JP2024012853A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress an increase in a control load.

SOLUTION: A frame control board outputs a command of an error that can be set on the frame control board to a game control board. On the basis of this command, the game control board executes error command processing. In the error command processing, first processing is executed for determining whether or not first error information, which is error information when present error command processing is executed, and second error information, which is error information when previous error command processing was executed, are different, with one error of a plurality of kinds of errors as a target. In the error command processing after the execution of the first processing, second processing is executed for generating an error command to be output to the performance control board according to a result of the determination in the first processing. When the error command processing is executed, a plurality of kinds of error commands can be generated by executing the first processing and the second processing repeatedly with the plurality of kinds of errors as targets.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Conventionally, a pachinko gaming machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, is configured to be able to detect multiple types of errors (for example, Patent Document 1). Conditions for detecting each of the plurality of types of errors are determined in advance. When an error is detected, it can be said that the pachinko game machine is in an abnormal state.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-161534

In a gaming machine that can detect multiple types of errors, when an error is detected, it is desirable that appropriate measures be taken in accordance with the detected error. Therefore, the gaming machine needs to perform control related to the detected error. Since gaming machines are capable of detecting multiple types of errors, the control burden tends to increase due to control related to the detected errors.

A gaming machine that solves the above problems is a gaming machine that is capable of circulating game balls inside the machine, and includes a first control section that can execute predetermined control, and a command that is inputted from the first control section. and a third control unit that is capable of detecting multiple types of errors regarding the mechanism for circulating game balls, and that sets the error when an error detection condition is satisfied. , the third control unit is capable of outputting a command related to an error that can be set in the third control unit to the first control unit, and the first control unit is configured to output a command related to an error that can be set in the third control unit, and the first control unit performs a command based on the command input from the third control unit. It is possible to store error information that can specify that an error has been set in the third control unit, and the first control unit generates an error command to be output to the second control unit. Error command processing can be executed, the error command processing is executed at predetermined intervals, and in the error command processing, the current error command processing is executed for one error among a plurality of types of errors. A first process is performed to determine whether first error information, which is the error information when the error command is executed, is different from second error information, which is the error information when the previous error command process was executed. , a second process is performed to generate the error command to be output to the second control unit according to the determination result in the first process, and when the error command process is executed, multiple types of errors are targeted. The gist is that a plurality of types of error commands can be generated by repeatedly performing the first process and the second process.

A gaming machine that solves the above problems is a gaming machine that manages gaming media used in games as data, and includes a first control section that can execute predetermined control, and a system that can input commands output from the first control section. a second control unit and a third control unit capable of detecting multiple types of errors regarding the configuration for functioning as a gaming machine that manages the gaming media as data, and setting the error when an error detection condition is satisfied; a control unit, the third control unit is capable of outputting a command related to an error that can be set in the third control unit to the first control unit, and the first control unit is configured to It is possible to store error information that can identify that an error has been set in the third control unit based on a command input from the third control unit, and the first control unit outputs the error information to the second control unit. The error command processing is executed at predetermined intervals, and the error command processing targets one error among multiple types of errors. Determine whether first error information that is the error information when the error command process is executed is different from second error information that is the error information when the error command process was executed last time. A first process is performed, and a second process is performed to generate the error command to be output to the second control unit according to the determination result in the first process, and when the error command process is executed, multiple The gist is that a plurality of types of error commands can be generated by repeatedly performing the first process and the second process for different types of errors.

Regarding the gaming machine, the error commands include an error setting command that can specify that an error has been set, and an error cancellation command that can specify that the error setting has been canceled, and the first processing In this case, determination situations in which it is determined that the first error information and the second error information are different include a first determination situation and a second determination situation, and the first determination situation is determined to be different from the second error information. The second judgment situation is when the information that can be specified by the first error information is that an error has been set, and the second judgment situation is that the information that can be specified by the first error information is that an error has been set. In the second process, the error setting command is generated in the first judgment situation, and the error cancellation command is generated in the second judgment situation. Good.

According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress an increase in control burden.

It is a diagram when the pachinko game machine and the management unit are viewed from the front. It is a diagram showing a game board included in a pachinko game machine. It is an enlarged view of a counting operation section, a counting notification section, and a second ball count display section included in the pachinko gaming machine. It is a schematic diagram showing a distribution mechanism for game balls formed in a pachinko game machine. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a supply unit included in the pachinko game machine. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a supply unit included in the pachinko game machine. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a firing section included in the pachinko game machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko gaming machine. 7 is a timing chart showing control regarding the transport operation of the transport unit. It is a diagram showing an example of an error that can be detected by a frame control board in a pachinko game machine. It is a diagram showing an example of an error that can be detected by a frame control board in a pachinko game machine. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing frame error information. 5 is a flowchart showing error command processing. (a) to (e) are schematic diagrams showing examples of various data during execution of error command processing. (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing examples of various data during execution of error command processing. (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing examples of various data during execution of error command processing. (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing examples of various data during execution of error command processing. (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing examples of various data during execution of error command processing. (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing examples of various data during execution of error command processing. (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing examples of various data during execution of error command processing. (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing examples of various data during execution of error command processing. It is a figure showing an example of the mode of error notification in a pachinko game machine.

An embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine will be described below.
As shown in FIG. 1, in an island facility (gaming island), a pachinko gaming machine 10 (hereinafter referred to as gaming machine 10), which is an example of a gaming machine, and a management unit 100, which is an example of a management device, are arranged alternately. are placed side by side. The management unit 100 is installed alongside the gaming machine 10. The management unit 100 is communicably connected to the gaming machine 10.

The management unit 100 will be explained.
The management unit 100 includes a medium insertion section 101 into which a management medium can be inserted. As an example, the management medium is a data storage medium such as an IC card or an IC coin. The management medium can store the remaining amount of the deposit and the number of game balls owned by the player (hereinafter referred to as the first number of managed balls). The first management pitch count is data managed by the management unit 100. The management medium may be capable of storing the player's personal information or the balance of the payment (prepaid balance). The management unit 100 includes a cash input unit 102 into which cash can be input. The amount inserted into the cash input unit 102 is added to the remaining amount stored in the management medium. As an example, cash may be either banknotes or coins. The first number of managed pitches is an example of the number of pitches held.

Management unit 100 includes an operation panel 110. The operation panel 110 includes a ball lending operation section 111, a payout operation section 112, a return operation section 113, a first ball number display section 114, and a remaining amount display section 115. The ball lending operation unit 111 is operated when increasing the number of game balls owned by the player (hereinafter referred to as the second number of managed balls) based on the remaining amount stored in the management medium. The second managed ball count is data managed by the gaming machine 10. The payout operation unit 112 is operated when increasing the second number of managed balls based on the first number of managed balls. The second number of managed pitches is an example of the number of pitches held.

The return operation unit 113 is operated when receiving the return of the management medium inserted into the management unit 100. The first pitch count display section 114 displays information (for example, Arabic numerals) that allows identification of the first managed pitch count. The remaining amount display section 115 displays information (for example, Arabic numerals) that can specify the remaining amount of the payment.

The management unit 100 includes a management unit control board 120 (hereinafter referred to as CU control board 120). The CU control board 120 is an example of an external device located outside the machine. The CU control board 120 includes a CPU 120a, a ROM 120b, and a RAM 120c. The CPU 120a performs predetermined control by executing a management unit control program. The ROM 120b stores a management unit control program. The RAM 120c stores various information that is rewritten during the operation of the management unit 100. For example, the information stored in the RAM 120c includes flags, counters, timers, and the like. The management unit 100 includes a communication terminal 120d that is connected to the gaming machine 10 so as to be able to communicate in both directions.

The CU control board 120 is connected to the medium insertion section 101. The CPU 120a is configured to be able to rewrite the storage contents of the management medium inserted into the medium insertion section 101. The CU control board 120 is connected to the cash input unit 102. The CPU 120a is configured to be able to input an input signal that is output when cash is input into the cash input unit 102. The input signal is a signal that can specify the amount of money input into the cash input unit 102.

CU control board 120 is connected to operation panel 110. The CPU 120a is configured to be able to input a ball lending signal output when the ball lending operation section 111 is operated. The CU control board 120 is configured to be able to input a payout signal that is output when the payout operation unit 112 is operated. The CPU 120a is configured to be able to input a return signal that is output when the return operation unit 113 is operated. The CPU 120a is configured to be able to control the display content of the first pitch count display section 114. The CPU 120a is configured to be able to control the display content of the remaining amount display section 115.

The CU control board 120 is connected to the gaming machine 10 via a communication terminal 120d. The CPU 120a is configured to be able to input various control signals (control information) output from the gaming machine 10. The CPU 120a is configured to be able to output various control signals (control information) to the gaming machine 10. The management unit 100 outputs a connection signal to the gaming machine 10 from the communication terminal 120d. Note that the connection signal may be a command or a message generated by the CU control board 120 (CPU 120a), or may be a signal generated by an output circuit (for example, a power supply circuit) different from the CPU 120a.

The management unit 100 includes an external communication terminal (not shown) for connecting to an external management device prepared separately from the gaming machine 10 and the management unit 100. As an example, the external management device is installed at a gaming hall. As an example, the external management device (not shown) is a hall computer installed at a gaming hall. As an example, the external management device is a management computer that can communicate via a network with server equipment installed in a data center outside the gaming hall. In this case, it is preferable that the management computer and the management unit 100 are connected so that they can communicate in both directions.

The processing performed in the management unit 100 will be explained.
When the management medium is inserted into the medium insertion section 101, the CPU 120a reads the remaining amount and the first number of managed balls stored in the management medium, and stores them in the RAM 120c. Then, when the management medium is inserted, the CPU 120a performs the processing described below.

When the CPU 120a receives the input signal from the cash input unit 102, the CPU 120a adds the input amount that can be specified from the input signal to the remaining amount. When the remaining amount is not 0, when a ball lending signal is input from the ball lending operation unit 111, the CPU 120a subtracts the remaining amount by a specified amount, and also displays lending information that can specify the lending of the number of game balls corresponding to the specified amount. is output to the gaming machine 10. Note that when the remaining amount is 0, the CPU 120a does not output lending information even if a ball lending signal is input.

When the first number of balls to be managed is 1 or more, when a payout signal is input from the payout operation unit 112, the CPU 120a subtracts a predetermined number from the first number of balls to manage, and can identify the loan of the predetermined number of game balls. The lending information is output to the gaming machine 10. Note that when the first number of balls to be managed is 0, the CPU 120a does not output lending information even if a payout signal is input. In this way, the rental information can specify the number of rental balls.

When the CPU 120a inputs the counting information from the gaming machine 10, it adds the number of game balls that can be specified from the counting information to the first managed ball number. As will be described in detail later, the count information is information that allows specifying the number of balls in possession whose management is to be transferred from the gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100.

The CPU 120a controls the first pitch count display section 114 to display information that can specify the first managed pitch count at any given time. The first managed pitch count is displayed in real time on the first pitch count display section 114. The CPU 120a controls the remaining amount display section 115 to display information that allows identification of the remaining amount at any given time. The remaining amount is displayed in real time on the remaining amount display section 115. When a return signal is input from the return operation unit 113, the CPU 120a causes the remaining amount and the first number of managed balls stored in the RAM 120c to be stored in the management medium, and initializes the remaining amount and the first number of managed balls stored in the RAM 120c. become The CPU 120a controls the medium insertion section 101 so that the managed medium is ejected from the medium insertion section 101.

The gaming machine 10 will be explained.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 10 is an enclosed gaming machine in which a predetermined number of game balls are enclosed inside the machine. The gaming machine 10 is an example of a gaming machine that can circulate game balls inside the machine. In other words, the gaming machine 10 is a circulating gaming machine. A game ball is an example of a game medium used for games. In principle, the gaming machine 10 has a structure in which the player cannot touch the gaming balls.

The gaming machine 10 manages the second managed ball number as data based on the number of rented balls, the number of acquired balls, the number of fired balls, and the number of returned balls. The number of rental balls is the number of game balls lent to the player. The number of acquired balls is the number of game balls acquired by the player. The number of shot balls is the number of game balls shot by the player. The number of fired balls can also be said to be the number of game balls supplied from the supply section 61 to the firing section 65, which will be described later. The number of return balls is the number of game balls that did not reach the game area 20a, which will be described later, among the game balls fired by the player. The number of returned balls can also be said to be the number of game balls that did not reach the game area 20a among the game balls fired from the firing section 65 toward the game area 20a. The returned ball is a so-called "foul ball."

The gaming machine 10 includes a frame 11. The frame 11 includes an outer frame 11a for fixing the machine to the island equipment, a mounting frame 11b for mounting various game components, and a protection frame 11c. The mounting frame 11b is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 11a. The protection frame 11c is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the mounting frame 11b. The protection frame 11c has a protection glass (not shown) that protects the game components mounted on the mounting frame 11b. The gaming machine 10 includes a locking device (not shown) that locks the frames 11b and 11c. The gaming machine 10 is configured such that the frames 11b and 11c cannot be opened with respect to the outer frame 11a unless the lock is unlocked using a key compatible with the locking device.

The gaming machine 10 includes a performance audio section 12, an example of which is a speaker. The performance audio section 12 is an example of an audio section that can output audio. The performance audio unit 12 is capable of performing a performance that outputs a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as audio performance) and a notification that outputs a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as audio notification). For example, the predetermined sound may be a song, a sound effect, a person's voice reading out a predetermined character string, or the like. The gaming machine 10 includes a notification audio section 13, an example of which is a speaker. The notification audio unit 13 can perform audio notification. As an example, the production audio section 12 and the notification audio section 13 are arranged in the mounting frame 11b.

The gaming machine 10 includes an effect light emitting section 14. The effect light emitting unit 14 can perform effects (hereinafter referred to as light emission effect) by lighting, blinking, and extinguishing a light emitting body (not shown) such as an LED. The effect light emitting unit 14 can perform notification (hereinafter referred to as light emission notification) by lighting, blinking, and turning off a light emitting body (not shown). As an example, the effect light emitting section 14 is arranged on the mounting frame 11b. The effect light emitting section 14 may be provided on a game board 20, which will be described later.

The game machine 10 includes a firing operation section 15 that can be operated to fire a game ball. The firing operation section 15 is arranged on the front side of the mounting frame 11b. The game machine 10 is configured to shoot out a game ball with a shooting intensity that corresponds to the operation of the shooting operation section 15. As an example, the firing operation unit 15 includes a handle lever 15a that can be rotated, a touch sensor D01, a firing stop switch D02, and a handle volume D03 (see FIG. 8).

The touch sensor D01 is connected to an energizing ring 15c disposed so as to surround the side surface of the firing operation section 15. The touch sensor D01 outputs a touch signal when the player grasps the firing operation section 15 and the player's fingers touch the energizing ring 15c. The touch signal is in an on state when the player's finger is touching the energizing ring 15c, and is in an off state when the player's finger is not touching it. The touch sensor D01 is an example of means for detecting that the player is touching the firing operation section 15.

The firing stop switch D02 outputs a stop signal when the firing stop button 15b protruding from the side of the firing operation section 15 is pressed. The stop signal is turned on when the firing stop button 15b is operated, and turned off when it is not operated. The firing stop button 15b is an example of a means that can be operated to stop the firing of game balls. When the handle lever 15a is rotated, the handle volume D03 outputs a volume signal with a voltage corresponding to the amount of rotation operation.

The gaming machine 10 includes a production operation section 16. The performance operation unit 16 is an example of a means that can be operated by a player. The production operation unit 16 may be a button type that can be pressed, a touch sensor type that also serves as a display device, or a lever type.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the gaming machine 10 includes a second ball number display section 17 that displays information that allows the second number of managed balls to be specified. As an example, the second pitch number display section 17 has a configuration in which a plurality (for example, six) of 7 segments are arranged, and can display a plurality of (for example, six digits) numbers. The second pitch count display section 17 is capable of performing a predetermined notification by displaying predetermined characters and numbers.

The gaming machine 10 includes a counting operation section 18. The counting operation unit 18 is an example of an operation unit that can be operated by a player. The counting operation unit 18 is mainly operated by the player when finishing play on the gaming machine 10. The counting operation unit 18 is allowed to perform a counting operation using the counting operation unit 18 when it is in a predetermined counting enabled state. The counting operation section 18 outputs a counting signal when a push-in operation is performed. The gaming machine 10 includes a count notification section 18a. The counting notification unit 18a is an example of a means for notifying whether or not counting is possible. As an example, the production operation section 16, the second ball count display section 17, the counting operation section 18, and the count notification section 18a are arranged on the front side of the mounting frame 11b.

Here, the operation mode of the counting operation section 18 will be explained. In the following description, when the count signal is indicated as on, it means that the count signal is being output. When the count signal is indicated as off, it means that the count signal is not output. The operation mode of the counting operation section 18 includes a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is an operation mode in which the operation time for the counting operation section 18 is less than a predetermined time (500 ms as an example). The operation time is the time from when the counting signal is turned on until it is turned off. The first mode is a so-called "single press operation". The second mode is an operation mode in which the operation time for the counting operation section 18 is longer than a predetermined time. The second mode is a so-called "long press operation".

As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 10 includes a gaming board 20. The game board 20 is assembled to the mounting frame 11b. The game board 20 has a generally circular game area 20a when viewed from the front. A display window 20b is formed approximately in the center of the gaming area 20a. A launch passage 20c is formed on the left side of the game area 20a to guide a game ball fired by operating the firing operation section 15 to the game area 20a. The game area 20a and the ejection passage 20c are covered by a protective glass (not shown) of a protective frame 11c.

The game board 20 includes an information display device 21 that displays various information. The information display device 21 includes a first special symbol display section 21a, a second special symbol display section 21b, a first reservation display section 21c, a second reservation display section 21d, a normal symbol display section 21e, and a normal reservation display section 21f. . As an example, the plurality of display sections 21a to 21f are arranged together in a part that is visible to the player, but the present invention is not limited to this, and some or all of them may be arranged in different parts.

The first special symbol display section 21a is capable of executing a first special symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as the first special game) in which a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner and finally the special symbol is stopped and displayed. The second special symbol display section 21b is capable of executing a second special symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as the second special game) in which a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner and finally the special symbol is stopped and displayed. The special symbol is a symbol for announcing the result of an internal lottery (special symbol winning lottery). Hereinafter, the first special game and the second special game will be collectively referred to as a "special game." The special symbols include a jackpot symbol and a losing symbol. The special symbols may include small winning symbols. In the gaming machine 10, when a jackpot is won in a special symbol winning lottery, the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed in a special game, and after the special game of the jackpot is finished, a jackpot game is awarded.

The first suspension display section 21c indicates the number of times the execution of the first special game is suspended (hereinafter referred to as the first suspension number) because the suspension condition has been met but the start condition has not yet been met. Display identifiable information. The second suspension display section 21d indicates the number of times the execution of the second special game is suspended (hereinafter referred to as the second suspension number) because the suspension condition has been met but the start condition has not yet been met. Display identifiable information.

The normal symbol display section 21e is capable of executing a normal game in which predetermined symbols are displayed variably and finally the normal symbols are stopped and displayed. The normal symbol is a symbol for informing the result of the internal lottery (normal symbol winning lottery). The normal symbols include normal winning symbols and normal losing symbols. In the gaming machine 10, when a normal winning symbol is won in a winning lottery of normal symbols, the normal winning symbol is stopped and displayed in the normal game, and after the normal game ends, a normal winning game is awarded.

The normal suspension display section 21f displays information that allows specifying the number of times the execution of the normal game is suspended because the suspension condition has been satisfied but the start condition has not yet been satisfied. The information display device 21 may include a right-handed display section that displays information instructing right-handed play, and a round display section that notifies the upper limit number of round games.

The gaming machine 10 includes an effect display section 19. The effect display section 19 has an image display area 19a that can display images. The effect display section 19 is an example of a display section that can display images. The effect display section 19 is assembled to the game board 20 so that the image display area 19a can be viewed through the display window 20b. For example, the effect display section 19 is a liquid crystal device. The effect display section 19 is capable of executing an effect (hereinafter referred to as display effect) that displays a predetermined image. For example, the predetermined images are images of performance designs, characters, scenery, characters (character strings), numbers, symbols, and the like. In the following description, when these characters, etc. are simply referred to as "displayed", it means that these characters, etc. are displayed as an image. The effect display section 19 is capable of executing notification (hereinafter referred to as display notification) of displaying a predetermined image.

Here, the effect audio section 12, the effect light emitting section 14, and the effect display section 19 are all effect sections capable of executing a predetermined effect, and constitute a presentation device ES consisting of a plurality of effect sections. The effect audio section 12, the effect light emitting section 14, and the effect display section 19 are all examples of a notification section that can execute a predetermined notification, and are examples of a second notification section. The production device ES can also be understood as a notification device. The production section and notification section included in the production device ES are not limited to the production sound section 12, the production light emitting section 14, and the production display section 19, but may have a configuration in which some of these production sections are omitted. Good too. The performance device ES may include a performance movable unit that performs a movable performance in addition to the performance unit and the notification unit, or in place of one or more that can be arbitrarily selected, and a performance vibration that performs a vibration performance. It may also include a section.

For example, the display performance in the performance display section 19 includes a performance symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as a performance game) using a plurality of rows of performance symbols (decorative symbols). In the production game, a plurality of rows of production symbols are variably displayed, and finally a combination of production symbols (hereinafter referred to as a symbol combination) is displayed in a static manner. The effect pattern (ornamental pattern) is a pattern decorated with characters, patterns, etc., and is a pattern for diversifying display effects. As an example, the production game is played by displaying the production symbols of the left symbol column, middle symbol column, and right symbol column in a variable manner (scroll display) in a predetermined direction, respectively. The performance game may include a reach performance performed by forming a reach. The performance game is started with the special game and ended with the special game. In the production game, symbol combinations corresponding to the special symbols that are stopped and displayed in the special game are stopped and displayed. When jackpot symbols are stopped and displayed in the special game, jackpot symbol combinations are stopped and displayed in the performance game. When the winning symbols are stopped and displayed in the special game, the winning symbol combinations are stopped and displayed in the performance game.

The game board 20 is formed with a plurality of winning holes into which game balls can enter. These plurality of winning holes open in the gaming area 20a. The plurality of winning holes include a first starting hole 23A, a second starting hole 23B, a big winning hole 23C, and a normal winning hole 23D. The plurality of winning holes may include a winning hole different from these winning holes.

The first starting opening 23A is a winning opening into which a game ball is inserted in order to satisfy the awarding conditions for the prize ball and the suspension conditions for the first special game. As an example, the first starting port 23A is located below the effect display section 19. The first starting port 23A is always opened so that game balls can enter the ball. The game board 20 includes a first starting sensor D11 that can detect a game ball that has entered the first starting port 23A (see FIG. 9).

The second starting opening 23B is a winning opening into which a game ball is inserted in order to satisfy the awarding conditions for the prize ball and the hold conditions for the second special game. As an example, the second starting port 23B is on the right side of the first starting port 23A. The second starting port 23B has a normal opening/closing piece 23Ba having a door shape, for example. The normal opening/closing piece 23Ba is a so-called "normal electric accessory". The second starting port 23B is closed so that a game ball cannot enter the ball or it is difficult to enter the ball when a normal winning game is not provided. When a normal winning game is awarded, the second starting port 23B is opened so that a game ball can enter the ball or can easily enter the ball. The game board 20 includes a normal solenoid SL1 as a means for opening the second starting port 23B (see FIG. 9). The game board 20 includes a second starting sensor D12 that can detect a game ball that has entered the second starting port 23B (see FIG. 9).

The big winning hole 23C is a winning hole into which a game ball is inserted in order to satisfy the conditions for awarding the prize ball. As an example, the big prize opening 23C is located at the lower right of the performance display section 19. The big prize opening 23C includes a special opening/closing piece 23Ca having a door shape, for example. The big prize opening 23C is closed so that a game ball cannot enter the ball or it is difficult to enter the ball when a jackpot game is not awarded. When a jackpot game is awarded, the big prize opening 23C is opened so that a game ball can be entered or it can be easily entered. The game board 20 includes a special solenoid SL2 as a means for opening the big prize opening 23C (see FIG. 9). The game board 20 includes a count sensor D13 that detects game balls that have entered the big prize opening 23C (see FIG. 9).

The normal winning hole 23D is a winning hole into which a game ball is inserted in order to satisfy the conditions for awarding a prize ball. As an example, the normal winning openings 23D are located at the lower left of the performance display section 19 and at the lower right of the performance display section 19, respectively. The normal winning hole 23D is always opened so that game balls can be entered. The game board 20 includes a normal sensor D14 that detects a game ball that enters the normal winning hole 23D (see FIG. 9).

The game board 20 includes a gate 24. As an example, the gate 24 is located in the right area of the gaming area 20a, above the second starting opening 23B and the big winning opening 23C. A gate opening 24a is formed in the gate 24. The gate 24a is always open so that game balls can enter. The gate 24 includes a gate sensor D15 that detects a game ball that has entered the gate opening 24a (see FIG. 9). The gate 24 is a ball entrance into which a game ball enters in order to satisfy the hold condition of the normal game. Even if a game ball enters the gate 24, the conditions for awarding a prize ball are not satisfied.

The game board 20 has an outlet 25 formed therein. As an example, the outlet 25 opens at the lowest part of the gaming area 20a. The game ball enters the out port 25 when the ball does not enter any of the first starting port 23A, second starting port 23B, large winning port 23C, and normal winning port 23D. The plurality of winning ports and the out port 25 can be understood as a discharge port for discharging game balls from the gaming area 20a, or a collection port for collecting gaming balls from the gaming area 20a. When a game ball enters a plurality of winning holes or out holes 25, it is ejected from the game board 20 (game area 20a). Hereinafter, a game ball ejected from the game board 20 (gaming area 20a) through a plurality of winning ports or out ports 25 may be referred to as an out ball.

The mounting frame 11b includes a first door opening switch D17 that detects that the protection frame 11c is opened to the mounting frame 11b (see FIG. 8). The first door open switch D17 outputs a first door open signal when detecting the opening of the protection frame 11c. The mounting frame 11b includes a second door opening switch D18 that detects that the mounting frame 11b is opened with respect to the outer frame 11a (see FIG. 8). The second door open switch D18 outputs a second door open signal when detecting the opening of the mounting frame 11b.

The player can adjust the firing strength of the game ball by operating the firing operation section 15. In other words, the player can separately hit the game ball into a left region to the left of the display window 20b and a right region to the right of the display window 20b. When the game ball flows down the right area, there is a possibility that the ball enters the second starting opening 23B, the big winning opening 23C, the normal winning opening 23D, or the gate 24. When the game ball flows down the left area, there is a possibility that the ball enters the first starting port 23A or the normal winning port 23D.

The frame 11 (mounting frame 11b) includes a game ball distribution mechanism 29.
As shown in FIG. 4, the circulation mechanism 29 includes a collection mechanism 30, a circulation mechanism 50, a firing mechanism 60, and a ball extraction mechanism 70. The collection mechanism 30 is formed on the mounting frame 11b. The collection mechanism 30 guides the game balls discharged from the game board 20 (game area 20a) to the circulation mechanism 50. The recovery mechanism 30 is configured by combining a passage that extends downward or a passage that slopes downward. When the game balls are received by the collection mechanism 30 from the game board 20, they can reach the circulation mechanism 50 by flowing down the passage that constitutes the collection mechanism 30.

The circulation mechanism 50 is formed in the mounting frame 11b. The circulation mechanism 50 transports the game balls received from the collection mechanism 30 in a predetermined direction. As an example, the circulation mechanism 50 transports the game balls upward. The firing mechanism 60 is formed on the mounting frame 11b. When the game balls are transported by the circulation mechanism 50, they are received by the firing mechanism 60. The firing mechanism 60 can fire the game balls conveyed by the circulation mechanism 50 toward the game area 20a. The ball extraction mechanism 70 is formed on the mounting frame 11b. The ball extraction mechanism 70 is a mechanism for extracting game balls from the collection mechanism 30, circulation mechanism 50, and firing mechanism 60.

The flow of game balls in the distribution mechanism 29 will be explained. Assume that the game ball is fired by the firing mechanism 60. The game ball can reach the game area 20a. When the game ball reaches the game area 20a, it flows down the game area 20a and enters the plurality of winning openings or out openings 25. The game balls are discharged to the collection mechanism 30 from a discharge port (not shown) formed in the game board 20. The game ball passes through the collection mechanism 30 and reaches the circulation mechanism 50. The game balls are transported by the circulation mechanism 50. The game ball returns to the firing mechanism 60. Each mechanism will be explained in detail below.

