JP7482523B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

As an example of a conventional gaming machine, a circulation-type pachinko gaming machine that circulates gaming balls inside the machine is known (for example, Patent Document 1). In the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, when gaming balls are shot into the gaming area, they flow down the gaming area and are then stored in a storage device. The gaming balls stored in the storage device are then shot into the gaming area, where they flow down the gaming area again. In addition, the balls held by the player are electronically managed by a gaming control microcomputer. This eliminates the need for a mechanism for paying out gaming balls. Furthermore, the gaming balls are not easily soiled because they are not touched by the player.

JP 2021-78753 A

The above-mentioned circulation type gaming machines have a different configuration from non-circulation type gaming machines, so the errors that need to be detected and the details of the measures to be taken are also different from those of non-circulation type gaming machines.

The gaming machine that solves the above problem is a circulation-type gaming machine that circulates gaming balls inside the machine, and includes an external input unit that can input first information from a first device outside the machine, an internal input unit that can input second information from a second device inside the machine, a first control unit that executes a predetermined control in response to the first information and the second information, and a first notification unit that can execute a predetermined notification, and the first control unit is capable of executing first error management control that manages errors, and the first error management control includes updating a first number of times based on the input status of the first information and setting a first information error based on the first number of times, and updating a second number of times based on the input status of the second information. and setting a second information error based on the second number of times, wherein the first notification unit executes notification of the first information error in accordance with the setting of the first information error, and executes notification of the second information error in accordance with the setting of the second information error, a notification manner of the first information error differs from a notification manner of the second information error, the first notification unit is capable of executing notification of a base value indicating a ratio of a total number of winning balls during normal play to a total number of valid balls during normal play, and the first notification unit is capable of alternately executing notification of the second information error and notification of the base value .

The above gaming machine is provided with a second notification unit capable of executing a predetermined notification, the second notification unit is capable of executing the notification of the second information error, the notification by the first notification unit can be recognized by opening a frame body, the notification by the second notification unit can be recognized without opening the frame body, and the notification of the second information error by the first notification unit is started before the notification of the second information error by the second notification unit .

The above gaming machine is provided with a second notification unit capable of executing a predetermined notification, the second notification unit being capable of executing the notification of the second information error, the second notification unit including an audio unit capable of outputting sound, a light-emitting unit capable of emitting light, and a display unit capable of displaying images, the notification of the second information error by the second notification unit includes an error voice notification by the audio unit, an error light notification by the light-emitting unit, and an error display notification by the display unit, the error voice notification ends when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the error voice notification, the error light notification ends when the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the error light notification, the error display notification does not end even when the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the error display notification, and the notification of the second information error by the first notification unit does not end even when the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the notification of the second information error .

The present invention makes it easy to take action in response to an error.

1 is a diagram showing a pachinko game machine and a management unit as viewed from the front. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a game board provided in the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. 1. 2 is an enlarged view of a counting operation unit, a counting notification unit, and a second ball number display unit provided in the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. 1. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a distribution mechanism for game balls formed in the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a supply unit provided in the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. 1. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a supply unit provided in the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. 1. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a launch section provided in the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. 1. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. 1. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. 1. 2 is a timing chart showing an example of communication between a game control board and a frame control board in the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. 1 . 2 is a timing chart showing an example of communication between a frame control board in the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. 1 and a CU control board in the management unit of FIG. 1 . A figure showing an example of an error that can be detected by the frame control board in the pachinko gaming machine of Figure 1. A figure showing an example of an error that can be detected by the game control board in the pachinko game machine of Figure 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an error notification mode in the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. 1.

An embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine will be described below.
As shown in Fig. 1, in an island facility (game island), pachinko gaming machines 10, which are an example of gaming machines, and management units 100, which are an example of management devices, are installed alternately. The management units 100 are an example of external units. The management units 100 are attached to the pachinko gaming machines 10. The management units 100 are connected to the pachinko gaming machines 10 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

The management unit 100 will now be described.
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 money deposited and the number of game balls owned by the player (hereinafter referred to as the first management ball number PA). The first management ball number PA is data managed by the management unit 100. The management medium may be capable of storing the personal information of the player or the remaining amount of payment (prepaid balance). The management unit 100 includes a cash insertion section 102 into which cash can be inserted. The amount deposited into the cash insertion section 102 is added to the remaining amount stored in the management medium. As an example, the cash may be either paper money or coins.

The 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 balance display section 115. The ball lending operation section 111 is operated when increasing the number of game balls owned by the player (hereinafter referred to as the second managed ball number PB) based on the balance stored in the management medium. The second managed ball number PB is data managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10. The payout operation section 112 is operated when increasing the second managed ball number PB based on the first managed ball number PA. The managed ball numbers PA and PB are examples of the number of balls owned.

The return operation section 113 is operated when receiving the return of a management medium inserted into the management unit 100. The first ball number display section 114 displays information (Arabic numerals, for example) that can identify the first management ball number PA. The balance display section 115 displays information (Arabic numerals, for example) that can identify the remaining amount of the payment.

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

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

The CU control board 120 is connected to the operation panel 110. The CPU 120a is configured to be able to input a ball lending signal that is output when the ball lending operation unit 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 ball number display unit 114. The CPU 120a is configured to be able to control the display content of the remaining amount display unit 115.

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

The management unit 100 is equipped with an external communication terminal (not shown) for connecting to an external management device prepared separately from the pachinko game machine 10 and the management unit 100. As an example, the external management device is installed in the game center. As an example, the external management device (not shown) is a hall computer installed in the game center. 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 game center. 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 process performed by the management unit 100 will now be described.
When a management medium is inserted into the medium insertion unit 101, the CPU 120a reads out the remaining amount and the first management ball count PA stored in the management medium, and stores them in the RAM 120c. When a management medium is inserted, the CPU 120a performs the process described below.

When the CPU 120a receives a cash insertion signal from the cash insertion unit 102, it adds the inserted amount, which can be determined from the insertion signal, to the remaining balance. When the remaining balance is not 0 and the CPU 120a receives a ball lending signal from the ball lending operation unit 111, it subtracts a specified amount from the remaining balance and stores lending information, which can determine the lending of a number of game balls corresponding to the specified amount, in the RAM 120c. Note that when the remaining balance is 0, the CPU 120a does not store lending information in the RAM 120c even if it receives a ball lending signal.

When the first management ball number PA is 1 or more, upon input of a payout signal from the payout operation unit 112, the CPU 120a subtracts a predetermined number from the first management ball number PA and stores in the RAM 120c loan information capable of identifying the loan of the predetermined number of game balls. Note that when the first management ball number PA is 0, the CPU 120a does not store in the RAM 120c even if it inputs a payout signal. In this way, the loan information is capable of identifying the number of loaned balls.

When the CPU 120a receives counting information from the pachinko gaming machine 10, it adds the number of game balls that can be identified from the counting information to the first managed ball count PA. As will be described in detail later, the counting information is information that can identify the number of balls held that will be transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100. The counting information is periodically transmitted from the pachinko gaming machine 10, and is 0 if the counting operation unit 18, which will be described later, is not operated in the pachinko gaming machine 10. In other words, even if the CPU 120a receives counting information from the pachinko gaming machine 10, there are cases where it does not add it to the first managed ball count PA. When the CPU 120a transmits the loan information to the pachinko gaming machine 10, it initializes the loan information stored in the RAM 120c to 0. The loan information output to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is an example of the first information.

The CPU 120a controls the first ball count display unit 114 to display information that can identify the first managed ball count PA at any given time. The first managed ball count PA is displayed in real time on the first ball count display unit 114. The CPU 120a controls the remaining amount display unit 115 to display information that can identify the remaining amount at any given time. The remaining amount is displayed in real time on the remaining amount display unit 115. When the CPU 120a inputs a return signal from the return operation unit 113, it stores the remaining amount and the first managed ball count PA stored in the RAM 120c in the managed medium, and initializes the remaining amount and the first managed ball count PA stored in the RAM 120c. The CPU 120a controls the medium insertion unit 101 so that the managed medium is ejected from the medium insertion unit 101.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is an enclosed type gaming machine in which a specified number P0 of gaming balls are enclosed inside the machine. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is an example of a circulation type gaming machine in which gaming balls are circulated inside the machine. The gaming balls may be either magnetic or non-magnetic. The pachinko gaming machine 10 does not have a storage section for storing gaming balls. In principle, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is structured such that players cannot touch the gaming balls.

The pachinko game machine 10 electromagnetically manages the second number of managed balls PB based on the number of loaned balls Pb, the number of acquired balls Pc, the number of shot balls Pd, and the number of returned balls Pe. The number of loaned balls Pb is the number of game balls loaned to the player. The number of acquired balls Pc is the number of game balls acquired by the player. The number of shot balls Pd is the number of game balls shot by the player. The number of shot balls Pd can also be said to be the number of game balls supplied from the supply unit 61 described below to the launch unit 65. The number of returned balls Pe is the number of game balls shot by the player that do not reach the game area 20a described below. The number of returned balls Pe can also be said to be the number of game balls shot from the launch unit 65 toward the game area 20a that do not reach the game area 20a. The returned balls are so-called "foul balls".

The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a frame 11. The frame 11 has an outer frame 11a for fixing the machine body to the island equipment, a mounting frame 11b for mounting various game parts, and a protective frame 11c. The mounting frame 11b is supported by the outer frame 11a so as to be openable and closable. The protective frame 11c is supported by the mounting frame 11b so as to be openable and closable. The protective frame 11c has protective glass (not shown) that protects the game parts mounted on the mounting frame 11b. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a locking device (not shown) that locks the frames 11b and 11c. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured so that the frames 11b and 11c cannot be opened from the outer frame 11a unless they are unlocked using a key that fits the locking device.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an audio production unit 12, an example of which is a speaker. The audio production unit 12 is an example of an audio unit capable of outputting audio. The audio production unit 12 is disposed on the front side of the mounting frame 11b. The audio production unit 12 can execute a production that outputs a predetermined audio (hereinafter referred to as audio production) and an announcement that outputs a predetermined audio (hereinafter referred to as audio announcement). For example, the predetermined audio is a piece of music, a sound effect, a person's voice reading a predetermined character string, etc. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an announcement audio unit 13, an example of which is a speaker. The announcement audio unit 13 can execute an announcement audio. As an example, the audio production unit 12 and the announcement audio unit 13 are disposed in the mounting frame 11b.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a performance light-emitting unit 14. The performance light-emitting unit 14 can perform performances (hereinafter referred to as light-emitting performances) by turning on, blinking, and extinguishing light-emitting bodies (not shown), such as LEDs. The performance light-emitting unit 14 can perform notifications (hereinafter referred to as light-emitting notifications) by turning on, blinking, and extinguishing light-emitting bodies (not shown). As an example, the performance light-emitting unit 14 is disposed in the mounting frame 11b. The performance light-emitting unit 14 may also be disposed in the game board 20, which will be described later.

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a firing operation unit 15 that can be operated to fire game balls. The firing operation unit 15 is disposed on the front side of the mounting frame 11b. The pachinko game machine 10 is configured to shoot game balls with a firing strength according to the operation of the firing operation unit 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 electrically conductive ring 15b that is arranged to surround the side of the firing operation unit 15. The touch sensor D01 outputs a touch signal when a player holds the firing operation unit 15 and the player's fingers touch the electrically conductive ring 15b. The touch signal is in an ON state when the player's fingers are touching the electrically conductive ring 15b, and is in an OFF state when they are not touching. The touch sensor D01 is an example of a means for detecting that a player is touching the firing operation unit 15.

The launch stop switch D02 outputs a stop signal when the launch stop button 15c protruding from the side of the launch operation unit 15 is pressed. The stop signal is turned on when the launch stop button 15c is operated, and is turned off when it is not operated. The launch stop button 15c is an example of a means that can be operated to stop the launch 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.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a presentation operation unit 16. The presentation operation unit 16 is an example of a means that can be operated by a player. The presentation 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 Figures 1 and 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a second ball number display unit 17 that displays information that can identify the second managed ball number PB. As an example, the second ball number display unit 17 is configured with multiple (e.g., six) seven-segment displays arranged, and can display multiple numbers (e.g., six digits). The second ball number display unit 17 can execute a predetermined notification by displaying predetermined letters and numbers.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a counting operation unit 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 when the player ends play on the pachinko gaming machine 10. The counting operation unit 18 allows counting operations using the counting operation unit 18 when a predetermined counting possible state is reached. The counting operation unit 18 outputs a counting signal when a push operation is performed. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a counting notification unit 18a. The counting notification unit 18a is an example of a means for notifying whether or not a counting possible state is reached. As an example, the performance operation unit 16, the second ball number display unit 17, the counting operation unit 18, and the counting notification unit 18a are disposed on the front side of the mounting frame 11b.

Here, the operation mode of the counting operation unit 18 will be described. In the following description, when the counting signal is indicated as ON, it means that the counting signal is being output. When the counting signal is indicated as OFF, it means that the counting signal is not being output. There are a first mode and a second mode for the operation mode of the counting operation unit 18. The first mode is an operation mode in which the operation time for the counting operation unit 18 is less than a predetermined time ta (for example, 500 ms). The operation time is the time from when the counting signal turns ON to when it turns 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 unit 18 is equal to or longer than the predetermined time ta. The second mode is a so-called "long press operation".

As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko game machine 10 includes a game board 20. The game board 20 is attached to a mounting frame 11b. A game area 20a that is substantially circular in front view is defined on the front of the game board 20. A display window 20b is formed in the approximate center of the game area 20a. A shot passage 20c that guides game balls shot by operating the shot operation unit 15 to the game area 20a is formed to the left of the game area 20a. The game area 20a and the shot passage 20c are covered by protective glass (not shown) of the protective frame 11c.

The game board 20 is equipped with 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 hold display section 21c, a second hold display section 21d, a normal symbol display section 21e, and a normal hold display section 21f. As an example, the multiple display sections 21a to 21f are arranged together in a portion visible to the player, but this is not limited thereto, and some or all of them may be arranged in different portions.

The first special symbol display unit 21a can execute a first special symbol changing game (hereinafter referred to as the first special game) in which a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner and a special symbol is finally displayed in a static manner. The second special symbol display unit 21b can execute a second special symbol changing game (hereinafter referred to as the second special game) in which a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner and a special symbol is finally displayed in a static manner. The special symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of an internal lottery (a lottery for a special symbol win). Hereinafter, the first special game and the second special game are collectively referred to as a "special game." The special symbol includes a big win symbol and a losing symbol. The special symbol may include a small win symbol. In the pachinko game machine 10, when a big win is won in the lottery for a special symbol win, a big win symbol is displayed in a static manner in a special game, and a big win game is awarded after the special game for the big win is finished. The big win game will be described later.

The first pending display unit 21c displays information that can identify the number of first special games whose execution has been put on hold because the pending conditions have been met but the starting conditions have not yet been met (hereafter referred to as the first pending number). The second pending display unit 21d displays information that can identify the number of second special games whose execution has been put on hold because the pending conditions have been met but the starting conditions have not yet been met (hereafter referred to as the second pending number).

The normal symbol display unit 21e is capable of executing a normal game in which a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and finally a normal symbol is displayed stationarily. The normal symbol is a symbol for announcing the result of an internal lottery (a lottery for a winning normal symbol). There are normal winning symbols and normal losing symbols. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a normal winning symbol is won in the lottery for a winning normal symbol, the normal winning symbol is displayed stationarily in the normal game, and a normal winning game is awarded after the normal game ends.

The regular hold display unit 21f displays information that can identify the number of regular games whose execution is on hold because the hold conditions have been met but the start conditions have not yet been met. The information display device 21 may include a right-hit display unit that displays information instructing a right hit, and a round display unit that notifies the maximum number of rounds of play.

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a performance display unit 19. The performance display unit 19 has an image display area 19a capable of displaying an image. The performance display unit 19 is an example of a display unit capable of displaying an image. The performance display unit 19 is attached to the game board 20 so that the image display area 19a can be viewed through the display window 20b. For example, the performance display unit 19 is a liquid crystal device. The performance display unit 19 can execute a performance that displays a predetermined image (hereinafter referred to as a display performance). For example, the predetermined image is an image such as a performance pattern, a character, a landscape, a letter (character string), a number, and a symbol. In the following description, when the character, etc. is simply referred to as "displaying", it means that the character, etc. is displayed as an image. The performance display unit 19 can execute a notification that displays a predetermined image (hereinafter referred to as a display notification).

Here, the performance sound unit 12, the performance light-emitting unit 14, and the performance display unit 19 are all performance units capable of executing a specified performance, and constitute a performance device ES consisting of multiple performance units. The performance sound unit 12, the performance light-emitting unit 14, and the performance display unit 19 are all examples of a notification unit capable of executing a specified notification, and are examples of a second notification unit. The performance device ES can also be understood as a notification device. The performance units and notification units included in the performance device ES are not limited to the performance sound unit 12, the performance light-emitting unit 14, and the performance display unit 19, and may be configured to omit some of these performance units. In addition to these performance units and notification units, or instead of one or more that can be selected arbitrarily, the performance device ES may be equipped with a performance movable unit that executes a movable performance, and a performance vibration unit that executes a vibration performance.

For example, the display effects in the effect display unit 19 include an effect pattern change game (hereinafter referred to as the effect game) using multiple rows of effect patterns (decorative patterns). In the effect game, multiple rows of effect patterns are displayed in a changing manner, and finally a combination of effect patterns (hereinafter referred to as a pattern combination) is displayed in a stopped manner. The effect patterns (decorative patterns) are patterns decorated with characters, patterns, etc., and are patterns for diversifying the display effects. As an example, the effect game is performed by changing (scrolling) the effect patterns of the left pattern row, the center pattern row, and the right pattern row in a predetermined direction. The effect game may include a reach effect that is performed by forming a reach. The effect game is started together with the special game and ended together with the special game. In the effect game, a pattern combination corresponding to the special pattern displayed in the special game is displayed in a stopped manner. When a jackpot pattern is displayed in the special game, the jackpot pattern combination is displayed in a stopped manner in the effect game. When a losing symbol is displayed in the special game, a losing symbol combination is displayed in the effect game. In the following explanation, the special game and the effect game that is executed together with the special game are collectively referred to as the "variable game."

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

The first start opening 23A is a winning opening through which a game ball is inserted to fulfill the conditions for awarding prize balls and the reservation conditions for the first special game. As an example, the first start opening 23A is located below the performance display unit 19. The first start opening 23A is always open so that game balls can be inserted. The game board 20 is equipped with a first start sensor D11 that detects game balls that have entered the first start opening 23A (see FIG. 9).

The second starting hole 23B is a winning hole through which a game ball is inserted to satisfy the conditions for awarding a prize ball and the reservation conditions for the second special game. As an example, the second starting hole 23B is located to the right of the first starting hole 23A. The second starting hole 23B is provided with a normal opening and closing piece 23Ba, which is, for example, in the form of a door. When a normal winning game is not awarded, the second starting hole 23B is closed so that a game ball cannot be inserted or is difficult to insert. When a normal winning game is awarded, the second starting hole 23B is opened so that a game ball can be inserted or is easy to insert. The game board 20 is provided with a normal solenoid SL1 as a means for opening the second starting hole 23B (see FIG. 9). The game board 20 is also provided with a second starting sensor D12 for detecting a game ball that has entered the second starting hole 23B (see FIG. 9). The normal opening and closing piece 23Ba is what is known as a "normal electric device."

The big prize opening 23C is an opening through which the game ball enters 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 unit 19. The big prize opening 23C is provided with a special opening/closing piece 23Ca, which is, for example, door-shaped. When a big prize game is not awarded, the big prize opening 23C is closed so that the game ball cannot enter or is difficult to enter. When a big prize game is awarded, the big prize opening 23C is opened so that the game ball can enter or is easy to enter. The game board 20 is provided with a special solenoid SL2 as a means for opening the big prize opening 23C (see FIG. 9). The game board 20 is also provided with a count sensor D13 that detects the game ball that has entered the big prize opening 23C (see FIG. 9).

The normal winning opening 23D is a winning opening through which a game ball enters in order to satisfy the conditions for awarding a prize ball. As an example, the normal winning opening 23D is located at the lower left of the performance display unit 19 and at the lower right of the performance display unit 19. The normal winning opening 23D is always open so that a game ball can enter. The game board 20 is equipped with a normal sensor D14 that detects a game ball that enters the normal winning opening 23D (see FIG. 9).

The game board 20 has a gate 24. As an example, the gate 24 is located in the right area of the game area 20a, above the second start opening 23B and the big prize opening 23C. The gate 24 has a gate opening 24a. The gate opening 24a is always open so that game balls can enter the gate. The gate 24 has a gate sensor D15 that detects game balls that have entered the gate opening 24a (see FIG. 9). The gate 24 is an entry opening through which game balls are allowed to enter in order to establish the starting conditions for the normal game. Even if a game ball enters the gate 24, the conditions for awarding prize balls are not established.

An outlet 25 is formed on the game board 20. As an example, the outlet 25 opens at the bottom of the game area 20a. If a game ball does not enter any of the first start opening 23A, the second start opening 23B, the big winning opening 23C, and the normal winning opening 23D, the game ball enters the outlet 25. The multiple winning openings 23 and the outlet 25 can be understood as discharge openings for discharging game balls from the game area 20a, or as recovery openings for recovering game balls from the game area 20a. When a game ball enters the multiple winning openings 23 or the outlet 25, it is discharged from the game board 20. Hereinafter, a game ball discharged from the game board 20 through the multiple winning openings 23 or the outlet 25 may be referred to as an out ball.

The game board 20 is equipped with a main radio wave sensor D19 that detects radio waves exceeding a predetermined strength as abnormal radio waves. The game board 20 may be equipped with one or more main radio wave sensors D19. As an example, abnormal radio waves may have a predetermined effect on detection by various sensors and switches, such as causing false detection by various sensors and switches. As an example, abnormal radio waves may have a predetermined effect on communication, such as causing a failure in communication between two different devices. The occurrence of abnormal radio waves detected by the main radio wave sensor D19 is an example of the occurrence of a specific event. The main radio wave sensor D19 is an example of a detection device that can detect the occurrence of abnormal radio waves, and is an example of a third device. The main radio wave sensor D19 outputs a radio wave detection signal when it detects abnormal radio waves. The radio wave detection signal output by the main radio wave sensor D19 is an example of third information. In other words, the third information is information indicating the occurrence of abnormal radio waves.

The main radio wave sensor D19 is capable of detecting radio waves that may have a predetermined effect on detection by the first start sensor D11. The main radio wave sensor D19 is capable of detecting radio waves that may have a predetermined effect on detection by the second start sensor D12. The main radio wave sensor D19 is capable of detecting radio waves that may have a predetermined effect on detection by the count sensor D13. In other words, the third information is also information that can identify that the third information may have a predetermined effect on detection by the first start sensor D11, the second start sensor D12, and the count sensor D13. As an example, the main radio wave sensor D19 is provided in a portion adjacent to or close to the first start sensor D11, the second start sensor D12, or the count sensor D13. In other words, the main radio wave sensor D19 is provided in the vicinity of the first start sensor D11, the second start sensor D12, or the count sensor D13. The main radio wave sensor D19 may be capable of detecting radio waves that may have a predetermined effect on detection by the normal sensor D14 and the gate sensor D15. In addition, the main radio wave sensor D19 can detect radio waves that may have a certain effect on communication between different devices. For example, the main radio wave sensor D19 can detect radio waves that may have a certain effect on communication between the game control board 80 and the frame control board 82, which will be described later. The pachinko gaming machine 10 does not have a magnetic sensor that detects magnetic fields that exceed a certain strength as abnormal magnetic fields. However, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured to have a magnetic sensor on one or both of the mounting frame 11b and the game board 20, and to detect the approach of a magnet.

The mounting frame 11b is equipped with a first door opening switch D17 that detects that the protective frame 11c has been opened relative to the mounting frame 11b (see FIG. 8). The first door opening switch D17 outputs a first door opening signal when it detects that the protective frame 11c has been opened. The mounting frame 11b is equipped with a second door opening switch D18 that detects that the mounting frame 11b has been opened relative to the outer frame 11a (see FIG. 8). The second door opening switch D18 outputs a second door opening signal when it detects that the mounting frame 11b has been opened.

The player can adjust the strength of the game ball's launch by operating the launch operation unit 15. In other words, the player can hit the game ball into either the left area to the left of the display window 20b or the right area to the right of the display window 20b. When the game ball flows down the right area, it may enter the second start opening 23B, the big prize opening 23C, the regular prize opening 23D, or the gate 24. When the game ball flows down the left area, it may enter the first start opening 23A or the regular prize opening 23D.

