JP7829875B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to gaming machines and the like installed in amusement facilities.

Traditionally, some gaming machines have implemented controls to prevent excessive gains for players once the difference in the number of game balls awarded to them reaches a predetermined number.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2002-172192 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-134010

"What is the Complete Function? | Activation Conditions and Model List," [online], Pachimo (N-Links Co., Ltd.), [Searched February 16, 2023], Internet <https://altema.jp/pachimo/completekinou>

However, conventional gaming machines had room for improvement.

One embodiment of the present invention is a gaming machine comprising: a counting means capable of counting a fluctuating value that may fluctuate in relation to the execution of a game; a game state control means capable of controlling the game to a state where it is impossible to play the game when the fluctuating value counted by the counting means reaches a specific value; and an initialization means capable of setting the fluctuating value counted by the counting means to an initial value when a predetermined condition is met, wherein the initialization means does not set the fluctuating value counted by the counting means to an initial value when the predetermined condition is met while the specific condition is met, and the specific condition is a condition that can be met when the power switch provided on the gaming machine is ON and the gaming machine is turned OFF .

This is a schematic front view showing the external appearance of a medalless gaming machine according to one embodiment of the first embodiment. This is a schematic perspective view showing the internal configuration of a medalless gaming machine according to the first embodiment. This is a block diagram showing the control configuration of a medalless gaming machine according to the first embodiment. This flowchart shows a method of playing in a medalless gaming machine according to the first embodiment. This is a state transition diagram showing the transitions in the game state of the first embodiment of the medalless gaming machine. This figure shows the light emission patterns of the counting button lamp in the first embodiment. (a) shows the off state, (b) shows the on state, (c) shows slow flashing, and (d) shows fast flashing. This figure shows an example of notification information prompting counting in the first embodiment. (a) shows a small display, and (b) shows a large display. This flowchart shows a notification method according to the presence or absence of inserted medals after counting is complete in the first embodiment. (a) is an example of notification information when there are no inserted medals remaining after counting is complete, and (b) is an example of notification information when there are inserted medals remaining after counting is complete. This is a time chart showing the duration of the long-press state of the counting button in the first embodiment. (a) is a diagram showing that the bonus notification is put on hold while the counting button is being operated, and (b) is a diagram showing that the bonus notification will be executed even while the counting button is being operated if certain conditions are met. This is a block diagram showing the control configuration of a gaming machine according to the second embodiment. This graph schematically shows the change in the number of tokens won on a game day for the gaming machine of the second embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the gaming system 300 according to the third embodiment. This diagram illustrates the configuration of the gaming system 300 of the third embodiment, and the flow of gaming information output from the slot machine 301S and the pachinko machine 301P. This figure illustrates the game completion status determination process for the slot machine 301S using the call lamp 331 of the third embodiment. This figure illustrates the game completion status determination process for the slot machine 301S using the call lamp 331 of the third embodiment. This figure illustrates the gaming machine status screen 335c displayed by the HC335 of the third embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating the power supply in one of the gaming islands of the gaming system 400 according to the fourth embodiment. This is a perspective view of the gaming machine 401 with the front door 401a open, and a diagram illustrating the setting board 404, according to the fourth embodiment. This is a block diagram of the gaming machine 401 according to the fourth embodiment. This table illustrates the MY reset processes 1 to 4 of the fourth embodiment.

A preferred embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described.
(First Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, a gaming machine equipped with the main functions that form the basis of the present invention will be described.
The gaming machine of this embodiment does not use physical tokens (game tokens), but manages tokens as data (so-called credit tokens), and dispenses tokens electronically, allowing players to play without touching any tokens. Thus, the gaming machine is a gaming machine (also called a tokenless gaming machine in this embodiment) that uses a pseudo-game token in this data format for gameplay. Such gaming machines are also called smart pachislo, smart slots, etc.
The following describes an example of applying the present invention to a 6th generation slot machine with an AT (ART) state as a medalless gaming machine. However, it is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied to, for example, a type A slot machine that allows for real bonus gameplay.
Furthermore, tokens used as data in tokenless gaming machines are referred to as "gaming tokens."

Figure 1 is a schematic front view showing the external appearance of a coinless gaming machine.
Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal structure of a coinless gaming machine.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the medalless gaming machine 1 comprises a housing 1b and a front door 1a that can be opened and closed to cover the opening of the housing.
A display window 6 is formed in the center of the front door 1a, allowing the rear to be seen, and the pattern displayed on the reel 41 can be seen through this display window 6.
Below the display window 6, a step is formed that protrudes forward. Around this step, operating means such as the bet button 2a, MAX bet button 2b, counting button 2c, payout button 2d, start lever 3, and stop button 5 are provided, as well as notification means such as the game token count display device 7, counting button lamp 2e, and bet count lamp 2f.
The display window 6 is equipped with a favorable section lamp 13 on its side, and above the display window 6 is a navigation lamp 12 that guides the player through the sequence of operations for the stop button 5.
The upper part of the front door 1a is equipped with a display unit 8 that operates as a notification means. The display unit 8 may be, for example, a single-screen liquid crystal display, but is not limited to this, and may also have a multi-screen configuration (for example, a main screen and a sub-screen). Alternatively, a liquid crystal display may be provided on the lower part (lower panel) of the front door 1a instead of or in addition to the display unit 8, and it is not necessary to provide the display unit 8.

On the side of the display unit 8 are a speaker 9 that provides sound effects and notifications, and a lamp 11 that provides light effects and notifications in response to winning combinations and the effects displayed on the display unit 8.

The enclosure 1b contains a main control unit 10 which has a CPU that comprehensively controls the game, and a sub-control unit 20 which has a CPU that controls the game's presentation and other related aspects under the control of the main control unit 10.
Furthermore, the housing 1b is equipped with a drum unit 4. The drum unit 4 comprises three reels 41a to 41c arranged horizontally, and each of these reels 41 is configured to be rotatable by the drive of a stepping motor (not shown).
Multiple patterns (identification information) are displayed on the outer surface of each reel 41a to 41c according to a predetermined arrangement, and when the reel 41 is stopped, a predetermined number of consecutive patterns (for example, three) on each reel 41a to 41c can be seen through the display window 6.
Inside the enclosure 1b, there is a power supply unit 15 for supplying power to each device, including the main control unit 10 and the sub-control unit 20.
Inside the casing 1b, there is a game token count clear button 14 and a probability setting device 16, and a dedicated unit 19, which is an inter-machine device, is located adjacent to the outside of each tokenless game machine 1 (not shown).

As shown in Figure 3, the main control unit 10 is connected to various components such as the bet button 2a, MAX bet button 2b, payout button 2d, start lever 3, stop button 5, dedicated unit 19, drum unit 4, advantageous section lamp 13, counting button 2c, game token count display device 7, game token count clear button 14, probability setting device 16, and power supply device 15.
Note that the dashed line in Figure 3 (dedicated unit 19) indicates that it is an external device.
The main control unit 10 functions as a lottery means capable of executing lotteries related to the game, as well as detecting and controlling the operation of each of the above parts, transitioning game states, and outputting predetermined commands (control information) to the sub-control unit 20 at predetermined timings.
The sub-control unit 20 is connected to various components such as the navigation lamp 12, the counting button lamp 2e, the bed count lamp 2f, the display unit 8, the speaker 9, and the lamp 11.
The sub-control unit 20 operates as a performance control means and controls the operation of each of the above-mentioned parts in accordance with commands (control information) from the main control unit 10.

I will now explain the operation of the main components.
The game token count display device 7 is a game value display means and displays the total number of game tokens (game value) that can be used for playing the game.
Therefore, players can play the game by inserting game tokens within the range of the number of game tokens displayed on the game token count display device 7.
The game token count display device 7 includes a storage means (such as RAM) and a display means (such as a 7-segment LED). When game tokens are lent out or dispensed, the main control unit 10 adds up the number of tokens lent out or dispensed, stores the sum (total) as the "number of game tokens" in the storage means, and displays it on the display means.
Furthermore, when a game token is inserted, the main control unit 10 subtracts the number of tokens inserted from the "number of game tokens stored and displayed" in the game token count display device 7.
The dispensing of game tokens is performed by operating the dispensing operation of the dedicated unit 19, which is an inter-machine device, and the insertion of game tokens is performed by operating the bet button 2a or the MAX bet button 2b.
The game token display device 7 has an upper limit (for example, 16,300) set for the number of game tokens (amount of game value) that can be stored and displayed. If, for example, the total number of game tokens exceeds this upper limit due to payouts from winning, the game will be disabled by executing a "game disabled" control.
When the game is in the "unplayable" state, the start lever 3, bet button 2a, MAX bet button 2b, and payout button 2d are all disabled.

Bet button 2a and MAX bet button 2b are operating means used to insert (bet) game tokens when starting a game.
The bet button 2a sets the number of bets to "1" (temporarily stored in RAM) when pressed, and the MAX bet button 2b sets the maximum number of bets to "3" (temporarily stored in RAM).
The main control unit 10, in response to the pressing of the bet button 2a or the MAX bet button 2b, subtracts the corresponding bet amount from the number of game tokens stored and displayed on the game token display device 7.

The start lever 3 is an operating mechanism that the player uses to begin playing after a game token has been inserted.
The stop button 5 is an operating means used to stop the reel 41, which rotates in response to the operation of the start lever 3.

The counting button 2c is an operating means used by the player to count the game tokens they have acquired.
Specifically, the counting button 2c is a counting operation means used to output at least a portion of the game tokens (game value) displayed on the game token count display device 7 (game value display means) as counting data to a dedicated unit 19 (external) outside the machine.
Therefore, the counting button 2c is operated when ending a game, but it is not limited to this; in principle, it can be operated at any time (even during gameplay or when the game is unavailable).
The counting amount of the counting button 2c varies depending on how it is pressed.
For example, if the counting button 2c is "short-pressed" (for example, pressed for less than 500 milliseconds), the main control unit 10 outputs counting data to the dedicated unit 19 that identifies that "1" game tokens have been counted, i.e., the counted quantity is "1". In this case, the main control unit 10 performs a process to subtract the counted quantity "1" from the number of game tokens stored and displayed in the game token display device 7.
If the counting button 2c is "pressed and held" (for example, for 500 milliseconds or more), the main control unit 10 outputs counting data to the dedicated unit 19 that identifies a maximum of "50" game tokens, i.e., a maximum counting quantity of "50". In this case, the main control unit 10 performs a process to subtract the counting quantity (maximum "50") from the number of game tokens stored and displayed in the game token display device 7.
For example, if the counting button 2c is pressed and held while the game token count display device 7 is showing a game token count of "50 or less", a maximum of "50" game tokens will be counted, and thus all game tokens will be counted.
In this case, the main control unit 10 outputs counting data that allows for the identification of the counted quantity to the dedicated unit 19, and subtracts the counted quantity from the number of game tokens stored and displayed in the game token display device 7.
As a result, the number of game tokens stored and displayed in the game token display device 7 is updated to "0".
Furthermore, if the counting button 2c is held down while the game token count display device 7 is showing a game token count of "more than 50", the game token count will be "50" in response to the first long press detection, and a maximum of "50" game tokens will be counted each time a long press is detected from the second time onward (for example, every 300 milliseconds).
In this case, the main control unit 10 outputs counting data that can identify the total count to the dedicated unit 19, and subtracts the total count from the number of game tokens stored and displayed in the game token display device 7.
Furthermore, the output of counting data to the dedicated unit 19 based on the continuous long press may be a batch output of counting data that can identify the total counted amount when the long press ends, or counting data that can identify the counted amount (maximum 50) may be output individually each time a long press is detected.
On the dedicated unit 19 side, for example, the total number of tokens collected until the return button is pressed is managed as the number of tokens held.
In addition to the regular counting button 2c, separate counting buttons may be provided, such as a button that counts 100 coins with a short press, or a counting button that stops counting at 500 coins even when long-pressed.

Thus, the number of game tokens stored and displayed in the game token display device 7 can be subtracted by counting.
Therefore, if the number of game tokens exceeds the upper limit and the game becomes "unplayable," the solution is to reduce the number of game tokens to below the upper limit by operating the counting button 2c, thereby releasing the "unplayable" state.

The game token count clear button 14 is an operation means for store staff to reset (set to 0) the number of game tokens stored and displayed in the game token count display device 7.
When the game token count clear button 14 is pressed, the main control unit 10 updates the game token count stored and displayed in the game token count display device 7 to "0".
Therefore, the "unavailable to play" state can also be cleared by a store employee operating the game token count clear button 14.

The settlement button 2d is an operating means used to return the set bet amount to the game token display device 7.
For example, if the payout button 2d is pressed while the bet number is set to "1", the main control unit 10 clears the bet number and adds "1" to the number of game tokens stored and displayed on the game token display device 7.
If the payout button 2d is pressed while the number of bets is set to "2", the main control unit 10 clears the number of bets and adds "2" to the number of game tokens displayed on the game token display device 7.
If the payout button 2d is pressed while the number of bets is set to "3", the main control unit 10 clears the number of bets and adds "3" to the number of game tokens displayed on the game token display device 7.
In other words, the settlement button 2d is a specific operating means that can be operated to add the number of game tokens (game value) set as the number of bets (number of spins) to the number of game tokens (game value) displayed on the game token count display device 7 (game value display means).
Therefore, when a player wants to end their game, they should press the payout button 2d after confirming that the number of bets has been set by the bet number lamp 2f being lit.
As a result, the number of game tokens for the set bet amount is added to the number of game tokens stored and displayed on the game token display device 7. Therefore, if the counting button 2c is pressed afterward, the bet amount can also be returned.

Furthermore, other operating means, such as the bet button 2a, can also be assigned the function of the payout button 2d.
For example, a short press of the bet button 2a can set the bet to "1", while a long press of the bet button 2a can perform the action of the payout button 2d (the return action described above).

The bet count lamp 2f is a notification device that indicates when the number of bets has been set and the number of bets (1 to 3 bets) by lighting up an LED before the game starts.
The sub-control unit 20 controls the following: when the number of bets is set to "1", it lights up one lamp (for example, the "1BET" lamp shown in Figure 1); when the number of bets is set to "2", it lights up two lamps (for example, the "1BET" and "2BET" lamps shown in Figure 1); and when the number of bets is set to "3", it lights up three lamps (for example, the "1BET", "2BET", and "3BET" lamps shown in Figure 1).
In other words, the bet number lamp 2f is a means of displaying the bet amount, and it is designed to display the bet amount (game value) set as the bet amount in the game at least before the game starts.
When the sub-control unit 20 detects the start of a game (operation of the start lever 3), it performs a control to turn off the bet number lamp 2f.
Furthermore, when the sub-control unit 20 detects that game tokens corresponding to the number of bets have been inserted in response to the operation of the settlement button 2d, it performs control to turn off the bet number lamp 2f.
In other words, the bet count lamp 2f lights up when the bet count is set and turns off when game tokens are inserted.

The advantageous section lamp 13 is a notification means that informs the player that they are in a favorable state.
The advantageous section lamp 13 lights up during the advantageous section, but it may also be configured to light up during the advantageous section and during a game state (such as AT) in which the number of medals increases.
However, it is also possible to have the advantageous section lamp 13 installed but not light up.
Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide the advantageous section lamp 13. In this case, it is preferable to provide a lamp that lights up during AT instead of the advantageous section lamp 13 so that it is not difficult to recognize during AT.

The probability setting device 16 can change the AT winning probability to multiple levels (for example, 6 levels).
The main control unit 10 stores one of the setting values in its memory unit based on the probability setting operation performed by the arcade staff on the probability setting device 16, and controls the AT winning probability based on the stored setting value. For example, setting 1 has the lowest winning probability, and the larger the number, the higher the winning probability.

The dedicated unit 19 is a dispensing device that dispenses game tokens.
The dedicated unit 19 is installed on the outside of the coinless gaming machine 1 and is connected to the coinless gaming machine 1 via a connection terminal board, enabling data communication.
When a lending operation such as inserting cash (banknotes) is performed in the dedicated unit 19, the dedicated unit 19 outputs lending data that allows the number of game tokens to be lent to the tokenless gaming machine 1.
In the coinless gaming machine 1, the main control unit 10 identifies the number of gaming tokens to be dispensed based on the input dispensing data, and adds that number to the number of gaming tokens stored and displayed on the gaming token display device 7.

The dedicated unit 19 also serves as a return device for returning game tokens.
Specifically, the coinless gaming machine 1 outputs counting data that can identify the number of game tokens to a dedicated unit 19 based on the operation of the counting button 2c.
The dedicated unit 19 receives counting data output from the medalless gaming machine 1 and manages the total number of gaming tokens identified based on that counting data as the number of tokens held.
The dedicated unit 19 is equipped with a card unit (not shown), and the number of medals held can be stored (recorded) on an IC card in the card unit (not shown).
The IC card can be ejected from the card unit by performing a return operation (pressing the return button).
The dispensed IC card can be handed to the prize exchange corner set up in the arcade to exchange the number of tokens held for prizes, or it can be inserted into the card unit of another dedicated unit 19 to use the number of tokens held to play again.
The dedicated unit 19 and the game token count display device 7 are linked, and if the number of game tokens stored and displayed in the game token count display device 7 is at least "1", the IC card cannot be ejected by the return operation, and only if the number of game tokens is "0" can the IC card be ejected by the return operation.
In other words, players cannot obtain an IC card until all of their game tokens have been counted.
This eliminates the possibility of players forgetting to return any remaining game tokens.

