Gaming Machines

Abstract

To improve the accuracy of managing the number of game balls.SOLUTION: A game machine consists of a game board on which a game area is formed, a shooting device for shooting game balls toward the game area, a sensor for detecting the game balls sent to the shooting device, game ball number deriving means for deriving the number of game balls held by a player, display control means for displaying the derived number of game balls on a display unit, and game control means that enables predetermined processing that allows the game to proceed when a detection result of the sensor satisfies a predetermined condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 29

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, there is known a gaming machine called a managed gaming machine that circulates gaming balls inside the gaming machine body. In such a gaming machine, the number of gaming balls owned by a player is displayed on a display unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-74383 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In gaming machines, the number of game balls owned by a player must be properly managed. However, if an unexpected situation occurs, the number of game balls may not be properly managed, and therefore there is a demand for improved accuracy in managing the number of game balls.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the accuracy of managing the number of gaming balls. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises: A gaming machine in which gaming balls circulate within a gaming machine body, A game board on which a game area is formed; A launching device that launches game balls toward the game area; A straightening passage in which a plurality of game balls can be retained and which sends the game balls from a downstream side to the launching device side; Among the plurality of game balls retained in the straightening passage, a game ball located upstream of the game ball located at the downstream end A sensor for detecting the A game ball number deriving means for deriving the number of game balls owned by a player; A display control means for displaying the derived number of game balls on a display unit; a game control means for enabling a predetermined process to allow a game to proceed when the detection result of the sensor satisfies a predetermined condition; Equipped with.

[0007] The device further includes an error notification means for notifying an error when the sensor does not detect a game ball for a specific period of time or more. The predetermined condition may be that a gaming ball is detected for a predetermined period of time or longer. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the accuracy of managing the number of game balls can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the circulation unit with some parts removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a first diagram illustrating a rectifier. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a second diagram illustrating a rectifier. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a rectifier outlet sensor. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the gaming machine. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a frame control board. [Figure 9] A sequence diagram showing processing in the main control board and the frame control board. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a frame control start-up process. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an information receiving process. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a disconnection determination process. [Figure 13] A sequence diagram showing processing in the frame control board and the dedicated unit. [Figure 14]A sequence diagram showing the processing in the main control board and frame control board in the ball removal state. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart explaining processing during the ball removal state. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a frame control display. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram explaining gaming machine information. [Figure 18] 13 is a diagram explaining gaming machine information transmitted to a dedicated unit when there is no change in state. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a first diagram illustrating the gaming machine information transmitted to the dedicated unit when a state change occurs. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a second diagram illustrating the gaming machine information transmitted to the dedicated unit when a state change occurs. [Figure 21] 13 is a diagram illustrating gaming machine information of a comparative example that is transmitted to a dedicated unit when fraud is detected. FIG. [Figure 22] 13 is a flowchart illustrating frame control board error processing. [Diagram 23] 11 is a first flowchart illustrating a dedicated unit communication process. [Figure 24] 13 is a second flowchart illustrating the dedicated unit communication process. [Diagram 25] 13 is a diagram illustrating the gaming machine information of this embodiment that is transmitted to a dedicated unit when fraud is detected. FIG. [Figure 26] 13 is a flowchart illustrating possession number management processing. [Figure 27] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a circulation control process. [Figure 28] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a rectifier inlet sensor monitoring process. [Figure 29] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a rectifier solenoid control process. [Diagram 30] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a subtraction process. [Diagram 31] 4 is a partially enlarged view showing the ball return prevention mechanism in a first state. FIG. [Diagram 32]A partially enlarged view showing the ball return prevention mechanism in a second state. [Diagram 33] A partially enlarged view showing the ball return prevention mechanism in a third state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in the embodiment are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are given the same reference numerals to avoid repeated explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0011] 1 is a front view of a gaming machine 100. The gaming machine 100 includes a gaming machine main body 102. The gaming machine main body 102 includes a main body frame and a front door supported by the main body frame so as to be freely opened and closed. A gaming board 104 is held by the main body frame, and a transparent plate is held by the front door. When the front door is closed relative to the main body frame, the transparent plate faces the gaming board 104 while maintaining a predetermined distance therebetween.

[0012] An operating handle 106 that protrudes from the front side of the gaming machine 100 is provided at the bottom of the front door. This operating handle 106 is provided so that it can be rotated by the player, and when the player rotates the operating handle 106 to perform a launch operation, a gaming ball is launched with a strength according to the rotation angle of the operating handle 106. The gaming ball thus launched rises between rails 104a, 104b provided on the gaming board 104 and is guided to a playing area 110.

[0013] The play area 110 is a space formed between the play board 104 and the transparent plate, and is an area in which the play balls can flow down or roll. The play board 104 is provided with a large number of nails and windmills, and the play balls guided to the play area 110 collide with the nails and windmills, causing them to flow down or roll in irregular directions.

[0014] The play area 110 includes a first play area 110a and a second play area 110b. The first play area 110a is located on the left side of the play area 110 as seen by a player facing the game machine 100, and the second play area 110b is located on the right side of the play area 110 as seen by a player facing the game machine 100. Since the rails 104a and 104b are located on the left side of the play area 110, a game ball launched with a launch strength less than a predetermined strength enters the first play area 110a, and a game ball launched with a launch strength equal to or greater than the predetermined strength enters the second play area 110b.

[0015] In addition, the game area 110 is provided with a general winning hole 118, a first starting hole 120, and a second starting hole 122 through which game balls can enter, and when game balls enter the general winning hole 118, the first starting hole 120, and the second starting hole 122, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player. The number of prize balls may be any number greater than or equal to one, and the number of prize balls paid out from the general winning hole 118, the first starting hole 120, and the second starting hole 122 may be different or may be set to the same number of prize balls. In this case, it is also possible to set the number of prize balls paid out when a game ball enters the first starting hole 120 to be less than the number of prize balls paid out when a game ball enters the second starting hole 122.

[0016] When a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, a lottery is held to determine one of a number of special symbols provided in advance. Each special symbol is associated with various game benefits, such as whether or not a big win game or a small win game that is advantageous to the player can be executed, and what kind of game state the game will be in the future. Therefore, when a game ball enters the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, the player not only gets a predetermined prize ball, but also gets the opportunity to acquire the right to receive various game benefits.

[0017] The first starting hole 120 is located at the bottom of the game area 110, and is either accessible to game balls flowing down the first game area 110a, or is located at a position where game balls that have entered the first game area 110a can enter more easily than game balls that have entered the second game area 110b.

[0018] The second starting hole 122 is located in the second game area 110b, and only game balls flowing down the second game area 110b can enter, or is located in a position where game balls that have entered the second game area 110b can enter more easily than game balls that have entered the first game area 110a. This second starting hole 122 is configured as a variable starting hole having a movable piece 122b, and the ease of entry of game balls into the second starting hole 122 can be changed.

[0019] Specifically, the second starting opening 122 is provided with a movable piece 122b that can be opened and closed, and when this movable piece 122b is in a closed state, it is impossible or difficult for a game ball to enter the second starting opening 122. The specific configuration of the second starting opening 122 is not particularly limited, but here, the movable piece 122b is recessed into the back side of the game board 104 in the closed state, and protrudes into the front side of the game board 104 in the open state. In the closed state with the movable piece 122b recessed, the second starting opening 122 is closed, and the game ball flows down the front side of the second starting opening 122.

[0020] In contrast, when a game ball passes through the gate 124 provided in the first game area 110a and the second game area 110b, it is determined whether or not to execute an auxiliary game in which the second start opening 122 is opened, and if execution of the auxiliary game is determined, the auxiliary game is executed in which the second start opening 122 is controlled to open and close. More specifically, on the condition that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, a lottery for a normal symbol is held, and if a winning combination is selected in this lottery, the movable piece 122b is controlled to be in an open state for a predetermined time.

[0021] In the open state where the movable piece 122b protrudes, a game ball flowing down the front side of the second starting hole 122 falls onto the movable piece 122b. The game ball that falls onto the movable piece 122b is guided by the movable piece 122b and guided to the second starting hole 122. In this way, when the movable piece 122b is in the open state, the movable piece 122b functions as a tray that guides the game ball to the second starting hole 122, making it easier for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 122.

[0022] Furthermore, a large prize opening 126 is provided at the bottom of the game area 110. The large prize opening 126 is arranged at a position where at least the game ball flowing down the second game area 110b can enter. The large prize opening 126 is provided with an openable / closable door 126b, and the openable / closable door 126b usually closes the large prize opening 126, making it impossible for game balls to enter the large prize opening 126. In contrast, when the above-mentioned big prize game or small prize game is executed, the openable / closable door 126b is opened and functions as a tray, making it possible for game balls to enter the large prize opening 126. Then, when a game ball enters the large prize opening 126, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player.

[0023] In addition, at the bottom of the game area 110, there is a discharge outlet 130 that discharges game balls that do not enter any of the general prize opening 118, the first start opening 120, the second start opening 122, or the large prize opening 126 from the game area 110 to the back side of the game board 104.

[0024] Here, the gaming machine 100 of this embodiment is a managed gaming machine in which gaming balls circulate within the gaming machine main body 102. The gaming machine main body 102 is provided with a circulation unit 1, which will be described later. The circulation unit 1 is provided below the gaming board 104, and all gaming balls launched into the playing area 110 are collected by the circulation unit 1. The circulation unit 1 aligns the collected gaming balls and sends them to a launching device, which launches the gaming balls again into the playing area 110. The circulation unit 1 is described below.

[0025] Fig. 2 is a front view of the circulation unit 1, and Fig. 3 is a front view of the circulation unit 1 with some parts removed. The circulation unit 1 includes a circulation passage 3, a lifting screw 5, a lifting motor 5c, and a rectification passage 7. The circulation passage 3 is a passage that extends in a serpentine manner in the width direction (left-right direction in the figure) and in the front-rear direction (depth direction of the paper in the figure) of the circulation unit 1. The starting end of the circulation passage 3 is located higher than the terminal end, and it is gently inclined from the starting end to the terminal end.

