JP7831990B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a gaming machine capable of providing gaming experience.

Conventionally, amusement machines are known that launch game balls, which represent the value of the game, into the game area, and when the game balls enter a prize area such as a prize slot, prize balls are paid out to the player. Furthermore, amusement machines (for example, pachinko machines) are known that can change the game state according to the result of changes in the display of identification information.

In such gaming machines, there are known machines that perform error notification when an error occurs (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-85818 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-104206

By the way, if, for example, due to constraints such as the capacity of the circuit board, it is not possible to provide an error clearing command for each type of error, there is a risk that error notification and error clearing may not be performed accurately.

This invention was made in view of the above-described circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can accurately issue error notifications and cancel error notifications.

(Method 1) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a gaming machine in which gaming balls circulate within the gaming machine body, comprising: a first control means capable of controlling the progress of the game; a second control means capable of communicating with the first control means and executing a different control from the first control means; a third control means capable of executing specific error notification, which notifies at least a circulating ball count shortage error where the circulating gaming balls are fewer than specified and a circulating ball count excess error where the circulating gaming balls are more than specified, as specific errors relating to the second control means; and a circulating ball count shortage sensor that detects when the number of gaming balls is less than specified. The system includes a sensor that detects when the number of circulating balls exceeds the specified limit , and the specific error includes multiple types of errors, and a priority is assigned to the execution of the specific error notification according to the type of specific error, in the case of an insufficient circulating ball error, a first error code is displayed as the specific error notification, and in the case of an excessive circulating ball error, a second error code is displayed as the specific error notification, the first error code is a code with a smaller numerical value than the second error code, and the excessive circulating ball error is more likely to occur than the insufficient circulating ball error. The first control means has a higher priority, and when the specific error occurs, it can send an error command to the third control means corresponding to the type of specific error that occurred, and when the specific error is cleared, it can send an error clear command to the third control means. The third control means can perform the specific error notification based on the error command received from the first control means, and when it receives the error clear command while performing the specific error notification, or when it receives an error command corresponding to a specific error with a lower priority than the specific error corresponding to the specific error notification being performed, it terminates the specific error notification being performed . If the circulating ball count shortage sensor is disconnected, the circulating ball count shortage error occurs, and the third control means displays the first error code. If the circulating ball count excess sensor detects that there are more game balls than specified due to the replenishment of game balls, and the circulating ball count excess error occurs, the third control means prioritizes the circulating ball count excess error over the circulating ball count shortage error and displays the second error code .
Therefore, error notifications and cancellations can be performed according to the priority of the errors.

(Mean 2) Furthermore, if multiple types of specific errors corresponding to specific error notifications with different priorities occur simultaneously, the third control means can execute only the specific error notification with the highest priority.
Therefore, error notifications and cancellations can be performed according to the priority of the errors.

From another perspective, the present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of performing error notification, comprising: a gaming control means capable of controlling the progress of the game; an error notification control means capable of controlling the error notification based on information transmitted from the gaming control means; and a frame control means capable of communicating with the gaming control means, wherein the frame control means is capable of determining which of a plurality of errors has occurred when the error occurrence conditions are met, and is capable of determining whether the error release conditions for the occurred error have been met, and when the frame control means determines that the error occurrence conditions have been met, it is possible to transmit error information from the gaming control means to the error notification control means, and when it determines that the error release conditions have been met, it is possible to transmit error release information from the gaming control means to the error notification control means, and the error notification control means is capable of performing the error notification when it receives the error information, and is capable of terminating the error notification when it receives the error release information. The error information is provided in multiple types depending on the type of error, and only one type of error release information is provided. The multiple types of errors are assigned a priority order, and the multiple types of errors include a first error and a second error with a lower priority than the first error. When the first and second errors occur simultaneously, if the error release condition for the first error is met first, the lower-priority error information corresponding to the second error is transmitted from the game control means to the error notification control means. If the error release condition for the second error is met after the error release condition for the first error has been met, the error release information is transmitted from the game control means to the error notification control means. The error notification control means can terminate the error notification for the first error when it receives the lower-priority error information, and can terminate the error notification for the second error when it receives the error release information.
Therefore, error notifications and cancellations can be performed according to the priority of the errors.
Furthermore, the error notification control means can only perform error notification for the first error when the first error and the second error occur simultaneously.
Therefore, error notifications and error cancellations can be performed more reliably according to the error priority.

This diagram shows an illustration of the connection between a managed gaming machine and a dedicated unit. This is a diagram showing a touch panel type liquid crystal display. This is a diagram showing a perspective view of a managed gaming machine. This diagram shows the back view of a managed gaming machine (with the back cover attached). This diagram shows the back view of a managed gaming machine (without the back cover). This diagram shows a device to be installed in a controlled gaming machine. This diagram shows the operating principle of an improved version of a controlled gaming machine. This diagram shows the operating principle of an improved version of a controlled gaming machine. This is a diagram showing a block diagram of a managed gaming machine. This is a diagram showing a block diagram of a managed gaming machine. This is a diagram showing a block diagram of a managed gaming machine. This diagram (1/2) shows a list of errors managed by the controlled gaming machine. This diagram (2/2) shows a list of errors managed by the controlled gaming machine. This flowchart shows an example of the procedure for sending an error-causing command. A flowchart is provided showing an example of the procedure for sending an error clearing command. This flowchart shows an example of the procedure for controlling the performance. This flowchart shows an example of the procedure for error notification management. This diagram shows the sequence of events when an error occurs. This diagram shows the sequence of events when an error occurs. This diagram shows the sequence of events when an error occurs. This diagram shows the sequence of events when a notification is issued regarding the decrease in the number of balls remaining. This flowchart shows an example of the procedure for managing notifications of a decrease in the number of balls held. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of a notification system for reducing the number of balls remaining. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of how to set up the ball count reduction notification function. This is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of how to set up the ball count reduction notification function.

The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Configuration of managed gaming machines]
The management gaming machine according to the present invention aims to introduce a new pachinko machine at a low price to the market, addressing market demands such as countermeasures against fraud and environmental problems caused by illegal dumping. A management gaming machine consists of a management gaming machine frame and a management gaming machine game board, and is a gaming machine that circulates a certain number of game balls within the machine itself, eliminating the need to directly dispense game balls for use in the game or to the player.

Furthermore, by connecting a dedicated IC card unit for managed gaming machines (hereinafter referred to as the "dedicated unit"), which adds functions such as fraud monitoring of managed gaming machines and the display of game payout information in an easy-to-understand manner to players, to the managed gaming machine, gameplay becomes possible.

Figure 1 shows an illustration of the connection between the managed gaming machine and the dedicated unit.

As shown in Figure 1, the managed gaming machine 500 and the dedicated unit 700 are connected by a dedicated cable 600. The managed gaming machine 500 is a pachinko machine in which games are played using game balls. The managed gaming machine 500 is equipped with a handle 510, a game ball count display device 520, an error display monitor 521, a counting switch 530, a menu switch 540, an LCD display 42, a special symbol display 47, and the like.

The dedicated unit 700 includes a banknote slot 711, a card slot 720, and a touch-panel liquid crystal display 730, among other things. The menu switch 540 consists of a directional pad 540a and a select button 540b (see Figure 24).

Figure 2 shows a touch-panel type liquid crystal display 730.

The touch-panel LCD display 730 displays the ball dispensing area A1, the balance display area A2, and the return display area A3. By touching the ball dispensing area A1, the dedicated unit 700 transmits information about the number of dispensing balls. The frame control board 550 (see Figure 9) adds this information to the number of game balls and displays the total number of game balls on the game ball display device 520. The touch-panel LCD display 730 also receives balance information from the dedicated unit 700 and displays it in the balance display area A2 within the touch-panel LCD display. The ball dispensing area A1 is illuminated when balls are available for dispensing and dimmed when balls are unavailable. Touching the return display area A3 transmits information that the game has ended from the dedicated unit, and the frame control board transmits the number of game balls to the dedicated unit. In this embodiment, touching the ball dispensing area A1 once allows the player to receive 125 game balls.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a managed gaming machine.

The managed gaming machine 500 primarily consists of a front ornament 512, a rear mechanism 515, and an outer frame 516. When viewed from the front, facing the player, the front ornament 512 is located at the very front. The rear mechanism 515 is located behind (towards the back of) the front ornament 512, and the outer frame 516 is positioned to surround the outside of the rear mechanism 515.

The outer frame 516 is a structure formed by combining wood and metal materials in a vertically elongated rectangular shape. This outer frame 516 is fixed to the island equipment (not shown) within the amusement hall using fasteners such as screws.

The front ornament 512 and the rear mechanism 515 are attached to the island equipment via the outer frame 516, and they each operate in an opening and closing manner via a hinge mechanism (not shown). The opening and closing axis of the hinge mechanism (not shown) extends vertically along the left end when viewed from the front of the managed gaming machine 500.

Furthermore, the front ornament 512 can be opened. When the front ornament 512 is opened, both the front ornament 512 and the glass plate 513 open, exposing the game control panel of the gaming machine located behind the glass plate 513.

Furthermore, an inner frame lower unit 810 is provided below the front ornament 512. A handle 510 is provided on the front of the inner frame lower unit 810. A launching device is also provided inside the inner frame lower unit 810.

Figure 4 shows the back view of a managed gaming machine (with the back cover attached).

Inside the outer frame 516, the rear mechanism 515 is located, and to the left of the rear mechanism 515 (right side in the diagram), the game ball circulation device 551A is located.

A main control board 560 is located in the center of the managed gaming machine 500, and a rear cover 552A is located at the bottom of the managed gaming machine 500. A frame control board 550 is located in the center of the rear cover 552A, and a sub-connection board 553 and a gaming ball/dispenser connection terminal board 554 are located to the left of the frame control board 550 (right side in the diagram).

Figure 5 shows the back view of a managed gaming machine (without the back cover).

A power supply unit 570 is located on the lower right side (lower left side in the diagram) of the managed gaming machine 500. A steel ball detection device 571 for detecting steel game balls and a ball polishing device 572 for polishing game balls are located in the lower center of the managed gaming machine 500. While this embodiment describes an example with the steel ball detection device 571, it is not necessarily required.

