Pachinko machine

Abstract

To make it easier to grasp the occurrence of errors and defects.SOLUTION: A game machine in which game balls circulate within the game machine body includes mode setting means for setting a specific mode in which game balls can be discharged from the game machine body, and display control means for displaying a predetermined error on a display unit when a predetermined error occurs during the specific mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, there is known a gaming machine called a so-called management gaming machine that circulates game balls inside the gaming machine body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the management gaming machine circulates game balls inside the gaming machine body, its structure and control become complicated, and there is a risk of various errors and malfunctions occurring compared to conventional gaming machines. As a result, it may be difficult to grasp the generated errors.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of easily grasping the occurrence of errors and malfunctions.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine in which game balls circulate inside the gaming machine body, mode setting means for setting a specific mode in which game balls can be discharged from the gaming machine body, When the specific mode is set, a display indicating that it is in the specific mode is performed on the display unit. display control means for performing a predetermined error display on a display unit when an error related to disconnection occurs during the specific mode, and includes The display unit is capable of simultaneously displaying the display during the specific mode and the predetermined error display. During the specific mode, error displays other than those related to the disconnection are not executed. This is the gist.

Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily grasp the occurrence of errors and malfunctions.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0010]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] With reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in such embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit redundant descriptions, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a front view of the 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 that is supported by the main body frame so as to be openable and closable. A game 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 with respect to the main body frame, the transparent plate faces the game board 104 while maintaining a predetermined interval.

[0013] An operation handle 106 that protrudes toward the front side of the gaming machine 100 is provided at the lower part of the front door. The operation handle 106 is provided so that the player can rotate it. When the player rotates the operation handle 106 to perform a firing operation, a game ball is fired with an intensity corresponding to the rotation angle of the operation handle 106. The game ball fired in this way rises between the rails 104a and 104b provided on the game board 104 and is guided to the game area 110.

[0014] The game area 110 is a space formed between the game board 104 and the transparent plate, and is an area where the game ball can flow down or roll. A large number of pins and windmills are provided on the game board 104, and the game ball guided to the game area 110 collides with the pins and windmills and flows down and rolls in irregular directions.

[0015] The gaming area 110 includes a first gaming area 110a and a second gaming area 110b. The first gaming area 110a is located on the left side of the gaming area 110 as viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 100, and the second gaming area 110b is located on the right side of the gaming area 110 as viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 100. Since the rails 104a and 104b are on the left side of the gaming area 110, a game ball launched with a launch intensity less than a predetermined intensity enters the first gaming area 110a, and a game ball launched with a launch intensity equal to or greater than the predetermined intensity enters the second gaming area 110b.

[0016] In addition, the gaming area 110 is provided with a general winning opening 118 into which a game ball can enter, a first start opening 120, and a second start opening 122. When a game ball enters these general winning opening 118, first start opening 120, and second start opening 122, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. Note that the number of prize balls may be any number of 1 or more, and the number of prize balls paid out at each of the general winning opening 118, first start opening 120, and second start opening 122 may be different, or may be set to the same number of prize balls. At this time, it is also possible to set the number of prize balls paid out when a game ball enters the first start opening 120 to be less than the number of prize balls paid out when a game ball enters the second start opening 122.

[0017] When a game ball enters the first start opening 120 or the second start opening 122, a lottery is conducted to determine one of a plurality of special symbols provided in advance. Various gaming benefits such as the availability of a major winning game or a minor winning game advantageous to the player and what kind of gaming state the subsequent gaming state will be are associated with each special symbol. Therefore, when a game ball enters the first start opening 120 or the second start opening 122, the player will obtain a predetermined number of prize balls and at the same time, an opportunity to obtain the right to receive various gaming benefits.

[0018] The first start opening 120 is at the lower part of the gaming area 110 and is arranged such that only the game balls flowing down in the first gaming area 110a can enter, or the game balls that have entered the first gaming area 110a are in a position where they are more likely to enter than the game balls that have entered the second gaming area 110b.

[0019] Further, the second starting port 122 is located in the second game area 110b, and only the game balls flowing down in the second game area 110b can enter, or the game balls that have entered the second game area 110b are arranged at a position where they are more likely to enter than the game balls that have entered the first game area 110a. This second starting port 122 is constituted by a variable starting port having a movable piece 122b, and the ease of entry of game balls into the second starting port 122 is variable.

[0020] Specifically, the second starting port 122 is provided with the movable piece 122b so as to be openable and closable. When the movable piece 122b is in the closed state, it is impossible or difficult for game balls to enter the second starting port 122. Although the specific configuration of the second starting port 122 is not particularly limited, here, the movable piece 122b is configured to be immersed in the back side of the game board 104 in the closed state and to protrude to the front side of the game board 104 in the open state. In the closed state where the movable piece 122b is immersed, the second starting port 122 is closed, and the game balls flow down the front side of the second starting port 122.

[0021] On the other hand, when the game balls pass through the gates 124 provided in the first game area 110a and the second game area 110b, it is determined whether or not an auxiliary game in which the second starting port 122 is opened is executed. When the execution of the auxiliary game is determined, an auxiliary game in which the opening and closing of the second starting port 122 is controlled is executed. More specifically, on the condition that the game balls have passed through the gates 124, a normal symbol lottery is conducted. When winning in this lottery, the movable piece 122b is controlled to be in the open state for a predetermined time.

[0022] In the open state where the movable piece 122b protrudes, the game balls flowing down the front side of the second starting port 122 fall onto the movable piece 122b. The game balls that have fallen onto the movable piece 122b are guided by the movable piece 122b and led to the second starting port 122. In this way, when the movable piece 122b is in the open state, the movable piece 122b functions as a tray for guiding the game balls to the second starting port 122, and it becomes easy for the game balls to enter the second starting port 122.

[0023] Further, a big winning opening 126 is provided below the game area 110. The big winning opening 126 is arranged at a position where game balls flowing down at least through the second game area 110b can enter. An opening / closing door 126b is provided for the big winning opening 126 so as to be openable and closable. Normally, the opening / closing door 126b closes the big winning opening 126, making it impossible for game balls to enter the big winning opening 126. On the other hand, when the above-described big winning game or small winning game is executed, the opening / closing door 126b is opened, and the opening / closing door 126b functions as a tray, making it possible for game balls to enter the big winning opening 126. When a game ball enters the big winning opening 126, predetermined prize balls are paid out to the player.

[0024] Note that at the lowermost part of the game area 110, a discharge port 130 is provided for discharging game balls that have not entered any of the general winning opening 118, the first starting opening 120, the second starting opening 122, and the big winning opening 126 from the game area 110 to the back side of the game board 104.

[0025] Here, the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment is a management gaming machine in which game balls circulate within the gaming machine main body 102. A circulation unit 1 described later is provided in the gaming machine main body 102. The circulation unit 1 is provided below the game board 104, and all the game balls launched into the game area 110 are collected by the circulation unit 1. The circulation unit 1 aligns the collected game balls and sends them to the launching device, and the launching device launches the game balls into the game area 110 again. The circulation unit 1 will be described below.

[0026] 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 rectifying passage 7. The circulation passage 3 is a passage that extends while meandering in the width direction (left - right direction in the figure) and the front - rear direction (depth direction of the paper surface in the figure) of the circulation unit 1. The starting end of the circulation passage 3 is located above the ending end, and is gently inclined from the starting end toward the ending end.

[0027] On the back side of the game board 104, a collecting passage is provided where the game balls launched into the game area 110 gather. Specifically, all the 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. And 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.

[0028] At the end of the circulation passage 3, a lifting screw 5 is located. The lifting screw 5 includes a rotating shaft 5a extending along the vertical direction and a spiral piece 5b extending spirally around the rotating shaft 5a. A spiral passage extending spirally around the rotating shaft 5a is formed by the rotating shaft 5a, the spiral piece 5b, and a case that houses the lifting screw 5.

[0029] At the end of the circulation passage 3, the lower end of the lifting screw 5 is located, and the game balls are guided from the circulation passage 3 to the spiral passage. When the lifting screw 5 rotates by the drive of the lifting motor 5c, the game balls rise in the spiral passage from vertically below upward. At the upper end of the lifting screw 5, the upstream end of the rectifying passage 7 is located, and the game balls that have risen through the spiral passage by the lifting screw 5 are guided to the rectifying passage 7.

[0030] 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 connected to the spiral passage is located above the downstream end. Therefore, the rectifying passage 7 slopes gently from the upstream end toward the downstream end. As a result, the game balls guided to the rectifying passage 7 roll by their own weight from upstream to downstream. 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. In the normal operating state of the gaming machine 100, a large number of game balls stay in the circulation passage 3 and the rectifying passage 7, and the game balls are in contact with each other.

