Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a novel game machine.SOLUTION: In a game machine having a difference ball limitation device, the following processes are executed when "operation of the difference ball limitation device after a jackpot is known during the jackpot", namely (1) A reservation display is turned off, in the game machine in which a reservation display is being performed in an LED unit 43a, the reservation display (reservation lamp) of the LED unit 43a is turned off, and, in the game machine in which a reservation display is performed on a liquid crystal indicator, the reservation display of the liquid crystal indicator is turned off. (2) Lighting of a lamp during a jackpot is changed to blinking of alert announcement, disabling of further variation can be clarified by turning off a reservation display of the LED unit 43a or disabling display of a reservation display of the liquid crystal indicator, and completion of a game can be clarified by changing a state of a glass frame lamp 43b to blinking of an alert announcement.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 34

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which the count of the number of inserted sheets is started after the power is turned on, and when the value of the inserted-sheet counter exceeds 14,500, a stop state (forced clear-off) is generated on the assumption that the stop condition is satisfied.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, similar gaming machines have been proposed one after another, and a novel gaming machine is desired.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel gaming machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention employs the following means for solving the above problems. Note that the following means and the language in parentheses are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Further, the present invention can be an invention including at least one of the invention-specific matters shown in the following means. Furthermore, elements limiting the invention-specific matters shown in the following means can be added to lower-conceptualize them, or elements limiting the invention-specific matters can be deleted to upper-conceptualize them.

[0007] 〔First Technical Feature: Implementation of Door Opening Error During Stop Function Operation〕 Solution means A1: The gaming machine of this solution means includes a transition means that can transition to a game stop state based on predetermined information regarding profit, and a notification means that can notify the occurrence of a predetermined event when the predetermined event occurs in the game stop state.

[0008] The gaming machine of this solution means has the following configuration. (1) It includes a transition means (main control board) that can transition to a game stop state based on predetermined information regarding profit (predetermined information that is at least updated when profit is obtained, difference information regarding the difference (difference balls) from the reference value (0) of the game medium). (2) It includes a notification means (effect control board) that can notify the occurrence of a predetermined event when the predetermined event occurs in the game stop state.

[0009] According to this solution means, even in the game stop state, it is possible to surely notify that a predetermined event has occurred, and as a result, a novel gaming machine can be provided.

[0010] Solution means A2: The gaming machine of this solution means, in any of the above-described solution means, when the notification means is in the game stop state and a predetermined event and a special event different from the predetermined event occur, it can notify the occurrence of the predetermined event while being unable to notify the occurrence of the special event, while in a playable state that is not the game stop state, when the predetermined event and the special event occur, it can notify the occurrence of the special event while being unable to notify the occurrence of the predetermined event.

[0011] The following features are added in this solution means. (1) When the notification means is in the game stop state and a predetermined event (first event) and a special event (second event) different from the predetermined event occur, it can notify the occurrence of the predetermined event while being unable to notify the occurrence of the special event. (2) When the notification means is in a playable state that is not the game stop state and a predetermined event and a special event occur, it can notify the occurrence of the special event while being unable to notify the occurrence of the predetermined event.

[0012] According to this solution, it is possible to vary the events to be notified depending on whether the game is in a stopped state or a playable state.

[0013] Solution means A3: The gaming machine of this solution means includes, in any of the above-described solution means, a main control means and an effect control means capable of communicating with the main control means. In the game stopped state, when the predetermined event occurs, the main control means transmits a predetermined command to the effect control means, and the effect control means can notify the occurrence of the predetermined event based on the predetermined command. In the game playable state, when the predetermined event occurs, the main control means transmits a specific command different from the predetermined command to the effect control means, and the effect control means can notify the occurrence of the predetermined event based on the specific command. The gaming machine is characterized by this.

[0014] In this solution means, the following features are added. (1) It is provided with a main control means (main control board). (2) It is provided with an effect control means (effect control board) capable of communicating with the main control means.

[0015] (3) In the game stopped state, when a predetermined event occurs, the main control means transmits a predetermined command (first command) to the effect control means, and the effect control means can notify the occurrence of the predetermined event based on the predetermined command. (4) In the game playable state, when a predetermined event occurs, the main control means transmits a specific command (second command) different from the predetermined command to the effect control means, and the effect control means can notify the occurrence of the predetermined event based on the specific command.

[0016] According to this solution means, it is possible to vary the commands to be transmitted depending on whether a predetermined event occurs in the game stopped state or in the game playable state, and the effect control means can accurately grasp in which state the predetermined event has occurred.

[0017] [Second Technical Feature: Notification of RWM Abnormal Error after Stop Function Activation] Solution Means B1: The gaming machine of this solution means includes a transition means that can transition to a game stop state based on predetermined information regarding profit, a determination means that can determine whether an error has occurred in the game stop state, and a notification means that can notify the occurrence of the error when it is determined by the determination means that the error has occurred in the game stop state.

[0018] The gaming machine of this solution means has the following configuration. (1) It is equipped with a transition means (main control board) that can transition to a game stop state based on predetermined information regarding profit (predetermined information that is at least updated when profit is obtained, difference information regarding the difference (difference balls) from the reference value (0) of the game medium). (2) It is equipped with a determination means (main control board) that can determine whether an error has occurred in the game stop state. (3) It is equipped with a notification means (production control board) that can notify the occurrence of an error when it is determined by the determination means that an error has occurred in the game stop state.

[0019] According to this solution means, even in the game stop state, it is possible to surely notify that an error has occurred, and as a result, a novel gaming machine can be provided.

[0020] Solution Means B2: The gaming machine of this solution means, in any of the above-described solution means, when power is restored after a power failure in the game stop state and a predetermined condition is satisfied at the time of power restoration, the transition means maintains the game stop state, and the notification means can notify that the predetermined condition is satisfied without notifying that it is in the game stop state.

[0021] In this solution means, the following features are added. (1) When power is restored after a power failure in the game stop state and a predetermined condition is satisfied at the time of power restoration, the transition means maintains the game stop state. (2) When power failure recovery occurs in the game stop state and a predetermined condition is satisfied at the time of power failure recovery, the notification means can notify that the predetermined condition is satisfied without notifying that it is in the game stop state.

[0022] According to this solution means, when a predetermined condition is satisfied at the time of power failure recovery, it is possible to preferentially notify that the predetermined condition is satisfied rather than that it is in the game stop state.

[0023] 〔Third technical feature: Output of test signal before operation of difference ball limiting device〕 Solution means C1: The gaming machine of this solution means includes a transition means capable of transitioning to a game stop state based on predetermined information regarding profit, and a test signal processing means having a process capable of outputting a specific test signal to an external device when the value indicated by the predetermined information reaches a predetermined value before transitioning to the game stop state. The gaming machine is a gaming machine provided with these.

[0024] The gaming machine of this solution means has the following configuration. (1) It includes a transition means (main control board) capable of transitioning to a game stop state based on predetermined information regarding profit (predetermined information updated at least when profit is obtained, difference information regarding the difference (difference balls) from the reference value (0) of the game medium).

[0025] (2) It includes a test signal processing means having (capable of executing) a process capable of outputting a specific test signal to an external device when the value indicated by the predetermined information reaches a predetermined value before transitioning to the game stop state. Note that the specific test signal may only be generated without actually being output.

[0026] According to this solution means, since it is possible to output a specific test signal before transitioning to the game stop state, it is possible to avoid a situation where the game stop state is suddenly entered during the test by announcing the game stop state with the specific test signal. As a result, it is possible to provide a novel gaming machine.

[0027] Solution C2: The gaming machine of this solution is a gaming machine characterized in that, in any of the above-described solutions, when outputting the specific test signal, it is provided with notification means capable of notifying information regarding the predetermined information.

[0028] In this solution, when outputting a specific test signal, it is provided with notification means (production control board) capable of notifying information regarding predetermined information.

[0029] According to this solution, not only can a specific test signal be output, but information regarding predetermined information can also be notified. Therefore, the game stop state can be announced by two methods, namely signal output and information notification.

[0030] Solution C3: The gaming machine of this solution is a gaming machine characterized in that, in any of the above-described solutions, the specific test signal can be output even under conditions other than when the value indicated by the predetermined information reaches the predetermined value.

[0031] In this solution, the specific test signal can be output even under conditions other than when the value indicated by the predetermined information reaches the predetermined value (such as when other errors occur).

[0032] According to this solution, a specific test signal can be given multiple roles, and the specific test signal can be effectively utilized.

[0033] 〔Fourth technical feature: Maintain the communication state with the frame control means during the operation of the stop function〕 Solution D1: The gaming machine of this solution includes a first control means and a second control means capable of communicating with the first control means and an external device. The first control means can shift to a game stop state based on predetermined information regarding profit, and in the game stop state, communication with the second control means can be continued. The second control means can continue communication with the external device in the game stop state. This is a gaming machine characterized by the above.

[0034] The gaming machine of this solution has the following configuration. (1) It is provided with a first control means (main control board). (2) It is provided with a second control means (frame control board) capable of communicating with the first control means and an external device (special unit). (3) Based on predetermined information regarding profit (predetermined information that is at least updated when profit is obtained, differential information regarding the difference (difference balls) from the reference value (0) of the game medium), the first control means can shift to a game stop state, and in the game stop state, communication with the second control means can be continued. (4) In the game stop state, the second control means can continue communication with the external device.

[0035] According to this solution means, since the first control means, the second control means, and the external device can continue communication even in the game stop state, by continuing the necessary communication even in the game stop state, it is possible to prevent the player from suffering disadvantages due to the game stop state, and as a result, a novel gaming machine can be provided.

[0036] Solution means D2: In the gaming machine of this solution means, in any of the above-described solution means, the first control means can transmit first information to the second control means, the second control means can transmit second information based on the first information to the external device, and when communication between the first control means and the second control means is interrupted, the second control means can transmit the second information before the communication interruption to the external device. The gaming machine is characterized by this.

[0037] In this solution means, the following features are added. (1) The first control means can transmit first information to the second control means. (2) The second control means can transmit second information based on the first information to the external device. (3) When communication between the first control means and the second control means is interrupted, the second control means can transmit the second information before the communication interruption to the external device.

[0038] According to this solution, even if the communication between the first control means and the second control means is interrupted, the second control means and the external device can continue communication, so that the disadvantages caused by the communication interruption can be minimized.

[0039] [Fifth Technical Feature: Hold Display and Lamp Expression during Jackpot in a Gaming Machine with a Ball Difference Limiting Device] Solution E1: The gaming machine of this solution includes a transition means that can transition to a game stop state based on predetermined information regarding profit, a notification means that can execute a notification of transitioning to the game stop state when the value indicated by the predetermined information is equal to or greater than a specified value and satisfies specified conditions, and a reduction means that can reduce the visibility of a specific display regarding the storage of lottery elements based on the execution of the notification.

[0040] The gaming machine of this solution has the following configuration. (1) It includes a transition means (main control board) that can transition to a game stop state based on predetermined information regarding profit (predetermined information that is at least updated when profit is obtained, differential information regarding the difference (ball difference) from the reference value (0) of the game medium). (2) It includes a notification means (effect control board) that can execute a notification of transitioning to the game stop state when the value indicated by the predetermined information is equal to or greater than a specified value and satisfies specified conditions. (3) It includes a reduction means (effect control board) that can reduce the visibility of a specific display regarding the storage of lottery elements based on the execution of the notification.

[0041] According to this solution, based on the execution of the notification, the visibility of the specific display regarding the storage of lottery elements can be reduced, so that it can be suggested that the effect regarding the lottery elements is not executed after transitioning to the game stop state. As a result, a novel gaming machine can be provided.

[0042] Solution E2: The gaming machine of this solution is characterized in that, in any of the above solutions, it includes signal processing means having a process that can output a specific signal to an external device before executing the notification.

[0043] In this solution, before executing the notice, it is provided with signal processing means (main control board) having a process (enabling execution) that enables outputting a specific signal to an external device. Note that the specific signal may only be generated without actually being output.

[0044] According to this solution, since it is possible to output a specific signal before executing the notice, it is possible to announce the game stop state by the specific signal and avoid a situation where the game suddenly enters the game stop state during a test or during the game.

[0045] 〔Sixth technical feature: Conditions for clearing the reference value counter (monitoring the state of the door opening and closing)〕 Solution means F1: The gaming machine of this solution means is a gaming machine provided with transition means that can transition to a game stop state based on predetermined information regarding profit, and predetermined information control means that can initialize the predetermined information when power is cut off without the special condition being satisfied, and can prevent the initialization of the predetermined information when power is cut off with the special condition being satisfied.

[0046] The gaming machine of this solution means has the following configuration. (1) It is provided with transition means (main control board) that can transition to a game stop state based on predetermined information regarding profit (predetermined information that is at least updated when profit is obtained, difference information regarding the difference (extra balls) from the reference value (0) of the game medium). (2) It is provided with predetermined information control means that can initialize the predetermined information when power is cut off without the special condition being satisfied, and can prevent the initialization of the predetermined information when power is cut off with the special condition being satisfied.

[0047] According to this solution means, it is possible to determine whether to initialize the predetermined information based on whether the special condition is satisfied, so it is possible to avoid the predetermined information being initialized at an undesirable timing, and as a result, it is possible to provide a novel gaming machine.

Effects of the Invention

[0048] According to the present invention, a novel gaming machine can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0049]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0050] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a management gaming machine. The management gaming machine 100 includes a management gaming machine game board 10 and a management gaming machine frame 20, and is an enclosed gaming machine that circulates a certain number of gaming balls within the machine body and eliminates the need to directly pay out gaming balls used in the game or to the player. The management gaming machine 100 can be made to play by connecting to a dedicated unit (IC card unit) dedicated to the management gaming machine.

[0051] The management gaming machine game board 10 includes a game board (acrylic board), a symbol display device (special symbol display device, ordinary symbol display device), a winning / ball passing detection mechanism (various switches), a windmill, a game nail, other effect devices (effect movable bodies, liquid crystal displays, information display devices, speakers, lamps), a winning display device, a device for changing the direction of fall (movable member, lid member), etc.

[0052] The management gaming machine frame 20 is equipped with game balls, a launching device, a power supply device, a ball polishing device, a game ball circulation device, a display device for the number of game balls, a glass plate, a night surveillance device, other effect devices, an iron ball detection device, a front decoration, a counting switch, etc.

[0053] In the management gaming machine 100, it is possible to open the front decoration of the management gaming machine frame 20. When the front decoration is in the open state, the front decoration and the glass plate open, and the management gaming machine game board 10 arranged behind the glass plate is exposed.

[0054] A dedicated unit 200 is connected to the management gaming machine 100. The CM board 201 (SC board) of the dedicated unit 200 and the frame control board 50 can communicate with each other. The management gaming machine 100 can transmit information to the hall computer through the dedicated unit 200 (CM board 201).

[0055] 〔Overview of the management gaming machine〕 The overview of the management gaming machine is as follows. (1) The management gaming machine 100 belongs to the same classification as a pachinko machine, and the player plays the game by launching game balls onto the playing surface of the management gaming machine game board 10. (2) The management gaming machine 100 has no upper tray or lower tray structurally, and the player cannot directly touch the game balls. (3) The management gaming machine 100 circulates the minimum number of game balls required for launching within the management gaming machine 100, and a launching device, a ball polishing device, and a game ball circulation device are provided during the circulation. (4) The launching device has the launching performance of the current gaming machine and can be either a lower launch or an upper launch. (5) The ball polishing device has polishing cloth for removing dirt from the game balls stored in a cassette, and it is replaced every certain period. (6) The number of game balls and the number of acquired game balls are managed and displayed by the management gaming machine 100 (frame control board 50) as numerical data. (7) At the end of the game, by pressing the counting switch 53 (counting button), the number of game balls managed by the management gaming machine 100 (frame control board 50) can be transferred to the dedicated unit for management.

[0056] The game board 10 of the gaming machine includes a main control board 30 (first control means) and a performance control board 40 (performance control means). The main control board 30 controls the content related to the progress of the game. The performance control board 40 controls the content related to the performance of the game. The main control board 30 can communicate with the performance control board 40 and the frame control board 50. The performance control board 40 can communicate with the main control board 30, but this communication is only one-way from the main control board 30 to the performance control board 40, and two-way communication is not performed.

[0057] The main control board 30 is connected with a winning port switch 31, an out switch 32 and a door opening detection switch 33. The winning port switch 31 includes switches for winning ports corresponding to normal symbols and special symbols, a big winning port, a normal winning port (general winning port), etc. The out switch 32 is arranged in the out passage. The game balls launched into the game area (board surface) flow down the game area and enter the winning port or the out port. In any case, they are guided to the out passage and detected by the out switch 32. The door opening detection switch 33 is a switch for detecting the opening of the door (glass door or inner frame). For example, when the glass door is open, the door opening detection switch 33 detects the opening of the glass door, and when the inner frame is open, it detects the opening of the inner frame. The door opening detection switch 33 may be composed of two switches, one for the glass door and one for the inner frame, or may be composed of one switch that serves both the glass door and the inner frame.

[0058] The performance control board 40 is connected with a liquid crystal display 41, a speaker 42 and a lamp 43. The performance control board 40 receives the command transmitted from the main control board 30, determines the content of the performance based on the received command, and executes the performance using the liquid crystal display 41, the speaker 42 and the lamp 43.

[0059] The game machine frame 20 is provided with a frame control board 50 (second control means). The frame control board 50 controls the content related to the number of game balls. The frame control board 50 can communicate with the main control board 30. Connected to the frame control board 50 are a subtraction sensor 51, a foul ball sensor 52, a counting switch 53, a display device 54 for the number of game balls etc., a game ball number clear switch 55, and a ball extraction switch 56.