[0026] A collecting passage is provided on the rear side of the game board 104, where game balls shot into the game area 110 collect. Specifically, all game balls that enter the general winning opening 118, the first starting opening 120, the second starting opening 122, the big winning opening 126, and the discharge opening 130 are guided to the collecting passage. The starting end of the circulation passage 3 is connected to the collecting passage, and the game balls are guided from the collecting passage to the circulation passage 3. The game balls guided to the starting end of the circulation passage 3 roll in the circulation passage 3 by their own weight and reach the end of the circulation passage 3.

[0027] The lifting screw 5 is located at the end of the circulation passage 3. The lifting screw 5 has a rotating shaft 5a extending vertically and a helical piece 5b extending helically around the rotating shaft 5a. The rotating shaft 5a, the helical piece 5b, and a case that houses the lifting screw 5 form a helical passage that extends helically around the rotating shaft 5a.

[0028] The lower end of the lifting screw 5 is located at the end of the circulation passage 3, and the game balls are guided from the circulation passage 3 to the spiral passage. When the lifting screw 5 is rotated by the drive of the lifting motor 5c, the game balls rise in the spiral passage from vertically downward to upward. The upstream end of the straightening passage 7 is located at the upper end of the lifting screw 5, and the game balls that have risen in the spiral passage by the lifting screw 5 are guided to the straightening passage 7.

[0029] The rectifying passage 7 is a passage surrounded by a case, and extends in the width direction of the circulation unit 1. The upstream end of the rectifying passage 7, which is connected to the spiral passage, is located higher than the downstream end. Therefore, the rectifying passage 7 is gently inclined from the upstream end to the downstream end. As a result, the game balls guided to the rectifying passage 7 roll from upstream to downstream under their own weight. In this way, in the circulation unit 1, the game balls roll in the order of the circulation passage 3, the lifting screw 5 (spiral passage), and the rectifying passage 7. Note that in the normal operating state of the gaming machine 100, a large number of game balls are retained in the circulation passage 3 and the rectifying passage 7, and the game balls are in contact with each other.

[0030] The circulation unit 1 also includes a rectifier 9. The rectifier 9 is provided at the downstream end of the rectifier passage 7, and serves to stop the supply of game balls from the rectifier 9 to the launching device and to supply game balls one by one to the launching device.

[0031] 4 is a first diagram illustrating the rectifier 9, and FIG. 5 is a second diagram illustrating the rectifier 9. The rectifier 9 includes a base plate 11. The base plate 11 is a flat member, and is arranged so as to divide a space in the front-rear direction of the circulation unit 1 (the depth direction of the paper in the figure). At this time, the rectification passage 7 is located on the front side of the circulation unit 1 relative to the base plate 11. Therefore, the game balls retained near the downstream end of the rectification passage 7 are located on the front side of the base plate 11.

[0032] The rectifier 9 also includes a rectifier solenoid 9c. The rectifier solenoid 9c is attached to the base plate 11 and is located near the downstream end of the rectifier passage 7. The rectifier solenoid 9c is provided at a distance from the rectifier passage 7 on the forward side in the rolling direction of the game ball in the rectifier passage 7 (the direction from the left side to the right side in the figure).

[0033] Furthermore, the rectifier 9 includes a rectifier member 13 provided on the front side of the base plate 11. The rectifier member 13 includes a stop surface 13a facing the base plate 11 and a pressing surface 13b substantially perpendicular to the stop surface 13a. The rectifier member 13 includes a rotation fulcrum 13c, which is supported rotatably on the base plate 11. This allows the rectifier member 13 to rotate around the rotation fulcrum 13c. The pressing surface 13b faces the rectifier solenoid 9c, and when the rectifier solenoid 9c protrudes, the pressing surface 13b is pressed by the rectifier solenoid 9c and rotates around the rotation fulcrum 13c. In other words, the rectifier member 13 is switched between the state shown in FIG. 4 and the state shown in FIG. 5 by the rectifier solenoid 9c.

[0034] The stop surface 13a is formed with a first ball-throwing groove 13d that is smaller than the diameter of the game ball, and a second ball-throwing groove 13e that is continuous with the first ball-throwing groove 13d and is larger than the diameter of the game ball. As shown in Fig. 4, when the rectifier solenoid 9c is in the immersed state, one game ball located at the downstream end of the rectification passage 7 falls from the second ball-throwing groove 13e to the back side of the base plate 11. The game ball that has fallen to the back side of the base plate 11 is guided to a launching device (not shown) and is launched by the launching device.

[0035] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 5, when the rectifier solenoid 9c is in the protruding state, the game ball located at the downstream end of the rectifier passage 7 faces the first ball sending groove 13d. In this state, the stopping surface 13a stops the sending of the game ball to the launching device. Therefore, for example, when the player operates the operating handle 106, the rectifier solenoid 9c is intermittently controlled from the state shown in Fig. 5 to the state shown in Fig. 4, so that the game balls are sent to the launching device one by one at regular intervals.

[0036] In addition, a rectifier inlet sensor 15s is provided in the rectifier passage 7. The rectifier inlet sensor 15s detects the third game ball counting from the downstream end among the game balls staying in the rectifier passage 7. In other words, the rectifier inlet sensor 15s is disposed at a position where it detects the third game ball among the game balls sent to the launching device.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the rectifier outlet sensor 17s. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the rectifier 9 and the base plate 11 are removed. The rectifier outlet sensor 17s is provided on the rear side of the base plate 11. A ball throwing hole 19 through which one game ball can enter is formed on the rear side of the base plate 11. The rectifier outlet sensor 17s detects the game ball passing through the ball throwing hole 19. In the gaming machine 100, the number of game balls held by the player and the number of balls shot are counted by detecting the game balls by the rectifier inlet sensor 15s and the rectifier outlet sensor 17s.

[0038] As described above, in the gaming machine 100, gaming balls are circulated within the gaming machine main body 102 by the circulation unit 1. Next, the internal configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described.

[0039] (Internal configuration of control means) 7 is a block diagram of the gaming machine 100. The gaming machine 100 includes a main control board 100A, a frame control board 200A, and a sub-control board 300A.

[0040] The main control board 100A controls the basic operation of the game. The main control board 100A is equipped with a main CPU 100a, a main ROM 100b, and a main RAM 100c. The main CPU 100a reads out the programs stored in the main ROM 100b and performs arithmetic processing based on input signals from each detection switch and timer, and also directly controls each device and display, or transmits commands to other boards according to the results of the arithmetic processing. The main RAM 100c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the main CPU 100a.

[0041] The gaming machine 100 is broadly divided into a special game that is started by a gaming ball entering the first start hole 120 or the second start hole 122, and a normal game that is started by a gaming ball passing through a gate 124. The main ROM 100b of the main control board 100A stores various programs for proceeding with the special game and the normal game, as well as data and tables required for various games.

[0042] The main control board 100A is connected to a general prize opening detection switch 118s which detects when a game ball has entered the general prize opening 118, a first start opening detection switch 120s which detects when a game ball has entered the first start opening 120, a second start opening detection switch 122s which detects when a game ball has entered the second start opening 122, a gate detection switch 124s which detects when a game ball has passed through the gate 124, and a special prize opening detection switch 126s which detects when a game ball has entered the special prize opening 126, and detection signals are input from each of these detection switches to the main control board 100A.

[0043] In addition, the main control board 100A is connected to a normal electric device solenoid 122c that operates the movable piece 122b of the second starting opening 122, and a large prize opening solenoid 126c that operates the opening and closing door 126b that opens and closes the large prize opening 126, so that the opening and closing of the second starting opening 122 and the large prize opening 126 is controlled by the main control board 100A.

[0044] Furthermore, the main control board 100A is connected to a number of indicators that show the game status, such as a first special symbol indicator that displays a special symbol, a second special symbol indicator, a first special symbol reserved indicator that displays the number of special 1 reserved or special 2 reserved, a second special symbol reserved indicator, a normal symbol indicator that displays a normal symbol, and a normal symbol reserved indicator that displays the number of normal reserved symbols. Here, each of these indicators is called a main indicator 128. The display of the main indicator 128 is controlled by the main control board 100A.

[0045] In addition, an abnormality detection sensor 132s is connected to the gaming machine 100. The abnormality detection sensor 132s is composed of, for example, a radio wave detection sensor that detects radio waves, a magnetic detection sensor that detects magnetism, etc. An abnormality detection signal is input from the abnormality detection sensor 132s to the main control board 100A.

[0046] Furthermore, a setting change switch 134s is provided on the back of the game board 104. The setting change switch 134s is configured to be accessible with a dedicated key. When the setting change switch 134s is turned on, the operation of changing and checking the setting value becomes possible. Although a detailed explanation is omitted, the gaming machine 100 stores one of six setting values ​​with different advantageous degrees as a registered setting value in a setting value buffer, and the game progresses according to the stored registered setting value.

[0047] A setting value display 134 that displays the registered setting value is provided on the back of the game board 104. The main control board 100A displays the registered setting value on the setting value display 134 while the setting value is being changed or checked.

[0048] A RAM clear button is provided on the back of the game board 104 so that it can be pressed, and pressing of this RAM clear button is detected by a RAM clear switch 136s. The RAM clear switch 136s is connected to the main control board 100A, and a RAM clear operation signal is input from the RAM clear switch 136s to the main control board 100A. When the RAM clear operation signal is input from the RAM clear switch 136s at power-on, the main CPU 100a clears the main RAM 100c.

[0049] Furthermore, a frame control board 200A and a sub-control board 300A are connected to the main control board 100A.

[0050] The frame control board 200A includes a frame control CPU 200a, a frame control ROM 200b, and a frame control RAM 200c. The sub-control board 300A includes a sub-CPU 300a, a sub-ROM 300b, and a sub-RAM 300c. The sub-control board 300A mainly controls the presentation during the game. The frame control board 200A performs various controls related to the progress of the game together with the main control board 100A, such as control for launching game balls and control for paying out prize balls. The frame control board 200A is connected to the main control board 100A so as to be able to communicate in both directions. The frame control board 200A will be described in detail below.