The dedicated unit 19 can be connected to a computer, such as a hall computer or management computer, via a relay device or directly, and can output game information such as "out" and "safe" and sales information to the computer.
This allows, for example, a computer to collect data such as the number of outs, safes, and prize balls for each gaming machine, and to calculate the error in ball count based on this gaming information.

The gameplay (also called medalless gameplay) on medalless gaming machine 1 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 4.
The game start process is executed (S1).
In the game start process, the coinless gaming machine 1 first receives the loan data output from the dedicated unit 19.
Specifically, when a player performs a token dispensing operation on the dedicated unit 19, the dedicated unit 19 outputs dispensing data that allows the number of tokens to be dispensed to be identified, and the tokenless gaming machine 1 inputs this dispensing data.
When the coinless gaming machine 1 receives lending data, the main control unit 10 identifies the number of tokens to be lent based on the lending data, and stores and displays the number of gaming tokens corresponding to that number of tokens on the gaming token display device 7.
If the "number of tokens to be lent" is "100", the initial number of tokens displayed on the token count display device 7 is "0", so it is updated from "0" to "100" (= 0 + 100).
In the game start process, the next step is to insert game tokens in response to the player's input.
Specifically, the number of bets is set as the number of game tokens used in one game, depending on whether the bet button 2a or the MAX bet button 2b is operated.
When the number of game tokens displayed on the game token count display device 7 is set to "100" and the number of bets is set to "3", the main control unit 10 updates the number of game tokens stored and displayed on the game token count display device 7 from "100" to "97" (= 100 - 3), and the sub-control unit 20 lights up all three lamps of the bet number lamp 2f.
When the number of bets (for example, 3 bets) is set as the number of game tokens to be used in one game, the game becomes ready to start, and the operation of start lever 3 becomes effective.

The lottery process is executed (S2).
When the game is about to begin, the game starts when the start lever 3 is tilted, and the main control unit 10 performs an internal lottery process to determine the winning combination for this game from among multiple winning combinations.
The sub-control unit 20 controls the bed number lamp 2f to turn off in response to the tilting operation of the start lever 3.
The turning off of the bet count lamp 2f indicates that the number of game tokens inserted (bet) has been used.

The reel rotation process is executed (S3).
Specifically, the main control unit 10 starts the rotation of the reels 41a to 41c, which display multiple patterns. Each reel 41a to 41c gradually increases its rotational speed from a stopped state, and when it reaches a steady rotation at a constant speed, the stop buttons 5a to 5c, which are provided corresponding to each reel 41a to 41c, become pressable.

The reel stop process is executed (S4).
When each of the stop buttons 5a to 5c is pressed, the main control unit 10 controls the stopping of each reel 41a to 41c so that it stops and displays a combination of symbols that is permitted based on the timing of the operation and the result of the internal lottery process.

The award processing is performed (S5).
In controlling the stopping of the reel 41, the main control unit 10 controls the reel to stop in a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning result of the internal lottery process, based on the timing of the operation of the stop button 5. After the third stop operation, the main control unit 10 determines that a prize has been won if the combination of symbols that stopped on the active line is a predetermined combination.
Furthermore, "after the third stop operation" refers to the moment after the player releases their finger or other object from the stop button 5 used to stop the third reel, and the third reel refers to the reel that was stopped in the third and final operation (third stop operation) when the three reels 41a to 41c have each been stopped once for a total of three operations.

The disbursement process is executed (S6).
If it is determined that a specific minor role has been achieved, the process of paying out the corresponding number of game tokens is executed.
For example, if the main control unit 10 determines that a payout of 10 coins has been achieved, it adds the payout amount "10" to the number of game coins stored and displayed on the game coin display device 7.

The medalless gaming machine 1 can execute processes S1 to S6 while transitioning between multiple game states.
Figure 5 is a diagram showing the transitions between playable game states in the medalless gaming machine 1.
As shown in Figure 5, the medalless gaming machine 1 is configured to allow transitions between normal gameplay, CZ (Chance Zone) state, and AT (Attack Time) state.
The main control unit 10 executes control to transition from one game state to another game state based on whether predetermined transition conditions are met.
For example, a CZ transition lottery is performed in each game to determine whether to transition to the CZ state, and an AT transition lottery is performed to determine whether to transition to the AT state. If the CZ transition lottery is won, the game will transition to the CZ state in the next game or later, and if the AT transition lottery is won, the game will transition to the AT state in the next game or later.
The sub-control unit 20 performs effects via notification means such as the display unit 8 according to the game state and predetermined conditions.
For example, the game may perform a sequence of events that determines whether a player wins or loses (for example, in a CZ state, the game may display an indication of the possibility of winning the AT over multiple games, while simultaneously displaying the result of the AT transition lottery in response to the operation of a specific control method (for example, the MAX bet button 2b)).
In normal gameplay, there are two states: a normal probability state and a high probability state. In each game, the probability of transitioning to the CZ state or AT state is controlled to be higher in the high probability state than in the normal probability state.
Furthermore, the probability of winning an AT (Automatic Trigger) is controlled so that it is higher with higher settings than with lower settings.
Furthermore, the probability of winning an AT (Attack Time) can be varied depending on the winning combination. For example, the probability of winning an AT when a rare combination is won can be set to be higher than when a non-rare combination is won.

The main control unit 10 is equipped with a section control means that can control the game section to either a normal section or a favorable section, separate from the game state described above.
The normal section is a gameplay section in which no button-pressing navigation is performed. It begins when the next game starts after the advantageous section ends, and ends when the conditions for transitioning to the advantageous section are met.
Furthermore, the main control unit 10 is controlled to the normal section in its initial state (when reset), and in the normal section, the advantageous section lamp 13 is controlled to be off.
Furthermore, in the normal section, the transition to the advantageous section is determined when the conditions for transitioning to the advantageous section are met, for example, when a predetermined role is won in the internal lottery.

The advantageous period is a gameplay section in which button-press order navigation may be performed, and because button-press order navigation may be performed, it is a gameplay section that is more advantageous for the player compared to the normal period.
Furthermore, the advantageous period begins when the conditions for transitioning to the advantageous period are met in the normal period and the next game starts, and ends when the predetermined conditions for ending the advantageous period are met.
The conditions for ending the advantageous period are when a predetermined game state ends or when the advantageous period limiter is reached, at which point the advantageous period ends and the game returns to the normal period.
The advantageous period limiter is triggered when the number of game tokens acquired (difference) during a single advantageous period reaches the upper limit (for example, 2400).
Therefore, the main control unit 10 counts the number of game tokens acquired during the advantageous period and stores them in the memory unit.
Furthermore, during the advantageous period, the advantageous period lamp 13 is controlled to a state where it can be lit.
Furthermore, the advantageous section lamp 13 may be turned on when the number of game tokens held by the player increases after entering the advantageous section (e.g., during AT).
Furthermore, while the advantageous section lamp 13 is provided, it is also possible to configure it so that the lamp does not light up.
Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide the advantageous section lamp 13. In this case, it is preferable to provide a lamp that lights up during AT instead of the advantageous section lamp 13 so that it is not difficult to recognize during AT.

The game termination process is executed (S7).
The game end process executes the counting of game tokens.
Specifically, when the player operates the counting button 2c, the main control unit 10 counts the number of game tokens stored and displayed on the game token display device 7.
More specifically, when the counting button 2c is briefly pressed, the counting quantity "1" is subtracted from the number of game tokens stored and displayed in the game token display device 7.
If the counting button 2c is pressed and held, the maximum counting amount "50" is subtracted from the number of game tokens stored and displayed in the game token display device 7.
If the counting button 2c is held down for an extended period, the maximum counting amount of "50" is continuously subtracted from the number of game tokens stored and displayed in the game token display device 7.
This allows counting data that can identify the quantity to be counted to be output to the dedicated unit 19.
The dedicated unit 19 stores the total number of counted items as the number of medals held, based on the input counting data.
In the dedicated unit 19, upon receiving a return operation, the number of medals held is stored in the IC card in the card unit, and then the IC card is ejected from the card unit.
The IC card can only be ejected when the number of game tokens stored and displayed on the game token count display device 7 is "0".
Therefore, the player must operate the counting button 2c on the game token display device 7 to execute the counting process until the number of game tokens displayed becomes "0".
Players can use the IC card they receive to play again or exchange prizes.
To play again, instead of inserting cash in S1, you insert an IC card into the card unit.
This enables the game start process (S1) to be executed in response to lending operations etc. in the dedicated unit 19, and then the lottery process (S2) to payout process (S6) can be executed.

The medalless gaming machine 1 according to the present invention has the following characteristic configurations in addition to the above-described configuration. Each of these configurations may be implemented individually or in combination.

(Counting guidance via notification means)
In the medalless gaming machine 1 of the present invention, the sub-control unit 20 can perform notification prompting the operation of the counting button 2c using notification means such as the counting button lamp 2e.
The counting button lamp 2e is an LED lamp located around the counting button 2c.
The counting button lamp 2e can also be built into the counting button 2c, causing the counting button 2c itself to illuminate.
For example, when the counting button 2c is operational, the counting button lamp 2e is lit, and when the counting button 2c is inoperable, the counting button lamp 2e is turned off.
In other words, if the number of game tokens stored and displayed in the game token count display device 7 is "0" as shown in Figure 6(a), the counting button lamp 2e is turned off, and if the number of game tokens is "1" or more as shown in Figure 6(b), the counting button lamp 2e is turned on.
This allows the player to be informed that the counting button 2c can be operated when the counting button lamp 2e is lit.
Furthermore, if the number of game tokens stored and displayed in the game token display device 7 is close to the upper limit (for example, 15,000 or more), the counting button lamp 2e is controlled to blink.
In this way, flashing the counting button lamp 2e can further encourage the player to operate the counting button 2c.
In other words, by illuminating the counting button lamp 2e in a way that is easily recognizable to the player, it is possible to inform them that the game will enter a "game unavailable" state if the number of game tokens is close to the upper limit and the tokens are dispensed at that point, and that the "game unavailable" state can be avoided by operating the counting button 2c before this state occurs.
When the counting button lamp 2e is flashing, it is also possible to control the flashing speed so that it increases as the number of game tokens approaches the upper limit. This makes it easier for players to recognize when the number of game tokens is getting closer to the upper limit.
For example, if the number of game tokens stored in the game token display device 7 is "15,000 or more and less than 16,000" (for example, "15,000" as shown in Figure 6(c)), the counting button lamp 2e will blink slowly. If the number of game tokens is "16,000 or more and less than 16,000" (for example, "16,000" as shown in Figure 6(d)), the counting button lamp 2e will blink rapidly.
Thus, notification means such as the counting button lamp 2e can perform a first notification by lighting the counting button lamp 2e to prompt the player to operate the counting button 2c (counting operation means) when the number of game tokens (amount of game value) displayed on the game token count display device 7 (game value display means) is, for example, "15,000 to 16,000" (first amount), and can perform a second notification by lighting the counting button lamp 2e to prompt the player to operate the counting button 2c (counting operation means) when the number of game tokens (amount of game value) displayed on the game token count display device 7 (game value display means) is, for example, "16,000 to 16,300" (more than the first amount but less than the upper limit), and the second notification is set to flash at a higher speed than the first notification so that it is easier for the player to recognize.
The above counting guidance can be performed by changing the light color of the counting button lamp 2e.
For example, the counting button lamp 2e can be illuminated or flashed in green as a first notification, and the counting button lamp 2e can be illuminated or flashed in red as a second notification.
Furthermore, this step-by-step counting guidance can also be communicated via the display unit 8.
For example, as shown in Figure 7(a), the first notification can be displayed in small letters (small display) with the message "Please count.", and as shown in Figure 7(b), the second notification can be displayed in large letters (large display) with the message "Please count.".
As shown in Figure 7(b), you may also add notification information such as, "The upper limit will be reached in XX more units."
Furthermore, the above-mentioned notification information can also be communicated via sound information such as voice from a speaker.
Furthermore, notifications can be made at predetermined intervals of games, and the interval between games can be shortened or the volume increased so that the notification timing becomes faster as the upper limit approaches.
By using such notification means to guide the counting process, it is possible to guide the player to perform appropriate counting operations before the game token display device 7 exceeds its upper limit, thereby preventing the game from becoming unavailable.

(Used when the counting button is displayed)
The counting button 2c can be used as an operation method during the performance.
The sub-control unit 20 can, for example, link the performance and counting, such as by notifying the message "Press the counting button" instead of the usual message "Press the MAX bet button" via the display unit 8, as a performance for determining the outcome of a continuous performance, or by executing a premium performance in response to the operation of the counting button 2c, or by displaying the message "Defeat ○○○ enemies" and executing a premium performance when the counted quantity reaches ○○○ through the operation of the counting button 2c.
Additionally, you can increase the frequency of these animations when you want to trigger a counting effect.
For example, the frequency of performance animations is increased as the number of game tokens stored and displayed in the game token display device 7 approaches the upper limit.
Alternatively, the system may be controlled to execute a visual effect linked to the counting operation only when the "number of game tokens" exists (is 1 or more).
In other words, the notification means such as the display unit 8 can execute a notification prompting the user to operate the counting button 2c (counting operation means) when the number of game tokens (game value) displayed on the game token count display unit 7 (game value display means) is "1" or more, and can not execute a notification prompting the user to operate the counting button 2c (counting operation means) when the number of game tokens (game value) displayed on the game token count display unit 7 (game value display means) is "0".

(Background music plays during counting)
During the counting of game tokens (while the counting button 2c is being operated), background music (for example, the payout sound in conventional slot machines) can be played.
For example, a sound-producing means such as a speaker is installed in a designated location (such as around the medal dispensing slot), and the sub-control unit 20 outputs a dispensing sound from the sound-producing means.
This allows for the execution of effects that mimic those of traditional slot machines.
However, since counting can be performed during gameplay (counting button 2c can be operated), the BGM playback mode may be controlled according to the game situation.
For example, during non-gameplay, the music plays at normal volume; during gameplay, it plays at a very low volume; during continuous performances, it plays silently; and during payouts due to winning, the payout sound is prioritized (for example, the volume of the payout sound is made louder than other background music).
This allows for the playback of appropriate background music according to the situation.
Additionally, the background music during counting may differ depending on whether the button is pressed briefly or held down.
For example, a short press plays a short-press background music called "beep beep," and a long press (50) plays a long-press background music called "pirolilo~" every 50 counts (every 300 milliseconds).
Additionally, while a short press will result in a very short background music (BGM), if short presses are performed consecutively, each will be counted as a short press, but the BGM playback may be judged as a "long press," and the BGM for long presses may be played.
Furthermore, if the number of game tokens stored and displayed in the game token count display device 7 is large (for example, 10,000), the BGM may be stopped from playing midway through while the button is pressed down, or if a specific number of tokens is exceeded while the button is pressed down (for example, when the number exceeds 10,000), a special BGM may be switched to play.
When switching to a special background music, it is also possible to create a synchronized effect by switching the content of the display unit 8, lamps, etc.

(Counting guidance when there are remaining tokens inserted)
After counting is complete, if the number of game tokens displayed on the game token display device 7 is "0", the sub-control unit 20 can display notification information 1 indicating the end of the game, such as "Please play again", on the display 8 or output it as an audible message from the speaker 9.
By providing this notification information 1, it is possible to recognize that the counting process is complete.
Furthermore, if the number of game tokens in question is recorded or displayed as "1" or more after the counting is complete, notification information 1 will not be displayed.
In this case, the player must operate the counting button 2c to set the number of game tokens to "0".
This is because the dedicated unit 19 is designed in such a way that it cannot return the IC card if there is even one game token remaining.
However, with the specifications of this dedicated unit 19, if the number of game tokens stored and displayed on the game token count display device 7 is "0", the IC card can be returned even if a bet is set (meaning there are tokens remaining).
As a result, problems can arise such as players leaving without realizing that they still have tokens left in their machines, or the tokens being stolen by other players.
Therefore, in this embodiment, if the number of game tokens displayed on the game token count display device 7 is "0" after counting is complete, and there are still tokens (bets) remaining (bet lamp 2f is lit), the medalless gaming machine 1 will notify the user of a settlement operation such as "There are tokens left! Please settle your account!" (notification information 2).
In other words, the notification means such as the display unit 8 will issue a notification prompting the user to operate the settlement button 2d (specific operation means) when the counting button 2c (counting operation means) is operated and the number of game tokens (game value) displayed on the game token count display device 7 (game value display means) becomes "0", and the number of bets (multiplier) displayed on the bet lamp 2f (multiplier display means) is "1" or more. On the other hand, the notification means will not issue a notification prompting the user to operate the settlement button 2d (specific operation means) when the counting button 2c (counting operation means) is operated and the number of game tokens (game value) displayed on the game token count display device 7 (game value display means) becomes "0", and the number of bets (multiplier) displayed on the bet lamp 2f (multiplier display means) is "0".

Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the notification method depending on whether or not there are medals inserted after counting is complete.
As shown in the figure, the main control unit 10 determines whether or not the counting button 2c has been operated (S11). In other words, it determines whether or not a counting operation has been performed.
If the counting button 2c is pressed (Yes), it is determined whether the number of game tokens is "0" or not (S12). In other words, it is determined whether the counting is complete or not.
Specifically, when the main control unit 10 determines that the counting button 2c has been pressed, it determines whether the number of game tokens stored and displayed in the game token display device 7 is "0".
If the number of game tokens in S12 is not "0" (S12-No), the process returns to S11.
In other words, if the counting is not complete, the number of game tokens must be set to "0" through a counting operation.
If the number of game tokens in S12 is "0" (S12-Yes), then it is determined whether the number of tokens inserted is "0" or not (S13). In other words, if the counting is complete, the next step is to determine whether or not tokens have been inserted.
Specifically, the presence or absence of inserted tokens is determined by whether a bet number of "1", "2", or "3" is stored (set) in the RAM; if so, the number of inserted tokens is not "0" (no tokens have been inserted); and if no bet number is stored (set), the number of inserted tokens is "0" (there are tokens inserted).
In S13, if the number of inserted medals is "0" (S13-Yes), notification information 1 is broadcast (S14). In other words, notification information 1 is broadcast when there are no inserted medals remaining after the counting is complete.
For example, notification information such as "Let's play again" as shown in Figure 9(a) is displayed on the display unit 8.
By viewing this notification information, players can confidently end their game.
In S13, if the number of inserted medals is not "0" (S13-No), notification information 2 is broadcast (S15). In other words, notification information 2 is broadcast if there are still inserted medals remaining after the counting is complete.
For example, the display unit 8 will show a message prompting the player to settle their account, such as "There are tokens inserted. Please settle your account!" as shown in Figure 9(b).
This allows players to be aware that they still have tokens left and that they need to be redeemed.
Thus, if the number of game tokens stored and displayed on the game token count display device 7 is even "1", the dedicated unit 19 cannot return the IC card. However, if the number of game tokens stored and displayed on the game token count display device 7 is "0", the IC card can be returned even if there are tokens remaining. This prevents problems such as players leaving without realizing they still have tokens left, or the tokens being stolen by other players.

(Continue holding down the counting button)
The main control unit 10 ensures that the long-press state of the counting button 2c continues even after the number of game tokens stored and displayed on the game token display device 7 becomes "0". When a payout occurs during the game, the main control unit 10 determines that this payout should also be included in the counting by long-pressing the button.
This is a solution because it is possible to continue playing even while the counting button 2c is being operated. Furthermore, since the payout generated from playing only the remaining few games while the counting is in progress is also counted, it is possible to end the game without having to press the counting button 2c again.

I will explain this in detail while referring to the time chart in Figure 10.
As a premise, the number of game tokens stored and displayed in the game token display device 7 is "120", and the number of tokens inserted (bet) remaining is "3".
In this case, if the counting button 2c is held down continuously, as shown in the figure, the counting amount "50" is subtracted from the number of game tokens upon the first, second, and third detection of the long press, and as a result, the number of game tokens becomes "0" upon the third detection of the long press.
However, since there are still tokens left, you can continue playing even after the number of tokens used reaches "0".
In this example, after the number of game tokens reaches "0", the remaining tokens are used to continue playing, and it is assumed that a specific small win (a win that pays out 10 tokens) is achieved during the internal lottery process.
In this embodiment, the coinless gaming machine 1 is controlled to treat the long-press operation of the counting button 2c as valid even after the number of game tokens becomes "0".
This allows the dispensed game tokens to be automatically counted within a range of up to 50.
In other words, at this time, the number of game tokens in the game token display device 7 is updated from "0" to "10" because "10" is added in response to the winning of a specific minor role. However, since the counting button 2c remains pressed, the "10" is automatically counted as the total amount without any further operation, and the counting data indicating this total amount is transmitted to the dedicated unit 19.

In other words, the medalless gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is equipped with processing means capable of executing predetermined processing when the counting button 2c (counting operation means) is operated, and when the counting button 2c (counting operation means) is operated with a short press (first mode), this processing means is capable of executing a first process to output the game value of "1" (smallest unit) of the game medals (game value) displayed on the game medal count display device 7 (game value display means) as counting data to a dedicated unit 19 (external), and when the counting button 2c (counting operation means) is operated with a long press (second mode), which is a mode in which the operation acceptance time is longer than in the first mode, A second process is enabled to output the game value of "50" (a specific unit) of the game tokens (game value) displayed on the game token count display device 7 (game value display means) as counting data to a dedicated unit 19 (external). Even after the number of game tokens (game value) displayed on the game token count display device 7 (game value display means) becomes 0, if the counting button 2c (counting operation means) is operated in the second manner and game tokens (game value) are awarded based on the result of the game, a third process is enabled to output said game tokens (game value) as counting data to the dedicated unit 19 (external).
In this way, by playing the game while holding down the counting button 2c, all game tokens can be counted, including those acquired after the counting operation has started, even after the initial number of game tokens has been used up.
Therefore, the comfort of pressing and holding the counting button 2c can be improved.

(Omission of the presentation related to the counting)
After the power is turned on, the counting button 2c becomes active as soon as the game becomes playable. At this time, it is possible to determine whether or not there is enough time to execute the various counting-related effects based on the state (startup state) of each device involved in the effects, and to control whether or not to execute the effects based on the result of this determination.
For example, in the "Use of the counting button during performance" section above, a performance involving the linkage between the counting button 2c and the display unit 8 was described. In this case, if it is determined that the display unit 8 has not finished starting up after power-on, the performance will be omitted even if certain conditions are met.
Furthermore, the completion or non-completion of startup of each device involved in the performance can be determined based on the elapsed or non-elapsed time required for startup to be completed, or, for example, in the case of the display unit 8, the display or non-display of a predetermined screen can be determined using image recognition technology.

(Explanation regarding counting operations)
The operation method for counting is displayed on the display unit 8.
For example, the display 8 will show an explanation stating that if the counting button 2c is pressed briefly, "1" game token will be counted; if the counting button 2c is pressed and held down, up to "50" game tokens will be counted; and if the counting button 2c is held down continuously, up to "50" game tokens will be counted in increments of up to "50".
In particular, the method for dealing with the "unable to play" state described above (a method of reducing the number of game tokens to below the upper limit by operating the counting button 2c) is displayed on the display unit 8 when the "unable to play" state occurs.
Furthermore, the counting method may be explained not only with text but also with diagrams and videos through a menu screen displayed on the display unit 8 when the game is not in progress.
In particular, a notice is displayed stating that players should not accumulate more than "15,000" (meaning that when the number of game tokens displayed on the game token display device 7 reaches near the upper limit, players should use the counting button 2c to reduce the number) and that the upper limit is "16,300".
This makes it possible to effectively support players who are unfamiliar with the coinless gaming machine 1 in playing without medals.

(Other functions)
Other features that can be added include the following:

(Presentation on the lower panel)
If the lower panel is equipped with an LCD display (display 8), it can display images of medals corresponding to the number of medals dispensed so that the dispensed medal status can be seen.
For example, it plays footage that makes it look like actual medals are being dispensed, such as a cash box or medals overflowing from the bottom.
If the lower panel does not have an LCD display, the number of boxes may be represented using LEDs or similar to convey the feeling of winning.
This allows for the creation of visual effects similar to those found in traditional slot machines.

(Installation of small doors)
A smaller door, physically smaller than the front door 1a, is provided. When this smaller door is opened, it exposes only the connectors around the main board and the area around the power button, allowing for localized checking of these issues.
Conventional slot machines are equipped with devices necessary for handling tokens, such as selectors and hoppers, and it was necessary to open a large door called the front door 1a to check these devices.
In contrast, the medalless gaming machine 1 of the present invention does not use actual tokens, so it has fewer hardware components such as selectors and hoppers, and the check range is limited accordingly, so it is sufficient to provide a small door within that check range.
This allows for a simpler and more compact design of the medalless gaming machine 1, and also makes it easier for store staff to check it.

(Handling of ball errors)
A reset function can be implemented to handle situations where the number of bets (for example, 1 or 2) remains set (is left in place).
Specifically, the number of game tokens stored in the game token display device 7 can be reset (set to "0") by the store employee operating the game token count clear button 14, but even if the bet is set and then reset, the bet remains.
Therefore, in the medalless gaming machine 1 of the present invention, when the game token count clear button 14 is operated while there are remaining bets, the bet count is reset and reset information including the remaining bet count is output to the dedicated unit 19.
Furthermore, if the dedicated unit 19 is configured to transfer the input reset information to the hall computer (not shown), the hall computer will be able to detect the remaining number of bets included in the reset information as error balls (error number of medals).
If a function to reset the remaining number of bets is not included, it is necessary to clear the RAM that stores the number of bets or to operate the game token count clear button 14. When the number of bets is set, it is necessary to go through the procedure of "operating the settlement button 2d" → "operating the counting button 2c".
The coinless gaming machine 1 of the present invention is equipped with a function to reset the remaining number of bets, eliminating the need for such troublesome operations, and allowing the hall computer to efficiently and accurately determine the number of misplaced balls.

(Premiere production)
When the number of game tokens stored and displayed in the game token count display device 7 reaches a specific number, or when the number of payouts within a single advantageous period reaches a specific number, or when certain conditions are met, a premium effect can be displayed on the display device 8, etc., which indicates that a hopper error has occurred, as would be reported in conventional game machines (slot machines that use actual tokens).
In the medalless gaming machine 1, no actual tokens are used, so hopper errors cannot occur.
Therefore, players are highly likely to immediately recognize the hopper error message as some kind of special effect (a premium effect), making it possible to create unexpected and exciting effects.
A premium effect can be a freeze animation lasting about 5 seconds.
In other words, the notification means can perform notifications related to actual tokens (game media), such as hopper errors, which were performed in conventional slot machines (game machines) that allow players to play using actual tokens (game media), when certain conditions are met.

(Notification using waiting time)
Notifications can be made using the waiting time.
In slot machine games, even if the start lever 3 is operated, if the elapsed time since the start of reel 41 rotation in the previous game has not exceeded the prescribed time (4.1 seconds), the start of reel 41 rotation is temporarily delayed (a wait time is generated) to delay the start of reel rotation.
In slot machine games that use physical tokens, tokens must be inserted at some point, and the time taken for this insertion prevents any waiting time, making it difficult to play at full speed.
In contrast, with medalless games, inserting game tokens is done simply by pressing the bet button, so no time is spent inserting tokens. This often results in a waiting time, making it easier to play at full speed.
However, even in the case of coinless gaming, a dispensing operation in the dedicated unit 19 is still necessary. Therefore, in this embodiment, the coinless gaming machine 1 has a sub-control unit 20 that performs control to display information on the display unit 8 during the wait time (on the player's side).
This makes it easier to play at full weight.
Furthermore, notification may be given when the number of game tokens stored and displayed in the game token count display device 7 becomes "0", or when the number of game tokens becomes 1 or 2.

(Bonus notification using the counting button)
The system can announce bonus wins based on the operation of the counting button 2c.
In Type A slot machines that allow players to win real bonuses, there are known models that are equipped with a notification lamp to indicate when a bonus has been won.
It is known that this type of notification lamp is controlled to remain in a standby state without lighting up if any of the game operation buttons (bet button 2a, MAX bet button 2b, stop button 5, start lever 3) are operated at the end of a bonus winning game.
In the medalless gaming machine 1 of the present invention, such bonus notification control can be performed, and in this case, the game operation buttons may or may not include the counting button 2c.
If the game operation buttons include a counting button 2c, as shown in Figure 11(a), if the counting button 2c is pressed across the end of the bonus game (when the third stop button is released), the bonus notification will be kept in standby mode while the button is pressed, and the bonus notification will be executed when the button is released (the player's finger is removed from the counting button 2c).
Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11(b), if the number of game tokens stored and displayed in the game token count display device 7 is greater than or equal to a predetermined number (for example, 5000 or more), and if a specific lottery is won, or if other specific conditions are met, even if the counting button 2c is being operated, the notification lamp will light up when the bonus winning game ends, and this can be presented as a premium pattern.
This allows for unprecedented stage productions.

(Notification encouraging borrowing)
The notification means can provide a predetermined notification when the number of game tokens displayed on the game token count display device 7 reaches a predetermined number.
For example, when the number of game tokens displayed on the game token count display device 7 becomes "1" or "2", a message such as "Please borrow tokens" is displayed on the display unit 8.
In other words, the notification means is capable of issuing a notification prompting a lending operation in the dedicated unit 19 (an operation to input the usable game value as lending data from an external source) when the number of game tokens (game value) displayed on the game token count display device 7 (game value display means) reaches a specific amount.
This prevents the problem of gameplay being interrupted due to a shortage of game tokens preventing the insertion of tokens.

As described above, the gaming machine of the present invention is a medalless gaming machine 1 that allows players to play games without using actual medals, and is configured to prompt the player to perform a counting operation when the number of game medals displayed on the game medal count display device 7 falls below an upper limit and is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.
For example, an LED or other light-emitting means may be provided on or around the counting button 2c, and controlled to light up when counting is possible, turn off when counting is not possible, and blink when instructing the player to count (when the number of game tokens is 16,000 or more).
This allows the system to guide players through the appropriate operations before the game becomes "unplayable."
Furthermore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, when the operation to count the number of gaming tokens displayed on the gaming token count display device 7 is performed, if the number of gaming tokens becomes "0" and there are still tokens (bet amount) remaining, the machine will issue a notification prompting the player to settle or use the tokens, and will not issue the above notification if the number of gaming tokens is not "0".
This prevents players from forgetting to collect their bets, even if the system is designed so that if even one game token remains on the game token count display device 7, the card return operation cannot be performed in the dedicated unit 19, but if the game token count display device 7 shows zero game tokens, the card return operation can be performed even if game tokens have been bet.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, when the operation to count the number of gaming tokens displayed on the gaming token count display device 7 is performed, the control is executed to continue counting in increments of "50" by pressing and holding the counting button 2c. The control is such that the pressed state of the counting button 2c continues even after the number of gaming tokens on the gaming token count display device 7 becomes 0. Therefore, if the game is played while the pressed state continues and a payout occurs during the game, this payout can also be processed as part of the counting by pressing and holding.
This improves the comfort of long-pressing the counting button 2c.

On the other hand, as a conventional gaming machine, a slot machine that can be played without using tokens is disclosed in the patent document (JP 2015-134010).
However, conventional gaming machines had a problem in that the processing of game value stored as data in the machine was not adequately considered.
The gaming machine of this embodiment can solve all or part of the above-mentioned problems that conventional gaming machines have to improve.

(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, the counting process of MY on the gaming machine side and related processes will be described.
In the following descriptions and drawings, parts that perform similar functions between each embodiment and other embodiments will be given the same names as appropriate, and the same reference numerals or the same reference numerals at the end (last two digits) will be used as appropriate to omit redundant explanations as necessary.

(Configuration of gaming machine 201)
Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the gaming machine 201 according to the second embodiment.
The gaming machine 201 of this embodiment, like the first embodiment, is capable of playing games without using actual game media and is a device capable of managing the game value available for play. In other words, the gaming machine 201 executes games using pseudo-medals (so-called credit medals) stored as medals in the medal count storage unit 212a.
The configuration of the sub-control board 220A, which includes the sub-control unit 20, is the same as in the first embodiment. The sub-control board 220A can control, for example, game-related effects.

On the other hand, the main control board 210A includes a first module 211 that mainly performs processing and control related to the game, and a second module 212 that mainly performs processing and control related to the number of medals. In other words, while the main control board of the first embodiment had one module with a main control unit 10 that comprehensively performed processing and control related to the game and the number of medals, the main control board 210A of this embodiment has two modules, the main control unit 211b and the medal count control unit 212b, which divide and perform these processing and control tasks according to their content.
The first module 211 and the second module 212 may be configured on the same electrical circuit board, or the main control board 210A may be configured by separating it into two electrical circuit boards.
In this configuration, where the main control board 210A is separated into two electrical boards, communication can be enabled by connecting the two boards with an electrical cable. In this configuration, the case housing the main control board 210A may be a case that houses both electrical boards together, or it may be two separate cases that house the two electrical boards individually.

The first module 211 can communicate with the bet button 2a, MAX bet button 2b, payout button 2d, start lever 3, stop button 5, drum unit 4, advantageous section lamp 13, etc., as needed.
The first module 211 includes a main memory unit 211a and a main control unit 211b (game control means).
The main memory unit 211a stores information such as tables used for various lottery processes and various programs related to the game.
The main control unit 211b performs processing and control related to the game (various lottery processes, control of the game state, etc.).

The second module 212 can communicate with the counting button 2c, the game token count clear button 14, the game token count display device 7, the power supply unit 15, etc., as needed. The second module 212 is connected to the dedicated unit 19 (inter-machine device), etc., via a connection terminal board 19a provided on the game machine 201, enabling communication. Furthermore, the first module 211 and the second module 212 can communicate with each other as needed.
The second module 212 includes a medal count storage unit 212a, a medal count control unit 212b (game value control means, counting means, first output means, second output means), and the like.
The medal count storage unit 212a stores various information (difference in medal count for the day, MY, program, etc.) for processing and controlling the number of medals.
The medal count control unit 212b performs control and processing related to the number of medals.

(Medal counting process)
Figure 13 is a schematic graph showing the change in the number of tokens won on a day of play for the gaming machine 201 of the second embodiment.
The medal count control unit 212b counts the difference in medals, MY, from the start of play on the day as part of the medal counting process. The medal count control unit 212b resets the difference in medals, MY, to zero when the power to the gaming machine 201 is turned on from an off state. Although a detailed explanation is omitted, the medal count control unit 212b performs the same medal counting process as before (counting the number of medals inserted and the number of medals dispensed).
The medal count control unit 212b transmits this count information (information regarding the counting results of the counting means) as game performance information to the main control unit 211b and the dedicated unit 19 at predetermined intervals.

