Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of appropriately outputting information to the outside of the game machine.SOLUTION: A game machine includes first control means for performing game progress control and second control means for performing control for a game value. In the game machine, output control of game information to an information collecting device and output control of test information to a test device can be executed, game progress control can be stopped according to the amount of value imparted to a player, and output control of specific game information and specific test information can be executed according to being controlled to a specific game state advantageous to a player. When game progress control is stopped during a specific game state, output control of specific test information can be stopped before output control of specific game information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 162

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventional gaming machines include those that use gaming media to play games.

[0003] Among such gaming machines, there are those provided with main control means for controlling the progress of the game and awarding control means for performing awarding control of game values according to signals from the main control means (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the gaming machines described in the above patent documents, there is room for improvement in outputting information to the outside of the gaming machine.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of appropriately outputting information to the outside of the gaming machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a gaming machine including first control means for controlling the progress of a game and second control means for performing control related to game values, Variable display execution means capable of executing variable display of symbols for notifying the determination result of determination information obtained based on the fulfillment of acquisition conditions, special game execution means capable of executing a special game advantageous to the player, A state control means capable of controlling between a first game state and a second game state different from the first game state, a game information output means capable of executing output control for outputting game information to an information collection device for collecting information from a gaming machine, a test information output means capable of executing output control for outputting test information to a test device for testing the gaming machine, information update means capable of updating increase information corresponding to the game value increased from the fulfillment of predetermined conditions based on the value amount of the game value given to the player, and based on the increase information reaching a specific value, a progress stop means capable of stopping the progress control of the game, production control means for controlling game productions, comprising, wherein the game information output means executes output control for outputting specific game information when controlled to the second game state Based on this, indicating that it is the second game state and Shi the test information output means executes output control for outputting specific test information when controlled to the second game state Based on the suspension of the progress control of the game, execute output control for outputting special game information indicating the suspension of the progress control of the game, and during the second game state Based on this, indicating that it is the second game state when the progress control of the game is stopped, the output control of the specific test information is stopped prior to the output control of the specific game information Shi characterized by At a predetermined timing of this. Cause the production control means to execute a variable production of production symbols on the display means along with the execution of the variable display, and based on the suspension of the progress control of the game during the execution of the game production, display a specific image indicating the suspension of the progress control of the game on the display means. When the progress control of the game is suspended at a predetermined timing, after starting the display of the specific image, execute the output control of the special game information

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to appropriately output information to the outside of the gaming machine.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (Configuration of the gaming machine) First, the configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a part of the front side of the gaming machine 1, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 1 excluding the glass frame 4, and FIG. 4 is a rear view of the gaming machine.

[0012] The gaming machine 1 is provided with an outer frame 2, an inner frame 3 rotatably supported on the front side of the outer frame 2, a glass frame 4 rotatably supported on the front side of the inner frame 3, and a game board 5 in which a game area 5a through which game balls (game media) flow down is formed.

[0013] The outer frame 2 has a decorative plate 2b attached to the lower front surface of a rectangular base frame 2a whose central portion is open in the front-rear direction, and is fixed to the island equipment in the game parlor via a fixing member (for example, nails or fasteners).

[0014] The inner frame 3 has a recessed game board mounting portion 25 with an open front for mounting the game board 5 from the front, and is detachably connected to the outer frame 2 via a first hinge mechanism portion 6 on one end side in the horizontal direction (the left side in FIG. 3), and is rotatably supported with the first hinge mechanism portion 6 as a fulcrum. Therefore, when the inner frame 3 is rotated relative to the outer frame 2 like a door, the back side of the inner frame 3 is exposed forward, so that maintenance of various devices provided on the back side of the inner frame 3 can be performed.

[0015] The glass frame 4 is detachably connected to the front side of the inner frame 3 so as to cover the front of the game board mounting portion 25 of the inner frame 3 via a second hinge mechanism portion 7 on one end side in the horizontal direction (the left side in FIG. 3), and is rotatably supported with the second hinge mechanism portion 7 as a fulcrum. Therefore, when the glass frame 4 is rotated relative to the inner frame 3 like a door, the game area 5a of the game board 5 and the front portion of the inner frame 3 can be opened and closed.

[0016] In a substantially central portion near the upper part of the glass frame 4, an opening 8 (window portion) that opens in the front-rear direction is formed, and a transparent member 8a (such as a glass plate or an acrylic plate) is attached so as to close the opening 8 from the rear. Through the opening 8 and the transparent member 8a, the gaming area 5a of the gaming board 5 attached to the game board attachment portion 25 of the inner frame 3 can be visually recognized.

[0017] Around the opening 8 of the glass frame 4, there are provided an audio output device 9 composed of speakers, a frame lighting device 10 having a plurality of decorative LEDs, an operation unit portion 11 where various operating devices (such as an effect button device 16 and a selection button device 18 described later) are provided, a firing operation device 13 capable of performing an operation for firing a game ball, and a third image display device 72 (left sub-display device) and a fourth image display device 73 (right sub-display device) composed of liquid crystal display panels.

[0018] The audio output device 9 is provided at two locations in the upper part and two locations in the lower part of the glass frame 4 at intervals, and performs an effect by sound (music, voice) by outputting BGM (background music), SE (sound effect), etc. Also, a plurality of frame lighting devices 10 are provided around the opening 8, and perform an effect by lighting by changing the irradiation direction and emission color of the light of each lamp (LED). Further, the frame lighting device 10 includes a notification LED 10a that is controlled to light up when the inner frame 3 or the glass frame 4 is opened, etc., and a top lamp 10b that is controlled to light up when a predetermined effect is executed, etc.

[0019] The operation unit portion 11 has a shape that bulges forward. In the central portion of the upper surface, an effect button device 16 operable by the player is provided. In the left side portion of the upper surface, a selection button device 18 operable by the player is provided. Between the effect button device 16 and the selection button device 18 and on the back side of the selection button device 18, a counting button 20 operable by the player is provided. On the back side of the counting button 20, a game ball number display 135 for displaying the number of game balls (game value amount) owned by the player is provided.

[0020] In addition, an article placement area (placement section) for placing articles (such as a mobile phone, a drink, tobacco, etc.) for the player to secure (play) the gaming machine 1 may be provided at a position that does not overlap with the game ball number display 135 in the operation unit section 11 (for example, a position on the upper surface of the operation unit section closer to the right side).

[0021] The effect button device 16 is provided with an effect button 17 that can be pressed by the player, an effect button detection switch 17a (see FIG. 5) for detecting a pressing operation on the effect button 17, and a button driving device 17b (see FIG. 5) for driving the effect button 17, enabling the player to input predetermined information into the gaming machine 1.

[0022] The effect button 17 can perform a light emission effect by lighting an effect button LED (full color), which is a part of the frame lighting device 10 (see FIG. 5), in a predetermined light emission mode (for example, white, red, rainbow color). Also, it can move vertically between a standby position (origin position) located below and an effect position located above by the driving force of a button driving motor, which is a part of the button driving device 17b, and it is detected by a button position detection sensor (not shown) that it is at the origin position. Furthermore, it can perform an effect operation by vibrating in a predetermined vibration mode by the driving force of a button vibration motor, which is a part of the button driving device 17b.

[0023] The selection button device 18 is provided with a joystick 19 that can be operated by the player in the up, down, left, and right directions, and a joystick detection switch 19a (see FIG. 5) for detecting an operation on the joystick 19, enabling the player to input predetermined information into the gaming machine 1.

[0024] The counting button 20 is provided with a counting button switch 20a for detecting a pressing operation on the counting button 20. By operating the counting button 20, the number of game balls (game value) owned by the player displayed on the game ball number display 135 can be counted (linked to the identification information stored in a storage medium such as a membership card or a visitor card inserted into a dedicated unit 170 described later, and stored and settled in the card itself or in a hall computer or the like described later).

[0025] The launch operation device 13 includes a base 14 fixed to the glass frame 4, a launch handle 15 rotatably provided on the base 14, a touch sensor 15a (see FIG. 5) for detecting that the player's hand is touching the launch handle 15, and a launch volume 15b (see FIG. 5) composed of a variable resistor whose resistance value changes according to the rotation angle of the launch handle 15. It is possible to perform a light emission effect by lighting in a predetermined light emission mode by a launch handle light emission device (not shown) which is a part of the frame lighting device 10 (see FIG. 5).

[0026] Also, when a launch permission signal is input from both the main control device 110A and the frame control device 120A described later, when the touch sensor 15a detects that the player's hand is touching the launch handle 15, and when it is detected that the launch handle 15 is being rotated by the launch volume 15b, the ball feeding unit 91 described later is driven and game balls are sent one by one to the launch table of the launch device 92 described later, and are launched into the game area 5a of the game board 5 by the launch device 92. In this embodiment, since the feeding of the game balls to the launch table and the subsequent launch of the game balls operate as one set, even if the hand is released from the launch handle 15 at the timing when the game balls are sent to the launch table (the timing before the game balls are launched), the game balls are launched from the launch table.

[0027] In the third image display device 72 and the fourth image display device 73, various effect displays are performed according to the progress of the game, and various game-related information is displayed. Specifically, a volume adjustment image for adjusting the volume of the game sound output from the audio output device 9, a light quantity adjustment image for adjusting the light quantity of various lighting devices and various image displays, a customization image for customizing game effects, etc. are displayed.

[0028] In the inner frame 3, there are provided a recessed game board mounting portion 25 for mounting the game board 5 from the front opening, a ball circulation mechanism 90 for recovering the game balls launched from the launching device 92 into the game area 5a for recycling the game balls within the gaming machine 1 and supplying them again to the launching device 92, a locking mechanism 27 for locking the glass frame 4 in a closed state, a glass frame opening detection switch 31a (see FIG. 5) for detecting the opening (opening / closing) of the glass frame 4, an inner frame opening detection switch 31b (see FIG. 5) for detecting the opening (opening / closing) of the inner frame 3, and a radio wave detection sensor 54a (see FIG. 5) for detecting abnormal radio waves.

[0029] The ball circulation mechanism 90 includes a launching device 92 for launching game balls toward the game area 5a, a ball feeding unit 91 for sending out game balls one by one to the launching table of the launching device 92, a lifting and polishing device 95 for lifting the supplied game balls while polishing them, a ball passage unit 94 for flowing down the game balls that have flowed down from the game area 5a to the entrance of the lifting and polishing device 95 and for flowing down the game balls lifted by the lifting and polishing device 95 to the entrance of the ball feeding unit 91, and a far ball passage unit 93 for merging the game balls (far balls) that have been launched by the launching device 92 but have returned without flying into the game area 5a into the ball passage unit 94.

[0030] The ball feeding unit 91 is provided with a subtraction entrance switch 91b (see FIG. 5) for detecting the game balls that have flowed down from the ball passage unit 94, a subtraction solenoid 91a (see FIG. 5) for sending out the game balls detected by the subtraction entrance switch 91b to the launching device 92, and a subtraction exit switch 91c (see FIG. 5) for detecting the game balls sent out to the launching device 92 by the operation of the subtraction solenoid 91a.

[0031] The launching device 92 is provided with a launching platform (not shown) where the game balls sent out from the ball feeding unit 91 are stopped, a launching platform switch 92a (see FIG. 5) for detecting the game balls stopped on the launching platform, and a launching solenoid 92b (see FIG. 5) for operating a launching hammer (not shown) for launching the game balls stopped on the launching platform.

[0032] The foul ball passage unit 93 is provided with a foul ball passage (not shown) for merging the game balls (foul balls) that have returned without flying into the game area 5a into the ball passage unit 94, and a foul ball switch 93a (see FIG. 5) for detecting the game balls flowing down the foul ball passage.

[0033] At the rear part of the ball passage unit 94, there are a winning ball passage (not shown) for collecting and flowing down the game balls that have won in various winning openings provided in the game area 5a, a winning passage count switch 94a (see FIG. 5) for detecting the game balls (winning balls) flowing down the winning ball passage, a non-winning ball passage (not shown) for collecting and flowing down the game balls that have flowed into the out opening without winning in various winning openings, a non-winning passage count switch 94b (see FIG. 5) for detecting the game balls (out balls) flowing down the non-winning ball passage, a merging passage (not shown) for merging the game balls flowing down the winning ball passage, the game balls flowing down the non-winning ball passage, and the game balls flowing down the foul ball passage and supplying them to the lifting and polishing device 95, and a lift-down switch 94d (see FIG. 5) for detecting the game balls supplied to the lifting and polishing device 95 at the downstream end of the merging passage.

[0034] Also, at the front part of the ball passage unit 94, there is a lifted ball passage (not shown) for supplying the game balls lifted by the lifting and polishing device 95 to the ball feeding unit 91, a lift-up switch 94c (see FIG. 5) for detecting the game balls lifted by the lifting and polishing device 95 at the upstream end of the lifted ball passage, an excess sensor 94e (see FIG. 5) provided in the middle part of the lifted ball passage (downstream of the lift-up switch 94c) for detecting an excess (surplus) of the game balls (circulating game balls) waiting in the lifted ball passage, a shortage sensor 94f (see FIG. 5) provided in the downstream part of the lifted ball passage (downstream of the excess sensor 94e) for detecting a shortage (deficiency) of the game balls (circulating game balls) waiting in the lifted ball passage, and a ball extraction lever (not shown) for extracting the game balls from a ball extraction opening (not shown) provided at the downstream end of the lifted ball passage (downstream of the shortage sensor 94f) to the outside of the gaming machine.

[0035] The lifting and polishing device 95 is provided with a lift part (not shown) for lifting the game balls by the driving force of a motor, a lift origin switch 95b (not shown) for confirming the origin position of the lift part, a polishing material (not shown) for polishing the game balls lifted by the lift part, and a polishing material confirmation switch 95a (not shown) for detecting that the polishing material is mounted.

[0036] The lock mechanism 27 is provided on the right side of the game board mounting part 25 such that the front end of the cylinder in which the keyhole is formed is exposed on the front side of the glass frame 4. Then, when a dedicated key is inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder and rotated in one direction, the lock of the inner frame 3 is released and the inner frame 3 can be opened and closed. When rotated in the other direction, the lock of the glass frame 4 is released and the glass frame 4 can be opened and closed.

[0037] At a position near the outer edge of the game board 5, a curved inner rail 35 and an outer rail 36 are provided. A game area 5a where game balls can flow down is formed in the portion surrounded by the inner rail 35 and the outer rail 36. Also, between the inner rail 35 and the outer rail 36, a launch ball guide path 38 is formed to guide the game balls launched by the launch device 92 to the upstream portion of the game area 5a. Further, at the most downstream portion of the game area 5a, an out port 39 is formed to guide the game balls that have flowed down to the outside of the game area (the ball passage unit 94).

[0038] At approximately the center of the game area 5a, a frame-shaped decorative frame 40 called a so-called center case is provided to regulate the entry of game balls into the interior. The game area 5a is divided by the decorative frame 40 into a left game area where game balls launched with a first launch momentum flow down and a right game area where game balls launched with a second launch momentum stronger than the first launch momentum flow down. The left game area and the right game area communicate with each other below the decorative frame 40.

[0039] On the left side of the decorative frame 40, a warp device 41 is provided to introduce the game balls flowing down in the left game area into the interior of the decorative frame 40. Below the decorative frame 40, a stage portion 42 is provided to roll the game balls introduced into the interior of the decorative frame 40 by the warp device 41 and let them flow down below the decorative frame 40.

[0040] Below the left side of the decorative frame 40, three general winning holes 43 into which game balls can always win (enter the balls) are provided at intervals. Below the right side of the decorative frame 40, one general winning hole 43 into which game balls can always win (enter the balls) is provided. When the game balls that have won (entered the balls) through the general winning hole 43 are detected by the general winning hole detection switch 43a (see FIG. 6), a predetermined number (for example, 5) of game balls are added as bonus balls (granting of game privileges) to the number of game balls owned by the player (game value), and the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display 135 and the frame control display 125 described later is updated.

[0041] One (the leftmost one) of the three general winning openings 43 provided below and to the left of the decorative frame 40 also serves as the starting area for the normal symbol. When a game ball that has won a prize in this general winning opening 43 is detected by the general winning opening detection switch 43a, the right to determine whether to execute an auxiliary game (opening of the second starting opening 47 described later) is granted (the normal symbol determination information described later is stored).

[0042] Below the stage portion 42, a first starting opening 45 (starting winning area for the first special symbol) where a game ball can always win (enter) is provided. When a game ball that has won a prize (entered) in this first starting opening 45 is detected by the first starting opening detection switch 45a (see Fig. 6), a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 3) are added as prize balls (granting of game privileges) to the number of game balls owned by the player (game value), and the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display 135 and the frame control display 125 described later is updated. Also, the right to determine whether to execute a special game (big win game) is granted (the special symbol determination information described later is stored).

[0043] Below the decorative frame 40 and diagonally downward to the right of the first starting opening 45, a variable starting portion 46 is provided that can be converted from a closed state where it is impossible or difficult for a game ball to win (enter) based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions (winning in the determination described later) to an open state where it is possible or easy for a game ball to win (enter).

[0044] The variable starting portion 46 has an upper surface that slopes downward in the left - right direction (left side in Fig. 1) to form a flow path for the game ball, and a second starting opening opening - closing member 48 that can move in the front - rear direction, a second starting opening 47 (starting winning area for the second special symbol) that opens upward directly below the second starting opening opening - closing member 48, a second starting opening detection switch 47a (see Fig. 6) that detects a game ball that has won a prize (entered) in the second starting opening 47, and a second starting opening opening - closing solenoid 48b (see Fig. 6) that moves the second starting opening opening - closing member 48 forward (prize - restricting position) to convert the second starting opening 47 to the closed state and moves the second starting opening opening - closing member 48 backward (prize - allowing position) to convert the second starting opening 47 to the open state.

[0045] Then, when a game ball wins in the second start port 47 that has been opened during the auxiliary game described later and is detected by the second start port detection switch 47a (see FIG. 6), a predetermined number of game balls (for example, two) are added as prize balls (granting of game privileges) to the number of game balls owned by the player, and the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display 135 and the frame control display 125 described later is updated. Also, a right to perform a jackpot determination as to whether to execute a special game (jackpot game) is granted (the special figure determination information described later is stored).

[0046] In the right game area on the right side of the decorative frame 40, a normal figure gate 44 (starting area for normal symbols) through which game balls can always pass is provided. When a game ball that has passed through the normal figure gate 44 is detected by the gate detection switch 44a (see FIG. 6), no prize balls (game privileges) are granted, but a right to perform a hit determination as to whether to execute an auxiliary game (opening of the second start port 47 described later) is granted (the normal figure determination information described later is stored). Note that the normal figure gate 44 also serves as the starting area for the normal symbols described above, and it is easier for game balls to win (pass through) than the general winning port 43.

[0047] Below the normal figure gate 44, a variable winning section 49 (variable winning device) is provided that can be converted from a closed state in which it is impossible or difficult for a game ball to win (enter the ball) to an open state in which it is possible or easy to win based on the establishment of predetermined conditions (being determined as a jackpot in the jackpot determination).

[0048] The variable winning section 49 (variable winning device) serves as a flow path for the game balls with its upper surface sloping downward in the left - right direction (right side in FIG. 1). It includes a large winning opening closing member 51 that can move in the front - rear direction, a large winning opening 50 (winning area) that opens upward directly below the large winning opening closing member 51, a large winning opening detection switch 50a (see FIG. 6) for detecting game balls that have won (entered) the large winning opening 50, and a large winning opening closing solenoid 51b (see FIG. 6) for converting the large winning opening 50 to the closed state by moving the large winning opening closing member 51 forward (winning restriction position) and converting the large winning opening 50 to the open state by moving the large winning opening closing member 51 backward (winning allowable position).

[0049] Then, during the big win game described later, when the large winning opening closing member 51 moves backward and the large winning opening 50 is converted from the closed state to the open state, if a game ball that has flowed down the upper surface of the large winning opening closing member 51 or a game ball that has reached the large winning opening 50 wins (enters) the large winning opening 50 and is detected by the large winning opening detection switch 50a, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10) are added as prize balls (granting of game special privileges) to the number of game balls owned by the player, and the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display 135 and the frame control display 125 (described later) is updated.

[0050] The game balls launched in the left - hand game area either flow down along the outer edge of the decorative frame 40 as they are, or flow into the warp device 41 and then flow down through the stage section 42, and win (enter) either one of the three general winning openings 43 or the first start opening 45 provided below the decorative frame 40, or flow into the out opening 39. Therefore, they do not win (pass through) the general diagram gate 44, the general winning opening 43, and the variable winning section 49 (large winning opening 50) provided in the right - hand game area.

[0051] In addition, the game balls launched into the right game area flow down through the flow path on the right side of the decorative frame 40, and almost all of them pass through the general pattern gate 44. After that, they either win a prize in one of the general winning holes 43, variable starting parts 46 (second starting holes 47), and variable winning parts 49 (big winning holes 50) provided in the right game area, or flow into the out hole 39. Therefore, the game balls do not win a prize in the general winning hole 43 and the first starting hole 45 provided in the left game area.

[0052] On the back side of the game board 5, there is a safe ball (winning ball) flow path that receives and allows the game balls that have won a prize in the general winning hole 43, the first starting hole 45, the second starting hole 47, and the big winning hole 50 to flow down and then flow into the winning ball path of the ball path unit 94, and an out ball (non-winning ball) flow path that receives and allows the game balls that have flowed into the out hole 39 to flow down and then flow into the non-winning ball path of the ball path unit 94. An out ball detection switch 39a (see FIG. 6) for detecting out balls is provided at the most downstream part of the out ball flow path.

[0053] Outside the game area 5a, there is a main information display device 59 composed of a first special symbol display 60, a second special symbol display 61, a normal symbol display 62, a first special symbol reservation display 63, a second special symbol reservation display 64, a normal symbol reservation display 65, a round number display 66, a right hit display 67, a status confirmation display 68, and a game status display (not shown). This main information display device 59 is composed of a plurality of LEDs.

[0054] The first special symbol display 60 is a variable display for displaying (notifying) the result of the big hit determination of the first special symbol based on the winning (entry) of the game ball into the first starting hole 45. The second special symbol display 61 is a variable display for displaying (notifying) the result of the big hit determination of the second special symbol based on the winning (entry) of the game ball into the second starting hole 47. The normal symbol display 62 is a variable display for displaying (notifying) the result of the hit determination of the normal symbol based on the winning (passing, entry) of the game ball into the general winning hole 43 and the general pattern gate 44 that also serves as the starting area of the normal symbol.

[0055] The jackpot determination corresponds to obtaining special figure determination information (jackpot determination random value, special symbol determination random value, reach determination random value, special figure variation pattern determination random value, etc.) when a game ball wins (enters the hole) in the first start hole 45 or the second start hole 47, and determining whether to execute a jackpot game based on the obtained special figure determination information, etc.

[0056] When a jackpot determination is made based on the winning of a game ball in the first start hole 45, a variable display of the first special symbol (performing cycle variations that change to a plurality of display modes multiple times with one cycle being a change to a plurality of display modes) is performed on the first special symbol display 60, and a stop display of the first special symbol for notifying the determination result is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed. Also, when a jackpot determination is made based on the winning of a game ball in the second start hole 47, a variable display of the second special symbol is performed on the second special symbol display 61, and a stop display of the second special symbol for notifying the determination result is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0057] The first special symbol display 60 and the second special symbol display 61 are each composed of eight LEDs, and in the variable display of each special symbol, a cycle variation (256 ms) is performed multiple times where the lighting mode (display mode) of the LEDs sequentially changes (moves and lights) to eight types at a predetermined cycle (32 ms). When stopping and displaying the special symbol, the LEDs light for a predetermined stop time (0.5 seconds) in a mode (jackpot mode, losing mode) for notifying the result of the jackpot determination.

[0058] In this embodiment, "jackpot" refers to a state in which it is determined to execute a jackpot game (special game) in the jackpot determination. "Jackpot game" refers to a round game in which the big winning hole 50 is converted from a closed state to an open state in a predetermined manner, and is a game state that is advantageous for a player who can easily obtain prize balls when the game is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 4 times, 10 times, etc.) with an interval in between.

[0059] Incidentally, although the maximum number of times the big winning opening 50 can be opened and the maximum opening time in each round of the game are predetermined, even before reaching the maximum number of opening times or the maximum opening time, if a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10 balls) are won (enter the ball) into the big winning opening, one round of the game ends. In this embodiment, any of a plurality of types of jackpot games (special games) with different degrees of advantage for the player can be executed.