The recovery mechanism 30 will be explained in detail.
The mounting frame 11b is formed with one or more prize receiving ports 30a, one or more non-winning receiving ports 30b, and one or more foul receiving ports 30c. The prize receiving opening 30a is formed below the discharge port (not shown) formed at the lower end of the game board 20, through which game balls that have entered the plurality of prize winning holes are discharged. The prize receiving opening 30a receives game balls discharged from the game board 20 through a plurality of prize winning holes. The non-winning receiving port 30b is formed below the discharge port (not shown) formed at the lower end of the game board 20 for discharging game balls that have entered the out port 25. The non-winning receiving port 30b receives game balls discharged from the game board 20 via the out port 25. The foul reception port 30c is formed below the ejection passage 20c. The foul receiving port 30c receives a game ball (hereinafter referred to as a foul ball) falling from the launch passage 20c. A foul ball is a game ball that was fired by the firing mechanism 60 but did not reach the game area 20a. The prize receiving port 30a, the non-prizing receiving port 30b, and the foul receiving port 30c are examples of a collecting section that collects game balls fired toward the gaming area 20a.

The mounting frame 11b is formed with a winning passage 31 that connects to the winning entrance 30a, a non-winning passage 32 that connects to the non-winning entrance 30b, and a foul passage 33 that connects to the foul entrance 30c. The winning passage 31 and the non-winning passage 32 merge at the first merging section 34. A merging passage 35 connected to the first merging portion 34 is formed in the mounting frame 11b. The merging passage 35 and the foul passage 33 merge at a second merging portion 36 . A circulation passage 37 connecting the second merging section 36 and the circulation mechanism 50 is formed in the mounting frame 11b.

The mounting frame 11b includes a foul sensor D21 that detects game balls (foul balls) flowing through the foul passage 33. The foul sensor D21 is an example of a return ball detection unit that detects a game ball that did not reach the game area 20a among the game balls fired toward the game area 20a as a return ball (foul ball). This is an example of two detection units. The foul sensor D21 is provided in the foul passage 33 or a portion adjacent to the foul passage 33. The foul sensor D21 outputs a foul signal when detecting a game ball. The foul signal is in an on state when a game ball is detected, and is in an off state when a game ball is not detected.

The mounting frame 11b includes a winning path count sensor D25 that detects game balls circulating in the winning path 31. The winning passage count sensor D25 is provided at the winning passage 31 or a portion adjacent to the winning passage 31. The winning path count sensor D25 outputs a winning path signal when detecting a game ball. The winning path signal is in an on state when a game ball is detected, and is in an off state when a game ball is not detected.

The mounting frame 11b includes a non-winning path count sensor D26 that detects game balls circulating in the non-winning path 32. The non-winning passage count sensor D26 is provided at the non-winning passage 32 or a portion adjacent to the non-winning passage 32. The non-winning path count sensor D26 outputs a non-winning path signal when detecting a game ball. The non-winning path signal is in an on state when a game ball is detected, and is in an off state when a game ball is not detected.

The mounting frame 11b includes an out sensor D30 that detects game balls (valid balls) flowing through the merging path 35. The effective ball is a game ball that has reached the game area 20a among the game balls fired from the firing section 65. The out sensor D30 is an example of a valid ball detection unit that detects a game ball that has reached the game area 20a as a valid ball among game balls fired toward the game area 20a, and is an example of a second detection unit. be. The out sensor D30 is provided at the merging passage 35 or a portion adjacent to the merging passage 35. The out sensor D30 outputs an out signal when detecting a game ball. The out signal is in an on state when a game ball is detected, and is in an off state when a game ball is not detected. It can also be said that the out sensor D30 detects an out ball.

The mounting frame 11b includes a radio wave sensor D16 that detects radio waves exceeding a predetermined intensity as abnormal radio waves. The number of radio wave sensors D16 provided in the mounting frame 11b may be one or more. The radio wave sensor D16 is an example of a radio wave detection section. Abnormal radio waves can have a predetermined effect on detection by various sensors and switches, such as erroneous detection by various sensors and switches. The radio wave sensor D16 outputs a radio wave detection signal when detecting an abnormal radio wave. As an example, the radio wave sensor D16 can detect radio waves that can have a predetermined influence on detection by the foul sensor D21 and the out sensor D30. That is, the radio wave detection signal output by the radio wave sensor D16 is information that can specify that it may have a predetermined influence on the detection by the foul sensor D21 and the out sensor D30.

As an example, the radio wave sensor D16 is provided adjacent to or close to the foul sensor D21 or the out sensor D30. That is, the radio wave sensor D16 is provided near the foul sensor D21 or the out sensor D30. Note that the radio wave sensor D16 may be capable of detecting radio waves that can have a predetermined influence on the detection by the first starting sensor D11, the second starting sensor D12, the count sensor D13, the normal sensor D14, and the gate sensor D15.

The mounting frame 11b is equipped with a ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 that detects game balls circulating through the circulation path 37. The ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 is provided in the circulation passage 37 or a portion adjacent to the circulation passage 37. When the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 detects a game ball, it outputs a ball clogging detection signal. The ball jam detection signal is in an on state when a game ball is detected, and is in an off state when a game ball is not detected.

The circulation mechanism 50 will be explained in detail.
The circulation mechanism 50 includes a transport section 52 that transports game balls received from the collection mechanism 30. As an example, the conveyance unit 52 includes a conveyance path extending along a predetermined direction, a screw accommodated in the conveyance path, and a conveyance motor 52a that rotates the screw. The game ball is transported in a predetermined direction in the transport path by rotating a screw by the transport motor 52a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the conveying section 52 may be a belt extending along a predetermined direction. The predetermined direction may be an upward direction, or may be an upwardly inclined direction. The transport unit 52 may include a position sensor that can specify the rotational position of the screw. Thereby, the gaming machine 10 can specify whether or not the screw is rotating normally when the transport motor 52a is driven.

The circulation mechanism 50 includes a conveyance entrance sensor D28 that detects game balls received from the distribution passage 37 at the entrance of the conveyance section 52. The conveyance entrance sensor D28 is provided at the entrance of the conveyance section 52 or at a portion adjacent to the entrance. The conveyance entrance sensor D28 outputs a conveyance entrance signal when detecting a game ball. The conveyance entrance signal is in an on state when a game ball is detected, and is in an off state when a game ball is not detected.

The circulation mechanism 50 includes a conveyance exit sensor D29 at the exit of the conveyance section 52, which detects the game balls conveyed by the conveyance section 52. The transport exit sensor D29 is provided at the exit of the transport section 52 or at a portion adjacent to the exit. The conveyance exit sensor D29 outputs a conveyance exit signal when detecting a game ball. The conveyance exit signal is in an on state when a game ball is detected, and is in an off state when a game ball is not detected.

The firing mechanism 60 will be explained in detail.
The firing mechanism 60 includes a supply section 61 and a firing section 65. The supply unit 61 is an example of a supply mechanism. The supply section 61 cuts out the game balls conveyed by the conveyance section 52 one by one and supplies them to the firing section 65 . That is, the supply section 61 supplies the game balls collected by the collection section from the game area 20a to the firing section 65. The firing section 65 fires the supplied game balls toward the game area 20a.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the supply section 61 is formed with a supply inlet side passage 62a, a cutting mechanism 63, and a supply outlet side passage 62b. The supply entrance side passage 62a receives the game balls K conveyed by the conveyance section 52. The supply entrance side passage 62a arranges the received game balls K in a line. The supply inlet side passage 62a is a passage extending downward toward a portion where the cutting mechanism 63 is located.

The cutout mechanism 63 includes a movable piece 63a configured to be able to supply game balls K, and a supply solenoid 63b that drives the movable piece 63a. When the movable piece 63a is not performing the supply operation, the movable piece 63a blocks the game ball K so that it does not flow out from the supply inlet side passage 62a to the supply outlet side passage 62b. As shown in the flow from FIG. 5 to FIG. 6, when the movable piece 63a performs one supply operation, only the leading game ball K among the game balls K lined up in a row in the supply entrance side passage 62a is It is discharged into the side passage 62b. The supply outlet side passage 62b is a passage extending downward toward the firing section 65.

The supply section 61 includes, on the entrance side of the supply section 61, a supply entrance sensor D22 that detects the game balls K received into the supply entrance passage 62a. The supply inlet sensor D22 is provided in the supply inlet passage 62a or in a portion adjacent to the supply inlet passage 62a. The supply entrance sensor D22 outputs a supply entrance signal when the game ball K is detected. The supply entrance signal is in an on state when a game ball K is detected, and is in an off state when it is not detected.

The supply section 61 includes, on the exit side of the supply section 61, a supply outlet sensor D23 that detects the game ball K released into the supply exit side passage 62b. The supply outlet sensor D23 is an example of a first detection section. The supply outlet sensor D23 is provided at the supply outlet side passage 62b or a portion adjacent to the supply outlet side passage 62b. The supply outlet sensor D23 outputs a supply outlet signal when the game ball K is detected. The supply exit signal is in an on state when a game ball K is detected, and is in an off state when it is not detected.

As shown in FIG. 7, the firing section 65 includes a firing hammer 66 configured to be capable of firing game balls, and a firing solenoid 66a that drives the firing hammer 66. Firing solenoid 66a may be a motor. The game ball K flowing down the supply outlet side passage 62b of the supply section 61 reaches the striking position 67 of the firing section 65. As an example, the firing operation of the firing hammer 66 is an operation of hitting the game ball at the hitting position 67 to launch the game ball toward the hitting path 20c. As shown by the solid line and the two-dot chain line in the figure, when the firing hammer 66 performs one firing operation, one game ball located at the hitting position 67 is fired into the hitting path 20c. As shown by arrow Y1, the game ball can fly through the launch path 20c and reach the game area 20a if there is sufficient launch strength. As shown by arrows Y2 and Y3, when the firing strength is insufficient, the game ball stalls in the launch path 20c and falls. In this case, the game ball becomes a foul ball and flows into the foul passage 33 from the foul receiving port 30c. The game ball that has reached the game area 20a flows down the game area 20a.

As shown in FIG. 4, the distribution mechanism 29 includes a maintenance section 55.
As an example, the maintenance section 55 is formed in the mounting frame 11b. As an example, the maintenance section 55 is provided in the circulation mechanism 50. As an example of maintenance, the maintenance section 55 is configured to be able to polish the game ball by bringing the polishing member into contact with the game ball. The polishing member may be an annular belt or a winding belt. As an example, after the game balls are detected by the transport entrance sensor D28 and before they are transported by the transport unit 52, the maintenance unit 55 performs predetermined maintenance. Predetermined maintenance may be performed on the game balls while being transported by the transport section 52. As an example, the maintenance section 55 may be configured as a unit in which a polishing member and a mechanism for driving the polishing member are integrated. In this case, the maintenance section 55 is preferably assembled to the mounting frame 11b so that it can be replaced as a unit.

The circulation mechanism 29 includes a ball extraction mechanism 70.
As an example, the ball extraction mechanism 70 is formed in the mounting frame 11b. The ball extraction mechanism 70 includes a first ball extraction part 71, a second ball extraction part 72, and a ball extraction passage 73.

The first ball extraction section 71 is a section (hereinafter referred to as a first 71a). A ball hole 71b is formed in the first connecting portion 71a, passing through the wall or bottom thereof in a predetermined direction. The ball removal hole 71b may be a portion where a discharge passage for game balls opens into the first connecting portion 71a. As an example, the predetermined direction is backward, but is not limited to this, and may be forward or downward.

The first ball removal part 71 has an opening/closing piece 71c that can be displaced between a sealing position for sealing the ball removal hole 71b and an open position for opening the ball removal hole 71b. The opening/closing piece 71c is located at the sealing position due to the urging force of an urging mechanism (not shown). When the opening/closing piece 71c is displaced to the open position by an external force, such as when an operating section (not shown) such as a lever is operated, the ball removal hole 71b is opened. As an example, the ball passage following the circulation passage 37 is inclined downward toward the first connection portion 71a. Therefore, the game balls existing in the circulation passage 37 can be discharged from the ball extraction hole 71b to the outside of the machine when the ball extraction hole 71b is open.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the second ball extraction portion 72 is formed in the firing mechanism 60.
As described above, when the movable piece 63a is not performing the feeding operation, the game ball is blocked in the supply entrance side passage 62a by the movable piece 63a. A ball removal passage 73 is connected to a portion of the supply entrance side passage 62a where the first game ball K among the blocked game balls is located (hereinafter referred to as a second connection portion 72a). In other words, the ball removal passage 73 opens in the second connection portion 72a as a ball removal hole 72b. The ball removal hole 72b is a hole that penetrates the wall or bottom of the second connecting portion 72a in a predetermined direction. As an example, the predetermined direction is downward, but is not limited thereto, and may be forward or backward.

The second ball removal part 72 has an opening/closing piece 72c that can be displaced between a sealing position for sealing the ball removal hole 72b and an open position for opening the ball removal hole 72b. The opening/closing piece 72c is located at the sealing position due to the urging force of an urging mechanism (not shown). When the opening/closing piece 72c is displaced to the open position by an external force, such as when an operating section (not shown) such as a lever is operated, the ball removal hole 72b is opened. As an example, the supply inlet side passage 62a is inclined downward toward the cutting mechanism 63 (movable piece 63a). Therefore, the game balls existing in the supply entrance side passage 62a flow into the ball extraction passage 73 from the ball extraction hole 72b.

The ball removal passage 73 is connected to the first connecting portion 71a. The ball removal passage 73 is configured by combining a passage that extends downward or a passage that slopes downward. Therefore, the game balls that have flowed into the ball removal passage 73 flow into the first connecting portion 71a. The game balls can be ejected from the ball extraction hole 71b to the outside of the machine when the ball extraction hole 71b is opened. The present invention is not limited to this, and the ball extraction mechanism 70 may have a configuration that does not include the ball extraction passage 73. In this case, the ball removal hole 72b is preferably formed to penetrate the wall or bottom of the second connecting portion 72a in a predetermined direction. As an example, the predetermined direction is backward, but is not limited to this, and may be forward or downward.

Next, the jackpot game will be explained.
In the jackpot game, first, a predetermined performance is performed over a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as opening time). For example, the predetermined performance is an opening performance that allows the start of a jackpot game to be recognized. In the jackpot game, after the opening time has elapsed, a round game in which the jackpot 23C is opened is performed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. One round game ends when a number condition in which a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enter the ball or a time condition in which a predetermined upper limit time elapses is satisfied. In the round game, the big prize opening 23C is opened in a predetermined opening manner (opening pattern). In each round game, a round performance is performed. In the jackpot game, when the final round game ends, a predetermined performance is performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as ending time). For example, the predetermined performance is an ending performance that makes it possible to recognize the end of the jackpot game. The jackpot game is ended as the ending time elapses.

The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a probability variation function (hereinafter referred to as probability variation function).
The probability variation function is a function for varying the probability of winning a jackpot (hereinafter referred to as jackpot probability) in a special symbol winning lottery. In other words, the gaming machine 10 has a low probability state in which the variable probability function does not operate, and a high probability state in which the variable probability function operates, as states with different jackpot probabilities. A high probability state has a higher jackpot probability than a low probability state. In a high probability state, the probability of winning a jackpot is higher than in a low probability state, which is an extremely advantageous state for the player. The high probability state is a so-called "probability variable state (probability variable state)." The low probability state is a so-called "non-probability variable state (non-probability variable state)."

The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a ball entry assist function.
The ball entry assist function is a function for varying the ball entry rate into the second starting port 23B. In other words, the gaming machine 10 has two states in which the rate of balls entering the second starting port 23B is different: a low ball entry rate state in which the ball entry assist function does not operate, and a high ball entry rate state in which the ball entry assist function operates. Equipped with. In the high ball entry rate state, the probability that the game ball enters the second starting port 23B is higher than in the low ball entry rate state. In the high ball entry rate state, the probability that the game ball enters the second starting port 23B increases, and it becomes easier for the game ball to enter the second starting port 23B, which is an advantageous state for the player. . The high ball entry rate state is the so-called "electrical support state." The low ball entry rate state is a so-called "non-electronic support state."

For example, the high ball entry rate state can be achieved by performing one control arbitrarily selected from among the three controls described below, or by performing a combination of a plurality of controls. The first control is normal symbol fluctuation time shortening control that shortens the fluctuation time of the normal game compared to the low ball entry rate state. The second control is a probability fluctuation control for normal symbols that changes the probability of winning a normal win in the normal symbol winning lottery (hereinafter referred to as normal winning probability) to a higher probability than in a low entry rate state. be. The third control is an open time extension control that makes the total open time of the second starting port 23B in one normal winning game longer than in the low ball entry rate state. The opening time extension control is a control that increases the number of times the second starting port 23B is opened in one normal winning game than in a low ball entry rate state, and one opening of the second starting port 23B in a normal winning game. It is preferable that at least one of the controls is such that the time is made longer than in the low ball entry rate state. The high ball entry rate state may be realized by combining the fourth control described below. The fourth control is a special symbol fluctuation time shortening control that makes the special game fluctuation time (for example, average fluctuation time) shorter than that in the low ball entry rate state. When performing special symbol fluctuation time shortening control, a high ball entry rate state becomes a special symbol fluctuation time shortening state (time saving state), and a low ball entry rate state becomes a special symbol non fluctuating time shortening state (non time saving state). ).

The gaming state is defined by a combination of whether or not the probability change function is activated and whether or not the ball entering assist function is activated. In the following explanation, a game state that is a low probability state and a low ball entry rate state will be referred to as a "low probability low ball entry rate state", and a gaming state that is a high probability state and a low ball entry rate state will be referred to as a "high probability low ball entry rate state". "Bitch rate status". In addition, a gaming state with a low probability state and a high ball entry rate state is referred to as a "low probability high ball entry rate state", and a gaming state where a high probability state and a high ball entry rate state is a state is referred to as a "high probability high ball entry rate state". ”.

The electrical configuration of the gaming machine 10 will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 8, the gaming machine 10 includes a plurality of control boards. The plurality of control boards include a game control board (main control board) 80, an effect control board (sub-control board) 81, a frame control board 82, and a firing control board 83. The game control board 80 is an example of a first control unit that can execute predetermined control. The production control board 81 is an example of a second control unit that can execute predetermined control. The frame control board 82 is an example of a control unit that can execute predetermined control, and is an example of a third control unit. The plurality of control boards are provided in positions that cannot be accessed or visually recognized unless the locking device is unlocked and the mounting frame 11b is opened.

The game control board 80 and the production control board 81 are connected so that communication can be performed in one direction from the game control board 80 to the production control board 81. The game control board 80 executes predetermined control and outputs control information to the production control board 81. For example, the control information is a signal, a command, or a telegram. The production control board 81 can input control information output from the game control board 80. The performance control board 81 executes predetermined control based on control information input from the game control board 80.

The game control board 80 and the frame control board 82 are connected so that they can communicate in both directions. The game control board 80 executes predetermined control and outputs control information to the frame control board 82. The frame control board 82 executes predetermined control and outputs control information to the game control board 80. The frame control board 82 and the launch control board 83 are connected so that they can communicate in both directions. The frame control board 82 executes predetermined control and outputs control information to the launch control board 83. The launch control board 83 outputs control information to the frame control board 82.

The frame control board 82 of the gaming machine 10 and the CU control board 120 of the management unit 100 are connected via a connection terminal board 98 provided in the gaming machine 10 so that they can communicate in both directions. The connection terminal board 98 is an example of an external output unit that can output (transmit) control information to the CU control board 120. The frame control board 82 executes predetermined control and outputs control information to the CU control board 120. The CU control board 120 executes predetermined control and outputs control information to the frame control board 82.

The gaming machine 10 includes a power supply unit 99 on the back side of the machine. The power supply unit 99 receives power from outside the machine, converts the input voltage into a predetermined voltage, and supplies the voltage to the production control board 81 and the frame control board 82. The power supplied to the frame control board 82 is further supplied to the game control board 80 and the launch control board 83. The power supply unit 99 supplies power to the supply solenoid 63b, firing solenoid 66a, various sensors, and switches. The power supply unit 99 includes a main switch 99a. The gaming machine 10 can be powered on by starting power supply to the power supply unit 99 while the main switch 99a is in the on state, or by turning on the main switch 99a while the power is being supplied. configured.

The game control board 80 will be explained in detail.
As shown in FIG. 9, the game control board 80 includes a CPU 80a, a ROM 80b, a RAM 80c, and a random number generation circuit 80d. The CPU 80a mainly controls the progress of the game by executing the main control program. The CPU 80a has multiple registers. A register is a storage device that can temporarily hold data. As an example, the plurality of registers include an A register, a B register, a C register, a D register, an H register, and an L register. Each register is a one byte storage device.

The ROM 80b stores a main control program, determination values used for various determinations and lottery, tables, and the like. As an example, the determination value used for the lottery includes a jackpot determination value used for the jackpot lottery described later. The ROM 80b stores multiple types of variation patterns. The fluctuation pattern is information that can specify the fluctuation time from the start to the end of the special game. The fluctuation pattern is information that can specify the fluctuation content (performance content) of the performance game performed during the execution of the special game. The fluctuation patterns include a jackpot fluctuation pattern and a loss fluctuation pattern. The performance game based on the jackpot fluctuation pattern has a fluctuation content in which the jackpot symbol combination is finally fixed and displayed after reaching the reach performance. The presentation game based on the losing variation pattern has a variable content in which a non-jackpot symbol combination is finally fixed and displayed through the reach effect or without the reach effect.

The RAM 80c stores various information that is rewritten according to the processing results of the CPU 80a. For example, the information stored in the RAM 80c includes flags, counters, timers, and the like. The random number generation circuit 80d generates hardware random numbers. The game control board 80 may be configured to be able to generate software random numbers through random number generation processing by the CPU 80a.

The game control board 80 is connected to a first starting sensor D11, a second starting sensor D12, a count sensor D13, a normal sensor D14, and a gate sensor D15 through communication lines. The CPU 80a can input each detection signal that each sensor D11 to D15 outputs when detecting a game ball. The game control board 80 includes a connector (not shown) that connects communication lines connected to each of these sensors to the game control board 80. Each sensor is energized by being connected to the game control board 80 through a communication line. Each sensor is not energized unless it is connected to the game control board 80 by a communication line. The CPU 80a can detect whether each sensor is energized. Thereby, the CPU 80a can specify whether or not the communication line connecting the game control board 80 and each sensor is disconnected. The game control board 80 is connected to each display section 21a to 21f. The CPU 80a can control the display contents of each of the display sections 21a to 21f. The game control board 80 is connected to each solenoid SL1, SL2. The CPU 80a can control the opening mode of the second starting port 23B and the big winning port 23C by controlling the operation of each solenoid SL1, SL2.

The production control board 81 will be explained in detail.
The production control board 81 includes a CPU 81a, a ROM 81b, and a RAM 81c. The CPU 81a performs processing related to presentation by executing a sub-control program. The ROM 81b stores a sub-control program, determination values used for various determinations and lottery selections, tables, and the like. The ROM 81b stores audio performance data used for audio performance, light emission performance data used for light emission performance, and display performance data used for display performance. Further, the ROM 81b stores audio notification data used for audio notification, light emission notification data used for light emission notification, and display notification data used for display notification. The RAM 81c stores various information that is rewritten during the operation of the gaming machine 10. For example, the information stored in the RAM 81c includes flags, counters, timers, and the like. The production control board 81 is configured to be able to generate software random numbers through random number generation processing by the CPU 81a. The production control board 81 may include a random number generation circuit and be capable of generating hardware random numbers.

The performance control board 81 is connected to the performance audio section 12. The CPU 81a can control the output content of the performance audio section 12. The effect control board 81 is connected to the effect light emitting section 14. The CPU 81a can control the light emission mode of the effect light emitting section 14. The effect control board 81 is connected to the effect display section 19. The CPU 81a can control the display content of the effect display section 19.

The frame control board 82 will be explained in detail.
As shown in FIG. 8, the frame control board 82 includes a CPU 82a, a ROM 82b, a RAM 82c, a performance display monitor 82d, a ball removal switch 82e, an error release switch 82f, a game ball clear switch 82g, a RAM clear switch 82h, a backup power supply 82j, and a backup It includes a circuit 82k and a launch permission circuit 82m. The CPU 82a mainly performs processing related to the operation of the components mounted on the mounting frame 11b by executing the frame control program. The CPU 82a has multiple registers. The ROM 82b stores frame control programs and the like. The RAM 82c stores various information that is rewritten during the operation of the gaming machine 10. For example, the information stored in the RAM 82c includes flags, counters, timers, and the like.

The performance display monitor 82d has, for example, a configuration in which a plurality (for example, six) of 7 segments are arranged, and can display a plurality of (for example, six digits) numbers. The performance display monitor 82d is an example of a notification unit that can execute a predetermined notification by displaying predetermined characters and numbers, and is an example of a first notification unit. As an example, the performance display monitor 82d displays the base value. The base value is a value indicating the ratio (ratio) of the total number of prize balls (total number of acquired prize balls) during the normal game to the total number of valid balls during the normal game. A normal game is a game in which the probability of entering a ball is low and a jackpot game is not being played. The base value is determined by the calculation formula: "Total number of prize balls acquired during normal games ÷ Total number of effective balls during normal games x 100." The performance display monitor 82d is an example of a means capable of displaying information regarding the performance (base as an example) of the game ball.

The ball removal switch 82e is an example of a means operated to bring about a state (hereinafter referred to as a ball removal state) in which game balls inside the gaming machine 10 can be ejected to the outside of the machine. The ball removal state is a state in which game balls can be ejected from the distribution mechanism 29. The ball removal switch 82e outputs a ball removal signal when pressed. The ball removal signal is turned on when the ball removal switch 82e is pressed, and turned off when the ball removal switch 82e is not pressed. The ball removal signal is output to the CPU 82a.

The error release switch 82f is an example of a means that can be operated to release the error setting when a predetermined error is set. Error setting is performed when the error is detected. The error release switch 82f outputs an error release signal when pressed. The error release signal is turned on when the error release switch 82f is pressed, and turned off when the error release switch 82f is not pressed. The error release signal is output to the CPU 82a. The error release signal may be output to the CPU 80a.

The game ball clear switch 82g is an example of an operation unit that can initialize the second management ball number stored as data in the RAM 82c to zero. The game ball clear switch 82g outputs a game ball clear signal when pressed. Performing a pushing operation is an example of being operated in a predetermined manner. The game ball clear signal is turned on when the game ball clear switch 82g is pressed, and turned off when the game ball clear switch 82g is not pressed. The game ball clear signal is output to the CPU 82a.

The RAM clear switch 82h is an example of a means operated when initializing the information stored in the RAM 80c and the information stored in the RAM 82c (hereinafter referred to as RAM clear). The RAM clear switch 82h outputs a RAM clear signal when pressed. The RAM clear signal is turned on when the RAM clear switch 82h is pressed, and turned off when the RAM clear switch 82h is not pressed. The RAM clear signal is output to the CPU 82a and also to the game control board 80 (CPU 80a).

The backup power supply 82j supplies backup power to the game control board 80 (RAM80c) in addition to the RAM82c even if the power supply from the outside is cut off. In the following description, cutting off the power supply from the outside may be referred to as power off. By receiving backup power from the backup power source 82j, the RAMs 80c and 82c can retain the stored contents of the RAMs 80c and 82c even after the power is turned off. That is, the gaming machine 10 is equipped with a backup function. The present invention is not limited to this, but one or both of the RAMs 80c and 82c is a non-volatile memory that can retain stored contents even when the power supply is stopped, so that information can be retained even after the power is turned off. Good too.

As an example, the backup power source 82j is a power storage device that stores power using external power supply. Even when the external power supply is cut off, the backup power supply 82j maintains at least a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as , supply time) elapses, backup power is supplied to these devices. Note that the supply time is related to the power capacity stored for supplying to the launch control board 83 and the launch solenoid 66a, and may be the time required to release the power, or may be the time specified by a predetermined circuit. It's okay.

The launch control board 83 (launch control circuit 83a) and the launch solenoid 66a can perform predetermined operations even after the external power supply is cut off by receiving backup power from the backup power supply 82j. The firing unit 65 is cut off from external power supply during at least one of a period when a normal firing operation (firing sequence) is being performed and a period when a special firing operation (blank firing sequence) is being performed. Even in such a case, the device is configured to be able to perform n firing operations after the external power supply is cut off. As an example, n=1, but the present invention is not limited to this, and n=2 or n≧3.