[0031] In addition, the circulation unit 1 includes a rectifier 9. The rectifier 9 is provided at the downstream end of the rectification passage 7 and is responsible for stopping the supply of game balls from the rectifier 9 to the launcher or supplying the game balls to the launcher one by one.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a first diagram for explaining the rectifier 9, and FIG. 5 is a second diagram for explaining the rectifier 9. The rectifier 9 includes a base plate 11. The base plate 11 is a flat member and is arranged to partition the space in the front-rear direction (the depth direction in the drawing) of the circulation unit 1. At this time, the rectification passage 7 is located on the front side of the circulation unit 1 rather than the base plate 11. Therefore, the game balls staying near the downstream end of the rectification passage 7 will be located on the front surface side of the base plate 11.

[0033] In addition, the rectifier 9 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 rectification passage 7. Also, the rectifier solenoid 9c is provided at a distance from the rectification passage 7 on the front side in the rolling direction of the game balls in the rectification passage 7 (the direction from the left side to the right side in the drawing).

[0034] Furthermore, the rectifier 9 includes a rectifying member 13 provided on the front surface side of the base plate 11. The rectifying member 13 includes a stop surface 13a facing the base plate 11 and a pressing surface 13b substantially orthogonal to the stop surface 13a. The rectifying member 13 includes a rotation fulcrum 13c, and the rotation fulcrum 13c is rotatably supported by the base plate 11. Thereby, the rectifying member 13 rotates with the rotation fulcrum 13c as a fulcrum. The pressing surface 13b faces the rectifier solenoid 9c. When the rectifier solenoid 9c protrudes, the pressing surface 13b is pressed by the rectifier solenoid 9c and rotates with the rotation fulcrum 13c as a fulcrum. That is, the rectifying member 13 is switched between the state shown in FIG. 4 and the state shown in FIG. 5 by the rectifier solenoid 9c.

[0035] On the stop surface 13a, a first ball feeding groove 13d smaller than the diameter of the game ball and a second ball feeding groove 13e that is continuous with the first ball feeding groove 13d and larger than the diameter of the game ball are formed. As shown in FIG. 4, in the immersed state of the rectifier solenoid 9c, one game ball located at the downstream end of the rectification passage 7 falls from the second ball feeding 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 launched by the launching device.

[0036] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, in the protruding state of the rectifier solenoid 9c, the game ball located at the downstream end of the rectification passage 7 faces the first ball feeding groove 13d. In this state, the feeding of the game ball to the launching device is stopped by the stop surface 13a. Therefore, for example, when the player operates the operation 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 fed one by one to the launching device at regular intervals.

[0037] Note that a rectifier inlet sensor 15s is provided in the rectification passage 7. The rectifier inlet sensor 15s detects the third game ball from the downstream end among the game balls staying in the rectification passage 7. In other words, the rectifier inlet sensor 15s is arranged at a position where it detects the third game ball among the game balls fed to the launching device.

[0038] 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 back side of the base plate 11. A ball feeding hole 19 through which one game ball can enter is formed on the back side of the base plate 11. The rectifier outlet sensor 17s detects the game ball passing through the ball feeding hole 19. In the gaming machine 100, the number of game balls possessed by the player, the number of launched balls, etc. are counted based on the detection of the game balls by the rectifier inlet sensor 15s and the rectifier outlet sensor 17s.

[0039] As described above, in the gaming machine 100, the circulating unit 1 causes the game balls to circulate inside the gaming machine main body 102. Next, the internal configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described.

[0040] (Internal Configuration of Control Means) FIG. 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.

[0041] The main control board 100A controls the basic operations of the game. The main control board 100A includes a main CPU 100a, a main ROM 100b, and a main RAM 100c. The main CPU 100a reads out the program stored in the main ROM 100b based on the input signals from each detection switch and timer, performs arithmetic processing, 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 work area for data during the arithmetic processing of the main CPU 100a.

[0042] The gaming machine 100 is roughly classified into a special game started mainly by the entry of game balls into the first start port 120 or the second start port 122, and a normal game started when the game balls pass through the gate 124. And various programs for proceeding with the special game and the normal game, various data and tables necessary for various games are stored in the main ROM 100b of the main control board 100A.

[0043] Connected to the main control board 100A are a general winning port detection switch 118s for detecting that a game ball has entered the general winning port 118, a first start port detection switch 120s for detecting that a game ball has entered the first start port 120, a second start port detection switch 122s for detecting that a game ball has entered the second start port 122, a gate detection switch 124s for detecting that a game ball has passed through the gate 124, and a big winning port detection switch 126s for detecting that a game ball has entered the big winning port 126. Detection signals are input from these respective detection switches to the main control board 100A.

[0044] In addition, on the main control board 100A, a general-purpose electric actuator solenoid 122c that actuates the movable piece 122b of the second start port 122 and a jackpot solenoid 126c that actuates the opening / closing door 126b that opens and closes the jackpot port 126 are connected. The main control board 100A controls the opening and closing of the second start port 122 and the jackpot port 126.

[0045] Furthermore, on the main control board 100A, a plurality of indicators for indicating the state of the game are connected, such as a first special symbol indicator on which a special symbol is displayed, a second special symbol indicator, a first special symbol hold indicator on which the number of special symbol hold 1 or special symbol hold 2 is displayed, a second special symbol hold indicator, a normal symbol indicator on which a normal symbol is displayed, a normal symbol hold indicator on which the number of normal symbol holds is displayed, etc. Here, each of these indicators is referred to as the main indicator 128. The main control board 100A controls the display of the main indicator 128.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Furthermore, a setting change switch 134s is provided on the back surface of the game board 104. The setting change switch 134s is configured to be accessible by a dedicated key. An operation for changing and confirming the set value is possible on the condition that the setting change switch 134s is on. Although detailed description is omitted, the gaming machine 100 stores any one of six levels of set values with different degrees of advantage as the registered set value in the set value buffer, and the game progresses according to the stored registered set value.

[0048] Note that a set value indicator 134 on which the registered set value is displayed is provided on the back surface of the game board 104. The main control board 100A displays the registered set value on the set value indicator 134 during the change or confirmation of the set value.

[0049] Also, on the back surface of the game board 104, a RAM clear button is provided so that it can be pressed, and the pressing operation of this RAM clear button is detected by the 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 a RAM clear operation signal is input from the RAM clear switch 136s at the time of power-on, the main CPU 100a clears the main RAM 100c.

[0050] Also, a frame control board 200A and a sub-control board 300A are connected to the main control board 100A.

[0051] 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 effects during the game. The frame control board 200A, together with the main control board 100A, performs various controls related to the progress of the game, such as control for firing game balls and control for paying out bonus balls. The frame control board 200A is connected to the main control board 100A so as to be communicable bidirectionally. The frame control board 200A will be described in detail below.

[0052] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the frame control board 200A. The frame control board 200A is provided with a ball drain switch 201s, an error release switch 202s, a game ball number clear switch 203s, a RAM clear switch 204s, and a firing intensity volume 205s.

[0053] The ball drain switch 201s detects the operation of a ball drain button provided on the frame control board 200A. When the power is turned on with the ball drain button operated, the ball drain mode is set. The ball drain mode is a mode in which game balls can be discharged from the game machine main body 102. When replacing game balls during maintenance, etc., the game balls can be discharged from the game machine main body 102 by setting the ball drain mode.

[0054] The error release switch 202s detects the operation of the error release button provided on the frame control board 200A. The error state is released by operating the error release button.

[0055] The game ball count clear switch 203s detects the operation of the game ball count clear button provided on the frame control board 200A. On the frame control board 200A, the number of game balls held by the player is counted. When the power is turned on with the game ball count clear switch 203s operated, the number of game balls is cleared.

[0056] The RAM clear switch 204s detects the operation of the 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.

[0057] The firing intensity volume 205s controls the current value of the firing solenoid 231c described later, and fires the game ball with an intensity corresponding to the operation angle of the operation handle 106.

[0058] In addition, a foul ball sensor 210s, a radio wave sensor 211s, an open switch 212s, a handle volume 213s, a firing stop switch 214s, a touch sensor 215s, an out switch 216s, a ball count shortage sensor 217s, a ball count excess 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.

[0059] The foul ball sensor 210s detects the game balls that are guided to the foul passage without reaching the game area 110 among the game balls fired toward the game area 110. The radio wave sensor 211s detects radio waves. The open switch 212s detects that the front door is open. The handle volume 213s detects the operation angle of the operation handle 106.

[0060] The launch stop switch 214s detects the operation of the launch stop button provided on the operation handle 106. When the launch stop button is operated, the launch of the game balls is stopped regardless of the operation angle of the operation handle 106. The touch sensor 215s detects that the player's hand is touching the operation handle 106. The out switch 216s detects the game balls discharged from the game area 110 to the back side of the game board 104.

