Game board

Abstract

To provide a game board featuring counting processing.SOLUTION: Control means of a game board transmits data showing "0" without transmitting data showing "1" as count data when transmitting the second most recent information when predetermined operation means is operated once in a first operation mode by the time when a predetermined period passes (first case) in a situation in which a game value is acquired by the time when the predetermined period passes after transmitting "0" as game value number data and the game value number data becomes "1", and transmits data showing "0" without transmitting data showing "1" as the count data when transmitting next second information in the first case and when the predetermined operation means is not operated by the time when the next second information is transmitted at timing for transmitting the second most recent information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a pinball gaming machine (pachinko machine), a slot machine, an enclosed gaming machine, or a medalless slot machine. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, as one type of gaming machine, for example, a pachinko machine (for example, Patent Document 1) and an enclosed gaming machine are known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-296354 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional enclosed gaming machines have room for improvement in the counting process.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine with distinctive counting processing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine capable of storing the number of gaming values ​​as gaming value number data in a predetermined storage area, and comprises a control means and a predetermined operation means, wherein the control means is means capable of adding gaming value data corresponding to the acquisition of the gaming value to the gaming value number data, the control means is means capable of executing a counting process to count the gaming value number data when the predetermined operation means is operated, the control means is means capable of transmitting first information to an external device at predetermined cycles and transmitting second information after a predetermined period has elapsed since transmitting the first information, the first information includes the gaming value number data, and the second information includes counting data indicating a value counted from the previous transmission of the second information to the transmission of the current second information, and the control means is means capable of transmitting data indicating "1" as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information when the predetermined operation means is operated in a first operation mode in a situation where the gaming value number data is "1" or more, and the control means is means capable of transmitting "0" as the gaming value number data. and the predetermined operation means is operated once in the first operation mode before the predetermined period has elapsed in a situation where the game value is acquired and the game value number data becomes "1" or more before the game value is transmitted, the control means transmits data indicating "1" as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information; and in a certain case (hereinafter referred to as the "first case") where the game value is acquired and the game value number data becomes "1" or more after the game value is transmitted as "0" and the predetermined period has elapsed, the control means does not transmit data indicating "1" as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information but transmits data indicating "0" as the counting data; and in the first case, if the predetermined operation means is not operated by the time the next second information is transmitted after the timing of transmitting the most recent second information, the control means transmits data indicating "0" as the counting data when transmitting the next second information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a gaming machine with distinctive counting processing can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of an enclosed gaming machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 2] 1 shows a circuit block diagram of a control unit of an enclosed gaming machine 100. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the flow of game balls in the enclosed game machine 100. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of counting processing by the frame control unit 600. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of reference signal processing by the frame control unit 600. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the game ball subtraction process of the frame control unit 600. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing command types between a main control unit and a frame control unit. [Figure 8] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600 in chronological order after the enclosed gaming machine 100 is powered on. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a sequence diagram showing, in time series, an example of communication between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600 when a communication line disconnection error occurs in the main control unit 300. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a sequence diagram showing, in time series, an example of communication between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600 when a communication line disconnection error occurs in the frame control unit 600. FIG. [Figure 11] 10A is a diagram showing the types of commands between the slot control unit and the lending device, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the types of gaming machine information notification commands. [Figure 12] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of basic communication (without game information) between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 in chronological order. [Figure 13]10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of priority transmission of a gaming machine information notification command (with gaming information) in communication between the frame control unit 600 and the rental device 614 in chronological order. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of count notification in communication between the frame control unit 600 and the rental device 614 in chronological order. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a lending notification in communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 in chronological order. FIG. [Figure 16] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a case where a communication interruption occurs in communication between the frame control unit 600 and the rental device 614 in time series. FIG. [Figure 17] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a case where a communication interruption occurs in communication between the frame control unit 600 and the rental device 614 in time series. FIG. [Figure 18] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communication abnormality in a count notification between the frame control unit 600 and the rental device 614 in time series. FIG. [Figure 19] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communication abnormality in a rental notification between the slot control unit 600 and the rental device 614 in time series. FIG. [Figure 20] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 during a game in chronological order. FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 in chronological order when an increase in the number of game balls occurs at the same time as a short press of the counting button. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 in chronological order when an increase in the number of game balls occurs at the same time as the counting button is pressed and held down. [Figure 23] 10 is a time chart showing the changes in various signals when the number of game balls is one and the launch operation of one game ball is performed. [Figure 24] This is a time chart showing the changes in various signals when one gaming ball is released and one ball is counted when one gaming ball is present. [Figure 25]This is a time chart showing the changes in various signals when one game ball is fired and 250 balls are counted when there are 250 game balls. [Figure 26] This is a time chart showing the changes in various signals when one game ball is fired and 250 balls are counted when there are 251 game balls. [Figure 27] 10 is a time chart showing changes in various signals when the subtraction sensor signal of the subtraction sensor 618 does not change to an ON level after the reference signal flag is set to ON. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the enclosed gaming machine 100. [Figure 29] This is a rear view of the front frame door 106 seen from the rear side. [Figure 30] 1A is a partially enlarged view showing the slide lock 170 in a state where it has moved to the locked position, FIG. 1B is a partially enlarged view showing the slide lock 170 in a state where it has moved to the unlocked position, and FIG. 1C is a rear view of the upper unit 154. [Figure 31] (a) A top view of the front frame door 106, (b) A front view showing the upper unit 154 moving to the locked position, and (c) A front view showing the upper unit 154 moving to the unlocked position. [Figure 32] FIG. 2 is a simplified front view of the game board 200. [Figure 33] 10 is a simplified rear view of the game board 200 as seen from the rear. [Figure 34] (a) is a partially enlarged view showing the first ball passage 250 with the first ball passage cover 254 removed, and the second ball passage 260 with the second ball passage cover 264 removed. (b) is a partially enlarged view of the general winning port flow path 256. [Figure 35] This is a partially enlarged view showing the second ball passage 260 with the first ball passage 250 removed. [Figure 36]1(a) is a side cross-sectional view showing a ball passage 270 having a screw insertion opening 274 formed therein, and FIG. 1(b) is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the screw insertion opening 274. [Figure 37] (a) is a front view of the ball passage 270 with the upper surface portion 270d omitted, (b) is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing a ball passage 280 according to a modified example. [Figure 38] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 39] FIG. 1 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open. [Figure 40] 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the main board storage case 640 and the main control board 600. FIG. [Figure 41] 10 is a plan view showing the main control board 600 housed in the main board housing case 640. FIG. [Figure 42] 42(a) is a side view seen from the direction indicated by the line AA in Fig. 41. (b) is a side view seen from the direction indicated by the line BB in Fig. 41. [Figure 43] 10(a) is a plan view showing a substrate storage case 650 and a mirror 657 according to a modified example, and FIG. 10(b) is a side view seen from the direction indicated by the line CC in FIG. [Figure 44] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 45] FIG. 1 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open. [Figure 46] 1 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit. [Figure 47] (a) is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112) in a flat layout. (b) is a diagram showing the types of winning combinations (including activated combinations), the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the activation or payout of each winning combination. [Figure 48] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing by a main control unit. [Figure 49] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of an initial setting process. [Figure 50] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a setting change process. [Figure 51] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a main control unit timer interrupt process. [Figure 52] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a device monitoring process. [Figure 53] (a) A diagram showing the control state of each button when the power is turned on. (b) A diagram showing the control state of each button when the power is turned on (error detection state). (c) A diagram showing the control state of each button when the power is turned on with a setting change. [Figure 54] (a) is a diagram showing an example of control when valid buttons (second operating means) are simultaneously operated when the power is turned on. (b) is a diagram showing an example of control when valid buttons (second operating means) are simultaneously operated when the power is turned on (in an error detection state). [Figure 55] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing an example of control states of other buttons when each button is operated. [Figure 56] (a) is a diagram showing the timeline of the process from when a power outage occurs until power is restored when the MAX BET button 132 is pressed. (b) is a diagram showing the timeline of the process from when a power outage occurs until power is restored when the start lever 135 is pressed. [Figure 57] (a) is a diagram showing in chronological order the flow from when a power outage occurs while the reel 112 is rotating to when power is restored by pressing the stop button 139. (b) is a diagram showing in chronological order the flow from when a power outage occurs while the reels 110 to 112 are stopped in the first stop mode to when power is restored by pressing the stop button 139. [Figure 58] (a) is a diagram showing in chronological order the flow from when a power outage occurs in an error detection state until power is restored when the reset button 243 is pressed. (b) is a diagram showing in chronological order the flow of powering on with a transition to a setting changeable state when the reset button 243 is pressed. [Figure 59](a) A diagram showing the control state (modified example) of each button when the power is turned on, which corresponds to Fig. 53(a). (b) A diagram showing the control state (modified example) of each button when the power is turned on (error detection state), which corresponds to Fig. 53(b). (c) A diagram showing the control state (modified example) of each button when the power is turned on with a setting change, which corresponds to Fig. 53(c). [Figure 60] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing modified examples of the control states of other buttons when each button is operated. [Figure 61] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the appearance of a slot machine 1100 and a lending machine 1700 according to a modified example, as viewed from the front side (player side). [Figure 62] FIG. 11 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit of a slot machine 1100 according to a modified example. [Figure 63] (a) A diagram showing the control state of the count button and the game medal number clear button when the power is turned on. (b) A diagram showing an example of control when the count button and the game medal number clear button are operated simultaneously. (c) A diagram showing an example of the control state of the game medal number clear button when the count button is operated. (d) A diagram showing an example of the control state of the count button when the game medal number clear button is operated. [Figure 64] (a) A diagram showing the maximum protruding height of the operation surface of each button, extracted from the front view of the slot machine 100. (b) A diagram showing the area of ​​the operation surface of each button, extracted from the front view of the slot machine 100. [Figure 65] (a) is a diagram showing a time series of the flow of the normal setting change mode, and (b) is a diagram showing a time series of the flow of the normal setting confirmation mode. [Figure 66] (a) A diagram showing in chronological order an example of a game being ready to play when the front door 102 is closed in the setting confirmation mode. (b) A diagram showing in chronological order an example of maintaining the setting confirmation mode when the front door 102 is closed in the setting confirmation mode. (c) A diagram showing an example of the control state of the game medal count clear button when the count button is operated. (d) A diagram showing an example of the control state of the count button when the game medal count clear button is operated. [Figure 67] 10 is a diagram showing, in time series, an example of control when a setting change operation (Example 1) is performed with the door closed. FIG. [Figure 68] FIG. 10 is a time-series diagram illustrating an example of control when a setting change operation (Example 2) is performed with the door closed. [Figure 69] FIG. 10 is a time-series diagram illustrating an example of control when a setting change operation (third embodiment) is performed with the door closed. [Figure 70] FIG. 10 is a time-series diagram illustrating an example of control when a setting change operation (Example 4) is performed with the door closed. [Figure 71] FIG. 10 is a time-series diagram illustrating an example of control when a setting change operation (Example 5) is performed with the door closed. [Figure 72] FIG. 10 is a time-series diagram illustrating an example of control when a setting change operation (Example 6) is performed with the door closed. [Figure 73] 1 is an external perspective view of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 74] This is a rear view of the pachinko machine. [Figure 75] FIG. 2 is a simplified front view of the game board as seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 76] This is an enlarged view of a portion of the attacca unit 23 shown in Figure 75, where (a) shows the internal state of the unit main body 23a, and (b) shows the state of the back side of the unit cover body 23b that covers the unit main body 23a. [Figure 77] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a pachinko machine. [Figure 78] These are examples of display patterns for pachinko machines, where (a) shows an example of a stop display pattern for special pattern 1, (b) shows an example of a stop display pattern for special pattern 2, (c) shows an example of a decorative pattern, and (d) shows an example of a stop display pattern for a regular pattern. [Figure 79] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing by a main control unit. [Figure 80] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a main control unit timer interrupt process. [Figure 81](a) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the table for determining whether a special symbol has been won, (b) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the special symbol determination table for when a jackpot or sudden time-saving win occurs in a non-time-saving play state, (c) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the special symbol determination table for when a jackpot or sudden time-saving win occurs in a time-saving play state, and (d) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the special symbol determination table for when a jackpot or sudden time-saving win occurs in a time-saving state. [Figure 82] (a) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the special chart determination table for when a small jackpot is won in a non-time-shortened state, (b) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the special chart determination table for when a small jackpot is won in a time-shortened play state, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the special chart determination table for when a small jackpot is won in a time-shortened play state. [Figure 83] (a) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the table for determining whether a normal ticket is a hit, (b) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the normal ticket determination table used when a normal ticket is hit in a non-time-shortened play state, (c) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the normal ticket determination table used when a normal ticket is hit in an a1 time-shortened play state, (d) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the normal ticket determination table used when a normal ticket is hit in an a2 time-shortened play state, (e) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the waiting time from passing through the normal electric operation gate until the normal electric device is activated, and (f) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the operation time of the normal electric device when passing through the normal electric operation gate. [Figure 84] (a) is a diagram explaining an example of the relationship between the state of the normal map change display and the operation when passing through a normal power operation gate, (b) is a diagram explaining an example of the relationship between the state of the change display of special map 1 and the state of the change display of special map 2, and (c) is a diagram explaining the state of the normal map change display when passing through a normal power operation gate while the normal map change display is on. [Figure 85] These are flowcharts showing the processing flow in the first sub-control unit of a pachinko machine, where (a) is a flowchart of the first sub-control unit main processing, (b) is a flowchart of the first sub-control unit command reception interrupt processing, and (c) is a flowchart of the first sub-control unit timer interrupt processing. [Figure 86]A flowchart showing the processing flow in the second sub-control unit of a pachinko machine, where (a) is a flowchart of the second sub-control unit main processing, (b) is a flowchart of the second sub-control unit command reception interrupt processing, (c) is a flowchart of the second sub-control unit timer interrupt processing, and (d) is a flowchart of the second sub-control unit image control processing. [Figure 87] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the transition of game states. [Figure 88] This is a diagram showing an example of a presentation related to the decorative pattern change display centered on the decorative pattern display device of the pachinko machine of this embodiment in stages. [Figure 89] FIG. 89 is a diagram showing the continuation of the example of the rendering shown in FIG. 88 in stages. [Figure 90] This is a diagram showing another example of the performance following Figure 88(q) in stages. [Figure 91] This is a diagram showing an example of the presentation in stages during a jackpot game centered around a decorative pattern display device. [Figure 92] A diagram showing another example of the presentation in a jackpot game centered on a decorative pattern display device in stages. [Figure 93] This figure shows a step-by-step example of prioritizing the presentation of the pattern that is displayed first in a stopped state when different patterns are displayed in a variable manner at the same time. [Figure 94] In the normal game state, when both the normal symbol variable display, which indicates a win, and the special symbol 2 variable display, which indicates a jackpot, are being executed, this is an example in which the effect of the symbol that stops and displays first takes priority. [Figure 95] This figure shows a different example from the example shown in Figure 93 in stages when both the normal chart change display and the special chart 2 change display, which indicates a jackpot, are being executed in normal game mode. [Figure 96] c) A diagram showing an example of a step-by-step transition from the final change in the time-shortened gaming state (RUSH state) to the normal gaming state (non-time-shortened gaming state). [Figure 97] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of a standby display. [Figure 98] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a presentation mode. [Figure 99]c) A diagram showing an example of a game in a time-saving game state (RUSH state) in which the presentation mode is changed step by step. [Figure 100] This is a diagram showing an example of what happens in stages when a winning command is missed while presentation mode A is selected. [Figure 101] This is a diagram showing an example of what happens in stages when a winning command is missed while presentation mode C is selected. [Figure 102] This is a diagram showing an example in stages of when power is interrupted for a moment in each performance mode and then immediately restored. [Figure 103] This is a diagram showing an example of what happens in stages when a winning command is missed while the modified presentation mode C is selected. [Figure 104] 1 is a front view of an enclosed type pachinko machine to which the present invention can be applied. [Figure 105] 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a slot machine applicable to the present invention, seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 106] 1 shows a gaming machine according to a modified example of the present invention, where (a) shows a casino machine 2000, (b) shows a mobile phone 3000 having a memory unit for storing electronic data that realizes the present invention, (d) shows a portable gaming machine 4000 having a memory unit for storing electronic data that realizes the present invention, (d) shows a home video game machine 5000 having a memory unit for storing electronic data that realizes the present invention, and (e) shows a data server 6000 that stores electronic data that realizes the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <Overall structure> First, the overall configuration of an enclosed gaming machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of the enclosed gaming machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side).

[0011] The enclosed gaming machine 100 has, as its external structure, an outer frame 102, a main body 104, a front frame door 106, a lower door 108, and a gaming board 200 on its front.

[0012] The outer frame 102 is a vertically rectangular wooden frame member for fixing to an installation location (such as an island facility) in a gaming machine installation store. The main body 104, also called an inner frame or frame, is a vertically rectangular member that is provided inside the outer frame 102 and is pivotally attached to the outer frame 102 via a hinge portion 112, forming the base body of the gaming machine. The main body 104 also includes an inner frame open sensor (not shown) that detects the opening of the main body 104 when it is opened.

[0013] The front frame door 106, also called a front door or glass frame, is a door element that has a locking function and is attached to the front of the main body 104, which is the front side of the pachinko machine 100, via a hinge portion 112 so that it can be opened and closed freely, and is configured in a frame shape with an opening on the inside. The front frame door 106 is provided with a transparent plate member 118 made of glass or resin at the opening, and a speaker 120 and a frame lamp 122 are attached to the front side. The rear surface of the front frame door 106 and the front surface of the game board 200 define a playing area. The front frame door 106 also has a front frame door opening sensor (not shown) that detects the opening of the front frame door 106 when it is opened.

[0014] The lower door 108 is a door member with a locking function attached to the lower side of the main body 104 on the front of the pachinko machine 100 so as to be freely opened and closed. The lower door 108 is equipped with a ball launching handle 134 (launching operation means) that is operated by the player to launch game balls guided to the launching device into the game area of ​​the game board 200, an effect button 136 that is operated by the player to change the effect modes of various effect devices, and an operation panel unit 138 having multiple buttons such as a plus button, a minus button, a cross button, and a decision button.

[0015] <Control unit> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the enclosed gaming machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit of the enclosed gaming machine 100.

[0016] The control unit of the enclosed gaming machine 100 can be broadly divided into a main control unit 300 that controls the core parts of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that mainly controls the presentation in response to command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") sent by the main control unit 300, a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on commands sent from the first sub-control unit 400, a frame control unit 600 that mainly controls the supply of gaming balls etc. in response to commands sent by the main control unit 300, a launch control unit 630 that controls the launch of gaming balls, and a power control unit 660 that controls the power supplied to the enclosed gaming machine 100.

[0017] <Main control unit> First, we will explain the main control unit 300 of the enclosed gaming machine 100. The main control unit 300 has a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire machine. This basic circuit 302 is equipped with a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control programs and various data, a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, etc.

[0018] The basic circuit 302 is equipped with a sensor circuit that receives signals output by various sensors 320 (sensors (detection means) that detect game balls passing through each starting port, winning port, and variable winning port, front frame door opening sensor, inner frame opening sensor, etc.), a drive circuit for controlling the display of the special pattern display devices (first special pattern display device 212, second special pattern display device 214), a drive circuit for controlling the display of the normal pattern display device 210, a drive circuit for controlling the display of various status display units 328 (normal pattern hold lamp, first special pattern hold lamp, second special pattern hold lamp, high probability lamp, etc.), and a drive circuit for controlling various solenoids 332 that drive various movable members (wing members of the second special pattern starting port, door members of the variable winning port, etc.).

[0019] The main control unit 300 is also provided with a voltage monitoring circuit that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied to the main control unit 300 from the power supply control unit 660, and this voltage monitoring circuit outputs a low voltage signal to the basic circuit 302 indicating that the voltage has dropped when the voltage value of the power supply is below a predetermined value (9V in this embodiment).

[0020] In addition, the main control unit 300 is equipped with an output interface for sending commands to the first sub-control unit 400 and an input / output interface for sending commands to the frame control unit 600, and this configuration enables communication with the first sub-control unit 400 and the frame control unit 600.

[0021] Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but is configured so that signals such as commands cannot be sent from the first sub-control unit 400 to the main control unit 300. On the other hand, information communication between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600 is two-way communication, and the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600 are configured so that they can send and receive signals such as commands to each other (details will be described later).

[0022] <First sub-control unit> Next, we will explain the first sub-control unit 400 of the enclosed gaming machine 100. The first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 mainly based on commands etc. sent by the main control unit 300. This basic circuit 402 is equipped with a CPU 404, a ROM 406 in which various performance data etc. are stored, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data etc.

[0023] In addition, the basic circuit 402 is equipped with a detection sensor that detects the pressing of the effect button 136, a sound source IC for controlling the speaker 120 (and amplifier), a drive circuit for controlling the various lamps 418, and a drive circuit for controlling the drive of the effect device 246.

[0024] <Second sub-control unit> Next, we will explain the second sub-control unit 500 of the enclosed gaming machine 100. The second sub-control unit 500 has a basic circuit 502 that controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on commands and the like sent by the first sub-control unit 400. This basic circuit 502 is equipped with a CPU 504, a ROM 506 in which data for image display and the like is stored, and a VDP (video display processor) 434 that reads the data for image display and the like stored in ROM 506 based on signals from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of ​​VRAM 436, and displays the image on the decorative pattern display device (liquid crystal display device) 157.

[0025] <Dispensing control unit, firing control unit, power supply control unit> Next, the frame control unit 600, the launch control unit 630, and the power supply control unit 660 of the enclosed gaming machine 100 will be described.

[0026] The frame control unit 600 (control means) is equipped with an input / output interface for sending commands to the main control unit 300 and an input / output interface for sending commands to the launch control unit 630, enabling communication with both the main control unit 300 and the launch control unit 630.

[0027] Information communication between the frame control unit 600 and the main control unit 300, and information communication between the frame control unit 600 and the launch control unit 630 are both bidirectional communications, and the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600, and the frame control unit 600 and the launch control unit 630 are configured to be able to send and receive signals such as commands to and from each other.

[0028] The frame control unit 600 includes a basic circuit 602 that controls the supply of game balls and the like based mainly on signals such as commands sent by the main control unit 300. The basic circuit 602 includes a CPU 604, a ROM 606 that stores various data and the like, a RAM 608 for temporarily storing data, a sensor circuit that receives signals output from a foul ball detection sensor 616, a counting button 617 (predetermined operating means), or a subtraction sensor 618 (detection means), a drive circuit for controlling the display of a game ball number display device 619, and a drive circuit for controlling the drive of a ball lifting motor 601 of a lifting device 714 (see FIG. 3). The foul ball detection sensor 616 and the subtraction sensor 618 will be described later with reference to FIG. 3.

[0029] Furthermore, the basic circuit 602 communicates with a lending device 614 provided separately from the enclosed gaming machine 100 via the interface unit. Information communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 is two-way communication, and the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 are configured to be able to send and receive signals such as commands to each other (details will be described later). Note that the enclosed gaming machine 100 can send information to a hall computer (so-called hall computer) installed in a gaming parlor or the like via the lending device 614.

[0030] The lending button 614a of the lending device 614 is an operating means for performing an operation to obtain the number of game balls by debiting the "money balance" stored in the card inserted into the lending device 614. By operating the lending button 614a at the start of a game or during a game, the number of game balls managed by the frame control unit 600 is added according to the money debited.

[0031] The number of game balls, the number of prize balls, etc. are managed as numerical data by the frame control unit 600 and displayed using the game ball number display device 619. When the game is over, by pressing the count button 617, the number of game balls managed by the frame control unit 600 can be transferred to the lending device 614 and stored on the card.

[0032] The launch control unit 630 controls the launch solenoid 632 that drives the launch rod 146 and the launch hammer 148 (see Figure 3) and the ball feed solenoid 634 that supplies balls toward the ball launch handle 134 based on predetermined signals output by the frame control unit 600, such as a control signal that instructs whether to allow or stop the launch, and a control signal that instructs the launch intensity according to the amount of operation of the ball launch handle 134 by the player, output by a launch intensity output circuit provided in the ball launch handle 134.

[0033] The power supply control unit 660 converts AC power supplied from outside to the enclosed gaming machine 100 into DC, converts it into a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit such as the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400, as well as various devices. The power supply control unit 660 is equipped with a storage circuit (e.g., a capacitor) for supplying power to predetermined components (e.g., the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (e.g., 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off.

[0034] <Sealed-type gaming machine / game ball flow> Next, the flow of game balls in the enclosed gaming machine 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the flow of game balls in the enclosed gaming machine 100.

[0035] In the enclosed gaming machine 100, the gaming balls stored in the ball storage cover 712 arranged inside the lower door 108 are transported (lifted) to the upper passage 736 of the ball lifting upper passage unit 718 via a lifting device (conveying device) 714 and a ball polishing device 716, and then supplied to the launch position of the launch rail 149 of the launching device 140 (launching means) via a ball feeding device 127 (ball feeding means).

[0036] Next, the launch solenoid 632 of the launching device 140 is driven with a strength corresponding to the amount of operation of the ball launching handle 134 by the player, and the launch rod 146 and launching hammer 148 of the launching device 140 launch the game balls toward the game board 200. Game balls that do not reach the game board 200 (foul balls (return balls) FB) fall into the foul ball passage 764, pass through the foul ball detection sensor (proximity sensor) 616 that can detect game balls passing through this foul ball passage 764, and are then discharged into the ball storage cover 712.