All information stored in the RAM 80c is subject to backup. As an example, information that can be stored in the RAM 80c and that can be backed up includes main information. The main information is information regarding the progress of the game. As an example, the main information includes information regarding the jackpot status (including the number of round games), information regarding the gaming status, information regarding prize balls, information regarding the number of reservations, information regarding normal symbols, information regarding special symbols, and information regarding errors. There is.

All information stored in the RAM 82c is subject to backup. As an example, information that can be stored in the RAM 82c and that can be backed up includes the second number of managed balls, game information, and performance information. The game information is information notified from the game control board 80 according to the progress of the game. As an example, the game information includes the occurrence of a starting opening prize, the occurrence of a regular prize, the occurrence of a big prize opening prize, passing through a gate, confirmation of a special symbol (end of special game), occurrence of a jackpot, current gaming state, There is also information that can identify the occurrence of an error. The performance information is information related to a base value and the calculation of the base value. The information related to the calculation of the base value includes the total number of prize balls acquired during the normal game and the total number of valid balls during the normal game.

When the power supply voltage supplied from the power supply unit 99 falls below the specified voltage, the backup circuit 82k outputs a power-off detection signal to the CPU 82a and also outputs it to the CPU 80a of the game control board 80. The launch permission circuit 82m is capable of outputting a signal (hereinafter referred to as a launch permission signal) to the launch control board 83 that can specify that the game ball is in a launch permission state that allows the launch of game balls. That is, the firing permission signal is in the ON state when the firing is permitted, and is turned OFF when the firing prohibition state is in which the firing of game balls is prohibited.

The firing permission circuit 82m is configured to be able to input a firing stop signal output from the CPU 82a. The CPU 82a outputs a firing stop signal when the second managed pitch count is 0. The CPU 82a does not output the firing stop signal when the second number of managed balls is 1 or more. That is, the firing stop signal is in an on state when the second number of managed balls is 0, and is in an off state when the second number of managed balls is one or more. The firing permission circuit 82m is configured to be able to input a firing stop signal output by the game control board 80 (CPU 80a). The firing stop signal output by the CPU 80a will be described later.

The launch permission circuit 82m does not output a launch permission signal when the launch stop signal is input from the CPU 82a. The launch permission circuit 82m does not output a launch permission signal when the launch stop signal is input from the CPU 80a. The launch permission circuit 82m outputs a launch permission signal when it has not received a launch stop signal from the CPU 82a and has not received a launch stop signal from the CPU 80a. That is, the firing permission signal is in the ON state when both the firing stop signal of the CPU 82a and the firing stop signal of the CPU 80a are in the OFF state.

The frame control board 82 is connected to the counting operation section 18 . The CPU 82a is configured to be able to input the count signal output from the count operation section 18. The CPU 82a can specify whether the operation mode of the counting operation unit 18 is a "single press operation" or a "long press operation" according to the input count signal. The frame control board 82 includes a radio wave sensor D16, a first door opening switch D17, a second door opening switch D18, a foul sensor D21, a supply entrance sensor D22, a supply exit sensor D23, a winning passage count sensor D25, and a non-winning passage counting sensor D26. , and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 by a communication line. Further, the frame control board 82 is connected to a conveyance entrance sensor D28, a conveyance exit sensor D29, and an out sensor D30 through communication lines. The CPU 82a outputs radio wave detection signals output from these sensors and switches, a first door open signal, a second door open signal, a foul signal, a supply entrance signal, a supply exit signal, a winning passage signal, a non-winning passage signal, and ball clogging detection. It is configured to be able to input a signal, a conveyance entrance signal, a conveyance exit signal, and an out signal. The frame control board 82 includes a connector (not shown) that connects communication lines connected to these sensors and switches to the frame control board 82. Each sensor and each switch is energized by being connected to the frame control board 82 through a communication line. Each sensor and each switch is not energized unless connected to the frame control board 82 by a communication line. The CPU 82a can detect whether each sensor and each switch is energized. Thereby, the CPU 82a can specify whether or not the communication line connecting the frame control board 82 and each sensor and each switch is disconnected. The frame control board 82 outputs a first door open signal and a second door open signal to the game control board 80.

The frame control board 82 is connected to the notification audio section 13. The CPU 82a can control the output content of the notification audio section 13. The frame control board 82 is connected to the second pitch count display section 17. The CPU 82a is configured to be able to control the display content of the second pitch count display section 17. The frame control board 82 is connected to the maintenance section 55. The CPU 82a is configured to be able to control maintenance operations of the maintenance section 55. The frame control board 82 is connected to the transport section 52 (transport motor 52a). The CPU 82a is configured to be able to control the transport operation by the transport unit 52. Frame control board 82 is connected to supply solenoid 63b. The CPU 82a can displace the movable piece 63a by controlling the supply of electricity to the supply solenoid 63b. The CPU 82a is configured to be able to control the operation of supplying game balls by the supply unit 61.

The frame control board 82 is connected to the management unit 100. The CPU 82a is configured to be able to input various messages output by the CU control board 120. Note that the connection signal output by the management unit 100 is input from the connection terminal board 98 to the firing permission circuit 82m without passing through the CPU 82a.

The launch control board 83 includes a launch control circuit 83a for controlling the operation of the launch unit 65. The firing control circuit 83a outputs a drive signal to the firing solenoid 66a based on control signals input from the frame control board 82 and signals input from sensors and switches.

The firing control board 83 is connected to the touch sensor D01, the firing stop switch D02, and the handle volume D03. The firing control circuit 83a is configured to be able to input touch signals, stop signals, and volume signals output from these switches and sensors. The firing control board 83 is connected to the firing solenoid 66a. When the firing control circuit 83a outputs a drive signal to the firing solenoid 66a, the firing solenoid 66a is driven, and the firing hammer 66 hits the game ball. That is, the firing control board 83 is configured to be able to control the firing operation of the game ball by the firing section 65.

The firing control circuit 83a includes an operation determining section, a pulse clock generating section, a timing pulse generating section, a holding circuit, and a solenoid driving section. The operation determination unit operates when the firing permission signal from the frame control board 82 is on, the stop signal from the firing stop switch D02 is off, and the touch signal from the touch sensor D01 is on. If the enabling condition is satisfied, an operation signal is output to the timing pulse generator. The operation determination unit determines that the firing permission signal from the frame control board 82 is on, the stop signal from the firing stop switch D02 is off, and the touch signal from the touch sensor D01 is on. If the operable condition is not satisfied because some or all of the above are not satisfied, the operation signal is not output to the timing pulse generator.

When the timing pulse generation section receives an operation signal, it synthesizes the operation signal and the pulse signal input from the pulse clock generation section, and outputs a firing timing pulse to the solenoid drive section. The solenoid drive unit supplies (outputs) to the firing solenoid 66a a drive current with a voltage corresponding to the volume signal (voltage) input from the handle volume D03 every time the firing timing pulse is input. Thereby, the firing solenoid 66a is driven with an intensity corresponding to the amount of rotational operation of the handle lever 15a, and the game ball is fired. The firing control circuit 83a outputs the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 82 at a predetermined timing. The holding circuit holds the voltage (voltage value) of the volume signal at that point in time when the drive current is output when the operable condition is satisfied. The firing control circuit 83a (solenoid drive unit) supplies the firing solenoid 66a with a drive current of a voltage corresponding to the voltage value held (stored) in the holding circuit, rather than the voltage value of the volume signal, in a blank firing sequence to be described later. do.

The processing executed by the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) will be explained.
The frame side power-off processing will be explained.
When the CPU 82a receives the power-off detection signal output from the backup circuit 82k, the CPU 82a executes the power-off process. In the frame side power-off process, the CPU 82a calculates the checksum value of the RAM 82c, and stores the calculated checksum value in the RAM 82c. Further, the CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information (hereinafter referred to as a backup flag) that can specify that the power-off process has been executed normally. After that, the CPU 82a waits until the power is completely turned off. Various information stored in the RAM 82c when the power is turned off is retained even after the power is turned off by the backup function described above.

The frame side power-on process will be explained.
When the CPU 82a is activated when the power is turned on and the voltage supplied to the frame control board 82 reaches the voltage necessary for the operation of the CPU 82a, the CPU 82a executes the frame side ball extraction process. In the frame side ball removal process, the CPU 82a determines whether conditions for transitioning to the ball removal state (hereinafter referred to as ball removal transition conditions) are satisfied.

As an example, the CPU 82a specifies whether the second number of managed pitches stored in the RAM 82c is 0 or not. As an example, the CPU 82a specifies whether or not the ball removal switch 82e is operated based on whether or not the ball removal signal is in an on state until the operation effective period has elapsed. When the CPU 82a is activated upon power-on, the CPU 82a sets an operation validity period over a predetermined period. In other words, the operation validity period can be set for a predetermined period of time after power is turned on. The valid operation period may be a length such as 40 ms that substantially requires turning on the power while operating the bulb removal switch 82e. The valid operation period is not limited to this, and may be a length such as 5000 ms that allows the administrator or the like to operate the bulb removal switch 82e after the power is turned on. The valid operation period is not limited to being set as a period measured by timer processing or the like, but may simply be set as a period from power-on to a predetermined determination timing.

The CPU 82a determines that the ball removal transition condition is satisfied when the second managed pitch count is 0 and the ball removal switch 82e is operated. The ball removal transition condition does not include the number of game balls inside the gaming machine 10. In other words, the state without balls can be shifted even if the number of game balls inside the machine is zero or less than a predetermined number. The CPU 82a determines that the ball removal transition condition is not satisfied when the second managed pitch count is not 0 or when the ball removal switch 82e is not operated. If the ball removal transition condition is not satisfied, the CPU 82a does not set the ball removal state and ends the frame side ball removal processing.

On the other hand, when the ball removal transition condition is satisfied, the CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information that allows identification of the ball removal state. In other words, the CPU 82a sets the ball out state. In this way, the ball removal state can be shifted to when the ball removal switch 82e is operated during a predetermined operational validity period. The bulb removal state cannot be canceled unless the power supply is cut off. When transitioning to the ball extraction state, the CPU 82a outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as a ball extraction start command) indicating the transition to the ball extraction state to the game control board 80. Note that the game control board 80 (CPU 80a) outputs a ball extraction start command to the production control board 81.

During the ball extraction state, the CPU 82a executes the first conveyance process. The first conveyance process is a process for controlling the conveyance operation by the conveyance unit 52 during the ball removal state. Here, the first conveyance process will be explained in detail.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the first transport process, the CPU 82a monitors the state of the transport entrance signal output from the transport entrance sensor D28 and the state of the transport exit signal that may be output from the transport exit sensor D29. The CPU 82a controls the operation of the transport motor 52a included in the transport unit 52 according to the state of the transport entrance signal and the state of the transport exit signal.

As an example, the CPU 82a operates the transport motor 52a to perform the transport operation in a situation where both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are in an OFF state. In the following description, simply "activating the transport motor 52a" means operating the transport motor 52a so that a transport operation is performed. For example, at time T1, the CPU 82a determines when the situation changes from a situation where both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are off to a situation where the transport entrance signal is on and the transport exit signal is off. , the transport motor 52a may be operated without providing a standby time.

At time T2, the transport motor 52a is in operation, the transport entrance signal is on, and the transport exit signal is off. Assume that the situation changes to an on state. In this case, at time T3, the CPU 82a stops the transport motor 52a when the ON state of the transport exit signal is maintained for a waiting time t1 (120 ms as an example). At time T4, the situation changes from the situation where the transport motor 52a is stopped and both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are on, to the situation where the transport entrance signal is off and the transport exit signal is on. Suppose it has changed. In this case, the CPU 82a keeps the transport motor 52a stopped. At time T5, the transport motor 52a is stopped, the transport entrance signal is off, and the transport exit signal is on, and the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are both on. Suppose it has changed. In this case, the CPU 82a keeps the transport motor 52a stopped.

At time point T6, the transport motor 52a is stopped and the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are both in the on state, but the transport entrance signal is in the on state and the transport exit signal is in the off state. Suppose it has changed. In this case, at time T7, the CPU 82a activates the transport motor 52a when the OFF state of the transport exit signal is maintained for a waiting time t2 (30 ms as an example). Note that if the waiting time t3 (for example, 200 ms) has not elapsed since the conveyance entrance signal turned on before the waiting time t2 has elapsed since the conveyance exit signal turned off, the CPU 82a After the standby time has elapsed, the transport motor 52a is activated.

At time T8, the transport motor 52a is in operation, the transport entrance signal is on, and the transport exit signal is off, to the situation where both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are off. Suppose it has changed. In this case, at time T9, the CPU 82a stops the transport motor 52a when the OFF state of the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal is maintained for a waiting time t4 (3000 ms as an example). In other words, it can be said that the CPU 82a stops the transport motor 52a when the specified time has elapsed without the transport entrance sensor D28 detecting the game ball collected from the game area 20a.

At time T9, the CPU 82a outputs control information indicating completion of ball removal (hereinafter referred to as ball removal completion command) to the game control board 80. Note that the game control board 80 (CPU 80a) outputs a ball removal completion command to the production control board 81. The CPU 82a specifies that the ball extraction has been completed based on the fact that the conveyance entrance sensor D28 no longer detects the game balls collected from the game area 20a, or that the conveyance motor 52a has stopped.

As an example, the waiting times t1 to t4 are longer in the order of t2<t1<t3<t4. The present invention is not limited to this, and the waiting times t1 to t4 may be set to different times from those in the above-described specific example, and their lengths may be changed.

In the ball extraction state, the CPU 82a does not execute processing for detecting some of the various errors described below. In other words, in the state where the ball is removed, various sensors are disabled.

When the CPU 82a is activated upon power-on, it executes a communication check process. The communication check process is executed in parallel with the frame-side ball removal process, and is executed until the frame-side power-off process is executed.

In the communication check process, the CPU 82a determines whether startup information has been input from the game control board 80. As an example, the startup information is gaming machine installation information. As an example, the gaming machine installation information is information that can specify the type of gaming machine, the ID number of the CPU 80a, the manufacturer of the CPU 80a, and the like. The CPU 82a outputs response information to the game control board 80 when the startup information is input normally. Then, the CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information (hereinafter referred to as a startup input flag) that can identify that the startup information has been input.

If the startup information is not input within a predetermined period of time (for example, 3 minutes) after the power is turned on, the CPU 82a generates a flag that can identify that a communication error within the managed gaming machine has been set. is stored in the RAM 82c.

In the following description, when an error in a process performed by the CPU 82a is referred to as "set", it means that information (a flag) that can identify the error is stored in the RAM 82c. When "setting is canceled" regarding an error in processing performed by the CPU 82a, it means that information that can identify the error is erased from the RAM 82c. As will be described in detail later, when the error detection condition is satisfied, the CPU 82a sets an error by updating data at a predetermined address in the RAM 82c. Similarly, when the error release condition is satisfied, the CPU 82a releases the error setting by updating data at a predetermined address in the RAM 82c.

After that, the CPU 82a waits until startup information is input. When the CPU 82a normally inputs startup information from the game control board 80 while setting the managed gaming machine communication error, the CPU 82a cancels the management gaming machine internal communication error setting and stores the startup input flag in the RAM 82c. After inputting the startup information, the CPU 82a can input gaming information from the gaming control board 80 at regular intervals (for example, 108 ms). When the CPU 82a inputs the game information, it outputs response information to the game control board 80. The CPU 82a may set an intra-management gaming machine communication error when the input of game information and the output of response information are not successful multiple times (three times as an example). In this way, the frame control board 82 can detect an abnormality in communication with the game control board 80 as a communication error within the managed gaming machine.

The CPU 82a determines whether the backed up information is normal or not when the frame side ball extraction process is completed without setting the ball extraction state and the startup input flag is stored in the RAM 82c. do. Here, even if the CPU 82a finishes the frame side ball extraction process, if the startup input flag is not stored, it waits until the startup input flag is stored. The CPU 82a determines whether a backup flag is stored in the RAM 82c. Further, the CPU 82a calculates the checksum value of the RAM 82c, and determines whether or not the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value calculated in the frame side power-off process. The CPU 82a determines that it is normal if the backup flag is stored and the checksum values match, and otherwise determines it to be abnormal. If it is determined that the backed up information is abnormal, the CPU 82a initializes the second management ball count and game information stored in the RAM 82c. At this time, the CPU 82a does not initialize the performance information. Thereafter, the CPU 82a returns based on the initialized or backed-up second management ball count, game information, and performance information, and executes the frame side normal processing described later.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the backed up information is normal, the CPU 82a determines whether the game ball clear switch 82g is operated based on whether the game ball clear signal is in the on state. The CPU 82a initializes the second management ball number stored in the RAM 82c when the game ball clear switch 82g is operated. At this time, the CPU 82a does not initialize the game information and performance information. The CPU 82a does not initialize the second management ball count when the game ball clear switch 82g is not operated.

The CPU 82a determines whether the RAM clear switch 82h has been operated based on whether the RAM clear signal is in the on state. The CPU 82a initializes the game information stored in the RAM 82c when the RAM clear switch 82h is operated. At this time, the CPU 82a does not initialize the second number of managed pitches and performance information. The CPU 82a does not initialize the game information when the RAM clear switch 82h is not operated. In other words, the performance information is either a situation in which the second management ball count is initialized in response to the operation of the game ball clear switch 82g, or a situation in which the game information is initialized in response to the operation of the RAM clear switch 82h. However, it is not initialized. After that, the CPU 82a returns based on the initialized or backed-up second management ball count, game information, and performance information, and executes the frame-side normal processing to be described later.

The frame side normal processing of the frame control board 82 will be explained.
Of the frame-side normal processing, the game information storage processing will be explained.
The game information generation process is a process for storing game information input from the game control board 80 in the RAM 82c. When the CPU 82a inputs gaming information that allows the gaming state to be specified, the CPU 82a stores the gaming information in the RAM 82c. As an example, the CPU 82a identifies whether or not a jackpot game is being played, whether or not the game is in a high probability state, and whether or not it is in a high ball entry rate state by referring to the game information stored in the RAM 82c. It is possible. In addition, upon inputting various game information, the CPU 82a generates information that allows identification of the input game information and stores it in the RAM 82c.

The second conveyance process of the frame side normal process will be explained.
The second conveyance process is a process for controlling the conveyance operation by the conveyance unit 52 except during the ball removal state. The second transport process is similar in content to the first transport process described above.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the conveyance entrance signal is in the ON state and the conveyance exit signal is in the ON state at time T2, if this state is maintained for a waiting time t1, the CPU 82a controls the conveyance motor. 52a is stopped. When the conveyance entrance signal is in the ON state and the conveyance exit signal is in the OFF state at time T6, the CPU 82a operates the conveyance motor 52a when this state is maintained for the standby time t2. When the conveyance entrance signal is in the OFF state and the conveyance exit signal is in the OFF state at time T8, the CPU 82a stops the conveyance motor 52a when this state is maintained for the standby time t4. In addition, when the conveyance entrance signal is in the OFF state and the conveyance exit signal is in the ON state while the conveyance motor 52a is in operation, if this state is maintained for a predetermined standby time, the CPU 82a controls the conveyance motor 52a. to stop. As an example, the predetermined waiting time is shorter than the waiting time t4.

As described above, the CPU 82a operates the transport motor 52a under the transport condition that the transport entrance signal is in the ON state and the transport exit signal is in the OFF state. The conveyance conditions include that the conveyance entrance sensor D28 detects the game ball. The conveyance conditions include that the conveyance exit sensor D29 does not detect a game ball. The CPU 82a controls the transport section 52 to transport the game balls to the firing section 65 in accordance with the establishment of predetermined transport conditions.

The performance information generation process of the frame side normal process will be explained.
The performance information generation process is a process of calculating a base value as performance information. The CPU 82a refers to the game information and determines whether or not the jackpot game is not being played and the current game state is a low probability low ball entry rate state (that is, whether or not it is a normal game time). In the case of normal gaming, the CPU 82a generates game information that can identify the occurrence of a starting opening winning (hereinafter referred to as starting opening winning information) or gaming information that can identify the occurrence of a normal winning (hereinafter referred to as ordinary winning information). ) is input, the total number of prize balls acquired during the normal game is added. The total number of prize balls acquired is stored in the RAM 82c as one piece of performance information. When the CPU 82a inputs the winning path signal or the non-winning path signal, it adds up the total number of valid balls during the normal game. The total number of effective balls is stored in the RAM 82c as one piece of performance information. The CPU 82a calculates the base value using the calculation formula: "Total number of prize balls acquired during the normal game ÷ Total number of effective balls during the normal game x 100". The CPU 82a may count the total number of prize balls obtained and the total number of valid balls in one minute intervals, and calculate the base value every minute. The CPU 82a may count the total number of prize balls obtained every time the total number of valid balls reaches a predetermined number, and calculate the base value every time the total number of valid balls reaches a predetermined number. As an example, the predetermined number may be 60,000 balls, or may be the maximum number (for example, 100 balls) that can be fired by the firing unit 65 per minute. The CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d to display information that allows identification of the calculated base value.

The CPU 82a may be configured to calculate the accessory ratio and the continuous accessory ratio as performance information and display them on the performance display monitor 82d. The accessory ratio is the ratio of the total number of prize balls obtained through electric accessory operation to the total number of prize balls obtained through all game states. The total number of prize balls acquired through electric accessory actuation is the total number of prize balls acquired by entering the second starting port 23B in normal winning games (normal electric accessory activation), and the total number of prize balls acquired through jackpot games (special electric accessory activation). This is the sum of the total number of prize balls won by winning into the prize opening 23C. The continuous role object ratio is the ratio of the total number of prize balls acquired through continuous role object operation to the total number of prize balls acquired through all game states. The total number of prize balls obtained by continuous role play is the total number of prize balls obtained by entering the jackpot hole 23C in the jackpot game.

The second management ball count information generation process of the frame side normal process will be explained.
The second managed pitch number information generation process is a process for generating (managing) the second managed pitch number. When the CPU 82a inputs the information on the number of prize balls obtained from the game control board 80, it awards the prize balls according to the information on the number of prize balls obtained. Specifically, when the CPU 82a inputs the number of acquired prize balls information from the game control board 80, it adds the number of acquired balls that can be specified from the acquired prize ball number information to the second managed number of balls. As will be described later, the acquired prize ball number information is control information that is output by the game control board 80 when the conditions for awarding the prize balls are met due to winning in a predetermined winning hole, and is information about the number of prize balls set in the winning hole. Constructed so that the number of pitches can be determined.

As an example, the number of prize balls set in the first starting port 23A is set to "4". As an example, the number of prize balls set in the second starting port 23B is set to "4". As an example, the number of prize balls set in the grand prize opening 23C is set to "15". As an example, the number of prize balls set in the normal winning hole 23D is set to "8". However, the number of prize balls set in the first starting opening 23A, the second starting opening 23B, the big winning opening 23C, and the normal winning opening 23D may be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of prize balls set in the second starting port 23B may be set to "1".

In this way, in the gaming machine 10, the number of prize balls set in the winning opening is given to the first starting opening 23A, the second starting opening 23B, the big winning opening 23C, and the normal winning opening 23D. configured to be That is, in the gaming machine 10, prize balls are awarded in response to detection by the first starting sensor D11, second starting sensor D12, count sensor D13, and normal sensor D14. As described above, the CPU 82a increases the second number of managed pitches according to the detection by the first starting sensor D11, the second starting sensor D12, the count sensor D13, and the normal sensor D14.

When inputting rental information from the CU control board 120, the CPU 82a adds the number of rental balls (number of rental balls) indicated in the rental information to the second number of managed balls. That is, the CPU 82a increases the second managed ball count in accordance with the operation of the payout operation section 112.

When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been collected as a foul ball based on the foul signal output by the foul sensor D21, it adds up the second number of managed balls. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been collected as a foul ball when the foul signal transitions from the off state to the on state to the off state. In this way, the CPU 82a increases the second number of managed pitches in accordance with the detection by the foul sensor D21.

When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied to the firing section 65 based on the supply exit signal output by the supply exit sensor D23, it subtracts 1 from the second number of managed balls. In other words, when the CPU 82a detects that a game ball has been launched toward the game area 20a according to the detection by the supply outlet sensor D23, it subtracts 1 from the second managed ball number. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied when the supply exit signal transitions from the off state to the on state to the off state. As a result, the game balls (second number of managed balls) managed as data are converted into real balls. In this way, the CPU 82a reduces the second number of managed balls in accordance with the detection by the supply outlet sensor D23.

However, the CPU 82a is not limited to this, and the CPU 82a can detect that one game ball has been supplied to the firing section 65 based on the supply entrance signal outputted by the supply entrance sensor D22 instead of the supply exit signal outputted by the supply exit sensor D23. When detected, the configuration may be such that the second number of managed pitches is subtracted. When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied to the firing section 65 based on both the supply inlet signal output by the supply inlet sensor D22 and the supply outlet signal output by the supply outlet sensor D23, the CPU 82a performs the second management. The configuration may be such that the number of pitches is subtracted.

Further, instead of the detection by the supply outlet sensor D23, the CPU 82a may subtract the second managed ball number by driving the firing solenoid 66a. The configuration may be such that the second management ball count is subtracted when a game ball is detected. In this way, the second managed ball count is subtracted in relation to at least one of the firing operation by the firing section 65 and the supplying operation by the supplying section 61. In other words, the CPU 82a reduces the number of second managed balls in accordance with the firing of game balls. Note that when the second management ball count information generation process is executed, even if the ball removal switch 82e is operated, the operation does not go into the ball removal state because it is outside the valid operation period.

The second managed pitch count information generation process is executed as a frame-side normal process, but cannot be executed in a state where no balls are taken. In other words, even if a game ball enters a predetermined winning hole when the ball is out, the prize ball that should be added is not added to the second managed ball number. Further, even if a game ball is fired when the ball is out, the second managed ball number is not subtracted.

When the CPU 82a is in a counting enabled state and receives a counting signal from the counting operation unit 18, the CPU 82a adds the number of balls to be counted to the counting information stored in the RAM 82c. As an example, when the CPU 82a receives a count signal that can specify a "single press operation" from the counting operation section 18, the CPU 82a adds the first counted number of pitches (1 as an example) to the count information and stores it in the RAM 82c. When the second managed ball count is 250 or more and a count signal that can identify a "long press operation" is input from the counting operation unit 18, the CPU 82a stores the second counted ball count (250 as an example) as count information. is added to and stored in the RAM 82c. In addition, when the "long press operation" is continued (when the counting signal is maintained on), the CPU 82a adds the second counted number of pitches (250 as an example) to the counting information every time a predetermined time elapses. and store it in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82a subtracts the number of pitches added to the count information from the second managed number of pitches. The CPU 82a may subtract the second number of managed pitches and then add the count information, or may add the count information and then subtract the second number of managed pitches. In this manner, the CPU 82a decreases the second managed pitch count in accordance with the operation of the counting operation section 18. Then, the CPU 82a changes the number of second managed balls to be reduced depending on the "single press operation" and the "long press operation".

As an example, the countable state is a state in which necessary power is supplied and the second managed ball count is not zero. When the CPU 82a is in the countable state, the CPU 82a controls the light emitter built in the count notification unit 18a so that the count notification unit 18a lights up. Management of the second number of managed balls is transferred from the gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 by outputting counting information to the CU control board 120 in an external device communication process to be described later. As described above, while the second management pitch number information generation process is executed as a frame side normal process, it cannot be executed in a state where a ball is removed. In other words, when the ball is out, the operation of the counting operation section 18, which is an example of an operation related to the ball held, is invalid.

As described above, the CPU 82a initializes the second number of managed balls when power supply is started while the game ball clear switch 82g is being operated in a predetermined manner. The control to initialize the second number of managed pitches when power supply is started and the second managed pitch number information generation process are performed by the controller that manages the second number of pitches, which is an example of the number of balls held by the player. This is an example of pitch count management control. As described above, the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) can execute control regarding the balls held by the player.

The CPU 82a controls the second pitch count display section 17 to display information that can specify the updated second managed pitch count that has been added or subtracted. The second pitch count display section 17 may also be used as a device that can display information that can identify errors set (detected) on the frame control board 82. Note that the CPU 82a outputs a firing stop signal to the firing permission circuit 82m when the second managed pitch count is 0. The CPU 82a does not output a firing stop signal to the firing permission circuit 82m when the second managed pitch count is not 0.