The frame 11 (mounting frame 11b) is equipped with a distribution mechanism 29 for game balls.
As shown in Fig. 4, the distribution mechanism 29 includes a collection mechanism 30, a circulation mechanism 50, a launch mechanism 60, and a ball removal mechanism 70. The collection mechanism 30 is formed in the mounting frame 11b. The collection mechanism 30 guides game balls discharged from the game board 20 (game area 20a) to the circulation mechanism 50. The collection mechanism 30 is configured by combining passages that extend downward or passages that incline downward. When a game ball is received by the collection mechanism 30 from the game board 20, it can reach the circulation mechanism 50 by flowing down the passages that constitute 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 lifts the game balls. The launch mechanism 60 is formed in the mounting frame 11b. When the game balls are transported by the circulation mechanism 50, they are received by the launch mechanism 60. The launch mechanism 60 can launch the game balls transported by the circulation mechanism 50 toward the game area 20a. The ball removal mechanism 70 is formed in the mounting frame 11b. The ball removal mechanism 70 is a mechanism for removing game balls from the collection mechanism 30, the circulation mechanism 50, and the launch mechanism 60.

The flow of game balls in the distribution mechanism 29 will be explained. Assume that a game ball is launched by the launch mechanism 60. The game ball can reach the game area 20a. When the game ball reaches the game area 20a, it enters one of the multiple winning holes 23 or the outlet hole 25. The game ball is discharged to the collection mechanism 30 from an outlet (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 ball is transported by the circulation mechanism 50. The game ball returns to the launch mechanism 60. Each mechanism will be explained in detail below.

The recovery mechanism 30 will now be described in detail.
The mounting frame 11b is formed with one or more winning receiving openings 30a, one or more non-winning receiving openings 30b, and one or more foul receiving openings 30c. The winning receiving opening 30a is formed below an outlet (not shown) formed at the lower end of the game board 20 that discharges game balls that have entered the multiple winning openings 23. The winning receiving opening 30a receives game balls discharged from the game board 20 through the multiple winning openings 23. The non-winning receiving opening 30b is formed below an outlet (not shown) formed at the lower end of the game board 20 that discharges game balls that have entered the outlet 25. The non-winning receiving opening 30b receives game balls discharged from the game board 20 through the outlet 25. The foul receiving opening 30c is formed below the shot passage 20c. The foul receiving opening 30c receives game balls (hereinafter referred to as return balls) that fall from the shot passage 20c. The return ball is a game ball that was launched by the launching mechanism 60 but did not reach the game area 20a. The winning receiving opening 30a, the non-winning receiving opening 30b, and the foul receiving opening 30c are examples of a collection section that collects game balls launched toward the game area 20a.

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

The mounting frame 11b is equipped with a foul sensor D21 that detects a game ball (return ball) passing through the foul passage 33. The foul sensor D21 is an example of a return ball detection unit that detects a game ball that has been shot toward the game area 20a and has not reached the game area 20a as a return ball, and is an example of a second detection unit. 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 it detects a game ball. The foul signal is turned on when a game ball is detected, and is turned off when a game ball is not detected.

The mounting frame 11b is equipped with a winning passage count sensor D25 that detects game balls passing through the winning passage 31. The winning passage count sensor D25 is provided on the winning passage 31 or a portion adjacent to the winning passage 31. The winning passage count sensor D25 outputs a winning passage signal when it detects a game ball. The winning passage signal is turned on when a game ball is detected and turned off when a game ball is not detected.

The mounting frame 11b is equipped with a non-winning passage count sensor D26 that detects game balls passing through the non-winning passage 32. The non-winning passage count sensor D26 is provided in the non-winning passage 32 or in a portion adjacent to the non-winning passage 32. The non-winning passage count sensor D26 outputs a non-winning passage signal when it detects a game ball. The non-winning passage signal is turned on when a game ball is detected and turned off when a game ball is not detected.

The mounting frame 11b is equipped with an out sensor D30 that detects game balls (valid balls) passing through the junction passage 35. A valid ball is a game ball that has reached the game area 20a among the game balls launched from the launching section 65. The out sensor D30 is an example of a valid ball detection section that detects game balls that have reached the game area 20a as valid balls among the game balls launched toward the game area 20a, and is an example of a second detection section. The out sensor D30 is provided on the junction passage 35 or a portion adjacent to the junction passage 35. The out sensor D30 outputs an out signal when it detects 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 out balls.

The mounting frame 11b is equipped with a frame radio wave sensor D16 that detects radio waves exceeding a predetermined strength as abnormal radio waves. The mounting frame 11b may be equipped with one frame radio wave sensor D16 or multiple frame radio wave sensors D16. The occurrence of abnormal radio waves detected by the frame radio wave sensor D16 is an example of the occurrence of a specific event. The frame radio wave sensor D16 is an example of a detection device that can detect the occurrence of abnormal radio waves, and is an example of a second device. The frame radio wave sensor D16 is also an example of a radio wave detection unit. The frame radio wave sensor D16 outputs a radio wave detection signal when it detects abnormal radio waves. The radio wave detection signal output by the frame radio wave sensor D16 is an example of second information. In other words, the second information is information that indicates the occurrence of abnormal radio waves.

The frame radio wave sensor D16 can detect radio waves that can have a predetermined effect on the detection by the foul sensor D21. The frame radio wave sensor D16 can detect radio waves that can have a predetermined effect on the detection by the out sensor D30. In other words, the second information is also information that can identify that the detection by the foul sensor D21 and the out sensor D30 can have a predetermined effect. As an example, the frame radio wave sensor D16 is provided in a portion adjacent to or close to the foul sensor D21 or the out sensor D30. In other words, the frame radio wave sensor D16 is provided in the vicinity of the foul sensor D21 or the out sensor D30. In addition, the frame radio wave sensor D16 can detect radio waves that can have a predetermined effect on the communication between two different devices. For example, the frame radio wave sensor D16 can detect radio waves that can have a predetermined effect on the communication between the game control board 80 and the frame control board 82 described later. Also, for example, the frame radio wave sensor D16 can detect radio waves that can have a predetermined effect on the communication between the frame control board 82 and the CU control board 120 described later. In addition, the frame radio wave sensor D16 may be capable of detecting radio waves that may have a predetermined effect on detection by the first start sensor D11, the second start sensor D12, the count sensor D13, the normal sensor D14, and the gate sensor D15. Similarly, the main radio wave sensor D19 may be capable of detecting radio waves that may have a predetermined effect on detection by the foul sensor D21 and the out sensor D30.

The mounting frame 11b is equipped with a ball jamming monitoring sensor D27 that detects game balls passing through the supply passage 37. The ball jamming monitoring sensor D27 is provided in the supply passage 37 or a portion adjacent to the supply passage 37. When the ball jamming monitoring sensor D27 detects a game ball, it outputs a ball jamming detection signal. The ball jamming detection signal is turned on when a game ball is detected, and is turned off when a game ball is not detected.

The circulation mechanism 50 will now be described in detail.
The circulation mechanism 50 includes a transport unit 52 that transports the game balls received from the collection mechanism 30. As an example, the transport unit 52 includes a transport passage extending along a predetermined direction, a screw housed in the transport passage, and a transport motor 52a that rotates the screw. The screw is rotated by the transport motor 52a, so that the game balls are transported in a predetermined direction in the transport passage. The transport motor 52a transports the game balls collected from the game area 20a. Without being limited thereto, the transport unit 52 may be a belt extending along a predetermined direction, or a pressure-feed motor that pressure-feeds the game balls in a predetermined direction. The predetermined direction may be an upward direction, or a direction that inclines upward.

The circulation mechanism 50 is equipped with a transport entrance sensor D28 that detects game balls received from the supply passage 37 at the entrance of the transport section 52. The transport entrance sensor D28 is provided at the entrance of the transport section 52 or a portion adjacent to the entrance. The transport entrance sensor D28 outputs a transport entrance signal when it detects a game ball. The transport entrance signal is turned on when a game ball is detected and turned off when a game ball is not detected.

The circulation mechanism 50 is equipped with a transport outlet sensor D29 at the outlet of the transport section 52, which detects game balls transported by the transport section 52. The transport outlet sensor D29 is provided at the outlet of the transport section 52 or a portion adjacent to the outlet. The transport outlet sensor D29 outputs a transport outlet signal when it detects a game ball. The transport outlet signal is turned on when a game ball is detected, and is turned off when a game ball is not detected.

The firing mechanism 60 will now be described in detail.
The launching mechanism 60 includes a supply unit 61 and a launching unit 65. The supply unit 61 is an example of a supply mechanism. The supply unit 61 supplies the game balls transported by the transport unit 52 to the launching unit 65 by cutting them out one by one. In other words, the supply unit 61 supplies the game balls collected by the collection unit from the play area 20a to the launching unit 65. The launching unit 65 launches the supplied game balls toward the play area 20a.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the supply unit 61 is formed with an entrance-side passage 62a, a dispensing mechanism 63, and an exit-side passage 62b. The entrance-side passage 62a receives the game balls K transported by the transport unit 52. The entrance-side passage 62a aligns the received game balls K in a row. The entrance-side passage 62a is a passage that extends downward toward the portion where the dispensing mechanism 63 is located.

The dispensing mechanism 63 includes a movable piece 63a configured to be capable of supplying the game ball K, and a supply solenoid 63b that drives the movable piece 63a. When the movable piece 63a is not performing a supply operation, the movable piece 63a blocks the game ball K so that it does not flow from the entrance-side passage 62a to the exit-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 the entrance-side passage 62a is released to the exit-side passage 62b. The exit-side passage 62b is a passage that extends downward toward the launching section 65.

The supply unit 61 is equipped with a supply inlet sensor D22 on the inlet side of the supply unit 61, which detects a game ball K received into the inlet side passage 62a. The supply inlet sensor D22 is an example of an inlet side ball detection unit on the inlet side of the supply unit 61. The supply inlet sensor D22 is provided in the inlet side passage 62a or a portion adjacent to the inlet side passage 62a. The supply inlet sensor D22 outputs a supply inlet signal when it detects a game ball K. The supply inlet signal is turned on when a game ball K is detected, and is turned off when it is not detected.

The supply unit 61 is equipped with a supply outlet sensor D23 that detects game balls K released to the outlet side passage 62b on the outlet side of the supply unit 61. The supply outlet sensor D23 is an example of an outlet side ball detection unit on the outlet side of the supply unit 61, and is an example of a first detection unit. The supply outlet sensor D23 is provided in the outlet side passage 62b or a portion adjacent to the outlet side passage 62b. The supply outlet sensor D23 outputs a supply outlet signal when it detects a game ball K. The supply outlet signal is turned on when a game ball K is detected, and is turned off when it is not detected.

7, the launching unit 65 includes a launching hammer 66 configured to be capable of launching the game ball, and a launching solenoid 66a that drives the launching hammer 66. The launching solenoid 66a may be a motor. The game ball K that flows down the outlet side passage 62b of the supply unit 61 reaches the impact position 67 of the launching unit 65. As an example, the launching operation of the launching hammer 66 is an operation of striking the game ball at the impact position 67 toward the launching passage 20c. As shown by the solid line and the two-dot chain line in the figure, when the launching hammer 66 executes one launching operation, one game ball at the impact position 67 is launched into the launching passage 20c. As shown by the arrow Y1, if there is sufficient launch strength, the game ball can fly through the launching passage 20c and reach the game area 20a. As shown by arrows Y2 and Y3, if the shooting strength is insufficient, the game ball will lose speed in the shot passage 20c and fall. In this case, the game ball becomes a return ball and flows from the foul receiving opening 30c into the foul passage 33.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the distribution mechanism 29 includes a maintenance unit 55 .
As an example, the maintenance unit 55 is formed in the mounting frame 11b. As an example, the maintenance unit 55 is provided in the circulation mechanism 50. The maintenance unit 55 is configured to be able to polish the game balls by bringing the polishing member into contact with the game balls as an example of maintenance. The polishing member may be a circular belt or a winding belt. After the game balls are detected by the transport inlet sensor D28, the maintenance unit 55 performs a predetermined maintenance. After the maintenance is performed, the game balls are transported by the transport unit 52. As an example, the maintenance unit 55 may be configured as a unit in which the polishing member and a mechanism for driving the polishing member are integrated. In this case, the maintenance unit 55 may be assembled to the mounting frame 11b so as to be replaceable as a unit.

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

The first ball removal section 71 is formed in a portion of the ball passageway leading to the supply passageway 37 between the portion where game balls are detected by the transport inlet sensor D28 and the transport section 52 (maintenance section 55) (hereinafter referred to as the first connection section 71a). The first connection section 71a has a ball removal hole 71b that penetrates its wall or bottom in a predetermined direction. The ball removal hole 71b may be the portion where the game ball discharge passageway opens into the first connection section 71a. As an example, the predetermined direction is rearward, but is not limited to this and may be forward or downward.

The first ball removal section 71 has an opening/closing piece 71c that can be displaced between a sealed position that seals the ball removal hole 71b and an open position that opens the ball removal hole 71b. The opening/closing piece 71c is positioned in the sealed position by the biasing force of a biasing mechanism (not shown). When the opening/closing piece 71c is displaced to the open position by an external force, such as by operating an operating part (not shown) such as a lever, the ball removal hole 71b is opened. As an example, the ball passage leading to the supply passage 37 is inclined downward toward the first connection section 71a. Therefore, when the ball removal hole 71b is open, the game balls present in the supply passage 37 can be discharged outside the machine through the ball removal hole 71b.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the second ball removal portion 72 is formed in the launch mechanism 60.
As described above, when the movable piece 63a is not performing a supply operation, the game balls are blocked in the inlet-side passage 62a by the movable piece 63a. The ball removal passage 73 is connected to a portion of the inlet-side passage 62a where the leading game ball K is located (hereinafter referred to as the 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 connection portion 72a in a predetermined direction. As an example, the predetermined direction is downward, but is not limited to this and may be forward or backward.

The second ball removal section 72 has an opening/closing piece 72c that can be displaced between a sealing position where the ball removal hole 72b is sealed, and an opening position where the ball removal hole 72b is opened. The opening/closing piece 72c is positioned in the sealing position by the biasing force of a biasing mechanism (not shown). When the opening/closing piece 72c is displaced to the opening position by an external force, such as by operating an operating part (not shown) such as a lever, the ball removal hole 72b is opened. As an example, the entrance side passage 62a is inclined downward toward the cutting mechanism 63 (movable piece 63a). Therefore, the game balls present in the entrance side passage 62a flow from the ball removal hole 72b into the ball removal passage 73.

The ball removal passage 73 is connected to the first connection part 71a. The ball removal passage 73 is composed of a combination of passages that extend downward or passages that slope downward. Thus, the game balls that flow into the ball removal passage 73 flow into the first connection part 71a. When the ball removal hole 71b is open, the game balls can be discharged outside the machine from the ball removal hole 71b. Not limited to this, the ball removal mechanism 70 may be configured not to include the ball removal passage 73. In this case, the ball removal hole 72b may be formed so as to penetrate the wall or bottom of the second connection part 72a in a predetermined direction. As an example, the predetermined direction is rearward, but is not limited to this and may be forward or downward.

Next, the big win game will be described.
In the jackpot game, a predetermined performance is first performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter, referred to as the opening time). For example, the predetermined performance is an opening performance that allows the start of the jackpot game to be recognized. In the jackpot game, after the opening time has elapsed, a round game in which the large prize winning hole 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 hole is met, or a time condition in which a predetermined upper limit time has elapsed. In the round game, the large prize winning hole 23C is opened in a predetermined opening mode (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 the ending time). For example, the predetermined performance is an ending performance that allows the end of the jackpot game to be recognized. The jackpot game ends with the ending time having elapsed.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a probability fluctuation function (hereinafter referred to as the probability fluctuation function).
The probability variation function is a function for varying the probability of winning a jackpot in a special symbol winning lottery (hereinafter referred to as the jackpot probability). In other words, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a low probability state in which the probability variation function is not activated, and a high probability state in which the probability variation function is activated, as states in which the jackpot probability can differ. The high probability state has a higher jackpot probability than the low probability state. In the high probability state, the jackpot probability is higher than in the low probability state, making it an extremely advantageous state for the player. The high probability state is what is known as a "probability variation state (probability variation state)."

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a ball entry assistance function.
The ball entry assist function is a function for varying the ball entry rate into the second starting hole 23B. In other words, the pachinko game machine 10 has 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, as states in which the ball entry rate into the second starting hole 23B can be different. In the high ball entry rate state, the probability that the game ball will enter the second starting hole 23B is higher than in the low ball entry rate state. In the high ball entry rate state, the probability that the game ball will enter the second starting hole 23B increases, making it easier for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 23B, which is an advantageous state for the player (easy ball entry state). The high ball entry rate state is the so-called "electric support state", and the low ball entry rate state is the so-called "non-electric support state".

For example, the high ball entry rate state can be realized by performing one of the three controls described below, which are arbitrarily selected, or by combining multiple controls. The first control is a normal pattern variation time shortening control that shortens the variation time of the normal game compared to the low ball entry rate state. The second control is a normal pattern probability variation control that varies the probability of winning the normal winning lottery (normal winning probability) to a higher probability than in the low ball entry rate state. The third control is an opening time extension control that makes the total opening time of the second start port 23B in one normal winning game longer than in the low ball entry rate state. The opening time extension control may be at least one of the following: a control that increases the number of times the second start port 23B is opened in one normal winning game compared to the low ball entry rate state, and a control that makes the opening time of the second start port 23B in one normal winning game 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 shortens the fluctuation time of the special game (for example, the average fluctuation time) compared to when the ball is in a low winning rate state. When the special symbol fluctuation time shortening control is performed, the high winning rate state becomes a special symbol fluctuation time shortening state (time shortening state), and the low winning rate state becomes a special symbol non-fluctuation time shortening state (non-time shortening state).

The game state is determined by a combination of whether or not the special chance function is activated and whether or not the ball-scoring assistance function is activated. In the following explanation, a game state that is a low probability state and a low ball-scoring rate state is referred to as a "low probability low ball-scoring rate state," and a game state that is a high probability state and a low ball-scoring rate state is referred to as a "high probability low ball-scoring rate state." In addition, a game state that is a low probability state and a high ball-scoring rate state is referred to as a "low probability high ball-scoring rate state," and a game state that is a high probability state and a high ball-scoring rate state is referred to as a "high probability high ball-scoring rate state."

The electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in Fig. 8, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a plurality of control boards. The plurality of control boards include a game control board (main control board) 80, a performance control board (sub-control board) 81, a frame control board 82, and a launch control board 83. The game control board 80 is an example of a second control unit capable of executing a predetermined control. The performance control board 81 is an example of a third control unit capable of executing a predetermined control. The frame control board 82 is an example of a control unit capable of executing a predetermined control, and is an example of a first control unit. The plurality of control boards are provided in positions that cannot be accessed or seen unless a locking device (not shown) is unlocked to open the mounting frame 11b.

The game control board 80 and the presentation control board 81 are connected to enable one-way communication from the game control board 80 to the presentation control board 81. The game control board 80 executes a predetermined control and outputs control information to the presentation control board 81. For example, the control information is a signal, a command, or a message. The presentation control board 81 executes a predetermined control based on the control information input from the game control board 80. The game control board 80 and the frame control board 82 are connected to enable two-way communication. The game control board 80 executes a predetermined control and outputs control information to the frame control board 82. The frame control board 82 executes a 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 to enable two-way communication. The frame control board 82 executes a 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 pachinko gaming machine 10 and the CU control board 120 of the management unit 100 are connected via a connection terminal board 98 provided on the pachinko gaming machine 10 so that they can communicate in both directions. The connection terminal board 98 is an example of an external input unit that can receive (input) control information from the CU control board 120 outside the machine, and is an example of an external output unit that can transmit (output) control information to the CU control board 120. The frame control board 82 executes a predetermined control and outputs control information to the CU control board 120. The CU control board 120 executes a predetermined control and outputs control information to the frame control board 82.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with 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 to a specified voltage, and supplies it to the performance 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, the launch solenoid 66a, various sensors, and switches. The power supply unit 99 is equipped with a main switch 99a. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to be powered on by starting the power supply to the power supply unit 99 with the main switch 99a in the on state, or by turning on the main switch 99a while power is being supplied.

The game control board 80 will now be described 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 generating circuit 80d. The CPU 80a executes a main control program to control the progress of the game. The ROM 80b stores the main control program, judgment values used for various judgments and lotteries, and tables. The ROM 80b stores a plurality of types of variation patterns. The variation pattern is information that can specify the variation time from the start to the end of the special game. The variation pattern is information that can specify the variation content (performance content) of the performance game performed during the execution of the special game. The variation patterns include a big win variation pattern and a miss variation pattern. The performance game based on the big win variation pattern is a variation content in which a big win pattern combination is stopped and displayed after a reach performance or without a reach performance. The performance game based on the miss variation pattern is a variation content in which a miss pattern combination is stopped and displayed after a reach performance or without a reach performance.

RAM 80c stores various information that is rewritten depending on the processing results of CPU 80a. For example, information stored in RAM 80c includes flags, counters, and timers. RAM 80c is an example of a means capable of storing information. Random number generation circuit 80d generates hardware random numbers. Game control board 80 may be configured to be able to generate software random numbers through random number generation processing by CPU 80a.

The game control board 80 is connected to the first start sensor D11, the second start sensor D12, the count sensor D13, the normal sensor D14, and the gate sensor D15 by communication lines. The CPU 80a can input the detection signals output by each sensor D11 to D15 when it detects a game ball. The game control board 80 is connected to the main radio wave sensor D19 by a communication line. The CPU 80a can input the radio wave detection signal from the main radio wave sensor D19. The game control board 80 is equipped with a connector (not shown) that connects the communication lines connected to each sensor to the game control board 80. The connector that connects the communication lines connecting the game control board 80 and each sensor to the game control board 80 is an example of an internal input unit that can input the radio wave detection signal from the main radio wave sensor D19. Each sensor is energized by being connected to the game control board 80 by 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. This allows the CPU 80a to determine whether the communication lines connecting the game control board 80 and each sensor are disconnected. The game control board 80 is connected to each display unit 21a to 21f. The CPU 80a can control the display content of each display unit 21a to 21f. The game control board 80 is connected to each solenoid SL1, SL2. The CPU 80a can control the opening state of the second start opening 23B and the large winning opening 23C by controlling the operation of each solenoid SL1, SL2.

The performance control board 81 will be explained in detail.
The performance control board 81 includes a CPU 81a, a ROM 81b, and a RAM 81c. The CPU 81a executes a sub-control program to perform processing related to the performance. The ROM 81b stores the sub-control program and a judgment value used for a predetermined lottery. The ROM 81b stores display performance data used for display performance, light-emitting performance data used for light-emitting performance, and audio performance data used for audio performance. The ROM 81b also stores display notification data used for display notification, light-emitting notification data used for light-emitting notification, and audio notification data used for audio notification. The RAM 81c stores various information that is rewritten during the operation of the pachinko game machine 10. For example, the information stored in the RAM 81c is a flag, a counter, a timer, and the like. The performance control board 81 is configured to be able to generate software random numbers by random number generation processing by the CPU 81a. The performance control board 81 may be equipped with a random number generation circuit and be able to generate hardware random numbers.

The performance control board 81 is connected to the performance display unit 19. The CPU 81a can control the display contents of the performance display unit 19. The performance control board 81 is connected to the performance sound unit 12. The CPU 81a can control the output contents of the performance sound unit 12. The performance control board 81 is connected to the performance light-emitting unit 14. The CPU 81a can control the light-emitting mode of the performance light-emitting unit 14. In this way, the performance display unit 19, the performance sound unit 12, and the performance light-emitting unit 14 are controlled by the performance control board 81 (CPU 81a).

The frame control board 82 will now be described 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, a backup circuit 82k, and a launch permission circuit 82m. The CPU 82a executes a frame control program to perform processing related to the operation of the mounted components of the mounting frame 11b. The ROM 82b stores the frame control program and the like. The RAM 82c stores various information that is rewritten during the operation of the pachinko game machine 10. For example, the information stored in the RAM 82c includes flags, counters, and timers.

The performance display monitor 82d is, for example, configured with multiple (e.g., six) seven-segment displays arranged in a row, and can display multiple (e.g., six-digit) numbers. The performance display monitor 82d is an example of a notification unit capable of executing a predetermined notification in a manner that displays predetermined letters and numbers, and is an example of a first notification unit. The performance display monitor 82d displays a base value. The base value is a value indicating the ratio (proportion) of the total number of winning balls during normal play to the total number of valid balls during normal play. Normal play is a game in a low probability, low ball entry rate state, and when no jackpot game is being played. The base value is calculated by the formula "total number of winning balls during normal play ÷ total number of valid balls during normal play × 100". The performance display monitor 82d is an example of a means capable of displaying information regarding the performance (for example, base) of the game ball.

The ball removal switch 82e is an example of a ball removal operation unit that is operated to bring about a state in which game balls inside the pachinko gaming machine 10 can be discharged outside the machine (hereinafter referred to as the ball removal state). The ball removal state is a state in which game balls can be discharged 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 is 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 an operating unit that can be operated to release a specific error setting after the cause of the error has been eliminated when the error is set. An error is set 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 is turned off when the switch is not pressed. The error release signal is output to the CPU 82a.

The game ball clear switch 82g is an example of an operation unit that can initialize the second management ball count PB (hereinafter referred to as second management ball count information) stored as data in the RAM 82c to 0. The game ball clear switch 82g outputs a game ball clear signal when pressed. A press operation is an example of operating in a predetermined manner. The game ball clear signal is turned on when the game ball clear switch 82g is pressed, and is turned off when no press operation is performed. The game ball clear signal is output to the CPU 82a.