[0060] When the frame control board 50 receives a bonus ball number command (request for the number of acquired game balls) from the main control board 30, it adds the bonus ball number included in the bonus ball number command to the number of game balls and displays it on the display device 54 for the number of game balls etc. When the subtraction sensor 51 detects the launch of a game ball, the frame control board 50 subtracts 1 from the number of game balls and displays it on the display device 54 for the number of game balls etc. When the foul ball sensor 52 detects the passage of a game ball, the frame control board 50 adds 1 to the number of game balls and displays it on the display device 54 for the number of game balls etc. When the counting switch 53 is pressed, the frame control board 50 transmits the counted ball number to the dedicated unit, subtracts the counted ball number from the number of game balls, and displays the subtracted number of game balls on the display device 54 for the number of game balls etc. When the frame control board 50 receives the number information of the loaned ball number from the dedicated unit, it displays the sum of the number information and the number of game balls as the number of game balls on the display device 54 for the number of game balls etc. Note that a foul ball (return ball) is a game ball that has been launched by the launch device but has returned without reaching the game area. When the power is turned on with the game ball number clear switch 55 pressed, the number of game balls can be cleared. If it is started while pressing the ball extraction switch 56 in a state where the number of game balls is 0, or if it is started while pressing the game ball number clear switch 55 and the ball extraction switch 56, the frame control board 50 shifts to the ball extraction state (ball extraction mode).

[0061] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the main control board, the frame control board, and the effect control board. The main control board 30 executes the process of acquiring the bonus ball number (S1). When the main control board 30 has acquired the bonus ball number, it transmits a bonus ball number command to the frame control board 50 (S2).

[0062] The frame control board 50 executes a process of acquiring the number of balls to be launched (S3). The frame control board 50 executes a process of acquiring the number of foul balls (S4). The frame control board 50 executes a process of calculating the difference balls (difference) (S5). The frame control board 50 transmits a difference ball command (difference information) to the main control board 30 (S6).

[0063] The main control board 30 executes an operation determination of the difference ball limiting device (S7). The main control board 30 executes a transition determination to the game stop state (S8). The main control board 30 executes a transmission determination of the first effect command (S9), and if the determination result is affirmative, transmits the first effect command to the effect control board 40 (S10). When the effect control board 40 receives the first effect command, it executes the first effect (S11).

[0064] The main control board 30 executes a transmission determination of the second effect command (S12), and if the determination result is affirmative, transmits the second effect command to the effect control board 40 (S13). When the effect control board 40 receives the second effect command, it executes the second effect (S14).

[0065] The main control board 30 executes a transmission determination of the third effect command (S15), and if the determination result is affirmative, transmits the third effect command to the effect control board 40 (S16). When the effect control board 40 receives the third effect command, it executes the third effect (S17).

[0066] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the prize ball number management process. This process is executed by the main control board 30 (main control CPU). Note that each of the following flowcharts shows a process called in a predetermined loop process. Step S100: The main control board 30 executes a prize ball number acquisition process. Specifically, the main control board 30 checks the signal from the winning port switch 31. For example, when a signal is input from the switch corresponding to the starting winning port of the special symbol, the prize ball number is set to "3"; when a signal is input from the switch corresponding to the big winning port, the prize ball number is set to "10"; when a signal is input from the switch corresponding to the normal winning port, the prize ball number is set to "5". When multiple signals are input, the sum value is set as the prize ball number.

[0067] Step S101: The main control board 30 executes a prize ball number command generation process. Specifically, the main control board 30 generates a prize ball number command including the prize ball number set in the process of Step S100. The generated command is transmitted to the frame control board 50 in a command transmission process (not shown). When the prize ball number is "0", this process can be set not to execute. After finishing the above processes, it returns to the calling source.

[0068] By executing such a process, the main control board 30 can transmit the prize ball number (the first information), which is necessary for calculating the difference balls (the difference from the reference value (0) of the gaming media), to the frame control board 50.

[0069] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the difference ball limit device management process. This process is executed by the main control board 30 (main control CPU). Step S110: The main control board 30 executes a process to check whether it has received a difference ball command. The difference ball command is transmitted by the frame control board 50 to the main control board 30.

[0070] As a result, when it is confirmed that the difference ball command has been received (Yes), the main control board 30 executes Step S111. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the difference ball command has been received (No), the main control board 30 executes Step S112.

[0071] Step S111: The main control board 30 executes a process of storing the value of the balls for transmission in the counter for storing balls for transmission. The value of the balls for transmission is included in the ball command.

[0072] Step S112: The main control board 30 executes a process of checking whether the value of the counter for storing balls for transmission is 5FH or more. Note that "5FH" means that the number of balls has reached 95,000.

[0073] As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the counter for storing balls for transmission is 5FH or more (Yes), the main control board 30 executes Step S113. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the value of the counter for storing balls for transmission is 5FH or more (No), the main control board 30 executes Step S115.

[0074] Step S113: The main control board 30 executes a process of checking whether the game state is in a big win or a small win. The game state can be checked by a game state flag (0: normal state, 1: big win, 2: small win). The main control board 30 sets the value of the game state flag according to the game state.

[0075] As a result, when it is confirmed that the game state is in a big win or a small win (Yes), the main control board 30 executes Step S115. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the game state is in a big win or a small win (No), the main control board 30 executes Step S114.

[0076] Step S114: The main control board 30 executes a process of operating the ball restriction device. The ball restriction device is not a physical device but a control flag. Specifically, the main control board 30 executes a process of turning on the ball restriction device flag.

[0077] Here, when the game state is in a big win or a small win (in the case of step S113: Yes), the difference ball limiting device does not operate. However, eventually, the big win or small win will end, and at that time, the difference ball limiting device will operate. That is, by executing the processes of step S113 and step S114, when the game state is in a big win or a small win, the difference ball limiting device can be operated after the big win or small win ends. In the case of a game property where a small win leads to a big win (a game property where passing through a specific area during a small win results in a big win), the difference ball limiting device can be operated after the big win ends, not after the small win ends. The difference ball limiting device flag cannot be turned off only by a power-on after a power-off, but can be turned off by clearing the RAM.

[0078] Step S115: The main control board 30 executes a process of checking whether the difference ball limiting device is operating. When the difference ball limiting device flag is on, it can be determined that the difference ball limiting device is operating. When the difference ball limiting device flag is off, it can be determined that the difference ball limiting device is not operating.

[0079] As a result, when it is confirmed that the difference ball limiting device is operating (Yes), the main control board 30 executes step S116. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the difference ball limiting device is operating (No), the main control board 30 returns to the caller and continues the process.

[0080] Step S116: The main control board 30 executes a process of shifting to the game stop state. By shifting to the game stop state, it becomes a halt. In the game stop state, there is a game stop (a state where the symbols do not change, the held operations are not processed, and no prize balls are awarded) and a firing stop (a state where game balls cannot be fired). After finishing the above processes, it returns to the caller.

[0081] By executing such a process, the main control board 30 can receive a difference ball command (difference information) and shift to the game stop state based on the received difference ball command (difference information).

[0082] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the effect command management process. This process is executed by the main control board 30 (main control CPU). Step S120: The main control board 30 executes a process of checking whether the value of the counter for saving difference balls is 5AH. Note that "5AH" means that the number of difference balls has reached 90,000 shots.

[0083] As a result, if it is confirmed that the value of the counter for saving difference balls is 5AH (Yes), the main control board 30 executes step S121. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the value of the counter for saving difference balls is 5AH (No), the main control board 30 executes step S122.

[0084] Step S121: The main control board 30 executes the first effect command generation process. The generated first effect command (stop function operation warning designation command) is transmitted to the effect control board 40 in a command transmission process (not shown).

[0085] Step S122: The main control board 30 executes a process of checking whether the value of the counter for saving difference balls is 5FH or more and whether the game state is in a big win or a small win.

[0086] As a result, if it is confirmed that the value of the counter for saving difference balls is 5FH or more and the game state is in a big win or a small win (Yes), the main control board 30 executes step S123. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the value of the counter for saving difference balls is 5FH or more and the game state is in a big win or a small win (No), the main control board 30 executes step S124.

[0087] Step S123: The main control board 30 executes the second effect command generation process. The generated second effect command (stop function operation notice designation command) is transmitted to the effect control board 40 in a command transmission process (not shown).

[0088] Step S124: The main control board 30 executes a process of checking whether the value of the differential ball storage counter is 5FH or more and whether the game state is the normal state. Note that the normal state is a state other than during a big win or a small win.

[0089] As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the differential ball storage counter is 5FH or more and the game state is the normal state (Yes), the main control board 30 executes Step S125. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the value of the differential ball storage counter is 5FH or more and the game state is the normal state (No), the main control board 30 returns to the calling source and continues the process.

[0090] Step S125: The main control board 30 executes the third effect command generation process. The generated third effect command (stop function activation designation command) is transmitted to the effect control board 40 in a command transmission process (not shown). After finishing the above process, it returns to the calling source.

[0091] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the differential ball management process. This process is executed by the frame control board 50 (frame control CPU). Step S200: The frame control board 50 executes a process of checking whether it has received a bonus ball number command.

[0092] As a result, when it is confirmed that it has received the bonus ball number command (Yes), the frame control board 50 executes Step S201. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that it has received the bonus ball number command (No), the frame control board 50 executes Step S202. Step S201: The frame control board 50 executes a process of storing the bonus ball number in the bonus ball number counter. The bonus ball number is included in the bonus ball number command.

[0093] Step S202: The frame control board 50 executes a process of checking whether there is a launched ball number (whether it has received a signal from the subtraction sensor 51).

[0094] As a result, when it is confirmed that there are balls to be launched (Yes), the frame control board 50 executes step S203. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that there are balls to be launched (No), the frame control board 50 executes step S204.

[0095] Step S203: The frame control board 50 executes a process of storing the number of balls to be launched in the ball launch number counter. For example, when one launch is detected, "1" is stored in the ball launch number counter, and when two launches are detected, "2" is stored in the ball launch number counter.

[0096] Step S204: The frame control board 50 executes a process of checking whether there are any foul balls (whether a signal from the foul ball sensor 52 is received).

[0097] As a result, when it is confirmed that there are foul balls (Yes), the frame control board 50 executes step S205. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that there are foul balls (No), the frame control board 50 executes step S206.

[0098] Step S205: The frame control board 50 executes a process of storing the number of foul balls in the foul ball number counter. For example, when one foul ball is detected, "1" is stored in the foul ball number counter, and when two foul balls are detected, "2" is stored in the foul ball number counter.

[0099] Step S206: The frame control board 50 executes a differential ball calculation process. The differential ball calculation process is a process of calculating differential balls based on the number of bonus balls, the number of balls to be launched, the number of foul balls, etc. The details of the differential ball calculation process will be described later. After finishing the above process, return to the caller.

[0100] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the differential ball calculation process. This process is executed by the frame control board 50 (frame control CPU). Step S210: The frame control board 50 executes a process of checking whether it is the first process after power-on. Whether it is the first process after power-on can be checked by the power-on flag. The power-on flag is off at the time of power-on and becomes on when this process is executed once.

[0101] As a result, when it is confirmed that it is the first process after power-on (Yes), the frame control board 50 executes steps S211 and S212. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that it is the first process after power-on (No), the frame control board 50 executes step S213.

[0102] Step S211: The frame control board 50 executes a process of storing "100,000 (100 thousand shots)" in the arithmetic difference sphere. The reason for setting "100,000 (100 thousand shots)" instead of "0" in the arithmetic difference sphere is that since the game starts from a launch, if "0" is set, it will result in a negative value and the processing on the program will become complicated. Step S212: The frame control board 50 executes a process of storing "0" in the previous value.

[0103] Step S213: The frame control board 50 executes a process of calculating the arithmetic difference sphere according to the following first arithmetic formula. (First arithmetic formula) Arithmetic difference sphere = Arithmetic difference sphere + Prize ball counter - Launched ball counter + Foul ball counter For example, when the "arithmetic difference sphere" is "100,000", the "prize ball counter" is "10", the "launched ball counter" is "1", and the "foul ball counter" is "2", the calculated "arithmetic difference sphere" is "100,011 (= 100,000 + 10 - 1 + 2)".

[0104] Step S214: The frame control board 50 executes a process of calculating the transmission difference sphere according to the following second arithmetic formula. (Second arithmetic formula) Transmission difference sphere = (Arithmetic difference sphere - 100,000) ÷ 1000 For example, when the "operation difference sphere" is "100011", the calculated "transmission difference sphere" is "0(=(100011 - 100000)÷1000)". If the result of the operation is 0 or less, it becomes 0, and the decimal part is rounded down. The division may be performed by a shift operation.

[0105] Step S215: The frame control board 50 executes a process of checking whether the value of the transmission difference sphere is different from the previous value. The previous value is stored in step S218 described later. For example, when the value of the transmission difference sphere is "0" and the previous value is "0", this process determines it as negative (No). Also, when the value of the transmission difference sphere is "1" and the previous value is "0", this process determines it as positive (Yes).

[0106] As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the transmission difference sphere is different from the previous value (Yes), the frame control board 50 executes step S216. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the value of the transmission difference sphere is different from the previous value (No), the frame control board 50 executes step S218.

[0107] Step S216: The frame control board 50 executes a process of checking whether the value of the transmission difference sphere is the value of "previous value - 1". For example, when the value of the transmission difference sphere is "2" and the previous value is "2", this process determines it as negative (No). Also, when the value of the transmission difference sphere is "2" and the previous value is "3", this process determines it as positive (Yes).

[0108] As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the transmission difference sphere is the value of "previous value - 1" (Yes), the frame control board 50 executes step S218. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the value of the transmission difference sphere is the value of "previous value - 1" (No), the frame control board 50 executes step S217.

[0109] Step S217: The frame control board 50 executes a differential ball command generation process. Information for identifying the differential ball command is stored in the leading value of the differential ball command, and the value of the differential ball for transmission is stored in the trailing value of the differential ball command. The generated command is transmitted to the main control board 30 in a command transmission process (not shown). After finishing the above processing, return to the caller.

[0110] By executing such processing, the frame control board 50 receives the number of prize balls (first information) required for calculating the differential ball, and based on the received number of prize balls (first information), the number of launched balls (second information) and the number of foul balls (second information), which are information required for calculating the differential ball and different from the number of prize balls (first information), calculates the differential ball, and can transmit a differential ball command (differential information) regarding the calculated differential ball to the main control board 30.

[0111] Also, by executing the processing of steps S215 to S217, when the value of the differential ball (differential value) satisfies a specific condition (when the value of the differential ball for transmission is different from the previous value, or when the value of the differential ball for transmission is not the value of "previous value - 1"), the frame control board 50 can transmit a differential ball command (differential information), and when the value of the differential ball (differential value) does not satisfy the specific condition, the frame control board 50 can refrain from transmitting a differential ball command (differential information).

[0112] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship among "actual differential ball", "differential ball for calculation", and "differential ball for transmission". When the "actual differential ball" is "0 balls", the "differential ball for calculation" becomes "100,000 balls", and the "differential ball for transmission" becomes "00H". When the "actual differential ball" is "1,000 balls", the "differential ball for calculation" becomes "101,000 balls", and the "differential ball for transmission" becomes "01H".

[0113] When the "actual differential ball" is "2,000 balls", the "differential ball for calculation" becomes "102,000 balls", and the "differential ball for transmission" becomes "02H". When the "actual differential ball" is "3,000 balls", the "differential ball for calculation" becomes "103,000 balls", and the "differential ball for transmission" becomes "03H".

[0114] When the "actual difference balls" are "10,000 balls", the "calculation difference balls" are "110,000 balls", and the "transmission difference balls" are "0AH". When the "actual difference balls" are "90,000 balls", the "calculation difference balls" are "190,000 balls", and the "transmission difference balls" are "5AH".

[0115] When the "actual difference balls" are "95,000 balls", the "calculation difference balls" are "195,000 balls", and the "transmission difference balls" are "5FH". When the "actual difference balls" are "100,000 balls", the "calculation difference balls" are "200,000 balls", and the "transmission difference balls" are "64H". Note that the minimum value of the "calculation difference balls" can be set to "0", and it can be configured so that it does not become a negative value even when out balls occur.

[0116] Here, the "difference balls" are the value obtained by subtracting the "out balls (the number of balls consumed by shooting, etc.)" from the "safe balls (the number of balls obtained by prize balls, etc.)". Note that the "difference balls" can also be the value obtained by subtracting the "safe balls" from the "out balls", but only the plus and minus signs are reversed and the value of the difference balls itself does not change.

[0117] Thus, since the difference balls are calculated based on the relationship between the "safe balls" and the "out balls", there may be cases where it does not stop even if 95,000 shots are obtained. For example, if 5,000 shots have already been input at the beginning of the game, it will stop when 100,000 shots (difference balls 95,000 = -5,000 + 100,000) are obtained.

[0118] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the effect management process related to the difference ball limiting device. This process is executed by the effect control board 40 (effect control CPU). Step S300: The effect control board 40 executes a process of checking whether it has received the first effect command.

[0119] As a result, when it is confirmed that the first rendering command has been received (Yes), the rendering control board 40 executes step S301. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the first rendering command has been received (No), the rendering control board 40 executes step S302.

[0120] Step S301: The rendering control board 40 executes a process of executing the first rendering (first rendering execution process). The first rendering is, for example, the rendering shown in FIG. 10(A).

[0121] Step S302: The rendering control board 40 executes a process of checking whether the second rendering command has been received.