Figure 6 shows the equipment installed in a managed gaming machine.

The device installed in the managed gaming machine 500 has the configuration shown in this diagram. The managed gaming machine 500 does not require a function to dispense game balls, and a new device not found in conventional pachinko machines is installed in the managed gaming machine frame 590.

Specifically, the managed gaming machine 500 comprises a managed gaming machine game board 580 and a managed gaming machine frame 590. The managed gaming machine frame 590 is mainly composed of an internal mechanism 515, an outer frame 516, and associated parts and devices.

The managed gaming machine game board 580 consists of a game board (acrylic plate), a symbol display device (special symbol display device, normal symbol display device), a prize detection mechanism (various switches), a windmill, game pins, other performance devices (movable performance parts, liquid crystal display, information display device, performance lamps, speakers), a prize display device, and a device that changes the direction of fall (movable parts, cover parts), etc.

On the other hand, the managed gaming machine frame 590 consists of gaming balls, a launching device, a power supply device, a ball polishing device, a gaming ball circulation device, a gaming ball count display device 520, a glass plate, a night monitoring device, other performance devices, a steel ball detection device, etc.

[Outline of gameplay progression on controlled gaming machines]
In the managed gaming machine 500, players insert banknotes into the banknote slot 711 of the dedicated unit 700 and then touch the ball dispensing display section A1 of the touch panel liquid crystal display 730 to receive gaming balls. The number of gaming balls received, in other words, the number of balls the player possesses, is displayed on the gaming ball count display device 520. In this embodiment, 125 balls can be dispensed with a single touch.

Furthermore, if a player runs out of balls, operating the handle 510 will not release any more balls, resulting in what is known as a "dry shot." Therefore, to continue playing, the player needs to borrow more balls. In this embodiment, a notification of reduced ball count is issued when the player's ball count falls to a predetermined number (30 or less in this example). Specifically, a ball count reduction notification sound is output from the speaker 518, and a ball count reduction notification image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. The ball count reduction notification sound is output only once (for example, for about 1 second), but the ball count reduction notification image is erased and the display ends after 30 seconds.

In this embodiment, the ball count reduction notification function can be switched on/off by operating the menu switch 540 (Figures 22, 24-25).

After receiving the game balls, the player operates the handle 510 (launching operation). When the handle 510 is operated, the game balls are launched into the game area of the managed game machine's game board. When the game balls enter the starting prize slot on the game board, the special symbol display unit 47 (see Figure 1) begins displaying the special symbols. If a game ball enters the starting prize slot while the special symbol display is running, the special symbol display based on that entry is suspended until a predetermined maximum number of entries (e.g., 4) are reached.

Furthermore, when a game ball passes through the starting gate of the game board, the display of the regular symbols begins. During this regular symbol display, if a regular winning symbol is displayed, the display result for the regular symbols becomes "Regular Win." On the other hand, if a regular symbol other than the regular winning symbol (a regular losing symbol) is displayed, the display result for the regular symbols becomes "Regular Loss." If a "Regular Win" occurs, an opening control is performed, keeping the so-called electric chute open for a predetermined period. Then, when a game ball enters the starting prize entry point formed in the electric chute, the special symbol display 47 (see Figure 1) begins displaying the special symbols. Note that if a game ball passes through the starting gate during the period when the regular symbol display is running, the regular symbol display based on that passage is held in reserve up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 4).

In the special symbol display, if a winning symbol stops, it's a "jackpot." If a different minor win symbol stops, it's a "minor win." If a losing symbol stops, it's a "miss."

After the special symbol display shows a "jackpot," the game is controlled to a jackpot game state, which is advantageous for the player. After the special symbol display shows a "minor win," the game is controlled to a minor win game state. In both the jackpot and minor win game states, the launch operation is performed by the player rotating the handle unit 510.

In a jackpot state, the large prize slot formed by the so-called "attacker" opens in a predetermined manner. This open state continues until either a predetermined period (e.g., 29 seconds) has elapsed, or the number of game balls entering the large prize slot reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 10 balls), whichever comes first. This cycle in which the large prize slot remains open is called a round (round game). In a jackpot state, the round can be repeated until a predetermined maximum number of rounds has been reached.

In a jackpot state, the player can win prize balls by getting the game balls into the large prize slot. Therefore, a jackpot state is advantageous for the player.

In the minor win state, the large prize slot formed by the attacker opens in a predetermined manner. This open state continues until either a predetermined period (e.g., 29 seconds) has elapsed, or the number of game balls entering the large prize slot reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 10 balls), whichever comes first. Only one round is playable in the minor win state.

Then, during a minor win, when a game ball that has entered the main prize slot passes through a specific area, the game is controlled to enter a major win state after the minor win state ends. At this point, the minor win state is considered the first round, and the major win state begins from the second round.

After a minor win state ends without being controlled to a major win state, the game state does not change, and the display result of the special symbol fluctuations continues to be controlled to the state before it became a "minor win."

On the other hand, if a game ball that enters the main prize slot passes through a non-specific area, the minor prize state ends without progressing to a big win state.

[Regarding the progression of effects in controlled gaming machines]
In the managed gaming machine 500, various effects are executed according to the progress of the game. These effects are performed by displaying various effect images on the liquid crystal display 42 (see Figure 1).

As a performance effect executed in accordance with the progress of the game, the "left," "center," and "right" performance symbol display areas on the LCD display 42 begin displaying performance symbols in response to the start of the special symbol variation display. In other words, the performance image variation display occurs in parallel with the special symbol variation display. Furthermore, at the timing when the display result (also called the confirmed special symbol) of the special symbol variation display is stopped, the confirmed performance symbol (a combination of three performance symbols) which is the display result of the performance symbol variation display, is also stopped and displayed.

During the period from the start to the end of the display of the animation symbols, the display pattern of the animation symbols may become a predetermined "reach" pattern. Here, a "reach" pattern refers to a state where, when the animation symbols displayed on the LCD screen 42 constitute part of a jackpot or minor win combination (described later), the animation symbols that have not yet been displayed continue to change.

Furthermore, a reach animation is executed in response to the above-mentioned reach pattern occurring during the display of the changing symbols. In the managed gaming machine 500, multiple types of reach animations are executed, each with different display results (display results of special symbol changes and display results of special symbol changes) resulting in either a "jackpot" (also called jackpot reliability or jackpot expectation) or a "minor win" (also called minor win reliability or minor win expectation). Reach animations include, for example, normal reaches and super reaches, which have a higher jackpot reliability than normal reaches.

When the display result of the special symbol variation is "Big Win," the LCD display 42 screen displays a predetermined combination of winning symbols as the result of the variation of the performance symbols (the display result of the variation of the performance symbols becomes "Big Win"). For example, identical performance symbols (e.g., "7") are aligned and stopped on predetermined active lines in the "Left," "Center," and "Right" performance symbol display areas.

When the display result of the special symbol variation is "minor win," the LCD display 42 screen displays a predetermined minor win combination of winning symbols (for example, "1 3 5") as the display result of the winning symbol variation (the display result of the winning symbol variation becomes "minor win"). For example, winning symbols constituting a chance combination are stopped and displayed on predetermined active lines in the "left," "center," and "right" winning symbol display areas.

If the display result of the special symbol variation is "miss," the variation display of the performance symbols may not become a reach pattern, and the display result of the performance symbol variation may show a confirmed performance symbol that is not a reach combination (also called "non-reach miss") (the display result of the performance symbol variation display is "non-reach miss"). Also, if the display result is "miss," the variation display of the performance symbols may become a reach pattern, and then the display result of the performance symbol variation display may show a confirmed performance symbol of a predetermined reach combination that is not a winning combination (also called "reach miss") (the display result of the performance symbol variation display is "reach miss").

The managed gaming machine 500 can perform various effects, including displaying hold indicators and displaying indicators during reel spins. Other effects, such as those that foreshadow the probability of a jackpot, are performed during the reel spin display. These foreshadowing effects include those that foreshadow the probability of a jackpot during the ongoing reel spin display, and those that foreshadow the probability of a jackpot during the reel spin display before execution (reserved reel spin display). As a pre-reading effect (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a pre-reading effect), an effect that changes the display mode of the reel spin display-compatible indicator (hold indicator or active indicator) to a mode different from the normal mode may be performed.

Furthermore, during a jackpot game, a jackpot-related animation is performed to indicate the jackpot state. This animation may include an animation that announces the number of rounds, or an upgrade animation that indicates an increase in the value of the jackpot state. Similarly, during a minor win, a minor win-related animation is performed to indicate the minor win state.

In this embodiment, when an error occurs, the type of error is displayed on the liquid crystal display 42.

[Operating principles of controlled gaming machines]
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the operating principle of the managed gaming machine. Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the lower inner frame unit 810, and Figure 8 shows a perspective view from the lower inner frame unit 810, with the ball passage 819 and rectifier 820 removed.

At the bottom of the managed gaming machine is the inner frame lower unit 810. Above the inner frame lower unit 810 is the out passage 811. The out passage 811 is a left-sloping passage, and downstream of the out passage 811 is the out switch 812 (see Figure 8). Game balls launched into the game area flow down the game area and enter either the prize entry point or the out exit point. In either case, they are guided to the out passage 811 and detected by the out switch 812. Game balls detected by the out switch 812 are released from the discharge port 813 into the ball tank 814 (see Figure 8).

As shown in Figure 8, the ball tank 814 includes a downward-sloping passage, and the game balls stored in the ball tank 814 are guided to a lifting unit 815 located downstream of the ball tank 814. The ball tank 814 is equipped with a ball overcapacity sensor 828 and a ball undercapacity sensor 829, which manage the number of circulating balls. In a managed gaming machine, several tens of balls (approximately 45 balls) are circulated. The game balls in the ball tank 814 can be removed by operating the ball removal lever L1, which reveals a path for removing the game balls to the outside.