The RAM clear switch 82h is a switch that is 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 is turned off when it 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 source 82j supplies backup power to the game control board 80 (RAM 80c) as well as the RAM 82c even when the power supply from the outside is cut off. In the following description, the cutoff of the power supply from the outside may be referred to as a power outage. By receiving backup power from the backup power source 82j, the RAMs 80c and 82c can retain the contents stored in the RAMs 80c and 82c at the time of power outage even after the power outage. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a backup function. Not limited to this, one or both of the RAMs 80c and 82c may be non-volatile memory that can retain the stored contents even when the power supply is stopped, and thus can retain information even after the power outage.

As an example, the backup power supply 82j is a power storage device that stores power from an external power supply. Even when the power supply from the outside is cut off, the backup power supply 82j supplies backup power to the launch control board 83 (launch control circuit 83a) and the launch solenoid 66a at least until a specified time (hereinafter referred to as the supply time) required for the launch control board 83 and the launch solenoid 66a to complete a specified operation has elapsed. Note that the supply time is related to the power capacity stored to supply to the launch control board 83 and the launch solenoid 66a, and may be the time required to release the power, or may be a time specified by a specified circuit.

The launch control board 83 (launch control circuit 83a) and the launch solenoid 66a can perform a predetermined operation even after the external power supply is cut off by receiving backup power from the backup power supply 82j. The launch unit 65 is configured to be able to perform n launch operations after the external power supply is cut off, even if the external power supply is cut off at least during one of the periods when the normal launch operation (launch sequence) is being performed and when the special launch operation (idle firing sequence) is being performed. As an example, n=1, but this is not limiting, and n=2 or n≧3 may also be acceptable.

All information stored in RAM 80c is subject to backup. As an example, information that can be stored in RAM 80c and is subject to backup includes main information. The main information is information related to the progress of the game. As an example, the main information includes information related to the jackpot status (including the number of rounds played), information related to the game status, information related to the number of reserved games, information related to normal and special patterns, and information related to errors.

All information stored in RAM 82c is subject to backup. As an example, information that can be stored in RAM 82c and is subject to backup includes second managed ball count information, game information, and performance information. Second managed ball count information is information that can identify the second managed ball count PB. 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 information that can identify the occurrence of a start port winning, the occurrence of a normal winning, the occurrence of a big winning port winning in a big winning game, passing through a gate, confirmation of a special pattern (end of a variable game), the occurrence of a big winning, and the current game state. Performance information is information related to the base value and the calculation of the base value. Information related to the calculation of the base value includes the total number of winning balls during normal play and the total number of effective balls during normal play.

When the power supply voltage supplied from the power supply unit 99 falls below a specified voltage, the backup circuit 82k outputs a power interruption detection signal to the CPU 82a and also outputs a signal to the CPU 80a of the game control board 80. The launch permission circuit 82m outputs a signal (hereinafter referred to as the launch permission signal) to the launch control board 83 that can identify that the launch permission state is in which the launch of game balls is permitted. The output conditions for the launch permission signal will be described later.

The frame control board 82 is connected to the counting operation unit 18. The CPU 82a is configured to be able to input the counting signal output by the counting operation unit 18. The CPU 82a can determine whether the operation mode of the counting operation unit 18 is a "single press operation" or a "long press operation" according to the input counting signal. The frame control board 82 is connected to the frame radio wave sensor D16, the first door opening switch D17, the second door opening switch D18, the foul sensor D21, the supply inlet sensor D22, the supply outlet sensor D23, the winning passage count sensor D25, the non-winning passage count sensor D26, and the ball jamming monitor sensor D27 by communication lines. The frame control board 82 is also connected to the transport inlet sensor D28, the transport outlet sensor D29, and the out sensor D30 by communication lines. The CPU 82a is configured to be able to input the radio wave detection signal, the first door opening signal, the second door opening signal, the foul signal, the supply inlet signal, the supply outlet signal, the winning passage signal, the non-winning passage signal, the ball jam detection signal, the transport inlet signal, the transport outlet signal, and the out signal output by these sensors and switches. The frame control board 82 is provided with a connector (not shown) that connects the communication lines connected to these sensors and switches to the frame control board 82. The connector that connects the communication lines connecting the frame control board 82 to each sensor and each switch to the game control board 80 is an example of an internal input unit that can input signals from each sensor and each switch. Each sensor and each switch is energized by being connected to the frame control board 82 by a communication line. Each sensor and each switch is not energized unless it is connected to the frame control board 82 by a communication line. The CPU 82a can detect whether each sensor and each switch is energized. This allows the CPU 82a to identify whether the communication lines connecting the frame control board 82 to each sensor and each switch are disconnected. The frame control board 82 outputs a first door opening signal and a second door opening signal to the game control board 80.

The frame control board 82 is connected to the notification sound unit 13. The CPU 82a can control the output contents of the notification sound unit 13. The frame control board 82 is connected to the second ball number display unit 17. The CPU 82a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the second ball number display unit 17. The frame control board 82 is connected to the maintenance unit 55. The CPU 82a is configured to be able to control the maintenance operation of the maintenance unit 55. The frame control board 82 is connected to the transport unit 52 (transport motor 52a). The CPU 82a is configured to be able to control the transport operation of the transport unit 52. The frame control board 82 is connected to the supply solenoid 63b. The CPU 82a can displace the movable piece 63a by controlling the supply of electricity to the supply solenoid 63b. In other words, the CPU 82a is configured to be able to control the supply operation of the 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 receive various telegrams sent by the CU control board 120. The connection signal output by the management unit 100 is input from the connection terminal board 98 to the launch permission circuit 82m without passing through the CPU 82a. The launch permission circuit 82m also receives the launch stop signal output by the game control board 80 and the error signal output by the CPU 82a.

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

The launch control board 83 is connected to the touch sensor D01, the launch stop switch D02, and the handle volume D03. The launch control circuit 83a is configured to be able to input the touch signal, stop signal, and volume signal output by these switches and sensors. The launch control board 83 is connected to the launch solenoid 66a. When the launch control circuit 83a outputs a drive signal to the launch solenoid 66a, the launch solenoid 66a is driven and the launch hammer 66 strikes the game ball. In other words, the launch control board 83 is configured to be able to control the launch operation of the game ball by the launch unit 65.

The launch control circuit 83a has an operation determination unit, a pulse clock generation unit, a timing pulse generation unit, a holding circuit, and a solenoid drive unit. The operation determination unit outputs an operation signal to the timing pulse generation unit when the operation enabling conditions are met because the launch permission signal from the frame control board 82 is in the on state, the stop signal from the launch stop switch D02 is in the off state, and the touch signal from the touch sensor D01 is in the on state. The operation determination unit does not output an operation signal to the timing pulse generation unit when the operation enabling conditions are not met because some or all of the following are not met: the launch permission signal from the frame control board 82 is in the on state, the stop signal from the launch stop switch D02 is in the off state, and the touch signal from the touch sensor D01 is in the on state.

When the timing pulse generating unit receives an operation signal, it synthesizes the operation signal and the pulse signal received from the pulse clock generating unit, and outputs a firing timing pulse to the solenoid driving unit. Each time the solenoid driving unit receives a firing timing pulse, it supplies (outputs) to the firing solenoid 66a a driving current whose voltage corresponds to the volume signal (voltage) received from the handle volume D03. This causes the firing solenoid 66a to drive with a strength corresponding to the amount of rotation of the handle lever 15a, and the game ball is fired. The firing control circuit 83a outputs a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 82 at a predetermined timing. When a driving current is output when the operable condition is satisfied, the holding circuit holds the voltage (voltage value) of the volume signal at that time. In the blank firing sequence described below, the firing control circuit 83a (solenoid driving unit) supplies to the firing solenoid 66a a driving current whose voltage corresponds to the voltage value held (stored) in the holding circuit, rather than the voltage value of the volume signal.

The process executed by the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) will be described.
The frame side power cut-off process will be described.
When the CPU 82a receives the power-off detection signal output by the backup circuit 82k, the CPU 82a executes power-off processing. In the frame-side power-off processing, the CPU 82a calculates a checksum value of the RAM 82c and stores the calculated checksum value in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82a also stores information (hereinafter, referred to as a backup flag) capable of identifying that the power-off processing has been normally executed in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82a then waits until the power is completely turned off. The various pieces of information stored in the RAM 82c when the power is turned off are retained even after the power is turned off by the backup function described above.

The frame side power-on process will now be described.
When the power is turned on and the voltage supplied to the frame control board 82 reaches the voltage required for the operation of the CPU 82a, the CPU 82a executes the frame-side ball removal process. In the frame-side ball removal process, the CPU 82a determines whether or not the conditions for transitioning to the ball removal state (hereinafter referred to as the ball removal transition conditions) are met.

As an example, the CPU 82a determines whether the second managed ball count PB indicated in the second managed ball count information is 0. As an example, the CPU 82a determines whether the ball removal switch 82e is operated based on whether the ball removal signal is on or not until the operation valid period has elapsed. When the CPU 82a is started with power-on, it sets the operation valid period for a predetermined period. In other words, the operation valid period can be set for a predetermined period after power-on. The operation valid period may be a length that essentially requires power-on while operating the ball removal switch 82e, such as 0.04 seconds. Not limited to this, the operation valid period may be a length that allows an administrator or the like to operate the ball removal switch 82e after power-on, such as 5 seconds. The operation valid period is not limited to being set as a period measured by timer processing or the like, and may simply be set as a period from power-on to a predetermined judgment timing.

The CPU 82a determines that the ball removal transition condition is met when the second managed ball count PB 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 pachinko gaming machine 10. In other words, the ball removal state can be transitioned to 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 met when the second managed ball count PB is not 0 or when the ball removal switch 82e is not operated. When the ball removal transition condition is not met, the CPU 82a does not set the ball removal state and ends the frame side ball removal process.

On the other hand, if the ball removal transition condition is met, the CPU 82a stores information that can identify the ball removal state in the RAM 82c. In other words, the CPU 82a sets the ball removal state. In this way, the ball removal state can be transitioned to when the ball removal switch 82e, which is an example of a ball removal operation unit, is operated during a predetermined operation valid period. The control content in the ball removal state will be described later. The ball removal state cannot be released unless the power supply is cut off. When transitioning to the ball removal state, the CPU 82a outputs control information indicating a transition to the ball removal state (hereinafter referred to as a ball removal start command) to the game control board 80. The game control board 80 (CPU 80a) outputs the ball removal start command to the presentation control board 81.

In the ball removal state, the CPU 82a monitors the state of the transport inlet signal output from the transport inlet sensor D28 and the state of the transport outlet signal that may be output from the transport outlet sensor D29. The CPU 82a controls the operation of the transport motor 52a of the transport unit 52 according to the state of the transport inlet signal and the state of the transport outlet signal.

As an example, the CPU 82a operates the transport motor 52a when both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are in the OFF state. Without being limited to this, the CPU 82a may operate the transport motor 52a without a waiting time when the state changes from a state in which both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are in the OFF state to a state in which the transport entrance signal is in the ON state and the transport exit signal is in the OFF state.

Let us assume that the situation has changed from when the conveying motor 52a is operating, the conveying entrance signal is on, and the conveying exit signal is off to when the conveying entrance signal is on and the conveying exit signal is on. In this case, the CPU 82a stops the conveying motor 52a when the conveying exit signal is maintained in the on state for a standby time (120 ms, for example). Let us assume that the situation has changed from when the conveying motor 52a is stopped, and the conveying entrance signal and the conveying exit signal are both on to when the conveying entrance signal is off and the conveying exit signal is on. In this case, the CPU 82a keeps the conveying motor 52a stopped. Let us assume that the situation has changed from when the conveying motor 52a is stopped, the conveying entrance signal is off, and the conveying exit signal is on to when the conveying entrance signal and the conveying exit signal are both on. In this case, the CPU 82a keeps the conveying motor 52a stopped.

Let us assume that the situation changes from one in which the conveying motor 52a is stopped and the conveying entrance signal and the conveying exit signal are both on to one in which the conveying entrance signal is on and the conveying exit signal is off. In this case, the CPU 82a operates the conveying motor 52a when the conveying exit signal is maintained in the off state for a standby time (30 ms, for example). Note that if the standby time (200 ms, for example) has not elapsed since the conveying entrance signal became on before the standby time (30 ms, for example) has elapsed since the conveying exit signal became off, the CPU 82a operates the conveying motor 52a after the standby time has elapsed.

Suppose that the transport motor 52a is in operation, the transport entrance signal is on, and the transport exit signal is off, and then the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are both off. In this case, 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 standby time (for example, 3000 ms). In other words, the CPU 82a stops the transport motor 52a when a specified time has elapsed without the transport entrance sensor D28 detecting the game ball collected from the game area 20a. The CPU 82a outputs control information indicating the completion of the ball removal (hereinafter referred to as the ball removal completion command) to the game control board 80. The game control board 80 (CPU 80a) outputs the ball removal completion command to the performance control board 81. The CPU 82a determines that the ball removal is complete when the transport entrance sensor D28 no longer detects the game balls collected from the game area 20a or when the transport motor 52a stops.

In the ball-free state, the CPU 82a does not execute processing to detect some of the various errors described below. In other words, in the ball-free state, various sensors are disabled.

When the CPU 82a starts up following power-on, it executes a communication check process. The communication check process is executed in parallel with the frame-side ball removal process, and continues to be executed until the frame-side power-off process is executed.

10, in the communication check process, the CPU 82a determines whether or not it has received startup information from the gaming 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 identify the type of gaming machine, the ID number of the CPU 80a, and the manufacturer of the CPU 80a. The gaming machine installation information includes a communication number (for example, 0). When the CPU 82a receives the startup information, it transmits response information to the received startup information to the gaming control board 80 within a response time t2 (for example, 10 ms). This response information includes a communication number (for example, 0) corresponding to the received startup information. After that, the CPU 82a stores information that can identify that the startup information has been input (hereinafter, referred to as a startup input flag) in the RAM 82c. In this way, the frame control board 82 can input startup information that can identify some information regarding the configuration of the gaming machine from the gaming control board 80 when power supply starts.

If the CPU 82a does not receive startup information within the startup time t1 (for example, 3 minutes) from startup by power-on, it stores information (flag) capable of identifying the occurrence of a managed gaming machine internal communication error in the RAM 82c. In other words, the CPU 82a sets a managed gaming machine internal communication error. The managed gaming machine internal communication error is an example of a first communication error. The CPU 82a then waits until it receives startup information. If the CPU 82a receives startup information from the game control board 80 while the managed gaming machine internal communication error is set, it cancels the setting of the managed gaming machine internal communication error and stores the startup input flag in the RAM 82c.

In the following description, when an error is referred to as being "set," it means that information capable of identifying the error (a flag, for example) is stored in RAM 82c. When an error is referred to as being "unset," it means that information capable of identifying the error (a flag, for example) is erased from RAM 82c.

After receiving the startup information, the CPU 82a can receive game information from the game control board 80 every time a periodic time t3 (for example, 108 ms) elapses. The game information includes a communication number. This communication number is updated according to the number of transmissions. When the CPU 82a receives the game information, it transmits response information to the received game information to the game control board 80 within a response time t2 (for example, 10 ms). This response information includes the same communication number as the received game information.

If the CPU 82a does not receive the next information (for example, game information) within a predetermined time tb (for example, 1000 ms) after receiving the startup information or game information from the game control board 80, the CPU 82a stores information capable of identifying the occurrence of a managed game machine communication error in the RAM 82c. In other words, the CPU 82a sets a managed game machine communication error. If the CPU 82a receives game information from the game control board 80 while the managed game machine communication error is set, the CPU 82a cancels the managed game machine communication error setting. In this way, the frame control board 82 can detect an abnormality in communication with the game control board 80 as a managed game machine communication error.

When the CPU 82a ends the frame-side ball removal process without setting the ball removal state and the startup input flag is stored in the RAM 82c, the CPU 82a judges whether the backed-up information is normal. Here, when the CPU 82a ends the frame-side ball removal process but the startup input flag is not stored, the CPU 82a waits until the startup input flag is stored. Specifically, the CPU 82a judges whether a backup flag is stored in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82a also calculates a checksum value in the RAM 82c and judges whether the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value calculated in the frame-side power-off process. The CPU 82a judges that the information is normal when the backup flag is stored and the checksum values match, while judging that the information is abnormal when they do not. When the CPU 82a judges that the backed-up information is abnormal, the CPU 82a initializes the second managed ball count information and game information stored in the RAM 82c. At this time, the CPU 82a does not initialize the performance information. The CPU 82a then returns to normal based on the initialized or backed up second ball count information, game information, and performance information, and executes the normal frame-side processing described below.

On the other hand, if the backed up information is determined to be normal, the CPU 82a determines whether the game ball clear switch 82g has been operated based on whether the game ball clear signal is in the on state. When the game ball clear switch 82g has been operated in a predetermined manner, the CPU 82a initializes the second managed ball number information stored in the RAM 82c in the second managed ball number information generation process described below. At this time, the CPU 82a does not initialize the game information and performance information. When the game ball clear switch 82g has not been operated, the CPU 82a does not initialize the second managed ball number information.

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. When the RAM clear switch 82h is operated, the CPU 82a initializes the game information stored in the RAM 82c. At this time, the CPU 82a does not initialize the second managed ball number information and the performance information. When the RAM clear switch 82h is not operated, the CPU 82a does not initialize the game information. In other words, the performance information is not initialized in either the situation where the second managed ball number information is initialized in response to the operation of the game ball clear switch 82g, or the situation where the game information is initialized in response to the operation of the RAM clear switch 82h. After that, the CPU 82a returns based on the initialized or backed up second managed ball number information, game information, and performance information, and executes the normal frame side processing described later.

The frame side normal processing of the frame control board 82 will be described.
The game information storage process included in the frame-side normal process will be described below.
The game information generation process is a process of storing game information input from the game control board 80 in the RAM 82c. When the CPU 82a receives game information capable of identifying the game state, the CPU 82a stores the game information in the RAM 82c. In the external device communication process described later, the CPU 82a transmits the game information stored in the RAM 82c to the CU control board 120. By referring to the game information stored in the RAM 82c, the CPU 82a can identify whether or not a jackpot game is being played, whether or not a high probability state is being played, and whether or not a high ball entry rate state is being played. In addition, when the CPU 82a inputs various game information, it generates information capable of identifying the input game information and stores the information in the RAM 82c.

The performance information generation process of the frame-side normal process will be described.
The performance information generation process is a process of calculating a base value as performance information. The CPU 82a refers to the game state flag and judges whether or not the game is not in a jackpot game and the current game state is a low probability low ball entry rate state (i.e., whether or not the game is in a normal game). When the game is in a normal game, the CPU 82a adds up the total number of winning balls during the normal game when it receives game information that can specify the occurrence of a start port winning (hereinafter referred to as start port winning information) or game information that can specify the occurrence of a normal winning (hereinafter referred to as normal winning information). The total number of winning balls is stored in the RAM 82c as one of the performance information. When the CPU 82a inputs a winning passage signal or a non-winning passage signal, it adds up the total number of effective balls during the normal game. The total number of effective balls is stored in the RAM 82c as one of the performance information. The CPU 82a calculates the base value by the calculation formula of "total number of winning balls during normal game ÷ total number of effective balls during normal game × 100". The CPU 82a may count the total number of winning balls 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 winning balls in one-minute intervals, 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 (e.g., 100 balls) that can be launched by the launching unit 65 per minute. The CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d to display information that can identify the calculated base value.

The CPU 82a may be configured to calculate the ratio of prize balls acquired by the operation of electric prize balls as performance information and display the ratio on the performance display monitor 82d. The ratio of prize balls acquired by the operation of electric prize balls is the sum of the total number of prize balls acquired by winning the second start hole 23B in a normal hit game (normal electric prize balls operated) and the total number of prize balls acquired by winning the large prize hole 23C in a jackpot game (special electric prize balls operated). The ratio of consecutive prize balls is the ratio of the total number of prize balls acquired by the operation of consecutive prize balls to the total number of prize balls acquired through all game states. The total number of prize balls acquired by the operation of consecutive prize balls is the total number of prize balls acquired by winning the large prize hole 23C in a jackpot game.

The second management ball number information generation process, which is part of the normal frame-side processing, will be described.
The second management ball number information generation process is a process for generating (managing) the second management ball number PB. When the CPU 82a receives the winning prize ball number information from the game control board 80, it adds the winning prize ball number that can be specified from the winning prize ball number information to the second management ball number PB. The winning prize ball number information is control information that the game control board 80 outputs when the condition for awarding the prize balls is met in response to a winning at a specific winning port, and is configured to be able to specify the number of prize balls set at the winning port. In this way, the CPU 82a increases the second management ball number PB according to the winning prize ball number information. When the CPU 82a receives the lending information from the CU control board 120, it adds the lending ball number indicated in the lending information to the second management ball number PB. In this way, the CPU 82a increases the second management ball number PB according to the lending information.

When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been collected as a returned ball based on the foul signal output by the foul sensor D21, it increments the second management ball count PB. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been collected as a returned 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 management ball count PB in response to detection by the foul sensor D21.

When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied to the launch section 65 based on the supply outlet signal output by the supply outlet sensor D23, it subtracts the second managed ball number PB. In other words, when the CPU 82a detects that a game ball has been launched toward the game area 20a in response to detection by the supply outlet sensor D23, it subtracts the second managed ball number PB. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied when the supply outlet signal transitions from off state to on state to off state. This causes the electromagnetically managed game ball (second managed ball number PB) to be converted into a real ball. In this way, the CPU 82a decreases the second managed ball number PB in response to detection by the supply outlet sensor D23.

In addition to this, the CPU 82a may be configured to subtract the second management number of balls PB when it detects that one game ball has been supplied to the launching unit 65 based on the supply inlet signal output by the supply inlet sensor D22 instead of the supply outlet signal output by the supply outlet sensor D23. The CPU 82a may be configured to subtract the second management number of balls PB when it detects that one game ball has been supplied to the launching unit 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. In other words, the CPU 82a may subtract the second management number of balls PB in response to detection by at least one of the supply inlet sensor D22 and the supply outlet sensor D23.

The CPU 82a may also decrement the second management ball number PB by driving the launch solenoid 66a, or a sensor may be provided in the launch passage 20c and the second management ball number PB may be decremented when the sensor detects a game ball launched from the launch unit 65. In this way, the second management ball number PB is decremented in relation to at least one of the launch operation by the launch unit 65 and the supply operation by the supply unit 61. In other words, the CPU 82a decreases the second management ball number PB in response to the launch of a game ball. Note that when the second management ball number information generation process is executed, even if the ball removal switch 82e is operated, the operation is not valid during the period, so the state does not change to the ball removal state.

The second managed ball number information generation process is executed as a normal frame-side process, but cannot be executed in the ball removal state. In other words, when in the ball removal state, the ball count management control is invalid. In other words, when in the ball removal state, even if a game ball enters a designated winning hole, the prize ball that would be added in a state other than the ball removal state is not added to the second managed ball number PB. Also, as described below, when in the ball removal state, it may be possible to launch a game ball. However, when in the ball removal state, the second managed ball number PB is not subtracted even if a game ball is launched. In other words, when in the ball removal state, the operation of launching a game ball can be understood as part of the ball removal work.

When the CPU 82a is in a countable state, upon input of a counting signal from the counting operation unit 18, the CPU 82a adds the number of counted balls to the counting information stored in the RAM 82c. As an example, when the CPU 82a inputs a counting signal that can identify a "single press operation" from the counting operation unit 18, the CPU 82a adds the first counted ball number (1, for example) to the counting information and stores it in the RAM 82c. When the second management ball number PB is 250 or more and a counting signal that can identify a "long press operation" is input from the counting operation unit 18, the CPU 82a adds the second counted ball number (250, for example) to the counting information and stores it in the RAM 82c. Note that when the "long press operation" continues (when the counting signal is maintained on), the CPU 82a adds the second counted ball number (250, for example) to the counting information every time a predetermined time ta passes and stores it in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82a subtracts the number of balls added to the counting information from the second management ball number PB. The CPU 82a may subtract the second management ball number PB before adding the counting information, or may add the counting information before subtracting the second management ball number PB. In this way, the CPU 82a decreases the second management ball number PB in response to the operation of the counting operation unit 18. The CPU 82a then decreases the second management ball number PB by different amounts depending on whether a "single press operation" or a "long press operation" is performed.

As an example, the countable state is a state in which the necessary power is supplied, the communication between the frame control board 82 and the CU control board 120 is normal, and the second managed ball number PB is not 0. As an example, normal communication between the frame control board 82 and the CU control board 120 means that a management unit communication error, which will be described later, is not set. When the countable state is in effect, the CPU 82a controls the light emitter built into the counting notification unit 18a so that the counting notification unit 18a lights up. The management of the second managed ball number PB is transferred from the pachinko game machine 10 to the management unit 100 by transmitting the counting information to the CU control board 120 in the external device communication process, which will be described later. As described above, the second managed ball number information generation process is executed as a normal process on the frame side, but cannot be executed in the ball-empty state. In other words, when the ball-empty state is in effect, the operation of the counting operation unit 18, which is an example of an operation related to the balls held, is invalid.