[0060] The hit determination refers to obtaining general winning determination information (hit determination random value, normal symbol determination random value, general pattern variation pattern determination random value, etc.) based on the winning (passing through, entering the ball) of game balls into the general winning opening 43 or the general pattern gate 44 that also serves as the start area of the normal symbol, and determining whether to execute an auxiliary game based on the obtained general winning determination information. When the hit determination is made, the normal symbol display 62 displays the variation of the normal symbol, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, a stop display of the normal symbol that notifies the determination result is performed.

[0061] The normal symbol display 62 is composed of three LEDs, and the LEDs blink at a predetermined interval or in a predetermined order during the variation display of the normal symbol. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed, the LEDs light up in a mode (hit mode or miss mode) that notifies the result of the auxiliary game determination.

[0062] In this embodiment, "hit" means a state in which it is determined to execute an auxiliary game (hit game) in the auxiliary game determination. "Auxiliary game" means a game state in which the second start opening 47 is opened in a predetermined mode.

[0063] Incidentally, although the maximum number of times the second start opening 47 can be opened and the maximum opening time in the auxiliary game (hit game) are predetermined, even before reaching the maximum number of opening times or the maximum opening time, if a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10 balls) are won (enter the ball) into the second start opening 47, the auxiliary game (hit game) ends. That is, the "auxiliary game" is a game state in which the start condition for the variation display of the second special symbol is likely to be satisfied. In this embodiment, a plurality of types of auxiliary games (hit games) with different degrees of advantage for the player are provided.

[0064] The first special symbol hold indicator 63 is composed of two LEDs and is for displaying the first hold number (U1), which is the number of special symbol determination information (the first hold) stored when a game ball wins (enters) the first start port 45, and lights up or blinks in a manner indicating the number of the first hold. Note that the maximum number of the first holds that can be stored is 4, but it may be less than 4 or more than 4.

[0065] The second special symbol hold indicator 64 is composed of two LEDs and is for displaying the second hold number (U2), which is the number of special symbol determination information (the second hold) stored when a game ball wins (enters) the second start port 47, and lights up or blinks in a manner indicating the number of the second hold. Note that the maximum number of the second holds that can be stored is 4, but it may be less than 4, more than 4, or the second hold may not be stored at all.

[0066] The normal symbol hold indicator 65 is composed of two LEDs and is for displaying the normal symbol hold number, which is the number of normal symbol determination information (normal symbol hold) stored when a game ball wins (passes through) the normal symbol gate 44, and lights up or blinks in a manner indicating the number of the normal symbol hold. Note that the maximum number of the normal symbol holds that can be stored is 4, but it may be less than 4, more than 4, or the normal symbol hold may not be stored at all.

[0067] Note that the first special symbol display 60 and / or the second special symbol display 61 can be composed of 7-segment LEDs. For example, when a jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination, a number such as "3" or "7" may be stopped and displayed, and when a loss is determined, "-" may be stopped and displayed. During the variable display, it may be set to turn off and repeat "-".

[0068] The round number display 66 is composed of six LEDs and is for displaying the number of rounds when a jackpot state (special game) occurs. At the start of a jackpot game, it starts lighting the LEDs in a predetermined manner indicating the number of rounds, continues lighting the LEDs during the jackpot game, and turns off the LEDs at the end of the jackpot game. For example, in a jackpot game with four rounds, only the leftmost LED lights up, and in a jackpot game with ten rounds, all the LEDs light up.

[0069] The right-shot display 67 is composed of one LED and is for performing a right-shot notification to prompt shooting a game ball toward the right game area (so-called right shot). Basically, the LED does not light during the normal game state, and lights during the jackpot state (special game), during the probability-variable game state described later, and during a specific short-time game state.

[0070] The state confirmation display 68 is composed of one LED and is for performing a short-time notification indicating that it is in the short-time game state. When the short-time game state starts, the LED lights up, and when the short-time game state ends, the LED turns off.

[0071] The game state display (not shown in the figure) is composed of one LED and is for performing a notification indicating that it is in the probability-variable game state or the short-time game state. When the power is turned on to the gaming machine 1 and it is in the probability-variable game state or the short-time game state, the LED lights up, and then when the probability-variable game state or the short-time game state ends (the game state changes), the LED turns off.

[0072] Inside the game area 5a, a sub information display device 80 including a sub first variable display, a sub second variable display, a sub first hold display, a sub second hold display, a sub general diagram variable display, a sub general diagram hold display, and a sub right-shot display is provided. This sub information display device 80 is basically composed of LEDs.

[0073] The sub-first variable display is for displaying (notifying) whether or not the first special symbol is in variable display. The sub-second variable display is for displaying (notifying) whether or not the second special symbol is in variable display. Each is composed of one LED. When the variable display of the corresponding special symbol starts, the LED blinks at a predetermined period (1 second) (lights for 0.5 seconds → extinguishes for 0.5 seconds), so that the first lamp symbol LZ1 or the second lamp symbol LZ2 is in variable display. When the corresponding special symbol stops being displayed, it extinguishes.

[0074] Note that the sub-first variable display or the sub-second variable display may be configured to notify the result of the big win determination of the special symbol. In this case, the LED may be lit in the case of a big win and extinguished in the case of a loss.

[0075] The sub-first hold display is for displaying the number of first hold information (the first hold number) described later. The sub-second hold display is for displaying the number of second hold information (the second hold number) described later. Each is composed of two LEDs. When the hold number is "0", the left and right LEDs extinguish. When the hold number is "1", the left LED lights and the right LED extinguishes. When the hold number is "2", the left and right LEDs light. When the hold number is "3", the left LED blinks and the right LED lights. When the hold number is "4", the left and right LEDs blink.

[0076] The sub-normal symbol variable display is for displaying (notifying) the result of the winning lottery. It is composed of one LED. When the variable display of the normal symbol starts, the LED blinks at a predetermined interval (variable display). When the normal symbol stops being displayed, the mode indicating the result of the winning lottery (lights in the case of a win, extinguishes in the case of a loss) stops being displayed.

[0077] Note that in the sub-normal symbol variable display, it may be configured to blink during the variable display of the normal symbol and light or extinguish when the stop display occurs so that only whether or not the normal symbol is in variable display can be grasped.

[0078] The sub general drawing hold indicator is for displaying the number of general drawing holds (general drawing hold count), and is composed of two LEDs. When the general drawing hold count is "0", both the left and right LEDs are turned off. When the general drawing hold count is "1", the left LED is turned on and the right LED is turned off. When the general drawing hold count is "2", both the left and right LEDs are turned on. When the general drawing hold count is "3", the left LED blinks and the right LED is turned on. When the general drawing hold count is "4", both the left and right LEDs blink.

[0079] The sub right launch indicator is for prompting the launch of the game ball toward the right side area of the game area 5a (so-called right launch), and is composed of one LED. The LED is turned on during the jackpot state (special game) and the time shortening state, and is turned off in other game states.

[0080] At the back of the effect space 40a defined inside the decorative frame 40, a first image display device 70 (main display device) composed of a liquid crystal display is provided. In the lower part of the effect space 40a and in front of the first image display device 70, a second image display device 71 (center sub display device) composed of a liquid crystal display, which is smaller in size and display area than the first image display device 70, is provided. In the upper part of the effect space 40a, a movable effect device 77 for executing an operation effect is provided.

[0081] The first image display device 70 and the second image display device 71 perform various effect displays according to the progress of the game. The effect displays include a customer waiting demo effect performed during the non-execution of the variable display of the special symbol, a variable effect accompanied by the variable display of a plurality of effect symbols 70a performed during the execution of the variable display of the special symbol, the variable display (update variation) of the special symbol TZ (so-called fourth symbol) performed during the execution of the variable display of the special symbol, a jackpot effect performed during the execution of the jackpot game, and the like.

[0082] In addition, the second image display device 71 can perform a movement effect by moving by a liquid crystal movable device (not shown) composed of a solenoid, a motor, etc. during the execution of the variable effect by the first image display device 70.

[0083] Specifically, it performs a movement effect by moving (ascending, descending) in the vertical direction between a standby position (lower position) located near the end of the first image display device 70 and an effect position (upper position) located near the center of the first image display device 70. Note that the moving direction of the second image display device 71 may be the left - right direction or the front - back direction, or it may be configured to perform a movement effect by operating the effect button 17.

[0084] In the display unit (effective display area) of the first image display device 70, there are formed a variable display area for displaying three effect symbols 70a (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol), a display area for performing a display effect (such as displaying a background image) according to the effect mode related to the execution of the variable effect, and the like.

[0085] Note that the effect symbol 70a is composed of, for example, symbols indicating numbers from "1" to "9", starts variable display corresponding to the start of the variable display of the special symbol executed by the first special symbol display 60 or the second special symbol display 61, and performs stop display corresponding to the stop of the variable display of the special symbol. Note that as the effect symbol 70a, symbols indicating alphabets such as "A" to "F" may be used.

[0086] The effect symbol 70a stops displaying for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) in a mode (losing mode, jackpot mode) for notifying the result of the jackpot determination. The jackpot mode is a combination of the same effect symbols 70a such as "777" or "555", and the losing mode is other modes.

[0087] Note that the mode of the variable display of the effect symbol 70a is a vertical scroll, but it may be a horizontal scroll, or it may be a switching or rotation (self - rotation) on the spot.

[0088] Also, during the variable display (variable effect) of the presentation symbol 70a, various effect images such as background images and characters, and movies are displayed on the first image display device 70 and the second image display device 71 according to the result of the jackpot determination, so as to enhance the player's sense of anticipation for the execution of the jackpot game (special game).

[0089] The first image display device 70 has a first hold icon display area 70B for displaying a number of first hold icons (first hold information) corresponding to the first hold number (U1) in a normal game state or the like, a second hold icon display area 70D for displaying a number of second hold icons (second hold information) corresponding to the second hold number (U2) in a time-saving game state or the like, an icon display area 70C for displaying the icon (execution information) indicating that the variable effect is being executed, a first hold number display area 70E for displaying the first hold number (U1) in digits, a second hold number display area 70F for displaying the second hold number (U2) in digits, and the like are formed.

[0090] The first hold icon display area 70B is partitioned in the form of a first display section (first area), a second display section (second area), a third display section (third area), a fourth display section (fourth area) from the side close to the icon display area 70C, and a number of first hold icons corresponding to the first hold number (U1) are displayed in the first display section to the fourth display section.

[0091] Specifically, among the first hold icon display areas, in the first display section of 70B, a first hold icon indicating the first hold information for which the variable display of the first special symbol is first executed is displayed, in the second display section, a first hold icon indicating the first hold information for which the variable display of the first special symbol is second executed is displayed, in the third display section, a first hold icon indicating the first hold information for which the variable display of the first special symbol is third executed is displayed, and in the fourth display section, a first hold icon indicating the first hold information for which the variable display of the first special symbol is fourth executed is displayed.

[0092] The second reserved icon display area 70D is partitioned in the form of a first display section (first area), a second display section (second area), a third display section (third area), a fourth display section (fourth area) from the left side, and the same number of second reserved icons corresponding to the second reserved number (U2) are displayed in the first to fourth display sections.

[0093] Specifically, in the second reserved icon display area 70D, a second reserved icon indicating the second reserved memory in which the variable display of the second special symbol is first executed is displayed in the first display section, and a second reserved icon indicating the second reserved memory in which the variable display of the second special symbol is second executed is displayed in the second display section, a second reserved icon indicating the second reserved memory in which the variable display of the second special symbol is third executed is displayed in the third display section, and a second reserved icon indicating the second reserved memory in which the variable display of the second special symbol is fourth executed is displayed in the fourth display section.

[0094] The icon display area 70C is formed directly above the pedestal image for clearly distinguishing it from the first reserved icon display area 70B and the second reserved icon display area 70D, and the icon is displayed so as to ride on or float above this pedestal image.

[0095] Specifically, as the variable display of the first special symbol (effect display symbol 70a) starts, the first reserved icons displayed in the first reserved icon display area 70B move (shift) one by one toward the icon display area 70C, and the first reserved icon displayed in the first display section of the first reserved icon display area 70B moves (shifts) to the icon display area 70C to become the icon, and the icon disappears (is erased) at the end of the variable display of the first special symbol (effect display symbol 70a). In other words, the disappearance effect (erasure effect) of the icon is performed.

[0096] In addition, with the start of the variable display of the second special symbol (performance symbol 70a), the second hold icons displayed in the second hold icon display area 70D move (shift) one by one toward the icon display area 70C. The second hold icons displayed in the first display section of the second hold icon display area 70D move (shift) to the icon display area 70C to become the icons, and the icons disappear (are erased) at the end of the variable display of the second special symbol (performance symbol 70a). Note that the icons may be made to disappear during the variable display of the special symbol (performance symbol 70a).

[0097] The movable effect device 77 has an operable first movable member 77a and a second movable member 77b, and it is possible to execute an operation effect by causing the first movable member 77a and the second movable member 77b to perform a predetermined operation during a variable effect executed by the first image display device 70 or during a jackpot game effect. In addition, a panel lighting device 76 having a plurality of decorative LEDs is provided on the first movable member 77a and the second movable member 77b, and it is possible to emit light in a predetermined manner during the execution of the operation effect.

[0098] Specifically, the first movable member 77a moves (ascends and descends) between a standby position located near the end (above) of the first image display device 70 and a performance position located near the center (below) of the first image display device 70. The second movable member 77b moves between a standby position that covers a part in front of the first movable member 77a and a performance position that retreats from in front of the first movable member 77a.

[0099] On the back side of the game board 5, there are provided a main control device 110A incorporating a main control board 110 that controls the progress of the game, an effect control device 130A incorporating an effect control board 130 that controls the effects of the game, and an upper cover member 23 made of a transparent resin that covers the rear of the main control device 110A and the effect control device 130A, and the main control device 110A and the effect control device 130A are arranged side by side vertically.

[0100] At the rear of the performance control device 130A, there is a changeover switch 22 for switching to any one of a plurality of adjustment modes in which reference values for the volume of the performance sound output from the audio output device 9 and the light quantity of various light emitting sources (various lighting devices, various display devices) are set. Normally, the rear is covered by the upper cover member 23.

[0101] On the back side of the inner frame 3, there is a frame control device 120A (value control device) incorporating a frame control board 120 that controls the number of game balls (game value amount) owned by the game and controls information communication with the dedicated unit 170, a power supply device 160A incorporating a power supply board 160, a lending device connection terminal board 100 provided with lending device connection terminals 101 for connecting dedicated wiring for communicating with the dedicated unit 170 arranged in parallel with the gaming machine 1, and a lower cover member 120B made of transparent resin that covers the upper rear of the frame control device 120A.

[0102] The power supply device 160A is arranged at the lower part of the inner frame 3 near one end on the left and right (the right side in FIG. 4). On one side in the left and right direction (the part near the rotation axis of the inner frame 3 on the right side in FIG. 4), there is provided a lead-out part of a power cord with a power plug 161 provided at the tip, and a power switch 164 that can be turned on and off is provided.

[0103] The frame control device 120A is arranged such that the frame control device 120A is near the other side on the left and right of the inner frame 3 (near the freely rotatable end of the inner frame 3 on the left side in FIG. 4) and overlaps the rear of the power supply device 160A so that the lead-out part of the power cord of the power supply device 160A and the power switch are exposed to the rear.

[0104] Above the power switch 164 on the back side of the inner frame 3, there is provided a lending device connection terminal board 100 (a kind of relay board) for communicating with the dedicated unit 170. On the lending device connection terminal board 100, lending device connection terminals 101 into which connectors provided at the tips of dedicated cables for communicating with the dedicated unit 170 are inserted are mounted.

[0105] The frame control board 120 built into the frame control device 120A is provided with a frame control display 125 for displaying the number of game balls (game value amount) owned by the player, etc., in the same manner as the game ball number display 135 provided on the glass frame 4. However, the game ball number display 135 and the frame control display 125 are arranged with a shift in the vertical and horizontal directions of the gaming machine 1. Specifically, the game ball number display 135 is disposed closer to the rotation axis of the glass frame 4, and the frame control display 125 is provided below the game ball number display 135 and closer to the freely rotatable end of the inner frame 3.

[0106] In this way, since the game ball number display 135 provided on the front side of the gaming machine is disposed closer to the rotation axis of the glass frame 4, even when the game store employee opens the inner frame 3 or the glass frame 4, the movement range of the game ball number display 135 becomes smaller and the visibility of the game ball number display 135 does not extremely decrease, making it possible to improve the convenience of the game store employee and the player when checking the display content of the game ball number display 135.

[0107] Also, since the frame control display 125 provided on the back side of the gaming machine is provided closer to the freely rotatable end of the inner frame 3, when the game store employee opens the inner frame 3 to check the frame control display 125, it is easier to visually recognize the frame control display 125 than when the frame control display 125 is provided closer to the rotation axis of the inner frame 3, making it possible to improve the convenience of the game store employee when checking the display content of the frame control display 125.

[0108] Further, the lower cover member 120B covers only the upper side of the frame control device 120A (such as various female connectors 127a to 127f etc. exposed from the frame control substrate case 300 described later), and does not cover various buttons provided on the lower side of the frame control device 120A (the game ball number clear button 121b related to the game ball number clear switch 121, the ball discharge button 122b related to the ball discharge switch 122, the error release button 123b related to the error release switch 123 described later). Therefore, it becomes easier to operate various buttons provided on the lower side of the frame control device 120A (the game ball number clear button 121b related to the game ball number clear switch 121, the ball discharge button 122b related to the ball discharge switch 122, the error release button 123b related to the error release switch 123 described later), and it becomes possible to improve the convenience for game store employees.

[0109] Also, the lower cover member 120B does not cover various seals (the frame management number seal 308, the operation guide seal 309 described later) attached to the frame control device 120A and the frame control display 125 mounted on the frame control substrate 120. Therefore, the lower cover member 120B does not obstruct the visibility of various seals and the frame control display 125, and it becomes possible to improve the convenience for game store employees.

[0110] Note that an upper limit acquisition device operation display unit for displaying the operation state of the upper limit acquisition device described later may be provided on the front side of the glass frame 4. The upper limit acquisition device operation display unit may be composed of an LED or a 7-segment display and may be lit when the upper limit acquisition device is operating. Alternatively, the upper limit acquisition device operation display unit may be composed of a slide panel that can be operated by a game store employee (it cannot be operated when the glass frame 4 is closed and can be operated when the glass frame 4 is open). When the upper limit acquisition device is not operating, the panel part slides to display the non-operating state, and when it is operating, the panel part slides to display the operating state.

[0111] Further, the game ball number display 135 controlled by the frame control board 120 may be configured by full-color LEDs, and the display color of the game ball number may be changed according to the quantity of the game balls (game value) owned by the player. For example, when the number of game balls is less than 5,000, the number of game balls is displayed in white; when the number of game balls is 5,000 to 9,999, the number of game balls is displayed in blue; when the number of game balls is 10,000 to 19,999, the number of game balls is displayed in green; when the number of game balls is 20,000 to 29,999, the number of game balls is displayed in red; when the number of game balls is 30,000 or more, the number of game balls may be displayed in rainbow color, etc.

[0112] Alternatively, the game ball number display 135 controlled by the frame control board 120 may be configured by a single-color LED (for example, red), and a specific light-emitting part configured by a plurality of full-color LEDs controlled by the effect control board 130 may be provided so as to surround the periphery of the game ball number display 135. While the display color of the game ball number by the game ball number display 135 is not changed, the light-emitting color of the specific light-emitting part may be changed according to the quantity of the game balls (game value) owned by the player. For example, when the number of game balls is less than 5,000, the specific light-emitting part emits light in white; when the number of game balls is 5,000 to 9,999, the specific light-emitting part emits light in blue; when the number of game balls is 10,000 to 19,999, the specific light-emitting part emits light in green; when the number of game balls is 20,000 to 29,999, the specific light-emitting part emits light in red; when the number of game balls is 30,000 or more, the specific light-emitting part may emit light in rainbow color, etc.

[0113] (Block diagram of the entire gaming machine) Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the block diagrams of the gaming machine 1 and the peripheral devices in the present embodiment will be described.

[0114] First, in the gaming machine 1, although the gaming balls (gaming media) used in conventional pachinko gaming machines are used, since the gaming balls are not discharged outside the gaming machine 1 (at the player's hand) and circulate inside the gaming machine, the player cannot touch the gaming balls. Therefore, the total number of gaming balls displayed on the "gaming ball number display 135" and the "frame control display 125" is information recorded by an electromagnetic method (for example, addition by ball lending or bonus balls, subtraction by firing). In the present embodiment, for convenience, the term "payout" of gaming balls is used, but this does not mean paying out gaming balls outside the gaming machine in a conventional pachinko gaming machine, but means the above-mentioned addition.

[0115] Thereby, it is possible to prevent the act of bringing gaming balls into the game parlor and playing games. In addition, it is possible to prevent the act of illegally obtaining gaming balls by tampering with the gaming balls (for example, attaching a thread to the gaming balls, applying oil, using gaming balls of a size different from the specified size, etc.).

[0116] Note that as the gaming balls used in the gaming machine 1, the gaming balls (gaming balls that react to magnets) used in conventional pachinko gaming machines may be used, or gaming balls that do not react to magnets (for example, made of stainless steel) may be used. In the former case, the cost of manufacturing new gaming balls can be reduced, and in the latter case, a gaming machine that is more resistant to fraud can be realized. Further, when using gaming balls that do not react to magnets, in order to prevent the mixing of gaming balls that react to magnets, a magnet detection unit may be arranged on the ball path to monitor the gaming balls that react to magnets.

[0117] The main control board 110 comprehensively controls the progress of the game (basic operations). The main control board 110 includes a main control unit 110m which is a one-chip microcomputer having a main CPU 110a that performs arithmetic processing, a main ROM 110b storing a game control program and the like, and a main RAM 110c serving as a work area during arithmetic processing, and also includes input ports and output ports for main control. The main CPU 110a receives an operation clock from a crystal oscillator, reads out a program stored in the main ROM 110b, and performs arithmetic processing related to the game while utilizing the main RAM 110c as a work area, thereby controlling controlled devices (various solenoids and various displays), or transmitting a predetermined command based on the result of the arithmetic processing to an effect control board 130 or the like. Further, it transmits predetermined information (described later) to the frame control board 120, or outputs a test data signal necessary for testing to a test device owned by a test organization of the gaming machine 1.

[0118] In this embodiment, there may be descriptions such as "RAM (Random Access Memory)" or "RWM (Read Write Memory)", and both are synonymous.

[0119] Here, the communication between the main control board 110 and the frame control board 120 is configured to be able to communicate information in both directions, and the communication between the main control board 110 and the effect control board 130 is configured to be able to communicate information only in one direction from the main control board 110 to the effect control board 130.

[0120] Various switches, various sensors, and the frame control board 120 and the like are connected to the input ports of the main control board 110. When detection signals from various switches and various sensors are input to the main control board 110 via the input ports, control processing corresponding to the detection signals is performed.

[0121] The various switches include a general winning port detection switch 43a for detecting a game ball that has won (entered) the general winning port 43, a gate detection switch 44a for detecting a game ball that has passed through the normal diagram gate 44, a first start port detection switch 45a for detecting a game ball that has won (entered) the first start port 45, a second start port detection switch 47a for detecting a game ball that has won (entered) the second start port 47, a big winning port detection switch 50a for detecting a game ball that has won (entered) the big winning port 50, an out ball detection switch 39a for detecting a game ball flowing down the most downstream part of the out ball passage, an RWM clear switch 111a for inputting a signal to clear the stored content of the main RAM 110c of the main control unit 110m or update a set value that is a stage of the advantage degree of the game (varying the advantage degree of the game), and a setting key switch 112a for inputting a signal to shift to a state where the set value can be changed or the set value can be confirmed by an operation using the setting key. The various sensors include a first magnetic detection sensor 53a and a second magnetic detection sensor 53b for detecting magnets.

[0122] In this embodiment, the out ball detection switch 39a counts the number of game balls launched by the player. However, a detection switch may be provided at the position where the game ball flies into the game area 5a (a position that does not become a foul ball after detecting the launched ball) to count the number of launched balls, or a detection switch may be provided on the launched ball guide path 38 (a position where the launched ball can become a foul ball after detection) to count the number of launched balls. In the case of providing a detection switch on the launched ball guide path 38, when a foul ball is detected after detecting the launched ball, 1 may be added to the number of launched balls and then 1 may be subtracted.

