JP7645855B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, there is known a machine that can execute a small prize game or a special game in which a lottery is held based on a gaming ball entering a start winning hole provided in a gaming area, and when a predetermined lottery result is derived by the lottery, a large winning hole into which the gaming ball can enter is opened. In such a gaming machine, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out based on the entry of the gaming ball into the start winning hole or the large winning hole.
Furthermore, in recent years, new gaming machines have been devised that, unlike conventional gaming machines, manage the number of balls owned by a player as numerical data within each gaming machine, and allow players to play without loaning gaming balls or paying out prize balls directly to the player (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2020-178978 A JP 2022-117286 A

In gaming machines such as those described above, there are provided a main control board that controls the progress of the game, a frame control board that is communicatively connected to the main control board and controls the management of held balls and the awarding of prize balls as numerical data, and various commands are transmitted from the main control board to the frame control board.
In recent years, as the functions of gaming machines have been changing, the commands transmitted between boards have also become more diverse, and in order to transmit commands appropriately, there has been a demand for new processing and control methods for transmitting commands, such as the timing and order of transmitting commands.

The present invention was made in light of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can provide new processing and control methods for sending commands.

To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention is configured as follows.

(1) The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes a first control means capable of controlling the progress of a game, a second control means communicably connected to the first control means and capable of controlling the provision of a game value used in a game, and an operation means connected to the first control means and operable, and that can stay in any one of a plurality of game states during the progress of a game, wherein the first control means is capable of transmitting to the second control means a first command indicating the game state in which the game is to be stayed , a second command indicating a game value to be provided based on the establishment of a predetermined provision condition , and a third command relating to the operation of the operation means , and a transmission means capable of transmitting the first command. When both a condition or a transmission condition under which the second command can be transmitted and a transmission condition under which the third command can be transmitted are satisfied, the first command or the second command is transmitted in priority to the third command, and the second control means is capable of calculating a specific value related to a game value awarded in a specific game state based on the first command and the second command received from the first control means, and the first command and the second command are transmitted by different transmission controls under a specific situation and under other situations different from the specific situation.
Here, the gaming value includes physical gaming media such as gaming balls and gaming medals, as well as numerical data that has a value equivalent to the gaming media and stores a value corresponding to the number of gaming media. Also, imparting gaming value includes actually paying out a predetermined amount of gaming media such as gaming balls and gaming medals (executing the payout of physical gaming media), as well as adding a predetermined amount to the numerical data.
In view of the above, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes not only a gaming machine that imparts gaming value by actually paying out a predetermined amount of gaming media such as gaming balls or gaming medals (executing the payout of physical gaming media), but also a gaming machine that has numerical data having the same value as gaming media and in which a value corresponding to the number of gaming media is stored, and that imparts gaming value by adding a predetermined amount to the above-mentioned numerical data instead of paying out gaming media.

(2) In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention is equipped with a test signal control means, the first control means being capable of outputting to the outside of the gaming machine and generating a test signal indicating the progress of the game and the game state, and is capable of setting a non-playable state in which the game cannot proceed based on a differential amount, which is the difference between the amount of game value to be awarded from a specified calculation start point and the amount of game value used in the game, reaching a specific amount, and when the non-playable state is set during the generation of the test signal, the generation of the test signal may be continued after the non-playable state is set.

The present invention provides a gaming machine that can provide new processing and control methods for sending commands.

FIG. This is an external oblique view of the managed gaming machine with the outer frame open. 2 is a schematic front view of the game board of the managed gaming machine. FIG. This is an enlarged view of the second start winning port and movable piece of the managed gaming machine. 1 is a schematic front view of the inside of an attacker device of a managed gaming machine. 2 is an external oblique view of the lower unit of the managed gaming machine. FIG. 2 is an external oblique view of the lower unit of the managed gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the underside of the game board of the managed gaming machine. 2 is an external oblique view of the main control board of the managed gaming machine. FIG. A schematic front view of the frame control board of a managed gaming machine. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the managed gaming machine. This is an example of a command stored in the ring buffer of the managed gaming machine. This is an example of a command stored in the ring buffer of the managed gaming machine. This is an example of a command stored in the ring buffer of the managed gaming machine. This is an example of a command stored in the ring buffer of the managed gaming machine. An explanatory diagram of the frame control management error suggestion table of the managed gaming machine. A flowchart showing an outline of the processing when power is restored in the main control board of a managed gaming machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the difference ball control reset process in the main control board of a managed gaming machine. 13 is a flowchart outlining the timer interrupt processing in the main control board of a managed gaming machine. A flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when a call switch is detected in the main control board of a managed gaming machine. 13 is a flowchart outlining the processing performed when a specific area detection sensor is detected in the main control board of a managed gaming machine. A flowchart showing an outline of the processing performed when a winning-related sensor is detected in the main control board of a managed gaming machine. 13 is a flowchart outlining the frame control transmission area storage process in the main control board of the managed gaming machine. 13 is a flowchart outlining the difference ball related command set processing in the main control board of a managed gaming machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the difference ball determination control process in the main control board of the managed gaming machine. 13 is a flowchart outlining the calculation preparation period start process in the frame control board of a managed gaming machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the frame control timer interrupt processing in the frame control board of a managed gaming machine. 13 is a flowchart outlining the lending and counting control processing in the frame control board of a managed gaming machine. A flowchart showing an outline of the out number counting process in the frame control board of a managed gaming machine. A flowchart showing an outline of the winning ball counting process in the frame control board of a managed gaming machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the period control process in the frame control board of the managed gaming machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the display flag control process in the frame control board of the managed gaming machine. 13 is a flowchart outlining an error indication flag control process in the frame control board of a managed gaming machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of the frame control display device control process in the frame control board of the managed gaming machine.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Overview of managed gaming machine P)
The gaming machine according to this embodiment is a controlled gaming machine P.
The managed gaming machine P is a new gaming machine that aims to strengthen measures against fraudulent acts (so-called cheating acts) and reduce the workload of hall staff. The managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment uses gaming balls as gaming media and shoots out the gaming balls to play, like conventional pachinko machines, but by circulating a predetermined number of gaming balls (45 in this embodiment) in each managed gaming machine P and using the gaming balls in play, the game can be played without directly lending the gaming balls or paying out prize balls to the player (i.e., without the player touching the gaming balls directly), and the number of gaming balls owned by the player (so-called number of balls in possession, hereinafter also referred to as the number of balls in possession) is configured to be managed as numerical data in each managed gaming machine P.

The managed game machine P is connected to a dedicated unit U, which is a device dedicated to the managed game machine P and has a role equivalent to that of a conventional game ball lending device (so-called CR unit) used to lend game balls. In conventional game ball lending devices, a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 125 balls) are lent out directly from the game ball lending device or indirectly via the pachinko machine each time a lending operation is performed on the pachinko machine (i.e., the game balls are paid out to an upper tray provided on the pachinko machine). However, in the dedicated unit U, instead of physically lending game balls, a lending command indicating the lending of the above-mentioned number of lent balls is sent to the managed game machine P each time a lending operation is performed on a lending button provided on a lending switch LS described later (hereinafter, also referred to as a lending operation) on the dedicated unit U.

To give an overview, the managed gaming machines P (1) belong to the same classification as conventional pachinko machines, and players play by shooting gaming balls into a gaming area 12 formed on a gaming board 11 described below, (2) do not have an upper tray and a lower tray capable of receiving gaming balls, as conventional pachinko machines have, and (3) are configured with a lower unit 500 described below that circulates within each managed gaming machine P a predetermined number of gaming balls required for launch, and are also configured with a launching device 502 that has the same performance as conventional pachinko machines in launching gaming balls during the circulation, a cleaning device 503 that removes dirt adhering to the gaming balls, and a Units 540 and the like are provided, (4) the number of balls held is managed and displayed as numerical data by each managed gaming machine P (frame control board 200 described below), (5) a lending command indicating the lending of the above-mentioned number of lent balls is sent from the dedicated unit U to the managed gaming machine P by a lending operation, and when the number of balls held is one or more, a counting command indicating the number of balls held that was managed within the managed gaming machine P is sent to the dedicated unit U by pressing the counting switch 6b described below (hereinafter also referred to as the counting operation).

(External configuration of managed gaming machine P)
Although not specifically shown, in a hall in which the controlled gaming machines P are installed, one or more controlled gaming machines P are arranged in a specified installation area, and a dedicated unit U is installed adjacent to the controlled gaming machines P. One dedicated unit U (for example, a dedicated unit U installed adjacent to the left side of the controlled gaming machine P) is associated with each controlled gaming machine P, and each controlled gaming machine P is connected to the corresponding dedicated unit U.

The dedicated unit U allows the insertion of bills and a storage medium (card) that stores value information corresponding to the number of game balls. After a bill is inserted or a card is inserted, each time a loan operation is performed in the dedicated unit U, a loan command indicating the loan of a number of loaned balls is transmitted from the dedicated unit U to the managed game machine P. When the loan command transmitted from the dedicated unit U is received by the managed game machine P, the number of loaned balls is added to the number of balls managed in the managed game machine P. The player can shoot game balls equal to the number of balls managed. In addition, for example, when a counting operation is performed in the managed game machine P when the number of balls held is one or more, such as when ending a game, a counting command indicating the number of balls held is transmitted from the managed game machine P to the dedicated unit U.

The managed gaming machine P of this embodiment comprises a machine frame 1 which is a roughly rectangular frame body fixed to an installation area, an inner frame 2 which is a roughly rectangular frame body attached to the machine frame by a hinge mechanism H1 so as to be freely opened and closed and has a hollow portion (not specifically shown), and an outer frame 3 which is a roughly rectangular frame body attached to the inner frame 2 by a hinge mechanism H2 so as to be freely opened and closed and has an opening 3a (see Figures 1 and 2).
The hinge mechanisms H1 and H2 are provided at the left ends of the inner frame 2 and the outer frame 3, respectively, as seen from a player facing the game board 11 (described later) (see FIG. 2). That is, the right ends of the inner frame 2 and the outer frame 3, opposite the hinge mechanisms H1 and H2, are open ends. The open ends rotate around the hinge mechanisms H1 and H2 in the front direction (toward the player facing the game board 11), opening the inner frame 2 and the outer frame 3.

In the hollow portion of the inner frame 2, a game board 11 (see FIG. 3) for forming the game area 12 is housed, although not shown. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the outer frame 3 is provided with a transparent plate 4 covering the opening 3a, a deck portion 3b located below the opening 3a and protruding forward, an operation handle 5 attached to the lower right of the deck portion 3b (the lower right corner of the outer frame 3) for performing the launch operation of the game balls, and speakers 10 as audio output devices attached to the upper left and right and the lower left and right of the transparent plate 4. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the deck portion 3b of the outer frame 3 is provided with a game ball number display unit 6 for displaying the number of balls held and performing counting operations, a call switch 7 for calling a hall clerk, and a performance operation device 9 that can perform various operations related to the performance described later. Furthermore, various lamps 23 are provided on the outer periphery of the outer frame 3 as lighting devices that emit light in various colors and light patterns to perform performances and notify various errors described later. Each of these lamps 23 is made up of an LED capable of emitting light in multiple colors.

In this managed gaming machine P, when the inner frame 2 is closed against the machine frame 1 and the outer frame 3 is then closed, the transparent plate 4 is positioned in front of the gaming board 11 with a gap between them. This makes it possible to view the gaming board 11 located at the rear through the transparent plate 4.

The operating handle 5 is formed so that the player can rotate it in a predetermined direction. When the player rotates the operating handle 5 while the number of balls managed by the managed gaming machine P is one or more, the game balls stored in a circulating manner in the managed gaming machine P are sent to the launching device 502, and the game balls are launched by the launching device 502 toward the game area 12 with a launching strength according to the rotation angle of the operating handle 5. The game balls launched with a launching strength that allows the game balls to reach the game area 12 (hereinafter also referred to as the game area reaching launching strength) or more are guided by a pair of rails 13a, 13b fixed to the game board 11, rise, and reach the game area 12. In contrast, a game ball launched at a launch strength less than the game area reach launch strength cannot reach the game area 12 and is guided downward by the rails 13a, 13b, passes through the foul passage 610 described below which communicates with the lower space of the rails 13a, 13b, and reaches the storage tank 510 described below which is located at the front lower part of the inner frame 2.
In this specification, a game ball that is launched but fails to reach the game area 12 is also referred to as a "foul ball."

1, the game ball count display unit 6 includes a ball count display device 6a that displays the number of balls held that are managed in the managed game machine P (described later), and a count switch 6b that can be pressed down to perform the counting operation described above. The ball count display device 6a is composed of six seven-segment displays with decimal points arranged side by side, and can display the number of balls held from 0 to 999999.
For example, when starting a new game on a managed gaming machine P where no game is being played, the number of balls held is usually 0, so the ball number display device 6a displays that the number of balls held is 0 (for example, displays "000000"). At this time, when a lending operation is performed in the dedicated unit U, the above-mentioned lending command is sent to the managed gaming machine P, the number of lent balls (125 balls) is added to the number of balls held in the managed gaming machine P, and the number of balls held after this addition is displayed on the ball number display device 6a. For example, as described above, when the number of balls held is 0 and a lending operation is performed once, the ball number display device 6a displays that the number of balls held is 125 (for example, displays "000125").
Furthermore, when the number of balls held managed in the managed gaming machine P is one or more, such as when a game ends, the counting operation is performed by pressing the counting switch 6b, and the above-mentioned counting command indicating the number of balls held managed in the managed gaming machine P is transmitted to the dedicated unit U. As a result, all of the balls held managed in the managed gaming machine P are transmitted to the dedicated unit U, the number of balls held managed in the managed gaming machine P becomes zero, and the ball number display device 6a displays that the number of balls held is zero.
In addition, each time one game ball is shot, the number of balls being managed is decremented by one, and the number of balls being held displayed on the ball number display device 6a is also decremented by one accordingly. If a shot game ball is a foul ball, the foul ball has not been used in a game and should be returned to the balls being held, so the number of balls being managed is incremented by one, and the number of balls being held displayed on the ball number display device 6a is also incremented by one accordingly. If a game ball enters one of the winning holes described below, the number of prize balls corresponding to that ball is added to the number of balls being managed, and the number of balls being held displayed on the ball number display device 6a is also increased by the number of prize balls.
The number of 7-segment displays constituting the ball count display device 6a is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of displaying the upper limit of the number of game balls that can be acquired by the managed gaming machine P, and may be 5 or less, or 7 or more. Also, the ball count display device 6a may be composed of a liquid crystal display device, a dot matrix display device, or the like, instead of a 7-segment display device.

The game area 12 is a portion of the space formed between the game board 11 and the transparent plate 4 when the inner frame 2 and the outer frame 3 are closed to the machine frame 1, which is partitioned into an approximately circular shape by a pair of rails 13a, 13b fixed to the game board 11, and is an area through which game balls can flow down.
As shown in Fig. 3, the game area 12 is composed of a first game area 12a, which is an area on the left side as seen by a player facing the managed game machine P, and a second game area 12b, which is an area on the right side as seen by a player facing the managed game machine P. These two game areas 12 have different possibilities for game balls to enter depending on the above-mentioned launch strength. Specifically, a game ball launched with a launch strength equal to or higher than the above-mentioned game area reaching launch strength and which does not cause the game ball to reach the highest point of the game area 12 (hereinafter also referred to as the highest point reaching launch strength) enters the first game area 12a. On the other hand, a game ball launched with a launch strength equal to or higher than the highest point reaching launch strength can enter the second game area 12b.

As shown in Figure 3, within this game area 12, there are provided a windmill and numerous nails for making the direction in which game balls flow irregularly, a general winning opening 14 through which game balls can enter, a first starting winning opening 15 and a second starting winning opening 16 as starting areas, a gate 20 through which game balls can pass, an attacker device 17 that operates when a predetermined condition is met, an outlet 19 that guides game balls out of the game area 12, and a performance display device 21 that acts as a performance device that performs performances as the game progresses. Note that Figure 3 shows only some of the nails, and the other nails are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3, the general winning opening 14 is located at the lower left side of the game area 12. When a game ball enters the general winning opening 14, the number of prize balls corresponding to the ball (five in this embodiment) is added to the number of balls managed by the managed game machine P. Note that there is no particular limit to the number or location of the general winning openings 14.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first start winning hole 15 is located slightly below the center of the game area 12. Game balls flowing down the first game area 12a can enter the first start winning hole 15, but game balls flowing down the second game area 12b are almost never allowed to enter the first start winning hole 15.

As shown in FIG. 3, the gate 20 is provided at the top of the second game area 12b (slightly above the center of the right side of the game area 12). In the managed game machine P of this embodiment, only game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can pass through the gate 20, and game balls flowing down the first game area 12a cannot pass through the gate 20. When a game ball passes through the gate 20, a lottery for a normal symbol, which will be described later, is held. If the lottery results in a winning combination, the movable piece 16b, which will be described later, protrudes for a predetermined period of time.

As shown in FIG. 3, below the gate 20, the second start winning hole 16 and a flat movable piece 16b (normal electric device) that can be protruded and retracted from the game board 11 are arranged side by side. The upper surface of the movable piece 16b is formed so that it slopes downward from the right end to the left end when protruding from the game board 11. The right end of the movable piece 16b is located directly below the gate 20, and the second start winning hole 16 is located to the left of the left end of the movable piece 16b. The second start winning hole 16 is cup-shaped with an opening toward the top, and a game ball that reaches the opening enters the second start winning hole 16. When the movable piece 16b protrudes from the game board 11 (hereinafter also referred to as the protruding state), the upper surface of the movable piece 16b functions as a guide member that guides the game ball to the opening of the second start winning hole 16 (see FIG. 4(b)). In contrast, when the movable piece 16b is immersed in the game board 11 (hereinafter also referred to as the immersed state), the movable piece 16b cannot guide the game ball to the opening of the second start winning hole 16 (see FIG. 4(a)). Also, only game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can enter the second start winning hole 16, and game balls flowing down the first game area 12a cannot enter the second start winning hole 16.

The second start winning opening 16 and the movable piece 16b are not limited to the above configuration. For example, the second start winning opening 16 may be provided with a wing member that can rotate left and right around an axis perpendicular to the game board 11 to open and close the second start winning opening 16 as the movable piece 16b. Specifically, when the movable piece 16b (wing member) is closed, the second start winning opening 16 is closed and it is impossible for a game ball to enter the second start winning opening 16, whereas when the movable piece 16b opens, the second start winning opening 16 is open and the movable piece 16b functions as a guide member that guides the game ball toward the second start winning opening 16, thereby making it possible for a game ball to enter the second start winning opening 16. Additionally, the movable piece 16b may be a cover member that rotates back and forth around an axis horizontal to the game board 11 to open and close the second start winning opening 16, or it may be a shutter member that slides up and down to open and close the second start winning opening 16.

The installation positions of the first start winning opening 15 and the second start winning opening 16 are not particularly limited. For example, the first start winning opening 15 and the second start winning opening 16 may be placed in a position that allows game balls flowing down either game area 12 (first game area 12a, second game area 12b) to easily enter the opening.

When a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, the number of prize balls corresponding to that ball (1 in this embodiment) is added to the number of balls managed by the managed game machine P, and a lottery is held to determine whether the ball will win or lose (in this embodiment, a lottery to determine whether the small win will be won or lost), and one special pattern is selected from a number of predetermined special patterns. Each special pattern is associated with various game benefits, and depending on the type of special pattern selected, game benefits such as the execution of a small win game that triggers the execution of a special game advantageous to the player, the setting of a predetermined game state, etc. are awarded.

The number of prize balls corresponding to the game ball entering the first start winning port 15 or the second start winning port 16 is not particularly limited as long as it is one or more, and may be any number. In addition, the number of prize balls may be the same or different between the start winning port with the movable piece 16b (second start winning port 16) and the start winning port without the movable piece 16b (first start winning port 15).

3, the attacker device 17 is provided in the center of the right part of the game area 12 (below the second start winning opening 16 and the movable piece 16b). The attacker device 17 is provided with a large winning opening 18 through which game balls can enter, and an opening/closing door 18b that opens and closes the large winning opening 18. Normally, the opening/closing door 18b is closed and the large winning opening 18 is closed, so that game balls cannot enter the large winning opening 18. However, when the above-mentioned small win game or special game is executed, the opening/closing door 18b opens and the large winning opening 18 is opened, and the opening/closing door 18b functions as a receiving member that guides game balls to the large winning opening 18, making it possible for game balls to enter the large winning opening 18. When one game ball enters the big prize opening 18, the number of prize balls corresponding to that ball (10 in this embodiment) is added to the number of balls managed by the management game machine P.

3, game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can enter the large prize opening 18, but game balls flowing down the first game area 12a cannot. Although not shown, nails, windmills, etc. are arranged so that almost all game balls flowing down the second game area 12b can reach the large prize opening 18, except for those that enter the second start prize opening 16. Therefore, as long as game balls continue to be shot out as long as the large prize opening 18 is open, the game balls will enter the large prize opening 18.

Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 5(a) and (b), a rolling path 51 is provided inside the attacker device 17 along which a gaming ball that has entered the large prize opening 18 can roll to the left. This rolling path 51 branches into an upper passage 52 and a lower passage 53 at a predetermined position in the rolling direction, and at the end of the upper passage 52 is provided a general area 58 into which a gaming ball that has entered the large prize opening 18 can enter, while at the end of the lower passage 53 is provided a specific area 57 into which a gaming ball that has entered the large prize opening 18 can enter (see Figs. 5(a) and (b)).

5(a) and (b), a distribution member 59 that distributes game balls to either the upper passage 52 or the lower passage 53 is provided at the branching point of the upper passage 52 and the lower passage 53. The distribution member 59 is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the game board 11 and can be displaced between a first position that opens the path to the upper passage 52 and blocks the path to the lower passage 53, and a second position that blocks the path to the upper passage 52 and opens the path to the lower passage 53. When the distribution member 59 is in the first position, the game ball that enters the big prize opening 18 advances to the upper passage 52 and enters the general area 58, and when the distribution member 59 is in the second position, the game ball advances to the lower passage 53 and enters the specific area 57.

Although not specifically shown, the attacker device 17 is provided with a specific area outlet for discharging game balls that have entered the specific area 57 outside the big prize opening 18 (on the rear side of the game board 11), and a general area outlet for discharging game balls that have entered the general area 58 outside the big prize opening 18 (on the rear side of the game board 11).

In the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, during a small win game, the distribution member 59 stays at the second position, and a gaming ball that enters the large prize opening 18 does not enter the general area 58, but all enters the specific area 57. In contrast, during a special game, the distribution member 59 stays at the first position, and a gaming ball that enters the large prize opening 18 does not enter the specific area 57, but all enters the general area 58.
That is, game balls can enter the specific area 57 only during a small win game. As a result, during a small win game, if a game ball is shot toward the second game area 12b, the game ball will enter the large prize opening 18, and the game ball that enters the large prize opening 18 will always enter the specific area 57. In the managed game machine P according to this embodiment, a special game is executed based on a predetermined number of game balls (one in this embodiment) entering the specific area 57 during a small win game.

3, the outlet 19 is provided at the bottom of the game area 12 and receives game balls that have not entered any of the general winning opening 14, the first start winning opening 15, the second start winning opening 16, and the large winning opening 18. Then, all game balls received at the outlet 19 and game balls that have entered each of the above-mentioned winning openings (general winning opening 14, first start winning opening 15, second start winning opening 16, large winning opening 18) reach the outlet passage 600 described below, and through this outlet passage 600 reach the storage tank 510 described below that is provided at the front lower part of the inner frame 2.
After being shipped from the factory, the managed gaming machine P does not contain any gaming balls for circulation, and after installation in the hall, a predetermined number (45 balls) of gaming balls are replenished into the managed gaming machine P. Specifically, the outer frame 3 is opened and gaming balls are inserted into the outlet 19 to replenish the gaming balls for circulation.

As shown in FIG. 3, the performance display device 21 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 12. In the managed game machine P according to this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is used as the performance display device 21. The performance display device 21 is provided with a display unit 21a for displaying images such as moving images and still images. In the display unit 21a, a background image is displayed, and a variable performance is performed in association with the variable display of the special pattern. In this variable performance, the performance pattern 50 (dummy pattern) is displayed in a variable manner, and the result of the winning/losing lottery is notified (suggested) to the player by the stop display mode of each performance pattern 50. The performance display device 21 is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, and may be, for example, a drum-type display device that performs various displays using a plurality of drums with patterns on the outer periphery.
The presentation devices are not limited to liquid crystal display devices and lamps 23, but may be other devices such as props that operate at various times and in various ways.

The managed gaming machine P of this embodiment is provided with the performance operation device 9 arranged on the deck section 3b, which includes an operation button 9a that can be pressed to progress or switch the performance, a volume change button 9b that can be pressed to change the volume of the sound output from the speaker 10, a light intensity change button 9c that can be pressed to change the light intensity of the lamp 23, and a cross key 9d that can be pressed to perform setting operations on a menu screen (displayed on the display section 21a) for making various settings related to the performance.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the lower right portion of the game board 11 and outside the game area 12, a first special symbol display device 30, a second special symbol display device 31, a first special symbol reserved display device 38, a second special symbol reserved display device 39, a normal symbol display device 32, and a normal symbol reserved display device 33 are provided as devices for displaying various game statuses.

In the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, a lower unit 500 for circulating gaming balls is provided at the lower front part of the inner frame 2 (below the gaming board 11). This lower unit 500 is composed of multiple devices, and mainly includes a launching device 502 for launching the gaming balls, a storage tank 510 for storing the gaming balls, a rectifier 520 for sending the gaming balls to the launching device, a lifting unit 530 for lifting the gaming balls in the storage tank 510 to the ball passage 620 described below, and a cleaning unit 540 for removing dirt adhering to the gaming balls.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the above-mentioned out passage 600 is provided at the top of the lower unit 500. As described above, all game balls that enter the general winning port 14, the first start winning port 15, the second start winning port 16, and the large winning port 18, and game balls received by the out port 19 reach the out passage 600. These game balls then flow down the out passage 600 and reach the storage tank 510 via the communication port 630 provided at the most downstream of the out passage 600 (see Figure 7). Arrow A in Figure 7 indicates the path of the game balls flowing down the out passage 600.
Further, an out sensor 601 capable of detecting a gaming ball flowing down the out passage 600 is provided in the middle of the out passage 600 and in front of the communication port 630, as shown in FIG.

7, the foul passage 610 is provided above the lower unit 500 and to the left of the out passage 600. As described above, a foul ball that is shot but does not reach the playing area 12 reaches the foul passage 610. The foul ball then flows down the foul passage 610 and reaches the storage tank 510 (see FIG. 7). Arrow B in FIG. 7 indicates the path of the foul ball flowing down the foul passage 610.
Further, at the most downstream position of the foul passage 610 and at the entrance of the storage tank 510, as shown in FIG. 7, a foul ball sensor 611 capable of detecting a foul ball flowing down the foul passage 610 is provided.

7, the storage tank 510 is provided in the lower central portion of the lower unit 500, and stores game balls that have flowed down the out passage 600 and foul balls that have flowed down the foul passage 610. The game balls stored in the storage tank 510 reach a pumping unit 530 that is disposed downstream of the storage tank 510.
7, the storage tank 510 is equipped with an excess number of circulating balls sensor 511 and an insufficient number of circulating balls sensor 512. The excess number of circulating balls sensor 511 is for detecting an excess number of circulating balls state in which the number of game balls stored in the storage tank 510 (i.e., game balls circulating in the managed game machine P) is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper circulation limit (e.g., 47 balls, etc.). The insufficient number of circulating balls sensor 512 is for detecting an insufficient number of circulating balls state in which the number of game balls stored in the storage tank 510 is less than a predetermined lower circulation limit (e.g., 43 balls, etc.).
The storage tank 510 is provided with an outlet (not shown) that can be opened and closed and that discharges the stored game balls to the outside of the managed game machine P, and an opening/closing lever 515 for opening and closing the outlet (see FIGS. 6 and 7). By operating the opening/closing lever 515, the outlet is opened and the game balls stored in the storage tank 510 can be discharged to the outside of the managed game machine P from the outlet.

The lifting unit 530 lifts the game balls arriving from the storage tank 510 to the ball passage 620 located at the top of the lifting unit 530 and in front of the foul passage 610, and is equipped with a screw conveyor 531 that lifts the game balls toward the ball passage 620, and a lifting motor 532 that rotates the screw conveyor 531 (see Figures 6 and 7). When the lifting motor 532 is activated, the screw conveyor 531 rotates, and the game balls arriving from the storage tank 510 are lifted from the bottom to the top by this screw conveyor 531 and reach the ball passage 620.
Further, below the screw conveyor 531, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a rotation sensor 533 capable of detecting the rotation of the screw conveyor 531 based on the operation of the lifting motor 532 is provided.

The cleaning unit 540 is provided next to the screw conveyor 531 with a predetermined gap (a gap slightly larger than the diameter of the game balls) and is equipped with a polishing roller 541 capable of polishing the game balls lifted by the screw conveyor 531 (see Figures 6 and 7). A polishing cloth (not specifically shown) for polishing the game balls is attached to the outer periphery of this polishing roller 541. The game balls are lifted while sandwiched between the screw conveyor 531 and the outer periphery of the polishing roller 541, and are polished by the polishing cloth during the lifting process.

A rectifier 520 is provided downstream of the above-mentioned ball passage 620, and a launching device 502 is provided downstream of this rectifier 520 (see FIG. 6). The rectifier 520 has a rectifier solenoid 521 that sends game balls to the launching device 502 (see FIG. 6). Although not shown in particular, the launching device 502 has a hammer that shoots the game balls sent out from the rectifier 520 one by one, and a launching motor 503 that rotates the hammer. The launching motor 503 may be configured with a solenoid.
The game balls that are lifted by the screw conveyor 51 and reach the ball passage 620 flow down this ball passage 620 and reach the rectifier 520. Then, when the operating handle 5 is rotated, the rectifier solenoid 521 is actuated to send the game ball to the launching device 502, and the launching motor 503 is actuated to rotate the hammer, thereby shooting out (launching) the game ball.
In addition, a rectifier inlet sensor 522 capable of detecting a gaming ball positioned at the inlet of the rectifier 520, which is the most downstream of the ball passage 620, is provided, and a rectifier outlet sensor 523 capable of detecting a gaming ball positioned at the outlet of the rectifier 520 is provided (see FIG. 6 ). When a gaming ball is detected by the rectifier inlet sensor 522, a rectifier inlet detection signal is output to the frame control board 200 described below, and when a gaming ball is detected by the rectifier outlet sensor 523, a rectifier outlet detection signal is output to the frame control board 200.

As shown in FIG. 8, the main control board 100, which stores the setting values and main control state described below and controls the basic operation of the managed gaming machine P, is attached in a transparent box-shaped main control board case 150 at the top center of the back side of the game board 11. Below the main control board 100, the sub-control board 300, which controls various presentations, is attached in a transparent box-shaped sub-control board case 350. Below the sub-control board 300, the frame control board 200, which controls the launch of game balls, the circulation of game balls within the managed gaming machine P, the management (storage) and display of the number of balls held, and the display of game performance information described below, is attached in a transparent box-shaped frame control board case 250.

In addition, a power supply board 700 for supplying power to each board is provided at the bottom of the back side of the game board 11, near the open end of the inner frame 2 (to the left of the frame control board 200 in Figure 8), and this power supply board 700 is provided with a power switch 750.
The power switch 750 can be switched on or off. When the power switch 750 is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply board 700 to each board, and when the power switch 750 is turned off, the supply of power from the power supply board 700 to each board is stopped.
In this specification, when the power switch 750 is turned on and power is supplied, this will be referred to as "power on", "power outage recovery", etc., and when the power switch 750 is turned off and power supply is stopped, this will be referred to as "power off", "power outage occurs", etc.

(Configuration of the control means of the managed gaming machine P)
Next, the control means for controlling the operation of the managed gaming machine P will be described.
The above-mentioned control means is composed of a main control board 100, a frame control board 200, a sub-control board 300, and a power supply board 700 (not specifically shown), as shown in Fig. 11. Also, as shown in Fig. 11, the frame control board 200 and the sub-control board 300 are connected to the main control board 100. Although not specifically shown, a power supply board 700 is connected to each board.