The external device communication process of the frame side normal process will be explained.
In the external device communication process, the CPU 82a outputs gaming information to the CU control board 120 at regular intervals (eg, 300 ms). The game information includes a serial number. This serial number is updated according to the number of times game information is output.

The CPU 82a outputs the count information stored in the RAM 82c to the CU control board 120 when a predetermined time (100 ms as an example) has elapsed after outputting the game information. When the CPU 82a outputs the counting information to the CU control board 120, the CPU 82a initializes the counting information stored in the RAM 82c. The counting information is information that can specify the number of balls held by a player to be transferred from the gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 in accordance with the operation of the counting operation section 18. In other words, the counting information is information that can specify the decrease in the number of second managed pitches according to the operation of the counting operation section 18. Note that, like the game information, the counting information is output at regular intervals, and becomes 0 if the counting operation section 18 is not operated. Therefore, even if the CPU 82a outputs the counting information to the CU control board 120, it may not subtract the second number of managed balls. When the CPU 82a outputs the count information to the CU control board 120 to subtract the second number of managed balls, the CPU 82a outputs information that can specify that a predetermined number (one as an example) or more of the number of balls in possession has been transferred to the management unit 100. (hereinafter referred to as a counting completion flag) is stored in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82a outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as a counting completion command) to the game control board 80 indicating that a predetermined number of balls has been transferred to the management unit 100. The counting completion command can also be said to be control information that can specify that the counting information has been output. The counting completion command is an example of counting completion information. Note that the game control board 80 (CPU 80a) outputs a counting completion command to the production control board 81. The counting completion command may include information that can specify the number of balls to be transferred to the management unit 100. The counting information includes a counting serial number. This counting serial number is updated according to the number of outputs of counting information. In this way, the CPU 82a outputs counting information that can specify the decrease in the number of balls held by the player (second managed ball number) in accordance with the operation of the counting operation section 18.

After outputting the counting information, the CPU 82a can input rental information from the CU control board 120 via the connection terminal board 98 within a predetermined time (170 ms as an example). The lending information includes a lending serial number. This lending serial number is updated according to the number of times lending information is output. When the CPU 82a inputs the rental information, the CPU 82a outputs response information to the input rental information to the CU control board 120 within a response time (10 ms as an example). This response information includes the same lending serial number as the input lending information. After outputting the response information, the CPU 82a outputs the gaming information to the CU control board 120 again when a predetermined period of time (20 ms as an example) has elapsed. In this way, the CPU 82a outputs gaming information, counting information, and response information to the CU control board 120 within one communication cycle (300 ms as an example), and inputs lending information from the CU control board 120. do. The external device communication process is an example of information transmission control that outputs (transmits) predetermined information to the CU control board 120. As described above, the gaming machine 10 is configured to manage game balls, which are an example of gaming media used in games, as data.

Of the frame side normal processing, the frame side error setting process and the frame side error notification process will be explained.
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the frame-side error setting process is a process for setting an error. As an example, errors that can be set by the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) in the frame side error setting process include an unauthorized radio wave detection error, a communication error within the managed gaming machine, a supply mechanism error, a game ball circulation mechanism error, and an error in the ejected ball path. Error, game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error. In addition, the errors that can be set by the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) in the frame side error setting process include an over-number of game balls error, an under-number of circulating balls error, an excessive number of circulating balls error, a frame disconnection error, and a clear number of playing balls error. , abnormal number of winning balls error, and door opening error. Furthermore, the frame-side error notification process is a process for notifying the error in a predetermined notification mode when an error is detected in the frame-side error setting process. Note that the processing contents regarding the frame-side error setting process and the frame-side error notification process will be explained later.

Next, various processes performed by the game control board 80 (CPU 80a) will be explained.
The panel side power-off processing will be explained.
When the CPU 80a receives a power-off detection signal from the frame control board 82 (backup circuit 82k), it executes a power-off process. In the board-side power-off process, the CPU 80a outputs a firing stop signal to the frame control board 82. The CPU 80a calculates the checksum value of the RAM 80c and stores the calculated checksum value in the RAM 80c. Further, the CPU 80a causes the RAM 80c to store information (hereinafter referred to as a backup flag) that can specify that the power-off process has been executed normally. After that, the CPU 80a waits until the power is completely turned off. Various information stored in the RAM 80c when the power is turned off is retained even after the power is turned off by the backup function described above.

The panel side power-on process will be explained.
The CPU 80a prohibits timer interrupt processing when the supply voltage to the game control board 80 reaches the voltage necessary for the operation of the CPU 80a and starts with power-on. Subsequently, the CPU 80a executes communication confirmation processing.

In the communication confirmation process, the CPU 80a outputs startup information to the frame control board 82. If a predetermined time (108 ms as an example) has elapsed without inputting response information after outputting the startup information, the CPU 80a re-outputs the startup information to the frame control board 82. Thereafter, if no response information is input from the frame control board 82, the CPU 80a outputs startup information to the frame control board 82 every time a predetermined period of time elapses. The startup information when outputting multiple times may be the same information, or may be different information so that the number of outputs can be specified.

Each time the CPU 80a outputs the startup information to the frame control board 82, the CPU 80a adds 1 to the information that can specify the number of times the startup information is output (hereinafter referred to as the number of startup outputs) and stores it in the RAM 80c. When the CPU 80a receives the response information, it initializes the number of activation outputs. The CPU 80a sets a communication line disconnection error when the number of activation outputs reaches a specified number (10 times as an example). When the communication line disconnection error is set, the CPU 80a outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as a communication line disconnection error command) that can specify that the communication line disconnection error has been set to the production control board 81. After that, the CPU 80a waits until the power is turned off. On the other hand, when the CPU 80a receives response information to the startup information, it determines that the communication line is normal. In this case, the CPU 80a stores in the RAM 80c information (hereinafter referred to as a startup response input flag) that can identify that response information to the startup information has been input.

When response information to the startup information is input, the CPU 80a outputs game information to the frame control board 82 after a predetermined time has elapsed after outputting the startup information. Thereafter, the CPU 80a outputs game information to the slot control board 82 every time a predetermined time period elapses. The game information includes a communication serial number. This communication serial number is updated according to the number of outputs. The CPU 80a can input response information each time it outputs game information. This response information includes the same communication serial number as the output gaming information.

The CPU 80a sets a communication line disconnection error when response information is not input even once while the game information is output a prescribed number of times (for example, 10 times). When the power supply is stopped, the CPU 80a cancels the communication line disconnection error setting.

When the CPU 80a is activated when the power is turned on, the CPU 80a executes a board-side ball extraction process. The board side ball removal process is executed in parallel with the communication confirmation process.
In the board-side ball extraction process, the CPU 80a determines whether or not a ball extraction start command has been input from the frame control board 82. If the ball extraction start command has not been input, the CPU 80a ends the board side ball extraction process without setting the ball extraction state. In this case, there is a possibility that the communication confirmation process is continued after the ball removal process is completed. When the ball removal start command is input, the CPU 80a detects the ball removal state and stores information that can identify the occurrence of the ball removal state in the RAM 80c. In other words, the CPU 80a sets the ball removal state. When the CPU 80a sets the ball extraction state, it outputs a ball extraction start command to the production control board 81 as control information that allows the transition to the ball extraction state to be specified. After that, the CPU 80a waits until the power is turned off. During standby, when the CPU 80a inputs a ball removal completion command, it outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as a ball removal completion command) that can specify the completion of ball removal to the production control board 81. In this way, a communication line disconnection error can be detected using both the period in which the ball is not removed and the period in which the ball is not removed.

When the CPU 80a finishes the board-side ball extraction process without setting the ball extraction state and the startup response input flag is stored in the RAM 80c, the CPU 80a determines whether the backed up information is normal or not. judge. Here, even if the CPU 80a finishes the board side ball extraction process, if the startup response input flag is not stored, it waits until the startup response input flag is stored. The CPU 80a determines whether a backup flag is stored in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a calculates the checksum value of the RAM 80c, and determines whether the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value calculated in the panel side power-off process. The CPU 80a determines that it is normal if the backup flag is stored and the checksum values match, and determines that it is abnormal if they are not. If the backed up information is determined to be abnormal, the CPU 80a initializes the main information stored in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a outputs to the production control board 81 a control command (hereinafter referred to as an initialization command) that can specify that various types of information have been initialized. Thereafter, the CPU 80a ends the panel side power-on process.

When determining that the backed up information is normal, the CPU 80a determines whether a RAM clear signal is input from the frame control board 82 (RAM clear switch 82h). When the RAM clear signal is input, the CPU 80a initializes the main information stored in the RAM 80c. In this case, the CPU 80a outputs an initialization command to the production control board 81. On the other hand, if the RAM clear signal is not input, the CPU 80a outputs to the effect control board 81 a control command (hereinafter referred to as a power restoration command) that can specify that the power will be restored based on the backed up main information. Thereafter, the CPU 80a ends the panel side power-on process.

When the CPU 80a completes the board-side power-on processing, the CPU 80a permits timer interrupt processing. In other words, the CPU 80a can execute processing for advancing the game (hereinafter referred to as board-side normal processing). If the main information has been initialized, the board-side normal processing is executed based on the initialized main information. In other words, the CPU 80a is based on the state that both the first special pending number and the second special pending number are 0, the first special game and the second special game are not being executed, and no jackpot game has been awarded. Then, various processes included in the normal processing on the board side are executed. Further, the CPU 80a controls the ball to a low probability low ball entry rate state. If the main information has not been initialized, the board side normal processing is executed based on the backed up main information. In other words, if the first special pending number and the second special pending number are the pending numbers at the time of power-off, and either the first special game or the second special game is being executed, the CPU 80a causes the special game to be executed. The process returns to the process, and if the jackpot game is being awarded, the process returns to the process of awarding the jackpot game. Further, the CPU 80a controls the game to be in a gaming state when the power is turned off.

The CPU 80a executes special symbol input processing, special symbol start processing, normal symbol input processing, normal symbol start processing, winning processing, error command processing, etc. on the board side as timer interrupt processing performed every predetermined period (4 ms as an example). Execute as normal processing.

The special symbol input process among the board side normal processes will be explained.
The CPU 80a determines whether the game ball has entered the first starting port 23A based on whether or not a detection signal has been input from the first starting sensor D11. When the game ball enters the first starting port 23A, the CPU 80a determines whether the first pending number stored in the RAM 80c is less than the upper limit number (4 as an example). If the first number of reservations is less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a updates the first number of reservations by adding one. Subsequently, the CPU 80a controls the first reservation display section 21c to display information that allows identification of the updated first reservation number. In this way, the suspension condition for the first special game is established when the game ball is detected by the first starting sensor D11 when the first suspension number is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the CPU 80a obtains a random number generated by the random number generation circuit 80d, and stores random number information based on the obtained random number in the RAM 80c. For example, the random numbers include a winning random number used for a special symbol winning lottery, a winning pattern random number used for determining a winning symbol, and a fluctuation pattern random number used for determining a fluctuation pattern. The CPU 80a stores the random number information so that it can be specified that the random number information is for the first special game, and the order in which the random number information is stored. The random number information may be the acquired random number itself, or may be information obtained by processing the random number using a predetermined method.

When the random number information for the first special game is stored in the RAM 80c, when the game ball has not entered the first starting port 23A, and when the first number of reservations is not less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a stores the random number information for the first special game. Based on whether or not a detection signal is input from the starting sensor D12, it is determined whether the game ball has entered the second starting port 23B. When the game ball has entered the second starting port 23B, the CPU 80a determines whether the second pending number stored in the RAM 80c is less than the upper limit number (4 as an example). If the second pending number is less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a updates the second pending number by adding one. Subsequently, the CPU 80a controls the second pending display section 21d to display information that allows identification of the updated second pending number. In this way, the second special game suspension condition is established when the second suspension number is less than the upper limit number and the game ball is detected by the second starting sensor D12.

Next, the CPU 80a acquires a random number generated within the game control board 80, and stores random number information based on the acquired random number in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a stores the random number information so that the random number information is used for the second special game and the order in which the random number information is stored can be specified. By storing the random number information used for the special game in the RAM 80c, the gaming machine 10 can suspend the execution of the special game until the start conditions for the special game are satisfied. When the random number information for the second special game is stored in the RAM 80c, when the game ball has not entered the second starting port 23B, and when the second pending number is not less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a stores the special symbol Finish input processing.

The special symbol start process among the board side normal processes will be explained.
First, the CPU 80a determines whether the special game starting conditions are met. The CPU 80a makes an affirmative determination when the jackpot game is not in progress and a special game is not in progress, while making a negative determination when the jackpot game or special game is in progress. If the special game start conditions are not met, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process. If the special game start condition is satisfied, the CPU 80a determines whether the second pending number is greater than zero. If the second number of reservations is 0, the CPU 80a determines whether the first number of reservations is greater than zero. When the first pending number is 0, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process.

If the first pending number is greater than 0, the CPU 80a performs processing for executing the first special game. Specifically, the CPU 80a subtracts 1 from the first pending number and updates it. The CPU 80a controls the first suspension display section 21c to display information that allows identification of the first suspension number after subtraction. The CPU 80a acquires the first stored random number information from the RAM 80c among the random number information for the first special game. The CPU 80a performs a jackpot drawing (jackpot judgment) as a special symbol winning drawing to determine whether or not the jackpot is won, using the winning random number and jackpot judgment value specified from the acquired random number information. The CPU 80a performs a jackpot lottery with a jackpot probability according to the current probability state (whether or not the probability variable function is activated).

If the jackpot is won, the CPU 80a performs jackpot fluctuation processing. In the jackpot variation process, the CPU 80a performs a jackpot symbol lottery using a winning symbol random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a jackpot symbol to be fixed and displayed in the first special game. The CPU 80a performs a variation pattern determination lottery using variation pattern random numbers that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among a plurality of jackpot variation patterns. After that, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process.

If the jackpot is not won, the CPU 80a performs a loss variation process. In the loss variation process, the CPU 80a determines a loss symbol to be displayed as a fixed stop in the first special game. As an example, there is one type of missed symbol. The present invention is not limited to this, and there may be multiple types of missed symbols. In this case, the CPU 80a may perform a losing symbol lottery using a predetermined random number to determine a losing symbol to be displayed as a fixed stop in the first special game. The CPU 80a performs a variation pattern determination lottery using variation pattern random numbers that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among a plurality of outlier variation patterns. After that, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process.

If the second pending number is greater than 0, the CPU 80a performs processing for executing the second special game. The process for executing the second special game includes changing the "first special game" to "second special game" and changing the "first pending number" to "second pending number". Since this is a process in which the "first pending display section 21c" is replaced with "the second pending display section 21d", a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. That is, the CPU 80a completes the special symbol start process after performing any of the fluctuation processes based on the result of the subtraction of the second pending number, the jackpot lottery, and the jackpot lottery.

The CPU 80a outputs a fluctuation start command and a special symbol command to the performance control board 81 in the jackpot fluctuation processing and the loss fluctuation processing. 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. The special symbol command is a control command that can specify the special symbol determined in each variation process. The fluctuation start command and the special symbol command are different control commands when the fluctuation processing of the first special game is executed and when the fluctuation processing of the second special game is executed.

When the special symbol start process is finished, the CPU 80a causes the first special game or the second special game to be executed by a process different from the special symbol start process. As an example, when executing the first special game, the CPU 80a controls the first special symbol display section 21a to display a variable display of predetermined symbols. The CPU 80a measures the variation time defined in the variation pattern. The CPU 80a controls the first special symbol display section 21a to display the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process in a fixed and stopped manner when the variation time defined in the variation pattern has elapsed. Further, when the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed, the CPU 80a outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a variation end command) that can specify the end of the special game to the production control board 81.

As an example, when executing the second special game, the CPU 80a controls the second special symbol display section 21b to display a variable display of predetermined symbols. The CPU 80a measures the variation time defined in the variation pattern. The CPU 80a controls the second special symbol display section 21b so as to display the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process as fixed and stopped when the variation time defined in the variation pattern has elapsed. Further, the CPU 80a outputs a variation end command to the production control board 81 when the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed. As described above, the gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to execute the special game by the CPU 80a executing the special symbol input process and the special symbol start process.

The jackpot game process among the board side normal processes will be explained.
The jackpot game process is a process for awarding a jackpot game. When the CPU 80a causes the jackpot symbols to be fixed and stopped in the special game, the CPU 80a executes the jackpot game process after the special jackpot game ends. The CPU 80a specifies the type of jackpot game based on the jackpot symbol (type of jackpot) determined in the special symbol start process. The CPU 80a awards the specified type of jackpot game.

First, the CPU 80a outputs to the effect control board 81 a control command (hereinafter referred to as an opening command) that can specify the start of the opening time. When the opening time has elapsed, the CPU 80a performs processing for executing the round game. As an example, the CPU 80a controls the special solenoid SL2 using the specified opening control data for the jackpot game, and opens the jackpot opening 23C. The CPU 80a controls the special solenoid SL2 to close the big prize opening 23C when the number of game balls detected by the count sensor D13 reaches the above-mentioned upper limit number or when the above-mentioned upper limit time has elapsed. End the round game. The CPU 80a repeatedly performs the processing for executing such a round game until the upper limit number of round games determined for the jackpot game is completed. Each time the CPU 80a starts a round game, it outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a round command) that can specify the start of the round game to the production control board 81. When the final round game ends, the CPU 80a outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as an ending start command) that can specify the start of the ending time to the production control board 81. When the ending time elapses, the CPU 80a ends the jackpot game. The CPU 80a outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as an ending end command) that can specify the passage of the ending time to the production control board 81.

Of the board side normal processing, the normal symbol input processing will be explained.
The CPU 80a determines whether or not the game ball has entered the gate 24 based on whether or not a detection signal has been input from the gate sensor D15. When the game ball enters the gate 24, the CPU 80a determines whether the normal reservation number stored in the RAM 80c is less than the upper limit number (4 as an example). If the number of normal reservations is less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a updates the number of normal reservations by adding one. Subsequently, the CPU 80a controls the normal hold display section 21f to display information that allows the number of normal holds after the update to be specified. In this way, the normal game hold condition is established when the game ball is detected by the gate sensor D15 when the normal hold number is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the CPU 80a obtains a random number generated by the random number generation circuit 80d, and stores random number information based on the obtained random number in the RAM 80c. For example, the random number is a random number used for a winning lottery of normal symbols. The CPU 80a stores the random number information so that it can be specified that the random number information is for a normal game, and the order in which the random number information is stored. The random number information may be the acquired random number itself, or may be information obtained by processing the random number using a predetermined method. By storing random number information used for the normal game in the RAM 80c, the gaming machine 10 can suspend the execution of the normal game until the starting conditions for the normal game are satisfied. When the random number information for the normal game is stored in the RAM 80c, when the game ball has not entered the gate 24, and when the number of normal reservations is not less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a ends the normal symbol input process.

Of the normal processing on the board side, the normal symbol start processing will be explained.
First, the CPU 80a determines whether the starting conditions for the normal game are met. The CPU 80a makes an affirmative determination when the normal winning game is not in progress and the normal game is not being executed, and makes a negative determination when the normal winning game is being played or the normal game is being executed. If the normal game start condition is not satisfied, the CPU 80a ends the normal symbol start process. If the normal game start condition is satisfied, the CPU 80a determines whether the normal pending number is greater than 0 or not. When the normal pending number is 0, the CPU 80a ends the normal symbol start process.

If the normal pending number is greater than 0, the CPU 80a performs processing to execute the normal game. Specifically, the CPU 80a subtracts 1 from the normal pending number and updates it. The CPU 80a controls the normal hold display section 21f to display information that allows the number of normal holds after the subtraction to be specified. The CPU 80a obtains the first stored random number information from the RAM 80c among the random number information for the normal game. The CPU 80a uses the acquired random number information to perform a normal winning drawing (normal winning determination) as a winning drawing for the normal symbol to determine whether or not the winning is determined by the normal winning. The CPU 80a performs a normal winning lottery with a normal winning probability according to the current ball entering rate state (whether or not the ball entering assist function is activated). The normal hit probability in a high ball entry rate state is higher than the normal hit probability in a low ball entry rate state.

When a normal winning is won, the CPU 80a determines the normal winning symbol to be fixed and displayed in the normal game and the variable time of the normal game. After that, the CPU 80a ends the normal symbol start process. If there is no winning in the normal game, the CPU 80a determines the normal winning symbol to be displayed as a fixed stop in the normal game and the variable time of the normal game. After that, the CPU 80a ends the normal symbol start process.

When the normal symbol start process is finished, the CPU 80a causes the normal game to be executed by a process different from the normal symbol start process. As an example, when the CPU 80a executes the normal game, the CPU 80a controls the normal symbol display section 21e to display a variable display of predetermined symbols. When the variable time determined in the normal symbol start process has elapsed, the CPU 80a controls the normal symbol display section 21e so as to display the normal symbol determined in the normal symbol start process as fixed and stopped. Further, when the variable time determined in the normal symbol start process has elapsed, the CPU 80a outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a normal end command) that can specify the end of the normal game to the performance control board 81.

Among the board-side normal processing, the normal winning game processing will be explained.
The normal winning game process is a process for awarding a normal winning game. When the CPU 80a determines and stops displaying the normal winning symbols in the normal game, the CPU 80a executes the normal winning game process after the normal winning normal game ends.

The CPU 80a controls the normal solenoid SL1 using open control data according to the current ball entry rate state (whether or not the ball entry assist function is activated), and opens the second starting port 23B. When the ball entry rate is high, the CPU 80a controls the normal solenoid SL1 so that the second starting port 23B is opened in the same manner as when the ball entry rate is high. When the ball entry rate is low, the CPU 80a controls the normal solenoid SL1 so that the second starting port 23B is opened in the same manner as when the ball entry rate is low. Compared to the opening mode when the ball entry rate is high, the opening mode when the ball entry rate is high is such that the number of times the second starting port 23B is opened in one normal winning game is larger, and One opening time of the second starting port 23B during a game is long. Therefore, when the second starting port 23B is opened in the open mode when the ball enters the ball in a high rate state, when the second starting port 23B is opened in the open mode when the ball enters the ball in the low ball enter rate state, In comparison, it is easy to enter the game ball into the second starting port 23B.

Among the board-side normal processing, the state transition processing will be explained.
When the CPU 80a finishes the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol among the jackpot symbols, the CPU 80a sets a high certainty flag in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a controls the high probability state by setting a high probability flag in the RAM 80c. After the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol ends, the CPU 80a does not erase the high probability flag until the next jackpot game is awarded. On the other hand, when the CPU 80a finishes the jackpot game based on the second jackpot symbol different from the first jackpot symbol, the CPU 80a does not set the high certainty flag in the RAM 80c. In other words, the CPU 80a controls to a low probability state. When starting a jackpot game and the high probability flag is set, the CPU 80a erases the high probability flag. That is, the CPU 80a controls the game to a low probability state during the jackpot game.

When the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol or the second jackpot symbol is completed, the CPU 80a sets a high ball entry flag in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a controls the high ball entry rate state by setting a high ball entry flag in the RAM 80c. After the end of the jackpot game based on the second jackpot symbol, the CPU 80a updates the value of the execution counter stored in the RAM 80c every time the special game ends, thereby increasing the number of executions of the special game after the end of the jackpot game. Count. When the special game in which the number of executions of the special game after the end of the jackpot game reaches the number of operations (100 times as an example) ends, the CPU 80a erases the high ball entry flag stored in the RAM 80c. That is, after the end of the jackpot game based on the second jackpot symbol, the CPU 80a controls to a low ball entry rate state when the special game for the number of times of activation ends. Note that the CPU 80a does not erase the high-ball entry flag after the jackpot game based on the first jackpot symbol ends until the next jackpot game is awarded. When the CPU 80a starts a jackpot game and the high-ball-ball flag is set, the CPU 80a erases the high-ball-ball flag. That is, the CPU 80a controls the ball into a low ball entry rate state during the jackpot game.

Of the board-side normal processing, winning processing will be explained.
The CPU 80a determines whether a detection signal is input from the first starting sensor D11, the second starting sensor D12, the count sensor D13, or the normal sensor D14. If the CPU 80a does not receive detection signals from the first starting sensor D11, the second starting sensor D12, the count sensor D13, and the normal sensor D14, the CPU 80a ends the winning process.

When the CPU 80a receives a detection signal from the first starting sensor D11, the CPU 80a outputs information on the number of won prize balls that can identify a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 4) to the frame control board 82, and also outputs information on the number of winning prize balls that can specify a predetermined number of prize balls (4 as an example) to the frame control board 82. 81. Further, when the CPU 80a receives a detection signal from the first starting sensor D11, it outputs starting opening winning information, which is game information that can specify the occurrence of starting opening winning, to the frame control board 82, and also outputs starting opening winning information to the production control board 82. Output to. When the CPU 80a receives a detection signal from the second starting sensor D12, it outputs information on the number of won prize balls that can identify a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 4) to the frame control board 82, and also outputs information on the number of winning prize balls that can specify a predetermined number of prize balls (four as an example) to the frame control board 82. 81. Moreover, when the CPU 80a receives a detection signal from the second starting sensor D12, it outputs the starting opening winning information to the frame control board 82 and to the performance control board 81.

When the CPU 80a receives a detection signal from the count sensor D13, it outputs acquired prize ball number information that can specify a predetermined number of prize balls (15 as an example) to the frame control board 82, and also outputs the information to the production control board 81. Output. Further, when the CPU 80a receives a detection signal from the count sensor D13, it outputs gaming information (hereinafter referred to as "big winning slot winning information") that can identify the occurrence of a big winning slot winning to the frame control board 82, and Output to the production control board 81. When the CPU 80a receives a detection signal from the normal sensor D14, the CPU 80a outputs acquired prize ball number information that can specify a predetermined number of prize balls (8 as an example) to the frame control board 82, and also outputs the information to the production control board 81. Output. Further, when the CPU 80a receives a detection signal from the normal sensor D14, it outputs normal winning information, which is game information that can identify the occurrence of a normal winning, to the frame control board 82 and to the performance control board 81.

Various processes executed by the production control board 81 (CPU 81a) will be explained.
The jackpot production process will be explained.
The jackpot performance process is a process for executing a performance during a jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as jackpot performance). When the opening command is input, the CPU 81a controls the production device ES to execute the opening production. When the CPU 81a inputs the round command, it controls the production device ES to execute the round production. When the CPU 81a inputs the ending start command, it controls the effect device ES to execute the ending effect. When the CPU 81a inputs the ending end command, it controls the effect device ES to end the ending effect.

The production game processing will be explained.
The effect game process is a process for executing the effect game as one of the display effects related to the special game while the special game is being executed. When the CPU 81a inputs the variation start command and the special symbol command, it controls the production device ES including the production display section 19 to execute the production game. Specifically, when the CPU 81a inputs the variation start command, the CPU 81a determines the production pattern (performance content) of the production game based on the variation pattern that can be specified from the variation start command. Further, when a special symbol command is input, the CPU 81a determines a symbol combination to be fixed and displayed in the production game based on the special symbol that can be specified from the special symbol command. If the jackpot symbol can be specified from the special symbol command, the CPU 81a determines the jackpot symbol combination. The CPU 81a determines a non-jackpot symbol combination when it is possible to specify a symbol that has deviated from the special symbol command. In addition, when executing the reach effect, the CPU 81a determines a non-jackpot symbol combination including the reach effect.

The CPU 81a controls the effect display unit 19 to start variable display of effect symbols in each symbol row in response to input of the variation start command. In other words, the CPU 81a starts the performance game. Further, when executing a predetermined effect in connection with the effect game, the CPU 81a controls the effect device ES including the effect display section 19 to execute the effect. When a predetermined timing arrives after starting the performance game, the CPU 81a causes the symbol combination to be temporarily stopped and displayed, and, triggered by the input of the variation end command, causes the symbol combination to be definitively stopped and displayed. Incidentally, the CPU 81a may cause the symbol combination to be fixed and stopped at the lapse of the variation time set in the variation pattern, irrespective of the variation end command. In this case, the variation end command may be omitted.

Next, various processes performed by the CPU 82a of the frame control board 82 by inputting signals from various sensors and switches will be described.
Of the frame-side normal processing, the supplied ball count monitoring processing will be explained.

When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been received by the supply unit 61 based on the supply entrance signal output by the supply entrance sensor D22, it adds up the number of supply entrance balls. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been received by the supply section 61 when the supply entrance signal changes from the off state to the on state to the off state. When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been received by the supply unit 61, the CPU 82a adds 1 to the number of balls at the supply entrance and stores it in the RAM 82c.

