Game machine

Abstract

To provide a gaming table having a characteristic operation means. 【Solution means】The gaming table includes a first operation means, a second operation means, and a housing in which the first operation means and the second operation means are disposed. A certain surface of the housing located between the first operation means and the second operation means has a rougher surface than at least the operation surface of the first operation means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming table represented by a pachinko machine, a spinning reel gaming machine (slot machine), an enclosed gaming machine, or a medal-less slot machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, gaming tables equipped with reels have been widely known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the operation means of conventional gaming tables.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming table having characteristics in the operation means.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The gaming table according to the present invention includes a first operation means, a second operation means, and a housing in which the first operation means and the second operation means are disposed. Door body and, wherein the housing has a rougher surface than the operation surface of the first operation means. Door body between the first operation means and the second operation means. There is a region where it exists (hereinafter referred to as the "rough surface region"). In the door body, The gaming table is characterized by the above. There is the rough surface region (hereinafter referred to as the "first rough surface region"). , When a second virtual line extending in a direction orthogonal to a first virtual line connecting the center of the operation surface of the first operation means and the center of the operation surface of the second operation means is defined as the first direction, the distance of the first rough surface region in the first direction is longer than the distance of the operation surface of the first operation means in the first direction. When one side of the second virtual line is defined as the first side, there is also the rough surface region (hereinafter referred to as the "second rough surface region") on the first side of the operation surface of the first operation means in the door body and on the first side of the operation surface of the second operation means in the door body. The second rough surface region continuously extends at least from the first side of the operation surface of the first operation means to the first side of the operation surface of the second operation means in the door body. When the other side of the second virtual line is defined as the second side, there is also the rough surface region (hereinafter referred to as the "third rough surface region") on the second side of the operation surface of the first operation means in the door body and on the second side of the operation surface of the second operation means in the door body. The third rough surface region continuously extends at least from the second side of the operation surface of the first operation means to the second side of the operation surface of the second operation means in the door body. A gaming table characterized by the above.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a gaming table having characteristics in the operation means can be realized.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the game table according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

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

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

[0012] The outer frame 102 is a wooden frame member having a vertically rectangular shape for fixing to an installation location (island equipment, etc.) provided in a gaming machine installation and business store. The main body 104, also called an inner frame or a frame, is provided inside the outer frame 102 and is a member that serves as a vertically rectangular gaming machine base shaft body rotatably attached to the outer frame 102 via a hinge portion 112. Further, when the main body 104 is opened, it includes an inner frame opening sensor (not shown) for detecting the opening of the main body 104.

[0013] The front frame door 106, also called a front door or a glass frame, is attached to the front surface of the main body 104 on the front side of the pachinko machine 100 via a hinge portion 112 so as to be lockable and openable, and is a door member configured in a frame shape with an opening inside. Note that a transparent plate member 118 made of glass or resin is provided in the opening of the front frame door 106, and a speaker 120 and a frame lamp 122 are attached to the front side. The game area is partitioned and formed by the rear surface of the front frame door 106 and the front surface of the game board 200. Further, when the front frame door 106 is opened, it includes a front frame door opening sensor (not shown) for detecting the opening of the front frame door 106.

[0014] The lower door 108 is a door member that is attached to the lower side of the main body 104 in front of the pachinko machine 100 with a locking function and is openable and closable. The lower door 108 includes a ball launch handle 134 (launch operation means) that launches a game ball guided to the launch device by the operation of the player into the game area of the game board 200, an effect button 136 that changes the effect mode of various effect devices by the operation of the player, and an operation panel unit 138 having a plurality of buttons such as a plus button, a minus button, a cross button, and a determination button.

[0015] <Control unit> Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the circuit configuration of the control unit of this enclosed gaming machine 100 will be described in detail. Note that 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 is roughly composed of a main control unit 300 that controls the central part of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that mainly controls the effects according to a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as "command") transmitted by the main control unit 300, a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on the command transmitted by the first sub-control unit 400, a frame control unit 600 that mainly controls the supply of game balls and the like according to the command transmitted by the main control unit 300, a launch control unit 630 that controls the launch of game balls, and a power supply control unit 660 that controls the power supply to the enclosed gaming machine 100.

[0017] <Main control unit> First, the main control unit 300 of the enclosed gaming machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the whole. The basic circuit 302 is equipped with a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing a control program and various data, a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, and the like.

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

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

[0020] The main control unit 300 is also provided with an output interface for transmitting commands to the first sub-control unit 400 and an input / output interface for transmitting commands to the frame control unit 600, respectively. With this configuration, communication with the first sub-control unit 400 and the frame control unit 600 is made possible.

[0021] It should be noted that the information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication. The main control unit 300 is configured to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the main control unit 300. On the other hand, the 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 transmit and receive signals such as commands to and from each other (details will be described later).

[0022] <First Sub-Control Unit> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the enclosed gaming machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 mainly includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on commands and the like transmitted by the main control unit 300. This basic circuit 402 is equipped with a CPU 404, a ROM 406 in which various effect data and the like are stored, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, and the like.

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

[0024] <Second Sub-Control Unit> Next, the second sub-control unit 500 of the enclosed gaming machine 100 will be described. The second sub-control unit 500 includes a basic circuit 502 that controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on commands and the like transmitted 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 are stored, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 434 that reads out the data for image display stored in the ROM 506 based on a signal from the CPU 504 and generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 436 to display an image on the decorative symbol display device (liquid crystal display device) 157, and the like.

[0025] <Payout Control Unit, Launch Control Unit, Power Control Unit> Next, the frame control unit 600, launch control unit 630, and power control unit 660 of the enclosed gaming machine 100 will be described.

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

[0027] The information communication between the frame control unit 600 and the main control unit 300, and the information communication between the frame control unit 600 and the launch control unit 630 are both two-way communications. 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 transmit and receive signals such as commands to and from each other.

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

[0029] In addition, the basic circuit 602 communicates with a lending device 614 provided separately from the enclosed game machine 100 via an interface unit. The 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 transmit and receive signals such as commands to and from each other (details will be described later). Note that the enclosed game machine 100 can transmit information to a hall computer (so-called hall computer) installed in a game parlor or the like via the lending device 614.

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

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

[0032] The launch control unit 630 is based on a predetermined signal output by the frame control unit 600, for example, a control signal instructing launch permission or stop, or a control signal instructing the launch intensity corresponding to the operation amount of the game ball launch handle 134 by the player, which is output by the launch intensity output circuit provided in the ball launch handle 134. It controls the launch solenoid 632 that drives the launch rod 146 and the launch hammer 148 (see FIG. 3) and the ball feed solenoid 634 that supplies the ball toward the game ball launch handle 134.

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

[0034] <Enclosed Gaming Machine / Flow of Game Balls> Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the flow of game balls in the enclosed gaming machine 100 will be described. 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 game balls stored in the ball storage cover 712 disposed inside the lower door 108 are conveyed (lifted) to the upper passage 736 of the ball lifting passage unit 718 via the lifting device (conveying device) 714 and the ball polishing device 716, and then supplied to the launch position of the launch rail 149 of the launch device 140 (launch means) via the ball feed device 127 (ball feed means).

[0036] Subsequently, the solenoid 632 of the launching device 140 is driven with an intensity corresponding to the operation amount of the ball launching handle 134 of the player, and the game ball is launched toward the game board 200 by the launching rod 146 and the launching hammer 148 of the launching device 140. The game balls that did not reach the game board 200 (far balls (return balls) FB) fall into the far ball passage 764, and after passing through the far ball detection sensor (proximity sensor) 616 capable of detecting the game balls passing through this far ball passage 764, they are discharged to the ball storage cover 712.

[0037] The game balls that reach the upper part of the game board 200 fall downward while changing their traveling directions by hitting direction conversion members, game pins, etc., and win (enter the ball) into the winning openings (variable winning openings 234, etc.) or starting openings (first special figure starting openings 232, etc.), or reach the out opening 240 only by passing through the general figure starting opening without winning (entering the ball) into any winning opening or starting opening.

[0038] The game balls that win (enter the ball) into the winning openings or starting openings of the game board 200 pass through the winning ball passage 760 disposed on the back side of the game board 200, and the game balls that did not win (enter the ball) into the winning openings or starting openings pass through the out ball passage 762 disposed on the back side of the game board 200 via the out opening 240 at the lower part of the game board 200, and respectively enter the first rail 752 of the lower passage 750, roll inside the first rail 752 along the inclination of the first rail 752, and reach the downstream side of the first rail 752.

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

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

[0041] As described above, in terms of the player playing the game by hitting the game balls onto the playing surface of the game board 200, the enclosed gaming machine 100 is the same as a conventional pinball machine (pachinko machine). However, the minimum number of game balls required for launching is circulated within the gaming machine, and during the circulation, a launcher 140, a ball feed device 127, a ball polishing device 716, a lifting device 714, etc. are provided. Different from a conventional pinball machine (pachinko machine), there is no upper tray or lower tray, and basically, the player cannot directly touch the game balls, having a structure like this.

[0042] In the enclosed gaming machine 100, since the speed at which the lifting device 714 conveys (lifts) the game balls (in this example, 200 balls per minute) is set to be faster than the speed at which the launcher 140 launches the game balls (in this example, 100 balls per minute), it is possible to prevent a situation where the game balls to be launched by the launcher 140 are insufficient and the game is interrupted.

[0043] Also, in the enclosed gaming machine 100, although it varies depending on the number and arrangement of the hitting direction conversion members and game nails on the game board 200, etc., the cycle in which the game balls circulate (the time from when a certain game ball is launched from the launcher 140 towards the game board 200 until the same game ball returns to the launcher 140 again) is about 28 seconds.

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

[0045] In step S101 of the counting process, it is determined whether an operation of the counting button 617 (in this example, a "short press" or "long press" operation) has been received. If an operation of the counting button 617 has been received, the process proceeds to step S102. If no operation has been received, the counting process ends.

[0046] Here, the determination of the operation of the counting button 617 in step S101 will be described. The frame control unit 600 monitors the button detection signal output from the counting button 617 at a predetermined interval. After detecting a button detection signal with an ON level (for example, a high level) of 1 ms or more and less than 500 ms, if the falling edge (down edge) of the button detection signal is detected, it is determined that a "short press" operation of the counting button 617 has been received. And when it is determined that a "short press" operation has been received, a "1" corresponding to one ball is set in the information on the number of counted balls (counted ball number data) stored in the RAM 608.

[0047] On the other hand, when a button detection signal with an ON level (for example, a high level) of 500 ms or more is detected, it is determined that a "long press" operation of the counting button 617 has been received. Then, each time a button detection signal with an ON level of 300 ms is detected, it is determined that a "long press" operation has been received. And when it is determined that a "long press" operation has been received, when the number of game balls is 250 or more, a "250" corresponding to 250 balls is set in the information on the number of counted balls (counted ball number data) stored in the RAM 608. When the number of game balls is less than 250, a value corresponding to all the game balls (for example, when the number of game balls is 150, a "150" corresponding to 150 balls) is set.

[0048] In step S102, it is determined whether the planned number of counts is greater than the number of game balls transmitted by the game machine information notification command described later. If so, the process proceeds to step S103 to set the planned correction data. If not, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0049] Here, an example of the correction-scheduled data set in step S103 will be described. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 21 described later, an operation of "short pressing" the count button 617 is received at the timing indicated by reference symbol T7c immediately after the prize balls indicated by reference symbol T7b. However, since the numerical value 1 (scheduled count number) indicating one ball, which is the count corresponding to the operation of "short pressing" the count button 617, is greater than 0, the number of game balls transmitted by the gaming machine information notification command at the timing indicated by reference symbol T7a, in step S103, 0 is set as the correction-scheduled data of the count data (count number of balls) without setting the numerical value 1 indicating one ball, which is the count corresponding to the operation of "short pressing" the count button 617, to the count number of balls (count data).

[0050] Also, in the example shown in FIG. 22 described later, an operation of "long pressing" the count button 617 is received at the timing indicated by reference symbol T8a. However, since the numerical value 250 (scheduled count number) indicating 250 balls, which is the count corresponding to the operation of "long pressing" the count button 617, is greater than 245, the number of game balls transmitted by the gaming machine information notification command at the timing indicated by reference symbol T8b, in step S103, 245 is set as the correction-scheduled data of the count data (count number of balls) without setting the numerical value 250 indicating 250 balls, which is the count corresponding to the operation of "long pressing" the count button 617, to the count number of balls (count data).

[0051] According to this example, in a situation where the number of game balls has increased during a predetermined period after transmitting the information of the number of game balls data (gaming machine information notification command) to the external device (lending device 614) and before transmitting the information of the count data (count notification command), it is possible to prevent transmitting more count data information than the number of game balls data information. Therefore, by not transmitting information that may be misrecognized as fraud or a malfunction to the external device, smooth operation of the gaming table becomes possible.

[0052] In step S104, it is determined whether there is correction-scheduled data. If there is correction-scheduled data, the process proceeds to step S108. If there is no correction-scheduled data, the process proceeds to step S105.

[0053] In step S105, it is determined whether the reference signal flag has been set. If it has been set, the process proceeds to step S106. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S107, where non-corrected count data (number of counted balls) is set and then the counting process ends.

[0054] In step S106, it is determined whether the subtraction result (number of game balls - planned count number) obtained by subtracting the planned count number from the number of game balls is 0. If the subtraction result is 0, the process proceeds to step S108. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S107, where planned correction data is set and then the counting process ends.

[0055] In step S108, the counting process ends after setting the corrected count data (number of counted balls).

[0056] Here, an example of the count data (number of counted balls) set when the determination in step S106 is Yes will be described. In the example shown in FIG. 24 described later, at the timing indicated by reference numeral T11b, since the subtraction result obtained by subtracting the planned count number (1 in this example) from the number of game balls (1 in this example) is 0 (= number of game balls 1 - planned count number 1), the subtraction result obtained by subtracting 1 from the planned count number (1 in this example) (0 in this example) is set as the count data (number of counted balls) in step S108.

[0057] According to this example, even when the launch of a game ball overlaps with the counting process for counting the number of game ball data, since a value (1 ball) corresponding to the first operation mode (short press) of a predetermined operation means (counting button 617) is not counted from the number of game ball data (1 ball), appropriate processing becomes possible.

[0058] Also, in the example shown in FIG. 25 described later, at the timing indicated by reference sign T12b, since the subtraction result of subtracting the planned count number (250 in this example) from the number of game balls (250 in this example) is 0 (= 250 game balls - 250 planned count number), the subtraction result of subtracting 1 from the planned count number (250 in this example) (249 in this example) is set as the count data (number of counted balls) in step S108.

[0059] For example, if the processing is performed without any restrictions on the launch of game balls and the counting process for counting the number of game ball data, when the number of game ball data is 250 balls, if the launch of game balls and the counting by long pressing (250 balls) overlap, 250 balls will be counted. Although there are no game balls in terms of the game ball number data, the problem occurs that game balls are launched. However, according to this example, even when the launch of game balls and the counting process for counting the number of game ball data overlap, since the value (250 balls) corresponding to the first operation mode (long pressing) of the predetermined operation means (counting button 617) is not counted from the game ball number data (250 balls), appropriate processing becomes possible.

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

[0061] In step 201 of the reference signal processing, it is determined whether the reference signal of the launch control unit 630 has been received. If received, the process proceeds to step S202, and if not received, the reference signal processing ends.

[0062] Here, the "reference signal" is a signal transmitted by the launch control unit 630 to the frame control unit 600. The launch control unit 630 transmits a reference signal to the frame control unit 600 when driving the ball feed solenoid 634 of the ball feed device 127 described with reference to FIG. 3 (when discharging the game balls passing through the subtraction sensor 618 of the upper passage 736 to the launch device ball passage 748).

[0063] In step S202, after setting the reference signal flag to ON, the reference signal processing is terminated.

[0064] <Frame control unit / game ball subtraction process> Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the game ball subtraction process executed by the frame control unit 600 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the game 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 the ON level (for example, high level) to the OFF level (for example, low level) (whether the subtraction sensor 618 has detected a game ball). If it corresponds (when the subtraction sensor 618 has detected a game ball), the process proceeds to step S302, and if it does not correspond (when the subtraction sensor 618 has not detected a game ball), the process proceeds to step S303.

[0066] In step S302, after executing the process of subtracting 1 from the data of the number of game balls (game ball number data) stored in the RAM 608, the process proceeds to step S304. In step S303, it is determined whether a predetermined period (for example, 640 ms) has elapsed. If the predetermined period has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S304, and if it has not elapsed, the game ball subtraction process is terminated.

[0067] In step S304, after setting (resetting) the reference signal flag to OFF, the game ball subtraction process is terminated.

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

[0069] As described above, the 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 transmit and receive signals such as commands to and from each other.

[0070] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the types of commands between the main control unit and the frame control unit. The commands that can be transmitted and received between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600 are four types: 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 / Gaming machine installation information notification command> The gaming machine installation information notification command is a command transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the frame control unit 600, and it is a command for the main control unit 300 to notify 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, main control chip product code, etc. The "gaming machine type" includes information for specifying the type of gaming machine (pachinko, slot, arranged 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 a cycle of 108 ms until it receives the gaming machine installation information response command from the frame control unit 600.

[0074] If the main control unit 300 cannot receive the gaming machine installation information response command from the frame control unit 600 within 1080 ms after starting to transmit this command, a disconnection error occurs, and the gaming stops until the power failure is restored.

[0075] On the other hand, if the frame control unit 600 cannot receive this command within 180 s (3 minutes) from startup, it reports a disconnection error as a communication line disconnection. Also, after the communication line is disconnected, if the main control unit 300 normally receives this command, the disconnection error is released.

[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 transmitted from the frame control unit 600 to the main control unit 300, and is a command for notifying the main control unit 300 that the frame control unit 600 has received the gaming machine installation information notification command.

[0077] The gaming machine installation information response command is transmitted from the frame control unit 600 to the main control unit 300 within 10 ms after the main control unit 300 receives the gaming machine installation information notification command after the power-on of the enclosed gaming machine 100.

[0078] <Communication between the main control unit and the frame control unit / Gaming machine information notification command> The gaming machine information notification command is a command transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the frame control unit 600, and is a command for the main control unit 300 to notify the frame control unit 600 of gaming machine information such as the number of game balls, the counted number of 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 a cycle of 108 ms.

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

[0081] <Communication between the main control unit and the frame control unit / Gaming machine information response command> The gaming machine information response command is a command transmitted from the frame control unit 600 to the main control unit 300, and is a command for notifying the main control unit 300 of information such as the counted number of balls, the lent number of 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 the main control unit 300 receives the gaming machine information notification command.

[0083] <Communication between the main control unit and the frame control unit / Specific 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> FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600 in time series after the power of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is turned on. In the following drawings, for the sake of clarity of the drawings, the character "command" in each command name may be omitted.

[0085] After the power of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is turned on (T11) and the main control unit 300 itself is activated, the main control unit 300 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 that has received this gaming machine installation information notification command transmits a gaming machine installation information response command (communication serial number = 0) to the main control unit 300 within 10 ms after receiving the command (T13). The main control unit 300 that has received the gaming machine installation information response command permits the firing of the game balls. Note that the communication serial number is reset to 0 at power-on and is incremented by 1 each time a command is transmitted.

[0086] Thereafter, after the main control unit 300 receives the gaming machine installation information response command from the frame control unit 600, it transmits a gaming machine information notification command to the frame control unit 600 at a cycle of 108 ms instead of the gaming machine installation information notification command (T14, T16, T18). On the other hand, 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 cannot receive the gaming machine installation information notification command within 180 s (3 minutes) from startup, it notifies a disconnection error as a communication line disconnection. Also, when the main control unit 300 normally receives the gaming machine installation information notification command after the communication line disconnection, the disconnection error is released.

[0088] Here, summarizing the control of the frame control unit 600, when the frame control unit 600 receives a game 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 game balls and displays it on the game ball number display device. Also, in the game ball subtraction process described with reference to FIG. 6, when the subtraction sensor 618 detects the launch of a game ball, the frame control unit 600 subtracts one from the number of game balls and displays it on the game ball number display device. Further, when the foul ball detection sensor 616 detects the passage of a game ball, the frame control unit 600 adds one to the number of game balls and displays it on the game ball number display device.

[0089] Although not shown in the drawings, when the main control unit 300 transmits a game machine information notification command to the frame control unit 600, the frame control unit 600 may transmit the received prize ball information back to the main control unit 300, and the main control unit 300 may execute a process of confirming whether the prize ball information transmitted to the frame control unit 600 matches the prize ball information received from the frame control unit 600.

[0090] With such a configuration, the reliability of the information transmitted and received between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600 can be enhanced, and malpractices and problems due to communication failures can be prevented in advance.