[0123] Connected to the output port of the main control board 110 are a main information display device 59, various solenoids, an information display 115, a frame control board 120, and an effect control board 130, etc. Through the output port, a drive control signal for controlling various solenoids is output, a display control signal for controlling various displays is output, and predetermined information is transmitted to the frame control board 120.

[0124] The various solenoids are the second start port opening / closing solenoid 48b and the big winning port opening / closing solenoid 51b. The main information display device 59 includes the special symbol display 60, the special symbol display 61, the normal symbol display 62, the special symbol hold display 63, the special symbol hold display 64, the normal symbol hold display 65, the round number display 66, the right-handed display 67, and the status confirmation display 68. The information display 115 is a display (4-digit 7-segment display) for displaying setting values and the like.

[0125] The frame control board 120 includes a frame control CPU 120a that performs arithmetic processing, a frame control ROM 120b that stores the operation program of the frame control CPU 120a, etc., and a frame control RAM 120c that serves as a work area during arithmetic processing, and a frame control unit 120m as a one-chip microcomputer, and also includes input ports for frame control, output ports, etc. The frame control CPU 120a receives the operation clock from the crystal oscillator, reads out the program stored in the frame control ROM 120b, and performs arithmetic processing related to the game while using the frame control RAM 120c as a work area, thereby controlling the controlled devices (various solenoids and various displays), performing telegram communication (described later) with the main control board 110, transmitting predetermined information (described later) to the dedicated unit 170, or outputting test data signals necessary for testing to the test device owned by the test institution of the gaming machine 1.

[0126] The input ports of the frame control board 120 include a touch sensor 15a for detecting that the player's hand touches the firing handle 15, a firing volume 15b composed of a variable resistor whose resistance value changes according to the rotation angle of the firing handle 15, a ball extraction switch 122 for detecting that the ball extraction button 122b is operated, an error reset button 123b for detecting that the error reset button 123b is operated, a lending device connection terminal board 100 for communicating with a dedicated unit 170 arranged in parallel with the gaming machine 1, a firing base switch 92a for detecting a game ball staying on the firing base, a subtraction inlet switch 91b for detecting a game ball flowing down through the ball passage unit 94, a subtraction outlet switch 91c for detecting a game ball sent to the firing device 92 by the operation of the subtraction solenoid 91a, a count button switch 20a for detecting that the count button 20 is operated, a glass frame opening detection switch 31a for detecting the opening (opening / closing) of the glass frame 4, an inner frame opening detection switch 31b for detecting the opening (opening / closing) of the inner frame 3 (shown as various opening detection sw31a, 31b in the drawing), a radio wave detection sensor 54a for detecting abnormal radio waves, a lifting and polishing device 95 for lifting the game ball while polishing it, a game ball count clear switch 121 for detecting that the game ball count clear button 121b is operated, and various passage units 93, 94, etc. are connected. When detection signals from various detection switches and various detection sensors are input to the frame control board 120 via the input ports, control processing corresponding to the detection signals is performed.

[0127] Note that the glass frame opening detection switch 31a for detecting the opening (opening / closing) of the glass frame 4 may turn ON when the glass frame 4 is open (in this case, it is determined to be open when there is an ON input), or may turn ON when the glass frame 4 is closed (in this case, it is determined to be open when there is no ON input). The same applies to the inner frame opening detection switch 31b.

[0128] In each of the various passage units 93 and 94, there are a far ball switch 93a for detecting a game ball (far ball) flowing down a far ball passage for merging the game balls that have returned without flying into the game area 5a into the ball passage unit 94, a winning passage count switch 94a for detecting a game ball (winning ball) flowing down a winning ball passage (not shown) that collects and flows down the game balls that have won in various winning openings provided in the game area 5a, a non-winning passage count switch 94b for detecting a game ball (out ball) flowing down a non-winning ball passage (not shown) that collects and flows down the game balls that have flowed into the out port 39 without winning in various winning openings, a lift-up switch 94c for detecting a game ball lifted by a lift-up polishing device 95 at the upstream end of the lift-up ball passage, a lift-down switch 94d for detecting a game ball supplied to the lift-up polishing device 95 at the downstream end of a merging passage (not shown) for merging the game balls flowing down the winning ball passage, the non-winning ball passage, and the far ball passage and supplying them to the lift-up polishing device 95, an excess sensor 94e provided in the middle part of the lift-up ball passage (downstream of the lift-up switch 94c) for detecting an excess (surplus) of game balls (circulating game balls) waiting in the lift-up ball passage, and a shortage sensor 94f provided in the downstream part of the lift-up ball passage (downstream of the excess sensor 94e) for detecting a shortage (deficiency) of game balls (circulating game balls) waiting in the lift-up ball passage.

[0129] Connected to the output port of the frame control board 120 are an effect control board 130, a lending device connection terminal board 100, a solenoid 92b for operating a firing hammer (not shown) for firing a game ball staying on the firing base, a subtraction solenoid 91a for sending a game ball to the firing device 92, a lift-up polishing device 95, a game ball number display 135, a frame control display 125, etc. Through the output port, an output of a drive control signal for controlling various solenoids and an output of a display control signal for controlling various displays are performed.

[0130] Communication between the frame control board 120 and the effect control board 130 is configured to enable communication of information in only one direction, from the frame control board 120 to the effect control board 130. Thereby, for example, when an error is detected in the frame control board 120, the effect control board 130 can issue a notification regarding the error. Note that communication between the frame control board 120 and the effect control board 130 may be performed via the main control board 110. That is, the frame control board 120 and the effect control board 130 do not necessarily need to be directly connected.

[0131] The "game ball number display 135" is a display for displaying the total number of game balls that a player can launch (hereinafter simply referred to as the "total number of game balls"). For example, it is composed of a 6-digit 7-segment display. Note that it may be shared as a display for displaying an error code indicating the type of error that has occurred in the gaming machine 1. In this case, when no error has occurred, only the total number of game balls is displayed, and when an error has occurred, the total number of game balls and the error code may be alternately displayed. The display of the error code will be described in detail later.

[0132] The "frame control display 125" is a display for displaying the total number of game balls. For example, it is composed of a 6-digit 7-segment display. For example, when "100" is displayed as the total number of game balls on the "game ball number display 135", the total number of game balls displayed on the "frame control display 125" will also be "100". If the "game ball number display 135" malfunctions and the total number of game balls cannot be displayed, the player can grasp the total number of game balls they possess by checking the total number of game balls displayed on the "frame control display 125" (it serves as a backup display in case of failure).

[0133] Note that it may be shared as a display for displaying an error code indicating the type of error that has occurred in the gaming machine 1, or it may be shared as a display for displaying "display performance information (normal base value)" (see "frame control board display performance information calculation process" described later). In this case, when no error has occurred, the total number of game balls and "display performance information (normal base value)" are alternately displayed, and when an error has occurred, the total number of game balls, "display performance information (normal base value)", and the error code may be alternately displayed.

[0134] The "count button 20" is a button for transmitting data on the total number of game balls to the dedicated unit 170. The frame control CPU 120a determines "short press" and "long press" according to the pressing time of the "count button 20". Specifically, if the pressing time is less than 0.5 seconds, it is determined as a "short press", and if the pressing time is 0.5 seconds or more, it is determined as a "long press".

[0135] When the frame control CPU 120a determines a "short press", it counts one game ball, and when it determines a "long press", it counts 250 game balls at a counting notification timing every 0.3 seconds. When the total number of game balls is less than 250 (for example, 200), all 200 are counted in the "long press" determination. A count enable lamp that lights up when the counting is possible and goes out when the counting is not possible may be provided.

[0136] The "game ball count clear button 121b" is a button for clearing the number of game balls recorded by an electromagnetic method. For example, it is assumed that game balls are recorded in the gaming machine 1 when the gaming machine 1 is shipped from the manufacturing factory to the game parlor, or when the game is stopped after a small number of game balls (for example, 1 ball) are recorded after the gaming machine 1 is installed in the game parlor. In such a case, problems may occur such that it is difficult for a player who wants to start a new game to play (it may give the misunderstanding that the previous player may be in the middle of the game). To solve such problems, if the power switch 164 is turned on while pressing the game ball count clear button 121b, the above-mentioned recorded game balls can be cleared.

[0137] Note that the game ball count clearing process may be performed even when there is no recorded game ball (0 balls), or if there is no recorded game ball (0 balls), the game ball count clearing process may not be performed (even if the game ball count clear button 121b has been pressed). Also, if the game ball count clearing process is to be performed when there is no recorded game ball (0 balls), the "HC·Illegality Monitoring Information" indicating that the game balls have been cleared may be finally transmitted from the gaming machine 1 to the gaming machine information center, or if there is no recorded game ball (0 balls), the game ball count clearing process may not be performed (even if the game ball count clear button 121b has been pressed), and the "HC·Illegality Monitoring Information" indicating that the game balls have been cleared may not be transmitted from the gaming machine 1. If the game ball count clearing process is to be performed when there is no recorded game ball (0 balls), regardless of the recording status of the game balls, the control related to the game ball count clearing can be made uniform, and the control load can be reduced. On the other hand, if there is no recorded game ball (0 balls), the game ball count clearing process (a process that has no meaning) can be prevented from being performed even though there are no game balls to be cleared.

[0138] When the recorded game balls are cleared, notification that the game ball count has been cleared is given by voice output under the control of the voice control unit 148, display control under the control of the image control unit 145, and light emission control under the control of the lamp control unit 150. Note that the details of this notification will be described later.

[0139] Also, the "HC·Illegality Monitoring Information" indicating that the game balls have been cleared is finally transmitted from the gaming machine 1 to the gaming machine information center. As a result, the gaming machine information center can also grasp that the game ball count has been cleared on the gaming machine 1.

[0140] Note that the game ball count is cleared only when the power switch 164 is turned on while pressing the game ball count clear button 121b. That is, even if the "game ball count clear button 121b" is pressed while the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the game ball count is not cleared. In this case, the state of the gaming machine 1 does not change, and no notification is given by voice, display, or light emission. For example, even if the "game ball count clear button 121b" is pressed during the execution of the variable display, the variable display continues, and the voice output, display control, and light emission control corresponding to the variable display continue. This can prevent the player from suffering disadvantages even if, for example, a game store employee accidentally presses the "game ball count clear button 121b" during the variable display.

[0141] Also, the "game ball count clear button 121b" is a button used to clear the game ball count and has no other functions. For example, an error cannot be cleared by operating this button, game balls cannot be discharged (emptied) outside the gaming machine 1 by operating this button, and the main RAM 110c and the frame control RAM 120c cannot be initialized by operating this button.

[0142] The "ball emptying button 122b" is a button for discharging game balls outside the gaming machine 1. Although the game balls are not touched by the player's hand, periodic inspection, cleaning, or replacement is recommended. In such a case, if the power switch 164 is turned on while pressing the ball emptying button 122b, the game balls can be discharged outside the gaming machine 1.

[0143] When the game balls are being discharged outside the gaming machine 1, it is notified that it is in the ball emptying mode by voice notification under the control of the voice control unit 148 and screen notification under the control of the image control unit 145. Note that this notification will be described in detail later.

[0144] Note that the discharge of the game balls outside the gaming machine 1 is only performed when the power switch 164 is turned on while pressing the ball discharge button 122b. That is, even if the "ball discharge button 122b" is pressed while the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the game balls are not discharged outside the gaming machine 1. In this case, the state of the gaming machine 1 does not change, and no notification by sound or display is made. For example, even if the "ball discharge button 122b" is pressed during the execution of the variable display, the variable display continues, and the voice output, display control, and light emission control corresponding to the variable display continue. This can prevent the player from suffering disadvantages even if, for example, a game store employee accidentally presses the "ball discharge button 122b" during the variable display.

[0145] Also, the "ball discharge button 122b" is a button used to discharge the game balls outside the gaming machine 1 and has no other functions. For example, an error cannot be cleared by operating this button, the number of game balls cannot be cleared by operating this button, and the main RAM 110c and the frame control RAM 120c cannot be initialized by operating this button.

[0146] When the glass frame opening detection switch 31a detects the opening of the glass frame 4, it becomes impossible to launch the game balls by operating the launch handle 15. Similarly, when the inner frame opening detection switch 31b detects the opening of the inner frame 3, it becomes impossible to launch the game balls by operating the launch handle 15. This can prevent the game balls circulating inside the gaming machine from flying outside the gaming machine, ensuring the (circulating) game balls necessary for the game and preventing the player from suffering disadvantages. Note that, for example, 45 game balls are installed in the gaming machine 1.

[0147] Note that in order to prevent fraud using game balls smaller than the specified size to make it easier for the game balls to win at each winning port, a small ball detection switch (or sensor) may be provided.

[0148] The dedicated unit 170 includes a U (unit) board 171, a U (unit) control unit 172, a hall sensor output unit 173, and a display unit (touch panel) 174.

[0149] The lending device connection terminal board 100 that relays signals from the U board 171 and the frame control board 120 is electrically connected by dedicated PIF wiring, and the U board 171 and the frame control board 120 are capable of communicating "predetermined information" (described later). Note that the lending device connection terminal board 100 can be used in common for a pachinko game machine (game machine 1 of the present embodiment) that uses game balls and a medal-less rotary game machine. For example, when used in a pachinko game machine, the pachinko game machine is selected by operating the changeover switch, and when used in a medal-less rotary game machine, the medal-less rotary game machine is selected by operating the changeover switch.

[0150] When finally transmitting the predetermined information received from the frame control board 120 to the game machine information center (described later), the U board 171 has a function (security function) of encrypting and transmitting the predetermined information. Also, when finally transmitting the predetermined information received from the game machine information center to the frame control board 120, it has a function (security function) of decrypting and transmitting the predetermined information.

[0151] The U control unit 172 has a CPU (not shown), a ROM (not shown) in which programs and control data for operating the CPU are stored, and a RAM (not shown) that functions as a work area.

[0152] The U control unit 172 has a function of reading and storing the card ID of the inserted membership card or visitor card, and has a function of transmitting the stored card ID to the management computer. When receiving the card ID, the management computer transmits the card ID to the card company data center (described later) and the game machine information center.

[0153] While the player is playing the game, the U control unit 172 has a function of storing the game balls (held balls) held by the player and displaying the held balls on the display unit (touch panel) 174, and has a function of displaying the remaining amount on the display unit (touch panel) 174 if banknotes are inserted.

[0154] The display unit (touch panel) 174 can display, in addition to the display of the held balls and the remaining amount, an image of a ball lending button for lending game balls and an image of a return button for returning a membership card or a visitor card. The U control unit 172 can input an operation signal when the image of the ball lending button is operated by the player, and can input an operation signal when the image of the return button is operated by the player. Then, when these operation signals are input, processing (ball lending, return) corresponding to the operation signals is performed. Further, the display unit (touch panel) 174 can display an error code, which will be described later. This will be described later.

[0155] Note that although the display unit (touch panel) 174 is configured to display an image of a ball lending button and an image of a return button and enable operation by the player, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a ball lending button and a return button may be provided in the dedicated unit 170, or a ball lending button and a return button may be provided on the gaming machine 1.

[0156] The U control unit 172 can count and store the gaming time and the number of gaming times (for example, the number of visits to the gaming store) while the membership card is inserted. It can also store the number of gaming media stored in the membership card, the amount of money used for gaming, and the number of gaming media used for gaming. Then, the stored information is finally transmitted to the gaming machine information center and stored in the countermeasure server of the gaming machine information center (utilized for countermeasures against player gaming addiction).

[0157] The U control unit 172 includes a hall computer output unit 173, and outputs hall computer information (for example, information indicating that a big win game is in progress, information indicating that a high-probability gaming state is in progress, information indicating that a variable time shortening function is in an operating state, information indicating the number of winning balls in each winning port, etc.) to the hall computer from the hall computer output unit 173. The hall computer output unit 173 includes an external terminal board pulse output signal terminal 1, an external terminal board pulse output signal terminal 2, an external terminal board pulse output signal terminal 3, and an external terminal board pulse output signal terminal 4.

[0158] The hall computer is a dedicated computer installed in a game arcade, which is communicably connected to the gaming machine 1 via a relay device or the like, and is a device capable of collecting hall computer information.

[0159] The effect control board 130 serves as a slave control board (slave control means) that controls effects related to the game (performed on the gaming machine 1) based on the reception of effect commands from the main control board 110. The effect control board 130 includes an effect control unit 130m having a sub CPU 130a that performs arithmetic processing, a sub ROM 130b storing an effect control program, and a sub RAM 130c serving as a work area during arithmetic processing, an image control unit 145 that controls the first image display device 70 (main liquid crystal), the second image display device 71 (sub liquid crystal), the third image display device 72 (left image display device), the fourth image display device 73 (right image display device), the audio output device 9 (speaker), etc., a lamp control unit 150 that controls the frame lighting device 10, the button drive device 17b, the board drive device 75, the board lighting device 76, etc., and input ports, output ports, etc. for effect control.

[0160] The sub CPU 130a receives an operation clock from a crystal oscillator, reads out a game program stored in the sub ROM 130b, and performs arithmetic processing related to effects while using the sub RAM 130c as a work area, so as to perform control (output data and commands) to cause various control units (image control unit 145, lamp control unit 150) to execute various effects in response to input signals from commands received from the main control board 110, the effect button detection switch 17a, and the joystick detection switch 19a.

[0161] Connected to the input ports of the performance control board 130 are a performance button detection switch 17a, a joystick detection switch 19a, and a button position detection sensor (not shown). When a performance button detection signal indicating that the performance button 17 has been operated is input from the performance button detection switch 17a, or when a joystick detection signal (up button detection signal, left button detection signal, down button detection signal, right button detection signal) indicating that the joystick 19 has been operated is input from the joystick detection switch 19a, the performance control board 130 performs processing for executing a performance corresponding to the detection signal.

[0162] The image control unit 145 receives a command from the performance control unit 130m and controls the first image display device 70 (main liquid crystal), the second image display device 71 (sub liquid crystal), the third image display device 72 (left image display device), and the fourth image display device 73 (right image display device) to display a predetermined image.

[0163] The audio control unit 148 is connected to the audio output device 9 and controls the audio output device 9 to output audio data, music data (BGM, SE), etc. in accordance with the displays of the first image display device 70 (main liquid crystal), the second image display device 71 (sub liquid crystal), the third image display device 72 (left image display device), and the fourth image display device 73 (right image display device) based on various performance data (including commands) transmitted from the performance control unit 130m.

[0164] Note that between the production control unit 130m, the image control unit 145, and the audio control unit 148, there is a general control unit (not shown) that comprehensively controls image display and audio output based on the reception of production control commands from the production control unit 130m. The image control unit 145 reads a CGROM (not shown) in which image data and the like are stored based on the reception of a display control command (display list) from the general control unit, and controls the first image display device 70, the second image display device 71, the third image display device 72 (left image display device), and the fourth image display device 73 (right image display device). The audio control unit 148 reads an audio ROM in which audio data and the like are stored based on the reception of an audio control command from the general control unit, and controls the audio output device 9.

[0165] The VRAM (not shown) provided in the image control unit 145 has a display list storage area for temporarily storing the display list output from the general control unit (general CPU), a frame buffer area corresponding to the first image display device 70 (main liquid crystal), the second image display device 71 (sub liquid crystal), the third image display device 72 (left image display device), and the fourth image display device 73 (right image display device), and the like.

[0166] This frame buffer area is a storage area for drawing or displaying an image, and further has a first frame buffer area and a second frame buffer area. The first frame buffer area and the second frame buffer area alternately switch between a "drawing frame buffer" and a "display frame buffer" every time drawing starts.

[0167] Therefore, based on the instructions (display list) from the overall control unit, the image control unit 145 draws the drawing data stored in the CGROM on the "drawing frame buffer" in the frame buffer area of the VRAM, reads the drawing data from the "display frame buffer" in the frame buffer area, generates a video signal (RGB signal, etc.) based on the read drawing data, and outputs it to the first image display device 70 (main liquid crystal), the second image display device 71 (sub liquid crystal), the third image display device 72 (left image display device), and the fourth image display device 73 (right image display device) to display various images.

[0168] The image control unit 145 is supplied with an operation clock from a crystal oscillator. By dividing this operation clock, a synchronization signal (horizontal synchronization signal and vertical synchronization signal) for synchronizing with the first image display device 70 (main liquid crystal), the second image display device 71 (sub liquid crystal), the third image display device 72 (left image display device), and the fourth image display device 73 (right image display device) is generated and output to the first image display device 70 (main liquid crystal), the second image display device 71 (sub liquid crystal), the third image display device 72 (left image display device), and the fourth image display device 73 (right image display device). In this embodiment, the frame rate of the VDP is set to 30 fps (1 / 30 second = approximately 33 ms) so that drawing (image display) is performed 30 times per second, but it may also be set to 60 fps (1 / 60 second = approximately 16.6 ms) so that drawing (image display) is performed 60 times per second.

[0169] The lamp control unit 150 includes a lamp CPU (not shown) that performs arithmetic processing, a lamp ROM (not shown) in which a lamp control program is stored, a lamp RAM (not shown) that serves as a work area during arithmetic processing, and input / output ports, etc.

[0170] The lamp CPU receives the operation clock from the crystal oscillator, reads out the lamp control program stored in the lamp ROM, and performs arithmetic processing related to the effect while utilizing the lamp RAM as a work area, thereby performing control (outputting data and commands) to cause the controlled devices such as various lighting devices and various drive devices to perform a predetermined effect according to the effect instruction command and the like received from the effect control unit 130m.

[0171] The input / output ports of the lamp control unit are connected to the frame lighting device 10, the button drive device 17b, the panel drive device 75, the panel lighting device 76, and the sub-information display device 80. Based on various effect data (including commands) transmitted from the effect control unit 130m (sub-CPU 130a), the lighting control of various LEDs of the frame lighting device 10, the panel drive device 75, the panel lighting device 76, and the sub-information display device 80 is performed, or the drive control of drive sources such as the motors and solenoids of the button drive device 17b and the panel drive device 75 is performed.

[0172] The power supply board 160 generates the main power supply (operating power supply) necessary for the operation of the gaming machine 1 from the power supply supplied from the outside of the gaming machine 1 and supplies it to the gaming machine 1 (main control board 110, frame control board 120, effect control board 130, and various electronic components). The power supply board 160 is provided with a power-off detection circuit 162 that detects whether a power failure (blackout) has occurred and outputs a power-off detection signal to the main control board 110 based on the occurrence of the power failure (blackout), and a backup power supply circuit 163 for supplying a backup power supply to the main control board 110 during a power failure (blackout).

[0173] In addition, the power supply board 160 is provided with a power switch 164 that can be operated by a store clerk of the game parlor to switch between an ON state in which the main power supply to the gaming machine 1 (main control board 110, frame control board 120, effect control board 130, and various electronic components) is supplied and an OFF state in which the supply is stopped. When the power switch 164 is turned to the ON state, the supply of the main power supply is started and the operation of the gaming machine 1 is started. Note that the supply of the backup power supply to the main control board 110 is maintained even when the power switch 164 is in the OFF state.

[0174] The power failure detection circuit 162 monitors the power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine 1, and outputs a power failure detection signal to the main control board 110 when the power supply voltage becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value. More specifically, the main CPU 110a for which the power failure detection signal becomes high level becomes an operable state, and when the power failure detection signal becomes low level, the main CPU 110a becomes an operation stop state.

[0175] The backup power supply circuit 163 includes a capacitor that stores electricity when the gaming machine is powered on, and supplies the backup power supply voltage stored in the capacitor to the main RAM 110c of the main control board 110 and the frame control RAM 120c of the frame control board 120 when a power failure (blackout) occurs. As a result, the stored contents of the main RAM 110c and the frame control RAM 120c are retained even during a power failure (blackout), and after recovery from the power failure (blackout), the control state of the game and the number of game balls (game value) owned by the player can be restored to the state before the power failure (blackout). Note that a backup power supply may be supplied to the effect control board 130.

[0176] (Description of the game state) Next, the game state when the game progresses will be described. In the present embodiment, there are a "low probability game state" and a "high probability game state" as states related to special game determination (big win determination), and a "non-time shortening game state" and a "time shortening game state" as states related to the second start port opening / closing member 48 of the second start port 47. Therefore, in the present embodiment, (1) A "low probability non-time shortening game state" which is a low probability game state and a non-time shortening game state, and (2) A "low probability time shortening game state" which is a low probability game state and a time shortening game state, and (3) A "high probability time shortening game state" which is a high probability game state and a time shortening game state are provided.

[0177] Incidentally, the initial game state of the gaming machine 1 is set to a "low-probability non-time-reduced game state", and in this embodiment, this game state will be referred to as the "normal game state". Also, the game state during a big win game will also be set to the "low-probability non-time-reduced game state", but it will be a game state different from the normal game state.

