Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine having features in its door.SOLUTION: The game machine is configured to have an openable / closable door and the door is configured to have a first component and a second component. The first component includes a decoration member and a cover member for securing the decoration member to the first component. Further, the cover member is configured to be able to detachably attached to the first component on the front face of the game machine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 27

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART A pachinko machine is known as one type of gaming machine (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the door body of conventional gaming machines.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine having a distinctive door body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine having an openable and closable door body, and the door body has a first configuration. section The first component includes a decorative member and a cover member that fixes the decorative member to the first component, and the cover member is configured to be detachable from the first component at the front of the gaming machine. and , 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") and a state in which the cover member cannot be removed from the first component (hereinafter referred to as the "second state"). The door body is provided with a first restricting member that restricts the first component from changing from the second state to the first state. The first restricting member is a member that can be operated when the door body is opened. The first component is provided with a second restricting member that restricts the removal of the cover member from the first component. The second restricting member is a member that can be operated when the first component changes from the second state to the first state. This is a gaming machine characterized by the above. [Effects of the Invention]

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

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0010] <Overall Configuration> First, with reference to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of an 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 (player side).

[0011] The enclosed gaming machine 100 includes, as external structures, 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 (such as island equipment) provided in a gaming machine installation and business store. The main body 104, also called an inner frame or a frame, is a member provided inside the outer frame 102 and is a vertically rectangular gaming machine base shaft body that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 102 via a hinge portion 112. Further, when the main body 104 is opened, it is provided with 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 on its inner side. 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 is provided with 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 attached to the lower side of the main body 104 on the front surface of the pachinko machine 100 so as to be lockable and openable. The lower door 108 includes a ball launch handle 134 (launch operation means) for launching a game ball guided to a launch device by a player's operation into the game area of the game board 200, an effect button 136 for changing the effect mode of various effect devices by a player's operation, 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 divided into 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 from 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 control programs 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 controlling the display of a special symbol display device (first special figure display device 212, second special figure display device 214), a drive circuit for controlling the display of a normal symbol display device 210, a drive circuit for controlling the display 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 (wing root members of the second special figure start port, door members of variable winning ports, etc.).

[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] In addition, the main control unit 300 is 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 enabled.

[0021] Note 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. The basic circuit 402 is equipped with a CPU 404, a ROM 406 in which various production data and the like are stored, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, and the like.

[0023] In addition, the basic circuit 402 is equipped with a detection sensor for detecting the depression of the production button 136, a sound source IC for controlling the speaker 120 (and amplifier), a drive circuit for controlling various lamps 418, a drive circuit for driving and controlling the production 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, and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 434 and the like that read out the data for image display stored in the ROM 506 based on signals from the CPU 504, generate a display image using the work area of the VRAM 436, and display the image on the decorative symbol display device (liquid crystal display device) 157.

[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 provided 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, and the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600, and the frame control unit 600 and the launch control unit 630 are configured to be able to 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 is equipped with 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 operating means), or a subtraction sensor 618 (detection means), a drive circuit for performing display control of the game ball number display device 619, a drive circuit for performing drive control of the ball lifting motor 601 of the 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 gaming 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 gaming 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 operating means for performing an operation to debit the "money balance" stored in the 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 debited 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 count button 617, the number of game balls managed by the frame control unit 600 can be transferred to the lending device 614 and stored in the card.

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

[0033] The power supply control unit 660 converts the AC power supply externally supplied 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 Gaming Balls> Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the flow of gaming balls in the enclosed gaming machine 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the flow of gaming balls in the enclosed gaming machine 100.

[0035] In the enclosed gaming machine 100, the gaming 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 lift-up 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 the hitting direction conversion member, game nails, 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 without winning (entering the ball) into any of the winning openings or starting openings, or only passing through the general figure starting opening and reaching the out opening 240.

[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 arranged 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 arranged on the back side of the game board 200 via the out opening 240 at the lower part of the game board 200, 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, the enclosed gaming machine 100 is the same as a conventional pinball machine (pachinko machine) in that the player plays the game by hitting the game balls onto the playing surface of the game board 200. 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 are no upper trays or lower trays, and basically, the player cannot directly touch the game balls.

[0042] In the enclosed gaming machine 100, 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). Therefore, 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, 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. When it is determined that a "short press" operation has been received, the value "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, every 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. When it is determined that a "long press" operation has been received, when the number of game balls is 250 or more, the value "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, the value corresponding to all the game balls (for example, when the number of game balls is 150, the value "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 sign T7c immediately after the prize balls indicated by reference sign 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, which is the number of game balls transmitted by the gaming machine information notification command at the timing indicated by reference sign T7a, in step S103, 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 ball number (count data), 0 is set as the correction-scheduled data of the count data (count ball number).

[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 sign 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, which is the number of game balls transmitted by the gaming machine information notification command at the timing indicated by reference sign T8b, in step S103, 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 ball number (count data), 245 is set as the correction-scheduled data of the count data (count ball number).

[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 information of the number of game balls data. 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 uncorrected 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 correction planned 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 (in this example, 1) from the number of game balls (in this example, 1) is 0 (= number of game balls 1 - planned count number 1), the subtraction result obtained by subtracting 1 from the planned count number (in this example, 1) (in this example, 0) 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 and the counting process for counting the number of game ball data overlap, since the value (1 ball) corresponding to the first operation mode (short press) of a predetermined operation means (count button 617) is not counted from the 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 numeral 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 obtained by subtracting 1 from the planned count number (250 in this example) (249 in this example) is set as the count data (counted number of balls) in step S108.