The lifting unit 815 comprises a lifting motor 816, a screw conveyor 817, and a cleaning unit 818. When the lifting motor 816 operates, the screw conveyor 817 and the cleaning unit 818 rotate, allowing the game balls to be lifted from the bottom to the top while being polished. A polishing cloth for cleaning is positioned around the outer circumference of the cleaning unit 818. It is desirable to replace the polishing cloth periodically at the hall.

As shown in Figure 7, the game balls, lifted to the upper level by the lifting unit 815, enter the ball passage 819. The ball passage 819 is a downward-sloping passage, and a rectifier 820 is located downstream of the ball passage 819. A launching device 821 is located downstream (rear) of the rectifier 820, and the game balls are launched by the launching device 821. The launching device 821 may be a device that launches the game machine using a solenoid, or a device that launches the game machine using a motor. The ball passage 819 can detect the iron balls, and the rectifier 820 can perform a subtraction process for the number of game balls. It is preferable that the rectifier 820 has a structure that prevents the number of game balls from increasing or decreasing due to tampering such as hitting the machine.

A steel ball detection sensor 823 is located upstream of the ball passage 819, a magnet 825 is located midway through the ball passage 819, and a rectifier inlet sensor 826 is located downstream of the ball passage 819 (at the inlet of the rectifier 820). A rectifier outlet sensor 827 is located in the passage connecting the rectifier 820 and the launching device 821.

[Regarding the replenishment of game balls]
Game balls are replenished from the out passage 811. When the glass door is open, it is considered a replenishment, and detection by the out switch 812 and the foul ball sensor 822 is not performed. In Figure 8, arrow A indicates the path of foul balls (foul passage), and arrow B indicates the path of out balls (out passage). The foul ball sensor 822 is located at the downstream end of the foul ball path. The various sensors and switches may be those that detect the passage of game balls, proximity sensors, or photosensors (the same applies hereafter). The foul passage can be used to perform the foul ball counting process. It is preferable that the foul passage is configured so that no game balls remain in the launcher 821 at the end of the game.

[Regarding the trigger for the operation of the lifting motor]
The lifting motor 816 operates when the iron ball detection sensor 823 is off. The lifting outlet sensor 824 only monitors for ball jams. The trigger for the operation of the lifting motor 816 may be changed from the iron ball detection sensor 823 to the lifting outlet sensor 824.

[Regarding the launch]
When the number of game balls is 1 or more, the rectifier inlet sensor 826 is on, and the rectifier outlet sensor 827 is off, the rectifier solenoid 831 is turned on in accordance with the operation timing of the launch solenoid. The rectifier solenoid 831 can be controlled by software. By turning on the rectifier solenoid 831, game balls can be sent from the rectifier 820 to the launching device 821, and by turning on the launch solenoid, game balls can be launched from the launching device 821.

[Regarding the reduction of the number of game balls]
When the rectifier inlet sensor 826 turns off and the rectifier outlet sensor 827 turns on and then off, the number of game balls is reduced by 1.

[Regarding steel ball detection]
If a steel ball is mixed in, the circulation stops due to the magnet 825. If the game balls continue to be launched while the circulation has stopped, the rectifier inlet sensor 826 will no longer detect the game balls. If the rectifier inlet sensor 826 remains off and the steel ball detection sensor 823 remains on for a certain period of time (for example, 10 seconds), a steel ball detection error will occur.

[Regarding the addition of game balls]
When a foul ball occurs, it is detected by a foul ball sensor 822 positioned along the path of the foul ball. The game ball count is incremented by 1 at the moment the foul ball sensor 822 detects the foul ball (game ball). Since the game ball count is deducted when the ball is launched, the number of game balls that were not launched is added. The game ball count can be increased by communicating with a dedicated unit, and decreased by pressing the counting switch.

[Regarding the excessive number of pitches error]
If there are too many game balls in the managed gaming machine, the ball overload sensor 828 turns on, and if this continues for a certain period of time, a ball overload error occurs. The ball overload sensor 828 is located to the left of the ball tank 814 and below the discharge port 813.

[Regarding the error of under-counting pitches]
If the number of game balls in the managed gaming machine is low, the ball count low sensor 829 turns off, and if this continues for a certain period of time, a ball count low error occurs. The ball count low sensor 829 is located to the right of the ball tank 814 and downstream of the foul ball sensor 822.

[Regarding rotation detection errors]
If the lifting motor 816 is rotated but the rotation detection sensor 830 does not detect that it is ON, a rotation detection error occurs. In this case, a retry operation may be performed to rotate the lifting motor 816 again. If a rotation detection error occurs, the operation of the lifting motor 816 is stopped. The rotation detection sensor 830 is located below the screw conveyor 817.

[Regarding other errors]
Out-switch bulb jam: This error occurs when the out-switch 812 remains in the ON state for a certain period of time. In this case, the lifting motor 816 is stopped.

Foul ball sensor jam: This error occurs when the foul ball sensor 822 remains ON for a certain period of time.

Rectifier outlet sensor blockage: This error occurs when the rectifier outlet sensor 827 remains ON for a certain period of time.

Rectifier solenoid malfunction: This error occurs when the rectifier outlet sensor 827 fails to detect anything three times in a row after the rectifier solenoid 831 has been activated.

Errors that can be reset using the error reset switch include rotation detection errors and steel ball detection errors. However, these errors can be automatically reset when a game ball is detected by the rectifier inlet sensor 826. Other errors can be reset after a certain period of time has elapsed.

[Overall Block Diagram]
Figures 9 to 11 are block diagrams of managed gaming machines.

The power supply unit 570 is equipped with a main switch 310.

The frame control board 550 (managed gaming machine frame control board) is equipped with a 7-segment display 311 for showing the number of game balls, a ball removal switch 954, an error clear switch 956, a game ball clear switch 312, a RAM clear switch 304, a firing intensity volume 313, and a handle start rotation angle adjustment volume 314.

Furthermore, the frame control board 550 includes a central processing unit, which is a frame control CPU 550a, a ROM 550b, and a RAM (RWM) 550c. The frame control CPU 550a executes a program stored in the ROM 550b to control the functions of the managed gaming machine frame 590 (see Figure 6) (these processes realize the functions of the frame control board 550).

The frame control board 550 is connected to the following: a radio wave sensor 315 for the managed gaming machine frame, a front decoration release switch 316, a night monitoring device 448, a ball jam sensor 938, a prize winning sensor 555, a non-prize winning sensor 556, a handle volume 910, a launch stop switch 912, a touch sensor 914, a ball monitoring sensor 963, a launch entrance sensor 922, a subtraction sensor 920, a lift entrance sensor 934, a lift motor sensor board 929, a cassette switch 944, a polishing motor sensor 946, a polishing entrance sensor 952, an out switch 812, a ball overcount sensor 828, a ball undercount sensor 829, a rectifier entrance sensor 826, and a rectifier exit sensor 827.

These components transmit SW signals (switch signals) or VL signals (volume signals, connection confirmation power signals) to the frame control board 550.

Furthermore, the frame control board 550 is connected to a ball feeding solenoid 918, a launching solenoid 916, a lifting motor 932, a cassette motor 940, a polishing motor 942, a game ball count display device 520, a counting switch 530, a lifting motor 816, and a rectifier solenoid 831.

The frame control board 550 transmits solenoid control signals, motor control signals, and LED control signals to these components.

Furthermore, a counting switch 530 is connected to the frame control board 550. The counting switch 530 transmits an SW signal to the frame control board 550. The frame control board 550 then transmits an LED control signal to the counting switch 530.

Furthermore, a terminal board 554 for connecting to a game ball dispensing device is connected to the frame control board 550. The frame control board 550 and the terminal board 554 can send and receive encrypted control commands.

The frame control board 550 and the main control board 560 (managed gaming machine main control board) can send and receive encrypted control commands. The main control board 560 is connected to each prize sensor 555, a magnetic sensor 317, and a radio wave sensor 318.

These components transmit SW signals to the main control board 560.

The main control board 560 transmits control commands to the performance control board 900.

Furthermore, the main control board 560 includes a central processing unit, the main control CPU 560a, ROM 560b, and RAM (RWM) 560c. The main control CPU 560a executes the program stored in ROM 560b to control the progress of the game (processing that realizes the functions of the main control board 560).

Furthermore, the performance control board 900 includes a central processing unit, the performance control CPU 900a, ROM 900b, and RAM (RWM) 900c. The performance control CPU 900a executes a program stored in ROM 560b to control the execution of the performance (processing that realizes the functions of the performance control board 900).

The performance control board 900 is connected to a light intensity/volume adjustment board 319, a menu switch 540, and a sensor 321 for the game control panel's performance. These components transmit SW signals to the performance control board 900. Furthermore, the performance control board 900 is connected to a liquid crystal display 42 for the game control panel. The performance control board 900 transmits LED control signals to the liquid crystal display 42 for the game control panel.

The performance control board 900 is connected to the LED board 322 for managing the gaming machine frame's performance. The performance control board 900 transmits LED signals to the LED board 322 for managing the gaming machine frame's performance.

The speaker 518 is connected to the performance control board 900. The performance control board 900 transmits an audio output signal to the speaker 518.

The performance control board 900 is connected to the LED board 323 for the managed gaming machine's game board display. The performance control board 900 transmits LED signals to the LED board 323 for the managed gaming machine's game board display.

The performance control board 900 is connected to the actuator 324 for the game control panel of the managed gaming machine. The performance control board 900 transmits actuator control signals to the actuator 324 for the game control panel of the managed gaming machine.

The main control board 560 is connected to the standard electric prize solenoid 88 and the large prize slot solenoids 87 and 90. The main control board 560 transmits solenoid control signals to these components.

The main control board 560 is connected to the main display/prize display board 325 and the special symbol display unit 47. The main control board 560 transmits LED control signals to the special symbol display unit 47 and the main display/prize display board 325.

A dedicated unit 700 is connected to the terminal board 554 for the gaming ball dispensing device. The terminal board 554 and the dedicated unit 700 can send and receive encrypted control commands.

The main power supply is provided from the power supply unit 570 to the frame control board 550 and the performance control board 900. The main power supply is also provided from the frame control board 550 to the main control board 560.