When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been discharged from the supply unit 61 based on the supply outlet signal output by the supply outlet sensor D23, it adds up the number of supply outlet balls. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been discharged from the supply section 61 when the supply exit signal changes from the off state to the on state to the off state. When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been discharged from the supply section 61, the CPU 82a adds 1 to the number of supply exit balls and stores it in the RAM 82c.

Of the frame side normal processing, the winning ball number monitoring processing will be explained.
When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied to the firing section 65 based on the supply exit signal output by the supply exit sensor D23, it adds up the number of fired balls. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied when the supply exit signal transitions from the off state to the on state to the off state. The CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information that allows identification of the updated number of fired balls. Thereby, the CPU 82a can specify the number of game balls fired toward the game area 20a according to the detection by the supply outlet sensor D23.

However, the CPU 82a is not limited to this, and the CPU 82a can detect that one game ball has been supplied to the firing section 65 based on the supply entrance signal outputted by the supply entrance sensor D22 instead of the supply exit signal outputted by the supply exit sensor D23. When detected, the number of fired balls may be added. When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied to the firing section 65 based on both the supply entrance signal outputted by the supply entrance sensor D22 and the supply exit signal outputted by the supply exit sensor D23, the CPU 82a calculates the number of fired balls. It may also be configured to add . That is, the CPU 82a may add the number of fired balls according to detection by at least one of the supply inlet sensor D22 and the supply outlet sensor D23.

Further, the CPU 82a may add the number of fired balls by driving the firing solenoid 66a. A sensor is provided in the launching passage 20c, and when the sensor detects a game ball fired from the firing section 65, the CPU 82a calculates the number of fired balls. A configuration in which the values are added may also be used. In this way, the number of fired balls is added in relation to at least one of the firing operation by the firing section 65 and the supplying operation by the supplying section 61. That is, the CPU 82a adds up the number of shot balls according to the shot of the game balls.

When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been collected from the gaming area 20a based on the out signal output by the out sensor D30, it adds up the number of collected balls. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been collected from the game area 20a when the out signal transitions from the off state to the on state to the off state. In this way, the CPU 82a adds up the number of collected items according to the detection by the out sensor D30. The CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information that allows identification of the updated number of collections.

The present invention is not limited to this, and instead of the out signal output by the out sensor D30, based on the winning path signal outputted by the winning path count sensor D25 and the non-winning path signal outputted by the non-winning path count sensor D26, The configuration may be such that when it is detected that the game balls have been collected from the game area 20a, the number of collected balls is added.

When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been collected as a return ball (foul ball) based on the foul signal output by the foul sensor D21, it adds up the number of collected balls. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been collected as a return ball (foul ball) when the foul signal transitions from the off state to the on state to the off state. In this way, the CPU 82a adds up the number of collections according to the detection by the foul sensor D21. The CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information that allows identification of the updated number of collections. Thereby, the CPU 82a can specify the number of game balls collected according to the detection by the out sensor D30 and the foul sensor D21.

Errors that can be detected by the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) will be described below.
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) can detect and set various errors by executing frame-side error setting processing. The frame-side error setting process is an example of error management control for managing errors. Error detection is limited when the ball is out. The frame-side error setting process is one of the frame-side normal processes.

The "detection condition" column in FIGS. 11 and 12 is the condition under which the CPU 82a sets an error. The "cancellation condition" column in FIGS. 11 and 12 is a condition for the CPU 82a to cancel the error setting. The "confirmation section" column in FIGS. 11 and 12 indicates the state of the gaming machine 10 in which the CPU 82a can detect and set errors. The "command" column in FIGS. 11 and 12 is control information (command) that the CPU 82a outputs to the production control board 81 (CPU 81a), and is an example of an error command.

The unauthorized radio wave detection error can be set, for example, in a situation where an abnormal radio wave is detected that may have a predetermined effect on detection by various sensors or switches, such as false detection by various sensors or switches. The management gaming machine communication error is configured to be settable, for example, in a situation where communication between the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 is not performed normally. For example, the supply mechanism error can be set in a situation where either the supply inlet sensor D22 or the supply outlet sensor D23 cannot normally detect a game ball.

The game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error can be set, for example, in a situation where there is some abnormality in the operation of the screw or the transport motor 52a, such as a failure of the screw or the transport motor 52a. The ejected ball path abnormality error can be set, for example, in a situation where the game balls ejected from the game area 20a are retained around the out sensor D30 and are not distributed to the transport section 52. The game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error is configured to be settable in a situation where game balls are not being transported due to the transport unit 52 not being able to perform the transport operation normally.

For example, the number of game balls over error can be set in a situation where the number of balls held by the player (second managed ball number) exceeds a predetermined number of balls (40,000 as an example). For example, the circulating ball insufficient number error can be set in a situation where there is a high possibility that the number of game balls circulating inside the machine is insufficient. For example, the circulating ball excessive number error can be set in a situation where there is a high possibility that there is an excessive number of game balls circulating inside the machine.

For example, the frame disconnection error can be set in a situation where a communication line connecting the frame control board 82 and each sensor and each switch is disconnected. As an example, the game ball number clear error can be set in a situation where the second management ball number is initialized. The abnormal number of winning balls error can be set, for example, in a situation where the number of collected balls is smaller than the number of fired balls due to the game balls staying in the gaming area 20a. For example, the door opening error can be set in a situation where the mounting frame 11b is opened with respect to the outer frame 11a.

As described above, the errors that can be detected by the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) include, for example, a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error, an ejected ball passage abnormality error, and a game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error. There are several types of errors related to the mechanism. That is, the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) is capable of detecting multiple types of errors regarding the mechanism for circulating game balls, and sets the error when the error detection condition is satisfied. In addition, errors that can be detected by the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) include, for example, an error in the number of game balls exceeded, an error in the number of game balls cleared, and an error in the number of winning balls, which function as a gaming machine that manages game media as data. There are multiple types of errors related to configuration. In other words, the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) is capable of detecting multiple types of errors related to the configuration for functioning as a gaming machine that manages gaming media as data, and detects the error when the error detection conditions are met. Set.

Below, among the multiple types of errors shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, as an example, we will specifically explain the frame side error setting process related to the over game ball count error, the game ball count clear error, and the abnormal number of winning balls error. do.

The detection condition for the game ball count over error is that the second managed ball number, which is an example of the number of balls held by the player, exceeds a predetermined number of balls (40,000 as an example). The CPU 82a sets a game ball number over error when the second managed ball number exceeds a predetermined number of balls.

The condition for canceling the game ball number over error is that the second managed ball number becomes less than or equal to a specific number of balls (35,000 as an example). The specific number of pitches is less than the predetermined number of pitches. The CPU 82a cancels the setting of the game ball number over error when the second managed ball number becomes less than or equal to the specific number of balls. The game ball count over error is detected as a confirmation period other than during the ball removal state.

The detection condition for the game ball number clear error is that power supply is started while the game ball clear switch 82g is being operated in a predetermined manner. If the game ball clear signal is in the on state when power supply is started, the CPU 82a sets a game ball number clear error. That is, the CPU 82a sets a game ball number clear error when the second management ball number is initialized.

The clearing condition for the game ball number clear error is that a specific time (30 seconds as an example) has elapsed since the supply outlet sensor D23, foul sensor D21, or out sensor D30 detected a game ball. When the CPU 82a receives the supply exit signal output from the supply exit sensor D23, the foul signal output from the foul sensor D21, or the out signal output from the out sensor D30, it starts measuring the release time. The CPU 82a cancels the game ball count clear error setting when the cancellation time exceeds a specific time. When a game ball is detected by the supply outlet sensor D23, when a game ball is detected by the foul sensor D21, or when a game ball is detected by the out sensor D30, the game ball is launched toward the game area 20a. be able to identify what happened. In this manner, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the number of game balls clear error when a specific time has elapsed after specifying the firing of game balls. The game ball count clear error is detected as a confirmation period other than during the ball removal state.

The abnormal number of winning balls error indicates that the difference between the number of game balls detected by the supply outlet sensor D23 and the number of game balls detected by the foul sensor D21 and the out sensor D30 is a specific number (100 as an example) or more. This is the detection condition. When the difference between the number of fired balls and the number of collected balls reaches a specific number, the CPU 82a sets an abnormal number of winning balls error. In other words, the CPU 82a specifies the difference between the number of game balls fired toward the game area 20a and the number of game balls collected by the winning/winning slot 30a, the non-winning slot 30b, and the foul receiving slot 30c. Set an abnormal number of winning pitches error when the number exceeds the number. Note that, after setting the winning ball number abnormal error, the CPU 82a may or may not update the number of fired balls and the number of collected balls in the winning ball number monitoring process.

More specifically, the CPU 82a sets an abnormal number of winning balls error when the number of fired balls exceeds the number of collected balls by a specific number. In other words, the CPU 82a determines that the number of game balls fired toward the game area 20a is greater than or equal to a specific number than the number of game balls collected by the prize receiving port 30a, the non-winning receiving port 30b, and the foul receiving port 30c. Set an abnormal number of winning pitches error when the number increases. Further, the CPU 82a sets an abnormal number of winning balls error when the number of fired balls becomes less than the number of collected balls by a specific number or more. In other words, the CPU 82a determines that the number of game balls fired toward the game area 20a is greater than or equal to a specific number than the number of game balls collected by the prize receiving port 30a, the non-winning receiving port 30b, and the foul receiving port 30c. Set an abnormal error in the number of winning pitches when the number is low.

The abnormal error in the number of winning pitches is canceled only when the power is restored. The CPU 82a does not cancel the winning pitch abnormality error setting until the power supply is stopped. That is, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the abnormal number of winning balls error when the power supply is stopped or when the power supply is started. There is no way to cancel the abnormal number of winning pitches error setting other than turning the power back on. For example, the setting of an abnormal number of winning pitches error is not canceled even if the error cancellation switch 82f is pressed. For example, the setting of abnormal number of winning balls error is not canceled even if the difference between the number of fired balls and the number of collected balls becomes less than a specific number. In other words, the abnormal number of winning balls error setting is based on the number of game balls fired toward the gaming area 20a, and the number of game balls collected by the winning receiving port 30a, the non-winning receiving port 30b, and the foul receiving port 30c. Even if the difference between and becomes less than a certain number, it will not be canceled. The error in the number of winning balls is detected as a confirmation period other than during the ball-out state.

Next, the process of setting an error and the process of canceling the setting of an error, which are performed by the CPU 82a in the frame-side error setting process, will be described in detail.
When the detection condition for any one of the plurality of types of errors is satisfied, the CPU 82a turns on (sets to 1) a flag that can identify that the error has been set and stores it in the RAM 82c. Further, when the cancellation condition for any one of the plurality of types of errors is satisfied, the CPU 82a turns off (sets to 0) a flag that can identify that the error has been set, and stores it in the RAM 82c. This will be explained in detail below.

As shown in FIG. 13, the RAM 82c can store frame error information as an example of error information regarding multiple types of errors shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The frame error information includes frame error information 1 and frame error information 2. The frame error information 1 and the frame error information 2 each consist of 1 byte. That is, frame error information 1 and frame error information 2 are each composed of 8 bits. Each bit functions as a flag that can specify that the error has been set in relation to the error associated with it in advance. In other words, each bit functions as a flag that can specify that the error associated with it in advance is not set.

As an example, bit 0 of frame error information 1 is a flag that can specify that an unauthorized radio wave detection error has been set. The CPU 82a turns on bit 0 of the frame error information 1 (sets it to 1) when the detection condition for the unauthorized radio wave detection error is satisfied. The CPU 82a turns off bit 0 of the frame error information 1 (sets it to 0) when the cancellation condition for the unauthorized radio wave detection error is satisfied.

As an example, bit 2 of frame error information 2 is a flag that can specify that a game ball number clear error has been set. The CPU 82a turns on bit 2 of the frame error information 2 (sets it to 1) when the detection condition for the game ball count clear error is satisfied. The CPU 82a turns off bit 2 of the frame error information 2 (sets it to 0) when the cancellation condition for the game ball count clear error is satisfied. Regarding other errors, when the detection condition is satisfied, the CPU 82a turns on (sets to 1) a bit in the frame error information associated with the error for which the detection condition is satisfied. Similarly, when the cancellation condition is met, the CPU 82a turns off (sets to 0) the bit in the frame error information associated with the error for which the cancellation condition was met. Note that "-" in the "Error Type" column indicates that there is no error associated with the bit in this frame error information. In other words, frame error information 2 includes empty bits that are not associated with errors.

Incidentally, when the detection condition for the managed gaming machine communication error is satisfied, the CPU 82a stores that the managed gaming machine internal communication error is set in error information different from frame error information 1 and frame error information 2 in the RAM 82c. As will be described later, the CPU 82a outputs control information that can specify frame error information 1 and frame error information 2 to the game control board 80 (CPU 80a). There is a high possibility that the communication error within the managed gaming machine is due to communication between the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 not being performed normally. In other words, in a situation where a communication error within the managed gaming machine is set, there is a high possibility that the game control board 80 cannot properly input frame error information 1 and frame error information 2. Therefore, it is not necessary to include in the frame error information 1 and frame error information 2 output to the game control board 80 whether or not a communication error within the managed gaming machine is set. The present invention is not limited to this, and information that can specify whether or not a managed gaming machine communication error is set may be included in the slot error information 1 and the slot error information 2.

In this way, frame error information 1 and frame error information 2 are error information regarding multiple types of errors, and are information that can specify that an error has been set. Frame error information 1 and frame error information 2 are error information regarding multiple types of errors, and are information that can specify that no error has been set.

Here, the CPU 82a sends control information that can specify frame error information 1 (hereinafter referred to as frame error information 1 command) and control information that can identify frame error information 2 (hereinafter referred to as frame error information 2 command) to the game. Output to the control board 80 (CPU 80a). As described above, the CPU 82a outputs response information to the game control board 80 based on input of game information from the game control board 80 at regular intervals (108 ms as an example). The CPU 82a outputs the frame error information 1 command and the frame error information 2 command to the game control board 80 together with the response information. The frame error information 1 command and the frame error information 2 command may be included in the response information, or may be output as control information separate from the response information. In this way, the Frame Error Information 1 command and Frame Error Information 2 command are used as control information that can specify Frame Error Information 1 and Frame Error Information 2 at fixed intervals (for example, 108 ms) when the Frame Error Information 1 and Frame Error Information 2 are output. It is output to the control board 80. The frame control board 82 (CPU82a) can output commands related to errors that can be set in the frame control board 82 (CPU82a) to the game control board 80 (CPU80a).

When the CPU 80a inputs the frame error information 1 command, the CPU 80a stores the frame error information 1 in the RAM 80c. Each time the CPU 80a inputs the frame error information 1 command, the CPU 80a stores frame error information 1 based on the input frame error information 1 command in the RAM 80c. Similarly, when the CPU 80a inputs the frame error information 2 command, the CPU 80a stores the frame error information 2 in the RAM 80c. Each time the CPU 80a inputs the frame error information 2 command, the CPU 80a stores frame error information 2 based on the input frame error information 2 command in the RAM 80c. In this way, the game control board 80 (CPU80a) uses error information (error information) that can identify that an error has been set in the frame control board 82 (CPU82a) based on the command input from the frame control board 82 (CPU82a). It is possible to store frame error information 1 and frame error information 2). Therefore, the same information as frame error information 1 and frame error information 2 stored in the RAM 82c is stored in the RAM 80c. Frame error information 1 stored in the RAM 80c is an example of first error information. Frame error information 2 stored in the RAM 80c is an example of first error information.

As described above, the gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to detect multiple types of errors and to set the error when the error detection conditions are met. The frame control board 82 can store error information (frame error information 1 and frame error information 2) regarding multiple types of errors. Similarly, the game control board 80 can store error information (frame error information 1 and frame error information 2) regarding multiple types of errors.

Next, error command processing performed by the CPU 80a will be explained.
The error command process is a process for outputting an error command shown in the "command" column of FIGS. 11 and 12 from the game control board 80 (CPU80a) to the production control board 81 (CPU81a). The error command process is one of the processes executed as the timer interrupt process described above. In other words, error command processing is executed at predetermined intervals (4 ms as an example).

In error command processing, the CPU 80a generates an error command when an error is set or when an error setting is canceled. When an error is set, the CPU 80a generates an error setting command in order to output control information (hereinafter referred to as an error setting command) that can specify that the error has been set. The CPU 80a generates an error cancellation command in order to output control information (hereinafter referred to as an error cancellation command) that can specify that the error setting has been canceled when the error setting is canceled.

As an example, when an unauthorized radio wave detection error is set, the CPU 80a generates 9600H as an error setting command and sets it in the output buffer. As an example, when the unauthorized radio wave detection error setting is canceled, the CPU 80a generates 9601H as an error cancellation command and sets it in the output buffer. In addition, in this embodiment, the control information (command) set in the output buffer is output to the production control board 81 in a predetermined output process. The predetermined output process is one of the processes executed as the timer interrupt process described above.

As an example, when a game ball count clear error is set, the CPU 80a generates 9614H as an error setting command and sets it in the output buffer. As an example, when the setting of the game ball number clear error is canceled, the CPU 80a generates 9615H as an error cancellation command and sets it in the output buffer. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when an error is set for other errors, the CPU 80a generates an error setting command that can specify that the error has been set, and sets it in the output buffer. Similarly, when the error setting is canceled, the CPU 80a generates an error cancellation command that can specify that the error setting has been canceled, and sets it in the output buffer. The production control board 81 (CPU 81a) executes production-side error notification processing to start and end error notification based on the input error setting command and error cancellation command. The performance-side error notification process will be described later.

Here, specific processing in error command processing for generating an error command will be explained. First, error command processing (hereinafter referred to as error command 1 processing) for generating an error command corresponding to an error that can be specified by frame error information 1 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 80a sets data of frame error information 1 stored in the RAM 80c in the A register as the current (current) frame error information (step S101). As an example, the program in step S101 is "LD A, (HL)". In this case, the address indicated by (HL) is the address where frame error information 1 is stored.

The CPU 80a sets the data in the A register, that is, the data of frame error information 1, in the D register (step S102). As an example, the program in step S102 is "LD D,A". The CPU 80a stores the data of the current (current) frame error information 1 (A register) and the data of the frame error information 1 when the previous error command 1 processing was executed (hereinafter referred to as the previous frame error information 1). , is set in the A register (step S103). As an example, the program in step S103 is "XOR (HL+04H)". In this case, the address indicated by (HL+04H) is the address where the previous frame error information 1 is stored. The previous frame error information 1 is an example of second error information.

The CPU 80a sets the data of the current (current) frame error information 1 (D register) to the previous frame error information 1 (step S104). As an example, the program in step S104 is "LD (HL+04H), D". In this case, the address indicated by (HL+04H) is the address where the previous frame error information 1 is stored. The process in step S104 is to be used as the previous frame error information 1 in step S103 when the error command 1 process is executed next time.

The CPU 80a sets the data in the A register, that is, the data of the exclusive OR performed in step S103, in the E register (step S105). As an example, the program in step S105 is "LD E,A". The CPU 80a sets 08H in the B register as the number of repetitions of the process (step S106). As an example, the program in step S106 is "LD B,08H".

The CPU 80a bit-shifts the data in the E register to the right (step S107). As an example, the program in step S107 is "SRA E". The CPU 80a determines whether CY (carry flag) is on (1) as a result of bit shifting the E register to the right in step S107 (step S108). As an example, the program in step S108 is "JRC, WWWW". In this case, WWWW is data that can specify the address to jump to when the carry flag is on (the address in step S110). If the carry flag is on (step S108: YES), the CPU 80a jumps to step S110 to perform processing.

If the carry flag is not on (step S108: NO), the CPU 80a bit-shifts the data in the D register to the right (step S109). As an example, the program in step S109 is "SRA D". The CPU 80a then jumps to step S116 and performs the process. Processing after step S116 will be described later.

When the CPU 80a determines YES in step S108 and jumps to step S110, the CPU 80a sets the data in the C register to the L register (step S110). As an example, the program in step S110 is "LDL, C". Note that the C register is set to 00H before the error command 1 processing starts.

The CPU 80a bit-shifts the data in the D register to the right (step S111). As an example, the program in step S111 is "SRA D". The CPU 80a determines whether CY (carry flag) is on (1) as a result of bit shifting the D register to the right in step S111 (step S112). As an example, the program in step S112 is "JRC, XXXX". In this case, XXXX is data that can specify the address to jump to when the carry flag is on (the address in step S114). If the carry flag is on (step S112: YES), the CPU 80a jumps to step S114 and performs processing.

If the carry flag is not on (step S112: NO), the CPU 80a adds 1 to the L register (step S113). As an example, the program in step S112 is "INC L".

The CPU 80a sets the upper byte data (96H) of the error command in the H register (step S114). As an example, the program in step S114 is "LD H,96H". The CPU 80a sets the H register as the upper byte, the L register as the lower byte, and sets the HL register in the output buffer (step S115). The process of setting the HL register in the output buffer is performed in the output buffer process, which is a separate process from the error command 1 process, so the output buffer process is called. The present invention is not limited to this, and the process of setting the HL register to the output buffer may be performed in the error command 1 process. As an example, the program in step S115 is "RST YYYY". In this case, YYYY is data that can specify the address of output buffer processing.

When the data in the D register is bit-shifted to the right in step S109, and when the output buffer processing is completed, the CPU 80a adds 2 to the C register (step S116). As an example, the program in step S116 is "INC C", and by executing the program twice, 2 is added to the C register.

The CPU 80a subtracts 1 from the B register (step S117), and determines whether the B register has become 0 (step S118). As an example, the program in step S117 and step S118 is "DJNZ ZZZZZ". In this case, ZZZZ is data that can specify the address to jump to (the address in step S107) when the B register becomes 00H.

If the B register does not become 0, the CPU 80a jumps to step S107 and performs processing. When the B register becomes 0, the CPU 80a ends the error command 1 processing. Note that the C register holds the current data without setting 00H. Incidentally, the C register becomes 10H when the error command 1 processing is completed. After completing the error command 1 processing, the CPU 80a executes error command processing (hereinafter referred to as error command 2 processing) that generates an error command corresponding to an error that can be specified by frame error information 2. .

Error command 2 processing executes the same program as error command 1 processing. Regarding the error command 1 processing described above, error command 2 processing changes "previous frame error information 1" to "previous frame error information 2", "frame error information 1" to "frame error information 2", and "error command 1" to "previous frame error information 2". ``Processing'' has been replaced with ``Error Command 2 Processing'', so detailed explanation thereof will be omitted. The previous frame error information 2 is an example of second error information.

Next, a specific example of the flow of processing in which an error command is generated when error command processing is executed will be described.
As shown in FIG. 15A, when the error command 1 processing starts, it is assumed that the previous frame error information 1 stored in the RAM 80c is 96H in hexadecimal. That is, assume that when the previous error command 1 process was executed, a supply mechanism error, a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error, a game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error, and an excessive number of circulating balls error were set. On the other hand, it is assumed that when the previous error command 1 process was executed, an unauthorized radio wave detection error, an error in the ejected ball path, an over-number of game balls error, and an under-number of circulating balls error were not set. In this way, the previous frame error information 1 indicates that an error was set when the previous error command 1 process was executed, and that the error was set separately for multiple types of errors. This is information that allows you to specify which of the conditions were not met.

As shown in FIG. 15(b), it is assumed that when error command 1 processing starts, frame error information 1 stored in the RAM 80c is 35H in hexadecimal. That is, when the current error command 1 process is executed, it is assumed that an illegal radio wave detection error, a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error, a game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error, and a game ball number over error are set. On the other hand, when the current error command 1 process is executed, it is assumed that a supply mechanism error, an abnormal discharge ball passage error, an insufficient number of circulating balls error, and an excessive number of circulating balls error are not set. In this way, frame error information 1 indicates that an error is set when the current error command 1 process is executed for multiple types of errors, and that an error is not set. This is information that can specify which state is not present.

As described above, depending on the previous frame error information 1 and frame error information 1, for multiple types of errors (8 types as an example), the state where no error is set is changed to the state where an error is set. It is possible to identify what happened. Further, by using the previous frame error information 1 and the frame error information 1, it is possible to specify, for each of a plurality of types of errors, that a state where an error has been set has transitioned from a state where an error has been set to a state where no error has been set.

Specifically, since bit 0 has been updated from off to on, it is possible to specify that the unauthorized radio wave detection error has transitioned from a state where no error is set to a state where an error is set. In other words, it is possible to specify that an unauthorized radio wave detection error is set when the detection condition is satisfied. Since bit 1 has been updated from on to off, it is possible to specify that the supply mechanism error has transitioned from a state in which an error is set to a state in which no error is set. In other words, it is possible to specify that the setting of the supply mechanism error is canceled when the cancellation condition is met. Since bit 2 remains on and has not been updated, it is possible to specify that the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error remains in the state in which the error has been set. In other words, it is possible to specify that the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error continues to be set without the cancellation condition being satisfied. Since bit 3 remains off and has not been updated, it is possible to identify that the ejection bulb passage abnormality error remains in a state where no error is set. In other words, it is possible to specify that the ejection bulb path abnormality error is not continuously set because the detection condition is not satisfied.

Since bit 4 remains on and has not been updated, it is possible to specify that the game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error remains in the state where the error is set. In other words, it is possible to specify that the game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error continues to be set without the cancellation condition being satisfied. Since bit 5 has been updated from OFF to ON, it is possible to specify that the game ball number over error has shifted from a state in which no error is set to a state in which an error is set. In other words, it is possible to specify that the game ball over-number error is set when the detection condition is met. Since bit 6 remains OFF and has not been updated, it is possible to specify that the error due to an insufficient number of circulating balls remains in a state in which no error is set. In other words, it is possible to specify that the circulating ball count error is not continuously set because the detection condition is not satisfied. Since bit 7 has been updated from on to off, it is possible to specify that the excessive number of circulating balls error has shifted from a state in which an error is set to a state in which no error is set. In other words, it is possible to specify that the setting for the excessive number of circulating balls error is canceled when the cancellation condition is met.

Here, the data generated by the exclusive OR of the previous frame error information 1 and the frame error information 1 is determined whether the data is different for each bit between the previous frame error information 1 and the frame error information 1. is configured such that it can be identified. As shown in FIGS. 15(a) to (c), for example, if bit 0 of previous frame error information 1 is 0 and bit 0 of frame error information 1 is 1, the Bit 0 of the data becomes 1. For example, when bit 1 of the previous frame error information 1 is 1 and bit 1 of the frame error information 1 is 0, bit 1 of the data generated by exclusive OR becomes 1. For example, when bit 2 of the previous frame error information 1 is 1 and bit 2 of the frame error information 1 is 1, bit 2 of the data generated by exclusive OR becomes 0. For example, when bit 3 of the previous frame error information 1 is 0 and bit 3 of the frame error information 1 is 0, bit 3 of the data generated by exclusive OR becomes 0.

In other words, the data generated by the exclusive OR of the previous frame error information 1 and the frame error information 1 has multiple types of errors, each with an error set from no error set. This is information that can specify that the state has shifted to a new state, or that the state has shifted from a state in which an error has been set to a state in which no error has been set. The data generated by exclusive OR indicates, for multiple types of errors, the transition from a state in which no error is set to a state in which an error is set, and a state in which an error is set. It can also be said that this is information that can be used to specify whether or not the state has transitioned from a state in which no error has been set. The data generated by the exclusive OR of the previous frame error information 1 and the frame error information 1 is an example of comparison information.

Similarly, the data generated by the exclusive OR of the previous frame error information 2 and the frame error information 2 is divided into multiple types of errors, from a state where no error is set to a state where an error is set. This is information that can specify that the state has transitioned to a state where an error has been set, or that the state has moved from a state where an error has been set to a state where no error has been set. The data generated by exclusive OR indicates, for multiple types of errors, the transition from a state in which no error is set to a state in which an error is set, and a state in which an error is set. It can also be said that this is information that can specify whether or not the state has transitioned from a state in which no error has been set. The data generated by the exclusive OR of the previous frame error information 2 and the frame error information 2 is an example of comparison information. In this way, the comparison information is composed of 8-bit data, and for each of the maximum 8 types of errors, it is possible to indicate the transition from a state where no error is set to a state where an error is set, Alternatively, it is information that can identify a transition from a state in which an error is set to a state in which no error is set.