[0061] The ball shortage sensor 217s detects that the number of game balls circulating inside the gaming machine main body 102 is small. The ball excess sensor 218s detects that the number of game balls circulating inside the gaming machine main body 102 is large. The lift motor sensor 5s detects the rotation of the lift motor 5c. The rectifier inlet sensor 15s detects the game balls in the rectification passage 7. The rectifier outlet sensor 17s detects the game balls sent from the rectification passage 7 to the launcher side.

[0062] The counting switch 219s detects the game balls. Also, the frame control board 200A outputs an LED control signal to the counting switch 219s.

[0063] As described above, various detection signals are input to the frame control board 200A from the foul ball sensor 210s, the radio wave sensor 211s, the release switch 212s, the handle volume 213s, the launch stop switch 214s, the touch sensor 215s, the out switch 216s, the ball shortage sensor 217s, the ball excess sensor 218s, the lift motor sensor 5s, the rectifier inlet sensor 15s, the rectifier outlet sensor 17s, and the counting switch 219s.

[0064] Also, the lift motor 5c, the rectifier solenoid 9c, and the launch solenoid 231c are connected to the frame control board 200A. The lift motor 5c drives the above-mentioned lift screw 5. The rectifier solenoid 9c sends the game balls staying in the rectification passage 7 to the launcher side one by one. The launch solenoid 231c is provided in the launcher and launches the game balls toward the game area 110. The lift motor 5c, the rectifier solenoid 9c, and the launch solenoid 231c are controlled by the frame control board 200A.

[0065] In addition, a game ball number display device 240, a frame control display 241, and a performance display monitor 242 are connected to the frame control board 200A. The game ball number display device 240 is provided, for example, at a position visible to a player during the game, such as the front door. The number of game balls held by the player is displayed on the game ball number display device 240. The frame control display 241 is provided at a position invisible to the player during the game, such as the back of the game board 104. The input state of signals from each sensor connected to the frame control board 200A, error states, etc. are displayed on the frame control display 241. The performance display monitor 242 is provided at a position invisible to the player during the game, and displays information such as the base ratio. The game ball number display device 240, the frame control display 241, and the performance display monitor 242 are subjected to display control by the frame control board 200A.

[0066] In addition, the frame control board 200A is connected to the dedicated unit 250 via a game ball lending device connection terminal board 243. The frame control board 200A and the dedicated unit 250 are connected so as to enable two-way communication.

[0067] The dedicated unit 250 includes, for example, a bill insertion slot for inserting bills, a card insertion slot for inserting an IC card, a liquid crystal display for displaying the remaining balance, etc. The dedicated unit 250 updates the remaining balance of the IC card or lends out game balls based on the operations of the player. In addition, the dedicated unit 250 is connected to the hall computer of the game arcade and transmits game machine information and the like transmitted from the frame control board 200A to the hall computer.

[0068] Next, 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 management gaming machine, will be described. In this embodiment, the characteristic processing in the main control board 100A, the frame control board 200A, and the dedicated unit 250 will be 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.

[0069] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the processes in the main control board 100A and the frame control board 200A. Note that FIG. 9 shows the processes in a state where no setting change or 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 start process S1 is executed in the main control board 100A, and the frame control start process s1 is executed in the frame control board 200A. The main control start process S1 and the frame control start process s1 are executed independently of each other.

[0070] In the main control start process S1, confirmation of actuators controlled by the main control board 100A, such as the normal electric accessory solenoid 122c and the big winning opening solenoid 126c, and confirmation operations of displays controlled by the main control board 100A, such as the main display 128, are performed. The confirmation operation of the display includes the confirmation operation of the set value display 134. In the main control start process S1, the main CPU 100a blinks the set value display 134 so that it is possible to visually confirm whether there is an abnormality in the LED. This confirmation operation of the set value display 134 continues until the gaming machine shifts to a playable state where gaming is possible after the end of the main control start process S1.

[0071] In the frame control start process s1, confirmation operations of each display controlled by the frame control board 200A are performed. The frame control start process s1 will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0072] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the frame control start process s1.

[0073] (s1-1) When the power is turned on to the frame control board 200A, the frame control CPU 200a determines whether the game ball number clear switch 203s is in the on state, that is, whether the power is turned on with the game ball number clear button operated. As a result, if it is determined that the game ball number clear switch 203s is in the on state, the process proceeds to s1-2, and if it is determined that the game ball number clear switch 203s is not in the on state, the process proceeds to s1-3.

[0074] (s1-2) The frame control CPU 200a clears the storage area in the frame control RAM 200c that stores the number of game balls held by the player.

[0075] (s1-3) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the ball discharge switch 201s is in the ON state, that is, whether the power is turned on while the ball discharge button is operated. As a result, if it is determined that the ball discharge switch 201s is in the ON state, the process proceeds to s1-4, and if it is determined that the ball discharge switch 201s is not in the ON state, the process proceeds to s1-6.

[0076] (s1-4) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the number of game balls held by the player is 0. As a result, if it is determined that the number of game balls is 0, the process proceeds to s1-5, and if it is determined that the number of game balls is not 0, the process proceeds to s1-6.

[0077] (s1-5) The frame control CPU 200a shifts to the ball discharge state and ends the frame control startup process. By shifting to this ball discharge state, the internal state of the frame control board 200A is set to the ball discharge mode. Thus, in the present embodiment, the ball discharge mode is set on the condition that the number of game balls held by the player is 0 and the power is turned on while the ball discharge button is operated. Details of the ball discharge mode will be described later.

[0078] On the other hand, when the power is turned on and the ball discharge button is not operated, or when the number of game balls held by the player is not 0, the confirmation operation after s1-6 is performed.

[0079] (s1-6) The frame control CPU 200a sets a confirmation timer and an elapsed time timer after startup. The confirmation timer measures the time for continuing the confirmation operations of various displays and the like. Here, for example, a timer value corresponding to 5 seconds is set for the confirmation timer. Also, the elapsed time timer after startup measures the elapsed time since the frame control board 200A was started. Here, for example, a timer value corresponding to 3 minutes is set for the elapsed time timer after startup. Note that the times set for the confirmation timer and the elapsed time timer after startup are not limited. It is only necessary that the time set for the elapsed time timer after startup is longer than the time set for the confirmation timer.

[0080] (s1-7) The frame control CPU 200a performs a confirmation operation on the game ball number display device 240. Here, the frame control CPU 200a controls the game ball number display device 240 to turn on or blink.

[0081] (s1-8) The frame control CPU 200a performs a confirmation operation on the performance display monitor 242. Here, the frame control CPU 200a controls the performance display monitor 242 to turn on or blink.

[0082] (s1-9) The frame control CPU 200a executes a wait process and waits until a predetermined time (for example, several ms to several 100 ms) has elapsed.

[0083] (s1-10) When the predetermined time has elapsed, the frame control CPU 200a subtracts the timer value of the confirmation timer.

[0084] (s1-11) Also, the frame control CPU 200a subtracts the timer value of the elapsed time timer after startup.

[0085] (s1-12) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the timer value of the confirmation timer is 0. As a result, if it is determined that the timer value of the confirmation timer is 0, the process proceeds to s1-13, and if it is determined that the timer value of the confirmation timer is not 0, the process proceeds to s1-7.

[0086] (s1-13) The frame control CPU 200a ends the confirmation operations of the game ball number display device 240 and the performance display monitor 242. As a result, the confirmation operations of the game ball number display device 240 and the performance display monitor 242 are performed until the time (e.g., 5 seconds) set in the confirmation timer elapses.

[0087] (s1-14) The frame control CPU 200a turns on a command permission signal that permits the transmission and reception of information with the main control board 100A, and ends the frame control start process.

[0088] Returning to FIG. 9, in the frame control board 200A, when the frame control start process s1 ends, various processes are executed by timer interrupt. At this time, in the frame control board 200A, the information reception process s2 and the dedicated unit connection confirmation process s4 are executed for each timer interrupt.

[0089] FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the information reception process s2.

[0090] (s2-1) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether it has received the gaming machine installation information from the main control board 100A. The gaming machine installation information is repeatedly transmitted to the frame control board 200A at a predetermined interval (e.g., 100 ms) after the end of the main control start process S1 in the main control board 100A. If it is determined that the gaming machine installation information has been received, the frame control CPU 200a proceeds to s2-2, and if it is determined that the gaming machine installation information has not been received, the frame control CPU 200a proceeds to s3.

[0091] (s2-2) The frame control CPU 200a transmits response information to the main control board 100A. This response information conveys to the main control board 100A that the game machine installation information has been properly received. Also, the information reception process s2 is executed even during the ball discharge mode. The response information is configured to be able to identify whether it is in the ball discharge state or not. At the main control board 100A, based on the response information, it is possible to determine whether the frame control board 200A is in the ball discharge mode or not.