[0037] The game ball that reaches the top of the game board 200 falls downward while changing its direction of travel due to a ball direction changing member or game nails, etc., and either enters (goes into) a winning hole (variable winning hole 234, etc.) or a starting hole (first special starting hole 232, etc.), or reaches the outlet 240 without entering (going into) any winning hole or starting hole, or by simply passing through the normal starting hole.

[0038] A game ball that enters (goes into) the winning hole or starting hole of the game board 200 passes through the winning ball passage 760 arranged on the back side of the game board 200, and a game ball that does not enter (goes into) the winning hole or starting hole passes through the out ball passage 762 arranged on the back side of the game board 200 via the out hole 240 at the bottom of the game board 200, and each enters the first rail 752 of the lower passage 750, rolls inside the first rail 752 along the slope of the first rail 752, and reaches the downstream side of the first rail 752.

[0039] The game balls that enter the second rail 756 from the first rail 752 of the lower passage 750 roll inside the second rail 756 along the slope of the second rail 756, and are then stored in the ball storage cover 712. After that, the game balls are transported (lifted) by the lifting device 714, and dust and dirt adhering to the surface are removed by the ball polishing device 716.

[0040] The gaming balls transported by the lifting device 714 enter the upper passage 736 of the ball lifting upper passage unit 718, roll, and pass through a subtraction sensor (proximity sensor) 618 that can detect gaming balls passing through the upper passage 736. The gaming balls that have passed through this subtraction sensor 618 are discharged to a launcher ball passage 748 by the ball feed solenoid 634 of the ball feed device 127, and then guided through the launcher ball passage 748 to the launch rail 149 of the launcher 140.

[0041] As explained above, the enclosed gaming machine 100 is similar to a conventional pinball gaming machine (pachinko machine) in that a player plays by shooting gaming balls onto the surface of the gaming board 200. However, the minimum number of gaming balls required for launching are circulated within the gaming machine, and along the way, a launching device 140, a ball feeding device 127, a ball polishing device 716, a lifting device 714, etc. are provided, and unlike conventional pinball gaming machines (pachinko machines), there are no upper or lower trays, so the structure is such that the player cannot basically directly touch the gaming balls.

[0042] In addition, in the enclosed gaming machine 100, the speed at which the gaming balls are transported (lifted) by the lifting device 714 (in this example, 200 balls per minute) is set to be faster than the speed at which the gaming balls are launched by the launching device 140 (in this example, 100 balls per minute), so it is possible to prevent a situation in which the launching device 140 does not have enough gaming balls to launch and play is interrupted.

[0043] In addition, in the enclosed gaming machine 100, although this varies depending on the number and arrangement of ball-direction changing members and gaming nails on the gaming board 200, the cycle in which the gaming balls circulate (the time from when a gaming ball is launched from the launching device 140 toward the gaming board 200 until the same gaming ball returns to the launching device 140) is approximately 28 seconds.

[0044] <Frame control unit / counting processing> Next, the counting process executed by the frame control unit 600 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the counting process executed by the frame control unit 600.

[0045] In step S101 of the counting process, it is determined whether or not operation of the counting button 617 (in this example, a "short press" or "long press" operation) has been accepted, and if operation of the counting button 617 has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S102, and if no operation has been accepted, the counting process is terminated.

[0046] Here, the determination of the operation of the counting button 617 in step S101 will be explained. The frame control unit 600 monitors the button detection signal output from the counting button 617 at predetermined intervals, and after detecting an ON level (e.g., high level) button detection signal for 1 ms or more but less than 500 ms, if it detects a falling edge (down edge) of the button detection signal, it determines that a "short press" operation of the counting button 617 has been accepted. If it determines that a "short press" operation has been accepted, it sets the count ball count information (count ball count data) stored in RAM 608 to "1," a value corresponding to one ball.

[0047] On the other hand, if a button detection signal of ON level (e.g., high level) for 500 ms or more is detected, it is determined that a "long press" operation of the counting button 617 has been accepted, and thereafter, every time a button detection signal of ON level for 300 ms is detected, it is determined that a "long press" operation has been accepted. If it is determined that a "long press" operation has been accepted, and the number of game balls is 250 or more, the count ball number information (count ball number data) stored in RAM 608 is set to "250", which corresponds to 250 balls, and if the number of game balls is less than 250, a number corresponding to the total number of game balls (for example, if the number of game balls is 150, the number "150" which corresponds to 150 balls) is set.

[0048] In step S102, it is determined whether the planned counting number is greater than the number of game balls sent by the game machine information notification command described below, and if so, proceed to step S103 to set the planned correction data, or if not, proceed to step S104.

[0049] Here, an example of the planned correction data set in step S103 will be described. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 21 described later, a "short press" operation of the counting button 617 is accepted at the timing shown by reference symbol T7c immediately after the winning ball shown by reference symbol T7b, but since the numerical value 1 (planned count number) indicating one ball counted in response to the "short press" operation of the counting button 617 is greater than the number of game balls sent by the gaming machine information notification command at the timing shown by reference symbol T7a, the number of counted balls is not set to the numerical value 1 indicating one ball counted in response to the "short press" operation of the counting button 617 as the number of counted balls (counting data), and 0 is set as planned correction data for the counting data (number of counted balls) in step S103.

[0050] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 22 described below, a "long press" operation of the counting button 617 is accepted at the timing shown by symbol T8a, but the number 250 (planned count number) indicating 250 balls, which is the count in response to the "long press" operation of the counting button 617, is greater than the number of game balls 245 sent by the gaming machine information notification command at the timing shown by symbol T8b.Therefore, in step S103, 245 is set as the planned correction data for the counting data (number of counted balls) without setting the number 250, which indicates 250 balls, which is the count in response to the "long press" operation of the counting button 617, as the number of counted balls (counting data).

[0051] According to this example, in a situation where the number of game balls data has increased during a predetermined period after sending information on the number of game balls data (gaming machine information notification command) to an external device (rental device 614) and before sending information on counting data (counting notification command), it is possible to prevent sending more counting data information than the number of game balls data information.This prevents sending information that could lead the external device to mistakenly believe it is fraudulent activity or a malfunction, thereby enabling smooth operation of the gaming machine.

[0052] In step S104, it is determined whether or not there is data to be corrected. If there is data to be corrected, the process proceeds to step S108, and if there is no data to be corrected, the process proceeds to step S105.

[0053] In step S105, it is determined whether the reference signal flag has been set, and if it has been set, the process proceeds to step S106; if not, the process proceeds to step S107, where the uncorrected counting data (number of balls counted) is set and the counting process is then terminated.

[0054] In step S106, it is determined whether the result of subtracting the number of game balls from the number of planned counts (number of game balls - planned counts) is 0, and if the result is 0, the process proceeds to step S108; if not, the process proceeds to step S107, where the planned correction data is set and the counting process is terminated.

[0055] In step S108, the corrected count data (number of counted balls) is set, and then the counting process ends.

[0056] Here, an example of the counting data (number of counted balls) to be set when the determination is Yes in step S106 will be described. In the example shown in Fig. 24 described later, at the timing shown by symbol T11b, the result of subtracting the planned counting number (1 in this example) from the number of game balls (1 in this example) is 0 (= number of game balls 1 - planned counting number 1), so the result of subtracting 1 from the planned counting number (1 in this example) (0 in this example) is set as the counting data (number of counted balls) in step S108.

[0057] According to this example, even if the launch of a game ball and the counting process for counting the game ball number data overlap, the value (1 ball) corresponding to the first operation mode (short press) of the specified operation means (counting button 617) is not counted from the game ball number data (1 ball), so appropriate processing is possible.

[0058] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 25 described below, at the timing shown by symbol T12b, the result of subtracting the planned counting number (250 in this example) from the number of game balls (250 in this example) is 0 (= number of game balls 250 - planned counting number 250), so the result of subtracting 1 from the planned counting number (250 in this example) (249 in this example) is set as the counting data (number of balls counted) in step S108.

[0059] For example, if processing is performed without any restrictions on the launch of game balls and the counting process that counts the game ball count data, when the game ball count data is 250 balls, if the launch of game balls and the counting (250 balls) by a long press overlap, 250 balls will be counted, and a problem will arise in which game balls will be launched even though the game ball count data shows that there are no game balls.However, according to this example, even if the launch of game balls and the counting process that counts the game ball count data overlap, the value (250 balls) corresponding to the first operation mode (long press) of the specified operation means (counting button 617) is not counted from the game ball count data (250 balls), allowing appropriate processing.

[0060] <Frame control unit / reference signal processing> Next, the reference signal processing executed by the frame control unit 600 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reference signal processing executed by the frame control unit 600.

[0061] In step S201 of the reference signal processing, it is determined whether or not a reference signal from the emission control unit 630 has been received. If it has been received, the process proceeds to step S202, and if it has not been received, the reference signal processing ends.

[0062] Here, the "reference signal" refers to a signal sent by the launch control unit 630 to the frame control unit 600, and the launch control unit 630 sends a reference signal to the frame control unit 600 when it drives the ball feeding solenoid 634 of the ball feeding device 127 described using Figure 3 (when it discharges a game ball that has passed through the subtraction sensor 618 in the upper passage 736 into the launch device ball passage 748).

[0063] In step S202, the reference signal flag is set to ON, and then the reference signal processing is terminated.

[0064] <Frame control unit / game ball subtraction processing> Next, the gaming ball subtraction process executed by the frame control unit 600 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the gaming ball subtraction process of the frame control unit 600.

[0065] In step S301, it is determined whether the subtraction sensor signal output from the subtraction sensor 618 has changed from an ON level (e.g., a high level) to an OFF level (e.g., a low level) (whether the subtraction sensor 618 has detected a gaming ball), and if this is the case (if the subtraction sensor 618 has detected a gaming ball), the process proceeds to step S302, and if this is not the case (if the subtraction sensor 618 has not detected a gaming ball), the process proceeds to step S303.

[0066] In step S302, a process is executed to subtract 1 from the data on the number of game balls (game ball count data) stored in RAM 608, and then the process proceeds to step S304. In step S303, it is determined whether a predetermined period (e.g., 640 ms) has elapsed, and if the predetermined period has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S304; if not, the game ball subtraction process is terminated.

[0067] In step S304, the reference signal flag is set (reset) to OFF, and then the game ball subtraction process is terminated.

[0068] <Communication between the main control unit and the frame control unit> Next, communication between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600 will be described.

[0069] As described above, information communication between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600 is two-way communication, and the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600 are configured to be able to send and receive signals such as commands to and from each other.

[0070] 7 is a diagram showing the types of commands exchanged between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600. There are four types of commands that can be exchanged between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600: a gaming machine installation information notification command, a gaming machine installation information response command, a gaming machine information notification command, and a gaming machine information response command.

[0071] <Communication between the main control unit and the frame control unit / Game machine installation information notification command> The gaming machine installation information notification command is a command sent from the main control unit 300 to the frame control unit 600, and is a command by which the main control unit 300 notifies the frame control unit 600 of "gaming machine installation information."

[0072] This "gaming machine installation information" includes information such as "gaming machine type," main control chip ID number, main control chip manufacturer code, and main control chip product code, and "gaming machine type" includes information that identifies the type of gaming machine (pachinko, slot, arrange ball, jan ball).

[0073] The gaming machine installation information notification command is transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the frame control unit 600 when the enclosed gaming machine 100 is powered on. After transmitting this command, the main control unit 300 transmits this command to the frame control unit 600 a total of 10 times at 108 ms intervals until it receives a gaming machine installation information response command from the frame control unit 600.

[0074] If the main control unit 300 does not receive a gaming machine installation information response command from the frame control unit 600 within 1080 ms after starting to send this command, a disconnection error will occur and gaming will be suspended until power is restored.

[0075] On the other hand, if the frame control unit 600 does not receive this command within 180 seconds (3 minutes) from startup, it will report a disconnection error, indicating that the communication line has been disconnected. Furthermore, if the frame control unit 600 receives this command normally from the main control unit 300 after the communication line has been disconnected, it will cancel the disconnection error.

[0076] <Communication between the main control unit and the frame control unit / gaming machine installation information response command> The gaming machine installation information response command is a command sent from the frame control unit 600 to the main control unit 300, and is a command that notifies the main control unit 300 that the frame control unit 600 has received the gaming machine installation information notification command.

[0077] After the enclosed gaming machine 100 is powered on, the gaming machine installation information response command is sent from the frame control unit 600 to the main control unit 300 within 10 ms of receiving the gaming machine installation information notification command from the main control unit 300.

[0078] <Communication between the main control unit and the frame control unit / game machine information notification command> The gaming machine information notification command is a command sent from the main control unit 300 to the frame control unit 600, and is a command in which the main control unit 300 notifies the frame control unit 600 of gaming machine information such as the number of game balls, the number of counted balls, and the number of prize balls.

[0079] After receiving the gaming machine installation information response command from the frame control unit 600, the main control unit 300 transmits this command to the frame control unit 600 at intervals of 108 ms.

[0080] Note that this command is not sent at 108 ms intervals after receiving the gaming machine installation information response command from the frame control unit 600, but rather the type of gaming machine installation information notification command sent at 108 ms intervals is switched to the gaming machine information notification command and sent.

[0081] <Communication between the main control unit and the frame control unit / game machine information response command> The gaming machine information response command is a command sent from the frame control unit 600 to the main control unit 300, and is a command that notifies the main control unit 300 of information such as the number of counted balls, the number of loaned balls, and the total number of prize balls included in the gaming machine information notification command.

[0082] The gaming machine information response command is transmitted from the frame control unit 600 to the main control unit 300 within 10 ms after receiving the gaming machine information notification command from the main control unit 300.

[0083] <Communication between the main control unit and the frame control unit / Example> Next, a specific example of communication between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600 will be described.

[0084] <Communication between the main control unit and the frame control unit / Communication after power-on> 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600 in chronological order after the power is turned on in the enclosed gaming machine 100. In the following drawings, the word "command" may be omitted from each command name to make the drawings easier to read.

[0085] When the enclosed gaming machine 100 is powered on (T11) and the main control unit 300 is started up, it transmits (notifies) a gaming machine installation information notification command (communication serial number = 0) to the frame control unit 600 (T12). The frame control unit 600 receives this gaming machine installation information notification command and transmits a gaming machine installation information response command (communication serial number = 0) to the main control unit 300 within 10 ms of receiving the command (T13). The main control unit 300, having received the gaming machine installation information response command, authorizes the launch of gaming balls. The communication serial number is reset to 0 when the power is turned on and is incremented by 1 each time a command is sent.

[0086] Thereafter, after receiving the gaming machine installation information response command from the frame control unit 600, the main control unit 300 transmits a gaming machine information notification command to the frame control unit 600 at 108 ms intervals instead of the gaming machine installation information notification command (T14, T16, T18). Meanwhile, the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information response command to the main control unit 300 within 10 ms after receiving the gaming machine information notification command (T15, T17, T19).

[0087] As described above, if the frame control unit 600 fails to receive the gaming machine installation information notification command within 180 seconds (3 minutes) from startup, it will report a disconnection error indicating that the communication line has been disconnected. Furthermore, if the frame control unit 600 successfully receives the gaming machine installation information notification command from the main control unit 300 after the communication line has been disconnected, it will cancel the disconnection error.

[0088] Here, to summarize the control of the frame control unit 600, when the frame control unit 600 receives a gaming machine information notification command from the main control unit 300, it adds the number of prize balls included in the command to the number of gaming balls, and displays it on the display device for displaying the number of gaming balls, etc. Furthermore, in the gaming ball subtraction process described with reference to Fig. 6, when the subtraction sensor 618 detects the launch of a gaming ball, the frame control unit 600 subtracts one from the number of gaming balls, and displays it on the display device for displaying the number of gaming balls, etc. Furthermore, when the foul ball detection sensor 616 detects the passage of a gaming ball, the frame control unit 600 adds one to the number of gaming balls, and displays it on the display device for displaying the number of gaming balls, etc.

[0089] Although not shown in the figure, when the main control unit 300 sends a gaming machine information notification command to the frame control unit 600, the frame control unit 600 may send the received prize ball information again to the main control unit 300, and the main control unit 300 may execute a process to confirm whether the prize ball information sent to the frame control unit 600 matches the prize ball information received from the frame control unit 600.

[0090] With this configuration, the reliability of the information transmitted and received by the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600 can be improved, and problems such as fraudulent acts and communication failures can be prevented before they occur.

[0091] <Communication between the main control unit and the frame control unit / Communication line disconnection error by the main control unit> 9 is a sequence diagram showing, in chronological order, an example of communication when a communication line disconnection error occurs in the main control unit 300 during communication between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600. In the following drawings, the gaming machine installation information notification command and the gaming machine information notification command may be collectively referred to as a "notification message," and the gaming machine installation information response command and the gaming machine information response command may be collectively referred to as a "response message."

[0092] If the main control unit 300 fails to receive a response message from the frame control unit 600 ten times in a row, it will detect a disconnection error as the communication line has been cut off, issue an error notification to notify the user of the disconnection error, and suspend gameplay until power is restored.

[0093] At the timing indicated by symbol T21 in Figure 9, the main control unit 300 sent the nth notification message (communication serial number = n) to the frame control unit 600, but was unable to receive a response message (communication serial number = n) to the notification message; at the subsequent timing indicated by symbol T22, the main control unit 300 sent the n+1th notification message (communication serial number = n+1) to the frame control unit 600, but was unable to receive a response message (communication serial number = n+1) to the notification message; and at the subsequent timing indicated by symbol T23, the main control unit 300 sent the n+2th notification message (communication serial number = n+2) to the frame control unit 600, but was unable to receive a response message (communication serial number = n+2) to the notification message.

[0094] After starting to send the nth notification message (communication serial number = n), the main control unit 300 sent the notification message to the frame control unit 600 a total of 10 times at 108 ms intervals. However, since it was unable to receive a response message from the frame control unit 600 10 times in a row over a period of 1080 ms (108 ms x 10 times), a disconnection error occurred at the timing indicated by symbol T24, indicating that the communication line was disconnected. An error message was issued to notify the user of the disconnection error, and game play was suspended until power was restored from the power outage.

[0095] In addition, if the main control unit 300 experiences a disconnection error, it is possible to recover from the disconnection error by turning off the power to the enclosed gaming machine 100 and then turning it on again (re-powering the machine), and when the power is turned on again, the main control unit 300 will start the communication after power-on from the beginning, as described using Figure 8.

[0096] <Communication between the main control unit and the frame control unit / Communication line disconnection error by the frame control unit> FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing, in time series, an example of communication when a communication line disconnection error occurs in the frame control unit 600 during communication between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600. In FIG.

[0097] If the frame control unit 600 is unable to receive the next notification message within 1000 ms after receiving a notification message (gaming machine installation information notification command or gaming machine information notification command), it will detect a disconnection error as the communication line has been disconnected and will issue an error notification to notify the user of the disconnection error.

[0098] At the timing indicated by symbol T31, the main control unit 300 sends the nth notification message (communication serial number = n) to the frame control unit 600, and at the subsequent timing indicated by symbol T32, the frame control unit 600 sends a response message (communication serial number = n) to the notification message to the main control unit 300.However, at the subsequent timings indicated by symbols T33 and T34, the main control unit 300 is unable to send the n+1th notification message (communication serial number = n+1) and the n+2nd notification message (communication serial number = n+2) to the frame control unit 600.

[0099] Since the frame control unit 600 was unable to receive the next notification message (communication number = n) for 1000 ms after receiving the notification message (communication number = n+1, n+2, ...) at the timing indicated by reference symbol T31, a disconnection error occurred at the timing indicated by reference symbol T35, indicating that the communication line had been disconnected, and an error notification was issued to notify the user of the disconnection error.

[0100] It should be noted that the frame control unit 600 can recover from the disconnection error when it receives a notification message from the main control unit 300 normally.

[0101] <Communication between the frame control unit and the rental device> Next, communication between the frame control unit 600 and the rental device 614 will be described.

[0102] As described above, information communication between the frame control unit 600 and the rental device 614 is two-way communication, and the frame control unit 600 and the rental device 614 are configured to be able to send and receive signals such as commands to and from each other.

[0103] 11(a) is a diagram showing the types of commands between the slot control unit 600 and the rental device 614. The commands that can be sent and received between the slot control unit 600 and the rental device 614 are the gaming machine information notification command, the counting notification command, the rental notification command, and the rental receipt result response command.

[0104] <Communication between slot control unit and rental device / game machine information notification command> The gaming machine information notification command is a command transmitted from the frame control unit 600 to the lending device 614, and periodically transmits commands related to three types of gaming machines.

[0105] FIG. 11(b) is a diagram showing types of gaming machine information notification commands.

[0106] Gaming machine information notification commands can be broadly divided into three types: hall control / fraud monitoring information commands, gaming machine installation information commands, and gaming machine performance information commands. Hall control / fraud monitoring information commands can be further divided into two types: hall control / fraud monitoring information commands (with main control status update or with game information) and hall control / fraud monitoring information commands (without main control status update and without game information).

[0107] The "priority" shown in Figure 11(b) indicates the priority when sending commands, and if the sending timing of multiple types of commands overlaps, the command with the highest "priority" is sent first. In this example, the transmission priority is highest in the following order: 1: hall control / fraud monitoring information command (main control status updated or game information available), 2: gaming machine installation information command, 3: gaming machine performance information command, 4: hall control / fraud monitoring information command (main control status not updated and game information not available).

[0108] 11(b) indicates the conditions (timing) for sending each command. In this example, the frame control unit 600 sends the hall control / fraud monitoring information command (there is an update of the main control status or there is game information) to the rental device 614 at 300 ms intervals after the start-up of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is completed, and sends the gaming machine installation information command to the rental device 614 at 60 s intervals after the start-up of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is completed.

[0109] In addition, a gaming machine performance information command is sent to the rental device 614 at 180 s intervals after the start-up of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is completed, and a hall control / fraud monitoring information command (no update of the main control status and no game information) is sent to the rental device 614 at 300 ms intervals after the start-up of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is completed.

[0110] The "contents" shown in Figure 11(b) indicate the information sent by each command. For example, the Hall Control / Fraud Monitoring Information command (with main control status update or game information) sends the number of game balls, number of shot balls, total number of winning balls, main control status, gaming machine error status, fraud detection status, performance information status notification, game information, etc.

[0111] Here, the "number of gaming balls" is the number of balls held (the number of balls held in the gaming machine), and the "number of fired balls" is a value calculated by adding +1 when the gaming ball passes the subtraction sensor 618 and subtracting -1 when the gaming ball passes the foul ball detection sensor 616, and is cleared to 0 after the gaming machine information notification command is sent. The "total number of winning balls" is the total number of "winning balls" since the enclosed gaming machine 100 was powered on.

[0112] "Main control status" is information including jackpot signal 1 (during a specific jackpot), jackpot signal 2 (during all jackpots), jackpot signal 3 (during time-saving mode, during special mode), during high probability, during time-saving mode, during special mode or advantageous state, during jackpot + time-saving mode, during special mode or advantageous state, and firing stop request. "Machine error status" is information including the type of error that has occurred, and "fraud detection status" is information including information such as setting change / setting confirmation, RAM clear, error occurrence, and complete function operation. "Performance information status notification" is information including information such as non-time-saving mode, time-saving mode, during jackpot, low probability, high probability, and so on, and "game information" is information including winning at each winning slot, number of symbol confirmations, number of jackpots, etc.

[0113] The Hall Control / Fraud Monitoring Information Command (no update of main control status and no game information) transmits information other than the main control status and game information that is transmitted by the Hall Control / Fraud Monitoring Information Command (with update of main control status or with game information).

[0114] The gaming machine installation information command transmits the total number of game balls fired, the total number of game balls acquired, the payout rate, the number of game balls acquired per minute (low base), the ratio of game balls, the ratio of consecutive game balls, the number of jackpots, etc.

[0115] Here, the "total number of game balls fired" is the total number of "number of balls fired" since the enclosed gaming machine 100 was turned on. The "total number of game balls acquired" is the total number of game balls acquired since the enclosed gaming machine 100 was turned on, the "ball payout rate" is a value calculated by (total number of game balls acquired / total number of game balls fired) x 100, and the "number of game balls acquired per minute (low base)" is a value calculated by (total number of game balls acquired during low base / total number of game balls fired during low base) x 100. The "role ratio" is a value calculated by (role balls acquired by role operation / total number of game balls acquired) x 100, and the "successive role ratio" is a value calculated by (role balls acquired by consecutive role operation / total number of game balls acquired) x 100.

[0116] The gaming machine performance information command transmits the chip ID, chip manufacturer code, chip product code, etc. of the main control unit / frame control unit CPU.

[0117] <Communication between the frame control unit and the rental device / count notification command> The count notification command is a command sent from the frame control unit 600 to the lending device 614, and includes information such as the number of balls counted and the cumulative number of balls counted.

[0118] Here, the "counted ball count" is the number of game balls to be counted (0 to 250 balls), and information indicating 0 balls is sent even if the count button 617 is not operated. The "cumulative counted ball count" is the cumulative number of "counted balls" since the enclosed gaming machine 100 was turned on, and is cleared to 0 after the enclosed gaming machine 100 is turned on.

[0119] The frame control unit 600 transmits this command to the rental device 614 at intervals of 300 ms during a period of 90 ms to 100 ms after transmitting the gaming machine information notification command.

[0120] <Communication between the frame control unit and the rental device / rental notification command> The loan notification command is a command sent from the loan device 614 to the frame control unit 600, and includes information on the number of loaned balls.