In step S101 in FIG. 14, the frame error information 1 shown in FIG. 15(b) is set in the A-gire register, so it becomes 35H. In step S102, the D giresta becomes 35H. In step S103, the A register becomes a3H because the exclusive OR of FIG. 15(a) and FIG. 15(b) is set. In step S104, the previous frame error information 1 becomes 35H. As shown in FIG. 15(c), in step S105, the E register becomes a3H. In step S106, the B register becomes 08H.

As shown in FIG. 15(d), in step S107, the E register is bit-shifted to the right. That is, the data of bits 0 to 7 shown in FIG. 15(c) are set shifted to the right by one bit. Specifically, the data set in bit 7 is set in bit 6. The data set in bit6 is set in bit5. The data set in bit5 is set in bit4. The data set in bit4 is set in bit3. The data set in bit3 is set in bit2. The data set in bit2 is set in bit1. The data set in bit1 is set in bit0. Incidentally, bit 7 is set to 0. Then, the data set in bit 0 is set in CY (carry flag).

In step S108, as shown in FIG. 15(d), since the carry flag is on, the process jumps to step S110. Here, the data set in the carry flag indicates that the illegal radio wave detection error has transitioned from a state where no error is set to a state where an error is set, or from a state where an error is set. This is information that can specify that the state has transitioned to a state where no error has been set. Since the carry flag is on, it indicates that the unauthorized radio wave detection error has transitioned from a state where no error was set to a state where an error was set, and that a state where an error was set was changed to a state where an error was set. It is shown that the state has either shifted to a state where it is not.

In step S110, since the C register is 00H, 00H is set in the L register. As shown in FIG. 15(e), in step S111, the D register is bit-shifted to the right. That is, the data of bits 0 to 7 shown in FIG. 15(b) are set shifted to the right by one bit. Incidentally, bit 7 is set to 0. Then, the data set in bit 0 is set in CY (carry flag).

In step S112, as shown in FIG. 15(e), since the carry flag is on, the process jumps to step S114. Here, the data set in the carry flag specifies whether the unauthorized radio wave detection error is set as an error or not set. This is possible information. Since the carry flag is on, this indicates that an unauthorized radio wave detection error has been set. In this case, the L register is not updated from 00H. In step S114, the H register becomes 96H. In other words, the HL register becomes 9600H. In step S115, 9600H is set in the output buffer. In this manner, when an unauthorized radio wave detection error is set, the CPU 80a generates 9600H as an error setting command and sets it in the output buffer.

In step S116, 2 is added to the C register to become 02H. In step S117, the B register is subtracted by 1 and becomes 07H. In step S118, the B register is not 00H, so the process jumps to step S107.

As shown in FIG. 16(a), in step S107, the E register is bit-shifted to the right. That is, the data of bits 0 to 7 shown in FIG. 15(d) are set shifted to the right by one bit. Incidentally, bit 7 is set to 0. Then, the data set in bit 0 is set in CY (carry flag).

In step S108, as shown in FIG. 16(a), since the carry flag is on, the process jumps to step S110. Here, the data set in the carry flag indicates that the supply mechanism error has transitioned from a state where no error is set to a state where an error is set, or from a state where an error is set to an error state. This is information that can specify that the state has transitioned to a state in which the Since the carry flag is on, it indicates that the supply mechanism error has transitioned from a state where no error was set to a state where an error was set, and from a state where an error was set to a state where an error was set. It is shown that the state has shifted to a state where there is no state.

In step S110, since the C register is 02H, 02H is set in the L register. As shown in FIG. 16(b), in step S111, the D register is bit-shifted to the right. That is, the data of bits 0 to 7 shown in FIG. 15(e) are set shifted to the right by one bit. Incidentally, bit 7 is set to 0. Then, the data set in bit 0 is set in CY (carry flag).

In step S112, as shown in FIG. 16(b), since the carry flag is off, the process does not jump to step S114. Here, the data set in the carry flag can specify whether an error is set or not set regarding a supply mechanism error. This is great information. The carry flag is off, indicating that no supply mechanism error has been set. In this case, in step S113, the L register is incremented by 1 and becomes 03H. In step S114, the H register becomes 96H. In other words, the HL register becomes 9603H. In step S115, 9603H is set in the output buffer. In this manner, when the supply mechanism error setting is canceled, the CPU 80a generates 9603H as an error cancellation command and sets it in the output buffer.

In step S116, 2 is added to the C register to become 04H. In step S117, the B register is subtracted by 1 and becomes 06H. In step S118, the B register is not 00H, so the process jumps to step S107.

As shown in FIG. 17(a), in step S107, the E register is bit-shifted to the right. That is, the data of bits 0 to 7 shown in FIG. 16(a) are set shifted to the right by one bit. Incidentally, bit 7 is set to 0. Then, the data set in bit 0 is set in CY (carry flag).

In step S108, as shown in FIG. 17(a), since the carry flag is off, the process does not jump to step S110. Here, the data set in the carry flag indicates that the game ball circulation mechanism abnormal error has transitioned from a state where no error has been set to a state where an error has been set, or that an error has been set. This is information that can identify the transition from a state to a state in which no error has been set. Since the carry flag is OFF, regarding the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error, there is a transition from a state where no error is set to a state where an error is set, and a state where an error is set is changed to a state where an error is set. It is shown that there is no transition to a state that is not set. In other words, regarding the game ball circulation mechanism abnormal error, it is shown that either it has not transitioned from a state where no error is set, or it has not transitioned from a state where an error has been set. .

As shown in FIG. 17(b), in step S109, the D register is bit-shifted to the right. That is, the data of bits 0 to 7 shown in FIG. 16(b) are set shifted to the right by one bit. Incidentally, bit 7 is set to 0. Then, the process jumps to step S116.

In this way, when the game ball circulation mechanism abnormal error has been set in the previous error command 1 processing and continues to be set in the current error command 1 processing, the CPU 80a executes the error setting command and the error cancellation command. Do not set any of them in the output buffer.

In step S116, 2 is added to the C register to become 06H. In step S117, the B register is subtracted by 1 and becomes 05H. In step S118, the B register is not 00H, so the process jumps to step S107.

As shown in FIG. 18(a), in step S107, the E register is bit-shifted to the right. That is, the data of bits 0 to 7 shown in FIG. 17(a) are set shifted to the right by one bit. Incidentally, bit 7 is set to 0. Then, the data set in bit 0 is set in CY (carry flag).

In step S108, as shown in FIG. 18(a), since the carry flag is off, the process does not jump to step S110. Here, the data set in the carry flag indicates the transition from a state where no error is set to a state where an error is set, or a state where an error is set regarding the ejection bulb path abnormality error. This is information that can identify the transition from the state to the state where no error is set. Since the carry flag is off, regarding the ejection bulb passage abnormality error, it is possible to see that the state has transitioned from a state in which no error was set to a state in which an error has been set, and that a state in which an error has been set has been changed to a state in which an error has been set. It is shown that there has been no transition to a state in which there is no state. In other words, regarding the ejection ball path abnormality error, it is shown that either the state has not transitioned from a state in which no error has been set, or the state has not transitioned from a state in which an error has been set.

As shown in FIG. 18(b), in step S109, the D register is bit-shifted to the right. That is, the data of bits 0 to 7 shown in FIG. 17(b) are set shifted to the right by one bit. Incidentally, bit 7 is set to 0. Then, the process jumps to step S116.

In this way, when the ejection ball path abnormality error has not been set in the previous error command 1 processing and has not been continuously set in the current error command 1 processing, the CPU 80a issues an error setting command and an error cancellation command. Do not set any of them in the output buffer.

In step S116, 2 is added to the C register to become 08H. In step S117, the B register is subtracted by 1 and becomes 04H. In step S118, the B register is not 00H, so the process jumps to step S107.

As shown in FIG. 19(a), in step S107, the E register is bit-shifted to the right. That is, the data of bits 0 to 7 shown in FIG. 18(a) are set shifted to the right by one bit. Incidentally, bit 7 is set to 0. Then, the data set in bit 0 is set in CY (carry flag).

In step S108, as shown in FIG. 19(a), since the carry flag is off, the process does not jump to step S110. Here, the data set in the carry flag indicates that the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error has transitioned from a state where no error is set to a state where an error is set, or that an error has been set. This is information that can identify the transition from a state in which an error has been set to a state in which no error has been set. Since the carry flag is off, regarding the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error, there has been a transition from a state where no error was set to a state where an error was set, and a state where an error was set was changed to a state where an error was set. It is shown that there is no transition to a state where is not set. In other words, regarding the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error, it is shown that either the state has not transitioned from a state in which no error has been set, or it has not transitioned from a state in which an error has been set. There is.

As shown in FIG. 19(b), in step S109, the D register is bit-shifted to the right. That is, the data of bits 0 to 7 shown in FIG. 18(b) are set shifted to the right by one bit. Incidentally, bit 7 is set to 0. Then, the process jumps to step S116.

In this way, when the game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error has been set in the previous error command 1 processing and continues to be set in the current error command 1 processing, the CPU 80a executes the error setting command and error cancellation. None of the commands set the output buffer.

In step S116, the C register is added by 2 to become 0aH. In step S117, the B register is subtracted by 1 and becomes 03H. In step S118, the B register is not 00H, so the process jumps to step S107.

As shown in FIG. 20(a), in step S107, the E register is bit-shifted to the right. That is, the data of bits 0 to 7 shown in FIG. 19(a) are set shifted to the right by one bit. Incidentally, bit 7 is set to 0. Then, the data set in bit 0 is set in CY (carry flag).

In step S108, as shown in FIG. 20(a), since the carry flag is on, the process jumps to step S110. Here, the data set in the carry flag indicates the transition from a state in which no error is set to a state in which an error is set, or a state in which an error is set regarding the number of game balls over error. This is information that can identify the transition from the state to the state where no error is set. Since the carry flag is on, regarding the game ball count over error, there is a transition from a state where no error is set to a state where an error is set, and a state where an error is set to a state where an error is set. It is shown that the state has transitioned to a state in which the

In step S110, since the C register is 0aH, the L register is set to 0aH. As shown in FIG. 20(b), in step S111, the D register is bit-shifted to the right. That is, the data of bits 0 to 7 shown in FIG. 19(b) are set shifted to the right by one bit. Incidentally, bit 7 is set to 0. Then, the data set in bit 0 is set in CY (carry flag).

In step S112, as shown in FIG. 20(b), since the carry flag is on, the process jumps to step S114. Here, the data set in the carry flag indicates whether an error is set or no error is set regarding the game ball over error. Identifiable information. Since the carry flag is on, it indicates that a game ball over-number error has been set. In this case, the L register is not updated from 0aH. In step S114, the H register becomes 96H. In other words, the HL register becomes 960aH. In step S115, 960aH is set in the output buffer. In this way, when the game ball number over error is set, the CPU 80a generates 960aH as an error setting command and sets it in the output buffer.

In step S116, the C register is added by 2 to become 0cH. In step S117, the B register is subtracted by 1 and becomes 02H. In step S118, the B register is not 00H, so the process jumps to step S107.

As shown in FIG. 21(a), in step S107, the E register is bit-shifted to the right. That is, the data of bits 0 to 7 shown in FIG. 20(a) are set shifted to the right by one bit. Incidentally, bit 7 is set to 0. Then, the data set in bit 0 is set in CY (carry flag).

In step S108, as shown in FIG. 21(a), since the carry flag is off, the process does not jump to step S110. Here, the data set in the carry flag indicates the transition from a state where no error is set to a state where an error is set, or a state where an error is set regarding the circulating ball count error. This is information that can identify the transition from the state to the state where no error is set. Since the carry flag is off, regarding the low circulating ball count error, there is a transition from a state where no error is set to a state where an error is set, and a state where an error is set to a state where an error is set. It is shown that there has been no transition to a state in which there is no state. In other words, regarding the circulating ball count error, it is shown that there is either no transition from a state where no error is set, or a state where no error is set.

As shown in FIG. 21(b), in step S109, the D register is bit-shifted to the right. That is, the data of bits 0 to 7 shown in FIG. 20(b) are set shifted to the right by one bit. Incidentally, bit 7 is set to 0. Then, the process jumps to step S116.

In this way, the CPU 80a executes the error setting command and the error cancellation command when the circulating ball count insufficient error has not been set in the previous error command 1 processing and has not been continuously set in the current error command 1 processing. Do not set any of them in the output buffer.

In step S116, the C register is added by 2 to become 0eH. In step S117, the B register is subtracted by 1 and becomes 01H. In step S118, the B register is not 00H, so the process jumps to step S107.

As shown in FIG. 22(a), in step S107, the E register is bit-shifted to the right. That is, the data of bits 0 to 7 shown in FIG. 21(a) are set shifted to the right by one bit. Incidentally, bit 7 is set to 0. Then, the data set in bit 0 is set in CY (carry flag).

In step S108, as shown in FIG. 22(a), since the carry flag is on, the process jumps to step S110. Here, the data set in the carry flag indicates the transition from a state where no error is set to a state where an error is set, or a state where an error is set regarding the error of excessive number of circulating balls. This is information that can identify the transition from the state to the state where no error is set. Since the carry flag is on, regarding the excessive number of circulating balls error, there is a transition from a state where no error is set to a state where an error is set, and a state where an error is set to a state where an error is set. It is shown that the state has transitioned to a state in which the

In step S110, since the C register is 0eH, the L register is set to 0eH. As shown in FIG. 22(b), in step S111, the D register is bit-shifted to the right. That is, the data of bits 0 to 7 shown in FIG. 21(b) are set shifted to the right by one bit. Incidentally, bit 7 is set to 0. Then, the data set in bit 0 is set in CY (carry flag).

In step S112, as shown in FIG. 22(b), since the carry flag is off, the process does not jump to step S114. Here, the data set in the carry flag indicates whether an error is set or not regarding the excessive number of circulating balls error. Identifiable information. Since the carry flag is off, it is shown that the excessive number of circulating pitches error is not set. In this case, in step S113, the L register is incremented by 1 and becomes 0fH. In step S114, the H register becomes 96H. In other words, the HL register becomes 960fH. In step S115, 960fH is set in the output buffer. In this manner, when the setting of the excessive number of circulating balls error is canceled, the CPU 80a generates 960fH as an error cancellation command and sets it in the output buffer.

In step S116, the C register is added by 2 to become 10H. In step S117, the B register is subtracted by 1 and becomes 00H. In step S118, the B register is 00H, so the error command 1 processing ends. After that, error command 2 processing starts.

As described above, the game control board 80 (CPU80a) can execute error command processing to generate an error command to be output to the production control board 81 (CPU81a).
As shown in steps S101 to S106, in error command 1 processing, which is an example of error command processing, processing is performed to generate comparison information by exclusive OR of frame error information 1 and previous frame error information 1. At the same time, a process is performed in which frame error information 1 is stored as previous frame error information 1 when the next error command 1 process is executed.

As shown in steps S107 and S108, in the error command 1 processing, one error among multiple types of errors is targeted, and the frame error information 1, which is the frame error information when the current error command 1 processing is executed, is set. , and the previous frame error information 1, which is the frame error information when the previous error command 1 process was executed, are different. The processing in steps S107 and S108 is an example of the first processing.

In steps S107 and S108, it is determined whether the least significant bit (bit0) is 1 (on) by bit-shifting the comparison information. Thereby, the CPU 80a determines whether frame error information 1 and previous frame error information 1 are different from each other for one error among the plurality of types of errors. In this way, in the first process, by bit-shifting the comparison information and determining whether the least significant bit is 1, it is determined whether frame error information 1 and previous frame error information 1 are different. .

In the first process, situations in which it is determined that frame error information 1 and previous frame error information 1 are different include a first determination situation and a second determination situation. The first determination situation is a situation when the information that can be specified by the frame error information 1 is that an error has been set. That is, the first determination situation is a situation when the least significant bit of frame error information 1 is 1 (on). In this case, the least significant bit of the previous frame error information 1 is 0 (off). The second determination situation is a situation when the information that can be specified by the frame error information 1 is that no error is set. That is, the second determination situation is a situation when the least significant bit of frame error information 1 is 0 (off). In this case, the least significant bit of the previous frame error information 1 is 1 (on).

As shown in steps S109 to S118, in the error command 1 process, an error command is generated according to the determination results in steps S107 and S108. Specifically, in steps S107 and S108, if it is determined that the frame error information 1 and the previous frame error information 1 are different, the processes of steps S110 to S114 are performed and an error command is generated. . On the other hand, if it is determined in steps S107 and S108 that frame error information 1 and previous frame error information 1 are not different, steps S110 to S114 are not performed and no error command is generated. The processing in steps S109 to S118 is an example of the second processing.

In the second process, an error command is generated if the situation is the first judgment situation or the second judgment situation. As described above, error commands include an error setting command that can specify that an error has been set, and an error cancellation command that can specify that an error setting has been canceled. As shown in steps S110 to S114, in the second process, an error setting command is generated in the first determination situation. On the other hand, in the second process, an error cancellation command is generated in the second determination situation.

The error command is composed of 2-byte data, as shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 14. This 2-byte data consists of upper byte data and lower byte data. The upper byte data is predetermined data (96H as an example). The lower byte data is data that differs depending on the type of error. Furthermore, the lower byte data becomes different data depending on the information that can be specified by the frame error information 1. In other words, the lower byte data becomes different data depending on whether an error is set or not set according to the frame error information 1.

In steps S110 to S114, if the information that can be specified by frame error information 1 is that an error has been set, an error setting command is generated without calculating the lower byte data. On the other hand, if the information that can be specified by the frame error information 1 is that no error has been set, the lower byte data is calculated (added by 1 as an example) to generate an error cancellation command.

The error command 1 processing is configured to repeatedly execute the processing in steps S107 to S118 for a plurality of types of errors. Thereby, the CPU 80a can generate multiple types of error commands and output them to the production control board 81 (CPU 81a).

As described above, in error command 1 processing, which is an example of error command processing, the frame error, which is the frame error information when the current error command 1 processing is executed, targets one error among multiple types of errors. A first process is performed to determine whether information 1 is different from previous frame error information 1, which is frame error information when the previous error command 1 process was executed. Thereafter, in the error command 1 process, a second process is performed to generate an error command to be output to the production control board 81 according to the determination result in the first process. Then, when the error command 1 process is executed, the first process and the second process are repeatedly performed for multiple types of errors, thereby making it possible to generate multiple types of error commands.

Up to this point, we have explained a specific example of the flow of processing in which an error command is generated when error command 1 processing is executed, but an error command is generated when error command 2 processing is executed. Similar processing is also performed. Error command 2 processing starts with the C register at 10H. Here, the frame error information 2 includes empty bits to which no errors are associated. Such empty bits are always set to 0. That is, bits 1, 4, 5, and 6 of the frame error information 2 and the previous frame error information 2 are always 0. Therefore, in the error command 2 process, since the carry flag is not turned on in step S108 for the process corresponding to the empty bit, no error command is generated. Therefore, 9612H, 9613H, and 9618H to 961dH, which correspond to empty bits, are never generated as error commands.

Next, the frame-side error notification process of the frame-side normal process will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 23, the CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d to execute the error notification set in the gaming machine 10 in the frame-side error notification process. Hereinafter, "error notification" executed by the gaming machine 10 may be referred to as "error notification". For example, "notification of excessive number of game balls error" may be referred to as "notification of excessive number of game balls error".

In the frame-side error notification process, the CPU 82a causes error notification to be executed according to the settings of the error. For example, the CPU 82a causes the game ball number over error notification to be executed in accordance with the setting of the game ball number over error. For example, the CPU 82a causes the number of game balls clear error notification to be executed in accordance with the setting of the number of game balls clear error. For example, the CPU 82a causes the abnormal number of winning balls error notification to be executed in accordance with the setting of the abnormal number of winning balls.

When an error is set, the CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d to display an error code, which is an example of information that can identify the error being set. The error code is information specific to the error. As an example, as shown in the column of "Performance display monitor" in the figure, [E16] is used to notify the number of game balls over error, [E21] is used to notify the number of game balls cleared, and [E22] is used to notify the abnormal number of winning balls. is displayed.

As an example, [E00] is displayed as an error code when the ball is removed. Strictly speaking, the ball-out state is not an error, but it is an event that should be recognized by the administrator of the gaming machine 10, so it is regarded as one of the errors and notified. The present invention is not limited to this, and the error code that can be displayed on the performance display monitor 82d may not include the error code that indicates the ball is removed.

As an example, the notification executed in the gaming machine 10 includes a notification of completion of counting (indicated as "notification of completion of counting" in the figure). The notification of completion of counting is a notification that can specify that the number of balls held by the player has been transferred from the gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100. Strictly speaking, the notification of completion of counting is not an error, but since it is an event that should be recognized by players, etc., it is regarded as one of the errors and is notified.

Specifically, the notification of the completion of counting is executed when a predetermined number (one as an example) or more of balls in possession is transferred from the gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 by outputting counting information. On the other hand, notification of completion of counting is not executed when the number of balls held is not transferred from gaming machine 10 to management unit 100 even if counting information is output. The CPU 82a can specify whether or not a predetermined number or more of balls in possession has been transferred from the gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 using the counting completion flag. Even if the counting completion flag is stored in the RAM 82c, the CPU 82a does not display an error code on the performance display monitor 82d (indicated by "-" in the figure). The CPU 82a is not limited to this, and if the counting completion flag is stored in the RAM 82c, the CPU 82a may display an error code ([E99] as an example) on the performance display monitor 82d.

The CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d to alternately display error codes and base values (performance information). When a plurality of types of errors are set, the CPU 82a alternately displays the error code with the highest priority among the set error notifications and the base value. As an example, as shown in the "Priority" column in the figure, when multiple types of errors are set, the smaller the number, the higher the priority is set. The fact that a plurality of types of errors are set includes that there are a plurality of errors that are set in the frame control board 82.

The CPU 82a displays an error code when an error is set on the frame control board 82, but may be configured to not display the base value. Moreover, the CPU 82a may be configured to display the error code, the second number of managed pitches, and the base value on the performance display monitor 82d while switching them. In this way, the performance display monitor 82d is a means for displaying a base value, and also serves as a means for displaying an error code.

When the CPU 82a cancels the error setting, the CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d so as to end displaying the error code of the error for which the setting was canceled.
In this way, the performance display monitor 82d performs error notification according to the set error. In the performance display monitor 82d, when an error is set, the set error notification starts, and when the error setting is canceled, the notification of the canceled error ends. The error code notified on the performance display monitor 82d is information specific to the error. In other words, the reporting modes of the plurality of types of errors that can be reported on the performance display monitor 82d are different from each other.

When an error is set in the frame control board 82, the CPU 82a may control the second pitch count display section 17 to display an error code indicating the set error. That is, the error code may be displayed on both the performance display monitor 82d and the second pitch count display section 17. The CPU 82a may control the second pitch count display section 17 to alternately display the error code and the second managed pitch count. The error code that can be displayed on the second pitch count display section 17 may include an error code that indicates a ball-missing state. The error code that can be displayed on the second pitch count display section 17 does not need to include an error code that indicates a ball-missing state. The error code that can be displayed on the second pitch count display section 17 may include an error code for notification of completion of counting. The error code that can be displayed on the second pitch count display section 17 does not need to include the error code for notification of completion of counting.

When multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 82a may alternately display the error code with the highest priority and the second number of managed pitches. The CPU 82a may be configured to display an error code when an error is set, but not to display the second number of managed pitches. Further, the CPU 82a may be configured to display the error code, the second managed pitch count, and the base value on the second pitch count display section 17 while switching them. When the error setting is canceled, the CPU 82a controls the second pitch count display section 17 so as to end displaying the error code indicating the canceled error. In this way, the second pitch count display section 17 is a means for displaying the second managed pitch count, and may also be used as a means for displaying an error code. The CPU 82a may start displaying the error code on the performance display monitor 82d and displaying the error code on the second pitch count display section 17 at the same or substantially the same timing.

As described above, the second pitch count display section 17 may perform error notification according to the set error. In the second pitch count display section 17, when an error is set, the notification of the set error may be started, and when the error setting is canceled, the notification of the set error may be terminated. The error code notified by the second pitch count display section 17 is information specific to the error. That is, the notification modes of the plurality of types of errors that can be reported in the second pitch count display section 17 are different from each other.

When an error is set in the frame control board 82, the CPU 82a may control the notification audio unit 13 to output an error sound as an example of information that can identify the set error. In other words, the CPU 82a may execute a voice notification (hereinafter referred to as error voice notification) for notifying a set error. As an example, the CPU 82a causes the notification audio unit 13 to notify at least some of the errors set in the frame control board 82. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU 82a may cause the notification audio section 13 to notify all errors among the errors set in the frame control board 82. The sound pattern of the error sound notification has different contents depending on the error, and it is preferable that the sound pattern is such that the outline of the set error can be specified. As an example, in the case of an unauthorized radio wave detection error notification, the error voice is the voice of a person who reads out the character string "Error code E10 has occurred. Please call an attendant."

When multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 82a may cause an error voice notification to notify the error with the highest priority. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU 82a may be configured to sequentially switch and execute error voice notifications when multiple types of errors are set. When the error setting is canceled, the CPU 82a controls the notification audio section 13 to end the error audio notification indicating the error for which the setting has been canceled.

As an example, the CPU 82a may cause the notification audio unit 13 to notify the completion of counting. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU 82a may not make the notification of the completion of counting the notification target of the notification audio section 13. As an example, the notification sound output by the notification audio unit 13 to notify the completion of counting may be the voice of a person reading out the string "Balls held have been transferred to the management unit." It may also include information that can specifically identify that the game has been transferred from the gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100. As an example, the notification audio output by the notification audio unit 13 indicating the completion of counting may be a predetermined song, sound effect, or the like, indicating that a predetermined number of balls or more have been transferred from the gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100. It is not necessary to include information that can be specifically identified.

As an example, the CPU 82a does not make the notification sound section 13 report the ball-out state. However, the CPU 82a is not limited to this, and the CPU 82a may make the notification sound unit 13 notify the state of the ball being removed. As an example, the error sound output by the notification audio unit 13 may include information that can specifically identify that the ball is being removed, such as the voice of a person reading out the string ``The ball is being removed.'' But that's fine. As an example, the error sound output by the notification audio unit 13 may not include information that can specifically identify that the ball is out, such as a predetermined song or sound effect.

In this way, the notification audio unit 13 may perform error notification according to the set error. In the notification audio section 13, when an error is set, the notification of the set error may be started, and when the error setting is canceled, the notification of the set error may be terminated. The error voice notification notified by the notification audio section 13 differs depending on the error. In other words, the notification modes of the plurality of types of errors that can be reported by the notification audio section 13 are different from each other.

Next, the production side error notification process executed by the production control board 81 (CPU81a) will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 23, in the performance-side error notification process, the CPU 81a controls part or all of the performance section that constitutes the performance device ES so as to execute the error notification set in the gaming machine 10.

In the performance-side error notification process, the CPU 81a causes error notification to be executed in accordance with the settings of the error. For example, the CPU 81a causes the game ball number over error notification to be executed in accordance with the setting of the game ball number over error. For example, the CPU 81a causes the number of game balls clear error notification to be executed in accordance with the setting of the number of game balls clear error. For example, the CPU 81a causes the abnormal number of winning balls error notification to be executed in accordance with the setting of the abnormal number of winning balls.

When multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 81a causes the error notification with the highest priority to be executed. Note that the priority is the same as the error code displayed on the performance display monitor 82d described above. Illegal radio wave detection error notification is set to have the highest priority among multiple types of errors.

When the CPU 81a identifies that an error has been set based on the input of the error setting command, the CPU 81a controls the effect display section 19 to execute error notification according to the set error. As an example, as shown in the column of "effect display section" in the figure, the game ball count over error notification specifies that the game ball count over error is set, such as the character string "game ball count over". This is executed in such a manner that possible images are displayed on the effect display section 19. As an example, the game ball count clear error notification may be performed by displaying an image on the production display section 19 that can identify that a game ball count clear error has been set, such as a character string "Game ball count clear detection". executed. As an example, the abnormal number of winning pitches error notification is performed in a manner that an image that can identify that an abnormal number of winning pitches error has been set is displayed on the effect display section 19, such as a character string of "abnormal number of winning pitches". be done.

When the CPU 81a identifies that the error setting has been canceled based on the input of the error cancellation command, the CPU 81a may control the effect display section 19 to end the notification of the error whose setting has been canceled. . Specifically, when the CPU 81a specifies that the setting of an error other than the illegal radio wave detection error has been canceled, the CPU 81a controls the effect display section 19 to end the notification of the error whose setting has been canceled.