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

[0092] When the main control unit 300 fails to receive a response message from the frame control unit 600 for 10 consecutive times, it is considered a disconnection error due to a communication line disconnection, and an error notification indicating that it is a disconnection error is issued, and the game is in a stopped state until the power failure is restored.

[0093] At the timing indicated by reference numeral T21 in FIG. 9, the main control unit 300 transmitted the n-th notification message (communication serial number = n) to the frame control unit 600, but the response message (communication serial number = n) for the notification message could not be received. At the subsequent timing indicated by reference numeral T22, the main control unit 300 transmitted the (n + 1)-th notification message (communication serial number = n + 1) to the frame control unit 600, but the response message (communication serial number = n + 1) for the notification message could not be received. At the subsequent timing indicated by reference numeral T23, the main control unit 300 transmitted the (n + 2)-th notification message (communication serial number = n + 2) to the frame control unit 600, but the response message (communication serial number = n + 2) for the notification message has not been received.

[0094] After starting the transmission of the n-th notification message (communication serial number = n), the main control unit 300 transmitted the notification message to the frame control unit 600 a total of 10 times at a cycle of 108 ms. However, since the response message could not be received from the frame control unit 600 continuously 10 times during 1080 ms (108 ms × 10 times), at the timing indicated by reference numeral T24, a disconnection error occurred as a communication line disconnection, and an error notification indicating that it is a disconnection error was performed, and the game was in a stopped state until it recovered from the power failure.

[0095] When the main control unit 300 has a disconnection error, it is possible to recover from the disconnection error by turning off the power of the enclosed gaming machine 100 and then turning on the power again (re-powering). When the power is re-supplied, the main control unit 300 starts the communication after power-on described with reference to FIG. 8 from the beginning.

[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 an example of communication in the case where a communication line disconnection error occurs by the frame control unit 600 in the communication between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600 in chronological order.

[0097] When the frame control unit 600 fails to receive the next notification message within 1000 ms after receiving a notification message (game machine installation information notification command or game machine information notification command), a disconnection error is considered to have occurred due to a communication line disconnection, and an error notification indicating that a disconnection error has occurred is issued.

[0098] At the timing indicated by symbol T31, the main control unit 300 transmits the n-th notification message (communication serial number = n) to the frame control unit 600. At the subsequent timing indicated by symbol T32, the frame control unit 600 transmits a response message (communication serial number = n) for the said notification message to the main control unit 300. However, at the subsequent timings indicated by symbols T33 and T34, the main control unit 300 fails to transmit the (n + 1)-th notification message (communication serial number = n + 1) and the (n + 2)-th notification message (communication serial number = n + 2) to the frame control unit 600.

[0099] Since the frame control unit 600 fails to receive the next notification messages (communication serial numbers = n + 1, n + 2, …) within 1000 ms after receiving the notification message (communication serial number = n) at the timing indicated by symbol T31, a disconnection error is considered to have occurred due to a communication line disconnection at the timing indicated by symbol T35, and an error notification indicating that a disconnection error has occurred is issued.

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

[0101] <Communication between the Frame Control Unit and the Lending Device> Next, the communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 will be described.

[0102] As described above, the 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 transmit and receive signals such as commands to and from each other.

[0103] FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing command types between the frame control unit and the lending device. The commands that can be transmitted and received between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 are four types: a gaming machine information notification command, a counting notification command, a lending notification command, and a lending receipt result response command.

[0104] <Communication between the frame control unit and the lending device / Gaming 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 regarding three types of gaming machines.

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

[0106] The gaming machine information notification command can be broadly classified into three types: a hall controller - illegal monitoring information command, a gaming machine installation information command, and a gaming machine performance information command. The hall controller - illegal monitoring information command can be further classified into two types: a hall controller - illegal monitoring information command (with main control state update or gaming information) and a hall controller - illegal monitoring information command (without main control state update and without gaming information).

[0107] The "priority" shown in FIG. 11(b) indicates the priority at the time of transmitting the command. When the transmission timings of multiple types of commands overlap, the command with a higher "priority" is transmitted preferentially. In this example, the transmission priority is high in the order of 1: hall controller - illegal monitoring information command (with main control state update or gaming information), 2: gaming machine installation information command, 3: gaming machine performance information command, 4: hall controller - illegal monitoring information command (without main control state update and without gaming information).

[0108] The "notification conditions" shown in FIG. 11(b) indicate the conditions (timing) for transmitting each command. In this example, the frame control unit 600 transmits the hall computer - illegal monitoring information command (with main control state update or with game information) to the lending device 614 at a cycle of 300 ms after the startup of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is completed, and transmits the gaming machine installation information command to the lending device 614 at a cycle of 60 s after the startup of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is completed.

[0109] Also, the gaming machine performance information command is transmitted to the lending device 614 at a cycle of 180 s after the startup of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is completed, and the hall computer - illegal monitoring information command (without main control state update and without game information) is transmitted to the lending device 614 at a cycle of 300 ms after the startup of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is completed.

[0110] The "contents" shown in FIG. 11(b) indicate the information transmitted by each command. For example, in the hall computer - illegal monitoring information command (with main control state update or with game information), the number of game balls, the number of launched balls, the total number of prize balls, the main control state, the gaming machine error state, the illegal detection state, the performance information state notification, the game information, etc. are transmitted.

[0111] Here, the "number of game balls" is the number of balls in hand (the number of balls held by the gaming machine), the "number of launched balls" is a numerical value calculated by adding +1 when a game ball passes through the subtraction sensor 618 and subtracting -1 when a game ball passes through the foul ball detection sensor 616, and is cleared to 0 after the transmission of the gaming machine information notification command. The "total number of prize balls" is the total number of "prize balls" from the power - on of the enclosed gaming machine 100.

[0112] The "main control state" is information including jackpot signal 1 (during a specific jackpot), jackpot signal 2 (during a full jackpot), jackpot signal 3 (during time shortening or probability variation), high probability, time shortening, probability variation, or advantageous state, jackpot + time shortening, probability variation, or advantageous state, information such as a firing stop request, etc. The "game machine error state" is information such as the type of error occurring, and the "illegal detection state" is information including information such as during setting change / setting confirmation, RAM clear, error occurrence, complete function operation, etc. The "performance information state notification" is information including information such as non-time shortening, time shortening, jackpot, low probability, high probability, etc., and the "game information" is information including winning at each winning port, number of times of symbol determination, number of jackpots, etc.

[0113] In the hall control - illegal monitoring information command (without updating the main control state and without game information), among the information transmitted by the hall control - illegal monitoring information command (with updating the main control state or with game information), information other than the main control state and game information is transmitted.

[0114] In the game machine installation information command, the total number of fired game balls, the total number of acquired game balls, the ball output rate, the number of acquired game balls per minute (low base), the accessory ratio, the continuous accessory ratio, the number of jackpots, etc. are transmitted.

[0115] Here, the "total number of fired game balls" is the total number of "fired balls" since the power-on of the enclosed game machine 100. The "total number of acquired game balls" is the total number of acquired game balls since the power-on of the enclosed game machine 100, the "ball output rate" is a numerical value calculated by (total number of acquired game balls / total number of fired game balls) × 100, and the "number of acquired game balls per minute (low base)" is a numerical value calculated by (total number of acquired game balls during low base / total number of fired game balls during low base) × 100. The "accessory ratio" is a numerical value calculated by (acquired game balls due to accessory operation / total number of acquired game balls) × 100, and the "continuous accessory ratio" is a numerical value calculated by (number of acquired game balls due to continuous accessory operation / total number of acquired game balls) × 100.

[0116] In the game machine performance information command, the chip ID, chip manufacturer code, chip product code, etc. of the main control unit / frame control unit CPU are transmitted.

[0117] <Communication / Count Notification Command between Frame Control Unit and Lending Device> The count notification command is a command transmitted from the frame control unit 600 to the lending device 614, and is a command including information such as the counted number of balls and the cumulative counted number of balls.

[0118] Here, the "counted number of balls" is the number of gaming balls to be counted (0 to 250 balls), and transmits information indicating 0 balls even if the operation of the count button 617 is not received. The "cumulative counted number of balls" is the cumulative number of the "counted number of balls" since the power-on of the enclosed gaming machine 100, and is cleared to 0 after the power-on of the enclosed gaming machine 100.

[0119] The frame control unit 600 transmits this command to the lending device 614 at a period of 300 ms within a period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after transmitting the gaming machine information notification command.

[0120] <Communication / Lending Notification Command between Frame Control Unit and Lending Device> The lending notification command is a command transmitted from the lending device 614 to the frame control unit 600, and is a command including information on the number of lent balls.

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

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

[0123] <Communication / Lending Receipt Result Response Command between Frame Control Unit and Lending Device> The lending receipt result response command is a command transmitted from the frame control unit 600 to the lending device 614, and is a command including information such as the lending ball number receipt result (the result of whether information such as the lending ball number is normally received).

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

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

[0126] <Communication between the frame control unit and the lending device / Basic communication (without game information)> FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the basic communication (without game information) between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 in time series. In the following drawings, for the sake of clarity of the drawings, the characters "command" in each command name may be omitted.

[0127] After the frame control unit 600 transmits the hall control / fraud monitoring information command among the game machine information notification commands to the lending device 614 at a cycle of 300 ms after the startup of the enclosed game machine 100 is completed, within a period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after transmitting the game machine information notification command, the frame control unit 600 transmits the count information notification command to the lending device 614 at a cycle of 300 ms.

[0128] At the timing indicated by the symbol T41, since the startup of the enclosed game machine 100 is completed, the frame control unit 600 transmits the hall control / fraud monitoring information command among the game machine information notification commands. However, since the main control state among the game machine information is not updated and there is no game information, the frame control unit 600 transmits the hall control / fraud monitoring information command (without update of the main control state and without game information) among the game machine information notification commands to the lending device 614.

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

[0130] At the timing indicated by symbol T43, since the lending device 614 has received the counting notification command from the frame control unit 600, it transmits a lending notification command to the frame control unit 600 within a period of 170 ms after receiving the command. At the timing indicated by symbol T44, since the frame control unit 600 has received the lending notification command from the lending device 614, it transmits a lending receipt result response command to the lending device 614 within 10 ms after receiving the command.

[0131] Thereafter, when the main control state of the gaming machine information is not updated and there is no gaming information, the frame control unit 600 transmits the hall control - illegal monitoring information command (no update of the main control state and no gaming information) among the gaming machine information notification commands to the lending device 614 at a cycle of 300 ms, and then transmits a counting notification command to the lending device 614. The lending device 614 that has received the counting notification command transmits a lending notification command to the frame control unit 600, and the frame control unit 600 that has received the lending notification command transmits a lending receipt result response command to the lending device 614.

[0132] At the timing indicated by symbol T45, since 60 s have elapsed after the startup of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is completed, the gaming machine installation information command among the gaming machine information notification commands is transmitted to the lending device 614. At the timing indicated by symbol T46, since 180 s have elapsed after the startup of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is completed, it attempts to transmit the gaming machine performance information command among the gaming machine information notification commands to the lending device 614. However, in this example, since the transmission timing of the gaming machine installation information command (priority 2), which has a higher priority than the gaming machine performance information command (priority 3), overlaps, the gaming machine installation information command among the gaming machine information notification commands is preferentially transmitted to the lending device 614 first.

[0133] After transmitting the gaming machine installation information command, the frame control unit 600 transmits a counting notification command to the lending device 614. The lending device 614 that has received the counting notification command transmits a lending notification command to the frame control unit 600. The frame control unit 600 that has received the lending notification command transmits a lending receipt result response command to the lending device 614.

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

[0135] Although illustration is omitted, after transmitting the gaming machine performance information command, the frame control unit 600 transmits a counting notification command to the lending device 614. The lending device 614 that has received the counting notification command transmits a lending notification command to the frame control unit 600. The frame control unit 600 that has received the lending notification command transmits a lending receipt result response command to the lending device 614.

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

[0137] In the case of a short press operation of the counting button 617, data indicating 1 ball is transmitted to the lending device 614, 1 is subtracted from the number of gaming balls, and the result is displayed on the gaming ball number display device. In the case of a long press operation of the counting button 617, data indicating a maximum of 250 balls is transmitted to the lending device 614 (if the number of gaming balls is less than 250, data indicating the full number is transmitted to the lending device 614), a maximum of 250 is subtracted from the number of gaming balls (if the number of gaming balls is less than 250, the full number is subtracted from the number of gaming balls), and the result is displayed on the gaming ball number display device.

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

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

[0140] The frame control unit 600 transmits the hall control / illegal monitoring information command among the game machine information notification commands to the lending device 614 at a cycle of 300 ms after the startup of the enclosed game machine 100 is completed, and transmits the game machine installation information command among the game machine information notification commands to the lending device 614 at a cycle of 60 s after the startup of the enclosed game machine 100 is completed.

[0141] At the timing indicated by the symbol T52, since 60 s has elapsed after the startup of the enclosed game machine 100 is completed, an attempt is made to transmit the game machine installation information command among the game machine information notification commands to the lending device 614. However, in this example, game information is held at this timing, and the transmission timing of the hall control / illegal monitoring information command (with game information) (priority level 1), which has a higher priority level than the game machine installation information command (priority level 2), overlaps. Therefore, the hall control / illegal monitoring information command (with game information) among the game machine information notification commands is given priority and transmitted to the lending device 614 first.

[0142] At the timing indicated by the symbol T53, since the game information held by the frame control unit 600 has disappeared, the hall control / illegal monitoring information command (with game information) and the game machine installation information command whose transmission timings overlap are transmitted to the lending device 614 300 ms after the timing indicated by the symbol T52.

[0143] In addition, the frame control unit 600 transmits the game machine performance information command among the game machine information notification commands to the lending device 614 at a cycle of 180 s after the startup of the enclosed game machine 100 is completed.

[0144] At the timing indicated by symbol T54, since 180 seconds have elapsed since the start-up of the enclosed gaming machine 100 was completed, an attempt is made to transmit the gaming machine performance information command among the gaming machine information notification commands to the lending device 614. However, in this example, the frame control unit 600 holds gaming information at this timing, and the transmission timing of the hall control / cheating monitoring information command (with gaming information) (priority 1), which has a higher priority than the gaming machine performance information command (priority 3), overlaps. Therefore, the hall control / cheating monitoring information command (with gaming information) among the gaming machine information notification commands is given priority and transmitted to the lending device 614 first.

[0145] At the timing indicated by symbol T55, since the gaming information held by the frame control unit 600 has disappeared, the hall control / cheating monitoring information command (with gaming information) and the gaming machine performance information command whose transmission timing overlapped are transmitted to the lending device 614 300 ms after the timing indicated by symbol T54.

[0146] <Communication / Count Notification between Frame Control Unit and Lending Device> FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of count notification in the communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 in chronological order.

[0147] This example is an example of count notification when the "long press" operation of the count button 617 of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is performed and counting is performed for 250 balls × 2 times (total 500 balls).

[0148] Specifically, at the timing indicated by symbol T1a, since the first "long press" operation of the count button 617 was received in the state where the number of gaming balls was 1000 and the cumulative counted ball number was 0, the value "250" representing 250 balls is set for the counted ball number, and the counted ball number 250 is added to the cumulative counted ball number 0 to update the cumulative counted ball number to 250.

[0149] At the timing indicated by symbol T1b, the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification command including the information of serial number = n (n is a positive integer) and the number of game balls = 1000 to the lending device 614. Then, at the subsequent timing indicated by symbol T1c, within a period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after transmitting the gaming machine information notification command, the frame control unit 600 transmits a counting notification command including the information of counting serial number = m (m is a positive integer), the number of counted balls = 250, and the cumulative number of counted balls = 250 to the lending device 614. After that, the frame control unit 600 subtracts the number of counted balls 250 from the number of game balls 1000 and updates the number of game balls to 750.

[0150] At the timing indicated by symbol T1d, the lending device 614 that has received the counting notification command adds the number of counted balls 250 included in the received counting notification command to the number of balls in hand 100 before receiving the counting notification command, updates the number of balls in hand to 350. Since the number of lent balls is 0, the lending device 614 transmits a lending notification command including the information of lending serial number = k (k is a positive integer) and the number of lent balls = 0 to the frame control unit 600.

[0151] At the timing indicated by symbol T1e, the frame control unit 600 that has received the lending notification command transmits a lending receipt result response command including the information of lending serial number = k and the lending ball number receipt result = normal to the lending device 614.

[0152] After that, in this example, the operation of "long pressing" the counting button 617 continues in the state where the number of game balls is 750 and the cumulative number of counted balls is 250. Since the second operation of "long pressing" the counting button 617 has been received, the frame control unit 600 sets the number of counted balls to "250", which is the numerical value representing 250 balls, and adds the number of counted balls 250 to the cumulative number of counted balls 250 to update the cumulative number of counted balls to 500.

[0153] At the timing indicated by the symbol T1f, after the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification command including the information of serial number = n + 1 and number of game balls = 750 to the lending device 614, at the subsequent timing indicated by the symbol T1g, within a period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after transmitting the gaming machine information notification command, after transmitting a counting notification command including the information of counting serial number = m + 1, counting number of balls = 250, and cumulative counting number of balls = 500 to the lending device 614, the number of game balls is updated to 500 by subtracting the counting number of balls 250 from the number of game balls 750.

[0154] At the timing indicated by the symbol T1h, the lending device 614 that has received the counting notification command adds the counting number of balls 250 included in the received counting notification command to the number of balls in hand 350 before receiving the counting notification command, updates the number of balls in hand to 600, and since the number of lent balls is 0, transmits a lending notification command including the information of lending serial number = k + 1 and number of lent balls = 0 to the frame control unit 600.

[0155] At the timing indicated by the symbol T1i, the frame control unit 600 that has received the lending notification command transmits a lending reception result response command including the information of lending serial number = k + 1 and lending number of balls reception result = normal to the lending device 614.

[0156] At the timing indicated by the symbol T1j, the long-press operation of the counting button 617 is released. At the subsequent timing indicated by the symbol T1k, after the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification including the information of serial number = n + 2 and number of game balls = 500 to the lending device 614, at the subsequent timing indicated by the symbol T1l, within a period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after transmitting the gaming machine information notification command, it transmits a counting notification command including the information of counting serial number = m + 2, counting number of balls = 0, and cumulative counting number of balls = 500 to the lending device 614. Since the counting number of balls is 0, the number of game balls is maintained at 500.

[0157] At the timing indicated by the symbol T1m, since the lending device 614 that has received the counting notification command has a counted ball number of 0, it maintains the number of balls in hand at 600. Also, since the number of lent balls is 0, it transmits a lending notification command including information of lending serial number = k + 2 and number of lent balls = 0 to the frame control unit 600.

[0158] At the timing indicated by the symbol T1n, the frame control unit 600 that has received the lending notification command transmits a lending reception result response command including information of lending serial number = k + 2 and lending ball number reception result = normal to the lending device 614.

[0159] <Communication between Frame Control Unit and Lending Device / Lending Notification> FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of lending notification in the communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 in chronological order.

[0160] This example is an example of lending notification when the lending button 614a of the lending device 614 is operated and lending of 125 balls × 1 time is performed.

[0161] At the timing indicated by the symbol T2a, since the lending device 614 has received the operation of the lending button 614a, it updates the number of lent balls to 125.

[0162] At the timing indicated by the symbol T2b, since the number of game balls is 50, the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification command including information of serial number = n (n is a positive integer) and number of game balls = 50 to the lending device 614. Then, at the subsequent timing indicated by the symbol T2c, within a period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after transmitting the gaming machine information notification command, it transmits a counting notification command including information of counting serial number = m (m is a positive integer), counted ball number = 0, and cumulative counted ball number = 0 to the lending device 614.

[0163] At the timing indicated by the symbol T2d, the lending device 614 that has received the counting notification command transmits a lending notification command including the information of lending serial number = k (k is a positive integer) and lending ball number = 125 to the frame control unit 600 within a period of 170 ms after receiving the counting notification command.

[0164] At the timing indicated by the symbol T2e, the frame control unit 600 that has received the lending notification command adds the lending ball number 125 included in the received lending notification command to the game ball number 50 to update the game ball number to 175, and transmits a lending reception result response command including the information of lending serial number = k and lending ball number reception result = normal to the lending device 614 within 10 ms after receiving the lending notification command. Thereby, the lending device 614 confirms that the frame control unit 600 has normally received the information such as the lending ball number.

[0165] At the timing indicated by the symbol T2f, since the game ball number is 175, the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification including the information of serial number = n + 1 and game ball number = 175 to the lending device 614.

[0166] <Communication between the frame control unit and the lending device / Communication interruption> FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are sequence diagrams showing an example in time series when a communication interruption occurs in the communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614.