[0121] Here, the "number of loaned balls" is the number of gaming balls loaned from the loaning device 614 to the enclosed gaming machine 100.

[0122] The rental device 614 transmits this command to the quota control unit 600 within 170 ms after receiving the count notification command from the quota control unit 600.

[0123] <Communication between the frame control unit and the rental device / rental receipt result response command> The loan receipt result response command is a command sent from the frame control unit 600 to the loan device 614, and is a command that includes information such as the loan ball number receipt result (the result of whether or not information such as the loan ball number was received successfully).

[0124] The frame control unit 600 transmits this command to the rental device 614 within 10 ms after receiving the rental notification command from the rental device 614.

[0125] <Communication between the frame control unit and the rental device / Example> Next, a specific example of communication between the frame control unit 600 and the rental device 614 will be described.

[0126] <Communication between the slot control unit and the rental device / Basic communication (no game information)> 12 is a sequence diagram showing, in time series, an example of basic communication (without game information) between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614. In the following drawings, the word "command" may be omitted from each command name to make the drawings easier to read.

[0127] The frame control unit 600 transmits the hall control / fraud monitoring information command, which is one of the gaming machine information notification commands, to the lending device 614 at intervals of 300 ms after the start-up of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is completed, and then transmits the counting report notification command to the lending device 614 at intervals of 300 ms during a period of 90 ms to 100 ms after transmitting the gaming machine information notification command.

[0128] At the timing indicated by symbol T41, the start-up of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is completed, so the frame control unit 600 sends the hall control / fraud monitoring information command from the gaming machine information notification command. However, since the main control status from the gaming machine information is not updated and there is no gaming information, the frame control unit 600 sends the hall control / fraud monitoring information command from the gaming machine information notification command (main control status is not updated and there is no gaming information) to the lending device 614.

[0129] At the timing indicated by the symbol T42, the frame control unit 600 transmits a counting notification command to the lending device 614 within a period of 90 ms to 100 ms after transmitting the gaming machine information notification command.

[0130] At the timing indicated by symbol T43, the rental device 614 receives a counting notification command from the frame control unit 600, and therefore transmits a rental notification command to the frame control unit 600 within 170 ms of receiving the command.At the timing indicated by symbol T44, the frame control unit 600 receives a rental notification command from the rental device 614, and therefore transmits a rental receipt result response command to the rental device 614 within 10 ms of receiving the command.

[0131] Thereafter, if the main control status of the gaming machine information has not been updated and there is no gaming information, the frame control unit 600 will send the hall control / fraud monitoring information command (main control status has not been updated and there is no gaming information) of the gaming machine information notification command to the lending device 614 at 300 ms intervals, and then send a counting notification command to the lending device 614. Upon receiving the counting notification command, the lending device 614 will send a lending notification command to the frame control unit 600, and upon receiving the lending notification command, the frame control unit 600 will send a lending receipt result response command to the lending device 614.

[0132] At the timing indicated by the symbol T45, 60 seconds have passed since the start-up of the enclosed gaming machine 100 was completed, and the gaming machine installation information command of the gaming machine information notification command is transmitted to the rental device 614. At the timing indicated by symbol T46, 180 seconds have passed since the enclosed gaming machine 100 completed its startup, and so an attempt is made to send the gaming machine performance information command from the gaming machine information notification commands to the rental device 614. However, in this example, the timing of sending the gaming machine installation information command (priority 2), which has a higher priority than the gaming machine performance information command (priority 3), overlaps, so the gaming machine installation information command from the gaming machine information notification commands is given priority and sent to the rental device 614 first.

[0133] After sending the gaming machine installation information command, the frame control unit 600 sends a counting notification command to the rental device 614, and the rental device 614, having received the counting notification command, sends a rental notification command to the frame control unit 600, and the frame control unit 600, having received the rental notification command, sends a rental receipt result response command to the rental device 614.

[0134] At the timing indicated by reference symbol T47, the gaming machine performance information command whose transmission timing overlaps with the gaming machine installation information command is transmitted to the rental device 614 300 ms after the timing indicated by reference symbol T46.

[0135] Although not shown in the figure, after sending the gaming machine performance information command, the frame control unit 600 sends a counting notification command to the lending device 614, and the lending device 614, having received the counting notification command, sends a lending notification command to the frame control unit 600, and the frame control unit 600, having received the lending notification command, sends a lending receipt result response command to the lending device 614.

[0136] Here, to summarize the control of the frame control unit 600, when the counting button 617 is pressed, the frame control unit 600 transmits the counted number of balls to the lending device 614, subtracts the counted number of balls from the number of game balls, and displays the number of game balls after subtraction on the game ball number display device.

[0137] If the counting button 617 is pressed briefly, data indicating 1 ball is sent to the lending device 614, and 1 is subtracted from the number of game balls, which is then displayed on the display device for the number of game balls, etc. If the counting button 617 is pressed and held down, data indicating a maximum of 250 balls is sent to the lending device 614 (if the number of game balls is less than 250, data indicating the total number is sent to the lending device 614), and a maximum of 250 is subtracted from the number of game balls (if the number of game balls is less than 250, the total number is subtracted from the number of game balls), which is then displayed on the display device for the number of game balls, etc.

[0138] In addition, when the frame control unit 600 receives the number of loaned balls from the loaning device 614, it displays the sum of the number of loaned balls and the current number of game balls as the new number of game balls on the game ball number display device.

[0139] <Communication between slot control unit and rental device / Priority transmission of gaming machine information notification (including gaming information)> FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of priority transmission of a gaming machine information notification command (with gaming information) in communication between the frame control unit 600 and the rental device 614 in chronological order.

[0140] The frame control unit 600 transmits the hall control / fraud monitoring information command, which is one of the gaming machine information notification commands, to the lending device 614 at intervals of 300 ms after the start-up of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is completed, and transmits the gaming machine installation information command, which is one of the gaming machine information notification commands, to the lending device 614 at intervals of 60 s after the start-up of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is completed.

[0141] At the timing indicated by the symbol T52, 60 seconds have passed since the enclosed gaming machine 100 completed its startup, and so an attempt is made to send the gaming machine installation information command, which is one of the gaming machine information notification commands, to the lending device 614. However, in this example, gaming information is held at that time, and the timing of sending the hall control / fraud monitoring information command (with gaming information) (priority 1), which has a higher priority than the gaming machine installation information command (priority 2), overlaps, so the hall control / fraud monitoring information command (with gaming information), which is one of the gaming machine information notification commands, is given priority and sent to the lending device 614 first.

[0142] At the timing indicated by code T53, the game information held by the frame control unit 600 is exhausted, so the game machine installation information command, whose transmission timing overlaps with the hall control / fraud monitoring information command (with game information), is transmitted to the lending device 614 300 ms after the timing indicated by code T52.

[0143] In addition, the frame control unit 600 transmits the gaming machine performance information command of the gaming machine information notification command to the lending device 614 at intervals of 180 seconds after the start-up of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is completed.

[0144] At the timing indicated by symbol T54, 180 seconds have passed since the enclosed gaming machine 100 completed its startup, and so an attempt is made to send the gaming machine performance information command from the gaming machine information notification commands to the lending device 614. However, in this example, the frame control unit 600 is holding gaming information at that time, and the timing of sending the hall control / fraud monitoring information command (with gaming information) (priority 1), which has a higher priority than the gaming machine performance information command (priority 3), overlaps, so the hall control / fraud monitoring information command (with gaming information) from the gaming machine information notification commands is given priority and sent to the lending device 614 first.

[0145] At the timing indicated by code T55, the game information held by the frame control unit 600 is exhausted, so the game machine performance information command, whose transmission timing overlaps with the hall control / fraud monitoring information command (with game information), is transmitted to the lending device 614 300 ms after the timing indicated by code T54.

[0146] <Communication between the slot control unit and the rental device / count notification> FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of count notification in communication between the frame control unit 600 and the rental device 614 in chronological order.

[0147] This example is an example of count notification when the count button 617 of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is pressed and held down and 250 balls are counted twice (500 balls in total).

[0148] Specifically, at the timing indicated by symbol T1a, when the number of game balls is 1000 and the cumulative counted balls is 0, the first "long press" of the counting button 617 is received, so the number of counted balls is set to "250", which represents 250 balls, and the cumulative counted balls is updated to 250 by adding 250 counted balls to the cumulative counted balls of 0.

[0149] At the timing indicated by symbol T1b, the frame control unit 600 sends a gaming machine information notification command to the lending device 614 including information such as serial number = n (n is a positive integer) and number of gaming balls = 1000, and then at the timing indicated by symbol T1c, within a period of 90 ms to 100 ms after sending the gaming machine information notification command, it sends a counting notification command to the lending device 614 including information such as counting serial number = m (m is a positive integer), number of counted balls = 250, and cumulative number of counted balls = 250, and then subtracts 250 counted balls from 1000 gaming balls to update the number of gaming balls to 750.

[0150] At the timing indicated by symbol T1d, the rental device 614, which has received the counting notification command, adds the number of counted balls (250) contained in the received counting notification command to the number of balls held (100) before receiving the counting notification command, updating the number of balls held to 350, and since the number of loaned balls is 0, it sends a rental notification command to the frame control unit 600 containing the information rental serial number = k (k is a positive integer) and number of loaned balls = 0.

[0151] At the timing indicated by symbol T1e, the slot control unit 600, having received the loan notification command, sends a loan receipt result response command to the loan device 614, including the information that the loan serial number = k and the loan ball number receipt result = normal.

[0152] After that, in this example, the counting button 617 continues to be pressed and held when the number of game balls is 750 and the cumulative counted balls is 250, and when a second press and hold of the counting button 617 is received, the number of counted balls is set to "250", which represents 250 balls, and the cumulative counted balls are updated to 500 by adding 250 counted balls to the cumulative counted balls of 250.

[0153] At the timing indicated by symbol T1f, the frame control unit 600 sends a gaming machine information notification command to the lending device 614 including information such as serial number = n+1 and number of gaming balls = 750, and then at the timing indicated by symbol T1g, within a period of 90 ms to 100 ms after sending the gaming machine information notification command, it sends a counting notification command to the lending device 614 including information such as counting serial number = m+1, number of counted balls = 250, and cumulative number of counted balls = 500, and then subtracts 250 counted balls from 750 gaming balls to update the number of gaming balls to 500.

[0154] At the timing indicated by the symbol T1h, the rental device 614 receives the counting notification command, adds the number of counted balls (250) contained in the received counting notification command to the number of balls held (350) before receiving the counting notification command, updating the number of balls held to 600, and since the number of loaned balls is 0, sends a rental notification command to the frame control unit 600 containing the information rental serial number = k+1 and number of loaned balls = 0.

[0155] At the timing indicated by symbol T1i, the slot control unit 600 receives the loan notification command and sends a loan receipt result response command to the loan device 614, which includes the information that the loan serial number = k+1 and the loan ball number receipt result = normal.

[0156] At the timing indicated by symbol T1j, the long press of the counting button 617 is released, and at the subsequent timing indicated by symbol T1k, the frame control unit 600 sends a gaming machine information notification to the lending device 614 including information such as serial number = n + 2 and number of gaming balls = 500, and then at the subsequent timing indicated by symbol T1l, within a period of 90 ms to 100 ms after sending the gaming machine information notification command, it sends a counting notification command to the lending device 614 including information such as counting serial number = m + 2, number of counted balls = 0, and cumulative number of counted balls = 500, but since the number of counted balls is 0, the number of gaming balls is maintained at 500.

[0157] At the timing indicated by the symbol T1m, the rental device 614 receives the counting notification command, and since the number of counted balls is 0, it maintains the number of balls in its possession at 600, and since the number of loaned balls is 0, it sends a rental notification command to the frame control unit 600 containing the information rental serial number = k + 2 and number of loaned balls = 0.

[0158] At the timing indicated by symbol T1n, the slot control unit 600 receives the loan notification command and sends a loan receipt result response command to the loan device 614, which includes the information that the loan serial number = k+2 and the loan ball number receipt result = normal.

[0159] <Communication between the frame control unit and the rental device / rental notification> FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a rental notification in communication between the slot control unit 600 and the rental device 614 in chronological order.

[0160] This example is an example of a rental notification when the rental button 614a of the rental device 614 is operated and 125 balls are rented once.

[0161] At the timing indicated by the symbol T2a, the lending device 614 accepts operation of the lending button 614a and updates the number of balls to 125.

[0162] At the timing indicated by symbol T2b, since the number of gaming balls is 50, the frame control unit 600 sends a gaming machine information notification command to the lending device 614 including information such as serial number = n (n is a positive integer) and number of gaming balls = 50, and then at the timing indicated by symbol T2c, within a period of 90 ms to 100 ms after sending the gaming machine information notification command, it sends a counting notification command to the lending device 614 including information such as counting serial number = m (m is a positive integer), number of counted balls = 0, and cumulative number of counted balls = 0.

[0163] At the timing indicated by symbol T2d, the rental device 614 receives the counting notification command and transmits a rental notification command containing information such as rental serial number = k (k is a positive integer) and number of rental balls = 125 to the frame control unit 600 within 170 ms of receiving the counting notification command.

[0164] At the timing indicated by the symbol T2e, the frame control unit 600, which received the loan notification command, adds the number of loaned balls (125) included in the received loan notification command to the number of game balls (50) to update the number of game balls to 175, and sends a loan receipt result response command containing information such as loan serial number = k and loaned ball number receipt result = normal to the loan device 614 within 10 ms of receiving the loan notification command. As a result, the loan device 614 confirms that the frame control unit 600 has successfully received information such as the number of loaned balls.

[0165] At the timing indicated by symbol T2f, the number of gaming balls is 175, so the frame control unit 600 sends a gaming machine information notification to the rental device 614, including information such as serial number = n+1 and number of gaming balls = 175.

[0166] <Communication / disconnection between the frame control unit and the rental device> 16 and 17 are sequence diagrams showing, in time series, an example of a case where communication between the frame control unit 600 and the rental device 614 is interrupted.

[0167] This example is an example of communication when a communication interruption (cable disconnection) occurs in communication between the frame control unit 600 and the rental device 614.

[0168] At the timing indicated by symbol T3a, the number of gaming balls is 1000, so the frame control unit 600 sends a gaming machine information notification command to the lending device 614 including the information serial number = n (n is a positive integer) and number of gaming balls = 1000, and then at the timing indicated by symbol T3b, within a period of 90 ms to 100 ms after sending the gaming machine information notification command, it sends a counting notification command to the lending device 614 including the information counting serial number = m (m is a positive integer), number of counted balls = 0, and cumulative number of counted balls = 0.

[0169] Also, at the timing indicated by symbol T3c, the lending device 614 receives the counting notification command, and since the number of loaned balls is 0, it sends a loan notification command to the frame control unit 600 including information such as loan serial number = k (k is a positive integer) and number of loaned balls = 0; at the timing indicated by symbol T3d, the frame control unit 600 receives the loan notification command, and sends a loan receipt result response command to the lending device 614 including information such as loan serial number = k (k is a positive integer) and loaned ball number receipt result = normal; and at the timing indicated by symbol T3e, it sends a gaming machine information notification command to the lending device 614 including information such as serial number = n+1 and number of gaming balls = 1000.

[0170] At the timing indicated by symbol T3f, a communication interruption (cable disconnection) occurred in the communication between the frame control unit 600 and the rental device 614, and thereafter the frame control unit 600 set VL=OFF (unable to launch, counting button disabled), and the rental device 614 set VL=OFF (unable to launch), PSI=OFF (counting button disabled).

[0171] At the timing shown by symbol T3g, the counting button is disabled, so a counting notification command containing the information counting serial number = m+1, number of counted balls = 0, and cumulative number of counted balls = 0 is sent to the rental device 614, but because a communication interruption (cable disconnection) has occurred, the rental device 614 is unable to receive the command properly.

[0172] Furthermore, at the timing indicated by symbol T3h, the frame control unit 600 sends a gaming machine information notification command to the rental device 614 including information such as serial number = n+2 and number of gaming balls = 1000, and then at the subsequent timing indicated by symbol T3i, within a period of 90 ms to 100 ms after sending the gaming machine information notification command, it sends a counting notification command to the rental device 614 including information such as counting serial number = m+2, number of counted balls = 0, and cumulative number of counted balls = 0; however, due to a communication interruption (cable disconnection), the rental device 614 is unable to receive these commands normally.

[0173] 17, at the timing indicated by the symbol T3j, a staff member at the game arcade checks the number of game balls, resolves the communication interruption (cable disconnection), and restores the cable, so that the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 are in VL=ON (game ball launch permitted state) and PSI=ON (counting button enabled state). Note that after VL=ON (game ball launch permitted state) is set in the lending device 614, a staff member at the game arcade checks the cable connection status.

[0174] At the timing indicated by symbol T3k, since the number of gaming balls is 1000, the frame control unit 600 sends a gaming machine information notification command including the information serial number = n + 3 and number of gaming balls = 1000 to the lending device 614, and then at the timing indicated by symbol T3l, within a period of 90 ms to 100 ms after sending the gaming machine information notification command, it sends a counting notification command including the information counting serial number = m + 3, number of counted balls = 0, and cumulative number of counted balls = 0 to the lending device 614.

[0175] Also, at the timing indicated by symbol T3m, the lending device 614 receives the counting notification command and resets the lending serial number to 0 since a communication interruption (cable disconnection) has occurred, and since the number of loaned balls is 0, it sends a lending notification command to the frame control unit 600 containing the information loan serial number = 0 and number of loaned balls = 0.At the timing indicated by symbol T3n, the frame control unit 600 receives the lending notification command and sets the lending serial number to the last loan serial number k sent (loan serial number k of the loan receipt result response command sent at the timing indicated by symbol T3d), and then sends a loan receipt result response command to the lending device 614 containing the information loan serial number = k and loaned ball number receipt result = normal.

[0176] At the timing indicated by symbol T3o, a gaming machine information notification command including information such as serial number = n+4 and number of gaming balls = 1000 is sent to the lending device 614, and at the timing indicated by symbol T3p, within a period of 90 ms to 100 ms after sending the gaming machine information notification command, a counting notification command including information such as counting serial number = m+4, number of counted balls = 0, and cumulative number of counted balls = 0 is sent to the lending device 614.

[0177] Also, at the timing indicated by symbol T3q, the rental device 614 receives the counting notification command, and since the cable has been restored, it adds 1 to the rental serial number k to update it to k+1, and since the number of rental balls is 0, it sends a rental notification command to the frame control unit 600 including the information rental serial number = k+1 and number of rental balls = 0.At the timing indicated by symbol T3r, the frame control unit 600 receives the rental notification command and sends a rental receipt result response command to the rental device 614 including the information rental serial number = k+1 and rental ball number receipt result = normal.

[0178] <Communication error between the frame control unit and the rental device / count notification> FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communication abnormality in the count notification between the frame control unit 600 and the rental device 614 in chronological order.

[0179] This example is an example of a counting notification when a "long press" operation is performed on the counting button 617 of the enclosed gaming machine 100, 250 balls are counted once (a total of 250 balls), and a communication abnormality occurs while the "long press" operation is continuing.

[0180] Specifically, at the timing indicated by symbol T4a, when the number of game balls is 1000 and the cumulative counted balls is 0, the first "long press" of the counting button 617 is received, so the number of counted balls is set to "250", which represents 250 balls, and the cumulative counted balls is updated to 250 by adding 250 counted balls to the cumulative counted balls of 0.

[0181] At the timing indicated by symbol T4b, the frame control unit 600 sends a gaming machine information notification command to the lending device 614 including information such as serial number = n (n is a positive integer) and number of gaming balls = 1000, and then at the timing indicated by symbol T4c, within a period of 90 ms to 100 ms after sending the gaming machine information notification command, it sends a counting notification command to the lending device 614 including information such as counting serial number = m (m is a positive integer), number of counted balls = 250, and cumulative number of counted balls = 250, and then subtracts 250 counted balls from 1000 gaming balls to update the number of gaming balls to 750.

[0182] At the timing indicated by symbol T4d, the rental device 614, which has received the counting notification command, adds the number of counted balls (250) contained in the received counting notification command to the number of balls held (100) before receiving the counting notification command, updating the number of balls held to 350, and since the number of loaned balls is 0, it sends a rental notification command to the frame control unit 600 containing the information rental serial number = k (k is a positive integer) and number of loaned balls = 0.

[0183] At the timing indicated by symbol T4e, the slot control unit 600, having received the loan notification command, sends a loan receipt result response command to the loan device 614, including the information that the loan serial number = k and the loan ball number receipt result = normal.

[0184] In this example, the counting button 617 continues to be pressed and held when the number of game balls is 750 and the cumulative counted balls is 250. When the counting button 617 is pressed and held a second time, the number of counted balls is set to "250," which represents 250 balls, and the cumulative counted balls are updated to 500 by adding 250 counted balls to the cumulative counted balls of 250.

[0185] At the timing indicated by symbol T4f, the frame control unit 600 sends a gaming machine information notification command to the lending device 614 including information such as serial number = n+1 and number of gaming balls = 750, and then at the subsequent timing indicated by symbol T4g, within a period of 90 ms to 100 ms after sending the gaming machine information notification command, it sends a counting notification command to the lending device 614 including information such as counting serial number = m+1, number of counted balls = 250, and cumulative number of counted balls = 500, and then subtracts 250 counted balls from 750 gaming balls to update the number of gaming balls to 500. However, due to a communication abnormality, the lending device 614 is unable to receive the command normally.

[0186] Also, at the timing indicated by symbol T4h, the frame control unit 600 sends a gaming machine information notification command including information such as serial number = n+2 and number of gaming balls = 500 to the rental device 614, but due to a communication abnormality, the rental device 614 is unable to receive the command normally.

[0187] On the other hand, the lending device 614 detects a communication abnormality because it has not been able to properly receive the gaming machine information notification command from the frame control unit 600, and sets VL=OFF (unable to fire) and PSI=OFF (counting button disabled) up to 300 ms after detecting the communication abnormality. Also, the frame control unit 600 sets VL=OFF (unable to fire, counting button disabled) because it has not been able to properly receive the lending notification command in response to the counting notification command from the lending device 614.

[0188] In the frame control unit 600, since the counting button 617 has been disabled, the number of counted balls is reset from 250 to 0, and then at the timing indicated by symbol T4i, a counting notification command containing the information counting serial number = m + 2, number of counted balls = 0, and cumulative number of counted balls = 500 is sent to the rental device 614.However, since a communication abnormality has occurred, the rental device 614 is unable to receive these commands normally.

[0189] At the timing indicated by the symbol T4j, the game parlor staff checks the number of game balls and the number of balls in hand, and the game waits for the error recovery from the communication error until the communication error is resolved. When the communication error is resolved, the dispensing device 614 sets VL=ON (game ball release permitted state) and PSI=ON (counting button enabled state).

[0190] <Communication error between the frame control unit and the rental device / rental notification> FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communication abnormality in a rental notification between the slot control unit 600 and the rental device 614 in time series.

[0191] This example is an example of a rental notification when a communication error occurs when the rental button 614a of the rental device 614 is operated and 125 balls are lent once.

[0192] At the timing indicated by the symbol T5a, the lending device 614 accepts operation of the lending button 614a and updates the number of balls to 125.

[0193] At the timing indicated by symbol T5b, since the number of gaming balls is 50, the frame control unit 600 sends a gaming machine information notification command including information such as serial number = n (n is a positive integer) and number of gaming balls = 50 to the lending device 614, and then at the timing indicated by symbol T5c, the frame control unit 600 sends a counting notification command including information such as counting serial number = m (m is a positive integer), number of counted balls = 0, and cumulative number of counted balls = 0 to the lending device 614 within a period of 90 ms to 100 ms after sending the gaming machine information notification command.

[0194] At the timing indicated by symbol T5d, the rental device 614 receives the counting notification command and transmits a rental notification command containing information such as rental serial number = k (k is a positive integer) and number of rental balls = 125 to the frame control unit 600 within 170 ms of receiving the counting notification command.

[0195] At the timing indicated by symbol T5e, the frame control unit 600 receives the loan notification command, adds the number of loaned balls (125) contained in the command to the number of game balls (50) to update the number of game balls to 175, and sends a loan receipt result response command containing the information loan serial number = k and loaned ball number receipt result = normal to the loan device 614 within 10 ms of receiving the loan notification command.However, in this example, due to a communication abnormality, the loan device 614 is unable to receive the command normally.

[0196] The quota control unit 600 sends a loan receipt result response command to the loan device 614 within 10 ms of receiving the loan notification command from the loan device 614. However, in this example, at the timing indicated by the symbol T5f, the loan device 614 has not received a loan receipt result response command from the quota control unit 600 even though more than 10 ms has passed since sending the loan notification command to the quota control unit 600, so it determines that the loan processing has not been completed and continues the loan processing.

[0197] At the timing indicated by symbol T5g, since the number of gaming balls is 175, the frame control unit 600 sends a gaming machine information notification to the lending device 614 including information such as serial number = n+1 and number of gaming balls = 175, and then at the timing indicated by symbol T5h, within a period of 90 ms to 100 ms after sending the gaming machine information notification command, it sends a counting notification command to the lending device 614 including information such as counting serial number = m+1, number of counted balls = 0, and cumulative number of counted balls = 0.

[0198] The lending device 614 was unable to successfully receive the lending receipt result response command in response to the lending notification command sent at the timing indicated by symbol T5d, and it was unclear whether the frame control unit 600 had successfully received the lending notification command.Therefore, at the timing indicated by symbol T5i, it again sets the same k as the lending serial number and sends a lending notification command containing the information lending serial number = k and number of balls loaned = 125 to the frame control unit 600 within 170 ms of receiving the counting notification command.