As described above, the CPU 82a initializes the second managed ball number information (second managed ball number PB) when power supply is started while the game ball clear switch 82g is operated in a predetermined manner. The second managed ball number information generation process is an example of ball number management control that manages the second managed ball number PB, which is an example of the number of balls held by a player. As described above, the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) is capable of executing control related to the balls held by a player.

The CPU 82a controls the second ball count display unit 17 to display information that can identify the updated second managed ball count PB after addition or subtraction. The second ball count display unit 17 may also be used as a device that can display information that can identify an error set (detected) by the frame control board 82.

The external device communication process among the frame-side normal processes will be described.
11, in the external device communication process, the CPU 82a transmits game information to the CU control board 120 at a fixed cycle time t8 (for example, every 300 ms). The game information includes a serial number. This serial number is updated according to the number of times the game information is transmitted.

When a predetermined time t4 (for example, 100 ms) has elapsed after the CPU 82a transmits the game information, the CPU 82a transmits the counting information stored in the RAM 82c to the CU control board 120. When the CPU 82a transmits 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 identify the number of balls held by the player to be transferred from the pachinko game machine 10 to the management unit 100 in response to the operation of the counting operation unit 18. In other words, the counting information is information that can identify the reduction in the second management ball count PB in response to the operation of the counting operation unit 18. Note that the counting information is transmitted at regular intervals of time t8, just like the game information, and is 0 if the counting operation unit 18 is not operated. Therefore, even if the CPU 82a transmits the counting information to the CU control board 120, there are cases where the CPU 82a does not subtract the second management ball count PB. When the CPU 82a transmits counting information to the CU control board 120 to subtract the second managed ball count PB, it stores information (hereinafter referred to as a counting completion flag) capable of identifying that a predetermined number (for example, 1) or more of the number of balls held has been transferred to the management unit 100 in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82a outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as a counting completion command) indicating that a predetermined number of balls held has been transferred to the management unit 100 to the game control board 80. The counting completion command can also be said to be control information capable of identifying that the counting information has been transmitted. The counting completion command is an example of the counting completion information. The game control board 80 (CPU 80a) outputs the counting completion command to the performance control board 81. The counting completion command may include information capable of identifying the number of balls held 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 times the counting information is transmitted. In this way, the CPU 82a transmits counting information that can identify the reduction in the player's number of balls (second managed number of balls PB) in response to the operation of the counting operation unit 18.

After transmitting the counting information, the CPU 82a can receive rental information from the CU control board 120 via the connection terminal board 98 within a predetermined time t5 (170 ms, for example). The rental information includes a rental serial number. This rental serial number is updated according to the number of times the rental information is transmitted. When the CPU 82a receives the rental information, it transmits response information to the received rental information to the CU control board 120 within a response time t6 (10 ms, for example). This response information includes the same rental serial number as the received rental information. After transmitting the response information, the CPU 82a transmits game information to the CU control board 120 again when a predetermined time t7 (20 ms, for example) or more has elapsed. In this way, the CPU 82a transmits game information, counting information, and response information to the CU control board 120 within the period of one communication cycle (300 ms, for example), and receives rental information from the CU control board 120. The external device communication process is an example of information transmission control that transmits specific information to the CU control board 120.

The CPU 82a counts the number of times that loan information is not received after game information is sent, and when the number of times that loan information is not received reaches a specific number (for example, three times), stores information that can identify the occurrence of a management unit communication error in the RAM 82c. In other words, the CPU 82a sets a management unit communication error. When the CPU 82a receives loan information, it cancels the management unit communication error setting. In this way, the frame control board 82 can detect an abnormality in communication with the CU control board 120 as a management unit communication error.

The frame side error setting process of the frame side normal process will be described.
As shown in Fig. 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 a frame illegal radio wave detection error, a management unit communication error, a communication error within the managed gaming machine, a supply mechanism error, an over-number of game balls error, a frame disconnection error, a game ball count clear error, an abnormal number of winning balls error, and a door open error. In addition, the frame side error notification process is a process for notifying an error in a predetermined notification mode when an error is detected in the frame side error setting process. The process contents related to the frame side error setting process and the frame side error notification process will be explained in detail later.

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

The power-on process on the panel side will now be described.
When the voltage supplied to the game control board 80 reaches a voltage required for the operation of the CPU 80a upon power-on and the CPU 80a starts up, the CPU 80a prohibits timer interrupt processing. Next, the CPU 80a executes communication confirmation processing.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the communication confirmation process, when the CPU 80a is started by turning on the power, it transmits startup information to the frame control board 82. When a predetermined time tc (108 ms, for example) has elapsed since the CPU 80a transmitted the startup information without receiving any response information, the CPU 80a transmits the startup information to the frame control board 82. Thereafter, if the CPU 80a does not receive any response information from the frame control board 82, it transmits the startup information to the frame control board 82 every time the predetermined time tc elapses. The startup information includes a communication number. This communication number is updated according to the number of transmissions. When the CPU 80a receives response information from the frame control board 82, it stores information (hereinafter referred to as a response input flag) that can identify that response information to the startup information has been input in the RAM 80c.

When the number of times the start-up information is transmitted reaches a specified number (10 times as an example), the CPU 80a detects a communication line disconnection error, and stores information capable of identifying the occurrence of the communication line disconnection error in the RAM 80c. In other words, the CPU 80a sets a communication line disconnection error. The communication line disconnection error is an example of a second communication error. The CPU 80a then waits until the power is turned off. In this embodiment, the start-up time t1 (3 minutes as an example) required for the frame control board 82 to detect a communication error within the managed gaming machine is longer than the time (1080 ms as an example) required for the game control board 80 to detect a communication line disconnection error. The start-up information is output every predetermined time tc (108 ms as an example), and when the number of times the start-up information is transmitted reaches a specified number (10 times as an example), a communication line disconnection error is detected. Therefore, the time required for the game control board 80 to detect a communication line disconnection error is 1080 ms. After setting the communication line disconnection error, if the power supply is stopped, the CPU 80a cancels the communication line disconnection error setting.

When the CPU 80a receives response information to the startup information, it transmits game information to the frame control board 82 when the periodic time t3 (for example, 108 ms) has elapsed since the startup information was transmitted. Thereafter, the CPU 80a transmits game information to the frame control board 82 every time the periodic time t3 elapses. The game information includes a communication number. This communication number is updated according to the number of transmissions. The CPU 80a can receive response information every time it transmits game information. This response information includes the same communication number as the transmitted game information.

If the CPU 80a does not receive any response information while transmitting game information a specified number of times (for example, 10 times), it stores information in the RAM 80c that can identify the occurrence of a communication line disconnection error. In other words, the CPU 80a sets a communication line disconnection error. When the power supply is stopped, the CPU 80a cancels the communication line disconnection error setting. In this way, the game control board 80 can detect an abnormality in communication with the frame control board 82 as a communication line disconnection error.

When the CPU 80a is started up following power-on, the CPU 80a executes a ball removal process on the board side. The ball removal process on the board side is executed in parallel with the communication confirmation process.
In the board-side ball removal process, the CPU 80a judges whether or not a ball removal start command has been input from the frame control board 82. If the ball removal start command has not been input, the CPU 80a does not set the ball removal state and ends the board-side ball removal process. If the ball removal start command has been input, the CPU 80a detects the ball removal state and stores information capable of identifying 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 removal state, it outputs a ball removal start command to the performance control board 81 as control information capable of identifying the transition to the ball removal state. After that, the CPU 80a waits until the power is turned off. During the wait, if the CPU 80a inputs a ball removal completion command, it outputs control information capable of identifying the completion of the ball removal (hereinafter referred to as the ball removal completion command) to the performance control board 81. In this way, the communication line disconnection error can be detected as a confirmation section during both the period in which the ball removal state is in progress and the period in which the ball removal state is not in progress.

When the CPU 80a ends the ball removal process on the board side without setting the ball removal state and a response input flag is stored in the RAM 80c, it determines whether the backed up information is normal. The CPU 80a determines whether a backup flag is stored in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a calculates a checksum value in the RAM 80c and determines whether the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value calculated in the power off process. The CPU 80a determines that the information is normal if the backup flag is stored and the checksum values match, and determines that the information is abnormal if they do 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 a control command (hereinafter referred to as an initialization command) that can specify that various information has been initialized to the performance control board 81. The CPU 80a then ends the board side power on process.

If the backed up information is determined to be normal, the CPU 80a determines whether or not a RAM clear signal has been input from the frame control board 82 (RAM clear switch 87). If a RAM clear signal has been 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 performance control board 81. On the other hand, if a RAM clear signal has not been input, the CPU 80a outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a power recovery command) that can specify a return based on the backed up main information to the performance control board 81. The CPU 80a then ends the board-side power-on process.

When the CPU 80a finishes the power-on process on the board side, it allows the timer interrupt process. That is, the CPU 80a is able to execute a process for progressing the game (hereinafter, referred to as the normal process on the board side). The normal process on the board side is an example of a game progress control that is a control related to the progress of the game. If the main information has been initialized, the normal process on the board side is executed based on the main information after initialization. That is, the CPU 80a executes various processes included in the normal process on the board side based on a state in which the first special reserved number and the second special reserved number are both zero, neither the first special game nor the second special game is being executed, and no jackpot game has been awarded. If the main information has not been initialized, the normal process on the board side is executed based on the backed-up main information. That is, if the first special reserved number and the second special reserved number are the reserved numbers at the time of power off, and either the first special game or the second special game is being executed, the CPU 80a returns to the process of executing the special game, and if a jackpot game is being awarded, the CPU 80a returns to the process of awarding the jackpot game.

The CPU 80a executes a special symbol input process, a special symbol start process, and the like as timer interrupt processes performed at predetermined control cycles (for example, every 4 ms).
The special symbol input process among the normal processes on the board side will be described below.

The CPU 80a determines whether a game ball has entered the first start hole 23A based on whether a detection signal has been input from the first start sensor D11. When a game ball has entered the first start hole 23A, the CPU 80a determines whether the first reserved number stored in the RAM 80c is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the first reserved number is less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a updates the first reserved number by adding 1. The CPU 80a then controls the first reserved display unit 21c to display information that can identify the updated first reserved number. The reserved condition for the first special game is met when a game ball is detected by the first start sensor D11 when the first reserved number is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the CPU 80a acquires the random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 80d, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the RAM 80c. For example, the random numbers are winning random numbers used in the lottery for selecting a winning special pattern, winning pattern random numbers used to determine a winning pattern, and variation pattern random numbers used to determine a variation pattern. The CPU 80a stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information for the first special game, and the order in which the random number information was 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, the CPU 80a determines whether the game ball has entered the second start port 23B based on whether a detection signal has been input from the second start sensor D12 when the game ball has not entered the first start port 23A and when the first reserved number is not less than the upper limit number. When the game ball has entered the second start port 23B, the CPU 80a determines whether the second reserved number stored in the RAM 80c is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the second reserved number is less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a adds 1 to the second reserved number and updates it. The CPU 80a controls the second reserved display unit 21d to display information that can identify the second reserved number after the addition. The reserved condition for the second special game is met when the game ball is detected by the second start sensor D12 when the second reserved number is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the CPU 80a acquires random numbers generated within the game control board 80, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that the random number information is used for the second special game, and the order in which the random number information is stored. By storing the random number information used for the special game in the RAM 80c, the pachinko game machine 10 can suspend the execution of the special game until the start conditions of the special game are met. When the random number information for the second special game is stored in the RAM 80c, if the game ball has not entered the second start hole 23B, and if the second reserved number is not less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol input process.

The special symbol start process, which is one of the normal processes on the board, will now be described.
First, the CPU 80a judges whether the start condition of the special game is satisfied. The CPU 80a judges it as positive when neither a jackpot game nor a special game is being played, and judges it as negative when a jackpot game or a special game is being played. If the start condition of the special game is not satisfied, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process. If the start condition of the special game is satisfied, the CPU 80a judges whether the second reserved number is greater than zero. If the second reserved number is zero, the CPU 80a judges whether the first reserved number is greater than zero. If the first reserved number is zero, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process.

If the first reserved number is greater than zero, the CPU 80a performs processing to execute the first special game. Specifically, the CPU 80a updates the first reserved number by subtracting one. The CPU 80a controls the first reserved display unit 21c to display information that can identify the first reserved number after subtraction. The CPU 80a acquires the random number information stored first from the random number information for the first special game from the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a uses the winning random number identified from the acquired random number information to perform a jackpot lottery (jackpot determination) to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won as a winning lottery for the special pattern. The CPU 80a performs a jackpot lottery with a jackpot probability according to the current probability state (whether or not the special jackpot function is activated).

When a jackpot is won, the CPU 80a performs jackpot variation processing. In the jackpot variation processing, the CPU 80a performs a lottery for a jackpot pattern using a winning pattern random number that can be identified from the random number information, and determines the jackpot pattern to be stopped and displayed in the first special game. The CPU 80a performs a lottery for determining a variation pattern using a variation pattern random number that can be identified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among multiple jackpot variation patterns. After that, the CPU 80a ends the special pattern start processing.

If the jackpot is not won, the CPU 80a performs a loss variation process. In the loss variation process, the CPU 80a determines the loss symbol to be stopped and displayed in the first special game. The CPU 80a performs a variation pattern determination lottery using a variation pattern random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among multiple loss variation patterns. After that, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process.

If the second reserved number is greater than zero, the CPU 80a performs processing to execute a second special game. The processing to execute a second special game is the same as the processing to execute a first special game, except that "first special game" is replaced with "second special game" and "first reserved number" is replaced with "second reserved number", and therefore a detailed explanation is omitted. In other words, the CPU 80a subtracts the second reserved number, performs a jackpot drawing, and performs any variation processing based on the result of the jackpot drawing, and then ends the special symbol start processing.

The CPU 80a outputs a variation start command and a special pattern command to the performance control board 81 during the jackpot variation process and the miss variation process. The variation start command is a control command that can identify the variation pattern determined in each variation process and the start of the variation game. The special pattern command is a control command that can identify the special pattern determined in each variation process. The variation start command and the special pattern command are different control commands when the variation process of the first special game is executed and when the variation process of the second special game is executed.

When the special pattern start process is completed, the CPU 80a executes a first special game or a second special game by a process separate from the special pattern start process. As an example, when the CPU 80a executes the first special game, it controls the first special pattern display unit 21a to start the variable display of a specified pattern. The CPU 80a measures the variable time set in the variable pattern. When the variable time set in the variable pattern has elapsed, the CPU 80a controls the first special pattern display unit 21a to stop displaying the special pattern determined in the special pattern start process. In addition, when the variable time set in the variable pattern has elapsed, the CPU 80a outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a variable end command) capable of identifying the end of the variable game to the performance control board 81.

As an example, when the CPU 80a executes the second special game, it controls the second special symbol display unit 21b to start displaying a predetermined symbol. The CPU 80a measures the change time set in the change pattern. When the change time set in the change pattern has elapsed, the CPU 80a controls the second special symbol display unit 21b to stop displaying the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process. When the change time set in the change pattern has elapsed, the CPU 80a also outputs a change end command to the performance control board 81. As described above, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured to be able to draw a winning lottery when a game ball enters the start hole and to execute a pattern change game based on the result of the winning lottery by the CPU 80a executing the special symbol input process and the special symbol start process.

The jackpot game processing, which is one of the normal processing on the board side, will be explained below.
The jackpot game process is a process for awarding a jackpot game. When the CPU 80a stops and displays a jackpot symbol in a special game, the CPU 80a executes the jackpot game process after the end of the jackpot special game. 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 is configured to award the specified type of jackpot game.

First, the CPU 80a outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as an opening command) capable of identifying the start of the opening time to the performance control board 81. When the opening time has elapsed, the CPU 80a performs processing to execute the round game. As an example, the CPU 80a controls the special solenoid SL2 using the specified opening control data for the big win game to open the big win opening 23C. When the number of game balls detected by the count sensor D13 reaches the above-mentioned upper limit number or the above-mentioned upper limit time has elapsed, the CPU 80a controls the special solenoid SL2 to close the big win opening 23C, thereby ending the round game. The CPU 80a repeats such processing to execute the round game until the upper limit number of round games set for the big win game is completed. The CPU 80a outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a round command) capable of identifying the start of the round game to the performance control board 81 every time the round game is started. When the final round of play ends, the CPU 80a outputs a control command capable of identifying the start of the ending time (hereinafter referred to as the ending start command) to the performance control board 81. When the ending time has elapsed, the CPU 80a ends the jackpot game. The CPU 80a may output a control command capable of identifying the elapse of the ending time (hereinafter referred to as the ending end command) to the performance control board 81.

The state transition process among the normal processes on the panel side will now be described.
When the CPU 80a ends the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern among the jackpot patterns, it sets a high probability flag in the RAM 80c. That is, the CPU 80a controls to a high probability state. After the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern ends, the CPU 80a does not erase the probability flag until the next jackpot game is awarded. On the other hand, when the CPU 80a ends the jackpot game based on the second jackpot pattern different from the first jackpot pattern, it does not set the high probability flag in the RAM 80c. That is, the CPU 80a controls to a low probability state. When the CPU 80a starts a jackpot game and the high probability flag is set, it erases the high probability flag. That is, the CPU 80a controls to a low probability state during the jackpot game.

When the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern or the second jackpot pattern ends, the CPU 80a sets an operation flag in the RAM 80c. In other words, the CPU 80a controls to a high ball entry rate state. After the jackpot game based on the second jackpot pattern ends, the CPU 80a counts the number of times the special game is executed after the jackpot game ends by updating the value of the execution counter stored in the RAM 80c each time the special game is started. When the special game in which the number of times the special game is executed after the jackpot game ends reaches the activation number, the CPU 80a erases the activation flag stored in the RAM 80c. In other words, the CPU 80a controls to a low ball entry rate state when the special game for the activation number ends after the jackpot game based on the second jackpot pattern ends. Note that the CPU 80a does not erase the activation flag until the next jackpot game is awarded after the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern ends. When starting a jackpot game and the activation flag is set, the CPU 80a clears the activation flag. In other words, the CPU 80a controls the jackpot game to a low ball entry rate state.

The various processes executed by the performance control board 81 (CPU 81a) will be described.
The power restoration process will now be described.
When the CPU 81a inputs an initialization command, it controls a part or all of the performance unit constituting the performance device ES to execute a RAM clear notification (initialization notification). As an example, the RAM clear notification is executed in a manner in which a sound capable of identifying the execution of a RAM clear, such as a human voice reading out the character string "RAM clear", is output from the performance sound unit 12. As an example, the RAM clear notification is executed in a manner in which the performance light-emitting unit 14 is illuminated in a light-emitting pattern dedicated to RAM clear. As an example, the RAM clear notification is executed in a manner in which an image capable of identifying the execution of a RAM clear, such as the character string "RAM clear", is displayed on the performance display unit 19. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the RAM clear notification, the CPU 81a controls the performance device ES to end the RAM clear notification. Also, when the CPU 81a inputs an initialization command, it controls the performance display unit 19 to display a combination of a predetermined background image and a predetermined performance pattern.

When the CPU 81a inputs a power restoration command, it controls a part or all of the performance unit constituting the performance device ES to execute a power restoration notification. As an example, the power restoration notification is executed in a manner in which a sound capable of identifying the execution of a RAM clear, such as a human voice reading the character string "Power restoration in progress", is output from the performance sound unit 12. As an example, the power restoration notification is executed in a manner in which the performance light-emitting unit 14 is illuminated in a light-emitting pattern dedicated to power restoration. As an example, the power restoration notification is executed in a manner in which an image capable of identifying the execution of a RAM clear, such as the character string "Power restoration in progress", is displayed on the performance display unit 19. The CPU 81a controls the performance device ES to end the power restoration notification when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the power restoration notification. Not limited to this, the CPU 81a may be configured not to execute the power restoration notification. In addition, when the CPU 81a inputs a power restoration command, it controls the performance display unit 19 to display a predetermined background image and a combination of performance patterns different from the combination of the predetermined performance patterns.

The big win presentation process will be described.
The jackpot performance process is a process for executing a performance during a jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as a jackpot performance). When the CPU 81a receives an opening command, it controls the performance device ES to execute an opening performance. When the CPU 81a receives a round command, it controls the performance device ES to execute a round performance. When the CPU 81a receives an ending start command, it controls the performance device ES to execute an ending performance. When the CPU 81a receives an ending end command, it controls the performance device ES to end the ending performance.

The effect game process will now be described.
The presentation game process is a process for executing a presentation game as one of the display presentations related to a special game during the execution of the special game. When the CPU 81a receives a variation start command and a special symbol command, it controls the presentation device ES including the presentation display unit 19 to execute a presentation game. Specifically, when the CPU 81a receives a variation start command, it selects a presentation pattern (presentation content) of the presentation game based on a variation pattern that can be specified from the command. Also, when the CPU 81a receives a special symbol command, it determines a symbol combination to be stopped and displayed in the presentation game based on a special symbol that can be specified from the command. When a jackpot symbol can be specified from the special symbol command, the CPU 81a determines a jackpot symbol combination. When a miss symbol can be specified from the special symbol command, the CPU 81a determines a miss symbol combination. When a reach performance is executed, the CPU 81a determines a miss symbol combination including a reach.

The CPU 81a controls the effect display unit 19 to start the variable display of the effect symbols in each symbol row in response to the input of the variation start command. In other words, the CPU 81a starts the effect game. Furthermore, when the CPU 81a is to execute a predetermined effect in relation to the effect game, the CPU 81a controls the effect device ES including the effect display unit 19 to execute the effect. When a predetermined timing arrives after the effect game is started, the CPU 81a causes the symbol combination to be temporarily stopped and displayed, and in response to the input of the variation end command, causes the symbol combination to be fixed and displayed. Note that the CPU 81a may also cause the symbol combination to be fixed and displayed in response to the passage of a variation time set for the variation pattern, regardless 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 in response to input of signals from various sensors and switches will be described.
The following describes the supply ball count monitoring process, which is part of the normal frame side processing.

When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been received by the supply unit 61 based on the supply inlet signal output by the supply inlet sensor D22, it increments the number of supply inlet balls. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been received by the supply unit 61 when the supply inlet signal transitions from off state → on state → off state. When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been received by the supply unit 61, it increments the number of supply inlet balls by 1 and stores the result 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, the CPU 82a increments the number of supply outlet balls. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been discharged from the supply unit 61 when the supply outlet signal transitions from off state → on state → off state. When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been discharged from the supply unit 61, it increments the number of supply outlet balls by 1 and stores the result in the RAM 82c.

The winning ball count monitoring process, which is part of the normal frame-side processing, will be described below.
The CPU 82a increments the number of shots Pf when it detects that one game ball has been supplied to the launch unit 65 based on the supply outlet signal output by the supply outlet sensor D23. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied when the supply outlet signal transitions from an OFF state to an ON state to an OFF state. The CPU 82a stores information capable of identifying the updated number of shots Pf in the RAM 82c. This allows the CPU 82a to identify the number of game balls shot toward the game area 20a in response to detection by the supply outlet sensor D23.

In addition to this, the CPU 82a may be configured to increment the number of launches Pf when it detects that one game ball has been supplied to the launch unit 65 based on the supply inlet signal output by the supply inlet sensor D22 instead of the supply outlet signal output by the supply outlet sensor D23. The CPU 82a may be configured to increment the number of launches Pf when it detects that one game ball has been supplied to the launch unit 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. In other words, the CPU 82a may increment the number of launches Pf in response to detection by at least one of the supply inlet sensor D22 and the supply outlet sensor D23.

The CPU 82a may also increment the number of shots Pf by driving the launch solenoid 66a, or a sensor may be provided in the firing passage 20c and the number of shots Pf may be incremented when the sensor detects a game ball shot from the launch unit 65. In this way, the number of shots Pf is incremented in relation to at least one of the launch operation by the launch unit 65 and the supply operation by the supply unit 61. In other words, the CPU 82a increments the number of shots Pf in response to the launch of game balls.

When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been collected from the game area 20a based on the out signal output by the out sensor D30, the CPU 82a increments the number of collected balls Pg. 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 off state → on state → off state. In this way, the CPU 82a increments the number of collected balls Pg in response to detection by the out sensor D30. The CPU 82a stores information capable of identifying the updated number of collected balls Pg in the RAM 82c.

In addition to this, the configuration may be such that, instead of the out signal output by the out sensor D30, the number of recovered balls Pg is incremented when it is detected that one game ball has been recovered from the game area 20a based on the winning passage signal output by the winning passage count sensor D25 and the non-winning passage signal output by the non-winning passage count sensor D26.