[0059] For example, if the processing is performed without any restrictions on the firing 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 and the firing of game balls 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, game balls are fired, resulting in problems. However, according to this example, even when the firing of game balls and the counting process for counting the number of game ball data overlap, since a value (250 balls) corresponding to the first operation mode (long pressing) of a predetermined operation means (count 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 from the firing 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 firing control unit 630 to the frame control unit 600. The firing 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 firing 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. 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. 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 command types 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 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, and main control chip product code. 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, if the frame control unit 600 receives this command normally from the main control unit 300 after the communication line is disconnected, 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 ball number, and the number of bonus balls. [[ID=ll]]

[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 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 ball number, the lent ball number, and the total number of bonus 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 chronological order 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 launch of the game ball. 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 fails to receive the gaming machine installation information notification command within 180 s (3 minutes) from startup, it reports 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 figure, 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 again, 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 improved, 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 break error by the main control unit> FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication in chronological order when a communication line break error occurs in the communication between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600 by 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 becomes a disconnection error due to a communication line break, and an error notification indicating that it is a disconnection error is given, and the game is in a stopped state until it returns from a power failure.

[0093] At the timing indicated by reference sign 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 sign 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 sign 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 notification messages to the frame control unit 600 a total of 10 times at a cycle of 108 ms. However, since the response messages 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 sign T24, a disconnection error occurred as a communication line disconnection, and an error notification for notifying 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 game 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 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 (a gaming machine installation information notification command or a gaming machine information notification command), a disconnection error occurs due to a communication line disconnection, and an error notification indicating that it is a disconnection error is issued.

[0098] At the timing indicated by symbol T31, the main control unit 300 transmits the nth 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 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 occurs due to a communication line disconnection at the timing indicated by symbol T35, and an error notification indicating that it is a disconnection error 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] Figure 11(a) is a diagram showing the 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: the gaming machine information notification command, the counting notification command, the lending notification command, and the 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] Figure 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: the hall control - illegal monitoring information command, the gaming machine installation information command, and the gaming machine performance information command. The hall control - illegal monitoring information command can be further classified into two types: the hall control - illegal monitoring information command (with main control state update or with gaming information) and the hall control - illegal monitoring information command (without main control state update and without gaming information).

[0107] The "priority" shown in Figure 11(b) indicates the priority at the time of command transmission. When the transmission timings of multiple types of commands overlap, the command with a higher "priority" is transmitted first. In this example, the order of transmission priority from high to low is: 1: hall control - illegal monitoring information command (with main control state update or with gaming information), 2: gaming machine installation information command, 3: gaming machine performance information command, 4: hall control - 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 a hall computer-illegal monitoring information command (with main control state update or game information) to the lending device 614 at a period of 300 ms after the startup of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is completed, and transmits a gaming machine installation information command to the lending device 614 at a period 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 period 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 period 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 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 in hand 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" since 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), during high probability, during time shortening, during probability variation, or during a favorable state, during jackpot + time shortening, during probability variation, or during a favorable state, information such as a firing stop request, etc. The "game machine error state" is information such as the type of error that has occurred, and the "illegal detection state" is information including information such as during setting change / setting confirmation, RAM clear, during error occurrence, during complete function operation, etc. The "performance information state notification" is information including information such as non-time shortening, time shortening, during 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 times of jackpot, etc.

[0113] In the hall console - illegal monitoring information command (without updating the main control state and without game information), among the information transmitted by the hall console - 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), accessory ratio, continuous accessory ratio, number of times of jackpot, 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 by 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 by continuous accessory operation / total number of acquired game balls) × 100.

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

[0117] <Frame control unit and lending device communication / counting notification command> The counting 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 game balls to be counted (0 to 250 balls), and transmits information indicating 0 balls even if the operation of the counting 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 game machine 100, and is cleared to 0 after the power-on of the enclosed game machine 100.

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

[0120] <Frame control unit and lending device communication / lending notification command> 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 game balls lent from the lending device 614 to the enclosed game machine 100.

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

[0123] <Frame control unit and lending device communication / lending receipt result response command> 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 chronological order. In the following drawings, for the sake of clarity of the drawings, the character "command" in each command name may be omitted.

[0127] After 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, within the 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 - illegal monitoring information command among the game machine information notification commands. However, since the main control state among the game machine information has no update and there is no game information, the frame control unit 600 transmits the hall control - illegal 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, 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, the frame control unit 600 transmits the count notification command to the lending device 614.

[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 has not been 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 has elapsed after the start - up 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 has elapsed after the start - up 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 given priority and 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] Also, when the frame control unit 600 receives the number of lent balls from the lending device 614, the frame control unit 600 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] <Frame control unit and lending device communication / Priority transmission of gaming machine information notification (with gaming information)> FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the priority transmission of a gaming machine information notification command (with gaming 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 / cheating monitoring information command among the gaming machine information notification commands 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 among the gaming machine information notification commands to the lending device 614 at a cycle of 60 s after the startup of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is completed.

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

[0142] At the timing indicated by the symbol T53, 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 installation information command whose transmission timing overlaps 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 gaming machine performance information command among the gaming machine information notification commands to the lending device 614 at a cycle of 180 s after the startup of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is completed.