[List of errors managed by the controlled gaming machine]
Figures 12 and 13 show a list of frame control errors managed by the managed gaming machine 500. When each error occurs, an error command corresponding to that error is sent from the frame control board 550 to the main control board 560. Therefore, the types of errors shown in the error list can also be said to be the types of error commands. When all errors are cleared while errors are occurring, a command indicating that no frame control errors have occurred is sent to the main control board 56 (see Figure 12). In this embodiment, since frame control errors involve malfunctions, error clearing based on time is not performed.

The "Error Display Monitor" indicates the content of the error code displayed on the error display monitor 521 located on the managed gaming machine frame 590. When an error occurs, the error code is displayed on the error display monitor 521.

"Lifting motor stop," "Rectifier solenoid stop," and "Launch motor stop (*4)" indicate that these devices will be stopped when marked with a circle (〇). "Launch motor" is used as a substitute for "Launch solenoid." "Launch motor" may also be replaced with "Launch solenoid."

"Only after main control communication" indicates that the error occurs after communication with the main control unit has ended, as indicated by the circle (〇).

"Effective when ball is removed" indicates that the error occurs only when the ball is removed, as indicated by the circle (〇).

"Removal Method (*6)" indicates how to clear the error.

The "priority" setting indicates the priority of errors. If multiple errors occur simultaneously, only the error with the highest priority will be reported.

The "sub-notification" indicates an error that will be notified by the performance control device (in this embodiment, the liquid crystal display 42) when a circle (〇) is present.

"Occurrence Conditions" indicates the conditions under which an error occurs.

The following explains the details of each error. Note that the error types and priority levels shown in the error list are stored in the RAM 550c of the frame control board 550, the RAM 560c of the main control board 560, and the RAM 900c of the performance control board 900.

The error types and priority levels shown in the error list are stored in the RAM 550c of the frame control board 550, the RAM 560c of the main control board 560, and the RAM 900c of the performance control board 900.

[Insufficient pitch count error]
Error display monitor: H01
Deactivation method: Automatic recovery Priority: 17 (*8)
Sub-notification: ○
Conditions for occurrence: Ball count low sensor is turned off for 10 seconds. Type of error command: Ball count low error command.

[Excessive pitch count error]
Error display monitor: H02
Deactivation method: Automatic recovery Priority: 16 (*8)
Sub-notification: ○
Conditions for occurrence: Ball count excess sensor is detected as ON for 10 seconds. Error command type: Ball count excess error command.

[Rectifier solenoid malfunction]
Error display monitor: H03
Lifting motor stopped: (*1)
Effective when the ball is removed: ○
How to release: Release button (error release switch)
Priority: 9
Sub-notification: ○
Conditions for occurrence: The rectifier solenoid was activated, but the rectifier outlet sensor failed to turn on three consecutive times. Error command type: Rectifier solenoid malfunction command

[Rotation detection error]
Error display monitor: H04
Lifting motor stopped: ○ Effective when ball is removed: ○
How to undo: Undo button Priority: 8
Sub-notification: ○
Occurrence conditions: When the lifting motor is rotated but the rotation detection sensor does not detect the game ball. Error command type: Rotation detection error command

[Rectifier outlet sensor clogged]
Error display monitor: H05
Lifting motor stopped: (*1)
Rectifier solenoid stopped: ○
Disable method: Automatic recovery Priority: 12
Sub-notification: ○
Occurrence conditions: Game balls are detected to be stuck at the rectifier outlet sensor for 100ms. Error command type: Rectifier outlet sensor blockage command.

[Foul ball sensor jammed]
Error display monitor: H06
Lifting motor stopped: (*2)
Disable method: Automatic recovery Priority: 13
Sub-notification: ○
Occurrence conditions: Game ball retention detected by foul ball sensor for 250ms. Error command type: Foul ball sensor jam command.

[Out-switch bulb jammed]
Error display monitor: H07
Lifting motor stopped: ○
Disable method: Automatic recovery Priority: 11
Sub-notification: ○
Occurrence conditions: Ball jam detected at the out switch for 100ms. Error command type: Out switch ball jam command.

[Proximity sensor malfunction]
Error display monitor: H08
Lifting motor stopped: ○
Disable method: Automatic recovery Priority: 10
Sub-notification: ○
Conditions for occurrence: Out-of-line switch disconnection detected within 100ms. Error command type: Proximity sensor malfunction command.

[Master command permission signal error]
Error display monitor: H09
Disable method: Automatic recovery Priority: 14
Occurrence conditions: Detection of the main control command enable signal being off for a predetermined period of time. Error command type: Main command enable signal error command.

[Dedicated unit communication error]
Error display monitor: H10
Only after main control communication: ○
Disable method: Automatic recovery Priority: 3
Sub-notification: ○
Occurrence conditions: When an abnormality occurs in communication with the dedicated unit. Error command type: Dedicated unit communication error command

[Main control communication error]
Error display monitor: H11
Only after main control communication: ○
How to undo: Undo button Priority: 4
Occurrence conditions: When an abnormality occurs in communication with the main control unit. Error command type: Main control unit communication error command.

[Manufacturer code mismatch error]
Error display monitor: H12
Only after main control communication: ○
Disable method: Automatic recovery Priority: 2
Occurrence Condition: When the manufacturer code of the main control and the manufacturer code of the frame control do not match. Error Command Type: Manufacturer Code Mismatch Error Command

[Dedicated unit VL signal error]
Error display monitor: H13
Rectifier solenoid stopped: ○
Launch motor stopped: ○
Disable method: Automatic recovery Priority: 15
Sub-notification: ○
Occurrence conditions: Predetermined conditions (for example, when the VL signal cannot be detected)
Error command type: Dedicated unit VL signal error command

[Backup error]
Error display monitor: H14
Lifting motor stopped: ○ Rectifier solenoid stopped: ○
Launch motor stopped: ○
Release method: Power on again Priority: 1
Sub-notification: ○
Occurrence conditions: Checksum anomaly Error command type: Backup anomaly command

[RWM (RAM) abnormality]
Lifting motor stopped: ○ Rectifier solenoid stopped: ○
Launch motor stopped: ○
How to disable: None (*5)
Conditions for occurrence: CPU malfunction (no notification or display)
Error command type: RWM (RAM) error command

[Glass door open]
Error display monitor: H64 (*3)
Rectifier solenoid stopped: ○
Disable method: Automatic recovery Priority: 19
Sub-report: (*7)
Occurrence conditions: Glass frame signal detected ON for 100ms. Error command type: Glass door open command.

[Open main frame]
Error display monitor: H65 (*3)
Disable method: Automatic recovery Priority: 18
Sub-report: (*7)
Conditions for occurrence: Detection of the main frame signal being ON for 100ms. Error command type: Main frame release command.

[Illegal radio wave detection error]
Error display monitor: H66 (*3)
How to undo: Undo button Priority: 5
Sub-notification: ○
Occurrence conditions: Radio wave sensor detected as ON for 100ms. Error command type: Illegal radio wave detection error command.

[Abnormal prize balls]
Error display monitor: H69 (*3)
How to undo: Undo button Priority: 7
Sub-notification: ○
Conditions for occurrence: There is a difference of 100 or more balls between the number of shots fired and the number of out switches detected. Type of error command: Prize ball abnormality command

[Steel ball detection error]
Error display monitor: H73 (*3)
Lifting motor stopped: (*1)
How to undo: Undo button Priority: 6
Sub-notification: ○
Occurrence conditions: Rectifier inlet sensor is OFF and iron ball detection sensor is ON for 10 seconds. Error command type: Iron ball detection error command

[Ball removal in progress]
Error display monitor: One hyphen (-)
Deactivation method: Power cycle. Sub-notification: ○
Conditions for occurrence: When the number of game balls is 0 and the power is turned on while the ball removal button is pressed. Error command type: Ball removal command

[Preparing to start]
Error display monitor: All blinking, all lit, or six hyphens (-)
Method to resolve: Main control switch. Condition for occurrence: No command received from main control. Type of error command: Startup preparation command.

(*1) No circulation stop will occur due to errors between the lifting motor and the rectifier outlet (because the lifting motor stops when the iron ball detection sensor is turned on).
(*2) Replenishing game balls from the foul passage will cause the foul ball sensor to jam,
No circulating system will be stopped.
(*3) The values from "01H" to "63H" can be freely changed.
(*4) The launch motor will not stop.
(*5) Cannot be deactivated.
(*6) In the case of automatic recovery, the recovery period is the same as the time it was triggered, and it is canceled when the reverse condition occurs.
(*7) Since the same signal is also input to the main control, it can be notified via the main control.
(*8) The ball count overload error has a higher priority than the ball count underload error. If the ball count underload sensor is disconnected, a ball count underload error occurs, and if more game balls are added, a ball count overload error occurs, and the ball count overload error code is displayed.

The error type and detection timer duration can be changed as needed. Note that the managed gaming machine does not have an external terminal board. Therefore, external signals are output from a dedicated unit to the hall computer.
For errors that do not have a "priority" listed, you can set the priority as follows:
RWM failures can be given higher priority than backup failures.
While the ball is removed, the priority can be set lower than backup errors and higher than manufacturer code mismatch errors.
During startup preparation, the priority can be lower than during ball removal preparation, but higher than the manufacturer code mismatch error.

[Error-causing command transmission process]
Next, the error command transmission process executed by the frame control CPU 550a will be explained using Figure 14. The error command transmission process is the process by which the frame control CPU 550a sends an error command to the main control CPU 560a when an error occurs in the managed gaming machine frame 590. This error command transmission process is executed, for example, within a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) not shown. The frame control CPU 550a generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt period (for example, a period of several tens of microseconds to several milliseconds) and executes the timer interrupt process. This process is executed for errors that are subject to sub-notification in Figure 13.

Step S1000: In the error command transmission process, the frame control CPU 550a first checks whether an error has occurred. If no error has occurred (Step S1000: No), the process terminates. If an error has occurred (Step S1000: Yes), S1002 is executed.

Step S1002: The frame control CPU 550a checks whether other errors have occurred. If other errors have occurred (Step S1002: Yes), S1004 is executed. On the other hand, if no other errors have occurred (Step S1002: No), S1008 is executed.