Subsequently, this count information may be transmitted from the dedicated unit 19 to an organization that comprehensively manages multiple gaming machines (such as a gaming machine information center) via a hall computer or the like.
Furthermore, the main control unit 211b may transmit the medal count information received from the medal count control unit 212b to the sub-control unit 20 at least at regular intervals.

In this embodiment, the terms "number of medals difference" and "MY" are used with the following meanings.
(Difference in number of tokens)
The difference in tokens (Y tokens) is the net difference in tokens. In other words, "Difference in tokens (Y tokens) = Total tokens paid out - Total tokens inserted". Therefore, the difference in tokens will be negative if "Total tokens paid out < Total tokens inserted", and positive if "Total tokens paid out > Total tokens inserted".

(MY)
MY represents the difference between the net number of tokens (Y tokens) at the time of play on the day of play and the minimum net number of tokens (Ymin). The minimum net number of tokens is the value at which the player's consumption of game value was greatest after the power was turned on. Furthermore, MY indicates how much game value the player has gained since the minimum net number of tokens was updated.
In other words, "MY = |Y - Ymin|". Note that MY is updated only if "Ymin ≤ Y".

For example, in the example shown in Figure 13, the difference in the number of tokens Y decreases after the game starts. Then, at the point of X1 game rounds, the difference in the number of tokens Y becomes -5000. The token count control unit 212b stores -5000 as Ymin in the token count storage unit 212a (#1).
From the first game onward (X1), at the point of the fifth game onward (X5), the difference in tokens Y is less than -5,000, which is -10,000. The token count control unit 212b stores -10,000 as Ymin in the token count storage unit 212a, that is, it updates Ymin (#2).

In the example above, MY will be zero from the start of play on that day until the number of plays x1.
Furthermore, from game count X1 to game count X2, MY is counted based on the difference in tokens from game count X1 minus 5000 tokens. For example, at game count X2 (X=X2, Y=2000), MY will be 7000 (=|2000-(-5000)|).
After X5 rounds of play, the minimum difference in tokens Ymin is updated from -5000 to -10000. For example, at X6 rounds of play (X=X6, Y=2000), MY becomes 12000 (=|2000-(-10000)|). Thus, even though the difference in tokens is the same 2000 for X2 and X6 rounds of play, the MY values are different because the base minimum difference in tokens Ymin is different.
Thus, since the MY count starts from the minimum difference in the number of tokens for the day, if the minimum difference in the number of tokens is updated at some point, that new minimum difference in the number of tokens becomes the new starting point.

(Processing when MY upper limit is reached)
The medal count control unit 212b transmits MY limit reached information (specific information) to the main control unit 211b when the condition is met that the MY count, determined by the medal counting process, has reached the upper limit of 19,000 medals. The upper limit of MY can be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications of the machine model, etc. The condition for transmitting the MY limit reached information (specific information) may also be that the MY count exceeds 19,000 medals, etc.
Furthermore, in games where the number of medals (MY) exceeds 19,000, the medal count control unit 212b also counts the number of medals exceeding 19,000 for the purpose of calculating the difference in medal count.
For example, if MY is 18999 before betting, and MY becomes 18996 after betting 3 coins at the start of the game, then if a 15-coin payout occurs, MY becomes 19011. In this case, the medal count control unit 212b counts the 11 coins exceeding 19000 as the difference in medal count (i.e., the medals won by the player).

In the example shown in Figure 13, at the end of a game with X number of plays, the number of MY is 19,000. Therefore, the medal count control unit 212b transmits game completion information to the main control unit 211b at the end of a game with X number of plays (#3).
The main control unit 211b constantly monitors whether or not there is input of MY limit reached information. The CPU constituting the main control unit 211b may have an input terminal to which MY limit reached information is input, or it may be configured to receive MY limit reached information through normal communication processing.
Since MY only increases or decreases after the medal payout process is completed, the main control unit 211b may perform the monitoring of MY upper limit information (the process of determining whether or not specific information has been received) only after the medal payout process is completed.
Upon receiving information that the MY limit has been reached from the medal count control unit 212b, the main control unit 211b transmits a stop command (an activation of a stop command) to the medal count control unit 212b.

The medal count control unit 212b, upon receiving a stop command from the main control unit 211b, notifies the dedicated unit 19 that a stop command has been received. After receiving the stop command, the medal count control unit 212b may stop the medal counting process. Furthermore, after this notification, the dedicated unit 19 may stop distributing new medals.

Upon receiving a command to stop operation, the medal count control unit 212b sends the same notification to the main control unit 211b as it did when the dedicated unit was not connected.
In response, the main control unit 211b controls the game to a game termination state (specific state) in which it does not accept coin insertion operations using the bet buttons 2a and 2b, or lever operations such as the start lever 3. In other words, the main control unit 211b controls the game to a state in which it is unable to execute controls that accept coin insertion operations, lever operations of the start lever 3, etc. (specific controls).
This function, which controls the game to end when MY reaches its upper limit, is also called the "complete function."

However, the medal count control unit 212b accepts operation of the counting button 2c (counting operation means) even after the MY limit has been reached information has been transmitted. This allows the player to count the medals they have acquired, output them to the dedicated unit 19, store them on an IC card, and then pay them out.
Furthermore, the main control unit 211b may also accept the operation of the settlement button 2d.
Furthermore, the gaming machine 201 and the dedicated unit 19 may perform such counting and payout processing automatically when the number of MY reaches 19,000 or more.

As a result of the above process, if the number of MY (player currency) exceeds 19,000 after the gaming machine 201 is powered on, the gaming machine 201 will become unresponsive to game-related operations, and the player will not be able to continue playing.
Regardless of whether the game has ended or not, the medal count control unit 212b resets MY to zero when the power to the gaming machine 201 is turned off and then turned on again.
Furthermore, the main control unit 211b, upon receiving an operation to change the setting values 1 to 6 (including resetting), cancels the game end state. As a result, the gaming machine 201 is controlled to a state where it can be played again.

Any control measures other than those mentioned above when MY reaches 19,000 can be set as appropriate according to the specifications of the gaming machine 201.
For example, when the number of MY reaches 19,000, the gaming machine 201 may perform the following control.
(1) Even if the main control unit 211b receives information from the medal count control unit 212b that the MY upper limit has been reached, if predetermined conditions are met, it may execute control that does not put the game into an end state.
The predetermined condition is, for example, when the MY reaches 19,000 coins during a bonus game. In this case, even if the main control unit 211b receives information that the MY limit has been reached, it may wait to activate the game termination state until the bonus ends. The main control unit 211b may also wait to issue a command to stop operation to the medal count control unit 212b until the bonus ends.
This allows the gaming machine 201 to continue playing until the bonus ends, and to count the number of medals awarded to the player during the bonus (the difference in the number of medals increased during the bonus that exceeds 19,000).

(2) In a game where the number of MY coins has exceeded the previous number of MY coins (for example, a predetermined number such as 18,950 coins) (i.e., immediately before the transmission of MY limit reached information), if, for example, a strong bell role or a rare role is won or awarded, and there is a possibility of winning a bonus or additional coins, and the awarded coins bring MY to 19,000, the sub-control unit 20 may choose not to perform the winning animation (specific animation) corresponding to the rare role, etc. In other words, the sub-control unit 20 may perform the winning animation for rare roles, etc. until the number of MY coins immediately before reaching 19,000, but may not perform it after reaching the number of MY coins immediately before reaching 19,000.
As a result, even if the above-mentioned lottery process is executed in a game where MY reaches 19,000 coins and the game ends, the gaming machine 201 can be controlled so that the player is not aware of the lottery process.

(3) MY does not increase or decrease even if a replay is won. Therefore, as in (2) above, if a replay is won in a game where the number of MY is 19,000 coins just before, the sub-control unit 20 may change the presentation of the replay win (winning sound, etc.) to inform the player that the end of the game is near.
Furthermore, the system may also be designed to notify players when the game is nearing its end, not only when a replay symbol is won, but also when other winning symbols are won.

(4) The main control unit 211b may notify the sub-control unit 20 of a command to stop operation. In this case, the sub-control unit 20 may notify the player that the game has ended by displaying it on the display unit 8.
Here, if the gaming machine 201 has a function to receive the player's operation at the start of the game and the operation at the end of the game, and converts the player's game history into a two-dimensional code or the like according to the player's termination operation and displays it on the display unit 8 (main screen, sub-screen, etc.), the sub-control unit 20 may accept this operation at the end of the game even after notification of a stop command. However, since the gaming machine 201 is in a state where it cannot continue playing after notification of a stop command, the sub-control unit 20 may not accept this operation at the start of the game.

As explained above, the gaming machine 201 of this embodiment efficiently operates each CPU constituting these control units by distributing the control and processing of the main control board 210A to the main control unit 211b of the first module 211 and the medal count control unit 212b of the second module 212. Furthermore, the gaming machine 201 can effectively utilize the MY counting result for multiple processes.

In contrast, conventional gaming machines lacked a sufficiently sophisticated configuration for processing the medal count information stored as data, and were unable to fully utilize that information effectively.

(Third Embodiment)
A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described.
In the third embodiment, the output signal output from the gaming machine to the dedicated unit, and subsequent processing using this output signal will be described.
Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the gaming system 300 according to the third embodiment.
Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the gaming system 300 of the third embodiment, and the flow of gaming information output from the slot machine 301S and the pachinko machine 301P.
In this embodiment, we will describe a gaming system 300 that includes both a slot machine 301S (also known as smart pachislo, smaslo, etc.) and a pachinko machine 301P (also known as smart pachinko, smapachi, etc.) (both gaming machines are collectively referred to as smart gaming machines).

In the embodiments and drawings, the configuration of the slot machine 301S is appropriately denoted with "S" (e.g., machine system 300S), and the configuration of the pachinko machine 301P is appropriately denoted with "P" (e.g., machine system 300P). Regarding the game medium, both the data-format tokens used in the slot machine 301S (so-called credit tokens) and the data-format game balls used in the pachinko machine 301P are appropriately referred to collectively as "game balls," and the number of data-format game mediums, etc., is also referred to as "number of balls, etc."

Furthermore, in the embodiments, "computer" refers to an information processing device equipped with a storage device, a control device, etc., and each device 301S, 301P, 319S, 319P, 330, 331, 335 is equipped with a storage unit and a control unit, respectively, and is included in the concept of a computer.
The memory unit is a storage device such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory element for storing programs, information, etc., necessary for the operation of each device 301S, 301P, 319S, 319P, 330, 331, and 335.
The control unit is a device that performs the necessary calculations and overall control for the operation of each device 301S, 301P, 319S, 319P, 330, 331, and 335. The control unit includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit realizes the various functions of the embodiment by appropriately reading and executing various programs stored in the memory unit.

The Pachinko machine 301P is a device that allows players to play without directly touching the game balls, as the game balls (pachinko balls) are sealed inside the cabinet and circulated, and the game balls are provided to the player as electronic information in data format.
The pachinko machine 301P is equipped with a game ball count display device 7P, which is equivalent to the medal count display device 7 of the slot machine 301S. In other words, the game ball count display device 7P is a device that displays the number of game balls owned by the player, similar to the medal count display device 7. The game ball count display device 7P may change its notification mode depending on the amount of game balls stored and displayed. Furthermore, the game ball count display device 7P may, for example, count a larger amount when the counting button is pressed and held down than when it is pressed and held down, and may also count game balls if game balls are acquired while the button is still pressed and held down after the number of game balls stored and displayed has become 0.

As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the gaming system 300 includes machine systems 300S and 300P, and HC335 (hall computer, gaming device).
(Configuration of the 300S system)
The 300S machine system is a system related to one slot machine, the 301S.
The machine system 300S includes a slot machine 301S, a dedicated unit 319S, an HCBOX 330 (hall computer box), and a call lamp 331 (gaming device).
The slot machine 301S and the dedicated unit 319S are connected via a communication cable or the like, enabling communication between them. The dedicated unit 319S and the HCBOX 330 are also connected via a communication cable or the like, enabling communication between them. The HCBOX 330 and the call lamps 331 and HC335 are connected via a communication network such as a LAN. As a result, game information (described later) output from the slot machine 301S is output to the call lamps 331 and HC335 via the dedicated unit 319S and HCBOX 330.
Furthermore, the machine system 300S of the slot machine 301S installed on the same gaming island and the HC335 may be connected via an island computer (not shown) that manages the gaming island.

As described in the above embodiment, the main control board 310A (control means) of the slot machine 301S can control the slot machine 301S to a game termination state (game-disabled state, specific state) where gameplay is impossible, in response to MY (specific information) reaching 19,000 coins (specific value, first value) during a predetermined period (after predetermined conditions are met) after resetting MY before the store opens. In the game termination state, player operations related to the game (operation of each bet button 2a, 2b, operation of the start lever 3, etc.) are restricted more than in the normal state (i.e., these operations are disabled). Furthermore, as mentioned above, the main control board 310A of the slot machine 301S outputs game information, which is information related to the game, to the dedicated unit 319S.

The main control board 310A of the slot machine 301S outputs the following information to the dedicated unit 319S, as an example.
●Out signal: This is information regarding the number of balls inserted into the slot machine 301S, that is, information regarding the number of balls used to play the game (information regarding the number of games played). The out signal is output when the start lever is operated while tokens are inserted.
● Safe signal: This is information regarding the number of balls (amount of game value awarded) that were dispensed (given) to the player as a result of the game.
●Game Status Signal: This is information indicating the current game status (e.g., BB status, RB status, AT status, etc.). Each game status signal has a corresponding type (e.g., BB signal, RB signal, AT signal, etc.).
● Abnormal Signal (Specific Game Information): An abnormal signal is output when the slot machine 301S is in the following state, for example. The abnormal signal is also called a security signal.
- Game end state (explained later)
- Changing the setting value: Changing the setting value means that the advantage level of the game can be changed to one of the setting values from 1 to 6, for example, by receiving an operation from a store employee or other person. Changing to a higher setting value will make the game more advantageous.
- Checking the setting value. Checking the setting value means that the above setting value is displayed on a display or similar device upon receiving an operation from a store employee, and the above setting value is notified to the store employee.
• Various types of fraud detection: As described above, abnormal signals are output when the game has ended, and in several other states.
The above signals are just examples, and the main control board 310A of the slot machine 301S may output other signals in addition to or instead of these.

The dedicated unit 319S lends game balls to players and dispenses game balls to players by storing game ball information on a game card (a storage medium on which information that can identify the value of the game is recorded) and ejecting it.
Information about the player's balls can be stored on the IC chip of the game card, or it can be stored by the HC335 in association with the game card's identification information.

The dedicated unit 319S includes a cash receiving section 319a, a card insertion/dispensing section 319b (reception means), a storage section 319h, and a control unit 319i.
The cash receiving unit 319a is a device that receives cash when distributing game balls to players. The cash receiving unit 319a includes a banknote insertion slot, a detection unit for detecting inserted banknotes, and the like.
The card insertion/extraction section 319b is a card unit, etc., and is a device for inserting and ejecting game cards, etc. The card insertion/extraction section 319b includes an inlet/outlet for inserting and ejecting game cards, etc., a reader/writer for reading and writing stored ball information on game cards, etc., a card stock section for collecting and storing game cards, etc.

(HCBOX330)
The HCBOX330 applies signal processing (for example, conversion from serial signals to pulse signals) as needed to the game information received from the dedicated unit 319S, and outputs it to the call lamp 331 and HC335.
Therefore, the call lamp 331 and HC335 receive the above signal output from the slot machine 301S and can collect game information from the slot machine 301S.

(Call lamp 331)
The call lamp 331 comprises a display unit 331a (notification means), a storage unit 331h, and a control unit 331i (counting means, determination means, abnormality determination means, notification control means).
The call lamp 331 is a device for players to call store staff, etc., and is also a display device that shows players various information about the slot machine 301S (number of balls inserted on the day, number of jackpots, etc.). The gaming system 300 may also be equipped with separate devices that have each function individually, instead of the call lamp 331 which serves both functions.
The call lamp 331 turns ON or OFF in response to the operation of the call button and transmits call information (call signal) to the HC335 to summon a store employee or other staff member. The HC335 transmits this call information and its cancellation information to a wireless intercom (not shown) carried by the store employee or other staff member, thereby informing them of the information. In this embodiment, the process of summoning a store employee or other staff member in this manner is also called the employee call process.

The HC335 is a computer capable of centrally managing all the equipment in a gaming arcade.
The HC335 comprises a display unit 335a (notification means), an operation unit 335b, a storage unit 335h, and a control unit 335i (counting means, determination means, abnormality determination means, notification control means).
The control unit 335b is a device used by the manager of the amusement arcade or the like to operate the HC335. The control unit 335b includes, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, or the like.
The display unit 335a is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device.

(Processing related to the 300S system)
Figures 16 and 17 illustrate the game completion status determination process for the slot machine 301S using the call lamp 331 in the third embodiment.
Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the gaming machine status screen 335c displayed by the HC335 of the third embodiment.
As described in the above embodiment, the slot machine 301S is controlled to end the game when MY reaches 19,000 coins.
On the other hand, the call lamps 331 and HC335 acquire game information output by the slot machine 301S via the dedicated unit 319S and HCBOX 330. Based on the acquired game information, the call lamps 331 and HC335 can perform a determination process (also called a game termination state determination process in this embodiment) to determine whether or not the slot machine 301S is controlled to a game termination state.
The following describes the process for determining the end of game status for the call lamp 331, but the same process can be applied to the HC335.