[0122] As a result, when it is confirmed that the second rendering command has been received (Yes), the rendering control board 40 executes step S303. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the second rendering command has been received (No), the rendering control board 40 executes step S304.

[0123] Step S303: The rendering control board 40 executes a process of executing the second rendering (second rendering execution process). The second rendering is, for example, the rendering shown in FIG. 10(B).

[0124] Step S304: The rendering control board 40 executes a process of checking whether the third rendering command has been received.

[0125] As a result, when it is confirmed that the third rendering command has been received (Yes), the rendering control board 40 executes step S305. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the third rendering command has been received (No), the rendering control board 40 returns to the caller and continues the process.

[0126] Step S305: The rendering control board 40 executes a process of executing the third rendering (third rendering execution process). The third rendering is, for example, the rendering shown in FIG. 10(C). After finishing the above process, it returns to the caller.

[0127] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the first effect, the second effect, and the third effect. In FIG. 10(A), the effect of the first round during the big win is being executed. On the screen, character information of a firework bonus indicating the name of the big win game is displayed, and character information prompting a right strike and an image of an arrow are also displayed. And it is assumed that the difference balls have reached 90,000 at this point. In this case, the first effect is executed.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 10(A), the first effect is an effect of displaying a first image E1 at the upper part of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 41. The first image E1 is an image including character information of "There are approximately 5,000 shots remaining until the stop function activates".

[0129] In FIG. 10(B), the effect of the fifth round during the big win is being executed. Note that this fifth round is not the fifth round following FIG. 10(A), but the fifth round of another big win. On the screen, character information of a firework bonus indicating the name of the big win game is displayed, and character information prompting a right strike and an image of an arrow are also displayed. And it is assumed that the difference balls have reached 95,000 at this point. In this case, the second effect is executed.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 10(B), the second effect is an effect of displaying a second image E2 on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 41. The second image E2 is an image including character information of "After the win, the stop function activates and the game stops".

[0131] In FIG. 10(C), the effect in the normal state is being displayed. And it is assumed that the difference balls have reached 95,000 at this point, or that the difference balls have reached 95,000 during the big win and the big win game has ended and shifted to the normal state. In this case, the third effect is executed.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 10(C), the third effect is an effect of displaying a third image E3 on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 41. The third image E3 is an image including character information "During the pause function operation, the upper limit that can be paid out in one day has been reached. The game will stop. Please call the staff." Although left effect symbols, middle effect symbols, and right effect symbols are displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 41 ("1"-"2"-"3"), since the game stops, each symbol (special symbol, normal symbol, effect symbol) does not change. Also, the fourth symbols Z1 and Z2 are displayed in a stopped state.

[0133] Furthermore, the hold displays M1 and M2 representing the stored numbers (hold) of the first special symbol and the second special symbol respectively, which are displayed in the pre-variation display area X1, are not consumed. For this reason, the hold displays M1 and M2 do not move and are not displayed in the variation display area X2. During the variation of the symbols, when the number of balls reaches 95000, the variation can be forcibly terminated at that time and the game can be stopped.

[0134] Regarding FIG. 10(C), a specific image (premium image) at the time of the pause function operation may be displayed on a layer above the images of the effect symbols, the mini symbol images, and the hold display images, and the images of the effect symbols, the mini symbol images, and the hold display images may not be displayed on the liquid crystal.

[0135] The first effect, the second effect, and the third effect can not only display an image on the liquid crystal display 41, but also output a warning sound from the speaker 42 and turn on the lamp 43. Since the first image E1 and the second image E2 are images displayed during the game, they are displayed in a small size so as not to interfere with the game. However, since the third image E3 is an image displayed when the game stops, it is displayed in a larger size than the first image E1 and the second image E2.

[0136] As described above, according to the present embodiment, there are the following effects. (1) According to the present embodiment, since the frame control board 50 calculates the number of balls, the processing load on the main control board 30 can be reduced.

[0137] (2) According to this embodiment, the frame control board 50 does not transmit a differential ball command (differential information) unless the value of the differential ball satisfies specific conditions. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation where the differential ball command is frequently transmitted, and reduce the processing burdens on the main control board 30 and the frame control board 50.

[0138] (3) [Exemplary problem] Construct appropriate control content when a differential ball limiting device is installed. [Overview] The frame control board 50 manages the differential ball. The differential ball is calculated from the number of prize balls transmitted from the main control board 30, the number of launched balls and the number of foul balls managed by the frame control board 50. The frame control board 50 transmits a command of the differential ball to the main control board 30. The differential ball transmits the value divided by 1000 to the main control (transmits a value of 00 to 96). 96 assumes a case where the operating conditions of the differential ball limiting device are satisfied during a big win or a small win, but the differential ball exceeds 96000 after the end of the big win or the end of the small win. Note that the frame control board 50 does not perform backup of the differential ball.

[0139] The main control board 30 manages the operation of the differential ball limiting device. When the value of the command received from the frame control board 50 reaches a specified value (95), the differential ball limiting device is operated. Note that during a big win or a small win, the differential ball limiting device is operated after the end of the big win or the end of the small win. When the main control board 30 operates the differential ball limiting device, it stops the game (shifts to the game stop state).

[0140] When the command received by the main control board 30 from the frame control board 50 is 90 (differential ball 90000), the main control board 30 transmits a first effect command to the effect control board 40. When the command received by the main control board 30 from the frame control board 50 is 95 (differential ball 95000), the main control board 30 transmits a second effect command and a third effect command to the effect control board 40. In addition, the main control board 30 backs up the operating state (differential ball limit device flag) of the differential ball limit device. Therefore, when the differential ball limit device is in an operating state, it can be restored to a non-operating state (normal state) by clearing the RWM (RAM).

[0141] The effect control board 40 manages the notification of information regarding the differential ball limit device. The effect control board 40 performs the notification of the differential ball limit device activation warning at the time of the differential ball 90000 (first effect), and performs the notification of the operation of the differential ball limit device at the time of the differential ball 95000 (second effect, third effect).

[0142] 〔Exemplary effect〕It is possible to appropriately mount the differential ball limit device while reducing the processing load of the main control board 30, the frame control board 50, and the effect control board 40.

[0143] 〔Specific configuration〕 The following (1) to (3) are implemented. (1) Differential ball limit device activation warning: Warning for the last 5000 shots at 90000 shots (first effect) (2) Differential ball limit device activation notice: Notice during big win or small win when it is 95000 shots or more (second effect) (3) Differential ball limit device operation: After the big win or small win operation ends, the differential ball limit device operates, the game stops, and the launch stops (third effect) For the purpose of reducing the command transmission load from the main control board 30 to the effect control board 40 and the command analysis load on the effect control board 40, it is preferable to adopt the following specifications.

[0144] 〔Frame control board〕 The frame control board 50 calculates the differential ball and transmits the value of "transmission differential ball" in FIG. 8 to the main control board 30. The maximum value of the "transmission differential ball" is 64H. After transmitting once from power-on, subsequent values (values of the balls for transmission) are not transmitted again unless they are reduced by 1000 balls from the maximum value. For example, after transmitting 5AH, if the values are between 59H and 5AH, the command is not transmitted, but for both increases and decreases from 58H, the command is transmitted. That is, when the "balls for transmission" reach a certain value, if the value only decreases by 1 from the certain value, the command is not transmitted, but if it decreases by 2, the command is transmitted. The reason for adopting such control is that near the transition of the "balls for transmission" to a new value, the increase or decrease of the balls may occur frequently due to the launch of the game balls, and to avoid the same command being transmitted many times in such a situation. Note that each time the power is turned on, the value of the balls is cleared.

[0145] 〔Main control board〕 The main control board 30 determines whether to send a command to the effect control board 40 by referring to the command value of the balls command transmitted from the frame control board 50. When the command value of the balls command is 5AH, the first effect command is sent to the effect control board 40. When the command value of the balls command is 5FH and it is during a big win or a small win, the second effect command is sent to the effect control board 40. When the command value of the balls command is 5FH and it is not during a big win or a small win (after the winning operation ends), the third effect command is sent to the effect control board 40. Each time the power is turned on, the command value is cleared. Note that after the second effect, it transitions to the third effect. After the second effect, even if a game ball is launched and the balls decrease, it does not return to the first effect.

[0146] 〔Other configurations〕 The first effect is preferably terminated after notifying for a certain period (e.g., 30 seconds). The reason for terminating the first effect within a certain period is as follows. (1) If it is not terminated within a certain period, it may give the player a misrecognition. That is, it is difficult to judge how many more balls need to increase or decrease before stopping. (2) When the error priority of the first effect is set lower than that of other error notifications (e.g., door opening error, etc.), when other errors occur, the display of the first effect will disappear. (3) It is also possible to adopt a specification in which the error priority of the first effect is increased and the display continues. However, in this case, a display cancellation command is also required, and the capacity of the main control board 30 increases. Note that the second effect continues to be executed until the big win or small win ends, and the third effect continues to be executed until the power is turned off.

[0147] The above-described embodiments and each technical feature described below can be modified as follows. (1) The calculation of the difference balls was described by taking the example of being executed by the frame control board 50, but it may be executed by the main control board 30. In this case, the frame control board 50 transmits information on the number of balls fired and the number of foul balls to the main control board 30, and the main control board 30 calculates the difference balls based on the number of bonus balls, the number of balls fired, and the number of foul balls.

[0148] (2) In the case of a normal gaming machine that is not a management gaming machine, the frame control board 50 does not exist, but the payout control board exists. However, since the payout control board has already been released on the market, it is difficult to change the control content. And in a gaming machine equipped with a main control board and a payout control board, when realizing a difference ball limiting device, the difference balls can be calculated based on the number of bonus balls based on the winning port switch and the number of balls fired based on the out switch. Also, the payout control board may calculate the difference balls in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. In that case, the difference balls may be calculated by appropriately referring to either the command information (number of out balls / number of bonus balls) transmitted from the main control board or the information (number of out ball information / number of payout information) detected by the payout control board.

[0149] (3) The processes of step S215 and step S216 in FIG. 7 may be performed without executing at least one of them.

[0150] 〔Test signal〕 (4) As a configuration regarding the test signal, the following configuration can be adopted. (a) When a jig is externally attached to the first control means (main control board) or the second control means (frame control board, payout control board, medal count control board), a test signal configuration for outputting a signal indicating the status of the gaming machine through the jig may be provided. At this time, the first control means or the second control means may store a program for the output configuration of the test signal.

[0151] (b) As the test signal, the gaming state (normal state, time-shortened state, etc.) and the variation state of special symbols (during variation / stopped) are output from a plurality of output pins. A configuration may be provided in which a specific signal is output when the number of differential balls reaches a specific number (a specific value that is the number before the gaming stop state) at a part of the plurality of output pins. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to accurately notify that the establishment of the gaming stop condition is approaching through the jig before the differential balls reach the gaming stop condition.

[0152] (c) When actually operating the gaming machine to inspect the ball payout rate, if the differential balls become too large, there will be a problem that the gaming stops and the inspection cannot be performed halfway. In such a case, when the test signal of the specific signal is output, if the power of the gaming machine is once turned off and then the power is turned on again (power-on without RAM clearing), the gaming state of the main control (variation state of variation / stopped variation, storage of acquired holds, gaming state such as normal / time-shortened / sure-win, storage of whether it is in the middle of a big win) is maintained and the count of differential balls is cleared, so the inspection can be resumed from the state before the power-off. Thereby, it is possible to avoid a situation where the gaming stops during the inspection of the ball payout rate of the gaming machine and an accurate ball payout rate cannot be investigated.

[0153] (d) The program for executing the above configuration may be configured to be executed only when the jig is attached, or may be configured to be executed as a process even when the jig is not attached. In any case, a configuration that can output a specific signal during the test when the jig is attached is sufficient.

[0154] (e) During the timing of outputting a specific signal, it may also be configured to be capable of executing a suggestive effect or a notification effect related to the ball difference limiting device on the display screen of the liquid crystal display. For example, on the display screen of the liquid crystal display at the same time as the output of the specific signal, displays or voices such as "The ball difference will reach the upper limit value soon.", "The game will stop when the ball difference reaches the upper limit value.", "The ball difference limiting device is installed." can be output, so that more accurate notification can be made during the test. In this case, the output period of the specific signal and the execution period of the suggestive effect or the notification effect related to the ball difference limiting device may be made different. Also, the period during which the ball difference is between 90,000 and 95,000 may be set as the output period of the specific signal, and the suggestive effect or the notification effect may be executed when the ball difference reaches 95,000, and the specific signal and the suggestive effect or the notification effect may be notified step by step.

[0155] (5) The present invention is also applicable to a slot machine. That is, the present invention is also applicable to a slot machine including a main control board that controls the execution and stop of a game and a medal number control board that controls the payout of medals. In this case, the main control board transmits the information on the number of medals consumed in the game and the information on the number of medals acquired in the game to the medal number control board, and the medal number control board calculates the difference in the number of medals. Then, the medal number control board transmits the calculated difference in the number of medals information to the main control board, and the main control board may set the game stop state based on the received difference in the number of medals information. Also, the main control board transmits the information on the number of medals acquired in the game to the medal number control board, and the medal number control board calculates the difference in the number of medals based on the information on the number of medals acquired in the game and the information on the number of medals consumed in the game. Then, the medal number control board transmits the calculated difference in the number of medals information to the main control board, and the main control board may set the game stop state based on the received difference in the number of medals information.

[0156] (6) The second control means has been described by taking the frame control board as an example, but it may be a payout control board or a medal number control board. The game medium has been described by taking the game ball as an example, but it may be a game medal or electronic data corresponding to the game ball or the game medal. The difference has been described by taking the difference balls as an example, but it may be the difference in medals. The difference in medals can be calculated by "difference in medals = number of acquired medals - number of consumed medals". Also, the difference may be targeted at only addition information (number of balls out, number of acquisitions) of the number of prize balls or the number of acquired medals, or may be targeted at only subtraction information (number of consumptions) of the number of launched balls or the number of consumed medals.

[0157] The management gaming machine can include at least one of the six technical features shown below. The first technical feature is [Implementation of door opening error during the operation of the stop function]. The second technical feature is [Notification of RWM abnormality error after the operation of the stop function]. The third technical feature is [Output of test signal before the operation of the difference ball limiting device].

[0158] The fourth technical feature is [Maintaining the communication state with the frame control means during the operation of the stop function]. The fifth technical feature is [Pending display and lamp expression during a big win in a gaming machine with a difference ball limiting device]. The sixth technical feature is [Condition for clearing the reference value counter (monitoring the state of door opening and closing)].

[0159] Also, each of the technical features described below can be used alone or in combination with the content described in each technical feature. Also, the content described in each technical feature can be used in combination with the basic technical features described above. When the content of one technical feature is different from the content of another technical feature, the content of any one of the technical features can be adopted. When the explanatory content is insufficient due to the content of each technical feature, it can be supplemented by the content of another technical feature or the explanation of the basic technical features described above. Hereinafter, each technical feature will be explained in order. Note that there are also parts where the explanation is simplified or omitted because they have a low relevance to each technical feature.

[0160] [First Technical Feature: Implementation of Door Opening Error during Stopping Function Operation] In the first technical feature, the command for door opening error is changed according to the operation status of the stopping function. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for processing when a door opening error occurs. This process is executed by the main control board 30 (main control CPU). Further, this process is a process called when the door (glass door or inner frame) is opened (when the door opening detection switch changes from off to on, or while the door opening detection switch is on). Note that this process can also be executed once every predetermined time (for example, 100 ms).

[0161] Step S400: The main control board 30 executes a process of checking whether the stopping function has been activated. When the ball difference limiting device flag is on, the main control board 30 can determine that the stopping function has been activated. As a result, if it is confirmed that the stopping function has been activated (Yes), the main control board 30 executes step S402. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the stopping function has been activated (No), the main control board 30 executes step S401.

[0162] Step S401: The main control board 30 executes a process of transmitting a door opening error occurrence designation command to the effect control board 40. The effect control board 40 executes a first notification effect corresponding to the door opening error occurrence designation command. Step S402: The main control board 30 executes a process of transmitting a door opening error occurrence designation command during stopping function operation to the effect control board 40. The effect control board 40 executes a second notification effect corresponding to the door opening error occurrence designation command during stopping function operation. The first notification effect and the second notification effect may be different effects or the same effect. After finishing the process of step S401 or step S402, the main control board 30 returns to the calling source.

[0163] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing when releasing a door open error. This process is executed by the main control board 30 (main control CPU). Further, this process is a process that is called when the door (glass door or inner frame) is closed (when the door open detection switch changes from on to off).

[0164] Step S410: The main control board 30 executes a process of checking whether the stop function has been activated. When the ball difference limiting device flag is on, the main control board 30 can determine that the stop function has been activated. As a result, when it is confirmed that the stop function has been activated (Yes), the main control board 30 executes step S412. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the stop function has been activated (No), the main control board 30 executes step S411.

[0165] Step S411: The main control board 30 executes a process of transmitting a door open error release designation command to the effect control board 40. The effect control board 40 terminates the first notification effect corresponding to the door open error occurrence designation command. Step S412: The main control board 30 executes a process of transmitting a door open error release designation command during operation of the stop function to the effect control board 40. The effect control board 40 terminates the second notification effect corresponding to the door open error occurrence designation command during operation of the stop function. After finishing the process of step S411 or step S412, the main control board 30 returns to the calling source.

[0166] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing when the stop function is operating. This process is executed by the main control board 30 (main control CPU). Further, this process is a process that is called when the stop function is operating (when the ball difference limiting device flag is on).