(Outline of main control board 100)
As described above, the main control board 100 stores the setting values and the main control state, and controls the games played in the managed gaming machine P. Specifically, it controls the special game that is started when the gaming ball enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, the normal game that is started when the gaming ball passes through the gate 20, the small win game, and the special game.

Here, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, multiple stages are set for the setting of the balls to be dispensed, from setting value 1 to setting value 6, and the probability of winning a small prize in the win/lose lottery varies depending on the setting value. For example, setting value 6 is set to have a higher probability of winning a small prize than setting value 1, and if the probability of winning a small prize is high, the possibility of awarding prize balls (the number of prize balls being added) also increases, so by changing the setting value, the amount of prize balls expected to be awarded in the managed gaming machine P changes.
The set value may be set to two to five levels instead of six levels, or only one set value may be provided.

In addition, the managed gaming machine P in this embodiment has, as main control states which are control states managed by the main control board 100, a playable state in which the game can be played, a setting confirmation state in which the game cannot be played (the game progress stops) and the set setting values can be confirmed, a setting change state in which the game cannot be played (the game progress stops) and the set setting values can be changed, and a game stopped state in which the game cannot be played, and the setting values cannot be confirmed or changed, and the machine is configured to stay in one of the main control states when the power is on.
When the main control state is the setting change state, the currently set setting value can be changed (switched) by performing a predetermined setting change operation.

As shown in FIG. 9, the main control board 100 in this embodiment is a rectangular plate-shaped board, and is a single-sided board (single-layer board) with a wiring pattern provided on only one side. Note that the main control board 100 may also be a double-sided board (two-layer board) with a wiring pattern provided on both sides.

As shown in FIG. 9, the surface of the main control board 100 is provided with a one-chip main IC 104 that integrates the main CPU 101, main ROM 102, and main RAM 103, a setting value display device 105, a connector 106, a test-only output terminal 107, a setting switch 108, a RAM clear switch 109, etc.

The main CPU 101 is an electronic component that performs various arithmetic processing. The main ROM 102 is an electronic component (Read Only Memory) equipped with a read-only memory area that stores a gaming machine specific code indicating the manufacturer and model of the managed gaming machine P, a control program required for playing, tables, etc. The main RAM 103 is an electronic component (Read Write Memory) equipped with a readable and writable memory area used for storing the above-mentioned setting values, a gaming machine state flag indicating the main control state, various data related to the progress of the game (for example, execution phase data indicating the progress of the special game, and regular game execution phase data indicating the progress of the regular game), etc., and for storing temporary data during arithmetic processing by the main CPU 101.
Based on signals from various sensors and timers connected to the main control board 100, the main CPU 101 reads out control programs and tables stored in the main ROM 102 and performs calculation processing, etc., as well as controlling various devices connected to the main control board 100 and transmitting commands to other boards (frame control board 200, sub-control board 300) based on the results of detection by the above-mentioned sensors and calculation processing.

In addition, the memory area of the main RAM 103 stores the above-mentioned setting values, a game machine status flag indicating the main control status, various data related to the progress of the game, as well as a checksum of the main RAM 103 calculated at the time the power is turned off, a backup flag (a flag for determining whether there is an abnormality in the backup process of the main RAM 103 performed at the time the power is turned off), information on main control management errors managed by the main control board 100, a difference ball count value used for operation stop control based on the difference ball number described below (hereinafter also referred to as difference ball operation stop control), difference ball operation stop control phase data for setting various states related to the difference ball operation stop control (pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, activation preview state, and activation state described below), test signal information described below, etc.
It should be noted that the data stored in the memory area of the main RAM 103 is not limited to these. For example, in a managed gaming machine P that is set up so that a special fluctuation pattern is determined when the number of fluctuations since the end of a special game reaches a specific number, information on the above-mentioned specific number of times may be stored.
In addition, although not specifically shown, the memory area of the main RAM 103 is provided with a ring buffer that is used to temporarily store various commands (in this embodiment, the prize ball designation command and the game status command described below) to be transmitted from the main control board 100 to the frame control board 200.

The setting value display device 105 is a device that displays the set setting value, and is composed of a seven-segment display. During a setting confirmation state or a setting change state, the current setting value stored in the main RAM 103 is displayed. Also, if a main control management error occurs in the managed gaming machine P, a code indicating that fact is displayed.
The set value display device 105 may be configured with a liquid crystal display, a dot matrix display, or the like, instead of a seven-segment display.

The connectors 106 are used to connect various harnesses, cables, etc., and are provided in multiple numbers on the surface of the main control board 100.

The test-only output terminal 107 is a terminal for outputting a test signal used in a type test, and is provided on the surface of the main control board 100. Here, the type test is a test for determining whether the controlled gaming machine P complies with a predetermined regulation, and the test signal is a signal used in the type test. In the controlled gaming machine P according to this embodiment, various test signals are generated by the main CPU 101 at various timings, and the generated test signals can be output from the test-only output terminal 107 to the outside of the controlled gaming machine P. Specifically, a test computer (not shown) is used for the type test, and this test computer is provided with a dedicated receiving terminal (not shown) that can be connected to the test-only output terminal 107. Then, when the above-mentioned receiving terminal is connected to the test-only output terminal 107, the test signal generated by the main CPU 101 and output from the test-only output terminal 107 is input to the test computer outside the controlled gaming machine P via this receiving terminal.
The output of the test signal will be described in detail later.

The setting switch 108 is referenced to set the main control state (playable state, setting confirmation state, setting change state, game stopped state) when the power is turned on. This setting switch 108 is provided with an operation unit (not specifically shown) with a keyhole, and is configured so that it can be rotated when a specified key is inserted into this keyhole. Normally, the setting switch 108 is off, but when a rotation operation is performed, the setting switch 108 turns on.

The RAM clear switch 109 is used to clear specific data stored in the main RAM 103 and the frame control RAM 203 described below, and to change setting values. The RAM clear switch 109 is provided with a RAM clear button 109a that can be pressed. When the RAM clear button 109a is not pressed, the RAM clear switch 109 is off, but when the RAM clear button 109a is pressed, the RAM clear switch 109 is turned on.

In the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, regardless of the main control state that was set before the power outage, when the power is turned from off to on with both the setting switch 108 and the RAM clear switch 109 on (when the power is restored from the power outage), the main CPU 101 sets the setting change state and clears the predetermined data stored in the main RAM 103 and the frame control RAM 203. If the playable state or setting confirmation state was set before the power outage, when the power is turned from off to on with the setting switch 108 on and the RAM clear switch 109 off, the main CPU 101 sets the setting confirmation state. Regardless of the main control state that was set before the power outage, when the power is turned from off to on with both the setting switch 108 and the RAM clear switch 109 off, the main CPU 101 sets the main control state that was set before the power outage. Regardless of the main control state that was set before the power interruption occurred, when the power is turned from off to on with the setting switch 108 off and the RAM clear switch 109 on, the main CPU 101 sets the main control state that was set before the power interruption occurred and clears specified data stored in the main RAM 103 and the frame control RAM 203.
Furthermore, when the setting switch 108 is turned off during the setting change state, the main CPU 101 sets the playable state, and when the setting switch 108 is turned off during the setting confirmation state, the playable state is set.
The set value can be changed (switched) by pressing the RAM clear button (turning on the RAM clear switch 108) during the setting change state. As described above, the set value is stored in the main RAM 103, and when the set value is changed, the set value stored in the main RAM 103 is changed.
In this specification, clearing of predetermined data stored in the main RAM 103 and the frame control RAM 203 by the RAM clear switch 108 is also referred to simply as "RAM clear."

Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the main control board 100 is connected to a general prize opening detection sensor 14a which detects when a game ball has entered the general prize opening 14, a first start prize opening detection sensor 15a which detects when a game ball has entered the first start prize opening 15, a second start prize opening detection sensor 16a which detects when a game ball has entered the second start prize opening 16, a gate detection sensor 20a which detects when a game ball has passed through the gate 20, a setting switch 108, a RAM clear switch 109, a call switch 7, a specific area detection sensor 57a which detects when a game ball has entered a specific area 57 provided in the large prize opening 18, and a general area detection sensor 58a which detects when a game ball has entered the general area 58 provided in the large prize opening 18.
The detection signals output from each of these sensors and signals indicating the on/off state of each switch are input to a main control board 100.

The call switch 7 is also provided with a call button 7a that can be pressed (see FIG. 1). When the call button 7a is not pressed, the call switch 7 is off, but when the call button 7a is pressed, the call switch 7 is turned on. When the call switch 7 is turned on, the main CPU 101 transmits a call command to the frame control board 200 indicating that the call button 7a has been pressed (indicating that the call switch 7 has been turned on). When the frame control board 200 receives the call command, the frame control CPU 201 of the frame control board 200, which will be described later, outputs external information indicating that the call button 7a has been pressed to a hall computer installed outside the managed gaming machine P. This allows the hall computer to know that the call button 7a has been pressed, and allows the hall staff to be called.
Furthermore, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, regardless of the main control state (playable state, setting confirmation state, setting change state, game stopped state), when the call button 7a is pressed, a call command is sent to the frame control board 200.

The RAM clear switch 109 may be connected to the frame control board 200 instead of the main control board 100. When connected to the frame control board 200, when the RAM clear button is pressed and the RAM clear switch 109 is turned on, a RAM clear command indicating this is sent from the frame control board 200 to the main control board 100, and the main CPU 101 may execute the various processes described above based on receiving the RAM clear command.

In addition, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, a separate sensor is not provided to detect the entry of a gaming ball into the large prize opening 18, and the entry of a gaming ball into the large prize opening 18 is detected by the detection of the gaming ball by the specific area detection sensor 57a or the general area detection sensor 58a. In other words, the specific area detection sensor 57a is used to detect the entry of a gaming ball into the large prize opening 18 and the entry of a gaming ball into the specific area 57, and the general area detection sensor 58a is used to detect the entry of a gaming ball into the large prize opening 18 and the entry of a gaming ball into the specific area 57.

Furthermore, the main control board 100 is connected to the following devices to be controlled: a movable piece solenoid 16c which drives the movable piece 16b to protrude and retract, a large prize opening solenoid 18c which drives the opening and closing door 18b of the large prize opening 18 to open and close, a distribution member solenoid 59c which displaces the distribution member 59, a first special pattern display device 30, a second special pattern display device 31, a normal pattern display device 32, a first special pattern reserve display device 38, a second special pattern reserve display device 39, a normal pattern reserve display device 33, and a setting value display device 105.
The main control board 100 drives each solenoid to control the projection and recession of the movable piece 16b attached to the second start winning port 16, the opening and closing of the large winning port 18, and the displacement of the sorting member 59, as well as controlling the display of each display device.

In addition, the main control board 100 is adapted to manage main control management errors, which are errors related to devices connected to the main control board 100 (main control board abnormality error that occurs when an abnormality occurs in the main RAM 103, an illegal winning error that occurs when a game ball enters the large winning hole 18 other than during the execution of a small winning game or a special game, an abnormal winning error that occurs when an excessive number of game balls enter the first start winning hole 15, the second start winning hole 16, and the large winning hole 18, and a large winning hole abnormal discharge error that occurs when a game ball is detected as being discharged from the large winning hole 18 during the execution of a special game, even though no game ball has been detected as being entered into the large winning hole 18). When any of the main control management errors occurs, the main CPU 101 transmits an error command indicating the main control management error that has occurred to the frame control board 200 and the sub-control board 300. This allows the frame control board 200 and the sub-control board 300 to grasp the occurrence of various main control management errors. Then, the main control management error that has occurred is indicated by displaying an error indication image corresponding to the main control management error that has occurred on the performance display device 21, lighting a lamp 23 in a manner corresponding to the main control management error that has occurred, or outputting an error indication sound corresponding to the main control management error that has occurred from the sound output device 10.
Furthermore, when the occurring main control management error is cleared, the main CPU 101 transmits an error clear command indicating the clearing of the main control management error to the frame control board 200 and the sub-control board 300. This allows the frame control board 200 and the sub-control board 300 to grasp the clearing of the main control management error and to end the suggestion of the ongoing main control management error.

(Outline of frame control board 200)
As described above, the frame control board 200 mainly controls the launch of game balls and the circulation of game balls within the managed game machine P, as well as the management (storage) and display of the number of balls held, and the display of game performance information.

As shown in FIG. 11, the frame control board 200 is connected to the main control board 100 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally, and is also connected to the dedicated unit U so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally. The dedicated unit U may be directly connected to the frame control board 200 by a specified cable or the like, or may be indirectly connected to the frame control board 200 via a specified relay board.

In addition, the managed gaming machine P in this embodiment has, as control states (hereinafter also referred to as frame control states) managed by the frame control board 200, a startup preparation state which is the state from when the power is turned on until communication with the main control board 100 and the dedicated unit U becomes possible, a normal state in which communication with the main control board 100 and the dedicated unit U is possible, and a ball removal state which indicates that the gaming balls contained in the managed gaming machine P are being removed, and is configured to stay in any of the frame control states when the power is on.
When the main control state is a playable state and the frame control state is a normal state, a game can be played.

Although not specifically shown, the surface of the frame control board 200 is equipped with a frame control CPU 201, a frame control ROM 202, and a frame control RAM 203, as well as a frame control display device 210, an error release switch 220, a game ball count clear switch 230, and a ball removal switch 240 (see Figures 8 and 10), and these electronic components are connected to the frame control board 200.

The frame control CPU 201 is an electronic component that performs various arithmetic processing, similar to the main CPU 101. The frame control ROM 202 is an electronic component (Read Only Memory) that has a read-only memory area that stores the above-mentioned gaming machine specific code, control programs necessary for various controls performed by the frame control board 200, etc. The frame control RAM 203 is an electronic component (Read Write Memory) that has a readable and writable memory area used for counting the number of winning balls, storing the number of balls held, etc., and storing temporary data during arithmetic processing by the frame control CPU 201.
Based on signals from various sensors and timers connected to the frame control board 200, the frame control CPU 201 reads out control programs stored in the frame control ROM 202 and performs calculations, etc., as well as controls various devices connected to the frame control board 200 and processes the sending and receiving of commands to the dedicated unit U.

In addition, the frame control RAM 203 counts the number of winning balls based on the game balls entering each winning port (general winning port 14, first start winning port 15, second start winning port 16, large winning port 18), the number of game balls that have reached the game area 12 among the game balls that have been fired (i.e., the value calculated by minus the number of game balls fired - the number of foul balls, hereinafter also referred to as the number of outs), etc.
Specifically, in the frame control RAM 203, the total number of outs during all game states (non-time-saving game states, time-saving game states, and special game states in which special games are being played, as described below) during a specified calculation period (hereinafter also referred to as the total number of outs), the total number of outs during non-time-saving game states (hereinafter also referred to as the total number of non-time-saving outs), the total number of outs during special game states (hereinafter also referred to as the total number of special game outs), the total number of prize balls during non-time-saving game states (hereinafter also referred to as the total number of non-time-saving prize balls), the total number of prize balls during special game states (hereinafter also referred to as the total number of special game prize balls), etc. In other words, in the managed game machine P of this embodiment, a specified memory area in the frame control RAM 203 functions as a counter for counting the various values described above.
Then, in the frame control RAM 203, the game performance information is derived using the count value. In the managed game machine P according to this embodiment, a base value during a non-time-saving game state and a base value during a special game state during a predetermined calculation period are derived as game performance information. The base value is the ratio of the total number of winning balls to the total number of outs (i.e., a value calculated by the total number of winning balls/total number of outs). In addition, the base value during a non-time-saving game state (hereinafter also referred to as a low base value) is the ratio of the total number of winning balls during non-time-saving game states to the total number of outs during non-time-saving game states (i.e., a value calculated by the total number of winning balls during non-time-saving game states/total number of outs during non-time-saving game states), and the base value during a special game state (hereinafter also referred to as a special game base value) is the ratio of the total number of winning balls during special game states to the total number of outs during special game states (i.e., a value calculated by the total number of winning balls during special game states/total number of outs during special game states).
The derived base value is not limited to the low base value and the special game base value, and may be, for example, a base value during the time-saving game state (the ratio of the total number of winning balls during the time-saving game state to the total number of outs during the time-saving game state). The derived game performance information is not limited to the base value, and may be, for example, a special electric role ratio (the ratio of the total number of winning balls based on the game balls entering the large winning hole 18 (hereinafter also referred to as the total number of winning balls of the special electric role) to the total number of winning balls, i.e., a value calculated by the total number of winning balls of the special electric role)/the total number of winning balls), a role ratio (the ratio of the total number of winning balls based on the game balls entering the first start winning hole 15, the second start winning hole 16, and the large winning hole 18 (hereinafter also referred to as the total number of winning balls of the role) to the total number of winning balls, i.e., a value calculated by the total number of winning balls of the role)/the total number of winning balls), etc.

Furthermore, in the frame control RAM 203, the number of balls held is stored as numerical data in a predetermined ball holding storage area.
Specifically, as described above, when starting a new game on a managed gaming machine P on which no game is being played, the number of balls managed within the managed gaming machine P is normally 0, and at this time, the number of balls stored in the frame control RAM 203 is also 0.
In addition, each time a lending operation is performed in the dedicated unit U, the above-mentioned lending command is transmitted from the dedicated unit U, and when the frame control CPU 201 receives this lending command, it adds the number of lent balls (125 in this embodiment) to the number of balls stored in the frame control RAM 203. For example, when the number of balls stored in the frame control RAM 203 is 0, when a lending command is received from the dedicated unit U, the number of balls becomes 125. Note that instead of transmitting a lending command indicating the lending of the number of lent balls from the dedicated unit U to the frame control board 200, numerical data indicating the number of lent balls themselves may be transmitted as a command, and when this command is received, the frame control CPU 201 may add the number of lent balls (125) included in the command to the number of balls held.
In addition, the frame control CPU 201 decrements the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203 by 1 each time a game ball is shot, and increments the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203 by 1 when the shot game ball is a foul ball.
In addition, when a game ball enters each winning hole, the ball is detected by a corresponding sensor, and a prize ball designation command corresponding to the winning hole into which the game ball entered is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the frame control board 200. When the frame control CPU 201 receives this prize ball designation command, it adds the number of prize balls corresponding to the prize ball designation command to the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203. For example, when the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203 is 100, when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15, the number of prize balls corresponding to the ball entry (1 in this embodiment) is added, so that the number of balls held becomes 101. Note that, instead of transmitting the above-mentioned prize ball designation command from the main control board 100 to the frame control board 200, the numerical data of the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning hole into which the game ball entered may be transmitted, and when the numerical data is received, the frame control CPU 201 may add the number of prize balls indicated by the numerical data to the number of balls held.
Furthermore, when the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203 is one or more and the counting operation is performed by pressing the counting switch 6b, the frame control CPU 201 transmits the above-mentioned counting command to the dedicated unit U. As a result, the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203 is transmitted to the dedicated unit U, and the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203 becomes zero.
The number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203 is displayed on the above-mentioned ball holding number display device 6a.

The frame control display device 210 is provided in the upper left part of the surface of the frame control board 200, and is composed of six seven-segment displays with decimal points arranged horizontally (from the leftmost end, the first display 210a, the second display 210b, the third display 210c, the fourth display 210d, the fifth display 210e, and the sixth display 210f) (see Figures 8 and 10).
In this embodiment, the frame control display device 210 does not have a built-in processing device such as a CPU that performs its own calculation processing, and only displays the above-mentioned low base value and indicates a frame control management error, which suggests that an error managed by the frame control board 200 described below (hereinafter also referred to as a frame control management error) is occurring.
The display of low base values, indication of slot control management errors, etc. will be described in detail later.

In addition, the number of 7-segment displays that make up the frame control display device 210 in this embodiment is the same as the number of 7-segment displays that make up the above-mentioned ball count display device 6a, so that even if the ball count display device 6a is unable to display the ball count due to a malfunction or the like, the frame control display device 210 can accurately display the ball count.

The installation position of the frame control display device 210 is not limited to the upper left of the surface of the frame control board 200, and may be, for example, the lower left, upper right, or lower right. The number of 7-segment displays constituting the frame control display device 210 may be 5 or less, or 7 or more, and may be the same as or different from the number of 7-segment displays constituting the ball count display device 6a. The frame control display device 210 may be composed of a liquid crystal display device, a dot matrix display device, or the like, instead of a 7-segment display device. The frame control display device 210 may also incorporate other devices as long as it does not incorporate a device that performs its own arithmetic processing, and may, for example, incorporate a driver circuit or the like for controlling the operation of the frame control display device 210.
In addition, the display of the low base value and the indication of the frame control management error described above may be performed not by the frame control display device 210 mounted on the surface of the frame control board 200, but by using a separate display device that can be connected to the frame control board 200 via a cable, relay board, etc., but it is preferable to perform it in the above-mentioned frame control display device 210 because there is a risk of fraudulent acts such as sending fraudulent signals via a cable or relay board. Note that if the frame control display device 210 is mounted on the frame control board 200, a display device that displays the same content as the frame control display device 210 may be provided separately in a predetermined location other than the frame control board 200 (for example, on another board or a predetermined position inside the managed gaming machine P).

The error release switch 220, the game ball count clear switch 230, and the ball removal switch 240 are arranged side by side in the lower left corner of the surface of the frame control board 200 (see FIG. 8). In the managed game machine P of this embodiment, the error release switch 220 is arranged on the far left side, the game ball clear switch 230 is arranged to the right of the error release switch 220, and the ball removal switch 240 is arranged to the right of the game ball clear switch 230. In other words, of these switches, the error release switch 220 is located closest to the open end of the inner frame 2, and the ball removal switch 240 is located farthest from the open end of the inner frame 2. Therefore, the person who opens the inner frame 2 can most easily operate the error release switch 220 among the above-mentioned switches.

The error reset switch 220 is used to reset a specific error from among the frame control management errors described above. The error reset switch 220 is provided with an error reset button 220a that can be pressed (see FIG. 10). When the error reset button 220a is pressed while one of the specific errors described above is occurring, the error reset switch 220 turns on, and the frame control CPU 201 resets the currently occurring error.

The game ball count clear switch 230 is used to clear the number of balls stored in the frame control RAM 203. The game ball count clear switch 230 is provided with a game ball count clear button 230a that can be pressed (see FIG. 10). When the game ball count clear button 230a is not pressed, the game ball count switch 230 is off, but when the game ball count clear button 230a is pressed, the game ball count clear switch 230 is turned on.
Then, when the power supply is turned from off to on (recovered from a power outage) with the game ball count clear switch 230 on, the frame control CPU 201 clears the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203, but does not clear other data stored in the frame control RAM 203 (the total number of outs, the total number of non-time-reduction outs, the total number of non-time-reduction winning balls, the total number of special game outs, the total number of special game winning balls, and the low base value and the special game base value calculated using these data) counted in the frame control RAM 203. Then, with the number of balls held being cleared, the display of the number of balls held on the ball count display device 6a is also cleared, and a display is made indicating that the number of balls held is 0.
In addition, the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203 may also be cleared when the game ball count clear switch 230 is turned on while the power is on.

The ball removal switch 240 is referenced to set the above-mentioned ball removal state when the power is turned on. The ball removal switch 240 is provided with a ball removal button 240a that can be pressed (see FIG. 10). When the ball removal button 240a is not pressed, the ball removal switch 240 is off, but when the ball removal button 240a is pressed, the ball removal switch 240 is turned on.
Then, when the number of held balls stored in the frame control RAM 203 is 0 and the power is turned on from off (recovered from a power outage) with the ball removal switch 240 on, the frame control CPU 201 sets the frame control state to the ball removal state. Also, when the power is turned on again with the ball removal switch 240 off during the ball removal state, the frame control CPU 201 sets the frame control state to the normal state via the start-up preparation state.

As shown in FIG. 11, the frame control board 200 is connected with the following devices for controlling the launch of the game ball: a touch sensor 5a that detects when the player touches the operating handle 5; an operating volume 5b that detects the operating angle (rotation angle) of the operating handle 5; a launch stop switch 5c that stops the launch of the game ball; a rectifier solenoid 521; a rectifier inlet sensor 522; a rectifier outlet sensor 523; and a launch motor 503. Control signals output from the touch sensor 5a, the operating volume 5b, and the launch stop switch 5c are input to the frame control board 200.

The rectifier entrance sensor 522 turns on when it detects a game ball located at the entrance of the rectifier 520, and outputs a rectifier entrance detection signal to the frame control board 200. The rectifier entrance detection signal is output continuously while the game ball is being detected. In addition, the rectifier entrance sensor 522 turns off when it no longer detects a game ball located at the entrance of the rectifier 520, and stops outputting the rectifier entrance detection signal to the frame control board 200.

The rectifier outlet sensor 523 turns on when it detects a game ball located at the outlet of the rectifier 520, and outputs a rectifier outlet detection signal to the frame control board 200. The rectifier outlet detection signal is output continuously while the game ball is being detected. In addition, the rectifier outlet sensor 523 turns off when it no longer detects a game ball located at the outlet of the rectifier 520, and stops outputting the rectifier outlet detection signal to the frame control board 200.

In the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, when the main control state is a playable state, and the state regarding the difference ball operation stop control described later is a pre-activation warning state, an activation warning state, or an activation notice state, and further, when the frame control state is a normal state, the number of balls stored in the frame control RAM 203 is one or more, the rectifier inlet sensor 522 is on, and the rectifier outlet sensor 523 is off, if the player touches the operation handle 5 to perform a rotation operation, a control signal (hereinafter also referred to as a handle rotation operation signal) from the touch sensor 5a and the operation volume 5b is input to the frame control board 200. When the handle rotation operation signal is input, the frame control CPU 201 controls the rectifier solenoid 521 to energize the rectifier solenoid 521 to send the game balls in the rectifier 520 to the launching device 502, and controls the launching motor 503 to energize the launching device 502 to launch the game balls sent to the launching device 502. Then, when contact with the operating handle 5 is released or the rotation operation of the operating handle 5 is no longer performed, the input of the handle rotation operation signal to the frame control board 200 stops, and the control of sending the game ball to the launching device 502 and the control of launching the game ball also stop.
In addition, even if a handle rotation operation signal is input to the frame control board 200, when a control signal (hereinafter also referred to as a launch stop signal) from the launch stop switch 5c is input to the frame control board 200, the frame control CPU 201 controls the rectifier solenoid 521 to stop the supply of electricity to the launch device 502, and also controls the launch motor 503 to stop the launch of the game balls.
Furthermore, when the main control state is a setting confirmation state, a setting change state or a play stop state, when the main control state is a playable state and the state related to the difference ball operation stop control is an activated state, or when the frame control state is other than the normal state (start-up preparation state, ball removal state), even if a handle rotation operation signal is input to the frame control board 200, the rectifier solenoid 521 and the launch motor 503 are not energized, and control to send the game ball to the launch device 502 and control to launch the game ball are not performed.

In the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, the above-mentioned control of sending the gaming balls to the launching device 502 and the control of launching the gaming balls are performed, so that the gaming balls are sent one by one from the rectifier 520 to the launching device 502 and launched. Then, each time a gaming ball is launched, the rectifier outlet sensor 523 is switched on and off. Therefore, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, when the rectifier outlet sensor 523 changes from on to off, the frame control CPU 201 assumes that one gaming ball has been launched and decrements the number of balls stored in the frame control RAM 203 by one.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, the frame control board 200 is connected to a lifting motor 532, a rotation sensor 533, an excess number of circulating balls sensor 511, and an insufficient number of circulating balls sensor 512 as devices related to controlling the circulation of game balls within the managed game machine P.

When the rotation sensor 533 detects the rotation of the screw conveyor 531, it turns on and outputs a rotation detection signal to the frame control board 200. The rotation detection signal is output continuously while the rotation is being detected. When the rotation sensor 533 no longer detects the rotation of the screw conveyor 531, it turns off and stops outputting the rotation detection signal to the frame control board 200.

The excessive circulating ball number sensor 511 turns on when the number of game balls stored in the storage tank 510 becomes equal to or greater than the upper circulation limit mentioned above, and outputs an excess detection signal to the frame control board 200. The excess detection signal is output continuously while the number of game balls remains equal to or greater than the upper circulation limit. In addition, the excessive circulating ball number sensor 511 turns off when the number of game balls stored in the storage tank 510 is no longer equal to or greater than the upper circulation limit mentioned above, and stops outputting the excess detection signal to the frame control board 200.

The circulating ball count low sensor 512 turns on when the number of game balls stored in the storage tank 510 is greater than the above-mentioned lower limit circulation number, and outputs a lower limit exceeding signal to the frame control board 200. The lower limit exceeding signal is output continuously while the number of game balls stored in the storage tank 510 is greater than the lower limit circulation number. In addition, the circulating ball count low sensor 512 turns off when the number of game balls stored in the storage tank 510 falls below the lower limit circulation number, and stops outputting the lower limit exceeding signal to the frame control board 200.

In the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, when the above-mentioned handle rotation operation signal is input to the frame control board 200 for a predetermined input time (e.g., 1 second), the frame control CPU 201 starts control to energize the lifting motor 532 and lift the game ball located at the bottom of the lifting unit 530 to the top. Then, after the start of this control, when the rectifier inlet sensor 522 detects a game ball (the rectifier inlet sensor 522 turns on) for a predetermined detection time (e.g., 2 seconds) or the input of the handle rotation operation signal is stopped for a predetermined stop time (e.g., 2 seconds), the frame control CPU 201 ends the above-mentioned control.
On the other hand, when the main control state is a setting confirmation state, a setting change state or a game stop state, when the main control state is a playable state and the state related to the difference ball operation stop control is an activated state, or when the frame control state is other than the normal state (start-up preparation state, ball removal state), even if a handle rotation operation signal is input to the frame control board 200, the lifting motor 532 is not energized and no control is performed to lift the game ball to the top.
In the managed game machine P according to this embodiment, the frame control CPU 201 also starts the above-mentioned control when the outer frame 3 is opened for a predetermined opening time (e.g., 2 seconds). After the start of the control, if the rectifier inlet sensor 522 detects a game ball for the above-mentioned detection time (2 seconds) or the outer frame 3 is closed for a predetermined closing time (e.g., 2 seconds), the frame control CPU 201 ends the above-mentioned control.
The trigger for starting the above-mentioned control is not limited to the above, and for example, a sensor may be provided to detect that a game ball is stopped at a specified location in the ball passage 620, and if the sensor does not detect a game ball for a specified period of time (e.g., 0.8 seconds), the lifting motor 532 may be energized to start control to lift the game ball to the top.

Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the frame control board 200 is connected to an inner frame open detection sensor 2a that detects the open state of the inner frame 2, an outer frame open detection sensor 3a that detects the open state of the outer frame 3, an out sensor 601, a foul ball sensor 611, and a radio wave detection sensor 35 that detects radio waves irradiated to the game board 11.

When the inner frame detection sensor 2a detects that the inner frame 2 is open, it turns on and outputs an inner frame open detection signal to the frame control board 200, and while the inner frame 2 is open, the inner frame open detection signal is output continuously. Furthermore, when the inner frame open detection sensor 2a no longer detects that the inner frame 2 is open, it turns off and stops outputting the inner frame open detection signal.

When the outer frame open detection sensor 3a detects that the outer frame 3 is open, it turns on and outputs an outer frame open detection signal to the frame control board 200. While the outer frame 3 is open, the outer frame open detection signal is output continuously. Furthermore, when the outer frame open detection sensor 3a no longer detects that the outer frame 3 is open, it turns off and stops outputting the outer frame open detection signal.

When the out sensor 601 detects a gaming ball, it turns on and outputs an out signal to the frame control board 200, and the out signal is output continuously while the gaming ball is being detected. In addition, when the out sensor 601 no longer detects a gaming ball, it turns off and stops outputting the out signal to the frame control board 200.

The foul ball sensor 611 is turned on when it detects a game ball and outputs a foul signal to the frame control board 200. While the game ball is being detected, the foul signal is output continuously. When the foul ball sensor 611 no longer detects a game ball, it turns off and stops outputting the foul signal to the frame control board 200.
As described above, when a shot game ball becomes a foul ball, the foul ball is not used in the game and should be returned to the balls in hand. Therefore, in the managed game machine P according to this embodiment, the frame control CPU 201 increments the number of balls in hand stored in the frame control RAM 203 by one when the foul ball sensor 611 is turned on.