[0051] 8 is a diagram illustrating the frame control board 200A. The frame control board 200A is provided with a ball removal switch 201s, an error reset switch 202s, a game ball count clear switch 203s, a RAM clear switch 204s, and a firing intensity volume 205s.

[0052] The ball removal switch 201s detects the operation of a ball removal button provided on the frame control board 200A. When the power is turned on with the ball removal button operated, the ball removal mode is set. The ball removal mode is a mode in which game balls can be ejected from the gaming machine main body 102. When replacing game balls for maintenance, etc., the ball removal mode can be set to eject game balls from the gaming machine main body 102.

[0053] The error reset switch 202s detects the operation of an error reset button provided on the frame control board 200A. The error state is reset by operating the error reset button.

[0054] The game ball count clear switch 203s detects the operation of a game ball count clear button provided on the frame control board 200A. The frame control board 200A counts the number of game balls held by the player, but when the power is turned on with the game ball count clear switch 203s operated, the number of game balls is cleared.

[0055] The RAM clear switch 204s detects the operation of a RAM clear button provided on the frame control board 200A. When the power is turned on with the RAM clear switch 204s operated, the frame control RAM 200c is cleared.

[0056] The launch intensity volume 205s controls the current value of a launch solenoid 231c, which will be described later, and launches the game ball with an intensity according to the operating angle of the operating handle 106.

[0057] In addition, a foul ball sensor 210s, a radio wave sensor 211s, an open switch 212s, a handle volume 213s, a launch stop switch 214s, a touch sensor 215s, an out switch 216s, an too few balls sensor 217s, an too many balls sensor 218s, a lifting motor sensor 5s, a rectifier inlet sensor 15s, a rectifier outlet sensor 17s, and a counting switch 219s are connected to the frame control board 200A.

[0058] The foul ball sensor 210s detects a game ball that is shot toward the play area 110 and does not reach the play area 110 but is guided to a foul passage. The radio wave sensor 211s detects radio waves. The opening switch 212s detects that the front door is open. The handle volume 213s detects the operation angle of the operating handle 106.

[0059] The launch stop switch 214s detects the operation of a launch stop button provided on the operating handle 106. When the launch stop button is operated, the launch of game balls is stopped regardless of the operating angle of the operating handle 106. The touch sensor 215s detects that the player's hand is touching the operating handle 106. The out switch 216s detects game balls discharged from the play area 110 to the back side of the game board 104.

[0060] The too few balls sensor 217s detects that the number of game balls circulating within the gaming machine body 102 is small. The too many balls sensor 218s detects that the number of game balls circulating within the gaming machine body 102 is large. The lift motor sensor 5s detects the rotation of the lift motor 5c. The rectifier inlet sensor 15s detects game balls in the rectifier path 7. The rectifier outlet sensor 17s detects game balls sent from the rectifier path 7 to the launching device side.

[0061] The counting switch 219s detects the game ball. The frame control board 200A outputs an LED control signal to the counting switch 219s.

[0062] As described above, various detection signals are input to the frame control board 200A from the foul ball sensor 210s, radio wave sensor 211s, open switch 212s, handle volume 213s, launch stop switch 214s, touch sensor 215s, out switch 216s, too few balls sensor 217s, too many balls sensor 218s, lifting motor sensor 5s, rectifier inlet sensor 15s, rectifier outlet sensor 17s, and counting switch 219s.

[0063] In addition, the lifting motor 5c, the rectifier solenoid 9c, and the launch solenoid 231c are connected to the frame control board 200A. The lifting motor 5c drives the lifting screw 5. The rectifier solenoid 9c sends the game balls retained in the rectification passage 7 to the launching device side one by one. The launching solenoid 231c is provided in the launching device and launches the game balls toward the game area 110. The lifting motor 5c, the rectifier solenoid 9c, and the launching solenoid 231c are controlled by the frame control board 200A.

[0064] In addition, the frame control board 200A is connected to a game ball number display device 240, a frame control display device 241, and a performance display monitor 242. The game ball number display device 240 is provided at a position where a player can see during a game, such as a front door. The game ball number display device 240 displays the number of game balls held by the player. The frame control display device 241 is provided at a position where a player cannot see during a game, such as the back of the game board 104. The frame control display device 241 displays the input state of signals from each sensor connected to the frame control board 200A, an error state, and the like. The performance display monitor 242 is provided at a position where a player cannot see during a game, and displays a base ratio, and the like. The game ball number display device 240, the frame control display device 241, and the performance display monitor 242 are controlled by the frame control board 200A.

[0065] Further, the frame control board 200A is connected to the dedicated unit 250 via a game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 243. The frame control board 200A and the dedicated unit 250 are connected to be able to communicate bidirectionally.

[0066] The dedicated unit 250 includes, for example, a bill insertion slot for inserting bills, a card insertion slot for inserting an IC card, and a liquid crystal display for displaying the remaining balance, etc. The dedicated unit 250 updates the remaining balance on the IC card and lends game balls based on the player's operation. The dedicated unit 250 is also connected to the hall computer of the gaming facility, and transmits gaming machine information, etc., transmitted from the frame control board 200A to the hall computer.

[0067] The following describes the processing of the main control board 100A, the frame control board 200A, and the dedicated unit 250 in the gaming machine 100, which is a managed gaming machine. In this embodiment, characteristic processing of the main control board 100A, the frame control board 200A, and the dedicated unit 250 is extracted and described. Therefore, the processing described below is only a part of the processing performed by the main control board 100A, the frame control board 200A, and the dedicated unit 250.

[0068] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the processing in the main control board 100A and the frame control board 200A. FIG. 9 shows the processing in a state where no setting change or setting confirmation is performed and no abnormality occurs when the power is turned on. The main control board 100A and the frame control board 200A are each connected to a power supply board. When the power is turned on to the gaming machine 100, the main control startup process S1 is executed in the main control board 100A, and the frame control startup process s1 is executed in the frame control board 200A. The main control startup process S1 and the frame control startup process s1 are executed independently of each other.

[0069] In the main control startup process S1, confirmation of actuators controlled by the main control board 100A, such as the normal electric role solenoid 122c and the big prize opening solenoid 126c, confirmation of the main display 128 and other displays controlled by the main control board 100A, etc. are performed. The display confirmation operation includes confirmation of the set value display 134. In the main control startup process S1, the main CPU 100a blinks the set value display 134, making it possible to visually check whether there is an abnormality in the LED. This confirmation operation of the set value display 134 continues after the main control startup process S1 ends until the game transitions to a playable state in which play is possible.

[0070] In the frame control startup process s1, confirmation operations of each display device controlled by the frame control board 200A are performed. The frame control startup process s1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0071] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the frame control start-up process s1.

[0072] (s1-1) When the power is turned on to the frame control board 200A, the frame control CPU 200a judges whether the game ball count clear switch 203s is on, that is, whether the power is turned on with the game ball count clear button operated. If it is judged that the game ball count clear switch 203s is on, the process proceeds to s1-2, and if it is judged that the game ball count clear switch 203s is not on, the process proceeds to s1-3.

[0073] (s1-2) The frame control CPU 200a clears a storage area in the frame control RAM 200c that stores the number of game balls owned by the player.

[0074] (s1-3) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the ball removal switch 201s is on, that is, whether the power is turned on with the ball removal button operated. If it is judged that the ball removal switch 201s is on, the process proceeds to s1-4, and if it is judged that the ball removal switch 201s is not on, the process proceeds to s1-6.

[0075] (s1-4) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the number of game balls owned by the player is 0. If it is judged that the number of game balls is 0, the process proceeds to s1-5, and if it is judged that the number of game balls is not 0, the process proceeds to s1-6.

[0076] (s1-5) The frame control CPU 200a transitions to the ball removal state and ends the frame control startup process. This transition to the ball removal state sets the internal state of the frame control board 200A to the ball removal mode. Thus, in this embodiment, the ball removal mode is set on the condition that the number of game balls held by the player is 0 and the power is turned on with the ball removal button operated. Details of the ball removal mode will be described later.

[0077] On the other hand, if the ball removal button has not been operated when the power is turned on, or if the number of game balls the player possesses is not 0, the confirmation operations from s1-6 onwards are carried out.

[0078] (s1-6) The frame control CPU 200a sets a confirmation timer and a post-startup elapsed time timer. The confirmation timer measures the time for which confirmation operations of various displays and the like continue, and here, for example, a timer value equivalent to 5 seconds is set in the confirmation timer. The post-startup elapsed time timer measures the time that has elapsed since the frame control board 200A has been started, and here, for example, a timer value equivalent to 3 minutes is set in the post-startup elapsed time timer. The times set in the confirmation timer and the post-startup elapsed time timer are not limited. It is sufficient that the time set in the post-startup elapsed time timer is longer than the time set in the confirmation timer.

[0079] (s1-7) The frame control CPU 200a performs a checking operation of the game ball number display device 240. Here, the frame control CPU 200a controls the game ball number display device 240 to light up or blink.

[0080] (s1-8) The frame control CPU 200a performs a checking operation of the performance display monitor 242. Here, the frame control CPU 200a controls the performance display monitor 242 to light up or blink.

[0081] (s1-9) The frame control CPU 200a executes wait processing and waits until a predetermined time (for example, several ms to several hundreds ms) has elapsed.

[0082] (s1-10) When a predetermined time has elapsed, the frame control CPU 200a subtracts the timer value of the confirmation timer.

[0083] (s1-11) Furthermore, the frame control CPU 200a subtracts the timer value of the post-startup elapsed time timer.

[0084] (s1-12) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the timer value of the confirmation timer is 0. As a result, if it is judged that the timer value of the confirmation timer is 0, the process proceeds to s1-13, and if it is judged that the timer value of the confirmation timer is not 0, the process proceeds to s1-7.

[0085] (s1-13) The frame control CPU 200a ends the confirmation operation of the game ball number display device 240 and the performance display monitor 242. As a result, the confirmation operation of the game ball number display device 240 and the performance display monitor 242 is performed until the time set in the confirmation timer (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed.

[0086] (s1-14) The frame control CPU 200a turns on a command permission signal that permits transmission and reception of information with the main control board 100A, and ends the frame control startup process.