(Method for determining whether or not the game has ended based on the call lamp 331 (slot machine 301S))
The following describes four different judgment processes 1 to 4, each using a different judgment method. These judgment processes may be combined as appropriate.

(Decision process 1)
As shown in Figure 16, the main control board 310A of the slot machine 301S outputs an abnormal signal in addition to controlling the slot machine 301S to the end of game state when MY19000 coins are reached, as described in the above embodiment.
Upon receiving this abnormal signal, the control unit 331i of the call lamp 331 determines that the slot machine 301S is controlled to the end-of-game state.

(Decision process 2)
The abnormal signal output by the slot machine 301S upon reaching MY19000 coins is output for only 10 seconds (a predetermined period) (first output mode). Note that this 10-second period is just an example and may vary depending on the model of the slot machine 301S.
The control unit 331i of the call lamp 331 determines that the slot machine 301S is controlled to the end of game mode, based on the fact that it has received this abnormal signal for only 10 seconds (i.e., the abnormal signal was received from the start of reception until it was finished 10 seconds later).
This allows the call lamp 331 to determine that the abnormal signal output from the slot machine 301S is a signal related to the end of the game.
In other words, the abnormal signal is not only output when the game has ended, but also when setting operations are being performed, as mentioned above. The output mode of the abnormal signal that is output when the game has ended (second output mode) is different from the output mode when the game has ended; that is, the output period is not 10 seconds, and for example, it is output over the period when setting operations are being performed. For this reason, the call lamp 331 can determine whether or not the abnormal signal is a signal related to the game ending state based on the reception period of the abnormal signal.
Furthermore, the call lamp 331 may be configured to determine whether or not an abnormal signal is related to the end of the game state based on the shape of the signal waveform of the abnormal signal output in the end of the game state (such as the rectangular wave 339 shown in Figure 16) (first output shape), rather than during the period of reception of the abnormal signal.

(Decision process 3)
The call lamp 331 receives out signals and safe signals from the slot machine 301S. Therefore, the control unit 331i of the call lamp 331 can count the difference in the number of tokens (difference in game value), MY, of the slot machine 301S, as shown in Figure 13, by counting the out signals and safe signals received from the start of gameplay on that day, similar to the main control board 310A of the slot machine 301S. In addition, the MY count value will, in principle, be the same for both the slot machine 301S and the call lamp 331.
As a result, the control unit 331i of the call lamp 331 counts MY based on the out signal and safe signal, and when MY reaches 19,000 coins, it can determine that the slot machine 301S is controlled to the end of game mode.
Furthermore, the control unit 331i of the call lamp 331 resets (initializes) the MY counted by the call lamp 331 to zero in response to the occurrence of a daily business process for the store (for example, a process executed when the date changes). The form in which the daily process is executed is not limited; for example, the call lamp 331 itself may execute it when it receives an operation from a store employee, or the call lamp 331 may execute it in response to another device (such as HC335) receiving an operation from a store employee. In addition, the call lamp 331 may receive a setting for the time to execute the daily process in advance from a store employee, and execute the daily process when that time is reached.

In this case, the call lamp 331 may not be able to receive an abnormal signal indicating the end of the game, depending on the specifications of the slot machine 301S, the specifications of the call lamp 331, etc. This can occur, for example, in the following cases.
- When the slot machine 301S is designed not to output an abnormal signal when the game has ended: In this case, the slot machine 301S displays a message on the display unit 8, etc., prompting the player to call a staff member (for example, a message such as "Please call a staff member") in response to being controlled to the game end state. Normally, the player needs to call a staff member by operating the call lamp 331 in accordance with this message. In this embodiment, the call lamp 331 can determine that the slot machine 301S is controlled to the game end state, so it can call a staff member without being operated by the player.

- In cases where the call lamp 331 is not designed to receive abnormal signals: The number of signal types that the call lamp 331 can receive is limited by, for example, the number of receiving ports, the number of physical connections, etc. Therefore, the call lamp 331 may be designed not to receive abnormal signals output by the slot machine 301S in order to receive signals other than abnormal signals.
Even if the call lamp 331 in this embodiment is designed in a way that it cannot receive abnormal signals, it can still determine that the slot machine 301S is controlled to a game termination state based on the out signal and safe signal.

(Decision process 4)
As shown in Figure 17, the determination process 4 is a process that combines determination processes 1 and 3.
In other words, the control unit 331i of the call lamp 331 determines that the slot machine 301S is controlled to the end of game state when two conditions are met: MY, calculated based on the out signal and safe signal output from the slot machine 301S, has reached 19,000 coins, and an abnormal signal has been received from the slot machine 301S.
As mentioned above, the abnormal signal is not only output when the game has ended, but also when setting operations are performed, etc. Therefore, when the abnormal signal is output, the call lamp 331 determines whether the calculated MY has reached 19,000 coins, thereby determining whether the abnormal signal was output in accordance with the control of the slot machine 301S to the end of the game state.

Furthermore, in this determination process 4, the control unit 331i of the call lamp 331 may calculate the difference between the number of MY calculated at the time an abnormal signal is received from the slot machine 301S and the upper limit of MY, which is 19,000, and then determine whether this difference is within the acceptable range. That is, when the slot machine 301S is operating normally, the timing at which the MY calculated by the call lamp 331 based on the out signal and safe signal reaches 19,000 coincides (or almost coincides) with the timing at which the slot machine 301S outputs an abnormal signal. For this reason, if the call lamp 331 receives an abnormal signal from the slot machine 301S at a timing when the MY calculated by the call lamp 331 is significantly less than 19,000 and below the acceptable number (for example, 18,000), there is a possibility that fraudulent activity is being carried out in the slot machine 301S, or that there is a malfunction (failure, counting error, cable disconnection, etc.) in the slot machine 301S.
In such cases, the call lamp 331 may perform the process of calling a store employee using the intercom.
Furthermore, the call lamp 331 may perform the process of calling a store employee if it does not receive an abnormal signal after the calculated MY reaches 19,000 sheets and before reaching the allowable number of sheets (for example, 20,000 sheets).

(Processing after the determination that the slot machine 301S is controlled to the end of game state)
After determining in the above process that the slot machine 301S is controlled to the end of game mode, the call lamp 331 can perform, for example, the following processes.
(Game end status notification processing)
The call lamp 331 displays information on the display unit 331a (such as text information like "Game Ended") to the player, staff, etc., indicating that the slot machine 301S has been controlled to the end of game mode (see Figure 14). The call lamp 331 may also notify the player that the game has been controlled to the end of game mode by sound, light, etc., by controlling an notification device (not shown) such as a speaker or lamp of the call lamp 331. Furthermore, the call lamp 331 may perform staff call processing using an intercom.
In this way, the call lamp 331 performs a predetermined notification.

In this situation, players may mistakenly believe that the slot machine 301S has been controlled to a game-ending state, which could lead to problems with the store.
In this embodiment, the call lamp 331 can promptly inform the player, staff, etc., that the slot machine 301S has been controlled to the end of the game state by performing a game end status notification process. Furthermore, the staff can quickly move to the slot machine 301S that has been controlled to the end of the game state and explain to the player that it has been controlled to the end of the game state. This helps to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned trouble.

(Game end state and abnormality detection process after determination)
The control unit 331i of the call lamp 331, after determining that the game has been controlled to the end state, determines that an abnormal state exists if it receives at least one of the out signal or safe signal, and notifies the store staff of this determination result via an intercom or the like.
In other words, when the slot machine 301S is controlled to the end-of-game state, it will not accept tokens from the player, nor will it award any tokens. For this reason, when the slot machine 301S is controlled to the end-of-game state, it will not output an out signal or a safe signal.
In this manner, when the slot machine 301S is normally controlled to not output an out signal or a safe signal, if it outputs an out signal or a safe signal, it may indicate the possibility of fraudulent activity or a malfunction in the slot machine 301S, as described above.
The control unit 331i of the call lamp 331 can suppress the aforementioned fraudulent activity or detect malfunctions of the slot machine 301S by executing abnormality detection processing after determining the game end state.

(Reset process)
After controlling the slot machine 301S to the end of game mode, the main control board 310A accepts a setting change operation (including restarting), resets the MY count on the slot machine 301S, and also cancels the end of game mode. Furthermore, the main control board 310A of the slot machine 301S transmits a setting change signal to the dedicated unit 319S.
The control unit 331i of the call lamp 331 resets the MY count to zero upon receiving a setting change signal.
As a result, the call lamp 331 can reset the MY count in conjunction with the slot machine 301S returning from the end-of-game state. In addition, the timing of the MY reset on the call lamp 331 side can be synchronized with the timing of the MY reset on the slot machine 301S side.

(Exception to the game end status determination process)
The main control board 310A of the slot machine 301S may delay the activation of the game termination state when the player is in a specific game state that is advantageous to the player, such as a real bonus (so-called Type 1 special feature, Type 2 special feature, continuous feature activation device related to Type 1 special feature, continuous feature activation device related to Type 2 special feature), depending on the specifications of the slot machine 301S. The main control board 310A of the slot machine 301S outputs a jackpot signal without transmitting an abnormal signal when in a real bonus state, and also continues to play properly when the player's MY (My) has exceeded 19,000 coins. For this reason, the slot machine 301S may output an out signal or a safe signal when the player's MY has exceeded 19,000 coins.
The control unit 331i of the call lamp 331 does not determine that the slot machine 301S is controlled to a game-ending state even after MY, based on the count of out signals, safe signals, etc., has reached 19,000 coins, as long as it is receiving a jackpot signal. Furthermore, in the aforementioned "abnormality detection processing after determining game-ending state," during this period, even if out signals or safe signals are received, exception processing such as not detecting an abnormality is performed.

Furthermore, when the activation of the game end state is delayed, that is, when the call lamp 331 is executing this exception processing, it is certain that the slot machine 301S will be controlled to the game end state in response to the end of a real bonus, etc. Therefore, while the control unit 331i of the call lamp 331 is executing the exception processing, it may use speakers, lamps, etc., to announce the finale (announcing that the machine will be controlled to the game end state in response to the end of a real bonus, etc.) to the player and staff.

Furthermore, the control unit 331i of the call lamp 331 may execute this exception processing, not limited to real bonuses, if the slot machine 301S can delay the operation of the game end state and the game state is advantageous to the player (such as a game state in which AT is executed). When the control unit 331i of the call lamp 331 determines that the slot machine 301S is controlled to a specific game state, it may determine whether or not it has received a signal indicating the specific game state, or analyze the reception status of at least one of the safe signal and the out signal.

Furthermore, whether or not there is a function to delay the activation of the game completion state depends on the specifications of the slot machine 301S. Therefore, a game arcade may have a mix of slot machines 301S with and without this function. The control unit 331i of the call lamp 331 may be configured to allow setting whether or not to execute this exception processing for each slot machine 301S or for each model. This allows the control unit 331i of the call lamp 331 to execute this exception processing only for slot machines 301S that have this function.

(Game completion status determination process in HC335 and subsequent processing)
The above description is an example of a game end state determination process and subsequent processing, but these processes can also be performed in the HC335. Furthermore, when performing these processes in the HC335, processing corresponding to the functions of the HC335 may be performed.
In other words, the HC335 stores and centrally manages the operating status of the slot machines 301S in the amusement hall in the storage unit 335h. When the HC335 determines that a slot machine 301S has reached the end of its game, it may update the operating status of that slot machine 301S from "in operation" to "end of game." In addition, the HC335 may update the display of the operating status of a slot machine 301S determined to be in the end of its game from "in operation" to "end of game" in the list screen (not shown) of the display unit 335a that shows the operating status of multiple slot machines 301S in the amusement hall.
Through this process, the HC335 can synchronize the status of the slot machine 301S in the amusement arcade with the management information of the slot machine 301S.

The above description is an example of the configuration of the machine system 300S, the game completion state determination process, and the processing after that determination. However, these processes can also be performed in the machine system 300P by replacing it with a configuration that corresponds to the functions of the pachinko machine 301P.
The following describes the main differences between the two systems.
(Configuration of the 300P system)
As shown in Figure 14, the machine system 300P is a system relating to one pachinko machine 301P. While the machine system 300S is a system equipped with a slot machine 301S, the machine system 300P is a system equipped with a pachinko machine 301P.
The 300P system includes a pachinko machine 301P, a dedicated unit 319P, an HCBOX 330, and a call lamp 331.
In this embodiment, the HCBOX 330 and call lamp 331 have the same functions as the HCBOX 330 and call lamp 331 of the main unit system 300P, and an example of using the same model of equipment will be described. Furthermore, the same model of equipment may be used for the dedicated units 319S and 319P in both main unit systems 300S and 300P.

The main control board 310A of the pachinko machine 301P outputs the following game information to the dedicated unit 319P, as an example.
●Out signal, safe signal: The out signal and safe signal of the pachinko machine 301P are the same as the out signal and safe signal of the slot machine 301S. However, while the out signal and safe signal of the slot machine 301S output one pulse corresponding to one game ball (medal) in data format, the out signal and safe signal of the pachinko machine 301P may be configured to output one pulse corresponding to 10 game balls (game tokens).
●Game Status Signal: This signal corresponds to each game status of the 301P pachinko machine and indicates the current game status (for example, probability variation state, time reduction state, etc.).
● Abnormal Signal (Specific Game Information): An abnormal signal is output, for example, when the pachinko machine 301P is in the following state.
- Game ended state - Fraud detected state: A state in which the possibility of fraudulent activity has been detected (for example, when an acceleration sensor detects the shaking of the pachinko machine 301P, vibrations from tapping the glass, etc., or when a magnetic sensor detects the magnetic force of a magnet placed close to the glass, etc.)
Furthermore, if the pachinko machine 301P is a model that allows the setting values to be changed, similar to the slot machine 301S, it may be configured to output an abnormal signal while the setting values are being changed or while the setting is being checked.
●Door open/closed signal: This signal indicates the open/closed status of the front door.

The dedicated unit 319P includes a cash receiving section 319a, a card insertion/dispensing section 319b, a reader/writer, a card stock section, etc., similar to the dedicated unit 319S. Furthermore, since the dedicated unit 319P is a device related to the pachinko machine 301P that uses data-formatted game balls, it performs processing related to data-formatted game balls.

Thus, while the 300S and 300P machine systems differ in their configuration and the game information they output depending on the type of gaming machine and the type of gaming media they handle, their basic configurations are similar.

(Method for determining whether the game has ended on the machine system 300P side (machine system 300P and HC335))
The abnormality detection process in the machine system 300P can be replaced with the game end state determination process in the machine system 300S mentioned above, for example, as follows.
- MY: 95,000 balls will be controlled to end the game state.

(An exception to the post-determination process if the pachinko machine 301P is controlled to the end-of-game state in the determination process on the machine system 300P side.)
The pachinko machine 301P may be designed to delay the activation of the game end state when the player is in a game state (specific game state) that is advantageous to the player, such as a time-saving mode or a probability variation mode. The pachinko machine 301P outputs a time-saving signal and a probability variation signal when the player is in a time-saving mode or a probability variation mode.
In the exception to the game end state determination process on the machine system 300P side, the control unit 331i of the call lamp 331 does not determine that the pachinko machine 301P is controlled to the game end state even after reaching MY95000 balls based on the count of out signals, safe signals, etc., as long as it is receiving a jackpot signal, etc. Furthermore, during this time, the call lamp 331 performs exception processing such as not detecting an abnormality even if it receives out signals or safe signals.

[Pre-notification of game end status (pre-activation notification)]
As mentioned above, the slot machine 301S and the pachinko machine 301P are controlled to end the game when the MY upper limit is reached. On the other hand, for the player, being controlled to end the game means suddenly being unable to play during gameplay, which may cause dissatisfaction.
As explained below, the gaming system 300 solves this problem by providing advance notification that it will be controlled to the end of the game state.
The following explanation mainly describes the configuration and operation of the call lamp 331, but the configuration and operation of the HC335 are similar, and the call lamp 331 and HC335 will be referred to as call lamp 331, etc. as appropriate. Also, the numerical values of the various conditions described in the embodiment are examples. Furthermore, the call lamp 331, etc. may be configured so that these numerical values can be arbitrarily set according to the operation of the store manager, store clerk, etc.

(Conditions for implementing advance notification)
The conditions for performing advance notification can be specified as follows, for example:
(The value of MY met the following conditions)
The call lamp 331, etc., has calculated MY based on the out signal and safe signal received from the gaming machine, and this value has reached the pre-announced MY value (second value). The pre-announced MY value is a value smaller than the upper limit of MY.
For example, in the case of an AT slot machine 301S, where the expected value of the net increase in coins (difference in coins) in the AT stage is 2400 coins, the call lamp 331, etc., may notify based on the fact that MY has reached 16600 coins (= 19000 coins - 2400 coins).
In the case of a standard type slot machine 301S (a so-called A-type machine), if the average number of coins won in BB and RB is 200 coins for BB and 100 coins for RB, the notification may be given when MY reaches 18,800 coins (= 19,000 coins - 200 coins), or it may be given based on reaching 18,850 coins (= 19,000 coins - (200 coins + 100 coins) / 2).

Furthermore, since the slot machine 301S and the pachinko machine 301P are different types of gaming devices, the ease with which they reach the MY limit may differ. Therefore, the call lamp 331, etc., may have different pre-announced MY values depending on the ease with which the MY limit is reached. For example, if the pachinko machine 301P is more likely to reach the MY limit than the slot machine 301S, the pre-announced MY value for the pachinko machine 301P may be set to 42,500 balls (half of the MY limit of 95,000 balls), while the pre-announced MY value for the slot machine 301S may be set to 4,750 coins (quarter of the MY limit of 19,000 coins).