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

[0168] At the timing indicated by the symbol T3a, since the game ball number is 1000, the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification command including the information of serial number = n (n is a positive integer) and game ball number = 1000 to the lending device 614. Then, at the subsequent timing indicated by the symbol T3b, within a period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after transmitting the gaming machine information notification command, a counting notification command including the information of counting serial number = m (m is a positive integer), counting ball number = 0, and counting cumulative ball number = 0 is transmitted to the lending device 614.

[0169] Also, at the timing indicated by the symbol T3c, since the lending device 614 that has received the counting notification command has a lending ball count of 0, it transmits a lending notification command including information of lending serial number = k (k is a positive integer) and lending ball count = 0 to the frame control unit 600. At the timing indicated by the symbol T3d, the frame control unit 600 that has received the lending notification command transmits a lending reception result response command including information of lending serial number = k (k is a positive integer) and lending ball count reception result = normal to the lending device 614. At the timing indicated by the symbol T3e, it transmits a gaming machine information notification command including information of consecutive number = n + 1 and gaming ball count = 1000 to the lending device 614.

[0170] At the timing indicated by the symbol T3f, since a communication failure (cable disconnection) has occurred in the communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614, thereafter, the frame control unit 600 becomes VL = OFF (firing disabled state, counting button invalid), and the lending device 614 becomes VL = OFF (firing disabled state) and PSI = OFF (counting button invalid state).

[0171] At the timing indicated by the symbol T3g, since the counting button is in the invalid state, it transmits a counting notification command including information of counting serial number = m + 1, counting ball count = 0, and cumulative counting ball count = 0 to the lending device 614. However, since a communication failure (cable disconnection) has occurred, the lending device 614 has not received the command normally.

[0172] Also, at the timing indicated by the symbol T3h, the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification command including information of consecutive number = n + 2 and gaming ball count = 1000 to the lending device 614. Then, at the subsequent timing indicated by the symbol T3i, within a period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after transmitting the gaming machine information notification command, it transmits a counting notification command including information of counting serial number = m + 2, counting ball count = 0, and cumulative counting ball count = 0 to the lending device 614. However, since a communication failure (cable disconnection) has occurred, the lending device 614 has not received these commands normally.

[0173] At the timing indicated by reference numeral T3j in FIG. 17, since the store clerk of the game parlor confirmed the number of game balls and eliminated the communication interruption (cable disconnection) to restore the cable, the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 are in the state of VL = ON (game ball launch permission state) and PSI = ON (counting button effective state). Note that in the lending device 614, after VL = ON (game ball launch permission state), the store clerk of the game parlor checks the cable connection status.

[0174] At the timing indicated by reference numeral T3k, since the number of game balls is 1000, the frame control unit 600 transmits a game machine information notification command including information of serial number = n + 3 and number of game balls = 1000 to the lending device 614. Then, at the subsequent timing indicated by reference numeral T3l, within a period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after transmitting the game machine information notification command, a counting notification command including information of counting serial number = m + 3, counted ball number = 0, and cumulative counted ball number = 0 is transmitted to the lending device 614.

[0175] Also, at the timing indicated by reference numeral T3m, since the lending device 614 that has received the counting notification command has had a communication interruption (cable disconnection), it resets the lending serial number to 0. And since the number of lent balls is 0, it transmits a lending notification command including information of lending serial number = 0 and number of lent balls = 0 to the frame control unit 600. At the timing indicated by reference numeral T3n, the frame control unit 600 that has received the lending notification command sets it to the lending serial number k of the last sent lending serial number (the lending serial number k of the lending reception result response command transmitted at the timing indicated by reference numeral T3d), and then transmits a lending reception result response command including information of lending serial number = k and lending ball number reception result = normal to the lending device 614.

[0176] At the timing indicated by reference numeral T3o, a game machine information notification command including information of serial number = n + 4 and number of game balls = 1000 is transmitted to the lending device 614. At the timing indicated by reference numeral T3p, within a period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after transmitting the game machine information notification command, a counting notification command including information of counting serial number = m + 4, counted ball number = 0, and cumulative counted ball number = 0 is transmitted to the lending device 614.

[0177] Also, at the timing indicated by the symbol T3q, the lending device 614 that has received the counting notification command adds 1 to the lending serial number k and updates it to k + 1 because the cable has been restored, and since the number of lent balls is 0, it transmits a lending notification command including information that the lending serial number = k + 1 and the number of lent balls = 0 to the frame control unit 600. At the timing indicated by the symbol T3r, the frame control unit 600 that has received the lending notification command transmits a lending reception result response command including information that the lending serial number = k + 1 and the lending ball number reception result = normal to the lending device 614.

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

[0179] This example is an example of counting notification when the "long press" operation of the counting button 617 of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is performed, counting of 250 balls × 1 time (total 250 balls) is performed, and a communication abnormality occurs while the "long press" operation continues.

[0180] Specifically, at the timing indicated by the symbol T4a, since the first "long press" operation of the counting button 617 has been received in a state where the number of gaming balls is 1000 and the cumulative counted ball number is 0, the numerical value "250" representing 250 balls is set for the counted ball number, and the counted ball number 250 is added to the cumulative counted ball number 0 to update the cumulative counted ball number to 250.

[0181] At the timing indicated by the symbol T4b, the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification command including information that the serial number = n (n is a positive integer) and the number of gaming balls = 1000 to the lending device 614. Then, at the subsequent timing indicated by the symbol T4c, within a period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after transmitting the gaming machine information notification command, a counting notification command including information that the counting serial number = m (m is a positive integer), the counted ball number = 250, and the cumulative counted ball number = 250 is transmitted to the lending device 614, and then the number of gaming balls is updated to 750 by subtracting the counted ball number 250 from the number of gaming balls 1000.

[0182] At the timing indicated by symbol T4d, the lending device 614 that has received the count notification command adds the count ball number 250 included in the received count notification command to the number of balls in hand 100 before receiving the count notification command, updates the number of balls in hand to 350, and since the number of lent balls is 0, it transmits a lending notification command including information that the lending serial number = k (k is a positive integer) and the number of lent balls = 0 to the frame control unit 600.

[0183] At the timing indicated by symbol T4e, the frame control unit 600 that has received the lending notification command transmits a lending reception result response command including information that the lending serial number = k and the lending ball number reception result = normal to the lending device 614.

[0184] In this example, in the state where the number of game balls is 750 and the cumulative counted ball number is 250, the operation of "long pressing" the count button 617 is continued, and since the second operation of "long pressing" the count button 617 has been received, the numerical value "250" representing 250 balls is set for the counted ball number, and the counted ball number 250 is added to the cumulative counted ball number 250 to update the cumulative counted ball number to 500.

[0185] At the timing indicated by symbol T4f, the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification command including information that the serial number = n + 1 and the number of game balls = 750 to the lending device 614. Then, at the subsequent timing indicated by symbol T4g, within a period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after transmitting the gaming machine information notification command, after transmitting a count notification command including information that the count serial number = m + 1, the counted ball number = 250, and the cumulative counted ball number = 500 to the lending device 614, the number of game balls is updated to 500 by subtracting the counted ball number 250 from the number of game balls 750. However, since a communication abnormality has occurred, the lending device 614 has not received the command normally.

[0186] Also, at the timing indicated by the symbol T4h, the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification command including information of serial number = n+2 and number of gaming balls = 500 to the lending device 614. However, since a communication abnormality has occurred, the lending device 614 has not been able to receive the command normally.

[0187] On the other hand, since the lending device 614 has not been able to receive the gaming machine information notification command from the frame control unit 600 normally, it detects a communication abnormality and, after detecting the communication abnormality, sets VL = OFF (non-firing state) and PSI = OFF (count button invalid state) after a maximum of 300 ms. Also, since the frame control unit 600 has not been able to receive the lending notification command for the count notification command from the lending device 614 normally, it sets VL = OFF (non-firing state, count button invalid).

[0188] In the frame control unit 600, since the count button 617 has become invalid, after resetting the counted number of balls from 250 to 0, at the timing indicated by the symbol T4i, it transmits a count notification command including information of count serial number = m+2, counted number of balls = 0, and cumulative counted number of balls = 500 to the lending device 614. However, since a communication abnormality has occurred, the lending device 614 has not been able to receive these commands normally.

[0189] At the timing indicated by the symbol T4j, the store clerk of the game parlor checks the number of gaming balls and the number of balls in hand and waits for error recovery of the communication abnormality until the communication abnormality is resolved. When the communication abnormality is resolved, the lending device 614 sets VL = ON (state permitting the firing of gaming balls) and PSI = ON (state where the count button is valid).

[0190] <Communication abnormality between the frame control unit and the lending device / during lending notification> FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communication abnormality in the lending notification between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 in chronological order.

[0191] This example is an example of a lending notification when a communication abnormality occurs when the lending button 614a of the lending device 614 is operated and lending of 125 balls × 1 time is performed.

[0192] At the timing indicated by symbol T5a, since the lending device 614 has received the operation of the lending button 614a, it updates the number of lent balls to 125.

[0193] At the timing indicated by symbol T5b, since the number of game balls is 50, the frame control unit 600 transmits a game machine information notification command including the information of serial number = n (n is a positive integer) and the number of game balls = 50 to the lending device 614. Then, at the subsequent timing indicated by symbol T5c, within a period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after transmitting the game machine information notification command, the frame control unit 600 transmits a counting notification command including the information of counting serial number = m (m is a positive integer), counting ball number = 0, and cumulative counting ball number = 0 to the lending device 614.

[0194] At the timing indicated by symbol T5d, the lending device 614 that has received the counting notification command transmits a lending notification command including the information of lending serial number = k (k is a positive integer) and the number of lent balls = 125 to the frame control unit 600 within 170 ms after receiving the counting notification command.

[0195] At the timing indicated by symbol T5e, the frame control unit 600 that has received the lending notification command adds the number of lent balls 125 included in the command to the number of game balls 50 to update the number of game balls to 175, and transmits a lending reception result response command including the information of lending serial number = k and lending ball number reception result = normal to the lending device 614 within 10 ms after receiving the lending notification command. However, in this example, since a communication abnormality has occurred, the lending device 614 has not received the command normally.

[0196] The frame control unit 600 transmits a lending receipt result response command to the lending device 614 within 10 ms after receiving a lending notification command from the lending device 614. However, in this example, at the timing indicated by the symbol T5f, since more than 10 ms has elapsed since the lending device 614 transmitted the lending notification command to the frame control unit 600 and the frame control unit 600 has not received the lending receipt result response command, the lending device 614 determines that the lending process is not completed and continues the lending process.

[0197] At the timing indicated by the symbol T5g, since the number of game balls is 175, the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification including information of serial number = n + 1 and number of game balls = 175 to the lending device 614. Then, at the subsequent timing indicated by the symbol T5h, within a period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after transmitting the gaming machine information notification command, the frame control unit 600 transmits a counting notification command including information of counting serial number = m + 1, counting number of balls = 0, and cumulative counting number of balls = 0 to the lending device 614.

[0198] The lending device 614 has not been able to normally receive the lending receipt result response command for the lending notification command transmitted at the timing indicated by the symbol T5d, and it is unknown whether the frame control unit 600 has normally received the lending notification command. Therefore, at the timing indicated by the symbol T5i, the same k is set again as the lending serial number, and a lending notification command including information of lending serial number = k and lending number of balls = 125 is transmitted to the frame control unit 600 within 170 ms after receiving the counting notification command.

[0199] The frame control unit 600 checks the continuity of the lending serial numbers included in the lending notification command, and if the lending serial numbers are not continuous, the frame control unit 600 transmits a lending receipt result response command including information of lending number of balls receipt result = abnormal.

[0200] In this example, at the timing indicated by the code T5i, the frame control unit 600 receives a lending notification command including information of lending serial number = k and number of lent balls = 125 from the lending device 614. Since there is no continuity with the lending serial number k included in the previous lending notification command received at the timing indicated by the code T5d (the lending serial number is not k + 1), at the timing indicated by the code T5j, a lending reception result response command including information of lending serial number = k and lending ball number reception result = abnormal is transmitted to the lending device 614 within 10 ms after receiving the lending notification command.

[0201] On the other hand, when the lending serial number included in the lending reception result response command received by the lending device 614 from the frame control unit 600 matches the lending serial number included in the previously transmitted lending notification command, the frame control unit 600 determines that the lending notification command has been normally received and completes the lending process.

[0202] In this example, the lending device 614 that receives the lending reception result response command from the frame control unit 600 at the timing indicated by the code T5j determines that the frame control unit 600 has normally received the lending notification command because the lending serial number k included in the lending reception result response command matches the lending serial number k included in the previous lending notification command transmitted to the frame control unit 600 at the timing indicated by the code T5i, and completes the lending process.

[0203] At the timing indicated by the code T5k, since the number of game balls is 175, the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification including information of consecutive number = n + 1 and number of game balls = 175 to the lending device 614.

[0204] <Communication between Frame Control Unit and Lending Device / During Game> FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 during the game in time series.

[0205] This is an example of communication when, as a result of a game being played on the enclosed gaming machine 100, a game ball is launched toward the game board 200 or a game ball (far ball) that did not reach the game board 200 is detected.

[0206] Here, the "total number of launched game balls" in FIG. 20 is the total number of "number of launched balls" since the power-on of the enclosed gaming machine 100. The "number of launched balls" is a numerical value calculated by adding +1 when a game ball passes through the subtraction sensor 618 and subtracting -1 when a game ball passes through the far ball detection sensor 616.

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

[0208] At the timing indicated by symbol T6b, within a period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after the frame control unit 600 transmits the gaming machine information notification command, after transmitting a counting notification command including information that the counting serial number = m (m is a positive integer), the counted number of balls = 0, and the cumulative counted number of balls = 0 to the lending device 614, since one game ball is launched toward the game board 200 (the game ball passes through the subtraction sensor 618), 1 is set for the number of launched balls, and 1 is subtracted from the number of game balls to update the number of game balls from 1000 to 999.

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

[0210] At the timing indicated by symbol T6e, since the number of game balls is 999 and the number of launched balls is 1, the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification command including the information of serial number = n + 1, number of game balls = 999, and number of launched balls = 1 to the lending device 614. The lending device 614 that has received the command adds 1, which is the number of launched balls included in the command, to the total number of launched balls 100, and updates the total number of launched balls to 101.

[0211] At the timing indicated by symbol T6f, within a period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after the frame control unit 600 transmits the gaming machine information notification command, after transmitting a counting notification command including the information of counting serial number = m + 1, number of counted balls = 0, and cumulative number of counted balls = 0 to the lending device 614, since a foul ball of 1 ball is detected (the gaming ball has passed through the foul ball detection sensor 616), -1 is set for the number of launched balls, 1 is added to the number of game balls 999, and the number of game balls is updated to 1000.

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

[0213] At the timing indicated by symbol T6i, since the number of game balls is 1000 and the number of launched balls is -1, the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification command including the information of serial number = n + 2, number of game balls = 1000, and number of launched balls = -1 to the lending device 614. The lending device 614 that has received the command adds -1, which is the number of launched balls included in the command, to the total number of launched balls 101, and updates the total number of launched balls to 100.

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

[0215] At the timing indicated by the symbol T6j, within the period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after the frame control unit 600 transmits the game machine information notification command, after transmitting a count notification command including information of count serial number = m + 2, count ball number = 0, and cumulative count ball number = 0 to the lending device 614, since one foul ball was detected (the game ball passed through the foul ball detection sensor 616), the frame control unit 600 updates the number of launched balls from 1 to 0, adds 1 to the number of game balls, and updates the number of game balls from 999 to 1000.

[0216] At the timing indicated by the symbol T6k, since the lending device 614 that received the count notification command has a lending ball number of 0, it transmits a lending notification command including information of lending serial number = k + 2 and lending ball number = 0 to the frame control unit 600. At the timing indicated by the symbol T6l, the frame control unit 600 that received the lending notification command transmits a lending reception result response command including information of lending serial number = k + 2 and lending ball number reception result = normal to the lending device 614.

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

[0218] <When the communication between the frame control unit and the lending device overlaps with the increase in the number of game balls and the short press of the count button> FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 in time series when the increase in the number of game balls and the short press of the count button overlap.

[0219] This example is about a case of communication in the enclosed gaming machine 100 when the timing at which the number of game balls increases due to winning balls overlaps with the timing of counting by a short press operation of the counting button 617. In this example, an example where the number of game balls increases due to winning balls will be described, but the same applies when the number of game balls increases due to foul balls.

[0220] At the timing indicated by symbol T7a, since the number of game balls is 0, the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification command including the serial number = n (n is a positive integer) and the number of game balls = 0 to the lending device 614. Then, at the timing indicated by symbol T7b, since the number of game balls has increased by 1 due to a winning ball, 1 is added to the number of game balls to update the number of game balls from 0 to 1.

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

[0222] However, since the numerical value 1 (counting planned number) indicating 1 ball, which is the count corresponding to the "short press" operation of the counting button 617, is greater than the number of game balls 0 transmitted in the gaming machine information notification command transmitted at the timing indicated by symbol T7a, in this example, without setting the numerical value 1 indicating 1 ball, which is the count corresponding to the "short press" operation of the counting button 617, to the counted ball number, 0 is set as the correction planned data of the counting data (counted ball number) (step S103 of the counting process shown in FIG. 4), and at the timing indicated by symbol T7d, a counting notification command including the counting serial number = m (m is a positive integer), the counted ball number = 0, and the cumulative counted ball number = 0 is transmitted to the lending device 614.

[0223] That is, in this example, when the counting process is executed during a predetermined period due to the operation of a predetermined operation means (counting button 617) in a situation where the detection means (ball detection sensor) detects a game ball and the game ball number data (data of the number of game balls) increases (the situation where the number of game balls increases by one due to a prize ball, indicated by reference numeral T7b in FIG. 21), there may be a case where a value (1 indicating one ball) corresponding to the operation of the predetermined operation means (counting button 617) is not counted.

[0224] According to this example, after transmitting the game ball number data information (game machine information notification command) to the external device (lending device 614) and before transmitting the counting data information (counting notification command) during a predetermined period, in a situation where the game ball number data increases, it is possible to prevent transmitting more counting data information than the game ball number data information. Therefore, by not transmitting information that may be misrecognized as fraud or a malfunction to the external device, smooth operation of the gaming table becomes possible.

[0225] At the timing indicated by reference numeral T7e, since the lending device 614 that has received the counting notification command has a lending ball number of 0, it transmits a lending notification command including information of lending serial number = k (k is a positive integer) and lending ball number = 0 to the frame control unit 600. At the timing indicated by reference numeral T7f, the frame control unit 600 that has received the lending notification command transmits a lending reception result response command including information of lending serial number = k and lending ball number reception result = normal to the lending device 614.

[0226] At the timing indicated by reference numeral T7g, since the number of game balls is 1, the frame control unit 600 transmits a game machine information notification command including information of consecutive number = n + 1 and game ball number = 1 to the lending device 614. Then, at the subsequent timing indicated by reference numeral T7h, since 0 is set as the correction scheduled data of the counting data (counted ball number), during a period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after transmitting the game machine information notification command, a counting notification command including information of counting serial number = m + 1, counted ball number = 0, and counted cumulative ball number = 0 is transmitted to the lending device 614.

[0227] Further, the frame control unit 600 accepts the second operation of "short press" of the count button 617 at the timing indicated by the code T7i.

[0228] Here, since the numerical value 1 (planned count number) indicating one ball, which is the count corresponding to the "short press" operation of the count button 617, is not more than 1 of the number of game balls transmitted by the game machine information notification command transmitted at the timing indicated by the code T7g, in this example, the numerical value "1" representing one ball is set for the counted ball number, and the counted ball number 1 is added to the cumulative counted ball number 0 to update the cumulative counted ball number to 1.

[0229] At the timing indicated by the code T7j, since the lent ball number of the lending device 614 that has received the count notification command is 0, the lending device 614 transmits a lending notification command including the information of lending serial number = k + 1 and lending ball number = 0 to the frame control unit 600. At the timing indicated by the code T7k, the frame control unit 600 that has received the lending notification command transmits a lending reception result response command including the information of lending serial number = k + 1 and lending ball number reception result = normal to the lending device 614.

[0230] At the timing indicated by the code T7l, since the number of game balls is 1, the frame control unit 600 transmits a game machine information notification command including the information of serial number = n + 2 and number of game balls = 1 to the lending device 614. Then, at the subsequent timing indicated by the code T7m, since the counted ball number and the cumulative counted ball number are 1, within the period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after transmitting the game machine information notification command, a count notification command including the information of count serial number = m + 2, counted ball number = 1, and cumulative counted ball number = 1 is transmitted to the lending device 614.

[0231] The lending device 614 that has received this count notification command adds the counted ball number 1 included in the received count notification command to the previous number of held balls 0 and updates the number of held balls to 1.

[0232] <When the communication between the frame control unit and the lending device, the increase in the number of game balls, and the long press of the count button overlap> FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 when an increase in the number of game balls overlaps with a long press of the counting button in chronological order.