[0087] 9, when the frame control startup process s1 ends in the frame control board 200A, various processes are executed by timer interruption. At this time, the frame control board 200A executes an information reception process s2 and a dedicated unit connection confirmation process s4 for each timer interruption.

[0088] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the information receiving process s2.

[0089] (s2-1) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether gaming machine installation information has been received from the main control board 100A. After the main control startup process S1 in the main control board 100A is completed, the gaming machine installation information is repeatedly transmitted to the frame control board 200A at a predetermined interval (for example, 100 ms). If it is judged that the gaming machine installation information has been received, the frame control CPU 200a shifts the process to s2-2, and if it is judged that the gaming machine installation information has not been received, the frame control CPU 200a shifts the process to s3.

[0090] (s2-2) The frame control CPU 200a transmits response information to the main control board 100A. This response information informs the main control board 100A that the gaming machine installation information has been properly received. The information reception process s2 is also executed during the ball removal mode. The response information is configured to be able to identify whether or not the board is in the ball removal state, and the main control board 100A can determine whether or not the frame control board 200A is in the ball removal mode based on the response information.

[0091] (s2-3) The frame control CPU 200a sets a post-transmission elapsed time timer. The post-transmission elapsed time timer measures the elapsed time from the transmission of the response information, and here, for example, a timer value equivalent to one second is set in the post-transmission elapsed time timer.

[0092] (s2-4) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the timer value of the post-startup elapsed time timer is greater than 0. As a result, if it is judged that the timer value is greater than 0, the frame control CPU 200a moves the process to s2-5, and if it is judged that the timer value is not greater than 0, the frame control CPU 200a ends the information reception process.

[0093] (s2-5) The frame control CPU 200a resets the post-startup elapsed time timer.

[0094] (s2-6) The frame control CPU 200a displays the number of game balls on the game ball number display device 240. That is, after the frame control startup process s1 is completed, in other words, after the frame control board 200A is powered on, until the time elapsed after startup (for example, 3 minutes) has elapsed, when the game machine installation information is first received from the main control board 100A, the number of game balls is displayed on the game ball number display device 240.

[0095] (s2-7) The frame control CPU 200a starts the performance display on the performance display monitor 242. That is, after the frame control start-up process s1 is completed, in other words, after the frame control board 200A is powered on, until the start-up time (for example, 3 minutes) has elapsed, when the gaming machine installation information is first received from the main control board 100A, the performance display on the performance display monitor 242 starts.

[0096] 12 is a flow chart for explaining the disconnection determination process s3. When it is determined in s2-1 that the gaming machine installation information has not been received, the disconnection determination process s3 is executed.

[0097] (s3-1) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the timer value of the post-startup elapsed time timer is greater than 0. As a result, if it is judged that the timer value is greater than 0, the process proceeds to s3-2, and if it is judged that the timer value is not greater than 0, the process proceeds to s3-5.

[0098] (s3-2) The frame control CPU 200a subtracts the timer value of the startup time elapse timer.

[0099] (s3-3) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the timer value updated in s3-2 is 0. As a result, if it is judged that the timer value is 0, the frame control CPU 200a moves the process to s3-4, and if it is judged that the timer value is not 0, the frame control CPU 200a ends the disconnection judgment process.

[0100] (s3-4) The frame control CPU 200a determines that a disconnection error has occurred between the frame control board 200A and the main control board 100A, and executes disconnection error processing. In the disconnection error processing, the frame control CPU 200a, for example, displays a predetermined error on the frame control display 241. In addition, in the disconnection error processing, processing for stopping the game, such as stopping the launch or lending of game balls, may be executed.

[0101] (s3-5) On the other hand, if it is determined in s3-1 that the timer value of the post-startup elapsed time timer is 0, the frame control CPU 200a subtracts the timer value of the post-transmission elapsed time timer.

[0102] (s3-6) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the timer value updated in s3-5 is 0. As a result, if it is judged that the timer value is 0, the process proceeds to the above-mentioned s3-4, and if it is judged that the timer value is not 0, the disconnection judgment process is terminated.

[0103] According to the above-mentioned disconnection judgment process, if gaming machine installation information cannot be received from the main control board 100A during the time from when the frame control board 200A is powered on until the time after startup (for example, 3 minutes) has elapsed, a disconnection error process is executed. The time required for the main control startup process S1 is less than 3 minutes, and when the main control startup process S1 ends, the gaming machine installation information is transmitted, for example, at intervals of 100 ms. Therefore, when the main control startup process S1 ends in the main control board 100A and it is the timing when the gaming machine installation information can be transmitted, if the gaming machine installation information cannot be received, it is determined that a disconnection error has occurred in the frame control board 200A.

[0104] In addition, when the reception interval of the gaming machine installation information exceeds the elapsed time after transmission (for example, 1 second), the disconnection error process is also executed. Therefore, for example, since the gaming machine installation information is transmitted at 100 ms intervals, if the gaming machine installation information cannot be received 10 times in a row, it is determined that a disconnection error has occurred in the frame control board 200A.

[0105] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the processing in the frame control board 200A and the dedicated unit 250. After the frame control startup processing s1 ends, the frame control CPU 200a executes the dedicated unit connection confirmation processing s4 (see FIG. 9) at predetermined time intervals. As shown in FIG. 13, in the dedicated unit connection confirmation processing, the frame control CPU 200a transmits connection confirmation information to the dedicated unit 250 at predetermined time intervals. Furthermore, when the dedicated unit 250 receives the connection confirmation information, it transmits response information to the frame control board 200A. In this way, by repeating the transmission and reception of the connection confirmation information and the response information at predetermined time intervals, it is confirmed that communication between the frame control board 200A and the dedicated unit 250 has been established.

[0106] If the frame control board 200A fails to receive response information from the dedicated unit 250 for a predetermined period of time, it determines that a disconnection error has occurred between the frame control board 200A and the dedicated unit 250, and the frame control CPU 200a executes disconnection error processing similar to that described above. In addition to the above, various other pieces of information are transmitted and received at predetermined time intervals between the frame control board 200A and the dedicated unit 250. Other pieces of information transmitted and received between the frame control board 200A and the dedicated unit 250 will be described later.

[0107] 9, when the main control startup process S1 ends in the main control board 100A, the main CPU 100a transmits gaming machine installation information to the frame control board 200A at predetermined intervals (for example, 100 ms) (S2). In the frame control board 200A, an information reception process s2 is executed for each timer interrupt, and when the frame control board 200A receives gaming machine installation information, it transmits response information to the main control board 100A.

[0108] When the main control board 100A receives the response information from the frame control board 200A for the first time, it sets the internal state to a playable state and also sets the internal state to a launch permission state that permits the launch of game balls (S3). In addition, the main CPU 100a ends the confirmation operation of the setting value display 134 along with setting the playable state, and turns off the setting value display 134. This enables play thereafter. In addition, even after the playable state is set, the main control board 100A and the frame control board 200A repeatedly transmit and receive gaming machine installation information and response information at predetermined time intervals.

[0109] Next, the ball removal mode will be described. Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing the processing in the main control board 100A and the frame control board 200A in the ball removal state. As described above, when the power is turned on while the ball removal button is operated, the frame control board 200A executes the frame control start-up processing s1, followed by the ball removal state processing s5, and is set to the ball removal mode. Although not shown in the figure, the dedicated unit connection confirmation processing s4 described above is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals even during the ball removal mode.

[0110] 15 is a flow chart for explaining the ball removal state process s5. The ball removal state process s5 is executed for each timer interrupt.

[0111] (s5-1) The frame control CPU 200a checks input signals from predetermined sensors connected to the frame control board 200A.

[0112] (s5-2) Next, the frame control CPU 200a updates the detection information based on the check result of s5-1. Here, for the sensor that detected the input signal, the fact that the input signal has been detected is stored.

[0113] (s5-3) Next, the frame control CPU 200a turns on the lamp indicating the input state of the frame control display 241 based on the results of s5-1 and s5-2.

[0114] (s5-4) Next, the frame control CPU 200a turns on the lamp of the frame control display 241 which indicates the ball removal state.

[0115] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the frame control display 241. As shown in FIG. 16(a), the frame control display 241 includes six LED configuration groups 241a. One LED configuration group 241a is composed of seven LEDs (so-called 7-segment) arranged to show the number 8, and a dot-shaped LED arranged at the lower right. The six LED configuration groups 241a are arranged in parallel on the frame control display 241, and the left three LED configuration groups 241a constitute an error state notification unit that notifies an occurring error state. The fourth and fifth LED configuration groups 241a from the left constitute an input state notification unit that notifies an input state, and the rightmost LED configuration group 241a constitutes a ball removal state notification unit that notifies a ball removal state.

[0116] An error code corresponding to an occurring error state is displayed on the error state notification section consisting of three LED configuration groups 241a. Of the input state notification section consisting of two LED configuration groups 241a, the right LED configuration group 241a (fifth from the left) indicates the detected state of the input signal from each sensor. Of the input state notification section consisting of two LED configuration groups 241a, the left LED configuration group 241a (fourth from the left) indicates the current detection state of the input signal from each sensor.

[0117] Among the input state notification units, the eight LEDs constituting the LED configuration group 241a indicating the detected state of the input signal are each associated with one of the sensors connected to the frame control board 200A. The LED corresponding to the sensor in the detected state of the input signal is turned on. Also, among the input state notification units, the eight LEDs constituting the LED configuration group 241a indicating the current detected state of the input signal are each associated with one of the sensors connected to the frame control board 200A. The LED corresponding to the sensor currently detecting the input signal is turned on.

[0118] The ball removal state notification unit notifies the user that the ball removal mode is currently set by turning on a specific LED during the ball removal state. For example, while the ball removal mode is set, some of the LEDs of the input state notification unit and the ball removal state notification unit are turned on as shown in FIG. 16(b).

[0119] (s5-5) 15, the frame control CPU 200a judges whether or not it is not connected to the dedicated unit 250. As a result, if it is judged that it is not connected to the dedicated unit 250, the process proceeds to s5-6, and if it is judged that it is not not connected to the dedicated unit 250 (it is connected), the process proceeds to s5-9.