[0092] (s2-3) The frame control CPU 200a sets a timer for the elapsed time after transmission. Note that the timer for the elapsed time after transmission measures the elapsed time since the response information was transmitted. Here, for example, a timer value corresponding to 1 second is set in the timer for the elapsed time after transmission.

[0093] (s2-4) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the timer value of the timer for the elapsed time after startup is greater than 0. As a result, if it is determined that the timer value is greater than 0, the process proceeds to s2-5, and if it is determined that the timer value is not greater than 0, the information reception process ends.

[0094] (s2-5) The frame control CPU 200a resets the timer for the elapsed time after startup.

[0095] (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 end of the frame control startup process s1, in other words, after the power-on of the frame control board 200A, when the game machine installation information is first received from the main control board 100A until the elapsed time after startup (for example, 3 minutes) has elapsed, the number of game balls is displayed on the game ball number display device 240.

[0096] (s2-7) The frame control CPU 200a starts the performance display on the performance display monitor 242. That is, after the end of the frame control startup process s1, in other words, after the power-on of the frame control board 200A, when the elapsed time after startup (for example, 3 minutes) has elapsed and the gaming machine installation information is received from the main control board 100A for the first time, the performance display on the performance display monitor 242 is started.

[0097] Figure 12 is a flowchart for explaining the disconnection determination process s3. If it is determined in s2-1 that the gaming machine installation information has not been received, the disconnection determination process s3 is executed.

[0098] (s3-1) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the timer value of the elapsed time timer after startup is greater than 0. As a result, if it is determined that the timer value is greater than 0, the process proceeds to s3-2, and if it is determined that the timer value is not greater than 0, the process proceeds to s3-5.

[0099] (s3-2) The frame control CPU 200a subtracts the timer value of the elapsed time timer.

[0100] (s3-3) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the timer value updated in s3-2 is 0. As a result, if it is determined that the timer value is 0, the process proceeds to s3-4, and if it is determined that the timer value is not 0, the disconnection determination process ends.

[0101] (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 the disconnection error process. In the disconnection error process, the frame control CPU 200a, for example, performs a predetermined error display on the frame control display 241. Also, in the disconnection error process, processes for stopping the game, such as stopping the firing and lending of game balls, may be executed.

[0102] (s3-5) On the other hand, in S3-1, when it is determined that the timer value of the elapsed time timer after startup is 0, the frame control CPU 200a subtracts the timer value of the elapsed time timer after transmission.

[0103] (S3-6) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the timer value updated in S3-5 is 0. As a result, if it is determined that the timer value is 0, the process moves to S3-4 described above, and if it is determined that the timer value is not 0, the disconnection determination process ends.

[0104] According to the above disconnection determination process, when the game machine installation information cannot be received from the main control board 100A after the power is turned on for the frame control board 200A until the elapsed time after startup (for example, 3 minutes) has elapsed, the disconnection error process is executed. Note that the time required for the main control startup process S1 is less than 3 minutes, and after the main control startup process S1 ends, the game machine installation information is transmitted at intervals of, for example, 100 ms. Therefore, even though it is the timing when the main control startup process S1 has ended on the main control board 100A and the game machine installation information can be transmitted, if the game machine installation information cannot be received, it is determined that a disconnection error has occurred on the frame control board 200A.

[0105] Also, when the reception interval of the game machine installation information exceeds the elapsed time after transmission (for example, 1 second), the disconnection error process is executed. Therefore, for example, since the game machine installation information is transmitted at intervals of 100 ms, if the game machine installation information cannot be received continuously 10 times, it is determined that a disconnection error has occurred on the frame control board 200A.

[0106] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the processing in the frame control board 200A and the dedicated unit 250. After the completion of the frame control startup process s1, the frame control CPU 200a executes the dedicated unit connection confirmation process s4 (see FIG. 9) at regular intervals. As shown in FIG. 13, in the dedicated unit connection confirmation process, the frame control CPU 200a transmits connection confirmation information to the dedicated unit 250 at regular intervals. Further, when the dedicated unit 250 receives the connection confirmation information, it transmits response information to the frame control board 200A. By repeating the transmission and reception of the connection confirmation information and the response information at regular intervals in this way, it has been confirmed that the communication between the frame control board 200A and the dedicated unit 250 is established.

[0107] In the frame control board 200A, if response information cannot be received from the dedicated unit 250 for a predetermined time, it is determined that a disconnection error has occurred between the dedicated unit 250, and the frame control CPU 200a executes the same disconnection error process as described above. In addition to this, various other information is transmitted and received between the frame control board 200A and the dedicated unit 250 at regular intervals. Other information transmitted and received between the frame control board 200A and the dedicated unit 250 will be described later.

[0108] Returning to FIG. 9, when the main control startup process S1 is completed in the main control board 100A, the main CPU 100a transmits the gaming machine installation information to the frame control board 200A at regular intervals (for example, 100 ms) (S2). In the frame control board 200A, the information reception process s2 is executed every timer interrupt, and when the gaming machine installation information is received, response information is transmitted to the main control board 100A.

[0109] In the main control board 100A, when receiving the response information from the frame control board 200A for the first time, the internal state is set to the playable state, and the main control board 100A is set to the launch permission state that permits the launch of the game balls (S3). Note that when setting to the playable state, the main CPU 100a terminates the confirmation operation of the setting value display 134 and turns off the setting value display 134. Thereby, the game becomes possible hereafter. Also, after being set to the playable state, the transmission and reception of the game machine installation information and the response information are repeated between the main control board 100A and the frame control board 200A at predetermined time intervals.

[0110] Next, the ball extraction mode will be described. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing the processes in the main control board 100A and the frame control board 200A in the ball extraction state. As described above, when the power is turned on while the ball extraction button is operated, in the frame control board 200A, after the frame control start process s1, the process s5 during the ball extraction state is executed, and the ball extraction mode is set. Although not shown in the figure, even during the ball extraction mode, the above-described dedicated unit connection confirmation process s4 is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals.

[0111] FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the process s5 during the ball extraction state. The process s5 during the ball extraction state is executed every timer interrupt.

[0112] (s5-1) The frame control CPU 200a checks the input signal from a predetermined sensor connected to the frame control board 200A.

[0113] (s5-2) Next, the frame control CPU 200a updates the detected information based on the check result in s5-1. Here, for the sensor where the input signal is detected, it is stored that the input signal has been detected.

[0114] (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.

[0115] (s5-4) Next, the frame control CPU 200a turns on the lamp indicating the ball removal state of the frame control display 241.

[0116] 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 groups 241a. One LED group 241a is composed of seven LEDs (so-called 7 segments) arranged to indicate the number 8 and a dot-shaped LED arranged at the lower right. The six LED groups 241a are arranged in parallel on the frame control display 241, and the left three LED groups 241a constitute an error state notification unit for notifying the occurring error state. Also, the fourth and fifth LED groups 241a from the left constitute an input state notification unit for notifying the input state, and the rightmost LED group 241a constitutes a ball removal state notification unit for notifying the ball removal state.

[0117] An error code corresponding to the occurring error state is displayed on the error state notification unit composed of three LED groups 241a. Also, among the input state notification units composed of two LED groups 241a, the right (fifth from the left) LED group 241a indicates the detected state of the input signal from each sensor. Also, among the input state notification units composed of two LED groups 241a, the left (fourth from the left) LED group 241a indicates the detection state of the current input signal from each sensor.

[0118] Among the eight LEDs that constitute the LED group 241a indicating the detected state of the input signal in the input state notification unit, any one of the sensors connected to the frame control board 200A is associated with each. And the LED corresponding to the sensor in the detected state of the input signal lights up. Also, for the eight LEDs that constitute the LED group 241a indicating the detection state of the current input signal in the input state notification unit, any one of the sensors connected to the frame control board 200A is associated with each. And the LED corresponding to the sensor where the input signal is currently detected lights up.

[0119] The ball removal state notification unit notifies that the ball removal mode is currently set by turning on a predetermined LED during the ball removal state. For example, while the ball removal mode is set, as shown in FIG. 16(b), some LEDs of the input state notification unit and the ball removal state notification unit are turned on.

[0120] (s5-5) Returning to FIG. 15, the frame control CPU 200a determines whether it is not connected to the dedicated unit 250. As a result, if it is determined that it is not connected to the dedicated unit 250, the process proceeds to s5-6, and if it is determined that it is not not connected (connected) to the dedicated unit 250, the process proceeds to s5-9.

[0121] (s5-6) The frame control CPU 200a maintains a firing prohibition state in which the firing of the game ball is prohibited. In the firing prohibition state, the firing of the game ball becomes impossible. Although detailed description is omitted, in a state where the communication connection with the dedicated unit 250 is not established, not only during the ball removal mode but also during normal games, the firing prohibition state is entered.