[0178] Here, the "low-probability game state" means, for example, in the case where the set value (the big win probability in the big win lottery) of the degree of advantage of the game is "1", a special game determination (big win determination) performed on the condition that a game ball enters the first start port 45 or the second start port 47, and it refers to a game state in which the winning probability of a big win is set as low as about 1 / 300.

[0179] On the other hand, the "high-probability game state" means, in the case where the set value is "1", the winning probability of a big win is set as high as about 1 / 60, which means a game state more advantageous to the player compared to the low-probability game state. Note that the transition from the low-probability game state to the high-probability game state is performed after the end of the big win game.

[0180] Also, the "non-time-reduced game state" means that in an auxiliary game determination (winning determination) performed on the condition that a game ball passes through the general-purpose gate 44, the winning probability of a win is set as low as 1 / 16, the average time of the variable display of the normal symbol is set to about 30 seconds, and the opening time of the second start port 47 when a win is selected is set to 0.1 second.

[0181] On the other hand, the "time-reduced game state" (variable time reduction function operating state) means that the winning probability of a win is set as high as 15 / 16, the average time of the variable display of the normal symbol is set to about 3 seconds, and the opening time of the second start port 47 when a win is selected is set to 5 seconds, which means a game state more advantageous to the player with reduced consumption of game balls compared to the non-time-reduced game state. Note that the transition from the non-time-reduced game state to the time-reduced game state is performed after the end of the big win game.

[0182] Note that the "time-saving game state" is set so that the average variation time of the normal symbol, the opening time of the second start port 47, and the winning probability of the hit lottery are more advantageous than those in the "non-time-saving game state". However, it may be set so that only any one of the average variation time of the normal symbol, the opening time of the second start port 47, and the winning probability of the hit lottery becomes advantageous.

[0183] Also, the winning probability of a hit in the auxiliary game determination in the non-time-saving game state remains the same without changing according to the set value, but it may be made to vary according to the set value so that the winning probability becomes more advantageous as the set value increases. Also, regarding the winning probability of a hit in the auxiliary game determination in the time-saving game state, it also remains the same without changing according to the set value, but it may be made to vary according to the set value so that the winning probability becomes more advantageous as the set value increases.

[0184] (Memory Map of the Main Control Unit and the Frame Control Unit) FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the memory map of the memory area composed of the main ROM 110b and the main RAM 110c of the main control unit 110m, and the memory map of the memory area composed of the frame control ROM 120b and the frame control RAM 120c of the frame control unit 120m.

[0185] The memory area of the main control unit 110m includes a memory area (8000H to FFFFH) allocated to the main ROM 110b and a memory area (0000H to 7FFFH) allocated to the main RAM 110c.

[0186] The memory area of the main ROM 110b includes a game ROM area (8000H - 9FFFH) where programs and data related to the progress of the game are stored, an information ROM area (A000H - A52EH) where programs and data related to the winning limit device of the gaming machine (described later) are stored, an unused area of 16 bytes or more (A52FH - A6FFH) where access is prohibited and "0" is stored, a ROM comment area (A700H - A77FH) where data such as the title and version of the program are stored, a vector table area (A780H - A7A7H) where the start address of the timer interrupt process described later is set, and a HW parameter area (A7A8H - A7FFFH) where parameters such as the start address and final address of the access prohibited area are set, which are arranged in order.

[0187] The game ROM area includes a game program area (8000H - 8BDCH) where programs related to the progress of the game are stored, a first unused area (8BDDH - 8FFFH) where access is prohibited and "0" is stored, a game data area (9000H - 9976H) where data related to the progress of the game are stored, and a second unused area (9977H - 9FFFH) where access is prohibited and "0" is stored, which are arranged in order.

[0188] The information ROM area includes an information program area (A000H - A437H) where programs related to the winning limit device of the gaming machine are stored, an unused area (A438H - A47FH) where access is prohibited and "0" is stored, and an information data area (A480H - A52EH) where data related to the winning limit device of the gaming machine are stored, which are arranged in order.

[0189] The memory area of the main RAM 110c includes a game RWM area (0000H - 018FH) used as a work area (working area) when executing the game program, and an information RWM area (0190H - 01FFH) used as a work area (working area) when executing the information program, which are arranged in order.

[0190] The game RWM area is arranged in order as follows: a game work area (0000H to 0128H) that a game program uses as a work, a first unused area (0129H to 0171H) where access is prohibited and "0" is stored, a game stack area (0172H to 017FH) for temporarily storing data being processed by the game program, and a second unused area (0180H to 018FH) where access is prohibited and "0" is stored.

[0191] In the game work area, there are arranged in order a setting value area for storing setting values, a determination information area for storing determination information (checksum described later) for determining an abnormality in the RWM area, and a game data area for storing game data that changes as the game progresses.

[0192] The information RWM area is arranged in order as follows: an information work area (0190H to 01E8H) that an information program uses as a work, an unused area (01E9H to 01EAH) where access is prohibited and "0" is stored, and an information stack area (01EBH to 01FFH) for temporarily storing data being processed by the information program.

[0193] In the information work area, there are arranged in order a game medium acquisition information area for storing information related to the upper limit of acquisition of game media of the gaming machine 1, and an error information area for storing information related to various error determinations.

[0194] Note that the memory map of the memory area composed of the frame control ROM 120b and the frame control RAM 120c of the frame control unit 120m is configured in the same way, so the description is omitted. The main control unit 110m, the main ROM 110b, and the main RAM 110c may be replaced with the frame control unit 120m, the frame control ROM 120b, and the frame control RAM 120c, respectively.

[0195] (Relationship between the game area and the information area) FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between a game area (game ROM area, game RWM area) that performs processing based on a game program and an information area (information ROM area, information RWM area) that performs processing based on an information program. Note that FIG. 8 is common to the main control unit 110m and the frame control unit 120m.

[0196] As shown in FIG. 8(a), when the main CPU 110a performs processing based on a game program, it basically refers to the game data area and refers to and updates the content of the game RWM area while using the game RWM area as a work area. Also, when performing processing based on an information program, it basically refers to the information data area and refers to and updates the content of the information RWM area while using the information RWM area as a work area.

[0197] However, in the processing based on the game program, the content of the information RWM area cannot be updated, but can be referred to. Also, in the processing based on the information program, the content of the game RWM area cannot be updated, but can be referred to.

[0198] Then, as shown in FIG. 8(b), when performing processing based on an information program, after saving the flag register in the game RWM area in the processing based on the game program, the information program is called to execute the processing based on the information program, and immediately after the processing based on the information program ends and returns to the game program, the flag register is restored from the game RWM area.

[0199] Also, immediately after the start of the information program, the stack pointer of the game stack area is saved in the information RWM area, then the stack pointer of the information stack area is set, all the registers used in the game program are saved in the information RWM area, and immediately before the end of the information program, all the registers used in the game program are restored from the information RWM area and the stack pointer of the game stack area is restored.

[0200] By doing so, when performing processing based on the information program, it is possible to protect the data used by the game program, and when returning from the information program to the game program, inconveniences will not occur.

[0201] (System Configuration Diagram) FIG. 9 is a system configuration diagram (overall schematic diagram) of the gaming machine 1 and peripheral devices.

[0202] In the game parlor, a combination of the gaming machine 1 and the dedicated unit 170 installed side by side with the gaming machine 1 is installed, and the game can be played by connecting the gaming machine 1 and the dedicated unit 170. Also, in the office of the game parlor, a hall computer and a management computer are installed.

[0203] When the gaming machine 1 and the dedicated unit 170 are not connected, or when the power of the dedicated unit 170 is OFF although the gaming machine 1 and the dedicated unit 170 are connected, it becomes impossible to count the game balls by operating the count button 20 and to launch the game balls by operating the launch handle 15.

[0204] The management computer is communicably connected to the card company data center, and the card company data center is communicably connected to the gaming machine information center.

[0205] The gaming machine information center is provided with a machine history server, a fraud monitoring server, a performance information server, and a dependency countermeasure server. Also, it is communicably connected to a combination (Nikka Group) to which a plurality of gaming machine manufacturers related to pachinko gaming machines belong, a dependency countermeasure organization, and a card company group. Also, the gaming machine information center can collect (centralized manage) the information described below from all the game parlors where the gaming machine 1 is installed.

[0206] Next, the details, flow, and physical flow of the information (the above-mentioned "predetermined information") will be described. Among the information transmitted from the gaming machine 1 (main control board 110, frame control board 120), the information to be transmitted to the gaming machine information center is encrypted by the U board 171. And the encrypted and transmitted information can be decrypted only by the gaming machine information center. As a result, the "main control chip ID number" and "frame control chip ID number" included in the information transmitted from the gaming machine 1 become information that cannot be known by a third party, and for example, it can be made difficult to obtain the information of the "main control chip ID number" and "frame control chip ID number" in the process of transmitting to the gaming machine information center. As a result, it is possible to prevent the information of the "main control chip ID number" and "frame control chip ID number" from being illegally obtained and the act of installing the obtained information on an illegal main control board 110 or frame control board 120 and then installing it in a game parlor.

[0207] When the lending button of the game medium provided in the dedicated unit 170 is operated, a "ball lending signal" is transmitted in the flow of dedicated unit 170 → lending device connection terminal board 100 → frame control board 120 (in the figure (1)). When the frame control board 120 inputs the "ball lending signal", it updates the number of game balls (game value amount) owned by the player displayed on the game ball number display 135 and the frame control display 125.

[0208] When the counting button 20 is operated by the player, in order to store the number of game balls (game value) owned by the player displayed on the game ball number display 135 in a storage medium such as a membership card or a visitor card inserted into the dedicated unit 170, "counting information" is transmitted in the flow of frame control board 120 → lending device connection terminal board 100 → dedicated unit 170 (in the figure (2)). When the dedicated unit 170 inputs the "counting information", it stores the number of game balls (game value) in a storage medium such as a membership card or a visitor card (prepaid card). Note that the number of game balls (game value) may be stored in the hall computer in association with the identification information of the membership card or the visitor card.

[0209] When power is supplied to the gaming machine 1 from the power supply board 160, "gaming machine installation information" is transmitted in the order of the main control board 110 → frame control board 120 → lending device connection terminal board 100 → dedicated unit 170 → management computer → card company data center → gaming machine information center (in (2), (4), and (7) in the figure).

[0210] "Gaming machine installation information" refers to a total of six pieces of information attached to the main control unit 110m, namely, the "main control chip manufacturer code", "main control chip product code", "main control chip ID number" (serial number), and the "frame control chip manufacturer code", "frame control chip product code", and "frame control chip ID number" (serial number) attached to the frame control unit 120m. Note that "gaming machine installation information" will be explained in more detail later.

[0211] After power is supplied to the gaming machine 1 from the power supply board 160 and the gaming machine becomes in a playable state (a state where all interrupts are permitted in step S33 of the main process described later), "HC / fraud monitoring information" is periodically transmitted in the order of the main control board 110 → frame control board 120 → lending device connection terminal board 100 → dedicated unit 170 → management computer → card company data center → gaming machine information center (in (2), (4), and (7) in the figure).

[0212] "HC / fraud monitoring information (Hall Con / fraud monitoring information)" mainly refers to information indicating the state of the gaming machine 1. For example, information indicating that a big win game is in progress, information indicating that a high-probability gaming state is in progress, information indicating an error occurring in the gaming machine 1, information indicating fraud occurring in the gaming machine 1, and information indicating that a gaming ball has won at various winning openings (the first start opening 45, the second start opening 47, the general winning opening 43, the big winning opening 50), etc. Note that "HC / fraud monitoring information" will be explained in more detail later.

[0213] After power is supplied to the gaming machine 1 from the power supply board 160 and the gaming machine enters a playable state (a state in which all interrupts are permitted in step S33 of the main process described later), "gaming machine performance information" is periodically transmitted in the order of the frame control board 120 → lending device connection terminal board 100 → dedicated unit 170 → management computer → card company data center → gaming machine information center (in (2), (4), and (7) in the figure).

[0214] "Gaming machine performance information" mainly refers to information related to the balls output by the gaming machine 1. Examples include information indicating the total number of balls launched, the total number of balls won, the ratio of accessory operations, the ratio of consecutive accessory operations, information indicating the maximum number of balls output, and the like. Note that "gaming machine performance information" will be described in more detail later.

[0215] When the player inserts the membership card they possess, "player information related to dependency countermeasures" is transmitted in the order of the dedicated unit 170 → management computer → card company data center → gaming machine information center (dependency countermeasure server) (in (4) and (7) in the figure).

[0216] "Player information related to dependency countermeasures" includes player information stored in the membership card, gaming medium information stored in the membership card, information indicating the gaming time, information indicating the number of gaming sessions (e.g., the number of visits to the gaming parlor), information indicating the amount of money used for gaming, gaming medium information used for gaming, and the like. When the gaming machine information center (dependency countermeasure server) receives this information, it updates the player information corresponding to the information. In this way, by acquiring and managing "player information related to dependency countermeasures", it is possible to prevent players from becoming overly engrossed in gaming.

[0217] The dedicated unit 170 is provided with output terminals (not shown in the figure) for outputting to the hall computer, and outputs "hall computer information" based on "HC·illegal monitoring information" from the output terminals (in (3) in the figure). "Hall computer information" includes information indicating that a big win game is in progress, information indicating that a high-probability gaming state is in progress, information indicating that the variable time shortening function is in an operating state, information indicating the number of winning balls in each winning port, and the like.

[0218] When a visitor card (prepaid card) is inserted into the dedicated unit 170, "prepaid card information" is transmitted in the order of dedicated unit 170 → management computer → card company data center ((4) and (6) in the figure). At the card company data center, the received "prepaid card information" is collected to check, for example, whether unregistered visitor cards (prepaid cards) are in circulation.

[0219] The gaming machine information center accumulates the received "gaming machine installation information", "HC / fraud monitoring information", and "gaming machine performance information" in the server, determines whether there are any abnormalities, and transmits the "verification / security result" in the order of gaming machine information center → management computer → dedicated unit 170 ((8) and (5) in the figure).

[0220] The gaming machine information center has a "machine history server", "fraud monitoring server", "performance information server", and "dependency countermeasure server". The "main control chip" and "frame control chip" are supplied from the gaming machine management control chip supply company to each gaming machine manufacturer ((12) in the figure). When each gaming machine manufacturer manufactures a gaming machine (becomes ready for shipment), the "machine history server" registers the installation information of the above-mentioned "main control chip manufacturer code", "main control chip product code", "main control chip ID number" (serial number), "frame control chip manufacturer code", "frame control chip product code", "frame control chip ID number" (serial number), and registers the shipment information such as the shipment date and time ((11) in the figure). When the registration is completed, the gaming machine is shipped from each gaming machine manufacturer to the gaming parlor.

[0221] Similarly, when the U board is manufactured by the U board manufacturing company (becomes ready for shipment), the "fraud monitoring server" of the gaming machine information center registers the manufacturing information of the U board (for example, registration of the serial number) and the installation information ((10) in the figure). When the registration is completed, the U board is shipped from the U board manufacturing company to the dedicated unit manufacturing company ((9) in the figure).

[0222] Thus, after a gaming machine is installed in a game parlor, when the "gaming machine installation information" is received, it is compared with the shipping information registered in the "machine history server" to determine whether the "main control chip" and "frame control chip" of the gaming machine installed in the game parlor are genuine (to determine whether there is any abnormality).

[0223] Note that when the "collation / security result" of the U board 171 is normal, the gaming machine 1 is set to a playable state, but when the "collation / security result" is abnormal, the gaming machine 1 can be set to a non-playable state. This can prevent the act of replacing the main control board 110 or the frame control board 120 with an unauthorized one and obtaining illegal balls.

[0224] In the "machine history server", in addition to registering the above-mentioned installation information and shipping information, it is also configured to store the used movement information when the gaming machine is moved between game parlors and the disposal information when the gaming machine is discarded, so that it can be traced in detail from when the gaming machine is installed in the game parlor until it is discarded. This can help deter the illegal dumping of gaming machines.

[0225] In the "illegal monitoring server", in addition to registering the above-mentioned manufacturing information of the U board and installation information, it generates the "security result information" indicating the above-mentioned "collation / security result" and generates the "encryption key / communication key" to prevent the "security result information" from being tampered with. This can prevent the "security result information" from being tampered with in the process (8) in the figure.

[0226] Also, the "illegal monitoring server" stores the illegal / error information generated in the gaming machine 1. For example, when a magnet detection error occurs in the gaming machine 1, it stores the fact that the magnet error has been detected in the gaming machine 1 by receiving the error code corresponding to the magnet detection error and the "HC / illegal monitoring information" indicating the illegal detection signal.

[0227] In the "Performance Information Server", it stores the "display performance information (normal base value)" calculated by the frame control board 120 of the gaming machine 1 and displayed on the frame control display 125, as well as gaming machine performance information and the like that is calculated by the frame control board 120 of the gaming machine 1 but not displayed on the frame control display 125.

[0228] Also, the information stored in the "Machine History Server", "Illegality Monitoring Server", and "Performance Information Server" is sent to the association (Nikko Group) to which multiple gaming machine manufacturers belong. As a result, the gaming machine 1 comes under the management of the gaming machine information center and the Nikko Group, and for this reason, it is also called a "managed gaming machine".

[0229] In the "Dependency Countermeasure Server", for each registered member player, it stores by associating the member number, gaming time, consumption amount, and number of gaming sessions, and the stored information is sent to the "Dependency Countermeasure Organization". Note that it may be configured such that when any of the gaming time, consumption amount, or number of gaming sessions exceeds a specified value, the gaming becomes impossible.

[0230] Also, in the transmission and reception of each of the above-mentioned information, it is preferable that the transmission side records the transmission date and time, and the reception side is configured to be able to record the reception date and time. If configured in this way, for example, when the gaming machine information center receives a "signal during setting change" or "RWM clear signal" (HC · illegality monitoring information), it is also possible to check whether the reception time is within the business hours of the gaming parlor or outside the business hours, and to monitor whether "setting change" or "RWM clear" has been performed within the business hours.

[0231] (Flow of information transmission) Figure 10 is a diagram that specifically explains the flow of information transmission and reception described in Figure 9.

[0232] First, when power is supplied to the gaming machine 1 from the power supply board 160, it enters the "verification phase". In the "verification phase", the "main control chip ID number" is sent from the main control board 110 to the frame control board 120, and the "main control chip ID number" and "frame control chip ID number" are sent from the frame control board 120 to the U board 171. The U board 171 encrypts the information related to the "main control chip ID number" and "frame control chip ID number".

[0233] Then, the information related to the encrypted "main control chip ID number" and "frame control chip ID number" is sent to the gaming machine information center via the U control unit 172, the management computer, and the card company data center.

[0234] When the gaming machine information center receives the information related to the encrypted "main control chip ID number" and "frame control chip ID number", it decrypts this information and compares it with the installation information stored in the machine history server to determine whether there is any abnormality as described above.

[0235] Then, it generates "security result information" indicating the "verification / security result", encrypts this information, and sends it to the U board 171 via the card company data center, the management computer, and the U control unit 172.

[0236] When the U board 171 receives the "security result information", it decrypts this information and checks for any abnormality as described above. If there is no abnormality, it ends the "verification phase" and shifts to the "status communication phase". If there is an abnormality, it sets the gaming machine 1 to a non-playable state without shifting to the "status communication phase".

[0237] In the "status communication phase", first, when the player sits down to play the gaming machine 1, inserts a valuable item (paper money or a membership card storing gaming media), and operates the lending button, the number of balls lent per press of the lending button (for example, 125 balls) corresponding to one press of the lending button is sent from the U control unit 172 to the U board 171. Further, the number of balls lent (for example, 125 balls) is sent from the U board 171 to the frame control board 120.

[0238] When the frame control board 120 receives the number of loaned balls (e.g., 125 balls), it displays the number of loaned balls (e.g., 125 balls) on the game ball number display 135. As a result, when the launch handle 15 is rotated, game balls can be launched into the game area 5a.

[0239] As a result of the game being played, when the count button 20 is operated while the number of game balls is displayed on the game ball number display 135, the number of counted balls is transmitted from the frame control board 120 to the U board 171. For example, when the count button 20 is operated while the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display 135 is 1000 balls, "1000" is transmitted as the number of counted balls.

[0240] Similarly, the number of counted balls is transmitted from the U board 171 to the U control unit 172. When the U control unit 172 receives the number of counted balls, it stores the number of counted balls in the membership card or visitor card.

[0241] When the U control unit 172 finishes storing the number of counted balls in the membership card or visitor card, it enables the player to return the membership card or visitor card. That is, when the return button image on the display unit 174 is operated in a state where the number of counted balls has been stored, the player can return the membership card or visitor card. On the other hand, even if the return button image on the display unit 174 is operated in a state where the number of counted balls has not been stored (during storage or not stored at all), the player is not allowed to return the membership card or visitor card. This can prevent the player from leaving (or exiting the store) with game balls remaining in the gaming machine 1.

[0242] When the return button image on the display unit 174 is operated in a state where the U control unit 172 has not finished storing the number of counted balls, the display unit 174 displays a notification prompting counting, for example, a message such as "Please press the count button 20 to perform counting." This can make the operation method easier to understand for players who are not familiar with the game.

[0243] Note that the notification for prompting counting may be performed not only by display, but also by voice, lamp, or a combination thereof. Further, the gaming machine 1 may perform the notification. Thereby, the operation method can be made easier to understand.

[0244] The number of game balls owned by the player displayed on the game ball number display 135 (game value amount) is transmitted from the frame control board 120 to the U board 171 every 300 ms as "HC·illegal monitoring information", and further transmitted from the U board 171 to the U control unit 172. Thereby, the dedicated unit 170 can also grasp the number of game balls held by the player.

[0245] The number of game balls launched in the gaming machine 1 (for example, the game balls detected by the out ball detection switch 39a) is transmitted from the frame control board 120 to the U board 171 every 300 ms as "HC·illegal monitoring information", and further transmitted from the U board 171 to the U control unit 172. Thereby, the dedicated unit 170 can also grasp the number of game balls launched by the player.

[0246] The number of bonus balls obtained by winning game balls at each winning port (general winning port 43, start ports 45, 47, big winning port 50) in the gaming machine 1 is transmitted from the main control board 110 to the frame control board 120 every 108 ms as "gaming machine information (HC·illegal monitoring information)", and further transmitted from the frame control board 120 to the U board 171 every 300 ms as "HC·illegal monitoring information", and further transmitted from the U board 171 to the U control unit 172. Thereby, the dedicated unit 170 can also grasp the number of bonus balls generated in the gaming machine 1.

[0247] By acquiring the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display 135, the number of game balls launched in the gaming machine 1, and the number of bonus balls obtained by winning game balls at each winning port in the gaming machine 1, the dedicated unit 170 can, for example, even if fraud is committed on the numerical value of the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display 135, determine from the separately acquired information on the number of launched game balls and the number of bonus balls that the number of game balls displayed on the game ball number display 135 is not normal.

[0248] The frame control board 120 periodically transmits "game machine information (HC·illegal monitoring information)", while the dedicated unit 170 transmits "hole control information" based on the "HC·illegal monitoring information". As a result, the hole control computer can grasp the state of the game machine 1 (during jackpot games, during high-probability game states, during the operation state of the variable time reduction function, the number of winning balls in each winning port).

[0249] The frame control board 120 transmits "game machine performance information" to the U board 171. When the U board 171 receives the "game machine performance information", it encrypts it and transmits it to the game machine information center via the U control unit 172, the management computer, and the card company data center. As a result, the game machine information center can also grasp information such as the total number of game balls launched, the total number of game balls won, the accessory ratio, the continuous accessory ratio, and the maximum payout, etc.

[0250] When the power of the game machine 1 is turned on, the main control board 110 transmits "game machine installation information" to the frame control board 120 (installation information notification). The frame control board 120 transmits the "game machine installation information" to the U board 171 every 300 ms (installation information). Then, the "game machine installation information" is encrypted by the U board 171 and finally transmitted to the game machine information center. As a result, the game machine information center can also receive the "game machine installation information" periodically and can constantly monitor whether the regular main control board 110 and frame control board 120 are installed.