[0120] (s5-6) The frame control CPU 200a maintains the launch prohibition state that prohibits the launch of game balls. In the launch prohibition state, it is impossible to launch game balls. Although detailed explanation is omitted, when a communication connection with the dedicated unit 250 is not established, the launch prohibition state is in effect not only during the ball removal mode but also during normal play.

[0121] (s5-7) The frame control CPU 200 a displays an error code indicating a disconnection error with the dedicated unit 250 in an error state notification section of the frame control display 241 .

[0122] (s5-8) The frame control CPU 200a executes a ball removal process for discharging game balls from the gaming machine main body 102, and ends the ball removal state process.

[0123] (s5-9) Also, if a communication connection with the dedicated unit 250 has been established (NO in s5-5), the frame control CPU 200a maintains the launch permission state in which the launch of the game ball is permitted, and shifts the process to s5-8.

[0124] Here, in a controlled gaming machine in which gaming balls circulate within the gaming machine body 102, a firing operation is required to discharge gaming balls that are retained within the gaming machine body 102, such as the straightening passage 7. Therefore, while the ball removal mode is set, both the main control board 100A and the frame control board 200A need to be maintained in a firing permitted state.

[0125] Returning to FIG. 14, even in the ball removal state, when gaming machine installation information is sent from the main control board 100A to the frame control board 200A (S2), response information is sent from the frame control board 200A to the main control board 100A. As described above, the response information is configured to be able to identify whether or not the ball removal state is in progress. When response information corresponding to the ball removal state is received, the main control board 100A is set to a launch permission state, and thereafter, an infinite loop is established (S3). As a result, both the main control board 100A and the frame control board 200A are in the launch permission state, and gaming balls can be discharged from within the gaming machine body 102.

[0126] The ball removal mode is cancelled by turning off the power. In other words, the ball removal mode cannot be ended while the power is on, and can only be ended by turning off the power.

[0127] Here, the ball removal mode in which game balls are discharged from the gaming machine main body 102 must be performed with the front door open. When the front door is opened, a signal input from the opening switch 212s determines that a door open error state has occurred. Also, in the ball removal mode, the number of game balls circulating in the gaming machine main body 102 decreases, and therefore a signal input from the insufficient ball count sensor 217s determines that an insufficient game ball error state has occurred. In this way, during the ball removal mode, various error states overlap.

[0128] However, during the ball removal mode, these error states do not occur due to malfunctions or fraud, but occur appropriately. Therefore, it is not desirable to notify various errors on the frame control indicator 241 during the ball removal mode. Therefore, during the ball removal mode, the frame control indicator 241 does not basically notify errors.

[0129] On the other hand, as described above, if a disconnection occurs between the frame control board 200A and the dedicated unit 250, it becomes impossible to launch the game ball under any circumstances. If a disconnection occurs between the frame control board 200A and the dedicated unit 250 during the ball ejection mode, it becomes impossible to launch the game ball, and it becomes impossible to eject the game ball from the gaming machine main body 102. At this time, if an error code is not displayed on the error state notification unit, it becomes unclear why the game ball cannot be launched, and it is also impossible to eliminate the disconnection.

[0130] In this embodiment, if a disconnection error occurs during ball removal mode, in s5-7 of the ball removal state processing, an error code corresponding to the disconnection error is displayed in the error state notification section of the frame control display 241. At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 16(c), "H04." is displayed in the error state notification section of the frame control display 241. In this way, since a disconnection error state is notified during ball removal mode, it is possible to grasp and resolve the disconnection error state early.

[0131] Next, the information transmitted from the frame control board 200A to the dedicated unit 250 will be described. Fig. 17 is a diagram for explaining the gaming machine information. The frame control board 200A transmits the gaming machine information to the dedicated unit 250. The gaming machine information is transmitted from the frame control board 200A to the dedicated unit 250 at intervals of 300 ms after the frame control board 200A has completed starting up. This gaming machine information includes any one of hall control / fraud monitoring information, gaming machine installation information, and gaming machine performance information.

[0132] The hall control / fraud monitoring information notifies of jackpots, probability fluctuations, time reduction, the number of winning balls in each winning slot, the number of game balls, error states, fraud monitoring information, etc. Specifically, the hall control / fraud monitoring information is information that can identify the current game state (e.g., during big win game, during high probability game state, during time reduction game state, etc.) in the main control board 100A, and the error state that is occurring.

[0133] The gaming machine installation information is information capable of identifying the manufacturer code, product code, chip ID number, etc. of the main CPU 100a and the frame control CPU 200a.

[0134] The gaming machine performance information is information that can identify the total number of gaming balls fired, the total number of gaming balls won, the payout rate, the number of gaming balls won per minute, the ratio of special features, the ratio of consecutive special features, and the like.

[0135] Priorities are set for the hall control / fraud monitoring information, gaming machine installation information, and gaming machine performance information, as shown in FIG. 17. Here, the hall control / fraud monitoring information when there is a change in the game progress state (state change present) is set to the first priority, which is the highest priority. The frame control board 200A determines whether or not there is a state change based on the command sent from the main control board 100A. The gaming machine installation information is set to the second priority, and the gaming machine performance information is set to the third priority. And the hall control / fraud monitoring information when there is no change in the game progress state (no state change) is set to the fourth priority, which is the lowest priority.

[0136] Also, the hall control / fraud monitoring information, the gaming machine installation information, and the gaming machine performance information each have a notification cycle set. Here, the hall control / fraud monitoring information is set as the notification cycle of 300 ms, the gaming machine installation information is set as the notification cycle of 60 s, and the gaming machine performance information is set as the notification cycle of 180 s. The frame control board 200A determines whether to include the hall control / fraud monitoring information, the gaming machine installation information, or the gaming machine performance information in the gaming machine information based on the presence or absence of a state change, the priority order, and the notification cycle.

[0137] Fig. 18 is a diagram for explaining gaming machine information transmitted to the dedicated unit 250 when there is no change in state. If there is no change in state after startup is complete, hall control and fraud monitoring information is first transmitted to the dedicated unit 250. After that, hall control and fraud monitoring information is transmitted every 300 ms. Then, when 60 s has elapsed since startup was completed, second priority gaming machine installation information is transmitted.

[0138] Even after the gaming machine installation information is transmitted, hall control / fraud monitoring information is transmitted every 300 ms, and when another 60 s has elapsed since the gaming machine installation information was transmitted, the gaming machine installation information is transmitted again.

[0139] Here, the notification cycle of the gaming machine performance information set to the third priority is set to 180 seconds. However, since the notification cycle of 180 seconds overlaps with the notification cycle of 60 seconds, the transmission timing of the gaming machine performance information always coincides with the transmission timing of the gaming machine installation information. In this case, the gaming machine installation information with the relatively high priority is transmitted.

[0140] For example, when 180 s has elapsed after the start-up is completed, gaming machine installation information with a relatively high priority is transmitted. Therefore, gaming machine performance information with a relatively low priority is not transmitted at the originally set transmission timing. In this way, information that was not transmitted at the originally set transmission timing is transmitted at the transmission timing of the next gaming machine information. In other words, the gaming machine performance information is transmitted at the transmission timing of the next gaming machine information 300 ms after the gaming machine installation information is transmitted.

[0141] In this way, if there is no change in state, hall control and fraud monitoring information is basically transmitted every 300 ms. Also, gaming machine installation information is transmitted instead of hall control and fraud monitoring information every 60 seconds, and gaming machine installation information is transmitted instead of hall control and fraud monitoring information every 180 seconds.

[0142] Fig. 19 is a first diagram for explaining gaming machine information transmitted to the dedicated unit 250 when there is a state change. As shown in Fig. 19, it is assumed that gaming machine installation information is transmitted, and then, no state change occurs, and hall control / fraud monitoring information is transmitted every 300 ms. It is also assumed that a state change occurs immediately before 60 s has elapsed since the gaming machine installation information was transmitted, that is, immediately before the gaming machine installation information is next transmitted.

[0143] Since the hall control / fraud monitoring information when there is a status change is set to the highest priority, the hall control / fraud monitoring information is sent 60 seconds after the gaming machine installation information was sent first. The hall control / fraud monitoring information sent at this time is different from the hall control / fraud monitoring information sent 300 ms earlier. In this case, the gaming machine installation information is sent at the next transmission timing after the hall control / fraud monitoring information when there is a status change is sent, that is, 300 ms later.

[0144] Fig. 20 is a second diagram for explaining gaming machine information transmitted to the dedicated unit 250 when there is a state change. As shown in Fig. 20, it is assumed that gaming machine installation information is transmitted, and 300 ms later, gaming machine performance information is transmitted. It is also assumed that thereafter, no state change occurs, and gaming machine information is transmitted every 300 ms. It is also assumed that a state change occurs immediately before 180 s has elapsed since the gaming machine installation information was transmitted, that is, immediately before the gaming machine installation information is next transmitted.

[0145] In this case, the hall control / fraud monitoring information is transmitted 180 seconds after the previous transmission of the gaming machine installation information. The hall control / fraud monitoring information transmitted at this time is different from the hall control / fraud monitoring information transmitted 300 ms prior. In this case, the gaming machine installation information is transmitted at the next transmission timing after the hall control / fraud monitoring information when there is a status change, that is, 300 ms later, and the gaming machine performance information is transmitted another 300 ms after that.

[0146] As described above, in this embodiment, information that could not be transmitted in the original notification cycle is carried over to the next transmission timing and transmitted. Therefore, in this embodiment, as a result of the gaming machine installation information and gaming machine performance information being transmitted continuously, the transmission interval of the hall control and fraud monitoring information is a maximum of 900 ms, as shown in Figs. 18 and 20.

[0147] The hall control / fraud monitoring information notifies the dedicated unit 250 of an error state occurring and the possibility of fraud, in addition to the state of progress of the game. Therefore, when an error state occurs, it is necessary to reliably transmit the hall control / fraud monitoring information to the dedicated unit 250 and notify the occurrence of the error state to the outside. However, as described above, when the transmission interval of the hall control / fraud monitoring information is 900 ms, there is a risk that the hall control / fraud monitoring information notifying the error state cannot be transmitted to the dedicated unit 250.