The radio wave detection sensor 35 is provided at a predetermined position on the game board 11. When the radio wave detection sensor 35 detects radio waves, it turns on and outputs a radio wave detection signal to the frame control board 200, and the radio wave detection signal is output continuously while the radio wave detection sensor 35 is detecting radio waves. When the radio wave detection sensor 35 no longer detects radio waves, it turns off and stops outputting the radio wave detection signal to the frame control board 200.

In addition, as shown in Figure 11, a ball count display device 6a and a count switch 6b are connected to the frame control board 200.
As described above, the ball count display device 6a displays the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203. The frame control CPU 201 updates the number of balls held displayed on the ball count display device 6a every time the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203 is updated.

As described above, the counting switch 6b is used to transmit the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203 to the dedicated unit U. The counting switch 6b is provided with a counting button 6c that can be pressed (see FIG. 1). When the counting button 6c is pressed, the counting switch 6b turns on. When the counting switch 6b turns on and the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203 is one or more, the frame control CPU 201 transmits a counting command indicating that number of balls to the dedicated unit U and clears the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203. As a result, all of the balls stored in the frame control RAM 203 are transmitted to the dedicated unit U.

The dedicated unit U connected to the frame control board 200 is provided with a banknote slot into which banknotes can be inserted, a card slot into which cards can be inserted, and the like (not shown), as well as a value information display device VD, a lending switch LS with a loan button (not shown) that can be pressed, and a return switch RS with a return button (not shown) that can be pressed (see FIG. 11). The dedicated unit U also has built-in electronic components such as a dedicated CPU for executing various processes and a dedicated RAM for storing value information, etc. (not shown).

When a bill is inserted through the bill insertion slot, or a card storing value information for loaning game balls (i.e., a card with a balance) is inserted through the card insertion slot and recognized, value information indicating the number of game balls available for loan is stored in the above-mentioned dedicated RAM and is also displayed on the value information display device VD.
Then, when the loan button is pressed and the loan switch LS is turned on while the value information for loaning game balls is stored in the dedicated RAM (i.e., when there is a balance of value information), the dedicated CPU subtracts the value information corresponding to the number of loaned balls from the value information stored in the dedicated RAM, and updates the display of the value information display device VD to the value information after the subtraction. The dedicated CPU also transmits a loan command to the managed game machine P (frame control board 200).
In addition, when a return button is pressed and a return switch RS is turned on while value information for lending game balls is stored in a dedicated RAM, a dedicated CPU stores the value information in a card stored in a dedicated unit U and controls the ejection of the card from a card insertion port.
In addition, even if a card that does not have stored value information for lending game balls (i.e., a card with no value information balance) is inserted into the dedicated unit U, the dedicated CPU controls the ejection of the card from the card insertion port.

(Outline of the sub-control board 300)
The sub-control board 300 controls the presentation that is executed during play, standby, etc.
As shown in Figure 11, the sub-control board 300 is equipped with a sub-CPU 301 that performs various types of calculation processing, a sub-ROM 302 that stores control programs for executing performances, data and tables necessary for executing performances, etc., and a sub-RAM 303 that is used as a temporary storage area during calculation processing, and is connected so as to enable one-way communication from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 300.

The sub-CPU 301 reads out the control program stored in the sub-ROM 302 and performs calculations based on commands sent from the main control board 100 and signals from the timer, and also sends commands for executing performances to an image control board (not specifically shown) for controlling image display, an audio control board (not specifically shown) for controlling audio output, and an illumination control board (not specifically shown) for controlling the illumination of lights.

The sub-control board 300 is also connected to the performance display device 21 via an image control board, to the speaker 10 via an audio control board, and to the lamps 23 and performance operation device 9 (operation button 9a, volume change button 9b, light intensity change button 9c, and cross key 9d) via the illumination control board. Based on commands sent from the sub-control board 300, the image control board controls the image display by the performance display device 21, the audio control board controls the audio output from the speaker 10, and the illumination control board controls the lighting by the lamps 23.

(Outline of the game of the managed gaming machine P)
Next, an outline of the game on the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment will be described.
As described above, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, the special game and the normal game proceed in parallel. In addition, in this embodiment, a non-time-saving game state, a time-saving game state, and a special game state are provided as game states in which the player stays while playing the game.

Here, the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state are game states in which the frequency of game balls entering the second start winning hole 16 (the difficulty of ball entry, in other words, the frequency of winning/losing lottery based on the game balls entering the second start winning hole 16) is set to a predetermined content. In the time-saving game state, it is set so that the movable piece 16b is more likely to be maintained in a protruding state (i.e., game balls are more likely to enter the second start winning hole 16) than in the non-time-saving game state. Also, in the non-time-saving game state, it is set so that the movable piece 16b is hardly maintained in a protruding state (i.e., game balls hardly enter the second start winning hole 16).
The special game state is a game state when a special game is being executed.
Then, when the power is turned on for the first time after being shipped from the factory (i.e., the initial state) or when the RAM is cleared, the non-time-saving gaming state is set.

In addition, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, when any of the gaming states is set, the main CPU 101 transmits a gaming state command indicating the set gaming state to the frame control board 200. This allows the frame control board 200 to also grasp the set gaming state.

The game states are not limited to these. For example, if the winning of the jackpot that triggers the execution of the special game is determined by a win/lose lottery, a low probability game state (a non-probability state) and a high probability game state (a probability state) in which the probability of winning the jackpot differs depending on the win/lose lottery may be provided. In addition, a game state may be set that combines either the non-time-saving game state or the time-saving game state with either the low probability game state or the high probability game state.

In the managed game machine P according to this embodiment, when a game ball launched by the launching device 502 and flowing down the game area 12 enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, a predetermined random number is acquired, and a winning/losing lottery is performed based on the acquired random number, and when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15, the first special pattern display device 30 starts displaying a variable special pattern, and when a game ball enters the second start winning hole 16, the second special pattern display device 31 starts displaying a variable special pattern. In the winning/losing lottery, whether or not a small win has been won (small win or loss) is determined based on the random number. Then, from among a plurality of predetermined special patterns, one of the special patterns corresponding to the result of the determination (small win or loss) is determined. In addition, when the first special pattern display device 30 or the second special pattern display device 31 starts to display the changing special pattern, a changing performance is started on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 to notify the result of the win/lose lottery.
After that, when a predetermined change time has passed, the change display of the special pattern stops on the first special pattern display device 30 or the second special pattern display device 31, and the special pattern determined as described above is displayed as a stop. That is, if a small win is won, the special pattern associated with the small win is displayed as a stop, and if a loss is won, the special pattern associated with the loss is displayed as a stop. Also, when the special pattern is displayed as a stop, the change display performed on the display device 20 ends, and the result of the win/lose lottery is announced.

When a small prize is won by the winning/losing lottery and a special symbol corresponding to the small prize is stopped and displayed, a large prize opening 18 is opened and a small prize game in which a game ball can be inserted into the large prize opening 18 is executed.
During a small win game, the large prize opening 18 is opened for a predetermined time (e.g., 2.9 seconds) a predetermined number of times (e.g., twice), and when a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 10 balls) enter the large prize opening 18 while the large prize opening 18 is open, the large prize opening 18 is closed. During a small win game, the distribution member 59 is arranged to stay (position) at the second position, and a game ball that enters the large prize opening 18 during a small win game always enters the specific area 57. Then, when a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 1 ball) enter the specific area 57 during a small win game, a special game is started (i.e., a special game state is set). Also, when a special game is started (a game ball enters the specific area 57), the main CPU 101 transmits a game state command indicating that a special game state has been set to the frame control board 200. This allows the frame control board 200 to also understand that a special game state has been set.

During the special game, multiple round games (e.g., 10 times) are played, and the round games end when one of the following conditions is met: a predetermined opening time (e.g., 29.0 seconds) has elapsed since the large prize opening 18 was opened, or a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 10 balls) enter the large prize opening 18. The number of round games, the opening time of the large prize opening 18, etc. may be determined to be different depending on the type of special symbol determined based on the winning of a small prize, or may be determined to be the same regardless of the type of special symbol.
Then, after the special game (special game state) is ended, a time-saving game state is set, and then, when the winning/losing lottery is performed a predetermined number of time-saving times (for example, 10 times) without the special game being executed, the time-saving game state is ended and a non-time-saving game state is set. The number of time-saving times may be set differently depending on the type of special symbol determined based on the winning of the small win, or may be set the same regardless of the type of the special symbol. In addition, when the special game is ended and the time-saving game state is set, the main CPU 101 transmits a game state command to the frame control board 200 indicating that the time-saving game state has been set, and when the time-saving game state is ended and the non-time-saving game state is set, the main CPU 101 transmits a game state command to the frame control board 200 indicating that the non-time-saving game state has been set. This allows the frame control board 200 to know that the time-saving game state has been set or that the non-time-saving game state has been set.

In addition, the results of the lottery may include not only small wins and losses, but also a big win which stipulates the execution of a special game.
Also, the time-saving game state is not necessarily set after the special game ends, but the game state may be set according to the type of the determined special symbol. For example, when the special symbol A is determined based on the winning of the small win, the time-saving game state is set after the special game executed via the small win game ends, but when the special symbol B is determined based on the winning of the small win, the non-time-saving game state may be set after the special game executed via the small win game ends.

Here, when a game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16 while the first special symbol display device 30 or the second special symbol display device 31 is displaying the special symbol variation, or while a small win game or special game is being played, a random number obtained based on the ball entry is stored (reserved), and the number of random numbers stored (reserved number) based on the game ball entering the first start winning hole 15 is displayed on the first special symbol reservation display device 38, and the number of reserved numbers based on the game ball entering the second start winning hole 16 is displayed on the second special symbol reservation display device 39. In the managed game machine P according to this embodiment, the first special symbol reservation display device 38 and the second special symbol reservation display device 39 are each composed of four lamps, and the reserved number is notified by the number of lamps that are lit. Then, when the display of the special symbol variation ends, or the small win game or special game ends, a winning or losing lottery is held based on the reserved random number. The maximum number of reserved numbers is four, and when a winning/losing lottery is held based on the reserved random numbers, the number of reserved numbers is reduced, and the display on the first special chart reserved display device 38 or the second special chart reserved display device 39 is also reduced accordingly.

In the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, when a gaming ball passes through the gate 20, a predetermined random number is obtained, and a lottery is held based on the obtained random number to determine whether or not to protrude the movable piece 16b attached to the second start winning port 16. This lottery is held as a normal pattern lottery that determines one normal pattern from multiple types of normal patterns that are respectively associated with the protrusion (win) and non-protrusion (lose) of the movable piece 16b. Then, if the result of the lottery is a win, the movable piece 16b will be protruded for a predetermined time.

When the game ball passes through the gate 20, the normal pattern display device 32 starts to display the normal pattern. After that, when a predetermined normal pattern change time has elapsed, the normal pattern display device 32 stops displaying the normal pattern change, and the normal pattern indicating the result of the above-mentioned lottery is displayed as a frozen display. That is, in the case of a win, the normal pattern associated with the win is displayed as a frozen display, and in the case of a loss, the normal pattern associated with the loss is displayed as a frozen display. When the normal pattern associated with the win is displayed as a frozen display, the movable piece 16b is in a protruding state (hereinafter also referred to as a protruding state). When the movable piece 16b is in a recessed state (hereinafter also referred to as a recessed state), the game ball cannot enter the second start winning hole 16, but when in a protruding state, the game ball can enter the second start winning hole 16.

In addition, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, the probability of winning by drawing a normal pattern is set extremely high in both the non-time-saving game state and the time-saving game state (specifically, it is set to about 99/100), but the normal pattern change time and the protruding time of the movable piece 16b are made different (specifically, the normal pattern change time is made shorter in the time-saving game state than in the non-time-saving game state, and the protruding time of the movable piece 16b is made longer in the time-saving game state than in the non-time-saving game state), so that the possibility of the game ball entering the second start winning hole 16 changes. In other words, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, the movable piece 16b is more likely to be in a protruding state in the time-saving game state than in the non-time-saving game state. Therefore, during the time-saving game state, prize balls are frequently awarded based on the entry of game balls into the second start winning hole 16, so that players can have more opportunities to win or lose the lottery while minimizing the decrease in the number of balls they have as the game progresses than during the non-time-saving game state.

In addition, if a game ball passes through gate 20 while the normal symbol display device 32 is displaying the normal symbol variations, up to four random numbers obtained based on the passage are reserved, and the reserved number is displayed on normal symbol reservation display device 33. Then, when the display of the normal symbol variations ends, a lottery for a normal symbol is performed based on the reserved number, and the display on normal symbol reservation display device 33 is reduced.

(Overview of ball difference activation stop control (activation stop control based on ball difference number))
In the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, in order to prevent a situation in which an excessive number of prize balls are awarded to a player during play, resulting in excessive gambling, the main CPU 101 executes operation stop control (difference ball operation stop control) to stop the operation of the managed gaming machine P based on the difference ball number from a predetermined calculation start point during a playable state reaching a predetermined operation stop number (95,000 in this embodiment).

The difference in the number of balls is the difference between the number of prize balls (the number of prize balls added based on the detection of game balls by the general prize port detection sensor 14a, the first start prize port detection sensor 15a, the second start prize port detection sensor 16a, the specific area detection sensor 57a, and the general area detection sensor 58a) added based on the entry of game balls into each prize port (general prize port 14, first start prize port 15, second start prize port 16, and large prize port 18) and the number of game balls fired by the player and entering each prize port or accepted by the out port 19 (the number of game balls detected by the out sensor 601, in other words, the game balls used in the game).
In the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, the out sensor 601 is connected to the frame control board 200, and each time the out sensor 601 detects a gaming ball, a detection signal is sent to the main control board 100. This allows the main control board 100 to also know that a gaming ball has been detected by the out sensor 601.

As described above, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, the difference ball count value used for determining the difference ball number is stored in the memory area of the main RAM 103 .
This ball difference count value is reset when the power is restored (when the power is turned off and on) in the activation notice state and states other than the activation state (pre-activation warning state, activation warning state) described below, and in the activation notice state and activation state, it is reset by clearing the RAM associated with the setting of the setting change state. When reset, the ball difference count value is set to the initial value (100,000 in this embodiment).
In addition, even in the pre-warning state and the warning state, if the power is restored after a specific main control management error has occurred, the difference ball count value may not be reset.
These errors may include an error of an illegal winning that may result in a malfunction of the large winning port 18, or an error that, if it occurs, causes a game stop state to be set.

The difference ball count value is incremented by the number of prize balls to be added based on a game ball entering each winning hole (each time a game ball is detected by the general winning hole detection sensor 14a, the first start winning hole detection sensor 15a, the second start winning hole detection sensor 16a, or the large winning hole detection sensor 18a), and is decremented by 1 each time a game ball is detected by the out sensor 601. When the difference ball count value is 0, even if a game ball is detected by the out sensor 601, the difference ball count value is not decremented and remains 0.
Then, when the difference ball count value reaches a second reference value (195,000 in this embodiment) described later, the difference ball count reaches the predetermined operation stop number (95,000).

In the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, the difference ball count value is decremented by 1 every time a gaming ball is detected by the out sensor 601, but this is not limited to this, and the difference ball count value may be decremented by 1 every time a launched gaming ball reaches the gaming area 12. In other words, the difference ball count value may be decremented by 1 every time a gaming ball is used in a game.
Also, as described above, in the activation preview state and activation state, the difference ball count value is reset by clearing the RAM associated with the setting of the setting change state, but this is not limited to this, and the value may also be reset by clearing the RAM without the setting of the setting change state.
Also, as described above, in the pre-activation warning state and activation warning state, the difference ball count value is reset when the power is restored, but this is not limited to this, and as in the activation preview state and activation state, it may be reset by clearing the RAM associated with the setting of the setting change state, or it may be reset by clearing the RAM without the setting of the setting change state.

In addition, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, four types of states related to the difference ball operation stop control are provided: a pre-activation warning state, an activation warning state, an activation notice state, and an activation state. During the playable state, the machine stays in one of the four states described above.

(Pre-warning state)
The pre-warning state is set by resetting the difference ball count value, and is a state in which the game remains when the difference ball count value has not reached a first reference value (190,000 in this embodiment), and the game remains in this pre-warning state mainly during the playable state. When the difference ball count value reaches the first reference value, the pre-warning state ends and the activation warning state is set.
That is, in the controlled gaming machine P according to this embodiment, the difference ball count value remains in the pre-warning state from when it is reset until it reaches the first reference value.

(Activation warning state)
The activation warning state is set when the difference ball count value reaches the first reference value, as described above. Then, when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value (195,000), the activation warning state ends. If a small win game or a special game is being played at the time of reaching the second reference value (195,000), the activation notice state is set, and if neither a small win game nor a special game is being played, the activation state is set.
That is, in the controlled gaming machine P according to this embodiment, the differential ball count value remains in the activated warning state from the time it reaches the first reference value until it reaches the second reference value.

In addition, when the activation warning state is set, the main CPU 101 transmits a first ball difference operation stop control designation command indicating that to the sub-control board 300. Then, when the sub-control board 300 receives the first ball difference operation stop control designation command, until a termination condition is met, that is, a power cut occurs, the activation warning state ends, or a predetermined time (600 seconds in this embodiment) passes, an activation warning indication is given on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21, suggesting that the first reference value has been reached and that the second reference value will soon be reached (for example, an activation warning text image is displayed (not shown) saying "There are about 5000 shots left until the limit is reached"), and the lamp 23 is turned on or off in a predetermined lighting pattern (for example, turned on in blue, etc.). In addition, when the first difference ball operation stop control designation command is received, an activation warning sound (for example, a sound saying "There are about 5000 shots left until the limit is reached") is output from the time (i.e., the time when the activation warning state is set) until a predetermined activation warning sound output time (5 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed. This indicates that the activation warning state has been set.
The activation warning sound may be continuously output until a power outage occurs, or may be continuously output until the activation warning state ends.
In addition, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, after the activation warning state is set, even if the difference ball count value falls below the first reference value, the activation warning state will not end and the pre-activation warning state will not be set unless a power cut is restored. Note that, if the difference ball count value falls below the first reference value after the activation warning state is set, the activation warning state may be ended and the pre-activation warning state may be set.

(Activation notice state)
As described above, the activation notice state is set when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value and a small win game or a special game is being played at the time of the reaching. If a predetermined number of game balls do not enter the specific area 57 during the small win game being played, the activation notice state ends when the small win game ends, and the activation state is set. If a predetermined number of game balls enter the specific area 57 during the small win game being played, the activation notice state ends when the special game played after the small win game ends, and the activation state is set. If a special game is being played, the activation notice state ends when the special game ends, and the activation state is set. If the RAM is cleared in conjunction with the setting of the setting change state described above during the activation notice state, the activation notice state ends, and the activation pre-warning state is set.
In other words, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, if a small win game or a special game is being executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value, the machine will remain in the activation prediction state from when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value until the small win game being executed ends without the special game being executed, the special game being executed via the small win game being executed ends, the special game being executed ends, or the RAM is cleared in conjunction with the setting of the setting change state.

The activation notice state may be ended not by clearing the RAM associated with the setting of the setting change state, but by clearing the RAM without the setting of the setting change state.

In addition, when the activation notice state is set, the main CPU 101 transmits a second ball difference operation stop control designation command indicating that to the sub-control board 300. Then, when the sub-control board 300 receives the second ball difference operation stop control designation command, an activation notice suggestion (for example, a display of an activation notice text image saying "The game will stop after the big win ends" (not shown in particular)) is performed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21, which suggests that the operation of the managed gaming machine P will stop after the small win game or special game ends, until a power outage occurs or the end condition of the activation notice state ends is met, and the lamp 23 is turned on or off in a predetermined lighting pattern (for example, turned on in green, etc.). In addition, when the second ball difference operation stop control designation command is received, an activation notice sound (for example, a sound saying "The game will stop after the big win ends") is output from the time point (i.e., the time point when the activation notice state is set) until a predetermined activation notice sound output time (7 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed. These provide an indication that an activation notice state has been set.
The activation notice indication and the turning on or off of the lamp 23 in a predetermined lighting pattern may be performed within a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds). The activation notice sound may be continuously output until a power interruption occurs, or may be continuously output until the activation notice state ends.

In the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, as described later, when the activation state is set based on the difference ball count value reaching the second reference value, the game does not proceed (the game stops); however, as described above, when a small win game or a special game is being executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value, an activation notice state is set instead of the activation state, and when the small win game or special game being executed, or the special game executed through the small win game being executed, ends, the activation notice state ends and the activation state is set. In other words, when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value during the execution of a small win game or a special game, the game is not immediately stopped based on the reaching of the second reference value and the small win game or special game being executed is not forcibly ended, but the game proceeds until the small win game or special game being executed, or the special game being executed through the small win game being executed ends. This allows the player to maintain his interest even if the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value during the execution of a small win game or a special game.
In addition, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, even if the activation notice state is set but the difference ball count value decreases during the activation notice state and falls below the second reference value at the time when the small win game or special game being executed, or the special game executed through the small win game being executed, ends, the activation notice state ends and the activation state is set. Note that, if the difference ball count value falls below the second reference value at the time when the small win game or special game ends, the activation state may not be set.

(Activated state)
As described above, the activation state is set when neither a small win game nor a special game is being executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value, when a special game is being executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value and the special game being executed ends, when a small win game is being executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value and the special game is executed via the small win game and the special game ends, or when a small win game is being executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value and the special game is not executed via the small win game and the small win game ends. Then, when the RAM is cleared in conjunction with the setting of the setting change state, the activation state ends and the pre-activation warning state is set.
That is, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, if a small win game or a special game is not being executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value, the game machine will stay in the activation state from the time the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value until the RAM is cleared in accordance with the setting of the setting change state. Also, if a small win game or a special game is being executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value, the game machine will stay in the activation state from the time the small win game or special game being executed, or the special game executed through the small win game being executed, ends until the RAM is cleared in accordance with the setting of the setting change state.
In other words, after the activation state is set, the activation state will continue without ending unless the RAM is cleared in conjunction with the setting of the setting change state.

The activation state may be terminated not by clearing the RAM associated with the setting of the setting change state, but by clearing the RAM without the setting of the setting change state.

In the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, when the activation state is set, the main CPU 101 transmits an activation state setting command indicating that the activation state has been set to the frame control board 200. This allows the frame control board 200 to know that the activation state has been set.
In the activated state, the game ball is not launched even if the operating handle 5 is rotated. In addition, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 is configured not to detect the entry of the game ball into the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16 or the passage of the game ball through the gate 20, so that even if the game ball enters the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16, a winning/losing lottery based on the ball entry is not performed, and even if the game ball passes through the gate 20, a lottery for a normal pattern based on the passage is not performed, and a new number of prize balls is not added (awarded prize balls), and a new reserved memory is not generated. Furthermore, if the variable display of the special pattern or the variable display of the normal pattern is being executed, when the activated state is set, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 is configured to stop the variable display of the special pattern or the variable display of the normal pattern.
In this manner, in the activated state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 performs the above-mentioned control, so that the game does not progress (the game stops).

In addition, in the activation state, the operation of the movable piece 16b and the opening and closing door 18b of the large prize opening 18 is restricted. Specifically, in the activation state, the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 controls the movable piece solenoid 16c that drives the movable piece 16b to protrude and retract so as not to operate, and also controls the large prize opening solenoid 18c that drives the opening and closing door 18b of the large prize opening 18 so as not to operate. As a result, for example, if the movable piece 16b is protruding, the movable piece 16b retracts when the activation state is set, and the movable piece 16b remains retracted during the activation state. Also, during the activation state, the opening and closing door 18b remains closed. Also, for example, if the activation state is set before the movable piece 16b protrudes after a winning lottery for a normal pattern, the movable piece 16b does not protrude, and the movable piece 16b remains retracted during the activation state.

In addition, in the activated state, the control of the frame control board 200 to launch the game balls is stopped, but the control of the frame control board 200 to add the number of winning balls to the number of balls held is not stopped.
Specifically, after the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 sends a prize ball designation command to the frame control board 200 indicating the corresponding number of prize balls based on the entry of a game ball into the general winning port 14, the first start winning port 15, the second start winning port 16 or the large winning port 18 (i.e., after the frame control board 200 receives the prize ball designation command), even if the activation state is set, the frame control board 200 will still control the addition of the number of prize balls to the number of balls held.

As a result, for example, even if the activation state is set when the awarding of prize balls based on a game ball entering one of the winning slots (adding the number of prize balls to the number of balls held) is being executed, all of the prize balls based on the above-mentioned ball entries will be awarded. In other words, even if the awarding of prize balls occurred when a game ball entered one of the winning slots before the activation state was set, and the awarding of prize balls has not yet been completed at the time the activation state was set, all prize balls will be awarded.

In addition, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, in the activation state, the game does not progress and the control for launching the game ball is stopped, so that the game ball cannot be launched, but this is not limited to this. For example, in the activation state, the game may not progress, but the control for launching the game ball may not be stopped. In other words, in the activation state, the game may not progress, but the game ball may be launched.

In addition, when the activation state is set, the main CPU 101 clears the display on the first special symbol display device 30, the second special symbol display device 31, the normal symbol display device 32, the first special symbol reserved display device 38, the second special symbol reserved display device 39, and the normal symbol reserved display device 33. Specifically, these display devices are composed of LEDs that can be turned on or off, and the LEDs constituting each display device are turned off. As a result, all of the reserved displays displayed by the first special symbol display device 30 and the second special symbol display device 32, the normal symbol display device 32, the normal symbol display device 32, the first special symbol reserved display device 38, the second special symbol reserved display device 39, and the normal symbol reserved display device 33 are cleared.
On the other hand, when a display device that gives suggestions regarding the progress of the game (for example, a right hit notification lamp that suggests that the game ball will be shot toward the second game area 12b, a reserved number lamp that suggests the number of reserved balls, etc.) is connected to the sub-control board 300, the display device may be configured to continue to display the same information as before the activation state was set even after the activation state is set. In other words, a display device that is connected to the sub-control board 300 and gives suggestions regarding the progress of the game may be configured to continue to execute the suggestions even after the activation state is set.

In addition, when the activation state is set, the main CPU 101 transmits a third difference ball activation stop control designation command indicating that to the sub-control board 300. Then, when the sub-control board 300 receives the third difference ball operation stop control designation command, various effect images such as the effect pattern 50 displayed on the display unit 21a of the effect display device 21 at this time, the reserved image (not specifically shown) indicating that reserved memory is being stored, the background image, the right hit suggestion image, etc. are cleared, and then, until a power outage occurs, an activation suggestion is displayed on the display unit 21a of the effect display device 21 indicating that the operation of the managed gaming machine P has stopped (for example, an activation text image (not specifically shown) saying "Difference ball operation stop function is in operation. Play will stop as the difference ball upper limit has been reached. Please call an attendant" is displayed, etc.), a predetermined activation sound (for example, a sound saying "Play will stop as the difference ball upper limit has been reached") is output from the audio output device 10, and the lamp 23 lights up or goes out in a predetermined lighting pattern (for example, lights up in red, etc.) to indicate that the activation state has been set.
In addition, the activation suggestion, the output of the activation sound, and the indication that the activation state has been set by turning on or off the lamp 23 may not be performed until a power outage occurs, but may be performed only until a predetermined time has passed (a time longer than the time for which the indication that the activation warning state has been set is given (for example, 10 minutes)).
In addition, the various effect images displayed at the time the activation state is set may be continued to be displayed instead of being cleared. The above-mentioned activation suggestion (display of an activation text image) may be superimposed on these various effect images.

Furthermore, when the activation state is set, the main CPU 101 displays a code indicating the activation state on the setting value display device 105. This allows the user to know from the setting value display device 105 that the activation state has been set.
When the activation state is set, no display may be provided on the setting value display device 105. In other words, the display on the setting value display device 105 may be cleared.

(Outline of various state settings related to the difference ball operation stop control)
As described above, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, differential ball operation stop control phase data for setting various states related to the differential ball operation stop control (pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, activation notice state, activation state) is stored in the storage area of the main RAM 103. By storing state values corresponding to the various states described above in this differential ball operation stop control phase data, one of the pre-activation warning state, activation warning state, activation notice state, and activation state is set.

Specifically, when power is restored in the pre-activation warning state or the activation warning state, or when RAM is cleared in association with the setting of the setting change state in the activation notice state or the activation state, the main CPU 101 clears the difference ball operation stop control phase data and then stores a state value corresponding to the pre-activation warning state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. This sets the pre-activation warning state.
That is, when the power is restored in the pre-activation warning state or the activation warning state, the difference ball count value is reset as described above, and the pre-activation warning state is set. Also, when the RAM is cleared in conjunction with the setting of the setting change state in the activation notice state or the activation state, these states end and the difference ball count value is reset, and the pre-activation warning state is set.

In addition, when the difference ball count value reaches the first reference value, the main CPU 101 stores a state value corresponding to the activation warning state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. That is, the difference ball operation stop control phase data is updated to a state value corresponding to the activation warning state. This sets the activation warning state.
In addition, when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value and a small win game or a special game is being executed at the time of reaching the second reference value, the main CPU 101 stores a state value corresponding to the activation notice state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. That is, the difference ball operation stop control phase data is updated to a state value corresponding to the activation notice state. This sets the activation notice state.
In addition, when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value and neither the small win game nor the special game is being executed at the time of reaching the second reference value, when the special game is ended if the special game is being executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value, when the small win game is executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value and the special game is executed through the small win game, when the special game is ended, or when the small win game is executed when the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value and the special game is not executed through the small win game, when the small win game is ended, the main CPU 101 stores a state value corresponding to the activation state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. That is, the difference ball operation stop control phase data is updated to a state value corresponding to the activation state. This sets the activation state.

Furthermore, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, an activation state is set in which the game does not progress and no gaming balls are released, based on the difference ball count value reaching a second reference value (the number of difference balls reaching a predetermined activation stop number).
This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which an excessive number of prize balls are given to a player during a game, leading to excessive gambling.

(Overview of test signal generation and output)
As described above, in the controlled gaming machine P of this embodiment, the main CPU 101 generates test signals used during type testing at various times and is capable of outputting these signals to the outside of the controlled gaming machine P from the test-only output terminal 107.
In principle, the main CPU 101 continues to output the test signal being generated to the test-dedicated output terminal 107 from the start to the end of the generation of the test signal (from the establishment of the output start condition to the establishment of the output end condition). At this time, by connecting a dedicated receiving terminal to the test-dedicated output terminal 107, the above-mentioned test signal is input to a test computer equipped with the receiving terminal. That is, by connecting a dedicated receiving terminal to the test-dedicated output terminal 107, the test signal being generated is output to the outside (test computer) of the managed gaming machine P via the test-dedicated output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal. On the other hand, if a dedicated receiving terminal is not connected to the test-dedicated output terminal 107, the test signal being generated is output to the test-dedicated output terminal 107 but is not output to the outside of the managed gaming machine P.
In addition, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, while each test signal is being generated and output, test signal information indicating the test signal being generated and output (indicating that each test signal is being generated and output) is stored in a memory area of the main RAM 103.

In the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, test signals that can be generated by the main CPU 101 and output to a test computer include test signals regarding the progress of the game, test signals regarding the game status, and test signals regarding the status based on the difference ball operation stop control.
As test signals related to the progress of the game, a test signal during normal game fluctuation, a test signal during normal game win, a test signal during movable piece operation, a test signal during first special game fluctuation, a test signal during first special game small win, a test signal during first special game special play, a test signal during second special game fluctuation, a test signal during second special game small win, a test signal during second special game special play, and a test signal during round play are provided. As test signals related to the game state, a test signal for normal game high probability state, a test signal for normal game fluctuation shortening state, a test signal for movable piece operation extension state, a test signal for special game high probability state, and a test signal for special game fluctuation shortening state are provided. As a test signal related to the state based on the difference ball operation stop control, a test signal for the state before activation setting is provided.

The test signal during normal pattern fluctuation is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from when the display of the normal pattern fluctuation begins to when it ends (i.e., while the normal pattern is fluctuating), and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
That is, the main CPU 101 starts generating a normal symbol fluctuation test signal and outputting it to the test output terminal 107 based on the start of the normal symbol fluctuation display (satisfaction of the output start condition), and ends the generation and output based on the end of the normal symbol fluctuation display (satisfaction of the output end condition). By inputting this normal symbol fluctuation test signal to the test computer via the test output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer (i.e., outside the managed gaming machine P) can understand that the normal symbol fluctuation display is being performed in the managed gaming machine P that output the normal symbol fluctuation test signal.