[0167] Step S420: The main control board 30 executes a process of checking whether there is a door open error (whether a door open error has occurred). When the door open detection switch is on, the main control board 30 can determine that there is a door open error. As a result, when it is confirmed that the door is in the open error state (Yes), the main control board 30 executes step S421. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the door is in the open error state (No), the main control board 30 returns to the calling source.

[0168] Step S421: The main control board 30 executes a process of transmitting a door open error occurrence designation command during the stop function operation to the production control board 40. The production control board 40 executes a second notification production corresponding to the door open error occurrence designation command during the stop function operation. After finishing the process of step S421, the main control board 30 returns to the calling source.

[0169] Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of the error notification process procedure. This process is executed by the production control board 40 (production control CPU). Step S430: The production control board 40 executes a process of checking whether an error has occurred. The occurrence of an error can be confirmed by an error command or the like. In addition, when any of the events with priorities 1 to 25 shown in FIGS. 15 to 19 has occurred, the production control board 40 can determine that an error has occurred. As a result, when it is confirmed that an error has occurred (Yes), the production control board 40 executes step S431. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that an error has occurred (No), the production control board 40 returns to the calling source.

[0170] Step S431: The production control board 40 executes a process of checking whether a plurality of errors have occurred. As a result, when it is confirmed that a plurality of errors have occurred (Yes), the production control board 40 executes step S432. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that a plurality of errors have occurred (No), the production control board 40 executes step S433.

[0171] Step S432: The effect control board 40 executes the notification process for the error with the higher priority. For example, when both "door opening error during stop function operation (priority 8 in FIG. 16)" and "stop function operation (priority 9 in FIG. 16)" occur, the error notification process corresponding to the "door opening error during stop function operation (priority 8 in FIG. 16)" with the higher priority is executed, and the error notification process corresponding to the "stop function operation (priority 9 in FIG. 16)" with the lower priority is not executed. When three or more errors occur, the error notification process corresponding to the error with the highest priority is executed.

[0172] Step S433: The effect control board 40 executes the notification process for the occurring error. For example, when only "door opening error during stop function operation (priority 8 in FIG. 16)" occurs, the error notification process corresponding to "door opening error during stop function operation (priority 8 in FIG. 16)" is executed. Also, when only "door opening error (priority 21 in FIG. 19)" occurs, the error notification process corresponding to "door opening error (priority 21 in FIG. 19)" is executed. After finishing the above processing, the effect control board 40 returns to the calling source.

[0173] 〔Error processing content regarding irregularities〕 FIGS. 15 to 19 are diagrams for explaining the error processing content regarding irregularities. In this embodiment, the main control board, the frame control board, or the effect control board executes the error processing of the content described in these diagrams. Note that the described error processing content may not be executed depending on the corresponding model, and there are also processes that are not errors depending on the processing. An error occurring in the main control board is notified to the effect control board by an error command or the like. An error occurring in the frame control board is notified to the effect control board by an error command or the like via the main control board. An error occurring in the effect control board can be grasped by the effect control board.

[0174] First, the "priority" in the upper row of the diagram indicates the priority when announcing an error. The effect control board only executes one error notification. For this reason, if, for example, "SATA preparation in progress," which has the highest priority, and "ball removal state," which has the second highest priority, occur simultaneously, the effect control board executes the notification process (lamp lighting, audio notification, LCD notification) for "SATA preparation in progress," which has the higher priority. However, processes other than notification processes (such as command transmission) can also be executed in parallel regardless of priority. Priority is assigned to those that are most likely to affect the progress of the game.

[0175] "Error Name" indicates the name of the error. "Glass Frame Center Left Error Notification LED" corresponds to the one LED located in the center left of the multiple LEDs included in the glass door. "Glass frame decorative LEDs" refer to the multiple LEDs included in the glass door that are located on the top, left, bottom, right, etc. "G-panel decorative LED" refers to the LED of the panel lamp included in the gaming panel of a managed gaming machine.

[0176] "Audio notification" refers to the content of the voice or warning sound output from the speaker. "LCD notification" refers to the content of the text information displayed on the LCD display. "Error management" indicates which control board (main control board, frame control board, or performance control board) manages errors. However, errors may be managed by multiple control boards.

[0177] The "error occurrence condition" indicates the condition that must be met for the error to occur. The "error cancellation condition" indicates the condition that must be met for the error that has occurred to be cancelled.

[0178] "Hall computer output" represents the content of the signal transmitted to the outside of the managed gaming machine 100. "Game Stop" indicates whether or not to stop the game when the error in question occurs. The details of each error will be explained below in order of priority.

[0179] [Preparing for SATA] Priority: 1 Error notification LED in the center left of the glass frame: - (A hyphen indicates that the item will not be executed. The same applies below.) Glass frame decorative LED: Full color white flashing G-display decorative LED: All lights off Voice notification: None LCD notification: "Screen preparation in progress" Error management: Production control board Error occurrence condition: Initial startup Error release condition: After SATA is ready Hall computer output:- Game stop:- Note: SATA preparation is the waiting time until the screen is ready at initial startup. No operation will be performed until this error is resolved. SATA is a CGROM (NAND type SATA (Serial ATA) standard ROM) used in the performance control board.

[0180] [During ball removal state] Priority: 2 Glass frame center left error notification LED: Blue Glass frame decorative LED: full color part red light G-display decorative LED: All lights off Audio notification: Caution sound + "Ball removal in progress" LCD notification: "Ball removal in progress" Error management: Frame control board Error condition: The number of game balls is 0 and the power is turned on while pressing the ball removal switch. Error release condition: Until power is turned off Hall computer output:- Stop playing: Stop playing Note: If there are any game balls remaining, you can switch to the ball removal state by turning on the power while simultaneously pressing the game ball count clear switch and the ball removal switch.

[0181] [Change settings] Priority: 3 Glass frame center left error notification LED: Blue Glass frame decorative LED: full color part red light G-display decorative LED: All lights off Voice notification: Weak warning sound + "Settings are being changed" LCD notification: "Settings are being changed" Error Management: Main Control Board Error occurrence condition: When changing settings (while changing settings) Error cancellation condition: When setting changes are completed Hall computer output: Output during setting change (for example, until 30 seconds have passed since firing or counting) Stop playing: Stop playing Note: After the setting change is complete, a RAM clear notification will be sent for the specified time (31 seconds). If other errors occur, notifications will be sent in order of priority after the RAM clear notification.

[0182] [Main board abnormality error] Priority: 4 Glass frame center left error notification LED: Blue Glass frame decorative LED: full color part red light G-display decorative LED: All lights off Voice notification: Weak warning sound + "Main board abnormality error" LCD message: "Main board abnormality error. Please call an attendant." Error Management: Main Control Board Error occurrence conditions: RWM (RAM) abnormality, setting value abnormality Error cancellation condition: When the setting is changed and the RAM setting value returns to normal Hall computer output: Error detection output Stop playing: Stop playing Note: A setting change is required to resolve the error.

[0183] 〔Backup Abnormality Error〕 Priority: 5 Glass Frame Left Middle Error Notification LED: Blue lit Glass Frame Decoration LED: Full Color Part Red lit G Disc Decoration LED: All lights off Voice Notification: Weak warning sound + "There is a backup abnormality error." LCD Notification: "There is a backup abnormality error. Please call an attendant." Error Management: Main Control Board Error Occurrence Condition: When a backup abnormality error occurs Error Recovery Condition: When the setting is changed and the RWM · set value returns to normal Hall Computer Output: Output during error detection Game Stop: Set the game to stop Remarks: Setting changes are required to recover from the error.

[0184] 〔RAM Clear〕 Priority: 6 Glass Frame Left Middle Error Notification LED: Blue lit Glass Frame Decoration LED: Full Color Part Red lit G Disc Decoration LED: All lights off Voice Notification: "The memory has been cleared." (It can be a voice depending on the model) LCD Notification: "None" (Display on the default screen (normal game screen)) Error Management: Main Control Board Error Occurrence Condition: When the RAM is cleared Error Recovery Condition: 31 seconds Hall Computer Output: Until 30 seconds have elapsed since firing or counting Game Stop: Set the game to stop

[0185] 〔Setting Confirmation〕 Priority: 7 Glass Frame Left Middle Error Notification LED: Blue lit Glass Frame Decoration LED: Full Color Part Red lit G Disc Decoration LED: All lights off Voice Notification: Weak warning sound + "Confirming settings." LCD Notification: "Confirming settings." Error Management: Main Control Board Error occurrence condition: When checking settings (checking settings) Error cancellation condition: Setting confirmation completed Hall computer output: Output during setting confirmation (until 30 seconds have passed since firing or counting) Game stop:-(game not stopped) Note: If 31 seconds have not elapsed when the setting check is complete, only the LCD will return to normal and the sound and lamp will continue to inform. After the setting check is complete, a power outage recovery notification will be issued. If other errors occur in combination, notifications will be issued in order of priority.

[0186] [Door open error while stop function is activated] Priority: 8 Glass frame center left error notification LED: Blue Glass frame decorative LED: full color part red light G-display decorative LED: All lights off Audio notification: Warning sound and "Door is open" (alerts for approximately 15 seconds after the door is opened) LCD notification: "Door is open" Error Management: Main Control Board Error condition: When the door is open Error cancellation condition: When the door is closed Hall computer output: Door open output Game stop:- Note: After the door is closed, the door open error LED notification pattern is maintained for 30 seconds. Note that at least some of the notification content may be different depending on whether the glass door is open or the inner frame is open (the same applies to door open errors).

[0187] [Stop function activated] Priority: 9 Glass frame center left error notification LED: Blue Glass frame decorative LED: full color part red light G-display decorative LED: All lights off Voice notification: "You have reached the daily payout limit. Play will be stopped." LCD message: "Play stop function activated. Daily payout limit reached. Play will be stopped. Please call an attendant." Error Management: Main Control Board Error Occurrence Condition: When the number of difference balls exceeds 95,000 Error Recovery Condition: Until power-off Hall Computer Output: Output during error detection Game Stop: Stop the game Remarks: The recovery condition from the operation of the stop function is RAM clear, and when power is restored after power-off, the notification is made again. The difference balls (operation difference balls) are cleared (returned to the initial value) when power is restored after power-off. When the door is opened during the operation of the stop function, a door open error is notified (refer to Priority 8).

[0188] 〔Attachment Connection Abnormal Error〕 Priority: 10 Error Notification LED in the middle left of the glass frame: Turn off Glass Frame Decoration LED: Turn off all frames G Board Decoration LED: Turn off all Voice Notification: None LCD Notification: "Attachment connection abnormal error. Please call the staff." Error Management: Effect Control Board Error Occurrence Condition: Abnormal attachment connection in the upper or lower part (unconnected, incorrect combination connection, serial communication abnormality) Error Recovery Condition: Until power-off or until the connection abnormality is resolved Hall Computer Output: - Game Stop: - An attachment is a detachable part of the management gaming machine frame.

[0189] 〔Illegal Winning Error〕 Priority: 11 Error Notification LED in the middle left of the glass frame: Light blue Glass Frame Decoration LED: The full-color part lights red G Board Decoration LED: Turn off all Voice Notification: Warning sound + "Illegal winning detected" LCD Notification: "Illegal winning detected" Error Management: Main Control Board Error occurrence conditions: (A) When five or more game balls enter the big prize slot other than when the special electric device is in operation, or (B) When five or more game balls enter the regular electric device other than when the regular electric device is in operation. Error release condition: 60 seconds Hall computer output: Output for at least X seconds (e.g. 0.3 seconds) Stop playing:-. However, it may be stopped. Note: If a win occurs other than with a normal electric device, the hall computer will output the win and the win will be invalidated regardless of the error count. If the error count reaches the limit, an alert such as an LED, LCD screen, or sound can be used.

[0190] [Abnormal winning frequency error] Priority: 12 Glass frame center left error notification LED: Blue Glass frame decorative LED: full color part red light G-display decorative LED: All lights off Audio notification: Warning sound + "Anomalous winning frequency detected" LCD message: "An abnormality in the winning frequency has been detected. Please call an attendant." Error management: Production control board Error occurrence condition: Detecting more than the specified number of game balls entering each winning slot within 60 seconds Error release condition: 60 seconds Hall computer output:- Game stop:- Note: The LCD notification can be a display that identifies the winning slot where the error occurred.

[0191] [Over-winning error at the main prize slot] Priority: 13 Glass frame center left error notification LED: Blue Glass frame decorative LED: full color part red light G-display decorative LED: All lights off Audio notification: Warning sound + "Excessive winnings detected" LCD notification: "Excessive winnings detected" Error management: Production control board Error occurrence condition: When more than "specified winning count + specified number" wins occur twice in one round during a big winning game (big hit game). Error recovery condition: 60 seconds Hall computer output: - Game stop: -

[0192] 〔Abnormal discharge error of big winning opening〕 Priority: 14 Error notification LED in the upper left of the glass frame: Blue lit Glass frame decoration LED: Full color part red lit G board decoration LED: All off Voice notification: Warning sound + "Abnormal discharge has been detected" LCD notification: "Abnormal discharge of big winning opening has been detected" Error management: Production control board Error occurrence condition: When the passage of game balls to a specific area or the discharge port is detected even though there is no win at a big winning opening in a specific area. Error recovery condition: 60 seconds Hall computer output: - Game stop: -

[0193] 〔Radio wave error〕 Priority: 15 Error notification LED in the upper left of the glass frame: Blue lit Glass frame decoration LED: Full color part red lit G board decoration LED: All off Voice notification: Warning sound + "Radio wave has been detected" LCD notification: "Radio wave has been detected. Please call the staff." Error management: Main control board Error occurrence condition: When radio wave is detected or radio wave sensor disconnection is detected. Error recovery condition: 60 seconds after the radio wave error is recovered. Hall computer output: Output for at least X seconds (for example, 0.3 seconds) Game stop: - Remarks: The LCD notification can be a display that can identify the location where the radio wave error occurred. The error notification continues for 60 seconds after the error is recovered.

[0194] [Magnetic error] Priority: 16 Glass frame center left error notification LED: Blue Glass frame decorative LED: full color part red light G board decoration LED: all off Audio notification: Warning sound + "Magnet detected" LCD message: "Magnet detected. Please call an attendant." Error Management: Main Control Board Error conditions: When magnetic field is detected or when a magnetic sensor break is detected Error release condition: Until power is turned off Hall computer output: Error detection output Stop playing: Stop playing Note: The LCD alarm can be configured to display the location where the magnetic error occurred so that it can be identified.

[0195] [Abnormal winning ball error] Priority: 17 Glass frame center left error notification LED: Blue Glass frame decorative LED: full color part red light G-display decorative LED: All lights off Audio notification: Warning sound + "A winning ball abnormality has been detected" LCD message: "Anomalous winning ball detected. Please call an attendant." Error management: Frame control board Error condition: The difference between the out switch and the number of shots detected is 100 or more. Error release condition: Until the error release switch is pressed Hall computer output:- Game stop:-

[0196] [Specific area abnormal passage error] Priority: 18 Glass frame center left error notification LED: Blue Glass frame decorative LED: full color part red light G board decoration LED: all off Voice notification: None Liquid crystal notification: "Detection of abnormal passage in a specific area. Please call an attendant." Error management: Main control board Error occurrence condition: When the passage of a game ball into a specific area is detected during the short-circuit release round of a large winning opening with a specific area Error recovery condition: Until power-off Hall computer output: Output during error detection Game stop: -

[0197] 〔Vibration error〕 Priority: 19 Error notification LED in the upper left of the glass frame: Blue lit Glass frame decoration LED: Full-color part red lit G board decoration LED: All off Voice notification: Warning sound + "Vibration detected." Liquid crystal notification: "Vibration detected." Error management: Main control board Error occurrence condition: When a vibration error occurs Error recovery condition: For 60 seconds Hall computer output: Output for at least X seconds (0.3 seconds) Game stop: -. However, it may also be considered a game stop

[0198] 〔Game ball count cleared〕 Priority: 20 Error notification LED in the upper left of the glass frame: Blue lit Glass frame decoration LED: Full-color part red lit G board decoration LED: All off Voice notification: Weak warning sound + "Game balls cleared." Liquid crystal notification: "Game balls cleared." Error management: Frame control board Error occurrence condition: When the game ball count clear switch is on at power-on or when power is re-applied before the release of the game ball count clear Error recovery condition: When the game ball count clear is released Hall computer output: Until 30 seconds have elapsed since launch or counting Game stop: -

[0199] [Door open error] Priority: 21 Glass frame center left error notification LED: Blue Glass frame decorative LED: full color part red light G board decoration LED: all off Audio notification: Warning sound + "Door is open" (alerts for approximately 15 seconds after the door is opened) LCD notification: "Door is open" Error Management: Main Control Board Error condition: When the door is open Error cancellation condition: When the door is closed Hall computer output: Door open output Game stop:- Note: After the door is closed, the door open error LED notification pattern will be maintained for 30 seconds.

[0200] [Stop function activation notice] Priority: 22 Glass frame center left error notification LED: Blue Glass frame decorative LED: Full color section flashes red (full color section lights up red, full color section flashes white, or full color section lights up white is also acceptable) G-board decoration LED: As per normal gameplay Voice notification: "After the win, the stop function will be activated and the game will stop." LCD notification: "After the win, the stop function will be activated and the game will stop." Error Management: Main Control Board Error occurrence conditions: During a big hit where the difference in balls reaches 95,000 or more, or during a small hit Error release condition: Until power is turned off Hall computer output:- Game stop:- Note: The "stop function" will always be activated after a jackpot.