[0251] The main control board 110 transmits "HC·Illegality Monitoring Information" to the frame control board 120 every 108 ms. As will be described later, since "HC·Illegality Monitoring Information" includes "Main Control State 1", "Main Control State 2", "Game Machine Error State", "Illegality Detection State 1", etc., for example, information related to errors detected by the main control board 110 or errors detected by the frame control board 120 is also periodically transmitted in the "Game Machine Error State" (error notification). The U board 171 encrypts the "HC·Illegality Monitoring Information" (error notification) received from the main control board 110 and the frame control board 120 and finally transmits it to the game machine information center. Also, information related to the error is transmitted to the management computer of the game parlor. As a result, the game machine information center can also periodically receive information related to the errors occurring in the game machine, and can constantly monitor the errors occurring in the main control board 110 and the frame control board 120. Also, since the management computer can also receive information related to the errors occurring in the game machine, the game parlor can also quickly grasp the information related to the errors and can quickly eliminate the errors. Note that the same process applies to the "Illegality Information" transmitted in the "Illegality Detection State 1".

[0252] Also, in "Main Control State 1" and "Main Control State 2", for example, the state of the game machine (during jackpot, during high-probability game state) is periodically transmitted. Then, the "HC·Illegality Monitoring Information" is encrypted by the U board 171 and finally transmitted to the game machine information center. As a result, the game machine information center can also periodically receive the state of the game machine, and can grasp that there may be illegality when, for example, information indicating during jackpot is frequently received, etc.

[0253] Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14, the details of various tables stored in the main ROM 110b will be described.

[0254] (Jackpot Judgment Table) FIG. 11(a) is a jackpot determination table for the first special symbol for determining the special symbol determination information obtained based on the winning (entry) of a game ball into the first start port 45, and FIG. 11(b) is a jackpot determination table for the second special symbol for determining the special symbol determination information obtained based on the winning (entry) of a game ball into the second start port 47.

[0255] As shown in FIGS. 11(a) to 11(b), in the jackpot determination table, the current setting value, the current probability state, the jackpot determination random value, and the jackpot determination result (jackpot, loss) are associated with each other, and the approximate winning probability when it is "jackpot" is described in the rightmost column for reference.

[0256] The main CPU 110a refers to the jackpot determination table for the first special symbol shown in FIG. 11(a) or the jackpot determination table for the second special symbol shown in FIG. 11(b), and determines whether it is a "jackpot" or a "loss" based on the current setting value, probability state, and jackpot determination random value.

[0257] For example, according to the jackpot determination table for the first special symbol shown in FIG. 11(a), when the setting value is "1" and it is in the normal game state, 200 jackpot determination random values from "100" to "299" are determined as "jackpot". And the jackpot determination random values other than those determined as jackpot are determined as "loss".

[0258] Note that in the jackpot determination table of this embodiment, four levels of setting values are used, but it is not limited to this, and six levels of setting values, two levels of setting values, one level of setting values may be used, or the setting function may not be installed.

[0259] In addition, the special figure determination information obtained based on the winning of the game ball at the first start port 45 is stored in the first special figure determination information holding memory area of the main RAM 110c, and the special figure determination information obtained based on the winning of the game ball at the second start port 47 is stored in the second special figure determination information holding memory area of the main RAM 110c. Then, when performing the jackpot determination, the special figure determination information stored in the first special figure determination information holding memory area or the second special figure determination information holding memory area is shifted to the special figure determination information corresponding memory area of the main RAM 110c, and the jackpot determination is performed using the shifted special figure determination information.

[0260] In addition, the first special figure determination information holding memory area is divided into a first storage unit to a fourth storage unit, and the holding icons corresponding to the special figure determination information stored in these first to fourth storage units are respectively displayed on the first display unit 70B1 to the fourth display unit 70B4 of the first holding icon display area 70B. The second special figure determination information holding memory area is divided into a first storage unit to a fourth storage unit, and the holding icons corresponding to the special figure determination information stored in these first to fourth storage units are respectively displayed on the first display unit 70D1 to the fourth display unit 70D4 of the second holding icon display area 70D.

[0261] (Special symbol determination table) FIG. 12(a) is a jackpot special symbol determination table for determining the type of the special symbol when a jackpot is determined, and FIG. 12(b) is a losing special symbol determination table for determining the type of the special symbol when a loss is determined.

[0262] As shown in FIGS. 12(a) to 12(b), in the special symbol determination table, the type of the special symbol to be stopped and displayed, the random number value for special symbol determination, the determination result of the special symbol, the stop special figure data corresponding to the determination result, and the special symbol designation command corresponding to the determination result are associated with each other.

[0263] The special symbols "00" and "10" are losing special symbols in which the jackpot game is not executed. The special symbols "01" and "04" are jackpot special symbols for executing the first jackpot game, the special symbols "02" and "05" are jackpot symbols for executing the second jackpot game, and the special symbols "03" and "06" are jackpot symbols for executing the third jackpot game.

[0264] In the "first jackpot game", a round game in which the big winning opening 50 is opened for up to 29.5 seconds and then the big winning opening 50 is closed for 2 seconds is executed up to 6 times. In the round game, even before the elapse of the opening time, if a specified number (for example, 10) of game balls win in the big winning opening 50, one round game ends. Further, after the end of the first jackpot game, it is set to a low-probability non-time-short game state (time-short game state) until the variable display of the special symbol is performed 100 times.

[0265] In the "second jackpot game", a round game in which the big winning opening 50 is opened for up to 29.5 seconds and then the big winning opening is closed for 2 seconds is executed up to 10 times. Further, after the end of the second jackpot game, it is set to a high-probability time-short game state (probability-variable game state) until the variable display of the special symbol is performed 10,000 times. Therefore, based on the jackpot winning probability in the high-probability game state, it is almost certain that the next jackpot will be determined.

[0266] In the "third jackpot game", a round game in which the big winning opening 50 is opened for up to 29.5 seconds and then the big winning opening is closed for 2 seconds is executed up to 4 times. Further, after the end of the third jackpot game, it is set to a high-probability time-short game state (probability-variable game state) until the variable display of the special symbol is performed 10,000 times. Therefore, based on the jackpot winning probability in the high-probability game state, it is almost certain that the next jackpot will be determined.

[0267] Note that although one losing special symbol is associated with each of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, a plurality of losing special symbols may be associated with at least one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol.

[0268] The main CPU 110a refers to the special symbol determination table shown in any of FIGS. 12(a) to (b), determines the type of special symbol to be stopped, the type of special symbol, the stop special figure data, and the special symbol designation command based on the type of special symbol to be stopped and the random number value for special symbol determination, and transmits the special symbol designation command to the effect control board 130.

[0269] As the first feature of the special symbol determination table shown in FIG. 12, the types of jackpot special symbols and the types of losing special symbols are the same without changing depending on the set values. By doing so, the game becomes less complicated and the player can play the game with confidence.

[0270] As the second feature of the special symbol determination table shown in FIG. 12, the selection ratios of various jackpot special symbols and the selection ratios of various losing symbols are constant without changing depending on the set values. By doing so, the degree of advantage for the player does not change extremely depending on the set value, and the player can play the game with confidence.

[0271] (Special figure variation pattern determination table) FIG. 13(a) is a special figure variation pattern determination table for non-time-reduced state for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol in the non-time-reduced state, and FIG. 13(b) is a special figure variation pattern determination table for time-reduced state for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol in the time-reduced state.

[0272] As shown in FIG. 13, in the special symbol variation pattern determination table, the type of special symbol (starting port) for which variation display is performed, the jackpot determination result, the special symbol determination result (stop special symbol data), the random number value for reach determination, the first special symbol retention count (U1) or the second special symbol retention count (U2), the random number value for special symbol variation pattern determination, the special symbol variation pattern as the determination result, the variation time of the special symbol, and the special symbol variation pattern designation command indicating the special symbol variation pattern are associated with each other.

[0273] Therefore, it can be said that the "special symbol variation pattern" can specify the type of special symbol, the jackpot determination result, the type of special symbol, and the variation time of the special symbol.

[0274] The main CPU 110a refers to the special symbol variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 13, determines the special symbol variation pattern based on the jackpot determination result, the special symbol determination result (stop special symbol data), the random number value for reach determination, the first special symbol retention count (U1) or the second special symbol retention count (U2), and the random number value for special symbol variation pattern determination, and transmits a special symbol variation pattern designation command corresponding to the special symbol variation pattern to the effect control board 130.

[0275] Also, in the effect control board 130, as will be described later, since the content (effect mode) of the variation effect accompanied by the variation display of the effect symbol 70a is determined according to the variation pattern designation command (jackpot determination result, special symbol determination result, etc.), the content of the effect that can be executed in the variation effect is described in the rightmost column of the special symbol variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 13 for reference.

[0276] As the effect content shown in the variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 13, "normal variation", "shortened variation", "ultra-shortened variation", and "long variation" mean that the three effect symbols 70a vary rapidly separately and stop without reaching a reach.

[0277] In addition, "reach" means a variation mode that makes the player expect that a jackpot game will be executed, in which part of the combination of the winning display symbols 70a that announce a jackpot temporarily stops, and the other display symbols 70a fluctuate. For example, when a combination of three display symbols 70a of "777" is set as the combination of the winning display symbols 70a that announce a jackpot, the same display symbols 70a in the left area and the right area temporarily stop at "7", and the remaining display symbols 70a in the central area fluctuate.

[0278] Note that "temporary stop" means a state where the display symbol 70a sways slightly or deforms slightly, making it appear to the player that the display symbol 70a has stopped (not completely stopped).

[0279] In addition, "normal reach" means a reach effect in which the same display symbols 70a temporarily stop in the left area and the right area, and the remaining one display symbol 70a fluctuates in the central area, and it is the reach effect with the lowest expectation of winning a jackpot.

[0280] In addition, "SP reach" and "special SP reach" are super reach effects with a higher expectation of winning a jackpot than normal reach. A developed effect is executed from the normal reach effect and then executed. For example, two display symbols 70a shrink and move to the corners of the first image display device 70, and a special reach effect is performed using almost the entire display area of the first image display device 70. Note that "special SP reach" performs a more special effect than "SP reach".

[0281] In addition, "SPSP Reach" and "SPSP '7' Reach" are special reach effects with a higher expectation of hitting the jackpot than super reach, and are executed after the normal reach effect or super reach effect. For example, a development effect is executed from the normal reach effect, and then three effect symbols 70a are reduced and move to the corner of the first image display device 70, and a reach effect more special than "SP Reach" is performed using almost the entire display area of the first image display device 70. Note that in "SPSP Reach", the reach effect is executed with an effect symbol 70a other than "7", and in "SPSP '7' Reach", the reach effect is executed with the symbol "7".

[0282] In addition, "Full Rotation Reach" is a reach that determines the jackpot and is executed after the normal reach effect. For example, a development effect is executed from the normal reach effect, and then three effect symbols 70a all become the same and fluctuate slowly, and a reach effect more special than "SPSP Reach" or "SPSP '7' Reach" (a reach effect that determines the jackpot) is performed using almost the entire display area of the first image display device 70.

[0283] As the first feature of the special symbol variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 13, the type of the determined special symbol variation pattern is the same without changing according to the set value. By doing so, it becomes difficult to see through the set value from the special symbol variation pattern, and it becomes possible to provide a fair game.

[0284] As the second feature of the special symbol variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 13, the selection ratio of each special symbol variation pattern is the same without changing according to the set value. By doing so, it becomes difficult to see through the set value from the special symbol variation pattern, and it becomes possible to provide a fair game.

[0285] As the third feature of the special figure variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 13, when the first special figure retention number increases to 2 or 3 during the non-time shortening state, short variation is likely to be determined as the variation pattern of the first special symbol. On the other hand, even when the second special figure retention number increases to 2 or 3 during the non-time shortening state, short variation is not determined as the variation pattern of the second special symbol. By doing so, the time efficiency (execution efficiency) of the variation display of the special symbol when hitting left can be increased compared to when hitting right in the non-time shortening state, and it becomes possible to improve the interest of the game.

[0286] As the fourth feature of the special figure variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 13, even when the first special figure retention number increases from 1 to 3 during the time shortening state, (ultra) short variation is not determined as the variation pattern of the first special symbol. On the other hand, when the second special figure retention number increases from 1 to 3 during the time shortening state, (long) short variation is likely to be determined as the variation pattern of the second special symbol. By doing so, the time efficiency (execution efficiency) of the variation display of the special symbol when hitting right can be increased compared to when hitting left in the time shortening state, and it becomes possible to improve the interest of the game.

[0287] (Pre-judgment table) FIG. 14(a) is a pre-judgment table for non-time shortening state for pre-judging (pre-reading) the special figure determination information obtained based on the winning of the game ball into the first start port 45 during the non-time shortening state, and FIG. 14(b) is a pre-judgment table for time shortening state for pre-judging (pre-reading) the special figure determination information obtained based on the winning of the game ball into the second start port 47 during the time shortening state.

[0288] As shown in FIG. 14, in the pre-judgment table, the type of the special symbol (start port), the jackpot determination result, the special symbol determination result, the random number value for reach determination, the random number value for special figure variation pattern determination, the special figure planned variation pattern as the determination result, and the pre-reading designation command indicating the special figure planned variation pattern are associated with each other.

[0289] Therefore, it can be said that the "special figure scheduled variation pattern" can identify the type of special symbol, the determination result of the jackpot determination, the type of special symbol, and the special figure variation pattern scheduled to be executed.

[0290] The main CPU 110a refers to the pre-determination table shown in FIG. 14, determines the special figure scheduled variation pattern based on the jackpot determination random value, the special symbol determination random value, the reach determination random value, and the special figure variation pattern determination random value, and transmits the pre-reading designated command corresponding to the special figure scheduled variation pattern to the effect control board 130.

[0291] Next, a modified example of the specifications (specs) of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. In the present embodiment, as described in FIGS. 11 and 12 and the description of the gaming state, it is a so-called "certain variation loop type". The "certain variation loop type" means that, for example, when a "jackpot" is determined in the "normal gaming state (low probability non-time shortening gaming state)" and the special symbol "02" or "03" is determined, after the end of the jackpot game, it becomes the "high probability gaming state (high probability time shortening gaming state)". However, thereafter, in the "high probability gaming state", if the special symbol "04" (or "01") is not determined and the special symbol "05" or the special symbol "06" is determined, the "high probability gaming state" continues.

[0292] FIG. 15 is a so-called "one type two types type". The "one type two types type" has gaming states of the "normal gaming state (low probability non-time shortening gaming state)" and the "time shortening gaming state (low probability time shortening gaming state)". When a "jackpot" is determined in the "normal gaming state" (for example, the jackpot probability is "1 / 199"), as shown in (1), it shifts to the "jackpot game 1 (4 rounds)" or the "jackpot game 2 (8 rounds)" at a predetermined ratio.

[0293] When "Big Win Game 1 (4 rounds)" ends, the game shifts to "Time-Saving Game State 1". The upper limit of the number of times for this "Time-Saving Game State 1" is "1" time. However, during "Time-Saving Game State 1", it is possible to award a game ball to the second start port 47 and store special figure determination information in the first to fourth memory units of the second special figure determination information retention memory area respectively. With the special figure determination information obtained by awarding a game ball to the second start port 47, a maximum of "5" times of "Big Win Determination" and "Small Win Determination" can be executed.

[0294] On the other hand, when "Big Win Game 2 (8 rounds)" ends, the game shifts to "Time-Saving Game State 2". The upper limit of the number of times for this "Time-Saving Game State 2" is "7" times. However, during "Time-Saving Game State 2", it is possible to award a game ball to the second start port 47 and store special figure determination information in the first to fourth memory units of the second special figure determination information retention memory area respectively. With the special figure determination information obtained by awarding a game ball to the second start port 47, a maximum of "11" times of "Big Win Determination" and "Small Win Determination" can be executed.

[0295] Although the detailed control flow is omitted, as a result of executing the "Big Win Determination", if it is determined as "Big Win", the "Small Win Determination" is not executed. If it is not determined as "Big Win" as a result of executing the "Big Win Determination", the "Small Win Determination" is executed. If it is not determined as "Small Win" in the "Small Win Determination", it is a "Loss" process.

[0296] The special figure determination information obtained by awarding a game ball to the second start port 47 is determined as "Big Win" with a probability of, for example, "1 / 199". If it is not determined as "Big Win", it is determined as "Small Win" with a probability of, for example, "1 / 8". Regarding the special figure determination information obtained by awarding a game ball to the first start port 45, it may not be selected as "Small Win" or it may be made difficult to be selected.

[0297] In the "Short Time Game State 1" and the "Short Time Game State 2", the "Short Time Game State 2" is more advantageous to the player because the upper limit number of times of the short time game state is larger. Therefore, in the image display device 70 and the like, if it is the "Short Time Game State 1", it is displayed as the "RUSH Acquisition Challenge Mode", and if it is the "Short Time Game State 2", it is displayed as the "RUSH Mode", so that the player can identify the advantages and disadvantages for the player from the display mode.

[0298] Note that the game state during the "RUSH Acquisition Challenge Mode" is the "Short Time Game State 1" until the end of the first variable display, and the "Normal Game State" from the start of the second variable display. Also, the game state during the "RUSH Mode" is the "Short Time Game State 2" until the end of the seventh variable display, and the "Normal Game State" from the start of the eighth variable display.

[0299] And when it is determined as a "Small Win" during the "RUSH Acquisition Challenge Mode", as shown in (2), it shifts to the "Big Win Game 3 (4 Rounds)". However, the first round of the "Big Win Game 3 (4 Rounds)" is a small win game, and if a game ball can be won in the "Specific Area" provided in the big winning opening during the small win game, the big win game (the second round to the fourth round) will be executed. On the other hand, if a game ball cannot be won in the "Specific Area" during the small win game, the big win game (the second round to the fourth round) will not be executed.

[0300] Also, when it is determined as a "Big Win" during the "RUSH Acquisition Challenge Mode", as shown in (1), it shifts to the "Big Win Game 4 (8 Rounds)". And when the "Big Win Game 3 (4 Rounds)" and the "Big Win Game 4 (8 Rounds)" are finished, it shifts to the "RUSH Mode".

[0301] On the other hand, if during the "RUSH Acquisition Challenge Mode", it is neither determined as a "Big Win" nor determined as a "Small Win", the "RUSH Acquisition Challenge Mode" ends and it shifts to the "Normal Mode".

[0302] During the "RUSH mode", if it is determined as a "small win", as shown in (2), it will shift to the "big win game 3 (4 rounds)", and if it is determined as a "big win", as shown in (1), it will shift to the "big win game 4 (8 rounds)". Then, when the "big win game 3 (4 rounds)" and the "big win game 4 (8 rounds)" are completed, it will shift to the "RUSH mode".

[0303] On the other hand, during the "RUSH mode", if it is not determined as a "big win" and not determined as a "small win" either, the "RUSH mode" will end and it will shift to the "normal mode".

[0304] The gaming machine 1 in this embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned "certain change loop type", and such a "one type two types type" may also be acceptable.

[0305] Figure 16 is a so-called "small win RUSH type". The "small win RUSH type" has gaming states of "normal gaming state (low probability non-time shortening gaming state)", "time shortening gaming state (low probability time shortening gaming state)", and "high probability gaming state (high probability time shortening gaming state)". When it is determined as a "big win" in the "normal gaming state" (for example, the big win probability is "1 / 319"), as shown in (1), it will shift to the "big win game 1 (4 rounds)" or the "big win game 2 (16 rounds)" at a predetermined ratio.

[0306] Then, when the "big win game 1 (4 rounds)" is completed, it will shift to the "time shortening gaming state". The upper limit number of times of this "time shortening gaming state" is, for example, "50" times. When the "big win game 2 (16 rounds)" is completed, it will shift to the "high probability gaming state".

[0307] When it is determined as a "big win" in the "time-saving game state" (for example, the big win probability is "1 / 319"), as shown in (1), it shifts to "big win game 4 (2 rounds)" or "big win game 3 (16 rounds)" at a predetermined ratio. When "big win game 4 (2 rounds)" ends, it shifts to the "time-saving game state", and when "big win game 3 (16 rounds)" ends, it shifts to the "high probability game state". Also, when 50 times of variable display are executed without being determined as a "big win", the "time-saving game state" ends and it shifts to the "normal game state".

[0308] When it is determined as a "big win" in the "high probability game state" (for example, the big win probability is "1 / 77"), as shown in (2), it shifts to "big win game 4 (2 rounds)" or "big win game 3 (16 rounds)" at a predetermined ratio.

[0309] Also, when it is determined as a "small win" in the "high probability game state" (for example, the small win probability is "1 / 2.5"), as shown in (3), it shifts to the "small win game". In the "small win game", the big winning opening for small wins is opened for a predetermined time, and for example, in one "small win game", about 3 game balls can be made to win through the big winning opening for small wins. And after the end of the "small win game", it shifts to the "high probability game state".

[0310] For example, since the small win probability is "1 / 2.5", it can be said that it is in a state where it is very easy to win. And after the end of the "small win game", it becomes the "high probability game state" again. So, in the "high probability game state", it is more advantageous for the player to continue to win at the small win probability of "1 / 2.5" without winning at the big win probability of "1 / 77" because the number of game balls the player holds can be increased by the "small win game".

[0311] The gaming machine 1 in this embodiment is not limited to the above-described "probability variation loop type", and may be such a "small win RUSH type".

[0312] In addition, the gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment is not limited to the "certain change loop type", "one type or two types type", or "small win RUSH type", but may be a so-called "ST certain change type" in which the upper limit number of times of the "high probability gaming state (high probability short-time gaming state)" is set to, for example, "100" times, or it may be a so-called "certain change fall type" in which the "high probability gaming state (high probability short-time gaming state)" falls to the "normal gaming state (low probability non-short-time gaming state)" or the "short-time gaming state (low probability short-time gaming state)" with a predetermined probability.

[0313] Next, with reference to FIGS. 17 to 22, the details of the "gaming machine installation information" and "HC / fraud monitoring information" will be described.

[0314] FIG. 17 shows a list of telegrams related to the communication between the main control board 110 and the frame control board 120. No. 1 has a telegram name of "gaming machine installation information notification", a transmission direction of "main control board 110 → frame control board 120", a command of "0x01", and a telegram summary of "notifying gaming machine installation information". Also, No. 2 has a telegram name of "gaming machine installation information response", a transmission direction of "frame control board 120 → main control board 110", a command of "0x11", and a telegram summary of "responding with the gaming machine installation information reception result". Also, No. 3 has a telegram name of "gaming machine information notification", a transmission direction of "main control board 110 → frame control board 120", a command of "0x02", and a telegram summary of "notifying gaming machine information". Here, the "gaming machine information" referred to here means the "HC / fraud monitoring information". Also, No. 4 has a telegram name of "gaming machine information response", a transmission direction of "frame control board 120 → main control board 110", a command of "0x12", and a telegram summary of "responding with the gaming machine information reception result and the frame control state".

[0315] The "Game Machine Installation Information" is configured as shown in Figure 18. No.1 has the data name "Telegram Length" and the content "0x19". Also, No.2 has the data name "Command" and the content "0x01". Also, No.3 has the data name "Communication Serial Number" and the content "0 Fixed". Also, No.4 has the data name "Game Machine Type" related to the game machine installation information, and the content will be described later. Also, No.5 has the data name "Main Control Chip ID Number" related to the game machine installation information, and the content will be described later. Also, No.6 has the data name "Main Control Chip Manufacturer Code" related to the game machine installation information, and the content is "the manufacturer code described in the management area of the main control chip". Also, No.7 has the data name "Main Control Chip Product Code" related to the game machine installation information, and the content is "the product code described in the management area of the main control chip". Also, No.8 has the data name "Checksum" and the content "-".

[0316] As shown in Figure 18, the data name "Game Machine Type" of No.4 is composed of 1 byte. Bits 3 to 0 indicate the game machine type. If Bits 3 to 0 are "0001", it indicates a "pachinko game machine". If Bits 3 to 0 are "0010", it indicates a "rotary drum game machine". If Bits 3 to 0 are "0011", it indicates an "arrangement ball game machine". If Bits 3 to 0 are "0100", it indicates a "janqiu game machine". Others are unused.

[0317] Bits 6 to 4 indicate the combination group classification. If Bits 6 to 4 are "000", it indicates the "Japan Industrial Group" (mainly the group related to pachinko game machines). If Bits 6 to 4 are "001", it indicates the "Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association" (mainly the group related to rotary drum game machines). Others are unused.

[0318] Bit 7 indicates the management medium. If Bit 7 is "0", it indicates game balls. If Bit 7 is "1", it indicates game medals. For example, if Game Machine 1 is a pachinko game machine, it will be 1-byte data such as Bit 7 being "0", Bits 6 to 4 being "000", and Bits 3 to 0 being "0001".