When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been collected as a returned ball based on the foul signal output by the foul sensor D21, the CPU 82a increments the number of collected balls Pg. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been collected as a returned ball when the foul signal transitions from an OFF state to an ON state to an OFF state. In this way, the CPU 82a increments the number of collected balls Pg in response to detection by the foul sensor D21. The CPU 82a stores information capable of identifying the updated number of collected balls Pg in the RAM 82c. This allows the CPU 82a to identify the number of game balls launched toward the game area 20a in response to detection by the out sensor D30 and the foul sensor D21.

Below, the errors that can be detected by the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) will be explained.
As shown in Fig. 12, the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) can detect and set various errors by executing a frame side error setting process. The frame side error setting process is an example of error management control that manages errors, and is an example of first error management control. Error detection is limited when the ball is removed. The frame side error setting process is one of the frame side normal processes.

The detection condition for the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is that an abnormal radio wave has been detected a predetermined number of times (10 times as an example). The CPU 82a detects the occurrence of an abnormal radio wave as a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error. The frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is an example of a radio wave detection error and an example of a specific event error. When the CPU 82a inputs a radio wave detection signal from the frame radio wave sensor D16, it adds the number of frame radio wave detections. Specifically, when the radio wave detection signal transitions from an off state to an on state, the CPU 82a adds 1 to the number of frame radio wave detections. In other words, the CPU 82a counts the number of times detected by the frame radio wave sensor D16 as the number of frame radio wave detections. The CPU 82a stores information that can identify the updated number of frame radio wave detections in the RAM 82c. The number of frame radio wave detections is an example of the second number. When the number of frame radio wave detections reaches a predetermined number, the CPU 82a sets a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error. This predetermined number is not limited to 10 times. It may be any of 2 to 9 times, or 11 times or more. It is preferable that the predetermined number of times is not one time, but multiple times. In other words, a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is set when the number of detections by the frame radio wave sensor D16 reaches a predetermined number, which is multiple times. In this way, the CPU 82a updates the frame radio wave detection count based on the input status of the radio wave detection signal (second information) output by the frame radio wave sensor D16, and sets the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error based on the frame radio wave detection count. The frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is an example of a second information error.

The frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is a state in which there is a high possibility that fraud (cheating) using radio waves is taking place. The condition for canceling the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is the restoration of power. The CPU 82a will not cancel the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error setting until the power supply is stopped. In other words, the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error setting cannot be cancelled other than by restoring power. For example, the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error setting will not be cancelled even if the error cancellation switch 82f is pressed. For example, the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error setting will not be cancelled even if the frame radio wave sensor D16 is no longer detecting. In other words, the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error setting will not be cancelled even if the cause of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error being set is resolved.

When the power is turned on after being turned off, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error. The CPU 82a may cancel the setting of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error when the power is turned off, or may cancel the setting of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error when the power is turned on. In other words, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error when the power supply is stopped or started. When canceling the setting of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, the CPU 82a initializes the number of frame radio wave detections stored in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82a may initialize the number of frame radio wave detections when the power is turned off, or may initialize the number of frame radio wave detections when the power is turned on. In this way, the CPU 82a does not cancel the setting of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error until the power supply is stopped. In addition, the CPU 82a does not initialize the number of frame radio wave detections until the power supply is stopped. Note that if abnormal radio waves are detected again a predetermined number of times after the power is turned on, the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is set even after the power is turned on. The frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is detected as a confirmation section other than during the ball removal state.

The condition for detecting a management unit communication error is that communication between the frame control board 82 and the CU control board 120 is not performed normally. As described above, in the external device communication process, if the CPU 82a does not receive rental information from the CU control board 120 multiple times (for example, twice), it determines that communication with the CU control board 120 is not performed normally. Specifically, when the CPU 82a transmits game information, it increments the number of times that it has not received the game information. Thereafter, when the CPU 82a receives rental information, it decrements the number of times that it has not received the game information. In other words, the CPU 82a counts the number of times that the CPU 82a transmitted game information but then transmitted game information again without receiving the rental information. The CPU 82a stores information capable of identifying the updated number of times that it has not received the game information in the RAM 82c. The number of times that it has not received the game information is an example of the first number of times.

The CPU 82a sets a management unit communication error when the number of times that a signal has not been received reaches a specific number (three times, for example). This specific number is not limited to three times. It may be two times, or four times or more. In this way, the CPU 82a updates the number of times that a signal has not been received based on the output status of the game information output to the CU control board 120. The CPU 82a also updates the number of times that a signal has not been received based on the input status of the loan information (first information) output by the CU control board 120. The CPU 82a then sets a management unit communication error based on the number of times that a signal has not been received. The management unit communication error is an example of a first information error.

The condition for releasing the management unit communication error is that communication is performed normally. As a specific example, when the CPU 82a receives rental information, it releases the management unit communication error setting. In other words, the management unit communication error setting is released when the cause of the management unit communication error being set is resolved. The management unit communication error is detected as a confirmation section after the CPU 82a inputs the startup information.

As described above, the CPU 82a sets a management unit communication error based on not receiving rental information from the CU control board 120. Here, a situation in which rental information is not received from the CU control board 120 (hereinafter referred to as a management communication error situation) may be, for example, that the communication line connecting the connection terminal board 98 and the CU control board 120 is broken. In this case, it is particularly likely that the communication line through which the connection terminal board 98 receives information from the game control board 80 is broken. Another possible management communication error situation may be, for example, that the rental information has changed to abnormal information due to abnormal radio waves.

The detection condition for a communication error within the managed gaming machine is that communication between the frame control board 82 and the gaming control board 80 is not performed normally. The CPU 82a can detect a communication error within the managed gaming machine in the communication check process described above. If the CPU 82a does not receive startup information during the time from startup by power-on until startup time t1 (for example, 3 minutes) has elapsed, the CPU 82a determines that communication with the gaming control board 80 is not performed normally. Specifically, after startup by power-on, the CPU 82a measures the time after startup from power-on until it receives startup information. When the CPU 82a receives the startup information, it stops measuring the time after startup. When the time after startup reaches startup time t1, the CPU 82a sets a communication error within the managed gaming machine.

Furthermore, if the CPU 82a does not receive the next information (for example, gaming information) within a predetermined time tb (for example, 1000 ms) from when it receives the startup information or gaming information from the gaming control board 80, it determines that communication with the gaming control board 80 is not normal. Specifically, after receiving the startup information or gaming information, the CPU 82a measures the reception time from when it receives the startup information or gaming information until it receives the next information. When the CPU 82a receives the next information, it stops measuring the reception time. When the reception time reaches the predetermined time tb, the CPU 82a sets a communication error within the managed gaming machine.

The condition for releasing a communication error within the managed gaming machine is that communication is performed normally. When the CPU 82a receives the startup information, it releases the setting of the communication error within the managed gaming machine. In other words, the setting of the communication error within the managed gaming machine is released when the cause of the setting of the communication error within the managed gaming machine is resolved. The communication error within the managed gaming machine is detected as a confirmation period both during the ball removal state and outside the ball removal state. As an example, the communication error within the managed gaming machine is constantly detected from the time the power is turned on until the power is turned off.

As described above, the CPU 82a sets a managed gaming machine internal communication error based on not receiving start-up information or gaming information from the gaming control board 80. Here, as a situation in which start-up information or gaming information is not received from the gaming control board 80 (hereinafter referred to as a frame communication error situation), for example, a communication line connecting the frame control board 82 and the gaming control board 80 may be disconnected. In this case, it is particularly considered that the communication line for the frame control board 82 to receive information from the gaming control board 80 is disconnected. In addition, if the communication line for the frame control board 82 to transmit information to the gaming control board 80 is disconnected, the gaming control board 80 sets a communication line disconnection error and stops transmitting the gaming information. As a result, the CPU 82a cannot receive the gaming information and sets a managed gaming machine internal communication error. In this way, even if the communication line for the frame control board 82 to transmit information to the gaming control board 80 is disconnected, a managed gaming machine internal communication error is set. Also, a frame communication error situation could occur, for example, when abnormal radio waves cause startup information or game information to become abnormal.

The condition for detecting a supply mechanism error is that the difference between the number of game balls detected by the supply inlet sensor D22 and the number of game balls detected by the supply outlet sensor D23 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 50). The CPU 82a sets a supply mechanism error when the difference between the number of game balls detected by the supply inlet sensor D22 and the number of game balls detected by the supply outlet sensor D23 reaches a predetermined number. In other words, the CPU 82a sets a supply mechanism error when the difference between the number of game balls detected by the supply inlet sensor D22 and the number of game balls detected by the supply outlet sensor D23 reaches or exceeds a predetermined number. More specifically, the CPU 82a sets a supply mechanism error when the number of game balls detected by the supply inlet sensor D22 is greater than the number of game balls detected by the supply outlet sensor D23 by a predetermined constant or more. The CPU 82a also sets a supply mechanism error when the number of game balls detected by the supply inlet sensor D22 is less than the number of game balls detected by the supply outlet sensor D23 by a predetermined number or more.

The supply mechanism error is released when the error release switch 82f is pressed for a predetermined time td (for example, 2 seconds). The CPU 82a releases the supply mechanism error setting when the predetermined time td has elapsed while the error release signal remains on. When releasing the supply mechanism error setting, the CPU 82a initializes the number of supply inlet balls and the number of supply outlet balls stored in the RAM 82c. In this way, the supply mechanism error setting can be released based on the operation of the error release switch 82f without stopping the power supply. The supply mechanism error setting is then released when the predetermined time td has elapsed while the error release switch 82f remains operated.

A supply mechanism error is detected as a confirmation interval after the CPU 82a inputs startup information. The number of supply inlet balls and the number of supply outlet balls are not updated until the CPU 82a inputs startup information. In other words, in the supply ball count monitoring process, the CPU 82a does not count the number of detections by the supply inlet sensor D22 and the number of detections by the supply outlet sensor D23 after power supply begins and until startup information is input. For this reason, a supply mechanism error is not detected until startup information is input after power supply begins. The supply ball count monitoring process is a process for detecting supply mechanism errors, and is therefore one of the frame side error setting processes.

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

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

The detection condition for a frame open wire error is that an abnormality such as a broken wire has been detected in a switch or sensor connected to the frame control board 82. The CPU 82a sets a frame open wire error when it detects that no power is being applied to each sensor and switch. In other words, the CPU 82a sets a frame open wire error when there is an abnormality in communication with a switch or sensor connected to the frame control board 82. In this way, the CPU 82a can detect an abnormality in communication with a switch or sensor connected to the frame control board 82 as a frame open wire error. The frame open wire error is an example of a third communication error.

The frame open wire error is released when an abnormality such as a broken wire in a switch or sensor connected to the frame control board 82 is resolved. When the CPU 82a detects that each sensor and switch is energized, it releases the frame open wire error setting. The frame open wire error is detected in a confirmation period other than when the ball is removed.

The detection condition for the game ball count clear error is that power supply is started while the game ball clear switch 82g is 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 the game ball count clear error. In other words, the CPU 82a sets the game ball count clear error when the second managed ball count information (second managed ball count PB) is initialized.

The release condition for the game ball count clear error is that a specific time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the supply outlet sensor D23, the foul sensor D21, or the out sensor D30 detected a game ball. When the CPU 82a inputs the supply outlet signal output by the supply outlet sensor D23, the foul signal output by the foul sensor D21, or the out signal output by the out sensor D30, it starts measuring the release time. When the release time exceeds the specific time, the CPU 82a releases the setting of the game ball count clear error. As described above, 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, it can be determined that the game ball has been launched toward the game area 20a. In this way, the CPU 82a releases the setting of the game ball count clear error when a specific time has elapsed since determining that the game ball was launched. The game ball count clear error is detected as a confirmation section other than during the ball removal state.

The winning ball count abnormality error is detected when 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 equal to or greater than a specific number (100, for example). The CPU 82a sets a winning ball count abnormality error when the difference between the number of game balls shot Pf and the number of game balls collected Pg reaches a specific number. In other words, the CPU 82a sets a winning ball count abnormality error when the difference between the number of game balls shot toward the game area 20a and the number of game balls collected by the winning receiving opening 30a, the non-winning receiving opening 30b, and the foul receiving opening 30c is equal to or greater than a specific number. After setting the winning ball count abnormality error, the CPU 82a may or may not update the number of game balls shot Pf and the number of game balls collected Pg in the winning ball count monitoring process.

More specifically, the CPU 82a sets a winning ball number abnormality error when the number of shots Pf is greater than the number of collected balls Pg by a specific number or more. In other words, the CPU 82a sets a winning ball number abnormality error when the number of game balls shot toward the play area 20a is greater than the number of game balls collected by the winning receiving opening 30a, the non-winning receiving opening 30b, and the foul receiving opening 30c by a specific number or more. The CPU 82a also sets a winning ball number abnormality error when the number of shots Pf is less than the number of collected balls Pg by a specific number or more. In other words, the CPU 82a sets a winning ball number abnormality error when the number of game balls shot toward the play area 20a is less than the number of game balls collected by the winning receiving opening 30a, the non-winning receiving opening 30b, and the foul receiving opening 30c by a specific number or more.

The winning ball count abnormality error is released when the power is restored. The CPU 82a does not release the winning ball count abnormality error setting until the power supply is stopped. In other words, the winning ball count abnormality error setting can only be released by restoring the power. For example, the winning ball count abnormality error setting is not released even if the error release switch 82f is pressed. For example, the winning ball count abnormality error setting is not released even if the difference between the number of balls fired Pf and the number of balls collected Pg falls below a specific number. More specifically, the winning ball count abnormality error setting is not released even if the difference between the number of game balls fired toward the game area 20a and the number of game balls collected by the winning ball receiving opening 30a, the non-winning ball receiving opening 30b, and the foul receiving opening 30c falls below a specific number. The winning ball count abnormality error is detected as a confirmation zone other than during the ball removal state.

The detection condition for the door open error is that either the first door open switch D17 or the second door open switch D18 is detected to be in the off state. When the detection condition is met, the CPU 82a sets a door open error. The release condition for the door open error is that both the first door open switch D17 and the second door open switch D18 are detected to be in the on state. When the CPU 82a detects that both the first door open switch D17 and the second door open switch D18 are in the on state, the door open error setting is released. The door open error is detected as a confirmation period other than during the ball removal state.

Next, a description will be given of the control commands that are output when an error is set and when the error setting is released in the frame side error setting process.
The frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) outputs a frame error command to the game control board 80 when an error is set or when an error setting is released. The frame error command includes a control command capable of identifying that an error has been set (hereinafter referred to as a frame error setting command) and a control command capable of identifying that an error setting has been released (hereinafter referred to as a frame error release command). The frame error setting command is also a control command capable of identifying the type of error that has been set. The frame error release command is also a control command capable of identifying the type of error that has been released. The CPU 82a outputs control commands "A0xxH" to "AExxH" as frame error commands.

The frame error command can be identified as a command related to an error in the frame control board 82 by the upper four bits "A" of the upper bytes "A0" to "AE". The frame error command can be identified as the type of error by the lower four bits "0" to "E" of the upper bytes "A0" to "AE". The frame error command can be identified by the lower byte "xx" as to whether an error was set or the error setting was cleared. As an example, when an error is set, "01" is set, and when the error setting is cleared, "02" is set.

As shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 82a outputs a frame error setting command and a frame error release error command to the gaming control board 80 depending on the type of error. As an example, when the CPU 82a sets a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error in the frame side error setting process, it outputs "A001H" to the gaming control board 80 as a frame error setting command. When the CPU 82a releases the setting of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error in the frame side error setting process, it outputs "A002H" to the gaming control board 80 as a frame error release command. In addition, in a situation where a managed gaming machine communication error is set, communication between the frame control board 82 and the gaming control board 80 is not performed normally, so a frame error command is not output to the gaming control board 80. When the managed gaming machine communication error is set, the CPU 82a does not output a frame error command to the gaming control board 80. When the managed gaming machine communication error is set, the CPU 82a may output a frame error command to the gaming control board 80. In this case, if the communication line that the frame control board 82 uses to send information to the game control board 80 is disconnected, the game control board 80 cannot input the frame error command.

When the game control board 80 (CPU 80a) receives a frame error setting command, it updates information (hereafter referred to as frame side error information) that can identify the error being set on the frame control board 82 based on the received frame error setting command, and stores it in RAM 80c. When the CPU 80a receives a frame error release command, it updates the frame side error information based on the received frame error release command, and stores it in RAM 80c. This allows the CPU 80a to identify the error being set on the frame control board 82. The CPU 80a outputs the received frame error setting command and frame error release command to the performance control board 81.

When the performance control board 81 (CPU 81a) receives a frame error setting command, it updates information (hereinafter referred to as error information) that can identify the error being set in the pachinko gaming machine 10 based on the received frame error setting command, and stores the information in the RAM 81c. When the CPU 81a receives a frame error clear command, it updates the error information based on the received frame error clear command, and stores the information in the RAM 81c. This allows the CPU 81a to identify the error being set in the pachinko gaming machine 10.

Below, the errors that can be detected by the game control board 80 (CPU 80a) will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 13, the game control board 80 (CPU 80a) is able to detect and set various errors by executing a board-side error setting process. The board-side error setting process is an example of a second error management control that manages errors. Error detection is limited to when the ball has been removed. The board-side error setting process is one of the board-side normal processes.

The detection condition for the main unauthorized radio wave detection error is that an abnormal radio wave has been detected a predetermined number of times (10 times as an example). The CPU 80a detects the occurrence of an abnormal radio wave as a main unauthorized radio wave detection error. When the CPU 80a inputs a radio wave detection signal from the main radio wave sensor D19, it increments the number of main radio wave detections. Specifically, when the radio wave detection signal transitions from an off state to an on state, the CPU 80a increments the number of main radio wave detections by one. In other words, the CPU 80a counts the number of times detected by the main radio wave sensor D19 as the number of main radio wave detections. The CPU 80a stores information that can identify the updated number of main radio wave detections in the RAM 82c. The number of main radio wave detections is an example of the third number. When the number of main radio wave detections reaches a predetermined number, the CPU 80a sets a main unauthorized radio wave detection error. This predetermined number is not limited to 10 times. It may be any of 2 to 9 times, or may be 11 or more times. It is preferable that the predetermined number is not 1 time, but multiple times. In other words, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error is set when the number of detections by the main radio wave sensor D19 reaches a predetermined number, which is multiple times. In this way, the CPU 80a updates the number of main radio wave detections based on the input status of the radio wave detection signal (third information) output by the main radio wave sensor D19, and sets the main unauthorized radio wave detection error based on the number of main radio wave detections. The main unauthorized radio wave detection error is an example of a third information error.

The main unauthorized radio wave detection error is a state in which there is a high possibility that fraud (cheating) using radio waves is taking place. The condition for canceling the main unauthorized radio wave detection error is the restoration of power. The CPU 80a will not cancel the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error until the power supply is stopped. In other words, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error cannot be cancelled without the restoration of power. For example, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error will not be cancelled even if the main radio wave sensor D19 no longer detects anything. In other words, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error will not be cancelled even if the cause of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error being set is resolved.

When the power is turned on after being turned off, the CPU 80a cancels the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error. The CPU 80a may cancel the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error when the power is turned off, or may cancel the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error when the power is turned on. In other words, the CPU 80a cancels the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error when the power supply is stopped or started. When canceling the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error, the CPU 80a initializes the number of times the main radio wave has been detected stored in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a may initialize the number of times the main radio wave has been detected when the power is turned off, or may initialize the number of times the main radio wave has been detected when the power is turned on. In this way, the CPU 80a does not cancel the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error until the power supply is stopped. In addition, the CPU 80a does not initialize the number of times the main radio wave detection is stopped until the power supply is stopped. Note that if abnormal radio waves are detected again a predetermined number of times after the power is turned on, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error is set even after the power is turned on. The main unauthorized radio wave detection error is detected as a confirmation section other than during the bulb removal state.

The detection condition for the communication line disconnection error is that communication between the game control board 80 and the frame control board 82 is not performed normally. As described above, the CPU 80a determines that communication with the frame control board 82 is not performed normally when the number of times that startup information has been transmitted reaches a specified number (10 times, for example). Specifically, after starting up by turning on the power, the CPU 80a transmits startup information until it receives response information from the frame control board 82. The CPU 80a counts the number of times that startup information has been transmitted. When the number of transmissions reaches the specified number, the CPU 80a sets a communication line disconnection error.

Furthermore, if the CPU 80a does not receive any response information while transmitting the game information a specified number of times (10 times, for example), it determines that communication with the frame control board 82 is not normal. Specifically, after receiving response information to the startup information, the CPU 80a transmits game information every time a periodic time t3 (108 ms, for example) elapses. The CPU 80a counts the number of times game information is transmitted each time game information is transmitted. When the CPU 80a receives response information to the game information, it initializes the number of transmissions. When the number of transmissions reaches the specified number, the CPU 80a sets a communication line disconnection error.

The condition for canceling the communication line disconnection error is the restoration of power. The CPU 80a will not cancel the communication line disconnection error setting until the power supply is stopped. In other words, there is no way to cancel the communication line disconnection error setting other than by restoring the power. For example, the communication line disconnection error setting will not be canceled even if response information is received. In other words, the communication line disconnection error setting will not be canceled even if the cause of the communication line disconnection error being set is resolved.

When the power is turned on after being turned off, the CPU 80a cancels the setting of the communication line cut error. The CPU 80a may cancel the setting of the communication line cut error when the power is turned off, or may cancel the setting of the communication line cut error when the power is turned on. In other words, the CPU 80a cancels the setting of the communication line cut error when the power supply is stopped or started. When canceling the setting of the communication line cut error, the CPU 80a initializes the number of transmissions stored in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a may initialize the number of transmissions when the power is turned off, or may initialize the number of transmissions when the power is turned on. In this way, the CPU 80a does not cancel the setting of the communication line cut error until the power supply is stopped. The communication line cut error is detected as a confirmation section during both the ball removal state and the state other than the ball removal state. As an example, the communication line cut error is constantly detected from when the power is turned on until the power is cut off.

As described above, the CPU 80a sets a communication line disconnection error based on not receiving response information from the frame control board 82. Here, as a situation in which response information is not received from the frame control board 82 (hereinafter referred to as a main communication error situation), for example, a communication line connecting the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 is disconnected. In this case, it is particularly considered that the communication line through which the game control board 80 receives information from the frame control board 82 is disconnected. In addition, if the communication line through which the game control board 80 transmits information to the frame control board 82 is disconnected, the frame control board 82 cannot receive the startup information and game information, so it does not transmit the response information to the game control board 80. As a result, the CPU 80a cannot receive the response information and sets a communication line disconnection error. In this way, even if the communication line through which the game control board 80 transmits information to the frame control board 82 is disconnected, a communication line disconnection error is set. In addition, as a main communication error situation, for example, an abnormal radio wave may cause the response information to change to abnormal information.

The detection condition for a main open circuit error is that an abnormality such as a broken circuit has been detected in a sensor connected to the game control board 80. The CPU 80a sets a main open circuit error when it detects that no power is being applied to each sensor. In other words, the CPU 80a sets a main open circuit error when there is an abnormality in communication with a sensor connected to the game control board 80. In this way, the CPU 80a can detect an abnormality in communication with a sensor connected to the game control board 80 as a main open circuit error.

The main open circuit error is released when any abnormality, such as a broken circuit, in the sensor connected to the game control board 80 has been resolved. When the CPU 80a detects that each sensor is powered, it releases the main open circuit error setting. The main open circuit error is detected in the confirmation zone other than when the ball is removed.

Next, a description will be given of the control commands that are output when an error is set and when the error setting is released in the board-side error setting process.
When the game control board 80 (CPU 80a) sets an error or cancels the error setting, it outputs a board error command to the frame control board 82 and the performance control board 81. Board error commands include a control command that can specify that an error has been set (hereinafter referred to as a board error setting command) and a control command that can specify that an error setting has been cancelled (hereinafter referred to as a board error cancel command). The board error setting command is also a control command that can specify the type of error that has been set. The board error cancel command is also a control command that can specify the type of error that has been cancelled. The CPU 82a outputs control commands "E0xxH" to "EFxxH" as board error commands.

The four most significant bits "E" of the most significant bytes "E0" to "EF" of the board error command make it possible to identify that the board error command is a command related to an error in the game control board 80. The four least significant bits "0" to "F" of the most significant bytes "E0" to "EF" of the board error command make it possible to identify the type of error. The lower byte "xx" makes it possible to identify whether the board error command has set an error or cancelled the error setting. As an example, when an error is set, "01" is set, and when the error setting is cancelled, "02" is set.

As shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 80a outputs a board error setting command and a board error release error command to the frame control board 82 and the performance control board 81 depending on the type of error. As an example, when the CPU 80a sets the main unauthorized radio wave detection error in the board side error setting process, it outputs "E001H" as the board error setting command to the frame control board 82 and the performance control board 81. When the CPU 80a releases the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error in the board side error setting process, it outputs "E002H" as the board error release command to the frame control board 82 and the performance control board 81. In addition, in a situation where a communication line disconnection error is set, communication between the game control board 80 and the frame control board 82 is not performed normally, so the board error command is not output to the frame control board 82, but is output to the performance control board 81. When the CPU 80a sets the communication line disconnection error, it does not output the board error command to the frame control board 82. When the CPU 82a sets a communication line disconnection error, it may output a board error command to the game control board 80. In this case, if the communication line through which the game control board 80 transmits information to the frame control board 82 is disconnected, the frame control board 82 cannot input the board error command.

