special control state.

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