[0233] This example is an example of communication in the enclosed gaming machine 100 when the timing of an increase in the number of game balls due to prize balls overlaps with the timing of counting by a long press operation of the counting button 617. In this example, an example of an increase in the number of game balls due to prize balls will be described, but the same applies when the number of game balls increases due to foul balls.

[0234] At the timing indicated by reference symbol T8b, since the number of game balls is 245, the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification command including information of serial number = n (n is a positive integer) and number of game balls = 245 to the lending device 614. Then, at the timing indicated by reference symbol T8c, since the number of game balls has increased by 15 due to prize balls, 15 is added to the number of game balls and the number of game balls is updated from 245 to 260.

[0235] Also, in this example, in a state where the number of game balls is 245 and the cumulative counted number of balls is 0, an operation of "long press" of the counting button 617 is received at the timing indicated by reference symbol T8a.

[0236] However, since the value 250 (planned counting number) indicating 250 balls, which is the count corresponding to the "long press" operation of the counting button 617, is larger than the number of game balls 245 transmitted by the gaming machine information notification command transmitted at the timing indicated by reference symbol T8b, without setting 250, the value indicating 250 balls, which is the count corresponding to the "long press" operation of the counting button 617, as the counted number of balls (counting data), 245 is set as the correction planned data of the counting data (counted number of balls) (step S103 of the counting process shown in FIG. 4). At the timing indicated by reference symbol T8d, a counting notification command including information of counting serial number = m (m is a positive integer), counted number of balls = 245, and cumulative counted number of balls = 245 is transmitted to the lending device 614. Then, the counted number of balls 245 is subtracted from the number of game balls 260 and the number of game balls is updated to 15.

[0237] That is, in this example, when the counting process is executed during a predetermined period due to the operation of a predetermined operation means (counting button 617) in a situation where the detection means (ball detection sensor) detects a game ball and the game ball number data (data on the number of game balls) increases (the situation where the number of game balls increases by 15 due to a prize ball, indicated by reference numeral T8c in FIG. 21), there may be a case where a value corresponding to the operation of the predetermined operation means (counting button 617) (250, which is a numerical value indicating 250 balls) is not counted.

[0238] According to this example, after transmitting the game ball number data information (game machine information notification command) to the external device (lending device 614) and before transmitting the counting data information (counting notification command) during a predetermined period, in a situation where the game ball number data increases, it is possible to prevent transmitting more counting data information than the game ball number data information. Therefore, by not transmitting information that may be misrecognized as fraud or a malfunction to the external device, smooth operation of the gaming table becomes possible.

[0239] At the timing indicated by reference numeral T8e, the lending device 614 that has received the counting notification command adds the counted ball number 245 included in the received counting notification command to the number of balls in hand 0 before receiving the counting notification command, updates the number of balls in hand to 245, and since the number of lent balls is 0, transmits a lending notification command including information that the lending serial number = k (k is a positive integer) and the number of lent balls = 0 to the frame control unit 600. At the timing indicated by reference numeral T8f, the frame control unit 600 that has received the lending notification command transmits a lending reception result response command including information that the lending serial number = k and the lending ball number reception result = normal to the lending device 614.

[0240] At the timing indicated by reference numeral T8g, since the number of game balls is 15, the frame control unit 600 transmits a game machine information notification command including information that the serial number = n + 1 and the number of game balls = 15 to the lending device 614. Then, at the subsequent timing indicated by reference numeral T8h, the "long press" of the counting button 617 continues and the second operation of the "long press" is being received.

[0241] However, since the number of game balls is 15 and the counted number is less than 250 balls, which is the count corresponding to the "long press" operation of the counting button 617, 15, which is the numerical value indicating 15 balls out of the total number of game balls, is set as the counted number of balls. Then, 15, the counted number of balls, is added to the counted cumulative number of balls 245 to update the counted cumulative number of balls to 260. After transmitting the gaming machine information notification command, within the period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less, a counting notification command including the information of counting serial number = m + 1, counted number of balls = 15, and counted cumulative number of balls = 260 is transmitted to the lending device 614.

[0242] At the timing indicated by the symbol T8i, the lending device 614 that has received the counting notification command adds the counted number of balls 15 included in the received counting notification command to the number of balls in hand 245 before receiving the said counting notification command, updates the number of balls in hand to 260. Since the number of lent balls is 0, a lending notification command including the information of lending serial number = k + 1 and lent number of balls = 0 is transmitted to the frame control unit 600. At the timing indicated by the symbol T8j, the frame control unit 600 that has received the lending notification command transmits a lending receipt result response command including the information of lending serial number = k + 1 and lending number of balls receipt result = normal to the lending device 614.

[0243] At the timing indicated by the symbol T8k, the long press operation of the counting button 617 is released. At the timing indicated by the symbol T8l, since the number of game balls is 0, the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification command including the information of serial number = n + 2 and number of game balls = 0 to the lending device 614. Then, at the subsequent timing indicated by the symbol T8m, within the period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after transmitting the gaming machine information notification command, a counting notification command including the information of counting serial number = m + 2, counted number of balls = 0, and counted cumulative number of balls = 260 is transmitted to the lending device 614.

[0244] <Summary of Communication between Frame Control Unit and Lending Device> As described above, the gaming table according to the present embodiment (for example, the enclosed gaming machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming table capable of storing the number of game balls as game 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 capable of detecting game balls (for example, various sensors 320 shown in FIG. 2 (sensors for detecting game balls passing through each start port, winning port, and variable winning port)), and a predetermined operation means (for example, the counting button 617 shown in FIG. 2). The control means is means capable of adding ball data corresponding to the detection of a game ball by the detection means to the game ball number data. The control means is means capable of executing a counting process (for example, the counting process shown in FIG. 4) for counting the game ball number data when the predetermined operation means is operated in a situation where the game ball number data is not zero. The control means is means capable of transmitting first information (for example, the gaming machine information notification command shown in FIGS. 20 and 21) to an external device (for example, the lending device 614 shown in FIG. 2), and capable of transmitting second information (for example, the counting notification command shown in FIGS. 20 and 21) after a predetermined period (for example, 100 ms) has elapsed since transmitting the first information. The first information includes the game ball number data (for example, the number of game balls shown in FIGS. 21 and 22), and the second information includes counting data (for example, the number of counted balls shown in FIGS. 21 and 22) indicating a value counted from when the previous second information was transmitted until the current second information is transmitted. The control means is means such that, in a situation where the detection means detects a game ball during the predetermined period and the game ball number data increases (for example, (1) the situation where the number of game balls increases by 1 ball due to a prize ball, indicated by reference numeral T7b in FIG. 21, (2) the situation where the number of game balls increases by 15 balls due to a prize ball, indicated by reference numeral T8c in FIG. 22), when the counting process due to the operation of the predetermined operation means is executed during the predetermined period, the value corresponding to the operation of the predetermined operation means may not be counted. This is a characteristic of the gaming table.

[0245] If it were possible to transmit more count data information to an external device than the information of the game ball count data (i.e., the total number of balls held), the external device would receive more count data information than the total number of balls held, which could lead to an error state. However, according to the gaming table according to the present embodiment, in a situation where the game ball count data has increased during a predetermined period after transmitting the information of the game ball count data to the external device and before transmitting the count data information, it is possible to prevent transmitting more count data information than the information of the game ball count data. By preventing the transmission of information that could be misrecognized as fraud or a malfunction to the external device, the smooth operation of the gaming table becomes possible.

[0246] Further, when the game ball count data is equal to or greater than a first value (e.g., 251 balls) and the predetermined operation means is operated in a first operation mode (e.g., long press), the control means is configured to count a second value (e.g., 250 balls) smaller than the first value from the game ball count data. When the game ball count data is equal to the second value (e.g., 250 balls) and the predetermined operation means is operated in the first operation mode (e.g., long press), the control means is configured to count the second value (e.g., 250 balls) from the game ball count data. When the game ball count data is smaller than the second value and equal to a third value (e.g., 249 balls) and the predetermined operation means is operated in the first operation mode (e.g., long press), the control means is configured to count the third value (e.g., 249 balls) from the game ball count data. When the detection means detects a game ball during the predetermined period after transmitting the game ball count data having the third value as the first information and the game ball count data increases to a fourth value (e.g., 250 balls or more) greater than the third value, and when the counting process due to the operation of the predetermined operation means in the first operation mode is executed during the predetermined period, the control means may be configured to count the third value.

[0247] With such a configuration, appropriate counting processing can be executed according to the game ball number data. Moreover, after transmitting the information of the game ball number data to an external device and before transmitting the information of the counting data within a predetermined period, in a situation where the game ball number data has increased, it is possible to prevent transmitting more information of the counting data than the information of the game ball number data. Therefore, by preventing the transmission of information that may be misrecognized as fraud or malfunction to the external device, smooth operation of the gaming table becomes possible.

[0248] <Control by the Frame Control Unit and the Launch Control Unit> Next, with reference to FIGS. 23 to 27, the control by the frame control unit 600 and the launch control unit 630 will be described.

[0249] As described above, the launch control unit 630 is based on a predetermined signal output by the frame control unit 600, for example, a control signal instructing launch permission or stop, or a control signal instructing the launch intensity corresponding to the operation amount of the game ball launch handle 134 by the player, which is output by the launch intensity output circuit provided in the game ball launch handle 134. The launch control unit 630 controls the launch solenoid 632 that drives the launch rod and the launch hammer, and controls the ball feed solenoid 634 that supplies the ball toward the game ball launch handle 134.

[0250] The "ball feed solenoid" in FIGS. 23 to 27 indicates the ball feed solenoid 634 of the ball feed device 127 described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. "Drive" and "stop" respectively indicate the state in which the drive signal of the ball feed solenoid 634 is being driven and the state in which the drive signal is stopped.

[0251] The "reference signal" indicates a signal transmitted by the launch control unit 630 to the frame control unit 600. When the launch control unit 630 drives the ball feed solenoid 634, it transmits a reference signal of the ON level 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 with reference to FIG. 5 and the game ball subtraction processing described with reference to FIG. 6. When the frame control unit 600 receives the reference signal from the launch control unit 630, it sets the reference signal flag to ON. On the other hand, when the subtraction sensor signal output from the subtraction sensor changes from the ON level to the OFF level, or when a predetermined period (for example, 640 ms) has elapsed after the reference signal flag is set to ON, the frame control unit 600 sets (resets) the reference signal flag to OFF.

[0253] The "subtraction sensor signal" indicates the subtraction sensor signal output from the subtraction sensor 618. When a game ball enters the subtraction sensor 618 and the subtraction sensor 618 detects the game ball, the subtraction sensor signal changes from the ON level to the OFF level. When a game ball exits the subtraction sensor 618 and the subtraction sensor 618 does not detect the game ball, the subtraction sensor signal changes from the OFF level to the ON level.

[0254] The "count operation" indicates the operation of the count button 617. The frame control unit 600 monitors the button detection signal output from the count button 617 at a predetermined interval. After detecting a button detection signal with an ON level (for example, a high level) of 1 ms or more and less than 500 ms, when the falling edge (down edge) of the button detection signal is detected, the frame control unit 600 determines that the operation of the count button 617 has received a "short press" operation. When a button detection signal with an ON level (for example, a high level) of 500 ms or more is detected, the frame control unit 600 determines that the operation of the count button 617 has received a "long press" operation. Thereafter, every time a button detection signal with an ON level of 300 ms is detected, the frame control unit 600 determines that the "long press" operation has been received.

[0255] The "launch solenoid" indicates the launch solenoid 632 of the launch device 140 described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. "Drive" and "stop" indicate the state in which the drive signal of the launch solenoid 632 is being driven and the state in which the drive signal is stopped, respectively.

[0256] <Control by the Frame Control Unit and the Launch Control Unit / Launch Operation with One Game Ball> FIG. 23 is a time chart showing changes in various signals when a launch operation of one game ball is performed when the number of game balls is one.

[0257] At the timing indicated by reference symbol T10a, the launch control unit 630 drives the ball feed solenoid 634 of the ball feeder 127 to supply the game ball to the launch position of the launch rail 149. Based on driving the ball feed solenoid 634, the launch control unit 630 transmits a reference signal of the ON level to the frame control unit 600. The frame control unit 600 that has received the reference signal sets the reference signal flag to ON (step S202 of the reference signal process shown in FIG. 5).

[0258] At the timing indicated by reference symbol T10b, since the subtraction sensor signal output from the subtraction sensor 618 changes from the ON level (high level in this example) to the OFF level (low level in this example) and the subtraction sensor 618 has detected the game ball, the frame control unit 600 subtracts 1 from the current number of game balls 1 (step S302 of the game ball subtraction process shown in FIG. 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 process shown in FIG. 6).

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

[0260] <Control by the Frame Control Unit and the Launch Control Unit / Launch Operation and Counting Operation with One Game Ball> FIG. 24 is a time chart showing changes in various signals when a launch operation of one game ball and a counting operation of one ball are performed when the number of game balls is one.

[0261] At the timing indicated by symbol T11a, the launch control unit 630 drives the ball feed solenoid 634 of the ball feeder 127 to supply the game ball to the launch position of the launch rail 149. Based on driving the ball feed solenoid 634, the launch control unit 630 transmits a reference signal of ON level to the frame control unit 600. The frame control unit 600 that has received the reference signal sets the reference signal flag to ON (step S202 of the reference signal processing shown in FIG. 5).

[0262] At the timing indicated by symbol 11b, the frame control unit 600 detects a button detection signal of ON level (high level in this example) for 100 ms. Since the falling edge of the button detection signal is detected, it is determined that the "short press" operation of the count button 617 has been received, and the numerical value "1" representing one ball is set for the counted ball number (step S101 of the counting process shown in FIG. 4).

[0263] Also, since the reference signal flag is set to ON, the frame control unit 600 determines whether the subtraction result 0 (= game ball number 1 - planned count number 1) obtained by subtracting the planned count number (1 in this example) from the game ball number (1 in this example) is 0 (step S106 of the counting process shown in FIG. 4). In this example, since the subtraction result is 0, the subtraction result (0 in this example) obtained by subtracting 1 from the planned count number (1 in this example) is set for the counted ball number, and the game ball number is maintained at 1 (= 1 - 0).

[0264] At the timing indicated by symbol T11c, the frame control unit 600 determines that 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 since the subtraction sensor 618 has detected a game ball, 1 is subtracted from the current game ball number 1 (step S302 of the game ball subtraction process), the game ball number is updated to 0, and the reference signal flag is set to OFF (reset) (step S304 of the game ball subtraction process).

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

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

[0267] However, according to this example, even when the launch of a game ball and the counting process for counting the number of game ball data overlap, since a value (one ball) corresponding to the first operation mode (short press) of a predetermined operation means (counting button 617) is not counted from the game ball number data (one ball), appropriate processing becomes possible.

[0268] <Control by the Frame Control Unit and the Launch Control Unit / Launch Operation and Counting Operation at Game Ball Number 250> FIG. 25 is a time chart showing changes in various signals when a launch operation of one game ball and a counting operation of 250 game balls are performed when the number of game balls is 250.

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

[0270] At the timing indicated by reference symbol 12b, since the frame control unit 600 has detected a button detection signal of ON level for 500 ms (high level in this example), it determines that it has received an operation of "long press" of the counting button 617, and sets the numerical value "250" representing 250 balls in the counted number of balls (step S101 of the counting process shown in FIG. 4).

[0271] In addition, since the reference signal flag is set to ON, the frame control unit 600 determines whether the subtraction result 0 (= game ball count 250 - planned count 250) obtained by subtracting the planned count number (250 in this example) from the game ball count (250 in this example) is 0 (step S106 of the counting process shown in FIG. 4). In this example, since the subtraction result is 0, the subtraction result (249 in this example) obtained by subtracting 1 from the planned count number (250 in this example) is set as the counted ball count, and the game ball count is updated from 250 to 1 (= 250 - 249).

[0272] At the timing indicated by symbol T12c, the frame control unit 600 subtracts 1 from the current game ball count 1 (step S302 of the game ball subtraction process) because the subtraction sensor signal output from the subtraction sensor 618 changes from the ON level (high level in this example) to the OFF level (low level in this example), and the subtraction sensor 618 has detected a game ball. The game ball count is updated to 0, and the reference signal flag is set to OFF (reset) (step S304 of the game ball subtraction process).

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

[0274] For example, if the processing is performed without any restrictions on the launch of the game ball and the counting process for counting the game ball count data, when the game ball count data is 250 balls and the launch of the game ball and the counting (250 balls) by long pressing overlap, 250 balls are counted, and although there are no game balls in terms of the game ball count data, the game ball is launched. However, according to this example, even when the launch of the game ball and the counting process for counting the game ball count data overlap, since the value (250 balls) corresponding to the first operation mode (long press) of the predetermined operation means (counting button 617) is not counted from the game ball count data (250 balls), appropriate processing becomes possible.

[0275] <Control by Frame Control Unit and Launch Control Unit / Launch Operation and Counting Operation at Game Ball Count 251> FIG. 26 is a time chart showing changes in various signals when a shooting operation of one game ball and a counting operation of 250 game balls are performed when the number of game balls is 251.

[0276] At the timing indicated by reference sign T13a, the shooting control unit 630 drives the ball feed solenoid 634 of the ball feeder 127 to supply a game ball to the shooting position of the shooting rail 149, and based on driving the ball feed solenoid 634, transmits a reference signal of ON level toward the frame control unit 600. The frame control unit 600 that has received the reference signal sets the reference signal flag to ON (step S202 of the reference signal process shown in FIG. 5).

[0277] At the timing indicated by reference sign 13b, since the frame control unit 600 has detected a button detection signal of ON level (high level in this example) for 500 ms, it determines that the "long press" operation of the counting button 617 has been received, and sets the numerical value "250" representing 250 balls to the counted number of balls (step S101 of the counting process shown in FIG. 4).

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

[0279] At the timing indicated by reference sign T13c, in the frame control unit 600, 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 since the subtraction sensor 618 has detected a game ball, 1 is subtracted from the current number of game balls 1 (step S302 of the game ball subtraction process), the number of game balls is updated to 0, and the reference signal flag is set to OFF (reset) (step S304 of the game ball subtraction process).

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

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

[0282] <Control by the Frame Control Unit and the Launch Control Unit / Timeout of the Reference Signal Flag> FIG. 27 is a time chart showing 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 the symbol T14a, the launch control unit 630 drives the ball feed solenoid 634 of the ball feeder 127 to supply the game ball to the launch position of the launch rail 149, and based on driving the ball feed solenoid 634, transmits a reference signal of the ON level toward the frame control unit 600. The frame control unit 600 that has received the reference signal sets the reference signal flag to ON (step S202 of the reference signal processing shown in FIG. 5).

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

[0285] According to this example, even when a ball jam occurs in the ball passage or a malfunction occurs in the subtraction sensor, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the counting data that does not require correction continues to be corrected in the counting process.

[0286] <Control by the Frame Control Unit and the Launch Control Unit / Summary> As described above, the gaming table according to the present embodiment (for example, the enclosed gaming machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming table capable of storing the number of game balls as game 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 first control means (for example, the frame control unit 600 shown in FIG. 2), a firing operation means (for example, the ball firing handle 134 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) that is operated when firing a game ball, a firing means (for example, the firing device 140 shown in FIG. 3) for firing a game ball, a ball feeding means (for example, the ball feeding device 127 shown in FIG. 3) for feeding the game ball to the firing position of the firing means, a predetermined operation means (for example, the counting button 617 shown in FIG. 2), and a detection means (for example, the subtraction sensor 618 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) capable of detecting that the game ball is fed to the firing means by the ball feeding means. The first control means is a means capable of executing a subtraction process (for example, the game ball subtraction process shown in FIG. 6) for subtracting the game ball number data based on the detection by the detection means that the game ball is fed to the firing means by the ball feeding means. The first control means is a means capable of executing a counting process (for example, the counting process shown in FIG. 4) for counting the game ball number data when the predetermined operation means is operated in a situation where the game ball number data is not 0. The first control means, in a situation where the game ball number data is equal to or greater than a first value (for example, (1) 251 balls, (2) 2 balls), when the predetermined operation means is operated in a first operation mode (for example, (1) long press, (2) short press) during a predetermined period when the game ball is fired, counts a value corresponding to the first operation mode from the game ball number data (for example, (1) counts 250 balls, which is the number of counted balls corresponding to a long press, (2) counts 1 ball, which is the number of counted balls corresponding to a short press). The first control means, in a situation where the game ball number data is less than the first value (for example, (1) 250 balls, (2) 1 ball), when the predetermined operation means is operated in the first operation mode during the predetermined period when the game ball is fired, does not count a value corresponding to the first operation mode from the game ball number data (for example, (1) subtracts 1 ball, which is the number of fired balls, from 250 balls, which is the number of counted balls corresponding to a long press, and corrects the number of counted balls to 249 balls for counting, (2) subtracts 1 ball, which is the number of fired balls, from 1 ball, which is the number of counted balls corresponding to a short press, and corrects the number of counted balls to 0 and does not count).A gaming table characterized by the following.