The normal winning test signal is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from when a winning normal symbol is drawn to when the operation (protrusion) of the movable piece 16b ends (i.e., from when a winning normal symbol is drawn to when all operations of the movable piece 16b based on the winning normal symbol are completed) and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
That is, the main CPU 101 starts generating a normal winning test signal and outputting it to the test output terminal 107 when the normal symbol lottery results in a winning and the movable piece 16b starts to operate based on the winning (the output start condition is satisfied), and ends the generation and output when all the operations of the movable piece 16b are completed (the output end condition is satisfied). By inputting this normal winning test signal to the test computer via the test output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that the movable piece 16b is operating based on the winning of the normal symbol lottery in the managed gaming machine P that output the normal winning test signal.

The movable piece operation test signal is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from when the movable piece 16b starts to protrude once to when it ends (when it sinks), and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
That is, the main CPU 101 starts generating a movable piece operation test signal and outputting it to the test-dedicated output terminal 107 when the movable piece 16b starts to protrude once (satisfaction of the output start condition), and ends the generation and output when the movable piece 16b ends to protrude once (satisfaction of the output end condition). By inputting this movable piece operation test signal to a test computer via the test-dedicated output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that the movable piece 16b has protruded once in the controlled gaming machine P that output the movable piece operation test signal.

The first special pattern change test signal is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from when the display of the special pattern change based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning port 15 starts to when it ends, and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
That is, the main CPU 101 starts generating a first special symbol variation test signal and outputting it to the test output terminal 107 based on the start of the variable display of the special symbol based on the entry of a gaming ball into the first start winning hole 15 (the establishment of the output start condition), and ends the generation and output based on the end of the variable display (the establishment of the output end condition). By inputting this first special symbol variation test signal to the test computer via the test output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that the variable display of the special symbol based on the entry of a gaming ball into the first start winning hole 15 is being performed in the managed gaming machine P that output the first special symbol variation test signal.

The first special chart small win test signal is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from the start to the end of a small win game based on winning a small win by a game ball entering the first start winning port 15, and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
That is, the main CPU 101 starts generating the first special small win test signal and outputting it to the test output terminal 107 based on the start of the small win game (satisfaction of the output start condition) based on the winning of the small win by the entry of the game ball into the first start winning port 15, and ends the generation and output based on the end of the small win game (satisfaction of the output end condition). By inputting this first special small win test signal to the test computer via the test output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that the small win game based on the winning of the small win by the entry of the game ball into the first start winning port 15 is being played in the managed gaming machine P that output the first special small win test signal.

The first special game test signal is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from the start to the end of a special game executed through the winning of a small jackpot by a game ball entering the first start winning port 15, and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
That is, the main CPU 101 starts generating a first special game test signal and outputting it to the test output terminal 107 based on the start of a special game (satisfaction of the output start condition) caused by a predetermined number of game balls entering the specific area 57 during a small prize game based on the winning of a small prize due to the entry of a game ball into the first start winning port 15, and ends the generation and output based on the end of the special game (satisfaction of the output end condition). By inputting this first special game test signal to the test computer via the test output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that a special game is being played through the winning of a small prize due to the entry of a game ball into the first start winning port 15 in the managed gaming machine P that output the first special game test signal.

The second special pattern change test signal is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from when the display of the special pattern change based on the entry of the game ball into the second start winning port 16 starts to when it ends, and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
That is, the main CPU 101 starts generating a second special symbol variation test signal and outputting it to the test output terminal 107 based on the start of the variable display of the special symbol based on the entry of a gaming ball into the second start winning hole 16 (satisfaction of the output start condition), and ends the generation and output based on the end of the variable display (satisfaction of the output end condition). By inputting this second special symbol variation test signal to the test computer via the test output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that the variable display of the special symbol based on the entry of a gaming ball into the second start winning hole 16 is being performed in the managed gaming machine P that output the second special symbol variation test signal.

The second special chart small win test signal is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from the start to the end of a small win game based on winning a small win by a game ball entering the second start winning port 16, and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
That is, the main CPU 101 starts generating the second special small win test signal and outputting it to the test output terminal 107 based on the start of the small win game (satisfaction of the output start condition) based on the winning of the small win by the entry of the game ball into the second start winning hole 16, and ends the generation and output based on the end of the small win game (satisfaction of the output end condition). By inputting this second special small win test signal to the test computer via the test output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that the small win game based on the winning of the small win by the entry of the game ball into the second start winning hole 16 is being played in the managed game machine P that output the second special small win test signal.

The second special game test signal is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from the start to the end of a special game executed through the winning of a small jackpot by the game ball entering the second start winning port 16, and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
That is, the main CPU 101 starts generating a second special game test signal and outputting it to the test output terminal 107 based on the start of a special game (satisfaction of the output start condition) caused by a predetermined number of game balls entering the specific area 57 during a small prize game based on the winning of a small prize due to the entry of a game ball into the second start winning port 16, and ends the generation and output based on the end of the special game (satisfaction of the output end condition). By inputting this second special game test signal to the test computer via the test output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that a special game is being played through the winning of a small prize due to the entry of a game ball into the second start winning port 16 in the managed gaming machine P that output the second special game test signal.

The test signal during a round of play is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from the start to the end of a round of play in a special game, and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
That is, the main CPU 101 starts generating a mid-round test signal and outputting it to the test-dedicated output terminal 107 based on the start of a round of play (satisfaction of the output start condition), and ends the generation and output based on the end of the round of play (satisfaction of the output end condition). By inputting this mid-round play test signal to a test computer via the test-dedicated output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that a round of play is being played on the controlled gaming machine P that output the mid-round play test signal.

The normal symbol high probability state test signal is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from the start to the end of a game state in which the probability of winning by drawing a normal symbol is relatively high, and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
In the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, the probability of winning in the lottery for normal symbols is set to be the same during both the time-saving play state and the non-time-saving play state, so although a normal symbol high probability state test signal is provided, it is not generated or output.

The normal pattern change shortening state test signal is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from the start to the end of a game state in which the normal pattern change time is relatively short, and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
In the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, the normal symbol variation time is set to be shorter during the time-saving gaming state than during the non-time-saving gaming state, so the main CPU 101 starts generating a normal symbol variation shortening state test signal and outputting it to the test-only output terminal 107 based on the setting of the time-saving gaming state (the establishment of the output start condition), and ends the generation and output based on the end of the time-saving gaming state (the establishment of the output end condition). By inputting this normal symbol variation shortening state test signal to the test computer via the test-only output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that a gaming state in which the normal symbol variation time is relatively short is set in the managed gaming machine P that output the normal symbol variation shortening state test signal.

The movable piece operation extension state test signal is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from the start to the end of a game state in which the operation time (protrusion time) of the movable piece 16b is relatively long when a winning normal pattern is drawn, and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
In the controlled gaming machine P according to this embodiment, the operating time (protruding time) of the movable piece 16b is set to be longer during the time-shortened gaming state than during the non-time-shortened gaming state, so the main CPU 101 starts generating a movable piece operating extended state test signal and outputting it to the test-dedicated output terminal 107 based on the setting of the time-shortened gaming state (satisfaction of the output start condition), and ends the generation and output based on the end of the time-shortened gaming state (satisfaction of the output end condition). By inputting this movable piece operating extended state test signal to a test computer via the test-dedicated output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that a gaming state in which the operating time (protruding time) of the movable piece 16b is relatively long is set in the controlled gaming machine P that output the movable piece operating extended state test signal.

The special chart high probability state test signal is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from the start to the end of a gaming state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is relatively high, and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
In the controlled gaming machine P of this embodiment, it is set so that a jackpot cannot be won either during the non-time-saving gaming state or during the time-saving gaming state, so although a special chart high probability state test signal is provided, it is not generated or output.

The special pattern variation shortening state test signal is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period from the start to the end of a game state in which the variation time of the special pattern is relatively short, and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
In the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, although not shown in particular, the time-saving gaming state is set so that the variation time of the special symbols is shorter than that in the non-time-saving gaming state, so the main CPU 101 starts generating a special symbol variation shortening state test signal and outputting it to the test-dedicated output terminal 107 based on the setting of the time-saving gaming state (satisfaction of the output start condition), and ends the generation and output based on the end of the gaming state (satisfaction of the output end condition). By inputting this special symbol variation shortening state test signal to the test computer via the test-dedicated output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, the test computer can grasp that a gaming state in which the variation time of the special symbol is relatively short is set in the managed gaming machine P that output the special symbol variation shortening state test signal.

The pre-activation setting state test signal is a test signal that is generated by the main CPU 101 during the period in which the difference ball count value is equal to or greater than a predetermined pre-activation setting judgment value (175,000 in this embodiment) and can be output to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107.
That is, when the difference ball count value is less than the pre-activation setting judgment value, the main CPU 101 does not generate a pre-activation setting state test signal and does not output it to the test-dedicated output terminal 107, but when the difference ball count value becomes equal to or greater than the pre-activation setting judgment value (the output start condition is satisfied), the main CPU 101 starts generating a pre-activation setting state test signal and outputting it to the test-dedicated output terminal 107. Also, after the generation of the pre-activation setting state test signal and its output to the test-dedicated output terminal 107 are started, if the difference ball count value becomes less than the pre-activation setting judgment value again (the output end condition is satisfied) before the activation state or the activation notice state is set (before the difference ball count value reaches the second reference value (195,000)), the main CPU 101 ends the generation of the pre-activation setting state test signal and its output to the test-dedicated output terminal 107.
This pre-activation setting state test signal is input to a test computer via the test-only output terminal 107 and the receiving terminal, enabling the test computer to determine that the differential ball count value in the managed gaming machine P that output the pre-activation setting state test signal is equal to or greater than the pre-activation setting judgment value, and thus to determine that the activation state is about to be set.

(Outline of test signal generation and output control when activation state is set)
Here, in the controlled gaming machine P of this embodiment, an activation state is set on the condition that the difference ball count value reaches a second reference value, and the game does not proceed, but if the activation state is set while the above-mentioned test signal is being generated and output, the generation and output of the test signal continues even after the activation state is set.

In addition, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, when the test signals related to the progress of the game (normal chart fluctuation test signal, normal chart win test signal, movable piece operation test signal, first special chart fluctuation test signal, first special chart small win test signal, first special chart special play test signal, second special chart fluctuation test signal, second special chart small win test signal, second special chart special play test signal, round play test signal) are generated and output, and when a power interruption occurs, the generation and output of these test signals are temporarily stopped, but are resumed after the power interruption is restored and the activation state is entered again (i.e., after the power interruption is restored without the RAM being cleared (RAM being cleared with the setting of the setting change state), which would end the activation state). The output of these test signals continues until the activation state ends (that is, until the RAM is cleared, which ends the activation state).
In other words, the test signals regarding the progress of the game and the test signals regarding the game status that are generated and output while the activation state is set will continue to be generated and output until the activation state (except when a power outage occurs) ends.

In contrast, if a pre-activation setting state test signal (a test signal related to the state based on the differential ball operation stop control) is generated and output while the activation state is being set, when a power outage occurs, the generation and output of the test signal stops, and remains stopped without being resumed even after the power outage is recovered and the activation state is resumed.
In other words, the pre-activation setting state test signal that was generated and output while the activation state was being set will continue to be generated and output until the activation state ends if no power interruption occurs during the activation state, but if a power interruption occurs during the activation state, generation and output will end at this point.

In addition, in the controlled gaming machine P of this embodiment, if a power outage occurs while a pre-activation setting state test signal is being generated and output and during the pre-activation warning state or the activation warning state (when the difference ball count value is less than the second reference value), the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal is temporarily stopped, as in the activation state.
Then, after the above-mentioned temporary stop, if the power is restored while the above-mentioned specific main control management error (such as an error that has a significant effect on the progress of the game) has occurred and the pre-activation warning state or activation warning state is entered again, the difference ball count value stored at the time of the power interruption is maintained, and this difference ball count value is equal to or greater than the pre-activation setting judgment value, so that the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal are resumed after the power is restored. On the other hand, if the power is restored without the occurrence of a specific main control management error, the difference ball count value is reset, and this difference ball count value is less than the pre-activation setting judgment value, so that the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal are not resumed after the power is restored.
Also, although not specifically shown, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, during the startup preparation period from when power is restored until a specified startup time (e.g., 10 seconds) has elapsed, a preparation image (e.g., a text image saying "Screen is restoring, please continue playing as is") is displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 to indicate that the preparation period is underway until various performances such as the display of background images and variable performances can be executed, and if the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal is resumed after the above-mentioned temporary stop, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal will be performed during the above-mentioned startup preparation period.

In addition, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, if a power interruption occurs during the generation and output of a pre-activation setting state test signal and during the activation notice state, the generation and output of the test signal stops, just as in the activation state, and remains stopped without being resumed even after the power interruption is restored and the activation notice state is resumed. In other words, when a power interruption occurs during the activation notice state, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal that was generated and output during the activation notice state ends at this point. In addition, if a power interruption occurs during the activation notice state, when the power interruption is restored without the RAM being cleared, which would end the activation notice state, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal may be resumed.

(Specific example)
Next, the generation of the test signal and the control of the output when the activation state is set will be described with a concrete example.
For example, a test signal during normal pattern fluctuation (a test signal related to the progress of the game) is generated and output while the normal pattern is being displayed. When an activation state is set while the normal pattern is being displayed, the display of the normal pattern fluctuation stops while the generation and output of the test signal during normal pattern fluctuation continues. Also, if a power outage occurs during this activation state, the generation and output of the test signal during normal pattern fluctuation stops temporarily, but when the power outage is restored without the RAM being cleared, which would end the activation state, the generation and output of the test signal during normal pattern fluctuation resumes. Then, when the activation state being set ends, the generation and output of the test signal during normal pattern fluctuation also ends.
Also, for example, the first special pattern change test signal (a test signal regarding the progress of the game) is generated and output during the change display of the special pattern based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15. When the activation state is set during the change display of the special pattern, the change display of the special pattern being executed stops, while the generation and output of the first special pattern change test signal continues. Also, if a power interruption occurs during this activation state, the generation and output of the first special pattern change test signal stops once, but when the power interruption is restored without the RAM being cleared, which would end the activation state, the generation and output of the first special pattern change test signal are resumed. Then, when the activation state being set ends, the generation and output of the first special pattern change test signal also ends.
Also, for example, the second special game test signal (test signal regarding the progress of the game) is generated and output during the execution of a special game through the winning of a small prize by the entry of a game ball into the second start winning hole 16. When the activation state is set during the execution of the special game, the special game stops, and when the large winning hole 18 is open, the large winning hole 18 closes, while the generation and output of the second special game test signal continues. Also, when a power interruption occurs during this activation state, the generation and output of the second special game test signal stops once, but when the power interruption is restored without the RAM being cleared, which would end the activation state, the generation and output of the second special game test signal are resumed. Then, when the activation state being set ends, the generation and output of the second special game test signal also ends.

For example, a general map fluctuation shortening state test signal (a test signal related to the game state) is generated and output during the time-shortened game state. When an activation state is set during the time-shortened game state, the game stops progressing, but the generation and output of the general map fluctuation shortening state test signal continues. Also, if a power outage occurs during this activation state, the generation and output of the general map fluctuation shortening state test signal stops temporarily, but when the power outage is restored without the RAM being cleared, which would end the activation state, the generation and output of the general map fluctuation shortening state test signal resumes. Then, when the activation state being set ends, the generation and output of the general map fluctuation shortening state test signal also ends.

In addition, the pre-activation setting state signal (a test signal related to the state based on the difference ball operation stop control) is generated and output while the difference ball count value is equal to or greater than the pre-activation setting judgment value. If the activation state is set during this time, the game stops progressing, but the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state signal continues. In addition, if a power interruption occurs during this activation state, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state signal ends based on this, and even if the power interruption is restored, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state signal does not resume. In addition, if a power interruption does not occur during this activation state, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state signal continues during the activation state, and when the activation state ends, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state signal also ends.

As described above, in the controlled gaming machine P of this embodiment, test signals related to the progress of the game, test signals related to the game status, and pre-activation setting state test signals (test signals related to the state based on the difference ball operation stop control) can be generated and output as test signals that are used during type testing and can be output to the outside of the controlled gaming machine P (a test computer).
Here, if the progress of the game stops and the type test is interrupted by the setting of the activation state, the final test results cannot be obtained, and the data such as the payout rate accumulated over a long period of time may be wasted. In the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, since the pre-activation setting state test signal can be generated and output, it is possible to know that the activation state is about to be set by the test signal, and therefore it is possible to take measures such as resetting the difference ball count value in advance to prevent the setting of the activation state, and it is possible to appropriately prevent the occurrence of the above-mentioned situation.

Furthermore, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, if an activation state is set while a test signal regarding the progress of the game, a test signal regarding the game status, or a pre-activation setting state test signal is being generated and output, the generation and output of these test signals continues even after the activation state is set.
This eliminates the need for processing to generate a test signal and stop output based on the setting of the activation state, thereby reducing the processing load on hardware resources such as the main CPU 101. In addition, even after the activation state is set, the test computer can grasp the game progress and game state before the activation state was set, improving the convenience of the test signal and enabling efficient type testing.

Furthermore, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, if a power outage occurs when test signals related to the progress of the game and test signals related to the game status are generated and output while the activation state is being set, the generation and output of these test signals are resumed after the power outage is restored without the RAM being cleared, which would end the activation state.
As a result, even if a power outage occurs during the activation state, after power is restored the test computer will be able to grasp the progress of the game and the game status before the activation state was set, further increasing the convenience of the test signal and enabling type testing to be carried out more efficiently.

Furthermore, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, if a pre-activation setting state test signal is generated and output while the activation state is being set, when a power outage occurs, the generation and output of the test signal will not resume even if the power is restored from the power outage without the RAM being cleared, which would end the activation state.
After the activation state is set, the game is not progressed, and as described below, an activation suggestion is given on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 to suggest that the activation state is being set, so that it is possible to know that the activation state is being set from the appearance of the managed gaming machine P without generating and outputting a pre-activation setting state test signal. Therefore, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, if a power interruption occurs while the activation state is being set, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal is not resumed even after the power interruption is restored, thereby making it possible to reduce the processing load on hardware resources such as the main CPU 101 when a power interruption occurs during the activation state.

Furthermore, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, if a power interruption occurs while a pre-activation setting state test signal is being generated and output, and while in the pre-activation warning state or the activation warning state, when the power interruption is restored and the pre-activation warning state or the activation warning state is entered again while a specific main control management error (an error that has a significant impact on the progress of the game) has occurred, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal will be resumed, and this generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal will be performed during the startup preparation period from when the power interruption is restored until a specified startup time has elapsed.
As a result, even if a preparation image is being displayed on the display unit 21a of the performance display device 21 during the startup preparation period, it is possible to know that the activation state is about to be set by checking whether or not a pre-activation setting state test signal has been output.

(Modifications regarding generation and output of test signals)
The test signals relating to the game progress status and the game status that the main CPU 101 can generate and output are not limited to those described above, and test signals other than the above test signals may be generated and output according to the game specifications, etc., or some of the above test signals may be generated and output. Even in such a case, the test signals may be controlled in the same manner as in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment (such as control after the activation state is set).
For example, in a managed gaming machine P set to execute a special game with a different number of rounds according to the type of the determined special symbol, a different special symbol special game test signal may be provided for each special game as a test signal regarding the progress of the game. Specifically, for example, if a special game in which a round game of three rounds is played when a special symbol A is determined based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning hole 15, and a special game in which a round game of eight rounds is played when a special symbol B is determined, a first special symbol special game signal A that can be generated and output during a special game based on the determination of the special symbol A, and a first special symbol special game signal B that can be generated and output during a special game based on the determination of the special symbol B may be provided.
Also, for example, in a managed gaming machine P in which a special game is set up so that a game ball passes through a specified passing area after a jackpot is won, a game ball passage waiting test signal may be provided as a test signal regarding the progress of the game, which can be generated and output during the period from when a jackpot is won until when the game ball passes through the passing area.
In addition, for example, in a managed gaming machine P that has a high-probability non-time-shortened gaming state that combines a high-probability gaming state and a non-time-shortened gaming state, and is set so that the special pattern fluctuation time is shorter during this high-probability non-time-shortened gaming state than in a normal gaming state (a gaming state that combines a low-probability gaming state and a non-time-shortened gaming state), a special pattern fluctuation shortening test signal may be generated and output as a test signal regarding the gaming state during this high-probability non-time-shortened gaming state.
In addition, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, in order to make the performance of the normal game higher in the time-saving game state than in the non-time-saving game state, the normal symbol variation time and the operation time (projection time) of the movable piece 16b are made different among the three elements of the probability of winning by lottery of the normal symbol, the normal symbol variation time, and the operation time (projection time) of the movable piece 16b, but this is not limited to this, and at least one of these elements may be made different, or all of the elements may be made different. Then, a test signal regarding the game state may be generated and output according to the different elements.
For example, although the probability of winning by drawing a normal pattern is higher in the time-saving play state than in the non-time-saving play state, if the normal pattern change time and the operation time of the movable piece 16b are both set to be the same in the play state, during the time-saving play state, it is possible to output only a normal pattern high probability state test signal as a test signal related to the play state, and not output a normal pattern change shortened state test signal or a movable piece operation extended state test signal.
Even in the above case, the same effects as those of the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment can be achieved.

In addition, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, when the difference ball count value is equal to or greater than the pre-activation setting judgment value (170,000), a pre-activation setting state test signal, which is a signal regarding the state based on the difference ball operation stop control, can be generated and output, and the pre-activation setting judgment value is set to a value smaller than the first reference value (190,000) at which the activation warning state is set, and the second reference value (195,000) at which the activation state is set, but is not limited to this as long as it is a value smaller than the second reference value.
For example, the pre-activation setting judgment value may be the same as the first reference value, or may be a value greater than the first reference value and less than the second reference value.
Even in the above case, the same effects as those of the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment can be achieved.

Furthermore, the test signal regarding the state based on the difference ball operation stop control that can be generated and output by the main CPU 101 is not limited to the pre-activation setting state test signal.
For example, in addition to this pre-activation setting state test signal, when the difference ball count value is equal to or greater than the pre-activation setting judgment value (e.g., 190,000, which is the same as the first reference value) that is greater than the pre-activation setting judgment value and less than the second reference value, a pre-activation setting state test signal indicating this may be generated and output. Also, when the difference ball count value is equal to or greater than the activation setting proximity judgment value (e.g., 160,000, etc.) that is smaller than the pre-activation setting judgment value, a pre-activation setting proximity test signal indicating this may be generated and output. These test signals may be controlled in the same way as the pre-activation setting state test signal of the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment.
Even in the above case, the same effect as that of the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment can be achieved, and it becomes possible to grasp in more detail in the test computer how long it will take until the activation state is set.

Furthermore, as a test signal that can be generated and output by the main CPU 101, a game progress impossible test signal that can be generated and output during a game stop state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, and an activation state and indicates a state in which a game is not progressing may be provided. Furthermore, if a power interruption occurs during the generation and output of the game progress impossible test signal, if the state before the power interruption remains even after recovery from the power interruption, the generation and output of the game progress impossible test signal may not be resumed.
Even in the above case, the same effect as that of the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment is achieved, and by simply checking whether or not the above-mentioned test signal has been output, it becomes possible to know that the test computer is in a state where play is not progressing.
In addition, by generating and enabling the same game progress disable test signal to be output in any of the game stop state, the setting change state, the setting confirmation state, and the activation state, it is possible to grasp that the game is in a state in which the game is not progressing, but it is not possible to grasp the type of the state that is set. Also, by generating and enabling the different game progress disable test signals to be output for each set state, it is possible to grasp both that the game is in a state in which the game is not progressing and the type of the set state.

Furthermore, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, if an activation state is set while a test signal related to the progress of the game or a test signal related to the game status is being generated and output, the generation and output of the test signal continues even after the activation state is set, and if a power interruption occurs during this activation state, the generation and output of the above-mentioned test signal is resumed when the power interruption is restored without the RAM being cleared, which would end the activation state, but this control may be performed only on some of the test signals rather than on all test signals.
For example, among the test signals relating to the progress of the game and the test signals relating to the game state, the above-mentioned control is performed for test signals relating to special game and special game (test signal during first special game fluctuation, test signal during first special game small win, test signal during first special game special game, test signal during second special game fluctuation, test signal during second special game small win, test signal during second special game special game, test signal during round game, test signal for special game high probability state, test signal for special game fluctuation shortened state), but the above-mentioned control may not be performed for test signals relating to normal game (test signal during normal game fluctuation, test signal during normal game win, test signal during movable piece operation, test signal for normal game high probability state, test signal for normal game fluctuation shortened state, test signal for movable piece operation extended state).
In addition, although the above-mentioned test signals for special game and special feature game, and the test signals for normal game are all continuously generated and output even after the activation state is set, if a power outage occurs during the activation state, the generation and output of the test signals for special game and special game may be resumed after the power is restored from the power outage, but the generation and output of the test signals for normal game may not be resumed after the power is restored from the power outage.
In the above-described case, various controls regarding the output of the test signal can be executed according to the gaming specifications of the managed gaming machine P, thereby making it possible to further increase the convenience of the test signal.

Furthermore, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, if an activation state is set while a pre-activation setting state test signal is being generated and output, the generation and output of the test signal continues even after the activation state is set, and if a power interruption occurs during this activation state, the generation and output of the above-mentioned test signal is not resumed after recovery from the power interruption, but the control over the pre-activation setting state test signal is not limited to this.
For example, if the activation state is set during the generation and output of a pre-activation state test signal, the generation and output of the test signal may be terminated after the activation state is set. Also, if the generation and output of the test signal are set to continue even after the activation state is set, and a power interruption occurs during this activation state, the generation and output of the test signal may be resumed when the power is restored from the power interruption without the RAM being cleared, which would end the activation state.

In addition, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, when a pre-activation setting state test signal is being generated and output, and a power interruption occurs during the pre-activation warning state or the activation warning state, causing a specific main control management error, when the power is restored, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal is resumed, but this control may be performed as follows.
For example, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal may be resumed whenever the power is restored after the power interruption. Also, when the power is restored after the power interruption, if the difference ball count value is equal to or greater than a predetermined restart determination value (e.g., 180,000), the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal may be resumed, but if the difference ball count value is less than the restart determination value, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal may not be resumed. Also, if the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal is not resumed when the difference ball count value is less than the restart determination value, the generation and output of the pre-activation setting state test signal may be resumed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the power interruption was restored (e.g., after the above-mentioned startup preparation period has elapsed).

(Outline of transmission of various commands from the main control board 100 to the frame control board 200)
As described above, when a game ball enters each winning port (general winning port 14, first start winning port 15, second start winning port 16, large winning port 18), the entry of the game ball is detected by the corresponding sensor (general winning port detection sensor 14a, first start winning port detection sensor 15a, second start winning port detection sensor 16a, specific area detection sensor 57a, general area detection sensor 58a), and the main CPU 101 sends a prize ball designation command to the frame control board 200 indicating the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning port into which the game ball entered.
In addition, for example, when a special game is started and a special game state is set, when a special game ends and a time-saving game state is set, when a time-saving game state ends and a non-time-saving game state is set, etc., when any of the game states (non-time-saving game state, time-saving game state, special game state) is set, the main CPU 101 transmits a game state command indicating the set game state to the frame control board 200.
In addition, when any main control management error occurs, the main CPU 101 sends an error command indicating the main control management error that has occurred to the frame control board 200.

A ring buffer is provided in the memory area of the main RAM 103, and each of the above commands is temporarily stored in the ring buffer at the time of generation (i.e., for a prize ball designation command, the time when the entry of a game ball is detected by a sensor corresponding to each winning port; for a game status command, the time when each game status is set; for an error command, the time when each main control management error occurs), and is then sent to the frame control board 200 in the order stored in this ring buffer.

The ring buffer is constructed by arranging a predetermined number of storage areas (in this embodiment, 24 storage areas from the first storage area to the twenty-fourth storage area) in the memory area of the main RAM 103 in a circular array structure.
When the above-mentioned commands to be transmitted to the frame control board 200 are generated, the generated commands are stored in the storage area next to the storage area of the last command stored in order. For example, if the storage area of the last command stored was the fifth storage area, the next generated command is stored in the sixth storage area, and the next generated command is stored in the seventh storage area. When a command is stored in the twenty-fourth storage area, the system returns to the beginning, and the next generated command is stored in the first storage area. In the initial state, no commands are stored in any of the first to twenty-fourth storage areas, and the generated commands are stored in order starting from the first storage area.
In addition, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, in the timer interruption process of the main control board 100 described later, a frame control transmission area storage process is executed to store the commands stored in the ring buffer one by one in the frame control transmission area (area configured by the storage area of the main RAM 103) in order from the command stored first, and a frame control output process is executed to transmit the command stored in the frame control transmission area to the frame control board 200. This timer interruption process is executed every predetermined time (24 ms in this embodiment) after the communication between the main control board 100 and the frame control board 200 is started when the managed gaming machine P is started (after the main control board 100 transmits a main command permission signal to the frame control board 200 described later). In addition, the frame control transmission area storage process and the frame control output process are always executed regardless of which main control state (playable state, setting confirmation state, setting change state, game stop state) is in.
As a result, regardless of the main control state, the above commands (prize ball designation command, game status command, error command) stored in the ring buffer are transmitted one by one to the frame control board 200 in the order in which they were stored in the ring buffer at predetermined time intervals.
As described above, in the game stop state, the setting confirmation state, or the setting change state, the game does not progress, and the above commands are not stored in the ring buffer. Therefore, in the game stop state, the setting confirmation state, or the setting change state, the above commands stored in the ring buffer before entering these main control states are transmitted to the frame control board 200.

(Specific Example 1)
For example, as shown in Fig. 12, during a non-time-saving game state, a prize ball designation command indicating the number of prize balls corresponding to the first start winning port 15 is stored in the second storage area, and a prize ball designation command indicating the number of prize balls corresponding to the general winning port 14 is stored in the third storage area. In this state, a game ball enters the first start winning port 15, causing a new prize ball designation command indicating the number of prize balls corresponding to the first start winning port 15 to be generated, and then a predetermined time (24 ms) has passed since the previous frame control transmission area storage process and frame control output process.

Here, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, a write pointer indicating the storage area in which the generated command is stored and a read pointer indicating the storage area in which the command to be transmitted is stored are provided as data for controlling the storage of the above command in the storage area and the transmission to the frame control board 200.
The write pointer indicates the storage area in which the most recently generated command is stored, and when the command is generated, it indicates the storage area in which the command is to be stored next. The main CPU 101 then stores the command in the storage area indicated by the write pointer. The read pointer indicates the storage area in which the most recently transmitted command was stored, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, it indicates the storage area in which the next command to be transmitted is stored. The main CPU 101 then executes a frame control transmission area storage process and a frame control output process for the command stored in the storage area indicated by the read pointer, and transmits the command to the frame control board 200.

In the above specific example 1, before a new prize ball designation command indicating the number of prize balls corresponding to the first start winning port 15 is generated when a game ball enters the first start winning port 15, the write pointer points to the third storage area and the read pointer points to the first storage area.
Then, when the prize ball designation command is generated, the write pointer indicates the fourth storage area, which is the next storage area after the third storage area, and the main CPU 101 stores the prize ball designation command in the fourth storage area.
In addition, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous frame control transmission area storage process and frame control output process, the read pointer indicates the third storage area, which is the next storage area after the second storage area, and the main CPU 101 executes the frame control transmission area storage process and the frame control output process for the prize ball designation command, which is stored in the third storage area and indicates the number of prize balls corresponding to the general winning port 14. As a result, the prize ball designation command is transmitted to the frame control board 200.
After this, the same process as above is repeated. That is, when a new command is generated, the command is stored in the next storage area indicated by the write pointer, and when a predetermined time has passed since the previous frame control transmission area storage process and frame control output process, the command stored in the next storage area indicated by the read pointer is transmitted to the frame control board 200.

When the storage area indicated by the write pointer and the storage area indicated by the read pointer match, the ring buffer does not store any commands to be sent to the frame control board 200. In other words, all generated commands have been sent to the frame control board 200, and no commands are stored in the ring buffer (the ring buffer is in an empty state).