Furthermore, if the pachinko machine 301P has a TY (average number of balls won per jackpot (special prize)) of 1350 balls, the notification may be given when the total reaches 93650 balls (= 95000 balls - 1350 balls). Also, if the mode TY (average number of balls won when entering RUSH mode) is set to 5000 balls, the notification may be given when the total reaches 90000 balls = (95000 balls - 5000 balls).
Furthermore, the call lamp 331, etc., may perform advance notification when it reaches MY, which is set by the gaming facility. In this case, the call lamp 331, etc., should store this set value in the memory unit 331h, etc.

Furthermore, even if the type of gaming machine is the same, the pre-announced MY value may differ depending on the model. For example, in the pachinko machine 301P, a machine with a high probability of winning a jackpot (around 1/100) but an expected payout of 500 balls or less per jackpot (a so-called "sweet" machine) and a machine with a low probability of winning a jackpot (around 1/400) but a continuation rate of 80% or more (a so-called "maximum" machine) will have a faster payout speed in the latter case. Therefore, in this example, the pre-announced MY value may be set lower for the latter than for the former.

(Timing (point in time) for implementing advance notification)
The call lamp 331, etc., may perform a pre-notification when the above conditions are met, and in addition, it may perform a pre-notification when any of the following conditions are met.
(a) The jackpot (AT stage, probability variation, etc.) has ended. This condition allows the player to concentrate on playing during the jackpot without worrying about being controlled to the end of the game.

(b) The current player (i.e., the player who has reached the pre-announced MY value) has finished playing. When a player finishes playing, they perform an operation to count the game balls and then eject the game card from the dedicated units 319S and 319P. The call lamp 331, etc., may perform a pre-announcement when it receives a signal from the dedicated units 319S and 319P indicating that counting has been completed in the slot machine 301S and pachinko machine 301P, and then receives a signal indicating that the card has been ejected. This allows the player to concentrate on playing without worrying about being controlled to the game end state.

In this situation, even if the current player is not given prior notification that the game is about to end, they may sense, based on their winnings and other factors, that the game will be controlled to end soon. In such cases, this may be the trigger for the current player to end the game. On the other hand, a new player who starts playing may not know the previous player's winnings and other factors, and therefore may not know how many MY (in-game currency) are left until the game ends.
Under condition (b), the advance notification of the end of the game is executed continuously from the moment the current player finishes playing, so a new player can find out how many MY remaining until the end of the game through the advance notification of the end of the game.

(c) Dedicated units 319S and 319P have accepted cash or game cards (with game value). When a player starts playing, they insert cash or game cards with game value into the dedicated units 319S and 319P. The dedicated units 319S and 319P output a signal to the HCBOX 330 indicating that they have accepted these.
The call lamp 331, etc., may perform a pre-notification when it receives these signals. This allows the player to know the remaining number of MY until the end of the game when starting the game, similar to (b) above.

(Remaining business hours, etc., and advance notification processing)
The pre-announced MY value may be adjusted according to the remaining operating hours for the day (i.e., the remaining time that can be played on the gaming machine). In other words, regardless of whether or not the game is controlled to end, players must end their game when closing time arrives. Furthermore, even if the game is controlled to end just before closing time, players will not feel dissatisfied because they will not be able to play for an extended period of time.
Therefore, the call lamp 331, etc., may change the manner of pre-notification processing depending on the remaining business hours, etc.
For example, prior notification may be omitted after a certain time (for example, one hour before closing time).

Furthermore, for example, the number of games that can be played per hour on a typical slot machine 301S is about 800 games. Based on this number of playable games and the current MY, the control unit 331i, etc., may determine that the timing at which the game is controlled to end will be close to closing time, and may set the pre-notification MY value for the time period before closing time (for example, one hour after closing time) to be higher than the pre-notification MY value for normal business hours. As a result, the call lamp 331, etc., may not perform pre-notification, or if it does, it will be close to closing time. This allows the player to be naturally prompted to end the game as closing time approaches.
Furthermore, the call lamp 331, etc., does not need to issue a prior notification if the MY upper limit is not reached within one hour of the closing time. This allows the call lamp 331, etc., to encourage players to continue playing until the closing time without making them aware that their game will be controlled to end.

(Method of prior notification)
In this way, the call lamp 331, etc., provides advance notification of information that the MY value is approaching the MY value at which the game will be controlled to end, based on the arrival of the pre-notified MY value. The call lamp 331 can perform the advance notification by displaying the above information on the display unit 331a, but it may also be performed by sound, light, etc., by controlling a speaker, lamp, etc.
The call lamp 331 displays, for example, the following information on the display unit 331a.
(a) Notify the remaining game value: "○○○ balls/coins remaining until the end of the game," etc. (b) Notify the current MY: "Your current MY is ○○○," etc. (c) Notify the remaining game value abstractly: "Halfway through/almost there/just before the end of the game,""You are getting close to achieving the game end condition," etc. (d) Notify that by transitioning to a stage corresponding to a jackpot, the MY limit may be reached (i.e., the game may be controlled to end), "The next win may be the end of the game. Please be careful,""The game will end soon,""The game will end after ○ wins," etc.

Furthermore, the call lamp 331, etc., may, in response to or instead of performing advance notification in the above manner, control the status of the equipment (such as the status of the call lamp 331, etc.) to a call state, an abnormal alarm state, etc., and then release this state when a store employee or the like operates the remote control. This allows the store employee to explain to the player that the game will be controlled to a game end state in a short period of time before the slot machine 301S enters a game end state, and the player can understand this from the call lamp 331, etc., which is in a call state, an abnormal alarm state, etc.
Furthermore, the call lamp 331, etc., may, when the slot machine 301S is controlled to the end of game state, or when the period until the slot machine 301S is controlled to the end of game state is short, receive remote control operation from a store employee, and display a special screen such as "Congratulations on finishing the game" on the display unit 331a.
For example, if a store employee determines that the slot machine 301S is unlikely to continue operating any further, or if they determine that continuing to play would only increase the player's dissatisfaction, they can perform such operations. This allows the employee to prevent unexpected troubles with players and complaints from players before the slot machine 301S is controlled to its end-of-play state.

Furthermore, when HC335 performs processing related to advance notification, etc., the status of each gaming machine (such as being controlled to the end of the game state, or having performed advance notification) may be displayed on the display unit 335a.
As shown in Figure 18, in this case, HC335 may display the gaming machine status screen 335c.
The gaming machine status screen 335c displays the status of each gaming machine on a layout diagram showing the arrangement of each gaming machine within the gaming hall. In the example shown in Figure 18, the HC335 accepts a status selection operation from among "Game Ended State (a state controlled to the game ended state)" and "Pre-Notification (a state in which pre-notification has been performed)," and displays a symbol (circle mark, triangle mark) corresponding to the accepted status in the section corresponding to each gaming machine.
Store staff can check the status of each gaming machine by looking at the gaming machine status screen 335c.
The gaming machine status screen 335c in Figure 18 is an example that displays two statuses, "Game Ended" and "Pre-Notification," but it may also be possible to display other statuses (such as AT in progress, probability variation in progress, etc.).

(Implementation period and frequency of advance notification)
The call lamp 331, etc., may continue to display the pre-notification on the display unit 331a after reaching the pre-notification MY value, or it may be done only for a period of time that is sufficient to be communicated to the player (for example, a few seconds, a few tens of seconds, etc.).
Furthermore, the period of advance notification may be longer for the call lamp 331 of the pachinko machine 301P than for the call lamp 331 of the slot machine 301S.
Furthermore, the call lamp 331, etc., may continue to provide advance notification when the remaining MY until the end of the game falls within a predetermined value (for example, 5,000 balls for the pachinko machine 301P, 1,000 tokens for the slot machine 301S, etc.), that is, when MY becomes greater than or equal to "MY upper limit - predetermined value". This predetermined value may be the expected value of winnings when a single jackpot occurs for the slot machine 301S model. In this case, the call lamp 331, etc., can control two or more slot machines 301S of the same type so that the predetermined value differs depending on the model (manufacturer, title, etc.).

The call lamp 331, etc., may repeatedly perform pre-notification after reaching the pre-notification MY value.
When the pre-notification is repeated, the control unit 331i, such as the call lamp 331, may change the repetition pattern depending on the type of gaming machine, that is, depending on the difference in the number of remaining game values until the end of the game is reached in the slot machine 301S and the pachinko machine 301P. For example, in the case of the slot machine 301S, the pre-notification may be performed every time MY increases by 1000 coins, and in the case of the pachinko machine 301P, the pre-notification may be performed every time MY increases by 2500 balls.
Furthermore, if the advance notification is repeated, the call lamp 331, etc., may be made to appear and notify that the end of the game is approaching by increasing the execution time of the advance notification as MY increases. In addition, if the remaining game value until the end of the game falls below a predetermined value (for example, 5,000 balls for the pachinko machine 301P and 1,000 tokens for the slot machine 301S), the execution period for both the slot machine 301S and the pachinko machine 301P may be made the same.

(The extravagant presentation of the pre-announcement)
As mentioned above, the ease with which a gaming machine reaches its MY limit may vary depending on the type, model, etc.
The call lamp 331, etc., may be made to stand out by varying the level of flashiness in the pre-notification display depending on the type and model of the gaming machine.
For example, if the pachinko machine 301P is more likely to reach the MY upper limit than the slot machine 301S, the call lamp 331 may display more dramatically for the pachinko machine 301P than for the slot machine 301S. In this case, the call lamp 331 may, for example, provide advance notification only via the display unit 331a for the slot machine 301S, and provide advance notification via the lamp in addition to the display unit 331a for the pachinko machine 301P. Alternatively, the call lamp 331 may, for example, provide advance notification only via the display unit 331a and the lamp for the slot machine 301S, and provide advance notification via the speaker in addition to the display unit 331a for the pachinko machine 301P.
This allows the call lamp 331 to make slot machines 301S and pachinko machines 301P, which are easily controlled to a game end state, more conspicuous, meaning that the notification method can be changed according to the expected payout of the game machine.

Furthermore, since the pachinko machine 301P does not have the concept of a "favorable period" like the slot machine 301S, it is possible, though unlikely, to reach the MY limit of 95,000 balls during a single jackpot. Therefore, the call lamp 331, etc., may be configured to proactively notify the history of the cumulative number of times the pachinko machine 301P has been controlled to the end-of-game state.

(Handling procedures in the event of a power outage or other power interruption)
Slot machines 301S and the like may be controlled to switch between power off and on states in response to power outages and subsequent power restoration (resumption of power supply). In addition, even without power outages, slot machines 301S and the like may experience unexpected errors that result in power off and on states. In such cases, the main control board 310A of slot machine 301S and pachinko machine 301P will be controlled to reset the MY count value. Therefore, when a power outage occurs, slot machines 301S and the like may not be able to accurately count MY, and may not be able to properly control the game to the end state even when the original MY upper limit is reached.
In contrast, the call lamp 331, etc., can store MY in flash memory or utilize various backup power supplies, thereby retaining MY even if a power outage occurs and continuing to calculate it. As a result, even if the slot machine 301S, etc., is unable to properly control the end of gameplay, the call lamp 331, etc., can accurately count MY, and can also accurately determine that the slot machine 301S, etc., is in a state where it should be controlled to end gameplay.

Therefore, the call lamp 331, etc., can accurately determine whether the conditions for advance notification based on MY are met, and can execute advance notification accordingly. Furthermore, if there is a possibility that the slot machine 301S, etc., may not be properly controlled to the game termination state due to a power outage, etc., store staff may explain the situation to the player. In this case, the call lamp 331, etc., may also display on the display unit 331a, etc., that even if the slot machine 301S, etc., is unable to control the game termination state when the MY count reaches the MY upper limit, the store may terminate the game.

(The effect of creating the feeling of winning big in slot machines such as the 301S)
Although not shown in the diagrams, the gaming system 300 is equipped with a display device such as a 7-segment display or liquid crystal display on top of the slot machine 301S or the like. Even if the slot machine 301S or the like does not dispense actual game tokens, this display device can create the feeling of winning (the atmosphere of providing game value to the player) in the following manner, for example, and can also increase the desire of customers to play when they are choosing which slot machine 301S or the like to play.
(a) The display device displays the number of credits (the number of balls held by the player as counted by the gaming machine), and changes the light emission pattern when the number of credits exceeds a certain value.
Furthermore, the display device may, for example, show a collectively increased number of balls for those who have won a special prize or other award.
Furthermore, the display device may display the text "+15 balls" in a scrolling manner when dispensing 15 game balls. This allows the display device to make the added number of acquired balls more noticeable.

(b) The display device shall, in advance of the granting of game balls, the granting of additional AT sets, the granting of jackpot rounds, etc., display a display corresponding to the number of grants (for example, a display that lights up in rainbow colors corresponding to the number of grants).
Furthermore, the display device may provide notification before a change in game state occurs (for example, when a Big Bonus is confirmed).

(c) The display device may display information appropriate to the situation, such as when players change or the duration of the demo screen display (e.g., game information such as MY for the day). Furthermore, when a player leaves their seat or takes a break during a jackpot, etc., and ejects their game card from the dedicated unit 319S, 319P, the display device may continue to display the game card information from before the game card was ejected.

Furthermore, if, for example, the upper design portion of a slot machine 301S or similar machine has a shape that protrudes upward, making the data display section of the call lamp 331 difficult to see, this display device can display the day's game information, thereby making this information easy for the player to understand.
Furthermore, this display device may also display information about any errors that occur in the slot machine 301S, etc., to inform players, staff, etc.

As described above, the call lamps 331, HC335, etc. of the gaming system 300 of this embodiment, although not devices other than the gaming machine, can notify players, staff, etc. of various information in response to the gaming machine being controlled to a game termination state. Furthermore, staff, etc. can respond appropriately and quickly to gaming machine malfunctions, fraud, and player interactions when the game is terminated, etc., in response to these notifications.
Furthermore, for players, prior notification before the end of the game reduces or eliminates dissatisfaction when the game is controlled to end. As a result, the gaming system 300 can suppress troubles between the store and the players.

In contrast, conventional gaming devices could not determine whether the stop-play function had been activated, nor could they determine the time elapsed until the stop-play function was activated. Therefore, conventional gaming devices could not provide the various notifications described in the embodiment, and thus could not achieve the above-mentioned functions and effects.

(Fourth Embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the fourth embodiment, the configuration and processing related to whether or not to perform a reset of MY (initializing it and setting it to zero) will be described.
In this embodiment, the gaming machine 401 is described as a slot machine, but each component of this embodiment can be appropriately adapted to the configuration of a pachinko machine, etc.
Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the power supply in one gaming island of the gaming system 400 according to the fourth embodiment.
Figure 20 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 401 with the front door 401a open, illustrating the setting board 404, according to the fourth embodiment.
Figure 21 is a block diagram of the gaming machine 401 according to the fourth embodiment.
Figure 22 is a table illustrating the MY reset processes 1 to 4 of the fourth embodiment.

The following terms used in this embodiment will be explained below.
Power supply to the gaming machine 401 is ON (a state in which power can be supplied to the gaming machine 401): Regardless of whether the power switch 402a of the gaming machine 401 is OFF or ON (that is, the power switch 402a can be either OFF or ON), the gaming machine 401 is in a state in which power can be supplied from the outside.
Therefore, the state in which power is supplied to the gaming machine 401 is such that "the island switch 405 is ON and no power outage or other issues have occurred."
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the state in which the power supply to the gaming machine 401 is ON is a concept that includes a state in which there is no act by a person with fraudulent intent (a person who attempts to manipulate the various states of the gaming machine 401 for fraudulent purposes) and power is ensured to the gaming machine 401.

Power supply to gaming machine 401 is OFF (the power supply to gaming machine 401 is stopped): Regardless of whether the power switch 402a of gaming machine 401 is OFF or ON, it is impossible to supply power to gaming machine 401 from the outside.
Therefore, the state in which the power supply to the gaming machine 401 is OFF is such as "the island switch 405 is OFF and no power outage has occurred" or "the island switch 405 is ON and a power outage has occurred".
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the state in which the power supply to the gaming machine 401 is OFF is a concept that includes a state in which the power supply to the gaming machine 401 is cut off by some means (such as temporarily disconnecting the power to the AC cable) by a person with malicious intent.

Power ON for gaming machine 401: This means that gaming machine 401 is in operation. In other words, the power ON state for gaming machine 401 means that "power is supplied to gaming machine 401, and the power switch 402a of gaming machine 401 is ON."
Gaming machine 401 is powered off: Gaming machine 401 is not in operation. The powered-off state of gaming machine 401 is one of the following states:
- Power supply to gaming machine 401 is ON, and the power switch 402a of gaming machine 401 is OFF. - Power supply to gaming machine 401 is OFF.

Therefore, the island switch 405 is basically operated to switch the power supply to the gaming machine 401 ON or OFF. Also, the power switch 402a of the gaming machine 401 is basically operated to switch the power to the gaming machine 401 ON or OFF when the power supply to the gaming machine 401 is ON.

As shown in Figure 19, the gaming island is equipped with multiple gaming machines 401 and island switches 405.
The gaming island is supplied with power from a power source (distribution board, switchboard, etc.). In this embodiment, the term "power source" is not limited to the meaning of a power supply source, but is also used to mean electricity.
The island switch 405 is a switch that turns the power supply to the gaming machines 401 on the gaming island ON or OFF. The island switch 405 may be a mechanical device operated manually by an employee (for example, a rocker switch, toggle switch, etc.), or it may be operated remotely from a hall computer or the like.
The island switch 405 is located on the power line between the power source and each gaming machine 401 on a single gaming island. Switching one island switch 405 ON or OFF can switch the power supply ON or OFF for all gaming machines 401 on the same gaming island.