The CPU 81a may control the effect display section 19 to end the error notification when a special time (30 seconds as an example) has elapsed since the start of the error notification. Specifically, if a special time has elapsed since the start of the game ball count clear error notification, the CPU 81a will issue a game ball count clear error notification on the production display section 19 even if the game ball count clear error is being set. terminate. On the other hand, the CPU 81a does not end the notification of errors other than the game ball count clear error on the performance display section 19 even if a special time has elapsed since the start of the error notification.

The setting of the game ball number clear error is canceled when a specific time (30 seconds as an example) has elapsed since the supply exit sensor D23, the foul sensor D21, or the out sensor D30 was detected. For this reason, after the number of game balls clear error is set, the time required until the setting of the number of game balls clear error is canceled is likely to be longer than the special time. Therefore, the game ball number clear error notification is likely to end before the game ball number clear error setting is canceled. The specific time is not limited to 30 seconds, and may be longer than 30 seconds. In other words, the specific time is longer than the special time. This makes it easier to end the game ball number clear error notification before the game ball number clear error setting is canceled.

The set error notification ends when the power is turned off. In other words, all error notifications being executed in the effect display section 19 are terminated when the power is turned off. Note that the error notification being executed in the effect display section 19 will not be executed even if the power is turned on after being turned off. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU 81a may notify of an error during setting when the power is turned on after being powered off.

When the CPU 81a identifies that an error has been set based on the input of the error setting command, the CPU 81a controls the production audio section 12 to execute error notification according to the set error. As an example, as shown in the column of "Sound effect part" in the figure, the number of game ball over error notification can be made by a person's voice reading out the string "Please move the game balls to the management unit", etc. This is executed in such a manner that a sound that can specify that an over error has been set is outputted from the effect sound section 12. As an example, the number of game balls clearing error notification can be performed by producing a sound that can identify that a number of game balls clearing error has been set, such as a person's voice reading out the string ``The number of game balls has been cleared.'' 12. As an example, the error notification for abnormal number of winning pitches produces a sound that can identify which one of multiple types of errors has been set, such as a person's voice reading out the string ``Please call the staff.'' This is executed in the manner of outputting from the audio section 12.

When the CPU 81a identifies that the error setting has been canceled based on the input of the error cancellation command, the CPU 81a may control the production audio section 12 to end the notification of the error whose setting has been canceled. . Specifically, when the CPU 81a specifies that the setting of an error other than the illegal radio wave detection error has been canceled, the CPU 81a controls the production sound section 12 to end the notification of the error whose setting has been canceled.

If a special time (30 seconds as an example) has elapsed since the start of the game ball count clear error notification, the CPU 81a clears the game ball count in the performance audio section 12 even if the game ball count clear error is being set. Terminate error notification. Regarding the notification of errors other than the game ball count clear error in the performance audio section 12, if a special time (30 seconds as an example) has elapsed since the start of notification of the error being set, the CPU 81a indicates that an error is being set. Even if there is an error notification, end the error notification.

The set error notification ends when the power is turned off. In other words, all error notifications being executed in the production audio section 12 are terminated when the power is turned off. Note that the error notification being executed in the performance audio section 12 will not be executed even if the power is turned on after being turned off. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU 81a may notify of an error during setting when the power is turned on after being powered off.

When the CPU 81a identifies that an error has been set based on the input of the error setting command, the CPU 81a controls the effect light emitting unit 14 to execute error notification according to the set error. As an example, as shown in the column of ``effect light emitting part'' in the figure, the unauthorized radio wave detection error notification is a light emitting pattern that can identify that an unauthorized radio wave detection error has been set, such as lighting up a light emitter in red. This is executed in such a manner that the effect light emitting unit 14 emits light. As an example, the error notification when the number of game balls has exceeded may be made by causing the production light emitting unit 14 to emit light in a light emitting pattern that can identify which one of multiple types of errors has been set, such as lighting up a light emitter in green. It is executed in such a manner that

When the CPU 81a identifies that the error setting has been canceled based on the input of the error cancellation command, the CPU 81a may control the effect light emitting unit 14 to end the notification of the error whose setting has been canceled. . Specifically, when the CPU 81a specifies that the setting of an error other than the illegal radio wave detection error has been canceled, the CPU 81a controls the effect light emitting unit 14 to end the notification of the error whose setting has been canceled.

If a special time (30 seconds as an example) has elapsed since the start of the game ball count clear error notification, the CPU 81a clears the game ball count in the production light emitting unit 14 even if the game ball count clear error is being set. Terminate error notification. Regarding the notification of errors other than the game ball count clear error in the production light emitting unit 14, if a special time (30 seconds as an example) has elapsed since the start of the notification of the error being set, the CPU 81a indicates that an error is being set. Even if there is an error notification, end the error notification.

The set error notification ends when the power is turned off. In other words, all error notifications being executed in the effect light emitting section 14 are terminated when the power is turned off. Note that the error notification being executed in the effect light emitting unit 14 will not be executed even if the power is turned on after being turned off. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU 81a may notify of an error during setting when the power is turned on after being powered off.

In this way, in the production device ES, error notification is executed according to the set error. In the production device ES, when an error is set, notification of the set error is started. The notification of an error in the production device ES ends when the error setting is canceled, the special time elapses, the special time elapses, or the power is turned off. The reporting modes of the plurality of types of errors that can be reported in the production device ES are different from each other.

In addition, when the managed gaming machine communication error is set, communication between the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 is not performed normally, so it is determined that the managed gaming machine internal communication error is set. Possible control information is not output to the game control board 80. Therefore, the CPU 81a cannot specify that a managed gaming machine communication error has been set. Therefore, the CPU 81a does not execute error notification in the production device ES when a communication error within the managed gaming machine is set.

When the CPU 81a inputs the counting completion command, the CPU 81a controls the production sound section 12 to issue a notification of the completion of counting. That is, in the performance audio section 12, notification of the completion of counting is executed in response to the counting information being output (transmitted) from the frame control board 82 to the CU control board 120. On the other hand, even if the CPU 81a inputs the counting completion command, the effect display section 19 and the effect light emitting section 14 do not notify the completion of counting. However, the CPU 81a may control the effect display section 19 and the effect light emitting section 14 to notify the completion of counting upon inputting the counting completion command. As an example, the notification of the completion of counting may be a voice of a person reading out the string "Counting is completed", etc., when a predetermined number (for example, 1) or more of balls in possession has been transferred from the gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100. This is executed in such a manner that a sound that can be identified is outputted from the effect sound section 12. The notification of the completion of counting by the performance audio section 12 ends when "Counting is completed" is output once. Note that the notification of the completion of counting ends when the power is turned off in the middle of a voice such as "counting", and even if the power is turned on after being turned off, the notification of the completion of counting is not executed. However, the CPU 81a is not limited to this, and the CPU 81a may notify the completion of counting when the power is turned on after the power is turned off.

Here, the game ball count over error notification has a higher priority than the notification of completion of counting. In other words, the game ball count over error notification is executed in the performance audio section 12 with priority over the notification of the completion of counting. For this reason, for example, even if the counting operation section 18 is operated in a situation where the game ball over-number error notification is being executed, the production sound section 12 will not notify the completion of counting. However, if the error notification of the number of game balls exceeded in the performance audio section 12 has been completed, notification of the completion of counting can be executed. In addition, the game ball count over error notification on the performance display section 19 can be executed even after the special time has elapsed. Therefore, the game ball count over error notification and the counting completion notification can be executed simultaneously by different notification units.

When the CPU 81a inputs the ball extraction start command, it controls a part or all of the production section constituting the production device ES, and causes notification of the ball extraction state to be executed. As an example, to notify the player that the ball has been removed, the audio section may produce a sound that can identify the transition to the ball removal state, such as a person's voice reading out the strings ``Start removing the ball'' or ``This is the state of removing the ball.'' 12. When the CPU 81a inputs the ball removal completion command, it ends the notification of the ball removal state.

When a special time period has elapsed since the start of the notification of the ball removed state, the CPU 81a controls the performance audio section 12 to end the notification of the ball removed state. The CPU 81a controls the production sound part 12 when the power is turned off, and ends the notification of the bulb removal state. Note that even if the power is turned on after being powered off, the CPU 81a does not notify the bulb removal state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU 81a may notify the bulb removal state when the power is turned on after the power is turned off.

As described above, when various errors are set, the gaming machine 10 can notify the error during setting on the performance display monitor 82d and the production device ES. The performance display monitor 82d is provided on the frame control board 82. The frame control board 82 is provided at a position that cannot be visually recognized unless the mounting frame 11b is opened. Therefore, the performance display monitor 82d is difficult for a player playing a game to visually recognize, for example. On the other hand, since the production device ES is visible when the gaming machine 10 is viewed from the front, it is easily visible to the player playing the game. Therefore, it is difficult for the player to recognize the error notification executed on the performance display monitor 82d. On the other hand, the error notification executed in the production device ES is easily visible to the player.

The conditions for terminating the error notification executed in the performance display monitor 82d, the effect display section 19, the effect sound section 12, and the effect light emitting section 14 may be different. As described above, the error notification on the performance display monitor 82d ends on the condition that the error setting is canceled. Error notifications in the effect display section 19, effect sound section 12, and effect light emitting section 14 indicate that the error setting has been canceled, that a special time has passed since the error notification started, and that the error notification has started. It is terminated under some or more of the following conditions: a special time has passed since then, and the power supply has stopped.

As an example, the game ball number clear error notification on the performance display monitor 82d ends when the error setting is canceled. The game ball count clear error notification in the production display section 19, production audio section 12, and production light emitting section 14 indicates that a special time (30 seconds as an example) has passed since the error notification started, and that the error setting has been canceled. or the power supply is interrupted. In this way, in the performance display monitor 82d, even if a special time has elapsed since the start of the game ball number clear error notification, the game ball number clear error notification is not terminated until the game ball number clear error setting is canceled. . On the other hand, in the performance display section 19, the performance audio section 12, and the performance light emitting section 14, when the special time has elapsed since the start of the game ball number clear error notification, the game ball number clear error notification is ended. In addition, in the effect display section 19, effect sound section 12, and effect light emitting section 14, the setting of the game ball count clear error is canceled even before the special time has elapsed after the game ball count clear error notification was started. When this occurs, the game ball count clear error notification is terminated.

As an example, the error notification of abnormal number of winning balls on the performance display monitor 82d ends when the error setting is canceled. The winning pitch abnormality error notification on the performance display section 19 ends when the error setting is canceled or when the power supply is stopped. The abnormal number of winning pitches error notification in the production audio section 12 and production light emission section 14 is made when a special time (30 seconds as an example) has elapsed since the error notification started, when the error setting has been canceled, or when the power is turned off. Terminated due to supply cessation. In this way, the winning pitch abnormality error notification executed in the effect display section 19, the effect sound section 12, and the effect light emitting section 14 ends when the power supply is stopped. The abnormal number of winning balls error notification executed in the production audio section 12 and the production light emitting section 14 is performed when a special time has elapsed after the abnormal number of winning balls error notification starts even before the power supply is stopped. ends at On the other hand, the abnormal number of winning balls error notification executed in the effect display section 19 does not end even if a special time has elapsed since the abnormal number of winning balls error notification started.

Next, the operation when firing the game ball will be explained.
The firing and supply of game balls are realized by a combination of control of the supply section 61 by the frame control board 82 (CPU 80a) and control of the firing section 65 by the firing control board 83 (launch control circuit 83a). Hereinafter, a series of operations (hereinafter referred to as a firing sequence) executed by the firing control circuit 83a to fire the game ball and the processing of the frame control board 82 will be described in detail.

The operation of the launch control board 83 (launch control circuit 83a) will be explained.
The firing control circuit 83a repeatedly executes the firing sequence when the game ball firing conditions are satisfied. The game ball firing conditions are established when all of the first to fourth conditions are satisfied. The first condition is satisfied by being in a firing permission state in which firing of game balls is permitted. The second condition is satisfied by being in a contact detection state in which the touch signal is turned on and contact with the firing operation section 15 is detected. The third condition is an operation detection state in which it is detected that the amount of operation of the firing operation section 15 (handle lever 15a) exceeds a predetermined amount because the voltage of the volume signal exceeds a threshold value. It is filled. The fourth condition is satisfied because the stop signal is in the OFF state and the game ball is in a non-stop state where no operation to stop the shooting of the game ball is detected.

In the firing sequence, the firing control circuit 83a first waits for a prescribed time t10 (37.5 ms as an example). When the prescribed time t10 has elapsed, the firing control circuit 83a supplies a drive current to the firing solenoid 66a in accordance with the firing timing pulse. The firing control circuit 83a sets the firing intensity by referring to the voltage of the volume signal. The holding circuit of the firing control circuit 83a newly holds the voltage value of the volume signal at this time. The firing control circuit 83a outputs the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 82 at the timing of outputting the drive current. The firing control circuit 83a waits until a prescribed time t11 (562.5 ms as an example) has elapsed after outputting the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a. With the above, one firing sequence is completed.

The firing control circuit 83a determines whether or not the firing condition is satisfied at a point in time when a specified time t11 has elapsed since outputting the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a (hereinafter referred to as determination time T10). The behavior is different. The determination time T10 can also be said to be the time when one firing sequence ends. At determination time T10, if the firing condition is satisfied, the firing control circuit 83a starts a new firing sequence. The decision time T10 arrives every time the firing sequence ends. Therefore, the firing sequence is repeatedly executed when the game ball firing conditions are satisfied. Thereby, the firing period of the game ball is equal to the sum of the specified time t10 and the specified time t11. As an example, the firing period is 600ms.

On the other hand, at determination time T10, if the firing condition is not satisfied, the firing control circuit 83a executes a blank firing sequence. In the blank firing sequence, the firing control circuit 83a first waits for a prescribed time t10. When the prescribed time t10 has elapsed, the firing control circuit 83a supplies a drive current to the firing solenoid 66a in accordance with the firing timing pulse. The voltage of the drive current at this time corresponds to the voltage of the volume signal held in the holding circuit of the firing control circuit 83a. Further, the holding circuit of the firing control circuit 83a newly holds the voltage value of the volume signal at this time. Even if the firing control circuit 83a supplies the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a, it does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 82. The firing control circuit 83a waits until a predetermined time t11 has elapsed after outputting the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a. With the above, one blank firing sequence is completed.

As a blank firing sequence, the firing control circuit 83a determines whether firing conditions are satisfied at the time when a prescribed time t11 has elapsed after outputting the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a (hereinafter referred to as determination time T11). , the subsequent behavior is different. The determination time T11 can also be said to be the time when one blank firing sequence ends. At determination time T11, if the firing condition is satisfied, the firing control circuit 83a starts the firing sequence described above. On the other hand, at the determination time point T11, if the firing condition is not satisfied, the firing control circuit 83a executes the second blank firing sequence. Also in the second blank firing sequence, the firing control circuit 83a outputs the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a, but does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 82.

The subsequent operation of the firing control circuit 83a differs depending on whether the firing condition is satisfied at the time when the second blank firing sequence is completed (hereinafter referred to as determination time T12). At determination time T12, if the firing condition is satisfied, the firing control circuit 83a starts the firing sequence described above. On the other hand, at the determination time T12, if the firing condition is not satisfied, the firing control circuit 83a does not execute the blank firing sequence and also does not execute the firing sequence. That is, the firing control circuit 83a does not output the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a, and does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 82.

Control of the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) will be explained.
When the subtraction reference signal transitions to the on state, the CPU 82a waits for a specified time t10a. The specified time t10a is a time equal to the driving time of the firing solenoid 66a (16 ms as an example). Next, the CPU 82a supplies a drive current to the supply solenoid 63b to drive the supply solenoid 63b. That is, the movable piece 63a performs one supply operation. When the movable piece 63a performs one supply operation, the first game ball among the game balls K lined up in a row in the supply entrance side passage 62a is discharged to the supply exit side passage 62b.

As mentioned above, the subtraction reference signal is output when the firing sequence is executed. The subtraction reference signal is not output even if a blank firing sequence is executed. In other words, if the firing condition for the game ball is no longer satisfied and the firing section 65 performs two blank shots, the game ball will not be supplied to the firing section 65. Therefore, in the game machine 10, the game ball is prevented from remaining at the hitting position 67 when the game ball firing conditions are no longer satisfied. That is, when the firing condition is no longer satisfied, the game ball is in a state where it does not exist downstream of the cutout mechanism 63 in principle.

The ball extraction work in the gaming machine 10 will be explained.
It is preferable to carry out the ball removal operation in a state where the ball is removed. In the ball-dropping state, any type of error that can be detected as a confirmation period other than the ball-pulling state is not detected, the error is not set, and the error is not notified. In other words, the ball removed state can be said to be a state in which various sensors used for error detection are disabled except during the ball removed state, or a state in which the detection results of the various sensors are not accepted.

As described above, the collection mechanism 30 is configured by combining a passage that extends downward or a passage that slopes downward. That is, the winning passage 31, the non-winning passage 32, the foul passage 33, the merging passage 35, and the distribution passage 37 are all passages that extend downward or are inclined downward. Therefore, when a game ball is received from the game board 20 into any of the receiving ports 30a to 30c, it can flow down the passage due to the action of gravity and finally reach the conveyance section 52. Adjacent to the circulation path 37, a portion where a game ball can be detected by the conveyance entrance sensor D28 and the first ball extraction section 71 are lined up in this order on the upstream side of the conveyance section 52. Therefore, the game ball passes through the portion that can be detected by the conveyance entrance sensor D28 and the first ball extraction portion 71 in this order.

Assume that in the ball extraction state, a lever (not shown) of the first ball extraction part 71 is operated, and the opening/closing piece 71c is displaced to the open position. In the first connecting portion 71a, the ball removal hole 71b is open. As a result, the game balls in the first connecting portion 71a are discharged to the outside of the machine from the ball removal hole 71b. In addition, in the first ball extraction section 71, as the game balls are sequentially discharged out of the machine from the ball extraction hole 71b, the game balls in the passages 31 to 33, 35, and 37 that constitute the collection mechanism 30 are It moves forward toward the transport section 52. Finally, all the game balls in the passages 31 to 33, 35, and 37 are discharged to the outside of the machine through the ball extraction hole 71b which is in an open state.

It is also assumed that the lever (not shown) of the second ball removal part 72 is operated and the opening/closing piece 72c is displaced to the open position. In the second connecting portion 72a, the ball removal hole 72b is open. As a result, the game ball in the second connection portion 72a is discharged from the ball removal hole 72b to the ball removal passage 73. In addition, in the second connection part 72a, as the game balls are sequentially discharged from the ball removal hole 72b to the ball removal passage 73, the game balls in the supply entrance side passage 62a are directed toward the second connection part 72a. Advance. Further, in the ball removal state, the conveying section 52 is driven. That is, the game balls inside the transport section 52 are discharged to the supply entrance side passage 62a, and further advance toward the second connection section 72a. Then, the game ball that has reached the second connecting portion 72a flows into the ball removal passage 73 from the ball removal hole 72b.

The ball removal passage 73 is configured by combining a passage that extends downward or a passage that slopes downward. Therefore, when the game ball flows into the ball extraction passage 73, it passes through the ball extraction passage 73 and reaches the first ball extraction part 71. If the ball extraction hole 71b is in an open state, the game ball is discharged from the ball extraction hole 71b to the outside of the machine. Finally, the game balls in the circulation mechanism 50 and the firing mechanism 60 are discharged from the second connection part 72a, via the ball extraction passage 73 and the first ball extraction part 71, to the outside of the machine.

As described above, when the game ball firing conditions are no longer satisfied, the blank firing sequence is executed. By executing the blank hitting sequence, the game ball does not remain at the hitting position 67. That is, in a situation where the ball extraction state is started after the power is turned on, the game ball does not exist downstream of the extraction mechanism 63. Therefore, when ball extraction is executed according to the above-described procedure, all of the game balls enclosed in the gaming machine 10 can be ejected to the outside of the machine. This does not require firing the game ball by the operation of the firing section 65. Therefore, the game balls can be discharged from the distribution mechanism 29 formed in the frame 11 even when the game board 20 is not assembled to the frame 11.

Here, the launch permission state means that the management unit 100 and the gaming machine 10 are normally connected, and that no specific error (for example, a door opening error or a supply mechanism error) is set on the frame control board 82. state. The firing prohibited state is a state in which one or more of the following occurs: the management unit 100 and the gaming machine 10 are not properly connected, and a specific error is set on the frame control board 82. be. Note that even if the door opening error is the same, if the second door opening signal is input, it does not correspond to the above-mentioned specific error, and depending on the setting, the firing may not be prohibited.

The firing permission state can be generated even when the ball is out of the ball as long as the above-mentioned necessary conditions are met. In other words, even if the ball is not drawn, the game ball firing conditions can be met. Therefore, even if the game ball remains at the hitting position 67, it can be fired into the game area 20a by operating the firing operation section 15. The game balls launched into the game area 20a are discharged to the outside of the machine via the collection mechanism 30.

The administrator of the gaming machine 10 can perform maintenance such as replacing the maintenance section 55 when the ball extraction is completed in the ball extraction state. After the maintenance work is completed, the administrator or the like may allow the game balls to flow into the distribution mechanism 29 through the receiving ports 30a to 30c. Then, the gaming machine 10 can be started by turning off the power to the gaming machine 10 and then turning it on again.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Conventionally, a pachinko gaming machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, is configured to be able to detect multiple types of errors (for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-161534). Conditions for detecting each of the plurality of types of errors are determined in advance. When an error is detected, it can be said that the pachinko game machine is in an abnormal state. In a gaming machine that can detect multiple types of errors, when an error is detected, it is desirable that appropriate measures be taken in accordance with the detected error. Therefore, the gaming machine needs to perform control related to the detected error. When executing control related to errors, it is desirable to suppress an increase in control burden.

The game control board 80 (CPU80a) is configured to be able to specify the set error using frame error information as an example of error information regarding multiple types of errors. In this embodiment, this frame error information is used to perform error command processing that generates an error command. In particular, since frame error information is information that can specify whether or not it has been set for multiple types of errors, the gaming machine 10 can repeatedly perform the same process (program) for multiple types of errors. It is now possible to generate multiple types of error commands. For example, if one process (program) is performed for one error, the control burden may increase as the number of error types increases. According to this embodiment, multiple types of error commands can be generated by repeatedly performing the same process (program), so it is possible to suppress an increase in control burden.

(2) The game control board 80 (CPU 80a) uses the frame error information to generate an error setting command that can identify that an error has been set, and an error cancellation command that can identify that the error setting has been canceled. and can be generated. Therefore, since it is not necessary to generate new information in order to generate an error command, it is possible to suppress an increase in control burden.

(3) The gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to generate comparison information for a plurality of errors (eight types as an example) using the frame error information 1 and the previous frame error information 1 each time the error command 1 process is executed. . Furthermore, the gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to generate comparison information for a plurality of (four types as an example) errors using the frame error information 2 and the previous frame error information 2 each time the error command 2 process is executed. In other words, the configuration is such that comparison information for up to eight types of errors can be generated each time error command processing is executed. Then, in the first process, by bit-shifting the comparison information and determining whether the least significant bit is 1, frame error information 1 (frame error information 2 ) is different from the previous frame error information 1 (previous frame error information 2). By repeating this first process, a maximum of eight types of errors can be determined, and as a result, a maximum of eight types of error commands can be generated. In this way, according to the present embodiment, multiple types of error commands can be generated by repeatedly performing the same process (program), so it is possible to suppress an increase in control burden.

(4) The gaming machine 10 is a gaming machine that can circulate game balls inside the machine. The frame control board 82 (CPU82a) can set multiple types of errors related to the mechanism for circulating game balls. Then, the frame control board 82 outputs to the game control board 80 commands related to multiple types of errors regarding the mechanism for circulating game balls. Thereby, the game control board 80 can store error information, and can grasp the error set in the frame control board 82 based on the error information. In this embodiment, error command processing is performed to generate an error command to be output to the production control board 81 (CPU 81a) by utilizing this error information. In particular, since frame error information is information that can specify whether or not it has been set for multiple types of errors, the gaming machine 10 can repeatedly perform the same process (program) for multiple types of errors. It is now possible to generate multiple types of error commands. For example, if one process (program) is performed for one error, the control burden may increase as the number of error types increases. According to this embodiment, multiple types of error commands can be generated by repeatedly performing the same process (program), so it is possible to suppress an increase in control burden.

(5) The gaming machine 10 is a gaming machine that manages gaming media used for gaming as data. The frame control board 82 can set a plurality of types of errors related to the configuration for functioning as a gaming machine that manages gaming media as data. Then, the frame control board 82 outputs to the game control board 80 commands related to multiple types of errors related to the configuration for functioning as a gaming machine that manages gaming media as data. Thereby, the game control board 80 can store error information, and can grasp the error set in the frame control board 82 based on the error information. In this embodiment, error command processing is performed to generate an error command to be output to the production control board 81 by utilizing this error information. In particular, since frame error information is information that can specify whether or not it has been set for multiple types of errors, the gaming machine 10 can repeatedly perform the same process (program) for multiple types of errors. It is now possible to generate multiple types of error commands. For example, if one process (program) is performed for one error, the control burden may increase as the number of error types increases. According to this embodiment, multiple types of error commands can be generated by repeatedly performing the same process (program), so it is possible to suppress an increase in control burden.

(6) The game control board 80 (CPU 80a) generates an error command when it is determined that frame error information 1 (frame error information 2) and previous frame error information 1 (previous frame error information 2) are different. On the other hand, the game control board 80 does not generate an error command when determining that the frame error information 1 (frame error information 2) and the previous frame error information 1 (previous frame error information 2) are not different. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the control burden can be reduced compared to, for example, a process in which an error command is generated in advance and is not output when it is determined that there is no difference. In other words, according to the present embodiment, the process of generating an error command may or may not be executed depending on the determination situation, which increases the control burden. This can be suppressed.

(7) The lower byte data of the error command is configured to be different data depending on the information that can be specified by frame error information 1 (frame error information 2). For example, if the information that can be specified by frame error information 1 is that an error has been set, an error setting command is generated without calculating the lower byte data. If the information that can be specified by frame error information 1 is that no error has been set, the lower byte data is calculated (added by 1 as an example) to generate an error cancellation command. That is, in this embodiment, when 1 is added to the error setting command, it becomes an error cancellation command. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, an error cancellation command can be generated based on the error setting command, so that the control burden for generating the error cancellation command can be reduced.

(8) Conventionally, as an example of a gaming machine, a circulating pachinko gaming machine that circulates game balls inside the machine is known (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2021-78753). In the game machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-78753, when a game ball is launched into a game area, it is stored in a storage device after flowing down the game area. Then, the game balls stored in the storage device flow down the game area again by being fired into the game area. In addition, the balls held by the player are electronically managed by a game control microcomputer. This eliminates the need for a mechanism for paying out game balls. Furthermore, since the game balls are not touched by players, they are less likely to get dirty. Since a recycling type gaming machine has a different configuration from a non-recycling type gaming machine, the errors that need to be detected and the details of their handling are also different from the non-recycling type gaming machines.

Once the number of balls managed by the frame control board 82 (second number of balls managed) is initialized, the performance display monitor 82d and the production device ES will both display the game until a special time (30 seconds as an example) has elapsed. A pitch count clear error will be notified. Therefore, it is possible to easily make the game machine administrator etc. recognize that the game ball count clear error has been set. If a special time has elapsed since the firing of a game ball is specified, the performance display monitor 82d continues to notify the number of game balls clearing error, while the performance device ES continues to notify the number of game balls clearing error. be terminated. Therefore, the notification of the game ball count clear error continues to be executed on both the performance display monitor 82d and the production device ES, thereby suppressing the inconvenience caused to the administrator of the gaming machine and the like. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the notification of the game ball count clear error is completely terminated, it is possible to make it easier for the administrator of the gaming machine to understand the game ball count clear error. The notification of the game ball number clear error on the performance display monitor 82d is terminated when the setting of the game ball number clear error is cancelled. Here, the setting of the number of game balls clearing error is canceled when a special time has elapsed since the firing of game balls was specified, that is, when the game by the player or the like has started. Thereby, while making it easier for the administrator of the gaming machine to recognize that the game ball count clear error has been set, it is also possible to prevent the player and the like from interfering with the game. Therefore, it is easy to take measures depending on the error.