(Outline of storage and transmission of commands when a gaming ball enters a specific area 57 during a small win game)
As described above, when a game ball enters the specific area 57 during a small win game, the specific area detection sensor 57a detects the entry of the game ball. Then, when a predetermined number (one) of game balls enter the specific area 57 during a small win game, a special game is started, and the number of prize balls is added (prize balls are awarded) based on the game ball entering the big prize opening 18. That is, when a game ball enters the specific area 57 during a small win game, both a prize ball designation command indicating the number of prize balls corresponding to the big prize opening 18 and a game state command indicating that a special game state has been set are stored in the ring buffer.
Here, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, when a gaming ball enters the specific area 57 during a small winning game, the game state command indicating that the special gaming state has been set and the prize ball designation command indicating the number of prize balls corresponding to the large winning opening 18 are stored in the ring buffer in this order. As a result, after the game state command indicating that the special gaming state has been set is transmitted to the frame control board 200, a prize ball designation command indicating the number of prize balls corresponding to the large winning opening 18 is transmitted to the frame control board 200. Then, the frame control board 200 grasps that the special gaming state has been set by the game state command received earlier, and the number of prize balls corresponding to the large winning opening 18 indicated by the prize ball designation command received thereafter is treated as having been awarded during the special gaming state. Therefore, when a game ball enters a specific area 57 during a small win game, the frame control board 200 treats the prize ball corresponding to the entry of this game ball (i.e., the prize ball based on the game ball entering the large prize opening 18) as having been generated during the special game state, and counts the total number of special game prize balls, and uses this count value to calculate the special game base value.

(Specific Example 2)
13, for example, in a small win game state (non-time-saving game state), a prize ball designation command indicating the number of prize balls corresponding to the general winning opening 14 is stored in the second storage area. In this state, a game ball enters the large winning opening 18 and the game ball advances into the specific area 57.

In this example, as described above, the entry of a gaming ball into this specific area 57 generates both a prize ball designation command indicating the number of prize balls corresponding to the big prize opening 18, and a gaming state command indicating that a special gaming state has been set. Also, before the prize ball designation command and the gaming state command are generated, the write pointer points to the second storage area, and the read pointer points to the first storage area.
When the prize ball designation command and game state command are generated, the light pointer points to the third storage area, which is the next storage area after the second storage area, and the main CPU 101 first stores the game state command (a game state command indicating that a special game state has been set) in the third storage area. Next, the light pointer points to the fourth storage area, which is the next storage area after the third storage area, and the main CPU 101 stores the prize ball designation command (a prize ball designation command indicating the number of prize balls corresponding to the large prize opening 18) in the fourth storage area.
In addition, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous frame control transmission area storage process and frame control output process, the read pointer indicates the second storage area, which is the storage area next to the first storage area, and the main CPU 101 executes the frame control transmission area storage process and the frame control output process for the prize ball designation command, which is stored in the second storage area and indicates the number of prize balls corresponding to the general winning port 14. As a result, the prize ball designation command is transmitted to the frame control board 200. In addition, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the frame control transmission area storage process and the frame control output process for the prize ball designation state command, the read pointer indicates the third storage area, which is the storage area next to the second storage area, and the main CPU 101 executes the frame control transmission area storage process and the frame control output process for the game state command, which is stored in the third storage area and indicates that a special game state has been set. As a result, the game state command is transmitted to the frame control board 200. Furthermore, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the execution of the frame control transmission area storage process and the frame control output process for the game status command, the read pointer points to the fourth storage area, which is the next storage area after the third storage area, and the main CPU 101 executes the frame control transmission area storage process and the frame control output process for the prize ball designation command, which is stored in the fourth storage area and indicates the number of prize balls corresponding to the large prize opening 18. As a result, the prize ball designation command is transmitted to the frame control board 200.

In this example, the total number of non-time-saving prize balls is counted as if the prize balls were generated before the special game state was set (i.e., during the non-time-saving game state) and the low base value is calculated using this count value. In contrast, the total number of special game prize balls is counted as if the prize balls were generated during the special game state and the special game base value is calculated using this count value.

(Outline of command transmission when power is restored)
As described above, when a command to be transmitted to the frame control board 200 is generated, the command is stored in the ring buffer in the order in which it was generated. Then, at predetermined time intervals (24 ms), the commands stored in the ring buffer are transmitted to the frame control board 200 one by one, starting with the command that was stored first.
Here, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, when a power outage occurs while the above command is stored in the ring buffer, and when the power is restored from the power outage, the frame control transmission area storage process and frame control output process executed first after the power outage are executed to transmit a game status command indicating the game status at the time of restoration from the power outage to the frame control board 200 before the command stored in the ring buffer at the time of the power outage. That is, the frame control transmission area storage process and frame control output process executed first after the power outage are executed to transmit a game status command indicating the game status at the time of restoration from the power outage to the frame control board 200, but the frame control transmission area storage process and frame control output process executed the second or subsequent times after the power outage are executed to transmit the command stored first in the ring buffer to the frame control board 200.
In this way, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, the frame control transmission area storage process and frame control output process that are executed first after power is restored are set to send commands to the frame control board 200 under different transmission conditions, and the frame control transmission area storage process and frame control output process that are executed the second or subsequent times after power is restored.

(Specific Example 3)
For example, as shown in Fig. 14, during a special game state, a prize ball designation command indicating the number of prize balls corresponding to the large prize opening 18 is stored in both the third storage area and the fourth storage area. At this time, the write pointer points to the fourth storage area, and the read pointer points to the second storage area. In this state, a power outage occurs, and the power is restored.

In this example, when power is restored after a power outage, the read pointer points to the first storage area, which is the storage area before the second storage area, and the main CPU 101 stores in the second storage area a game state command indicating the game state at the time of restoration from power outage (i.e., the special game state).
Then, when the frame control transmission area storage process and the frame control output process are executed for the first time after the power failure is restored, the read pointer indicating the first storage area indicates the second storage area, which is the next storage area, and the main CPU 101 executes the frame control transmission area storage process and the frame control output process for the game state command indicating the special game state stored in the second storage area. As a result, the game state command is transmitted to the frame control board 200. Also, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the execution of the frame control transmission area storage process and the frame control output process for the game state command, the read pointer indicates the third storage area, which is the next storage area after the second storage area, and the main CPU 101 executes the frame control transmission area storage process and the frame control output process for the prize ball designation command indicating the number of prize balls corresponding to the large prize opening 18, which is stored in the third storage area. As a result, the prize ball designation command is transmitted to the frame control board 200. Furthermore, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the frame control transmission area storage process and the frame control output process for the prize ball designation command, the read pointer points to the fourth storage area, which is the storage area next to the third storage area, and the main CPU 101 executes the frame control transmission area storage process and the frame control output process for the prize ball designation command, which is stored in the fourth storage area and indicates the number of prize balls corresponding to the large prize opening 18. As a result, the prize ball designation command is transmitted to the frame control board 200.

When a game state command indicating that a specified game state has been set is stored in the ring buffer, if a power outage occurs and the power is restored, a game state command indicating the game state at the time of restoration from the power outage is first sent to the frame control board 200, and then the game state command stored in the ring buffer is sent to the frame control board 200.

(Overview of sending a call command)
As described above, regardless of the main control state (playable state, setting confirmation state, setting change state, game stopped state), when the call button 7a for calling a hall attendant is pressed, the call switch 7 is turned on, and the main CPU 101 transmits a call command to the frame control board 200 indicating that the call button 7a has been pressed.
Here, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, the call command is not stored in the ring buffer. Then, after all the commands stored in the ring buffer are transmitted to the frame control board 200 (i.e., after the ring buffer becomes empty), the call command is directly stored in the frame control transmission area by the frame control transmission area storage process, and is transmitted to the frame control board 200 by the frame control output process. In other words, the call command is transmitted to the frame control board 200 only when no commands are stored in the ring buffer.

(Specific Example 4)
For example, as shown in Fig. 15, during a non-time-saving game state, a prize ball designation command indicating the number of prize balls corresponding to the first start winning hole 15 is stored in both the third storage area and the fourth storage area. At this time, the write pointer is pointing to the fourth storage area, and the read pointer is pointing to the second storage area. In this state, it is assumed that the call button 7a is pressed.

Here, the main control board 100 in this embodiment is provided with a call button press flag (configured in a specified storage area of the main RAM 103) that indicates that the call button 7a has been pressed. This call button press flag is turned on when the call button 7a is pressed, and is turned off when a call command is sent to the frame control board 200.

In this example, when the call button 7a is pressed, the call button press flag is turned on, but at this point, since the command is stored in the ring buffer, the call command is not sent to the frame control board 200.
Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous frame control transmission area storage process and frame control output process, the read pointer points to the third storage area, which is the next storage area after the second storage area, and the main CPU 101 executes frame control transmission area storage process and frame control output process for the prize ball designation command, which is stored in the third storage area and indicates the number of prize balls corresponding to the first start winning port 15. As a result, the prize ball designation command is transmitted to the frame control board 200. At this point in time, the command is still stored in the ring buffer, so the call command is not transmitted to the frame control board 200.
In addition, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the execution of the frame control transmission area storage process and the frame control output process for the prize ball designation state command, the read pointer indicates the fourth storage area, which is the storage area next to the third storage area, and the main CPU 101 executes the frame control transmission area storage process and the frame control output process for the prize ball designation command, which is stored in the fourth storage area and indicates the number of prize balls corresponding to the first start winning port 15. As a result, the prize ball designation command is transmitted to the frame control board 200.
Then, by transmitting the prize ball designation command to the frame control board 200, the ring buffer is put into a state where no commands are stored, so when a predetermined time has elapsed since the frame control transmission area storage process and the frame control output process for the prize ball designation state command are executed, the frame control transmission area storage process and the frame control output process are executed, and the call command is stored in the frame control transmission area and then transmitted to the frame control board 200. When the call command is transmitted to the frame control board 200, the call button press flag is turned off.

In addition, even if the call button is pressed, but a new prize ball designation command, game status command, or error command is generated and stored in the ring buffer before the call command is sent to the frame control board 200, all commands stored in the ring buffer are sent to the frame control board 200 in the same manner as described above, and after the ring buffer becomes empty, the call command is sent to the frame control board 200.

As described above, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, when a gaming ball enters the specific area 57 during a small win game, a gaming state command indicating that a special gaming state has been set is sent to the frame control board 200, and then a prize ball designation command indicating the number of prize balls corresponding to the large prize opening 18 is sent to the frame control board 200. Then, the frame control board 200 understands that a special gaming state has been set by the gaming state command received earlier, and the number of prize balls corresponding to the large prize opening 18 indicated by the prize ball designation command received thereafter is treated as having been awarded during the special gaming state. As a result, when a gaming ball enters the specific area 57 during a small win game, the frame control board 200 can count the total number of special gaming prize balls by regarding the prize balls corresponding to the entry of this gaming ball (prize balls based on the entry of the gaming ball into the large prize opening 18) as having occurred during the special gaming state, and the special gaming base value can be calculated using this count value.

In addition, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, commands are sent to the frame control board 200 under different transmission conditions for the frame control transmission area storage process and frame control output process executed first after power is restored, and the frame control transmission area storage process and frame control output process executed the second or subsequent times after power is restored. This makes it possible to send appropriate commands to the frame control board 200 for the first process executed after power is restored and the process executed the second or subsequent times after power is restored.

In addition, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, if a power outage occurs while commands are stored in the ring buffer and the power is restored, the frame control transmission area storage process and frame control output process, which are executed first after the power is restored, transmit a game status command indicating the game status at the time of restoration from the power outage to the frame control board 200 before the command that was stored in the ring buffer when the power outage occurred. This ensures that the game status at that time can be transmitted to the frame control board 200 when the power is restored.

For example, if a prize ball designation command generated before the special game state is entered and a game state command indicating that the special game state is set are stored in the ring buffer, and a power outage occurs before these commands are sent to the frame control board 200, when the power is restored from the power outage, the special game state is entered at the time of power restoration, so after the game state command indicating that the special game state is entered is sent to the frame control board 200, the above-mentioned prize ball designation command is sent to the frame control board 200. Then, even though the prize ball designation command was generated before the special game state was entered, the prize ball corresponding to the prize ball designation command will be counted as having occurred during the special game state.
Also, for example, if a prize ball designation command generated during a special game state and a game state command indicating that a time-saving game state has been set are stored in a ring buffer, and a power outage occurs before these commands are sent to the frame control board 200, when the power is restored from the power outage, the game state is in the time-saving game state at the time of power restoration, so after a game state command indicating that the game is in the time-saving game state is sent to the frame control board 200, the above-mentioned prize ball designation command is sent to the frame control board 200. Then, even though the ball sending designation command occurred during the special game state, the prize ball corresponding to the prize ball designation command will be counted as having occurred during the time-saving game state.
In the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, when power is restored, a game state command indicating the game state at the time of power restoration from the power interruption is sent to the frame control board 200 before the command stored in the ring buffer, so in the above case, the number of prize balls will be counted in a game state different from the game state in which the prize balls were generated. However, since these are extremely rare cases, the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment does not take any special measures.

In addition, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, when the call button 7a for calling a hall attendant is pressed in any of the main control states (playable state, setting confirmation state, setting change state, game stopped state), a call command indicating that the call button 7a has been pressed is sent to the frame control board 200. This makes it possible to call a hall attendant at any time, improving the convenience of the call button 7a (call switch 7).

In addition, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, the call command is sent to the frame control board 200 only when no commands are stored in the ring buffer. This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which the call button 7a is pressed excessively, causing the call command to be sent to the frame control board 200 multiple times, thereby preventing or delaying the transmission of the generated prize ball designation command or game status command to the frame control board 200.

(Display of low base value (game performance information))
In the frame control RAM 203 in this embodiment, as described above, the total number of outs, the total number of outs not in time-saving mode, the total number of winning balls not in time-saving mode, the total number of outs in special games, and the total number of winning balls in special games are counted during a specified calculation period. In addition, using these count values, a low base value (game performance information) and a special game base value are calculated, and the calculated low base value is displayed on the frame control display device 210. The calculation and display of the low base value will be described below.

Specifically, although not specifically shown, the frame control RAM 203 in this embodiment is provided with a first area which counts the number of outs during all game states (non-time-saving game states, time-saving game states, special game states) during a specified calculation period and stores the total number of outs, a second area which counts the number of outs during non-time-saving game states during the calculation period and stores the total number of non-time-saving outs, a third area which counts the number of prize balls based on the entry of game balls into each winning port during the non-time-saving game states during the calculation period and stores the total number of non-time-saving prize balls, a fourth area which calculates and stores a low base value for the calculation period based on the total number of non-time-saving outs stored in the second area and the total number of non-time-saving prize balls stored in the third area, and a fifth area which is capable of storing the low base value stored at the end of the calculation period (hereinafter also referred to as the final low base value) for up to N calculation periods (for example, 3).
During a specified calculation period, the total number of outs stored in the first area is updated each time the number of outs is counted during all game states (non-time-saving game states, time-saving game states, special game states), the non-time-saving total number of outs stored in the second area is updated each time the number of outs is counted during a non-time-saving game state, and the non-time-saving total number of winning balls stored in the third area is updated each time the number of winning balls is counted during a non-time-saving game state.
In addition, during a predetermined calculation period, the low base value stored in the fourth area is updated every time the number of outs is counted during a non-time-saving game state or the number of winning balls is counted during a non-time-saving game state. That is, during a predetermined calculation period, every time the total number of non-time-saving outs or the total number of winning balls is updated, the low base value stored in the fourth area is also updated.
As described above, the low base value is the ratio of the total non-time-saving winning balls to the total non-time-saving outs, and is a decimal value calculated by the total non-time-saving winning balls/total non-time-saving outs. However, instead of storing the decimal value as it is in the fourth and fifth areas, this decimal value is converted to a percentage and the value rounded off to the nearest tenth is stored in the fourth and fifth areas. In addition, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, if the rounded value exceeds "100", "99" is stored as the low base value in the fourth and fifth areas. Therefore, the low base value stored in the fourth and fifth areas is an integer value in the range of "0 to 99".

The calculation period in this embodiment is the period from when counting the total number of outs in the first area begins to when the total number of outs reaches a predetermined reference number (60,000 in this embodiment).
In the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, a calculation preparation period begins after the first power-on after shipping from the factory, and during this calculation preparation period, the total number of outs is counted in the first area, but the total number of non-time-saving outs is not counted in the second area, the total number of non-time-saving winning balls is not counted in the third area, and the low base value is not calculated in the fourth area.Then, when the total number of outs stored in the first area reaches the number at the end of the preparation period (for example, 200 balls), the calculation preparation period ends.When the calculation preparation period ends, the first area, second area, third area, and fourth area are all cleared (initialized), and the first calculation period begins.
When one calculation period starts, the counting of the total number of outs in the first area, the counting of the total number of non-time-saving outs in the second area, the counting of the total number of non-time-saving winning balls in the third area, and the calculation of the low base value in the fourth area are started, and when the total number of outs stored in the first area reaches a reference number, the calculation period ends. When the calculation period ends, the low base value (final low base value) stored in the fourth area at this point is stored in the fifth area, and the first, second, third, and fourth areas are all cleared, and the next calculation period starts.
Furthermore, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, even if the RAM is cleared, the first area, second area, third area, fourth area, and fifth area of the frame control RAM 203 are not cleared, and only the ball memory area in which the number of balls held is stored is cleared.
In this specification, the calculation period in which the total number of outs, the total number of non-time-saving outs, the total number of non-time-saving winning balls are currently counted, and the low base value is calculated, is also referred to as the "current calculation period."

Moreover, the fifth area in this embodiment is composed of a total of three storage sections, namely, the first storage section to the third storage section, and is capable of storing the final low base values of up to three calculation periods.
Specifically, each time a calculation period ends (i.e., each time the total number of outs stored in the first area reaches the reference number), the final low base value stored in the first and second storage units of the fifth area is shifted to a storage unit with a larger number by one, and the low base value stored in the fourth area at that time is stored in the first storage unit of the fifth area. In other words, each time a calculation period ends, the final low base value stored in the third storage unit is updated to the final low base value stored in the second storage unit, the final low base value stored in the second storage unit is updated to the final low base value stored in the first storage unit, and the final low base value stored in the first storage unit is updated to the low base value stored in the fourth area at the end of the calculation period.
As a result, the first storage unit in the fifth area stores the final low base value for the calculation period one calculation period before the current calculation period, the second storage unit in the fifth area stores the final low base value for the calculation period two calculation periods before the current calculation period, and the third storage unit in the fifth area stores the final low base value for the calculation period three calculation periods before the current calculation period. In other words, the fifth area always stores the final low base values for the three most recent calculation periods in order starting from the first storage unit.

More specifically, for example, when the first calculation period (hereinafter also referred to as the first calculation period) that starts after the calculation preparation period ends, the low base value (hereinafter also referred to as the first final low base value) stored in the fourth area at the end of this period is stored in the first storage unit of the fifth area. Note that at the time of the first power-on, the final low base value is not stored in any of the first storage unit, the second storage unit, and the third storage unit. Therefore, when the first calculation period ends, the above-mentioned shift is performed, but the final low base value is not yet stored in the second storage unit and the third storage unit. Therefore, during the calculation period (hereinafter also referred to as the second calculation period) that starts after the end of the first calculation period, the first final low base value is stored in the first storage unit, and the final low base value is not stored in the second storage unit and the third storage unit.

When the second calculation period ends, the first final low base value stored in the first memory unit of the fifth area is shifted to the second memory unit, and the low base value stored in the fourth area at the end of the second calculation period (hereinafter also referred to as the second final low base value) is stored in the first memory unit of the fifth area. As described above, the final low base value has not yet been stored in the third memory unit. Therefore, during the calculation period (hereinafter also referred to as the third calculation period) that begins after the end of the second calculation period, the second final low base value is stored in the first memory unit, the first final low base value is stored in the second memory unit, and the final low base value is not stored in the third memory unit.

When the third calculation period ends, the first final low base value stored in the second memory unit of the fifth area is shifted to the third memory unit, the second final low base value stored in the first memory unit of the fifth area is shifted to the second memory unit, and the low base value stored in the fourth area at the end of the third calculation period (hereinafter also referred to as the third final low base value) is stored in the first memory unit of the fifth area. Therefore, during the calculation period (hereinafter also referred to as the fourth calculation period) that begins after the end of the third calculation period, the third final low base value is stored in the first memory unit, the second final low base value is stored in the second memory unit, and the first final low base value is stored in the third memory unit.

When the fourth calculation period ends, the second final low base value stored in the second memory section of the fifth area is shifted to the third memory section, the third final low base value stored in the first memory section of the fifth area is shifted to the second memory section, and the low base value stored in the fourth area at the end of the fourth calculation period (hereinafter also referred to as the fourth final low base value) is stored in the first memory section of the fifth area. The first final low base value stored in the third memory section is erased as the above-mentioned shift is performed. Therefore, during the calculation period (hereinafter also referred to as the fifth calculation period) that starts after the end of the fourth calculation period, the fourth final low base value is stored in the first memory section, the third final low base value is stored in the second memory section, and the second final low base value is stored in the third memory section.

Similarly, when the calculation period ends, the final low base value stored in the third storage unit is erased, the final low base value stored in the second storage unit is shifted to the third storage unit, the final low base value stored in the first storage unit is shifted to the second storage unit, and the low base value stored in the fourth area at the end of the calculation period is stored in the first storage unit. Therefore, during a calculation period from the fourth calculation period onwards, the first storage unit stores the final low base value for the calculation period one period before that calculation period, the second storage unit stores the final low base value for the calculation period two periods before that calculation period, and the third storage unit stores the final low base value for the calculation period three periods before that calculation period.

Then, at every predetermined switching time (5 seconds in this embodiment), the frame control CPU 201 sequentially switches between the low base value stored in the fourth area (i.e., the low base value for the current calculation period), the final low base value stored in the first memory section of the fifth area (i.e., the final low base value for the calculation period one period before the current calculation period), the final low base value stored in the second memory section of the fifth area (i.e., the final low base value for the calculation period two periods before the current calculation period), and the final low base value stored in the third memory section of the fifth area (i.e., the final low base value for the calculation period three periods before the current calculation period), and causes the frame control display device 210 to display them.

In the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, of the six 7-segment displays that constitute the frame control display device 210, the third display 210c, the fourth display 210d, the fifth display 210e, and the sixth display 210f display the above-mentioned low base value and final low base value.
Specifically, the fifth display 210e and the sixth display 210f display the target low base value or the final low base value. As described above, the low base value and the final low base value during the current calculation period stored in the fourth and fifth areas are integer values in the range of 0 to 99, and the fifth display 210e displays the tens digit value of the target low base value or the final low base value, and the sixth display 210f displays the units digit value of the target low base value or the final low base value.
Further, the third display 210c and the fourth display 210d display the type of calculation period corresponding to the low base value being displayed or the final low base value. In the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, the letter "bL" is displayed to indicate the current calculation period (the letter "b" is displayed on the third display 210c and the letter "L" is displayed on the fourth display 210d), the letter "b1" is displayed to indicate the calculation period one period before the current calculation period (the letter "b" is displayed on the third display 210c and the letter "1" is displayed on the fourth display 210d), the letter "b2" is displayed to indicate the calculation period two periods before the current calculation period (the letter "b" is displayed on the third display 210c and the letter "2" is displayed on the fourth display 210d), and the letter "b3" is displayed to indicate the calculation period three periods before the current calculation period (the letter "b" is displayed on the third display 210c and the letter "3" is displayed on the fourth display 210d).
Note that the display indicating the type of accounting period is not limited to these, so long as it is in a form that allows each accounting period to be identified.

For example, if the low base value during the current calculation period (the low base value stored in the fourth area) is "75," the letters "bL75" are lit on the frame control display device 210. That is, the letter "b" is lit on the third display 210c, the letter "L" is lit on the fourth display 210d, the letter "7" is lit on the fifth display 210e, and the letter "5" is lit on the sixth display 210f.
Furthermore, for example, if the final low base value in the calculation period immediately preceding the current calculation period (the final low base value stored in the first storage unit in the fifth area) is "82," then the letters "b182" are lit up on the frame control display device 210. That is, the letter "b" is lit up on the third display 210c, the letter "1" is lit up on the fourth display 210d, the letter "8" is lit up on the fifth display 210e, and the letter "2" is lit up on the sixth display 210f.
Furthermore, for example, if the final low base value in the calculation period two calculation periods before the current calculation period (the final low base value stored in the second storage unit in the fifth area) is "5," then the letters "b205" are lit up on the frame control display device 210. That is, the third display 210c lights up the letter "b," the fourth display 210d lights up the letter "2," the fifth display 210e lights up the letter "0," and the sixth display 210f lights up the letter "5."
Furthermore, for example, if the final low base value in the calculation period three calculation periods before the current calculation period (the final low base value stored in the third storage unit in the fifth area) is "0", the characters "b300" are lit up on the frame control display device 210. That is, the third display 210c lights up the character "b", the fourth display 210d lights up the character "3", the fifth display 210e lights up the character "0", and the sixth display 210f lights up the character "0".

The display of the low base value and the final low base value in this embodiment will be described more specifically below.
In the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, when the calculation preparation period starts after the first power-on after shipping from the factory, the display on the frame control display device 210 starts. As described above, during the calculation preparation period, the count of the total number of non-time-saving outs, the count of the total number of non-time-saving winning balls, and the calculation of the low base value are not performed, and since the calculation period has not started, the low base value during the current calculation period is not stored in the fourth area, and the final low base value during the calculation period one period before the current calculation period, the final low base value during the calculation period two periods before the current calculation period, and the final low base value during the calculation period three periods before the current calculation period are not stored in the fifth area. Therefore, during this calculation preparation period, a display is made indicating that each low base value is not stored.

Specifically, when the calculation preparation period begins, the frame control display device 210 begins displaying an unstored indication P1 (for example, a display in which the letter "b" flashes on the third display 210c, the letter "L" flashes on the fourth display 210d, and the letter "-" is lit on both the fifth display 210e and the sixth display 210f) indicating that the low base value for the current calculation period has not been stored, and thereafter, each time the above-mentioned switching time elapses, an unstored indication P2 (for example, a display in which the letter "b" flashes on the third display 210c, the letter "1" flashes on the fourth display 210d, and the letter "-" is lit on both the fifth display 210e and the sixth display 210f) indicating that the final low base value for the calculation period one period before the current calculation period has not been stored is displayed. The display changes in sequence from the following: a display in the form of a flashing character "b" on the third display 210c, a flashing character "2" on the fourth display 210d, and a flashing character "-" on the fifth display 210e and the sixth display 210f) to an unstored display P3 indicating that the final low base value in the calculation period two periods before the current calculation period has not been stored (for example, a display in the form of a flashing character "b" on the third display 210c, a flashing character "2" on the fourth display 210d, and a flashing character "-" on the fifth display 210e and the sixth display 210f) to an unstored display P4 indicating that the final low base value in the calculation period three periods before the current calculation period has not been stored (for example, a display in the form of a flashing character "b" on the third display 210c, a flashing character "3" on the fourth display 210d, and a flashing character "-" on the fifth display 210e and the sixth display 210f). After the unstored display P4 is performed, the display returns to the unstored display P1. These displays are repeatedly executed until the calculation preparation period ends.
In this way, during the calculation preparation period, the frame control display device 210 is constantly cyclically displaying the following: 5 seconds of unmemorized display P1 → 5 seconds of unmemorized display P2 → 5 seconds of unmemorized display P3 → 5 seconds of unmemorized display P4 → 5 seconds of unmemorized display P1 → ...

Thereafter, when the calculation preparation period ends and the calculation period begins, a display is displayed indicating that the low base values for the calculation preparation period described above have not been stored, followed by a display of the low base value and final low base value for the current calculation period.
Specifically, when the calculation period starts, the frame control display device 210 starts displaying C1 of the low base value for the current calculation period (for example, the third display 210c lights up the letter "b", the fourth display 210d lights up the letter "L", the fifth display 210e lights up the tens digit of the low base value stored in the fourth area, and the fifth display 210e lights up the ones digit of the low base value stored in the fourth area). Thereafter, each time the above-mentioned switching time elapses, the display C2 of the final low base value in the calculation period one calculation period before the current calculation period (for example, the letter "b" is lit on the third display 210c, the letter "1" is lit on the fourth display 210d, the tens digit of the low base value stored in the first storage unit of the fifth area is lit on the fifth display 210e, and the ones digit of the low base value stored in the first storage unit of the fifth area is lit on the fifth display 210e) is displayed. display C2 of the final low base value for the calculation period two calculation periods before the current calculation period (for example, a display in a manner in which the letter "b" is lit on the third display 210c, the letter "2" is lit on the fourth display 210d, the tens digit of the low base value stored in the second storage unit of the fifth area is lit on the fifth display 210e, and the ones digit of the low base value stored in the second storage unit of the fifth area is lit on the fifth display 210e) ) → display C4 of the final low base value for the calculation period three calculation periods before the current calculation period (for example, a display in which the letter "b" is lit on the third display 210c, the letter "2" is lit on the fourth display 210d, the tens digit of the low base value stored in the third memory unit of the fifth area is lit on the fifth display 210e, and the units digit of the low base value stored in the third memory unit of the fifth area is lit on the fifth display 210e). After display C4 is performed, the display returns to C1. These displays are executed repeatedly after the start of the calculation period.
In this way, after the calculation period has begun, the frame control display device 210 constantly cyclically displays the following: 5-second display C1 → 5-second display C2 → 5-second display C3 → 5-second display C4 → 5-second display C1 → ...

Also, during the first calculation period after the calculation preparation period ends, the final low base value for the calculation period one period before the current calculation period, the final low base value for the calculation period two periods before the current calculation period, and the final low base value for the calculation period three periods before the current calculation period have not yet been stored. Therefore, during this calculation period, displays C2, C3, and C4 are not displayed, and instead, unstored display P2, unstored display P3, and unstored display P4 are displayed.
In addition, during the second calculation period after the calculation preparation period ends, the final low base value for the calculation period two periods before the current calculation period and the final low base value for the calculation period three periods before the current calculation period have not yet been stored. Therefore, during this calculation period, display C3 and display C4 are not displayed, and instead unstored display P3 and unstored display P4 are displayed.
During the third calculation period after the calculation preparation period ends, the final low base value for the calculation period three periods before the current calculation period has not yet been stored. Therefore, during this calculation period, display C4 is not displayed, and instead, unstored display P4 is displayed.

Note that, rather than always displaying the above-mentioned displays C1, C2, C3, and C4 during each calculation period, the display mode may be different depending on the total number of outs since the start of each calculation period. For example, until the total number of outs since the start of each calculation period reaches a predetermined switching number (e.g., 6,000), the third display 210c and the fourth display 210d may display blinking characters, and after the switching number is reached, the third display 210c and the fourth display 210d may display lit characters.
In this case, the display on the frame control display device 210 makes it possible to understand whether the total number of outs has not been reached during each calculation period, or whether the total number of outs has been reached.

In addition, the game performance information calculated and stored in the frame control RAM 203 and displayed on the frame control display device 210 is not limited to the low base value, but may be calculated, stored and displayed, for example, the above-mentioned special game base value, special electric device ratio, device ratio, etc.

(Summary of frame control state error indication)
In the managed game machine P according to this embodiment, when a frame control management error managed by the frame control board 200 occurs, the frame control CPU 201 displays an error code corresponding to the frame control management error that has occurred on the frame control display device 210, thereby suggesting a frame control status error that indicates that the frame control management error is occurring. This frame control status error suggestion starts when a start condition corresponding to each error is met (when a corresponding frame control management error occurs) and ends when a termination condition corresponding to each error is met.

Specifically, there are 21 types of frame control management errors: frame control RAM abnormal error, frame control backup abnormal error, main control inconsistency error, communication abnormal error within the managed gaming machine, radio wave detection error, winning abnormal error, rectifier outlet abnormal error, rectifier solenoid abnormal error, rectifier inlet abnormal error, pumping abnormal error, out sensor abnormal error, out passage ball jam error, foul passage ball jam error, game ball circulation abnormal error, too many circulating balls error, too few circulating balls error, main control unconnected error, dedicated unit unconnected error, game ball count clear error, outer frame open error, and inner frame open error. When the start condition for each error is met, a frame control management error suggestion is executed, suggesting the occurrence of the error.