The island switch 405 may be installed in a power supply unit (also called an island power supply, etc.) that manages the power supply for the entire gaming island.
The island switch 405 is usually installed in a location that is not easily accessible to customers or others. The island switch 405 may be installed, for example, inside the wall of a gaming island, or in a distribution board with a lockable control door.
However, this is not limited to the above, and depending on the structure of the amusement arcade building, the island switch 405 may be installed in a location easily accessible to customers. For example, in a store structure where the island switch 405 is installed inside the wall below the amusement machine 401, the store may not be able to adequately monitor the actions of those with fraudulent intentions.

Each gaming machine 401 is equipped with a front door opening/closing detection unit 403, a power supply box 402, a setting board 404, a main control board 410, and a sub-control board 420.
The front door opening/closing detection unit 403 is a detection unit that detects whether or not the front door 401a is open or closed. The front door opening/closing detection unit 403 can use, for example, a limit switch that switches ON or OFF depending on whether the front door 401a is open or closed, an optical sensor, etc. The front door opening/closing detection unit 403 outputs a detection signal to the main control board 410.

The power box 402 is located on the upstream side of the power supply path within each gaming machine 401. Although not shown in the diagram, the power box 402 is equipped with an AC cable, which is connected to an AC outlet or the like that is electrically connected to the island switch 405. The power box 402 is equipped with a transformer, various electronic components, etc. As a result, the power box 402 performs various processes (AC-DC conversion, rectification, etc.) on the power supplied from the power source via the island switch 405, etc., before supplying it to the gaming machine 401.
The power supply box 402 is located inside the enclosure. Therefore, access to the power supply box 402 is only possible when a store employee or other person opens the front door 401a using a key.

The power box 402 is equipped with a power switch 402a.
The power switch 402a is a mechanical device (for example, a rocker switch, toggle switch, etc.) that is operated manually by store staff or other personnel. The power switch 402a is located at the upstream end of the power circuit within the gaming machine 401. As mentioned above, when the power supply is ON, if the power switch 402a is ON, the gaming machine 401 is powered ON, and if the power switch 402a is OFF, the gaming machine 401 is powered OFF. Also, when the power supply is OFF, the gaming machine 401 is powered OFF regardless of whether the power switch 402a is ON or OFF.

As shown in Figure 20(B), the setting board 404 is an electrical circuit board that receives operations related to setting values and operations related to MY, and displays information. The setting board 404 is located inside the gaming machine 401 (in the example in Figure 20(A), on the rear surface of the front door 401a). Therefore, access to the operating components of the setting board 404 and confirmation of the displayed information are only possible when an employee or other staff member opens the front door 401a using a key.

The setting board 404 is equipped with a setting button 404a, a setting value display segment 404b, a MY display segment 404c, a reset value switching button 404d (a specific operating means), and a reset value display segment 404e.
The setting button 404a is a push button or similar device used to change the setting value (1 to 6). The setting button 404a is operated by a store employee or similar person. The main control board 410 executes various processes in the game based on the setting value set by the operation of the setting button 404a.

The setting value display segment 404b is a 7-segment display (in this embodiment, also simply called a segment) that displays the setting value set by the operation of the setting button 404a. For example, when the setting changeable state is reached (the main control board 410 is able to accept operation of the setting button 404a), the display of the setting value display segment 404b changes in the sequence "1 → 2 → ... → 6 → 1 → 2 → ..." each time the setting button 404a is operated.

The MY display segment 404c is a 7-segment display that shows the value of MY stored in the main control board 410. In other words, the MY display segment 404c displays MY (0 to 19000) since the MY reset. For example, the MY display segment 404c displays the value of MY for a predetermined period (e.g., 5 seconds) after the reset value switching button 404d is operated.

The reset value switching button 404d is a push button or the like that switches the reset value between 0 and 1. When the reset value is 0, MY is maintained, while when the reset value is 1, MY can be reset.
The reset value display segment 404e is a 7-segment display that shows the value (0 or 1) of the "reset value" stored in the main control board 410. In other words, the reset value display segment 404e indicates whether the state is maintainable (reset value is 0) or resettable (reset value is 1).

The main control board 410 (counting means, game state control means, initialization means) executes the various configurations and processes described in the above embodiment. Specifically, the main control board 410 can count MY (a variable value, i.e., the difference in game value, which is information regarding the difference between the game value used in the game and the game value awarded based on the game result), which can fluctuate according to the progress of the game.

Furthermore, the main control board 410 of this embodiment has the following configuration and performs various controls and processes.
The main control board 410 is equipped with various configurations for performing operations and processing related to the setting board 404. The main control board 410 also includes a main memory unit 410a and a main control unit 410b for performing these operations and processing.
In other words, the main control unit 410b is configured to process the reception of operations related to the set value and MY, and the display of the set value and MY. The main memory unit 410a is equipped with non-volatile and volatile memory devices, etc., and stores various information for executing these processes (programs for executing various processes, tables, temporary storage information in various processes, etc.).

The main control board 410 accepts operation of the reset value switching button 404d when the reset value display segment 404e is in the display state. In response to the operation of the reset value switching button 404d, the main control board 410 switches the reset value between 0 and 1. That is, the reset value switches from 0 to 1, and from 1 to 0. Accordingly, the display on the reset value display segment 404e also switches between 0 and 1.
The reset value display segment 404e is displayed during the display period after the power is turned on and after the reset value switching button 404d is operated. These display periods are, for example, about 60 seconds.

Furthermore, since the reset value switching button 404d and the reset value display segment 404e are implemented on the setting board 404, the store staff can check the display on the reset value display segment 404e immediately after operating the reset value switching button 404d. However, there are situations where some time is required between turning on the power of the gaming machine 401 (operating the island switch 405, power switch 402a, etc.) and operating the reset value switching button 404d. This is because, for example, it may be necessary to operate multiple gaming machines 401 or to have other tasks to perform in preparation for opening the store. Therefore, the display period of the reset value display segment 404e after turning on the power of the gaming machine 401 may be longer than the display period after operating the reset value switching button 404d.

The main control board 410 monitors the state of the power switch 402a (information on whether it is ON or OFF), the output information of the front door opening/closing detection unit 403 (information on whether the front door 401a is open or closed), etc., and stores this information in the main memory unit 410a as appropriate. The storage area in this case may be non-volatile. Even when the gaming machine 401 is powered OFF (for example, immediately after the power of the gaming machine 401 has switched from ON to OFF), the main control board 410 can monitor the state of the power switch 402a and the output information of the front door opening/closing detection unit 403 using a backup power supply such as a capacitor, and store this information in the main memory unit 410a.

(MY reset control)
As described in the third embodiment, the main control board 410 of the gaming machine 401 can be controlled to reset MY when the condition is met that "MY reaches the upper limit of MY, which is 19,000 coins (a specific value), and the game is controlled to end (i.e., after the complete function is activated), the settings are changed (including resetting)."
Furthermore, the main control board 410 of the gaming machine 401 can be controlled to reset MY when the following condition is met, in addition to the above conditions: "the power to the gaming machine 401 has been turned ON after being turned OFF (a condition that can be met based on the fact that the gaming machine 401 has been turned OFF from ON)."
Therefore, even if the former condition is not met, the main control board 410 can reset MY, that is, set MY to zero (initial value), based on the fact that the latter condition is met.

Here, when a store employee or other staff member turns the island switch 405 from the OFF state to the ON state, or turns the power switch 402a from the OFF state to the ON state, MY is reset because it corresponds to "the power to the gaming machine 401 being turned ON after being turned OFF".
However, if MY is uniformly reset in response to "the power of the gaming machine 401 being turned ON after being turned OFF," then this condition would also be met in situations like the following, potentially leading to a problem where MY is reset unintentionally by the store.

(A) MY may be reset due to power outages and subsequent restoration. If MY is reset in this case, it may result in excessive profits for players, while it may be detrimental to the store.
(B) There is a possibility that the power of the gaming machine 401 may be turned OFF and ON by persons with fraudulent intentions for the purpose of resetting MY.

To resolve problems (A), (B), etc., caused by "unintended power OFF/ON by the store," the main control board 410 of the gaming machine 401 executes the following MY reset processes 1 to 4 as a process to determine whether or not to perform a MY reset.
In MY reset processes 1 to 4, the main control board 410 stores the MY value at the time the power was turned off (i.e., the MY displayed on the MY display segment 404c) in the main memory unit 410a. Then, when the condition "the power of the gaming machine 401 was turned on after being turned off (a predetermined condition)" is met, the control board 410 checks whether the specific conditions described below are met and executes control to reset the MY stored in the main memory unit 410a.

The following MY Reset Processes 1 to 4 may be selected and used by the store as appropriate. In other words, the gaming machine 401 has the capability to execute two or more of the MY Reset Processes 1 to 4, and the store may select and use one (or more) of them. In this case, the player may be able to select any of the MY Reset Processes during the initial setup operation when the gaming machine 401 is installed.

Furthermore, the gaming machine 401 may only execute one of the MY reset processes 1 to 4. In other words, the gaming machine 401 may only have one of the MY reset processes 1 to 4 implemented.
In this case, the configuration of the setting board 404 may be modified by omitting one or more of the above-mentioned components as needed. For example, MY reset processes 1 and 2 can be performed if the setting board 404 is equipped with at least a MY display segment 404c, a reset value switching button 404d, and a reset value display segment 404e, and MY reset processes 3 and 4 can be performed even if the setting board 404 is not equipped with the above-mentioned components 404a to 404e.

The following explains the details of MY Reset Process 1-4.
(MY Reset Process 1: Process based on the setting of the reset value switching button 404d when the power is OFF)
In MY reset process 1, the main control board 410 maintains the value of MY when the power is turned ON (when predetermined conditions are met) after the power has been turned OFF while the reset value display segment 404e is displayed by operating the reset value switching button 404d.
On the other hand, if the power is turned ON from the OFF state while "1" is displayed on the reset value display segment 404e by operating the reset value switching button 404d, the value of MY is reset.
In other words, the main control board 410 stores the reset value in the main memory unit 410a when the power is turned OFF. Then, when the power is turned ON, it decides whether or not to reset MY based on the reset value stored in the main memory unit 410a. When the power is turned ON, if the reset value is "1", the main control board 410 determines that the specific condition is not met and resets MY. On the other hand, if the reset value is "0", it determines that the specific condition is met and maintains MY (does not initialize it).
Thus, the specific conditions are those that can be met based on the operation of the reset value switching button 404d.

The default value for the reset value is "0". Therefore, if the reset value on the main control board 410 is set to "0", it will retain this value after the power is turned on. Even if the reset value is set to "1", after MY is reset upon power-on, the reset value will be reset to "0".

(Store operations)
In MY reset process 1, when a reset of MY is required (during the store opening preparation period, after controlling the machine to a non-playable state, etc.), the reset value display segment 404e is set to 1, and the power switch 402a of the island switch 405 or power box 402 is operated to turn the power OFF, and then the power is turned ON to reset MY. In this case, there are mainly two operating methods (1) and (2) for resetting MY, and the store can use them interchangeably depending on the situation.
(1) With the reset value display segment 404e set to "1", turn the power switch 402a OFF, and then turn the power button ON.
Since operation method (1) is completed by operating the gaming machine 401, it is easy to use not only during the opening preparation period but also with MY Reset after controlling the machine to a non-playable state.
(2) With the reset value display segment 404e set to "1", turn the island switch 405 OFF, and then turn the island switch 405 ON.
Alternatively, with the reset value display segment 404e set to "1", the power switches 402a of multiple gaming machines 401 are sequentially turned OFF, and then the island switch 405 is turned OFF. After that, the power switches 402a of multiple gaming machines 401 are turned ON, and then the island switch 405 is turned ON.
The operation method (2) allows you to select one or more gaming machines 401 from the gaming island and reset MY, making it easy to use for resetting MY during the preparation period between closing and opening (also called the opening preparation period in this embodiment).

On the other hand, in MY reset process 1, when maintaining MY, the store can turn the power OFF using the island switch 405 or the power switch 402a of the power box 402 while the reset value display segment 404e is set to "0". After that, turning the power ON will maintain MY.
While a detailed explanation of how to maintain MY is omitted, the only difference from the "How to reset MY" described above is that the reset value display segment 404e is set to "0" instead of "1". In this case as well, there are mainly two methods for maintaining MY, which can be used depending on the situation.

(My control during unintended power OFF/ON)
As mentioned above, the default value for the reset value is "0". Therefore, even if the power is turned OFF and then ON while the reset value is set to "1", the reset value will be reset to 0 after MY is reset.
Therefore, the reset value of the gaming machine 401 in operation during business hours is set to "0". As a result, even if the power is turned OFF and ON due to an electrical outage during business hours, or if the power is turned OFF and ON by an unauthorized person operating the island switch 405 or power switch 402a, the MY can be maintained without being reset. This solves the above problems (A) and (B).

However, the main control board 410 may maintain the reset value once it has been set until it accepts operation of the reset value switching button 404d. In other words, even if the power is turned OFF and then ON while the reset value "1" is set, this reset value "1" may be maintained.
In this case, once the store sets the reset value to "1", it does not need to go through the trouble of changing it back from the default value "0" to "1", making it convenient.

Furthermore, the main control board 410 may accept operation of the reset value switching button 404d only when the reset value switching button 404d is pressed and held down. In this case, it is possible to prevent store employees or others from accidentally switching the reset value.
Furthermore, the main control board 410 may be controlled to store the reset value in the main memory unit 410a when a predetermined operation (such as long-pressing) is performed on the reset value switching button 404d, and then be controlled not to change the reset value until the power is turned OFF or ON. In this case, the reset value that has been set can be reliably maintained until the power is turned OFF.

(MY Reset Process 2: Process based on the reset value at the end of the operation period of the reset value switching button 404d)
In MY reset process 2, the main control board 410 accepts operation of the reset value switching button 404d only during the period from when the power is turned on until the display on the reset value display segment 404e ends. In other words, this period is the valid operation period for the reset value switching button 404d. When the valid operation period for the reset value switching button 404d ends (when predetermined conditions are met), the main control board 410 decides whether or not to reset MY based on the reset value at that time.
In this case, the main control board 410, similar to the MY reset process 1, determines that the specific condition is not met if "1" is displayed on the reset value display segment 404e (i.e., the reset value is set to "1"), and resets MY. On the other hand, if "0" is displayed on the reset value display segment 404e (i.e., the reset value is set to "0"), it determines that the specific condition is met and maintains MY.
Furthermore, the default value of the reset value is "0," similar to MY reset process 1. Therefore, if the reset value is set to "0," the main control board 410 will continue to set it to "0" even after the operation validity period of the reset value switching button 404d has ended. In addition, even if the reset value is set to "1," it will set it to "0" after MY has been reset following the operation validity period.

(Store operations)
In MY Reset Process 2, when a store needs to reset MY (during the opening preparation period, after the game has ended, etc.), the store should operate the reset value switching button 404d between the time the power is turned on and the time the reset value display segment 404e finishes displaying.
In MY Reset Process 2, the store only needs to decide on its policy for MY on the next business day (whether to maintain or reset the MY at the end of business on the current day when the store opens on the next business day) between the end of business on the current day and the opening of business on the next business day. Therefore, the store does not need to decide on this policy by the end of business on the current day (i.e., when the gaming machine 401 is powered OFF), but only needs to decide by the opening of business on the next business day (i.e., when the gaming machine 401 is powered ON), which is convenient.

Furthermore, with the MY Reset Process 1 described above, if a store accidentally turns off the power while the reset value is "1," even though they wanted to maintain their MY (My) setting, the MY will be reset. In contrast, with MY Reset Process 2, the reset value can be confirmed after turning the power on, thus preventing such errors.

Here, the validity period of the reset value switching button 404d may be defined by a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds). However, in this case, if the power supply of the gaming machines 401 is managed by operating the island switch 405 during the opening preparation period, the validity period may end before the reset value setting operation is completed for all gaming machines 401 on the gaming island. Therefore, the validity period of the reset value switching button 404d may be defined as the period from power-on until a specific operating means (such as a start lever) is operated.

(My control during unintended power OFF/ON)
In MY Reset Process 2, as in MY Reset Process 1, the default value of the reset value is "0," so during business hours, the reset value is set to "0." Therefore, the gaming machine 401 can maintain MY even if unintended power OFF and ON occur during business hours, thus solving the above problems (A) and (B).

(MY Reset Process 3: Process based on the state of the power switch 402a when the power is OFF (or ON))
The main control board 410 resets MY when the next time the power is turned ON, if the power switch 402a of the gaming machine 401 is OFF when the gaming machine 401 is turned OFF from the ON state.
On the other hand, the main control board 410 maintains MY when the power switch 402a of the gaming machine 401 is turned ON, if the power switch 402a of the gaming machine 401 is ON when the power is turned ON again.

In other words, when the main control board 410 determines that the gaming machine 401 has been turned OFF, it determines the state of the power switch 402a (either ON or OFF) and stores the information of the state of the power switch 402a in the main memory unit 410a. Then, when the main control board 410 determines that the power has been turned ON again (when the predetermined conditions are met), it reads this information (the state of the power switch 402a at the time the gaming machine 401 was turned OFF) from the main memory unit 410a. In this case, if the state of the power switch 402a is OFF, the main control board 410 determines that the specific conditions are not met and resets MY. On the other hand, if the state of the power switch 402a is ON, it determines that the specific conditions are met and maintains MY.
Thus, the specific condition is one that can be met when the power switch 402a is ON and the gaming machine 401 is turned OFF.