Step S1004: The frame control CPU 550a checks whether the priority of the newly occurring error is higher than the priority of the currently occurring error (see Figure 13). If the priority of the newly occurring error is higher than the priority of the currently occurring error (Step S1004: Yes), S1006 is executed. On the other hand, if the priority of the newly occurring error is not higher than the priority of the currently occurring error, that is, if the priority of the newly occurring error is lower than the priority of the currently occurring error (Step S1004: No), the process terminates.

Step S1006: The frame control CPU 550a sends an error command for the highest priority of the newly occurring errors to the main control CPU 560a and terminates processing. The main control CPU 560a then sends the received error command to the performance control CPU 900a.

Step S1008: The frame control CPU 550a sends an error command for the error that occurred to the main control CPU 560a and terminates processing. The main control CPU 560a then sends the received error command to the performance control CPU 900a.

[Error Clearing Command Sending Process]
Next, the error clearing command transmission process executed by the frame control CPU 550a will be explained using Figure 15. The error clearing command transmission process is the process by which the frame control CPU 550a sends a command equivalent to the error clearing command to the main control CPU 560a when an error that occurred in the managed gaming machine frame 590 is cleared. This error clearing command transmission process is executed, for example, within a timer interrupt process (interrupt management process) which is not shown. This process is executed for errors that are subject to sub-notification in Figure 13.

Step S1100: In the error clearing command transmission process, the frame control CPU 550a first checks whether the error has been cleared. If the error has not been cleared (Step S1100: No), the process terminates. If the error has been cleared (Step S1100: Yes), S1102 is executed.

Step S1102: The frame control CPU 550a checks whether other errors have occurred. If other errors have occurred (Step S1102: Yes), S1104 is executed. On the other hand, if no other errors have occurred (Step S1102: No), S1108 is executed.

Step S1104: The frame control CPU 550a checks whether the priority of the cleared error is higher than the priority of the currently occurring error (see Figure 13). If the priority of the cleared error is higher than the priority of the currently occurring error (Step S1104: Yes), S1006 is executed. On the other hand, if the priority of the cleared error is not higher than the priority of the currently occurring error, that is, if the priority of the cleared error is lower than the priority of the currently occurring error (Step S1104: No), the process terminates.

Step S1106: The frame control CPU 550a sends the error command for the highest priority error among the currently occurring errors to the main control CPU 560a and terminates processing. The main control CPU 560a then sends the received error command to the performance control CPU 900a.

Step S1008: The frame control CPU 550a sends a command indicating no frame control errors occurred (see Figure 12) to the main control CPU 560a and terminates processing. The main control CPU 560a then sends the received command indicating no frame control errors to the performance control CPU 900a.

[Performance control processing]
Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the performance control processing executed by the performance control CPU 900a. This performance control processing is executed within a timer interrupt processing (interrupt management processing), separate from, for example, the reset start (main) processing which is not shown. The performance control CPU 900a generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interrupt period (for example, a period of several tens of microseconds to several milliseconds) during the execution of the reset start processing and executes the timer interrupt processing.

The performance control processing consists of a group of subroutines including command reception processing (step S400), operation memory performance management processing (step S401), performance symbol management processing (step S402), error notification management processing (step S403), ball count reduction notification management processing (step S404), display output processing (step S405), lamp drive processing (step S406), sound output processing (step S408), performance random number update processing (step S410), and other processing (step S412). The basic flow of the performance control processing will be explained below according to each process.

Step S400: In the command reception process, the performance control CPU 900a receives performance commands transmitted from the main control CPU 560a. The performance control CPU 900a also analyzes the received commands and stores them by type in the command buffer area of RAM 130.

Furthermore, the commands for effects transmitted from the main control CPU 560a include, for example, an effect command when the number of (special symbols, normal symbols) operational memory (i.e., the number of held memory) increases, an effect command when the number of (special symbols, normal symbols) operational memory decreases, a start-entry sound control command indicating that a prize has entered the start-entry slot, a demo effect command indicating that the game has transitioned to demo mode, a lottery result command indicating the result of the internal lottery or normal symbol lottery, a variation pattern command indicating the variation pattern, a variation start command indicating that the special symbols or normal symbols have started to vary, and a stop symbol command indicating the stop symbol of the special symbols or normal symbols. Commands include: a symbol stop command indicating when special or regular symbols stop after variation; a state specification command indicating the game state; a round number command indicating the number of rounds in a jackpot; a launch position specification command; an error command indicating the occurrence and type of error; a jackpot ending animation command indicating the performance of the ending period at the end of a jackpot; a count counter value command indicating the remaining number of time-saving rounds; a variation pattern determination command indicating the result of the variation pattern judgment of the held variation display; and a stop display time end command indicating that the stop display time at the end of the symbol variation has ended.

Step S401: In the operation memory effect management process, the effect control CPU 900a controls the execution of the memory count display effect and the pre-announcement effect using the hold display M1 and M2.

Step S402: In the performance symbol management process, the performance control CPU 900a controls the content of the variable display and stop display effects using the performance symbols, and controls the content of the effects when the variable prize winning device 30 opens and closes. In this process, the performance control CPU 900a also sets the display mode of the performance symbols to the initial setting (material setting means) and changes the initial setting (material setting change means). Furthermore, in this process, the performance control CPU 900a selects the performance patterns for various pre-announcement effects (pre-reach announcement effect, post-reach announcement effect, etc.).

Step S403: In the error notification-related processing, the performance control CPU 900a executes error notification when it receives an error command from the main control CPU 560a. At this time, if multiple errors occur simultaneously, it executes the error notification for the error with the highest priority. Furthermore, it terminates error notification when it receives an error command for an error with a lower priority than the currently occurring error, or when it receives a command indicating that no control errors have occurred in any frame.

Step S404: In the ball count reduction notification management process, the performance control CPU 900a, upon receiving a ball count reduction command (described later) from the main control CPU 560a, executes a ball count reduction notification to inform the player that the number of game balls they possess is a predetermined number (30 or less in this example). The ball count reduction notification includes a ball count reduction notification sound output from speaker 518 and a ball count reduction notification image displayed on the liquid crystal display 42. The ball count reduction notification sound is output only once (for example, about 1 second), but the ball count reduction notification image is removed after 30 seconds.

Step S405: In the display output processing, the performance control CPU 900a instructs the liquid crystal display 42 to provide basic control information for the performance content (for example, the number of operation memories for the first and second special symbols, the operation memory performance pattern number, the pre-announcement performance pattern number, the variation performance pattern number, the variation announcement performance number, the background pattern number, etc.). Based on this, the liquid crystal display 42 performs display operations according to the instructed performance content. Furthermore, the performance control CPU 900a also causes the liquid crystal display 42 to perform display operations based on error notification and ball count reduction notification execution data when these are set in or cleared from RAM 900c.

Step S406: In the lamp driving process, the performance control CPU 900a outputs a control signal to the lamp driving circuit 132. In response, the lamp driving circuit 132 drives various lamps and panel lamps (on or off, blinking, brightness gradation changes, etc.) based on the control signal.

Step S408: In the next sound output process, the performance control CPU 900a instructs the sound drive circuit 134 on the performance content (e.g., background music and audio data during variable display performances, reach performances, mode transition performances, and jackpot performances). As a result, sound corresponding to the performance content is output from the speaker 518. Furthermore, if execution data for error notification or ball count reduction notification is set in the RAM 900c, the performance control CPU 900a also outputs sound from the speaker 518 based on these processes.

Step S410: In the performance random number update process, the performance control CPU 900a updates various performance random numbers in the counter area of RAM 900c. These performance random numbers include, for example, random numbers used for preview selection and random numbers used for normal background change lottery (performance lottery).

Step S412: In other processes, for example, the performance control CPU 900a outputs a control signal to the IC for driving the movable parts used for performance. The movable parts for performance operate using the corresponding solenoid as a driving source and perform performances in synchronization with the display of images on the liquid crystal display 42, or independently.

Through the above-described performance control processing, the performance control CPU 900a can comprehensively control the performance content of the managed gaming machine 500. Next, the content of the performance symbol management processing executed within the performance control processing will be explained.

[Error notification management process]
Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the error notification management process procedure executed in step S403 of the performance control process shown in Figure 16. The contents will be explained below in accordance with this example procedure.

Step S4000: First, the performance control CPU 900a checks whether it has received an error command (see Figures 14 and 18) from the main control CPU 560a. Specifically, the performance control CPU 900a accesses the command buffer area of RAM 130 to check whether the error command is stored there. If it is confirmed that the error command is stored (Step S4000: Yes), the performance control CPU 900a executes Step S4002. If it is not confirmed that the error command is stored (Step S4000: No), the performance control CPU 900a executes Step S4004.

Step S4002: The performance control CPU 900a sets the execution data for the error notification corresponding to the type of error command received into the RAM 900c. This causes the error notification corresponding to the execution data to be executed in steps S405, S406, and S407 of Figure 16. If the execution data for the error notification is already set, it is overwritten. Therefore, the currently executing error notification switches to the newly overwritten error notification. Specifically, it switches from a higher-priority error notification to a lower-priority error notification (see Figure 18).

Step S4004: The performance control CPU 900a checks whether it has received a command indicating no control errors in all frames (see Figures 14 and 18). If it has received a command indicating no control errors in all frames (Step S4004: Yes), the performance control CPU 900a executes Step S4006. On the other hand, if it has not received a command indicating no control errors in all frames (Step S4004: No), it terminates the process.

Step S4006: If the performance control CPU 900a receives a command from the main control CPU 560a indicating that no control errors have occurred in all frames, it clears the error notification execution data set in RAM 900c and terminates processing.

Upon completion of the above steps, the performance control CPU 900a returns to the performance control processing (Figure 16).

[Specific example from the start to the end of error notification]
Figures 18 to 20 are sequence diagrams showing the process from the start to the end of error notification. Figures 18 to 20 show examples with different error occurrence patterns. Note that this process is executed for errors that are the subject of sub-notification in Figure 13.

Figure 18 shows an example where only an illegal radio wave detection error occurred.