[0201] [Stop function activation warning] Priority: 23 Glass frame center left error notification LED: Blue Glass frame decorative LED: Full color section flashes red (full color section lights up red, full color section flashes white, or full color section lights up white is also acceptable) G-board decoration LED: As per normal gameplay Voice announcement: "5000 rounds remaining until firing stop function is activated" LCD message: "Approximately 5000 shots remaining until the firing stop function is activated" Error Management: Main Control Board Error occurrence condition: When the difference in balls is 90,000 or more Error release condition: 60 seconds Hall computer output:- Game stop:- Note: The difference ball will be cleared when the power is restored.

[0202] [Specific area not passed error] Priority: 24 Glass frame center left error notification LED: Blue Glass frame decorative LED: Full color section lit green G-display decorative LED:- Voice notification: None LCD notification: None Error management: Production control board Error occurrence condition: When the passage of the game ball into a specific area is not detected during the long open round of a large prize entrance with a specific area. Error release conditions: Until the next condition device is activated or power is turned off Hall computer output:- Game stop:- Note: An announcement can be made at the end of the major ending.

[0203] [Power outage recovery] Priority: 25 Glass frame center left error notification LED: Blue Glass frame decorative LED: full color part lit blue G board decoration LED: all off Voice notification: None LCD notification: None (default screen display) Error Management: Main Control Board Error occurrence condition: When power is restored Error release conditions: When the initial operation of the moving body for the performance is completed, if the moving body for the performance is not installed, it will be released in 3 seconds Hole computer output: - Game stop: -

[0204] [Problem of the first technical feature] When the stop function is activated, the game stops. However, if an error notification is not given in this case, there is a possibility of illegal acts such as opening the door and bending the nails. Therefore, when an error (for example, door opening) is detected during the operation of the stop function, a dedicated error notification is given.

[0205] [Specific configuration of the first technical feature] As shown below, a command is sent to the effect control board according to the situation when the door is opened. (1) Stop function already activated when the door is opened: Send a specified command for the occurrence of an error in the door opening during the operation of the stop function. (2) Stop function not activated when the door is opened: Send a specified command for the occurrence of an error in the door opening. (3) Stop function already activated when the door is closed: Send a specified command for the cancellation of the error in the door opening during the operation of the stop function. (4) Stop function not activated when the door is closed: Send a specified command for the cancellation of the error in the door opening. (5) Stop function activated while the door is open: Send a specified command for the occurrence of an error in the door opening during the operation of the stop function.

[0206] The priority of the error notification is "Stop function activated (priority 9 in Figure 16)" > "Door opening error (priority 21 in Figure 19)", and even if the door is opened during the operation of the stop function, the "Door opening error (priority 21 in Figure 19)" cannot be notified. Therefore, a new "Error in door opening during the operation of the stop function (priority 8 in Figure 16)" with a higher priority than "Stop function activated (priority 9 in Figure 16)" is provided so that the opening of the door can be notified even during the operation of the stop function.

[0207] [Effect of the first technical feature] It is possible to appropriately notify an error (such as door opening) after the stop function is activated.

[0208] [Summary of the first technical feature] The gaming machine including the first technical feature has the following configuration. (1) It is provided with a transition means (main control board) that enables transition to a game stop state (while the stop function is operating) based on predetermined information (actual difference balls, difference balls for calculation, difference balls for transmission, difference ball commands) regarding benefits (acquired benefits, difference balls) (Figure 4, step S116). (2) In the game stop state, when a predetermined event (door opening) occurs, it is provided with a notification means (production control board) that can notify the occurrence of the predetermined event (can notify a door opening error) (Figures 11 - 13, Figure 14, Figure 16). Note that the predetermined event is not limited to door opening, and may be an event other than door opening (for example, an event corresponding to priorities 1 - 7).

[0209] According to such a configuration, even in the game stop state, it is possible to surely notify that a predetermined event (door opening) has occurred, and as a result, a novel gaming machine can be provided.

[0210] The following configuration can be added to the gaming machine including the first technical feature. (1) In the game stop state, when a predetermined event (door opening) and a special event different from the predetermined event (for example, an illegal winning error with priority 11 in Figure 17) occur, the notification means can notify the occurrence of the predetermined event (can notify a door opening error during stop function operation with priority 8 in Figure 16) while being unable to notify the occurrence of the special event (being unable to notify the illegal winning error with priority 11 in Figure 17). (2) In the playable state where the game is not in the stop state, when a predetermined event (door opening) and a special event occur, the notification means is unable to notify the occurrence of the predetermined event (being unable to notify a door opening error with priority 21 in Figure 19) while being able to notify the occurrence of the special event (being able to notify the illegal winning error with priority 11 in Figure 17).

[0211] According to such a configuration, it is possible to vary the events to be notified depending on whether it is a game stop state or a playable state (whether the stop function is operating).

[0212] The following configurations can be added to the gaming machine including the first technical feature. (1) It is provided with main control means (main control board). (2) It is provided with effect control means (effect control board) capable of communicating with the main control means.

[0213] (3) In the game stop state, when a predetermined event (door opening) occurs, the main control means transmits a predetermined command (door opening error occurrence designation command during stop function operation) to the effect control means, and the effect control means can notify the occurrence of the predetermined event based on the predetermined command (priority 8 in FIGS. 14 and 16). (4) In the playable state, when a predetermined event occurs, the main control means transmits a specific command different from the predetermined command (door opening error occurrence designation command, door opening error occurrence designation command during non-operation of stop function) to the effect control means, and the effect control means can notify the occurrence of the predetermined event based on the specific command (priority 21 in FIGS. 14 and 19).

[0214] According to such a configuration, the commands to be transmitted can be made different between the case where a predetermined event occurs in the game stop state (when the door is opened during the stop function operation) and the case where a predetermined event occurs in the playable state (when the door is opened during non-operation of the stop function), and the effect control means can accurately grasp in which state the predetermined event has occurred.

[0215] 〔Second Technical Feature: Notification of RWM Abnormal Error after Stop Function Operation〕 FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of CPU initialization processing. This processing is executed by the main control board 30 (main control CPU). Step S440: The main control board 30 executes a process of confirming whether the read / write check is normal (whether it is an RWM abnormality) in the RAM clear or work area initialization process at the time of backup abnormality. This process can be performed by a read / write check for writing 0 or 1 to the RWM.

[0216] As a result, when it is confirmed that the read / write check is normal in the work area initialization process during RAM clear or backup abnormality, that is, when it is not an RWM abnormality (Yes), the main control board executes step S442. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the read / write check is normal in the work area initialization process during RAM clear or backup abnormality, that is, when it is an RWM abnormality (No), the main control board executes step S441.

[0217] Step S441: The main control board 30 executes a process of setting the RWM abnormality state specified value in the gaming machine state flag. Specifically, a value (04H) corresponding to the RWM abnormality state specified value is written in the gaming machine state flag. When the gaming machine state flag is the RWM abnormality state specified value (when the lower byte of the gaming machine state flag is 4H), an error command corresponding to the RWM abnormality is transmitted to the effect control board 40. Note that even if the main control board 30 determines that there is an RWM abnormality, it does not release the game stop state (stop function operation state).

[0218] Step S442: The main control board 30 executes other processes. The other processes are processes necessary for initialization. After finishing the process of step S442, the main control board 30 returns to the calling source.

[0219] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the content of the gaming machine state flag. The "gaming machine state flag" is a flag indicating the state of the gaming machine. "00H" corresponds to the "playable state specified value". The "playable state specified value" is set when it is in the playable state. "01H" corresponds to the "setting switching state specified value". The "setting switching state specified value" is set when it is in the setting switching state. "02H" corresponds to the "setting confirmation state specified value". The "setting confirmation state specified value" is set when it is in the setting confirmation state. "03H" corresponds to the "Setting Abnormal State Designated Value". The "Setting Abnormal State Designated Value" is set when it is in the setting abnormal state. "04H" corresponds to the "RWM Abnormal State Designated Value". The "RWM Abnormal State Designated Value" is set when it is in the RWM abnormal state. "05H" corresponds to the "Backup Abnormal State Designated Value". The "Backup Abnormal State Designated Value" is set when it is in the backup abnormal state. "06H" corresponds to the "Illegality Detection State Designated Value". The "Illegality Detection State Designated Value" is set when it is in the illegality detection state. "07H" corresponds to the "Stop Function Operation State Designated Value". The "Stop Function Operation State Designated Value" is set when it is in the stop function operation state.

[0220] "10H" corresponds to the "Frame Command Waiting State 1 Designated Value". The "Frame Command Waiting State 1 Designated Value" is set when it is in the frame command waiting state 1. "11H" corresponds to the "Frame Command Waiting State 2 Designated Value". The "Frame Command Waiting State 2 Designated Value" is set when it is in the frame command waiting state 2. "12H" corresponds to the "Frame Command Waiting State 3 Designated Value". The "Frame Command Waiting State 3 Designated Value" is set when it is in the frame command waiting state 3. "13H" corresponds to the "Frame Command Waiting State 4 Designated Value". The "Frame Command Waiting State 4 Designated Value" is set when it is in the frame command waiting state 4. "14H" corresponds to the "Frame Command Waiting State 5 Designated Value". The "Frame Command Waiting State 5 Designated Value" is set when it is in the frame command waiting state 5 (waiting state and RWM abnormal state). "15H" corresponds to the "Frame Command Waiting State 6 Designated Value". The "Frame Command Waiting State 6 Designated Value" is set when it is in the frame command waiting state 6. "17H" corresponds to the "Frame Command Waiting State 7 Designated Value". The "Frame Command Waiting State 7 Designated Value" is set when it is in the frame command waiting state 7 (waiting state and stop function operation state).

[0221] "20H" corresponds to the "specified value for ball extraction state 1". The "specified value for ball extraction state 1" is set when the ball extraction state is state 1. "21H" corresponds to the "specified value for ball extraction state 2". The "specified value for ball extraction state 2" is set when the ball extraction state is state 2. "22H" corresponds to the "specified value for ball extraction state 3". The "specified value for ball extraction state 3" is set when the ball extraction state is state 3. "23H" corresponds to the "specified value for ball extraction state 4". The "specified value for ball extraction state 4" is set when the ball extraction state is state 4. "24H" corresponds to the "specified value for ball extraction state 5". The "specified value for ball extraction state 5" is set when the ball extraction state is state 5 (ball extraction state and RWM abnormal state). "25H" corresponds to the "specified value for ball extraction state 6". The "specified value for ball extraction state 6" is set when the ball extraction state is state 6. "27H" corresponds to the "specified value for ball extraction state 7". The "specified value for ball extraction state 7" is set when the ball extraction state is state 7 (ball extraction state and stop function operating state).

[0222] In the shaded part of the figure, the lower 1 byte of the gaming machine state flag is "4". When the lower 1 byte of the gaming machine state flag is "4", it indicates an RWM abnormality. The gaming machine state flag "04H" indicates only the RWM abnormal state, the gaming machine state flag "14H" indicates the standby state and the RWM abnormal state, and the gaming machine state flag "24H" indicates the ball extraction state and the RWM abnormal state. Note that the value of the lower 2 bytes of the gaming machine state flag is set when shifting to the standby state or the ball extraction state.

[0223] 〔Timer interrupt processing〕 Figure 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of timer interrupt processing. This process is executed by the main control board 30 (main control CPU). Also, this process is executed when a timer interrupt occurs in the main loop process that is shifted after the CPU initialization process is completed.

[0224] Step S500: The main control board 30 saves the values of the AF register (a pair of accumulator and flag register), BC, DE, and HL registers (pairs of general-purpose registers) that were used during the execution of the main loop process in the save area of the RAM. After saving the values, other values can be written to each register during the execution of the timer interrupt process.

[0225] Step S501: The main control board 30 executes an interrupt flag initialization process. In this process, a process of clearing (=0) the timer interrupt flag is executed. The reason for clearing the timer interrupt flag is that the timer interrupt occurs at a predetermined timer interrupt period (for example, 4 ms), and the timer interrupt flag is set (=1) at the predetermined timer interrupt period.

[0226] Step S501a: The main control board 30 executes an interrupt permission process. By permitting interrupts here, it becomes possible for other interrupts to occur while the subsequent steps of the timer interrupt process are being executed.

[0227] Step S502: The main control board 30 executes a dynamic port output process. In this process, in order to control the lighting of each lamp installed in the display (main display, performance display monitor, etc.) connected to the main control board 30 in a dynamic lighting method, port output is performed in units of common.

[0228] Step S503: The main control board 30 executes port input processing. In this process, in order to accurately obtain the latest switch state based on the input port information, the main control board 30 stores the logical product of the input value of various switch signals from the parallel I / O port and the inverted result value of the previous input value in the input port on-detection flag. As a result, based on the value (ON / OFF) of the input port on-detection flag, it becomes possible to grasp the accurate input state considering the changes in various switch signals from the previous time. The various switch signals include a passage detection signal from a gate switch, a winning detection signal from a start winning opening switch, a big winning opening switch, and a normal winning opening switch, and a detection signal from an unauthorized detection switch (such as a magnetic detection switch, a radio wave detection switch, and a vibration detection switch) not shown in the figure.

[0229] Step S504: The main control board 30 executes timer update processing. In this process, the main control board 30 executes a process (such as a subtraction process) of updating counters of various timers used in the game (timers that manage the variation time and stop time of symbols, the opening time and closing time of electric accessory devices, etc.), various timers for external information, and timers for security signals.

[0230] Step S505: The main control board 30 executes initial value random number update processing. In this process, the main control board 30 executes a process of updating various initial values. Step S506: The main control board 30 executes winning symbol random number update processing. In this process, the main control board 30 updates the values of counters for generating various random numbers for the lottery of special symbols and normal symbols. The value of each counter is incremented in the counter area of the RAM and loops within a specified range respectively. The various random numbers include, for example, big winning symbol random numbers.

[0231] Step S506a: The main control board 30 checks whether it is in the middle of setting change or setting confirmation. This check is performed by the game machine state flag. When the game machine state flag is "01H", it is in the middle of setting change, and when the game machine state flag is "02H", it is in the middle of setting confirmation.

[0232] As a result, when it is confirmed that the settings are being changed or confirmed (Yes), the main control CPU 72 executes step S506b. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the settings are being changed or confirmed (No), the main control board 30 executes step S507. The reason for executing such a determination process is to prevent the execution of processes related to normal games when the settings are being changed and confirmed.

[0233] Step S506b: The main control board 30 executes a setting change process. By executing this process, the main control board 30 can execute a setting-related process including at least one of a setting change process executed when changing settings or a setting reference process executed when referring to settings (setting means). After the setting change process is completed, the main control CPU 72 executes step S517a.

[0234] Step S507: The main control board 30 executes a switch management process. In this process, based on the signal input in the previous port input process (step S503), the main control board 30 determines the events that occurred during the game and executes processes corresponding to the respective events that occurred.

[0235] In this embodiment, when a winning detection signal (ON) is input from the start winning opening switch, the main control board 30 determines that an event serving as an opportunity for an internal lottery corresponding to a special symbol (lottery opportunity) has occurred. Also, when a passing detection signal (ON) is input from the gate switch, the main control board 30 determines that an event serving as a lottery opportunity corresponding to a normal symbol has occurred.

[0236] Step S508: The main control board 30 executes an addition arithmetic determination process. In this process, the main control board 30 checks the game state and the states of the respective switches and executes a process for base calculation. Specifically, the main control CPU 72 executes a process for determining the values of the number of balls launched A (normal out addition arithmetic), the number of balls launched B (total out addition arithmetic), and the number of balls acquired (normal prize ball addition arithmetic).

[0237] Step S509, Step S510: The main control board 30 executes special game management processing and normal game management processing. These processes are for specifically advancing the games in the managed gaming machine 100.

[0238] In the special game management processing (Step S509), the main control board 30 controls the execution of internal lottery corresponding to the first special symbol or the second special symbol, determines the variable display and stop display by the first special symbol display device and the second special symbol display device, and controls the operation of the first variable winning device (special electric accessory) and the second variable winning device (special electric accessory) according to the display result.

[0239] Also, in the normal game management processing (Step S510), the main control board 30 determines the variable display and stop display by the normal symbol display device, and controls the operation of the variable start winning device (normal electric accessory) according to the display result.

[0240] Step S511: The main control board 30 executes state management processing. In this process, the main control CPU 72 checks whether an error state such as an abnormal winning frequency or a base abnormality has occurred. When an error state is detected, the main control board 30 notifies the hall computer in the game hall of the occurrence of the abnormality by outputting a security signal, and also notifies the effect control board 40 of the occurrence of the abnormality by transmitting a predetermined error command. In addition, in this process, the main control board 30 may execute error processing related to door opening or fraud detection (magnet, radio wave, vibration, etc.).

[0241] Step S512: The main control board 30 executes winning port switch processing. In this process, when each input port on detection flag stored based on the winning detection signal input from various switches in the previous port input processing (Step S503) is ON, the corresponding winning ball control counter is incremented by 1 and updated.

[0242] Step S513: The main control board 30 executes frame control management processing. In this processing, the main control board 30 executes processing to transmit a command (such as information on the number of bonus balls) to be transmitted to the frame control board.

[0243] Step S515: The main control board 30 executes test signal management processing. This processing can be processing outside the area. In this processing, the main control board 30 generates various test signals representing its internal state (for example, normal symbol game management state, special symbol game management state, firing position designation state, during jackpot, during small win, during probability variation function operation, during time shortening function operation, game machine error state signal, etc.), and stores these in the port output request buffer. With this test signal, for example, the internal state of the managed gaming machine 100 can be confirmed outside the managed gaming machine 100.