[0148] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining gaming machine information of a comparative example that is transmitted to the dedicated unit 250 when fraud is detected. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, it is assumed that fraud (or an error state) is detected immediately before 180 s has elapsed since the gaming machine installation information was transmitted. At this time, if there is no change in the state of progress of the game, the priority of the hall control / fraud monitoring information becomes the lowest, the fourth priority. Therefore, the gaming machine installation information is transmitted 180 s after the previous transmission of the gaming machine installation information, and the gaming machine performance information is transmitted 300 ms later.

[0149] Then, assume that the fraud detection is completed immediately after the gaming machine performance information is transmitted. In this case, since no fraud is detected 300 ms after the gaming machine performance information is transmitted, hall control fraud monitoring information is transmitted to notify that no fraud has occurred. In this way, if gaming machine information is transmitted based only on the state of the transmission timing, there is a risk that an error state or fraud that has occurred within a short period of time cannot be notified to the dedicated unit 250. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to reliably notify the dedicated unit 250 of the error state or fraud that has occurred, the frame control board 200A performs the following processing.

[0150] Fig. 22 is a flowchart for explaining the frame control board error processing. Note that the frame control board error processing shown in Fig. 22 is executed in the frame control board 200A for each timer interrupt.

[0151] (s10-1) The frame control CPU 200a performs an error check based on input signals from each sensor.

[0152] (s10-2) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether a new error has occurred as a result of the error check in s10-1. If it is judged that a new error has occurred, the process proceeds to s10-3, and if it is judged that no new error has occurred, the process proceeds to s10-5.

[0153] (s10-3) The frame control CPU 200a sets an error state corresponding to the newly occurring error.

[0154] (s10-4) The frame control CPU 200a sets (stores) a transmission error code corresponding to the newly generated error in a predetermined storage area of ​​the frame control RAM 200c. The transmission error code matches the information included in the hole control fraud monitoring information, and if multiple errors occur simultaneously, multiple transmission error codes are set.

[0155] (s10-5) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the currently occurring error has been resolved. If it is judged that the currently occurring error has been resolved, the process proceeds to s10-6, and if it is judged that the currently occurring error has not been resolved, the frame control board error process is terminated.

[0156] (s10-6) The frame control CPU 200a clears the error state corresponding to the released error, and ends the frame control board error processing.

[0157] According to the above process, the error state managed by the frame control board 200A is cleared by clearing the error, but the transmission error code is not cleared by clearing the error.

[0158] Fig. 23 is a first flowchart for explaining the dedicated unit communication process, and Fig. 24 is a second flowchart for explaining the dedicated unit communication process. Note that the processes shown in Fig. 23 and Fig. 24 are executed at each timer interruption in the frame control board 200A.

[0159] (s11-1) The frame control CPU 200a checks the timer. Note that this timer measures the elapsed time after the start-up process, and is updated at each timer interrupt after start-up is complete.

[0160] (s11-2) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the timer time confirmed in s11-1 is a multiple of 300 ms. If it is judged to be a multiple of 300 ms, the frame control CPU 200a moves the process to s11-3, and if it is judged not to be a multiple of 300 ms, the frame control CPU 200a ends the dedicated unit communication process.

[0161] (s11-3) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether or not there has been a state change. If it is judged that there has been a state change, the process proceeds to s11-4, and if it is judged that there has been no state change, the process proceeds to s11-11.

[0162] (s11-4) The frame control CPU 200a sets gaming machine information including hall control and fraud monitoring information.

[0163] (s11-5) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the timer time checked in s11-1 is a multiple of 60 seconds. If it is judged to be a multiple of 60 seconds, the process proceeds to s11-6, and if it is not judged to be a multiple of 60 seconds, the process proceeds to s11-7.

[0164] (s11-6) The frame control CPU 200a turns on a gaming-machine installation information non-transmission flag, which indicates that gaming-machine information including the gaming-machine installation information has not been transmitted.

[0165] (s11-7) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the timer time checked in s11-1 is a multiple of 180 seconds. If it is judged to be a multiple of 180 seconds, the process proceeds to s11-8, and if it is judged not to be a multiple of 180 seconds, the process proceeds to s11-9.

[0166] (s11-8) The frame control CPU 200a turns on a gaming machine performance information non-transmission flag indicating that gaming machine information including gaming machine performance information has not been transmitted.

[0167] (s11-9) The frame control CPU 200a transmits the gaming machine information set in each of the above steps, and ends the dedicated unit communication process.

[0168] (s11-11) Furthermore, if it is determined in s11-3 that there is no state change, the frame control CPU 200a determines whether the timer time checked in s11-1 is a multiple of 60 seconds, as shown in Fig. 24. If it is determined that it is a multiple of 60 seconds, the process proceeds to s11-12, and if it is determined that it is not a multiple of 60 seconds, the process proceeds to s11-15.

[0169] (s11-12) The frame control CPU 200a sets gaming machine information including gaming machine installation information.

[0170] (s11-13) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the timer time checked in s11-1 is a multiple of 180 seconds. If it is judged to be a multiple of 180 seconds, the process proceeds to s11-14, and if it is judged not to be a multiple of 180 seconds, the process proceeds to s11-9.

[0171] (s11-14) The frame control CPU 200a turns on the gaming machine performance information untransmitted flag.

[0172] (s11-15) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the gaming machine installation information unsent flag is on. If it is judged that the gaming machine installation information unsent flag is on, the process proceeds to s11-16, and if it is judged that the gaming machine installation information unsent flag is not on, the process proceeds to s11-18.

[0173] (s11-16) The frame control CPU 200a sets gaming machine information including gaming machine installation information.

[0174] (s11-17) The frame control CPU 200a turns off the gaming machine installation information non-transmission flag.

[0175] (s11-18) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the gaming machine performance information unsent flag is on. If it is judged that the gaming machine performance information unsent flag is on, the process proceeds to s11-19, and if it is judged that the gaming machine performance information unsent flag is not on, the process proceeds to s11-21.

[0176] (s11-19) The frame control CPU 200a sets gaming machine information including gaming machine performance information.

[0177] (s11-20) The frame control CPU 200a turns off the gaming machine performance information untransmitted flag.

[0178] (s11-21) Next, the frame control CPU 200a sets the gaming machine information including the hall control and fraud monitoring information.

[0179] (s11-22) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether a transmission error code is stored. If it is judged that a transmission error code is stored, the process proceeds to s11-23, and if it is judged that a transmission error code is not stored, the process proceeds to s11-9.

[0180] (s11-23) The frame control CPU 200a updates the hall control / fraud monitoring information included in the gaming machine information set in s11-21 to information indicating a transmission error code. That is, here, the hall control / fraud monitoring information indicating the occurrence of fraud, etc. is set.

[0181] (s11-24) The frame control CPU 200a clears the transmission error code that was set in the hole control / fraud monitoring information in s11-23, from among the transmission error codes stored in the frame control RAM 200c, and moves the process to s11-9.

[0182] FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the gaming machine information of this embodiment transmitted to the dedicated unit 250 when fraud is detected. As in the example shown in FIG. 21, it is assumed that fraud (or an error state) is detected immediately before 180 s has elapsed since the gaming machine installation information was transmitted. At this time, if there is no change in the state of progress of the game, the priority of the hall control / fraud monitoring information becomes the lowest, the fourth priority. Therefore, the gaming machine installation information is transmitted 180 s after the previous transmission of the gaming machine installation information, and the gaming machine performance information is transmitted 300 ms later.

[0183] Then, just after the gaming machine performance information is transmitted, the fraud detection is terminated as in the above example. In this case, 300 ms after the gaming machine performance information is transmitted, no fraud is detected, but the transmission error code is stored. Therefore, in this embodiment, at the next transmission timing after the gaming machine performance information is transmitted, the hall control fraud monitoring information including the transmission error code is transmitted.

[0184] As described above, according to this embodiment, when an error occurs and is then cleared, information indicating the occurrence of the error is output after the error is cleared. This makes it possible to reliably notify the occurrence of the error to the dedicated unit 250, even if the error occurs and is cleared within a short period of time, making it easier to grasp the occurrence of an error or malfunction.

[0185] Next, the process of managing the number of game balls owned by a player, that is, the number of possessions, will be described. In the managed game machine, game balls circulate in the game machine body 102. When a game ball is launched, as described above, the game balls remaining in the rectifying passage 7 are sent one by one to the launching device by the rectifier solenoid 9c. If the game balls are not properly detected at this time, the number of possessions cannot be properly counted, which may affect the progress of the game. Below, the process of the frame control board 200A for improving the accuracy of the management of the number of game balls will be described.

[0186] 26 is a flowchart for explaining the possession number management process. This possession number management process is executed in the frame control board 200A at each timer interruption.

[0187] (s20-1) The frame control CPU 200a checks the loan notification information received from the dedicated unit 250. Although detailed explanation is omitted, counting notification information, loan notification information, and loan receipt result response information are transmitted and received between the frame control board 200A and the dedicated unit 250 at predetermined time intervals (e.g., 300 ms).

[0188] Specifically, a predetermined time (e.g., 100 ms) after the game machine information is transmitted from the frame control board 200A to the dedicated unit 250, the frame control board 200A transmits counting notification information to the dedicated unit 250. This counting notification information is information including the number of game balls currently owned by the player, i.e., the number of balls owned. Upon receiving the counting information, the dedicated unit 250 transmits loan notification information to the frame control board 200A.

[0189] This loan notification information includes the number of game balls to be loaned to the player, and for example, when a player inputs a loan operation on the liquid crystal display of the dedicated unit 250, loan notification information indicating a predetermined number (for example, 125 balls) is transmitted to the frame control board 200A. If a loan operation is not input, loan notification information indicating 0 balls is transmitted to the frame control board 200A.

[0190] In the frame control board 200A, the received loan notification information is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the frame control RAM 200c, and loan receipt result response information indicating that the loan notification information has been received is transmitted to the dedicated unit 250. In this manner, count notification information indicating the current number of possessions and loan notification information indicating the new number of loaned game balls are transmitted and received between the frame control board 200A and the dedicated unit 250, and information is shared between the two.