[0319] Although the "main control chip ID number" is omitted in the drawings, the ID for each main control chip manufacturer is transmitted in the telegram. For example, for the main control chip of manufacturer A, 9-byte data consisting of the chip individual number "23456789" + identification code is transmitted in the telegram, and for the main control chip of manufacturer B, 9-byte data consisting of the chip individual number "45678912" + identification code is transmitted in the telegram.

[0320] "Game machine installation information response" is a response from the frame control board 120 to the main control board 110 after transmitting "game machine installation information" from the main control board 110 to the frame control board 120. For No.1, the data name is "telegram length" and the content is "0x05". Also, for No.2, the data name is "command" and the content is "0x11". Also, for No.3, the data name is "communication sequence number" and the content is "0 fixed". Also, for No.4, if the data name is "game machine installation information reception result" and the content is "0x00", it is "reception OK", and if the content is "0x01", it is in the "ball extraction state" indicating that the frame control board 120 is in the ball extraction state. For No.5, the data name is "checksum" and the content is "the result of adding from the telegram length to the data part". Note that the main control board 110 does not set the game playable state unless it receives the content "0x00" (reception OK) as the "game machine installation information reception result" from the frame control board 120. This point will be described in detail later using a flowchart.

[0321] "HC·Illegitimate Surveillance Information" is configured as shown in Figure 19. No.1 has the data name "Telegram Length" and the content "0x0B~0x15". Also, No.2 has the data name "Command" and the content "0x02". Also, No.3 has the data name "Communication Serial Number" and the content "Sequence Number (0~255)". Also, No.4 has the data name "Main Control Status 1", and the content is Bit0 "Big Win 1", Bit1 "Big Win 2", Bit2 "Big Win 3", Bit3 "Game Machine Status Signal 1", Bit4 "Game Machine Status Signal 2", Bit5 "Game Machine Status Signal 3", Bit6 "Game Machine Status Signal 4", Bit7 "Unused". For example, during the execution of the big win game corresponding to "Big Win 1", Bit0 and Bit1 become ON ("1"), and finally, it is sent to the game machine information center that Bit0 and Bit1 of the main control status 1 are ON ("1").

[0322] Also, No.5 has the data name "Main Control Status 2", and the content is Bit0 "During Big Win + Short Time or Advantageous State", Bit1 "During High Probability", Bit2 "During Short Time or Advantageous State", Bit3~Bit7 "Unused". For example, during the high probability game state, Bit1 becomes ON ("1"), and finally, it is sent to the game machine information center that Bit1 of the main control status 2 is ON ("1").

[0323] Also, No.6 has the data name "Game Machine Error Status", and the content is that Bit0~Bit5 are "Error Codes", Bit6 is "0 = Frame Control, 1 = Main Control" (if 0, it is an error detected by the frame control board 120, if 1, it is an error detected by the main control board 110), and Bit7 is "0 = Only Alarm, 1 = Alarm + Output to Hall Computer" (if 0, only the alarm of the error notification is sent, if 1, in addition to the alarm of the error notification, output to the hall computer is also performed). For example, when the error corresponding to Bit0 occurs, Bit0 becomes ON ("1"), and finally, it is sent to the game machine information center that Bit0 of the game machine error status is ON ("1").

[0324] Also, No.7 has a data name of "Illegality Detection Status 1". The content is Bit0 "Setting Change In-Progress Signal", Bit1 "Setting Confirmation In-Progress Signal", Bit2 "RWM Clear Signal", Bit3 "Illegality Detection Signal 1", Bit4 "Illegality Detection Signal 2", Bit5 "Illegality Detection Signal 3", Bit6 "Upper Limit Device in Operation Signal", and Bit7 "Unused". For example, if a setting change is in progress as described later, Bit0 becomes ON ("1"), and the fact that Bit0 of the illegality detection status 1 is ON ("1") is finally transmitted to the gaming machine information center.

[0325] Also, No.8 has a data name of "Prize Balls for Device Operation" and the content is "Number of prize balls due to device operation" (for example, the number of prize balls due to a gaming ball winning in the second start port 47). Also, No.9 has a data name of "Consecutive Device Operation Prize Balls" and the content is "Number of prize balls due to consecutive device operation" (for example, the number of prize balls due to a gaming ball winning in the big winning port 50).

[0326] Also, No.10 has a data name of "Number of Gaming Information" related to gaming information, and the content is "Number of type information and count information (n) (n)=0~5 (variable length)". Also, No.11 has a data name of "Type Information 1" related to gaming information, and the content is "Type Information 1". Also, No.12 has a data name of "Count Information 1" related to gaming information, and the content is "Count Information 1".

[0327] The count information, in the first example, when one gaming ball wins in the first start port 45, it is the data indicating "the first start port 45", the data indicating "the number of winning balls (1)", and the data indicating "the number of prize balls (3)". Also, in the second example, when one gaming ball wins in the big winning port 50, it is the data indicating "the big winning port 50", the data indicating "the number of winning balls (1)", and the data indicating "the number of prize balls (15)". Also, in the third example, when one gaming ball passes through the out ball detection switch 39a, it is the data indicating "the out ball detection switch 39a" and the data indicating "the number of passing balls (1)". And these data are finally transmitted to the gaming machine information center in a telegram.

[0328] In addition, for No. 13, the data name related to game information is "Type Information n" and the content is "Type Information n". Also, for No. 14, the data name related to game information is "Count Information n" and the content is "Count Information n". Further, for No. 15, the data name is "Checksum" and the content is "The result of adding from the telegram length to the data part".

[0329] Figure 20 is a diagram for explaining the details of the above-mentioned "Main Control State 1", "Main Control State 2", and "Illegality Detection State 1".

[0330] For "Main Control State 1", the name of Bit0 is "Big Win 1" and the details are "Set 1 during the big win when notifying Big Win 1 information". The name of Bit1 is "Big Win 2" and the details are "Set 1 during all big wins". The name of Bit2 is "Big Win 3" and the details are "Set 1 during states such as small win RUSH and special short time". The name of Bit3 is "Game Machine Status Signal 1" and the details are "Set 1 when Game Machine Status Signal 1 is ON". The name of Bit4 is "Game Machine Status Signal 2" and the details are "Set 1 when Game Machine Status Signal 2 is ON". The name of Bit5 is "Game Machine Status Signal 3" and the details are "Set 1 when Game Machine Status Signal 3 is ON". The name of Bit6 is "Game Machine Status Signal 4" and the details are "Set 1 when Game Machine Status Signal 4 is ON". The name of Bit7 is "Unused" and the details are "Fixed at 0".

[0331] "Game Machine Status Signal 1" corresponds to the external terminal board pulse output signal terminal 1 of the hall control output unit 173. "Game Machine Status Signal 2" corresponds to the external terminal board pulse output signal terminal 2 of the hall control output unit 173. "Game Machine Status Signal 3" corresponds to the external terminal board pulse output signal terminal 3 of the hall control output unit 173. "Game Machine Status Signal 4" corresponds to the external terminal board pulse output signal terminal 4 of the hall control output unit 173.

[0332] Note that the small hit RUSH is as described in Fig. 16. The special short time refers to, for example, when playing a low-probability game state for a specified number of times (e.g., 1000 consecutive variable displays of losing special symbols) after RWM clearance or after the end of a big win game, a short time game state that activates for relief (so-called ceiling short time), or a short time game state that is determined as a special loss in the big win determination and activates when any of a plurality of short time symbols stops and is displayed as a result of the variable display of special symbols (so-called symbol short time).

[0333] "Main control state 2" has the name of Bit0 as "Big win + during short time or advantageous state", details as "Set 1 in the game state information during big win and during short time or advantageous state", the name of Bit1 as "During high probability", details as "Set 1 in the game state information during high probability", the name of Bit2 as "During short time or advantageous state", details as "Set 1 in the game state information during short time or advantageous state", and the names of Bit3~Bit7 as "Unused", details as "Fixed to 0".

[0334] "Illegality detection state 1" has the name of Bit0 as "Setting change signal", details as "0 = normal, 1 = setting change in progress", the name of Bit1 as "Setting confirmation signal", details as "0 = normal, 1 = setting confirmation in progress", the name of Bit2 as "RWM clearance signal", details as "0 = normal, 1 = RWM clearance (initialization of RWM) occurred", the name of Bit3 as "Illegality detection signal 1", details as "Urgency: weak 0 = normal, 1 = abnormality occurred", the name of Bit4 as "Illegality detection signal 2", details as "Urgency: medium 0 = normal, 1 = abnormality occurred", the name of Bit5 as "Illegality detection signal 3", details as "Urgency: strong 0 = normal, 1 = abnormality occurred", the name of Bit6 as "Winning upper limit device operation signal", details as "0 = non-operation, 1 = operation", and the name of Bit7 as "Unused", details as "Fixed to 0".

[0335] Fig. 21 is a diagram for explaining the details of the above-mentioned "game information".

[0336] "Game information" has a 2-byte structure consisting of "type information (1 byte)" and "count information (1 byte)". Furthermore, "type information (1 byte)" is composed of "data type (Bit4~Bit7)" and "data number (Bit0~Bit3)".

[0337] For "data type (Bit4~Bit7)", for example, Bit4~Bit7 "0000" has a type name of "unused", content "-"; Bit4~Bit7 "0001" has a type name of "start port winning", content "notify winning at the start port"; Bit4~Bit7 "0010" has a type name of "big winning port winning due to special electric accessory operation", content "notify winning at the big winning port"; Bit4~Bit7 "0011" has a type name of "winning port winning", content "notify winning at the winning port"; Bit4~Bit7 "0100" has a type name of "all start port winning", content "notify passing through the start port or general pattern gate related to the game"; Bit4~Bit7 "0101", "0110", "0111", "1000" have a type name of "unused", content "-"; Bit4~Bit7 "1001" has a type name of "pattern determination count", content "notify the number of times the pattern related to the game changes"; Bit4~Bit7 "1010" has a type name of "big win count", content "notify that the accessory continuous operation device has operated"; Bit4~Bit7 "1011" has a type name of "unused", content "-"; Bit4~Bit7 "1100" has a type name of "accessory count (big winning port opening count)", content "when the big winning port opening count at small wins is to be used as the start count, notify the opening of the big winning port when the accessory continuous operation device is not operating" (refer to the first round of "big win game 3 (4 rounds)" in Figure 15 for the small win game); Bit4~Bit7 "1101" has a type name of "specific area passing", content "notify passing through a specific area" (refer to the "specific area" in Figure 15); Bit4~Bit7 "1110" has a type name of "external terminal board pulse output", content "instruct to output a pulse from the dedicated unit (hall control output unit 173)"; Bit4~Bit7 "1111" has a type name of "performance information status notification", content "notify the status required for calculating performance information".

[0338] When the "Data Number (Bit0~Bit3)" is for "Start Port Win" in terms of the "Data Type (Bit4~Bit7)", as the content (start port number), it transmits one of "0001" (win at start port 1), "0010" (win at start port 2), "0011" (win at start port 3) for Bit0~Bit3 (unused otherwise). For example, when a game ball wins at the first start port 45, type information (1 byte) consisting of "Data Type (Bit4~Bit7)" being "0001" and "Data Number (Bit0~Bit3)" being "0001" is transmitted.

[0339] When the "Data Type (Bit4~Bit7)" is for "Big Win Port Win due to Special Electric Appliance Activation", as the content (big win port number), it transmits one of "0001" (win at big win port 1), "0010" (win at big win port 2) for Bit0~Bit3 (unused otherwise). For example, when a game ball wins at big win port 50, type information (1 byte) consisting of "Data Type (Bit4~Bit7)" being "0010" and "Data Number (Bit0~Bit3)" being "0001" is transmitted.

[0340] When the "Data Type (Bit4~Bit7)" is for "Win at Win Port", as the content (win port number), it transmits one of "0001" (win at win port 1), "0010" (win at win port 2) ··· "1111" (win at win port 15) for Bit0~Bit3 ("0000" is unused). For example, when a game ball wins at the general win port 43 provided at the lower right of the ornament frame 40, type information (1 byte) consisting of "Data Type (Bit4~Bit7)" being "0011" and "Data Number (Bit0~Bit3)" being "0001" is transmitted.

[0341] If "Data Type (Bit4~Bit7)" is "All Start Port Win", as the content, send Bit0~Bit3 "0001" (win or pass). (The others are not used). For example, when a game ball wins at the first start port 45, type information (1 byte) consisting of "Data Type (Bit4~Bit7)" being "0100" and "Data Number (Bit0~Bit3)" being "0001" is sent. When a game ball passes through the general drawing gate 44, type information (1 byte) consisting of "Data Type (Bit4~Bit7)" being "0100" and "Data Number (Bit0~Bit3)" being "0001" is sent.

[0342] If "Data Type (Bit4~Bit7)" is "Number of Symbol Determinations", as the content, send Bit0~Bit3 "0001" (the number of times of symbol determination for the symbols related to the game (special symbols, normal symbols)). (The others are not used). For example, when the first special symbol stops and is displayed, type information (1 byte) consisting of "Data Type (Bit4~Bit7)" being "1001" and "Data Number (Bit0~Bit3)" being "0001" is sent. The same type of information is sent when the second special symbol stops and is displayed. Also, the same type of information is sent when a normal symbol stops and is displayed.

[0343] If "Data Type (Bit4~Bit7)" is "Number of Jackpots", as the content, send Bit0~Bit3 "0001" (the accessory continuous operation device operates). (The others are not used). For example, when the first jackpot (refer to Figure 12) is executed, type information (1 byte) consisting of "Data Type (Bit4~Bit7)" being "1010" and "Data Number (Bit0~Bit3)" being "0001" is sent.

[0344] If "Data Type (Bit4~Bit7)" is "Number of Accessories (Number of Times the Big Winning Port Opens)", as the content, send Bit0~Bit3 "0001" (accessory 1). (The others are not used). For example, when the "Big Win Game 3" described in Figure 15 is executed, type information (1 byte) consisting of "Data Type (Bit4~Bit7)" being "1100" and "Data Number (Bit0~Bit3)" being "0001" is sent.

[0345] If the "data type (Bit4 - Bit7)" is "passing through a specific area", the content is to send Bit0 - Bit3 "0001" (specific area 1) (the others are unused). For example, when the "big win game 3" described in FIG. 15 is executed and the game ball passes through the specific area, type information (1 byte) consisting of "data type (Bit4 - Bit7)" being "1101" and "data number (Bit0 - Bit3)" being "0001" is sent.

[0346] Regarding the count information in the case of "passing through a specific area", as shown in FIG. 22, Bit4 - Bit7 is "fixed to 0" (unused), and if Bit0 - Bit3 is "0001", it sends that the "number of times passing through the specific area is 1 time" (the others are unused). That is, as shown in Example 1) of FIG. 22, when the game ball passes through specific area 1 once, game information "0xD101" is sent, and its breakdown is composed of type information (1 byte) consisting of "data type (Bit4 - Bit7)" being "1101" and "data number (Bit0 - Bit3)" being "0001", and count information (1 byte) consisting of "unused (Bit4 - Bit7)" being "0000" and "number of passes (Bit0 - Bit3)" being "0001" (1 time).

[0347] If the "data type (Bit4 - Bit7)" is "external terminal board pulse output", the content indicates that a pulse is output from a dedicated unit (Hall sensor output unit 173). If the "data type (Bit4 - Bit7)" is "performance information status notification", the content is to send the status (fixed to 1) required for calculating performance information (the others are unused).

[0348] Incidentally, regarding the count information in the case of "performance information status notification", as shown in Fig. 22, Bits 4 to 7 are fixed at "0", and Bit 0 is for indicating "base". If it is "0", it indicates "low base" (for example, low-probability non-time-limited game state), and if it is "1", it indicates "high base" (for example, low-probability time-limited game state, high-probability time-limited game state). Bit 1 is for indicating "big win in progress". If it is "0", it indicates "normal time" (for example, low-probability non-time-limited game state), and if it is "1", it indicates "big win in progress". Bit 2 is for indicating "high probability in progress". If it is "0", it indicates "low probability" (for example, low-probability non-time-limited game state, low-probability time-limited game state), and if it is "1", it indicates "high probability" (for example, high-probability time-limited game state). Note that Bit 3 is unused.

[0349] As shown in Example 2) of Fig. 22, when the state changes to high base, game information "0xF101" is transmitted. The breakdown is composed of type information (1 byte) where "data type (Bits 4 to 7)" is "1111" and "data number (Bits 0 to 3)" is "0001", and count information (1 byte) where "unused (Bits 4 to 7)" is "0000" and Bit 0 of "status flag" is "1" (Bits 1 to 3 are "0").

[0350] The "HC·Illegitimate Surveillance Information Response" in Figure 22 is a response from the frame control board 120 to the main control board 110 after transmitting "HC·Illegitimate Surveillance Information" from the main control board 110 to the frame control board 120. For No.1, the data name is "Message Length" and the content is "0x05". Also, for No.2, the data name is "Command" and the content is "0x12". Also, for No.3, the data name is "Communication Serial Number" and the content is "Communication sequence number (0 to 255)". Also, for No.4, the data name is "HC·Illegitimate Surveillance Information Reception Result", and if the content is "0x00", it indicates "Reception OK". For No.5, the data name is "Checksum" and the content is "The result of adding from the message length to the data part". Note that the main control board 110 will not set the game playable state unless it receives the content "0x00" (Reception OK) as the "HC·Illegitimate Surveillance Information Reception Result" from the frame control board 120. This point will be described in detail later using a flowchart.

[0351] Next, the function list and implementation areas of the gaming machine will be described with reference to Figures 23 and 24. The "Used Area" corresponds to the "Gaming Area" described in Figures 7 and 8, and the "Outside the Used Area" corresponds to the "Information Area" described in Figures 7 and 8. In the figure, "◎" indicates the implementation area, "○" indicates the implementable area, and "×" indicates non-implementable.

[0352] Regarding No.1, the "Function for Controlling the Execution of the Game", the "Used Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m" is "◎", and the "Outside the Used Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m", the "Used Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m", and the "Outside the Used Area" are "×". In this embodiment, this function is executed in the "Used Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m", and the "Function for Controlling the Execution of the Game" corresponds to, for example, the process executed in the "Main Control Board Timer Interrupt Process" described later.

[0353] Regarding No.2 "Control of the gaming state", the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m" is "◎", and the areas outside the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", the "usage area" and the areas outside the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", and "control of the gaming state" corresponds to the function of controlling the above-described "normal gaming state", "time-saving gaming state", and "high-probability gaming state".

[0354] Regarding No.3 "Control related to launching", the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m" is "◎", and the areas outside the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", the "usage area" and the areas outside the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", and "control related to launching" corresponds to the control for launching the game ball into the game area 5a.

[0355] Regarding No.4 "Generation of internal lottery random numbers", the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m" is "◎", and the areas outside the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", the "usage area" and the areas outside the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", and "generation of internal lottery random numbers" corresponds to the generation of random numbers used in each process executed in the "main control board timer interrupt process" described later.

[0356] Regarding No.5 "Detection of winning of game balls and payout of bonus balls", the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m" is "◎", and the areas outside the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", the "usage area" and the areas outside the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", and "detection of winning of game balls and payout of bonus balls" corresponds to steps S200 and S500 of the "main control board timer interrupt process" described later.

[0357] Regarding No.6 "Control related to the special symbol display device", the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m" is "◎", and the areas outside the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m", and the areas outside the "usage area" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", and "Control related to the special symbol display device" corresponds to steps S700 and S750 of the "main control board timer interrupt process" described later.

[0358] Regarding No.7 "Control related to the special electric accessory", the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m" is "◎", and the areas outside the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m", and the areas outside the "usage area" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", and "Control related to the special electric accessory" corresponds to step S340 of the "special figure special electric control process" described later.

[0359] Regarding No.8 "Control related to the normal symbol display device", the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m" is "◎", and the areas outside the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m", and the areas outside the "usage area" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", and "Control related to the normal symbol display device" corresponds to steps S700 and S750 of the "main control board timer interrupt process" described later.

[0360] Regarding No.9 "Control related to the normal electric accessory", the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m" is "◎", and the areas outside the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m", and the areas outside the "usage area" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", and "Control related to the normal electric accessory" corresponds to step S250 of the "input control process" described later.

[0361] Regarding No.10 "Other controls related to game execution", the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m" is "◎", and the areas "outside the used area" of the "main control unit 110m", the "used area" and the "area outside the used area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m".

[0362] Regarding No.11 "Function to control the game ball number display device", the "used area" of the "frame control unit 120m" is "◎", and the "used area", the "area outside the used area" of the "main control unit 110m", and the "area outside the used area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "used area" of the "frame control unit 120m", and the "function to control the game ball number display device" corresponds to steps W650 and W700 of the "frame control board timer interrupt process" described later.

[0363] Regarding No.12 "Electromagnetically record the game ball number", the "used area" of the "frame control unit 120m" is "◎", and the "used area", the "area outside the used area" of the "main control unit 110m", and the "area outside the used area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "used area" of the "frame control unit 120m", and "electromagnetically record the game ball number" corresponds to the "frame control board game ball number update process" described later.

[0364] Regarding No.13 "Display the game ball number", the "used area" of the "frame control unit 120m" is "◎", and the "used area", the "area outside the used area" of the "main control unit 110m", and the "area outside the used area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "used area" of the "frame control unit 120m", and "display the game ball number" corresponds to steps W650 and W700 of the "frame control board timer interrupt process" described later.

[0365] Regarding No. 14 "Adding the number of lent game balls", the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" is "◎", and the "usage area", "outside the usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", and the "outside the usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, this function is executed in the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m", and "adding the number of lent game balls" corresponds to the "frame control board game ball lending process" described later.

[0366] Regarding No. 15 "Subtracting the number of counted game balls", the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" is "◎", and the "usage area", "outside the usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", and the "outside the usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, this function is executed in the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m", and "subtracting the number of counted game balls" corresponds to the "frame control board game ball counting process" described later.

[0367] Regarding No. 16 "Subtracting the number of launched game balls", the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" is "◎", and the "usage area", "outside the usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", and the "outside the usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, this function is executed in the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m", and "subtracting the number of launched game balls" corresponds to steps W301 and W302 of the "frame control board game ball number update process" described later.

[0368] Regarding No. 17 "Adding the number of game balls (foul balls) that returned without being launched onto the game board", the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" is "◎", and the "usage area", "outside the usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", and the "outside the usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, this function is executed in the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m", and "adding the number of game balls (foul balls) that returned without being launched onto the game board" corresponds to steps W303 and W304 of the "frame control board game ball number update process" described later.

[0369] Regarding No.18 "Adding the number of game balls paid out", the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" is "◎", and the "usage area", "outside the usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", and the "outside the usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, this function is executed in the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m", and "adding the number of game balls paid out" corresponds to steps W305 to W311 of the "frame control board game ball number update process" described later.

[0370] Regarding No.19 "Initializing the number of game balls by the game ball number clear button", the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" is "◎", and the "usage area", "outside the usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", and the "outside the usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, this function is executed in the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m", and "initializing the number of game balls by the game ball number clear button" corresponds to the process in which the frame control unit 120m clears the number of game balls when an input is made from the game ball number clear sw121 at the time of power supply.

[0371] Regarding No.20 "Function for controlling communication with the game ball lending device", the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" is "◎", and the "usage area", "outside the usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", and the "outside the usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, this function is executed in the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m", and "function for controlling communication with the game ball lending device" corresponds to the control related to communication with the dedicated unit 170.

[0372] Regarding No.21 "VL power supply monitoring", the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" is "○", and the "usage area", "outside the usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", and the "outside the usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, this function is executed in the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m", and "VL power supply monitoring" corresponds to the power supply for connection confirmation input from the dedicated unit 170.

[0373] Regarding No.22 "Communication Control, Communication Timer Management", the "Usage Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m" is "◎", and the "Usage Area", "Outside Usage Area" of "Main Control Unit 110m" and the "Outside Usage Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "Usage Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m", and "Communication Control, Communication Timer Management" corresponds to time management related to communication with dedicated unit 170.

[0374] Regarding the generation and transmission of the No.23 "Game Machine Information Notification (Game Machine Performance Information)" telegram, the "Usage Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m" is "◎", and the "Usage Area", "Outside Usage Area" of "Main Control Unit 110m" and the "Outside Usage Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "Usage Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m", and the generation and transmission of the "Game Machine Information Notification (Game Machine Performance Information)" telegram correspond to the processing in step W507 of the "Frame Control Board Game Machine Information Notification Processing" described later.