[0122] (s5-7) The frame control CPU 200a displays an error code indicating a disconnection error with the dedicated unit 250 on the error state notification unit of the frame control display 241.

[0123] (s5-8) The frame control CPU 200a executes a ball removal process for discharging the game ball from the game machine main body 102, and ends the process during the ball removal state.

[0124] (s5-9) Also, when the communication connection with the dedicated unit 250 is established (NO in s5-5), the frame control CPU 200a maintains a firing permission state in which the firing of the game ball is permitted, and the process proceeds to s5-8.

[0125] Here, in a management gaming machine in which game balls circulate inside the gaming machine body 102, in order to discharge the game balls staying inside the gaming machine body 102, such as in the rectifier circuit 7, a firing operation is required. Therefore, while the ball extraction mode is set, it is necessary to maintain the firing permission state in both the main control board 100A and the frame control board 200A.

[0126] Returning to FIG. 14, even in the ball extraction state, when the gaming machine installation information is transmitted from the main control board 100A to the frame control board 200A (S2), response information is transmitted 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 it is in the ball extraction state or not. When receiving the response information corresponding to the ball extraction state, the main control board 100A is set to the firing permission state and thereafter enters an infinite loop (S3). As a result, both the main control board 100A and the frame control board 200A are in the firing permission state, and the game balls can be discharged from inside the gaming machine body 102.

[0127] Note that the ball extraction mode is canceled by turning off the power. In other words, in the state where the power is turned on, the ball extraction mode cannot be terminated, and the ball extraction mode can be terminated only by turning off the power.

[0128] Here, the ball extraction mode for discharging the game balls from inside the gaming machine body 102 needs to be performed with the front door open. When the front door is opened, it is determined to be an error state of door opening due to the signal input from the open switch 212s. Also, in the ball extraction mode, since the number of game balls circulating inside the gaming machine body 102 decreases, it is determined to be an error state of too few game balls due to the signal input from the ball number shortage sensor 217s. Thus, during the ball extraction mode, various error states overlap.

[0129] However, during the ball removal mode, these error states do not occur due to defects or irregularities, but occur appropriately. Therefore, it is not desirable to notify various errors on the frame control display 241 during the ball removal mode. Accordingly, during the ball removal mode, basically no error notification is performed on the frame control display 241.

[0130] On the other hand, as described above, when a disconnection occurs between the frame control board 200A and the dedicated unit 250, the firing of the game ball becomes impossible in any state. If a disconnection occurs between the frame control board 200A and the dedicated unit 250 during the ball removal mode, the game ball cannot be fired and cannot be discharged from the game machine main body 102. At this time, if the error code is not displayed on the error state notification unit, the reason why the game ball cannot be fired becomes unknown, and the disconnection cannot be eliminated either.

[0131] In this embodiment, when a disconnection error occurs during the ball removal mode, in step s5-7 of the process during the ball removal state, an error code corresponding to the disconnection error is displayed on the error state notification unit of the frame control display 241. At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 16(c), "H04." is displayed on the error state notification unit of the frame control display 241. In this way, since it is notified that it is in a disconnection error state during the ball removal mode, it becomes possible to grasp and eliminate the disconnection error state at an early stage.

[0132] 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 game machine information. The frame control board 200A transmits game machine information to the dedicated unit 250. The game machine information is transmitted from the frame control board 200A to the dedicated unit 250 at intervals of 300 ms after the activation of the frame control board 200A. This game machine information includes any one of hall control / fraud monitoring information, game machine installation information, and game machine performance information.

[0133] The hall controller's illegal monitoring information notifies jackpot, probability variation, time shortening, the number of winning balls in each winning port, the number of game balls, error status, and illegal monitoring information, etc. Specifically, the hall controller's illegal monitoring information is information that can identify the current game state (for example, during a big winning game, high-probability game state, time-shortening game state, etc.) in the main control board 100A and the error state occurring currently.

[0134] The game machine installation information is information that can identify the manufacturer code, product code, chip ID number, etc. of the main CPU 100a and the frame control CPU 200a.

[0135] The game machine performance information is information that can identify the total number of game balls launched, the total number of game balls obtained, the ball payout rate, the number of game balls obtained per minute, the ratio of accessory items, the continuous accessory item ratio, etc.

[0136] Priorities are set for the hall controller's illegal monitoring information, game machine installation information, and game machine performance information as shown in FIG. 17. Here, the hall controller's illegal monitoring information when there is a change in the progress state of the game (with state change) is set to the highest first priority. Note that in the frame control board 200A, the presence or absence of a state change is determined based on the command transmitted from the main control board 100A. Also, the game machine installation information is set to the second priority, and the game machine performance information is set to the third priority. And the hall controller's illegal monitoring information when there is no change in the progress state of the game (without state change) is set to the lowest fourth priority.

[0137] In addition, notification cycles are set for the hall controller's illegal monitoring information, game machine installation information, and game machine performance information respectively. Here, 300 ms is set as the notification cycle for the hall controller's illegal monitoring information, 60 s is set as the notification cycle for the game machine installation information, and 180 s is set as the notification cycle for the game machine performance information. In the frame control board 200A, based on the presence or absence of a state change, priority, and notification cycle, it is determined which of the hall controller's illegal monitoring information, game machine installation information, and game machine performance information is included in the game machine information.

[0138] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the gaming machine information transmitted to the dedicated unit 250 when there is no state change. After the startup is completed, if there is no state change, first, the hall controller - fraud monitoring information is transmitted to the dedicated unit 250. Then, the hall controller - fraud monitoring information is transmitted every 300 ms. And when 60 s has elapsed since the startup was completed, the gaming machine installation information of the second - priority level is transmitted.

[0139] Even after the gaming machine installation information is transmitted, the hall controller - fraud monitoring information is transmitted every 300 ms. And when 60 s has elapsed after the gaming machine installation information is transmitted, the gaming machine installation information is transmitted again.

[0140] Here, the gaming machine performance information set to the third - priority level has a notification cycle set to 180 s. However, since the 180 - s notification cycle overlaps with the 60 - s notification cycle, 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 a relatively higher priority is transmitted.

[0141] For example, at the timing when 180 s has elapsed after the startup is completed, the gaming machine installation information with a relatively higher priority is transmitted. Therefore, the gaming machine performance information with a relatively lower priority is not transmitted at its originally set transmission timing. Thus, the information that was not transmitted at its original transmission timing is transmitted at the next gaming machine information transmission timing. That is, the gaming machine performance information is transmitted at the next gaming machine information transmission timing when 300 ms has elapsed after the gaming machine installation information is transmitted.

[0142] Thus, when there is no state change, basically, the hall controller - fraud monitoring information is transmitted every 300 ms. Also, every 60 s, instead of the hall controller - fraud monitoring information, the gaming machine installation information is transmitted, and every 180 s, instead of the hall controller - fraud monitoring information, the gaming machine installation information is transmitted.

[0143] 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 hall control - fraud monitoring information is transmitted every 300 ms without a state change occurring. And it is assumed that a state change occurs immediately before 60 s elapses after the gaming machine installation information is transmitted, that is, immediately before the next gaming machine installation information is transmitted.

[0144] Since the hall control - fraud monitoring information in the case of a state change is set with the highest priority, at the timing when 60 s has elapsed after the gaming machine installation information was transmitted first, the hall control - fraud monitoring information is transmitted. The hall control - fraud monitoring information transmitted at this time is different from the hall control - fraud monitoring information transmitted 300 ms before. In this case, at the next transmission timing after the hall control - fraud monitoring information with a state change is transmitted, that is, 300 ms later, the gaming machine installation information is transmitted.

[0145] 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. Also, it is assumed that after that, gaming machine information is transmitted every 300 ms without a state change occurring. And it is assumed that a state change occurs immediately before 180 s elapses after the gaming machine installation information is transmitted, that is, immediately before the next gaming machine installation information is transmitted.

[0146] In this case, at the timing when 180 s has elapsed after the gaming machine installation information was transmitted first, the hall control - fraud monitoring information is transmitted. The hall control - fraud monitoring information transmitted at this time is different from the hall control - fraud monitoring information transmitted 300 ms before. In this case, at the next transmission timing after the hall control - fraud monitoring information with a state change is transmitted, that is, 300 ms later, the gaming machine installation information is transmitted, and 300 ms after that, the gaming machine performance information is transmitted.

[0147] As described above, in this embodiment, information that could not be transmitted within the original notification period is carried over to the next transmission timing and transmitted. Therefore, in this embodiment, as a result of continuously transmitting the gaming machine installation information and the gaming machine performance information, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, the transmission interval of the hall computer - illegal monitoring information becomes up to 900 ms at maximum.