[0199] The slot control unit 600 checks the continuity of the loan serial numbers included in the loan notification command, and if the loan serial numbers are not consecutive, it sends a loan receipt result response command including information that the loan ball count receipt result is abnormal.

[0200] In this example, the frame control unit 600 receives a loan notification command from the loan device 614 at the timing indicated by symbol T5i, which includes information such as loan serial number = k and number of loaned balls = 125.Since there is no continuity with the loan serial number k included in the previous loan notification command received at the timing indicated by symbol T5d (the loan serial number is not k+1), at the timing indicated by symbol T5j, it sends a loan receipt result response command to the loan device 614 within 10 ms of receiving the loan notification command, which includes information such as loan serial number = k and loaned ball number receipt result = abnormal.

[0201] On the other hand, if the lending serial number contained in the lending receipt result response command received from the quota control unit 600 matches the lending serial number contained in the lending notification command sent last time, the lending device 614 determines that the quota control unit 600 has received the lending notification command normally and completes the lending process.

[0202] In this example, when the rental device 614 receives a rental receipt result response command from the quota control unit 600 at the timing indicated by symbol T5j, it determines that the quota control unit 600 has received the rental notification command normally, since the rental serial number k contained in the rental receipt result response command matches the rental serial number k contained in the previous rental notification command sent to the quota control unit 600 at the timing indicated by symbol T5i, and completes the rental processing.

[0203] At the timing indicated by symbol T5k, the number of gaming balls is 175, so the frame control unit 600 sends a gaming machine information notification to the lending device 614, including information such as serial number = n+1 and number of gaming balls = 175.

[0204] <Communication between the frame control unit and the rental device / during play> FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 during a game in chronological order.

[0205] This example is an example of communication that occurs when a game ball is launched toward the game board 200 or a game ball (foul ball) that does not reach the game board 200 is detected as a result of playing on the enclosed game machine 100.

[0206] Here, the "total number of game balls fired" in Figure 20 is the total number of "number of game balls fired" since the enclosed game machine 100 was turned on, and the "number of game balls fired" is a number calculated by adding +1 when a game ball passes the subtraction sensor 618 and subtracting -1 when a game ball passes the foul ball detection sensor 616.

[0207] At the timing indicated by symbol T6a, the number of gaming balls is 1000, so the frame control unit 600 sends a gaming machine information notification command to the lending device 614, including information such as serial number = n (n is a positive integer) and number of gaming balls = 1000.

[0208] At the timing indicated by symbol T6b, the frame control unit 600 sends a counting notification command to the lending device 614 within a period of 90 ms to 100 ms after sending the gaming machine information notification command, including the information that the counting serial number = m (m is a positive integer), the number of counted balls = 0, and the cumulative number of counted balls = 0.After that, since one gaming ball has been fired toward the gaming board 200 (the gaming ball has passed the subtraction sensor 618), the number of fired balls is set to 1 and the number of gaming balls is subtracted by 1 to update the number of gaming balls from 1000 to 999.

[0209] At the timing indicated by symbol T6c, the lending device 614 receives the counting notification command and, since the number of loaned balls is 0, sends a loan notification command to the frame control unit 600 including the information loan serial number = k (k is a positive integer) and number of loaned balls = 0, and at the timing indicated by symbol T6d, the frame control unit 600 receives the loan notification command and sends a loan receipt result response command to the lending device 614 including the information loan serial number = k and loaned ball number receipt result = normal.

[0210] At the timing indicated by symbol T6e, the number of game balls is 999 and the number of balls fired is 1, so the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification command to the rental device 614, including the information serial number = n+1, number of game balls = 999, and number of balls fired = 1. Upon receiving this command, the rental device 614 adds 1, the number of balls fired included in the command, to the total number of balls fired, which is 100, and updates the total number of balls fired to 101.

[0211] At the timing indicated by the symbol T6f, the frame control unit 600 sends a counting notification command to the lending device 614 within a period of 90 ms to 100 ms after sending the gaming machine information notification command, including the information that the counting serial number = m+1, the number of counted balls = 0, and the cumulative number of counted balls = 0.After that, since it detected one foul ball (the gaming ball passed through the foul ball detection sensor 616), it sets the number of fired balls to -1 and adds 1 to the number of gaming balls of 999, updating the number of gaming balls to 1000.

[0212] At the timing indicated by symbol T6g, the lending device 614 receives the counting notification command, and since the number of loaned balls is 0, it sends a loan notification command to the frame control unit 600 including the information that the loan serial number = k+1 and the number of loaned balls = 0.At the timing indicated by symbol T6h, the frame control unit 600 receives the loan notification command and sends a loan receipt result response command to the lending device 614 including the information that the loan serial number = k+1 and the loaned ball number receipt result = normal.

[0213] At the timing indicated by the symbol T6i, the number of game balls is 1000 and the number of balls fired is -1, so the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification command to the rental device 614, including the information: serial number = n+2, number of game balls = 1000, and number of balls fired = -1. Upon receiving this command, the rental device 614 adds -1, the number of balls fired included in the command, to the total number of balls fired, 101, and updates the total number of balls fired to 100.

[0214] After that, one game ball was fired toward the game board 200 (the game ball passed through the subtraction sensor 618), so the frame control unit 600 sets the number of fired balls to 1 and subtracts 1 from the number of game balls to update the number of game balls from 1000 to 999.

[0215] At the timing indicated by the symbol T6j, the frame control unit 600, within a period of 90 ms to 100 ms after sending the gaming machine information notification command, sends a counting notification command to the lending device 614 including the information that the counting serial number = m + 2, the number of counted balls = 0, and the cumulative number of counted balls = 0.After that, since it detected one foul ball (the gaming ball passed through the foul ball detection sensor 616), it updates the number of fired balls from 1 to 0 and adds 1 to the number of gaming balls to update the number of gaming balls from 999 to 1000.

[0216] At the timing indicated by symbol T6k, the lending device 614 receives the counting notification command, and since the number of loaned balls is 0, it sends a loan notification command to the frame control unit 600 including the information that the loan serial number = k+2 and the number of loaned balls = 0.At the timing indicated by symbol T6l, the frame control unit 600 receives the loan notification command and sends a loan receipt result response command to the lending device 614 including the information that the loan serial number = k+2 and the loaned ball number receipt result = normal.

[0217] At the timing indicated by the symbol T6m, the number of game balls is 1000 and the number of balls fired is 0 (= 1 (fired) - 1 (foul ball)), so the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification command to the rental device 614, including the information: serial number = n + 3, number of game balls = 1000, and number of balls fired = 0.

[0218] <Communication between the frame control unit and the lending device / When an increase in the number of game balls and a short press of the counting button occur at the same time> FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 in time series when an increase in the number of game balls and a short press of the counting button coincide with each other.

[0219] This example is an example of communication when the timing of an increase in the number of game balls due to a prize ball coincides with the timing of counting due to a short press of the counting button 617 in the enclosed gaming machine 100. Note that, although this example describes an example in which the number of game balls increases due to a prize ball, the same applies when the number of game balls increases due to a foul ball.

[0220] At the timing indicated by symbol T7a, the number of game balls is 0, so the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification command including information such as serial number = n (n is a positive integer) and number of game balls = 0 to the lending device 614.After that, at the timing indicated by symbol T7b, the number of game balls has increased by 1 due to a prize ball, so the frame control unit 600 adds 1 to the number of game balls to update the number of game balls from 0 to 1.

[0221] Also, in this example, when the number of game balls is 1 and the cumulative number of counted balls is 0, the first "short press" of the counting button 617 is accepted at the timing shown by symbol T7c immediately after the winning ball.

[0222] However, since the numerical value 1 (planned count number) indicating 1 ball, which is the count in response to the "short press" operation of the counting button 617, is greater than the number of game balls 0 sent in the game machine information notification command sent at the timing shown by symbol T7a, in this example, the numerical value 1 indicating 1 ball, which is the count in response to the "short press" operation of the counting button 617, is not set as the number of game balls counted, but 0 is set as the planned correction data for the counting data (number of balls counted) (step S103 of the counting process shown in Figure 4), and at the timing shown by symbol T7d, a counting notification command including the information counting serial number = m (m is a positive integer), number of counted balls = 0, and cumulative number of counted balls = 0 is sent to the lending device 614.

[0223] In other words, in this example, in a situation where the detection means (ball detection sensor) detects a gaming ball during a predetermined period and the gaming ball count data (data on the number of gaming balls) increases (a situation where the number of gaming balls increases by one due to a winning ball, as shown by symbol T7b in Figure 21), if a counting process is executed during the predetermined period due to the operation of a predetermined operating means (counting button 617), the value corresponding to the operation of the predetermined operating means (counting button 617) (the number 1 indicating one ball) may not be counted.

[0224] According to this example, in a situation where the number of game balls data has increased during a predetermined period after sending information on the number of game balls data (gaming machine information notification command) to an external device (rental device 614) and before sending information on counting data (counting notification command), it is possible to prevent sending more counting data information than the number of game balls data information.This prevents sending information that could lead the external device to mistakenly believe it is fraudulent activity or a malfunction, thereby enabling smooth operation of the gaming machine.

[0225] At the timing indicated by symbol T7e, the lending device 614 receives the counting notification command, and since the number of loaned balls is 0, it sends a loan notification command to the frame control unit 600 including the information loan serial number = k (k is a positive integer) and number of loaned balls = 0.At the timing indicated by symbol T7f, the frame control unit 600 receives the loan notification command and sends a loan receipt result response command to the lending device 614 including the information loan serial number = k and loaned ball number receipt result = normal.

[0226] At the timing indicated by symbol T7g, since the number of gaming balls is 1, the frame control unit 600 sends a gaming machine information notification command including the information serial number = n+1 and number of gaming balls = 1 to the lending device 614, and then at the subsequent timing indicated by symbol T7h, since 0 is set as the planned correction data for the counting data (number of counted balls), within a period of 90 ms to 100 ms after sending the gaming machine information notification command, the frame control unit 600 sends a counting notification command including the information counting serial number = m+1, number of counted balls = 0, and cumulative number of counted balls = 0 to the lending device 614.

[0227] Furthermore, the frame control unit 600 accepts a second "short press" of the count button 617 at the timing indicated by the reference symbol T7i.

[0228] Here, since the number 1 (planned count number) indicating 1 ball, which is the count in response to the "short press" operation of the counting button 617, is not greater than the number of game balls, 1, sent in the game machine information notification command sent at the timing shown by code T7g, in this example, the number of counted balls is set to "1", which indicates 1 ball, and the cumulative counted ball number is updated to 1 by adding 1 counted ball to 0.

[0229] At the timing indicated by symbol T7j, the lending device 614 receives the counting notification command and, since the number of loaned balls is 0, sends a loan notification command to the frame control unit 600 including the information that the loan serial number = k+1 and the number of loaned balls = 0.At the timing indicated by symbol T7k, the frame control unit 600 receives the loan notification command and sends a loan receipt result response command to the lending device 614 including the information that the loan serial number = k+1 and the loaned ball number receipt result = normal.

[0230] At the timing indicated by symbol T7l, the number of gaming balls is 1, so the frame control unit 600 sends a gaming machine information notification command including the information serial number = n + 2 and number of gaming balls = 1 to the lending device 614, and then at the timing indicated by symbol T7m, the number of counted balls and the cumulative counted number of balls are 1, so within a period of 90 ms to 100 ms after sending the gaming machine information notification command, the frame control unit 600 sends a counting notification command including the information counting serial number = m + 2, number of counted balls = 1, and cumulative counted number of balls = 1 to the lending device 614.

[0231] When the rental device 614 receives this counting notification command, it adds the counting number of balls (1) contained in the received counting notification command to the number of balls held (0) before receiving the counting notification command, updating the number of balls held to 1.

[0232] <Communication between the frame control unit and the rental device / When an increase in the number of game balls occurs and the counting button is pressed and held at the same time> FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 in time series when an increase in the number of game balls occurs at the same time as the counting button is pressed and held down.

[0233] This example is an example of communication when the timing of an increase in the number of game balls due to a prize ball coincides with the timing of counting due to a long press of the counting button 617 in the enclosed gaming machine 100. Note that, although this example describes an example in which the number of game balls increases due to a prize ball, the same applies when the number of game balls increases due to a foul ball.

[0234] At the timing indicated by symbol T8b, the number of game balls is 245, so the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification command including information such as serial number = n (n is a positive integer) and number of game balls = 245 to the lending device 614.After that, at the timing indicated by symbol T8c, the number of game balls has increased by 15 due to prize balls, so the frame control unit 600 adds 15 to the number of game balls and updates the number of game balls from 245 to 260.

[0235] In this example, when the number of game balls is 245 and the cumulative number of counted balls is 0, a "long press" operation of the count button 617 is accepted at the timing indicated by the symbol T8a.

[0236] However, since the number 250 (planned count number), which indicates 250 balls counted in response to the "long press" of the counting button 617, is greater than the number of game balls, 245, sent in the game machine information notification command sent at the timing shown by symbol T8b, the number of counted balls (counting data) is not set to 250, which indicates 250 balls counted in response to the "long press" of the counting button 617, but 245 is set as the planned correction data for the counting data (number of counted balls) (step S103 of the counting process shown in Figure 4), and at the timing shown by symbol T8d, a counting notification command including the information counting serial number = m (m is a positive integer), number of counted balls = 245, and cumulative number of counted balls = 245 is sent to the lending device 614, and then the number of counted balls, 245, is subtracted from the number of game balls, 260, to update the number of game balls to 15.

[0237] In other words, in this example, in a situation where the detection means (ball detection sensor) detects game balls during a predetermined period and the game ball count data (game ball count data) increases (a situation where the number of game balls increases by 15 due to winning balls, as shown by symbol T8c in Figure 21), if a counting process is executed during the predetermined period by operating a predetermined operating means (counting button 617), the value corresponding to the operation of the predetermined operating means (counting button 617) (the number 250 indicating 250 balls) may not be counted.

[0238] According to this example, in a situation where the number of game balls data has increased during a predetermined period after sending information on the number of game balls data (gaming machine information notification command) to an external device (rental device 614) and before sending information on counting data (counting notification command), it is possible to prevent sending more counting data information than the number of game balls data information.This prevents sending information that could lead the external device to mistakenly believe it is fraudulent activity or a malfunction, thereby enabling smooth operation of the gaming machine.

[0239] At the timing indicated by symbol T8e, the lending device 614, which has received the counting notification command, adds the number of counted balls (245) contained in the received counting notification command to the number of balls held (0) before receiving the counting notification command, updating the number of balls held to 245, and since the number of loaned balls is 0, it sends a loan notification command to the frame control unit 600 including the information loan serial number = k (k is a positive integer) and number of loaned balls = 0.At the timing indicated by symbol T8f, the frame control unit 600, which has received the loan notification command, sends a loan receipt result response command to the lending device 614 including the information loan serial number = k and loaned number of balls receipt result = normal.

[0240] At the timing indicated by symbol T8g, the number of gaming balls is 15, so the frame control unit 600 sends a gaming machine information notification command including the information serial number = n+1 and number of gaming balls = 15 to the lending device 614, and then at the subsequent timing indicated by symbol T8h, the counting button 617 continues to be "long pressed" and a second "long press" operation is accepted.

[0241] However, since the number of game balls is 15, which is less than the 250 balls counted in response to the "long press" of the counting button 617, the number of counted balls is set to 15, which indicates the total number of game balls, 15, and the cumulative counted number of balls is updated to 260 by adding 15 to the cumulative counted number of balls, 245, and a counting notification command including the information counting serial number = m + 1, number of counted balls = 15, and cumulative counted number of balls = 260 is sent to the lending device 614 within a period of 90 ms to 100 ms after sending the game machine information notification command.

[0242] At the timing indicated by symbol T8i, the lending device 614, which has received the counting notification command, adds the number of counted balls (15) contained in the received counting notification command to the number of balls held before receiving the counting notification command (245), updating the number of balls held to 260, and since the number of loaned balls is 0, it sends a loan notification command to the frame control unit 600 including the information loan serial number = k+1 and number of loaned balls = 0.At the timing indicated by symbol T8j, the frame control unit 600, which has received the loan notification command, sends a loan receipt result response command to the lending device 614 including the information loan serial number = k+1 and loaned ball number receipt result = normal.

[0243] At the timing indicated by symbol T8k, the long press on the counting button 617 is released, and at the timing indicated by symbol T8l, the number of gaming balls is 0, so the frame control unit 600 sends a gaming machine information notification command to the lending device 614 including the information serial number = n + 2 and number of gaming balls = 0, and then at the timing indicated by symbol T8m, within a period of 90 ms to 100 ms after sending the gaming machine information notification command, it sends a counting notification command to the lending device 614 including the information counting serial number = m + 2, number of counted balls = 0, and cumulative number of counted balls = 260.

[0244] <Communication between the frame control unit and the rental device / Summary> As explained above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the enclosed gaming machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine that can store the number of gaming balls as gaming ball number data in a predetermined storage area (for example, the RAM 608 of the frame control unit 600 shown in FIG. 2), and includes a control means (for example, the frame control unit 600 shown in FIG. 2), a detection means that can detect gaming balls (for example, various sensors 320 shown in FIG. 2 (sensors that detect gaming balls passing through each starting port, winning port, and variable winning port)), and a predetermined operation means (for example, the counting button shown in FIG. 2). and a control means for adding ball data corresponding to the detection of a gaming ball by the detection means to the gaming ball count data, and the control means for executing a counting process (for example, the counting process shown in FIG. 4) for counting the gaming ball count data when the predetermined operation means is operated in a situation where the gaming ball count data is not 0, and the control means for transmitting first information (for example, the gaming machine information notification frame shown in FIG. 20 or 21) to an external device (for example, the lending device 614 shown in FIG. 2). a means capable of transmitting a command (a count notification command shown in FIG. 20 or 21) and transmitting second information (for example, a count notification command shown in FIG. 20 or 21) after a predetermined period (for example, 100 ms) has elapsed since the first information was transmitted, the first information including the game ball number data (for example, the game ball number shown in FIG. 21 or 22), the second information including count data (for example, the counted ball number shown in FIG. 21 or 22) indicating the value counted from the previous transmission of the second information to the transmission of the current second information, and the control means is a gaming machine characterized in that, in a situation where the detection means detects gaming balls during the specified period and the gaming ball count data increases (for example, (1) a situation where the number of gaming balls increases by one due to a prize ball, as shown by symbol T7b in Figure 21, or (2) a situation where the number of gaming balls increases by 15 due to a prize ball, as shown by symbol T8c in Figure 22), if the counting process is executed during the specified period due to the operation of the specified operating means, the means may not count a value corresponding to the operation of the specified operating means.

[0245] If it were possible to transmit more counting data information than the number of game balls data (i.e., the total number of balls held) to an external device, the external device would receive more counting data information than the total number of balls held, which could result in an error.However, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, in a situation where the number of game balls data increases during a specified period after transmitting the number of game balls data information to the external device and before transmitting the counting data information, it is possible to prevent the transmission of more counting data information than the number of game balls data information.Therefore, by preventing the transmission of information that could be mistaken for fraud or a malfunction to the external device, the gaming machine can be operated smoothly.

[0246] Furthermore, the control means is means for counting a second value (e.g., 250 balls) smaller than the first value from the game ball number data when the predetermined operation means is operated in a first operation manner (e.g., long press) in a situation where the game ball number data is equal to or greater than a first value (e.g., 251 balls), and the control means is means for counting the second value (e.g., 250 balls) from the game ball number data when the predetermined operation means is operated in the first operation manner (e.g., long press) in a situation where the game ball number data is equal to or greater than the second value (e.g., 250 balls), and the control means is means for counting the third value (e.g., 250 balls) from the game ball number data when the predetermined operation means is operated in the first operation manner (e.g., long press) in a situation where the game ball number data is equal to or greater than the second value. The control means may be a means for counting the third value (e.g., 249 balls) from the game ball number data when the specified operation means is operated in the first operation mode (e.g., long press) in a situation where the game ball number data is already at a third value (e.g., 249 balls), and the control means may be a means for counting the third value when the counting process is executed during the specified period due to the specified operation means being operated in the first operation mode in a situation where the detection means detects game balls and the game ball number data has increased to a fourth value (e.g., 250 balls or more) that is greater than the third value during the specified period after transmitting the game ball number data that is the third value as the first information.

[0247] With this configuration, appropriate counting processing can be performed according to the game ball count data, and in a situation where the game ball count data has increased during a predetermined period after the game ball count data information has been sent to the external device and before the count data information is sent, it is possible to prevent sending more count data information than the game ball count data information.This prevents the sending of information that could lead the external device to mistakenly believe it is fraudulent activity or a malfunction, thereby enabling smooth operation of the game machine. Furthermore, the gaming machine according to this embodiment is a gaming machine capable of storing the number of gaming values ​​as gaming value number data in a predetermined storage area, and is equipped with a control means and a predetermined operation means, wherein the control means is means capable of adding gaming value data corresponding to the acquisition of the gaming value to the gaming value number data, the control means is means capable of executing a counting process of counting the gaming value number data when the predetermined operation means is operated, the control means is means capable of transmitting first information to an external device at predetermined cycles and transmitting second information after a predetermined period has elapsed since transmitting the first information, the first information includes the gaming value number data, and the second information includes counting data indicating a value counted from the previous transmission of the second information to the transmission of the current second information, and the control means is means capable of transmitting data indicating "1" as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information when the predetermined operation means is operated in a first operation mode in a situation where the gaming value number data is "1" or more, and the control means is means capable of transmitting " and if the predetermined operation means is operated once in the first operation mode before the predetermined period has elapsed in a situation where the game value is acquired and the game value number data becomes "1" or more before "0" is transmitted, the control means transmits data indicating "1" as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information; and if the predetermined operation means is operated once in the first operation mode before the predetermined period has elapsed in a situation where the game value is acquired and the game value number data becomes "1" or more after "0" is transmitted and before the predetermined period has elapsed (hereinafter referred to as the "first case"), the control means does not transmit data indicating "1" as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information, but transmits data indicating "0"; and if the predetermined operation means has not been operated by the time the second information next to the timing of transmitting the most recent second information is transmitted in the first case, the control means transmits data indicating "0" as the counting data when transmitting the next second information, but transmits data indicating "1".

[0248] <Control by frame control unit and launch control unit> Next, the control by frame control unit 600 and launch control unit 630 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0249] As described above, the launch control unit 630 controls the launch solenoid 632 that drives the launch rod and launch hammer, and the ball feed solenoid 634 that supplies balls toward the ball launch handle 134, based on predetermined signals output by the frame control unit 600, such as a control signal that instructs whether to allow or stop launch, and a control signal that instructs the launch intensity according to the amount of operation of the ball launch handle 134 by the player, output by a launch intensity output circuit provided in the ball launch handle 134.

[0250] "Ball feeding solenoid" in Figures 23 to 27 refers to the ball feeding solenoid 634 of the ball feeding device 127 described using Figures 2 and 3, and "driving" and "stopping" respectively indicate the state in which the driving signal of the ball feeding solenoid 634 is being driven and the state in which the driving signal is being stopped.

[0251] The "reference signal" indicates a signal that the launch control unit 630 sends to the frame control unit 600, and when the launch control unit 630 drives the ball feed solenoid 634, it sends an ON-level reference signal to the frame control unit 600.

[0252] The "reference signal flag" indicates a flag that the frame control unit 600 sets to ON or OFF in the reference signal processing described using Fig. 5 or the game ball subtraction processing described using Fig. 6. When the frame control unit 600 receives a reference signal from the launch control unit 630, it sets the reference signal flag to ON, and when the subtraction sensor signal output from the subtraction sensor changes from an ON level to an OFF level, or when a predetermined period (for example, 640 ms) has elapsed since the reference signal flag was set to ON, it sets (resets) the reference signal flag to OFF.

[0253] "Subtraction sensor signal" refers to the subtraction sensor signal output from the subtraction sensor 618; when a gaming ball enters the subtraction sensor 618 and the subtraction sensor 618 detects the gaming ball, the subtraction sensor signal changes from an ON level to an OFF level; when a gaming ball exits the subtraction sensor 618 and the subtraction sensor 618 does not detect the gaming ball, the subtraction sensor signal changes from an OFF level to an ON level.

[0254] The "counting operation" refers to the operation of the counting button 617. The frame control unit 600 monitors the button detection signal output from the counting button 617 at predetermined intervals, and after detecting a button detection signal at an ON level (e.g., a high level) for 1 ms or more but less than 500 ms, if it detects a falling edge (down edge) of the button detection signal, it determines that the operation of the counting button 617 has been accepted as a "short press." Furthermore, if it detects a button detection signal at an ON level (e.g., a high level) for 500 ms or more, it determines that the operation of the counting button 617 has been accepted as a "long press," and thereafter determines that a "long press" has been accepted each time it detects a button detection signal at an ON level for 300 ms.

[0255] "Firing solenoid" refers to the firing solenoid 632 of the firing device 140 described using Figures 2 and 3, and "driving" and "stopping" refer to the state in which the drive signal of the firing solenoid 632 is driving and the state in which the drive signal is stopped, respectively.

[0256] <Control by the frame control unit and launch control unit / launch operation with one game ball> FIG. 23 is a time chart showing the changes in various signals when the number of game balls is one and an operation to shoot one game ball is performed.