(9) In the gaming machine 10, the notification of the game ball number clear error on the performance display monitor 82d and the notification of the game ball number clear error on the production device ES are prevented from ending at the same time. In other words, it is possible to easily secure a period during which notification of the game ball number clear error is executed on both the performance display monitor 82d and the production device ES. Therefore, it is easy to take measures depending on the error.

(10) In the game machine 10, when a game ball is launched, either the game ball reaches the game area 20a or the game ball does not reach the game area 20a (in other words, it becomes a foul ball). Even if the error occurs, it is assumed that the game is being played, and the setting of the game ball number clear error can be canceled to prevent the game from being hindered. Therefore, appropriate measures can be taken.

(11) The number of balls held by the player (second managed ball number) is subtracted when the balls are fired toward the gaming area 20a. Here, normally, the number of game balls fired toward the game area 20a (number of fired balls), and the game balls collected by the prize receiving port 30a, the non-winning receiving port 30b, and the foul receiving port 30c. The number (recovered number) should not differ greatly, except for the number of game balls flowing down the game area 20a. If the difference between the number of balls fired and the number of balls collected is a certain number (100 as an example) or more, it can be assumed that some kind of abnormality has occurred or that fraudulent activity is being carried out. Since the abnormal number of winning balls error setting will not be canceled unless the power supply is stopped or started, the setting of the abnormal number of winning balls error may be canceled without the administrator of the gaming machine recognizing that the abnormal number of winning balls error has been set. This prevents the occurrence of Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not there is any fraudulent activity. Therefore, it is easy to take measures depending on the error.

(12) If the number of balls collected is smaller than the number of balls fired, it is assumed that the game balls are staying in the game area 20a. The gaming machine 10 does not cancel the abnormal number of winning balls error even if the cause for which the abnormal number of winning balls error was set has been resolved. Therefore, for example, it is possible to easily confirm whether a situation in which game balls remain in the game area 20a has occurred. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate appropriate treatment.

(13) If the number of balls collected is larger than the number of balls fired, it is possible that the balls are being fired without being detected by the supply outlet sensor D23, which is used to manage the number of balls held by the player (second management number of balls). There is sex. In other words, there is a possibility that the number of balls held by the player is not decreasing and is being fired. The gaming machine 10 does not cancel the abnormal number of winning balls error even if the cause for which the abnormal number of winning balls error was set has been resolved. Therefore, for example, it is possible to easily confirm whether an event has occurred in which the number of balls held by the player has not decreased even though game balls are being shot. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate appropriate treatment.

(14) Since the notification of the abnormal number of winning pitches error is executed by both the performance display section 19 and the performance audio section 12, it is possible to prevent the notification from being overlooked. Further, the notification by the performance audio unit 12 ends before the notification by the performance display unit 19. Therefore, by continuing to make notifications through both the performance display section 19 and the performance audio section 12, it is possible to prevent the game machine administrator and the like from feeling bothered.

(15) The gaming machine 10 can notify that the number of balls held by the player (second managed number of balls) exceeds a predetermined number (40,000 as an example), and can notify the player of the number of balls held by the player to an external It is possible to prompt the device (for example, the CU control board 120) to transfer the information. When the number of balls held by a player is transferred to an external device, a notification of completion of counting is executed to make it easier for the player to understand that the number of balls held by the player has been transferred to the external device. Can be done. Since the number of balls held by the player is transferred to the external device, the number of balls held by the player can be reduced to a specific number (35,000 as an example) or less. In this way, the gaming machine 10 can make it easier to understand the situation until the over-number of game balls error is canceled when the over-number of game balls error is set. Therefore, it is easy to take measures depending on the error.

(16) The notification of the over error in the number of game balls is executed in the performance audio section 12 with priority over the notification of the completion of counting. This makes it easier to identify that the number of balls held by the player is not less than the specific number of balls. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the player to understand that the setting of the game ball overage error has not been canceled, and it is possible to make it easier to take appropriate measures.

(17) When transferring the number of balls held by a player to an external device, the number of balls held by the player can be transferred differently depending on the operation of the counting operation section 18: a single press operation and a long press operation. Therefore, it is possible to improve convenience for the player.

(18) During the ball extraction state, it is also assumed that the fired game balls will be ejected outside the machine before being collected. If an abnormal number of winning balls error is set in such a state, there is a risk that the administrator of the gaming machine or the like may find it rather troublesome. In the present embodiment, an abnormal number of winning balls error is not set during the ball withdrawal state. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the administrator of the gaming machine and the like from feeling troublesome.

(19) If the number of balls recovered is greater than the number of balls fired, there is a possibility that the detection by the out sensor D30 is affected in a certain way due to abnormal radio waves being generated. Some of these radio waves are generated due to fraud (so-called fraud). According to this embodiment, by setting the unauthorized radio wave detection error, it is possible to easily identify the cause of the setting of the abnormal number of winning balls error. Therefore, it is easy to take measures depending on the error.

(20) Since the notification of the error in the number of game balls exceeded by the performance audio section 12 ends when the special time has elapsed, it is possible to notify the completion of counting. On the other hand, the notification of the excessive number of game balls error on the effect display section 19 can be displayed even after the special time has elapsed until the setting of the excessive number of game balls error is canceled. For this reason, in the gaming machine 10, it is possible to simultaneously perform different notifications of the game ball over-number error and the notification of the completion of counting. This makes it easier to operate the counting operation section 18 until the setting for the excessive number of game balls error is canceled, and also makes the user understand that the process for canceling the setting for the excessive number of game balls error is being executed. It can be made easier. Therefore, it is easy to take measures depending on the error.

The embodiment described above can be modified and implemented as follows. Note that the above-described embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.

- When the CPU 82a updates the frame error information 1 and the frame error information 2, the CPU 82a may output the frame error information 1 command and the frame error information 2 command to the game control board 80 (CPU 80a). For example, the CPU 82a may output the frame error information 1 command to the game control board 80 when any bit of the frame error information 1 is updated to on or off. For example, the CPU 82a may output the frame error information 2 command to the game control board 80 when any bit of the frame error information 2 is updated to on or off. In this modification, the CPU 82a may or may not output the frame error information 1 command and frame error information 2 command to the game control board 80 together with the response information.

- When the CPU 82a sets any one of the plurality of types of errors, the CPU 82a may output a command that can specify that the error has been set to the game control board 80 (CPU 80a). For example, when setting an unauthorized radio wave detection error, the CPU 82a may output to the game control board 80 a command that can specify that the unauthorized radio wave detection error has been set. For example, when the CPU 82a sets the number of game balls clear error, it may output a command to the game control board 80 that can specify that the number of game balls clear error has been set. Regarding other errors, when the detection condition is satisfied, the CPU 82a may output to the game control board 80 a command that can specify that the detection condition is satisfied and an error is set. When the CPU 82a cancels the setting of any one of the plurality of types of errors, the CPU 82a may output a command to the game control board 80 that can specify that the setting of the error has been canceled. For example, when the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the unauthorized radio wave detection error, it may output a command to the game control board 80 that can specify that the setting of the unauthorized radio wave detection error has been canceled. For example, when the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the number of game balls clear error, it may output a command to the game control board 80 that can specify that the setting of the number of game balls clear error has been canceled. Regarding other errors, when the cancellation condition is satisfied, the CPU 82a may output a command to the game control board 80 that can specify that the cancellation condition is satisfied and the error setting is canceled. The CPU 80a may generate frame error information 1 and frame error information 2 based on commands input from the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) and store them in the RAM 80c. In this modification example, the CPU 82a may or may not output the frame error information 1 command and the frame error information 2 command to the game control board 80.

- The frame control board 82 (CPU82a) may perform the error command processing shown in FIG. 14 as a means for outputting frame error information 1 and frame error information 2 to the game control board 80 (CPU80a). That is, the CPU 82a may execute error command processing at predetermined intervals. In the error command process, the CPU 82a may generate an error command to be output to the game control board 80 using the frame error information 1 and the frame error information 2. The CPU 80a may generate frame error information 1 and frame error information 2 based on the error command input from the frame control board 82, and store them in the RAM 82c.

- Although the frame error information 2 includes empty bits to which no error is associated, the bits are not limited to this. When adding an error that needs to be detected based on the specifications of the gaming machine, an empty bit may be associated with a flag that can identify that the error has been set. For example, if a new error is associated with bit 1 of frame error information 2, a 9612H command is generated when the associated error is set in error command 2 processing, and the associated error is When the setting is canceled, the command 9613H will be generated.

- In the frame error information 1, errors are associated with all bits, but the information is not limited to this. Based on the specifications of the gaming machine, detection is not necessary, so when deleting a certain error, that is, not setting a certain error, a flag that can identify that the error has been set is set to an empty bit. You can also do this. For example, if you do not want to set an error over the number of game balls, bit 5 of frame error information 1 may be set to an empty bit. The empty bits may be newly associated with an error different from the game ball number over error.

- In the error command processing, bits are shifted to the right in steps S107, S109, and S111, but the present invention is not limited to this. The CPU 80a may shift bits to the left in steps S107, S109, and S111. In other words, the data of bits 0 to 7 may be set shifted to the left by one bit. In this case, bit0 is set to 0. Then, the data set in bit 7 is set in CY (carry flag). Therefore, the CPU 80a determines whether the most significant bit (bit 7) is 1 (on) by bit shifting to the left in steps S108 and S112. In the case of such processing, 0eH may be set in the C register before starting the error command 1 processing. Then, in step S116, the C register may be subtracted by 2. Furthermore, 1eH may be set in the C register before starting error command 2 processing.

- The timing to start displaying the error code on the performance display monitor 82d may be the same or substantially the same timing as the timing to start error notification in the production device ES. Further, the timing to start displaying the error code on the performance display monitor 82d may be earlier than the timing to start error notification in the production device ES. According to this configuration, when the administrator opens the loading frame 11b and performs maintenance, the administrator is made aware of the fact that an error has been set before the player or the like who visually checks the front side of the machine. be able to.

- After detecting that the difference between the number of fired balls and the number of collected balls has reached a specific number, the CPU 82a detects that the difference between the number of fired balls and the number of collected balls maintains a specific number or more for a predetermined elapsed time. , an abnormal number of winning pitches error may be set.

- The CPU 82a adds the number of recoveries in response to the detection by the out sensor D30, but does not need to add the number of recoveries in response to the detection by the foul sensor D21. In other words, the number of recovered balls may be added only by out balls without including returned balls (foul balls). The possibility of a return ball occurring in a situation where game balls are continuously fired is extremely small. In other words, it is difficult to imagine that a large number of returning balls will occur continuously in a short period of time. From this, it is not necessary to take the returned balls into consideration when detecting the abnormal number of winning balls error. Alternatively, if it is a pachinko game machine that structurally does not allow balls to return (for example, a type that shoots game balls from the upper left of the game board 20), an abnormal number of winning balls error is set based on the number of balls fired and out balls. may be done.

- The out ball may be detected by the winning path count sensor D25 and the non-winning path count sensor D26 instead of the detection by the out sensor D30. The number of out balls may be the sum of the number detected by the winning path count sensor D25 and the number detected by the non-winning path count sensor D26. In this case, the out sensor D30 may or may not be provided.

- The ejected game ball may be detected only by the out sensor D30 without providing the winning path count sensor D25 and the non-winning path count sensor D26.
- The out sensor D30 may be provided on the game board 20 or may be provided on the frame 11.

- The second counted number of balls may be the entire number of balls held by the player. As an example, if the second number of balls to be managed is 100 and a count signal that can specify a "long press operation" is input from the counting operation section 18, the CPU 82a sets 100 as the second number of balls to be counted as the count information. It may be added and stored in the RAM 82c. As an example, if the second number of balls to be managed is 5,000 and a count signal that can specify a "long press operation" is input from the counting operation section 18, the CPU 82a sets 5,000 as the second number of balls to be counted as the count information. It may be added and stored in the RAM 82c. According to this, for example, when a player ends a game on the gaming machine 10, the entire number of balls held can be transferred to the management unit 100 by one long press operation. Therefore, it is possible to improve convenience for the player.

- The CPU 82a inputs a count signal that can identify the "long press operation" from the counting operation section 18 when the second number of managed pitches is greater than the first counted number of pitches and less than the second counted number of pitches. In this case, the entire second managed pitch count may be added to the counting information and stored in the RAM 82c. As an example, when the second number of balls to be managed is 10 and a count signal that can specify a "long press operation" is input from the count operation section 18, the CPU 82a adds 10 to the count information and stores it in the RAM 82c. You may let them.

- When the counting operation section 18 is operated, the CPU 82a sends control information (hereinafter referred to as a counting operation command) that can identify the operation of the counting operation section 18 and the second number of managed balls to the game control board. It may also be output to 80. The game control board 80 (CPU 80a) may output a counting operation command to the production control board 81. When the production control board 81 inputs the counting operation command, it may control the production audio section 12 to output sound effects. As an example, when the production control board 81 inputs a counting operation command that can specify that the second number of balls to be managed is 1 or more, the production control board 81 may display a message such as a voice of a person reading out the character string "I will count" that is more than a predetermined number. The execution may be performed in such a manner that a sound that can specify that the number of balls held by the game machine 10 is transferred from the gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 is outputted from the performance audio section 12. As an example, when the production control board 81 inputs a counting operation command that can identify that the second number of balls to be managed is 0, the performance control board 81 may display a message indicating the number of balls in possession, such as a person's voice reading out the character string "I have no balls." The execution may be performed in such a manner that a sound that can specify that the game is not transferred from the gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 is outputted from the performance audio section 12.

- The notification of the completion of counting may be executed in different ways depending on the number of balls transferred from the gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100. As an example, notification of completion of counting may be given when the number of balls transferred from the gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 is the first counted number of balls (1 as an example), and when the second counted number of balls (250 as an example). It may be executed in different manners depending on the case where it is. That is, the notification of the completion of counting may be performed in different manners depending on whether the operation mode of the counting operation section 18 is a "single press operation" or a "long press operation."

- Notification of the completion of counting is made by producing a sound from the performance audio unit 12 that can identify the number of balls transferred from the gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100, such as a person's voice reading out the string "250 balls, settled." It may also be executed in an output mode.

- The gaming machine 10 has a specification that provides a high probability state until the next jackpot game, a specification that provides a high probability state until winning the falling lottery (so-called falling machine), or a specification that provides a high probability state until the specified number of special games are completed. A specification that provides a probability state (so-called ST machine) can be adopted. The gaming machine 10 can adopt a specification (so-called V-probability changing machine) that provides a high probability state on the condition that the game ball passes through a specific area. The gaming machine 10 may have a specification that is a mixture of the specifications of a falling machine and the specifications of a V-probability changing machine.

- In addition to the jackpot lottery, the special symbol winning lottery may be configured to perform a small winning lottery. If a small win is won in the winning lottery, a small win game (win game) will be awarded after the special game ends. In this embodiment, the number of times (frequency) of winning small winnings per unit time, or the number of small winning games being awarded per unit time, compared to a normal gaming state (for example, a low probability low ball entry rate state) It may be configured to be controllable to a state in which the number of times (frequency) of winnings is increased (so-called small hit RUSH).

- The gaming machine 10 may adopt a specification classified into the second type, also called "feather type" or "plane type." In this type of pachinko game machine, when a game ball enters the starting hole, the opening/closing blade (opening/closing member) of the ball entering device (big prize hole) opens, and the game ball that enters the ball entering device wins a special prize. A jackpot game occurs when the ball enters the mouth.

- The specific configuration of the game board 20 may be changed arbitrarily.
- Although the entirety of the distribution mechanism 29 is formed on the mounting frame 11b, a portion thereof may be formed on the game board 20. In other words, the game board 20 may constitute a part of the distribution mechanism 29.

- The CPU 80a, ROM 80b, RAM 80c, and random number generation circuit 80d may be configured on one chip. The CPU 82a, ROM 82b, and RAM 82c may be configured on one chip.

- The production control board 81 is used as a sub-integration control board, and apart from the production control board 81, a display control board that exclusively controls the production display section 19, a light emission control board that exclusively controls the production light emitting section 14, and a production sound section 12 are installed. A sound control board for specialized control may be provided. The sub-board may include such a sub-integration control board and a board for controlling other effects. Further, in the embodiment, the CPU 80a and the CPU 81a may be mounted on a single board. Further, the display control board, the light emission control board, and the sound control board may be arbitrarily combined to form a single board or a plurality of boards.

- The frame control board 82 does not need to be equipped with the performance display monitor 82d. The performance display monitor 82d may be provided on a board different from the frame control board 82. In this case, the frame control board 82 may be connected to the performance display monitor 82d. The CPU 82a may be configured to be able to control the display content of the performance display monitor 82d.

・Although it is configured as a gaming machine that circulates a predetermined amount of gaming media (game balls as an example), it is not limited to this, and some or all of the gaming media can be exchanged with gaming media located outside the gaming machine. It may be a configuration. In other words, it may be configured as a non-recycling type gaming machine.

- Although configured as a gaming machine that manages game media used in games as data, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a gaming machine that does not manage gaming media used in games as data. That is, it may be a gaming machine that does not manage the number of balls held by a player. In other words, the gaming machine is not a so-called managed gaming machine, but may be a non-managed gaming machine, which is a conventional pachinko gaming machine.

- In this embodiment, the gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine, but it is not limited to this, and may be configured as a reel-type gaming machine (slot machine). A reel-type gaming machine uses medals as a gaming medium, performs a winning lottery by operating a start lever and rotates the reels, and stops the rotation of the reels by operating a stop button, and creates combinations according to the winning lottery results. This is a gaming machine that pays out medals as prizes when a player wins a prize. In the reel-type gaming machine, a main control board (main CPU) performs control related to these games. The main control board is configured to be able to detect various errors. The main control board may store error information in the main RAM based on the establishment of error detection conditions. The main control board may execute error command processing at predetermined intervals. In error command processing, the main control board may be configured to use error information to generate multiple types of error commands to be output to a sub-control board (sub-CPU) that performs control related to presentation. The sub control board may start error notification based on input of the error setting command. The sub control board may end the error notification based on input of the error release command.

- The reel type gaming machine in the above modification example may be a gaming machine that uses gaming media different from medals. For example, it may be embodied as a game machine that uses game balls (pachinko balls) as game media. In addition, the game media may be managed using data (information). That is, the reel type gaming machine may be a so-called managed gaming machine. That is, the reel-type gaming machine in the above modified example may be embodied in a reel-type gaming machine (so-called medalless slot machine) that performs games without using physical game media. Such a reel-type gaming machine is configured to allow games to be played using gaming media (virtual media) managed by data.

Next, technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiment and other examples will be added below.
(b) In the error command processing, processing is performed to generate comparison information by exclusive OR of the first error information and the second error information, and the first error information is used to generate the next error. Processing is performed to store it as the second error information when command processing is executed, and the comparison information is composed of 8-bit data, and the error is set separately for up to 8 types of errors. Information that can identify the transition from a state in which no error has been set to a state in which an error has been set, or a transition from a state in which an error has been set to a state in which no error has been set. In the first process, it is determined whether the first error information and the second error information are different by bit-shifting the comparison information to determine whether the least significant bit is 1.

(b) If it is determined in the first process that the first error information and the second error information are different, the error command is generated in the second process; In the process, if it is determined that the first error information and the second error information are not different, the error command is not generated in the second process.

(c) The error command is composed of 2-byte data, and the 2-byte data is composed of upper byte data and lower byte data, and the upper byte data is predetermined. The lower byte data is data that differs depending on the information that can be specified by the first error information, and the error command includes an error setting command that can specify that an error has been set, and an error and an error cancellation command that can specify that the setting of has been canceled, and in the second process, if the information that can be specified by the first error information is that an error has been set, If the error setting command is generated without the byte data being calculated and the information that can be specified by the first error information is that no error has been set, the lower byte data is incremented by 1 and the error is cleared. A command is generated.

(d) In a circulation type game machine that circulates game balls inside the machine, the game board has a game area, a firing part that can fire game balls toward the game area, and an operation part that can perform predetermined operations. , a control unit capable of executing a predetermined control, and a plurality of notification units capable of executing a predetermined notification, the control unit being capable of executing control for managing the number of balls held by a player to manage the number of balls held by the player. The control for managing the number of balls held by the player includes initializing the number of balls held by the player when power supply is started while the operation unit is being operated in a predetermined manner; The control unit is capable of executing error management control for managing errors, and the error management control includes setting a number of game balls clear error when the number of balls held by the player is initialized, and and canceling the setting of the game ball number clear error after a specific time has elapsed after specifying the firing of the game ball, wherein a first notification unit among the plurality of notification units sets the game ball number clear error. In response to this, the notification of the number of game balls clear error is started, and even if a special time has elapsed since the notification of the number of game balls clear error was started, the setting of the number of game balls clear error is canceled. The notification of the game ball count clear error is not finished, and the second notification unit among the plurality of notification units starts notification of the game ball count clear error according to the setting of the game ball count clear error, and the game ball count clear error notification is started. A gaming machine characterized in that when the special time period elapses after the notification of the number of balls cleared error is started, the notification of the number of game balls cleared error is terminated.

(e) The gaming machine according to (d), wherein the specific time is longer than the special time.
(F) A valid ball detection unit that detects, as a valid ball, a game ball that has reached the game area among the game balls fired toward the game area; , a return ball detection unit that detects a game ball that has not reached the gaming area as a return ball, and the control unit is configured to detect when a game ball is detected by the effective ball detection unit or to detect the return ball. The game machine according to (d) or (e), wherein the game ball is determined to be fired when the game ball is detected by the part.

(G) In a circulation type game machine that circulates game balls inside the machine, a game board having a game area, a firing section that can fire game balls toward the game area, and a game ball that can fire the game balls toward the game area. a collection unit that collects game balls; a supply mechanism that supplies the game balls collected by the collection unit to the launch unit; a first detection unit that detects the game balls; and a second detection unit that detects the game balls. , a control unit capable of executing predetermined control, the control unit being capable of specifying the number of game balls fired toward the game area in response to detection by the first detection unit, The number of game balls collected by the collection unit can be specified in accordance with the detection by the second detection unit, and the control unit can execute ball number management control for managing the number of balls held by the player. The control for managing the number of balls held by the player includes reducing the number of balls held by the player in response to the detection by the first detection unit, and the control unit is capable of executing error management control for managing errors. The error management control detects an abnormality in the number of winning balls when the difference between the number of game balls fired toward the gaming area and the number of game balls collected by the collecting section exceeds a specific number. A gaming machine comprising the steps of: setting an error; and canceling the setting of the abnormal number of winning balls entered when power supply is stopped or power supply is started.

(H) The error management control is performed when the number of game balls fired toward the game area is greater than the specific number than the number of game balls collected by the collection unit. The setting of the abnormal number of entered prize balls error includes setting an abnormal number error of the number of entered prize balls when the difference between the number of game balls fired toward the gaming area and the number of game balls collected by the collecting section is set. The gaming machine according to (g), which is not canceled even if the number becomes less than the specific number.

(li) The error management control is performed when the number of game balls fired toward the game area becomes less than the specific number than the number of game balls collected by the collection unit. The setting of the abnormal number of entered prize balls error includes setting an abnormal number error of the number of entered prize balls when the difference between the number of game balls fired toward the gaming area and the number of game balls collected by the collecting section is set. The gaming machine according to (g) or (h), which is not canceled even if the number becomes less than the specific number.

(J) A plurality of notification units capable of executing a predetermined notification are provided, and the notification unit executes notification of the abnormal number of prize balls entered according to the setting of the abnormal number of prize balls entered, and the notification unit , an audio unit capable of outputting audio, and a display unit capable of displaying an image, and the notification of the abnormal number of balls entered in prize balls executed in the audio unit and the display unit ends when the power supply is stopped. However, the notification of the abnormal number of entered prize balls error executed in the audio part ends when a special time has elapsed after the notification of the abnormal number of entered prize balls error started even before the power supply was stopped. On the other hand, the notification of the abnormal number of entered prize pitches error executed on the display section does not end even after the special time has elapsed after the notification of the abnormal number of entered prize pitches error starts (g) ~ (li) The gaming machine described in any one of the above.

(l) In a circulating game machine that circulates game balls inside the machine, there is an external output section that can send predetermined information to an external device, an operation section that can be operated by the player, and a control that can execute predetermined controls. a notification unit capable of executing a predetermined notification; the control unit is capable of executing error management control for managing errors; The method includes setting an over error for the number of game balls when the number of balls exceeded, and canceling the over error when the number of balls held by the player falls below a specific number of balls. , the notification unit is capable of notifying the number of game balls over error according to the setting of the number of game balls over error, and the control unit is configured to control the number of balls held by the player to manage the number of balls held by the player. The control for managing the number of balls held by the player includes reducing the number of balls held by the player according to the operation of the operation unit, and the control unit transmits predetermined information to the external device. The information transmission control includes transmitting count information that can specify a decrease in the number of balls held by the player in response to the operation of the operation section, and the information transmission control The gaming machine is characterized in that it is possible to notify the completion of counting in response to the transmission of the counting information.

(w) The gaming machine according to (l), wherein the notification of the game ball count over error is executed in the notification section with priority over the notification of the completion of counting.
(W) The operation mode of the operation unit includes a single press operation in which the operation time is less than a predetermined time, and a long press operation in which the operation time is longer than the predetermined time, and the control for managing the number of balls held The gaming machine according to (l) or (w), in which the number of balls held by a player is reduced differently depending on the single press operation and the long press operation.

10...Pachinko game machine (gaming machine) 11b...Mounting frame 12...Production audio section 13...Notification audio section 14...Production light emitting section 15...Fire operation section 17...Second ball number display section 18...Counting operation section 19...Production display Part 20...Game board 20a...Game area 29...Distribution mechanism 30...Collection mechanism 50...Circulation mechanism 52...Transportation unit 60...Running mechanism 65...Running unit 80...Game control board 80a...CPU 80b...ROM 80c...RAM 81...Direction Control board 81a...CPU 81b...ROM 81c...RAM 82...Frame control board 82a...CPU 82b...ROM 82c...RAM

Claims (3)

In a gaming machine that can circulate game balls inside the machine,
a first control unit capable of executing predetermined control;
a second control unit capable of inputting commands output from the first control unit;
A third control unit capable of detecting multiple types of errors regarding the mechanism for circulating game balls, and setting the error when the error detection condition is satisfied,
The third control unit is capable of outputting a command related to an error that can be set in the third control unit to the first control unit,
The first control unit is capable of storing error information that can identify that an error has been set in the third control unit based on a command input from the third control unit,
The first control unit is capable of executing error command processing to generate an error command to be output to the second control unit,
The error command processing is executed every predetermined cycle,
In the error command processing,
First error information that is the error information when the current error command processing is executed for one error among multiple types of errors, and the error when the previous error command processing was executed. A first process is performed to determine whether the error information is different from the second error information, and
A second process is performed to generate the error command to be output to the second control unit according to the determination result in the first process,
A game characterized in that when the error command process is executed, the first process and the second process are repeatedly performed for a plurality of types of errors, thereby generating a plurality of types of the error commands. Machine. In gaming machines that manage gaming media used for gaming as data,
a first control unit capable of executing predetermined control;
a second control unit capable of inputting commands output from the first control unit;
a third control unit capable of detecting a plurality of types of errors related to a configuration for functioning as a gaming machine that manages the gaming media as data, and setting the error when an error detection condition is satisfied; ,
The third control unit is capable of outputting a command related to an error that can be set in the third control unit to the first control unit,
The first control unit is capable of storing error information that can identify that an error has been set in the third control unit based on a command input from the third control unit,
The first control unit is capable of executing error command processing to generate an error command to be output to the second control unit,
The error command processing is executed every predetermined cycle,
In the error command processing,
First error information that is the error information when the current error command processing is executed for one error among multiple types of errors, and the error when the previous error command processing was executed. A first process is performed to determine whether the error information is different from the second error information, and
A second process is performed to generate the error command to be output to the second control unit according to the determination result in the first process,
A game characterized in that when the error command process is executed, the first process and the second process are repeatedly performed for a plurality of types of errors, thereby generating a plurality of types of the error commands. Machine. The error commands include an error setting command that can identify that an error has been set, and an error cancellation command that can identify that the error setting has been canceled.
In the first process, determination situations in which it is determined that the first error information and the second error information are different include a first determination situation and a second determination situation,
The first determination situation is a situation when information that can be specified by the first error information is that an error has been set,
The second determination situation is a situation when the information that can be specified by the first error information is that no error is set,
3. In the second process, the error setting command is generated in the first judgment situation, while the error cancellation command is generated in the second judgment situation. Game machine.

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