[0191] (s20-2) The slot control CPU 200a judges whether the number of loans included in the loan notification information confirmed in s20-1 is 0, that is, whether there is a loan request from the player. If it is judged that the number of loans is not 0, the slot control CPU 200a moves the process to s20-3, and if it is judged that the number of loans is 0, the slot control CPU 200a ends the possession number management process.

[0192] (s20-3) If the lending number is not 0, the frame control CPU 200a updates the possession number to a value obtained by adding the lending number to the current possession number.

[0193] (s20-4) The frame control CPU 200a displays the number of balls owned updated in s20-3 on the game ball number display device 240, and ends the number of balls owned management process.

[0194] Fig. 27 is a flow chart for explaining the circulation control process. This circulation control process is executed at each timer interruption in the frame control board 200A. In the circulation control process, the frame control CPU 200a executes a rectifier inlet sensor monitoring process (s21), a rectifier solenoid control process (s22), and a subtraction process (s23). The rectifier inlet sensor monitoring process (s21), the rectifier solenoid control process (s22), and the subtraction process (s23) are explained below with reference to the drawings.

[0195] FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating the rectifier inlet sensor monitoring process.

[0196] (s21-1) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the rectifier inlet sensor 15s detects a game ball. If it judges that the game ball is detected, the process proceeds to s21-2. If it judges that the game ball is not detected, the process proceeds to s21-6.

[0197] (s21-2) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the sensor on state flag is on. The sensor on state flag indicates that the rectifier inlet sensor 15s is on. If it is judged that the sensor on state flag is on, the process proceeds to s21-5, and if it is judged that the sensor on state flag is not on, the process proceeds to s21-3.

[0198] (s21-3) The frame control CPU 200a turns on the sensor on state flag.

[0199] (s21-4) Next, the frame control CPU 200a resets the undetected duration timer. The undetected duration timer measures the continuous time during which the rectifier inlet sensor 15s does not detect the game ball (hereinafter, referred to as the undetected duration).

[0200] (s21-5) The frame control CPU 200a increments the detection continuation timer and ends the rectifier inlet sensor monitoring process. The detection continuation timer measures the continuous time during which the game ball is detected by the rectifier inlet sensor 15s (hereinafter referred to as detection continuation time).

[0201] (s21-6) If the rectifier inlet sensor 15s does not detect a game ball (NO in s21-1), the frame control CPU 200a judges whether the sensor on state flag is off. If it is judged that the sensor on state flag is off, the process proceeds to s21-9, and if it is judged that the sensor on state flag is not off, the process proceeds to s21-7.

[0202] (s21-7) The frame control CPU 200a turns off the sensor on state flag.

[0203] (s21-8) Next, the frame control CPU 200a resets the detection continuation timer.

[0204] (s21-9) The frame control CPU 200a increments the undetected duration timer.

[0205] (s21-10) Next, the frame control CPU 200a judges whether the undetected duration updated in s21-9 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. If it is judged that the undetected duration is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the frame control CPU 200a proceeds to s21-11. If it is judged that the undetected duration is not equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the frame control CPU 200a ends the rectifier inlet sensor monitoring process.

[0206] (s21-11) The frame control CPU 200a executes the path abnormality error process and ends the rectifier inlet sensor monitoring process. In this path abnormality error process, it is notified that there is an abnormality in the rectifier path 7 or the circulation path 3. When the error reset button provided on the frame control board 200A is operated and a signal is input from the error reset switch 202s, the frame control CPU 200a resets the path abnormality error.

[0207] According to the above-mentioned rectifier inlet sensor monitoring process, the time during which the rectifier inlet sensor 15s continuously detects game balls (detection duration) and the time during which the rectifier inlet sensor 15s continuously does not detect game balls (non-detection duration) are measured. As described above, when the gaming machine 100 is in a normal state, a large number of game balls are retained in the rectifier passage 7 such that adjacent game balls are in contact with each other.

[0208] Then, the rectifier inlet sensor 15s detects the third game ball retained from the downstream end of the rectifier passage 7. When a game ball is launched, the rectifier solenoid 9c is energized, and one game ball retained at the downstream end of the rectifier passage 7 is sent to the launching device side. When the game ball is sent to the launching device side, a space is formed at the downstream end of the rectifier passage 7, so that the game ball retained in the rectifier passage 7 moves one game ball's width toward the downstream end side.

[0209] In this way, when the game ball moves to the downstream end side in the rectification passage 7, the detection state of the game ball by the rectifier inlet sensor 15s switches from the ON state to the OFF state, and then switches back to the ON state. Furthermore, unless the game ball is released, the rectifier inlet sensor 15s constantly detects the game ball. Therefore, if the rectifier inlet sensor 15s cannot detect the game ball for a predetermined time or more (YES in s21-10), there is a possibility that an error such as ball clogging has occurred in the rectification passage 7 or the circulation passage 3. If the non-detection duration is longer than the predetermined time, a passage abnormality error process is executed, so that the occurrence of an error can be notified at an early stage.

[0210] FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating the rectifier solenoid control process.

[0211] (s22-1) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the control flag indicating that the rectifier solenoid 9c is being controlled is on. If it is judged that the control flag is on, the process proceeds to s22-7. If it is judged that the control flag is not on, the process proceeds to s22-2. The time and timing for maintaining the rectifier solenoid 9c in the non-energized state and the energized state are predetermined, and while the rectifier solenoid 9c is being controlled, the state of the rectifier solenoid 9c is switched while monitoring the time from the start of the control. Therefore, when the control flag is on, the rectifier solenoid 9c may be energized or not energized.

[0212] (s22-2) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether there is a firing request. For example, the operating handle 106 is being operated, a signal is being input from the touch sensor 215s, etc. If it is judged that there is a firing request, the process proceeds to s22-3, and if it is judged that there is no firing request, the rectifier solenoid control process is terminated.

[0213] (s22-3) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the detection duration of the game ball by the rectifier inlet sensor 15s is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. If it is judged that the detection duration is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the process proceeds to s22-4, and if it is judged that the detection duration is not equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the rectifier solenoid control process is terminated.

[0214] (s22-4) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the possession number is 1 or more. As a result, if it is judged that the possession number is 1 or more, the process proceeds to s22-5, and if it is judged that the possession number is not 1 or more, the rectifier solenoid control process is terminated.

[0215] (s22-5) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the rectifier outlet sensor 17s is off. If it is judged that the rectifier outlet sensor 17s is off, the process proceeds to s22-6. If it is judged that the rectifier outlet sensor 17s is not off, the rectifier solenoid control process is terminated.

[0216] (s22-6) The frame control CPU 200a turns on the control flag of the rectifier solenoid 9c and ends the rectifier solenoid control process. As a result, from the next timer interrupt, YES is determined in s22-1, and the rectifier solenoid 9c is controlled.

[0217] (s22-7) In s22-1, when it is determined that the control flag of the rectifier solenoid 9c is on, the frame control CPU 200a determines whether or not there is a sensor abnormality error. If it is determined that there is a sensor abnormality error, the rectifier solenoid control process is terminated, and if it is determined that there is no sensor abnormality error, the process proceeds to s22-8.

[0218] (s22-8) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether it is the timing to throw the game ball. If it is judged to be the timing to throw the game ball, the process proceeds to s22-9. If it is judged not to be the timing to throw the game ball, the process proceeds to s22-10. The timing to throw the game ball is preset in accordance with the control timing of the launch solenoid 231c.

[0219] (s22-9) The frame control CPU 200a turns on the rectifier solenoid 9c, that is, starts energizing the rectifier solenoid 9c, and ends the rectifier solenoid control process.

[0220] (s22-10) If it is determined in s22-8 that it is not the timing to throw the ball, the frame control CPU 200a executes control processing according to the time from the start of control of the rectifier solenoid 9c (for example, stopping the flow of electricity to the rectifier solenoid 9c, monitoring the elapsed time from the stopping of power to the end of control, etc.).

[0221] (s22-11) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the rectifier solenoid 9c was turned on (started energization). If it is judged that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to s22-12, and if it is judged that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the rectifier solenoid control process is terminated.

[0222] (s22-12) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the rectifier inlet sensor 15s has been turned off during the time from when the rectifier solenoid 9c was turned on until a predetermined time has elapsed. If it is judged that the rectifier inlet sensor 15s has been turned off, the frame control CPU 200a ends the rectifier solenoid control process, and if it is judged that the rectifier inlet sensor 15s has not been turned off, the process proceeds to s22-13.

[0223] (s22-13) The frame control CPU 200a executes the sensor abnormality error process. Here, the abnormality of the rectifier inlet sensor 15s is notified. When the error reset button provided on the frame control board 200A is operated and a signal is input from the error reset switch 202s, the frame control CPU 200a resets the sensor abnormality error.

[0224] (s22-14) The frame control CPU 200a turns off (stops the supply of electricity to) the rectifier solenoid 9c, and ends the rectifier solenoid control process.

[0225] According to the above-mentioned rectifier solenoid control process, the rectifier solenoid 9c can be energized on the condition that the rectifier inlet sensor 15s detects the game ball continuously for a predetermined time or more (YES in s22-3). In other words, the game ball can be launched on the condition that at least the third game ball to be launched is detected in the rectifier passage 7 for a predetermined time or more. Here, the predetermined time is set to be longer than the time for which the game ball is continuously detected by the rectifier inlet sensor 15s when the game ball passes through the rectifier inlet sensor 15s without stopping, for example.

[0226] If there is zero or one game ball remaining in the rectification passage 7, the game ball sent to the rectification passage 7 by the lifting screw 5 passes downstream without coming to a stop in the detection range of the rectifier inlet sensor 15s. In this case, the detection duration is deemed to be less than the predetermined time, so the energization of the rectifier solenoid 9c, i.e., the launch of the game ball, is restricted.

[0227] This limits the release of game balls when, for example, new game balls are replenished after balls are removed from the gaming machine body 102. Limiting the release of game balls reduces the risk of unnecessary deductions in the number of game balls.