[0144] At the timing indicated by symbol T54, since 180 seconds have elapsed since the startup 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 the 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 prioritized 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 operation of "long pressing" the count button 617 was received in the state where the number of gaming balls was 1000 and the cumulative count ball number was 0, the value "250" representing 250 balls is set for the count ball number, and the count ball number 250 is added to the cumulative count ball number 0 to update the cumulative count ball number to 250.

[0149] At the timing indicated by symbol T1b, after 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 = 1000 to the lending device 614, 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, after transmitting a counting notification command including the counted serial number = m (m is a positive integer), the counted number of balls = 250, and the cumulative counted number of balls = 250 to the lending device 614, the number of game balls is updated to 750 by subtracting the counted number of balls 250 from the number of game balls 1000.

[0150] At the timing indicated by symbol T1d, the lending device 614 that has received the counting notification command adds the counted number of 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, and since the number of lent balls is 0, transmits a lending notification command including the 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 lending serial number = k and the lending ball number receipt result = normal to the lending device 614.

[0152] Thereafter, in this example, in the state where the number of game balls is 750 and the cumulative counted number of balls is 250, the "long press" operation of the counting button 617 continues, and since the second "long press" operation of the counting button 617 is received, the numerical value "250" representing 250 balls is set for the counted number of balls, and the counted number of balls 250 is added to the cumulative counted number of balls 250 to update the cumulative counted number of balls to 500.

[0153] At the timing indicated by the symbol T1f, 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. Then, 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, the frame control unit 600 transmits 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. After that, the frame control unit 600 subtracts the counting number of balls 250 from the number of game balls 750 and updates the number of game balls to 500.

[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. 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 + 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 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.

[0156] At the timing indicated by the symbol T1j, the long-press operation of the counting button 617 is released. Then, at the subsequent timing indicated by the symbol T1k, 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. Then, 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, the frame control unit 600 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 number of counted balls is 0, the lending device 614 that has received the counting notification command 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 lending ball number = 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 the frame control unit and the 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 consecutive 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), number of counted balls = 0, and cumulative number of counted balls = 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 the number of lent balls = 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 number of lent balls 125 included in the received lending notification 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. Thereby, the lending device 614 confirms that the frame control unit 600 has normally received information such as the number of lent balls.

[0165] At the timing indicated by the symbol T2f, since the number of game balls is 175, the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification including the information of serial number = n + 1 and the number of game balls = 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 chronological order 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 number of game balls 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 the number of game balls = 1000 to the lending device 614. Then, at the timing indicated by the subsequent 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 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 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 symbol T3e, it transmits a gaming machine information notification command including information of serial number = n + 1 and gaming ball count = 1000 to the lending device 614.

[0170] At the timing indicated by symbol T3f, since a communication interruption (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 symbol T3g, since the counting button has become invalid, 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 interruption (cable disconnection) has occurred, the lending device 614 has not received the command normally.

[0172] Also, at the timing indicated by symbol T3h, the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification command including information of serial number = n + 2 and gaming ball count = 1000 to the lending device 614. Then, at the subsequent timing indicated by 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 interruption (cable disconnection) has occurred, the lending device 614 has not received these commands normally.

[0173] At the timing indicated by the reference sign 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 the state of VL = ON (game ball launch permission state) is reached, the store clerk of the game parlor checks the cable connection status.

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

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

[0176] At the timing indicated by the reference sign T3o, a game machine information notification command including the information of serial number = n + 4 and the number of game balls = 1000 is transmitted to the lending device 614. At the timing indicated by the reference sign T3p, within the period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after transmitting the game machine information notification command, a counting notification command including the information of counting serial number = m + 4, counting ball number = 0, and cumulative counting 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 of lending serial number = k + 1 and lending ball number = 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 of lending serial number = k + 1 and 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 is continued.

[0180] Specifically, at the timing indicated by the symbol T4a, since the first "long press" operation of the counting button 617 is received in the state of the number of gaming balls being 1000 and the cumulative counted ball number being 0, the numerical value "250" representing 250 balls is set to 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 of serial number = n (n is a positive integer) and 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, after transmitting a counting notification command including information of counting serial number = m (m is a positive integer), counted ball number = 250, and cumulative counted ball number = 250 to the lending device 614, 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 of lending serial number = k (k is a positive integer) and lending ball number = 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 of lending serial number = k and 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 "long press" operation of the count button 617 continues, and since the second "long press" operation of the count button 617 is received, the numerical value "250" representing 250 balls is set to 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 of serial number = n + 1 and 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 of count serial number = m + 1, counted ball number = 250, and 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 the 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 received the command normally.

[0187] On the other hand, since the lending device 614 has not received the gaming machine information notification command from the frame control unit 600 normally, it detects a communication abnormality, and sets VL = OFF (firing disabled state) and PSI = OFF (counting button invalid state) at the latest 300 ms after detecting the communication abnormality. Also, since the frame control unit 600 has not received the lending notification command for the counting notification command from the lending device 614 normally, it sets VL = OFF (firing disabled state, counting button invalid).

[0188] In the frame control unit 600, since the counting 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 counting notification command including the information of counting 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 received 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 firing of gaming balls) and PSI = ON (state enabling the counting button).

[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 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 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 reception 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 after the lending device 614 transmitted a lending notification command to the frame control unit 600 and the frame control unit 600 has not received a lending reception 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 ball number = 0, and cumulative counting ball number = 0 to the lending device 614.