16, the frame control ROM 202 in this embodiment is provided with a frame control management error suggestion table ET that defines control data such as an error code, a start condition, an end condition, and a priority order (to be described later) to be displayed on the frame control display device 210 for each frame control management error that may occur. The frame control CPU 201 refers to this frame control management error suggestion table ET to control the execution of the frame control management error suggestion.
Below, an overview of each slot control management error will be explained, and also, with reference to FIG. 16, a specific explanation will be given of control data suggesting a slot control management error corresponding to each slot control management error.

(1) Frame control RAM abnormality error A frame control RAM abnormality error is an error indicating that it is impossible to read or write data from the frame control RAM 203. For example, a frame control RAM abnormality error occurs when it is impossible to read or write data from the frame control RAM 203 at a predetermined judgment point in time (for example, when power is restored after a power outage or when reading or writing is performed from the frame control RAM 203) due to damage to a component mounted on the frame control board 200. When a frame control RAM abnormality error occurs, power supply to the lifting motor 532, power supply to the rectifier solenoid 521, and power supply to the launch motor 503 are stopped.
In the frame control management error suggestion table ET, the occurrence of a frame control RAM abnormality error is defined as the start condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error, and power re-applying (recovery from power outage) is defined as the end condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error. In other words, when a frame control RAM abnormality error occurs, the corresponding frame control management error suggestion is started, and when the power is re-applied (the power is turned off and on to recover from power outage), the frame control management error suggestion is ended.
In addition, when this frame control management error indication occurs, the frame control display device 210 displays a code corresponding to the frame control RAM abnormal error (for example, the letters "H02" (for example, the letter "H" is displayed lit on the fourth display 210d, the number "0" is displayed lit on the fifth display 210e, and the number "2" is displayed lit on the sixth display 210f)).
Furthermore, the priority of the frame control RAM abnormality error is "1st" (the highest priority).

(2) Frame control backup abnormality error The frame control backup abnormality error is an error indicating that an inconsistency occurs regarding the data stored in the frame control RAM 203 when power is restored. In the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, a backup process is executed to back up the data stored in the frame control RAM 203 when power is restored. Then, when power is restored, if there is an inconsistency between the data backed up in the frame control RAM 203 when power is restored and the data backed up in the frame control RAM 203 when power is restored, a frame control backup abnormality error occurs. Also, when the power is turned on for the first time after shipping from the factory, the backup process is not executed and there is no backed up data in the frame control RAM 203, so a frame control backup abnormality error occurs. When a frame control backup abnormality error occurs, the power supply to the lifting motor 532, the power supply to the rectifier solenoid 521, and the power supply to the launch motor 503 are stopped.
In the frame control management error suggestion table ET, the occurrence of a frame control backup abnormal error is defined as a start condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error, and the turning on of error release switch 220 is defined as an end condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error. In other words, when a frame control backup abnormal error occurs, the corresponding frame control management error suggestion is started, and when error release button 220a is pressed and error release switch 220 is turned on, the frame control management error suggestion is ended.
In addition, when this frame control management error indication occurs, the frame control display device 210 displays a code corresponding to the frame control backup abnormality error (for example, the letters "H01" (for example, the letter "H" is displayed lit on the fourth display 210d, the number "0" is displayed lit on the fifth display 210e, and the number "1" is displayed lit on the sixth display 210f)).
In addition, the priority of the frame control backup abnormality error is "2nd" (the second highest priority).

(3) Main Control Mismatch Error A main control mismatch error is an error indicating that the gaming machine identification code received from the main control board 100 does not match the gaming machine identification code stored in the frame control ROM 202 of the frame control board 200. In the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, at a predetermined transmission time (e.g., when power is restored after a power outage, etc.), the main CPU 101 of the main control board 100 transmits the gaming machine identification code stored in the main ROM 102 to the frame control board 200. If the gaming machine identification code received from the main control board 100 does not match the gaming machine identification code stored in the frame control ROM 202, a main control mismatch error occurs.
In the slot control management error suggestion table ET, the occurrence of a main control mismatch error is defined as a start condition corresponding to the slot control management error suggestion of the error, and the passage of a predetermined automatic release time (e.g., 3 seconds) is defined as an end condition corresponding to the slot control management error suggestion of the error. In other words, when a main control mismatch error occurs, the corresponding slot control management error suggestion is started, and when the above-mentioned automatic release time has elapsed, the slot control management error suggestion is ended.
In addition, when this frame control management error indication occurs, the frame control display device 210 displays the code corresponding to the main control inconsistency error (for example, the letters "H08" (for example, the letter "H" is displayed lit on the fourth display 210d, the number "0" is displayed lit on the fifth display 210e, and the number "8" is displayed lit on the sixth display 210f)).
Furthermore, the priority of the main control inconsistency error is "3" (the third highest priority).

(4) Communication Anomaly Error in the Managed Game Machine The communication anomaly error in the managed game machine is an error indicating that an anomaly has occurred in communication with the main control board 100. As described above, the main control board 100 and the frame control board 200 are connected to be able to communicate in both directions, but if an anomaly occurs in the transmission of data or commands to the main control board 100 or in the reception of data or commands from the main control board 100, a communication anomaly error in the managed game machine occurs.
In the frame control management error suggestion table ET, the occurrence of a communication abnormality error within the managed gaming machine is defined as a start condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error, and the turning on of the error release switch 220 is defined as an end condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error. In other words, when a communication abnormality error within the managed gaming machine occurs, the corresponding frame control management error suggestion is started, and when the error release button 220a is pressed and the error release switch 220 is turned on, the frame control management error suggestion is ended.
In addition, when this frame control management error indication occurs, the frame control display device 210 displays a code corresponding to a communication abnormality error within the managed gaming machine (for example, the letters "H06" (for example, the letter "H" is displayed lit on the fourth display 210d, the number "0" is displayed lit on the fifth display 210e, and the number "6" is displayed lit on the sixth display 210f)).
In addition, the priority of a communication abnormality error within a managed gaming machine is "4th" (fourth highest priority).

(5) Radio wave detection error A radio wave detection error is an error indicating that radio waves have been irradiated to the managed gaming machine P. A radio wave detection error occurs when a radio wave detection signal based on detection of radio waves by the radio wave detection sensor 35 is received, or when a break in the cable connecting the radio wave detection sensor 35 and the frame control board 200 is detected for a predetermined break detection time (e.g., 100 milliseconds).
In the slot control management error indication table ET, the occurrence of a radio wave detection error is defined as a start condition corresponding to the slot control management error indication of the error, and the end condition corresponding to the slot control management error indication of the error is defined as the stop of reception of a radio wave detection signal (i.e., radio waves are no longer detected) or the above-mentioned disconnection is not detected for a predetermined disconnection release time (e.g., 60 milliseconds). In other words, when a radio wave detection error occurs, the corresponding slot control management error indication is initiated, and when the reception of a radio wave detection signal is stopped or the above-mentioned disconnection is not detected for the above-mentioned disconnection release time, the slot control management error indication is terminated.
In addition, when this frame control management error indication occurs, the frame control display device 210 displays a code corresponding to the radio wave detection error (for example, the letters "H66" (for example, the letter "H" is displayed lit on the fourth display 210d, the number "6" is displayed lit on the fifth display 210e, and the number "6" is displayed lit on the sixth display 210f)).
Furthermore, the priority of the radio wave detection error is "5" (the fifth highest priority).

(6) Winning Abnormality Error A winning abnormality error is an error indicating that the number of game balls detected by the out sensor 601 is excessive compared to the number of game balls shot (i.e., winning balls have been generated that are not based on the shooting of game balls). When the number of game balls detected by the out sensor 601 (the number of times the out signal is output) minus the number of game balls shot (the number of times the rectifier outlet sensor 523 has changed from on to off) exceeds a predetermined abnormality detection number (e.g., 100 balls), a winning abnormality error occurs.
In the frame control management error suggestion table ET, the occurrence of a winning abnormal error is defined as a start condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error, and the turning on of the error release switch 220 is defined as an end condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error. In other words, when a winning abnormal error occurs, the corresponding frame control management error suggestion is started, and when the error release button 220a is pressed and the error release switch 220 is turned on, the frame control management error suggestion is ended.
In addition, when this frame control management error indication occurs, the frame control display device 210 displays a code corresponding to the winning abnormality error (for example, the letters "H69" (for example, the letter "H" is displayed lit on the fourth display 210d, the number "6" is displayed lit on the fifth display 210e, and the number "9" is displayed lit on the sixth display 210f)).
In addition, the priority of the winning abnormal error is "6th" (sixth priority).

(7) Rectifier outlet abnormality error The rectifier outlet abnormality error is an error indicating that game balls are stuck at the outlet of the rectifier 520 (i.e., game balls are jammed). When the rectifier outlet sensor 523 detects game balls for a predetermined outlet abnormality detection time (e.g., 500 milliseconds), that is, when the rectifier outlet sensor 523 turns on (a rectifier outlet detection signal is output) for the predetermined outlet abnormality detection time, a rectifier outlet abnormality error occurs. When a rectifier outlet abnormality error occurs, the power supply to the lifting motor 532 and the power supply to the rectifier solenoid 521 are stopped.
In the frame control management error suggestion table ET, the occurrence of a rectifier outlet abnormality error is defined as a start condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error, and the end condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error is defined as the failure to detect a game ball by the rectifier outlet sensor 523 for a predetermined outlet abnormality release time (e.g., 500 milliseconds). In other words, when a rectifier outlet abnormality error occurs, the corresponding frame control management error suggestion is started, and when the rectifier outlet sensor 523 does not detect a game ball for the above-mentioned outlet abnormality release time, the frame control management error suggestion is ended.
In addition, when this frame control management error indication occurs, the frame control display device 210 displays a code corresponding to the rectifier outlet abnormality error (for example, the letters "H32" (for example, the letter "H" is displayed lit on the fourth display 210d, the number "3" is displayed lit on the fifth display 210e, and the number "2" is displayed lit on the sixth display 210f)).
Furthermore, the priority of the rectifier outlet abnormality error is "7" (the seventh priority).

(8) Rectifier solenoid abnormality error The rectifier solenoid abnormality error is an error indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the rectifier solenoid 521. When the outer frame 3 is closed and the rectifier solenoid 521 is not energized but the rectifier inlet sensor 522 has been on continuously for a predetermined judgment start time (e.g., 1.5 seconds) or more, if the rectifier inlet sensor 522 changes from on to off (when the output of the rectifier inlet detection signal stops), a rectifier solenoid abnormality error occurs. When the outer frame 3 is open, a rectifier solenoid abnormality error does not occur even if the above-mentioned conditions are satisfied. Furthermore, when a rectifier solenoid abnormality error occurs, energization to the lifting motor 532 is stopped.
In addition, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, a predetermined timer provided on the frame control board 200 measures the time that the rectifier inlet sensor 522 is on, making it possible to determine that the rectifier inlet sensor 522 has been on continuously for a predetermined judgment start time or longer.
In the frame control management error suggestion table ET, the occurrence of a rectifier solenoid abnormality error is defined as a start condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error, and the turning on of the error release switch 220 is defined as an end condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error. In other words, when a rectifier solenoid abnormality error occurs, the corresponding frame control management error suggestion is started, and when the error release button 220a is pressed and the error release switch 220 is turned on, the frame control management error suggestion is ended.
In addition, in response to this frame control management error indication, the frame control display device 210 displays a code corresponding to a rectifier solenoid abnormality error (for example, the letters "H14" (for example, the letter "H" is displayed lit on the fourth display 210d, the number "1" is displayed lit on the fifth display 210e, and the number "4" is displayed lit on the sixth display 210f)).
In addition, the priority of the rectifier solenoid abnormality error is "8" (the eighth highest priority).

(9) Rectifier inlet abnormality error The rectifier inlet abnormality error is an error indicating that game balls are stuck (game balls are jammed) at the inlet of the rectifier 520. If the rectifier inlet sensor 522 continues to detect game balls for a predetermined inlet abnormality detection time (e.g., 1 second) even though the rectifier solenoid 521 is energized, that is, if the rectifier inlet sensor 522 remains on (the rectifier inlet detection signal remains output), a rectifier inlet abnormality error occurs.
In the frame control management error suggestion table ET, the occurrence of a rectifier inlet abnormality error is defined as a start condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error, and the turning on of the error release switch 220 is defined as an end condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error. In other words, when a rectifier solenoid abnormality error occurs, the corresponding frame control management error suggestion is started, and when the error release button 220a is pressed and the error release switch 220 is turned on, the frame control management error suggestion is ended.
In addition, when this frame control management error indication occurs, the frame control display device 210 displays a code corresponding to the rectifier inlet abnormality error (for example, the letters "H15" (for example, the letter "H" is displayed lit on the fourth display 210d, the number "1" is displayed lit on the fifth display 210e, and the number "5" is displayed lit on the sixth display 210f)).
Furthermore, the priority of the rectifier inlet abnormality error is "9" (the ninth highest priority).

(10) Lifting Abnormality Error The lifting abnormality error is an error indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the lifting motor 532. If the rotation detection sensor 533 does not detect the rotation of the screw conveyor 531 even though the lifting motor 532 is energized, that is, if the rotation detection sensor 533 does not turn on (no rotation detection signal is output), a lifting abnormality error occurs. Note that when a lifting abnormality error occurs, energization of the lifting motor 532 and energization of the rectifier solenoid 521 are stopped.
In the slot control management error suggestion table ET, the occurrence of a pumping abnormality error is defined as a start condition corresponding to the slot control management error suggestion of the error, and the turning on of the error release switch 220 is defined as an end condition corresponding to the slot control management error suggestion of the error. In other words, when a pumping abnormality error occurs, the corresponding slot control management error suggestion is started, and when the error release button 220a is pressed and the error release switch 220 is turned on, the slot control management error suggestion is ended.
In addition, when this frame control management error indication occurs, the frame control display device 210 displays a code corresponding to the abnormal lifting error (for example, the letters "H17" (for example, the letter "H" is displayed lit on the fourth display 210d, the number "1" is displayed lit on the fifth display 210e, and the number "7" is displayed lit on the sixth display 210f)).
In addition, the priority of the pumping abnormality error is "10th" (the 10th priority).

(11) Out sensor abnormality error An out sensor abnormality error is an error indicating that the cable connecting the out sensor 601 and the frame control board 200 is broken. If a break in the cable is detected for a predetermined out sensor break detection time (e.g., 100 milliseconds), an out sensor abnormality error occurs. When an out sensor abnormality error occurs, power to the lifting motor 532 is stopped.
In the frame control management error suggestion table ET, the occurrence of an out sensor abnormality error is defined as a start condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error, and the end condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error is defined as the above-mentioned break is not detected for a predetermined out sensor break release time (e.g., 100 milliseconds). In other words, when an out sensor abnormality error occurs, the corresponding frame control management error suggestion is started, and when the above-mentioned break is not detected for the above-mentioned out sensor break release time, the frame control management error suggestion is ended.
In addition, when this frame control management error indication occurs, the frame control display device 210 displays a code corresponding to the out sensor abnormality error (for example, the letters "H26" (for example, the letter "H" is displayed lit on the fourth display 210d, the number "2" is displayed lit on the fifth display 210e, and the number "6" is displayed lit on the sixth display 210f)).
Further, the priority of the out sensor abnormality error is "11th" (the 11th priority).

(12) Out Passage Ball Jamming Error The out passage ball jamming error is an error indicating that a game ball is stuck in the out passage 600 (a game ball jam has occurred). When the out sensor 601 detects a game ball for a predetermined out passage jamming time (e.g., 500 milliseconds), that is, when the out sensor 601 turns on (an out signal is output) for a predetermined out passage jamming time, an out passage ball jamming error occurs. When an out passage ball jamming error occurs, power to the lifting motor 532 is stopped.
In the frame control management error suggestion table ET, the occurrence of an out passage ball jam error is defined as a start condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error, and the end condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error is defined as the out sensor 601 not detecting a game ball for a predetermined out passage clogging release time (e.g., 500 milliseconds). In other words, when an out passage ball jam error occurs, the corresponding frame control management error suggestion is started, and when the out sensor 601 does not detect a game ball for the above-mentioned out passage clogging release time, the frame control management error suggestion is ended.
In addition, when this frame control management error indication occurs, the frame control display device 210 displays the code corresponding to the out aisle ball jam error (for example, the letters "H30" (for example, the letter "H" is displayed lit on the fourth display 210d, the number "3" is displayed lit on the fifth display 210e, and the number "0" is displayed lit on the sixth display 210f)).
In addition, the priority of an out passage ball jam error is "12th" (the 12th highest priority).

(13) Foul passage ball jam error The foul passage ball jam error is an error indicating that a game ball is stuck in the foul passage 610 (a game ball jam has occurred). When the foul ball sensor 611 detects a game ball for a predetermined foul passage jamming time (e.g., 222 milliseconds), that is, when the foul ball sensor 611 turns on (a foul signal is output) for the predetermined foul passage jamming time, a foul passage ball jam error occurs. When a foul passage ball jamming error occurs, the power supply to the lifting motor 532 is stopped.
In the frame control management error suggestion table ET, the occurrence of a foul passage ball jam error is defined as a start condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error, and the end condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error is defined as the foul passage ball sensor 611 not detecting a game ball for a predetermined foul passage clogging release time (e.g., 222 milliseconds). In other words, when a foul passage ball jam error occurs, the corresponding frame control management error suggestion is started, and when the foul ball sensor 611 does not detect a game ball for the above-mentioned foul passage clogging release time, the frame control management error suggestion is ended.
In addition, when this frame control management error indication occurs, the frame control display device 210 displays the code corresponding to the foul passage ball jam error (for example, the letters "H31" (for example, the letter "H" is displayed lit on the fourth display 210d, the number "3" is displayed lit on the fifth display 210e, and the number "1" is displayed lit on the sixth display 210f)).
In addition, the priority of a ball jamming error in the foul passage is "13th" (the 13th priority).

(14) Game Ball Circulation Abnormality Error A game ball circulation abnormality error is an error indicating that the game ball has not reached the inlet of the rectifier 520 (the game ball is not positioned at the inlet of the rectifier 520). If the rectifier inlet sensor 522 does not detect the game ball for a predetermined circulation abnormality time (for example, 1.5 seconds, 1 second while the outer frame 3 is open), that is, if the rectifier inlet sensor 522 is off (the rectifier inlet detection signal is not output) for the predetermined circulation abnormality time, a game ball circulation abnormality error occurs. Note that when a game ball circulation abnormality error occurs, the power supply to the rectifier solenoid 521 is stopped.
In the frame control management error suggestion table ET, the occurrence of a game ball circulation abnormality error is defined as a start condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error, and the detection of a game ball by the rectifier inlet sensor 522 is defined as an end condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error. In other words, when a game ball circulation abnormality error occurs, the corresponding frame control management error suggestion is started, and when a game ball is detected by the rectifier inlet sensor 522, the frame control management error suggestion is ended.
In addition, when this frame control management error indication occurs, the frame control display device 210 displays a code corresponding to a game ball circulation abnormality error (for example, the letters "H21" (for example, the letter "H" is displayed lit up on the fourth display 210d, the number "2" is displayed lit up on the fifth display 210e, and the number "1" is displayed lit up on the sixth display 210f)).
In addition, the priority of the game ball circulation abnormality error is "14th" (the 14th priority).

(15) Excessive Circulating Balls Error The excess circulating balls error is an error indicating that there are too many game balls contained in the managed game machine P. When the outer frame 3 is open and control to pump the game balls is not being performed, or when the excess circulating balls sensor 511 detects game balls for a predetermined excess detection time (e.g., 1 second) during the period from when the outer frame 3 is closed until a predetermined circulating ball number determination time (e.g., 10 seconds) has elapsed, that is, when the excess circulating balls sensor 511 turns on (outputs an excess detection signal) for the predetermined excess detection time, an excess circulating balls error occurs.
In the frame control management error suggestion table ET, the occurrence of an excessive circulating ball count error is set as a start condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error, and the end condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error is set as the failure to detect a game ball by the excessive circulating ball count sensor 511 for a predetermined excess release time (e.g., 1 second). In other words, when an excessive circulating ball count error occurs, the corresponding frame control management error suggestion is started, and when the excessive circulating ball count sensor 511 does not detect a game ball for the above-mentioned excess release time, the frame control management error suggestion is ended.
In addition, when this frame control management error indication occurs, the frame control display device 210 displays a code corresponding to an excessive circulating ball count error (for example, the letters "H25" (for example, the letter "H" is displayed lit on the fourth display 210d, the number "2" is displayed lit on the fifth display 210e, and the number "5" is displayed lit on the sixth display 210f)).
In addition, the priority of an excessive circulating ball count error is "15th" (the 15th priority).

(16) Circulating Ball Count Insufficient Error The circulating ball count insufficient error is an error indicating that the number of game balls contained in the managed game machine P is insufficient. When the outer frame 3 is open and no control is being performed to pump the game balls, or when the circulating ball count insufficient sensor 512 does not detect game balls for a predetermined insufficient detection time (e.g., 1 second) between the time the outer frame 3 is closed and the time the above-mentioned circulating ball count determination time (10 seconds) has elapsed, in other words, when the circulating ball count insufficient sensor 51 turns off (output of the insufficient detection signal stops) for the predetermined insufficient detection time, an insufficient circulating ball count error occurs.
In the frame control management error suggestion table ET, the occurrence of an insufficient number of circulating balls error is defined as a start condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error, and the end condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error is defined as the detection of game balls by the insufficient number of circulating balls sensor 512 for a predetermined insufficient release time (e.g., 1 second). In other words, when an insufficient number of circulating balls error occurs, the corresponding frame control management error suggestion is started, and when the detection of game balls by the insufficient number of circulating balls sensor 512 is performed for the above-mentioned insufficient release time, the frame control management error suggestion is ended.
In addition, when this frame control management error indication occurs, the frame control display device 210 displays a code corresponding to an insufficient circulating ball count error (for example, the letters "H24" (for example, the letter "H" is displayed lit on the fourth display 210d, the number "2" is displayed lit on the fifth display 210e, and the number "4" is displayed lit on the sixth display 210f)).
In addition, the priority of a low circulating ball count error is "16th" (the 16th priority).

(17) Main control unconnected error The main control unconnected error is an error indicating that the main control board 100 and the frame control board 200 are not connected. In the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, when the main control startup process performed in the main control board 100 is completed upon power recovery, a main command permission signal indicating that the main control board 100 can receive commands from the frame control board 200 is transmitted from the main control board 100 to the frame control board 200. If the main command permission signal is not received by the frame control board 200 for a predetermined unreceived judgment time (for example, 100 ms), a main control unconnected error occurs.
In the frame control management error suggestion table ET, the occurrence of a main control unconnected error is defined as a start condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error, and the reception of the above-mentioned main command permission signal from the main control board 100 is defined as an end condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error. In other words, when a main control unconnected error occurs, the corresponding frame control management error suggestion is started, and when the above-mentioned main command permission signal is received from the main control board 100, the frame control management error suggestion is ended.
In addition, when this frame control management error indication occurs, the frame control display device 210 displays a code corresponding to a main control unconnected error (for example, the letters "H07" (for example, the letter "H" is displayed lit on the fourth display 210d, the number "0" is displayed lit on the fifth display 210e, and the number "7" is displayed lit on the sixth display 210f)).
In addition, the priority of the main control unconnected error is "17th" (the 17th highest priority).

(18) Dedicated Unit Unconnected Error The dedicated unit unconnected error is an error indicating that the dedicated unit U and the frame control board 200 are not connected. In the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, when the dedicated unit startup process performed when the dedicated unit U is turned on is completed, a dedicated command permission signal indicating that the dedicated unit U is able to receive commands from the frame control board 200 is transmitted from the dedicated unit U to the frame control board 200. If the dedicated command permission signal is not received by the frame control board 200 for a predetermined dedicated unreceived judgment time (e.g., 100 ms), a dedicated unit unconnected error occurs.
In the slot control management error suggestion table ET, the occurrence of a dedicated unit unconnected error is defined as a start condition corresponding to the slot control management error suggestion of the error, and the reception of the above-mentioned dedicated command permission signal from the dedicated unit U is defined as an end condition corresponding to the slot control management error suggestion of the error. That is, when a dedicated unit unconnected error occurs, the corresponding slot control management error suggestion is started, and when the above-mentioned dedicated command permission signal is received from the dedicated unit U, the slot control management error suggestion is ended.
In addition, when this frame control management error indication occurs, the frame control display device 210 displays a code corresponding to a dedicated unit unconnected error (for example, the letters "H04" (for example, the letter "H" is displayed lit on the fourth display 210d, the number "0" is displayed lit on the fifth display 210e, and the number "4" is displayed lit on the sixth display 210f)).
Furthermore, the priority of a dedicated unit unconnected error is "18th" (the 18th highest priority).

(19) Game Ball Count Clear Error The game ball count clear error is an error indicating that the number of balls stored in the frame control RAM 203 has been cleared. When the game ball count clear button 230a is pressed and the game ball count clear switch 230 is turned on, a game ball count clear error occurs.
In the frame control management error suggestion table ET, the occurrence of a game ball count clear error is defined as a start condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error, and the reception of the above-mentioned main command permission signal from the main control board 100 is defined as an end condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error. In other words, when a game ball count clear error occurs, the corresponding frame control management error suggestion is started, and when the above-mentioned main command permission signal is received from the main control board 100, the frame control management error suggestion is ended.
In addition, when this frame control management error is indicated, the frame control display device 210 displays a code corresponding to a game ball count clear error (for example, the letters "H67" (for example, the letter "H" is displayed lit on the fourth display 210d, the number "6" is displayed lit on the fifth display 210e, and the number "7" is displayed lit on the sixth display 210f)).
In addition, the priority of the game ball count clear error is "19th" (the 19th priority).

(20) Frame Open Error The frame open error is an error indicating that the frame 3 is open. When the frame open detection sensor 3a detects the opening of the frame 3 for a predetermined frame open detection time (e.g., 100 milliseconds), that is, when the frame open detection sensor 3a is turned on for the predetermined frame open detection time, a frame open error occurs. When a frame open error occurs, the power supply to the rectifier solenoid 521 is stopped.
In the frame control management error suggestion table ET, the occurrence of an outer frame opening error is defined as the start condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error, and the end condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error is defined as the outer frame opening detection sensor 3a not detecting the opening of the outer frame 3 for a predetermined outer frame opening release time (e.g., 100 milliseconds) (i.e., the outer frame opening release time, the outer frame 3 is closed) In other words, when an outer frame opening error occurs, the corresponding frame control management error suggestion is started, and when the outer frame opening sensor 3a does not detect the opening of the outer frame 3 for the above-mentioned outer frame opening release time, the frame control management error suggestion is ended.
In addition, when this frame control management error indication occurs, the frame control display device 210 displays a code corresponding to the outer frame opening error (for example, the letters "H64" (for example, the letter "H" is displayed lit on the fourth display 210d, the number "6" is displayed lit on the fifth display 210e, and the number "4" is displayed lit on the sixth display 210f)).
In addition, the priority of the outer frame opening error is "20th" (the 20th priority).

(21) Inner Frame Open Error An inner frame open error is an error indicating that the inner frame 2 is open. When the inner frame open detection sensor 2a detects the opening of the inner frame 2 for a predetermined inner frame open detection time (e.g., 100 milliseconds), that is, when the inner frame open detection sensor 2a is turned on for the predetermined inner frame open detection time, an inner frame open error occurs. Note that when an inner frame open error occurs, the power supply to the rectifier solenoid 521 is stopped.
In the frame control management error suggestion table ET, the occurrence of an inner frame opening error is defined as a start condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error, and the end condition corresponding to the frame control management error suggestion of the error is defined as the inner frame opening detection sensor 2a not detecting the opening of the inner frame 2 for a predetermined inner frame opening release time (e.g., 100 milliseconds) (i.e., the inner frame opening release time, the inner frame 2 is closed) In other words, when an inner frame opening error occurs, the corresponding frame control management error suggestion is started, and when the inner frame opening sensor 2a does not detect the opening of the inner frame 2 for the above-mentioned inner frame opening release time, the frame control management error suggestion is ended.
In addition, when this frame control management error indication occurs, the frame control display device 210 displays a code corresponding to the inner frame opening error (for example, the letters "H65" (for example, the letter "H" is displayed lit on the fourth display 210d, the number "6" is displayed lit on the fifth display 210e, and the number "5" is displayed lit on the sixth display 210f)).
In addition, the priority of the inner frame opening error is "21st" (the 21st priority).

In addition, although not specifically shown, if the above-mentioned frame control management error occurs, a frame control management error is indicated on the frame control display device 210, and an error image indicating the frame control management error that has occurred (for example, if a frame control RAM abnormality error occurs, an image such as "Frame control RAM abnormality error has occurred") is displayed in a specified display area (for example, the upper center of the display unit 21a) of the display unit 21 of the performance display device 21.
Specifically, when a specific frame control management error occurs, the frame control CPU 201 transmits a frame control management error command indicating that to the main control board 100. When the main CPU 101 receives the frame control management error command, it transmits a frame control management error designation command to the sub-control board 300 to indicate the occurrence of a specific frame control management error. When the sub-CPU 301 receives the frame control management error designation command, it executes control to cause the performance display device 21 to display an error image corresponding to the occurred frame control management error.
In addition, when a frame control management error occurs, not only can an error image be displayed, but the occurrence of the frame control management error can also be indicated by, for example, lighting lamp 23 in a manner corresponding to the frame control management error that has occurred, or by outputting a sound corresponding to the error from speaker 10.

(Overview of various controls when implementing frame control management error indication)
As described above, during the calculation preparation period which begins after the first power-on after shipping from the factory, the frame control display device 210 always displays an indication that the low base values are not stored, and during the calculation period which begins after the end of the calculation preparation period, the frame control display device 210 always displays the low base value or the final low base value for the current calculation period.
Here, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, if a frame control management error occurs while the frame control display device 210 is displaying the above-mentioned displays (hereinafter also referred to as low base value related displays), the frame control CPU 201 restricts the execution of the low base value related displays and, instead of the low base value related displays, causes the frame control display device 210 to execute a frame control management error suggestion.
In other words, when a slot control management error occurs and a low base value related display and a slot control management error suggestion overlap, the slot control management error suggestion is executed in priority to the low base value related display.

In addition, in the managed game machine P according to this embodiment, the conditions for each frame control management error to occur are different for each error, and these conditions may be met separately. Therefore, when a frame control management error occurs and a frame control management error indication corresponding to the error is being made, other frame control management errors may occur in duplicate.
Therefore, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, when multiple frame control management errors occur simultaneously, the frame control CPU 201 prioritizes the frame control management error suggestion for the frame control management error with the highest priority set for each error that has occurred, and causes the frame control display device 210 to execute it.
In other words, if the execution of multiple slot control management error suggestions overlaps due to the occurrence of multiple slot control management errors, the slot control management error suggestion corresponding to the slot control management error with the highest priority is executed first, and when the slot control management error suggestion is terminated due to the establishment of a termination condition, the slot control management error suggestion corresponding to the slot control management error with the next highest priority is executed unless the termination condition is established.

In addition, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, when the error reset button 220a is pressed while the frame control display device 210 is executing a frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the frame control management error that has occurred, the frame control CPU 201 causes the frame control display device 210 to execute a low base value related display in place of the frame control management error suggestion being executed while the error reset button 220a is being pressed (i.e., while the error reset switch 220 is on). In other words, even if the frame control management error suggestion is being executed, when the error reset button 220a is pressed, the low base value related display is executed in priority to the frame control management error suggestion during this pressing operation.
The same applies if multiple frame control management errors occur at the same time, and the low base value related display is executed while the error reset button 220 is being pressed.
In addition, when the error release button 220a is pressed, the low base value related display is displayed in the same manner as the low base value related display when the frame control management error suggestion is not being executed (i.e., the low base value and the final low base value are sequentially switched and cyclically displayed at each switching time described above).

Also, here, when the error release button 220a is pressed while a frame control management error suggestion corresponding to a frame control management error is being executed, and a low base value related display is executed in priority to the frame control management error suggestion, and turning on the error release switch 220 is set as the condition for terminating the frame control management error suggestion, when the pressing of the error release button 220a is completed (i.e., when the error release switch 220 changes from on to off), the frame control CPU 201 terminates the above-mentioned frame control management error suggestion and executes the low base value related display.
That is, in the above case, when the pressing operation of the error release button 220a is finished, the above-mentioned frame control management error indication is not executed again, and the low base value related display is executed.