[0375] Regarding the generation and transmission of the No.24 "Game Machine Information Notification (Game Machine Installation Information)" telegram, the "Usage Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m" is "◎", and the "Usage Area", "Outside Usage Area" of "Main Control Unit 110m" and the "Outside Usage Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "Usage Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m", and the generation and transmission of the "Game Machine Information Notification (Game Machine Installation Information)" telegram correspond to the processing in steps W505 and W509 of the "Frame Control Board Game Machine Information Notification Processing" described later.

[0376] Regarding the generation and transmission of the No.25 "Game Machine Information Notification (HC·Illegality Monitoring Information)" telegram, the "Usage Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m" is "◎", and the "Usage Area", "Outside Usage Area" of "Main Control Unit 110m" and the "Outside Usage Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "Usage Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m", and the generation and transmission of the "Game Machine Information Notification (HC·Illegality Monitoring Information)" telegram correspond to the processing in step W513 of the "Frame Control Board Game Machine Information Notification Processing" described later.

[0377] Regarding No. 26 "Counting Notification Message Generation and Transmission", the "Usage Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m" is "◎", and the "Usage Area", "Outside Usage Area" of "Main Control Unit 110m" and the "Outside Usage Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "Usage Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m", and "Counting Notification Message Generation and Transmission" corresponds to step W567 of the "Frame Control Board Game Ball Counting Process" described later.

[0378] Regarding No. 27 "Lending Notification Reception", the "Usage Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m" is "◎", and the "Usage Area", "Outside Usage Area" of "Main Control Unit 110m" and the "Outside Usage Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "Usage Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m", and "Lending Notification Reception" corresponds to step W601 of the "Frame Control Board Game Ball Lending Process" described later.

[0379] Regarding No. 28 "Lending Receipt Result Response Message Generation and Transmission", the "Usage Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m" is "◎", and the "Usage Area", "Outside Usage Area" of "Main Control Unit 110m" and the "Outside Usage Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "Usage Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m", and "Lending Receipt Result Response Message Generation and Transmission" corresponds to steps W609 and W610 of the "Frame Control Board Game Ball Lending Process" described later.

[0380] Regarding No. 29 "Communication Control between Main Control Unit and Frame Control Unit", the "Usage Area" of "Main Control Unit 110m" and "Frame Control Unit 120m" is "◎", and the "Outside Usage Area" of "Main Control Unit 110m" and the "Outside Usage Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "Usage Area" of "Main Control Unit 110m" and "Frame Control Unit 120m", and all processes related to the communication between Main Control Unit 110m and Frame Control Unit 120m (as an example, "Game Machine Installation Information Notification" and "Game Machine Installation Information Response" in the "Main Control Board Main Process") correspond to it.

[0381] Regarding No.30 "Aggregation of Pachinko Machine Performance Information", the "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" is "◎", and the "Usage Area", "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m", and the "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed outside the "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m", and "Aggregation of Pachinko Machine Performance Information" corresponds to the "Frame Control Board Pachinko Machine Performance Information Calculation Process" described later.

[0382] Note that No.30 to No.38 are data for one day from when the power of the pachinko machine 1 is turned on to when it is turned off. Aggregation starts when the power is turned on, and the aggregated data is cleared when the power is turned off. That is, it is different from the value calculated in the "Frame Control Board Display Performance Information Calculation Process" described later. Also, the aggregated data is not displayed on a display (for example, the frame control display 125), but is transmitted to the pachinko machine information center and shared and managed together with Nikko.

[0383] Regarding No.31 "Total Number of Launched Pachinko Balls", the "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" is "◎", and the "Usage Area", "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m", and the "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed outside the "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m", and "Total Number of Launched Pachinko Balls" corresponds to step W451 of the "Frame Control Board Pachinko Machine Performance Information Calculation Process" described later.

[0384] Regarding No.32 "Total Number of Acquired Pachinko Balls", the "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" is "◎", and the "Usage Area", "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m", and the "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed outside the "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m", and "Total Number of Acquired Pachinko Balls" corresponds to step W452 of the "Frame Control Board Pachinko Machine Performance Information Calculation Process" described later.

[0385] Regarding No. 33 "Puck Output Rate", "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" is "◎", and "Usage Area", "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m", and "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed outside the "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m", and "Puck Output Rate" corresponds to Step W453 of the "Frame Control Board Gaming Machine Performance Information Calculation Process" described later.

[0386] Regarding No. 34 "Number of Game Balls Acquired per Minute (Low Base)", "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" is "◎", and "Usage Area", "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m", and "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed outside the "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m", and "Number of Game Balls Acquired per Minute (Low Base)" corresponds to Step W454 of the "Frame Control Board Gaming Machine Performance Information Calculation Process" described later.

[0387] Regarding No. 35 "Proportion of Accessories", "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" is "◎", and "Usage Area", "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m", and "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed outside the "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m", and "Proportion of Accessories" corresponds to Step W455 of the "Frame Control Board Gaming Machine Performance Information Calculation Process" described later.

[0388] Regarding No. 36 "Continuous Proportion of Accessories", "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" is "◎", and "Usage Area", "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m", and "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed outside the "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m", and "Continuous Proportion of Accessories" corresponds to Step W456 of the "Frame Control Board Gaming Machine Performance Information Calculation Process" described later.

[0389] Regarding No. 37 "Number of Operations of the Appliance Continuous Operation Device", "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" is "◎", and "Usage Area", "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m", and "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed outside the "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m", and "Number of Operations of the Appliance Continuous Operation Device" corresponds to Step W457 of the "Frame Control Board Pachinko Machine Performance Information Calculation Process" described later.

[0390] Regarding No. 38 "Maximum Payout Balls", "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" is "◎", and "Usage Area", "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m", and "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the function is executed outside the "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m", and "Maximum Payout Balls" corresponds to Step W458 of the "Frame Control Board Pachinko Machine Performance Information Calculation Process" described later.

[0391] Regarding No. 39 "Generation of Pachinko Machine Installation Information", all of "Usage Area", "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m", "Usage Area", and "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" are "○". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m" and the "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m". Specifically, the following information from No. 40 to No. 42 is generated in the "Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m", the following information from No. 43 to No. 45 is generated in the "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m", and the "Frame Control Unit 120m" transmits a total of six pieces of information, namely the information from No. 40 to No. 42 received from the "Main Control Unit 110m" and the information from No. 43 to No. 45 generated by itself, to the U board 171 (ultimately the Pachinko Machine Information Center). That is, "Generation of Pachinko Machine Installation Information" corresponds to Step S5 of the "Main Control Board Main Process" described later, Step W505, and Step W509 of the "Frame Control Board Pachinko Machine Information Notification Process" described later.

[0392] Regarding No.40 "Main control chip ID number", the "used area" and "outside the used area" of the "main control unit 110m" are "○", and the "used area" and "outside the used area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "× (excluded)". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m". The "main control chip ID number" will be described later with reference to FIG. 18.

[0393] Regarding No.41 "Main control chip manufacturer code", the "used area" and "outside the used area" of the "main control unit 110m" are "○", and the "used area" and "outside the used area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "× (excluded)". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m". The "main control chip manufacturer code" will be described later with reference to FIG. 18.

[0394] Regarding No.42 "Main control chip product code", the "used area" and "outside the used area" of the "main control unit 110m" are "○", and the "used area" and "outside the used area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "× (excluded)". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m". The "main control chip product code" will be described later with reference to FIG. 18.

[0395] Regarding No.43 "Frame control chip ID number", the "used area" and "outside the used area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "○", and the "used area" and "outside the used area" of the "main control unit 110m" are "× (excluded)". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "used area" of the "frame control unit 120m". The "frame control chip ID number" will be described later with reference to FIG. 50.

[0396] Regarding No.44 "Frame control chip manufacturer code", the "used area" and "outside the used area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "○", and the "used area" and "outside the used area" of the "main control unit 110m" are "× (excluded)". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "used area" of the "frame control unit 120m". The "frame control chip manufacturer code" will be described later with reference to FIG. 50.

[0397] Regarding No.45 "Frame Control Chip Product Code", the "Usage Area" and "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" are "○", and the "Usage Area" and "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m" are "× (Excluded)". In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m". The "Frame Control Chip Product Code" will be described later with reference to FIG. 50.

[0398] Regarding No.46 "HC·Generation of Illegality Monitoring Information", the "Usage Area", "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m", the "Usage Area", and "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" are all "○". In this embodiment, the "Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m" and the "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" are used. The details will be described below.

[0399] Regarding No.47 "Number of Game Balls", the "Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m" and the "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" are "○", and the "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m" and the "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" are "×". The "Number of Game Balls" refers to the "Held Balls" held by the player. In this embodiment, the function is executed in the "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m". For example, the "Frame Control Board Game Ball Number Update Process" described later corresponds to this. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the function is not executed in the "Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m" where it can be implemented. Of course, the function may be executed in the "Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m", but in order to realize this, the information related to the "Number of Game Balls" needs to be transmitted from the "Frame Control Unit 120m" to the "Main Control Unit 110m". Considering the control load, it can be said that it is more efficient to execute the function in the "Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m".

[0400] Regarding No. 48 "Number of Launched Balls", the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m" and the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "○", and the areas outside the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m" and the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "×". The "number of launched balls" refers to the number of game balls launched by the player. In this embodiment, this function is executed in the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m". For example, the "frame control board game ball number update process" described later corresponds to this. On the other hand, in this embodiment, this function is not executed in the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m" where it can be implemented. Of course, this function may be executed in the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", but in order to realize this, information related to the "number of launched balls" needs to be transmitted from the "frame control unit 120m" to the "main control unit 110m". Considering the control load, it can be said that it is more efficient to execute this function in the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m".

[0401] Regarding No. 49 "Total Number of Prize Balls", the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m" and the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "○", and the areas outside the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m" and the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "×". The "total number of prize balls" refers to the total number of prize balls paid out to the player. In this embodiment, this function is executed in the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m". For example, the "frame control board game ball number update process" described later corresponds to this. On the other hand, in this embodiment, this function is not executed in the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m" where it can be implemented. Of course, this function may be executed in the "usage area" of the "main control unit 110m", but in order to realize this, information related to the "total number of prize balls" needs to be transmitted from the "frame control unit 120m" to the "main control unit 110m". Considering the control load, it can be said that it is more efficient to execute this function in the "usage area" of the "frame control unit 120m".

[0402] Regarding No.50 "Main Control State 1" (see Fig. 19), the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m" is "○", and the "area outside the used area" of the "main control unit 110m", the "used area" of the "frame control unit 120m", and the "area outside the used area" are "×". In this embodiment, the functions (processing for turning each Bit of the main control state 1 ON / OFF, processing related to the generation / transmission of telegrams in the main control state 1) are executed in the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m".

[0403] Regarding No.51 "Main Control State 2", the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m" is "○", and the "area outside the used area" of the "main control unit 110m", the "used area" of the "frame control unit 120m", and the "area outside the used area" are "×". In this embodiment, the functions (processing for turning each Bit of the main control state 2 ON / OFF, processing related to the generation / transmission of telegrams in the main control state 2) are executed in the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m".

[0404] Regarding No.52 "Game Machine Error State", all of the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m", the "area outside the used area", the "used area" of the "frame control unit 120m", and the "area outside the used area" are "○". The "game machine error state" corresponds to, for example, a communication abnormality between the main control board 110 and the frame control board 120, or a communication abnormality between the frame control board 120 and the dedicated unit 170. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned communication abnormalities are monitored in the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m" and the "used area" of the "frame control unit 120m", and the above-mentioned communication abnormalities are not monitored in the "area outside the used area" of the "main control unit 110m" and the "area outside the used area" of the "frame control unit 120m", but the above-mentioned communication abnormalities may be monitored in the "area outside the used area" of the "main control unit 110m" and the "area outside the used area" of the "frame control unit 120m".

[0405] Regarding "Detection Failure State 1" No. 53, for the "used area" and "outside the used area" of the "main control unit 110m", they are marked with "○", and for the "used area" and "outside the used area" of the "frame control unit 120m", they are marked with "×". In this embodiment, for example, among "Detection Failure State 1" (Fig. 19), regarding the processes of "setting change", "setting confirmation", and "RWM clear" for Bits 0 to 2, the functions are executed in the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m", and regarding the processes of "detection failure" for Bits 3 to 5 and "acquisition upper limit device" for Bit 6 (such as counting game balls), the functions are executed outside the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m". Also, the generation of the 8-bit telegram of "Detection Failure State 1" is executed in the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m". Thereby, the "used area" and "outside the used area" of the "main control unit 110m" can be used efficiently, and it is possible to prevent the processing from concentrating only on any one area.

[0406] Note that the use of the "used area" and "outside the used area" for "Detection Failure State 1" is only an example and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the processes executed in the "used area" may be executed outside the "used area", or the processes executed outside the "used area" may be executed in the "used area". Also, all may be executed in the "used area", or all may be executed outside the "used area". Also, it may be executed in the "used area" and "outside the used area" of the "frame control unit 120m". For example, regarding the process of the "acquisition upper limit device" (such as counting game balls), it may be executed in the "used area" and "outside the used area" of the "frame control unit 120m".

[0407] Regarding No. 54 "Illegality Detection State 2 (Frame Control)", "Used Area" and "Outside Used Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m" are "○", and "Used Area" and "Outside Used Area" of "Main Control Unit 110m" are "×". In this embodiment, for example, among "Illegality Detection State 2" (see FIG. 51), regarding the processing of "Glass Frame Release", "Inner Frame Release", and "Illegality Radio Wave Detection" of Bit0 to Bit2, and the processing of "Number of Winning Balls Abnormality Notification" and "Number of Launched Balls Abnormality Notification" of Bit4 to Bit5, the functions are executed outside the "Used Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m". Regarding the processing of "Game Ball Number Clear Detection" of Bit3, the function is executed within the "Used Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m". Also, the generation of the 8-bit telegram of "Illegality Detection State 2" is executed outside the "Used Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m". Note that the generation of the telegram outside the "Used Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m" is realized, for example, by the program outside the "Used Area" referring to the RWM in the "Used Area" and generating the telegram outside the "Used Area". Thereby, the "Used Area" and "Outside Used Area" of "Frame Control Unit 120m" can be used efficiently, and it is possible to prevent the processing from concentrating only on any one of the areas.

[0408] Note that the use of "Used Area" and "Outside Used Area" for "Illegality Detection State 2" is only an example and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the processing executed in the "Used Area" may be executed outside the "Used Area", or the processing executed outside the "Used Area" may be executed in the "Used Area". Also, all may be executed in the "Used Area", or all may be executed outside the "Used Area".

[0409] Regarding No. 55 "Illegality Detection State 3 (Frame Control)", for the "Used Area" and "Outside the Used Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m", they are marked with "○", while for the "Used Area" and "Outside the Used Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m", they are marked with "×". In this embodiment, for example, among "Illegality Detection State 3" (see Fig. 51), regarding the processing of "Small Ball Detection" and "Iron Ball Detection" from Bit0 to Bit1, the functions are executed outside the "Used Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m", and the generation of the 8-bit telegram named "Illegality Detection State 3" is also executed outside the "Used Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m". As a result, the "Used Area" and "Outside the Used Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" can be used efficiently, and it can be prevented that the processing concentrates only on one of the areas.

[0410] Note that the use of the "Used Area" and "Outside the Used Area" for "Illegality Detection State 3" is only an example and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the processing executed in the "Used Area" may be executed outside the "Used Area", or the processing executed outside the "Used Area" may be executed in the "Used Area". Also, all the processing may be executed in the "Used Area", or all may be executed outside the "Used Area".

[0411] Regarding No. 56 "Function for Controlling the Setting Change Device", the "Used Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m" is marked with "○", while the "Outside the Used Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m", the "Used Area" and "Outside the Used Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m" are marked with "×". Note that in this embodiment, the function is executed in the "Used Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m", and the "Function for Controlling the Setting Change Device" corresponds to the "Setting Change Processing" and "Setting Confirmation Processing" described later.

[0412] Regarding No.57, the "function of transmitting information related to effects to the peripheral substrate", the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m" and the "used area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "○", and the "area outside the used area" of the "main control unit 110m" and the "area outside the used area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, a function of transmitting information to the effect control substrate 130 is executed in the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m", and a function of transmitting information to the effect control substrate 130 is executed in the "used area" of the "frame control unit 120m". For example, a "specific figure change pattern designation command" is transmitted from the "main control unit 110m" to the effect control substrate 130, and the effect control substrate 130 determines a variable effect pattern (game effect) based on the received "specific figure change pattern designation command". Also, information regarding an "error" detected by the "main control unit 110m" is transmitted from the "main control unit 110m" to the effect control substrate 130, and the effect control substrate 130 executes a notification corresponding to the received information regarding the "error". Similarly, information regarding an "error" detected by the "frame control unit 120m" is transmitted from the "frame control unit 120m" to the effect control substrate 130, and the effect control substrate 130 executes a notification corresponding to the received information regarding the "error".

[0413] Regarding No.58, the "function of transmitting information of the gaming machine to the peripheral substrate", the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m" and the "used area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "○", and the "area outside the used area" of the "main control unit 110m" and the "area outside the used area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "×". Note that since No.58 is the same as No.57 described above, the description is omitted.

[0414] Regarding No.59 "Unauthorized Monitoring (excluding No.60 and 61)", for the "Usage Area" and "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m", they are marked as "○", while for the "Usage Area" and "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m", they are marked as "×". "Unauthorized Monitoring (excluding No.60 and 61)" corresponds to, for example, monitoring so-called "hanging" unauthorized acts such as obtaining unauthorized jackpot random numbers by attaching forged wiring or unauthorized parts. In this embodiment, such monitoring is being executed outside the "Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m". Note that such monitoring may also be executed within the "Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m".

[0415] Regarding No.60 "Unauthorized Monitoring Related to Payout of Game Balls", for all of the "Usage Area", "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m", and the "Usage Area", "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m", they are all marked as "○". In this embodiment, such monitoring is being executed within the "Usage Area" and "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m". Note that it is also possible to configure the gaming machine 1 with a single-chip configuration, for example, only the "Main Control Unit 110m", instead of the two-chip configuration of the "Main Control Unit 110m" and the "Frame Control Unit 120m" as in this embodiment. In the case of a single-chip configuration, such monitoring may be executed within the "Usage Area" and "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m".

[0416] Regarding No.61 "Unauthorized Monitoring Related to Lending of Game Balls", for all of the "Usage Area", "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Main Control Unit 110m", and the "Usage Area", "Outside the Usage Area" of the "Frame Control Unit 120m", they are all marked as "○". Note that since No.61 is the same as No.60 described above, the description is omitted.

[0417] Regarding No.62 "Error handling (game stop)", the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m" is "○", and the areas outside the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m", the "used area" and the area outside the "used area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "×". In this embodiment, the process is executed in the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m". For example, after the process of step S9 in FIG. 30 is completed, after the process of step S10 in FIG. 30 is completed, the non-returnable error handling in step S17 in FIG. 31, after the process of step S27 in FIG. 31 is completed, and after the process of step S600-6 in FIG. 46 is completed correspond to "error handling (game stop)".

[0418] Regarding No.63 "Error handling (notification only)", all of the "used area", the area outside the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m", the "used area" and the area outside the "used area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "○". The details of "error handling (notification only)" will be described in detail in the "display priority order of error codes" (FIG. 78) described later.

[0419] Regarding No.64 "Function to control the display of the performance display monitor", the "used area" and the area outside the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m" and the area outside the "used area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "○", and the "used area" of the "frame control unit 120m" is "×". The "function to control the display of the performance display monitor" corresponds to the "frame control board display performance information calculation process" (FIG. 79) described later. In this embodiment, both the process itself and the process of displaying on the frame control display 125 are executed outside the "used area" of the "frame control unit 120m".

[0420] Regarding No.65 "Function to generate signals required for testing the gaming machine", all of the "used area", the area outside the "used area" of the "main control unit 110m", the "used area" and the area outside the "used area" of the "frame control unit 120m" are "○". In this embodiment, in the "main control unit 110m", the function is executed outside the "used area", and in the "frame control unit 120m", the function is executed using both the "used area" and the area outside the "used area".

[0421] Regarding the above No.1 to No.65, the parts marked with "×" are considered impossible to implement, but it is also possible to implement the parts marked with "×" (execute various processes in the area marked with "×"). Also, the processes executed in the "used area" or "outside the used area" of the main control unit 110m may be executed by the "frame control unit 120m", or the processes executed in the "used area" or "outside the used area" of the "frame control unit 120m" may be executed in the "used area" or "outside the used area" of the main control unit 110m.

[0422] (Communication Procedure between the Main Control Board and the Frame Control Board that Becomes Gameable after the Activation of the Gaming Machine) Using FIG. 25, the communication procedure between the main control board 110 and the frame control board 120 that becomes gameable after the activation of the gaming machine (in the case where the frame control board 120 is not in the ball-discharging state) will be described. Note that the "gaming machine information" in FIG. 25 corresponds to the "HC·illegal monitoring information" described in FIGS. 19 to 22.

[0423] First, when the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the main control board 110 and the frame control board 120 start to activate, and the activation of the frame control board 120 is completed prior to the main control board 110. Then, when the activation of the main control board 110 is completed within a maximum of 3 minutes, as the first telegram, the main control board 110 sends a gaming machine installation information notification (communication serial number = 0) to the frame control board 120. If a gaming machine installation information response (communication serial number = 0, reception result = reception OK) is sent from the frame control board 120 to the main control board 110 as the second telegram within 10 ms from that point, the main control board 110 confirms the reception result of the gaming machine installation information. Here, since the reception result = reception OK, the main control board 110 permits the firing of the gaming balls and enters a gameable state.

[0424] Then, 108 ms after the transmission of the first gaming machine installation information notification, a gaming machine information notification (communication serial number = 1) is transmitted from the main control board 110 to the frame control board 120 as the third telegram. If a gaming machine information response (communication serial number = 1, reception result = reception OK) is transmitted from the frame control board 120 to the main control board 110 as the fourth telegram within 10 ms from then, the reception result of the gaming machine installation information is confirmed on the main control board 110. After that, a communication sequence of transmitting and receiving telegrams in the order of the gaming machine information notification and the gaming machine information response is repeated at a cycle of 108 ms.

[0425] In addition, when the frame control board 120 cannot receive the gaming machine installation information within 3 minutes after startup, error notification is performed by displaying an error code on the frame control display 125 as a communication line abnormality, or transmitting an error designation command to the effect control board 130. When the gaming machine installation information notification can be normally received after the communication line abnormality occurs, the error notification is terminated.

[0426] (Communication procedure between the main control board and the frame control board that cannot be made playable after the startup of the gaming machine) Using FIG. 26, the communication procedure between the main control board 110 and the frame control board 120 that cannot be made playable after the startup of the gaming machine (case where the frame control board 120 is in the ball discharge state) will be described.

[0427] First, when the power supply of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the main control board 110 and the frame control board 120 start to boot up. Before the main control board 110, the startup of the frame control board 120 is completed, and the ball discharging operation is started to enter the ball discharging state. Then, when the startup of the main control board 110 is completed within a maximum of 3 minutes, as the first telegram, the main control board 110 sends a gaming machine installation information notification (communication serial number = 0) to the frame control board 120. If, within 10 ms from then, as the second telegram, the frame control board 120 sends a gaming machine installation information response (communication serial number = 0, reception result = ball discharging state) to the main control board 110, the main control board 110 confirms the reception result of the gaming machine installation information. Here, since the reception result is the ball discharging state, the main control board 110 permits the firing of the gaming balls but performs an infinite loop process without setting it to a playable state.

[0428] Note that after the main control board 110 and the frame control board 120 send and receive the gaming machine installation information response with the reception result = ball discharging state, they do not communicate. The frame control board 120 continues the ball discharging operation until the power supply of the gaming machine 1 is turned off.

[0429] (Communication procedure between the main control board and the frame control board that enters the setting change / setting confirmation state after the startup of the gaming machine) Using FIG. 27, the communication procedure between the main control board 110 and the frame control board 120 that enters the setting change / setting confirmation state after the startup of the gaming machine (in the case where the frame control board 120 is not in the ball discharging state) will be described.

[0430] First, when the power supply of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the main control board 110 and the frame control board 120 start to boot up. Before the main control board 110, the startup of the frame control board 120 is completed. Then, when the startup of the main control board 110 is completed within a maximum of 3 minutes, as the first telegram, the main control board 110 sends a gaming machine installation information notification (communication serial number = 0) to the frame control board 120. If, within 10 ms from then, as the second telegram, the frame control board 120 sends a gaming machine installation information response (communication serial number = 0, reception result = reception OK) to the main control board 110, the main control board 110 confirms the reception result of the gaming machine installation information.