[0287] For example, if the processing is performed without any restrictions on the launch of the game ball and the counting process for counting the game ball number data, when the game ball number data is 250 balls, if the launch of the game ball and the counting by long pressing (250 balls) overlap, 250 balls are counted, and although there are no game balls as the game ball number data, the game ball is launched, resulting in problems. However, according to the gaming table according to this embodiment, even when the launch of the game ball and the counting process for counting the game ball number data overlap, since a value corresponding to the first operation mode of the predetermined operation means is not counted from the game ball number data, appropriate processing becomes possible.

[0288] Further, in a situation where the game ball number data is equal to or greater than the first value (for example, 251 balls), when the predetermined operation means is operated in the first operation mode (for example, long pressing), the first control means is means for counting a second value (for example, 250 balls) smaller than the first value from the game ball number data. In a situation where the game ball number data is the second value (for example, 250 balls), when the predetermined operation means is operated in the first operation mode (for example, long pressing), the first control means is means for counting the second value (for example, 250 balls) from the game ball number data. In a situation where the game ball number data is a third value (for example, 249 balls) smaller than the second value, when the predetermined operation means is operated in the first operation mode (for example, long pressing), the first control means is means for counting the third value (for example, 249 balls) from the game ball number data. In a situation where the game ball number data is the second value (for example, 250 balls), when the predetermined operation means is operated in the first operation mode (for example, long pressing) during the predetermined period when the game ball is launched, the first control means may be means for counting a fourth value (for example, 249 balls) smaller than the second value from the game ball number data.

[0289] With such a configuration, appropriate counting processing can be executed according to the game ball number data, and even when the launch of the game ball and the counting processing for counting the game ball number data overlap, appropriate processing is possible.

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

[0291] <Front frame door / Overall configuration> First, with reference to FIG. 28, the overall configuration of the front frame door 106 will be described. FIG. 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 openably and closably attached to the front of the main body 104 on the front side of the enclosed gaming machine 100 via a hinge portion 112, an upper unit 154 (first component) that is detachably attached above the glass frame base 152, a transparent plate member 118 made of glass disposed at the opening of the glass frame base 152, a lower unit 156 (second component) and an operation panel unit 158 that are detachably attached below the glass frame base 152, and a UI unit 162 that is detachably attached to the central portion in the front view below the glass frame base 152, etc.

[0293] In addition, the upper unit 154 (first component) has a design film 164 (decoration member) made of a decorative sheet and a design film cover 166 (cover member) that fixes the design film 164 (decoration member) to the upper unit 154 (first component) detachably attached thereto.

[0294] According to this example, since the decoration member (design film 164) can be removed from the front side of the door body (front frame door 106), the replacement of the decoration member (design film 164) etc. can be easily performed, and a gaming table with high convenience can be provided.

[0295] Conventionally, when introducing a different type of gaming machine, it was possible to replace only the game board and reuse the frame. However, in that case, there were problems such that the overall atmosphere of the gaming machine would not be as intended by the manufacturer, or if the frame was made on the premise of being reused, it would become less decorative. According to this example, by making the decorative sheet (design film 164) replaceable, when introducing a different type of gaming machine, while reusing the frame (front frame door 106), it is possible to adopt a decorative sheet (design film 164) that matches the gaming machine to be introduced, and the decorativeness can be enhanced.

[0296] <Front frame door / Glass frame base and upper unit> Next, the glass frame base 152 and the upper unit 154 of the front frame door 106 will be described. FIG. 29 is a rear view of the front frame door 106 seen from the back side.

[0297] The glass frame base 152 includes a manual screw 168 (first regulating member) and a slide lock 170 (first regulating member) for fixing the upper unit 154 to the glass frame base 152.

[0298] Since these manual screws 168 and slide locks 170 are disposed on the back surface of the front frame door 106, they are members that can be operated when the front frame door 106 (door body) is opened, and cannot be operated by the player, but can only be operated by store clerks of the game parlor or the like.

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

[0300] By rotating the drive part 168a of this manual screw 168 in one direction (for example, clockwise), it is possible to tighten the screw part. When this screw part is tightened, the tip of the screw part gradually fits into a screw hole formed in the upper unit 154, and finally the upper unit 154 and the glass frame base 152 are fixed (fastened) by the manual screw 168.

[0301] On the one hand, by rotating the drive unit 168a in the other direction (for example, counterclockwise), it is possible to loosen the screw portion. When this screw portion is loosened, the tip of the screw portion exits from the screw hole formed in the upper unit 154, and the fixing (fastening) of the upper unit 154 and the glass frame base 152 is released. If the fixing (locking) of the slide lock 170 described later is released, the upper unit 154 can be removed from the glass frame base 152.

[0302] FIG. 30(a) is a partially enlarged view showing a state where the slide lock 170 has moved to the locked position, FIG. 30(b) is a partially enlarged view showing a state where the slide lock 170 has moved to the unlocked position, and FIG. 30(c) is a rear view of the upper unit 154 as viewed from the back.

[0303] The slide lock 170 (the first restricting member) is a member that can move horizontally with respect to the glass frame base 152.

[0304] By sliding this slide lock 170 in one direction (for example, to the right in the horizontal direction when viewed from the back) from the unlocked position shown in FIG. 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. Then, by sliding the slide lock 170 to the locked position, the glass frame base 152 and the upper unit 154 are fixed (locked), and the upward movement of the upper unit 154 with respect to the glass frame base 152 is restricted.

[0305] On one hand, by sliding the slide lock 170 from the locked position shown in Fig. 30(b) to the unlocked position shown in Fig. 30(b) in the other direction (for example, horizontally to the left in a rear view), the locking piece 170a of the slide lock 170 can be withdrawn 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) of the glass frame base 152 and the upper unit 154 is released. If the fixation (fastening) of the upper unit 154 by the hand screw 168 is released, the upper unit 154 can move upward with respect to the glass frame base 152.

[0306] Therefore, after releasing the fixation (fastening) of the upper unit 154 by the hand screw 168, releasing the fixation (locking) of the upper unit 154 by the locking piece 170a of the slide lock 170, lifting the upper unit 154 upward with respect to the glass frame base 152, and then sliding the slide lock 170 to the locked position shown in Fig. 30(a), the locking portion 154a of the upper unit 154 can be supported by the locking piece 170a of the slide lock 170, and the upper unit 154 is held in a state of being lifted upward with respect to the glass frame base 152, that is, in the unlocked position shown in Fig. 31(c) (details will be described later).

[0307] According to this example, since the upper unit 154 can be held in the unlocked position by the slide lock 170, the convenience during the replacement operation of the design film 164 can be improved.

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

[0309] Above the upper unit 154, a flat upper locking portion 154a is formed that protrudes toward the front of the front frame door 106 and can be locked to the design film cover 166.

[0310] When the upper unit 154 is in the state of moving to the lock position shown in Fig. 31(b), the upper lock portion 154a (second restricting member) cannot be lifted upward, and since the upper lock portion 154a restricts the attachment and detachment of the design film cover 166, the design film cover 166 (cover member) cannot be removed from the upper unit 154 (first component), resulting in a state (first state).

[0311] Also, when the upper unit 154 is in the state of moving to the lock position shown in Fig. 31(b), the two left and right locking portions 154c (design film cover locking mechanism) (second restricting member) capable of locking 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 in the state of moving to the unlocking position shown in Fig. 31(c), the upper lock portion 154a can be lifted upward, and the restriction on the attachment and detachment of the design film cover 166 by the upper lock portion 154a is released.

[0313] Also, when the upper unit 154 is in the state of moving to the unlocking position shown in Fig. 31(c), the locking portion 154c (design film cover locking mechanism) capable of locking 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 can be operated, 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 unlocking position shown in Fig. 31(c), lifting the upper lock portion 154a upward and releasing the locking by the design film cover locking mechanism enables the design film cover 166 (cover member) to be removed from the upper unit 154 (first component), resulting in a state (second state).

[0315] According to this example, since the first regulating member (the manual screw 168 or the slide lock 170) is a member that can be operated when the door body (the front frame door 106) is opened, it is possible to prevent the decorative member from being removed by a player or the like, and to prevent pranks and improper acts.

[0316] In this example, when either the screw portion of the manual 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 (locked). Therefore, the upper unit 154 cannot be moved from the locked position shown in Fig. 31(b) to the unlocked position shown in Fig. 31(c).

[0317] For this reason, when either the screw portion of the manual screw 168 is tightened or the slide lock 170 is slid to the locked position, it is not possible to change from the state (the first state) shown in Fig. 31(b) where the design film cover 166 (cover member) can be removed from the upper unit 154 (the first component) to the state (the second state) shown in Fig. 31(c) where the design film cover 166 (cover member) cannot be removed from the upper unit 154 (the first component).

[0318] That is, the manual screw 168 and the slide lock 170 are regulating members that regulate the upper unit 154 (the first component) to change from the second state (the state where the design film cover 166 cannot be removed from the upper unit 154) to the first state (the state where the design film cover 166 can be removed from the upper unit 154).

[0319] When, on the one hand, the screw portion of the manual screw 168 is loosened and, on the other hand, the slide lock 170 is slid to the unlocked position, the fixing (fastening) between the upper unit 154 and the glass frame base 152 is released, and the fixing (locking) between the upper unit 154 and the glass frame base 152 is released. Therefore, the upper unit 154 can be moved from the locked position shown in Fig. 31(b) to the unlocked position shown in Fig. 31(c).

[0320] Therefore, when the screw portion of the manual screw 168 is loosened and the slide lock 170 is slid to the unlocked position, it is possible to change from the state (first state) shown in Fig. 31(b) where the design film cover 166 (cover member) can be removed from the upper unit 154 (first component) to the state (second state) shown in Fig. 31(c) where the design 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) includes a second regulating member (the upper lock portion 154a shown in Fig. 31(a) and the locking portion 154c shown in Fig. 31(c)) that regulates the removal of the cover member (design film cover 166) from the first component (upper unit 154). Since the second regulating member (the upper lock portion 154a shown in Fig. 31(a) and the locking portion 154c shown in Fig. 31(c)) becomes operable when the first component (upper unit 154) changes from the second state (the state shown in Fig. 31(b)) to the first state (the state shown in Fig. 31(c)), it is possible to prevent the decorative member from being removed by a player or the like, thus preventing mischief and improper behavior.

[0322] <Front frame door / Summary> As described above, the gaming table according to the present embodiment (for example, the enclosed gaming machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming table provided with an openable and closable door body (for example, the front frame door 106 shown in FIG. 28), and the door body is composed of a first component (for example, the upper unit 154 shown in FIG. 28) and a second component (for example, the lower unit 156 shown in FIG. 28). The first component includes a decorative member (for example, the design film 164 shown in FIG. 28) and a cover member (for example, the design film cover 166 shown in FIG. 28) for fixing the decorative member to the first component. The cover member is configured to be detachable from the first component on the front surface of the gaming table. This is a gaming table characterized by this.

[0323] According to the gaming table of the present embodiment, since the decorative member can be removed from the front side of the door body, the replacement of the decorative member can be easily performed, and a gaming table with high convenience can be provided.

[0324] Further, 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 31(b)). The door body includes a first regulating member (for example, the hand-turning screw 168 and the slide lock 170 shown in FIG. 29) for regulating the first component from the second state to the first state. The first regulating member may be a member that can be operated when the door body is opened.

[0325] With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the decorative member from being removed by players or the like and to prevent pranks and illegal acts.

[0326] Further, the first component includes a second restricting member (e.g., the upper locking portion 154a shown in FIG. 31(a) and the locking portion 154c shown in FIG. 31(c)) that restricts the removal of the cover member from the first component, and the second restricting member may be a member that can be operated when the first component changes from the second state to the first state.

[0327] With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the decorative member from being removed by a player or the like, and to prevent pranks and improper acts.

[0328] Further, the decorative member may be a decorative sheet having decorativeness.

[0329] Conventionally, when introducing another type of gaming table, it was possible to replace only the game board and reuse the frame. However, in that case, the atmosphere of the entire gaming table would not be as intended by the manufacturer, or if the frame was made on the premise of being reused, it would have a low decorativeness. However, according to the present invention, by making the decorative sheet replaceable, when introducing another type of gaming table, it is possible to adopt a decorative sheet suitable for the introduced gaming table while reusing the frame, thereby enhancing the decorativeness.

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

[0331] <Game board / Overall configuration> FIG. 32 is a schematic front view of the game board 200 seen from the front. The game board 200 is provided with a predetermined ball entrance, for example, a general winning opening 226, a normal pattern start opening 228, a second special pattern start opening 230, a first special pattern start opening 232, and a variable winning opening 234.

[0332] In this example, there are two general winning openings 226 disposed at the lower left of the game board 200 and one disposed on the right side of the game board 200. When a predetermined ball detection sensor (not shown) detects the entry of a game ball into this general winning opening 226 (when winning through the general winning opening 226), a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are discharged as bonus balls.

[0333] The normal diagram start opening 228 is composed of a device for determining whether a game ball has passed through a predetermined area, called a gate or a through checker. In this example, one is disposed at the center of the game board 200. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that a game ball has passed through the normal diagram start opening 228, the pachinko machine 100 starts a normal diagram variation game by a normal diagram display device (not shown).

[0334] In this example, the second special diagram start opening 230 is disposed one on the right side of the normal diagram start opening 228. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects the entry of a game ball into this second special diagram start opening 230, a predetermined number (for example, 3) of game balls are discharged as bonus balls, and a special diagram variation game by a first special diagram display device (not shown) is started.

[0335] The first special diagram start opening 232 is called an electric tulip (e - tulip). In this example, one is disposed on the right side of the game board 200. This first special diagram start opening 232 is provided with wing members that can be opened and closed left and right. During the closing of the wing members, it is impossible for a game ball to enter. When winning a normal diagram variation game and the normal diagram display device (not shown) stops and displays a winning symbol, the wing members open and close at predetermined time intervals and a predetermined number of times. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects the entry of a game ball into the first special diagram start opening 232, a predetermined number (for example, 4) of game balls are discharged as bonus balls, and a special diagram variation game by a second special diagram display device (not shown) is started.

[0336] The variable winning opening 234, also called the big winning opening or the attacker, is arranged only one at the lower right of the game board 200 in this example. This variable winning opening 234 is provided with a door member that can be opened and closed. When the door member is closed, it is impossible for the game balls to enter. When winning a special figure variation game and the special figure display device stops and displays a big win symbol, the door member opens and closes at a predetermined time interval (for example, an opening time of 29 seconds and a closing time of 1.5 seconds) and a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that a game ball has entered the variable winning opening 234, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are discharged as prize balls.

[0337] Furthermore, in the vicinity of these winning openings and starting openings, a disk-shaped hitting direction conversion member 236 called a windmill and a plurality of game nails 238 are arranged. Below the normal figure starting opening 228, an out opening 240 is provided to guide the game balls that have not won any of the winning openings or starting openings to the back side of the enclosed game machine 100.

[0338] <Game board / Ball passage> FIG. 33 is a schematic rear view of the game board 200 seen from the back. Below the back of the game board 200, a first ball passage 250 through which the game balls that have entered the general winning opening 226 and the normal figure starting opening 228 can pass is arranged. On the left side of the back of the game board 200, a second ball passage 260 through which the game balls that have entered the second special figure starting opening 230, the first special figure starting opening 232, and the variable winning opening 234 can pass is arranged.

[0339] The first ball passage 250 includes a first ball passage base 252 arranged horizontally below the back 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 the first ball passage base 252.

[0340] The second ball passage 260 includes a second ball passage base 262 arranged vertically on the left side of the back 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 the second ball passage base 262.

[0341] <Game board / First ball passage> FIG. 34(a) is a partially enlarged view showing an enlarged view of 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 FIG. (b) thereof is a partially enlarged view of the general winning port passage 256.

[0342] In the first ball passage base 252 of the first ball passage 250, there are formed a general winning port passage 256 (first passage) through which the game balls entering the general winning port 226 flow, and a normal start port passage 258 (first passage) through which the game balls entering the normal start port 228 flow.

[0343] <Game board / First ball passage / General winning port passage> One end side of the general winning port passage 256 communicates with the general winning port 226 formed in the base member 201, and the other end side communicates with the lower passage 750 (see FIG. 3) disposed below the base member 201. The general winning port passage 256 can discharge the game balls entering the general winning port 226 to the lower passage 750. Since the general winning port 226 is a ball inlet through which game balls can enter (easily enter) during normal games, it can be said that the general winning port passage 256 (first passage) is a passage through which game balls can flow during normal games.

[0344] Also, on the passage of the general winning port passage 256, there is formed a screw insertion port 256a into which a screw 257 can be inserted, 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 a screw 257 inserted into this screw insertion port 256a.

[0345] According to this example, when the screw is not correctly attached and the screw is loose during the assembly of the passage or the like, the game balls will stay on the passage of the first passage (general winning port passage 256). Therefore, it is possible to easily notice assembly mistakes or the like during the pre-shipment test play inspection or the like, and the convenience can be improved.

[0346] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 34(b), the general winning opening channel 256 includes a straight portion 256b that extends linearly downward with the vicinity of the general winning opening 226 as the base end, a meandering portion 256c that is bent to the left in a rear view after being bent downward with the straight portion 256b as the base end and then further bent downward, and a straight portion 256d that extends linearly downward with the meandering portion 256c as the base end. In this example, the screw insertion opening 256a is formed in the straight portion 256b of the general winning opening channel 256.

[0347] Since the meandering portion 256c has a bent part, the game balls that originally flow through are likely to get caught (likely to stay). It is not an assembly mistake, but there is a possibility that the game balls will stay just because the screw protrudes slightly due to individual differences in the screws and the members forming the channels. However, according to this example, by providing the screw insertion opening 256a in the straight portion 256b instead of the meandering portion 256c, it is possible to prevent the game balls from staying in the channel due to factors other than assembly mistakes.

[0348] Also, the general winning opening channel 256 has a channel inlet 256in that communicates with the general winning opening 226 and a channel outlet 256out that communicates with the lower passage 750. In this example, the screw insertion opening 256a is formed at a position closer to the channel inlet 256in than the channel outlet 256out.

[0349] If the position of the screw insertion opening 256a is close to the outlet of the channel, it takes time for the game balls to stay in the channel and overflow from the channel due to loosening of the screw or the like, and it is not possible to immediately notice the problem in the pre - shipment trial inspection or the like. However, according to this example, in the first channel (general winning opening channel 256), there are a first opening (channel inlet 256in) and a second opening (channel outlet 256out). The first opening (channel inlet 256in) is an opening provided upstream of the second opening (channel outlet 256out), and the screw insertion opening 256a is provided at a position closer to the first opening (channel inlet 256in) than the second opening (channel outlet 256out). Therefore, in the pre - shipment trial inspection or the like, when the game balls stay in the channel and overflow from the channel due to loosening of the screw or the like, it is possible to immediately notice an assembly mistake, improving convenience.

[0350] In this example, the structure of the ball passage shown in FIG. 34(b) is applied to the general winning port passage 256. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be applied to other ball passages (for example, the general drawing start port passage 258, the first special drawing start port passage 266, the variable winning port passage 267, the second special drawing start port passage 268). Further, it is not limited to the general winning port passage 256 disposed on the right side of the game board 200, and it can also be applied to the general winning port passage 256 disposed on the left side of the game board 200. Further, regarding the configuration of the ball passage described later, it can be applied to any of the general drawing start port passage 258, the first special drawing start port passage 266, the variable winning port passage 267, and the second special drawing start port passage 268.

[0351] <Game board / First ball passage / General drawing start port passage> One end side of the general drawing start port passage 258 communicates with the general drawing start port 228 formed in the base member 201, and the other end side communicates with the lower passage 750 (see FIG. 3) disposed below the base member 201. The general drawing start port passage 258 can discharge the game balls that have entered the general drawing start port 228 into the lower passage 750. Since the general drawing start port 228 is a ball inlet through which game balls can enter (easily enter) during normal game play, it can be said that the general drawing start port passage 258 (the first passage) is a passage through which game balls can flow during normal game play.

[0352] Further, a screw insertion port 258a into which a screw 257 can be inserted is formed on the flow path of the general drawing start port passage 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 a screw 257 inserted into this screw insertion port 258a.

[0353] According to this example, when the screw is not correctly attached and the screw is loose during the assembly of the flow path or the like, game balls will stay on the flow path of the first flow path (general drawing start port passage 258). Therefore, it is possible to easily notice assembly mistakes and the like during the pre-shipment trial inspection, etc., and the convenience can be improved.

[0354] 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 not only in the flow paths of the general winning port flow path 256 and the general drawing start port flow path 258 but also in other locations. 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 screws 257 inserted into these screw insertion ports 252a.