[0244] Step S516: The main control board 30 executes LED display setting processing. In this processing, the main control board 30 executes processing to generate common output data for lighting control of the LEDs included in the main display. Note that processing related to the performance display monitor is executed in the performance display monitor control processing.

[0245] More specifically, based on the variable display, stop display, operation memory number display, game state display, etc. of the symbols determined in the special game management processing (step S509) and the normal game management processing (step S510), the main control board 30 generates drive signals for lighting each lamp in the corresponding manner as common output data.

[0246] Step S517: The main control board 30 executes solenoid data setting processing. In this processing, the main control board 30 combines (synthesizes) the drive signals, test signals, etc. of each electric accessory generated in the special game management processing (step S509), the normal game management processing (step S510), etc. and stores them in the port output buffer. After this, the main control board 30 executes solenoid data port output processing. In this processing, the main control board 30 checks whether a value is stored in each output buffer (port output buffer), and if a value is stored, it outputs the port.

[0247] Step S517a: The main control board 30 executes external information management processing. In this processing, the main control board 30 stores external information (such as prize ball information, door opening information, symbol determination count information, jackpot information, start port information, security signals, etc.) in the port output request buffer in order to transmit it to the hall computer of the game arcade through the frame control board 50. Note that the external information management processing is also executed when it is "during setting change or during setting confirmation". The external information is output from the main control board 30 through the frame control board 50 and the dedicated unit 200 to the hall computer (external device) upon an output instruction being given.

[0248] Step S517b: The main control board 30 executes game machine state flag setting processing. By this processing, the value of the game machine state flag can be updated.

[0249] Step S518: The main control board 30 executes interrupt prohibition processing. Step S518a: The main control board 30 executes register save processing.

[0250] Step S519: The main control board 30 executes performance display monitor control processing. In this processing, the main control board 30 executes processing such as switching the display content of the performance display monitor, or generates a drive signal for displaying the base value on the performance display monitor as common output data.

[0251] Step S519a: The main control board 30 executes register restore processing. Thereby, the value of the register saved in the processing of Step S518a is restored.

[0252] Step S520: The main control board 30 executes interrupt permission processing. By permitting interrupts here, it becomes possible for other interrupts to occur while executing the subsequent steps of the timer interrupt processing. Thus, multiple interrupts are permitted for the timer interrupt processing.

[0253] Step S521: The main control board 30 executes emission position management processing. In this processing, the main control board 30 executes processing to determine the emission position of the game ball according to the progress of the game (emission position determination means). Note that this processing may be executed within the special game management processing.

[0254] Step S522: The main control board 30 restores the values of the HL, DE, BC, and AF registers saved in Step S500 to each register, ends the timer interrupt processing, and returns to the main loop processing of the CPU initialization processing.

[0255] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the game machine state flag setting processing. Step S530: The main control board 30 executes processing to load the game machine state flag.

[0256] Step S531: The main control board 30 executes processing to confirm whether the value of the game machine state flag is the RWM abnormality specified value ("04H"; see FIG. 21). Note that since the game machine state flag is masked with 0 except for the lower 1 byte after being loaded, only the lower 1 byte of the game machine state flag is referred to in the processing after loading. Therefore, in this processing, the cases where an affirmative (Yes) determination is made are "04H", "14H", and "24H" in the shaded part of FIG. 21.

[0257] As a result, when it is confirmed that the value of the game machine state flag is the RWM abnormality specified value (Yes), the main control board 30 returns to the calling source. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the value of the game machine state flag is the RWM abnormality specified value (Yes), the main control board 30 executes Step S532.

[0258] By executing such processing, when an RWM abnormality error occurs, it is possible to return to the calling source and prevent the update of the game state flag by confirming the operation of the stop function, which is the following processing. Thereby, regardless of the operation of the stop function, it is possible to determine and notify the RWM abnormality error.

[0259] Step S532: The main control board 30 executes a process of loading the stop function operation management phase.

[0260] Step S533: The main control board 30 executes a process of checking whether the value of the stop function operation management phase matches the stop function operation state specified value (03H; see FIG. 24), that is, whether the value of the stop function operation management phase is 03H. As a result, if it is confirmed that the value of the stop function operation management phase matches the stop function operation state specified value (Yes), step S534 is executed. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the value of the stop function operation management phase matches the stop function operation state specified value (No), the main control board 30 returns to the caller.

[0261] Step S534: The main control board 30 executes a process of performing a logical OR operation on the gaming machine state flag and the stop function operation state specified value. Here, the stop function operation state specified value is the value in FIG. 21 (07H), not the value in FIG. 24 (03H). For example, when the gaming machine state flag is "01 to 03, 05 to 07H", the gaming machine state flag becomes "07H" by the logical OR operation. Also, when the gaming machine state flag is "11 to 13, 15, 17H", the gaming machine state flag becomes "17H" by the logical OR operation. Further, when the gaming machine state flag is "21 to 23, 25, 27H", the gaming machine state flag becomes "27H" by the logical OR operation. After finishing the above process, the main control board 30 returns to the caller.

[0262] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the content of the stop function operation management phase. "00H" corresponds to the "stop function operation warning pre-state specified value". The "stop function operation warning pre-state specified value" is set when the difference ball information (the value of the difference ball based on the difference ball command) is less than 90,000 shots. "01H" corresponds to the "stop function operation warning state specified value". The "stop function operation warning state specified value" is set when the difference ball information is 90,000 shots or more. 「02H」 corresponds to the "designated value for the pre-warning state of the stop function activation". The "designated value for the pre-warning state of the stop function activation" is set when the difference ball information is 95000 or more. 「03H」 corresponds to the "designated value for the activation state of the stop function". The "designated value for the activation state of the stop function" is set when it is not in the small hit or big hit state during the pre-warning state of the stop function activation.

[0263] 〔Problem of the second technical feature〕 When an RWM abnormality occurs after the stop function is activated, it is desired to appropriately notify the RWM abnormality.

[0264] 〔Specific configuration of the second technical feature〕 Even after the stop function is activated, the error determination process is executed, and when an RWM abnormality error occurs, a command is sent to the effect control board so that the notification of the RWM abnormality is executed with higher priority than the activation of the stop function. (1) When power is restored during the activation of the stop function (normal restoration) A command notifying that the stop function is in operation is sent from the main control board to the effect control board. (2) When power is restored during the activation of the stop function (when RWM abnormality is determined) An error command for RWM abnormality is sent from the main control board to the effect control board. A command notifying that the stop function is in operation is also sent.

[0265] 〔Effect of the second technical feature〕 When an RWM abnormality error occurs after the stop function is activated, the notification of the RWM abnormality can be performed with higher priority than the activation of the stop function. As a result, even after the stop function is activated, it is possible to identify the occurrence of a main board abnormality error (priority level 4 in FIG. 15).

[0266] 〔Summary of the second technical feature〕 The gaming machine including the second technical feature has the following configuration. (1) It is provided with a transition means (main control board) that enables a transition to a game stop state (during the activation of the stop function) based on predetermined information (actual difference balls, difference balls for calculation, difference balls for transmission, difference ball commands) regarding benefits (acquired benefits, difference balls). (FIG. 4 step S116) (2) In the game stop state, it is provided with a determination means (main control board) capable of determining whether an error (RWM abnormal error) has occurred (step S440 in FIG. 20). Note that the error may be an error other than the RWM abnormal error. (3) In the game stop state, when it is determined by the determination means that an error has occurred, it is provided with a notification means (effect control board) capable of notifying the occurrence of the error (step S441 in FIG. 20, FIG. 15).

[0267] According to such a configuration, even in the game stop state, it is possible to surely notify that an error (RWM abnormality) has occurred, and as a result, a novel gaming machine can be provided.

[0268] The following configurations can be added to the gaming machine including the second technical feature. (1) When power failure recovery occurs in the game stop state and a predetermined condition is satisfied at the time of power failure recovery (in the case of RWM abnormality), the transition means maintains the game stop state (in FIG. 20, even if there is an RWM abnormality, the game stop state is not released). (2) When power failure recovery occurs in the game stop state and a predetermined condition is satisfied at the time of power failure recovery (in the case of RWM abnormality), the notification means can notify that the predetermined condition is satisfied without notifying that it is in the game stop state (the operation of the pause function with priority 9 in FIG. 16 is not notified, and the main board abnormal error with priority 4 in FIG. 15 can be notified).

[0269] According to such a configuration, when a predetermined condition is satisfied at the time of power failure recovery, it is possible to preferentially notify that the predetermined condition is satisfied (main board abnormal error, RWM abnormality) rather than the fact that it is in the game stop state (rather than during the operation of the pause function).

[0270] 〔Third technical feature: Test signal output before the operation of the difference ball limiting device〕 FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure when outputting a gaming machine error state signal from the main control board. This process shows the flow of the process when a test signal terminal is provided on the main control board. Note that the range A in the figure is the process executed by the frame control board, and the range B in the figure is the process executed by the main control board. Step S550: The frame control board 50 executes a process of outputting difference ball information (difference ball command) to the main control board 30.

[0271] Step S551: The main control board 30 executes a process of checking whether the difference balls are 90,000 or more based on the difference ball information. As a result, when it is confirmed that the difference balls are 90,000 or more (Yes), the main control board 30 executes step S552. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the difference balls are 90,000 or more (No), the main control board 30 ends the process. Note that when the process ends, the process is executed again from the first process (START) (the same applies hereinafter).

[0272] Step S552: The main control board 30 executes a process of checking whether the difference balls are less than 95,000 based on the difference ball information. As a result, when it is confirmed that the difference balls are less than 95,000 (Yes), the main control board 30 executes step S553. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the difference balls are less than 95,000 (No), the main control board 30 ends the process.

[0273] Step S553: The main control board 30 executes a process of outputting a gaming machine error state signal (test signal). The gaming machine error state signal continues to be output when the difference balls are 90,000 or more and less than 95,000. The gaming machine error state signal is output, for example, in the test signal management process of FIG. 22.

[0274] When conducting an actual firing test, a test is performed by connecting a test device (such as a jig) to the test signal terminal of the gaming machine. The test signal terminal includes a gaming machine test signal terminal used for the gaming machine and a symbol control signal terminal used for the symbols. The gaming machine error status signal is output using any pin of the test signal terminal. The pin to be used may be a pin dedicated to the gaming machine error status signal or a pin shared with the pin used in any error.

[0275] Figure 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure when outputting a gaming machine error status signal from the frame control board. This process shows the flow of the process when a test signal terminal is provided on the frame control board. Note that the range A in the figure is the process executed by the frame control board, and the range B in the figure is the process executed by the main control board. Step S560: The frame control board 50 executes a process of outputting difference ball information (difference ball command) to the main control board 30.

[0276] Step S561: The main control board 30 executes a process of confirming whether the number of difference balls is 90,000 or more based on the difference ball information. As a result, when it is confirmed that the number of difference balls is 90,000 or more (Yes), the main control board 30 executes step S562. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the number of difference balls is 90,000 or more (No), the main control board 30 ends the process.

[0277] Step S562: The main control board 30 executes a process of confirming whether the number of difference balls is less than 95,000 based on the difference ball information. As a result, when it is confirmed that the number of difference balls is less than 95,000 (Yes), the main control board 30 executes step S563. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the number of difference balls is less than 95,000 (No), the main control board 30 ends the process.

[0278] Step S563: The main control board 30 executes a process of outputting a frame command (information including an instruction to output a gaming machine error status signal to the frame control board). Step S564: The frame control board 50 executes a process of outputting a gaming machine error state signal (test signal). The gaming machine error state signal can be output, for example, when the frame control board 50 executes the content of the test signal management process in FIG. 22. When the frame control board 50 executes the test signal management process, the main control board 30 can be made not to execute the test signal management process.

[0279] 〔Problem of the third technical feature〕 Provide a countermeasure when the game stops during the actual shooting test. The problems during the actual shooting test include the following. (1) When the number of pitched balls reaches 95,000 during the 10-hour test, the pitched ball limiting device operates and the game stops, so the 10-hour test cannot be carried out to the end. (2) Before the pitched ball limiting device operates, if the tester can grasp the operation of the pitched ball limiting device in advance, the test can be interrupted (the test device has an interruption function), the power of the management gaming machine can be turned OFF and ON, and the count of the pitched ball limiting device can be cleared and then the test can be resumed. Note that resuming the test after clearing the count of the pitched ball limiting device is permitted.

[0280] 〔Specific configuration of the third technical feature〕 When the number of pitched balls is 90,000 or more and less than 95,000, a "gaming machine error state signal (test signal)" is output. When the "gaming machine error state signal" is output, "the lamp on the test island lights up" and "an error display is made on the personal computer for the test device". Since the "gaming machine error state signal" is a signal output at the time of trouble in the payout system (frame control board, payout control board) or the main control system (main control board), it is necessary to be able to distinguish whether it is a signal output at the time of trouble or a signal output as a prior notice before the pitched ball limiting device operates.

[0281] 〔Example for distinction〕 (1) When there is a trouble in the payout system or the main control system, the output signal (for example, the backup abnormality signal during power-up, the output signal for RWM abnormality) and the "game machine error state signal" for prior notification before the operation of the ball difference limiting device are distinguished by outputting them on different pins. (2) When the output signal in case of trouble in the payout system or the main control system and the "game machine error state signal" for prior notification before the operation of the ball difference limiting device are output on a common pin, the production control board 40 executes an effect for notifying that 90,000 balls of difference have been reached before the operation of the ball difference limiting device, so as to be able to distinguish by which trigger the signal is output.

[0282] The "game machine error state signal" is output in any of the following configurations. (1) When the game machine error state signal is output from the main control board The game machine error state signal is output from the current spare signal (the signal (pin) not currently in use) of the main control board. (2) When the game machine error state signal is output from the frame control board Based on the instruction from the main control board, the frame control board outputs the game machine error state signal. (3) When the game machine error state signal is output from the payout control board Based on the instruction from the main control board, the payout control board outputs the game machine error state signal.

[0283] [Effect of the Third Technical Feature] Regarding the ball difference limiting device, a live firing test can be carried out without problems.

[0284] [Summary of the Third Technical Feature] The game machine including the third technical feature has the following configuration. (1) It is equipped with a transition means (main control board) that enables transition to a game stop state (during the operation of the stop function) based on predetermined information (actual ball difference, arithmetic ball difference, transmission ball difference, ball difference command) regarding profit (acquired profit, ball difference) (Figure 4, step S116). (2) When the value indicated by the predetermined information reaches a predetermined value (difference balls = 90,000) before transitioning to the game stop state (difference balls = 95,000), it is provided with test signal processing means (main control board, frame control board, payout control board) having a process that enables output of a specific test signal (game machine error state signal) to an external device (test device) (Figure 25, step S553, Figure 26, step S564). The predetermined value is not limited to 90,000, and may be a value less than 90,000, or may be any value among 90,001 to 94,999.

[0285] According to such a configuration, since it is possible to output a specific test signal (game machine error state signal) before transitioning to the game stop state, it is possible to announce the game stop state with a specific test signal and avoid a situation where the game suddenly stops during the test. As a result, it is possible to provide a novel game machine.

[0286] The gaming machine including the third technical feature is provided with notification means (effect control board) capable of notifying information regarding predetermined information when outputting a specific test signal (game machine error state signal) (in (A) in Figure 10, priority 23 in Figure 19).

[0287] According to such a configuration, not only can a specific test signal (game machine error state signal) be output, but also information regarding predetermined information can be notified. Therefore, it is possible to announce the game stop state by two methods: signal output and information notification.

[0288] In the gaming machine including the third technical feature, the specific test signal (game machine error state signal) can also be output under conditions other than the value indicated by the predetermined information reaching the predetermined value (for example, conditions such as backup abnormality at power-on and occurrence of RWM abnormality) (it is possible to output the "game machine error state signal" with a common pin).

[0289] According to such a configuration, a specific test signal (game machine error state signal) can be given multiple roles, and the specific test signal can be effectively utilized.

[0290] [Fourth Technical Feature: Maintain Communication with the Frame Control Means During the Operation of the Stop Function] FIG. 27 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the main control board (main control CPU), the frame control board (frame control CPU), and the dedicated unit (CM board). First, the power of the management gaming machine is turned on (S20). The power-on is performed by one power switch provided on the management gaming machine. When the power of the management gaming machine is turned on, power is supplied to the main control board 30 and the frame control board 50. Then, the main control board 30 executes a startup process (S21) and turns on the main command permission signal (S22). By turning on the main command permission signal, the main control board 30 becomes capable of receiving the frame commands transmitted from the frame control board 50.

[0291] Also, the frame control board 50 executes a startup process (S23) and turns on the frame command permission signal (S24). By turning on the frame command permission signal, the frame control board 50 becomes capable of receiving the main commands transmitted from the main control board 30.

[0292] The main control board 30 transmits the first main command to the frame control board 50 (S25). The first main command includes the chip information of the main control CPU, the startup information indicating that the main control board has started up, and the like. The frame control board 50 transmits the first frame command to the main control board 30 (S26). The first frame command includes information such as the state in which the frame control board has started up.

[0293] [Playable State] When the main control board 30 receives a frame command from the frame control board 50, the management gaming machine enters a playable state (S27). In the playable state, the main control board 30 and the frame control board 50 repeatedly transmit and receive main commands and frame commands. The main commands and frame commands from here on include information necessary for the progress of the game.