In contrast, when the error release button 220a is pressed while a frame control management error suggestion corresponding to a frame control management error is being executed, a low base value related display is executed in priority to the frame control management error suggestion, and a termination condition for the frame control management error suggestion is set to something other than the error release switch 220 being turned on, the frame control CPU 201 will re-execute the above-mentioned frame control management error suggestion if the termination condition for the frame control management error suggestion is not met at the time when the error release button 220a is finished being pressed, and will execute the low base value related display without re-executing the above-mentioned frame control management error suggestion if the termination condition for the frame control management error suggestion is met at the time when the error release button 220a is finished being pressed.
In other words, in the above case, when the pressing of the error release button 220a is finished, if the termination condition of the above-mentioned frame control management error suggestion is not met, the frame control management error suggestion is re-executed, and if the termination condition of the frame control management error suggestion is met, the low base value related display is executed.

In addition, when multiple frame control management errors occur simultaneously and a frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the frame control management error with the highest priority (hereinafter also referred to as the highest priority error suggestion) is executed, the error release button 220a is pressed and a low base value related display is executed in priority to the highest priority error suggestion, and turning on the error release switch 220 is set as the condition for terminating the highest priority error suggestion, the frame control CPU 201 will terminate the above-mentioned highest priority error suggestion when the pressing of the error release button 220a ends (when the error release switch 220 changes from on to off).
If there is a slot control management error suggestion corresponding to a slot control management error for which the end condition is not satisfied at the above-mentioned time point, the slot control CPU 201 executes the slot control management error suggestion corresponding to the slot control management error with the highest priority among them. On the other hand, if there is no slot control management error suggestion corresponding to a slot control management error for which the end condition is not satisfied at the above-mentioned time point, the slot control CPU 201 executes a low base value related display without executing the slot control management error suggestion.
That is, in the above case, when the pressing operation of the error release button 220a is finished, the above-mentioned highest priority error suggestion is not re-executed, and when there is a frame control management error suggestion corresponding to a frame control management error for which the termination condition is not met, the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the frame control management error with the highest priority is executed, and when there is no frame control management error suggestion corresponding to a frame control management error for which the termination condition is not met, the low base value related display is executed.

In contrast, when multiple frame control management errors occur simultaneously and the error release button 220a is pressed while the highest priority error suggestion is being executed, a low base value related display is executed in priority to the highest priority error suggestion, and a termination condition for the highest priority error suggestion is set to something other than turning on the error release switch 220, if the termination condition for the highest priority error suggestion is not met when the pressing of the error release button 220a is terminated (when the error release switch 220 changes from on to off), the highest priority error suggestion is re-executed.
Also, when the end condition of the highest priority error suggestion is satisfied at the above time, if there is a slot control management error suggestion corresponding to a slot control management error for which the end condition is not satisfied, the slot control CPU 201 executes the slot control management error suggestion corresponding to the slot control management error with the highest priority among them. On the other hand, if there is no slot control management error suggestion corresponding to a slot control management error for which the end condition is not satisfied, the slot control CPU 201 executes a low base value related display without executing the slot control management error suggestion.
That is, in the above case, when the pressing of the error release button 220a is finished, if the termination condition of the above-mentioned top priority error suggestion is not met, the top priority error suggestion is re-executed, and if the termination condition of the top priority error suggestion is met, if there is a frame control management error suggestion corresponding to a frame control management error for which the termination condition is not met, the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the frame control management error with the highest priority is executed, and if there is no frame control management error suggestion corresponding to a frame control management error for which the termination condition is not met, a low base value related display is executed.

In addition, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, in the event that multiple frame control management errors occur at the same time, for which the error release switch 220 must be turned on as an ending condition, when the pressing operation of the error release switch 220 is completed, the frame control CPU 201 does not terminate all frame control management error suggestions for which the error release switch 220 must be turned on as an ending condition, but only terminates the frame control management error suggestion that is executed after the pressing operation is completed (i.e., the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the frame control management error with the highest priority (top priority error suggestion)), and does not terminate the frame control management error suggestion that corresponds to the frame control management error suggestion that is not executed after the pressing operation is completed (i.e., the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the frame control management error with the second or lower priority).
In the above case, when the pressing operation of the error reset switch 220 is finished, all frame control management error indications for which the turning on of the error reset switch 220 is defined as the termination condition may be terminated.

The control when executing the slot control management error indication will be described below with a concrete example.
(Specific Example 1)
For example, assume that a pumping abnormality error occurs during the calculation preparation period. During the calculation preparation period, the frame control display device 210 displays a message indicating that the low base values are not stored, but due to the occurrence of the pumping abnormality error, instead of the message indicating that the low base values are not stored, a frame control management error indication (display of the code "H17") corresponding to the pumping abnormality error is executed. In other words, the display indicating that the low base values being executed on the frame control display device 210 are not stored is switched to the above-mentioned frame control management error indication.
Then, when the error release button 220a is pressed while this frame control management error suggestion is being executed, if the time point is within the calculation preparation period, a display indicating that each low base value has not been stored is executed instead of the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the ongoing pumping abnormality error, and if the time point is within the calculation period, a display indicating that each low base value has not been stored is executed instead of the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the ongoing pumping abnormality error. In other words, in the frame control display device 210, the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the ongoing pumping abnormality error is switched to a display related to the low base value.
Here, the condition for ending the frame control management error indication corresponding to the pumping abnormality error is that the error release switch 220 is turned on (see FIG. 12). Therefore, when the pressing operation of the error release button 220a is finished, the frame control management error indication corresponding to the pumping abnormality error that was supposed to be executed thereafter is ended, and the frame control management error indication is not executed again, and the low base value related display is executed.

(Specific Example 2)
For example, suppose that a game ball circulation abnormality error occurs during the calculation period. During the calculation period, the frame control display device 210 displays the low base value and the final low base value, but due to the occurrence of the game ball circulation abnormality error, instead of displaying the low base value and the final low base value, a frame control management error suggestion (display of the code "H21") corresponding to the game ball circulation abnormality error is executed. In other words, the display of the low base value and the final low base value being executed on the frame control display device 210 is switched to the above-mentioned frame control management error suggestion.
Then, when the error release button 220a is pressed during the execution of this frame control management error suggestion, the low base value and the final low base value are displayed instead of the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the currently executing pumping abnormal error while the error release button 220a is being pressed. That is, the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the currently executing game ball circulation abnormal error in the frame control display device 210 is switched to the display of the low base value and the final low base value.
Here, as a termination condition of the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the game ball circulation abnormality error, it is determined that the rectifier inlet sensor 522 detects a game ball (see FIG. 16). Therefore, when the pressing operation of the error release button 220a is finished, if the rectifier inlet sensor 522 detects a game ball at this point, the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the game ball circulation abnormality error has ended, and the frame control management error is not re-executed, and the display of the low base value and the final low base value is executed. Also, if the rectifier inlet sensor 522 does not detect a game ball at this point, the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the game ball circulation abnormality error is re-executed.

(Specific Example 3)
For example, if a game ball circulation abnormality error occurs during the calculation period, and instead of displaying the low base value and final low base value, a frame control management error indication corresponding to the game ball circulation abnormality error (display of the code "H21") is executed, and then a pumping abnormality error occurs.
According to the frame control management error suggestion table ET, the priority of the game ball circulation abnormality error is "14th," and the priority of the ascent abnormality error is "10th," and since the ascent abnormality error has a higher priority than the game ball circulation abnormality error, a frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the ascent abnormality error (display of the code "H17") is executed instead of the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the game ball circulation abnormality error currently being executed in the frame control display device 210. In other words, the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the game ball circulation abnormality error currently being executed is switched to a frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the ascent abnormality error.
Then, when the error release button 220a is pressed while the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to this pumping abnormality error is being executed, the low base value and the final low base value are displayed instead of the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the pumping abnormality error being executed while the error release button 220a is being pressed. That is, the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the pumping abnormality error being executed on the frame control display device 210 is switched to displaying the low base value and the final low base value.
Here, as described above, the error release switch 220 is set to be turned on as the end condition of the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the lifting abnormality error, and the detection of a game ball by the rectifier inlet sensor 522 is set to be performed as the end condition of the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the game ball circulation abnormality error (see FIG. 16). Therefore, when the pressing operation of the error release button 220a is finished, the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the lifting abnormality error that was to be executed thereafter is terminated, and the frame control management error suggestion is not reexecuted. If the rectifier inlet sensor 522 detects a game ball at this point, the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the game ball circulation abnormality error is terminated, and the frame control management error suggestion is not reexecuted, and the display of the low base value and the final low base value is executed. Also, if the rectifier inlet sensor 522 does not detect a game ball at this point, the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the game ball circulation abnormality error is reexecuted.

(Specific Example 4)
For example, suppose that a radio wave detection error occurs during the calculation period, and instead of displaying the low base value and final low base value, a frame control management error indication corresponding to the radio wave detection error (display of the code "H66") is displayed, and then a pumping abnormality error occurs.
According to the slot control management error suggestion table ET, the priority of the radio wave detection error is "5th" and the priority of the pumping abnormality error is "10th". Since the radio wave detection error has a higher priority than the pumping abnormality error, the slot control management error suggestion (display of the code "H17") corresponding to the pumping abnormality error is not executed, and the radio wave detection error currently being executed continues.
Then, when the error reset button 220a is pressed while the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the radio wave detection error is being executed, the low base value and the final low base value are displayed instead of the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the radio wave detection error being executed while the error reset button 220a is being pressed. That is, the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the radio wave detection error being executed in the frame control display device 210 is switched to displaying the low base value and the final low base value.
Here, the termination condition for the frame control management error indication corresponding to a radio wave detection error is defined as the cessation of reception of the radio wave detection signal, and the termination condition for the frame control management error indication corresponding to a pumping abnormality error is defined as the error release switch 220 being turned on (see Figure 16).
Then, if reception of the radio wave detection signal has stopped when the pressing of the error release button 220a is finished, the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the radio wave detection error has ended, and the frame control management error suggestion will not be executed again. Furthermore, when the pressing of the error release button 220a is finished, the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the pumping abnormality error that was supposed to be executed thereafter has ended, and therefore the frame control management error suggestion is not executed either, and the display of the low base value and final low base value is executed.
On the other hand, if the reception of the radio wave detection signal has not stopped when the pressing operation of the error release button 220a is finished, the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the radio wave detection error is re-executed. As described above, although the error release switch 220 is set to be on as the end condition of the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the lifting abnormality error, after the pressing operation of the error release button 220a is finished, the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the radio wave detection error is executed preferentially, and the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the lifting abnormality error is not executed, so that the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the lifting abnormality error is not terminated by the end of the pressing operation.
After that, when the reception of the radio wave detection signal stops, the slot control management error indication corresponding to the radio wave detection error ends, and the slot control management error indication corresponding to the lifting abnormality error is executed again. This slot control management error indication ends when the error release button 220a is pressed again and the pressing operation ends.

(Specific Example 5)
For example, suppose that a pumping abnormality error occurs during the calculation period, and instead of displaying the low base value and final low base value, a frame control management error indication corresponding to the pumping abnormality error (display of the code "H17") is executed, and then a rectifier solenoid abnormality error occurs.
According to the frame control management error suggestion table ET, the priority of the rectifier solenoid abnormality error is "8th," and the priority of the lifting abnormality error is "10th," and since the rectifier solenoid abnormality error has a higher priority than the lifting abnormality error, a frame control management error suggestion (display of the code "H14") corresponding to the rectifier solenoid abnormality error is executed instead of the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the lifting abnormality error being executed in the frame control display device 210. In other words, the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the lifting abnormality error being executed in the frame control display device 210 is switched to the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the rectifier solenoid abnormality error.
Then, when the error reset button 220a is pressed while the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to this rectifier solenoid abnormality error is being executed, the display of the low base value and the final low base value is executed instead of the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the rectifier solenoid abnormality error being executed while the error reset button 220a is being pressed. That is, the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the rectifier solenoid abnormality error being executed in the frame control display device 210 is switched to the display of the low base value and the final low base value.
Here, the termination condition for the frame control management error indication corresponding to a rectifier solenoid abnormality error, and the termination condition for the frame control management error indication corresponding to a pumping abnormality error are both set so that the error release switch 220 is turned on (see Figure 16).
Then, when the pressing of the error release button 220a is finished, this ends the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the rectifier solenoid abnormality error that was supposed to be executed subsequently, but the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the pumping abnormality error is not terminated, so the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the rectifier solenoid abnormality error is not re-executed, and the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the pumping abnormality error is executed.
Thereafter, the error release button 220a is pressed again, and when the pressing operation is completed, the frame control management error indication corresponding to the pumping abnormality error is terminated.

(Outline of display on the frame control display device 210 when the ball removal switch 240 is on)
In the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, when the frame control state is normal, the frame control CPU 201 causes the frame control display device 210 to display the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203 when the ball removal button 240a is pressed and the ball removal switch 240 is turned on, and when the pressing of the ball removal button 240a ends and the ball removal switch 240 is turned off, the display of the number of balls held is terminated.
In other words, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, even if a low base value related display or a frame control management error indication is being executed, while the ball removal button 240a is pressed (while the ball removal switch 240 is on) in the normal state described above, instead of executing these, the frame control display device 210 displays the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203 (switches to displaying the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203).
In addition, if the error release switch 220 is turned on while a frame control management error is being executed and the low base value related display is being executed, and the ball removal switch 240 is also turned on, similarly to the above, the frame control display device 210 will display the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203 instead of the low base value related display.

As described above, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, the frame control display device 210 always displays the low base value during the current calculation period, the final low base value during the calculation period one period before the current calculation period, the final low base value during the calculation period two periods before the current calculation period, and the final low base value during the calculation period three periods before the current calculation period. This makes it possible to reliably grasp, based on this information, situations in which the difficulty of getting game balls into the general winning hole 14, the first start winning hole 15, etc. has changed due to, for example, so-called cheating or the occurrence of a malfunction, and thus makes it possible to prevent such situations from being left unattended for long periods of time.

In addition, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, when a frame control management error occurs, instead of displaying the low base value and final low base value described above, a frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the frame control management error that has occurred is executed on the frame control display device 210. This allows the frame control management error suggestion to reliably grasp the frame control management error that has occurred.

In addition, in the case where multiple frame control management errors occur simultaneously in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, the frame control management error suggestion corresponding to the frame control management error with the higher priority is executed preferentially. This allows the occurrence of a frame control management error with a higher priority to be reliably identified by the frame control management error suggestion.

In addition, in the managed gaming machine P according to this embodiment, even if the frame control management error indication is being executed, when the error release button 220a is pressed (the error release switch 220 is turned on), the frame control management error indication in the frame control display device 210 is switched to a low base value related display, and the low base value related display is continuously executed while the button is pressed. This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which the occurrence of the above-mentioned cheating behavior or malfunction cannot be grasped because the low base value, etc. cannot be confirmed while the frame control management error indication is not released.
In addition, the display of the low base value and the final low base value while the error release button 220a is being pressed is performed in a manner in which the low base value and the final low base value are sequentially switched and cyclically displayed at each of the above-mentioned switching times, similar to the display of the low base value and the final low base value when the frame control management error suggestion is not being executed. This makes it possible to reliably grasp, even during the occurrence of a frame control management error, all of the low base value during the current calculation period, the final low base value during the calculation period one period before the current calculation period, the final low base value during the calculation period two periods before the current calculation period, and the final low base value during the calculation period three periods before the current calculation period, similar to the case when the frame control management error suggestion is not being executed.
Furthermore, when the pressing operation of the error release button 220a is terminated, if the termination condition is not met, the frame control management error indication is re-executed, so that even after the pressing operation is terminated, the frame control management error that is occurring can be reliably grasped by the display on the frame control display device 210.

In addition, in the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment, even if a low base value related display or a frame control management error indication is being executed, when the ball removal button 240a is pressed while the frame control state is in the normal state, the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203 is displayed on the frame control display device 210 instead of executing these operations. As a result, even if the number of balls held is no longer displayed on the ball number display device 6a due to a malfunction, for example, the number of balls held can be reliably grasped on the frame control display device 210.

(Outline of Processing in Managed Gaming Machine P)
Next, an overview of the main processes executed by the main control board 100 will be described with reference to a flowchart.
First, the power interruption recovery process performed when the power is restored from the power interruption will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 17. Note that this power interruption recovery process is executed only when the power is restored, and is not executed at any other time.

In step 100, the main CPU 101 executes general processing to be performed when power is restored from a power outage. In this general processing, processing such as setting the main control state based on conditions such as the setting switch 108 being on or off and the RAM clear switch 109 being on or off, clearing the main RAM 103, and sending a main command permission signal to the frame control board 200 is performed. In addition, when the main control state is set to a setting change state, processing such as changing the setting value based on the pressing operation of the RAM clear button 109a is also performed in this power outage recovery processing. In addition, when the main control state is set to a setting change state or a setting confirmation state, processing to maintain the setting change state or the setting confirmation state until the setting switch 108 is turned off is also performed in this power outage recovery processing. Then, proceed to the next step 101.

In step 101, the main CPU 101 executes a game status command storage process to store in the ring buffer a game status command indicating the game status at the time of power recovery from the power outage. Specifically, the read pointer points to the storage area immediately preceding the storage area in which the first command was stored, and the main CPU 101 stores in the storage area pointed to by the read pointer a game status command indicating the game status at the time of power recovery from the power outage. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 102.
In step 102, the main CPU 101 executes a differential ball control reset process that is performed based on the power interruption recovery, and then ends the power interruption recovery process.

Next, the differential ball control reset process in step 102 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 150, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a state value corresponding to the activation notice state or the activation state is stored in the difference ball operation stop phase data. If it is judged that a state value corresponding to the activation notice state or the activation state is not stored (i.e., a state value corresponding to the activation pre-warning state or the activation warning state is stored), the process proceeds to step 156. On the other hand, if it is judged that a state value corresponding to the activation notice state or the activation state is stored, the process proceeds to the next step 151.
In step 151, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not a RAM clear has been performed in conjunction with the setting of the setting change state. If it is determined that a RAM clear has not been performed in conjunction with the setting of the setting change state, the process proceeds to step 155. On the other hand, if it is determined that a RAM clear has been performed in conjunction with the setting of the setting change state, the process proceeds to the next step 152.

In step 152, the main CPU 101 clears the difference ball operation stop control phase data and stores a state value corresponding to the activation warning pre-state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. This ends the activation state or activation notice state being set, and the activation warning pre-state is set. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 153.
In step 153, the main CPU 101 resets the ball difference count value. Then, the process proceeds to step 154.

In step 154, the main CPU 101 clears all test signal information if one or more pieces of test signal information have been stored in the memory area of the main RAM 103 (i.e., if one or more test signals had been generated and output before the power interruption occurred). As a result, if one or more test signals had been generated and output before the power interruption occurred, the generation and output of all test signals is terminated. Then, the difference ball control reset process is terminated.
In addition, in step 155, which is performed when it is determined in step 151 that the RAM clear associated with the setting of the setting change state has not been performed, the main CPU 101 clears the test signal information if test signal information about the pre-activation setting state test signal is stored in the storage area of the main RAM 103 (i.e., if the pre-activation setting state test signal is being generated and output). As a result, if the pre-activation setting state test signal was generated and output before the power failure, the generation and output are terminated. On the other hand, if the test signal information about the test signal regarding the progress of the game and the test signal information about the test signal regarding the game state are stored in the storage area, the main CPU 101 does not clear these test signal information. As a result, if the test signal regarding the progress of the game and the test signal regarding the game state were generated and output before the power failure, the generation and output are resumed. Then, the difference ball control reset process is terminated.

In step 156, which is reached when it is determined in step 150 that a state value corresponding to the activation warning state or the activation state has not been stored, the main CPU 101 clears the difference ball operation stop control phase data and stores a state value corresponding to the activation warning pre-state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. As a result, if the activation warning pre-state was in the activation warning state before the power failure, the activation warning pre-state is ended and the activation warning pre-state is set again. In addition, if the activation warning state was in the activation warning state before the power failure, the activation warning pre-state is ended and the activation warning pre-state is set. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 157.
In step 157, the main CPU 101 resets the ball difference count value stored in the main RAM 103. Then, the ball difference control reset process is terminated.

Next, the timer interrupt process of the main control board 100 will be described.
A reset clock pulse generating circuit provided on the main control board 100 generates a clock pulse at a predetermined period (24 milliseconds in the case of the managed gaming machine P of this embodiment), thereby executing the timer interrupt processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 19.
In step 200, the main CPU 101 executes a timer update process for updating various timer counters. Then, the process proceeds to step 201.

In step 201, the main CPU 101 determines whether the call switch 7 is turned on, and executes a call switch detection process for carrying out a predetermined process based on the result.
In step 202, the main CPU 101 determines whether the specific area detection sensor 57a is turned on, and executes a specific area detection sensor detection process for carrying out a predetermined process based on the result.

In step 203, the main CPU 101 determines whether the general winning hole detection sensor 14a, the first start winning hole detection sensor 15a, the second start winning hole detection sensor 16a, and the general area detection sensor 58a are turned on, and executes a winning-related sensor detection process to perform a predetermined process based on the result.Then, the process proceeds to the next step 204.
In step 204, the main CPU 101 executes a special symbol game control process for performing various processes such as a winning/losing lottery, a process related to the reservation of the acquired random number, and a variable display or a stop display of the special symbol, based on the entry of the game ball into the first start winning hole 15 or the second start winning hole 16. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 205.

In step 205, the main CPU 101 executes a small win game control process to perform various processes such as execution of a small win game, starting a special game (setting a special game state) based on a predetermined number (one) of game balls entering the specific area 57 during a small win game, if a small win is won by the win/lose lottery in the special chart game control process in step 204. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 206.
In step 206, the main CPU 101 executes a special game control process that performs various processes such as executing a special game through a small win game and setting a game state (time-saving game state) after the special game ends. In this special game control process, a process is also executed to store in the ring buffer a game state command indicating the time-saving game state that will be set after the special game ends. Specifically, the write pointer points to the storage area one storage area after the storage area in which the last command was stored, and the main CPU 101 stores a game state command indicating the time-saving game state in the storage area pointed to by this write pointer. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 207.

In step 207, the main CPU 101 executes a normal game control process to perform various processes such as drawing a normal symbol, processing related to the reservation of the acquired random number, displaying the normal symbol in a variable or stopped state, and controlling the operation of the movable piece 16b according to the result of the normal symbol drawing, based on the passing of the game ball through the gate 20. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 208.
In step 208, the main CPU 101 executes a frame control transmission area storage process for storing a command to be transmitted to the frame control board 200 in the frame control transmission area.

In step 209, the main CPU 101 executes a frame control output process to transmit the command stored in the frame control transmission area in the frame control transmission area storage process in step 208 to the frame control board 200. Note that the processes in steps 208 and 209 are executed regardless of the main control state (playable state, setting confirmation state, setting change state, game stopped state). Then, the process proceeds to the next step 210.
In step 210, the main CPU 101 executes a ball difference related command set process.

In step 211, the main CPU 101 executes a ball difference determination control process.
In step 212, the main CPU 101 executes a test signal control process related to control of the generation of test signals and the start and end of output. Specifically, when a condition (output start condition) for starting the generation and output of each test signal is satisfied, the main CPU 101 starts the generation and output of the test signal and stores test signal information corresponding to the test signal in a storage area of the main RAM 103. In addition, when a condition (output end condition) for ending the generation and output of each test signal is satisfied while the test signal is being generated and output, the main CPU 101 ends the generation and output of the test signal and clears the test signal information corresponding to the test signal stored in the storage area of the main RAM 103. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 213.

In step 213, the main CPU 101 executes output control processing to output movable piece solenoid data for projecting and retracting the movable piece 16b, large prize opening solenoid data for controlling the opening and closing of the large prize opening 18, display data for the various display devices (first special pattern display device 30, second special pattern display device 31, normal pattern display device 32, first special pattern reserved display device 38, second special pattern reserved display device 39, and normal pattern reserved display device 33) to various ports, and transmit various commands used to execute various effects and suggestions to the sub-control board 300. The various commands transmitted to the sub-control board 300 are stored in a performance transmission data storage area constituted by a storage area of the main RAM 103, and transmitted from this storage area to the sub-control board 300. Then, the timer interrupt processing of the main control board 100 is terminated.

Next, the process at the time of detecting the call switch in step 201 will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.
In step 300, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a call button depression flag, which indicates that the call button 7a has been depressed, is on. If it is judged that the call button depression flag is on, the call switch detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the call button depression flag is not on (i.e., off), the process proceeds to the next step 301.
In step 301, the main CPU 101 judges whether the call switch 7 is on (whether a detection signal is input from the call switch 7). If it is judged that the call switch 7 is not on (i.e., off), the call switch detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the call switch 7 is on, the process proceeds to the next step 302.

In step 302, the main CPU 101 turns on the call button press flag. Then, the call switch detection process ends.

Next, the specific area detection sensor detection process in step 202 will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.
In step 400, the main CPU 101 judges whether the specific area detection sensor 57a is turned on (whether a detection signal is input from the specific area detection sensor 57a). If it is judged that the specific area detection sensor 57a is not turned on (i.e., is off), the specific area detection sensor detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the specific area detection sensor 57a is turned on, the process proceeds to the next step 401.
In step 401, the main CPU 101 stores in the ring buffer a game state command indicating that a special game state has been set. Specifically, the write pointer points to the storage area immediately following the storage area in which the last command was stored, and the main CPU 101 stores the game state command indicating the special game state in the storage area pointed to by the write pointer. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 402.

In step 402, the main CPU 101 stores in the ring buffer a prize ball designation command corresponding to the special prize opening 18. Specifically, the write pointer indicates the storage area immediately following the storage area in which the game status command was stored in step 401, and the main CPU 101 stores the prize ball designation command corresponding to the special prize opening 18 in the storage area indicated by the write pointer. Then, the specific area detection sensor detection process is terminated.
The specific area detection sensor detection process may be executed only during a small win game. In other words, after determining whether or not a small win game is being played, the process of steps 400 to 402 may be executed if a small win game is being played, and the process of steps 400 to 402 may not be executed if a small win game is not being played.

Next, the process at the time of winning-related sensor detection in step 203 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 500, the main CPU 101 determines whether the general prize opening detection sensor 14a, the first start prize opening detection sensor 15a, the second start prize opening detection sensor 16a, or the general area detection sensor 58a is turned on (i.e., whether a detection signal has been input from any of these sensors). If it is determined that none of the sensors are turned on (i.e., they are off), the prize-related sensor detection process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that any of the sensors is turned on, the process proceeds to the next step 501.
In step 501, the main CPU 101 stores in the ring buffer the prize ball designation command corresponding to the turned-on sensor (i.e., the prize ball designation command corresponding to the winning hole into which the game ball entered). Specifically, the write pointer points to the storage area immediately following the storage area in which the last command was stored, and the main CPU 101 stores the prize ball designation command in the storage area pointed to by the write pointer. When the general area detection sensor 58a is turned on, the prize ball designation command corresponding to the large prize hole 18 is stored in the ring buffer. Then, the prize-related sensor detection process ends.

Next, the frame control transmission area storage process in step 208 will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.
In step 600, the main CPU 101 determines whether or not a command is stored in the ring buffer. If it is determined that no command is stored in the ring buffer (i.e., the ring buffer is empty), the process proceeds to step 602. On the other hand, if it is determined that a command is stored in the ring buffer, the process proceeds to the next step 601.
In step 601, the main CPU 101 stores the command that was stored first in the frame control transmission area. Specifically, the read pointer indicates the storage area in which the command was stored first, and the main CPU 101 stores the command stored in the storage area indicated by the read pointer in the frame control transmission area. This causes the frame control output process of step 209 to be executed, and the command stored in the frame control transmission area is transmitted to the frame control board 200. When a command is stored in the frame control transmission area, the command is also erased from the ring buffer. Then, the frame control transmission area storage process ends.

In step 602, which is reached if it is determined in step 600 that no command is stored in the ring buffer, the main CPU 101 determines whether the call button pressed flag is on. If it is determined that the call button pressed flag is not on, the frame control transmission area storage process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the call button pressed flag is on, the process proceeds to the next step 603.
In step 603, the main CPU 101 stores the call command in the frame control transmission area storage process. As a result, the frame control output process in step 209 is executed, and the call command stored in the frame control transmission area is transmitted to the frame control board 200. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 604.

In step 604, the main CPU 101 turns off the call button press flag. Then, the frame control transmission area storage process ends.

Next, the ball difference related command set process in step 210 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step 700, the main CPU 101 judges whether the current main control state is a playable state or not. If it is judged that the current main control state is not a playable state, the difference ball related command set process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the current main control state is a playable state, the process proceeds to the next step 701.
In step 701, the main CPU 101 judges whether the difference ball operation stop control phase data has been changed. If it is judged that the difference ball operation stop control phase data has not been changed, the difference ball related command set process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the difference ball operation stop control phase data has been changed, the process proceeds to the next step 702.
The pachinko machine P according to this embodiment has a management buffer that is configured by a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 103. When the difference ball operation stop control phase data is cleared and a state value corresponding to the state before the activation warning is stored in the difference ball operation stop control phase data, the state value corresponding to the state before the activation warning is also stored in the management buffer accordingly. After that, when the state related to the difference ball operation stop control is changed, first, the state value corresponding to the changed state is stored only in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. Then, in this step 701, it is determined whether the state value stored in the difference ball operation stop control phase data and the state value stored in the management buffer match, and if they match, it is determined that the difference ball operation stop control phase data has not been changed. On the other hand, if they do not match, it is determined that the difference ball operation stop control phase data has been changed, and the state value stored in the difference ball operation stop control phase data is also stored in the management buffer accordingly.

In step 702, the main CPU 101 transmits either a first difference ball operation stop control designation command, a second difference ball operation stop control designation command, or a third difference ball operation stop control designation command to the frame control board 200 and the sub-control board 300, depending on the state value stored in the difference ball operation stop control phase data.
Specifically, when a state value corresponding to the activation warning state is stored in the difference ball operation stop control phase data (i.e., when the activation warning state is set), the first difference ball operation stop control designation command is transmitted to the frame control board 200 and the sub-control board 300. This allows the frame control board 200 and the sub-control board 300 to also understand that the activation warning state has been set.
When a state value corresponding to the activation notice state is stored in the difference ball operation stop control phase data (i.e., when the activation notice state is set), a second difference ball operation stop control designation command is transmitted to the frame control board 200 and the sub-control board 300. This allows the frame control board 200 and the sub-control board 300 to also grasp that the activation notice state has been set.
When a state value corresponding to the activation state is stored in the difference ball activation stop control phase data (i.e., when the activation state is set), a third difference ball activation stop control designation command is transmitted to the frame control board 200 and the sub-control board 300. This allows the frame control board 200 and the sub-control board 300 to also grasp that the activation state has been set.
The above commands, like the prize ball designation command and the game status command, can be sent to the frame control board 200 by storing them in a ring buffer. The above commands can also be sent to the sub-control board 300 by storing them in a performance transmission data storage area.
Then, the difference ball related command set process ends.

Next, the difference ball judgment control process in step 211 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 800, the main CPU 101 judges whether the current main control state is a playable state or not. If it is judged that the current main control state is not a playable state, the main CPU 101 ends the ball difference judgment control process. On the other hand, if it is judged that the current main control state is a playable state, the main CPU 101 proceeds to the next step 801.
In step 801, the main CPU 101 determines whether a first reference value reaching flag (a flag provided on the main control board 100) indicating that the ball difference count value has reached a first reference value is off. If it is determined that the first reference value reaching flag is not off (i.e., it is on), the process proceeds to step 804. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first reference value reaching flag is off, the process proceeds to the next step 802.
The first reference value reaching flag is set to be turned off when the ball difference count value is reset.

In step 802, the main CPU 101 judges whether the difference ball count value has reached a first reference value. If it is judged that the difference ball count value has not reached the first reference value, the process proceeds to step 804. On the other hand, if it is judged that the difference ball count value has reached the first reference value, the process proceeds to the next step 803.
In step 803, the main CPU 101 stores a state value corresponding to the activation warning state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. This sets the activation warning state. The main CPU 101 also turns on the first reference value arrival flag. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 804.