[0148] The hall computer - illegal monitoring information notifies the dedicated unit 250 of the error state 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 surely transmit the hall computer - illegal 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 computer - illegal monitoring information becomes 900 ms, there is a possibility that the hall computer - illegal monitoring information for notifying the error state cannot be transmitted to the dedicated unit 250.

[0149] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the gaming machine information of a comparative example transmitted to the dedicated unit 250 when fraud is detected. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, assume 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 computer - illegal monitoring information is the lowest, the fourth priority. Therefore, when 180 s has elapsed since the gaming machine installation information was transmitted first, the gaming machine installation information is transmitted, and 300 ms later, the gaming machine performance information is transmitted.

[0150] And assume that the fraud detection ends 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, the hall computer - illegal monitoring information for notifying that no fraud has occurred is transmitted. In this way, if the gaming machine information is transmitted only based on the state of the transmission timing, there is a possibility that the error state and fraud that occurred within a short period cannot be notified to the dedicated unit 250. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to surely notify the dedicated unit 250 of the occurred error state and fraud, the following processing is performed in the frame control board 200A.

[0151] Figure 22 is a flowchart for explaining the frame control board error processing. Note that the frame control board error processing shown in Figure 22 is executed every timer interrupt in the frame control board 200A.

[0152] (s10-1) The frame control CPU 200a performs an error check based on the input signals from each sensor and the like.

[0153] (s10-2) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether a new error has occurred based on the result of the error check in s10-1. As a result, if it is determined that a new error has occurred, the process proceeds to s10-3, and if it is determined that no new error has occurred, the process proceeds to s10-5.

[0154] (s10-3) The frame control CPU 200a sets the error state corresponding to the newly occurred error.

[0155] (s10-4) The frame control CPU 200a sets (stores) the transmission error code corresponding to the newly occurred error in a predetermined storage area of the frame control RAM 200c. Note that the transmission error code matches the information included in the hall element / irregular monitoring information, and when a plurality of errors occur simultaneously, a plurality of transmission error codes are set.

[0156] (s10-5) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the error in progress has been cleared. As a result, if it is determined that the error in progress has been cleared, the process proceeds to s10-6, and if it is determined that the error in progress has not been cleared, the frame control board error processing ends.

[0157] (s10-6) The frame control CPU 200a clears the error state corresponding to the cleared error and ends the frame control board error processing.

[0158] According to the above processing, the error state managed by the frame control board 200A is cleared by the cancellation of the error, but the transmission error code is not cleared by the cancellation of the error.

[0159] 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. The processes shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 are executed every timer interrupt in the frame control board 200A.

[0160] (s11-1) The frame control CPU 200a checks the timer. This timer measures the elapsed time after the startup process and is updated every timer interrupt after the startup is completed.

[0161] (s11-2) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the time of the timer checked in s11-1 is a multiple of 300 ms. As a result, if it is determined that it is a multiple of 300 ms, the process proceeds to s11-3, and if it is determined that it is not a multiple of 300 ms, the dedicated unit communication process ends.

[0162] (s11-3) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether there is a state change. As a result, if it is determined that there is a state change, the process proceeds to s11-4, and if it is determined that there is no state change, the process proceeds to s11-11.

[0163] (s11-4) The frame control CPU 200a sets the gaming machine information including the hall control / fraud monitoring information.

[0164] (s11-5) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the time of the timer checked in s11-1 is a multiple of 60 s. As a result, if it is determined that it is a multiple of 60 s, the process proceeds to s11-6, and if it is determined that it is not a multiple of 60 s, the process proceeds to s11-7.

[0165] (s11-6) The frame control CPU 200a turns on a game machine installation information non-transmission flag indicating that the game machine information including the game machine installation information has not been transmitted.

[0166] (s11-7) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the time of the timer confirmed in s11-1 is a multiple of 180 s. As a result, if it is determined that it is a multiple of 180 s, the process proceeds to s11-8, and if it is determined that it is not a multiple of 180 s, the process proceeds to s11-9.

[0167] (s11-8) The frame control CPU 200a turns on a game machine performance information non-transmission flag indicating that the game machine information including the game machine performance information has not been transmitted.

[0168] (s11-9) The frame control CPU 200a transmits the game machine information set in each of the above steps and ends the dedicated unit communication process.

[0169] (s11-11) Also, in s11-3, when it is determined that there is no state change, as shown in FIG. 24, the frame control CPU 200a determines whether the time of the timer confirmed in s11-1 is a multiple of 60 s. As a result, if it is determined that it is a multiple of 60 s, the process proceeds to s11-12, and if it is determined that it is not a multiple of 60 s, the process proceeds to s11-15.

[0170] (s11-12) The frame control CPU 200a sets the game machine information including the game machine installation information.

[0171] (s11-13) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the time of the timer confirmed in s11-1 is a multiple of 180 s. As a result, if it is determined that it is a multiple of 180 s, the process proceeds to s11-14, and if it is determined that it is not a multiple of 180 s, the process proceeds to s11-9.

[0172] (s11-14) The frame control CPU 200a turns on the game machine performance information untransmitted flag.

[0173] (s11-15) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the game machine installation information untransmitted flag is on. As a result, if it is determined that the game machine installation information untransmitted flag is on, the process proceeds to s11-16, and if it is determined that the game machine installation information untransmitted flag is not on, the process proceeds to s11-18.

[0174] (s11-16) The frame control CPU 200a sets the game machine information including the game machine installation information.

[0175] (s11-17) The frame control CPU 200a turns off the game machine installation information untransmitted flag.

[0176] (s11-18) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the game machine performance information untransmitted flag is on. As a result, if it is determined that the game machine performance information untransmitted flag is on, the process proceeds to s11-19, and if it is determined that the game machine performance information untransmitted flag is not on, the process proceeds to s11-21.

[0177] (s11-19) The frame control CPU 200a sets the game machine information including the game machine performance information.

[0178] (s11-20) The frame control CPU 200a turns off the game machine performance information untransmitted flag.

[0179] (s11-21) Next, the frame control CPU 200a sets the game machine information including the hall control / cheating surveillance information.

[0180] (s11-22) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether a transmission error code is stored. As a result, if it is determined that the transmission error code is stored, the process proceeds to s11-23, and if it is determined that the transmission error code is not stored, the process proceeds to s11-9.

[0181] (s11-23) The frame control CPU 200a updates the hall control irregularity monitoring information included in the gaming machine information set in s11-21 to information indicating a transmission error code. That is, here, hall control irregularity monitoring information indicating the occurrence of irregularities or the like is set.

[0182] (s11-24) The frame control CPU 200a clears the transmission error code set to the hall control irregularity monitoring information in s11-23 among the transmission error codes stored in the frame control RAM 200c, and transfers the process to s11-9.

[0183] FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the gaming machine information of the present embodiment transmitted to the dedicated unit 250 when an irregularity is detected. Similar to the example shown in FIG. 21, it is assumed that an irregularity (or 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 the progress of the game, the priority of the hall control irregularity monitoring information is the lowest fourth priority. Therefore, when 180 s has elapsed since the gaming machine installation information was transmitted first, the gaming machine installation information is transmitted, and 300 ms later, the gaming machine performance information is transmitted.

[0184] Then, immediately after the gaming machine performance information is transmitted, it is assumed that the detection of irregularities has ended as in the above example. In this case, 300 ms after the gaming machine performance information is transmitted, although no irregularity is detected, the transmission error code is stored. Therefore, in the present embodiment, at the next transmission timing after the gaming machine performance information is transmitted, hall control irregularity monitoring information including the transmission error code is transmitted.

[0185] As described above, according to the present embodiment, when an error is released after it has occurred, information indicating the occurrence of the error is output after the release of the error. As a result, even if an error occurs and is released in a short period of time, it is possible to surely notify the dedicated unit 250 of the occurrence of the error, making it easier to grasp the occurrence of errors and malfunctions.

[0186] Next, processing related to the management of the number of game balls held by the player, that is, the number of balls held, will be described. In the management gaming machine, game balls circulate inside the gaming machine main body 102. Also, when game balls are launched, as described above, the game balls staying in the rectifying passage 7 are fed one by one to the launching device by the rectifier solenoid 9c. At this time, if the game balls are not appropriately detected, the number of balls held cannot be appropriately counted, which may affect the progress of the game. Below, the processing of the frame control board 200A for improving the accuracy of managing the number of game balls will be described.

[0187] FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining the number-of-balls-held management process. This number-of-balls-held management process is executed by the frame control board 200A every timer interrupt.

[0188] (s20-1) The frame control CPU 200a checks the lending notification information received from the dedicated unit 250. Although detailed description is omitted, between the frame control board 200A and the dedicated unit 250, transmission and reception of count notification information, lending notification information, and lending receipt result response information are performed every predetermined time (for example, 300 ms).