[0228] According to the above rectifier solenoid control process, if the rectifier inlet sensor 15s does not turn off even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the rectifier solenoid 9c was turned on, it is determined that a sensor abnormality error has occurred. As a result, if the rectifier inlet sensor 15s malfunctions and continues to output an on signal, the malfunction of the rectifier inlet sensor 15s can be discovered early. In this case, the rectifier solenoid 9c is de-energized, and the launch of game balls is restricted thereafter until the error is cleared. This can prevent the occurrence of problems such as the number of possessions not being properly managed.

[0229] FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating the subtraction process.

[0230] (s23-1) The frame control CPU 200a checks the detection duration.

[0231] (s23-2) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the detection duration confirmed in s23-1 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. If it is judged to be equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the frame control CPU 200a advances to s23-3. If it is judged to be equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the frame control CPU 200a ends the subtraction process.

[0232] (s23-3) The frame control CPU 200a judges whether the possession number has been subtracted. If it is judged that the possession number has been subtracted, the frame control CPU 200a ends the subtraction process, and if it is judged that the possession number has not been subtracted, the frame control CPU 200a moves the process to s23-4.

[0233] (s23-4) The frame control CPU 200a subtracts one from the possession number.

[0234] (s23-5) The frame control CPU 200a updates the display on the game ball count display device 240 to the number of balls held updated in s23-4, and ends the subtraction process.

[0235] According to the above subtraction process, when the rectifier inlet sensor 15s detects game balls for a predetermined time or more (YES in s23-2), the possession count is subtracted by 1. This reduces the risk of the possession count being subtracted more than necessary even if game balls collide with each other near the rectifier inlet sensor 15s and perform an unexpected movement.

[0236] As described above, according to the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the accuracy of managing the number of gaming balls can be improved.

[0237] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the ball return prevention mechanism 800 provided on the game board 104. In this embodiment, in order to prevent the game balls shot into the game area 110 from clogging, the ball return prevention mechanism 800 is provided.

[0238] Fig. 31 is a partial enlarged view showing the ball return prevention mechanism 800 in a first state, Fig. 32 is a partial enlarged view showing the ball return prevention mechanism 800 in a second state, and Fig. 33 is a partial enlarged view showing the ball return prevention mechanism 800 in a third state. Note that Figs. 31 to 33 are partial enlarged views of a part of Fig. 1.

[0239] 31 to 33, the gaming machine 100 is provided with a ball return prevention mechanism 800. The ball return prevention mechanism 800 is a mechanism for preventing the gaming ball PB launched into the gaming area 110 from returning toward a launching mechanism (not shown). Hereinafter, the rail 104a is also referred to as the inner rail 104a, and the rail 104b is also referred to as the outer rail 104b.

[0240] The game board 104 is provided with an outer rail 104b and an inner rail 104a that define a guide area 108 that guides the game ball to the game area 110. In other words, the guide area 108 is formed between the inner rail 104a and the outer rail 104b. In the guide area 108, the game ball PB launched by a launching mechanism (not shown) is guided to the game area 110. The ball return prevention mechanism 800 prevents the game ball PB from returning from the game area 110 to the guide area 108. The ball return prevention mechanism 800 has a displaceable displacement member 802.

[0241] The displacement member 802 has a side portion 802a facing the outer rail 104b and a tip portion 802b on the tip side of the side portion 802a. The displacement member 802 can be displaced to a first state, a second state, and a third state. Hereinafter, the first state, the second state, and the third state of the displacement member 802 are also referred to as the first state, the second state, and the third state of the ball return prevention mechanism 800.

[0242] For example, as shown in Figs. 31 to 33, the displacement member 802 can rotate around the lower end of the displacement member 802. When no load is applied, the displacement member 802 is biased by a biasing member to be maintained in a first state shown in Fig. 31. For example, in the first state, the displacement member 802 is biased by the biasing member and pressed against a stopper (not shown) to be held in the position shown in Fig. 31. The displacement member 802 is biased counterclockwise in Fig. 31 by the biasing member. The game ball PB launched by a launching mechanism (not shown) can move to the game area 110 by pushing the displacement member 802 against the biasing force of the biasing member.

[0243] As shown in FIG. 31, in the first state, the specific distance D21, which is the distance from the tip 802b of the displacement member 802 to the outer rail 104b, is shorter than the diameter of the game ball PB. Therefore, in the first state, the game ball PB that is trying to return from the game area 110 to the guide area 108 is blocked by the displacement member 802 and cannot enter the guide area 108. Specifically, in the first state, the angle formed by the side surface portion 802a of the displacement member 802 and the outer rail 104b is an acute angle. Therefore, the game ball PB that collides with the displacement member 802 from the game area 110 side is bounced in a direction away from the outer rail 104b and is appropriately returned to the game area 110 side. In the first state, as described later, the specific distance D21 is shorter than in the second state.

[0244] As shown in FIG. 32, in the second state, the specific distance D21 is approximately the same as the diameter of the game ball PB or longer than the diameter of the game ball PB. In the second state, the game ball PB launched by a launching mechanism (not shown) pushes the displacement member 802 and moves beyond the displacement member 802. In the second state, the game ball PB is guided from the guide area 108 to the game area 110. In the second state, the specific distance D21 is longer than in the first state. After the game ball PB moves from the guide area 108 to the game area 110 beyond the displacement member 802, the ball return prevention mechanism 800 returns from the second state to the first state. This suppresses the game ball PB from returning from the game area 110 to the guide area 108.

[0245] The first game ball PB1 shown in FIG. 33 is a game ball PB guided from the guide area 108 to the game area 110. The second game ball PB2 shown in FIG. 33 is a game ball PB that is about to return from the game area 110 to the guide area 108. As shown in FIG. 33, the third state is a state in which the timing when the second game ball PB2, which was launched before the first game ball PB1, returns to the displacement member 802 coincides with the timing when the first game ball PB1 reaches the displacement member 802, and the first game ball PB1 and the second game ball PB2 collide. In the third state, the first game ball PB1 is in contact with the side portion 802a of the displacement member 802, the outer rail 104b, and the second game ball PB2. Also, the second game ball PB2 is in contact with the tip portion 802b of the displacement member 802, the outer rail 104b, and the first game ball PB1. As a result, the specific distance D21 is longer than that in the first state, shorter than that in the second state, and shorter than the distance D22 from the lowest point P21 of the second game ball PB2 to the outer rail 104b.

[0246] As described above, when the ball return prevention mechanism 800 is in the third state, even if the second game ball PB2 tries to return to the guide area 108 after the collision between the first game ball PB1 and the second game ball PB2, the second game ball PB2 will come into contact with the tip 802b of the displacement member 802 from the game area 110 side. Therefore, the displacement member 802 is likely to be given a contact force from the game area 110 side toward the guide area 108 side and rotate counterclockwise. Therefore, the displacement member 802 can make it difficult for the second game ball PB2 to return to the guide area 108. As a result, even when the first game ball PB1 and the second game ball PB2 collide as shown in FIG. 33, the second game ball PB2 can be prevented from returning to the guide area 108. In other words, it is possible to prevent two consecutive game balls PB from returning to the guide area 108, and it is possible to prevent the game ball PB from becoming clogged in the guide area 108 or the launching device.

[0247] As described above, in this embodiment, ball clogging is suppressed by the ball return prevention mechanism 800. In a managed gaming machine, a large number of game balls are retained in the circulation unit 1 so as to be in contact with each other, so that the backflow of game balls into the guide area 108 is highly likely to cause various errors. According to this embodiment, ball clogging is suppressed, and as a result, the occurrence of errors is suppressed.

[0248] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can think of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0249] In the above embodiment, the rectifier inlet sensor 15s is provided as a sensor for detecting the game ball sent to the launching device, and when the rectifier inlet sensor 15s satisfies a predetermined condition that the game ball is detected for a predetermined time or more, the control of the rectifier solenoid 9c, which is a predetermined process that allows the game to proceed, is executed. However, the sensor is not limited to the rectifier inlet sensor 15s, and the predetermined process may be executed based on the detection result of the rectifier outlet sensor 17s, for example.

[0250] Also, for example, the rectifier outlet sensor 17s may be set as the predetermined condition such that the game ball has not been detected for a predetermined time or more. Furthermore, the predetermined process that enables the game to proceed is not limited to the control of the rectifier solenoid 9c, but may be, for example, the control of the launch solenoid 231c, or any process related to the progress of the game in the main control board 100A.

[0251] In any case, the device comprises a game board on which a game area is formed, a launching device that launches game balls toward the game area, a sensor that detects the game balls sent to the launching device, a game ball number derivation means that derives the number of game balls held by the player, a display control means that displays the derived number of game balls on a display unit, and a game control means that enables predetermined processing to allow the game to proceed when the detection result of the sensor satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0252] Therefore, for example, the sensor that detects the gaming balls being sent to the launching device and the sensor that derives the number of gaming balls held by the player may be separate or may be the same.

[0253] In addition, in the above embodiment, the ball return prevention mechanism 800 is provided, but the ball return prevention mechanism 800 is not essential.

[0254] In the above embodiment, the rectifier inlet sensor 15s corresponds to the sensor of the present invention, and the frame control CPU 200a corresponds to the game ball number deriving means, display control means, and game control means of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0255] 100 Gaming Machines 104 Game Board 104a, 104b rails 108 Navigation Area 110 Gaming area 200a Frame control CPU 802 Displacement member 802a side part 802b Tip

Claims

1. A gaming machine in which gaming balls circulate within the gaming machine body, A game board on which a game area is formed; A launching device that launches game balls toward the game area; A straightening passage in which a plurality of game balls can be retained and which sends the game balls from a downstream side to the launching device side; A sensor that detects a game ball located upstream of a game ball located at a downstream end among the multiple game balls retained in the straightening passage; A game ball number deriving means for deriving the number of game balls owned by a player; A display control means for displaying the derived number of game balls on a display unit; a game control means for enabling a predetermined process to allow a game to proceed when the detection result of the sensor satisfies a predetermined condition; A gaming machine equipped with:

2. A game machine having an error notification means for notifying an error when the sensor does not detect a game ball for a specific period of time or more, The predetermined condition is that a gaming ball is detected for a predetermined time or more.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1 .

Images