As shown in Figure 18, for example, suppose an unauthorized radio wave detection error with a priority of "5" occurs (see Figure 13).

F1001: In this case, the frame control board 550 transmits an unauthorized radio wave detection error command to the main control board 560 (see Figure 14).

F1002: When the main control board 560 receives an unauthorized radio wave detection error command from the frame control board 550, it transmits an unauthorized radio wave detection error command to the performance control board 900.

When the performance control board 900 receives an illegal radio wave detection error command, it executes an illegal radio wave detection error notification that identifies the error as such (see Figure 17).

Let's assume the illegal radio wave detection error has now been cleared.

F1003: In this case, the frame control board 550 sends a command to the main control board 560 indicating that no frame control errors have occurred (see Figure 15).

F1004: When the main control board 560 receives a command indicating no frame control errors from the frame control board 550, it sends a command indicating no frame control errors to the performance control board 900.

The performance control board 900 terminates the notification of the unauthorized radio wave detection error when it receives a command indicating that no control errors have occurred in all frames (see Figure 17).

Figure 19 shows an example where an illegal radio wave detection error occurred, followed by a prize ball anomaly error, and then a steel ball detection error.

As shown in Figure 19, for example, suppose an unauthorized radio wave detection error with a priority of "5" occurs (see Figure 13).

F1101: In this case, the frame control board 550 transmits an unauthorized radio wave detection error command to the main control board 560 (see Figure 14).

F1102: When the main control board 560 receives an unauthorized radio wave detection error command from the frame control board 550, it transmits an unauthorized radio wave detection error command to the performance control board 900.

When the performance control board 900 receives an illegal radio wave detection error command, it executes an illegal radio wave detection error notification that identifies the error as such (see Figure 17).

Next, let's assume, for example, that a prize ball anomaly error with a priority of "7" occurs (see Figure 13). In this case, since the high-priority illegal radio wave detection error notification is being executed, the frame control board 550 does not send an error command to the main control board 560 (see Figure 14). Therefore, the performance control board 900 continues to execute the illegal radio wave detection error notification.

Next, let's assume, for example, that a steel ball detection error with priority "6" occurs (see Figure 13). In this case, since the frame control board 550 is executing a high-priority illegal radio wave detection error notification, it does not send an error command to the main control board 560 (see Figure 14). Therefore, the performance control board 900 continues to execute the illegal radio wave detection error notification.

Let's assume the illegal radio wave detection error has now been cleared.

F1103: In this case, the frame control board 550 transmits an error command to the main control board 560 corresponding to the higher-priority error among the prize ball abnormality error and the iron ball detection error, which have lower priority than the illegal radio wave detection error (see Figure 15). Specifically, the frame control board 550 transmits an iron ball detection error command to the main control board 560.

F1104: When the main control board 560 receives a steel ball detection error command from the frame control board 550, it transmits a steel ball detection error command to the performance control board 900.

When the performance control board 900 receives a steel ball detection error command, it terminates the notification of the unauthorized radio wave detection error and starts a notification of a steel ball detection error that can be identified as a steel ball detection error (see Figure 17).

And let's assume the iron ball detection error has been cleared.

F1105: In this case, the frame control board 550 sends a prize ball abnormality error command to the main control board 560, which corresponds to a prize ball abnormality error with a lower priority than the iron ball detection error (see Figure 15).

F1106: When the main control board 560 receives a prize ball abnormality error command from the frame control board 550, it transmits the prize ball abnormality error command to the performance control board 900.

When the performance control board 900 receives a prize ball abnormality error command, it terminates the steel ball detection error notification and starts a prize ball abnormality error notification that identifies it as a prize ball abnormality error (see Figure 17).

And let's assume the error regarding the prize ball's entry has been cleared.

F1107: In this case, the frame control board 550 sends a command to the main control board 560 indicating that no frame control errors have occurred (see Figure 15).

F1108: Upon receiving a command indicating no frame control errors from the frame control board 550, the main control board 560 transmits the same command to the performance control board 900.

The performance control board 900 terminates the notification of an abnormal ball entry error when it receives a command indicating that no control errors have occurred in all frames (see Figure 17).

Figure 20 shows an example where a steel ball detection error occurred, followed by an unauthorized radio wave detection error, and then a prize ball abnormality error.

As shown in Figure 20, for example, suppose a steel ball detection error with a priority of "7" occurs (see Figure 13).

F1201: In this case, the frame control board 550 sends a steel ball detection error command to the main control board 560 (see Figure 14).

F1202: When the main control board 560 receives a steel ball detection error command from the frame control board 550, it transmits a steel ball detection error command to the performance control board 900.

When the performance control board 900 receives a steel ball detection error command, it executes a steel ball detection error notification that identifies the error as a steel ball detection error (see Figure 17).

Next, let's assume, for example, that an unauthorized radio wave detection error with a priority of "5" occurs (see Figure 13).

F1203: In this case, since the iron ball detection error notification, which has a lower priority than the illegal radio wave detection error, is being executed, the frame control board 550 sends an illegal radio wave detection error command to the main control board 560 (see Figure 14).

F1204: When the main control board 560 receives an unauthorized radio wave detection error command from the frame control board 550, it transmits an unauthorized radio wave detection error command to the performance control board 900.

When the performance control board 900 receives an illegal radio wave detection error command, it terminates the steel ball detection error notification and simultaneously executes an illegal radio wave detection error notification that identifies the error as an illegal radio wave detection error (see Figure 17).

Next, let's assume, for example, that a prize ball abnormality error with a priority of "7" occurs (see Figure 13). In this case, since the high-priority fraudulent radio wave detection error notification is being executed, the frame control board 550 does not send an error command to the main control board 560 (see Figure 14). Therefore, the performance control board 900 continues to execute the prize ball abnormality error notification.

Let's assume the illegal radio wave detection error has now been cleared.

F1205: In this case, the frame control board 550 transmits an error command to the main control board 560 corresponding to the higher-priority error among the prize ball abnormality error and the iron ball detection error, which have lower priority than the illegal radio wave detection error (see Figure 15). Specifically, the frame control board 550 transmits an iron ball detection error command to the main control board 560.

F1206: When the main control board 560 receives a steel ball detection error command from the frame control board 550, it transmits a steel ball detection error command to the performance control board 900.

When the performance control board 900 receives a steel ball detection error command, it terminates the notification of the unauthorized radio wave detection error and starts a notification of a steel ball detection error that can be identified as a steel ball detection error (see Figure 17).

And let's assume the iron ball detection error has been cleared.

F1207: In this case, the frame control board 550 sends a prize ball abnormality error command to the main control board 560, which corresponds to a prize ball abnormality error with a lower priority than the iron ball detection error (see Figure 15).

F1208: When the main control board 560 receives a prize ball abnormality error command from the frame control board 550, it transmits the prize ball abnormality error command to the performance control board 900.

When the performance control board 900 receives a prize ball abnormality error command, it terminates the steel ball detection error notification and starts a prize ball abnormality error notification that identifies it as a prize ball abnormality error (see Figure 17).

And let's assume the error regarding the prize ball's entry has been cleared.

F1209: In this case, the frame control board 550 sends a command to the main control board 560 indicating that no frame control errors have occurred (see Figure 15).

F1210: When the main control board 560 receives a command indicating no frame control errors from the frame control board 550, it sends a command indicating no frame control errors to the performance control board 900.

The performance control board 900 terminates the notification of an abnormal ball entry error when it receives a command indicating that no control errors have occurred in all frames (see Figure 17).

Conventionally, in the case of errors detected by the frame control board 550 of a managed gaming machine, an error command was provided for each error, and errors were detected via interrupt processing, with error commands being sent according to priority. However, due to limitations in the board's capacity, for example, it was sometimes impossible to determine which errors had been cleared, and only one type of error clear command (in this example, a command indicating that no frame control errors had occurred) could be provided. Therefore, it was sometimes impossible to terminate the error notification for each cleared error. However, in this embodiment, error notification is performed according to the error priority, and when an error command with a lower priority than the currently notified error is sent, the currently notified error notification is terminated, and the lower-priority error notification is sent. As a result, it is possible to perform error notification for each error and terminate the error notification without providing an error clear command for each error.

In this embodiment, the error notification is canceled upon receiving a command indicating no control errors have occurred for all frames, or upon receiving an error command corresponding to a low-priority error. However, it is also possible to add a configuration that terminates the error notification at a different trigger than in this embodiment, for example, by terminating the error notification when power is restored if the error is canceled during a power outage.

Furthermore, regarding error notification, in this embodiment, the liquid crystal display 42 is used for error notification. However, the method of error notification can be appropriately set, for example, by outputting an error sound from the speaker 518, lighting an LED in a color corresponding to the type of error, or by combining these methods as appropriate.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the frame control board 550 transmits error commands and commands indicating no frame control errors to the main control board 560. However, the main control board 560 may also be configured to check whether the frame control board 550 has detected an error or resolved an error, and then transmit error commands or commands indicating no frame control errors to the performance control board 900 only if the main control board 560 confirms that an error has occurred or been resolved.

Next, we will explain the ball count reduction notification. Figure 21 is a sequence diagram showing the ball count reduction notification from start to finish.

As shown in Figure 21, let's assume that the ball dispensing display section A1 (see Figure 2) on the dedicated unit 700 is touched. Touching the ball dispensing display section A1 allows the player to receive 125 game balls.

F1301: In this case, the dedicated unit 700 sends a loan notification command to the frame control board 550.

F1302: Upon receiving a loan notification command from the dedicated unit 700, the frame control board 550 sends a loan occurrence command to the main control board 560, which allows the player to identify that they have received a loan of game balls.

F1303: Upon receiving a loan command, the main control board 560 sends a loan command to the performance control board 900.

The frame control board 550 then displays the number of game balls held by the player, which can be identified from the game ball count display device 520. At this time, since the player has been lent 125 game balls, the display will show 125 game balls, allowing for identification.

F1304: Each time a game is played and a game ball is launched, the frame control board 550 decreases the number of balls displayed on the ball count indicator and sends a ball count information command to the main control board 560. Therefore, the main control board 560 can determine the number of balls the player has.