[0294] On the other hand, the dedicated unit 200 is powered on by a power switch provided on the dedicated unit 200. When the dedicated unit 200 is powered on, power is supplied to the dedicated unit 200. Then, the dedicated unit 200 executes a startup process (S28) and turns on the VL signal (S29). By turning on the VL signal, communication between the frame control board 50 and the dedicated unit 200 becomes possible.

[0295] The frame control board 50 transmits a unit transmission command to the dedicated unit 200 (S30). The unit transmission command includes information regarding the number of game balls and the like. The dedicated unit 200 transmits a unit reception command to the frame control board 50 (S31). The unit reception command includes information regarding a response to the unit transmission command. Note that since the startup process of the dedicated unit 200 may take more time than the startup processes of the main control board 30 and the frame control board 50, the frame control board 50 transmits the first unit transmission command in anticipation of that time.

[0296] In the playable state (S27), the frame control board 50 and the dedicated unit 200 repeatedly transmit and receive a unit transmission command and a unit reception command.

[0297] 〔Game Stop State (Stop Function Activated)〕 Here, assume that the stop function is activated and the game has shifted to the stop state (S32). In this case, communication between the main control board 30 and the frame control board 50 continues, and the main control board 30 and the frame control board 50 repeatedly transmit and receive a main command and a frame command (S33, S34). Also, communication between the frame control board 50 and the dedicated unit 200 continues, and the frame control board 50 and the dedicated unit 200 repeatedly transmit and receive a unit transmission command and a unit reception command (S35, S36).

[0298] 〔Power Off〕 Here, it is assumed that a power-off state has occurred (S37). In this case, the main control board 30 turns off the main command permission signal, the frame control board 50 turns off the frame command permission signal, and the dedicated unit 200 turns off the VL signal. In this case, communication between the main control board 30 and the frame control board 50 becomes impossible, and communication between the frame control board 50 and the dedicated unit 200 becomes impossible. As a result, the main command, the frame command, the unit transmission command, and the unit reception command are in a state where they cannot be transmitted (S38, S39, S40, S41).

[0299] 〔After power restoration〕 Here, it is assumed that the power has been restored (S42). The power restoration here is a power restoration without RAM clear. In this case, the pause function remains activated, and the game shifts to a stopped state. At the time of power restoration, in the main control board 30, the frame control board 50, and the dedicated unit, the processes at the time of power-on described above are executed.

[0300] In this case, communication between the main control board 30 and the frame control board 50 is resumed, and transmission and reception of the main command and the frame command are repeatedly executed between the main control board 30 and the frame control board 50 (S43, S44). Also, communication between the frame control board 50 and the dedicated unit 200 is resumed, and transmission and reception of the unit transmission command and the unit reception command are repeatedly executed between the frame control board 50 and the dedicated unit 200 (S45, S46). Note that for the dedicated unit 200, a return operation using a dedicated remote control may be required at the time of power restoration.

[0301] FIG. 28 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing when communication between the main control board (main control CPU) and the frame control board (frame control CPU) is interrupted. For example, in a playable state or a game stop state, the main control board 30 and the frame control board 50 repeatedly execute the transmission and reception of main commands and frame commands (S50, S51), and the frame control board 50 and the dedicated unit 200 repeatedly execute the transmission and reception of unit transmission commands and unit reception commands (S52, S53).

[0302] Here, assume that some trouble has occurred and the communication between the main control board 30 and the frame control board 50 has been interrupted. In this case, the main command and the frame command become in a state where they cannot be transmitted (S54, S55). On the other hand, the communication between the frame control board 50 and the dedicated unit 200 continues. In this case, the frame control board 50 transmits a unit transmission command to the dedicated unit 200 (S56). The unit transmission command to be transmitted is the unit transmission command transmitted last time (previous value). Also, the dedicated unit 200 transmits a unit reception command to the frame control board 50 (S57). In this way, even when the communication between the main control board 30 and the frame control board 50 is interrupted, the communication between the frame control board 50 and the dedicated unit 200 can continue.

[0303] FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the main command permission signal management process. This process is executed by the main control board 30 (main control CPU). Step S600: The main control board 30 executes a process of confirming whether it is the first process after power-on. Whether it is the first process after power-on can be confirmed by the first management flag. The first management flag is off at power-on and becomes on when this process is executed once.

[0304] As a result, if it is confirmed that it is the first process after power-on (Yes), the main control board 30 executes step S601. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that it is the first process after power-on (No), the main control board 30 executes step S602.

[0305] Step S601: The main control board 30 executes a process of turning on the main command permission signal. As a result, the main control board 30 becomes in a state where it can receive a frame command.

[0306] Step S602: The main control board 30 executes a process of checking whether a power failure has occurred. The main control board 30 monitors the drive voltage supplied from a power control unit (not shown), and can determine that a power failure has occurred when the voltage level falls below a reference voltage.

[0307] As a result, if it is confirmed that a power failure has occurred (Yes), the main control board 30 executes step S603. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that a power failure has occurred (No), the main control board 30 returns to the caller and continues the process.

[0308] Step S603: The main control board 30 executes a process of turning off the main command permission signal. As a result, the main control board 30 becomes in a state where it cannot receive a main command. After finishing the above process, it returns to the caller.

[0309] Figure 30 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the frame command permission signal management process. This process is executed by the frame control board 50 (frame control CPU). Step S610: The frame control board 50 executes a process of checking whether it is the first process after power-on. Whether it is the first process after power-on can be confirmed by a second management flag. The second management flag is off at power-on and becomes on when this process is executed once.

[0310] As a result, if it is confirmed that it is the first process after power-on (Yes), the frame control board 50 executes step S611. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that it is the first process after power-on (No), the frame control board 50 executes step S612.

[0311] Step S611: The frame control board 50 executes a process of turning on the frame command permission signal. As a result, the frame control board 50 becomes in a state capable of receiving the main command.

[0312] Step S612: The frame control board 50 executes a process of checking whether a power failure has occurred. The frame control board 50 monitors the drive voltage supplied from a power supply control unit (not shown), and can determine that a power failure has occurred when the voltage level falls below the reference voltage.

[0313] As a result, if it is confirmed that a power failure has occurred (Yes), the frame control board 50 executes Step S613. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that a power failure has occurred (No), the frame control board 50 returns to the calling source and continues the process.

[0314] Step S613: The frame control board 50 executes a process of turning off the frame command permission signal. As a result, the frame control board 50 becomes in a state incapable of receiving the main command. After finishing the above process, it returns to the calling source.

[0315] FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the unit transmission command management process. This process is executed by the frame control board 50 (frame control CPU). Step S615: The frame control board 50 executes a process of checking whether it is communicating with the main control board 30. For example, when receiving the main command, the frame control board 50 can determine that it is communicating with the main control board 30.

[0316] As a result, if it is confirmed that it is communicating with the main control board 30 (Yes), the frame control board 50 executes Step S616. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that it is communicating with the main control board 30 (No), the frame control board 50 executes Step S618.

[0317] Step S616: The frame control board 50 executes a process of transmitting the unit transmission command based on the main command to the dedicated unit 200. Step S617: The frame control board 50 executes a process of saving the unit transmission command.

[0318] Step S618: The frame control board 50 executes a process of checking whether communication with the main control board 30 has been interrupted. For example, when the main command has not been received for a certain period of time, the frame control board 50 can determine that communication with the main control board 30 has been interrupted.

[0319] As a result, when it is confirmed that communication with the main control board 30 has been interrupted (Yes), the frame control board 50 executes Step S619. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that communication with the main control board 30 has been interrupted (No), the frame control board 50 returns to the caller and continues the process.

[0320] Step S619: The frame control board 50 executes a process of transmitting the saved unit transmission command to the dedicated unit 200. After finishing the above process, it returns to the caller.

[0321] FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the VL signal management process. This process is executed by the dedicated unit 200 (CM board). Step S620: The dedicated unit 200 executes a process of checking whether it is the first process after power-on. Whether it is the first process after power-on can be confirmed by the third management flag. The third management flag is off at power-on and turns on when this process is executed once.

[0322] As a result, when it is confirmed that it is the first process after power-on (Yes), the dedicated unit 200 executes Step S621. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that it is the first process after power-on (No), the dedicated unit 200 executes Step S622.

[0323] Step S621: The dedicated unit 200 executes a process of turning on the VL signal. As a result, the dedicated unit 200 becomes in a state where it can receive a unit transmission command and in a state where it can transmit a unit reception command.

[0324] Step S622: The dedicated unit 200 executes a process of checking whether a power failure has occurred. The dedicated unit 200 monitors a drive voltage supplied from a power control unit (a unit separate from the management gaming machine) not shown in the figure, and can determine that a power failure has occurred when the voltage level falls below a reference voltage.

[0325] As a result, if it is confirmed that a power failure has occurred (Yes), the dedicated unit 200 executes Step S623. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that a power failure has occurred (No), the dedicated unit 200 returns to the calling source and continues the process.

[0326] Step S623: The dedicated unit 200 executes a process of turning off the VL signal. As a result, the dedicated unit 200 becomes in a state where it cannot receive a unit transmission command and in a state where it cannot transmit a unit reception command. After finishing the above process, it returns to the calling source.

[0327] FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the card return process. This process is executed by the dedicated unit 200 (CM board). Step S630: The dedicated unit 200 executes a process of checking whether a card return button has been pressed. The card return button is provided as a button based on an image on the liquid crystal screen of the dedicated unit 200 or as a physical button.

[0328] As a result, if it is confirmed that the card return button has been pressed (Yes), the dedicated unit 200 executes Step S631. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the card return button has been pressed (No), the dedicated unit 200 returns to the calling source and continues the process.

[0329] Step S631: The dedicated unit 200 executes a process to check whether it is communicating with the frame control board 50. For example, when receiving a unit transmission command, the dedicated unit 200 can determine that it is communicating with the frame control board 50. On the other hand, when not receiving the unit transmission command for a certain period of time, the dedicated unit 200 can determine that it is not communicating with the frame control board 50.

[0330] As a result, if it is confirmed that communication is in progress with the frame control board 50 (Yes), the dedicated unit 200 executes step S632. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that communication is in progress with the frame control board 50 (No), the dedicated unit 200 returns to the calling source and continues the process.

[0331] Step S632: The dedicated unit 200 executes a card return process. Specifically, it operates the card return mechanism of the dedicated unit 200 to execute a process of discharging the card (IC card) inserted into the dedicated unit 200 to the outside. After finishing the above process, it returns to the calling source.

[0332] 〔Problem of the Fourth Technical Feature〕 Ensure that card return is not disabled even when the pause function is in operation.

[0333] 〔Specific Configuration of the Fourth Technical Feature〕 (1) A gaming machine equipped with a pause function. (2) When the pause function is activated to stop the game and communication with the dedicated unit 200 is stopped, the dedicated unit 200 also stops and card return becomes impossible. (3) Therefore, even when the pause function is in operation, the main control board 30 continues to communicate with the frame control board 50, and the frame control board 50 continues to communicate with the dedicated unit 200.

[0334] 〔Effect of the Fourth Technical Feature〕 It is possible to ensure that card return is not disabled even when the pause function is in operation.

[0335] [Summary of the Fourth Technical Feature] The gaming machine including the fourth technical feature has the following configuration. (1) It is provided with a first control means (main control board) (Fig. 1). (2) It is provided with a second control means (frame control board) capable of communicating with the first control means and an external device (dedicated unit) (Fig. 1). (3) Based on predetermined information (actual difference balls, calculation difference balls, transmission difference balls, difference ball commands) regarding profit (acquired profit, difference balls), the first control means can shift to a game stop state (when the stop function is operating), and in the game stop state, communication with the second control means can be continued (Fig. 27, steps S32, S42). (4) In the game stop state, the second control means can continue communication with the external device (Fig. 27, steps S32, S42).

[0336] According to such a configuration, since the first control means, the second control means, and the external device can continue communication even in the game stop state, by continuing the necessary communication even in the game stop state, it is possible not to give the player the disadvantage (the disadvantage that the card cannot be taken out) caused by the game stop state. As a result, a novel gaming machine can be provided.

[0337] The following configurations can be added to the gaming machine including the fourth technical feature. (1) The first control means can transmit first information (main command) to the second control means (Fig. 28). (2) The second control means can transmit second information (unit transmission command) based on the first information to the external device (Fig. 28). (3) When communication between the first control means and the second control means is interrupted, the second control means can transmit the second information (unit transmission command (previous value)) before the communication interruption to the external device (Fig. 28, step S56).

[0338] According to such a configuration, even if the communication between the first control means and the second control means is interrupted, the second control means and the external device continue to communicate, so that the disadvantages caused by the communication interruption (the disadvantage that the card cannot be taken out) can be minimized.

[0339] 〔Fifth technical feature: Hold display and lamp expression during jackpot in a gaming machine with a ball difference limiting device〕 Figs. 34 to 37 are diagrams showing production examples during jackpot. The gaming machine 100A shown in Fig. 34 is a drum-type gaming machine (drum machine). In Fig. 34, in a model where the hold display is expressed not on the liquid crystal display 41 but on the LED unit 43a (lamp 43), an example of the operation of the hold display and the operation of the lamp is shown "when announcing during the jackpot that the ball difference limiting device will operate after this jackpot".

[0340] During the jackpot of the gaming machine 100A having the drum unit 44, when the hold display is performed on the LED unit 43a during the jackpot, if an announcement that the ball difference limiting device will operate after the jackpot is made using the drum unit 44, the illumination array, the sound, etc., the hold display of the LED unit 43a is turned off (the LED is turned off) simultaneously with the announcement, and the lamp production is changed to warning announcement blinking.

[0341] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 34(A), in the LED unit 43a, the three hold displays are lit, but when the number of balls with a difference reaches 95,000 during the jackpot, as shown in Fig. 34(B), the three hold displays are turned off. Also, in Fig. 34(A), in the glass frame lamp 43b (lamp 43), a lamp production matching the jackpot production is being executed, but in Fig. 34(B), in the glass frame lamp 43b, a lamp production by warning announcement blinking is executed. The glass frame lamp 43b includes a glass frame left middle error notification LED and a glass frame decoration LED. Furthermore, in FIG. 34(B), a second image E2 (an image including character information "The pause function will operate after the winning and the game will stop") is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 41.

[0342] The gaming machine 100B shown in FIG. 35 is a gaming machine (liquid crystal machine) having a liquid crystal display 41. FIG. 35 shows an example of the operation of the hold display and the operation of the lamp when the hold display is expressed within the screen of the liquid crystal display 41 in a model where "when announcing during a big win that the ball difference limiting device will operate after this big win".

[0343] During a big win of the gaming machine 100B having the liquid crystal display 41, when a hold display is being performed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 41 during the big win, if an announcement that the ball difference limiting device will operate after the big win is made using the liquid crystal display 41, the illumination array, sound, etc., the hold display on the liquid crystal display 41 is erased simultaneously with the announcement (the hold display is made non - display), and the lamp effect is changed to warning announcement blinking.

[0344] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 35(A), on the liquid crystal display 41, one hold display M1 is being displayed, but when the number of balls reaches 95000 during the big win, as shown in FIG. 35(B), the hold display M1 becomes non - display. Also, in FIG. 35(A), in the glass frame lamp 43b, a lamp effect matching the big win effect is being executed, but in FIG. 35(B), in the glass frame lamp 43b, a lamp effect by warning announcement blinking is executed. Furthermore, in FIG. 35(B), a second image E2 (an image including character information "The pause function will operate after the winning and the game will stop") is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 41.

[0345] In FIG. 36, in the liquid crystal display 41 of the gaming machine 100A, a continuous hold effect is being executed. The continuous hold effect is an effect suggesting that a big win will occur by lottery elements already stored after the big win game ends. When the hold continuation presentation is executed, as shown in Fig. 36(A), a hold continuation suggestion image E4 by an animal with a V icon is displayed on the liquid crystal display 41. And assume that in this state, the number of difference balls has reached 95,000.

[0346] In this case, as shown in Fig. 36(B), a second image E2 (an image including character information "The game will stop when the stop function activates after a win") is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 41. The second image E2 here is an image in which character information is displayed within a square white frame. And by displaying the second image E2, the hold continuation suggestion image E4 becomes invisible (visibility decreases). Note that other presentations (a presentation for eliminating hold display or a lamp presentation) are the same as in the example of Fig. 34.

[0347] In Fig. 37, a hold continuation presentation is being executed on the liquid crystal display 41 of the gaming machine 100B. When the hold continuation presentation is executed, as shown in Fig. 37(A), a hold continuation suggestion image E4 by an animal with a V icon is displayed on the liquid crystal display 41. And assume that in this state, the number of difference balls has reached 90,000.

[0348] In this case, as shown in Fig. 37(B), a first image E1 (an image including character information "There are approximately 5,000 shots remaining until the stop function activates") is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 41. The first image E1 here is an image in which character information is displayed within a square white frame. And by displaying the first image E1, the hold continuation suggestion image E4 and the hold display M1 become invisible (visibility decreases). Note that other presentations (lamp presentation) are the same as in the example of Fig. 35.

[0349] Also, when the number of difference balls reaches 90,000, since the game can continue thereafter, regarding the hold display M1, it may be made non-displayed below the hold continuation suggestion image E4, or the display may be continued without making it non-displayed. Note that the gaming machine 100A and the gaming machine 100B may be ordinary gaming machines that are not management gaming machines, or may be management gaming machines. However, in the case of a management gaming machine, there are no upper trays or lower trays.