[0431] Here, when the main control board 110 detects that both the RWM clear switch 111a and the setting key switch 112a are operated, or only the setting key switch 112a is operated, it shifts to the setting change state (setting change mode) or the setting confirmation state (setting confirmation mode), and the set value is displayed on the information display 115 mounted on the main control board 110.

[0432] Then, after entering the setting change state or the setting confirmation state and 108 ms have elapsed since the transmission of the first gaming machine installation information notification, the main control board 110 transmits a gaming machine information notification (communication serial number = 1) to the frame control board 120 as the third telegram. If a gaming machine information response (communication serial number = 1) is transmitted from the frame control board 120 to the main control board 110 as the fourth telegram within 10 ms from that time, the main control board 110 confirms the reception result of the gaming machine installation information. After that, regardless of whether it is in the setting change state or the setting confirmation state, a communication sequence of transmitting and receiving telegrams in the order of the gaming machine information notification and the gaming machine information response is repeated at a cycle of 108 ms.

[0433] Then, when the setting key switch 112a is operated and the setting change state or the setting confirmation state ends, since the reception result of the gaming machine installation information response that has already been received is Reception OK, the main control board 110 permits the firing of the game balls and enters a playable state. After that, a communication sequence of transmitting and receiving telegrams in the order of the gaming machine information notification and the gaming machine information response is repeated at a cycle of 108 ms.

[0434] (Communication procedure for the main control board to determine a communication line break) Using FIG. 28, the communication procedure for the main control board 110 to determine a communication line break will be described.

[0435] First, when a notification telegram (gaming machine installation information notification, gaming machine information notification) is transmitted from the main control board 110 to the frame control board 120, a response telegram (gaming machine installation information response, gaming machine information response) should be transmitted from the frame control board 120 within 10 ms, but a state occurs where the main control board 110 cannot receive the response telegram.

[0436] Taking this as the first time, a notification message is sent from the main control board 110 to the frame control board 120 at a cycle of 108 m. However, if the state where the response message cannot be received from the frame control board 120 continues for 10 times, the main control board 110 will send an error designation command to the effect control board 130 assuming that a communication line break has occurred, etc., to perform error notification. After that, it is configured to recover from the communication line break by turning off / on the power of the gaming machine 1.

[0437] (Communication procedure for the frame control board to determine a communication line break) Using FIG. 29, the communication procedure for the frame control board 120 to determine a communication line break will be described.

[0438] First, when a notification message (game machine installation information notification, game machine information notification) is sent from the main control board 110 to the frame control board 120, a response message (game machine installation information response, game machine information response) is sent from the frame control board 120 within 10 ms therefrom. After that, when it is the transmission timing of the notification message arriving at a cycle of 108 ms, a notification message is sent from the main control board 110 to the frame control board 120, but a state occurs where the frame control board 120 cannot receive the notification message.

[0439] After that, a notification message is sent from the main control board 110 to the frame control board 120 at a cycle of 108 ms. However, if the period during which the frame control board 120 cannot receive the notification message continues for 1000 ms from the timing when the frame control board 120 received the last notification message, the frame control board 120 will perform error notification such as displaying an error code on the frame control display 125 or sending an error designation command to the effect control board 130 assuming that a communication line break has occurred. After that, if the notification message from the main control board 110 can be normally received, the error notification is terminated.

[0440] In addition, when the gaming machine 1 is in the ball payout state, information indicating that it is in the ball payout state may be sent to the dedicated unit 170 and the game machine information center.

[0441] (Main Processing of the Main Control Board) Using FIG. 30, the main processing of the main control board 110 will be described. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the main control board 110. This main processing is performed when a system reset generated by the supply of a power voltage from the power supply board 160 is input to the main CPU 110a.

[0442] First, in step S1, the main CPU 110a prohibits all interrupts. In step S2, it performs initial settings of the CPU such as setting internal registers. In step S3, it performs a startup waiting process for other boards. Specifically, it waits for 1 second for the frame control board 120 and the effect control board 130 to start up so that there is no omission of commands from the main control board 110. Also, in step S4, access to the RWM area of the main RAM 110c is permitted.

[0443] In step S5, the main CPU 110a performs a game machine installation information notification. Specifically, it transmits "game machine installation information" (see FIG. 18) to the frame control board 120. That is, when a power voltage is supplied from the power supply board 160, "game machine installation information" is transmitted from the main control board 110 to the frame control board 120.

[0444] In step S6, the main CPU 110a increments the "notification counter" provided in the main RAM 110c by "1". Then, in step S7, it determines whether or not the reception result of the game machine installation information notification has been responded to. If the reception result of the game machine installation information notification has been responded to, the process proceeds to step S10. If the reception result of the game machine installation information notification has not been responded to, the process proceeds to step S8. That is, it determines whether or not a reception result has been responded (received) from the frame control board 120 as a result of transmitting "game machine installation information" to the frame control board 120.

[0445] In step S8, main CPU 110a determines whether the value of the "notification counter" is "10". If it is determined that the value of the "notification counter" is "10", the process proceeds to step S9. If it is determined that the value of the "notification counter" is not "10" (less than 10), the process proceeds to step S5.

[0446] In step S9, main CPU 110a performs processing for error notification. Specifically, if it is determined that there is an abnormality (such as disconnection) in the communication between the main control board 110 and the frame control board 120, it sends a "game machine internal communication abnormality start designation command" to the effect control board 130, and the effect control board 130 controls to notify a "game machine internal communication abnormality error" (see FIG. 112). Then, it waits until the power supply voltage is completely cut off. That is, if the "game machine installation information" is notified to the frame control board 120 10 times but the reception result of the game machine installation information notification cannot be responded to, it is considered that there may be a disconnection (communication abnormality) between the main control board 110 and the frame control board 120, and an error notification is performed and the game is not made playable. This can prevent the game from being played even though there is a disconnection (communication abnormality) between the main control board 110 and the frame control board 120.

[0447] Note that, like this processing, there may be processing for determining whether there is an abnormality (such as disconnection) in the communication between the main control board 110 and the frame control board 120. It can also be said that the control program (main control program) that determines that the response from the frame control board 120 cannot be received is a detection means for detecting whether there is an abnormality (such as disconnection) in the communication between the main control board 110 and the frame control board 120.

[0448] In step S10, main CPU 110a determines whether it is in the ball discharge state. Specifically, referring to the reception result of the game machine installation information notification, if it is "0x00", it is determined as "reception OK", and if it is "0x01", it is determined as the "ball discharge state" (see FIG. 18). If it is in the "ball discharge state", it waits until the power supply voltage is completely cut off.

[0449] When in the ball removal state, after the process of step S10 is completed, it will wait until the supply of the power voltage is completely cut off, so the processes after step S11 will not be executed (the process related to power recovery will not be executed and will not return to the control state before power-off). That is, since the "power recovery specified command" is not sent to the production control board 130 in step S24, the voice notification, screen notification, and electrical decoration notification of "power recovery" (described later) will not be executed. In this case, the voice notification and screen notification of "during ball removal operation" (described later) will be executed. Thereby, it can be prevented that during the ball removal state, the notifications of "power recovery" are executed or the initial operation described later is executed, which may prevent concentration on the ball removal work. On the other hand, when the process of step S10 is negated (when not in the ball removal state), it proceeds to step S24 and the "power recovery specified command" is sent to the production control board 130, so the voice notification, screen notification, and electrical decoration notification of "power recovery" (described later) will be executed.

[0450] Similarly, when in the ball removal state, even if the RWM clear switch 111a is pressed and the power switch 164 is turned on, it does not proceed to the "RWM clear process" of step S19, so the "RWM clear process" is not executed and the "RWM clear specified command" is not sent to the production control board 130 either. Thereby, the voice notification, screen notification, and electrical decoration notification of "power-on (RWM clear)" (described later) will not be executed. In this case, the voice notification and screen notification of "during ball removal operation" (described later) will be executed. Therefore, it can be prevented that during the ball removal state, the notifications of "power-on (RWM clear)" are executed and the concentration on the ball removal work is disrupted. On the other hand, when the process of step S10 is negated (when not in the ball removal state), it proceeds to the "RWM clear process" of step S19, the "RWM clear process" is executed, and the "RWM clear specified command" is sent to the production control board 130, so the voice notification, screen notification, and electrical decoration notification of "power-on (RWM clear)" (described later) will be executed.

[0451] Similarly, in the case of the ball-removing state, even if the power switch SW164 is turned on with the setting change operation described later, since it does not shift to the "setting change process" in step S14, the "setting change process" is not executed, and the "setting change command" is not transmitted to the effect control board 130 either. As a result, the voice notification, screen notification, and lighting decoration notification of "setting change" (described later) are not executed. In this case, the voice notification and screen notification of "during the ball-removing operation" (described later) are executed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the notifications of "setting change" from being executed during the ball-removing state, which would otherwise prevent concentration on the ball-removing work. On the other hand, when the process of step S10 is negated (when it is not in the ball-removing state), it shifts to the "setting change process" in step S14, the "setting change process" is executed, and the "setting change command" is transmitted to the effect control board 130, so the voice notification, screen notification, and lighting decoration notification of "setting change" (described later) are executed.

[0452] Similarly, in the case of the ball-removing state, even if the power switch SW164 is turned on with the setting confirmation operation described later, since it does not shift to the "setting confirmation process" in step S22, the "setting confirmation process" is not executed, and the "setting confirmation command" is not transmitted to the effect control board 130 either. As a result, the voice notification, screen notification, and lighting decoration notification of "setting confirmation" (described later) are not executed. In this case, the voice notification and screen notification of "during the ball-removing operation" (described later) are executed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the notifications of "setting confirmation" from being executed during the ball-removing state, which would otherwise prevent concentration on the ball-removing work. On the other hand, when the process of step S10 is negated (when it is not in the ball-removing state), it shifts to the "setting confirmation process" in step S22, the "setting confirmation process" is executed, and the "setting confirmation command" is transmitted to the effect control board 130, so the voice notification, screen notification, and lighting decoration notification of "setting confirmation" (described later) are executed.

[0453] Similarly, in the case of the ball removal state, since it does not shift to "all interrupts permitted" in step S33, the game cannot be made possible. As a result, even though it is in the ball removal state, it can be prevented that the game becomes possible and the ball removal operation is delayed. For example, if the game becomes possible while the game ball is being discharged outside the gaming machine during the ball removal state, a game ball will be launched into the game area 5a, and it is assumed that the ball removal operation cannot be completed until the game ball returns to a position where it can be discharged again (a position where ball removal is possible), but such a situation can be prevented. On the other hand, when the process of step S10 is denied (when it is not in the ball removal state), "all interrupts permitted" is executed in step S33, and the game becomes possible.

[0454] Similarly, in the case of the ball removal state, it does not shift to "all interrupts permitted" in step S33 and does not shift to the "error control process" of the main interrupt process, so the "error control process" is not executed, and for example, "magnet detection" and "abnormal winning detection" are not executed. As a result, voice notification, screen notification, and electrical decoration notification of "illegal detection 1 (magnet detection error)" and "illegal detection 2 (abnormal winning error)" (both will be described later) are not executed. In this case, voice notification and screen notification of "during ball removal operation" (to be described later) will be executed. Therefore, it can be prevented that each notification of "illegal detection 1 (magnet detection error)" and "illegal detection 2 (abnormal winning error)" is executed during the ball removal state and the ball removal operation cannot be concentrated. On the other hand, when the process of step S10 is denied (when it is not in the ball removal state), "all interrupts permitted" is executed in step S33, and the "error control process" of the main interrupt process can be executed, so "magnet detection" and "abnormal winning detection" can also be executed.

[0455] Note that even in the case of the ball removal state, the process after step S11 may proceed. That is, "power recovery", "power-on (RWM clear)", "setting change", "setting confirmation", and "all interrupts permitted" are processes executed by the main control board 110, and the control related to the "ball removal state" is a process executed by the frame control board 120. Therefore, "power recovery", "power-on (RWM clear)", "setting change", "setting confirmation", and "all interrupts permitted" may be performed during the ball removal state. Also, when these occur simultaneously, the effect control board 130 may notify the event with the higher priority according to the priority described in FIGS. 110 and 111, or may notify both events regardless of the priority, or may always give priority to notifying the ball removal state.

[0456] In step S11, the main CPU 110a determines whether a backup flag indicating power recovery is saved in the game RWM area of the main RAM 110c. If the backup flag is saved, the process proceeds to step S12 assuming power recovery, and if the backup flag is not saved, the process proceeds to step S13 assuming the first power-on.

[0457] In step S12, the main CPU 110a calculates the checksum (abnormality determination data) of the game RWM area (excluding the setting value area) of the main RAM 110c.

[0458] In step S13, the main CPU 110a determines whether there has been a setting change operation. Specifically, it determines whether the setting key switch 112a and the RWM clear switch 111a are in the ON state. If there has been a setting change operation, the process proceeds to step S14 to enter the setting change mode, and if there has been no setting change operation, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0459] In step S14, the main CPU 110a performs a setting change process. Specifically, based on the operation of the RWM clear switch 111a, a process for changing (updating) the setting value (the big win probability in the big win lottery) which is the degree of advantage of the game is performed. The details of the setting change process will be described later. When this process ends, the process proceeds to step S19.

[0460] In step S15, main CPU 110a determines whether the checksum is normal. Specifically, it determines whether the checksum saved in the game RWM area matches the checksum calculated in step S12. If the checksum is normal (there is no abnormality in the data in the game RWM area), the process proceeds to step S16. If the checksum is not normal (there is an abnormality in the data in the game RWM area), the process proceeds to step S17. Note that when the backup flag is not saved, that is, in the case of the first power-on, it is determined that the checksum is abnormal.

[0461] In step S16, main CPU 110a determines whether the set value in the set value (during game) area is within the appropriate range (here, 1 to 4). If it is determined that the set value in the set value (during game) area is within the appropriate range, the process proceeds to step S18. If it is determined that the set value in the set value (during game) area is not within the appropriate range, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0462] In step S17, main CPU 110a performs non-recoverable error processing as an RWM abnormality. Specifically, it sets Bit5 of "illegal detection state 1" (see FIG. 19) to "1" and performs processing to transmit "HC · illegal monitoring information" in which Bit5 of the "illegal detection state 1" is "1" to frame control board 120. Also, error information "E" indicating a non-recoverable error is displayed on information display 115, and after transmitting a non-recoverable error designation command indicating that a non-recoverable error has occurred to effect control board 130, an interrupt prohibition for prohibiting timer interrupts is set, and processing is performed to wait until the power supply is completely cut off. As a result, effect control board 130 will perform processing for executing non-recoverable error notification.

[0463] The "irreversible error" refers to an error state where game control stops (fails to transition to game control), and it cannot be cleared unless a setting change process is executed. Therefore, when an irreversible error occurs, even if the power switch provided on the power supply board 160 is turned off and then turned on without a setting change operation, it cannot be cleared, and the power switch must be turned on with a setting change operation. During an irreversible error, no signal inputs from various input devices (various switches, various sensors) are monitored at all. Note that the "irreversible error" is set so that it cannot be cleared unless a setting change process is executed, but it may also be set to be cleared when an RWM clear without a setting change process is executed.

[0464] In step S18, the main CPU 110a determines whether there has been an RWM clear operation. Specifically, it determines whether the RWM clear switch 111a is in the ON state. If there has been an RWM clear operation, the process moves to step S19 to execute the RWM clear, and if there has been no RWM clear operation, the process moves to step S21.

[0465] In step S19, the main CPU 110a performs the RWM clear process. Specifically, it performs a process for initializing the game control state (initializing areas other than the set value area of the game RWM area). The details of the RWM clear process will be described later. When this process ends, the process moves to step S20.

[0466] In step S20, the main CPU 110a sends a power-on designation command indicating that the RWM clear process has been executed (a power-on that initializes the game control state) to the effect control board 130. As a result, the effect control board 130 will perform a process for executing a power-on notification.

[0467] The "power-on notification" is a notification for recognizing that the control state of the game has been initialized. It includes displaying an initial screen (background image and initial effect symbol "135" at power-on) on the first image display device 70, fully lighting the frame lighting device 10 and the panel lighting device 76 with a predetermined emission color (e.g., red) for a predetermined period (e.g., 60 seconds), or outputting a power-on notification sound indicating that the RWM area has been initialized ( "The RWM has been cleared" + buzzer sound) from the audio output device 9 for a predetermined period (e.g., 30 seconds). In the power-on notification, instead of displaying the initial screen on the first image display device 70, a display notifying that the RWM has been cleared may be displayed on the first image display device 70.

[0468] In step S21, the main CPU 110a determines whether there has been a setting confirmation operation. Specifically, it determines whether the setting key switch 112a is in the ON state. If there has been a setting confirmation operation, the process proceeds to step S22 to enter the setting confirmation mode. If there has been no setting confirmation operation, the process proceeds to step S23 to restore the game control state to the state before power-off.

[0469] In step S22, the main CPU 110a performs a setting confirmation process. Specifically, it performs a process to display the setting value saved in the setting value (during game) area of the game RWM area on the information display 115. The details of the setting confirmation process will be described later.

[0470] In step S23, the main CPU 110a clears (sets to 0) the backup flag and checksum saved in the game RWM area and performs the setting of the game RWM area at power recovery. As a result, the progress state (control state) of the game returns (restores) to the state before power-off, enabling the game to be resumed from the state before power-off.

[0471] In step S24, the main CPU 110a transmits a power recovery designation command indicating that the control state of the game has been restored and the game state before the power failure (i.e., the RWM clear process has not been executed) to the effect control board 130. As a result, the effect control board 130 will perform a process to end the setting confirmation notification and the like described later and execute the power recovery notification.

[0472] The "power recovery notification" is a notification for recognizing that the control state of the game has returned to the state before the power cut. For example, the initial screen (background image and initial effect symbol "135") at the time of power recovery is displayed on the first image display device 70, or the frame lighting device 10 and the panel lighting device 76 are fully lit in a predetermined emission color (e.g., blue) for a predetermined period (e.g., 60 seconds), or a power recovery notification sound indicating that the power has been restored (from the power failure) ( "The power has been restored" + buzzer sound) is output from the audio output device 9 for a predetermined period (e.g., 30 seconds). Note that in the power recovery notification, instead of displaying the initial screen on the first image display device 70, a display for notifying that the power has been restored may be displayed on the first image display device 70.

[0473] In step S25, the main CPU 110a transmits other commands (such as a special symbol storage designation command and a normal symbol storage designation command described later) to the effect control board 130. As a result, the effect control board 130 can grasp the number of special symbols held, and a process for displaying the first hold icon and the second hold icon on the first image display device 70 will be performed.

[0474] In step S26, the main CPU 110a transmits a setting value designation command to the effect control board 130. As a result, the effect control board 130 can grasp the current setting value. Note that this setting value designation command may be transmitted not only at the timing of this step S26 but also every time the variable display of the special symbol starts or every time a big win game starts.

[0475] In step S27, main CPU 110a determines whether the acquisition upper limit device operation flag is ON. Specifically, by referring to main RAM 110c, it determines whether the acquisition upper limit device operation flag is ON (for example, 0 = OFF, 1 = ON). If the acquisition upper limit device operation flag is OFF (for example, 0), the process proceeds to step S28. If the acquisition upper limit device operation flag is ON (for example, 1), the process proceeds to step S29.

[0476] Note that the "acquisition upper limit device operation flag" is a flag that turns ON when it is determined in the "acquisition upper limit operation determination process" described later that the maximum increment number (also referred to as "maximum MY") satisfies a predetermined value (for example, 95,000). That is, the "acquisition upper limit device" is a device that operates when it is determined that the maximum increment number satisfies a predetermined value (for example, 95,000) (it operates after the jackpot ends during the jackpot). When this device operates, gaming on the gaming table becomes impossible (the game stops). After the game store closes, the main RAM 110c of the gaming table is initialized, and gaming on the gaming table is substantially impossible until the opening time of the next day. Note that "the maximum increment number satisfies a predetermined value (for example, 95,000)" is intended to mean, for example, "95,000 or more." Depending on the situation, it may be determined that the predetermined value (for example, 95,000) is satisfied exactly at "95,000," or it may be determined that the predetermined value (for example, 95,000) is satisfied at "95,005."

[0477] In step S28, main CPU 110a turns ON (outputs) a launch permission signal for the main control board 110 to permit the launch device to launch a game ball. As a result, when the launch permission signal from the frame control board 120 is ON (output), the launch device can launch a game ball. Note that it is also possible that the launch permission signal is not output from the frame control board 120, and the launch permission signal is output from the main control board 110, and the launch device can launch a game ball because the launch permission signal is output from the main control board 110.

[0478] In step S29, the main CPU 110a transmits a command indicating that the "acquisition limit device" has operated to the effect control board 130. As a result, the effect control board 130 will perform processing for executing notification that the acquisition limit device has operated. Then, when the command indicating that the acquisition limit device is operating is transmitted to the effect control board 130, the process proceeds to step S30.

[0479] The "notification that the acquisition limit device has operated" is a notification for making the player recognize that it is impossible to continue the game any further. For example, on the first image display device 70, a display such as "The acquisition limit device has operated. Today's game is over" in white characters on a black background color is performed.

[0480] As an example of the operation of the "acquisition limit device", as described above, when the maximum increase number (also referred to as "maximum MY") of the bonus balls generated by the game balls winning in the big winning opening 50 or the general winning opening 43 during the big win satisfies a predetermined value (for example, 95,000), the acquisition limit device operates after the big win ends. For example, in a big win given for 10 rounds, if the maximum increase number satisfies a predetermined value (for example, 95,000) in the 5th round, the big win can be played until the 10th round as it is, but after the 10th round and after the big win ending, the acquisition limit device operates. This can prevent the big win from ending halfway and giving the player an unpleasant feeling while providing a healthy game.

[0481] As another example of the operation of the "acquisition limit device", regardless of the game state, when the maximum increase number of the bonus balls generated by the game balls winning in the first start opening 45, the second start opening 47, or the general winning opening 43 during the variable display or during the customer waiting state (or during the customer waiting demo effect) satisfies a predetermined value (for example, 95,000), the acquisition limit device operates immediately.

[0482] As another operation example of the "acquisition upper limit device", in the case of the above-mentioned "small hit RUSH type", when the maximum increase number of the bonus balls generated by winning a game ball in the small hit big winning opening by the "small hit game" (see Fig. 16) reaches a predetermined value (for example, 95,000), the acquisition upper limit device operates after the "small hit game" ends. Thereby, while providing a sound game, it is possible to prevent the small hit game from ending halfway and giving discomfort to the player.

[0483] As another operation example of the "acquisition upper limit device", in the case of the above-mentioned "one type two types type", for example, in the small hit game in the first round of the "big hit game 3 (4 rounds)", when the maximum increase number of the bonus balls generated by winning a game ball in the "specific area" provided in the big winning opening reaches a predetermined value (for example, 95,000), the acquisition upper limit device operates after the end of the big hit game (the second round to the fourth round) activated by winning in the "specific area". On the other hand...

Claims

【Claim 1】 In a gaming machine comprising first control means for controlling the progress of a game and second control means for controlling game values, variable display execution means capable of executing a variable display of symbols for notifying the determination result of determination information acquired based on the fulfillment of acquisition conditions, special game execution means capable of executing a special game advantageous to the player, a first game state and state control means controllable to a second game state different from the first game state, game information output means capable of executing output control for outputting game information to an information collection device for collecting information from the gaming machine, test information output means capable of executing output control for outputting test information to a test device for testing the gaming machine, information update means capable of updating increment information corresponding to the game value increased from the fulfillment of predetermined conditions based on the value amount of the game value given to the player, progress stop means capable of stopping the progress control of the game based on the increment information reaching a specific value, and effect control means for controlling game effects, wherein the game information output means executes output control for outputting specific game information indicating the second game state based on being controlled to the second game state, executes output control for outputting special game information indicating that the progress control of the game has been stopped based on the progress control of the game being stopped, wherein the test information output means executes output control for outputting specific test information indicating the second game state based on being controlled to the second game state, when the progress control of the game is stopped at a predetermined timing during the second game state, stops the output control of the specific test information before the output control of the specific game information, wherein the effect control means executes a variable effect of effect symbols on a display means along with the execution of the variable display, displays a specific image indicating that the progress control of the game has been stopped on the display means based on the progress control of the game being stopped during the execution of the game effect, and when the progress control of the game is stopped at a predetermined timing, executes the output control of the special game information after starting the display of the specific image. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

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