[0355] According to this example, regarding the first flow path (general winning port flow path 256 or general drawing start port flow path 258), it is possible to detect loosening of the screws due to retention of the game balls or the like, and it can be stably fixed to the game board 200.

[0356] <Game board / Second ball passage> FIG. 35 is a partially enlarged view showing an enlarged second ball passage 260 with the first ball passage 250 removed.

[0357] In the second ball passage base 262 of the second ball passage 260, a first special drawing start port flow path 266 (second flow path) through which the game balls that have entered the first special drawing start port 232 flow, a variable winning port flow path 267 (second flow path) through which the game balls that have entered the first special drawing start port 232 or the variable winning port 234 flow, and a second special drawing start port flow path 268 through which the game balls that have entered the second special drawing start port 230 flow are formed.

[0358] <Game board / Second ball passage / First special drawing start port flow path> The first special drawing start port flow path 266 is a flow path capable of discharging the game balls that have entered the first special drawing start port 232 to the lower passage 750. Since the first special drawing start port 232 is a ball inlet through which it is difficult for game balls to enter during normal games and easy for game balls to enter during time-limited games, it can be said that the first special drawing start port flow path 266 (second flow path) is a flow path through which it is difficult for game balls to flow during normal games and easy for game balls to flow during winning games.

[0359] <Game board / Second ball passage / Variable winning port flow path> The variable winning port passage 267 is a passage capable of discharging the game balls that have entered the first special figure starting port 232 or the variable winning port 234 into the lower passage 750. Since the first special figure starting port 232 and the variable winning port 234 are ball inlets where it is difficult for game balls to enter during normal games and easy for game balls to enter during winning (minor win or major win) games, it can be said that the variable winning port passage 267 (the second passage) is a passage where it is difficult for game balls to flow during normal games and easy for game balls to flow during winning games.

[0360] <Game board / Second ball passage / First special figure starting port passage> The first special figure starting port passage 268 is a passage capable of discharging the game balls that have entered the first special figure starting port 230 into the lower passage 750. Since the first special figure starting port 230 is a ball inlet where it is possible (easy) for game balls to enter during normal games, it can be said that the first special figure starting port passage 268 is a passage where game balls can flow during normal games.

[0361] In the second ball passage base 262 of the second ball passage 260, a plurality of screw insertion ports 262a into which screws 257 can be inserted are formed at locations other than the first special figure starting port passage 266, the variable winning port passage 267, and the first special figure starting port passage 268. The second ball passage base 262 is fixed (fastened) to the base member 201 of the game board 200 by a plurality of screws 257 inserted into these screw insertion ports 262a.

[0362] That is, in this example, screw insertion ports into which screws can be inserted are not formed on the passages of the first special figure starting port passage 266, the variable winning port passage 267, and the first special figure starting port passage 268.

[0363] Also, if a screw insertion port is formed on the second passage and the screw is not properly attached and is loose, since it is difficult for game balls to flow through the second passage during normal games, there is a risk that the inspector may not notice during the pre - shipment trial inspection. Therefore, by not forming screw insertion ports into which screws can be inserted on the second passage, it is possible to prevent the product from being accidentally shipped in a state where the screw is loose.

[0364] According to this example, since no screw insertion hole is formed on the flow path of the second flow path (the starting port flow path 266 and the variable winning port flow path 267 in Fig. 1), even when the screw is not properly attached and loosens during the assembly of the flow path or the like, the second flow path (the starting port flow path 266 and the variable winning port flow path 267 in Fig. 1) is not affected, and pre-shipment trial play inspections and the like can be carried out quickly.

[0365] In addition, regarding the second flow path (the starting port flow path 266 and the variable winning port flow path 267 in Fig. 1), it is possible to eliminate the adverse effects caused by screw loosening and the like, and it can be stably fixed to the game board.

[0366] In this example, all the game balls that enter the starting port 230 in Fig. 2, the starting port 232 in Fig. 1, and the variable winning port 234 pass through the common second ball passage 260. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the game balls that enter each ball entrance may be configured to pass through separate ball passages. Further, in this case, a screw insertion hole into which a screw can be inserted may be formed on the flow path of a flow path (for example, the starting port flow path 268 in Fig. 2) through which game balls can flow during normal game play.

[0367] Further, even when two types of flow paths, a flow path through which game balls can flow during normal game play and a flow path through which it is difficult for game balls to flow during normal game play but easy for game balls to flow during winning game play, are configured to merge, a screw insertion hole into which a screw can be inserted may be formed on the flow path downstream of the ball entrance through which game balls can enter (it is easy for game balls to enter) during normal game play.

[0368] <Game board / Ball passage and screw> Next, the relationship between the ball passage and the screw will be described.

[0369] Fig. 36(a) is a side sectional view schematically showing a ball passage 270 in which a screw insertion hole 274 is formed, and Fig. 36(b) is a partial enlarged view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the screw insertion hole 274. Fig. 37(a) is a front view showing the ball passage 270 with the upper surface portion 270d omitted.

[0370] The ball passage 270 schematically shows a ball passage in which a screw insertion hole 274 into which a screw 272 can be inserted is formed. For example, the general winning port passage 256 and the general drawing start port passage 258 described with reference to FIG. 34 correspond to this.

[0371] The ball 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 erected along the longitudinal direction on both sides in the short direction of the lower surface portion 270a, and an upper surface portion 270d disposed opposite to the lower surface portion 270a.

[0372] 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 a screw 272 inserted into the screw insertion hole 274. Further, on the lower surface portion 270a of the ball passage 270, ribs 270e for smoothly rolling the game ball BL are formed to protrude toward the opposing upper surface portion 270d along the longitudinal direction of the lower surface portion 270a.

[0373] In this example, the height h1 of the rib 270e from the lower surface portion 270a is set to about 1 mm, and the height h2 from the lower surface portion 270a to the upper surface portion 270d is set to about 13 mm, which is higher than about 12 mm obtained by adding the diameter of the game ball BL of about 11 mm to the height h1 of the rib 270e of about 1 mm.

[0374] When the screw 272 is normally attached to the screw insertion hole 274 without loosening during the assembly of the ball passage 270, as shown enlarged in FIG. 36(b), the head of the screw 272 protrudes from the lower surface portion 270a by about 0.5 mm. However, since it does not protrude more than the height h1 of the rib 270e of about 1 mm, as shown in "normal" in FIG. 36(a), the game ball BL can pass between the head of the screw 272 and the upper surface portion 270d and does not stay in the ball passage 270.

[0375] On the other hand, when assembling the ball passage 270, if the screw 272 is loose when attaching it to the screw insertion port 274, or if it is not properly attached, as shown in "Abnormal (loose)" in Fig. 36(a), the head of the screw 272 will protrude more than the height h1 = approximately 1 mm of the rib 270e. The game ball BL that has flowed 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.

[0376] Also, when the head of the screw 272 protrudes more than the height h1 = approximately 1 mm of the rib 270e due to loosening of the screw 272, the gap distance L1 (see Fig. 37(a)) between the outer edge of the head of the screw 272 and the left side surface portion 270b (or the right side surface portion 270c) will be a distance of approximately 11 mm or less than the diameter of the game ball BL. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 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.

[0377] According to this example, when the screw is not properly attached and is loose during the assembly of the flow path or the like, the game ball will remain on the flow path of the first flow path (the general winning port flow path 256 or the normal diagram start port flow path 258). Therefore, it is easy to notice assembly mistakes and the like during the pre - shipment trial play inspection and the like, which can improve convenience. Also, since no screw insertion port is formed on the flow path of the second flow path (the first special figure start port flow path 266 or the variable winning port flow path 267), even when the screw is not properly attached and is loose during the assembly of the flow path or the like, the second flow path (the first special figure start port flow path 266 or the variable winning port flow path 267) will not be affected, and the pre - shipment trial play inspection and the like can be carried out quickly.

[0378] Also, as shown in Fig. 37(a), below the screw insertion port 274 in the ball passage 270, a sensor 270f (ball detection sensor) capable of detecting that the game ball BL has passed through the ball passage 270 is provided. That is, the screw insertion port 274 is disposed upstream of the sensor 270f in the ball passage 270.

[0379] According to this example, if the screw 272 becomes loose and the game ball BL gets stuck in the ball passage 270, even if the game ball BL flows down, the operation according to the sensor 270f (such as the variation of each symbol, the left (right) hitting warning display, the payout of the game ball, the error display, etc.) will not be executed, so it is possible to immediately notice the loosening of the screw 272.

[0380] <Game board / Ball passage and screw / Ball passage (Modification 1)> Next, with reference to FIG. 37(b), the ball passage 280 according to Modification 1 will be described. FIG. 37(b) is a side sectional view schematically showing the ball passage 280 according to Modification 1.

[0381] The ball passage 280 is a cylindrical member constituted by a lower surface portion 280a, left and right side surface portions (not shown) erected along the longitudinal direction on both sides in the short side direction of the lower surface portion 280, and an upper surface portion 280d disposed opposite to the lower surface portion 280a.

[0382] A screw insertion port 284 into which the 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 port 284. Further, on the lower surface portion 280a of the ball passage 280, a first rib 281 for smoothly rolling the game ball BL is formed to protrude toward the opposing upper surface portion 280d, and on the upper surface portion 280d of the ball passage 280, a second rib 282 for smoothly rolling the game ball BL is formed to protrude toward the opposing lower surface portion 280a.

[0383] In this example, the height of the first rib 281 from the lower surface portion 280a is set to about 0.5 mm, the height of the second rib 282 from the upper surface portion 280d is set to about 1.5 mm, and the protruding height from the lower surface portion 280a when the screw 282 is normally attached to the screw insertion port 284 without loosening is set to about 1 mm.

[0384] That is, in this example, the protruding height of the screw 282 (about 1 mm in this example) is made higher than the height from the lower surface portion 280a of the first rib 281 (about 0.5 mm in this example) and lower than the height from the upper surface portion 280d of the second rib 282 (about 1.5 mm in this example).

[0385] Also, the region surrounded by the dotted line indicated by the symbol ER1 in FIG. 37(b) shows a specific space on the spherical passage 280 including at least the head 282a of the screw 282 in a state where the screw 282 is normally attached to the screw insertion port 284.

[0386] In this example, the first rib 281 and the second rib 282 are formed in the space excluding the specific space ER1 of the spherical passage 280, and at least in the specific space ER1, the ribs are not formed. That is, although the first rib 281 and the second rib 282 are formed on the spherical passage 280, these first rib 281 and second rib 282 are configured not to be provided near the screw insertion port 284 of the spherical passage 280.

[0387] Even without any problems, the ribs tend to catch (and retain) the game balls BL easily, and there is a risk that the game balls BL will be retained just because the screw 282 protrudes slightly due to individual differences in the members forming the screw 282 and the spherical passage 280 rather than assembly errors. Therefore, by not providing the screw insertion port 284 near the first rib 281 and the second rib 282 (not providing the first rib 281 and the second rib 282 near the screw insertion port), it is possible to prevent the game balls BL from being retained although it is not an assembly error.

[0388] <Game board / Ball passage and screw / Ball passage (Modification 2)> Next, with reference to FIG. 37(c), the spherical passage 290 according to Modification 2 will be described. FIG. 37(c) is a side sectional view schematically showing the spherical passage 290 according to Modification 2.

[0389] The ball passage 290 schematically shows a ball passage formed with a screw insertion port 294 into which a screw 292 can be inserted. For example, it corresponds to the general winning port passage 256 and the general drawing start port passage 258 described with reference to FIG. 34.

[0390] The ball passage 290 is a cylindrical member constituted by a lower surface portion 290a, a left side surface portion 290b and a right side surface portion 290c which are erected along the longitudinal direction on both sides in the lateral direction of the lower surface portion 290a, and an upper surface portion (not shown) disposed opposite to the lower surface portion 290a.

[0391] A screw insertion port 294 into which the screw portion of the screw 292 can be inserted is formed in the lower surface portion 290a of the ball passage 290, and the ball passage 290 is fixed to the back surface of the game board 200 by the screw 292 inserted into the screw insertion port 294.

[0392] In addition, a first rib 291 for smoothly rolling the game ball BL is formed to protrude from the left side surface portion 290b of the ball passage 290 toward the opposing right side surface portion 290c, and a second rib 292 for smoothly rolling the game ball BL is formed on the right side surface portion 290c of the ball passage 280 to protrude toward the opposing left side surface portion 290b.

[0393] In addition, a sensor 290f (ball detection sensor) capable of detecting that the game ball BL has passed through the ball passage 290 is provided below the screw insertion port 294 in the ball passage 290. That is, the screw insertion port 294 is disposed upstream of the sensor 290f in the ball passage 290.

[0394] According to this example, if the screw 292 becomes loose and the game ball BL gets stuck in the ball passage 290, even if the game ball BL flows down, operations corresponding to the sensor 290f (fluctuations of each symbol, left (Right) push warning display, payout of game balls, error display, etc.) are not executed, so it is possible to immediately notice the looseness of the screw 292.

[0395] In addition, in FIG. 37(c), the region indicated by reference numeral ER2 shows a specific space on the spherical passage 290 that includes at least the head 292a of the screw 292 in a state where the screw 292 is properly attached to the screw insertion port 294.

[0396] In this example, the first rib 291 and the second rib 292 are formed in the space excluding the specific space ER2 of the spherical passage 290, and at least in the specific space ER2, the rib is not formed. That is, the first rib 291 and the second rib 292 are formed on the spherical passage 290, but these first rib 291 and second rib 292 are configured not to be provided near the screw insertion port 294 of the spherical passage 290.

[0397] Even without ribs, the game ball BL is likely to get caught (likely to stay). Due to individual differences in the members forming the screw 292 and the spherical passage 290 rather than assembly errors, there is a risk that the game ball BL will stay just because the screw 292 protrudes slightly. Therefore, by not providing the screw insertion port 294 near the first rib 291 and the second rib 292 (not providing the first rib 291 and the second rib 292 near the screw insertion port 294), it is possible to prevent the game ball BL from staying even though it is not an assembly error.

[0398] <Game board / Winning opening, Starting opening> Next, differences between the general winning opening 226 described with reference to FIG. 32, the first special figure starting opening 232, the second special figure starting opening 230, the general figure starting opening 228, and the variable winning opening 234 will be described.

[0399] <Game board / General winning opening> The general winning opening 226 allows game balls to flow down in any game state, including the normal game state, the time-limited game state, and the big win (small win) game state. In addition, since it does not have electrically driven components, game balls can flow even when the power of the game table is off. Note that the general winning opening 226 may be provided only in the left region of the game board 200, only in the right region of the game board 200, or in both regions.

[0400] As shown in FIG. 34(b), 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. Similar to the ball passage 270 described with reference to FIG. 37(a), the screw insertion port 256a is not provided in the meandering portion of the general winning port flow path 256, but is disposed upstream of the sensor that detects the entry (winning) of the game ball into the general winning port 226.

[0401] If the screw becomes loose and the game balls clog the flow path, the operations corresponding to the sensor (such as the variation of each symbol, the left (right) hitting warning display, the payout of the game balls, the error display, etc.) will not be executed even if the game balls flow down. Therefore, it is possible to immediately notice the loosening of the screw. In addition, the meandering portion of the flow path is already likely to catch (or retain) the game balls. Even if it is not an assembly error, there is a risk that the game balls will be retained just because the screw protrudes slightly due to individual differences in the members forming the screw and the flow path. Therefore, by not providing the screw insertion port in the meandering portion, it is possible to prevent the game balls from being retained although it is not an assembly error.

[0402] In addition, ribs are formed on the general winning port flow path 256. Similar to the ball passage 290 described with reference to FIG. 37(c), the ribs are configured not to be provided near the screw insertion port 256a of the general winning port flow path 256.

[0403] The ribs are already likely to catch (or retain) the game balls. Even if it is not an assembly error, there is a risk that the game balls will be retained just because the screw protrudes slightly due to individual differences in the members forming the screw and the flow path. Therefore, by not providing the screw insertion port near the ribs (not providing the ribs near the screw insertion port), it is possible to prevent the game balls from being retained although it is not an assembly error.

[0404] As shown in FIG. 34(b), the general winning opening channel 256 has a first opening (channel inlet 256in) and a second opening (channel outlet 256out). The first opening (channel inlet 256in) is provided upstream of the second opening (channel outlet 256out), and the screw insertion port 256a is provided closer to the first opening (channel inlet 256in) than the second opening (channel outlet 256out).

[0405] Therefore, in the pre-shipment trial play inspection or the like, when a game ball stays in the channel and overflows from the channel due to loosening of the screw or the like, it is possible to immediately notice an assembly error, improving convenience.

[0406] <Game board / First special figure starting port> The first special figure starting port 232 allows game balls to flow down easily in a certain short game state. Also, since it has a component driven by electricity (an openable and closable blade member), when the power of the game table is turned off in the normal game state, it is often difficult for game balls to flow down. Specifically, the blade member can be driven to an open state when a game ball passes through the general power operation gate 228g. However, the general power operation gate 228g is provided at a position where it can be passed when hitting the ball to the right. Moreover, even if it passes in the normal game state (non-short game state), it will only be in the open state for a short time. Therefore, when the power of the game table is turned off in the normal game state, in many cases, it is difficult for game balls to flow down. Note that the first special figure starting port 232 may be provided only in the left area of the game board 200 or only in the right area of the game board 200.

[0407] As shown in FIG. 35, a screw insertion port into which a screw can be inserted is not formed in the channel on the first special figure starting port channel 266, and a screw insertion port 262a into which a screw 257 can be inserted is formed in an area not on the channel of the first special figure starting port channel 266.

[0408] Therefore, regarding the first special figure starting port channel 266, the adverse effects caused by loosening of the screw or the like can be eliminated, and it can be stably fixed to the game board.

[0409] <Game board / Second special figure starting port> In the second special figure starting port 230, game balls can flow down in any game state, including the normal game state, the time-limited game state, and the big win (small win) game state. Also, since it does not have parts driven by electricity, game balls can flow even when the power supply of the game table is off. Incidentally, the second special figure starting port 230 may be provided in the left area of the game board 200.

[0410] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which a screw insertion port into which a screw can be inserted is not formed in the flow path on the second special figure starting port flow path 268. However, a screw insertion port into which a screw can be inserted may be formed on the flow path of the second special figure starting port flow path 268. In this case, similar to the ball passage 270 described with reference to FIG. 37(a), the screw insertion port is preferably not in the meandering portion of the second special figure starting port 230 and is disposed upstream of the sensor that detects the entry (winning) of game balls into the second special figure starting port 230.

[0411] If the screw becomes loose and the game balls clog the flow path, operations according to the sensor (such as the variation of each symbol, the left (right) hitting warning display, the payout of game balls, the error display, etc.) will not be executed even if the game balls flow down, so it is possible to immediately notice the loosening of the screw. Also, the meandering portion of the flow path is already prone to snagging (and easy to stagnate) game balls. Due to individual differences in the members forming the screws and the flow path rather than assembly errors, there is a risk that game balls will stagnate just because the screw protrudes slightly. Therefore, by not providing a screw insertion port in the meandering portion (not providing a rib near the screw insertion port), it is possible to prevent game balls from stagnating although it is not an assembly error.

[0412] Also, ribs are formed on the second special figure starting port flow path 268. However, when a screw insertion port is formed on the flow path of the second special figure starting port flow path 268, similar to the ball passage 290 described with reference to FIG. 37(c), the ribs are preferably configured not to be provided near the screw insertion port of the second special figure starting port 230.

[0413] Even ribs themselves make it easy for the game balls to get caught (and stay). There is a risk that the game balls will stay due to individual differences in screws or members forming the flow paths, rather than assembly errors, where the screws just slightly protrude. Therefore, by not providing a screw insertion port near the ribs, it is possible to prevent the game balls from staying even though it is not an assembly error.

[0414] In the second special figure start port flow path 268, there is a first opening (flow path inlet) and a second opening (flow path outlet). The first opening (flow path inlet) is provided upstream of the second opening (flow path outlet). When a screw insertion port is formed on the flow path of the second special figure start port flow path 268, it is preferably provided at a position closer to the first opening (flow path inlet) than the second opening (flow path outlet).

[0415] With such a configuration, in the pre - shipment trial play inspection, etc., if the game balls stay in the flow path and overflow from the flow path due to loosening of the screws, etc., it is possible to immediately notice an assembly error, improving convenience.

[0416] <Game board / General drawing start port> The general drawing start port 228 allows game balls to flow down in any of the normal game state, time - shortening game state, and big win (small win) game state. Also, since it does not have parts driven by electricity, game balls can flow even when the power of the game table is off. Note that the general drawing start port 228 may be provided in the right - hand region of the game board 200.