[0350] Figure 38 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the first effect execution process. This process is executed by the effect control board 40 (effect control CPU). Also, this process can be executed as the specific content of step S301 in FIG. 9. Step S640: The effect control board 40 executes a lamp notification process. Specifically, the effect control board 40 executes an effect related to the glass frame left middle error notification LED and the glass frame decoration LED of the "stop function operation warning (priority 23 in FIG. 19)".

[0351] Step S641: The effect control board 40 executes an audio notification process. Specifically, the effect control board 40 executes an effect related to the audio notification of the "stop function operation warning (priority 23 in FIG. 19)".

[0352] Step S642: The effect control board 40 executes a liquid crystal notification process. Specifically, the effect control board 40 executes an effect related to the liquid crystal notification of the "stop function operation warning (priority 23 in FIG. 19)". In this case, the first image E1 can be simply displayed (FIG. 10(A)), or the hold continuous suggestion image E4 and the hold display M1 can be hidden by the first image E1 (FIG. 37(B)). After finishing the above process, return to the caller.

[0353] Figure 39 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the second effect execution process. This process is executed by the effect control board 40 (effect control CPU). Also, this process can be executed as the specific content of step S303 in FIG. 9. Step S645: The effect control board 40 executes a process of reducing the visibility of the hold display. For example, in the gaming machine 100A where the hold display is shown by the LED unit 43a, a process of turning off the hold display (turning off the LED) of the LED unit 43a is executed. On the other hand, in the gaming machine 100B where the hold display is shown on the screen of the liquid crystal display 41, a process of turning off the hold display on the liquid crystal display 41 (making the hold display non-displayed) is executed.

[0354] Step S646: The effect control board 40 executes a lamp notification process. Specifically, the effect control board 40 executes an effect related to the glass frame left center error notification LED and the glass frame decoration LED of the "stopping function operation notice (priority 22 in FIG. 19)".

[0355] Step S642: The effect control board 40 executes an audio notification process. Specifically, the effect control board 40 executes an effect related to the audio notification of the "stopping function operation notice (priority 22 in FIG. 19)".

[0356] Step S643: The effect control board 40 executes a liquid crystal notification process. Specifically, the effect control board 40 executes an effect related to the liquid crystal notification of the "stopping function operation notice (priority 22 in FIG. 19)". In this case, the second image E2 can be simply displayed (FIGS. 34(B), 35(B)), or the hold continuous suggestion image E4 can be hidden with the second image E2 (FIG. 36(B)). After finishing the above processing, return to the caller.

[0357] 〔Problem of the fifth technical feature〕 When a "difference ball restriction device" is installed, it becomes difficult to determine whether the player can play the game after a big win, so care is taken for this.

[0358] 〔Specific configuration of the fifth technical feature〕 In a gaming machine with a difference ball restriction device, when it is known during a big win that the difference ball restriction device will operate after this big win, the following processing is executed. (1) Cancel the hold display. In a gaming machine that performs the hold display with the LED unit 43a, turn off the hold display (hold lamp) of the LED unit 43a. In a gaming machine that performs the hold display with a liquid crystal display, make the hold display of the liquid crystal display non-displayed. (2) Change the lamp lighting during a big win to warning announcement blinking.

[0359] 〔Effect of the fifth technical feature〕 (1) By turning off the hold display of the LED unit or making the hold display of the liquid crystal display non-displayable, it can be clarified that it will not change thereafter. (2) By changing the state of the glass frame lamp 43b to warning announcement blinking, it can be clarified that the game has ended.

[0360] [Summary of the Fifth Technical Feature] The gaming machine including the fifth technical feature has the following configuration. (1) It is provided with a transition means (main control board) that can transition to a game stop state (when the stop function is operating) based on predetermined information (actual difference balls, difference balls for calculation, difference balls for transmission, difference ball commands) regarding benefits (acquired benefits, difference balls) (Figure 4, step S116). (2) When the value indicated by the predetermined information is equal to or greater than a specified value (difference ball = 95000) and satisfies the specified conditions (when in a big win or a small win, or when it is determined that the effect control board 40 executes an effect corresponding to the stop function operation notice), it is provided with a notice means (effect control board) that can execute a notice (stop notice, effect corresponding to the stop function operation notice) to the effect of transitioning to the game stop state. (3) Based on the execution of the notice, it is provided with a reduction means (effect control board) that can reduce the visibility of a specific display (hold display, hold continuous suggestion image) regarding the storage of lottery elements (winning lottery random numbers).

[0361] "Can reduce the visibility" includes making the displayed thing non-displayable, turning off the lit thing, displaying another thing on the displayed thing, making a part of the displayed thing unviewable, etc.

[0362] According to such a configuration, based on the execution of the notice, since it is possible to reduce the visibility of the specific display regarding the storage of lottery elements, it can be suggested that an effect regarding the lottery elements is not executed (the symbols related to the specific display do not change) after transitioning to the game stop state. As a result, a novel gaming machine can be provided.

[0363] The gaming machine including the fifth technical feature has signal processing means (main control board, frame control board, payout control board) having a process (enabling execution) that enables output of a specific signal (specific test signal, gaming machine error state signal) to an external device (test device) before executing a notice (stop notice) (when the ball difference = 90000). Note that the specific signal may only be generated without actually being output.

[0364] According to such a configuration, since it is possible to output a specific signal (gaming machine error state signal) before executing the notice, it is possible to avoid a situation where the gaming stop state is suddenly entered during a test or during a game by announcing the gaming stop state with the specific signal.

[0365] 〔Sixth technical feature: Conditions for clearing the reference value counter (monitoring the state of the door opening and closing)〕 FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the ball difference calculation process. This process is executed by the frame control board 50 (frame control CPU). Note that this process is a modification of the content of the ball difference calculation process in FIG. 7, and is different in that step S210a is added compared to the ball difference calculation process in FIG. 7. Therefore, descriptions overlapping with the ball difference calculation process in FIG. 7 are omitted.

[0366] Step S210: The frame control board 50 executes a process of confirming whether it is the first process after power-on.

[0367] As a result, when it is confirmed that it is the first process after power-on (Yes), the frame control board 50 executes step S210a. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that it is the first process after power-on (No), the frame control board 50 executes step S213.

[0368] Step S210a: The frame control board 50 executes a process of confirming whether the inner frame is open. The frame control board 50 can determine that the inner frame is open when the door open detection switch corresponding to the inner frame is on.

[0369] As a result, when it is confirmed that the inner frame is open (Yes), the frame control board 50 executes step S213. On the other hand, when it cannot be confirmed that the inner frame is open (No), that is, when the inner frame is closed, the frame control board 50 executes steps S211 and S212.

[0370] Step S211: The frame control board 50 executes a process of storing "100,000 (100,000 shots)" in the arithmetic difference sphere. Step S212: The frame control board 50 executes a process of storing "0" in the previous value. Note that since the processes after step S213 are the same as the processes in FIG. 7, the description is omitted.

[0371] By executing such a process, when the inner frame is open (step S210a: Yes), the frame control board 50 does not initialize (clear) the arithmetic difference sphere, and when the inner frame is not open (when the inner frame is closed) (step S210a: No), the arithmetic difference sphere can be initialized (cleared). Note that the arithmetic difference sphere and the previous value are information backed up during power failure, and the values are not cleared just by a power failure occurring.

[0372] FIG. 41 is a diagram for explaining by comparing the case of the inner frame being open and the case of the inner frame being closed. FIG. 41(A) shows the case of the inner frame being open, and FIG. 41(B) shows the case of the inner frame being closed.

[0373] 〔Case of inner frame open〕 Suppose that some trouble (for example, a magnetic error (priority 16 in FIG. 18)) has occurred (S60). Since the error release condition for the magnetic error is "until power off", in order to release the magnetic error, it is necessary for the staff in the hall to turn off the power of the gaming machine. Since the power switch is arranged at a position where it cannot be operated without opening the inner frame, the staff in the hall opens the inner frame in order to operate the power switch (S61). Then, the staff in the hall operates the power switch to perform power off and restoration (S62). As a result, the magnetic error is released and the trouble is resolved (S63). In this case, since the inner frame is open, the initialization of the arithmetic difference ball (reference value counter) is not executed (S64).

[0374] 〔When the inner frame is closed〕 The inner frame is closed (S70). The staff member of the hall operates the power switch of the island facility where the gaming machine is installed instead of the power switch of the gaming machine to cut off and restore the power of the gaming machine (S71). A plurality of gaming machines are installed in the island facility, and when using the power switch of the island facility, the power cut-off and restoration of a plurality of gaming machines can be performed collectively. When using the power switch of the island facility, it is not necessary to open the inner frame of the gaming machine. In this case, since the inner frame is not open, the initialization of the arithmetic difference ball (reference value counter) is executed (S72).

[0375] Figure 42 is a diagram showing the initialization conditions of the arithmetic difference ball (reference value counter). As the initialization conditions of the arithmetic difference ball, at least one of the following conditions (1) to (4) can be adopted.

[0376] 〔(1) Power cut-off and restoration〕 When power is cut off and restored, if the inner frame is open, the arithmetic difference ball is not initialized. When power is cut off and restored, if the inner frame is closed, the arithmetic difference ball is initialized.

[0377] 〔(2) Error〕 When a specific error (for example, an error released by power cut-off) occurs, the arithmetic difference ball is not initialized. When a non-specific error (for example, an error not released by power cut-off) occurs, the arithmetic difference ball is initialized.

[0378] 〔(3) Arithmetic difference ball〕 When the arithmetic difference ball is equal to or greater than a special value (for example, difference ball = 90000), the arithmetic difference ball is not initialized. When the arithmetic difference ball is less than the special value, the arithmetic difference ball is initialized.

[0379] [(4) Switch] When a specific switch (dip switch or other switch provided on the main control board) is on (when power is cut off and restored with the specific switch on), the arithmetic difference balls are not initialized. When the specific switch is off, the arithmetic difference balls are initialized.

[0380] [Problem of the Sixth Technical Feature] Prevent the arithmetic difference balls (reference value counter) from being cleared during troubles dealt with by power cut off.

[0381] [Specific Configuration of the Sixth Technical Feature] Add that the inner frame (door) is closed to the conditions for clearing the arithmetic difference balls (reference value counter) (when power is turned off and on). When turning off and on the power during troubles during business operation (such as magnetic misdetection cancellation, magnetic error cancellation, etc.), it is executed with the inner frame open, so the arithmetic difference balls are not cleared.

[0382] [Effect of the Sixth Technical Feature] By adding the condition that the arithmetic difference balls are not cleared during power cut off and restoration, it is possible to prevent the arithmetic difference balls from being cleared at an undesirable timing.

[0383] [Summary of the Sixth Technical Feature] The gaming machine including the sixth technical feature has the following configuration. (1) It is equipped with transfer means (main control board) that can transfer to a game stop state (when the stop function is in operation) based on predetermined information (actual difference balls, arithmetic difference balls, transmission difference balls, difference ball commands) regarding profit (acquired profit, difference balls) (Figure 4, Step S116). (2) If power is cut off without the special condition (the condition that the inner frame is open) being satisfied (if power is cut off and restored while the inner frame is closed, step S210a in Fig. 40: No), it is possible to initialize predetermined information (the calculation differential balls and the reference value counter) (enable the process of step S211 in Fig. 40), and if power is cut off with the special condition being satisfied (if power is cut off and restored while the inner frame is open, step S210a in Fig. 40: Yes), it is possible not to initialize the predetermined information (disable the process of step S211 in Fig. 40). There is provided a predetermined information control means. Initialization means setting an initial value to a predetermined variable. The initial value may be 0 or a value other than 0.

[0384] According to such a configuration, it is possible to determine whether or not to initialize the predetermined information based on whether or not the special condition is satisfied (for example, whether or not the inner frame is open), so it is possible to avoid the predetermined information being initialized at an undesirable timing (mere maintenance or other error recovery operations), and as a result, it is possible to provide a novel gaming machine.

[0385] 〔Modifications〕 The basic technical features and each technical feature described above can be modified as follows. (1) The notification means may be mounted on at least one of the main control board, the frame control board, the effect control board, and the payout control board. (2) The determination means may be mounted on at least one of the main control board, the frame control board, the effect control board, and the payout control board. (3) The test signal processing means may be mounted on at least one of the main control board, the frame control board, and the payout control board.

[0386] (4) The test signal processing means does not have to output a test signal except during a test. (5) Although it has been described by way of example that the "gaming machine error state signal (test signal)" continues to be output when the number of differential balls is 90000 or more and less than 95000, it may be output only once when the number of differential balls becomes 90000 or more. (6) The present invention is also applicable to gaming machines other than the management gaming machine (for example, a gaming machine having at least a main control board and a payout control board).

[0387] (7) Although an example of activating the stop function based on the difference balls has been described, the stop function may be activated based only on the number of bonus balls generated regardless of the difference balls, or based on the number of bonus balls generated per a predetermined unit time. Since the purpose of the stop function is to prevent the number of acquired balls from becoming too large, the operating conditions of the stop function may be appropriately set within the scope of that purpose.

[0388] (8) During the operation of the stop function, the main display (main segment) managed by the main control board turns off completely, but the notification LEDs (right hit lamp, hold number lamp, normal symbol variation lamp, special symbol variation lamp) managed by the effect control board may be maintained in the state before the operation of the stop function. For example, when the stop function is activated in a state of "right hit lamp: lit, hold number lamp: lit in a mode indicating 1, normal symbol variation lamp: off in a losing mode, special symbol variation lamp: blinking operation during variation", the notification mode can be maintained during the operation of the stop function in this state. Also, the special symbol variation lamp is displayed in any one of the patterns of losing stop mode / hit stop mode / blinking operation mode indicating variation, but it may be maintained in any of these during the operation of the stop function. As a result, although the liquid crystal screen switches to the screen during the operation of the stop function during the operation of the stop function, the situation immediately before (before the operation of the stop function) can be grasped by checking the notification LED.

[0389] When the stop function is activated while the movable body (e.g., a movable body for performance) is in operation, an operation to return the movable body in motion to its initial position may be executed. This can prevent the movable body overlapping the liquid crystal screen from being returned to the initial position and prevent the notification of the activation of the stop function on the liquid crystal screen from being inhibited. At this time, if a series of initial operations (processing to return the movable body to the initial position) are executed for all movable bodies, the notification will instead be inhibited. Therefore, it is preferable to execute the operation of returning to the initial position only for the movable body in motion (e.g., a movable body for which the origin has not been detected when the stop function is activated) or a predetermined part of the movable bodies.

[0390] (10) Although the configuration is such that the count of balls in difference (balls in difference, calculated balls in difference) is cleared during power failure, it is not limited to this. For example, when any of the following (a) to (c) is satisfied as a specific condition, the configuration may be such that the count of balls in difference is not cleared even during power failure. (a) When power failure occurs with the inner frame or the glass door open In the hall, when working with the inner frame open, there is a possibility of maintenance. Therefore, during maintenance, the counter for balls in difference should not be cleared each time. (b) When power failure occurs with the count of balls in difference reaching a predetermined number (e.g., 90,000 or more and less than 95,000, preferably 92,000) or more If the count of balls in difference is cleared after the balls in difference have been counted to a certain extent, the actually obtainable number of balls discharged will increase significantly. Therefore, such a situation can be prevented. (c) When power failure occurs during the occurrence of a specific error (e.g., a magnetic error) This can prevent the problem that the count of balls in difference is also cleared when the player forcibly causes an error and the hall staff turns off the power to cancel the error.

[0391] (11) The error notification is configured to execute only one type at the higher level (when multiple types of errors occur, it is the error with the highest priority among the occurring errors), but it is not limited to this. For example, when multiple types of errors occur, multiple types of error notifications can be executed together, or each error notification can be executed in order. Depending on the type of error and the notification mode, there may be cases where multiple types of error notifications cannot be executed together. In such cases, for example, for the lamp notification (LED notification) and voice notification when performing error notification, the notification corresponding to the one type at the higher level can be executed, and for the liquid crystal notification, a configuration where multiple types of error notifications can be displayed simultaneously may be used. In this case, on the liquid crystal, a configuration where the lower-level error notification is partially inhibited from being visually recognized due to the higher-level error notification overlapping on it may be used, or a configuration where the display area on the liquid crystal is divided into multiple areas to perform multiple types of error notifications may be used.

[0392] (12) The specific signal is not limited to the test signal, and it may be other signals (external signals or signals output to other devices). The specific test signal may be a specific signal. The test signal processing means may be signal processing means.

Explanation of Signs

[0393] 10 Pachinko machine game board 20 Pachinko machine frame 30 Main control board 31 Winning port switch 32 Out switch 40 Effect control board 41 Liquid crystal display 42 Speaker 43 Lamp 50 Frame control board 51 Subtraction sensor 52 Foul ball sensor 53 Counting switch 54 Game ball number display device 100 Pachinko machine E1 First image E2 Second image E3 Third image

Claims

【Claim 1】 transfer means that can shift to a game stop state based on predetermined information regarding benefits; notification means that can execute a notification indicating that the game will shift to the game stop state when the value indicated by the predetermined information is greater than or equal to a specified value and satisfies specified conditions; reduction means that can reduce the visibility of a specific display related to the storage of lottery elements based on the execution of the notification, and when the value indicated by the predetermined information is greater than or equal to a specified value and satisfies specified conditions during the execution of a special game, the transfer means causes a shift to the game stop state after the end of the special game; when the value indicated by the predetermined information is greater than or equal to a specified value and satisfies specified conditions during the special game, the notification means notifies that the game will shift to the game stop state after the end of the special game; and the specific display related to the storage of lottery elements is an image suggesting that a new special game will be executed after the execution of the ongoing special game. A gaming machine characterized by this.

Images