When the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) receives a board error setting command, it updates information (hereinafter referred to as board error information) that can identify the error being set on the game control board 80 based on the input board error setting command, and stores it in RAM 82c. When the CPU 82a receives a board error clear command, it updates the board error information based on the input board error clear command, and stores it in RAM 82c. This allows the CPU 82a to identify the error being set on the game control board 80.

When the performance control board 81 (CPU 81a) receives a board error setting command, it updates the error information based on the input board error setting command and stores it in the RAM 81c. When the CPU 81a receives a board error clearing command, it updates the error information based on the input board error clearing command and stores it in the RAM 81c. This allows the CPU 81a to identify the error being set in the pachinko gaming machine 10.

The CPU 80a also exercises control to restrict the launch of game balls while a specific error (open door as an example) is set among multiple types of errors. When a door open error is set, the CPU 80a outputs a launch stop signal to the frame control board 82 (launch permission circuit 82m). In other words, the launch stop signal is turned on. When the launch permission circuit 82m inputs the launch stop signal, the launch permission signal to the launch control board 83 is turned off, and its output is stopped. As described above, the output condition for the launch permission signal is met when the launch permission state is reached, in which the launch of game balls is permitted. In other words, the output condition for the launch permission signal is not met when the launch prohibition state is reached.

The frame side error notification process of the frame side normal process will be described.
As shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d in the frame side error notification process to execute notification of an error set in the pachinko gaming machine 10. Hereinafter, the notification of an error executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be referred to as an error notification. As an example, the CPU 82a executes a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error notification according to the setting of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error. The CPU 82a executes a main unauthorized radio wave detection error notification according to the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error. It can be said that the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error notification and the main unauthorized radio wave detection error notification are notifications that an abnormal radio wave has occurred. The CPU 82a executes a management unit communication error notification according to the setting of the management unit communication error. The CPU 82a executes a managed gaming machine communication error notification according to the setting of the managed gaming machine communication error. The CPU 82a executes a supply mechanism error notification according to the setting of the supply mechanism error. The CPU 82a issues a game ball count over error notification in accordance with the setting of the game ball count over error. The CPU 82a issues a frame disconnection error notification in accordance with the setting of the frame disconnection error. The CPU 82a issues a main disconnection error notification in accordance with the setting of the main disconnection error. The CPU 82a issues a game ball count clear error notification in accordance with the setting of the game ball count clear error. The CPU 82a issues a winning ball count abnormality error notification in accordance with the setting of the winning ball count abnormality error. The CPU 82a issues a door open error notification in accordance with the setting of the door open error.

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 "Performance Display Monitor" column in the figure, [E10] is displayed for a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error notification, [E14] for a management unit communication error notification, [E15] for a managed gaming machine internal communication error notification, and [E19] for a frame disconnection error notification.

As an example, when the ball is removed, the error code [E00] is displayed. Although the ball is removed is not strictly an error, it is an event that should be recognized by the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and therefore it is regarded as an error and is notified. Not limited to this, the error codes that can be displayed on the performance display monitor 82d do not have to include an error code that indicates the ball is removed.

As an example, notifications executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 include a counting completion notification (shown as "counting completion notification" in the figure). The counting completion notification is a notification that can identify that the number of balls held by the player has been transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100. Although the counting completion notification is not strictly an error, it is an event that should be made known to the player, and therefore is treated as an error and is notified.

Specifically, the counting completion notification is executed when the number of balls held is a predetermined number (for example, 1) or more and is transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 by transmitting the counting information. On the other hand, the counting completion notification is not executed when the number of balls held is not transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 even if the counting information is transmitted. The CPU 82a can specify whether or not the number of balls held is a predetermined number or more and is transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 by the counting completion flag. The CPU 82a does not display an error code on the performance display monitor 82d even if the counting completion flag is stored in the RAM 82c (shown as "-" in the figure). Not limited to this, the CPU 82a may display an error code (for example, [H00]) on the performance display monitor 82d when the counting completion flag is stored in the RAM 82c.

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 on the game control board 80, based on the board-side error information. As an example, [P10] is displayed for the main unauthorized radio wave detection error notification, and [P19] is displayed for the main disconnection error notification. Note that when a communication line disconnection error is set, a board error command is not output from the game control board 80 to the frame control board 82. For this reason, the CPU 82a cannot identify that a communication line disconnection error has been set based on the board-side error information. Therefore, the CPU 82a does not display the error code for the communication line disconnection error notification on the performance display monitor 82d when a communication line disconnection error is set.

The CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d to alternately display an error code and a base value (performance information). When multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 82a alternates between displaying the error code with the highest priority among the notifications of the set errors and the base value. As an example, as shown in the "Priority" column in the figure, when multiple types of errors are set, the priority is set higher as the number becomes smaller. "Multiple types of errors are set" includes the presence of multiple errors set in the frame control board 82. "Multiple types of errors are set" includes the presence of multiple errors set in the game control board 80. "Multiple types of errors are set" includes the presence of multiple errors in total set in the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80.

The frame illegal radio wave detection error notification is set to have the highest priority among multiple types of errors. In other words, the frame illegal radio wave detection error notification is executed in priority to the notification of a predetermined error different from the frame illegal radio wave detection error on the performance display monitor 82d. As an example, when the frame illegal radio wave detection error and the management unit communication error are set, the CPU 82a alternately displays the error code [E10] of the frame illegal radio wave detection error notification and the base value. On the other hand, the CPU 82a does not display the error code [E14] of the management unit communication error notification. In other words, the frame illegal radio wave detection error notification is executed in priority to the notification of the management unit communication error. As an example, when the frame illegal radio wave detection error and the management game machine communication error are set, the CPU 82a alternately displays the error code [E10] of the frame illegal radio wave detection error notification and the base value. On the other hand, the CPU 82a does not display the error code [E15] of the management game machine communication error notification. In other words, the notification of a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error on the performance display monitor 82d is given priority over the notification of a communication error within the managed gaming machine on the performance display monitor 82d.

As an example, when the CPU 82a sets a communication error within the managed gaming machine and a frame broken error, the CPU 82a alternately displays the error code [E15] for the communication error notification within the managed gaming machine and the base value. On the other hand, the CPU 82a does not display the error code [E19] for the frame broken error notification. In other words, the notification of the communication error within the managed gaming machine on the performance display monitor 82d is executed in priority over the notification of the frame broken error on the performance display monitor 82d.

When an error is set in the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80, the CPU 82a may be configured to display an error code but not the base value. The CPU 82a may also be configured to switch between the error code, the second managed ball count PB, and the base value and display them on the performance display monitor 82d. In this way, the performance display monitor 82d is used both as a means for displaying the base value and as a means for displaying the error code.

When the error setting is released, the CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d to end the display of the error code indicating the released error. Specifically, when the error setting is released, the CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d to end the display of the error code of the released error. The CPU 82a also controls the performance display monitor 82d to end the display of the error code of the released error on the game control board 80 based on the board-side error information.

In this way, the performance display monitor 82d issues an error notification according to the error that has been set. When an error is set, the performance display monitor 82d starts notifying the set error, and when the error setting is released, the notification of the released error ends. The error code reported by the performance display monitor 82d is information specific to the error. In other words, the reporting modes for the multiple types of errors that can be reported by the performance display monitor 82d are all different.

When an error is set in the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80, the CPU 82a may control the second ball number display unit 17 to display an error code indicating the set error. In other words, the error code may be displayed on both the performance display monitor 82d and the second ball number display unit 17. The CPU 82a may control the second ball number display unit 17 to alternately display the error code and the second managed ball number PB. The error codes that can be displayed on the second ball number display unit 17 may include an error code indicating a ball removal state. The error codes that can be displayed on the second ball number display unit 17 may not include an error code indicating a ball removal state. The error codes that can be displayed on the second ball number display unit 17 may include an error code for a counting completion notification. The error codes that can be displayed on the second ball number display unit 17 may not include an error code for a counting completion notification.

When multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 82a may alternately display the error code with the highest priority and the second managed ball count PB. When an error is set, the CPU 82a may be configured to display the error code but not the second managed ball count PB. The CPU 82a may also be configured to switch between the error code, the second managed ball count PB, and the base value and display them on the second ball count display unit 17. The CPU 82a may control the second ball count display unit 17 to end the display of the error code indicating the error whose setting has been released when the error setting is released. In this way, the second ball count display unit 17 is a means for displaying the second managed ball count PB and may also be used as a means for displaying the error code. The CPU 82a may start displaying the error code on the performance display monitor 82d and the error code on the second ball count display unit 17 at the same or approximately the same timing.

In this way, the second ball number display unit 17 may notify an error according to the error that has been set. The second ball number display unit 17 may start notifying the set error when an error is set, and end notifying the cleared error when the error setting is cleared. The error code notified by the second ball number display unit 17 is information specific to the error. In other words, the notification modes for the multiple types of errors that can be notified by the second ball number display unit 17 are each different.

When an error is set in the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80, the CPU 82a may control the notification sound 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 sound notification (hereinafter, referred to as an error sound notification) that notifies the set error. As an example, the CPU 82a sets the frame illegal radio wave detection error notification, the management unit communication error notification, the managed game machine internal communication error notification, the supply mechanism error notification, the game ball number over error notification, the frame disconnection error notification, the game ball number clear error notification, and the winning ball number abnormality error notification as the targets of notification using the notification sound unit 13. As an example, the CPU 82a does not set the main illegal radio wave detection error notification, the main disconnection error notification, and the door open error notification as the targets of notification using the notification sound unit 13. The CPU 82a executes notification of at least some of the errors set in the frame control board 82 using the notification sound unit 13. On the other hand, the CPU 82a does not cause the notification sound unit 13 to notify all of the errors set in the game control board 80. Without being limited to this, the CPU 82a may cause the notification sound unit 13 to notify all of the errors set in the frame control board 82. The CPU 82a may cause the notification sound unit 13 to notify some or all of the errors set in the game control board 80. The sound patterns of the error sound notification are different depending on the error, and it is preferable that the content is such that an overview of the set error can be identified. As an example, in the case of a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error notification, the error sound is a human voice reading the string of characters "Error code E10 has occurred, please call an attendant."

When multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 82a may execute an error voice notification that notifies the error with the highest priority. Without being limited to this, when multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 82a may be configured to execute the error voice notifications by switching between them in order. When the error setting is released, the CPU 82a controls the notification voice unit 13 to terminate the error voice notification indicating the released error.

As an example, the CPU 82a may set the counting completion notification as the notification target of the notification sound unit 13. Not limited to this, the CPU 82a may not set the counting completion notification as the notification target of the notification sound unit 13. As an example, the counting completion notification sound output by the notification sound unit 13 may include information that can specifically identify that a predetermined number (1 as an example) or more of the held balls have been transferred from the pachinko game machine 10 to the management unit 100, such as a human voice reading out the string of characters "your balls have been transferred to the management unit." As an example, the counting completion notification sound output by the notification sound unit 13 may not include information that can specifically identify that a predetermined number (1 as an example) or more of the held balls have been transferred from the pachinko game machine 10 to the management unit 100, such as a predetermined song or sound effect.

As an example, the CPU 82a does not treat the ball-out state as an object of notification by the notification sound unit 13. Without being limited to this, the CPU 82a may treat the ball-out state as an object of notification by the notification sound unit 13. As an example, the error sound output by the notification sound unit 13 may include information that can specifically identify that the ball-out state is present, such as a human voice reading out the string of characters "ball-out state in progress." As an example, the error sound output by the notification sound unit 13 may not include information that can specifically identify that the ball-out state is present, such as a specified piece of music or sound effect.

In this way, the notification audio unit 13 may issue an error notification according to the error that has been set. When an error is set, the notification audio unit 13 may start notifying the set error, and when the error setting is cancelled, the notification of the cancelled error may end. The error audio notification issued by the notification audio unit 13 differs depending on the error. In other words, the notification modes of the multiple types of errors that can be notified by the notification audio unit 13 are different.

The performance side error notification processing executed by the performance control board 81 (CPU 81a) will be described.
As shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 81a controls a part or all of the performance unit constituting the performance device ES in the performance side error notification process so as to execute notification of an error set in the pachinko gaming machine 10. As an example, the CPU 81a executes a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error notification according to the setting of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error. The CPU 81a executes a main unauthorized radio wave detection error notification according to the setting of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error. The CPU 81a executes a management unit communication error notification according to the setting of the management unit communication error. The CPU 81a executes a communication line disconnection error notification according to the setting of the communication line disconnection error. The CPU 81a executes a supply mechanism error notification according to the setting of the supply mechanism error. The CPU 81a executes a game ball number over error notification according to the setting of the game ball number over error. The CPU 81a executes a frame disconnection error notification according to the setting of the frame disconnection error. The CPU 81a executes a main disconnection error notification according to the setting of the main disconnection error. The CPU 81a executes the game ball count clear error notification according to the setting of the game ball count clear error.The CPU 81a executes the winning ball count abnormal error notification according to the setting of the winning ball count abnormal error.The CPU 81a executes the door open error notification according to the setting of the door open error.

When multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 81a executes the error notification with the highest priority. The priority is the same as the error code display on the performance display monitor 82d described above. The frame unauthorized radio wave detection error notification is set to have the highest priority among multiple types of errors. In other words, the notification of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is executed in the performance device ES with priority over the notification of a specified error other than the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error.

As an example, when a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error and a management unit communication error are set, the CPU 81a executes a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error notification. On the other hand, the CPU 81a does not execute a management unit communication error notification. In other words, the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error notification in the performance device ES is executed with priority over the management unit communication error notification. As an example, when a main unauthorized radio wave detection error and a communication line disconnection error are set, the CPU 81a executes a main unauthorized radio wave detection error notification. On the other hand, the CPU 81a does not execute a communication line disconnection error notification. In other words, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error notification in the performance device ES is executed with priority over the communication line disconnection error notification.

When the CPU 81a determines that an error has been set based on the error information, it controls the performance display unit 19 to execute an error notification according to the set error. As an example, as shown in the "Performance Display Unit" column in the figure, the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error notification is executed in a manner in which an image that can identify that a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error has been set, such as the character string "Unauthorized Radio Wave Detection [Frame]", is displayed on the performance display unit 19. As an example, the management unit communication error notification is executed in a manner in which an image that can identify that a management unit communication error has been set, such as the character string "Management Unit Communication Abnormal", is displayed on the performance display unit 19. As an example, the communication line disconnection error notification is executed in a manner in which an image that can identify that a communication line disconnection error has been set, such as the character string "Communication Line Disconnected", is displayed on the performance display unit 19. As an example, the main disconnection error notification is executed in a manner in which an image that can identify that a main disconnection error has been set, such as the character string "Disconnection Error [Main]", is displayed on the performance display unit 19.

When the CPU 81a determines based on the error information that the error setting has been cleared, it may control the presentation display unit 19 to end the notification of the error whose setting has been cleared. Specifically, when the CPU 81a determines that the settings of the management unit communication error, supply mechanism error, game ball count over error, frame disconnection error, main disconnection error, game ball count clear error, winning ball count abnormality error, and door open error have been cleared, it controls the presentation display unit 19 to end the notification of the error whose setting has been cleared.

The CPU 81a may control the presentation display unit 19 to end the error presentation when a special time (30 seconds, for example) has elapsed since the error presentation started. Specifically, the CPU 81a ends the presentation of the game ball count clear error on the presentation display unit 19 when a special time has elapsed since the CPU 81a started presenting the game ball count clear error, even if the game ball count clear error is set. On the other hand, the CPU 81a does not end the presentation of an error other than a game ball count clear error on the presentation display unit 19, even if a special time has elapsed since the CPU 81a started presenting the error.

The game ball count clear error is released when a specific time (30 seconds, for example) has elapsed since the supply outlet sensor D23, the foul sensor D21, or the out sensor D30 is detected. For this reason, after the game ball count clear error is set, the time required for the game ball count clear error setting to be released is likely to be longer than the special time. Therefore, the game ball count clear error notification is unlikely to end before the game ball count clear error setting is released. The specific time is not limited to 30 seconds, and may be a time longer than 30 seconds. In other words, the specific time is a time that is longer than the special time. This makes it even more unlikely for the game ball count clear error notification to end before the game ball count clear error setting is released.

The notification of the set error ends when the power is turned off. In other words, all error notifications being executed in the performance display unit 19 end when the power is turned off. Note that the error notification being executed in the performance display unit 19 is not executed even if the power is turned on after the power is turned off. Not limited to this, the CPU 81a may execute the notification of the error being set when the power is turned on after the power is turned off. As an example, when the power is turned on, the CPU 80a may send a frame error setting command and a board error setting command to the performance control board 81 based on the set error. The CPU 81a stores error information in the RAM 81c based on the input frame error setting command and board error setting command. The CPU 81a may execute the notification of the error being set based on the updated error information. As an example, the CPU 81a may not execute the notification of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error, and the communication line disconnection error when the power is turned on after the power is turned off. On the other hand, when the power is turned on after being turned off, the CPU 81a may also notify of an error other than the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error, and the communication line disconnection error.

When the CPU 81a determines that an error has been set based on the error information, it controls the audio production unit 12 to execute an error notification according to the set error. As an example, as shown in the "audio production unit" column in the figure, the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error notification is executed in a manner in which a sound capable of identifying that a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error or a main unauthorized radio wave detection error has been set is output from the audio production unit 12, such as a human voice reading the character string "An abnormality has been detected". As an example, the management unit communication error notification is executed in a manner in which a sound capable of identifying that one of a plurality of types of errors has been set is output from the audio production unit 12, such as a human voice reading the character string "Please call an attendant". As an example, the over-number-of-game-balls error notification is executed in a manner in which a sound capable of identifying that an over-number-of-game-balls error has been set is output from the audio production unit 12, such as a human voice reading the character string "Please move the game balls to the management unit". As one example, the notification of a ball count clear error is executed by outputting a sound from the sound production unit 12 that can identify that a ball count clear error has been set, such as a human voice reading the string "ball count cleared."

When the CPU 81a determines based on the error information that an error setting has been released, it may control the sound effect unit 12 to end the notification of the error whose setting has been released. Specifically, when the CPU 81a determines that the settings of a management unit communication error, a supply mechanism error, an over-number-of-game-balls error, a frame disconnection error, a main disconnection error, a number-of-game-balls clear error, an abnormal number-of-winning-balls error, and a door-open error have been released, it controls the sound effect unit 12 to end the notification of the error whose setting has been released.

When a special time (30 seconds, for example) has elapsed since the start of notification of a game ball count clear error, the CPU 81a ends notification of the game ball count clear error in the sound effect unit 12 even if the game ball count clear error is set. When a specific time te (30 seconds, for example) has elapsed since the start of notification of a game ball count clear error in the sound effect unit 12, the CPU 81a ends the error notification even if the error is set.

The notification of the set error ends when the power is turned off. In other words, all error notifications being executed in the performance sound unit 12 end when the power is turned off. Note that the error notification being executed in the performance sound unit 12 is not executed even if the power is turned on after the power is turned off. Not limited to this, the CPU 81a may execute the notification of the error being set when the power is turned on after the power is turned off. As an example, when the power is turned on, the CPU 80a may send a frame error setting command and a board error setting command to the performance control board 81 based on the set error. The CPU 81a stores error information in the RAM 81c based on the input frame error setting command and board error setting command. The CPU 81a may execute the notification of the error being set based on the updated error information. As an example, the CPU 81a may not execute the notification of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error, and the communication line disconnection error when the power is turned on after the power is turned off. On the other hand, when the power is turned on after being turned off, the CPU 81a may also notify of an error other than the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error, and the communication line disconnection error.

When the power is turned off, the CPU 81a controls the sound effect unit 12 to end the notification of errors during setup. When the power is turned off, the CPU 81a controls the sound effect unit 12 to end the notification of all errors. Note that the CPU 81a does not execute notification of errors during setup even when the power is turned on after a power outage. Not limited to this, the CPU 81a may execute notification of errors during setup when the power is turned on after a power outage. As an example, the CPU 81a may not execute notification of a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, a main unauthorized radio wave detection error, and a communication line disconnection error when the power is turned on after a power outage. On the other hand, the CPU 81a may execute notification of an error other than the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error, and a communication line disconnection error when the power is turned on after a power outage.

When the CPU 81a determines that an error has been set based on the error information, it controls the performance light-emitting unit 14 to execute an error notification according to the set error. As an example, as shown in the "performance light-emitting unit" column in the figure, the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error notification is executed in a manner in which the performance light-emitting unit 14 is made to emit light in a light-emitting pattern that can identify that a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error has been set, such as by lighting the light-emitting body in red. As an example, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error notification is executed in a manner in which the performance light-emitting unit 14 is made to emit light in a light-emitting pattern that can identify that a main unauthorized radio wave detection error has been set, such as by lighting the light-emitting body in yellow. As an example, the management unit communication error notification is executed in a manner in which the performance light-emitting unit 14 is made to emit light in a light-emitting pattern that can identify that an error has been set in the frame control board 82, such as by lighting the light-emitting body in green. As an example, the communication line disconnection error notification is executed in a manner in which the performance light-emitting unit 14 is made to emit light in a light-emitting pattern that can identify that an error has been set in the game control board 80, such as by lighting the light-emitting body in blue.

When the CPU 81a determines based on the error information that the error setting has been cleared, it may control the performance light-emitting unit 14 to end the notification of the error whose setting has been cleared. Specifically, when the CPU 81a determines that the settings of the management unit communication error, supply mechanism error, game ball count over error, frame disconnection error, main disconnection error, game ball count clear error, winning ball count abnormality error, and door open error have been cleared, it controls the performance light-emitting unit 14 to end the notification of the error whose setting has been cleared.

When a special time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the start of notification of a game ball count clear error, the CPU 81a ends notification of the game ball count clear error in the performance light-emitting unit 14 even if the game ball count clear error is set. When a specific time te (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the start of notification of the error being set, the CPU 81a ends notification of an error other than a game ball count clear error in the performance light-emitting unit 14 even if the error is set.

The notification of the set error ends when the power is turned off. In other words, all error notifications being executed in the performance light-emitting unit 14 end when the power is turned off. Note that the error notification being executed in the performance light-emitting unit 14 is not executed even if the power is turned on after the power is turned off. Not limited to this, the CPU 81a may execute the notification of the error being set when the power is turned on after the power is turned off. As an example, when the power is turned on, the CPU 80a may send a frame error setting command and a board error setting command to the performance control board 81 based on the set error. The CPU 81a stores error information in the RAM 81c based on the input frame error setting command and board error setting command. The CPU 81a may execute the notification of the error being set based on the updated error information. As an example, the CPU 81a may not execute the notification of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error, and the communication line disconnection error when the power is turned on after the power is turned off. On the other hand, when the power is turned on after being turned off, the CPU 81a may also notify of an error other than the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error, the main unauthorized radio wave detection error, and the communication line disconnection error.

In this way, the performance device ES issues an error notification according to the error that has been set. When an error is set, the performance device ES starts notifying the set error. The error notification in the performance device ES ends when the error setting is released, the special time has elapsed, the specified time te has elapsed, or the power is cut off. The notification modes for the multiple types of errors that can be notified in the performance device ES are different.

When a managed game machine internal communication error is set, the frame control board 82 does not output a frame error command to the game control board 80. Therefore, the CPU 81a cannot identify that a managed game machine internal communication error is set from the error information. Therefore, the CPU 81a does not execute an error notification in the performance device ES when a managed game machine internal communication error is set.

When the CPU 81a inputs a counting completion command, it controls the performance sound unit 12 to execute a counting completion notification. That is, in the performance sound unit 12, the counting completion notification is executed in response to the counting information being transmitted from the frame control board 82 to the CU control board 120. On the other hand, even if the CPU 81a inputs a counting completion command, it does not cause the performance display unit 19 and the performance light-emitting unit 14 to execute a counting completion notification. Not limited to this, when the CPU 81a inputs a counting completion command, it may control the performance display unit 19 and the performance light-emitting unit 14 to execute a counting completion notification. As an example, the counting completion notification is executed in a manner in which a sound that can identify that a predetermined number (for example, 1) or more of the balls held have been transferred from the pachinko game machine 10 to the management unit 100 is output from the performance sound unit 12, such as a person's voice reading out the character string "Counting has been completed". The counting completion notification by the performance sound unit 12 ends when "Counting has been completed" is output once. The counting completion notification ends if the power is cut off in the middle of a voice message such as "counting," and the counting completion notification is not executed even if the power is turned on after being turned off. However, the CPU 81a may also execute the counting completion notification when the power is turned on after being turned off.

Here, the notification of the over-number-of-game-balls error has a higher priority than the notification of the completion of counting. In other words, the notification of the over-number-of-game-balls error is executed in the sound effect unit 12 in priority over the notification of the completion of counting. For this reason, for example, in a situation where the over-number-of-game-balls error is being notified, even if the counting operation unit 18 is operated, the notification of the completion of counting is not executed in the sound effect unit 12. However, if the notification of the over-number-of-game-balls error in the sound effect unit 12 has ended, the notification of the completion of counting can be executed. In addition, the notification of the over-number-of-game-balls error in the display effect unit 19 can be executed even after the predetermined time te has elapsed. For this reason, the notification of the over-number-of-game-balls error and the notification of the completion of counting can be executed simultaneously in different notification units.