[0257] At the timing indicated by symbol T10a, the launch control unit 630 drives the ball feed solenoid 634 of the ball feed device 127 to supply the game ball to the launch position on the launch rail 149, and based on the driving of the ball feed solenoid 634, sends an ON level reference signal to the frame control unit 600, and the frame control unit 600, having received the reference signal, sets the reference signal flag to ON (step S202 of the reference signal processing shown in Figure 5).

[0258] At the timing indicated by symbol T10b, the subtraction sensor signal output from the subtraction sensor 618 changes from an ON level (high level in this example) to an OFF level (low level in this example), and the subtraction sensor 618 detects a game ball, so the frame control unit 600 subtracts 1 from the current number of game balls, which is 1 (step S302 of the game ball subtraction processing shown in Figure 6), updates the number of game balls from 1 to 0, and sets (resets) the reference signal flag to OFF (step S304 of the game ball subtraction processing shown in Figure 6).

[0259] At the timing indicated by the symbol T10c, the launch control unit 630 drives the launch solenoid 632 of the launch device 140 to launch the gaming ball toward the gaming board 200.

[0260] <Control by the frame control unit and launch control unit / launch operation and counting operation when the number of game balls is 1> FIG. 24 is a time chart showing the changes in various signals when one gaming ball is released and one ball is counted.

[0261] At the timing indicated by symbol T11a, the launch control unit 630 drives the ball feed solenoid 634 of the ball feed device 127 to supply the game ball to the launch position on the launch rail 149, and based on the driving of the ball feed solenoid 634, sends an ON level reference signal to the frame control unit 600, and the frame control unit 600, having received the reference signal, sets the reference signal flag to ON (step S202 of the reference signal processing shown in Figure 5).

[0262] At the timing indicated by reference symbol 11b, the frame control unit 600 detects a button detection signal at an ON level (high level in this example) for 100 ms, and upon detecting the falling edge of the button detection signal, determines that a "short press" of the counting button 617 has been accepted, and sets the number of counted balls to "1," a value representing one ball (step S101 of the counting process shown in Figure 4).

[0263] In addition, since the reference signal flag is set ON, the frame control unit 600 determines whether the subtraction result 0 (= number of game balls 1 - planned counting number 1) obtained by subtracting the planned counting number (1 in this example) from the number of game balls (1 in this example) is 0 or not (step S106 of the counting process shown in Figure 4), and since the subtraction result is 0 in this example, it sets the subtraction result (0 in this example) obtained by subtracting 1 from the planned counting number (1 in this example) as the number of counted balls, and maintains the number of game balls at 1 (= 1 - 0).

[0264] At the timing indicated by symbol T11c, the subtraction sensor signal output from the subtraction sensor 618 changes from ON level (high level in this example) to OFF level (low level in this example), and the subtraction sensor 618 detects a game ball, so the frame control unit 600 subtracts 1 from the current number of game balls, which is 1 (step S302 of the game ball subtraction processing), updates the number of game balls to 0, and sets (resets) the reference signal flag to OFF (step S304 of the game ball subtraction processing).

[0265] At the timing indicated by the symbol T11d, the launch control unit 630 drives the launch solenoid 632 of the launch device 140 to launch the gaming ball toward the gaming board 200.

[0266] Furthermore, if there were no restrictions on the counting process as in the example described above, when there is only one game ball and a counting operation (short press) is performed between the time when the ball feed solenoid 634 is activated and the time when the subtraction sensor signal turns OFF, two balls would be used, one for launch and one for counting, even though there is only one game ball.

[0267] However, in this example, even if the launch of a game ball and the counting process for counting the game ball number data overlap, the value (1 ball) corresponding to the first operation mode (short press) of the specified operation means (counting button 617) is not counted from the game ball number data (1 ball), so appropriate processing is possible.

[0268] <Control by the frame control unit and launch control unit / launch operation and counting operation for 250 game balls> FIG. 25 is a time chart showing the changes in various signals when the number of game balls is 250 and the operation of shooting one game ball and the operation of counting 250 game balls are performed.

[0269] At the timing indicated by symbol T12a, the launch control unit 630 drives the ball feed solenoid 634 of the ball feed device 127 to supply the game ball to the launch position on the launch rail 149, and based on the driving of the ball feed solenoid 634, sends an ON level reference signal to the frame control unit 600, and the frame control unit 600, having received the reference signal, sets the reference signal flag to ON (step S202 of the reference signal processing shown in Figure 5).

[0270] At the timing indicated by reference symbol 12b, the frame control unit 600 detects a button detection signal at an ON level (high level in this example) for 500 ms, and therefore determines that a "long press" of the counting button 617 has been accepted, and sets the number of balls to "250," which represents 250 balls (step S101 of the counting process shown in Figure 4).

[0271] In addition, since the reference signal flag is set ON, the frame control unit 600 determines whether the result of subtracting the planned counting number (250 in this example) from the number of game balls (250 in this example) is 0 (= number of game balls 250 - planned counting number 250) is 0 or not (step S106 of the counting process shown in Figure 4), and since the result of subtracting 1 from the planned counting number (250 in this example) (249 in this example) is set as the number of counted balls, and updates the number of game balls from 250 to 1 (= 250 - 249).

[0272] At the timing indicated by symbol T12c, the subtraction sensor signal output from the subtraction sensor 618 changes from an ON level (high level in this example) to an OFF level (low level in this example), and the subtraction sensor 618 detects a game ball, so the frame control unit 600 subtracts 1 from the current number of game balls, which is 1 (step S302 of the game ball subtraction processing), updates the number of game balls to 0, and sets (resets) the reference signal flag to OFF (step S304 of the game ball subtraction processing).

[0273] At the timing indicated by the symbol T12d, the launch control unit 630 drives the launch solenoid 632 of the launch device 140 to launch the gaming ball toward the gaming board 200.

[0274] For example, if processing is performed without any restrictions on the launch of game balls and the counting process that counts the game ball count data, when the game ball count data is 250 balls, if the launch of game balls and the counting (250 balls) by a long press overlap, 250 balls will be counted, and a problem will arise in which game balls will be launched even though the game ball count data shows that there are no game balls.However, according to this example, even if the launch of game balls and the counting process that counts the game ball count data overlap, the value (250 balls) corresponding to the first operation mode (long press) of the specified operation means (counting button 617) is not counted from the game ball count data (250 balls), allowing appropriate processing.

[0275] <Control by the frame control unit and launch control unit / launch operation and counting operation for 251 game balls> FIG. 26 is a time chart showing the changes in various signals when the number of game balls is 251 and the operation of firing one game ball and the operation of counting 250 game balls are performed.

[0276] At the timing indicated by symbol T13a, the launch control unit 630 drives the ball feed solenoid 634 of the ball feed device 127 to supply the game ball to the launch position on the launch rail 149, and based on the driving of the ball feed solenoid 634, sends an ON level reference signal to the frame control unit 600, and the frame control unit 600, having received the reference signal, sets the reference signal flag to ON (step S202 of the reference signal processing shown in Figure 5).

[0277] At the timing indicated by reference symbol 13b, the frame control unit 600 detects a button detection signal at an ON level (high level in this example) for 500 ms, and therefore determines that a "long press" of the counting button 617 has been accepted, and sets the number of balls to "250," which represents 250 balls (step S101 of the counting process shown in Figure 4).

[0278] In addition, since the reference signal flag is set to ON, the frame control unit 600 determines whether the subtraction result 1 (= number of game balls 251 - planned counting number 250) obtained by subtracting the planned counting number (250 in this example) from the number of game balls (251 in this example) is 0 or not (step S106 of the counting process shown in Figure 4), and since the subtraction result is not 0 in this example, it updates the number of game balls from 251 to 1 (= 251 - 250) without subtracting 1 from the planned counting number (250 in this example).

[0279] At the timing indicated by symbol T13c, the subtraction sensor signal output from the subtraction sensor 618 changes from an ON level (high level in this example) to an OFF level (low level in this example), and the subtraction sensor 618 detects a game ball, so the frame control unit 600 subtracts 1 from the current number of game balls, which is 1 (step S302 of the game ball subtraction processing), updates the number of game balls to 0, and sets (resets) the reference signal flag to OFF (step S304 of the game ball subtraction processing).

[0280] At the timing indicated by the symbol T13d, the launch control unit 630 drives the launch solenoid 632 of the launch device 140 to launch the gaming ball toward the gaming board 200.

[0281] According to this example, appropriate counting processing can be performed according to the game ball number data.

[0282] <Control by the frame control unit and launch control unit / reference signal flag timeout> FIG. 27 is a time chart showing the changes in various signals when the subtraction sensor signal of the subtraction sensor 618 does not change to the ON level after the reference signal flag is set to ON.

[0283] At the timing indicated by symbol T14a, the launch control unit 630 drives the ball feed solenoid 634 of the ball feed device 127 to supply the game ball to the launch position on the launch rail 149, and based on the driving of the ball feed solenoid 634, sends an ON level reference signal to the frame control unit 600, and the frame control unit 600, having received the reference signal, sets the reference signal flag to ON (step S202 of the reference signal processing shown in Figure 5).

[0284] At the timing indicated by symbol 14b, the frame control unit 600 sets (resets) the reference signal flag to OFF because a predetermined period (e.g., 640 ms) has elapsed without the subtraction sensor signal output from the subtraction sensor 618 changing from an ON level (high level in this example) to an OFF level (low level in this example) (step S303 → step S304 of the game ball subtraction processing shown in Figure 6).

[0285] According to this example, even if balls become clogged in the ball passage or a malfunction occurs in the subtraction sensor, it is possible to prevent a situation in which counting data that does not need to be corrected continues to be corrected during the counting process.

[0286] <Control by the frame control unit and launch control unit / Summary> As explained above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the enclosed gaming machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine that can store the number of gaming balls as gaming ball number data in a predetermined memory area (for example, the RAM 608 of the frame control unit 600 shown in FIG. 2), and includes a first control means (for example, the frame control unit 600 shown in FIG. 2), a launching operation means that is operated when launching the gaming balls (for example, the ball launching handle 134 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), a launching means that launches the gaming balls (for example, the launching device 140 shown in FIG. 3), and a ball feeding means that feeds the gaming balls to the launch position of the launching means (for example, the ball feeding means shown in FIG. 3). The first control means is a means capable of executing a subtraction process (for example, the game ball subtraction process shown in FIG. 6) that subtracts the game ball number data based on the detection by the detection means that game balls are being sent to the launching means by the ball sending means, and the first control means is a means capable of executing the predetermined operation (for example, the game ball subtraction process shown in FIG. 6) that subtracts the game ball number data based on the detection by the detection means that game balls are being sent to the launching means by the ball sending means, and the first control means is a means capable of executing the predetermined operation (for example, the game ball subtraction process shown in FIG. 6) that subtracts the game ball number data based on the detection by the detection means that game balls are being sent to the launching means based on the detection by the detection means that game balls are being sent to the launching means based on the detection When the operation means is operated, the first control means is capable of executing a counting process (for example, the counting process shown in FIG. 4) that counts the game ball number data, and when the predetermined operation means is operated in a first operation manner (for example, (1) long press, (2) short press) during a predetermined period when game balls are released in a situation where the game ball number data is a first value (for example, (1) 251 balls, (2) 2 balls) or more, the first control means counts a value corresponding to the first operation manner from the game ball number data (for example, (1) counts 250 balls, which is the number of balls counted according to the long press, and (2) counts 1 ball, which is the number of balls counted according to the short press). the first control means counts the number of game balls), and when the predetermined operation means is operated in the first operation mode during the predetermined period when game balls are shot in a situation where the game ball count data is less than the first value (for example, (1) 250 balls, (2) 1 ball), the first control means does not count a value corresponding to the first operation mode from the game ball count data (for example, (1) subtracts 1 ball from the number of balls counted in response to a long press, which is 250 balls, to correct the number of counted balls to 249 balls, and counts them; (2) subtracts 1 ball from the number of balls counted in response to a short press, which is 1 ball, to correct the number of counted balls to 0, and does not count them);This is a gaming machine characterized by the above.

[0287] For example, if processing is performed without any restrictions on the firing of game balls and the counting process that counts the game ball count data, when the game ball count data is 250 balls, if the firing of game balls and the counting (250 balls) by long pressing overlap, 250 balls will be counted, and a problem will arise in which game balls will be fired even though the game ball count data shows that there are no game balls.However, with the gaming machine of this embodiment, even if the firing of game balls and the counting process that counts the game ball count data overlap, the value corresponding to the first operation mode of the specified operation means is not counted from the game ball count data, making appropriate processing possible.

[0288] Furthermore, the first control means is means for counting a second value (e.g., 250 balls) smaller than the first value from the game ball number data when the predetermined operation means is operated in the first operation manner (e.g., long press) in a situation where the game ball number data is equal to or greater than the first value (e.g., 251 balls), and the first control means is means for counting the second value (e.g., 250 balls) from the game ball number data when the predetermined operation means is operated in the first operation manner (e.g., long press) in a situation where the game ball number data is equal to or greater than the second value (e.g., 250 balls). The first control means may be a means for counting a third value (e.g., 249 balls) from the game ball number data when the specified operation means is operated in the first operation manner (e.g., long press) in a situation where the game ball number data is a third value (e.g., 249 balls) smaller than the second value, and the first control means may be a means for counting a fourth value (e.g., 249 balls) smaller than the second value from the game ball number data when the specified operation means is operated in the first operation manner (e.g., long press) during the specified period when the game balls are launched in a situation where the game ball number data is the second value (e.g., 250 balls).

[0289] With this configuration, it is possible to execute appropriate counting processing according to the game ball number data, and even if the launch of game balls and the counting processing for counting the game ball number data overlap, appropriate processing is possible.

[0290] <Front frame door> Next, the front door frame (glass frame) 106 of the enclosed type gaming machine 100 will be described in detail.

[0291] <Front door frame / overall configuration> First, the overall configuration of the front frame door 106 will be described with reference to Figure 28. Figure 28 is an exploded perspective view of the enclosed gaming machine 100.

[0292] The front frame door 106 (door body) is composed of a glass frame base 152 that is attached to the front of the main body 104, which is the front side of the enclosed gaming machine 100, via a hinge part 112 so as to be able to be opened and closed, an upper unit 154 (first component) that is removably attached above the glass frame base 152, a glass transparent plate member 118 arranged in the opening of the glass frame base 152, a lower unit 156 (second component) and an operation panel unit 158 ​​that are removably attached below the glass frame base 152, and a UI unit 162 that is removably attached to the center of the lower part of the glass frame base 152 when viewed from the front.

[0293] In addition, a decorative film 164 (decorative member) made of a decorative sheet with decorative properties and a decorative film cover 166 (cover member) that fixes this decorative film 164 (decorative member) to the upper unit 154 (first component) are removably attached to the upper unit 154 (first component).

[0294] According to this example, the decorative member (decorative film 164) can be removed from the front side of the door body (front frame door 106), making it easy to replace the decorative member (decorative film 164), and providing a highly convenient gaming machine.

[0295] Conventionally, when introducing a different type of gaming machine, it was possible to replace only the gaming board and reuse the frame, but in that case there were issues such as the overall atmosphere of the gaming machine not being what the manufacturer intended, or if it was made with the assumption that the frame would be reused, it could end up being less decorative.However, in this example, by making the decorative sheet (design film 164) replaceable, when introducing a different type of gaming machine, it is possible to reuse the frame (front frame door 106) while adopting a decorative sheet (design film 164) that matches the gaming machine being introduced, thereby increasing the decorativeness.

[0296] <Front frame door / glass frame base and upper unit> Next, we will explain the glass frame base 152 and upper unit 154 of the front frame door 106. Figure 29 is a rear view of the front frame door 106 as seen from the rear side.

[0297] The glass frame base 152 is provided with a hand screw 168 (first restricting member) and a slide lock 170 (first restricting member) for fixing the upper unit 154 to the glass frame base 152 .

[0298] These hand screws 168 and slide locks 170 are arranged on the back of the front frame door 106, and are components that can be operated when the front frame door 106 (door body) is opened. However, they cannot be operated by players and are operating means that can only be operated by game parlor staff, etc.

[0299] The hand screw 168 is composed of a drive part 168a that can be rotated by hand, a circular flat head part 168b, and a screw part (not shown) that extends from the head part 168b as its base end.

[0300] The screw portion of this hand screw 168 can be tightened by rotating the drive part 168a in one direction (for example, clockwise).When the screw portion is tightened, the tip of the screw portion gradually fits into the screw hole formed in the upper unit 154, and finally the upper unit 154 and the glass frame base 152 are fixed (fastened) together by the hand screw 168.

[0301] On the other hand, the screw portion can be loosened by rotating the drive unit 168a in the other direction (for example, counterclockwise). When the screw portion is loosened, the tip of the screw portion withdraws from the screw hole formed in the upper unit 154, and the fixation (fastening) between the upper unit 154 and the glass frame base 152 is released. If the fixation (locking) of the slide lock 170 described below is released, the upper unit 154 can be removed from the glass frame base 152.

[0302] Figure 30(a) is a partially enlarged view showing the slide lock 170 in the locked position, Figure 30(b) is a partially enlarged view showing the slide lock 170 in the unlocked position, and Figure 30(c) is a rear view of the upper unit 154 from the back.

[0303] The slide lock 170 (first restricting member) is a member that is movable in the horizontal direction relative to the glass frame base 152.

[0304] 30(b) to the locked position shown in FIG. 30(a), the locking piece 170a of the slide lock 170 can be moved above the locking portion 154a of the upper unit 154. By sliding the slide lock 170 to the locked position, the glass frame base 152 and the upper unit 154 are fixed (locked), and upward movement of the upper unit 154 relative to the glass frame base 152 is restricted.

[0305] 30(b) in the other direction (for example, horizontally to the left in rear view) to the unlocked position shown in the same figure (b), it is possible to move the locking piece 170a of the slide lock 170 out from above the locking portion 154a of the upper unit 154. Then, by sliding the slide lock 170 to the unlocked position, the fixation (locking) between the glass frame base 152 and the upper unit 154 is released, and by releasing the fixation (fastening) of the upper unit 154 by the hand screw 168, it becomes possible to move the upper unit 154 upward relative to the glass frame base 152.

[0306] Therefore, after releasing the fixation (fastening) of the upper unit 154 by the hand screw 168, the fixation (locking) of the upper unit 154 by the locking piece 170a of the slide lock 170 is released, the upper unit 154 is lifted upward relative to the glass frame base 152, and then the slide lock 170 is slid to the locked position shown in Figure 30(a), whereby the locking piece 170a of the slide lock 170 can support the locking portion 154a of the upper unit 154, and the upper unit 154 is held in a state where it is lifted upward relative to the glass frame base 152, i.e., in the unlocked position shown in Figure 31(c) (details will be described later).

[0307] According to this example, the slide lock 170 can hold the upper unit 154 in the unlocked position, which improves convenience when replacing the design film 164.

[0308] Figure 31(a) is a top view of the front frame door 106 seen from above, Figure 31(b) is a front view showing the upper unit 154 moved to the locked position, and Figure 31(c) is a front view showing the upper unit 154 moved to the unlocked position.

[0309] A flat upper locking portion 154a is formed above the upper unit 154, protruding toward the front of the front frame door 106 and capable of engaging with the decorative film cover 166.

[0310] When the upper unit 154 is moved to the locked position shown in Figure 31(b), the upper locking portion 154a (second regulating member) cannot be lifted upward, and since the upper locking portion 154a regulates the attachment and detachment of the decorative film cover 166, the decorative film cover 166 (cover member) cannot be removed from the upper unit 154 (first component), resulting in a state (first state).

[0311] Furthermore, when the upper unit 154 is moved to the locked position shown in Figure 31(b), the two left and right locking portions 154c (design film cover locking mechanism) (second regulating members) that can lock the lower part of the design film cover 166 to the upper unit 154 are covered by the upper unit 154 and cannot be operated, and the locking of the design film cover 166 by the design film cover locking mechanism cannot be released.

[0312] On the other hand, when the upper unit 154 is moved to the unlocked position shown in Figure 31(c), the upper locking portion 154a can be lifted upward, and the restriction on attachment and detachment of the decorative film cover 166 by the upper locking portion 154a is released.

[0313] Furthermore, when the upper unit 154 is moved to the unlocked position shown in Figure 31(c), the locking portion 154c (design film cover locking mechanism), which can lock the lower part of the design film cover 166 to the upper unit 154, appears from below the upper unit 154 to the front and becomes operable, and the locking of the design film cover 166 by the design film cover locking mechanism can be released.

[0314] Therefore, after moving the upper unit 154 to the unlocked position shown in Figure 31 (c), the upper locking portion 154a is lifted upward to release the lock provided by the decorative film cover locking mechanism, thereby making it possible to remove the decorative film cover 166 (cover member) from the upper unit 154 (first component) (second state).

[0315] In this example, the first restricting member (hand screw 168 or slide lock 170) is a member that can be operated when the door body (front frame door 106) is opened, thereby preventing players and others from removing the decorative member, thereby preventing mischief and fraud.

[0316] In this example, when the threaded portion of the hand screw 168 is tightened or the slide lock 170 is slid to the locked position, the upper unit 154 and the glass frame base 152 are fixed (fastened) or the upper unit 154 and the glass frame base 152 are fixed (engaged), so the upper unit 154 cannot be moved from the locked position shown in Figure 31(b) to the unlocked position shown in Figure 31(c).

[0317] Therefore, when the threaded portion of the hand screw 168 is tightened or the slide lock 170 is slid to the locked position, it is not possible to change from the state (first state) shown in Figure 31(b) in which the decorative film cover 166 (cover member) can be removed from the upper unit 154 (first component) to the state (second state) shown in Figure 31(c) in which the decorative film cover 166 (cover member) cannot be removed from the upper unit 154 (first component).

[0318] In other words, the hand screw 168 and the slide lock 170 are regulating members that regulate the upper unit 154 (first component) from the second state (a state in which the decorative film cover 166 cannot be removed from the upper unit 154) to the first state (a state in which the decorative film cover 166 can be removed from the upper unit 154).

[0319] On the other hand, when the threaded portion of the hand screw 168 is loosened and the slide lock 170 is slid to the unlocked position, the upper unit 154 and the glass frame base 152 are released from the fixation (fastening) and the fixation (locking) between the upper unit 154 and the glass frame base 152 are released, so that the upper unit 154 can be moved from the locked position shown in Figure 31(b) to the unlocked position shown in Figure 31(c).

[0320] Therefore, when the threaded portion of the hand screw 168 is loosened and the slide lock 170 is slid to the unlocked position, the state can be changed from the state (first state) shown in Figure 31(b) in which the decorative film cover 166 (cover member) can be removed from the upper unit 154 (first component) to the state (second state) shown in Figure 31(c) in which the decorative film cover 166 (cover member) cannot be removed from the upper unit 154 (first component).

[0321] According to this example, the first component (upper unit 154) is provided with a second restricting member (upper locking portion 154a shown in Figure 31(a) and engaging portion 154c shown in Figure 31(c)) that restricts the cover member (decorative film cover 166) from being removed from the first component (upper unit 154). The second restricting member (upper locking portion 154a shown in Figure 31(a) and engaging portion 154c shown in Figure 31(c)) is a member that can be operated when the first component (upper unit 154) changes from the second state (state shown in Figure 31(b)) to the first state (state shown in Figure 31(c)). This prevents players and others from removing the decorative member, thereby preventing pranks and fraud.

[0322] <Front frame door / Summary> As described above, the gaming machine of this embodiment (for example, the enclosed gaming machine 100 shown in Figure 1) is a gaming machine equipped with an openable and closable door body (for example, the front frame door 106 shown in Figure 28), wherein the door body is composed of a first component part (for example, the upper unit 154 shown in Figure 28) and a second component part (for example, the lower unit 156 shown in Figure 28), and the first component part comprises a decorative member (for example, the decorative film 164 shown in Figure 28) and a cover member (for example, the decorative film cover 166 shown in Figure 28) that fixes the decorative member to the first component part, and the cover member is configured to be attachable and detachable to the first component part on the front of the gaming machine.

[0323] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the decorative members can be removed from the front side of the door body, making it easy to replace the decorative members, and providing a highly convenient gaming machine.

[0324] Furthermore, the first component has a state in which the cover member can be removed from the first component (hereinafter referred to as the "first state", for example, the state shown in Figure 31(c)), and a state in which the cover member cannot be removed from the first component (hereinafter referred to as the "second state", for example, the state shown in Figure 31(b)), and the door body is provided with a first regulating member (for example, hand screw 168 or slide lock 170 shown in Figure 29) that regulates the first component from the second state to the first state, and the first regulating member may be a member that can be operated when the door body is opened.

[0325] With this configuration, players and others cannot remove the decorative members, thereby preventing mischief and fraud.

[0326] In addition, the first component may be provided with a second regulating member (for example, an upper locking portion 154a shown in FIG. 31(a) or a latching portion 154c shown in FIG. 31(c)) that regulates the removal of the cover member from the first component, and the second regulating member may be a member that can be operated when the first component changes from the second state to the first state.

[0327] With this configuration, players and others cannot remove the decorative members, thereby preventing mischief and fraud.

[0328] The decorative member may be a decorative sheet having decorative properties.

[0329] Conventionally, when introducing a different type of gaming machine, it was possible to replace only the gaming board and reuse the frame, but in that case there were issues such as the overall atmosphere of the gaming machine not being what the manufacturer intended, or if it was made with the assumption that the frame would be reused, it could end up being less decorative.However, according to the present invention, by making the decorative sheet replaceable, when introducing a different type of gaming machine, it is possible to reuse the frame but use a decorative sheet that matches the gaming machine being introduced, thereby increasing the decorativeness.