[0198] The lending device 614 has not been able to normally receive a lending reception 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 ball number = 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, it transmits a lending reception result response command including information of lending ball number reception result = abnormal.

[0200] In this example, at the timing indicated by the code T5i, the frame control unit 600 has received a lending notification command including the information of lending serial number = k and the 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 the 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 has received 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 the information of consecutive number = n + 1 and the number of game balls = 175 to the lending device 614. [[ID=X]] [[ID=X]]

[0204] [[ID=X]] <Communication between the frame control unit and the lending device / During the 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 chronological order.

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

[0206] Here, the "total number of launched game balls" in FIG. 20 is the total 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 is transmitting 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 counted 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 towards the game board 200 (the game ball passes through the subtraction sensor 618), 1 is set for the number of launched balls, and the number of game balls is updated from 1000 to 999 by subtracting 1 from the number of game balls.

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

[0210] At the timing indicated by the 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 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 the symbol T6f, after the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification command, within a period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less, the frame control unit 600 transmits a counting notification command including information of counting serial number = m + 1, number of counted balls = 0, and cumulative number of counted balls = 0 to the lending device 614. After that, 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 the symbol T6g, since the number of lent balls of the lending device 614 that has received the counting notification command is 0, the lending device 614 transmits a lending notification command including information of lending serial number = k + 1 and number of lent balls = 0 to the frame control unit 600. At the timing indicated by the symbol T6h, the frame control unit 600 that has received the lending notification command transmits a lending receipt result response command including information of lending serial number = k + 1 and lending ball number receipt result = normal to the lending device 614.

[0213] At the timing indicated by the 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 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 for 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 gaming machine information notification command, after transmitting a counting notification command including information of counting serial number = m + 2, counting ball number = 0, and cumulative counting 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 updates the number of launched balls from 1 to 0 and adds 1 to the number of game balls to update 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 counting 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 gaming 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 counting button> FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 over time when the increase in the number of game balls and the short press of the counting 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, since the number of game balls increases by 1 due to a winning ball at the timing indicated by symbol T7b, 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 (the planned number of counts) 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 data to be corrected for the counting data (the 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, in a situation where the detection means (ball detection sensor) detects a game ball during a predetermined period and the game ball number data (data on the number of game balls) increases (the situation shown by reference numeral T7b in FIG. 21, where the number of game balls increases by one due to a prize ball), when a counting process is executed during the predetermined period due to the operation of a predetermined operation means (counting button 617), the value corresponding to the operation of the predetermined operation means (counting button 617) (1 indicating one ball) may not be counted.

[0224] According to this example, after transmitting the game ball number data information (game machine information notification command) to an 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 game 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 on the lending serial number = k (k is a positive integer) and the 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 on the lending serial number = k and the 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 on the consecutive number = n + 1 and the number of game balls = 1 to the lending device 614. Then, at the subsequent timing indicated by reference numeral T7h, since 0 is set as the correction planned 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 on the counting serial number = m + 1, the counted ball number = 0, and the cumulative counted ball number = 0 is transmitted to the lending device 614.

[0227] Also, 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 as the counted ball number, and the counted ball number 1 is added to the counted cumulative ball number 0 to update the counted cumulative 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 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 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 information of serial number = n + 2 and game ball number = 1 to the lending device 614. Then, at the subsequent timing indicated by the code T7m, since the counted ball number and the counted cumulative 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 information of count serial number = m + 2, counted ball number = 1, and counted cumulative 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 held ball number 0 and updates the held ball number 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 the serial number = n (n is a positive integer) and the 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 the state where the number of game balls is 245 and the cumulative counted ball number is 0, the "long press" operation of the counting button 617 is received at the timing indicated by reference symbol T8a.

[0236] However, since the numerical 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 in the gaming machine information notification command transmitted at the timing indicated by reference symbol T8b, without setting the numerical value 250 indicating 250 balls, which is the count corresponding to the "long press" operation of the counting button 617, as the counted ball number (counting data), 245 is set as the correction planned data of the counting data (counted ball number) (step S103 of the counting process shown in FIG. 4). At the timing indicated by reference symbol T8d, a counting notification command including the counting serial number = m (m is a positive integer), the counted ball number = 245, and the cumulative counted ball number = 245 is transmitted to the lending device 614. Then, the counted ball number 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, in a situation where the detection means (ball detection sensor) detects a game ball during a predetermined period and the game ball count 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), when the counting process is executed during the predetermined period due to the operation of a predetermined operation means (counting button 617), 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 information on the game ball count data (game machine information notification command) to an external device (lending device 614) and before transmitting the information on the counting data (counting notification command) during a predetermined period, in a situation where the game ball count data increases, it is possible to prevent the transmission of more counting data information than the game ball count data information. Therefore, by preventing the transmission of 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, it transmits a lending notification command including information on 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 on 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 on the sequential 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. During 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 + 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, during the period of 90 ms or more and less than 100 ms 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 machine according to the present embodiment (for example, the enclosed gaming machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine 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 count button 617 shown in FIG. 2). The control means is a 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 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 zero. The control means is a 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 count 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 count data (for example, the counted ball number 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 may not count a value corresponding to the operation of the predetermined operation means when the counting process due to the operation of the predetermined operation means is executed during the predetermined period 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 due to a prize ball, indicated by reference numeral T7b in FIG. 21, and (2) the situation where the number of game balls increases by 15 due to a prize ball, indicated by reference numeral T8c in FIG. 22). This is a gaming machine characterized by the above.