[0417] As shown in FIG. 34, a screw insertion port 258a into which a screw 257 can be inserted is formed on the flow path of the general drawing start port flow path 258. Similar to the ball passage 270 described with reference to FIG. 37(a), the screw insertion port 258a is not in the meandering portion of the general drawing start port flow path 258 and is disposed upstream of the sensor that detects the entry (winning) of the game balls into the general drawing start port 228.

[0418] If the screw becomes loose and the game ball gets stuck in the flow path, even if the game ball flows down, operations according to the sensor (such as the variation of each symbol, the left (right) hitting warning display, the payout of the game ball, the error display, etc.) will not be executed, so it is possible to immediately notice the loosening of the screw. In addition, the meandering part of the flow path already makes it easy for the game ball to get caught (and stay), and there is a risk that the game ball will stay just because the screw protrudes slightly due to individual differences in the members forming the screw and the flow path, rather than an assembly mistake. Therefore, by not providing a screw insertion port in the meandering part, it is possible to prevent the game ball from staying when it is not an assembly mistake.

[0419] In addition, ribs are formed on the general diagram start port flow path 258. Similar to the ball passage 290 described with reference to FIG. 37(c), the ribs are configured not to be provided near the screw insertion port 258a of the general diagram start port flow path 258.

[0420] Ribs already make it easy for the game ball to get caught (and stay), and there is a risk that the game ball will stay just because the screw protrudes slightly due to individual differences in the members forming the screw and the flow path, rather than an assembly mistake. Therefore, by not providing a screw insertion port near the rib (not providing the rib near the screw insertion port), it is possible to prevent the game ball from staying when it is not an assembly mistake.

[0421] The general diagram start port flow path 258 has a first opening (flow path inlet) and a second opening (flow path outlet). The first opening (flow path inlet) is provided upstream of the second opening (flow path outlet), and the screw insertion port 258a is provided at a position closer to the first opening (flow path inlet) than the second opening (flow path outlet).

[0422] For this reason, in the pre - shipment trial play inspection, etc., when the game ball stays in the flow path and overflows from the flow path due to the loosening of the screw, etc., it is possible to immediately notice an assembly mistake, improving convenience.

[0423] <Game board / Variable winning port> The variable winning opening 234 allows the game balls to flow down easily in the big win (small win) gaming state. Also, since it is equipped with an electrically driven component (a door member that can be opened and closed), when the power supply of the game table is turned off in the normal gaming state, it is difficult for the game balls to flow down. Note that the variable winning opening 234 may be provided in the left region of the game board 200.

[0424] As shown in FIG. 35, a screw insertion port into which a screw can be inserted is not formed in the flow path on the variable winning opening flow path 267, and a screw insertion port 262a into which the screw 257 can be inserted is formed in a region not on the flow path of the variable winning opening flow path 267.

[0425] Therefore, for the variable winning opening flow path 267, the adverse effects due to loosening of the screw or the like can be eliminated, and it can be stably fixed to the game board.

[0426] <Game board / Summary> As described above, the game table according to the present embodiment (for example, the enclosed gaming machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a game table provided with a flow path through which game balls flow. The flow path is composed of a first flow path (for example, the general winning opening flow path 256 and the general start opening flow path 258 shown in FIG. 34(a)) and a second flow path (for example, the first special figure start opening flow path 266 and the variable winning opening flow path 267 shown in FIG. 35). The first flow path is a flow path through which game balls can flow during normal gaming, and the second flow path is a flow path through which it is difficult for game balls to flow during the normal gaming and through which game balls can flow easily during the winning gaming. A screw insertion port (for example, the screw insertion port 256a and the screw insertion port 258a shown in FIG. 34(a)) into 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. This is a characteristic of the game table.

[0427] According to the gaming table according to this embodiment, when a screw is not correctly attached and is loose during the assembly of the flow path or the like, the game ball will stay on the flow path of the first flow path. Therefore, it is possible to easily notice assembly mistakes or the like during the pre-shipment trial inspection or the like, and the convenience can be improved. Further, since no screw insertion port is formed on the flow path of the second flow path, even when a screw is not correctly attached and is loose during the assembly of the flow path or the like, the second flow path is not affected, and the pre-shipment trial inspection or the like can be quickly performed.

[0428] In addition, the gaming table according to the present embodiment (for example, the enclosed gaming machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming table provided with a flow path through which game balls flow. The flow path includes a first flow path (for example, the general start port flow path 258 shown in FIG. 34(a)), a second flow path (for example, the first special drawing start port flow path 266 and the variable winning port flow path 267 shown in FIG. 35), and a third flow path (for example, the general winning port flow path 256 shown in FIG. 34(a)). The first flow path is a flow path through which game balls can flow during normal games. The second flow path is a flow path through which it is difficult for game balls to flow during the normal game and through which game balls can easily flow during a winning game. The third flow path is a flow path through which game balls can flow during the normal game. On the flow path of the first flow path, a first screw insertion port (for example, the screw insertion port 258a shown in FIG. 34(a)) into which a screw can be inserted is formed. On the flow path of the second flow path, no screw insertion port into which a screw can be inserted is formed. On the flow path of the third flow path, a third screw insertion port (for example, the screw insertion port 256a shown in FIG. 34(b)) into which a screw can be inserted is formed. The first screw insertion port is formed at a position where the game ball that has flowed through the first flow path contacts the screw and the component forming the first flow path when the screw is not correctly inserted into the first screw insertion port. The third flow path has a first opening (for example, the flow path inlet 256in shown in FIG. 34(b)) and a second opening (for example, the flow path outlet 256out shown in FIG. 34(b)). The first opening is upstream of the second opening. The third screw insertion port is formed at a position where the game ball that has flowed through the third flow path contacts the screw and the component forming the third flow path when the screw is not correctly inserted into the third screw insertion port, and is closer to the first opening than the second opening. The gaming table is characterized by the above.

[0429] According to the gaming table of the present embodiment, when the screw is not correctly attached and is loose during the assembly of the flow path or the like, the game balls will stay on the flow paths of the first flow path and the third flow path. Therefore, it is possible to easily notice assembly mistakes and the like during the pre-shipment test play inspection and the like, and the convenience can be improved.

[0430] In addition, since no screw insertion hole is formed on the flow path of the second flow path (a flow path through which game balls flow only during a winning game), even if the screw is not properly attached or becomes loose during the assembly of the flow path or the like, the second flow path is not affected, and pre-shipment trial tests and the like can be carried out quickly.

[0431] In addition, since the third screw insertion hole is formed at a position closer to the first opening than the second opening, in pre-shipment trial tests and the like, if game balls stay in the flow path and overflow from the flow path due to loosening of the third screw or the like, it is possible to immediately notice an assembly error, improving convenience. If the third screw insertion hole is formed at a position closer to the second opening than the first opening, it takes a certain amount of time until the game balls stay in the flow path and overflow from the flow path, so it is not possible to immediately notice an assembly error.

[0432] In addition, the screw insertion hole (for example, the screw insertion hole 274 shown in FIG. 36(a)) formed on the flow path of the first flow path (for example, the ball passage 270 shown in FIG. 36(a)) may be provided at a position where the game balls flowing through the first flow path come into contact with the screw and the components forming the first flow path (for example, the upper surface portion 270d shown in FIG. 36(a), the left side surface portion 270b and the right side surface portion 270c shown in FIG. 37(a)) when the screw (for example, the screw 272 shown in FIG. 36(a)) is not properly inserted into the screw insertion hole (for example, the case where the screw is loose as shown in "abnormal" in FIG. 36(a)).

[0433] With such a configuration, in pre-shipment trial tests and the like, if game balls stay in the flow path and overflow from the flow path due to loosening of the screw or the like, it is possible to immediately notice an assembly error, improving convenience.

[0434] Further, it may include a game board (e.g., the game board 200 shown in FIG. 32), and in the second flow path, a screw insertion port (e.g., the screw insertion port 262a shown in FIG. 35) is formed in a region not on the flow path of the second flow path. The first flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting the screw into the screw insertion port formed in the first flow path, and the second flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting the screw into the screw insertion port formed in a region not on the flow path of the second flow path.

[0435] With such a configuration, for the first flow path, it is possible to detect loosening of the screw or the like due to retention of game balls or the like, and it can be stably fixed to the game board. For the second flow path, it is possible to eliminate the adverse effects due to loosening of the screw or the like, and it can be stably fixed to the game board.

[0436] Also, in the first flow path (e.g., the general winning opening flow path 256 shown in FIG. 34(b)), there are a first opening (e.g., the flow path inlet 256in shown in FIG. 34(b)) and a second opening (e.g., the flow path outlet 256out shown in FIG. 34(b)). The first opening is an opening provided upstream of the second opening, and the screw insertion port (e.g., the screw insertion port 256a shown in FIG. 34(b)) may be provided at a position closer to the first opening than the second opening.

[0437] With such a configuration, in a pre-shipment trial inspection or the like, when game balls are retained in the flow path and overflow from the flow path due to loosening of the screw or the like, it is possible to immediately notice an assembly error, improving convenience.

[0438] In addition, the gaming table according to the present embodiment (for example, the enclosed gaming machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming table provided with a game board and a flow path through which game balls flow. In the flow path, there are a portion bent in the in-plane direction of the game board surface and a portion not bent in the in-plane direction of the game board surface (hereinafter referred to as "non-bent portion"). The flow path is composed of a first flow path (for example, the general start port flow path 258 shown in FIG. 34(a)), a second flow path (for example, the first special drawing start port flow path 266 and the variable winning port flow path 267 shown in FIG. 35), and a third flow path (for example, the general winning port flow path 256 shown in FIG. 34(a)). The first flow path is a flow path through which game balls can flow during normal games. The second flow path is a flow path through which it is difficult for game balls to flow during the normal game and through which game balls can easily flow during a winning game. The third flow path is a flow path through which game balls can flow during the normal game. On the flow path of the first flow path, a first screw insertion port (for example, the screw insertion port 258a shown in FIG. 34(a)) into which a screw can be inserted is formed. On the flow path of the second flow path, no screw insertion port into which a screw can be inserted is formed. On the flow path of the third flow path, a third screw insertion port (for example, the screw insertion port 256a shown in FIG. 34(b)) into which a screw can be inserted is formed. The first screw insertion port is formed at a position where a game ball flowing through the first flow path contacts the screw and the component forming the first flow path when the screw is not correctly inserted into the first screw insertion port. The third flow path has a first opening (for example, the flow path inlet 256in shown in FIG. 34(b)) and a second opening (for example, the flow path outlet 256out shown in FIG. 34(b)). The first opening is upstream of the second opening. The third screw insertion port is at a position where a game ball flowing through the third flow path contacts the screw and the component forming the third flow path when the screw is not correctly inserted into the third screw insertion port, and is at a position closer to the first opening than the second opening. The third screw insertion port is formed in the non-bent portion on the flow path of the third flow path. The gaming table is characterized by the above.

[0439] Note that a second screw insertion hole is formed in a region that is not on the flow path of the second flow path. The first flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the first screw insertion hole. The second flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the second screw insertion hole. The third flow path may be fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the third screw insertion hole.

[0440] According to the game table according to this embodiment, since the third screw insertion hole is formed at a position closer to the first opening than the second opening, in a pre-shipment trial inspection or the like, if a game ball stays in the flow path and overflows from the flow path due to loosening of the third screw or the like, it is possible to immediately notice an assembly error, improving convenience. If the third screw insertion hole is formed at a position closer to the second opening than the first opening, it takes a predetermined time until the game ball stays in the flow path and overflows, so an assembly error cannot be immediately noticed. Also, the meandering portion (bent portion) is already prone to catching (staying) the game ball, and there is a risk that the game ball will stay just because the screw protrudes slightly due to individual differences in the screws and the members forming the flow path rather than an assembly error. Therefore, by providing the screw insertion hole in a non-bent portion that is not a meandering portion, it is possible to prevent the game ball from staying even though it is not an assembly error.

[0441] In addition, the gaming table according to the present embodiment (for example, the enclosed gaming machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming table provided with a first operation means (for example, the ball launch handle 134 shown in FIG. 1) capable of performing a launch operation of a game ball and a flow path through which the game ball circulates. The flow path includes a first flow path (for example, the general start port flow path 258 shown in FIG. 34(a)), a second flow path (for example, the first special drawing start port flow path 266 and the variable winning port flow path 267 shown in FIG. 35), and a third flow path (for example, the general winning port flow path 256 shown in FIG. 34(a)). The first flow path is a flow path through which a game ball can circulate when a player hits the ball to the left using the first operation means. The second flow path is a flow path through which it is difficult for a game ball to circulate during normal gaming and through which a game ball can circulate when a player hits the ball to the right using the first operation means during a winning game. The third flow path is a flow path through which a game ball can circulate when a player hits the ball to the right using the first operation means. A first screw insertion port (for example, the screw insertion port 258a shown in FIG. 34(a)) into which a screw can be inserted is formed on the flow path of the first flow path. No screw insertion port into which a screw can be inserted is formed on the flow path of the second flow path. A third screw insertion port (for example, the screw insertion port 256a shown in FIG. 34(b)) into which a screw can be inserted is formed on the flow path of the third flow path. The first screw insertion port is formed at a position where a game ball flowing through the first flow path contacts a structure forming the screw and the first flow path when the screw is not correctly inserted into the first screw insertion port. The third flow path has a first opening (for example, the flow path inlet 256in shown in FIG. 34(b)) and a second opening (for example, the flow path outlet 256out shown in FIG. 34(b)). The first opening is upstream of the second opening. The third screw insertion port is formed at a position where a game ball flowing through the third flow path contacts a structure forming the screw and the third flow path when the screw is not correctly inserted into the third screw insertion port, and is closer to the first opening than the second opening. The gaming table is characterized by the above.

[0442] According to the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, when a screw is not correctly attached and is loose during the assembly of the flow path or the like, the game balls will stay on the flow paths of the first flow path and the third flow path. Therefore, it is possible to easily notice assembly mistakes or the like during the pre-shipment trial play inspection or the like, and the convenience can be improved.

[0443] In addition, since no screw insertion opening is formed on the flow path of the second flow path (a flow path through which game balls flow only during a winning game), even when a screw is not correctly attached and is loose during the assembly of the flow path or the like, the second flow path is not affected, and the pre-shipment trial play inspection or the like can be performed quickly.

[0444] In addition, since the third screw insertion opening is formed at a position closer to the first opening than the second opening, during the pre-shipment trial play inspection or the like, when the game balls stay in the flow path and overflow from the flow path due to loosening of the third screw or the like, it is possible to immediately notice the assembly mistake, and the convenience can be improved. If the third screw insertion opening is formed at a position closer to the second opening than the first opening, it takes a predetermined time until the game balls stay in the flow path and overflow from the flow path, so the assembly mistake cannot be immediately noticed.

[0445] In addition, since the first flow path is a flow path through which the ball can flow when hitting to the left, and the second and third flow paths are flow paths through which the ball can flow when hitting to the right, it is possible to inspect the screws arranged at distant positions, and the inspection accuracy can be improved.

[0446] In addition, it may include a game board (for example, the game board 200 shown in FIG. 32), a second screw insertion opening (for example, the screw insertion opening 262a shown in FIG. 35) is formed in a region of the second flow path that is not on the flow path of the second flow path, the first flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw (for example, the screw 257 shown in FIG. 35) into the first screw insertion opening, the second flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the second screw insertion opening, and the third flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the third screw insertion opening.

[0447] With such a configuration, regarding the first flow path and the third flow path, it is possible to detect loosening of the screw or the like due to retention of the game ball or the like, and it is possible to stably fix them to the game board. Regarding the second flow path, it is possible to eliminate the adverse effects due to loosening of the screw or the like, and it is possible to stably fix it to the game board.

[0448] In addition, the gaming table according to the present embodiment (for example, the enclosed gaming machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming table provided with a flow path through which game balls flow. The flow path includes a first flow path (for example, the general start port flow path 258 shown in FIG. 34(a)), a second flow path (for example, the variable winning port flow path 267 shown in FIG. 35), a third flow path (for example, the general winning port flow path 256 shown in FIG. 34(a)), and a fourth flow path (for example, the first special figure start port flow path 266 shown in FIG. 35). The first flow path is a flow path through which game balls can flow during normal games. The second flow path is a flow path through which it is difficult for game balls to flow during the normal game and through which game balls can easily flow during a winning game. The third flow path is a flow path through which game balls can flow during the normal game. The fourth flow path is a flow path through which it is difficult for game balls to flow during the normal game and through which game balls can easily flow during a certain short game. On the flow path of the first flow path, a first screw insertion port (for example, the screw insertion port 258a shown in FIG. 34(a)) into which a screw can be inserted is formed. On the flow path of the second flow path, no screw insertion port into which a screw can be inserted is formed. On the flow path of the third flow path, a third screw insertion port (for example, the screw insertion port 256a shown in FIG. 34(b)) into which a screw can be inserted is formed. On the flow path of the fourth flow path, no screw insertion port into which a screw can be inserted is formed. The first screw insertion port is formed at a position where a game ball that has flowed through the first flow path contacts the screw and the component forming the first flow path when the screw is not correctly inserted into the first screw insertion port. The third flow path has a first opening (for example, the flow path inlet 256in shown in FIG. 34(b)) and a second opening (for example, the flow path outlet 256out shown in FIG. 34(b)). The first opening is upstream of the second opening. The third screw insertion port is at a position where a game ball that has flowed through the third flow path contacts the screw and the component forming the third flow path when the screw is not correctly inserted into the third screw insertion port, and is formed at a position closer to the first opening than the second opening. The gaming table is characterized by the above.

[0449] According to the gaming machine according to this embodiment, when a screw is not correctly attached and is loose during the assembly of the flow path or the like, the game balls will stay on the flow paths of the first flow path and the third flow path. Therefore, it is possible to easily notice assembly mistakes or the like during the pre-shipment trial play inspection or the like, and the convenience can be improved.

[0450] In addition, since no screw insertion hole is formed on the flow path of the second flow path (the flow path through which game balls only flow during a winning game), even when a screw is not correctly attached and is loose during the assembly of the flow path or the like, the second flow path is not affected, and the pre-shipment trial play inspection or the like can be performed quickly.

[0451] In addition, since the third screw insertion hole is formed at a position closer to the first opening than the second opening, in the pre-shipment trial play inspection or the like, when the game balls stay in the flow path and overflow from the flow path due to the loosening of the third screw or the like, it is possible to immediately notice the assembly mistake, and the convenience can be improved. If the third screw insertion hole is formed at a position closer to the second opening than the first opening, it takes a predetermined time until the game balls stay in the flow path and overflow from the flow path, so the assembly mistake cannot be immediately noticed.

[0452] In addition, by not forming screw insertion holes into which screws can be inserted in the second flow path through which game balls only flow during a winning game and the fourth flow path through which game balls only flow during a time-saving game, even when a screw is not correctly attached and is loose during the assembly of the flow path or the like, the second flow path and the fourth flow path are not affected, and a situation where the gaming machine is shipped without noticing the assembly mistake can be avoided.

[0453] Also, it may include a game board (e.g., the game board 200 shown in FIG. 32), and a second screw insertion hole (e.g., the screw insertion hole 262a shown in FIG. 35) is formed in a region not on the flow path of the second flow path, and a fourth screw insertion hole (e.g., the screw insertion hole 262a shown in FIG. 35) is formed in a region not on the flow path of the fourth flow path. The first flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw (e.g., the screw 257 shown in FIG. 35) into the first screw insertion hole, the second flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the second screw insertion hole, the third flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the third screw insertion hole, and the fourth flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the fourth screw insertion hole.

[0454] With such a configuration, for the first and third flow paths, it is possible to detect loosening of the screw or the like due to retention of the game balls or the like, and to stably fix them to the game board. For the second and fourth flow paths, it is possible to eliminate the adverse effects due to loosening of the screw or the like, and to stably fix them to the game board.

[0455] In addition, the gaming table according to the present embodiment (for example, the enclosed gaming machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming table provided with a flow path through which game balls flow. The flow path includes a first flow path (for example, the general start port flow path 258 shown in FIG. 34(a)), a second flow path (for example, the first special drawing start port flow path 266 and the variable winning port flow path 267 shown in FIG. 35), and a third flow path (for example, the general winning port flow path 256 shown in FIG. 34(a)). The first flow path is a flow path through which game balls can flow even when the power supply of the gaming table is turned off. The second flow path is a flow path through which it becomes difficult for game balls to flow when the power supply of the gaming table is turned off during normal gaming. The third flow path is a flow path through which game balls can flow even when the power supply of the gaming table is turned off. On the flow path of the first flow path, a first screw insertion port (for example, the screw insertion port 258a shown in FIG. 34(a)) into which a screw can be inserted is formed. On the flow path of the second flow path, no screw insertion port into which a screw can be inserted is formed. On the flow path of the third flow path, a third screw insertion port (for example, the screw insertion port 256a shown in FIG. 34(b)) into which a screw can be inserted is formed. The first screw insertion port is formed at a position where the game ball that has flowed through the first flow path contacts the screw and the component forming the first flow path when the screw is not correctly inserted into the first screw insertion port. The third flow path has a first opening (for example, the flow path inlet 256in shown in FIG. 34(b)) and a second opening (for example, the flow path outlet 256out shown in FIG. 34(b)). The first opening is upstream of the second opening. The third screw insertion port is formed at a position where the game ball that has flowed through the third flow path contacts the screw and the component forming the third flow path when the screw is not correctly inserted into the third screw insertion port, and is closer to the first opening than the second opening. The gaming table is characterized by the above.