[0330] <Game board> Next, the gaming board 200 of the enclosed gaming machine 100 will be described in detail.

[0331] <Game board / overall configuration> 32 is a schematic front view of the game board 200. The game board 200 is provided with predetermined ball entrance openings, such as a general winning opening 226, a general starting opening 228, a second special starting opening 230, a first special starting opening 232, and a variable winning opening 234.

[0332] In this example, two general winning openings 226 are provided at the bottom left of the game board 200, and when a predetermined ball detection sensor (not shown) detects a ball entering one of these general winning openings 226 (when a ball enters a general winning opening 226), a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10) are discharged as prize balls.

[0333] The normal map start port 228 is composed of a device called a gate or through chucker, which is used to determine whether the game ball has passed through a predetermined area, and in this example, one is provided in the center of the game board 200. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that the game ball has passed through the normal map start port 228, the pachinko machine 100 starts a normal map variable game using a normal map display device (not shown).

[0334] In this example, the second special symbol start port 230 is disposed on the right side of the normal symbol start port 228. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the second special symbol start port 230, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, three) are discharged as prize balls, and a special symbol variable game is started by the first special symbol display device (not shown).

[0335] The first special symbol start opening 232 is called an electric tulip (electric chute), and in this example, two are arranged vertically on the right side of the game board 200. This first special symbol start opening 232 has blade members that can be opened and closed left and right, and game balls cannot enter while the blade members are closed. When a player wins the normal symbol variable game and the normal symbol display device (not shown) displays a stopped winning symbol, the blade members open and close at predetermined time intervals and a predetermined number of times. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the first special symbol start opening 232, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, four) are discharged as prize balls, and the special symbol variable game is started by the second special symbol display device (not shown).

[0336] The variable winning opening 234 is called a big winning opening or attacker, and in this example, only one is provided at the bottom right of the game board 200. This variable winning opening 234 has a door member that can be opened and closed freely, and game balls cannot enter the opening while the door member is closed. When a player wins the special symbol variable game and the special symbol display device displays a stopped big winning symbol, the door member opens and closes at predetermined time intervals (for example, an opening time of 29 seconds and a closing time of 1.5 seconds) a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the variable winning opening 234, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 15) are discharged as prize balls.

[0337] Furthermore, a disk-shaped ball direction changing member 236 called a windmill and a plurality of game nails 238 are arranged near these winning holes and starting holes, and an outlet 240 is provided below the normal starting hole 228 to guide game balls that do not enter any of the winning holes or starting holes to the back side of the enclosed game machine 100.

[0338] <Game board / ball passage> 33 is a simplified rear view of the game board 200. A first ball passage 250 is disposed at the bottom of the rear of the game board 200, through which game balls that have entered the normal winning opening 226 or the normal winning opening 228 can pass, and a second ball passage 260 is disposed at the left side of the rear of the game board 200, through which game balls that have entered the second special winning opening 230, the first special winning opening 232, and the variable winning opening 234 can pass.

[0339] The first ball passage 250 is composed of a first ball passage base 252 arranged horizontally below the back surface of the base member 201 of the game board 200, and a first ball passage cover 254 arranged to cover the ball passage formed in this first ball passage base 252.

[0340] The second ball passage 260 is composed of a second ball passage base 262 arranged vertically on the left side of the back surface of the base member 201 of the game board 200, and a second ball passage cover 264 arranged to cover the ball passage formed in this second ball passage base 262.

[0341] <Game board / first ball passage> Figure 34(a) is a partially enlarged view showing the first ball passage 250 with the first ball passage cover 254 removed and the second ball passage 260 with the second ball passage cover 264 removed, and Figure 34(b) is a partially enlarged view of the general winning port flow path 256.

[0342] The first ball passage base 252 of the first ball passage 250 is formed with a general winning port flow path 256 (first flow path) through which game balls that have entered the general winning port 226 flow, and a general starting port flow path 258 (first flow path) through which game balls that have entered the general starting port 228 flow.

[0343] One end of the general winning port flow path 256 is connected to the general winning port 226 formed in the base member 201, and the other end is connected to a lower passage 750 (see FIG. 3) disposed below the base member 201, and the general winning port flow path 256 is capable of discharging gaming balls that have entered the general winning port 226 to the lower passage 750. Since the general winning port 226 is a ball entrance through which gaming balls can enter (enter easily) during normal play, the general winning port flow path 256 (first flow path) can be said to be a flow path through which gaming balls can flow during normal play.

[0344] In addition, a screw insertion port 256a into which a screw 257 can be inserted is formed on the flow path of the general winning port flow path 256, and the first ball passage base 252 of the first ball passage 250 is also fixed (fastened) to the base member 201 of the game board 200 by the screw 257 inserted into this screw insertion port 256a.

[0345] According to this example, if a screw is not attached correctly and becomes loose when assembling the flow path, game balls will remain on the flow path of the first flow path (general winning port flow path 256), making it easy to notice assembly errors during trial testing before shipping, thereby increasing convenience.

[0346] More specifically, as shown in Figure 34(b), the general prize winning port flow path 256 is configured to have a straight section 256b that extends linearly downward from a base end near the general prize winning port 226, a serpentine section 256c that is bent to the left when viewed from behind from this straight section 256b as a base end and then bent further downward, and a straight section 256d that extends linearly downward from this serpentine section 256c as a base end, and in this example, the screw insertion port 256a is formed in the straight section 256b of the general prize winning port flow path 256.

[0347] Since the serpentine portion 256c has a bent portion, it is originally prone to getting caught (lodged) by circulating game balls, and there is a risk that game balls may become lodged not due to an assembly error but simply due to a slight protrusion of the screw due to individual differences in the parts that form the screw or flow path. However, according to this example, by providing the screw insertion port 256a in the straight portion 256b rather than in the serpentine portion 256c, it is possible to prevent game balls from becoming lodged in the flow path due to factors other than an assembly error.

[0348] In addition, the general winning port flow path 256 has a flow path inlet 256in that communicates with the general winning port 226 and a circulation outlet 256out that communicates with the lower passage 750, but in this example, the screw insertion port 256a is formed in a position closer to the circulation inlet 256in than the circulation outlet 256out.

[0349] If the position of the screw insertion port 256a is close to the outlet of the flow path, it will take time for game balls to become trapped in the flow path due to loose screws or the like and overflow from the flow path, and the malfunction cannot be immediately noticed during a test run inspection before shipping. However, according to this example, the first flow path (general winning port flow path 256) has a first opening (flow path inlet 256in) and a second opening (circulation outlet 256out), the first opening (flow path inlet 256in) is an opening located upstream of the second opening (circulation outlet 256out), and the screw insertion port 256a is located closer to the first opening (flow path inlet 256in) than the second opening (circulation outlet 256out). Therefore, if game balls become trapped in the flow path due to loose screws or the like and overflow from the flow path during a test run inspection before shipping, the assembly error can be immediately noticed, thereby improving convenience.

[0350] One end of the normal starting port flow path 258 is connected to the normal starting port 228 formed in the base member 201, and the other end is connected to a lower passage 750 (see FIG. 3) disposed below the base member 201, and the normal starting port flow path 258 is capable of discharging game balls that have entered the normal starting port 228 into the lower passage 750. Since the normal starting port 228 is a ball entrance through which game balls can enter (enter easily) during normal play, the normal starting port flow path 258 (first flow path) can be said to be a flow path through which game balls can flow during normal play.

[0351] In addition, a screw insertion port 258a into which a screw 257 can be inserted is formed on the flow path of the normal starting port flow path 258, and the first ball passage base 252 of the first ball passage 250 is also fixed (fastened) to the base member 201 of the game board 200 by the screw 257 inserted into this screw insertion port 258a.

[0352] According to this example, if a screw is not attached correctly and becomes loose when assembling the flow path, game balls will remain on the flow path of the first flow path (normal starting port flow path 258), making it easy to notice assembly errors during test hit inspections before shipping, thereby increasing convenience.

[0353] In addition, in the first ball passage base 252 of the first ball passage 250, a plurality of screw insertion ports 252a into which screws 257 can be inserted are formed in locations other than on the flow paths of the general winning port flow path 256 and the general starting port flow path 258, and the first ball passage base 252 of the first ball passage 250 is also fixed (fastened) to the base member 201 of the game board 200 by the screws 257 inserted into these screw insertion ports 252a.

[0354] According to this example, the first flow path (general winning port flow path 256 and general winning port flow path 258) can be stably fixed to the game board 200, and loose screws, etc. can be detected by the accumulation of game balls, etc.

[0355] <Game board / second ball passage> Figure 35 is a partially enlarged view showing the second ball passage 260 with the first ball passage 250 removed.

[0356] The second ball passage base 262 of the second ball passage 260 is formed with a first special symbol starting port flow path 266 (second flow path) through which game balls that have entered the first special symbol starting port 232 flow, a variable winning port flow path 267 (second flow path) through which game balls that have entered the first special symbol starting port 232 or the variable winning port 234 flow, and a second special symbol starting port flow path 268 through which game balls that have entered the second special symbol starting port 230 flow.

[0357] The first special symbol starting port flow path 266 is a flow path that can discharge game balls that have entered the first special symbol starting port 232 into the lower passage 750. The first special symbol starting port 232 is a ball entrance that is difficult for game balls to enter during normal play but makes it easy for game balls to enter during a winning (small win) game, so it can be said that the first special symbol starting port flow path 266 (second flow path) is a flow path that is difficult for game balls to circulate through during normal play but makes it easy for game balls to circulate through during a winning game.

[0358] The variable winning port flow path 267 is a flow path that can discharge game balls that have entered the first special symbol starting port 232 or the variable winning port 234 to the lower passage 750. The first special symbol starting port 232 and the variable winning port 234 are ball entrance ports that are difficult for game balls to enter during normal play but are easy for game balls to enter during a winning (small win or big win) game, so it can be said that the variable winning port flow path 267 (second flow path) is a flow path that is difficult for game balls to circulate through during normal play but is easy for game balls to circulate through during a winning game.

[0359] The second special design start port flow path 268 is a flow path that can discharge game balls that have entered the second special design start port 230 into the lower passage 750. Since the second special design start port 230 is a ball entrance that allows game balls to enter (easily enter) during normal play, the second special design start port flow path 268 can be said to be a flow path through which game balls can flow during normal play.

[0360] In the second ball passage base 262 of the second ball passage 260, a plurality of screw insertion holes 262a into which the screws 257 can be inserted are formed in locations other than the first special symbol starting port flow path 266, the variable winning port flow path 267, and the second special symbol starting port flow path 268, and the second ball passage base 262 is fixed (fastened) to the base member 201 of the game board 200 by the plurality of screws 257 inserted into these screw insertion holes 262a. That is, in this example, no screw insertion holes into which screws can be inserted are formed on the flow paths of the first special symbol starting port flow path 266, the variable winning port flow path 267, and the second special symbol starting port flow path 268.

[0361] Furthermore, if a screw insertion port is formed on the second flow path and the screw is not properly attached and becomes loose, it is difficult for game balls to pass through the second flow path during normal play, so there is a risk that an inspector will not notice this during a test hit inspection before shipping. Therefore, by not forming a screw insertion port through which a screw can be inserted on the second flow path, it is possible to prevent the product from being shipped in a loose screw state by mistake.

[0362] According to this example, there is no screw insertion port formed on the second flow path (first special symbol starting port flow path 266 or variable winning port flow path 267), so even if the screw is not properly attached during assembly of the flow path and becomes loose, the second flow path (first special symbol starting port flow path 266 or variable winning port flow path 267) will not be affected, and test shot inspections etc. can be carried out quickly before shipping.

[0363] Furthermore, the second flow path (first special chart starting port flow path 266 and variable winning port flow path 267) can be prevented from being adversely affected by loose screws and can be stably fixed to the game board.

[0364] In this example, all of the game balls that enter the second special symbol starting port 230, the first special symbol starting port 232, and the variable winning port 234 are configured to pass through the common second ball passage 260, but the present invention is not limited to this, and game balls that enter each ball entrance port may be configured to pass through separate ball passages. In this case, a screw insertion port into which a screw can be inserted may be formed on the flow path through which game balls can flow during normal play (for example, the second special symbol starting port flow path 268).

[0365] Furthermore, even if two types of flow paths are configured to merge, one through which game balls can flow during normal play and the other through which game balls have difficulty flowing during normal play but can flow easily during winning play, a screw insertion port through which a screw can be inserted may be formed on the flow path downstream of the ball entrance port through which game balls can enter (easily enter) during normal play.

[0366] <Game board / ball path and screw> Next, the relationship between the ball passage and the screw will be explained. Figure 36(a) is a side cross-sectional view showing a ball passage 270 in which a screw insertion port 274 is formed, and Figure 36(b) is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the screw insertion port 274. Figure 37(a) is a front view showing the ball passage 270 with the top surface portion 270d omitted.

[0367] The ball passage 270 is a schematic representation of a ball passage having a screw insertion port 274 through which a screw 272 can be inserted, and corresponds to, for example, the general winning port flow path 256 and the general starting port flow path 258 described using Figure 34.

[0368] The spherical passage 270 is a cylindrical member composed of a lower surface portion 270a, a left side surface portion 270b and a right side surface portion 270c which are erected along the longitudinal direction on both sides of the short side of the lower surface portion 270, and an upper surface portion 270d which is arranged opposite the lower surface portion 270a.

[0369] A screw insertion hole 274 into which a screw 272 can be inserted is formed in the lower surface portion 270a of the ball passage 270, and the ball passage 270 is fixed to the back surface of the game board 200 by the screw 272 inserted into the screw insertion hole 274. In addition, a rib 270e for smooth rolling of the game ball BL is formed on the lower surface portion 270a of the ball passage 270, protruding along the longitudinal direction of the lower surface portion 270a toward the opposing upper surface portion 270d.

[0370] In this example, the height h1 from the lower surface 270a of the rib 270e is approximately 1 mm, and the height h2 from the lower surface 270a to the upper surface 270d is approximately 13 mm, which is higher than the height of approximately 12 mm obtained by adding the height h1 of the rib 270e (approximately 1 mm) to the diameter of the game ball BL (approximately 11 mm).

[0371] When assembling the ball passage 270, if the screw 272 is properly attached to the screw insertion port 274 without loosening, the head of the screw 272 will protrude by approximately 0.5 mm from the lower surface 270a, as shown enlarged in Figure 36(b), but will not protrude more than the height h1 of the rib 270e, which is approximately 1 mm.Therefore, as shown in "Normal" in Figure 36(a), the game ball BL can pass between the head of the screw 272 and the upper surface 270d, and will not remain in the ball passage 270.

[0372] On the other hand, when assembling the ball passage 270, if the screw 272 is loose or not properly attached when being attached to the screw insertion port 274, the head of the screw 272 will protrude beyond the height h1 of the rib 270e (approximately 1 mm), as shown in "Abnormal (loose)" in Figure 36(a), and the game ball BL that flows into the ball passage 270 will not be able to pass between the head of the screw 272 and the upper surface portion 270d, and will remain in the ball passage 270.

[0373] Furthermore, if the head of the screw 272 protrudes beyond the height h1 of the rib 270e (approximately 1 mm) due to loosening of the screw 272, the gap distance L1 (see Figure 37(a)) between the outer edge of the head of the screw 272 and the left side surface portion 270b (or right side surface portion 270c) will be less than the diameter of the game ball BL (approximately 11 mm), and therefore, as shown in Figure 37(a), the game ball BL will not be able to pass between the head of the screw 272 and the left side surface portion 270b or between the head of the screw 272 and the right side surface portion 270c, and will remain in the ball passage 270.

[0374] According to this example, if a screw is not properly attached and loosened during assembly of the flow paths, game balls will remain on the first flow paths (general winning port flow path 256 and normal winning port flow path 258), making it easy to notice assembly errors during test shot inspections before shipping, improving convenience. Also, since no screw insertion port is formed on the second flow paths (first special winning port flow path 266 and variable winning port flow path 267), even if a screw is not properly attached and loosened during assembly of the flow paths, the second flow paths (first special winning port flow path 266 and variable winning port flow path 267) will not be affected, and test shot inspections before shipping can be carried out quickly.

[0375] FIG. 37(b) is a cross-sectional side view that schematically shows a ball passage 280 according to a modified example.

[0376] The ball passage 280 is a cylindrical member composed of a lower surface portion 280a, left and right side surface portions (not shown) erected along the longitudinal direction on both sides of the short side of the lower surface portion 280, and an upper surface portion 280d arranged opposite the lower surface portion 280a.

[0377] A screw insertion hole 284 into which a screw 282 can be inserted is formed in the lower surface portion 280a of the ball passage 280, and the ball passage 280 is fixed to the back surface of the game board 200 by the screw 282 inserted into the screw insertion hole 284. In addition, a first rib 281 for smoothing the rolling of the game ball BL is formed on the lower surface portion 280a of the ball passage 280 so as to protrude toward the opposing upper surface portion 280d, and a second rib 282 for smoothing the rolling of the game ball BL is formed on the upper surface portion 280d of the ball passage 280 so as to protrude toward the opposing lower surface portion 280a.

[0378] In this example, the height of the first rib 281 from the lower surface 280a is approximately 0.5 mm, the height of the second rib 282 from the upper surface 280d is approximately 1.5 mm, and the protruding height from the lower surface 280a when the screw 282 is properly attached to the screw insertion port 284 without loosening is approximately 1 mm.

[0379] That is, in this example, the protruding height of the screw 282 (approximately 1 mm in this example) is higher than the height from the lower surface 280a of the first rib 281 (approximately 0.5 mm in this example) and lower than the height from the upper surface 280d of the second rib 282 (approximately 1.5 mm in this example).

[0380] <Game board / Summary> As explained above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the enclosed gaming machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine equipped with a flow path through which gaming balls flow, and the flow path is configured to have a first flow path (for example, the general winning port flow path 256 and the normal winning port flow path 258 shown in FIG. 34(a)) and a second flow path (for example, the first special winning port flow path 266 and the variable winning port flow path 267 shown in FIG. 35), and the first flow path is a flow path through which gaming balls can flow during normal play, and the second flow path is a flow path through which gaming balls have difficulty circulating during normal play but which facilitates the circulation of gaming balls during winning play, and a screw insertion port (for example, the screw insertion port 256a and the screw insertion port 258a shown in FIG. 34(a)) through which a screw can be inserted is formed on the flow path of the first flow path, but the screw insertion port is not formed on the flow path of the second flow path, which is a gaming machine characterized by the above.

[0381] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, if a screw is not properly attached and becomes loose during assembly of the flow path, gaming balls will remain on the flow path of the first flow path, making it easy to notice assembly errors during test hit inspections before shipping, thereby improving convenience. Furthermore, since no screw insertion port is formed on the flow path of the second flow path, even if a screw is not properly attached and becomes loose during assembly of the flow path, the second flow path will not be affected, and test hit inspections before shipping can be carried out quickly.

[0382] Furthermore, the screw insertion port (e.g., screw insertion port 274 shown in Figure 36(a)) formed on the flow path of the first flow path (e.g., ball passage 270 shown in Figure 36(a)) may be positioned so that when the screw (e.g., screw 272 shown in Figure 36(a)) is not properly inserted into the screw insertion port (e.g., when the screw is loose, as shown by ``Abnormal'' in Figure 36(a)), the game ball that has circulated through the first flow path will come into contact with the screw and the structural body that forms the first flow path (e.g., top surface portion 270d shown in Figure 36(a), left side surface portion 270b or right side surface portion 270c shown in Figure 37(a)).

[0383] With this configuration, if game balls become trapped in the flow path and overflow from the flow path due to loose screws or the like during a test shot inspection before shipping, the assembly error can be immediately noticed, thereby increasing convenience.

[0384] The game board may also be provided with a game board (for example, the game board 200 shown in FIG. 32), in which the second flow path has the screw insertion opening (for example, the screw insertion opening 262a shown in FIG. 35) formed in an area that is not on the flow path of the second flow path, the first flow path being fixed to the game board by inserting the screw into the screw insertion opening formed in the first flow path, and the second flow path being fixed to the game board by inserting the screw into the screw insertion opening formed in an area that is not on the flow path of the second flow path.

[0385] With this configuration, for the first flow path, loose screws, etc. can be detected by the accumulation of game balls, etc., and the first flow path can be stably fixed to the game board, and for the second flow path, the adverse effects of loose screws, etc. can be eliminated and the second flow path can be stably fixed to the game board.

[0386] In addition, the first flow path (for example, the general winning port flow path 256 shown in Figure 34(b)) has a first opening (for example, the flow path inlet 256in shown in Figure 34(b)) and a second opening (for example, the circulation outlet 256out shown in Figure 34(b)), and the first opening is an opening located upstream of the second opening, and the screw insertion port (for example, the screw insertion port 256a shown in Figure 34(b)) may be located closer to the first opening than the second opening.

[0387] With this configuration, if game balls become trapped in the flow path and overflow from the flow path due to loose screws or the like during a test shot inspection before shipping, the assembly error can be immediately noticed, thereby increasing convenience.

[0388] <Embodiment 2> Hereinafter, a gaming machine (slot machine) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0389] <Overall structure> First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 38. Figure 38 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side).

[0390] The slot machine 100 comprises a main body 101 and a front door 102 that is attached to the front of the main body 101 and can be opened and closed relative to the main body 101. Three reels (left reel 110, center reel 111, and right reel 112) with multiple types of symbols arranged on their outer peripheries (not shown) are housed inside the center of the main body 101 and are configured to rotate inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are rotated by a drive device such as a stepping motor.

[0391] In this embodiment, each symbol is printed at equal intervals on a strip-shaped member in an appropriate number, and the strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined cylindrical frame to form each of the reels 110-112. The symbols on the reels 110-112 are displayed vertically in approximately three columns through the symbol display window 113, for a total of nine symbols, as viewed by the player. By rotating each of the reels 110-112, the symbol combinations visible to the player change. In other words, each of the reels 110-112 functions as a display device that variably displays multiple symbol combinations. Note that, in addition to reels, electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal displays can also be used as such display devices. Although three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100 in this embodiment, the number and location of the reels are not limited thereto.

[0392] A backlight (not shown) is disposed on the back of each of the reels 110 to 112 to illuminate the individual symbols displayed in the symbol display window 113. It is desirable that the backlight be shielded for each symbol so that each symbol can be evenly illuminated. Inside the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) consisting of a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section is provided near each of the reels 110 to 112, and a light-shielding piece of a certain length attached to the reel passes between the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section of the optical sensor. Based on the detection results of this sensor, the rotational position of the symbols on the reels is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the desired symbol is displayed on the pay line.

[0393] The payline indicator lamp 120 indicates which paylines 114 are active. The active paylines are determined in advance by the number of medals bet as gaming media. There are five paylines 114. For example, if one medal is bet, the middle horizontal payline is active. If two medals are bet, three lines are active, including the upper horizontal payline and the lower horizontal payline. If three medals are bet, five lines are active, including the lower right-hand payline and the upper right-hand payline. Note that the number of paylines 114 is not limited to five. For example, if one medal is bet, the five lines active may be the middle horizontal payline, the upper horizontal payline, the lower horizontal payline, the lower right-hand payline, and the upper right-hand payline. Alternatively, the same number of paylines may be uniformly set as active paylines regardless of the number of bets.

[0394] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that notifies the player that, for example, a specific winning combination (specifically, a bonus) has been internally won in an internal lottery, or that a bonus game is in progress. The medal insertion possible lamp 124 is a lamp that notifies the player that a game medal can be inserted. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (no medal insertion is required) if a replay, which is one of the winning combinations, was won in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for effect purposes.

[0395] The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, each time the bet button 130 is pressed, one medal is inserted up to a maximum of three medals, when the bet button 131 is pressed, two medals are inserted, and when the bet button 132 is pressed, three medals are inserted. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as the MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamps 129 light up the number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when the specified number of medals have been inserted, the game start lamp 121 lights up to indicate that the game can be started.

[0396] The medal insertion slot 141 is an insertion slot through which a player inserts medals to start a game. That is, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet buttons 130 to 132, or physical medals can be inserted (insertion operation) through the medal insertion slot 141; the term "insertion" includes both. The stored medal number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various internal information (e.g., the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) in numerical form. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to a player as a result of achieving a winning combination. The stored medal number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are seven-segment (SEG) displays.

[0397] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when the desired number of medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. Operation of the start lever 135 is called a game start operation.

[0398] The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started spinning by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with each of the reels 110 to 112. Hereinafter, operations on the stop buttons 137 to 139 will be referred to as stop operations, with the first stop operation being referred to as the first stop operation, the next stop operation being referred to as the second stop operation, and the final stop operation being referred to as the third stop operation. Note that light-emitting elements may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light-emitting elements can be lit to notify the player.

[0399] The medal return button 133 is a button that can be pressed to remove medals that have been inserted and become stuck. The settlement button 134 is a button that can be used to settle medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and medals that have been bet, and to dispense them from the medal payout outlet 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key can be inserted to unlock the front door 102 of the slot machine 100.

[0400] A title panel 162 for displaying the model name and attaching various certificate stamps is provided below the stop button unit 136. Below the title panel 162, a medal payout opening 155 and a medal tray 161 are provided.

[0401] The sound hole 181 is a hole for outputting sound from a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. Side lamps 144 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for livening up the game. An effect device 160 is provided above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the effect device 160. This effect device 160 is equipped with a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two shutters, a right shutter 163a and a left shutter 163b, which can be opened and closed horizontally, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (effect image display device) provided on the back side of the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 appears on the front (player side) of the slot machine 100.