When the CPU 81a inputs a ball removal start command, it controls part or all of the production section that constitutes the production device ES, and causes it to notify the player of the ball removal state. As one example, the ball removal state is notified by outputting a sound from the production sound section 12 that can identify the transition to the ball removal state, such as a human voice reading out the strings of characters "Starting ball removal" or "Ball removal state has been reached". When the CPU 81a inputs a ball removal completion command, it ends the notification of the ball removal state.

When a predetermined time te (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the CPU 81a started notifying the ball-removed state, the CPU 81a controls the sound effect unit 12 to end the notification of the ball-removed state. When the power is turned off, the CPU 81a controls the sound effect unit 12 to end the notification of the ball-removed state. Note that the CPU 81a does not execute the notification of the ball-removed state even if the power is turned on after being turned off. Not limited to this, the CPU 81a may execute the notification of the ball-removed state when the power is turned on after being turned off.

As described above, when various errors are set in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the performance display monitor 82d and the presentation device ES can notify the error being set. The performance display monitor 82d is provided on the frame control board 82. The frame control board 82 is provided in a position that cannot be seen unless the mounting frame 11b is opened. For this reason, the performance display monitor 82d is difficult to see, for example, by a player playing the game. On the other hand, the presentation device ES is visible when the pachinko gaming machine 10 is viewed from the front, so it is easy for a player to see. Therefore, the notification of an error executed on the performance display monitor 82d is difficult for a player to recognize. On the other hand, the notification of an error executed on the presentation device ES is easy for a player to see.

Here, notifications of errors other than communication line disconnection errors and communication errors within the managed gaming machine are executed by the performance display monitor 82d and the presentation device ES. On the other hand, notifications of communication line disconnection errors are executed by the presentation device ES but not by the performance display monitor 82d. Also, notifications of communication errors within the managed gaming machine are executed by the performance display monitor 82d but not by the presentation device ES. In other words, notifications of communication errors within the managed gaming machine are executed by the performance display monitor 82d among the multiple notification units, while notifications of communication line disconnection errors are executed by a presentation device ES that is different from the performance display monitor 82d among the multiple notification units.

In the performance display monitor 82d and the performance device ES, an error corresponding to the set error among the multiple types of errors is notified. As described above, the notification modes of the multiple types of errors are different from each other. As an example, the notification mode of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error in the performance display monitor 82d is different from the notification mode of the management unit communication error in the performance display monitor 82d. Also, the notification mode of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error in the performance device ES is different from the notification mode of the management unit communication error in the performance device ES. As an example, the notification mode of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error in the performance display monitor 82d is different from the notification mode of the main unauthorized radio wave detection in the performance display monitor 82d. Also, the notification mode of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error in the performance device ES is different from the notification mode of the main unauthorized radio wave detection error in the performance device ES. In this way, the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error and the main unauthorized radio wave detection error are notifications for the same event, that is, a notification that an abnormal radio wave has occurred, but the error notification is performed in different notification modes.

The error notification executed by the performance display monitor 82d, the performance display unit 19, the performance sound unit 12, and the performance light-emitting unit 14 may end under different conditions. As described above, the error notification by the performance display monitor 82d ends when the error setting is released. The error notification by the performance display unit 19, the performance sound unit 12, and the performance light-emitting unit 14 ends when one or more of the following conditions are met: the error setting is released, a special time has passed since the error notification started, a specific time te has passed since the error notification started, and power supply has stopped.

As an example, the notification of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error in the performance display monitor 82d ends when the error setting is released. The notification of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error in the performance display unit 19 ends when the power supply is stopped. The notification of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error in the performance sound unit 12 and the performance light-emitting unit 14 ends when a predetermined time te (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the error notification started, or when the power supply is stopped. In this way, the notification of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error executed in the performance display unit 19, the performance sound unit 12, and the performance light-emitting unit 14 ends when the power supply is stopped. And, the notification of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error executed in the performance sound unit 12 and the performance light-emitting unit 14 ends when a predetermined time te has elapsed since the notification of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error started, even before the power supply is stopped. On the other hand, the notification of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error executed in the performance display unit 19 does not end even if a predetermined time te has elapsed since the notification of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error started.

As an example, the notification of an abnormal winning ball count error on the performance display monitor 82d ends when the error setting is released. The notification of an abnormal winning ball count error on the performance display unit 19 ends when the error setting is released or when the power supply is stopped. The notification of an abnormal winning ball count error on the performance sound unit 12 and the performance light-emitting unit 14 ends when a predetermined time te (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the error notification began or when the power supply is stopped. In this way, the notification of an abnormal winning ball count error executed by the performance display unit 19, the performance sound unit 12, and the performance light-emitting unit 14 ends when the power supply is stopped. And the notification of an abnormal winning ball count error executed by the performance sound unit 12 and the performance light-emitting unit 14 ends when a predetermined time te has elapsed since the notification of the abnormal winning ball count error began, even before the power supply is stopped. On the other hand, the notification of the winning ball count abnormal error executed by the performance display unit 19 does not end even if a predetermined time te has elapsed since the notification of the winning ball count abnormal error started.

As an example, the notification of the game ball count clear error in the performance display monitor 82d ends when the error setting is released. The notification of the game ball count clear error in the presentation display unit 19, presentation sound unit 12, and presentation light-emitting unit 14 ends when a special time (for example, 30 seconds) has passed since the error notification began, or when the power supply is stopped. In this way, even if a special time has passed since the notification of the game ball count clear error began in the performance display monitor 82d, the notification of the game ball count clear error does not end until the setting of the game ball count clear error is released. On the other hand, in the presentation display unit 19, presentation sound unit 12, and presentation light-emitting unit 14, the notification of the game ball count clear error ends when a special time has passed since the notification of the game ball count clear error began. In addition, the presentation display unit 19, presentation sound unit 12, and presentation light emitting unit 14 end the notification of the game ball count clear error when the game ball count clear error setting is released, even if the special time has not yet elapsed since the notification of the game ball count clear error began.

Next, the operation of launching the game ball will be described.
The launch and supply of game balls is realized by a combination of control of the supply unit 61 by the frame control board 82 (CPU 80a) and control of the launch unit 65 by the launch control board 83 (launch control circuit 83a). Below, a detailed description is given of a series of operations (hereinafter referred to as a launch sequence) executed by the launch control circuit 83a to launch game balls, and the processing of the frame control board 82.

The operation of the launch control board 83 (launch control circuit 83a) will now be described.
The launch control circuit 83a repeatedly executes the launch sequence when the launch conditions for the game balls are met. The launch conditions for the game balls are met when all of the first to fourth conditions are met. The first condition is met when the launch permission state is in which the launch of the game balls is permitted. The second condition is met when the touch signal is in the ON state, and a contact detection state is in which contact with the launch operation unit 15 is detected. The third condition is met when the voltage of the volume signal exceeds a threshold value, and an operation detection state is in which it is detected that the operation amount of the launch operation unit 15 (handle lever 15a) exceeds a predetermined amount. The fourth condition is met when the stop signal is in the OFF state, and a non-stop state is in which an operation to stop the launch of the game balls is not detected.

In the firing sequence, the firing control circuit 83a first waits for a specified time t9 (for example, 37.5 ms). When the specified time t9 has elapsed, the firing control circuit 83a supplies a drive current to the firing solenoid 66a in response to 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 a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 82 at the timing of outputting the drive current. The firing control circuit 83a waits until the specified time t10 (for example, 562.5 ms) has elapsed after outputting the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a. This completes one firing sequence.

The launch control circuit 83a operates differently depending on whether the launch conditions are met at the point in time when a specified time t10 has elapsed since the drive current was output to the launch solenoid 66a (hereinafter referred to as the judgment time T0). The judgment time T0 can also be said to be the point at which one launch sequence ends. If the launch conditions are met at the judgment time T0, the launch control circuit 83a starts a new launch sequence. The judgment time T0 arrives every time a launch sequence ends. Therefore, the launch sequence is repeatedly executed if the game ball launch conditions are met. As a result, the game ball launch period is equal to the sum of the specified time t9 and the specified time t10. As an example, the launch period is 600 ms.

On the other hand, if the firing condition is not satisfied at the determination time T0, the firing control circuit 83a executes a blank firing sequence. In the blank firing sequence, the firing control circuit 83a first waits for a specified time t9. When the specified time t9 has elapsed, the firing control circuit 83a supplies a drive current to the firing solenoid 66a in response to the firing timing pulse. The voltage of the drive current at this time is a voltage corresponding to the voltage of the volume signal held in the holding circuit of the firing control circuit 83a. The holding circuit of the firing control circuit 83a also newly holds the voltage value of the volume signal at this time. Even if the firing control circuit 83a supplies a drive current to the firing solenoid 66a, it does not output a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 82. The firing control circuit 83a waits until the specified time t10 has elapsed after outputting the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a. This completes one blank firing sequence.

The firing control circuit 83a performs different operations depending on whether the firing conditions are met at the time when a specified time t10 has elapsed since the drive current was output to the firing solenoid 66a as the blank firing sequence (hereinafter referred to as the judgment time T1). The judgment time T1 can also be said to be the time when one blank firing sequence ends. If the firing conditions are met at the judgment time T1, the firing control circuit 83a starts the above-mentioned firing sequence. On the other hand, if the firing conditions are not met at the judgment time T1, the firing control circuit 83a executes a second blank firing sequence. In the second blank firing sequence, the firing control circuit 83a also outputs a drive current to the firing solenoid 66a, but does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 82.

The firing control circuit 83a operates differently depending on whether the firing conditions are met at the time when the second blank firing sequence ends (hereinafter referred to as judgment time T2). If the firing conditions are met at judgment time T2, the firing control circuit 83a starts the above-mentioned firing sequence. On the other hand, if the firing conditions are not met at judgment time T2, the firing control circuit 83a does not execute the blank firing sequence and does not execute the firing sequence. In other words, the firing control circuit 83a does not output a drive current to the firing solenoid 66a and does not output a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 82.

The control of the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) will now be described.
When the subtraction reference signal transitions to the on state, the CPU 82a waits for a specified time t10a. The specified time t10a is equal to the driving time of the launch solenoid 66a (16 ms, for example). Next, the CPU 82a supplies a driving 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 leading game ball among the game balls K lined up in a row in the entrance-side passage 62a is released to the exit-side passage 62b.

As described above, the subtraction reference signal is output when the firing sequence is executed. The subtraction reference signal is not output even when the blank firing sequence is executed. In other words, when the firing conditions for the game ball are no longer met and two blank shots are executed in the firing unit 65, the game ball is not supplied to the firing unit 65. Therefore, in the pachinko game machine 10, when the firing conditions for the game ball are no longer met, the game ball is prevented from remaining at the impact position 67. In other words, when the firing conditions are no longer met, the game ball is, in principle, not present downstream of the cut-out mechanism 63.

The ball removal operation in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
The ball removal work is preferably performed in a ball removal state. In the ball removal state, errors of a type that can be detected in a confirmation zone other than the ball removal state are not detected, the errors are not set, and the errors are not notified. In other words, the ball removal state is a state in which the various sensors used to detect errors other than the ball removal state are disabled, or the detection results of the various sensors are not accepted.

As described above, the recovery mechanism 30 is composed of a combination of passages that extend downward or that incline downward. In other words, the winning passage 31, the non-winning passage 32, the foul passage 33, the merging passage 35, and the supply passage 37 are all passages that extend downward or that incline downward. Therefore, when a game ball is received from the game board 20 into one of the receiving openings 30a to 30c, it can flow down the passage by the action of gravity and finally reach the transport section 52. Adjacent to the supply passage 37, the part where the game ball can be detected by the transport entrance sensor D28 and the first ball removal section 71 are arranged in this order upstream of the transport section 52. Therefore, the game ball passes through the part where the game ball can be detected by the transport entrance sensor D28 and the first ball removal section 71 in that order.

In the ball removal state, the lever (not shown) of the first ball removal section 71 is operated, and the opening/closing piece 71c is displaced to the open position. The ball removal hole 71b is opened in the first connection section 71a. As a result, the game ball in the first connection section 71a is discharged outside the machine from the ball removal hole 71b. Also, as the game balls are sequentially discharged outside the machine from the ball removal hole 71b in the first ball removal section 71, the game balls in the passages 31 to 33, 35, and 37 that make up the recovery mechanism 30 move forward toward the transport section 52. Then, finally, all the game balls in the passages 31 to 33, 35, and 37 are discharged outside the machine from the ball removal hole 71b, which has been opened.

Also, assume that the lever (not shown) of the second ball ejection section 72 is operated and the opening/closing piece 72c is displaced to the open position. In the second connection section 72a, the ball ejection hole 72b is opened. As a result, the game ball in the second connection section 72a is discharged from the ball ejection hole 72b to the ball ejection passage 73. In addition, in the second connection section 72a, as the game balls are sequentially discharged from the ball ejection hole 72b to the ball ejection passage 73, the game ball in the entrance side passage 62a advances toward the second connection section 72a. In addition, in the ball ejection state, the conveying section 52 is driven. In other words, the game ball inside the conveying section 52 is discharged to the entrance side passage 62a and further advances toward the second connection section 72a. Then, the game ball that reaches the second connection section 72a flows into the ball ejection passage 73 from the ball ejection hole 72b.

The ball removal passage 73 is composed of a combination of passages that extend downward or that slope downward. Thus, when a game ball flows into the ball removal passage 73, it passes through the ball removal passage 73 and reaches the first ball removal section 71. If the ball removal hole 71b is open, the game ball is discharged from the ball removal hole 71b to the outside of the machine. Then, finally, the game balls in the circulation mechanism 50 and the launch mechanism 60 are discharged from the second connection section 72a via the ball removal passage 73 and the first ball removal section 71 to the outside of the machine.

As described above, when the conditions for launching the game balls are no longer met, the blank shot sequence is executed. By executing the blank shot sequence, the game balls do not remain at the striking position 67. In other words, when the ball removal state is started after the power is turned on, the game balls are not present downstream of the dispensing mechanism 63. Therefore, when the ball removal is executed according to the above-mentioned procedure, all of the game balls enclosed in the pachinko game machine 10 can be discharged outside the machine. This does not require the operation of the launching unit 65 to shoot out the game balls. 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 attached to the frame 11.

Here, the launch permitted state is a state in which the management unit 100 and the pachinko game machine 10 are normally connected, no specific error (for example, a door open error) has occurred in the game control board 80, and no specific error (for example, a supply mechanism error) has occurred in the frame control board 82. The launch prohibited state is a state in which one or more of the following has occurred: the management unit 100 and the pachinko game machine 10 are not normally connected, a specific error has been set in the game control board 80, and a specific error has been set in the frame control board 82. The normal connection between the management unit 100 and the pachinko game machine 10 corresponds to no management unit communication error being set in the frame control board 82. Note that even if the same door open error occurs, if the second door open signal is input, it does not fall under the above specific error, and the launch prohibited state may not be triggered depending on the occurrence of the error.

The launch permission state can occur even in the ball-removed state, as long as the necessary conditions are met. In other words, even in the ball-removed state, the conditions for launching the game ball can be met. Therefore, even if the game ball remains in the impact position 67, it can be launched into the game area 20a by operating the launch operation unit 15. The game ball launched into the game area 20a is discharged outside the machine via the recovery mechanism 30. Note that if an internal game machine communication abnormality error is not set, the launch permission state may not be entered, and the launch prohibition state may be entered. For example, if the game board 20 is not attached to the frame 11, the launch prohibition state may be entered, and the game ball cannot be launched.

When the manager of the pachinko gaming machine 10 has completed ball removal in the ball removal state, he or she can carry out maintenance such as replacing the maintenance unit 55. After completing the maintenance work, the manager can allow the gaming balls to flow into the distribution mechanism 29 from the receiving ports 30a to 30c. Then, the manager can start up the pachinko gaming machine 10 by shutting off the power to the pachinko gaming machine 10 and then turning it back on.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the pachinko game machine 10, the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) and the game control board 80 (CPU 80a) communicate bidirectionally, while the frame control board 82 manages the balls held, while the game control board 80 controls the progress of the game, and the respective control units cooperate to provide a gaming environment for the entire game machine. Under such a premise, by individually detecting a communication error in the managed game machine, which is a communication abnormality seen from the frame control board 82, and a communication line disconnection error, which is a communication abnormality seen from the game control board 80, it is possible to detect communication abnormalities between the control boards without fail. In particular, since the notification of these communication errors is performed by different notification units, it is possible to suppress the notification from being overlooked. In addition, when the notification is not performed by one of the notification units, it is easy to identify which control unit is not able to normally detect the communication error. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(2) Notification of a communication line disconnection error is achieved by detection by the game control board 80 and control of the presentation device ES by the presentation control board 81. Thus, detection and notification are shared, enabling efficient notification.

(3) The pachinko gaming machine 10 can issue a notification according to the priority of the error that needs to be dealt with. In other words, if a communication abnormality between control boards occurs due to the generation of abnormal radio waves, the communication abnormality is difficult to resolve unless the generation of abnormal radio waves is resolved. Furthermore, the notification of an invalid frame radio wave detection error is given priority over the notification of a communication error within the managed gaming machine. This makes it easier for the user to understand that the generation of abnormal radio waves should be resolved first. In other words, it makes it easier to take appropriate measures.

(4) Notification of a communication error within the managed gaming machine is given priority over notification of an abnormality in communication other than communication with the gaming control board 80 (i.e., a frame broken wire error). As described above, a situation in which a notification of a communication error within the managed gaming machine is made may result in the gaming environment being unable to be provided for the entire gaming machine. In other words, by giving priority to notification of a more serious communication error within the managed gaming machine, it is possible to make it easier to notice that an abnormality has occurred in the communication between the frame control board 82 and the gaming control board 80. This makes it easier to take appropriate measures.

(5) The frame control board 82 can detect radio waves that may have a predetermined effect on the detection of the foul sensor D21, which is the trigger for adding to the number of balls held by the player, and set a frame illegal radio wave detection error. This can prevent the number of balls held by the player from increasing even when no returned balls (so-called foul balls) have been generated. A situation in which a frame illegal radio wave detection error is set may indicate an attempt to illegally increase the number of balls held by the player (so-called cheating). The setting of the frame illegal radio wave detection error is not released until the power supply is stopped. This prevents, for example, the setting of the frame illegal radio wave detection error from being released without the manager of the gaming machine or the like recognizing it. Therefore, the frame illegal radio wave detection error is easily grasped by the manager, etc. Therefore, it is easy to take action depending on the error.

(6) A frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is set when the number of detections by the frame radio wave sensor D16 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10 times). This makes it possible to prevent a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error from being set due to a false detection by the frame radio wave sensor D16. This prevents measures being taken in response to a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error even when no radio waves are actually being generated that may have a predetermined effect on detection by the foul sensor D21. In other words, this prevents the measures from being wasted.

(7) Notification of an unauthorized radio wave detection error in a frame is given priority over notifications of other specific errors than an unauthorized radio wave detection error in a frame. As described above, a situation in which an unauthorized radio wave detection error in a frame is notified may indicate that so-called cheating is taking place. In other words, by giving priority to notifications of the more serious unauthorized radio wave detection error in a frame, it is possible to encourage priority handling of the unauthorized radio wave detection error.

(8) The notification of an unauthorized radio wave detection error is executed by both the performance display unit 19 and the performance sound unit 12, which prevents the notification from being overlooked. In addition, the notification by the performance sound unit 12 ends before the notification by the performance display unit 19. This prevents the manager, etc. from feeling annoyed by the continuous notification by both the performance display unit 19 and the performance sound unit 12.

(9) In the circulation type pachinko gaming machine 10, the frame control board 82 performs predetermined control in response to rental information from outside the machine and radio wave detection signals from inside the machine. Under such a premise, the frame control board 82 updates the number of times based on the input status of these two pieces of information, and can set management unit communication errors and frame unauthorized radio wave detection errors separately. Furthermore, the management unit communication errors and frame unauthorized radio wave detection errors each have different reporting modes. Therefore, the manager of the gaming machine can easily identify whether the error is related to the CU control board 120 outside the machine or the frame radio wave sensor D16 inside the machine. This makes it easy to take action depending on the error.

(10) The setting of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is not released even if the cause of the setting of the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error is eliminated. Therefore, it is possible to know that the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error was set even after the cause has been eliminated. On the other hand, the setting of the management unit communication error is released when the cause of the setting of the management unit communication error is eliminated. In other words, the frame unauthorized radio wave detection error can be positioned as a relatively important error, making it easier for administrators, etc. to notice it. Therefore, it is easier to take appropriate measures.

(11) Notification of an unauthorized radio wave frame detection error is given priority over notification of a management unit communication error. For this reason, a situation in which an unauthorized radio wave frame detection error is set can be positioned as a relatively important error, making it easier to notice that an error has occurred. This makes it easier to take appropriate measures.

(12) The pachinko gaming machine 10 provides a gaming environment as a cyclical gaming machine through the cooperation of the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80. Under this premise, the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 update the number of times based on the input status from a radio wave sensor that can detect the same generation of abnormal radio waves, and set an error based on the updated number of times. And while the error notification set by the frame control board 82 and the error notification set by the game control board 80 are both "notifications that abnormal radio waves have occurred," the notification modes are different. Therefore, it is possible for the administrator, etc., to know which control board set the error. This makes it easier to take action depending on the error.

(13) The number of balls held by a player is reduced in response to detection by at least one of the supply inlet sensor D22 and the supply outlet sensor D23. For example, if one or both of the supply inlet sensor D22 and the supply outlet sensor D23 fail, it can be assumed that the number of balls held by the player cannot be accurately managed. In this embodiment, a supply mechanism error is set when the difference between the number of balls detected by the supply inlet sensor D22 and the number of balls detected by the supply outlet sensor D23 exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 50). This makes it easier to identify that an abnormality has occurred in one or both of the supply inlet sensor D22 and the supply outlet sensor D23. This makes it easier to take action depending on the error.

(14) In the pachinko gaming machine 10, even if a supply mechanism error occurs during play, the error can be released without interrupting the power supply. This allows appropriate measures to be taken while minimizing the impact on play.

(15) Because the error release switch 82f must be operated for a predetermined time td (for example, 2 seconds) to release the supply mechanism error setting, it can be released by someone who understands how to release it. Therefore, appropriate measures can be taken.

(16) The frame control board 82 does not count the number of detections by the supply inlet sensor D22 and the number of detections by the supply outlet sensor D23 until startup information is input. In other words, the frame control board 82 does not execute control related to the setting of a supply mechanism error until startup information is input. When startup information has not been input, the frame control board 82 is unable to identify the information required at startup, and it is difficult to determine that the information input by the frame control board 82 is correct. Since the frame control board 82 executes control related to the setting of a supply mechanism error after inputting startup information, it is possible to increase the credibility that a supply mechanism error has been set and to take appropriate measures.

(17) When the number of balls (second managed number of balls PB) managed by the frame control board 82 is initialized, a ball count clear error is notified by both the performance display monitor 82d and the performance device ES until a special time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed. This makes it easier for the manager of the gaming machine to recognize that a ball count clear error has been set. When a special time has elapsed since the launch of the gaming ball was identified, the performance display monitor 82d continues to notify the ball count clear error, while the performance device ES ends the notification of the ball count clear error. This prevents the manager of the gaming machine from feeling annoyed by the ball count clear error being continuously executed by both the performance display monitor 82d and the performance device ES. In addition, this makes it easier for the manager of the gaming machine to understand the ball count clear error, compared to a configuration in which the notification of the ball count clear error is completely ended. The notification of the game ball count clear error on the performance display monitor 82d ends when the game ball count clear error setting is released. Here, the game ball count clear error setting is released when a special amount of time has passed since the release of the game ball was identified, that is, when the player or the like has started playing. This makes it easier for the gaming machine manager or the like to recognize that a game ball count clear error has been set, while also preventing the player or the like from being hindered in playing. This makes it easier to take action depending on the error.

(18) In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the notification of a game ball count clear error on the performance display monitor 82d and the notification of a game ball count clear error on the presentation device ES are prevented from ending simultaneously. In other words, it is easy to ensure a period during which the notification of a game ball count clear error is executed on both the performance display monitor 82d and the presentation device ES. This makes it easy to take action depending on the error.

(19) In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a gaming ball is released, whether the gaming ball reaches the gaming area 20a or does not reach the gaming area 20a (i.e., becomes a returned ball), it is determined that the game is being played, and the gaming ball count clear error setting is cancelled, preventing the game from being disrupted. Therefore, appropriate measures can be taken.