[0189] Specifically, after a predetermined time (for example, 100 ms) has elapsed since the gaming machine information is transmitted from the frame control board 200A to the dedicated unit 250, the count notification information is transmitted from the frame control board 200A to the dedicated unit 250. This count notification information is information including the number of game balls currently held by the player, that is, the number of balls held. In the dedicated unit 250, when the count information is received, the lending notification information is transmitted to the frame control board 200A.

[0190] This lending notice information includes the number of game balls lent to the player. For example, when the player inputs a lending operation on the liquid crystal display of the dedicated unit 250, lending notice information indicating a predetermined number (e.g., 125) is transmitted to the frame control board 200A. If no lending operation has been input, lending notice information indicating 0 is transmitted to the frame control board 200A.

[0191] In the frame control board 200A, the received lending notice information is stored in a predetermined area of the frame control RAM 200c, and lending receipt result response information indicating that the lending notice information has been received is transmitted to the dedicated unit 250. In this way, between the frame control board 200A and the dedicated unit 250, count notice information indicating the current possession number and lending notice information indicating the new number of game balls lent are transmitted and received, and the two are configured to share information.

[0192] (s20-2) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the lending number included in the lending notice information confirmed in s20-1 is not 0, that is, whether there is a lending request from the player. As a result, if it is determined that the lending number is not 0, the process proceeds to s20-3, and if it is determined that the lending number is 0, the possession number management process ends.

[0193] (s20-3) If the lending number is not 0, the frame control CPU 200a updates the possession number to the value obtained by adding the lending number to the current possession number.

[0194] (s20-4) The frame control CPU 200a displays the possession number updated in s20-3 on the game ball number display device 240 and ends the possession number management process.

[0195] Figure 27 is a flowchart for explaining the circulation control process. This circulation control process is executed every timer interrupt in the frame control board 200A. The frame control CPU 200a performs a rectifier inlet sensor monitoring process (s21), a rectifier solenoid control process (s22), and a subtraction process (s23) in the circulation control process. Below, the rectifier inlet sensor monitoring process (s21), the rectifier solenoid control process (s22), and the subtraction process (s23) will be described with reference to the figures.

[0196] Figure 28 is a flowchart for explaining the rectifier inlet sensor monitoring process.

[0197] (s21-1) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the rectifier inlet sensor 15s is detecting a game ball. As a result, if it is determined that a game ball is being detected, the process moves to s21-2, and if it is determined that no game ball is being detected, the process moves to s21-6.

[0198] (s21-2) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the sensor on state flag is on. The sensor on state flag indicates that the rectifier inlet sensor 15s is in the on state. If it is determined that the sensor on state flag is on, the process moves to s21-5, and if it is determined that the sensor on state flag is not on, the process moves to s21-3.

[0199] (s21-3) The frame control CPU 200a turns on the sensor on state flag.

[0200] (s21-4) Next, the frame control CPU 200a resets the undetected continuous timer. The undetected continuous timer measures the continuous time (hereinafter referred to as the undetected continuous time) during which no game ball is detected by the rectifier inlet sensor 15s.

[0201] (s21-5) The frame control CPU 200a adds the detection continuation timer and ends the rectifier inlet sensor monitoring process. The detection continuation timer measures the continuous time (hereinafter referred to as the detection continuation time) during which the game ball is detected by the rectifier inlet sensor 15s.

[0202] (s21-6) When the rectifier inlet sensor 15s does not detect the game ball (NO in s21-1), the frame control CPU 200a determines whether the sensor on state flag is off. As a result, if it is determined that the sensor on state flag is off, the process proceeds to s21-9, and if it is determined that the sensor on state flag is not off, the process proceeds to s21-7.

[0203] (s21-7) The frame control CPU 200a turns off the sensor on state flag.

[0204] (s21-8) Next, the frame control CPU 200a resets the detection continuation timer.

[0205] (s21-9) The frame control CPU 200a adds the undetected continuation timer.

[0206] (s21-10) Next, the frame control CPU 200a determines whether the undetected continuation time updated in s21-9 is equal to or greater than a predetermined time. As a result, if it is determined that the undetected continuation time is equal to or greater than the predetermined time, the process proceeds to s21-11, and if it is determined that the undetected continuation time is less than the predetermined time, the rectifier inlet sensor monitoring process ends.

[0207] (s21-11) The frame control CPU 200a executes the passage abnormality error process and ends the rectifier inlet sensor monitoring process. In this passage abnormality error process, it is notified that there is an abnormality in the rectification passage 7 or the circulation passage 3. When the error release button provided on the frame control board 200A is operated and a signal is input from the error release switch 202s, the frame control CPU 200a releases the passage abnormality error.

[0208] According to the above rectifier inlet sensor monitoring process, the time during which the rectifier inlet sensor 15s continuously detects the game balls (detection continuous time) and the time during which the rectifier inlet sensor 15s does not continuously detect the game balls (non-detection continuous time) are measured. As described above, when the gaming machine 100 is in a normal state, a large number of game balls stay in the rectification passage 7 such that adjacent game balls contact each other.

[0209] Then, the rectifier inlet sensor 15s detects the third game ball staying from the downstream end of the rectification passage 7. When a game ball is launched, the rectifier solenoid 9c is energized, and one game ball staying at the downstream end of the rectification passage 7 is sent to the launcher side. When a game ball is sent to the launcher side, a space is formed at the downstream end of the rectification passage 7, so the game balls staying in the rectification passage 7 move downstream by one game ball.

[0210] In this way, when the game balls move downstream in the rectification passage 7, the detection state of the game balls by the rectifier inlet sensor 15s switches from the on state to the off state and then switches back to the on state again. Also, if no game ball is launched, the rectifier inlet sensor 15s always detects the game balls. Therefore, the fact that the rectifier inlet sensor 15s cannot detect the game balls for a predetermined time or more (YES in s21-10) means that there may be an error such as a ball jam in the rectification passage 7 or the circulation passage 3. By executing the passage abnormality error process when the non-detection continuous time is a predetermined time or more, the occurrence of the error can be notified early.

[0211] Figure 29 is a flowchart for explaining the rectifier solenoid control process.

[0212] (s22-1) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the control flag indicating that the rectifier solenoid 9c is being controlled is on. As a result, if it is determined that the control flag is on, the process proceeds to s22-7, and if it is determined that the control flag is not on, the process proceeds to s22-2. Note that the time and timing for maintaining the rectifier solenoid 9c in the non-energized state and the energized state are predetermined, and during the control of the rectifier solenoid 9c, the state of the rectifier solenoid 9c is switched while monitoring the time from the start of control and the like. Therefore, when the control flag is on, the rectifier solenoid 9c may be energized or may not be energized.

[0213] (s22-2) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether there is a firing request. Here, for example, the operation of the operation handle 106, the input of a signal from the touch sensor 215s, etc. may be mentioned. If it is determined that there is a firing request, the process proceeds to s22-3, and if it is determined that there is no firing request, the rectifier solenoid control process is terminated.

[0214] (s22-3) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the detection continuous time of the game ball by the rectifier inlet sensor 15s is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. As a result, if it is determined that the detection continuous time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the process proceeds to s22-4, and if it is determined that the detection continuous time is not equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the rectifier solenoid control process is terminated.

[0215] (s22-4) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the number of holdings is 1 or more. As a result, if it is determined that the number of holdings is 1 or more, the process proceeds to s22-5, and if it is determined that the number of holdings is not 1 or more, the rectifier solenoid control process is terminated.

[0216] (s22-5) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the rectifier outlet sensor 17s is off. As a result, if it is determined that the rectifier outlet sensor 17s is off, the process proceeds to s22-6, and if it is determined that the rectifier outlet sensor 17s is not off, the rectifier solenoid control process ends.

[0217] (s22-6) The frame control CPU 200a turns on the control in-progress flag of the rectifier solenoid 9c and ends the rectifier solenoid control process. As a result, from the next timer interrupt, it is determined as YES in s22-1, and the rectifier solenoid 9c is controlled.

[0218] (s22-7) In s22-1, if it is determined that the control in-progress flag of the rectifier solenoid 9c is on, the frame control CPU 200a determines whether it is in a sensor abnormality error. As a result, if it is determined that it is in a sensor abnormality error, the rectifier solenoid control process ends, and if it is determined that it is not in a sensor abnormality error, the process proceeds to s22-8.

[0219] (s22-8) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether it is the timing for sending game balls. As a result, if it is determined that it is the sending timing, the process proceeds to s22-9, and if it is determined that it is not the sending timing, the process proceeds to s22-10. Note that the sending timing of the game balls is preset according to the control timing of the firing solenoid 231c.

[0220] (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.

[0221] (s22-10) In s22-8, when it is determined that it is not the ball delivery timing, the frame control CPU 200a executes control processing according to the time from the start of the control of the rectifier solenoid 9c (for example, monitoring the elapsed time from the power-off of the rectifier solenoid 9c until the control ends after the power-off).