[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 potentially lead to an error state. However, according to the gaming table according to this 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 avoiding transmitting information that could be misrecognized as improper behavior or a malfunction to the external device, the smooth operation of the gaming table becomes possible.

[0246] Also, when the game ball count data is equal to or greater than a first value (e.g., 251 balls) and the predetermined operating means is operated in a first operating 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 operating means is operated in the first operating 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 operating means is operated in the first operating 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 operating means in the first operating 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 count data, and after transmitting the information of the game ball count data to an external device and before transmitting the information of the count data in a predetermined period, in a situation where the game ball count data has increased, it is possible to prevent transmitting more count data information than the information of the game ball count data. Therefore, by preventing the transmission of information that may be misrecognized as fraud or a 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 ball launch handle 134 by the player, which is output by the launch intensity output circuit provided in the 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 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" 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, respectively.

[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 is set to ON or OFF by the frame control unit 600 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 (e.g., 640 ms) has elapsed since the reference signal flag was 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 (e.g., 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 (e.g., 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, each 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 �32 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 Frame Control Unit and Launch Control Unit / Launch Operation with 1 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 1.

[0257] At the timing indicated by symbol T10a, the launch control unit 630 drives the ball feed solenoid 634 of the ball feeder 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).

[0258] At the timing indicated by 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 a game ball, 1 is subtracted from the current number of game balls 1 (step S302 of the game ball subtraction process shown in FIG. 6), the number of game balls is updated from 1 to 0, and the reference signal flag is set to OFF (reset) (step S304 of the game ball subtraction process shown in FIG. 6).

[0259] At the timing indicated by 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 Frame Control Unit and Launch Control Unit / Launch Operation and Counting Operation with 1 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 1.

[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 process 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, the frame control unit 600 determines that the "short press" operation of the count button 617 has been received, and sets the numerical value "1" representing one ball to 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 in the frame control unit 600, 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 (this example) is set to the counted ball number, and the game ball number is maintained at 1 (= 1 - 0).

[0264] At the timing indicated by symbol T11c, 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 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 (reset) to OFF (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 the drive of the ball feed solenoid 634 and the OFF state of the subtraction sensor signal 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 game ball number 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 in 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 balls are performed when the number of game balls is 250.

[0269] At the timing indicated by symbol T12a, the launch control unit 630 drives the ball feed solenoid 634 of the ball feed device 127 to supply a game ball to the launch position of the launch rail 149, and based on the drive of 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 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 the 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] Further, since the reference signal flag is set to ON, the frame control unit 600 determines whether the subtraction result 0 (= 250 game balls - 250 planned count) obtained by subtracting the planned count (250 in this example) from the number of game balls (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 (250 in this example) is set as the counted number of balls, and the number of game balls is updated from 250 to 1 (= 250 - 249).

[0272] At the timing indicated by the symbol T12c, 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 a 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), updates the number of game balls to 0, and sets (resets) the reference signal flag to OFF (step S304 of the game ball subtraction process).

[0273] At the timing indicated by the symbol T12d, the launch control unit 630 drives the launch solenoid 632 of the launcher 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 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, and although there are no game balls as the game ball number data, game balls will be 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 press) of a predetermined operation means (counting button 617) is not counted from the game ball number data (250 balls), appropriate processing becomes possible.

[0275] <Control by the Frame Control Unit and the Launch Control Unit / Launch Operation and Counting Operation at 251 Game Balls> 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 symbol T13a, 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 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).

[0277] At the timing indicated by symbol 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 count 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 count number 250) obtained by subtracting the planned count number (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 count number (250 in this example), the number of game balls is updated from 251 to 1 (= 251 - 250).

[0279] At the timing indicated by symbol 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 launch device 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 feed device 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) 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) of 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) of 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 does not correct the number of counted balls to 0 for counting).A gaming table characterized by the above.

[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 (250 balls) by long pressing overlap, 250 balls will be counted. Although there are no game balls in terms of the game ball number data, the problem occurs that the game ball is launched. However, according to the gaming table according to the present 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, when the game ball number data is equal to or greater than the first value (for example, 251 balls) and 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. When the game ball number data is the second value (for example, 250 balls) and 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. When the game ball number data is a third value (for example, 249 balls) smaller than the second value and 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. When the game ball number data is the second value (for example, 250 balls) and 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 firing of the game balls overlaps with the counting processing for counting the game ball number data, appropriate processing can be performed.

[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, a UI unit 162 that is detachably attached to the central portion in the front view below the glass frame base 152, and the like.

[0293] Further, the upper unit 154 (first component) is detachably attached with a design film 164 (decoration member) made of a decorative sheet having decorativeness and a design film cover 166 (cover member) for fixing the design film 164 (decoration member) to the upper unit 154 (first component).

[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) and the like can be easily performed, and a gaming table with high convenience can be provided.

[0295] 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, there were problems such as the overall atmosphere of the gaming table not being as intended by the manufacturer, or the frame becoming less decorative when it was made on the premise of being reused. According to this example, by making the decorative sheet (design film 164) replaceable, when introducing another type of gaming table, while reusing the frame (front frame door 106), it is possible to adopt a decorative sheet (design film 164) that matches the gaming table 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 employees 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 168b, and a screw part (not shown) extending from the base end of the head 168b.