[0402] Note that any display device capable of displaying various effect images and various game information may be used, not limited to a liquid crystal display device. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen may be used. The display screen is rectangular and configured so that the entire screen is visible to the player. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Furthermore, decorations (not shown) may be provided around the periphery of the display screen, so that a portion of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, making the display screen appear irregularly shaped. In this embodiment, the display screen is flat, but it may also be curved.

[0403] <Internal structure> FIG. 39 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open.

[0404] Main body 101 is a box-like body that is surrounded by top panel 261, left side panel 260, right side panel 260, bottom panel 264, and back panel 242, and is open at the front. Inside main body 101, main control board storage case 640 that stores main control board 600 is disposed in a position that does not overlap with ventilation opening 249 provided at the top of back panel 242. Details of main control board 600 and main control board storage case 640 will be described later.

[0405] Three reels 110 to 112 are arranged below this main control board storage case 640. In addition, an external centralized terminal board 248 is attached to the side panel 260 on the right side, which is connected to the main control board 600 and outputs information about the slot machine 100 to an external device.

[0406] A medal payout device 180 (a device that pays out medals accumulated in a bucket) is disposed on the lower panel 264, and a power supply device 252 having a power supply board is disposed above the medal payout device 180, i.e., below the reels 110 to 112, with a power switch 244 disposed on the front of the power supply device 252. The power supply device 252 converts AC power supplied from an external source to the slot machine 100 into DC, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and device. Furthermore, the power supply device 252 is provided with a storage circuit (e.g., a capacitor) for supplying power to predetermined components for a predetermined period (e.g., 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off.

[0407] An auxiliary medal storage 240 is disposed on the right side of the medal payout device 180, and an overflow terminal (not shown) is disposed behind this. The power supply device 252 is provided with a power cord connector for connecting a power cord 264, and the power cord 264 connected to this connector extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 opened in a back panel 242 of the main body 101.

[0408] The front door 102 is hinged to the left side panel 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276, and above the symbol display window 113 are provided the performance device 160, a performance control board (not shown) that controls the performance device 160, a sub-control board storage case (not shown) that stores the sub-control board inside, an upper speaker 272, etc. Below the symbol display window 113 are provided the medal selector 170 for sorting inserted medals, and a passage 266 through which medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops illegal medals, etc. into the medal tray 161. Furthermore, a low-frequency speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 181.

[0409] <Main board storage case, mirror> Next, the main substrate storage case 640 and the mirror 647 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0410] FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view showing main board storage case 640 and main control board 600, and FIG. 41 is a plan view showing main control board 600 stored in main board storage case 640.

[0411] The main board storage case 640 (board case) is a box-shaped body formed by combining a board storage body 642 (storage body) with a roughly rectangular, square-dish-shaped bottom and a lid body 644 arranged to cover the internal space of this board storage body 642.

[0412] Main control board 600 (board) is housed in the internal space of main board storage case 640, fixed to board storage body 642 with screws 646. Board storage body 642 and lid body 644 are each made of translucent resin, and main control board 600 housed inside main board storage case 640 can be seen from the outside through main board storage case 640.

[0413] Gate-shaped hinge portions 642b are provided in two locations on the lower edge of the substrate housing body 642. Hook-shaped hook portions 644a that engage with these hinge portions 642b are provided in two locations on the lower edge of the lid body 644, and locking tongue pieces 644b that lock with the upper edge of the substrate housing body 642 are provided on both left and right ends of the upper edge.

[0414] Therefore, when assembling the main board storage case 640, first, the hook portion 644a of the lid body 644 is engaged with the hinge portion 642b of the board container 642, and then the lid body 644 is rotated around the hinge portion 642b to combine the board container 642 and the lid body 644, and the locking tongue 644b of the lid body 644 is engaged with the locking hole on the upper edge of the board container 642, thereby fixing the lid body 644 to the board container 642.

[0415] As shown in Figure 40, a mirror 647 (mirror member) made of a glass plate with a silver film attached is provided in the upper left side of the inner space of the substrate housing 642 when viewed from the front, and as shown in Figure 41, this mirror 647 is configured to be located near one longitudinal end side (in this example, the left end when viewed from above) of the main IC (main chip) 606a mounted on the main control substrate 600 when the main control substrate 600 is housed in the substrate housing 642.

[0416] According to this example, the mirror surface member (mirror 647) makes it possible to see the back side and terminals of the IC (main IC 606a) mounted on the board (main control board 600), making it easier to notice fraudulent activity. In addition, the IC (main IC 606a) can be checked while the board (main control board 600) is housed in the board case (main board storage case 640), making it easier for game parlor staff to check and improving convenience. Furthermore, by providing the mirror surface member (mirror 647) near the IC (main IC 606a), it is possible to increase the deterrent effect against fraudulent activity and prevent fraudulent activity from occurring.

[0417] Furthermore, since the mirror 647 (mirror member) is provided inside the substrate case (main substrate storage case 640) that is tightly sealed and fixed by the substrate container 642 and the lid 644, it is possible to prevent the mirror member (mirror 647) from becoming dirty or damaged, and to prevent fraudulent acts such as unauthorized removal of the mirror member (mirror 647), thereby improving maintainability and crime prevention.

[0418] It should be noted that the "mirror member" according to the present invention is not limited to a mirror having a silver film attached to a glass plate, but may also be, for example, a member obtained by polishing (mirror polishing) a material such as metal, aluminum, or plastic to give the surface of the material a mirror-like finish, or a member obtained by processing (mirror processing) the surface of a material such as metal, aluminum, or plastic to give the surface of a processed object a mirror-like finish.

[0419] Furthermore, in this example, mirror 647 (mirror member) is provided inside substrate housing body 642 of main substrate housing case 640 (substrate case), but the "mirror member" of the present invention may be provided near one longitudinal end of the IC, and may be provided, for example, inside lid 644 of main substrate housing case 640 (substrate case), or on main control substrate 600 (substrate), or on a member other than main substrate housing case 640 (substrate case) or main control substrate 600 (substrate). Furthermore, although mirror 647 is provided near the longitudinal left side of main IC 606a (the end where pin 1 is located), it may also be provided near the longitudinal right side of main IC 606a (the end opposite the end where pin 1 is located).

[0420] <Main control board, mirror> Next, the main control board 600 and the mirror 647 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0421] The main control board 600 is an example of the "board" according to the present invention. Therefore, the "board" according to the present invention is not limited to the board constituting the main control unit, but may be, for example, the sub-control board or performance control board described with reference to FIG. 39, or any other board mounted on the gaming machine. Furthermore, the gaming machine may be equipped with multiple boards corresponding to the "board" according to the present invention.

[0422] The main control board 600 is composed of a substrate 602 consisting of a rectangular plate-like body, a wiring pattern (not shown) and a resist layer 604 formed on one surface (mounting surface 600a) of the substrate 602, and multiple types of components 606 (606a to 606f) mounted on one surface (mounting surface 600a) of the substrate 602.

[0423] The components 606 mounted on the main control board 600 include a main IC 606a, various ICs 606b, passive components 606c such as resistors, capacitors, and coils, a connector 606d, an LED 606e, and a verification terminal 606f.

[0424] The main IC 606a is an IC that includes a CPU, a ROM for storing control programs and various data, a RAM for temporarily storing data, etc., and is a control IC that controls the central part of the game. Note that the "IC" according to the present invention is not limited to the main IC mounted on the main control board 600, and may be an IC other than the main IC, such as the various ICs 606b shown in Figure 41.

[0425] In this example, the main IC 606a is mounted on the mounting surface 600a of the main control board 600 via a socket 606g, and is mounted on this mounting surface 600a in an eccentric state (closer to the outer edge on the left side than the center) on one longitudinal side of the main control board 600 (in this example, the left longitudinal side). This reduces the distance between the mirror member (mirror 647) arranged in the main board storage case 640 and the IC (main IC 606a) mounted on the main control board 600, and the mirror member (mirror 647) makes it easier to see the back side and terminal parts of the IC (main IC 606a), making it easier for game parlor staff and the like to notice fraud.

[0426] Furthermore, one longitudinal side (in this example, the left longitudinal side) of the main control board 600 on which the main IC 606a is mounted is the side closer to the left side panel 260 (see Figure 39) when viewed from the front inside the main body 101, that is, the side closer to the rotation axis DL of the front door 102 (the axis shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 41).Therefore, when a store clerk or the like at an amusement parlor opens the front door 102 and looks at the mirror member (mirror 647), the front door 102 does not get in the way of the inspection work, making it easier to check the mirror member (mirror 647), which not only increases the efficiency of the inspection work but also makes it easier to notice any fraud.

[0427] Furthermore, since no other electronic components are provided in the area BE (the rectangular area indicated by the thick dotted line in FIG. 41) between the mirror 647 (mirror member) and the main IC 606a on the main control board 600 (board), other electronic components mounted on the board (main control board 600) are less likely to be reflected in the mirror member (mirror 647), and the mirror member (mirror 647) makes it easier to see the back side and terminals of the IC (main IC 606a), making it easier for game parlor staff to notice fraud. Note that it is sufficient that no other electronic components are provided in the area BE, and silkscreen printing, wiring patterns, lands, through-holes, etc. indicating component numbers and mounting locations may be formed as long as they do not impede the visibility of the mirror member (mirror 647).

[0428] Furthermore, since no light output means capable of outputting light (e.g., LED 606e) or display means capable of displaying (e.g., LED segment display) is arranged in the area LE on the longitudinal extension line of the main IC 606a (the area sandwiched between two thin dotted lines in Figure 41), the light output from the light output means or display means is less likely to be reflected by the mirror member (mirror 647), and the mirror member (mirror 647) makes the back side and terminal parts of the IC (main IC 606a) easier to see, making it easier for gaming parlor staff and others to notice fraud.

[0429] FIG. 42(a) is a side view seen from the direction indicated by the line AA in FIG.

[0430] Socket pins (terminals) (not shown) are provided inside socket 606g mounted on main control board 600 at positions corresponding to terminals 606a1 of the attached main IC 606a. When main IC 606a is attached to socket 606g, terminals 606a1 of main IC 606a and socket pins of socket 606g are electrically connected to each other, thereby electrically connecting main IC 606a and main control board 600.

[0431] In addition, a notch 606g1 recessed toward the bottom surface of the socket 606g is formed on the top surface of the socket 606g in the short direction (between the socket 606g and the main IC 606a), and a notch 606g2 recessed toward the top surface of the socket 606g is formed on the bottom surface of the socket 606g in the short direction (between the socket 606g and the main control board 600).

[0432] The body of socket 606g is formed from a transparent or translucent resin material, so it is possible to visually confirm through the body of socket 606g that there are no unauthorized parts. In this example, however, a mirror 647 is further provided near one longitudinal end of main IC 606a, so that the state of notch 606g1 and notch 606g2 can be visually confirmed by mirror 647, and it is possible to visually confirm that there are no unauthorized parts between socket 606g and main IC 606a, or between socket 606g and main control board 600.

[0433] The LED 606e is an electronic component that includes a plurality of light-emitting portions (LED elements) that can output light, and has a maximum height h3.

[0434] Verification terminal 606f is a terminal to which a test terminal (not shown) can be connected, and has a maximum height of h4. When a test terminal is connected to verification terminal 606f, the test terminal verifies the checksum and determines whether main control board 600 connected to the test terminal is a genuine main control board.

[0435] In this example, a verification terminal 606f having a maximum height h4 higher than the maximum height h3 of the LED 606e is mounted in an area closer to the main IC 606a and the mirror 647 than the LED 606e.

[0436] According to this example, the verification terminal 606f makes it difficult for the light output from the LED 606e to be reflected by the mirror member (mirror 647), so that the mirror member (mirror 647) makes it easier to see the back side and terminal parts of the main IC 606a, making it easier for staff at the gaming establishment to notice any fraud.

[0437] In this example, a reference terminal is mounted on the main control board 600, but when mounting a light output means (e.g., a lamp or LED) capable of outputting light or a display means (e.g., an LED segment display) on the main control board 600, it is sufficient to mount a component whose maximum height is higher than the maximum height of the light output means or display means in an area closer to the main IC 606a or mirror 647 than these light output means or display means, and the component is not limited to a reference terminal.

[0438] FIG. 42(b) is a side view seen from the direction indicated by the symbol BB in FIG.

[0439] A base 643 to which a mirror 647 (mirror member) can be attached is provided on bottom surface 642a of board housing body 642 of main board housing case 640 (board case). This base 643 has an inclined surface 643a inclined at a predetermined angle α (for example, 60 degrees) with respect to mounting surface 600a of main control board 600, and mirror 647 (mirror member) is placed and fixed on the upper surface of this inclined surface 643a.

[0440] That is, the mirror 647 (mirror member) is provided in a state inclined at a predetermined angle (for example, 60 degrees) with respect to the mounting surface 600a of the main control board 600 (board).

[0441] According to this example, the back side and terminals of the IC (main IC 606a) are easily visible, making it easier for staff at the gaming establishment to notice any fraud.

[0442] Although an example has been shown in which the mirror 647 is raised and tilted toward the main IC 606a, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the mirror 647 is raised and tilted toward the main IC 606a (first direction) and further tilted toward the upper side of the front door 102 (second direction), when the error 647 is viewed from above the front door 102, the back side and terminal parts of the main IC 606a become easier to see, which may make it easier for staff at the gaming parlor to notice fraud.

[0443] <Main board storage case, mirror / variation> Next, a modified example of the main substrate case and mirror will be described with reference to Fig. 43. Fig. 43(a) is a plan view showing a substrate storage case 650 and a mirror 657 according to a modified example, and Fig. 43(b) is a side view seen from the direction indicated by line CC in Fig. 43(a).

[0444] The slot machine according to this example includes a board housing case 650 that can house a main control board 600 and a peripheral board 652 that is connected to the main control board 600 via a harness (not shown).

[0445] The board storage case 650 is configured to have a first storage section 650a capable of storing the main control board 600 therein, and a second storage section 650b capable of storing the peripheral board 652 therein, and the second storage section 650b has a rectangular opening 650b1 that opens upward.

[0446] In this example, a mirror 657 is arranged below the opening 650b1 in the second storage section 650b (on the bottom surface of the second storage section 650b), and staff at the gaming facility can directly view the mirror 657 through the opening 650b1 (without going through the board storage case 650).

[0447] According to this example, the mirror member (mirror 657) can be directly viewed without passing through other components, which increases the visibility of the mirror member (mirror 657), making it easier to see the back side and terminal parts of the IC (main IC 606a), making it easier for game parlor staff to notice fraud.

[0448] In addition, the main control board 600 has a connector CN1 arranged in an area vertically below the front door below the mirror 657, and the peripheral board 652 has a connector CN2 arranged in an area vertically below the front door below the mirror 657, and the connector CN1 of the main control board 600 and the connector CN2 of the peripheral board 652 are electrically connected by a harness (not shown).

[0449] In this example, neither the main control board 600 nor the peripheral board 652 has a connector for connecting the two arranged in an area vertically above the mirror 657 on the front door, so the harness (wiring) connecting the two connectors does not hang down above the mirror member (mirror 657) and obstruct the visibility of the mirror member (mirror 657). This makes it easier to see the back side and terminal parts of the IC (main IC 606a), making it easier for arcade staff to notice fraud.

[0450] <Main board storage case, main control board, mirror / setup> As described above, the gaming machine of this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 38 or the enclosed gaming machine 100 shown in Figure 1) is a gaming machine that includes a board (for example, the main control board 600 shown in Figures 40 and 41) and a board case that houses the board (for example, the main board storage case 640 shown in Figures 40 and 41), and is characterized in that at least an IC (for example, the main IC 606a shown in Figures 40 and 41) is mounted on the board, and a mirror member (for example, the mirror 647 shown in Figures 40 and 41) is provided near one longitudinal end of the IC.

[0451] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the mirrored member makes it possible to see the backside and terminals of the IC mounted on the board, making it easier to notice fraudulent activity, and since the IC can be checked while the board is housed in the board case, it becomes easier for gaming parlor staff to check, thereby increasing convenience. Furthermore, by providing a mirrored member near the IC, it is possible to increase the deterrent effect against fraudulent activity and prevent fraudulent activity from occurring.

[0452] The mirror member may be provided on the substrate case.

[0453] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the mirror surface member from becoming dirty or damaged, and to prevent fraudulent acts such as the unauthorized removal of the mirror surface member, thereby improving maintainability and crime prevention.

[0454] Furthermore, other electronic components may not be provided in the area between the mirror member and the IC on the substrate (for example, area BE shown in FIG. 41).

[0455] With this configuration, other electronic components mounted on the board are less likely to be reflected in the mirrored member, making the back side and terminal parts of the IC easier to see through the mirrored member, making it easier for game parlor staff to notice fraud.

[0456] Furthermore, the mirror member may be provided at a predetermined angle (e.g., 60 degrees) with respect to the mounting surface of the substrate on which the IC is mounted (e.g., mounting surface 600a shown in Figure 42(b)).

[0457] With this configuration, the backside of the IC and the terminals are easy to see, making it easier for staff at the gaming parlor to notice any fraud.

[0458] Furthermore, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferred actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. Note that even if a component element is included only in the description of the above-described embodiments, examples, modifications, various examples, and supplementary notes, that component element may be applied to other embodiments, examples, modifications, various examples, and supplementary notes. In other words, unless there are factors preventing the application, even if a component element included only in the description of the embodiments, examples, modifications, various examples, and supplementary notes is applied to other embodiments, examples, modifications, various examples, and supplementary notes, it still constitutes a unified technical idea.

[0459] First, a gaming machine (slot machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0460] <Overall structure> First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Figure 44. Figure 44 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side).

[0461] The slot machine 100 shown in Figure 44 corresponds to an example of the gaming machine of the present invention, and includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 (door body) attached to the front of the main body 101 and capable of being opened and closed relative to the main body 101. The front door 102 (door body) will be described later with reference to Figure 45.

[0462] Three reels (left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112) with multiple types of symbols arranged on their outer peripheries are housed inside the center of main body 101 (not shown), and are configured to be rotatable inside slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are rotated by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

[0463] In this embodiment, an appropriate number of symbols are printed at equal intervals on a strip-shaped member, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame to form each of the reels 110-112 (see Figure 47(a)). When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110-112 are displayed vertically in approximately three rows through a symbol display window 113 provided in front of each of the reels 110-112, so that a total of nine symbols can be seen.

[0464] By spinning each of the reels 110-112, the combination of symbols visible to the player changes. In other words, each of the reels 110-112 functions as a display device that variably displays a combination of multiple types of symbols. Note that, in addition to reels, electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal display devices can also be used as such display devices. In addition, in this embodiment, three reels are provided inside the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and the installation positions of the reels are not limited to this.

[0465] A backlight (not shown) is disposed on the back of each of the reels 110 to 112 to illuminate the individual symbols displayed in the symbol display window 113. It is desirable that the backlight be shielded for each symbol so that each symbol can be evenly illuminated. Inside the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (also called an index sensor, not shown) consisting of a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section is provided near each of the reels 110 to 112, and a light-shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section of this optical sensor. Based on the detection results of this sensor, the rotational position of the symbols on the reels is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the desired symbol is displayed on the pay line.

[0466] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that notifies the player that, for example, a specific winning combination (specifically, a special combination) has been internally won in an internal lottery described below, or that a bonus game is in progress (special game state). The medal insertion possible lamp 124 is a lamp that notifies the player that a game medal can be inserted. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (no medal insertion is required) if a replay combination, which is one of the winning combinations, was won in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for presentation purposes.

[0467] The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, each time the bet button (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "1-coin bet button") 130 is pressed, one medal is inserted, up to a maximum of three medals. When the bet button (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "2-coin bet button") 131 is pressed, two medals are inserted, and when the bet button (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "MAX bet button") 132 is pressed, three medals are inserted. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 will also be referred to as the MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamps 129 light up the number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when the specified number of medals have been inserted, the game start lamp 121 lights up, indicating that the game can be started.

[0468] The medal insertion slot 141 is an insertion slot through which a player inserts medals when starting a game. That is, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet buttons 130 to 132, or actual medals can be inserted (insertion operation) into the medal insertion slot 141, and the term "insertion" includes both.

[0469] To the left of the medal insertion slot 141 are arranged a cross key 193a (first operating means, consisting of four buttons: up button, down button, right button, and left button. hereinafter referred to as the "volume button"), which are operating means for selecting menus and adjusting volume on the administrator screen SD, etc., which will be described later, an OK button 193b (hereinafter these may be collectively referred to as the "cross button 193"), and an effect button (first operating means) 156, which accepts player operations in various effects.

[0470] The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) in numerical form. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to a player as a result of winning some kind of winning combination, and is also used as an instruction monitor for performing push order effects. In this example, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are configured as 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0471] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when the desired number of medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. Operation of the start lever 135 is called a game start operation.

[0472] The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons (stop buttons) 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started to rotate by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with each of the reels 110 to 112. Note that a light emitting element may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitting element can be lit to notify the player.

[0473] Hereinafter, operations on stop buttons 137 to 139 will be referred to as stop operations, with the first stop operation being referred to as the first stop operation (hereinafter also referred to as "first stop" or "first stop"), the next stop operation being referred to as the second stop operation (hereinafter also referred to as "second stop" or "second stop"), and the final stop operation being referred to as the third stop operation (hereinafter also referred to as "third stop" or "third stop").

[0474] The reels that are stopped in response to these stop operations are referred to as the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel, respectively. Furthermore, the order in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are operated to stop all of the reels 110 to 112 that are spinning is referred to as the operation order (or push order).

[0475] The operation sequence (pressing order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139, when the left stop button 137 is represented as "left or R", the middle stop button 138 as "middle or C", and the right stop button 139 as "right or R", are six types: (1) left-to-middle-to-right operation sequence (left-right-right or LCR), (2) left-to-right-to-middle operation sequence (left-right-center or LRC), (3) middle-to-left-to-right operation sequence (center-left-right or CLR), (4) middle-to-right-to-left operation sequence (center-right-left or CRL), (5) right-to-left-to-middle operation sequence (right-left-center or RLC), and (6) right-to-middle-to-left operation sequence (right-center-left or RCL).

[0476] The medal return button 133 is a button that can be pressed to remove medals that have been inserted and become stuck. The settlement button 134 is a button that can be used to settle medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and medals that have been bet, and to dispense them from the medal payout outlet 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key can be inserted to unlock the front door 102 of the slot machine 100.

[0477] In this example, the settlement button 134 is arranged so as to protrude forward (towards the player; in the direction in which the front door 102 is opened) from the vertical surface 102b of the front door 102 (the outer surface of the slot machine 100 that is approximately perpendicular to the player and faces the player; see Figure 64(a)), but it may also be arranged so as to protrude upward from the horizontal surface 102a of the front door 102 (in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the front door 102 is opened), like the effect button 156, etc.

[0478] Below the stop button unit 136, there is provided a title panel 162 on which the model name is displayed and various certificate stamps are attached. Below the title panel 162, there are provided a medal payout outlet 155 and a medal tray 161. The sound hole 181 is a hole for outputting sound from a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for livening up the game. A performance device 160 is provided above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the performance device 160.

[0479] This performance device 160 is equipped with a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two shutters, a right shutter 163a and a left shutter 163b, which can be opened and closed horizontally, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (display means; hereinafter also referred to as the "performance image display device") arranged at the back side of this shutter 163, and is configured so that when the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 appears in front of the slot machine 100 (on the player's side).

[0480] The display means does not have to be a liquid crystal display device; it may be any display device capable of displaying various effect images and various game information. For example, it may be a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen. The display screen is rectangular and configured so that the player can view the entire screen. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Furthermore, decorations (not shown) may be provided around the periphery of the display screen, so that part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, making the display screen appear irregularly shaped. In this embodiment, the display screen is flat, but it may also be curved.

[0481] <Internal structure> Next, the internal structure of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Figure 45. Figure 45 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open.

[0482] Main body 101 is a box-shaped body surrounded by a top panel 261, left side panel 260, right side panel 260, bottom panel 264, and back panel 242, and is open at the front. Inside main body 101, a main control board storage case 210 that stores a main control board is disposed in a position that does not overlap with ventilation opening 249 provided at the top of back panel 242, and three reels 110 to 112 are disposed below this main control board storage case 210. In addition, a main board display 190 consisting of a plurality of LEDs is disposed on the main control board. Main board display 190 will be described later using Figure 56 etc., and main board display 190 is one of the notification means that can notify information related to the game (such as errors and the operating status of the operating means).

[0483] A sub-control board storage case 220, which stores a sub-control board inside, is disposed to the side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reels 110 to 112, i.e., on the left side panel 260. Also, an external centralized terminal board 248, which is connected to the main control board and outputs information from the slot machine 100 to an external device, is attached to the right side panel 260.

[0484] Also, inside the main body 101, there is provided a setting key switch (operation means; hereinafter also referred to as "setting key SW"; not shown) that can be switched between on (second operating state; hereinafter sometimes referred to as "ON") and off (first operating state; hereinafter sometimes referred to as "OFF") by a rotation operation. This setting key SW is an operation means for starting to change or check the setting values ​​(in this example, settings 1 to 6) described below.

[0485] Furthermore, a reset switch (hereinafter also referred to as a "reset SW" or "reset button") 243 that can be pressed to change settings (setting value change operation) is provided inside main body 101. This reset SW 243 is an operating means that also functions as an error release switch that can be operated to resolve various errors (error resolution operation) described later.