[0456] According to the gaming table of the present embodiment, when the screw is not correctly attached and is loose during the assembly of the flow path or the like, the game balls will stay on the flow paths of the first flow path and the third flow path. Therefore, it is possible to easily notice assembly mistakes and the like during the pre-shipment trial inspection, etc., and the convenience can be improved.

[0457] Also, since no screw insertion hole is formed on the flow path of the second flow path (a flow path through which game balls only flow during actual play), even if a screw is not properly attached and becomes loose during assembly of the flow path or the like, the second flow path is not affected, and pre-shipment trial tests and the like can be performed quickly.

[0458] Also, since the third screw insertion hole is formed at a position closer to the first opening than the second opening, in pre-shipment trial tests and the like, if game balls stay in the flow path and overflow from the flow path due to loosening of the third screw or the like, it is possible to immediately notice an assembly mistake, improving convenience. If the third screw insertion hole is formed at a position closer to the second opening than the first opening, it takes a certain amount of time until the game balls stay in the flow path and overflow from the flow path, so an assembly mistake cannot be noticed immediately.

[0459] Also, since the first flow path and the third flow path are flow paths through which game balls can flow even when the power of the game table is turned off, inspections related to the flow of game balls can be performed even after the power of the game table is turned off, improving the convenience for the operator.

[0460] Also, it may include a game board (for example, the game board 200 shown in FIG. 32), a second screw insertion hole (for example, the screw insertion hole 262a shown in FIG. 35) is formed in a region of the second flow path that is not on the flow path of the second flow path, the first flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw (for example, the screw 257 shown in FIG. 35) into the first screw insertion hole, the second flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the second screw insertion hole, and the third flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the third screw insertion hole.

[0461] With such a configuration, for the first flow path and the third flow path, it is possible to detect loosening of the screw or the like due to the retention of the game balls or the like, and it is possible to stably fix them to the game board. For the second flow path, it is possible to eliminate the adverse effects due to loosening of the screw or the like, and it is possible to stably fix it to the game board.

[0462] <Embodiment 2> Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the gaming table (slot machine) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0463] <Overall configuration> First, with reference to FIG. 38, the overall configuration of the slot machine 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that FIG. 38 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as viewed from the front side (the player side).

[0464] The slot machine 100 includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 attached to the front of the main body 101 and capable of opening and closing with respect to the main body 101. Inside the center of the main body 101, three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface (not shown) are housed and configured to be rotatable inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

[0465] In this embodiment, a suitable number of each symbol is printed at equal intervals on a strip-shaped member, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member to form each reel 110 to 112. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are generally displayed in three in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 113, and a total of nine symbols can be seen. By rotating each of the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols visible to the player will change. That is, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that can variably display a plurality of types of symbol combinations. In addition to reels, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be adopted as such a display device. Further, in this embodiment, three reels are provided inside the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

[0466] On the back of each of the reels 110 to 112, a backlight (not shown) for illuminating the individual symbols displayed in the symbol display window 113 is arranged. It is desirable that the backlight is shielded for each individual symbol so that each individual symbol can be evenly irradiated. In addition, inside the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) composed of a light projecting part and a light receiving part is provided in the vicinity of each of the reels 110 to 112, and it is configured such that a light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the light projecting part and the light receiving part of this optical sensor. Based on the detection result of this sensor, the rotational direction position of the symbol on the reel is judged, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

[0467] The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates the valid winning line 114. The valid winning line is determined in advance according to the number of medals bet as gaming media. There are five winning lines 114. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line becomes valid; when two medals are bet, three lines including the upper horizontal winning line and the lower horizontal winning line are added and become valid; when three medals are bet, five lines including the downward right winning line and the upward right winning line are added and become valid as the winning lines. Note that the number of winning lines 114 is not limited to five. Also, for example, when one medal is bet, the five lines of the middle horizontal winning line, the upper horizontal winning line, the lower horizontal winning line, the downward right winning line, and the upward right winning line may be set as the valid winning lines, or regardless of the number of bets, the same number of winning lines may be uniformly set as the valid winning lines.

[0468] The notification lamp 123 is, for example, a lamp that notifies the player that they have won a specific winning combination (specifically, a bonus) in the internal lottery or that they are in the bonus game. The gaming medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying the player that they can insert gaming medals. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game is replayable (i.e., no medal insertion is required) when they have won the replay, which is one of the winning combinations in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for effect.

[0469] 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 the present embodiment, each time the bet button 130 is pressed, one medal is inserted up to a maximum of three medals, two medals are inserted when the bet button 131 is pressed, and three medals are inserted when the bet button 132 is pressed. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as the MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up a number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when the specified number of medals is inserted, the game start lamp 121, which notifies that the game can be started, lights up.

[0470] The medal insertion slot 141 is an insertion slot for the player to insert medals when starting the game. That is, medals can be inserted electronically by the bet buttons 130 to 132, or actual medals can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 141, and "insertion" means including both. 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 numerically displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during the bonus game). The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to the player as a result of winning a certain winning combination. The stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are 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 is inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and then the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation on the start lever 135 is called the game start operation.

[0472] 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 rotating by the operation of the start lever 135, and are associated with the respective reels 110 to 112. Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 137 to 139 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is referred to as the first stop operation, the next stop operation is referred to as the second stop operation, and the last stop operation is referred to as the third stop operation. In addition, a light emitter 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 emitter can be lit to notify the player.

[0473] The medal return button 133 is a button for pressing to remove the inserted medals when they are jammed. The settlement button 134 is a button for settling the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the bet medals and discharging them from the medal payout port 155. The door keyhole 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted.

[0474] Below the stop button unit 136, a title panel 162 for displaying the model name and attaching various certificates is provided. Below the title panel 162, a medal payout port 155 and a medal tray 161 are provided.

[0475] The sound hole 181 is a hole for outputting the sound of the speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right parts of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for livening up the game. An effect device 160 is disposed above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the effect device 160. This effect device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 composed of two right shutters 163a and left shutters 163b that can be opened and closed in the horizontal direction, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (effect image display device) disposed on the back side of this shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b open outward in the horizontal direction 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 side).

[0476] Note that it may be any display device that can display various effect images and various game information, not necessarily 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 composed of a projector and a screen may also be used. Also, the display screen is rectangular, and the entire screen is configured to be visible to the player. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Also, by providing a decoration (not shown) at the periphery of the display screen, a part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, and as a result, the display screen can be made to look irregular. The display screen is a flat surface in the case of this embodiment, but it may also be curved.

[0477] <Internal Structure> FIG. 39 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 opened.

[0478] The main body 101 is a box body surrounded by an upper panel 261, a left side panel 260, a right side panel 260, a lower panel 264, and a back panel 242, and is open at the front. Inside the main body 101, a main control board storage case 640 that houses the main control board 600 is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the ventilation opening 249 provided at the upper part of the back panel 242. Details of the main control board 600 and the main control board storage case 640 will be described later.

[0479] Below this main control board storage case 640, three reels 110 to 112 are arranged. Also, on the right side panel 260 facing right, an external centralized terminal board 248 that is connected to the main control board 600 and outputs information of the slot machine 100 to an external device is attached.

[0480] And on the lower panel 264, a medal payout device 180 (a device that pays out medals accumulated in a bucket) is provided. Above this medal payout device 180, that is, below the reels 110 to 112, a power supply device 252 having a power supply board is provided, and a power switch 244 is provided on the front of the power supply device 252. The power supply device 252 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the slot machine 100 into DC power, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and each device. Furthermore, it is equipped with a power storage circuit (for example, a capacitor) for supplying power to a predetermined component for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off.

[0481] On the right side of the medal payout device 180, a medal auxiliary storage 240 is provided, and an overflow terminal is provided behind this (not shown in the figure). The power supply device 252 is provided with a power cord connection part for connecting a power cord 264, and the power cord 264 connected here extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 opened in the back panel 242 of the main body 101.

[0482] The front door 102 is hingedly attached to the left side panel 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276. Above the symbol display window 113, there are provided an effect device 160, an effect control circuit board (not shown) for controlling this effect device 160, a sub-control circuit board housing case (not shown) for housing a sub-control circuit board inside, an upper speaker 272, etc. Below the symbol display window 113, there are provided a medal selector 170 for sorting the inserted medals, a passage 266 through which the medals pass when this medal selector 170 drops improper medals or the like onto the medal tray 161, etc. Further, a bass speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 181.

[0483] <Main circuit board housing case, mirror> Next, with reference to FIGS. 40 and 41, the main circuit board housing case 640 and the mirror 647 will be described.

[0484] FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view showing the main circuit board housing case 640 and the main control circuit board 600, and FIG. 41 is a plan view showing a state in which the main control circuit board 600 is housed in the main circuit board housing case 640.

[0485] The main circuit board housing case 640 (circuit board case) is a box body formed by combining a board housing body 642 (housing body) having a substantially rectangular bottom and in the shape of a corner dish, and a lid body 644 arranged to cover the internal space of this board housing body 642.

[0486] In the internal space of this main circuit board housing case 640, the main control circuit board 600 (circuit board) is housed in a state of being fixed to the board housing body 642 by screws 646. The board housing body 642 and the lid body 644 are each made of a translucent resin, and it is possible to visually recognize the main control circuit board 600 housed inside the main circuit board housing case 640 from the outside through the main circuit board housing case 640.

[0487] At the lower edge of the substrate container 642, two U-shaped hinge portions 642b are provided. At the lower edge of the lid 644, two hook-shaped hook portions 644a that engage with the hinge portion 642b are provided, and at both left and right ends of the upper edge, locking tongue pieces 644b that lock with the upper edge of the substrate container 642 are respectively provided.

[0488] Therefore, when assembling the main substrate storage case 640, first, engage the hook portion 644a of the lid 644 with the hinge portion 642b of the substrate container 642, and then rotate the lid 644 around the hinge portion 642b to combine the substrate container 642 and the lid 644. At the same time, lock the locking tongue piece 644b of the lid 644 into the locking hole on the upper edge of the substrate container 642 to fix the lid 644 to the substrate container 642.

[0489] As shown in FIG. 40, a mirror 647 (mirror surface member) with a silver film attached to a glass plate is provided at the upper left part in the front view of the inner space of the substrate container 642. As shown in FIG. 41, in a state where the main control substrate 600 is housed in the substrate container 642, this mirror 647 is configured to be located near one longitudinal end side (in this example, the left end in plan view) of the main IC (main chip) 606a mounted on the main control substrate 600.

[0490] According to this example, due to the mirror surface member (mirror 647), the back side and terminal portion of the IC (main IC 606a) in the state of being mounted on the substrate (main control substrate 600) can be visually recognized, which makes it easier to notice improper acts. Also, since the IC (main IC 606a) can be confirmed in a state where the substrate (main control substrate 600) is housed in the substrate case (main substrate storage case 640), the confirmation work by store clerks of the game parlor and the like becomes easy, and the convenience can be improved. In addition, by providing the mirror surface member (mirror 647) near the IC (main IC 606a), the deterrent effect against improper acts can be enhanced, and improper acts can be prevented in advance.

[0491] In addition, since the mirror 647 (mirror member) is provided inside a substrate case (main substrate housing case 640) that is firmly sealed and fixed by the substrate housing 642 and the lid 644, it is possible to prevent dirt, damage, and unauthorized removal of the mirror member (mirror 647), thereby enhancing maintainability and crime prevention performance.

[0492] Note that the "mirror member" according to the present invention is not limited to a mirror (glass) with a silver film attached to a glass plate. For example, it may be a member obtained by polishing (mirror polishing) a material such as metal, aluminum, or plastic to finish the surface of the material like a mirror, or a member obtained by processing (mirror processing) the surface of a material such as metal, aluminum, or plastic to finish the surface of the processed object like a mirror.

[0493] In this example, an example in which the mirror 647 (mirror member) is provided inside the substrate housing 642 of the main substrate housing case 640 (substrate case) has been shown. However, the "mirror member" according to the present invention only needs to be provided in the vicinity of one end side in the longitudinal direction of the IC. For example, it may be provided inside the lid 644 of the main substrate housing case 640 (substrate case), may be provided on the main control board 600 (substrate), or may be provided on a member other than the main substrate housing case 640 (substrate case) or the main control board 600 (substrate). Also, although it is provided in the vicinity of the left side in the longitudinal direction of the main IC 606a (the end where the first pin is arranged), it may be provided in the vicinity of the right side in the longitudinal direction of the main IC 606a (the end opposite to the end where the first pin is arranged).

[0494] <Main control board, mirror> Next, the main control board 600 and the mirror 647 will be described with reference to FIG. 41.

[0495] Note that the main control board 600 is an example of the "substrate" according to the present invention. Therefore, the "substrate" according to the present invention is not limited to a substrate constituting the main control unit, and may be, for example, the sub-control board or the effect control board described with reference to FIG. 39, or other substrates mounted on the game table. Also, the game table may be provided with a plurality of substrates corresponding to the "substrate" according to the present invention.

[0496] The main control board 600 includes a base material 602 made 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 base material 602, and a plurality of types of components 606 (606a to 606f) mounted on one surface (mounting surface 600a) of the base material 602, etc.

[0497] Examples of 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, a collation terminal 606f, etc.

[0498] The main IC 606a is an IC configured to include a CPU, a ROM for storing a control program 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 various ICs 606b shown in FIG. 41.

[0499] 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 on this mounting surface 600a, it is mounted in an eccentric state (a state closer to the outer edge on the left side in the longitudinal direction) on one side in the longitudinal direction of the main control board 600 (in this example, the left side in the longitudinal direction). Therefore, the distance between the mirror member (mirror 647) disposed on the main board storage case 640 and the IC (main IC 606a) mounted on the main control board 600 can be reduced, and the back side and terminal portion of the IC (main IC 606a) can be easily seen by the mirror member (mirror 647), making it easier for store clerks in the game parlor, etc. to notice it illegally.

[0500] In addition, on one longitudinal side of the main control board 600 on which the main IC 606a is mounted (in this example, the left side in the longitudinal direction), it is the side closer to the side plate 260 on the left side when viewed from the front inside the main body 101 (see FIG. 39), 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 FIG. 41). Therefore, when a store clerk or the like of the game parlor opens the front door 102 to view the mirror member (mirror 647), the front door 102 does not interfere with the confirmation work, it is easy to confirm the mirror member (mirror 647), the efficiency of the confirmation work can be improved, and it is easy to notice any irregularities.

[0501] In addition, in the region BE (the rectangular region shown 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), since no other electronic components are provided, it is difficult for other electronic components mounted on the board (main control board 600) to be reflected in the mirror member (mirror 647), and it becomes easy to view the back side and terminal portions of the IC (main IC 606a) through the mirror member (mirror 647), making it easy for a store clerk or the like of the game parlor to notice any irregularities. Note that in the region BE, it is only necessary that no other electronic components are provided, and silk printing indicating part numbers and mounting locations, wiring patterns, lands, through holes, etc. may be formed as long as they do not hinder the visibility of the mirror member (mirror 647).

[0502] In addition, in the region LE (the region sandwiched by two thin dotted lines in FIG. 41) on the longitudinal extension line of the main IC 606a, since no light output means capable of outputting light (for example, LED 606e) or display means capable of displaying (for example, LED segment display) are disposed, it is difficult for the light output from the light output means and the display means to be reflected in the mirror member (mirror 647), and it becomes easy to view the back side and terminal portions of the IC (main IC 606a) through the mirror member (mirror 647), making it easy for a store clerk or the like of the game parlor to notice any irregularities.

[0503] FIG. 42(a) is a side view seen from the direction indicated by the line A-A in FIG. 41.

[0504] Inside the socket 606g mounted on the main control board 600, socket pins (terminals) (not shown) are provided at positions corresponding to the terminals 606a1 of the main IC 606a to be mounted. When the main IC 606a is mounted on the socket 606g, the terminals 606a1 of the main IC 606a and the socket pins of the socket 606g are electrically connected to each other, whereby the main IC 606a and the main control board 600 are electrically connected.

[0505] Also, in the upper surface portion (between the socket 606g and the main IC 606a) in the short side direction of the socket 606g, a notch 606g1 recessed toward the bottom surface portion of the socket 606g is formed, and in the bottom surface portion (between the socket 606g and the main control board 600) in the short side direction of the socket 606g, a notch 606g2 recessed toward the upper surface portion of the socket 606g is formed.

[0506] Since the main body of the socket 606g is formed of a transparent or translucent resin material, it is possible to visually confirm that there are no unauthorized parts through the main body of the socket 606g. In this example, furthermore, since a mirror 647 is provided near one end side in the longitudinal direction of the main IC 606a, the states of the notch 606g1 and the notch 606g2 can be visually observed by the mirror 647, and it is possible to visually confirm that there are no unauthorized parts between the socket 606g and the main IC 606a or between the socket 606g and the main control board 600.

[0507] The LED 606e is an electronic component having a plurality of light-emitting portions (LED elements) capable of outputting light, and is a component with a maximum height h3.

[0508] The verification terminal 606f is a terminal to which an inspection terminal (not shown) can be connected, and is a terminal with a maximum height h4. When an inspection terminal is connected to this verification terminal 606f, the checksum is confirmed by the inspection terminal, and it is determined whether the main control board 600 connected to the inspection terminal is a legitimate main control board.

[0509] In this example, a verification terminal 606f with a maximum height h4 higher than the maximum height h3 of the LED 606e is mounted in a region closer to the main IC 606a and the mirror 647 than the LED 606e.

[0510] According to this example, due to the verification terminal 606f, it becomes difficult for the light output from the LED 606e to be reflected onto the mirror member (mirror 647). As a result, the back side and terminal portion of the main IC 606a become more visible through the mirror member (mirror 647), making it easier for store employees of the game parlor or the like to notice it illegally.

[0511] In this example, an example of mounting a verification terminal on the main control board 600 is shown. However, when mounting a light output means (e.g., a lamp or an LED) capable of outputting light or a display means (e.g., an LED segment display) capable of displaying on the main control board 600, a component with a maximum height higher than the maximum height of the light output means or the display means may be mounted in a region closer to the main IC 606a and the mirror 647 than these light output means and display means. The component is not limited to the verification terminal.

[0512] FIG. 42(b) is a side view seen from the direction indicated by the line B-B in FIG. 41.

[0513] On the bottom surface 642a of the substrate housing 642 of the main board housing case 640 (substrate case), a pedestal 643 on which the mirror 647 (mirror member) can be attached is provided. This pedestal 643 has an inclined surface 643a inclined at a predetermined angle α (e.g., 60 degrees) with respect to the mounting surface 600a of the main control bo...

Claims

1. A first operating means; A second operating means; a door body in which the first operating means and the second operating means are disposed; A gaming machine equipped with The door body has a region (hereinafter referred to as a "rough surface region") that is rougher than the operation surface of the first operation means, The door has a rough surface area (hereinafter referred to as the "first rough surface area") between the first operating means and the second operating means, When a direction in which a second virtual line perpendicular to a first virtual line connecting a center of an operation surface of the first operation means and a center of an operation surface of the second operation means is defined as a first direction, a distance of the first rough surface region in the first direction is longer than a distance of the operation surface of the first operation means in the first direction; When one side of the second virtual line is defined as a first side, the rough surface area (hereinafter referred to as a "second rough surface area") is also provided on the first side of the operation surface of the first operation means on the door body and on the first side of the operation surface of the second operation means on the door body, the second rough surface area extends from the first side of the operating surface of the first operating means to the first side of the operating surface of the second operating means on the door body; When the other side of the second virtual line is defined as a second side, the second side of the operation surface of the first operation means on the door body and the second side of the operation surface of the second operation means on the door body also have the rough surface area (hereinafter referred to as a "third rough surface area"); The third rough surface area extends from the second side of the operation surface of the first operation means to the second side of the operation surface of the second operation means on the door body. A gaming machine characterized by:

2. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, The first operating means and the second operating means are configured to be slidably operated, The slide operation is an operation of sliding a player's finger along an operation surface of a plurality of operation means when operating the plurality of operation means, providing the rough surface area between the first operating means and the second operating means to improve the smoothness of the player's fingers during the slide operation; A gaming machine characterized by:

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