[0300] By rotating the drive part 168a of this manual screw 168 in one direction (for example, clockwise), the screw part can be tightened. When the 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 the 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, and lifting the upper unit 154 upward with respect to the glass frame base 152, when the slide lock 170 is slid 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. 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 the 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) that can lock the lower part of the design film cover 166 to the upper unit 154 are covered by the upper unit 154 and cannot be operated, so that 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 unlock 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 unlock position shown in Fig. 31(c), the locking portion 154c (design film cover locking mechanism) that can lock the lower part of the design film cover 166 to the upper unit 154 appears from below the upper unit 154 to the front and can be operated, so that 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 unlock 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 the 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] Therefore, 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) in which the design film cover 166 (the cover member) can be removed from the upper unit 154 (the first component) shown in Fig. 31(b) to the state (the second state) in which the design film cover 166 (the cover member) cannot be removed from the upper unit 154 (the first component) shown in Fig. 31(c).

[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 in which the design film cover 166 cannot be removed from the upper unit 154) to the first state (the state in which the design film cover 166 can be removed from the upper unit 154).

[0319] When one side is in a state where the screw portion of the manual screw 168 is loosened and the slide lock 170 is slid to the unlock position, the fixation (fastening) between the upper unit 154 and the glass frame base 152 is released, and the fixation (locking) between the upper unit 154 and the glass frame base 152 is released. Therefore, the upper unit 154 can be moved from the lock position shown in Fig. 31(b) to the unlock position shown in Fig. 31(c).

[0320] For this reason, when the screw portion of the manual screw 168 is loosened and the slide lock 170 is slid to the unlock position, it is 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 part) 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 part).

[0321] According to this example, the first component part (the upper unit 154) includes a second restricting member (the upper lock 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 (the design film cover 166) from the first component part (the upper unit 154). Since the second restricting 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 part (the 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 pranks and improper acts.

[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, replacement of the decorative member and the like 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) that regulates 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 a player or the like, and to prevent mischief 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, there were problems such that the atmosphere of the entire gaming table did not match what the manufacturer intended, or if it was manufactured on the premise that the frame would be reused, it would have low decorativeness. 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 as viewed from the front. The game board 200 is provided with a predetermined ball entrance, for example, a general winning port 226, a normal pattern start port 228, a second special pattern start port 230, a first special pattern start port 232, and a variable winning port 234.

[0332] In this example, two general winning ports 226 are provided at the lower left of the game board 200. When a predetermined ball detection sensor (not shown) detects the entry of a ball into the general winning port 226 (when winning at the general winning port 226), a predetermined number (e.g., 10) of game balls are discharged as prize balls.

[0333] The general diagram start port 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 arranged in the center of the game board 200. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that the game ball has passed through the general diagram start port 228, the pachinko machine 100 starts a general diagram variation game by a general diagram display device (not shown).

[0334] The second special diagram start port 230 is arranged on the right side of the general diagram start port 228 in this example. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects the entry of a ball into the second special diagram start port 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 port 232 is called an electric tulip (electric tulip). In this example, two are arranged side by side in the vertical direction on the right side of the game board 200. The first special diagram start port 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 general diagram variation game and the general diagram display device (not shown) stops displaying the winning symbol, the wing members open and close at a predetermined time interval and a predetermined number of times. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects the entry of a ball into the first special diagram start port 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 port 234 is called a big winning port or an attacker. In this example, only one is arranged in the lower right of the game board 200. The variable winning port 234 is provided with a door member that can be opened and closed. During the closing of the door member, it is impossible for a game ball to enter. When winning a special diagram variation game and the special diagram display device stops displaying the big winning symbol, the door member opens and closes at a predetermined time interval (for example, opening time 29 seconds, closing time 1.5 seconds) and a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects the entry of a ball into the variable winning port 234, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are discharged as bonus balls.

[0337] Furthermore, in the vicinity of these winning openings and starting openings, a plurality of disk-shaped hitting direction conversion members 236 called windmills and a plurality of game nails 238 are arranged. Below the normal pattern starting opening 228, an out opening 240 is provided to guide the game balls that did not win in 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 as viewed from the back. Below the back of the game board 200, a first ball passage 250 through which game balls entering the general winning opening 226 and the normal pattern 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 game balls entering 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 is composed of a first ball passage base 252 horizontally arranged 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 is composed of a second ball passage base 262 vertically arranged 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 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 in an enlarged manner, and FIG. 34(b) is a partially enlarged view of the general winning opening flow path 256.

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

[0343] One end side of the general winning port channel 256 communicates with the general winning port 226 formed in the base member 201, and the other end side communicates with a lower channel 750 (see FIG. 3) disposed below the base member 201. The general winning port channel 256 can discharge the game balls that have entered the general winning port 226 into the lower channel 750. Since the general winning port 226 is a ball entry port (where it is easy for balls to enter) where game balls can enter during normal gameplay, it can be said that the general winning port channel 256 (the first channel) is a channel through which game balls can flow during normal gameplay.

[0344] Also, on the channel of the general winning port channel 256, a screw insertion port 256a into which a screw 257 can be inserted is formed, and the first ball channel base 252 of the first ball channel 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, in the case where the screw is not correctly attached and is loose during the assembly of the channel or the like, game balls will stay on the channel of the first channel (general winning port channel 256). Therefore, it is possible to easily notice assembly mistakes and the like during the pre - shipment trial play inspection and the like, improving convenience.