[0486] These setting key SW and reset SW 243 are operating means provided in a position where they can be operated only when the front door 102 (door body) is in an open state, and are difficult or impossible to operate when the front door 102 (door body) is in a closed state. In other words, they are operating means that can only be operated by the manager (staff, etc.) of the gaming establishment, and cannot be operated by players.

[0487] Also provided inside the main body 101 is a set value display device 101a (see FIG. 58(b)) that can display set values. In this example, the set value display device 101a is configured as a 7-segment display. Details will be described later, but when a setting change operation is performed, the set value display device 101a displays the set value (one of settings 1 to 6), and when the set value is confirmed by operating the start lever 135, the set value is no longer displayed. On the other hand, when a setting confirmation operation is performed, a numerical value indicating the current set value is displayed on the set value display device 101a.

[0488] A medal payout device 180 (a device that pays out medals accumulated in a bucket) is disposed on the lower panel 264, and a power supply device (power supply means) 252 having a power supply board is disposed above the medal payout device 180, i.e., below the reels 110 to 112, and a power switch (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "power SW") 244 is disposed on the front of the power supply device 252. The power supply device (power supply means) 252 converts AC power supplied from an external source to the slot machine 100 into DC, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and device, such as the main control unit 300 and sub-control units 400 and 500, which will be described later. Furthermore, the power supply device 252 is provided with a power storage circuit (e.g., a capacitor) for supplying power to predetermined components (e.g., the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (e.g., 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off.

[0489] An auxiliary medal storage 240 is disposed on the right side of the medal payout device 180, and an overflow terminal (not shown) is disposed behind this. The power supply device 252 is provided with a power cord connector for connecting a power cord 264, and the power cord 264 connected to this connector extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 opened in a back panel 242 of the main body 101.

[0490] The front door 102 is hinged to the left side panel 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276 and is a door body that can be opened and closed relative to the main body 101.

[0491] In this example, the front door 102, which is locked in a closed state, can be opened by inserting a key held by the manager of the gaming facility into the door key hole 140 (see FIG. 44). Therefore, the manager can unlock the front door 102 (change it from a closed state to an open state), but anyone other than the manager (for example, a player) cannot unlock the front door 102.

[0492] An optical sensor (detection means; hereinafter also referred to as the "open / close sensor"; not shown) consisting of a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section is provided on the right side panel 260 of the main body 101, and is configured so that a light-shielding piece of a certain length provided on the front door 102 passes between the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section of this open / close sensor.

[0493] The main control unit 300 monitors the states of various sensors 318, including this open / close sensor, in the device monitoring process of the main control timer interrupt process, which will be described later. When the front door 102 is closed and the light-blocking piece of the front door 102 moves to a position where it blocks light from the light-emitting part of the open / close sensor of the main body 101, the open / close sensor outputs a signal (for example, a low-level signal) indicating a closed state to the main control unit 300.

[0494] On the other hand, when the front door 102 is opened and the light-shielding piece of the front door 102 moves to a position where it does not block the light from the light-emitting part of the opening / closing sensor of the main body 101, the opening / closing sensor outputs a signal (e.g., a high-level signal) indicating that it is in an open detection state to the main control unit 300.

[0495] In other words, the opening / closing sensor is a detection means capable of detecting the opening / closing state of the front door (door body) 102, and when the front door 102 is in a closed state (closed state), the detection state becomes a closed detection state, and when the front door 102 is in an open state (open state), the detection state becomes an open detection state.

[0496] The "detection means" according to the present invention is not limited to an optical sensor, but may be, for example, a magnetic sensor, a proximity switch, a microswitch, a Hall element, etc. Furthermore, it is not limited to a sensor that always switches between an open detection state and a closed detection state as the door is opened or closed, but may be a sensor that can change the detection state to a closed detection state even when the door is open, or conversely, a sensor that can change the detection state to an open detection state even when the door is closed.

[0497] Here, the open / close sensor according to this example is configured so that, when a predetermined operation is performed, the detection state becomes a closed detection state even when the front door (door body) 102 is in an open state. Specifically, when the front door 102 is in an open state, a light-shielding piece of a certain length is inserted between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit of the open / close sensor of the main body 101 and fixed with tape or the like to block the light from the light-emitting unit of the open / close sensor of the main body 101, thereby forcibly changing the detection state of the open / close sensor to a closed detection state even when the front door 102 is in an open state.

[0498] The "predetermined operation" according to the present invention is not limited to this example, and may be, for example, a DIP switch that sets the open / close sensor to the closed detection state, and the operation of this DIP switch may be performed as the predetermined operation. Also, if the detection means is a magnetic sensor, the detection state of the open / close sensor may be set to the closed detection state by bringing a magnet close to it.

[0499] Above the symbol display window 113, there are provided the performance device 160, a performance control board (not shown) that controls this performance device 160, and a speaker 272. Below the symbol display window 113, there are provided the medal selector 170 for sorting inserted medals, and a passage 266 through which medals pass when this medal selector 170 drops illegal medals and the like into the medal tray 161. Furthermore, there is provided a speaker 277 at a position corresponding to the sound hole 181.

[0500] <Control unit> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 46. Note that this figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

[0501] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control unit (main control means) 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main presentation in accordance with command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") sent by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on the commands sent from the first sub-control unit 400.

[0502] <Main control unit> First, we will explain the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100. The main control unit 300 is equipped with a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300, and this basic circuit 302 is equipped with a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery for winning combinations, reel stop positions, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling the input and output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, etc., and a WDT (watchdog timer) 314. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and this also applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and second sub-control unit 500 described below.

[0503] The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by receiving a clock signal with a predetermined cycle output by the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time. The CPU 304 monitors the sensors and transmits drive pulses in response to this interrupt request. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1 / 256, and the frequency division data in the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference time for the interrupt is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz = 1.504 ms.

[0504] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a random number generation circuit 316 (which is assumed to have two random number generation circuits built in) that derives a number in the range of 0 to 65535 each time it receives a clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315a, and a start-up signal output circuit 338 that outputs a start-up signal (reset signal) when power is turned on.When a start-up signal is input from this start-up signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts the main processing of the main control unit, which will be described later).

[0505] The random number generation circuit 316 generates random numbers to be used in the basic circuit 302. The random number generation circuit 316 generates random numbers in two ways: counter mode and random number mode. In counter mode, a value that counts up (down) at a predetermined time interval is acquired and the acquired value is used as a random number. The random number mode has two further methods. In the first method, a seed value of the random number is used to perform a calculation using a predetermined function (e.g., a modulus function) and derive the result of this calculation as a random number. In the second method, a value is read from a random number table in which values ​​ranging from 0 to 65535 are randomly arranged, and the read value is used as a random number. The random number generation circuit 316 acquires irregular values ​​by utilizing white noise superimposed on signals input from various sensors 318 to the sensor circuit 320. The random number generation circuit 316 uses the value thus obtained as the initial value for a counter that counts up (down) in counter mode, as a seed for a random number, or when determining the start position for reading from the random number table.

[0506] The main control unit 300 also has a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 monitors the status of various sensors 318 (bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, bet button 132 sensor, medal acceptance sensor for medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 141, start lever 135 sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, optical sensor of reel 110, optical sensor of reel 111, optical sensor of reel 112, open / close sensor, setting key SW sensor, reset SW243 sensor, etc.) at each interrupt time.

[0507] When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random number generation circuit 316. Upon receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit 316 latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores random numbers to be used in the lottery.

[0508] Two medal acceptance sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion slot 141 and detect whether a medal has passed through. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 and detect the start operation by the player. Stop button 137 sensors, stop button 138 sensors, and stop button 139 sensors are installed on each of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

[0509] The bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, and bet button 132 sensor are provided on each of the medal insertion buttons 130 to 132, and detect the insertion operation when medals electronically stored in RAM 308 are inserted as medals to be inserted into a game. The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the medals electronically stored are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting medals to be paid out by the medal payout device 180. Note that each of the above sensors may be a non-contact sensor or a contact sensor.

[0510] The optical sensors of reel 110, reel 111, and reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of each of reels 110 to 112, and go to L level every time a light-shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes by. When CPU 304 detects this signal, it determines that the reel has made one rotation and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero.

[0511] As described above, the open / close sensor is a sensor capable of detecting the open / close state of the front door (door body) 102. When the front door 102 is closed, the open / close sensor outputs a signal (for example, a low-level signal) indicating a closed detection state to the CPU 304. On the other hand, when the front door 102 is open, the open / close sensor outputs a signal (for example, a high-level signal) indicating an open detection state to the CPU 304.

[0512] A setting key SW sensor and a reset 243 SW sensor are installed on each SW, and detect the operation of the SW by a store clerk or the like at the gaming establishment.

[0513] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a drive circuit 322 that drives the stepping motors provided in the reel devices 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 that drives the solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 that selects the inserted medals, a drive circuit 326 that drives the motor provided in the medal payout device 180, and a drive circuit 328 that drives various lamps 336 (winning line indicator lamp 120, notification lamp 123, game medal insertion possible lamp 124, replay lamp 122, game medal insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, number of stored medals indicator 125, game information indicator 126, number of paid out medals indicator 127, main board indicator 190).

[0514] In addition, an information output circuit 334 (external centralized terminal board 248) is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 outputs game information (e.g., game status) of the slot machine 100 to an information input circuit 652 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 334.

[0515] The main control unit 300 also includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied to the main control unit 300 from the power supply device (power supply means) 252 (see Figure 45), and the voltage monitoring circuit 330 outputs a low voltage signal to the basic circuit 302 indicating that the voltage has dropped when the voltage value of the power supply is below a predetermined value (9V in this embodiment).

[0516] In addition, the main control unit 300 is equipped with an output interface for sending commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but is configured so that signals such as commands cannot be sent from the first sub-control unit 400 to the main control unit 300.

[0517] <Sub-controller> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that receives control commands sent by the main control unit 300 via an input interface and controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on these control commands. This basic circuit 402 is equipped with a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by receiving a clock signal with a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, data for controlling the backlight lighting pattern and various displays, etc.

[0518] The CPU 404 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 for each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0519] The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a sound source IC 418, which is connected to speakers 272, 277 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls the sound output from the amplifier and speakers 272, 277 in response to commands from the CPU 404. An S-ROM (sound ROM) in which sound data is stored is connected to the sound source IC 418, and the sound data acquired from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from the speakers 272, 277.

[0520] The first sub-controller 400 is also provided with a drive circuit 422, to which various lamps 420 (upper lamps, lower lamps, side lamps 144, title panel 162 lamps, etc.) are connected via an input / output interface.

[0521] The first sub-control unit 400 also has a drive circuit 424 that drives the motor of the shutter 163, and the drive circuit 424 is connected to the shutter 163 via an output interface. This drive circuit 424 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 404.

[0522] The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a sensor circuit 426, which is connected via an input interface to various sensors 428 (cross button 193 sensor, effect button 156 sensor) that can detect pressing of the cross button 193 (cross key (volume button) 193a, OK button 193b) and effect button 156. The CPU 404 monitors the status of the cross button 193 (cross key (volume button) 193a, OK button 193b) and effect button 156 sensor at each interrupt time.

[0523] The CPU 404 also transmits and receives signals to the second sub-control unit 500 via the output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of the performance device 160, including display control of the liquid crystal display device 157. The second sub-control unit 500 may be configured with multiple control units, such as a control unit that controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 157 and a control unit that controls various performance drive devices (for example, a control unit that controls the motor drive of the shutter 163).

[0524] The second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a basic circuit 502 that receives control commands sent by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on these control commands.This basic circuit 502 is equipped with a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 512 for measuring time, number of times, etc.The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock.The ROM 506 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, etc.

[0525] The CPU 504 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 504 for each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0526] The second sub-control unit 500 is also provided with a VDP 516 (video display processor), which is connected to the ROM 506 and VRAM 518 via a bus. The VDP 516 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on signals from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of ​​the VRAM 518, and displays the image on the performance image display device 157.

[0527] The second sub-control unit 500 is also provided with a sensor circuit 532, to which a shutter sensor 538 capable of detecting the position of the shutter 163 is connected via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 538 at each interrupt time.

[0528] <Pattern Arrangement> 47(a) will be used to explain the arrangement of symbols on the reels 110 to 112. Note that this figure shows the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112) in a two-dimensional view.

[0529] On each of the reels 110 to 112, a predetermined number of symbols (21 symbols numbered 0 to 20 in this embodiment) of various types (eight symbols in this embodiment) shown on the right side of the figure are arranged. The numbers 0 to 20 shown on the left side of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of the symbols on each of the reels 110 to 112. For example, in this embodiment, a "replay" symbol is arranged on the symbol numbered 1 on the left reel 110, a "bell" symbol is arranged on the symbol numbered 0 on the center reel 111, and a "watermelon" symbol is arranged on the symbol numbered 2 on the right reel 112.

[0530] <Types of winning roles> Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be explained using Figure 47(b). The figure shows the types of winning combinations (including activated combinations), the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the activation or payout of each winning combination.

[0531] Among the winning roles in this embodiment, the big bonus (BB1, BB2) and the regular bonus (RB) are roles that transition to bonus games, and the replay is a role that allows replay without inserting new medals. These roles are sometimes called "operating roles" to distinguish them from winning roles, but the "winning roles" in this embodiment include the operating roles of the big bonus, regular bonus, and replay. Furthermore, the "winning role" in this embodiment also includes the case where a symbol combination of an operating role that does not involve a medal payout (does not involve the payout of medals) is displayed on an active line, and includes, for example, winning the big bonus, regular bonus, and replay.

[0532] The winning combinations of the slot machine 100 include big bonuses (BB1, BB2), regular bonuses (RB), small combinations (cherry, watermelon, bell), and replay combinations. It goes without saying that the types of winning combinations are not limited to these and can be any combination.

[0533] The "Big Bonus (BB1, BB2)" (hereinafter sometimes referred to simply as "BB") is a special combination (operating combination) that, when won, initiates a special game, the Big Bonus game (BB game). The corresponding symbol combinations are "White 7-White 7-White 7" for BB1 and "Blue 7-Blue 7-Blue 7" for BB2. Furthermore, flags are carried over for BB1 and BB2. That is, if an internal win occurs for BB1 or BB2, a flag indicating this is set (stored in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 308 of the main control unit 300). However, even if BB1 or BB2 is not won in that game, the flag indicating the internal win remains set until a win occurs. Therefore, BB1 and BB2 remain internal wins in the next game and thereafter, and the symbol combination "White 7-White 7-White 7" corresponding to BB1 and the symbol combination "Blue 7-Blue 7-Blue 7" corresponding to BB2 are both in a winning state.

[0534] A "regular bonus (RB)" is a special role (operating role) that, when won, initiates a regular bonus game (RB game). The corresponding symbol combination is "bonus-bonus-bonus." Note that, for RB, a flag is carried over in the same manner as for BB described above. However, (details will be described later) in a big bonus game (BB game), the start condition is not necessarily an internal win in a regular bonus game (RB game) or the symbol combination being displayed on a winning line. Instead, the regular bonus game may start after the start of a big bonus game, and when one regular bonus game ends, the next regular bonus game may be started immediately, so that the regular bonus game starts automatically.

[0535] "Small winning combination (Cherry, Melon, Bell)" (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "Cherry", "Melon", "Bell") is a winning combination for which a predetermined number of medals are paid out upon winning. The corresponding symbol combinations are: Cherry is "Cherry-ANY-ANY", Melon is "Melon-Melon-Melon", and Bell is "Bell-Bell-Bell". Also, the corresponding payout numbers are as shown in the same figure. In the case of "Cherry-ANY-ANY", it is only necessary that the symbol on the left reel 110 is "Cherry", and the symbols on the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 can be any symbol.

[0536] "Re-game winning combination (Replay)" is a winning combination (activation combination) for which a game can be played without inserting medals (game media) in the next game upon winning, and no medals are paid out. The corresponding symbol combination is "Replay-Replay-Replay".

[0537] <Types of RT-based game states> Next, the types and transitions of RT-based game states in the slot machine 100 will be described.

[0538] <Low-probability re-game state (RT1)> The low-probability re-game state (RT1) is the default RT-based game state (hereinafter also referred to as the "normal game state") that is first set immediately after the power is turned on for the slot machine 100, and is a game state that is relatively disadvantageous for the player compared to other game states.

[0539] ]> In this example, in this low-probability re-game state (RT1), when winning on the re-game winning combination 2 (upgraded replay 1) or the re-game winning combination 3 (upgraded replay 2), it transitions to the high-probability re-game state (RT2) described later. Also, in this low-probability re-game state (RT1), when winning internally on a special winning combination, it transitions to the special winning combination internal winning state (RT3) described later.

[0540] <T <High-probability re-game state (RT2)> The high-probability re-game state is a game state in which the internal winning probability of the re-game is higher than that in the low-probability re-game state (RT1).

[0541] In this example, if an internal win for a special role occurs in this high replay probability state (RT2), the state transitions to an internal win state for a special role (RT3) described later.

[0542] <Special role internal winning state (RT3)> The special role internal winning state (RT3) is a state in which the internal winning flag corresponding to the special role is set to ON, and the player can perform a stop operation at a predetermined timing to display the symbol combination corresponding to the special role corresponding to this flag.

[0543] In this example, if a special combination is won in this special combination internal winning state (RT3), the state transitions to a special game state (RT4) described later.

[0544] <Special game state (RT4)> The special gaming state (RT4) is the most advantageous gaming state for the player among all gaming states. In this example, when a specified number of coins (for example, 200 coins) is paid out in the special gaming state (RT4), the game transitions to the low re-play probability state (RT1).

[0545] In this example, the conditions for ending the special game state (RT4) are not particularly limited, and may be, for example, when a predetermined role is internally won, when a predetermined number of wins (e.g., 8 times) occur, or when a predetermined number of games (e.g., 6 times) are played.

[0546] <Main processing in the main control section> First, the main control unit main processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 48. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit main processing.

[0547] As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when power is turned on. When this start signal is input, the CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 is reset and started by a reset interrupt, and executes the main processing of the main control unit in accordance with the control program previously stored in the ROM 306.

[0548] When the power is turned on, first, various initial setting processes are performed in step S101. As will be described in detail later, in this initial setting process, processes related to initial setting, setting changes, restoration processes, etc. are performed.

[0549] In step S102, a medal insertion / start operation acceptance process is executed. Here, the sensor circuit 320 detects whether a medal insertion operation has been performed electronically using the bet buttons 130-132 or whether a medal insertion operation has been performed directly through the medal insertion slot 141, and if an insertion operation has been performed, the win line indicator lamp 120 is turned on according to the number of medals inserted. The controller also prepares to send a medal insertion command to the first sub-control unit 400 indicating that medals have been inserted. If a replay combination has been won in the previous game, the controller performs a process to insert the same number of medals as the number inserted in the previous game, eliminating the need for the player to insert medals.

[0550] In addition, a check is made based on the detection of the sensor circuit 320 to see if the start lever 135 has been operated, and if it is determined that the start lever has been operated, the number of medals inserted is confirmed and preparations are made to send a start lever acceptance command to the first sub-control unit 400 indicating that the start lever 135 has been operated.

[0551] In step S103, the number of inserted medals is determined, and a win line determination process is performed to determine the valid win lines.

[0552] In step S104, a random number acquisition process is performed to acquire a random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316, and in the next step S105, a winning combination internal lottery process is performed. In this winning combination internal lottery process, a winning combination lottery table stored in ROM 306 is read out according to the current game state, and an internal lottery is performed using this and the acquired random number value, and preparations are made to send an internal lottery command indicating the result of this internal lottery to the first sub-control unit 400. If any winning combination (including an operating combination) is internally won as a result of the internal lottery, the flag for that winning combination is turned on.

[0553] In step S106, a reel stop data selection process is performed to select reel stop data based on the internal lottery result of the winning combination internal lottery process. This reel stop data is stored in ROM 306 of the main control unit 300. In step S106, preparations are made to send a reel stop data command containing information about the selected reel stop data to the first sub-control unit 400. In step S107, a reel rotation start process is performed to start the rotation of all reels 110 to 112.

[0554] In step S108, a reel stop control process is performed. In the reel stop control process, the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be accepted, and when one of the stop buttons is pressed, a stop table of reel stop data is referenced to stop the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button, and one of the reels 110 to 112 is stopped according to the number of reel pull-in frames set in the stop table. When all the reels 110 to 112 have stopped, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0555] In this step S108, for each stop operation, preparations are made to send to the first sub-control unit 400 a stop button acceptance command (more specifically, a stop button acceptance 1 command for the first stop operation, a stop button acceptance 2 command for the second stop operation, and a stop button acceptance 3 command for the third stop operation) relating to the stop button 137 to 139 that was operated to stop, and for each reel stop, preparations are made to send to the first sub-control unit 400 a reel stop command (more specifically, a reel stop 1 command for the first stopped reel, a reel stop 2 command for the second stop operation, and a reel stop 3 command for the third stop operation) relating to the reel stop position.

[0556] In step S109, a winning determination process is performed to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved. In this winning determination process, if a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114, it is determined that the winning combination has been achieved. For example, if "Bell-Bell-Bell" is aligned on the activated winning line, it is determined that a minor combination (Bell) has been achieved. In addition, in this step S109, preparations are made to send a winning determination command indicating the result of the winning determination to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0557] In step S110, a medal payout process is performed. In the medal payout process, if any winning combination that provides a payout is achieved, medals in the number corresponding to the winning combination are paid out according to the number of winning lines.

[0558] In step S111, a game state control process is performed. In this game state control process, processing related to the transition of each game state of the RT system is performed, and the game state is transitioned when the start condition or end condition is met. In addition, preparations are made to send a game state command including information indicating the current game state of the RT system.

[0559] This completes one game. After that, the game progresses by returning to step S102 and repeating the above-mentioned process. The various commands prepared in the above steps are transmitted in the command setting and transmission process (step S206) of the main control unit timer interrupt process, which will be described later.

[0560] <Initial setting process> Next, the initial setting process (step S101) in the main process of the main control unit explained with reference to Fig. 48 will be described with reference to Fig. 49. Note that Fig. 49 is a flowchart showing the flow of the initial setting process.

[0561] In step S201, startup initialization is performed, which includes setting (temporarily setting) a stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting interrupt prohibition, initializing the I / O 310, initializing various variables stored in the RAM 308, and setting operation permission and initial values ​​for the WDT 314.

[0562] In step S202, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the RAM 308. If there is an abnormality, the process proceeds to step S207 where an initialization process is performed, and if there is no abnormality, the process proceeds to step S203.

[0563] In step S203, it is determined whether the front door 102 is in an open state (door open), and if the door is open, the process proceeds to step S204, and if the door is not open, the process proceeds to step S205 to execute the reset process. Also, in step S204, it is determined whether the setting key SW is ON or OFF, and if it is ON, the process proceeds to step S206 to execute the setting change process, and if it is OFF, the process proceeds to step S205 to execute the...

Claims

1. A gaming machine capable of storing the number of gaming values ​​as gaming value number data in a predetermined storage area, a control means; A predetermined operation means is provided, the control means is means for adding game value data corresponding to the acquisition of the game value to the game value number data; the control means is means for executing a counting process for counting the gaming value number data when the predetermined operation means is operated, the control means is means capable of transmitting first information to an external device at predetermined intervals and capable of transmitting second information after a predetermined period has elapsed since transmitting the first information; The first information includes the gaming value number data, the second information includes count data indicating a value counted from the previous transmission of the second information to the current transmission of the second information, the control means is means for transmitting data indicating "1" as the count data when transmitting the most recent second information when the predetermined operation means is operated in a first operation manner in a situation where the gaming value number data is "1" or more, the control means, in a situation where the game value is acquired and the game value number data becomes "1" or more before transmitting "0" as the game value number data, if the predetermined operation means is operated once in the first operation manner before the predetermined period has elapsed, transmits data indicating "1" as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information; In a situation where the game value number data becomes "1" or more after the game value number data "0" has been transmitted and the game value is acquired before the predetermined period has elapsed, if the predetermined operation means is operated once in the first operation mode before the predetermined period has elapsed (hereinafter referred to as the "first case"), the control means transmits data indicating "0" as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information, without transmitting data indicating "1", In the first case, when the predetermined operation means has not been operated by the time of transmitting the second information next to the timing of transmitting the most recent second information, data indicating "1" is not transmitted as the count data when transmitting the next second information, but data indicating "0". A gaming machine characterized by the above.

2. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, A flow path through which game balls flow is provided, the flow path is configured to include a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path; The first flow path is a flow path through which game balls can flow during normal play, The second flow path is a flow path through which the game balls are difficult to circulate during the normal game and through which the game balls are easily circulated during the winning game, The third flow path is a flow path through which game balls can flow during the normal game, a first screw insertion port into which a screw can be inserted is formed on the first flow path; a screw insertion port through which a screw can be inserted is not formed on the second flow path; a third screw insertion port into which a screw can be inserted is formed on the third flow path; The first screw insertion port is formed at a position where, when a screw is not correctly inserted into the first screw insertion port, a game ball that has circulated through the first flow path comes into contact with the screw and a component that forms the first flow path; the third flow path has a first opening and a second opening; the first opening is upstream of the second opening; The third screw insertion port is formed at a position where, when a screw is not properly inserted into the third screw insertion port, a game ball circulating through the third flow path comes into contact with the screw and a component forming the third flow path, and is closer to the first opening than the second opening. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

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