F1305: When the player's remaining balls decrease to 30 and the ball count display shows 30, the main control board 560 sends a ball reduction command to the performance control board 900.

In response, the performance control board 900 sets the execution data for the ball count reduction notification, thereby executing a ball count reduction notification that can identify when the number of balls has fallen to 30 or less (see Figure 22). Specifically, it displays a ball count reduction notification image on the liquid crystal display 42 and outputs a ball count reduction notification sound from the speaker 518.

The ball count reduction notification sound ends after about one second, but the ball count reduction notification image continues to be displayed even after the sound has finished. Furthermore, the ball count reduction notification image stops displaying after 30 seconds. Therefore, when the ball count reduction notification image is displayed, the performance control board 900 starts a 30-second countdown using a timer that counts the display time of the ball count reduction notification image (see Figure 22).

For example, when a player's remaining balls reach 10, the ball dispensing display section A1 (see Figure 2) on the dedicated unit 700 is touched. Touching the ball dispensing display section A1 allows the player to receive an additional 125 game balls.

F1306: The dedicated unit 700 then sends a loan notification command to the frame control board 550.

F1307: Upon receiving a loan notification command from the dedicated unit 700, the frame control board 550 sends a loan occurrence command to the main control board 560, which allows the player to identify that they have received a loan of game balls.

F1308: Upon receiving a loan command, the main control board 560 transmits a loan command to the performance control board 900.

Upon receiving a loan command, the performance control board 900 clears the execution data for the ball count reduction notification, thereby ending the display of the ball count reduction image (see Figure 22).

The frame control board 550 then displays the number of game balls held by the player, as determined by the game ball count display device 520. At this time, since the player has 10 remaining game balls and has been lent 125 game balls, the display will show 135 game balls, allowing for a precise identification of the player's remaining ball count.

F1309: Each time a game is played and a game ball is launched, the frame control board 550 decreases the number of balls displayed on the ball count indicator and sends a ball count information command to the main control board 560.

F1310: When the player's remaining balls decrease to 30 and the ball count display shows 30, the main control board 560 sends a ball reduction command to the performance control board 900.

In response, the performance control board 900 executes a notification of the decrease in the number of balls held, as described above.

Then, suppose 30 seconds have passed without the player receiving any new game balls. In this case, the performance control board 900 clears the execution data for the ball count reduction notification, thereby erasing the ball count reduction notification image (see Figure 22).

Furthermore, the time until the ball count reduction notification image is dismissed (30 seconds in this example) is set to be longer than the time it takes to dismiss all remaining game balls that have not been launched into the game area when the ball count reduction image was displayed, i.e., the remaining balls (30 in this example), and to dismiss the launched game balls from the game board of the management game machine. In other words, it is set to be longer than the time until the remaining game balls can be used. Therefore, the display of the ball count reduction image continues even after all the balls have been launched and the ball count has reached "0". This ensures that the player is reliably notified that their ball count has decreased until all the balls are gone.

In conventional pachinko machines, players could visually check the number of game balls in the ball tray and receive additional balls at any time they wished. However, in sealed-type managed gaming machines where game balls circulate within the machine, there is no tray. Therefore, if a player is not familiar with the display on the game ball count display device 520, they may forget to check their remaining balls and run out without realizing it. Furthermore, with the recent increase in players using smartphones while playing, a user-friendly function for such players is desirable. For these reasons, it is necessary to clearly notify players when their ball count decreases.

Therefore, in this embodiment, in a sealed-type managed gaming machine where game balls circulate within the machine, a notification is issued when the player's remaining balls reach 30. This prevents situations where the player is unable to continue playing, such as by unknowingly running out of balls and engaging in so-called "empty shots." This prevents situations where the game ball supply is interrupted, such as when a jackpot occurs, causing disadvantage to the player.

Furthermore, if a player receives additional game balls only after their current ball count has run out, a time lag may occur, potentially interrupting gameplay. However, by providing a notification of decreasing ball count, replenishment can be performed before the player runs out of balls. This prevents the loss of time due to players not realizing they've run out of balls and waiting for additional balls, thus preventing interruptions in gameplay and allowing for smoother gameplay.

Furthermore, since the decrease in the number of balls is notified using sound and images, the notification is easily noticeable to the player. Note that the notification of the decrease in the number of balls may also be implemented in a different manner than the above embodiment, such as vibrating the handle 510 or buttons (for example, buttons for special effects or the confirmation button 540b), or blowing wind on the player.

Furthermore, the ball count reduction image can also be displayed simultaneously with the error display shown on the liquid crystal display 42 (for example, the error display for the error shown in Figure 12).

Furthermore, the display priority (layer hierarchy, display time, etc.) of the ball count reduction image can be set lower than that of the error display shown on the LCD display 42 (for example, the error display for the error shown in Figure 12). In this case, it is possible to set the priority lower than that of a specific error display, while simultaneously displaying other error displays.

Furthermore, the ball count reduction notification can be configured not to execute when an error notification is being issued. Also, the ball count reduction notification may be executed not only when the number of balls falls below 30, but also when other conditions are met, such as when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since receiving the balls.

Furthermore, the time until the display of the ball count reduction notification image ends may be longer than 30 seconds, as long as it is longer than the time it takes for the balls to be processed when the ball count reduction notification image is displayed. Also, the time until the display of the ball count reduction notification image ends may be longer than the time for a specific error notification (for example, an error notification that automatically recovers).

[Ball count decrease notification management process]
Figure 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the ball count reduction notification management process executed in step S404 of the performance control process in Figure 16. The contents will be explained below in accordance with the example procedure.

Step S4100: First, when the performance control CPU 900a receives the ball count reduction command (see Figure 21), it checks whether the ball count reduction notification execution data, which is set in step S4106, is set in RAM 900c. If it confirms that the ball count reduction notification execution data is set (step S4100: Yes), the performance control CPU 900a executes step S4110. If it cannot confirm that the ball count reduction notification execution data is set (step S4100: No), the performance control CPU 900a executes step S4102.

Step S4102: The performance control CPU 900a checks whether the ball count reduction notification function is off. If it confirms that the ball count reduction notification function is off (Step S4102: Yes), the performance control CPU 900a terminates processing. If it cannot confirm that the ball count reduction notification function is off (Step S4102: No), the performance control CPU 900a executes Step S4104.

Step S4104: The performance control CPU 900a checks whether it has received a command to reduce the number of balls. If it has not confirmed that it has received the command (Step S4104: No), the performance control CPU 900a terminates processing. If it has confirmed that it has received the command to reduce the number of balls (Step S4104: Yes), the performance control CPU 900a executes Step S4106.

Step S4106: The performance control CPU 900a sets the execution data for the ball count reduction notification into the RAM 900c. This causes the ball count reduction notification to be executed in steps S405, S406, and S407 of Figure 16. Then, the performance control CPU 900a executes step S4108.

Step S4108: The performance control CPU 900a sets a timer for counting the display time of the ball count reduction notification image in the ball count reduction notification to 30 seconds, and then terminates processing.

Step S4110: The performance control CPU 900a checks whether the timer value that counts the display time of the ball count reduction notification image has become "0". If it is confirmed that the timer value that counts the display time of the ball count reduction notification image has become "0" (Step S4110: Yes), the performance control CPU 900a executes Step S4112. If it is not confirmed that the timer value that counts the display time of the ball count reduction notification image has become "0" (Step S4110: No), the performance control CPU 900a executes Step S4114.

Step S4112: The performance control CPU 900a clears the execution data for the ball count reduction notification set in RAM 900c and terminates processing.

Step S4114: The performance control CPU 900a checks whether it has received a ball dispensing command (see Figure 21). If it confirms that it has received the ball dispensing command (Step S4114: Yes), the performance control CPU 900a executes Step S4112. If it cannot confirm that it has received the ball dispensing command (Step S4114: No), the performance control CPU 900a terminates processing.

Upon completion of the above steps, the performance control CPU 900a returns to the performance control processing (Figure 16).

[Specific examples of notifications regarding a decrease in the number of balls held]
Next, a specific example of notification regarding the decrease in the number of balls held will be explained using Figure 23.

As shown in Figure 23, when the ball count reduction notification is activated, a ball count reduction notification sound (a "ding-dong" sound effect in the example shown in the figure) is output from speaker 518. Additionally, a ball count reduction notification image 44 is displayed on the LCD display 42. Specifically, the words "Your ball count is low" are displayed in white letters within a red frame. The display of the ball count reduction notification image 44 continues even after the ball count reduction notification sound has finished outputting.

The ball count reduction notification image 44 is displayed in a position other than the display position of the special symbol 45, which is displayed in relation to the fluctuation display of the special symbol on the special symbol display unit 47 on the main control board 560. Furthermore, the ball count reduction notification image 44 is displayed on a higher layer than the background and character effects images 46, but on a lower layer than the effects symbols 45.

Furthermore, if 30 seconds pass without the player receiving any game balls, the ball count reduction notification image 44 is removed. Also, if the player receives game balls, the ball count reduction notification image 44 is removed. Therefore, the ball count reduction notification image 44 can be prevented from interfering with gameplay.

Furthermore, as related images for the display of special symbols, when the LCD display 42 displays the hold indicator, mini symbols, or fourth symbol, the ball count reduction notification image 44 will be displayed in a location other than the display position of these images. Also, if a feature related to suggesting the player's benefit is provided, the ball count reduction notification image 44 will be displayed in a location other than the location of the feature.

[Specific examples of canceling the ball count reduction notification function]
Next, specific examples of canceling the ball count reduction notification function will be explained using Figures 24 and 25. In this embodiment, the ball count reduction notification function can be switched on or off as part of the menu settings that the player uses to configure various functions.

In this embodiment, the functions that the player can set on the menu screen include: "Custom Initialization" to reset the set functions; "Automatic Button Push" to switch automatic buttons; "3D Image ON/OFF" to switch 3D images on/off; "Wind ON/OFF" to switch the wind effect (which is blown as a type of visual effect) on/off; "High Temperature Cut Mode ON/OFF" to switch the high-temperature cut mode on/off; "Personal Data Display" to switch between cumulative data and personal data; "Personal Data Reset" to reset personal data; and "Ball Decrease Notification Function ON/OFF" to switch the ball reduction notification function on/off.