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

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

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

[0349] If the position of the screw insertion port 256a is close to the outlet of the flow path, it takes time for the game balls to stay in the flow path and overflow from the flow path due to loosening of the screw or the like, and it is not possible to immediately notice a problem during the pre-shipment trial test or the like. However, according to this example, the first flow path (general winning opening flow path 256) has a first opening (flow path inlet 256in) and a second opening (flow outlet 256out). The first opening (flow path inlet 256in) is an opening provided upstream of the second opening (flow outlet 256out), and the screw insertion port 256a is provided at a position closer to the first opening (flow path inlet 256in) than the second opening (flow outlet 256out). Therefore, during the pre-shipment trial test or the like, if the 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, and the convenience can be improved.

[0350] One end of the general drawing start port flow path 258 communicates with the general drawing start port 228 formed in the base member 201, and the other end communicates with a lower passage 750 (see FIG. 3) disposed below the base member 201. The general drawing start port flow path 258 can discharge the game balls that enter 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 games, it can be said that the general drawing start port flow path 258 (the first flow path) is a flow path through which game balls can flow during normal games.

[0351] Also, on the flow path of the general drawing start port flow path 258, a screw insertion port 258a into which a screw 257 can be inserted is formed, 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.

[0352] According to this example, when the screw is not correctly attached and 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 flow path 258). Therefore, it is possible to easily notice assembly mistakes and the like during the pre - shipment trial play inspection and the like, and the convenience can be improved.

[0353] In the first ball passage base 252 of the first ball passage 250, a plurality of screw insertion ports 252a into which a screw 257 can be inserted are also formed at locations other than on the flow paths of the general winning port flow path 256 and the general drawing start port flow path 258. 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.

[0354] According to this example, for the first flow path (general winning port flow path 256 and general drawing start port flow path 258), it is possible to discover loosening of the screw and the like due to the retention of game balls, and it can be stably fixed to the game board 200.

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

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

[0357] The first special figure starting port flow path 266 is a flow path capable of discharging the game balls that have entered the first special figure starting port 232 to the lower passage 750. Since the first special figure starting port 232 is a ball inlet through which it is difficult for game balls to enter during normal games and it is easy for game balls to enter during winning (small winning) games, it can be said that the first special figure starting 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 it is easy for game balls to flow during winning games.

[0358] The variable winning port flow path 267 is a flow path capable of discharging the game balls that have entered the first special figure starting port 232 or the variable winning port 234 to the lower passage 750. Since the first special figure starting port 232 and the variable winning port 234 are ball inlets through which it is difficult for game balls to enter during normal games and it is easy for game balls to enter during winning (small winning or big winning) games, it can be said that the variable winning port flow path 267 (second flow path) is a flow path through which it is difficult for game balls to flow during normal games and it is easy for game balls to flow during winning games.

[0359] The second special figure starting port flow path 268 is a flow path capable of discharging the game balls that have entered the second special figure starting port 230 to the lower passage 750. Since the second special figure starting port 230 is a ball inlet through which game balls can enter (it is easy for game balls to enter) during normal games, it can be said that the second special figure starting port flow path 268 is a flow path through which game balls can flow during normal games.

[0360] In the second ball passage base 262 of the second ball passage 260, a plurality of screw insertion holes 262a into which screws 257 can be inserted are formed at positions other than the first special figure starting port passage 266, the variable winning port passage 267, and the second 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 holes 262a. That is, in this example, screw insertion holes into which screws can be inserted are not formed on the flow paths of the first special figure starting port passage 266, the variable winning port passage 267, and the second special figure starting port passage 268.

[0361] Also, if a screw insertion hole is formed on the second flow path and the screw is not properly attached and is loose, the second flow path will make it difficult for game balls to flow during normal gameplay, so there is a risk that the inspector may not notice during the pre-shipment trial inspection. Therefore, by not forming screw insertion holes into which screws can be inserted on the second flow path, it is possible to prevent the product from being accidentally shipped in a state where the screw is loose.

[0362] According to this example, since no screw insertion holes are formed on the flow paths of the second flow paths (the first special figure starting port passage 266 and the variable winning port passage 267), even if the screw is not properly attached and is loose during the assembly of the flow path or the like, the second flow paths (the first special figure starting port passage 266 and the variable winning port passage 267) will not be affected, and the pre-shipment trial inspection and the like can be carried out quickly.

[0363] Also, for the second flow paths (the first special figure starting port passage 266 and the variable winning port passage 267), it is possible to eliminate the adverse effects caused by the loosening of the screws and the like, and they can be stably fixed to the game board.

[0364] Note that, in this example, all of the game balls that enter the second special figure start port 230, the first special figure start port 232, and the variable winning port 234 are configured to 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 port may be configured to pass through separate ball passages. Further, in this case, a screw insertion port into which a screw can be inserted may be formed on the flow path (for example, the second special figure start port flow path 268) through which the game balls can flow during normal games.

[0365] Also, even when configured such that two types of flow paths, i.e., a flow path through which game balls can flow during normal games and a flow path through which game balls have difficulty flowing during normal games but can flow easily during winning games, merge, a screw insertion port into which a screw can be inserted may be formed on the flow path downstream of the ball entrance port (where it is easy for game balls to enter) through which game balls can enter during normal games.