(20) The number of balls held by the player (second managed number of balls PB) is subtracted when a ball is shot toward the game area 20a. Normally, the number of game balls shot toward the game area 20a (number of shots Pf) 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 (number of collected Pg) should not differ significantly, except for the number of game balls flowing down the game area 20a. If the difference between the number of shots Pf and the number of collected Pg is a specific number (for example, 100) or more, it can be assumed that some abnormality has occurred or that cheating is taking place. The winning ball number abnormality error setting is not released unless the power supply is stopped or started, so that the winning ball number abnormality error is not released without the administrator of the game machine recognizing that it has been set. This makes it easier to check whether or not there is any cheating. Therefore, it is easy to take action depending on the error.

(21) When the number of collected balls Pg is smaller than the number of shots Pf, it is assumed that game balls are stuck in the game area 20a. The pachinko game machine 10 does not cancel the winning ball count abnormality error even if the cause of the winning ball count abnormality error is eliminated. This makes it easier to check, for example, whether a situation in which game balls are stuck in the game area 20a has occurred. This makes it easier to take appropriate measures.

(22) When the number of balls collected Pg is greater than the number of balls fired Pf, balls may be fired without being detected by the supply outlet sensor D23, which is used to manage the number of balls held by the player (second managed number of balls PB). In other words, balls may be fired without decreasing the number of balls held by the player. The pachinko gaming machine 10 does not cancel the winning ball count abnormality error even if the cause of the winning ball count abnormality error is eliminated. This makes it easier to check, for example, whether an event has occurred in which game balls have been fired but the number of balls held by the player has not decreased. This makes it easier to take appropriate measures.

(23) The notification of an abnormal winning ball count error is executed by both the presentation display unit 19 and the presentation sound unit 12, so that the notification is prevented from being overlooked. In addition, the notification by the presentation sound unit 12 ends before the notification by the presentation display unit 19. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the manager of the gaming machine from feeling annoyed by the continuous notification by both the presentation display unit 19 and the presentation sound unit 12.

(24) The pachinko gaming machine 10 can notify the player that the number of balls held by the player (second managed number of balls PB) exceeds a predetermined number of balls (40,000 as an example), and can prompt the player to transfer the number of balls held by the player to an external device (CU control board 120 as an example). When the number of balls held by the player is transferred to an external device, a counting completion notification is executed, making it easier for the player to understand that the number of balls held by the player has been transferred to an external device. Then, by transferring the number of balls held by the player to an external device, the number of balls held by the player can be set to a specific number of balls (35,000 as an example). In this way, when an over-number-of-game-balls error is set, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can make it easier for the player to understand the situation until the over-number-of-game-balls error is released. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(25) The notification of the over-ball count error is given priority by the sound production unit 12 over the notification of counting completion. This makes it easier to determine that the number of balls the player has is not below a specific number. This makes it easier for the player to understand that the over-ball count error setting has not been released, making it easier to take appropriate measures.

(26) When transferring the number of balls held by a player to an external device, the number of balls transferred can be made different depending on whether the counting operation unit 18 is pressed once or pressed long. This can improve convenience for the player.

(27) The frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) does not initialize the frame radio wave detection count, which is the number of times the frame radio wave sensor D16 has detected something, until the power supply is stopped. Therefore, even if radio waves that may have a certain effect on the detection by the foul sensor D21 are generated at intervals, a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error can be reliably set. This makes it possible to prevent so-called cheating from being overlooked.

(28) The loan information and radio wave detection signal are information that can affect the number of balls a player has. The frame control board 82 updates the number of times based on the input status of these two pieces of information, and can set management unit communication errors and frame illegal radio wave detection errors separately. Furthermore, management unit communication errors and frame illegal radio wave detection errors each have different reporting modes. Therefore, the manager of the gaming machine can check whether the number of balls a player has is being affected, and if there is an impact, can identify the cause. This makes it easy to take action depending on the error.

(29) The number of detections by the supply inlet sensor D22 and the number of detections by the supply outlet sensor D23 are initialized when the supply mechanism error setting is released. This allows control regarding the supply mechanism error to be performed again even after the supply mechanism error setting is released, and allows appropriate measures to be taken.

(30) When a player or the like starts playing, the notification of the game ball count clear error ends, so that it is possible to prevent the player or the like from being hindered from playing. This makes it easy for the gaming machine administrator or the like to recognize that a game ball count clear error has been set, while also preventing the player or the like from being hindered from playing.

(31) In the performance display monitor 82d that is difficult for players to recognize, the notification of the game ball count clear error is made until play begins, making it easier for the gaming machine manager, etc. to recognize that a game ball count clear error has been set. On the other hand, in the performance device ES that is easy for players to recognize, the notification of the game ball count clear error ends when a special time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed, making it easier for players, etc. to start playing. Therefore, it is easy to take action depending on the error.

(32) During the ball removal state, it is expected that the released gaming balls will be ejected from the machine before being collected. If an abnormal winning ball count error were set in such a state, it may cause annoyance to the manager of the gaming machine, etc. In this embodiment, the abnormal winning ball count error is not set during the ball removal state. This makes it possible to prevent the manager of the gaming machine, etc. from feeling annoyed.

(33) If the number of retrieved balls Pg is greater than the number of shots Pf, there is a possibility that abnormal radio waves are being generated, which is having a certain effect on the detection of the out sensor D30. Such radio waves can be generated by fraud (so-called cheating). According to this embodiment, by setting a frame illegal radio wave detection error, it is possible to easily identify the cause of the abnormal winning ball count error being set. Therefore, it is easy to take action depending on the error.

(34) The notification of the over-number-of-game-balls error in the sound effect unit 12 ends when a predetermined time te has elapsed, so that a notification of the completion of counting can be executed. On the other hand, the notification of the over-number-of-game-balls error in the display effect unit 19 can be displayed even after the predetermined time te has elapsed until the setting of the over-number-of-game-balls error is released. For this reason, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the notification of the over-number-of-game-balls error and the notification of the completion of counting can be executed simultaneously as different notifications. This makes it easier to operate the counting operation unit 18 until the setting of the over-number-of-game-balls error is released, and makes it easier to understand that a process is being executed to release the setting of the over-number-of-game-balls error. This makes it easier to take action depending on the error.

The above-described embodiment can be modified as follows. The above-described embodiment and the following modified examples can be combined together as long as they are not technically inconsistent.

- Even if a communication error within the managed gaming machine or a communication line disconnection error is set, if the necessary power is being supplied, a management unit communication error is not set, and the second managed ball count PB is not 0, the machine may be in a countable state. When a communication error within the managed gaming machine or a communication line disconnection error is set, there is a risk that the game cannot be played normally. In such a situation, if the number of balls held by the player cannot be transferred to the management unit 100, it is conceivable that trouble will occur. In this modified example, even in such a case, the machine is in a countable state, so that counting operations can be performed using the counting operation unit 18, and the number of balls held by the player can be transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100.

- In the performance device ES, a status notification regarding the ball-removing state may be executed in response to the end of the ball-removing state. As an example, the performance device ES may be configured to execute a ball-removing state end notification when the ball-removing state is released by turning the power back on. The ball-removing state end notification may be executed in a manner in which a sound capable of identifying the end of the ball-removing state is output from the performance sound unit 12. As an example, the ball-removing state end notification may be executed in a manner in which the performance light-emitting unit 14 is caused to emit light in a light-emitting pattern dedicated to the ball-removing state end notification. As an example, the ball-removing state end notification may be executed in a manner in which an image capable of identifying the end of the ball-removing state, such as the character string "Ball-removing has ended" or "Ball-removing state has ended", is displayed on the performance display unit 19. In this way, in the performance device ES, a status notification regarding the ball-removing state may be executed in response to at least one of the start of the ball-removing state, the existence of the ball-removing state, and the end of the ball-removing state.

- The error notification on the performance display monitor 82d and the error notification on the second ball count display unit 17 may start at different times. For example, the second ball count display unit 17 may be configured to start an error notification earlier than the performance display monitor 82d. With this configuration, it is possible to allow players and the like to quickly become aware of the error state on the front side of the machine. For example, the performance display monitor 82d may be configured to start an error notification earlier than the second ball count display unit 17. With this configuration, it is possible to allow the administrator to become aware of the error state earlier than players and the like who are viewing the front side of the machine, for example, when the administrator opens the mounting frame 11b to perform maintenance.

The timing at which the performance display monitor 82d starts displaying the error code may be the same as or approximately the same as the timing at which the performance device ES starts notifying the error. In addition, the timing at which the performance display monitor 82d starts displaying the error code may be earlier than the timing at which the performance device ES starts notifying the error.

The manner in which the error is notified by the sound effect unit 12 may differ depending on the error, and may be a dedicated sound for each error.
The manner in which errors are notified by the performance light-emitting unit 14 may differ depending on the error, and each error may have its own dedicated light-emitting pattern.

- When multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 81a may cause the performance display unit 19 to execute multiple error notifications. As an example, when a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error and a management unit communication error are set, the performance display unit 19 may display both the string "Unauthorized radio wave detected [frame]" and the string "Management unit communication abnormality". In this case, the area in the image display area 19a of the performance display unit 19 where the string "Unauthorized radio wave detected [frame]" is displayed may be larger than the area where the string "Management unit communication abnormality" is displayed. In other words, when multiple error notifications are executed simultaneously, the display area of the error notification with the higher priority may be wider. For this reason, since errors with higher priority are more easily noticed, it can be said that the notification of the error with the higher priority is executed first.

- After detecting that the difference between the number of balls at the supply inlet and the number of balls at the supply outlet has reached a predetermined number, the CPU 82a may set a supply mechanism error when the difference between the number of balls at the supply inlet and the number of balls at the supply outlet remains equal to or greater than the predetermined number for a predetermined elapsed time. Note that the measurement of time is also included in counting the predetermined number.

- In the supply ball count monitoring process, the CPU 82a may add the supply difference number when it detects that one game ball has been received by the supply unit 61 based on the supply inlet signal output by the supply inlet sensor D22. In the supply ball count monitoring process, the CPU 82a may subtract the supply difference number when it 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. The CPU 82a may store the supply difference number in the RAM 82c. When the supply difference number is initialized, the CPU 82a may set an initial value (100, for example). Then, the CPU 82a may set a supply mechanism error when the supply difference number decreases or increases by a predetermined number (50, for example) from the initial value.

- After detecting that the difference between the number of shots Pf and the number of collected Pg has reached a specific number, the CPU 82a may set an abnormal winning ball count error when the difference between the number of shots Pf and the number of collected Pg remains equal to or greater than the specific number for a specified elapsed time. Note that the measurement of time is also included in counting the specified number.

- The CPU 82a may increment the number of collected balls Pg in response to detection by the out sensor D30, but may not increment the number of collected balls Pg in response to detection by the foul sensor D21. In other words, the number of collected balls Pg may be incremented only by out balls, without including returned balls. The possibility of a returned ball occurring in a situation where game balls are continuously shot is extremely small. In other words, it is difficult to imagine that a large number of returned balls will occur continuously in a short period of time. For this reason, returned balls do not need to be taken into consideration when detecting an abnormal winning ball count error. Alternatively, if the pachinko game machine is structurally incapable of generating returned balls (for example, a type in which game balls are shot from the upper left of the game board 20), an abnormal winning ball count error may be set based on the number of shots Pf and out balls.

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

- The winning passage count sensor D25 and the non-winning passage count sensor D26 may not be provided, and the discharged game balls may be detected only by the out sensor D30.
The out sensor D30 may be provided on the game board 20 or on the frame 11.

- The CPU 82a or CPU 80a may detect an error even during the ball removal state, and may cause an error notification to be executed when an error is set. In this case, the error notification may be executed in a manner different from when an error is set outside the ball removal state. For example, the error notification may be executed by a notification unit different from the notification unit that executes the error notification when an error is set outside the ball removal state. Also, when an error notification is executed when an error is set outside the ball removal state, multiple notification units are used, but when an error is set during the ball removal state, the error notification may be executed by some of the multiple notification units.

- The confirmation period for communication errors within the managed gaming machine does not have to include periods other than the ball removal state. The confirmation period for communication errors within the managed unit does not have to include periods other than the ball removal state. During the ball removal state, the second managed ball count PB is 0 and no game is being played, so there is little need for game information to be sent from the game control board 80 to the frame control board 82. Also, by making it difficult to issue an error notification during the ball removal state, it is possible to issue a notification of the ball removal state and make it easier to recognize that the ball removal state is in progress. Therefore, appropriate measures can be taken.

- The CPU 82a increments the number of times that information has not been received when game information is transmitted, but this is not limited to the above. The CPU 82a may increment the number of times that information has not been received when counting information is transmitted instead of game information. The CPU 82a may increment the number of times that information has not been received when both game information and counting information are transmitted.

- Although the CPU 82a increments the number of frame radio wave detections when the radio wave detection signal of the frame radio wave sensor D16 transitions from an off state to an on state, this is not limited to the above. The CPU 82a may increment each time the radio wave detection signal of the frame radio wave sensor D16 changes from an off state to an on state and the on state is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, one second) elapses. As an example, the CPU 82a may set a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error when the radio wave detection signal of the frame radio wave sensor D16 changes from an off state to an on state and the on state remains for a predetermined time a predetermined number of times (for example, ten times).

- Although the CPU 80a increments the main radio wave detection count when the radio wave detection signal of the main radio wave sensor D19 transitions from an off state to an on state, this is not limited to the above. The CPU 80a may increment each time the radio wave detection signal of the main radio wave sensor D19 is maintained in the on state for a predetermined time (for example, one second) after the signal changes from an off state to an on state. As an example, the CPU 80a may set a main unauthorized radio wave detection error if the radio wave detection signal of the main radio wave sensor D19 changes from an off state to an on state and a predetermined time has passed in the on state for a predetermined number of times (for example, ten times).

- The frame radio wave sensor D16 may be disposed closer to the communication line connecting the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 than the main radio wave sensor D19. In this way, when communication between the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 is not performed normally, the cause of the communication abnormality can be easily identified by the notification of a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error. In particular, since the notification of a frame unauthorized radio wave detection error has the highest priority, it is easy to understand that an abnormal radio wave is occurring, and it is easy to take appropriate measures.

- The second count ball number may be the total number of balls owned by the player. As an example, when the second managed ball number PB is 100 and a counting signal that can identify a "long press operation" is input from the counting operation unit 18, the CPU 82a may add 100 as the second count ball number to the counting information and store it in the RAM 82c. As an example, when the second managed ball number PB is 5000 and a counting signal that can identify a "long press operation" is input from the counting operation unit 18, the CPU 82a may add 5000 as the second count ball number to the counting information and store it in the RAM 82c. According to this, for example, when a player finishes playing on the pachinko game machine 10, all of the balls owned can be transferred to the management unit 100 with a single long press operation. This can improve the convenience of the player.

- When the second management ball count PB is greater than the first count ball count and less than the second count ball count, and the CPU 82a receives a counting signal from the counting operation unit 18 that identifies a "long press operation", the CPU 82a may add the entire second management ball count PB to the counting information and store it in the RAM 82c. As an example, when the second management ball count PB is 10 and the CPU 82a receives a counting signal from the counting operation unit 18 that identifies a "long press operation", the CPU 82a may add 10 to the counting information and store it in the RAM 82c.

- When the counting operation unit 18 is operated, the CPU 82a may output to the game control board 80 control information (hereinafter referred to as a counting operation command) that indicates that the counting operation unit 18 has been operated and that can identify the second managed ball count PB. The game control board 80 (CPU 80a) may output the counting operation command to the presentation control board 81. When the presentation control board 81 inputs the counting operation command, it may control the presentation sound unit 12 to output a sound effect. As an example, when the presentation control board 81 inputs a counting operation command that can identify that the second managed ball count PB is 1 or more, the presentation control board 81 may execute the operation in a manner that outputs from the presentation sound unit 12 a sound that can identify that a predetermined number or more of held balls are being transferred from the pachinko game machine 10 to the management unit 100, such as a person's voice reading out the string "Counting". As an example, when a counting operation command that can identify that the second managed ball count PB is 0 is input, the presentation control board 81 may execute the operation in such a manner that a sound that can identify that the number of balls held will not be transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 is output from the presentation sound section 12, such as a human voice reading out the string of characters "You have no balls."

- The notification of counting completion may be executed in different manners depending on the number of balls transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100. As one example, the notification of counting completion may be executed in different manners when the number of balls transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100 is the first count number of balls (for example, 1) and when it is the second count number of balls (for example, 250). In other words, the notification of counting completion may be executed in different manners depending on whether the operation mode of the counting operation unit 18 is a "single press operation" or a "long press operation".

- The notification of the completion of counting may be performed by outputting a sound from the sound production unit 12 that can identify the number of balls transferred from the pachinko gaming machine 10 to the management unit 100, such as a human voice reading out the string of characters "250 balls, settled."

- When the CPU 82a receives an out signal output by the out sensor D30, the CPU 82a may output control information (hereinafter referred to as a game command) capable of identifying that the game balls have flowed down the game area 20a to the game control board 80. The game command is an example of predetermined information. When the CPU 82a transmits a game command to the game control board 80, the CPU 82a may combine the game command and the counting completion command and transmit the combined command. In other words, the game command and the counting completion command may be combined and transmitted as a single control command. In this modified example, the counting completion command is combined with a control command that transmits a game command based on the frequent phenomenon of game balls flowing down the game area 20a, and the combined command is transmitted, thereby shortening the time from when the counting information is transmitted until the notification of the counting completion is started. This makes it easier to take appropriate measures.

- The pachinko gaming machine 10 may adopt a specification that provides a high probability state until the next big win game, a specification that provides a high probability state until a fall lottery is won (a so-called fall machine), or a specification that provides a high probability state until a specified number of variable games are completed (a so-called ST machine). The pachinko gaming machine 10 may adopt a specification that provides a high probability state on the condition that the gaming ball passes through a specific area (a so-called V-variable machine). The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be a specification that combines the specifications of a fall machine and a V-variable machine.

- In addition to the big win lottery, the special symbol winning lottery may be configured to include a small win lottery. If a small win is won in the winning lottery, a small win game (winning game) is awarded after the special game ends. In this embodiment, the system may be configured to be controllable to a state (so-called small win rush) in which the number of times (frequency) a small win is won per unit time or the number of times (frequency) a small win game is awarded per unit time is increased compared to a normal game state (for example, a low probability, low ball entry rate state).

- The pachinko gaming machine 10 may adopt a specification classified as the second type, also known as the "wing type" or "airplane type." In this type of pachinko gaming machine, when a gaming ball enters the starting hole, the opening and closing blades (opening and closing members) of the ball entry device (big prize entry hole) open, and the gaming ball that entered the ball entry device enters the special prize hole, generating a big win game.

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

The specific configuration of the game board 20 may be changed as desired.
The performance control board 81 may be a sub-general control board, and a display control board that specializes in controlling the performance display unit 19, a light emission control board that specializes in controlling the performance light emission unit 14, and a sound control board that specializes in controlling the performance sound unit 12 may be provided separately from the performance control board 81. Such a sub-general control board and boards that control other performances may be combined to form a sub-board. In addition, in an embodiment, a single board may be equipped with a CPU 80a and a CPU 81a. Furthermore, the display control board, light emission control board, and sound control board may be arbitrarily combined to form a single or multiple boards.

The performance display monitor 82d does not have to be provided on the frame control board 82. The performance display monitor 82d may be provided on a board separate 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 the gaming machine is configured to circulate all of a predetermined amount of gaming media (gaming balls as an example), the present invention is not limited to this, and the gaming machine may be configured so that some or all of the gaming media can be replaced with gaming media outside the gaming machine.

- The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be equipped with a magnetic sensor on one or both of the mounting frame 11b and the gaming board 20. This configuration makes it possible to detect magnetic foreign objects that should not be present in the pachinko gaming machine 10. It can also detect the possibility of the use of goto tools such as magnets and wires that do not fall under the category of gaming media normally used in the pachinko gaming machine 10. It can also contribute to the discovery of actions such as intentionally creating a pile of gaming balls using magnetic gaming balls and magnets.

- The pachinko game machine 10 may be equipped with a configuration for detecting game balls that have been deformed due to dents, scratches, etc. For example, a sensor such as a camera may be installed in the supply passage 37, and it may be possible to detect whether a game ball is normal and free of dents or scratches from the acquired image. Game balls with such dents or scratches should not be used normally, and are considered abnormal. It is unclear whether a game ball with a dent or scratch can be accurately launched from the launching section 65, and even if it is launched, it is unclear whether it will move in the same way as a game ball without a dent or scratch in the play area 20a, so it is preferable not to use it.

Although the entire distribution mechanism 29 is formed on the mounting frame 11b, a part of the distribution mechanism 29 may be formed on the game board 20. In other words, the game board 20 may constitute a part of the distribution mechanism 29.
Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiment and other examples will be described below.

(1) A game board having a play area, a launching unit capable of launching game balls toward the play area, and a return ball detection unit that detects game balls launched toward the play area that do not reach the play area as returned balls, the first control unit being capable of executing ball number management control that manages the number of balls held by a player, the ball number management control including increasing the number of balls held by a player in response to the first information, decreasing the number of balls held by a player in response to the launch of game balls, and increasing the number of balls held by a player in response to detection by the return ball detection unit, and the second information being information that can be identified as having a predetermined effect on detection by the return ball detection unit.

D16...Frame radio wave sensor D19...Main radio wave sensor D21...Foul sensor D22...Supply inlet sensor D23...Supply outlet sensor D30...Out sensor PB...Second managed ball count Pe...Number of returned balls Pf...Number of shots Pg...Number of recoveries 10...Pachinko game machine 12...Sound effects section 14...Light-emitting effects section 15...Shooting operation section 18...Counting operation section 19...Display of effects section 20...Game board 20a...Play area 20c...Shoot-out passage 23A...First starting port 23B...Second starting port 25...Out port 29...Distribution mechanism 30...Recovery mechanism 30a...Winning ball receiving port 30b...Non-winning ball receiving port 30c...Foul receiving port 31...Winning ball passage 32...Non-winning ball passage 33...Foul passage 60...Firing mechanism 61...Supply section 62a... Entrance passage 62b... Exit passage 65... Launching section 80... Game control board 80a... CPU 80c... RAM 81... Performance control board 81a... CPU 81c... RAM 82... Frame control board 82a... CPU 82c... RAM 82d... Performance display monitor 82f... Error release switch 82g... Game ball clear switch 98... Connection terminal board 100... Management unit 120... CU control board 120a... CPU

Claims (2)

In a circulation type gaming machine in which gaming balls are circulated inside the machine,
an external input unit capable of inputting the first information from a first device located outside the machine;
an internal input unit capable of inputting second information from a second device inside the machine;
A first control unit that executes a predetermined control in response to the first information and the second information;
A first notification unit capable of executing a predetermined notification;
A second notification unit capable of executing a predetermined notification,
The first control unit is capable of executing a first error management control for managing an error,
the first error management control includes updating a first number of times based on an input status of the first information and setting a first information error based on the first number of times, and updating a second number of times based on an input status of the second information and setting a second information error based on the second number of times,
The first notification unit notifies the first information error in accordance with the setting of the first information error, and notifies the second information error in accordance with the setting of the second information error,
The notification manner of the first information error is different from the notification manner of the second information error,
The first notification unit is capable of executing notification of a base value indicating a ratio of a total number of winning balls during normal play to a total number of effective balls during normal play,
the first notification unit is capable of alternately executing the notification of the second information error and the notification of the base value,
The second notification unit is capable of executing notification of the second information error,
The notification by the first notification unit can be recognized by opening a frame body,
The notification by the second notification unit can be recognized without opening the frame body,
A gaming machine, characterized in that the notification of the second information error by the first notification unit is started before the notification of the second information error by the second notification unit . In a circulation type gaming machine in which gaming balls are circulated inside the machine,
an external input unit capable of inputting the first information from a first device located outside the machine;
an internal input unit capable of inputting second information from a second device inside the machine;
A first control unit that executes a predetermined control in response to the first information and the second information;
A first notification unit capable of executing a predetermined notification;
A second notification unit capable of executing a predetermined notification ,
The first control unit is capable of executing a first error management control for managing an error,
the first error management control includes updating a first number of times based on an input status of the first information and setting a first information error based on the first number of times, and updating a second number of times based on an input status of the second information and setting a second information error based on the second number of times,
The first notification unit notifies the first information error in accordance with the setting of the first information error, and notifies the second information error in accordance with the setting of the second information error,
The notification manner of the first information error is different from the notification manner of the second information error,
The first notification unit is capable of executing notification of a base value indicating a ratio of a total number of winning balls during normal play to a total number of effective balls during normal play,
the first notification unit is capable of alternately executing the notification of the second information error and the notification of the base value,
The second notification unit is capable of executing notification of the second information error,
The second notification unit includes an audio unit capable of outputting audio, a light-emitting unit capable of emitting light, and a display unit capable of displaying an image,
the notification of the second information error by the second notification unit includes an error voice notification by the audio unit, an error light emission notification by the light emission unit, and an error display notification by the display unit;
The error sound notification ends when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the error sound notification,
the error light emission notification ends when the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the error light emission notification,
The error display notification does not end even after the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the error display notification,
A gaming machine characterized in that the notification of the second information error by the first notification unit does not end even after the predetermined time has elapsed since the notification of the second information error began .

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