[0222] (s22-11) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the rectifier solenoid 9c was turned on (power supply started). As a result, if it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to s22-12, and if it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the rectifier solenoid control process ends.

[0223] (s22-12) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the rectifier inlet sensor 15s has turned off during the period until a predetermined time has elapsed since the rectifier solenoid 9c was turned on. As a result, if it is determined that the rectifier inlet sensor 15s has turned off, the rectifier solenoid control process ends, and if it is determined that the rectifier inlet sensor 15s has not turned off, the process proceeds to s22-13.

[0224] (s22-13) The frame control CPU 200a executes sensor abnormality error processing. Here, an abnormality of the rectifier inlet sensor 15s is notified. When an error release button provided on the frame control board 200A is operated and a signal is input from the error release switch 202s, the frame control CPU 200a releases the sensor abnormality error.

[0225] (s22-14) The frame control CPU 200a turns off (stops power supply) the rectifier solenoid 9c and ends the rectifier solenoid control process.

[0226] According to the above rectifier solenoid control process, when the rectifier inlet sensor 15s continuously detects game balls for a predetermined time or more (YES in S22-3), the energization of the rectifier solenoid 9c becomes possible. That is, in the rectification passage 7, the firing of game balls becomes possible on the condition that at least the game ball launched third is detected for a predetermined time or more. Here, the predetermined time is set longer than the time continuously detected by the rectifier inlet sensor 15s when, for example, a game ball passes through the rectifier inlet sensor 15s without stopping.

[0227] If there are 0 or 1 game balls staying in the rectification passage 7, the game ball sent to the rectification passage 7 by the lifting screw 5 passes through to the downstream side without stopping within the detection range of the rectifier inlet sensor 15s. In this case, since the detection continuous time is regarded as less than the predetermined time, the energization of the rectifier solenoid 9c, that is, the firing of game balls is restricted.

[0228] As a result, for example, when replenishing new game balls after ball extraction from the game machine main body 102, the firing of game balls is restricted. By restricting the firing of game balls, the possibility of unnecessary subtraction of the number of game balls is reduced.

[0229] Also, 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 turned on, it is determined as a sensor abnormality error. 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 detected early. Also, in this case, the energization of the rectifier solenoid 9c is stopped, and thereafter, the firing of game balls is restricted until the error is cleared. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as improper management of the possession quantity.

[0230] Figure 30 is a flowchart for explaining the subtraction process.

[0231] (S23-1) The frame control CPU 200a checks the detection duration.

[0232] (s23-2) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the detection duration confirmed in s23-1 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. As a result, if it is determined that the time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the process proceeds to s23-3, and if it is determined that the time is shorter than the predetermined time, the subtraction process ends.

[0233] (s23-3) The frame control CPU 200a determines whether the number of balls in possession has already been subtracted. As a result, if it is determined that the subtraction has already been performed, the subtraction process ends, and if it is determined that the subtraction has not been performed, the process proceeds to s23-4.

[0234] (s23-4) The frame control CPU 200a subtracts 1 from the number of balls in possession.

[0235] (s23-5) The frame control CPU 200a updates the display of the game ball number display device 240 to the number of balls in possession updated in s23-4, and ends the subtraction process.

[0236] According to the above subtraction process, when a game ball is detected by the rectifier inlet sensor 15s for a predetermined time or longer (YES in s23-2), the number of balls in possession is subtracted by 1. Thereby, for example, even if game balls collide with each other near the rectifier inlet sensor 15s and the game balls perform unexpected operations, the possibility that the number of balls in possession is subtracted more than necessary is reduced.

[0237] As described above, according to the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the accuracy of managing the number of game balls can be improved.

[0238] Next, the configuration of the ball return prevention mechanism 800 provided on the game board 104 will be described. In the present embodiment, the ball return prevention mechanism 800 is provided to suppress the clogging of game balls launched into the game area 110.

[0239] FIG. 31 is a partially enlarged view showing the ball return prevention mechanism 800 in the first state, FIG. 32 is a partially enlarged view showing the ball return prevention mechanism 800 in the second state, and FIG. 33 is a partially enlarged view showing the ball return prevention mechanism 800 in the third state. Note that FIGS. 31 to 33 are partially enlarged views obtained by enlarging a part of FIG. 1.

[0240] As shown in FIGS. 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 game ball PB launched into the game 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.

[0241] The game board 104 is provided with an outer rail 104b and an inner rail 104a that demarcate and form a guide area 108 for guiding the game ball in the game area 110. In other words, a 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.

[0242] The displacement member 802 has a side surface portion 802a facing the outer rail 104b and a tip portion 802b on the tip side of the side surface portion 802a. The displacement member 802 is displaceable 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.

[0243] For example, as shown in FIGS. 31 to 33, the displacement member 802 is rotatable about the lower end of the displacement member 802. When there is no load, the displacement member 802 is biased by a biasing member and maintained in the 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), thereby being held in the posture 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 push the displacement member 802 against the biasing force of the biasing member and move to the game area 110.

[0244] As shown in FIG. 31, in the first state, a 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 attempting 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 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 appropriately returned to the game area 110 side. As will be described later, the first state is a state where the specific distance D21 is shorter than the second state.

[0245] 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. The second state is a state where 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. The second state is a state where the specific distance D21 is longer than the first state. After the game ball PB moves beyond the displacement member 802 from the guide area 108 to the game area 110, the ball return prevention mechanism 800 returns from the second state to the first state. Thereby, the return of the game ball PB from the game area 110 to the guide area 108 is suppressed.

[0246] 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 attempting to return from the game area 110 to the guide area 108. As shown in FIG. 33, in the third state, the timing at which the second game ball PB2 launched earlier than the first game ball PB1 returns to the displacement member 802 coincides with the timing at which the first game ball PB1 reaches the displacement member 802, and the first game ball PB1 and the second game ball PB2 are in a state of collision. In the third state, the first game ball PB1 is in contact with the side surface 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. Thereby, a 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.

[0247] As described above, when the ball return prevention mechanism 800 enters the third state, after the collision between the first game ball PB1 and the second game ball PB2, even if the second game ball PB2 attempts to return to the guide area 108, it will contact the tip portion 802b of the displacement member 802 from the game area 110 side. Therefore, it is highly likely that the displacement member 802 will be given a contact force from the game area 110 side toward the guide area 108 side and rotate counterclockwise. Thus, 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, it is possible to suppress the second game ball PB2 from returning to the guide area 108. That is, it is possible to suppress the game ball PB from returning to the guide area 108 continuously for two balls, and it is possible to suppress the game ball PB from causing a ball jam in the guide area 108 or the launcher.

[0248] As described above, in the present embodiment, the ball jamming is suppressed by the ball return prevention mechanism 800. In the pachinko machine, since a large number of game balls stay in contact with each other in the circulation unit 1, the backflow of the game balls into the guide area 108 is likely to cause various errors. According to the present embodiment, by suppressing the ball jamming, the occurrence of errors is consequently suppressed.

[0249] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modification examples or correction examples within the scope described in the claims, and it is naturally understood that those also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0250] In addition, in the above embodiment, during the ball extraction mode, the launch control of the game balls can be executed, and during the disconnection error between the frame control board 200A and the dedicated unit 250, the launch of the game balls is restricted. However, the launch control of the game balls during the ball extraction mode is not essential.

[0251] Also, in the above embodiment, when a disconnection error occurs during the ball extraction mode, an error display is made on the frame control display 241. However, the content of the error for which an error display is made on the frame control display 241 is not limited to this. In any case, when a predetermined error occurs during a specific mode in which the game balls can be discharged from the game machine main body 102, a predetermined error display may be made on the display unit.

[0252] Also, in the above embodiment, the ball return prevention mechanism 800 is provided, but the ball return prevention mechanism 800 is not essential.

[0253] In the above embodiment, the frame control CPU 200a corresponds to the mode setting means, display control means, and launch control means of the present invention. Also, the ball extraction mode in the above embodiment corresponds to the specific mode of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0254] 100 Gaming machine 102 Gaming machine main body 104 Game board 104a, 104b Rails 108 Guidance area 110 Gaming area 200a Frame control CPU 802 Displacement member 802a Side surface part 802b Tip part

Claims

【Claim 1】 A gaming machine in which game balls circulate within the main body of the gaming machine, mode setting means for setting to a specific mode in which game balls can be discharged from within the main body of the gaming machine, display control means for performing a display during the specific mode to notify that the specific mode is in progress on a display unit when the specific mode is set, and for performing a predetermined error display on the display unit when an error related to disconnection occurs during the specific mode, comprising, the display unit, is capable of simultaneously displaying the display during the specific mode and the predetermined error display, during the specific mode, error displays other than the error related to disconnection are not executed, A gaming machine characterized by the above.

Images