In step 804, the main CPU 101 determines whether a second reference value reaching flag (a flag provided on the main control board 100) indicating that the ball difference count value has reached the second reference value is off. If the main CPU 101 determines that the second reference value reaching flag is not off (i.e., is on), the process proceeds to step 809. On the other hand, if the main CPU 101 determines that the second reference value reaching flag is off, the process proceeds to the next step 805.
The second reference value reaching flag is set to be turned off when the ball difference count value is reset.
In step 805, the main CPU 101 judges whether the difference ball count value has reached the second reference value. If it is judged that the second reference value has not been reached, the process proceeds to step 809. On the other hand, if it is judged that the difference ball count value has reached the second reference value, the process proceeds to the next step 806.

In step 806, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a small win game or a special game is being played. If it is judged that neither a small win game nor a special game is being played, the process proceeds to step 808. On the other hand, if it is judged that a small win game or a special game is being played, the process proceeds to the next step 807.
In step 807, the main CPU 101 stores a state value corresponding to the activation notice state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. This sets the activation notice state. The main CPU 101 also turns on the second reference value arrival flag. Then, the process proceeds to step 809.

In step 808, which is reached when it is determined in step 806 that neither a small win game nor a special game is in progress, the main CPU 101 stores a state value corresponding to the activation state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. This sets the activation state. The main CPU 101 also turns on the second reference value arrival flag. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 809.
In step 809, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a state value corresponding to the activation notice state is stored in the difference ball operation stop control phase data (i.e., whether or not the activation notice state is in progress). If it is judged that a state value corresponding to the activation notice state is not stored, the difference ball judgment control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that a state value corresponding to the activation notice state is stored, the process proceeds to step 810.

In step 810, the main CPU 101 judges whether or not a small win game or a special game is in progress (i.e., whether or not the small win game and the special game that was being played via the small win game have ended). If it is judged that either a small win game or a special game is in progress, the difference ball judgment control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that neither a small win game nor a special game is in progress, the process proceeds to the next step 811.
In step 811, the main CPU 101 stores a state value corresponding to the activation state in the difference ball operation stop control phase data. This sets the activation state. Then, the difference ball determination control process ends.

Next, an overview of the processing executed by the frame control board 200 will be explained using a flowchart, focusing mainly on processing related to the number of balls held, low base value, frame control management errors, and the like.
Although not shown in particular, in the frame control board 200 in this embodiment, when the power is restored after a power outage, a frame control state setting process is executed to set the frame control state to the normal state via the start-up preparation state, or to the ball removal state on condition that the ball removal switch 240 is on. In addition, when the power is turned on for the first time after being shipped from the factory, a calculation preparation period start process is executed.

First, the calculation preparation period start process executed when the power is turned on for the first time will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 2000, the frame control CPU 201 starts measuring the switching time by setting a predetermined switching time timer counter (five seconds in this embodiment).
In step 2001, the frame control CPU 201 turns on a calculation preparation period flag indicating that it is the calculation preparation period. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2002.

In step 2002, the frame control CPU 201 turns on the unstored display flag corresponding to the unstored display P1. Here, the unstored display flag is a flag for controlling which of the unstored display P1, the unstored display P2, the unstored display P3, and the unstored display P4 is executed during the calculation preparation period, and an unstored display flag corresponding to the unstored display P1, an unstored display flag corresponding to the unstored display P2, an unstored display flag corresponding to the unstored display P3, and an unstored display flag corresponding to the unstored display P4 are provided. In the frame control display device 210, the unstored display corresponding to the unstored display flag that is turned on can be executed. At the start of the calculation preparation period, the unstored display flag corresponding to the unstored display P1 is turned on as described above, so that the unstored display P1 can be executed in the frame control display device 210. Then, the calculation preparation period start process is terminated.

In addition, in the frame control board 200, a clock pulse is generated at a predetermined period (for example, 0.4 milliseconds) by a reset clock pulse generating circuit provided in the frame control board 200, thereby executing the frame control timer interrupt process shown in the flowchart of Fig. 27. The frame control timer interrupt process will be described below.
In step 2100, the frame control CPU 201 executes a timer update process to update various timer counters provided in the frame control board 200. The frame control board 200 employs a decrement timer, and the timer counter is decremented by 1 each time the frame control timer interrupt process is executed, and the decrement stops when the timer counter reaches 0. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2101.
In step 2101, the frame control CPU 201 executes a command reception process to store commands received from the main control board 100 or the dedicated unit U in a predetermined storage area of the frame control RAM 203. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2102.

In step 2102, the frame control CPU 201 executes lending/counting control processing relating to lending from the dedicated unit U and counting the number of balls possessed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2103.
In step 2103, the frame control CPU 201 executes a launch control process in which, based on the input of the handle rotation operation signal, it energizes the rectifier solenoid 521 to send the game ball to the launch device 502, energizes the launch motor 503 to launch the game ball, and, based on the stop of the input of the handle rotation operation signal, it stops the energization of the rectifier solenoid 521 and the launch motor 503 to stop the launch of the game ball.Then, it proceeds to the next step 2104.

In step 2104, the frame control CPU 201 executes a circulation control process for energizing the lifting motor 532 to lift the game balls to the upper part based on the input of the handle rotation operation signal, the input of the outer frame opening signal, etc. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2105.
In step 2105, the frame control CPU 201 executes a process for counting the number of outs. Then, the process proceeds to step 2106.

In step 2106, the frame control CPU 201 executes a prize ball count process for counting the number of prize balls. Then, the process proceeds to step 2107.
In step 2107, the frame control CPU 201 executes a period control process for carrying out various processes related to the calculation preparation period and the calculation period. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2108.

In step 2108, the frame control CPU 201 executes a display flag control process for performing various processes related to the unstored display and the low base value display.
In step 2109, the frame control CPU 201 executes an error indication flag control process for carrying out various processes related to frame control management error indication, and then proceeds to the next step 2110.

In step 2110, the frame control CPU 201 executes frame control display device control processing related to various displays in the frame control display device 210. Then, the frame control timer interrupt processing ends.

Next, the lending/counting control process in step 2102 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 2200, the frame control CPU 201 judges whether or not a lending command has been received from the dedicated unit U. If it is judged that a lending command has not been received, the process proceeds to step 2202. On the other hand, if it is judged that a lending command has been received, the process proceeds to the next step 2201.
In step 2201, the frame control CPU 201 adds the number of loaned balls corresponding to the received loan command to the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203. The frame control CPU 201 also causes the number of balls held currently stored in the frame control RAM 203 to be displayed on the ball number display device 6a. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2202.

In step 2202, the frame control CPU 201 judges whether the number of balls stored in the frame control RAM 203 is 1 or more and the counting switch 6b is on. If it is determined that the number of balls stored is 0 or the counting switch 6b is not on (i.e., it is off), the lending/counting control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of balls stored is 1 or more and the counting switch 6b is on, the process proceeds to the next step 2203.
In step 2203, the frame control CPU 201 transmits a count command indicating the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203 to the dedicated unit U. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2204.

In step 2204, the frame control CPU 201 clears the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203. Then, the lending/counting control process ends.

Next, the out number counting process of the above-mentioned step 2105 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 29. Note that, for ease of understanding, the count and calculation of the base value (count of the total out number of time-saving outs and the total out number of special play, calculation of the special play base value, etc.) in a state other than the non-time-saving play state will be omitted here.
In step 2300, the frame control CPU 201 judges whether or not the rectifier outlet sensor 523 has changed from on to off. If it is judged that the sensor has not changed from on to off, the frame control CPU 201 proceeds to step 2307. On the other hand, if it is judged that the sensor has changed from on to off, the frame control CPU 201 proceeds to the next step 2301.
In step 2301, the frame control CPU 201 decrements the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203 by 1. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2302.

In step 2302, the frame control CPU 201 causes the ball count display device 6a to display the ball count currently stored in the frame control RAM 203. That is, the ball count displayed on the ball count display device 6a is updated to the ball count after being decremented by 1 in the above-mentioned step 2301. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2303.
In step 2303, the frame control CPU 201 increments the total number of outs stored (counted) in the first area of the frame control RAM 203 by 1. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2304.

In step 2304, the frame control CPU 201 judges whether or not the current time is in a non-time-shortened game state. If it is judged that the current time is not in a non-time-shortened game state, the process proceeds to step 2307. On the other hand, if it is judged that the current time is in a non-time-shortened game state, the process proceeds to the next step 2305. As described above, when the game state is set, a game state designation command indicating the set game state is transmitted to the frame control board 200. This makes it possible for the frame control board 200 to grasp the game state being set.
In step 2305, the frame control CPU 201 increments the non-time-reduction total out number stored (counted) in the second area of the frame control RAM 203 by 1. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2306.

In step 2306, the frame control CPU 201 calculates a low base value based on the currently stored total number of non-time-reduction outs and total number of non-time-reduction winning balls, and stores the low base value in the fourth area of the frame control RAM 203. That is, the low base value stored in the fourth area is updated to the calculated low base value. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2307.
In step 2307, the frame control CPU 201 judges whether or not the foul ball sensor 611 is turned on. If it is judged that the foul ball sensor 611 is not turned on, the out count process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the foul ball sensor 611 is turned on, the process proceeds to the next step 2308.

In step 2308, the frame control CPU 201 increments the number of balls held stored in the frame control RAM 203 by 1. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2309.
In step 2309, the frame control CPU 201 causes the ball count display device 6a to display the number of balls currently stored in the frame control RAM 203. That is, the ball count displayed on the ball count display device 6a is updated to the number of balls after being incremented by one in step 2308 described above. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2310.

In step 2310, the frame control CPU 201 decrements the total number of outs stored in the first area of the frame control RAM 203 by 1. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2311.
In step 2311, the frame control CPU 201 judges whether or not the current time is in a non-time-reduction game state. If it is judged that the current time is not in a non-time-reduction game state, the out number counting process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the current time is in a non-time-reduction game state, the process proceeds to the next step 2312.

In step 2312, the frame control CPU 201 decrements by 1 the non-time-reduction total out number stored in the second area of the frame control RAM 203. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2313.
In step 2313, the frame control CPU 201 calculates a low base value based on the currently stored total number of non-time-reduction outs and total number of non-time-reduction winning balls, and stores the low base value in the fourth area of the frame control RAM 203. Then, the out number counting process ends.

Next, the prize ball count process in step 2106 described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 30. Note that, for ease of understanding, the count and calculation of the base value (count of the total prize balls in the time-saving mode and the total prize balls in the special mode, calculation of the special mode base value, etc.) in a state other than the non-time-saving mode and the non-time-saving mode are omitted here.
In step 2400, the frame control CPU 201 judges whether or not a prize ball designation command has been received from the main control board 100. If it is judged that a prize ball designation command has not been received, the frame control CPU 201 ends the prize ball counting process. On the other hand, if it is judged that a prize ball designation command has been received, the frame control CPU 201 proceeds to the next step 2401.
In step 2401, the frame control CPU 201 adds the number of prize balls corresponding to the received prize ball designation command to the number of possessed balls stored in the frame control RAM 203. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2402.

In step 2402, the frame control CPU 201 causes the ball count display device 6a to display the number of balls currently stored in the frame control RAM 203. Then, the process proceeds to step 2403.
In step 2403, the frame control CPU 201 judges whether or not the current time is in a non-time-saving game state. If it is judged that the current time is not in a non-time-saving game state, the prize ball count process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the current time is in a non-time-saving game state, the process proceeds to the next step 2404.

In step 2404, the frame control CPU 201 adds the number of prize balls corresponding to the received prize ball designation command to the total number of non-time-reduction prize balls stored (counted) in the third area of the frame control RAM 203. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2405.
In step 2405, the frame control CPU 201 calculates a low base value based on the currently stored total number of non-time-reduction outs and total number of non-time-reduction winning balls, and stores the low base value in the fourth area of the frame control RAM 203. Then, the winning ball count process ends.

Next, the period control process in step 2107 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 2500, the frame control CPU 201 judges whether or not the calculation preparation period flag is on. If it is judged that the calculation preparation period flag is not on (i.e., it is off), the frame control CPU 201 proceeds to step 2508. On the other hand, if it is judged that the calculation preparation period flag is on, the frame control CPU 201 proceeds to the next step 2501.
In step 2501, the frame control CPU 201 judges whether the total number of outs currently stored has reached the preparation period end number (200 in this embodiment). If it is judged that the total number has not been reached, the process proceeds to step 2508. On the other hand, if it is judged that the total number has been reached, the process proceeds to the next step 2502.

In step 2502, the frame control CPU 201 clears the first, second, third and fourth areas of the frame control RAM 203. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2503.
In step 2503, the frame control CPU 201 turns off the calculation preparation period flag. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2504.

In step 2504, the frame control CPU 201 turns off all the unstored display flags, and then proceeds to the next step 2505.
In step 2505, the frame control CPU 201 starts measuring the switching time by setting the switching time timer counter to the switching time. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2506.

In step 2506, the frame control CPU 201 turns on a calculation period flag indicating that it is the calculation period. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2507.
In step 2507, the frame control CPU 201 turns on the display flag corresponding to the display C1 (display of the low base value of the current calculation period). Here, the display flag is a flag for controlling which of the display C1, the display C2, the display C3, and the display C4 is executed during the calculation period, and a display flag corresponding to the display C1, a display flag corresponding to the display C2, a display flag corresponding to the display C3, and a display flag corresponding to the display C4 are provided. In the frame control display device 210, the display corresponding to the display flag that is turned on can be executed. At the start of the first calculation period, as described above, the display flag corresponding to the display C1 is turned on, so that the display C1 can be executed in the frame control display device 210. Note that, if the final low base value is not stored and the display C2, the display C3, and the display C4 cannot be executed, the corresponding unstored display flag is turned on instead of the display flag. Then, proceed to the next step 2508.

In step 2508, the frame control CPU 201 judges whether the calculation period flag is on or not. If it is judged that the calculation period flag is not on (i.e., it is off), the frame control CPU 201 ends the period control process. On the other hand, if it is judged that the calculation period flag is on, the frame control CPU 201 proceeds to the next step 2509.
In step 2509, the frame control CPU 201 judges whether the total number of outs currently stored has reached a reference number (60,000 in this embodiment). If it is judged that the total number has not been reached, the period control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the total number has been reached, the process proceeds to the next step 2510.

In step 2510, the frame control CPU 201 executes a final low base value shift process. Specifically, the final low base values stored in the first and second storage sections of the fifth area in the frame control RAM 203 are shifted to a storage section with a number one larger, and the low base value currently stored in the fourth area in the frame control RAM 203 is stored in the first storage section of the fifth area. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2511.
In step 2511, the frame control CPU 201 clears the first, second, third and fourth areas of the frame control RAM 203. Then, the period control process ends.

Next, the display flag control process in step 2108 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 2600, the frame control CPU 201 judges whether or not the calculation preparation period flag is on. If it is judged that the calculation preparation period flag is not on, the frame control CPU 201 proceeds to step 2605. On the other hand, if it is judged that the calculation preparation period flag is on, the frame control CPU 201 proceeds to the next step 2601.
In step 2601, the frame control CPU 201 judges whether or not the switching time has elapsed. If it is judged that the switching time has not elapsed, the frame control CPU 201 proceeds to step 2605. On the other hand, if it is judged that the switching time has elapsed, the frame control CPU 201 proceeds to the next step 2602.

In step 2602, the frame control CPU 201 turns off the unstored display flag that is on, and then proceeds to the next step 2603.
In step 2603, the frame control CPU 201 turns on the unstored display flag corresponding to the next display target (i.e., the unstored display flag next to the unstored display flag that was turned on). For example, if the unstored display corresponding to the unstored display flag that was turned off in the above-mentioned step 2602 was P1, the unstored display flag corresponding to the unstored display P2 is turned on. Also, for example, if the unstored display corresponding to the unstored display flag that was turned off in the above-mentioned step 2602 was P4, the unstored display flag corresponding to the unstored display P1 is turned on. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2604.

In step 2604, the frame control CPU 201 starts measuring the switching time by setting the switching time timer counter. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2605.
In step 2605, the frame control CPU 201 judges whether the calculation period flag is on or not. If it is judged that the calculation period flag is not on, the display flag control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the calculation period flag is on, the process proceeds to the next step 2606.

In step 2606, the frame control CPU 201 judges whether or not the switching time has elapsed. If it is judged that the switching time has not elapsed, the display flag control process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the switching time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 2607.
In step 2607, the frame control CPU 201 turns off the display flag that is on, and then proceeds to the next step 2608.

In step 2608, the frame control CPU 201 turns on the display flag corresponding to the next display target (i.e., the display flag next to the display flag that was turned on). For example, if the display corresponding to the display flag turned off in the above-mentioned step 2607 was C1, the display flag corresponding to display C2 is turned on. Also, for example, if the display corresponding to the display flag turned off in the above-mentioned step 2607 was C4, the display flag corresponding to display C1 is turned on. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2609.
In step 2609, the frame control CPU 201 starts measuring the switching time by setting the switching time timer counter, and then ends the display flag control process.

Next, the error indication flag control process in step 2109 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 2700, the slot control CPU 201 judges whether or not any slot control management error has occurred, that is, whether or not the conditions for the occurrence of any slot control management error have been met. If it is judged that no slot control management error has occurred, the process proceeds to step 2702. On the other hand, if it is judged that a slot control management error has occurred, the process proceeds to the next step 2701.
In step 2701, the frame control CPU 201 turns on an error suggestion flag corresponding to the frame control management error that has occurred. Here, the error suggestion flag is a flag for controlling the execution of each frame control management error, and a corresponding error suggestion flag is provided for each frame control management error. In the frame control display device 210, the frame control management error suggestion of the frame control management error corresponding to the error suggestion flag that is on can be executed, and if there are multiple error suggestion flags that are on, the frame control management error suggestion of the frame control management error with the highest priority corresponding to the error suggestion flag can be executed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 2702.

In step 2702, the frame control CPU 201 judges whether or not the frame control management error indication termination condition is satisfied for the frame control management error corresponding to the error indication flag that is turned on. If it is judged that the termination condition is not satisfied, the frame control CPU 201 terminates the error indication flag control process. On the other hand, if it is judged that the termination condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to the next step 2703.
In step 2703, frame control CPU 201 turns off the error suggestion flag corresponding to the frame control management error for which the end condition for the frame control management error suggestion is met. If multiple error suggestion flags are on and this includes an error suggestion flag corresponding to a frame control management error for which the end condition described above is set to be that error release switch 220 is turned on, when error release switch 220 is turned on, if the frame control management error for which the end condition is set to be that error release switch 220 is turned on has the highest priority among the above, the error suggestion flag corresponding to that frame control management error is turned off. Then, the error suggestion flag control process ends.

Next, the frame control display device control process in step 2110 mentioned above will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
In step 2800, the frame control CPU 201 judges whether or not the ball removal switch 240 is on. If it is judged that the ball removal switch 240 is on, the process proceeds to step 2805. On the other hand, if it is judged that the ball removal switch 240 is not on (i.e., off), the process proceeds to the next step 2801.
In step 2801, the frame control CPU 201 judges whether or not there is an error suggestion flag that is on. If it is judged that there is no error suggestion flag that is on, the process proceeds to step 2804. On the other hand, if it is judged that there is an error suggestion flag that is on, the process proceeds to the next step 2802.

In step 2802, the frame control CPU 201 judges whether the error reset switch 220 is on or not. If it is judged that the error reset switch 220 is on, the process proceeds to step 2804. On the other hand, if it is judged that the error reset switch 220 is not on (i.e., off), the process proceeds to the next step 2803.
In step 2803, if only one error suggestion flag is on, the frame control CPU 201 causes the frame control display device 210 to execute a frame control management error suggestion for the frame control management error corresponding to that error suggestion flag, and if multiple error suggestion flags are on, causes the frame control display device 210 to execute a frame control management error suggestion for the frame control management error with the highest priority.Then, the frame control display device control processing ends.

Furthermore, if it is determined in the above-mentioned step 2801 that there is no error suggestion flag that is on, then in step 2804, which is reached when it is determined in the above-mentioned step 2802 that the error release switch is on, the frame control CPU 201 causes the frame control display device 210 to execute an unstored display corresponding to the unstored display flag if any of the unstored display flags is on, and causes the frame control display device 210 to execute a display corresponding to the display flag if any of the display flags is on.Then, the frame control display device control processing ends.
In step 2805, which is reached when it is determined in step 2800 that the ball removal switch 240 is on, the frame control CPU 201 causes the frame control display device 210 to display the number of balls held that is stored in the frame control RAM 203. Then, the frame control display device control process ends.

Next, a modification of the above-described embodiment will be described.
In this embodiment, when a frame control management error has not occurred and a frame control management error suggestion has not been executed, the frame control display device 210 is always displaying information related to the low base value, but this is not limited to this.
For example, a specified switch may be provided on the frame control board 200 for performing operations related to the execution of low base value related displays, and by operating the switch, the low base value related displays may be started or the low base value related displays may be switched sequentially.
In the above case, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be achieved.

In this embodiment, when a frame control management error occurs, a frame control management error suggestion is executed instead of a low base value related display, but the manner in which the low base value related display and the frame control management error suggestion are executed is not limited to this.
For example, the display related to a low base value and the indication of a frame control management error may be switched at regular intervals.
Also, the low base value related display and the frame control management error indication may be executed simultaneously in the frame control display device 210. Specifically, for example, the frame control management error code may be a two-digit character code, and the frame control management error code may be displayed simultaneously with the low base value related display by utilizing a display device that is not used for the low base value related display.
In the above case, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained.

In this embodiment, the frame control display device 210 is configured to display a low base value, which is the base value during a non-time-saving play state, but the types of base values that can be displayed are not limited to this, and for example, the frame control display device 210 may display a base value during a time-saving play state or a base value during all play states, etc.
In addition to the frame control management error suggestion, the frame control display device 210 may also suggest that the frame control state has been set when the start preparation state or the ball removal state is set as the frame control state. Specifically, similar to the frame control management error suggestion, when the start preparation state is set, the frame control display device 210 may display a code corresponding to the start preparation state instead of the low base value related display, and when the ball removal state is set, the frame control display device 210 may display a code corresponding to the ball removal state instead of the low base value related display. In addition, together with the frame control management error, a priority order may be set for these frame control states, and when the occurrence of the frame control management error and the setting of these frame control states overlap, the suggestion with the higher priority order may be executed preferentially. In addition, other controls, such as when the error release switch 220 is turned on or the ball removal switch 240 is turned on, may be performed in the same manner as the frame control management error suggestion.
In the above case, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained.

In this embodiment, the frame control display device 210 is configured to only suggest frame control management errors, which are errors managed by the frame control board 200, but the errors that can be suggested are not limited to these.
For example, when a main control management error occurs, a suggestion may be made on the frame control display device 210. Specifically, when the frame control CPU 201 receives an error command for a main control management error, the frame control display device 210 may display an error code corresponding to the error command instead of the low base value related display. In addition, a priority may be set for the main control management error as well as the frame control management error, and when a frame control management error and a main control management error occur at the same time, the suggestion with the higher priority may be executed preferentially. In addition, other controls such as when the error release switch 220 is turned on or when the ball removal switch 240 is turned on may be similar to the frame control management error suggestion.
In the above case, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained.

In this embodiment, the main control board 100 is equipped with a set value display device 105, and the current set value can be displayed on this set value display device 105, but this is not limited to the above, and a set value display device may be equipped on the frame control board 200, and the current set value may be displayed on this set value display device. Also, a predetermined switch for performing an operation related to the display of the set value may be provided on the frame control board 200, and the set value may be displayed on the frame control display device 210 on the condition that the switch is operated.
In the above case, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained.

In this embodiment, even when a frame control management error indication is being executed, as long as the ball removal switch 240 is on, the number of balls held is displayed on the frame control display device 210, but the switch used to display the number of balls held is not limited to this.
For example, the frame control board 200 may be provided with a dedicated switch for switching the display to the number of balls held while a frame control management error indication is being executed, and the number of balls held may be displayed on the frame control display device 210 while the switch is on.
In the above case, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained.

In this embodiment, the control of the frame control display device 210 related to the management of the number of balls held, the indication of frame control management errors, and the display of game performance information is performed by the frame control board 200, but this is not limited to this and may be performed by the main control board 100. Specifically, a device similar to the frame control display device 210 may be provided on the main control board 100, and the number of balls held and the number of winning balls may be stored in the main RAM 103, game performance information may be derived, and various controls similar to those of this embodiment may be executed by the main control board 100.
In the above case, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained.

In this form, only a small prize can be won by a win/lose lottery, and a special game is executed when a predetermined number of game balls enter a specific area 57 during a small prize game based on the winning of the small prize, but the lottery result derived by the win/lose lottery and the trigger for executing the special game are not limited to this.
For example, a special game may be executed based on the winning of the big win as well as the small win by a winning/losing lottery. In such a case, a command may be sent to the frame control board 200 by applying the same control as in the present embodiment.
In the above case, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained.

In this embodiment, the special prize opening 18 is provided with both the specific area 57 and the general area 58, but the internal structure of the special prize opening 18 is not limited to this.
For example, the general area 58 may not be provided, and only the specific area 57 may be provided. In addition, during both the small win game and the special game, the game ball that enters the large prize winning port 18 always enters the specific area 57, and when a predetermined number (one) of game balls enter the specific area 57 during the small win game, the special game is started based on the entry, and the number of prize balls corresponding to the large prize winning port 18 is added to the number of balls held (prize balls are given), and when a game ball enters the specific area 57 during the special game, the number of prize balls corresponding to the large prize winning port 18 is added to the number of balls held (prize balls are given) based on the entry. In this case, the same control as in the present embodiment may be applied, and when a predetermined number of game balls enter the specific area 57 during the small win game, a game state command indicating that a special game state has been set may be transmitted to the frame control board 200, and then a prize ball designation command corresponding to the large prize winning port 18 may be transmitted to the frame control board 200.
Also, each time the game ball enters the specific area 57, a game status command indicating the game status after the entry may be transmitted to the frame control board 200. Also, instead of transmitting each time the game ball enters, if the game status indicated by the previously transmitted game status command matches the game status indicated by the game status command to be transmitted this time, the game status command may not be transmitted, and the game status command may be transmitted only if the game status indicated by the previously transmitted game status command does not match the game status indicated by the game status command to be transmitted this time.
In the above case, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained.

In this embodiment, the prize ball designation commands, game status commands, and error commands are stored in a ring buffer in the order in which they occur, and are controlled so that they are sent to the frame control board 200 in the order in which the command that was stored earliest is sent first, but the commands that are the subject of this control are not limited to these.
For example, an error release command or the like may also be subject to the above control, or only a part of the above commands may be subject to the above control.
In the above case, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained.

In this embodiment, the difference ball operation stop control is executed based on the difference ball number, but this is not limited to this. For example, the same control as the difference ball operation stop control of this embodiment may be executed based on the cumulative number of awarded prize balls (i.e., the number of acquired prize balls). For example, when the number of acquired prize balls reaches the warning execution number (the number of acquired prize balls that is a predetermined number (e.g., 5,000 balls) less than the operation stop number at which the game will stop), an activation warning state is set, when the number of acquired prize balls reaches the operation stop number (the number of acquired prize balls at which the game will stop) and a small win game or a special game is being executed at the time of the reaching, an activation state may be set, and when the small win game or the special game ends or when the number of acquired prize balls reaches the operation stop number, a small win game or a special game is not being executed, an activation state may be set.
In the above case, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained.

In this embodiment, four main control states are provided, namely, a game stop state, a setting change state, a setting confirmation state, and a playable state, and the activation state that is set based on the difference ball count value reaching the second reference value performs various controls as one state in the playable state, but this is not limited to this. For example, an activation state may be provided in addition to the above four as the main control state, and this activation state may be set as a main control state that can be set separately from the playable state, and various controls similar to those of this embodiment may be performed.
In the above case, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained.

In the pachinko machine P according to this embodiment, it is possible to generate and output a test signal, but this is not limited to this, and it is not necessarily necessary to be equipped with control over the generation and output of the test signal.

In this embodiment, a special game is executed when a predetermined number of game balls enter the specific area 57 during a small win game based on the winning of a small win, but the conditions for executing the special game are not limited to this. For example, the large prize entry port may be opened on the condition that a game ball enters a predetermined ball entry port, and a special game may be executed when a game ball enters a predetermined special area provided in the large prize entry port while the large prize entry port is open. In this case, the same control as in this embodiment may be applied, and when a game ball enters the special area while the large prize entry port is open, a game state command indicating that a special game state has been set may be transmitted to the frame control board 200, and then a prize ball designation command corresponding to the large prize entry port 18 may be transmitted to the frame control board 200.
In the above case, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained.

In this embodiment, when the call button 7a is pressed (when the call switch 7 is turned on), a call command is sent to the frame control board 200, and information that the call button has been pressed is output to the outside of the managed gaming machine P via the frame control board 200. However, the device on which such processing is executed is not limited to the call button 7a, and any device that is connected to the main control board 100 and can be operated by a player (for example, the operating handle 5, etc.) can execute the above-mentioned processing, and control similar to that of this embodiment may be applied.
In the above case, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be achieved.

The above-described modified examples may be combined with each other to the extent possible.
In addition, the various controls of this embodiment can be applied to gaming machines other than managed gaming machines. For example, they may be applied to pachinko machines in which physical gaming balls are paid out as in the past, conventional slot machines in which gaming medals are used as gaming media, and managed slot machines in which gaming medals owned by players are managed as numerical data and games are played in the same way as conventional slot machines without using gaming medals.

In addition, the main control board 100 in this embodiment corresponds to the first control means of the present invention. In addition, the frame control board 200 in this embodiment corresponds to the second control means of the present invention. In addition, the number of prize balls in this embodiment corresponds to the game value of the present invention. In addition, the managed gaming machine P in this embodiment corresponds to the gaming machine of the present invention. In addition, the game state command in this embodiment corresponds to the first command of the present invention. In addition, the prize ball designation command in this embodiment corresponds to the second command of the present invention. In addition, the non-time-saving gaming state and the special gaming state in this embodiment correspond to the specific gaming state of the present invention. In addition, the low base value and the special gaming base value in this embodiment correspond to the specific value of the present invention. In addition, the situation in which the frame control transmission area storage process and the frame control output process are executed for the first time after the power interruption is restored in this embodiment corresponds to a specific situation of the present invention. In addition, the situation in which the frame control transmission area storage process and the frame control output process are executed for the second time or later after the power interruption is restored in this embodiment corresponds to another situation of the present invention. Furthermore, the main CPU 101 that executes the process of step 212 in this embodiment corresponds to the test signal control means of the present invention. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the point at which the difference ball count value is reset corresponds to the predetermined calculation start point of the present invention. Furthermore, the number of deactivated balls in this embodiment corresponds to the specific amount of the present invention. Furthermore, the activated state in this embodiment corresponds to the non-playable state of the present invention.

P Managed gaming machine U Dedicated unit 6a Number of balls held display device 100 Main control board 200 Frame control board 210 Frame control display device 220 Error release switch 240 Ball removal switch

Claims (2)

A first control means capable of controlling the progress of a game;
A second control means that is communicatively connected to the first control means and is capable of controlling the provision of a game value used in a game;
an operating means connected to the first control means and operable therewith;
A gaming machine that can stay in any one of a plurality of gaming states during a game,
The first control means is
a first command indicating a gaming state in which the player is currently playing , a second command indicating a gaming value to be awarded based on the establishment of a predetermined awarding condition , and a third command relating to the operation of the operating means, the second control means being capable of transmitting the first command to the second control means;
when both a transmission condition under which the first command can be transmitted or a transmission condition under which the second command can be transmitted, and a transmission condition under which the third command can be transmitted are satisfied, transmitting the first command or the second command in preference to the third command;
the second control means is capable of calculating a specific value relating to a game value awarded in a specific game state based on the first command and the second command received from the first control means;
A gaming machine, characterized in that the first command and the second command are transmitted under different transmission controls under a specific situation and under another situation different from the specific situation. the first control means includes a test signal control means capable of generating a test signal that can be output to an external device of the gaming machine and indicates a progress of a game or a game state;
A game-progress-disabled state in which game progress is disabled can be set based on a difference amount, which is a difference between the amount of game value related to grant from a predetermined calculation start point and the amount of game value used in the game, reaching a specific amount;
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein if the non-playable state is set while the test signal is being generated, the generation of the test signal is continued after the non-playable state is set.

Images