Furthermore, when the power is turned OFF by operating the power switch 402a, the state of the power switch 402a is already OFF at the time the main control board 410 determines that the power is OFF. Therefore, when the power is turned OFF by operating the power switch 402a, the main control board 410 stores the information that the power switch 402a is OFF in the main memory unit 410a.

(Store operations)
In MY Reset Process 3, when a store needs to reset MY, it can operate as follows, for example:
After controlling the game machine to a state where it cannot be played during business hours, the game machine 401 can be powered ON, and the power switch 402a, which is currently ON, can be switched OFF and ON.
Furthermore, during preparations for opening the store, for example, at closing time, with the gaming machine 401 powered on, the power switch 402a, which is in the ON position, should be turned OFF, and then the island switch 405, which is in the ON position, should be turned OFF. Then, at opening time on the next business day, the gaming machine 401 should be powered ON (by turning on the island switch 405 and the power switch 402a).

In addition, during MY reset process 3, if an attempt is made to manage MY by operating the power switch 402a while the game machine 401 is in operation (i.e., with the power supply to the game machine 401 ON and the power switch 402a ON), only a reset of MY can be performed, and MY cannot be maintained. This is because, as mentioned above, if the power switch 402a is turned OFF while the power supply to the game machine 401 is ON, information that the power switch 402a is OFF is stored in the main memory unit 410a.
In this regard, managing MY during business hours mainly requires resetting MY after controlling it to a non-playable state, so there are no operational inconveniences for the store. Furthermore, during business hours, it is almost impossible to foresee a situation where it is necessary to operate the ON/OFF switch 402a of the gaming machine 401 while maintaining MY.

(My control during unintended power OFF/ON)
In MY Reset Process 3, if the power supply is turned off during business hours (when the power switch 402a of the gaming machine 401 is ON) due to a power outage, an initial operation for fraudulent purposes that causes the island switch 405 to be turned OFF, etc., the main control board 410 stores the information that the power switch 402a was in the state "ON" at the time the gaming machine 401 was turned OFF in the main memory unit 410a. Therefore, if the power is subsequently turned ON in response to the restoration of power after a power outage, an subsequent operation for fraudulent purposes that causes the island switch 405 to be turned ON, etc., the main control board 410 reads the information that the power switch 402a was in the state "ON" from the main memory unit 410a, and thus maintains MY.
As a result, in the MY reset process 3, if the gaming machine 401 is unintentionally turned OFF or ON, MY can be maintained, thus solving the above problems (A) and (B).

Furthermore, in MY reset process 3, the main control board 410 may store the OFF/ON information of the power switch 402a when the power is ON, instead of when the power is OFF, in the main memory unit 410a, and determine whether to reset or maintain MY based on that information. In this case, the store only needs to decide whether to reset or maintain MY between turning off the power to the gaming machine 401 at the end of business and turning it on on the next business day, which is convenient.

(MY Reset Process 4: Process based on the open/closed state of the front door 401a when the power is ON (or OFF))
The main control board 410 resets MY when the front door 401a is open at the time the gaming machine 401 is turned on from a power-off state.
On the other hand, the main control board 410 maintains MY when the front door 401a is closed at the time the gaming machine 401 is turned ON from a power OFF state.

In other words, when the main control board 410 determines that the gaming machine 401 has been powered on (when predetermined conditions are met), it determines whether the front door 401a is open or closed based on the output of the front door opening/closing detection unit 403. If the front door 401a is open, the main control board 410 determines that the specific conditions are not met and resets MY. On the other hand, if the front door 401a is closed, it determines that the specific conditions are met and maintains MY.
Thus, the specific condition is one that can be met when the gaming machine 401 is powered on while the front door 401a of the gaming machine 401 is closed.

(Store operations)
In MY Reset Process 4, when a store needs to reset MY, it can operate as follows, for example:
After controlling the game machine to a state where it cannot be played during business hours, the game machine 401 is turned off by opening the front door 401a and turning off the power switch 402a, which is currently in the ON position. Then, the game machine 401 is turned on by turning on the power switch 402a.
Furthermore, during the preparation period before opening, for example, at the time of opening, the front door 401a should be left open and the gaming machine 401 should be powered on (by turning on the island switch 405, etc.).

Furthermore, in MY reset process 4, when attempting to manage MY by operating the power switch 402a during business hours (i.e., when power is supplied to the gaming machine 401 and the power switch 402a is ON), only a reset of MY can be performed, and the MY reset cannot be maintained. This is because the power switch 402a cannot be accessed when the front door 401a is closed and the power switch 402a is OFF. In other words, the power switch 402a can only be accessed when the front door 401a is open.
In this regard, as with MY reset process 3, MY management during business hours mainly requires resetting MY after it has been controlled to a state where it cannot be played, so there is no problem.

(My control during unintended power OFF/ON)
During business hours, the front door 401a of the operating gaming machine 401 is closed. Therefore, in the MY reset process 4, even if there is a power outage and restoration, MY is maintained without being reset. Also, even if the island switch 405 is turned OFF and ON by someone with malicious intent, MY is maintained without being reset.
Furthermore, since the front door 401a is locked, it is difficult for someone with malicious intent to open the front door 401a for the purpose of resetting MY. For this reason, it is difficult for someone with malicious intent to access the power switch 402a inside the gaming machine 401 and turn it OFF or ON.

Furthermore, in MY reset process 4, even if a store employee or other staff member has closed the front door 401a with the intention of maintaining MY when the power is turned off, there is a possibility that they may then turn the power on with the front door 401a open. In this case, MY will be reset when the power is turned on.
To solve this, the main control board 410 may perform processing related to MY based on the open/closed state of the front door 401a when the power is turned off, rather than when the power is turned on. In this case, the main control board 410 only needs to store the information of the open/closed state of the front door 401a when the power is turned off in the main memory unit 410a. Then, when the power is turned on again, the main control board 410 can decide whether to reset or maintain MY based on the open/closed state information stored in the main memory unit 410a.

As explained above, the gaming machine 401 of this embodiment can maintain MY even when the power is OFF. Therefore, it has the effect of preventing excessive profits from being given to players when the power is unintentionally turned OFF or ON by the store due to a power outage or other reasons.

In contrast, conventional gaming machines (for example, the gaming machine in non-cited reference 1) sometimes provided excessive profits to players if the power was turned OFF or ON unintentionally by the store.
For example, if a power outage (power off) occurs just before the complete function is activated, MY will be reset when the power is restored (power on). In this case, during gameplay after the power is restored, the player may be able to acquire even more game balls (game value) up to the MY limit, potentially resulting in excessive profits for the player.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. The configurations of the embodiments described above and the configurations of the modified forms described later can be used in combination as appropriate, but a detailed explanation is omitted.

(Transformed form)
(1) In the embodiment, various processes such as advance notification are shown to be performed by call lamps, HCs, etc., but are not limited to these. For example, these processes may be performed by a dedicated unit, a data disclosure machine (a device equipped with a large display device for disclosing information on multiple gaming machines in the store to customers), a counting machine, etc.
Furthermore, a management server for managing multiple gaming machines may be established, allowing players to access the management server from their personal computers, mobile phones, etc., thereby enabling them to access information that can be viewed on the HC (Hardware Control) system on their personal devices as well.

If the above processing is performed by a dedicated unit, the dedicated unit may display a message on its display unit to confirm the player's intention to continue playing, such as "Gameplay will be ending soon, do you wish to continue playing?", and then, when the dedicated unit's operation unit receives an operation from the player regarding the continuation of the game, it may allow the player to use the game balls stored on the game card received by the card insertion/extraction unit. In other words, if the above operation is not performed by the player, the dedicated unit may be controlled so that the game balls on the game card inserted into the card insertion/extraction unit cannot be used.
Furthermore, the dedicated unit may perform a visual effect (such as lighting a lamp in the card slot) to encourage the ejection of the game card at the time of the advance notification of the end of the game. This allows the player to choose whether to end the game themselves at the time of the advance notification or to continue playing until the game is controlled to end.

Furthermore, the determination of whether or not to perform a pre-notification, whether or not the game has ended, etc., is performed solely by the HC (Hard Control Unit), and the call lamp does not need to perform these determination processes. In this case, the HC may transmit the determination result to the call lamp, and upon receiving this determination result, the call lamp may perform predetermined processing (pre-notification, notification that the game has been controlled to end state, etc.).

(2) In the embodiment, the control unit of the call lamp performed both a determination process (also called a game end state determination process) to determine whether the gaming machine is controlled to a game end state based on the MY etc. that it has counted, and an abnormal state determination process to determine whether an abnormal state exists based on whether an out signal or a safe signal has been output after the game end state determination process. However, the embodiment is not limited to this example.

The game completion status determination process may be performed by a separate device from the call lamp, and the control unit of the call lamp may determine whether or not the game is impossible to play by acquiring the determination result, and then perform an abnormality determination process. The device other than the call lamp may be, for example, a dedicated unit capable of counting MY, an HC, etc., or a camera, microphone, etc. that acquires information such as the display screen of the display unit that is displayed when the game machine is in the game completion state, or the sound output from the speaker.
In these cases, the term "gaming device" is not limited to a single call lamp, but may also refer to a system comprising a call lamp, a dedicated unit, a headphone jack, a camera, a microphone, etc.
Similarly, the dedicated unit, HC, may obtain the result of the game end state determination process from another device, determine whether or not the game is in an unplayable state, and then execute an abnormality determination process.

(3) In the embodiment, various processes such as game end status and advance notification were shown as examples of processes executed based on MY, but are not limited to these. For example, these processes may be executed based on the difference in balls or total prize balls.

(4) In the embodiment, an example was shown where the gaming machine is of a type controlled to a game end state, but it is not limited to this. For example, a store may operate a gaming machine that is not controlled to a game end state in a way that terminates the game or provides advance notification based on the MY counted by a call lamp, HC, etc.

(5) In the embodiment, an example was shown in which the gaming machine outputs an abnormal signal in states other than the end of game state (such as when fraud is detected), but it is not limited to this. The gaming machine may output an abnormal signal only when it is controlled to the end of game state. In this case, the call lamp, etc., can accurately determine that the gaming machine has been controlled to the end of game state by receiving the abnormal signal.
Furthermore, the gaming machine may output a dedicated signal (game termination signal) that corresponds only to the game termination state, separate from the "abnormal signal," and the call lamp, HC, etc. may be configured to determine that the gaming machine has been controlled to the game termination state based on this signal.

(6) Call lamps, HCs, etc. may issue a notification instructing the gaming machine to be turned on after being turned off during post-closing processing, pre-opening processing (memory erasure), etc., that is, to perform a reset operation on the gaming machine. In other words, since the control of the game end state is performed based on the MY for the day, if the staff does not perform a reset operation on the gaming machine after closing, etc., there is a problem that the MY will be carried over to the next day. Call lamps, HCs, etc. can solve this problem by instructing the gaming machine to perform a reset operation.
Furthermore, call lamps, HCs, etc., may be configured to select which gaming machines to instruct to reset from among multiple gaming machines in the gaming hall, based on conditions such as the configuration of the gaming area (e.g., gaming machine, model, corner, row, island), or certain data conditions such as operation, sales, and MY. For example, call lamps, HCs, etc., may not instruct a reset operation for gaming machines that have not been in operation all day, but only for gaming machines that have operation information.

(7) Even if the conditions for executing a pre-notification have not yet been met, if the call lamp, etc., receives a request from the player to press the rest button, etc., when the conditions for executing a pre-notification are close to being met (for example, when the current MY is within 500 coins of the notified MY value), the call lamp, etc., may execute a pre-notification. This allows the call lamp, etc., to inform the player that there is a high probability that the game will be controlled to an end state in a short period of time, thus encouraging them to continue playing without taking a break.

(8) Some or all of the operations performed by the sub-control board may be performed by the main control board.
For example, a sub-control board may control the game token count display device, and the sub-control board may be responsible for controlling the counting button, the game token count clear button, and the operation of a dedicated unit.
Furthermore, the operation of the counting button lamps and the bet count lamps may be controlled by the main control board.

(9) In the embodiment, the gaming machine 1 was shown to have a configuration with a favorable period limiter (e.g., a difference of 2400 tokens), but it may also have a configuration without a favorable period limiter.

Furthermore, the gaming machine of the fourth embodiment, etc., may be modified as follows.
(10) In this embodiment, an example was shown in which MY is forcibly reset when a setting change (including re-entering the same setting) is made. This prevents the game from being controlled to the end state immediately after a setting change, but is not limited to this.
For example, the setting value and the MY value can be managed separately. In this case, the MY value can be maintained even after changing the setting. In this case, it is possible to implement an operation such as "when MY reaches 9000 coins, change the setting value to 6," so that too much game value is not added after changing to a high setting. In other words, when an additional 10000 coins are added and MY reaches 19000 coins, the game can be controlled to end, so an additional 19000 coins (game value equivalent to the upper limit of MY) are not added after changing to a high setting.

(11) In this embodiment, the specification is assumed that MY cannot be reset while the settings are being changed, but a specification that allows resetting is also possible. In this case, the setting value, MY, which is important information related to the payout, can be set individually.

(12) In this embodiment, resetting MY while in a specific game state (e.g., AT stage, bonus stage, etc.) may be conditional on changing the settings. This configuration can prevent, for example, the awarding of a large number of winnings to the player on the following business day if the game ends on the previous business day while in the AT stage, etc.

(13) In this embodiment, if MY reset processes 1 to 4 are executed while the player is in a specific game state (e.g., AT stage, bonus stage, etc.), MY may be made unretainable, or in other words, MY may be reset. In this case, for example, if the game ends on the previous business day while the player is in the AT stage, etc., the AT stage, etc. will continue on the next business day with MY reset, allowing the player to continue receiving a large amount of winnings from the previous business day.

(14) In one embodiment, if the value of MY exceeds a specific value (e.g., +14000) when the power is turned on, MY may be forcibly reset. In this case, since the upper limit of MY will not be reached during gameplay immediately after the power is turned on, it is possible to prevent the game from being controlled to a game termination state immediately after the start of business.

(15) In this embodiment, the method for resetting and maintaining MY may be displayed at a predetermined timing. This allows store staff and others to be notified of the operation method for MY reset processes 1 to 4.
(16) In this embodiment, the timing for resetting MY may be when the power is turned off, rather than when the power is turned on.
(17) In this embodiment, the control of the game end state may be managed not by MY, but by the difference in tokens, the number of tokens paid out, the number of tokens inserted, the number of specific small wins, etc.

300, 400: Gaming system 300S, 300P: Machine system 301P: Pachinko machine 301S: Slot machine 310A, 410: Main control board 319S, 319P: Dedicated unit 319h, 331h, 335h: Memory unit 319i, 331i, 335i: Control unit 331: Call lamp 331a, 335a: Display unit 335: HC
401: Gaming machine 402a: Power switch 404: Setting board 404a: Setting button 404b: Setting value display segment 404c: MY display segment 404d: Reset value switching button 404e: Reset value display segment 405: Island switch

Claims (4)

A counting means capable of counting variable values that may change in connection with the execution of a game,
When the fluctuating value counted by the counting means reaches a specific value, the game state control means is capable of controlling the game to a state where it is impossible to play the game.
An initialization means that, when a predetermined condition is met, can set the fluctuating value counted by the counting means to an initial value,
Equipped with,
The initialization means is
If the predetermined condition is met while the specific condition is met, the fluctuating value counted by the counting means is not set to the initial value.
The aforementioned specific conditions are,
This condition can be met when the power switch on the gaming machine is turned ON, and the gaming machine is then turned OFF.
A gaming machine characterized by the following features. A counting means capable of counting variable values that may change in connection with the execution of a game,
When the fluctuating value counted by the counting means reaches a specific value, the game state control means is capable of controlling the game to a state where it is impossible to play the game.
An initialization means that, when a predetermined condition is met, can set the fluctuating value counted by the counting means to an initial value,
Equipped with,
The initialization means is
If the predetermined condition is met while the specific condition is met, the fluctuating value counted by the counting means is not set to the initial value.
The aforementioned specific conditions are,
A gaming machine characterized by a condition that can be met when the gaming machine is powered on while the front door of the gaming machine is closed . A counting means capable of counting variable values that may change in connection with the execution of a game,
When the fluctuating value counted by the counting means reaches a specific value, the game state control means is capable of controlling the game to a state where it is impossible to play the game.
When the gaming machine is switched from power OFF to power ON, an initialization means is provided that can set the fluctuating value counted by the counting means to an initial value,
Equipped with,
The initialization means is
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the power switch provided on the gaming machine is turned OFF while the gaming machine is ON, and then the gaming machine is turned ON again, the fluctuating value counted by the counting means is not set to an initial value . A counting means capable of counting variable values that may change in connection with the execution of a game,
When the fluctuating value counted by the counting means reaches a specific value, the game state control means is capable of controlling the game to a state where it is impossible to play the game.
When the gaming machine is switched from power OFF to power ON, an initialization means is provided that can set the fluctuating value counted by the counting means to an initial value,
Equipped with,
The initialization means is
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the gaming machine is turned on from the power OFF position while the front door of the gaming machine is closed, the fluctuating value counted by the counting means is not set to an initial value .