As shown in Figures 24(a) and (b), pressing the down arrow key 540a on the menu switch 540 in the default state displays the menu image 43. The menu image 43 consists of an upper menu display 43a and a lower selection display 43b.

Next, as shown in Figure 24(c), by pressing the up or down arrow keys on the directional pad 540a, the menu is switched to select the menu for the ball count reduction notification function.

Next, as shown in Figure 25(d), the ball count reduction notification function can be switched on or off by pressing the left or right buttons on the directional pad 540a. In this example, it is off by default. Therefore, players who wish to use this function must switch it on.

Then, as shown in Figure 25(e), when the OK button 540b is pressed, the selected menu setting is confirmed, and the menu image 43 is erased.

As described above, the ball count reduction notification function can be switched on or off, allowing players to enjoy the game according to their preferences.

Furthermore, the notification of a decrease in the number of remaining balls may be implemented not only in controlled gaming machines where the game balls are sealed inside, but also in pachinko machines where the borrowed game balls are transferred to a tray and then launched from the tray.

Furthermore, the notification of a decrease in the number of remaining balls is not limited to pachinko machines that use game balls; it may also be implemented in slot machines that use tokens or credits as game media, where the number of bets is set, the reels are rotated by operating the start lever, the rotating reels are stopped by operating the stop button, and winnings are possible depending on the type or combination of symbols when the reels stop.

[Effects of the above embodiment]
(a) In the above embodiment,
A gaming machine (in this example, a managed gaming machine 500) capable of displaying changes in identification information (in this example, special symbols),
The system includes an image display means (in this example, a liquid crystal display 42) capable of displaying images related to the display of changes in the aforementioned identification information,
The image display means is capable of displaying a specific image (in this example, a ball count reduction notification image) that can identify when the number of remaining game media (in this example, game balls) used in the game has reached a predetermined number (in this example, 30 or less),
The aforementioned specific image is displayed until a predetermined condition is met, which includes displaying the specific image for a predetermined time (30 seconds in this example) (Figures 21 and 22 in this example).
The predetermined time is longer than the time remaining on the game medium that can be used when displaying the specific image (Figure 22 in this example).
Therefore, since players can receive additional game media before they run out, it is possible to prevent situations where they run out of game media and are unable to continue playing, thus preventing any disadvantage to the players.
The time until the remaining game media can be used when displaying a specific image includes the time until the use of the remaining game media is completed, and the time until all remaining game media have been used and the processing of the used game media (such as collection) is completed.

Furthermore, the above embodiments include the following inventions.
It is possible to display changing identification information (in this example, a special pattern), and it is possible to launch game balls into the game area, and it is a sealed type game machine (in this example, a managed game machine 500) in which game balls circulate within the game machine,
The system includes an image display means (in this example, a liquid crystal display 42) capable of displaying a variable display related image (in this example, a performance pattern 45) related to the variable display of the aforementioned identification information,
The image display means is capable of displaying a specific image (in this example, a ball count reduction notification image) that can identify when the number of game balls that can be launched into the game area has reached a predetermined number (in this example, 30 or less),
The aforementioned specific image is displayed at a position other than the display position of the variable display-related image, and its display ends when a predetermined condition is met (in this example, Figure 23).
The aforementioned predetermined conditions include displaying the specific image for a predetermined time (30 seconds in this example) (Figures 21 and 22 in this example),
The predetermined time is longer than the time it takes for any remaining game balls that have not been launched into the game area when the specific image is displayed to be launched into the game area and for the launched game balls to be processed (in this example, Figure 22).
Therefore, since players can receive additional game balls before they run out of balls that can be launched into the game area, it is possible to prevent players from running out of balls and being unable to continue playing, thus preventing any disadvantage to the players.

(b1) In the above embodiment, in a gaming machine capable of performing error notification (in this example, a management gaming machine 500),
A first control means (in this example, a main control CPU 560a) capable of controlling the progress of the game,
A second control means (in this example, a frame control CPU 560a) is capable of communicating with the first control means and executing a control different from that of the first control means,
The system includes a third control means (in this example, a performance control CPU 900a) capable of performing specific error notification to notify a specific error (in this example, a frame control error) relating to the second control means,
The aforementioned specific error includes multiple types of errors, and a priority is assigned to the execution of the notification of the aforementioned specific error according to the type of the aforementioned specific error (in this example, Figure 13).
The first control means can transmit an error command to the third control means corresponding to the type of specific error that occurred when the specific error occurred, and can transmit an error clearing command (in this example, a command indicating that no control errors occurred in all frames) to the third control means when the specific error is cleared (in this example, Figures 18 to 20).
The third control means can execute the specific error notification based on the error command received from the first control means, and when it receives the error clearing command while executing the specific error notification, or when it receives the error command corresponding to a specific error with a lower priority than the specific error corresponding to the specific error notification currently being executed, it terminates the specific error notification being executed (in this example, Figures 17, 18 to 20).
Therefore, error notifications and cancellations can be performed according to the priority of the errors.

(b2) If multiple types of specific errors corresponding to specific error notifications with different priorities occur simultaneously, the third control means can execute only the specific error notification with the highest priority (in this example, Figures 19 to 20).
Therefore, error notifications and cancellations can be performed according to the priority of the errors.

Furthermore, the above embodiments include the following inventions.
In a gaming machine capable of error notification (in this example, a managed gaming machine 500),
The system comprises a game control means (in this example, a main control CPU 560a) capable of controlling the progress of the game, an error notification control means (in this example, a performance control CPU 900a) capable of controlling the error notification based on information transmitted from the game control means, and a frame control means (in this example, a frame control CPU 560a) capable of communicating with the game control means.
The frame control means is capable of determining which of several types of errors has occurred when the error occurrence conditions are met, and is also capable of determining whether the error clearing conditions for the occurred error have been met.
When the frame control means determines that the error occurrence condition has been met, the game control means can transmit error information to the error notification control means (in this example, Figures 14, 18 to 20).
When it is determined that the error clearing conditions have been met, the game control means can transmit error clearing information to the error notification control means (in this example, Figures 15, 18 to 20).
The error notification control means is capable of executing the error notification when it receives the error information, and can terminate the error notification when it receives the error clearing information (in this example, Figures 17, 18 to 20).
Multiple types of error information are provided depending on the type of error (in this example, Figure 13),
Only one type of error clearing information is provided (in this example, Figure 13),
Priority is assigned to the aforementioned multiple types of errors (in this example, Figure 13),
The aforementioned multiple types of errors include a first error and a second error with a lower priority than the first error (in this example, Figure 13),
When the first error and the second error occur simultaneously, if the error release condition for the first error is met first, low-rank error information corresponding to the second error is transmitted from the game control means to the error notification control means. If the error release condition for the second error is met after the error release condition for the first error has been met, the error release information is transmitted from the game control means to the error notification control means (in this example, Figures 15, 18 to 20).
The error notification control means is,
When the aforementioned low-ranking error information is received, the error notification for the first error can be terminated (in this example, Figures 17, 18 to 20).
When the error clearing information is received, the error notification for the second error can be terminated (in this example, Figures 17, 18 to 20).
Therefore, error notifications and cancellations can be performed according to the priority of the errors.

Furthermore, the above embodiments include the following inventions.
The error notification control means can only perform error notification for the first error when the first error and the second error occur simultaneously (in this example, Figures 17, 18 to 20).
Therefore, error notifications and error cancellations can be performed more reliably according to the error priority.

[Regarding gaming machines]
In this embodiment, an example of applying the present invention to a pachinko-type managed gaming machine that uses game balls as the game value has been described, but the present invention may also be applied to a slot machine-type managed gaming machine. For example, it may be applied to a slot machine-type managed gaming machine that sets the number of bets using medals or game balls as the game value, or to a fully credit-type managed slot machine-type managed gaming machine that sets the number of bets using only credits as the game value.

500 Management Gaming Machine 550 Frame Control Board 560 Main Control Board 700 Dedicated Unit 900 Performance Control Board

Claims (1)

A gaming machine in which gaming balls circulate within the main body of the gaming machine,
A first control means capable of controlling the progress of the game,
A second control means capable of communicating with the first control means and performing a control different from that of the first control means,
A third control means capable of performing specific error notification, which notifies of at least the error of insufficient number of circulating game balls, where the number of circulating game balls is less than specified, and the error of excessive number of circulating game balls, where the number of circulating game balls is more than specified, as specific errors relating to the second control means,
A sensor that detects when the number of game balls is less than the prescribed amount,
It is equipped with a sensor that detects when the number of circulating balls exceeds the prescribed amount ,
The aforementioned specific error includes multiple types of errors, and a priority is assigned to the execution of the aforementioned specific error notification according to the type of the aforementioned specific error.
In the event of the aforementioned insufficient number of circulating balls error, the first error code will be displayed as the specific error notification.
In the event of the aforementioned excessive number of circulating balls error, the second error code will be displayed as the specific error notification.
The first error code is a code with a smaller numerical value than the second error code.
The error with an excessive number of circulating balls has a higher priority than the error with an insufficient number of circulating balls.
The first control means is capable of transmitting an error command to the third control means corresponding to the type of specific error that occurred when the specific error occurred, and is capable of transmitting an error clearing command to the third control means when the specific error is cleared.
The third control means is capable of executing the specific error notification based on the error command received from the first control means, and when it receives the error clearing command while executing the specific error notification, or when it receives the error command corresponding to a specific error with a lower priority than the specific error corresponding to the specific error notification currently being executed, it terminates the specific error notification being executed .
If the aforementioned circulating ball count shortage sensor is disconnected, the circulating ball count shortage error occurs, and the third control means displays the first error code.
When the number of game balls is replenished and the circulating ball count excess sensor detects that the number of game balls exceeds the specified limit, and the circulating ball count excess error occurs, the third control means prioritizes the circulating ball count excess error over the circulating ball count shortage error and displays the second error code.
A gaming machine characterized by the following features.