[0366] <Game board / Ball passage and screw> Next, the relationship between the ball passage and the screw will be described. FIG. 36(a) is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing a ball passage 270 in which a screw insertion port 274 is formed, and FIG. 36(b) is a partial enlarged view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the screw insertion port 274. Further, FIG. 37(a) is a front view showing the ball passage 270 with the upper surface portion 270d omitted.

[0367] The ball passage 270 schematically shows a ball passage in which a screw insertion port 274 into which a screw 272 can be inserted is formed. For example, the general winning port flow path 256 and the general figure start port flow path 258 described with reference to FIG. 34 correspond to this.

[0368] The ball passage 270 is a cylindrical member constituted by a lower surface portion 270a, a left side surface portion 270b and a right side surface portion 270c which are erected along the longitudinal direction on both sides in the short hand direction of the lower surface portion 270, and an upper surface portion 270d which is disposed opposite to the lower surface portion 270a.

[0369] On the lower surface portion 270a of the ball passage 270, a screw insertion hole 274 into which a screw 272 can be inserted is formed, and the ball passage 270 is fixed to the back surface of the game board 200 by the screw 272 inserted into the screw insertion hole 274. 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.

[0370] 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, about 11 mm, to the height h1 of the rib 270e = about 1 mm.

[0371] 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 about 0.5 mm from the lower surface portion 270a, but does not protrude more than the height h1 of the rib 270e = about 1 mm. Therefore, 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.

[0372] On the other hand, when the screw 272 is loosened when attaching the screw 272 to the screw insertion hole 274 during the assembly of the ball passage 270, or when it is not attached normally, as shown in "abnormal (loose)" in FIG. 36(a), the head of the screw 272 protrudes more than the height h1 of the rib 270e = about 1 mm. The game ball BL that has flowed into the ball passage 270 cannot pass between the head of the screw 272 and the upper surface portion 270d and stays in the ball passage 270.

[0373] Also, when the head of the screw 272 protrudes beyond 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 270b (or the right side surface 270c) is a distance of approximately 11 mm or less, which is the diameter of the game ball BL. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 37(a), the game ball BL cannot pass between the head of the screw 272 and the left side surface 270b or between the head of the screw 272 and the right side surface 270c, and will remain in the ball passage 270.

[0374] According to this example, when the screw is not correctly 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 general diagram start port flow path 258). Therefore, it is possible to easily notice assembly mistakes and the like during the pre-shipment trial play inspection and the like, improving 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 correctly 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.

[0375] Fig. 37(b) is a side sectional view schematically showing the ball passage 280 according to a modified example.

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

[0377] On the lower surface portion 280a of the ball passage 280, a screw insertion hole 284 into which a screw 282 can be inserted is formed, and the ball passage 280 is fixed to the back surface of the game board 200 by the screw 282 inserted into the screw insertion hole 284. 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.

[0378] 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 hole 284 without looseness is set to about 1 mm.

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

[0380] <Game board / 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 a flow path through which game balls flow, the flow path including a first flow path (for example, the general winning port flow path 256 and the normal drawing start port flow path 258 shown in FIG. 34(a)) and 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), the first flow path being a flow path through which game balls can flow during normal gaming, the second flow path being a flow path through which it is difficult for game balls to flow during the normal gaming and through which game balls can easily flow during a winning game, and a screw insertion hole (for example, the screw insertion holes 256a and 258a shown in FIG. 34(a)) into which a screw can be inserted being formed on the flow path of the first flow path, but the screw insertion hole not being formed on the flow path of the second flow path.

[0381] According to the gaming machine according to 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 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 the screw insertion port is not formed on the flow path of the second flow path, even when the 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.

[0382] Further, the screw insertion port (for example, the screw insertion port 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)) is such that when the screw (for example, the screw 272 shown in FIG. 36(a)) is not correctly inserted into the screw insertion port (for example, in the case of "abnormal" in FIG. 36(a), when the screw is loose), the game ball that has flowed through the first flow path is provided at a position where it contacts 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)).

[0383] With such a configuration, during the pre-shipment trial inspection or the like, when the game ball stays in the flow path and overflows from the flow path due to the loosening of the screw or the like, it is possible to immediately notice the assembly mistake, and the convenience can be improved.

[0384] Further, it may include a game board (for example, the game board 200 shown in FIG. 32), the screw insertion port (for example, the screw insertion port 262a shown in FIG. 35) 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 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 that is not on the flow path of the second flow path.

[0385] 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 the game balls or the like, and it is possible to stably fix it 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.

[0386] Further, in the first flow path (for example, the general winning opening flow path 256 shown in FIG. 34(b)), there are a first opening (for example, the flow path inlet 256in shown in FIG. 34(b)) and a second opening (for example, the distribution outlet 256out shown in FIG. 34(b)), the first opening is an opening provided upstream of the second opening, and the screw insertion port (for example, 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.

[0387] With such a configuration, in the pre-shipment trial play inspection or the like, when the 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 the assembly error and improve the convenience.

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

[0389] <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).

[0390] 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.

[0391] 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 vertically in three rows 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 changes. 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.

[0392] 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 be shielded for each symbol so that each 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 a light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel is configured to pass 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 symbols on the reel is judged, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

[0393] The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates the valid winning lines 114. The valid winning lines are predetermined 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 valid as the winning lines. Note that the number of the winning lines 114 is not limited to five. Also, for example, when one medal is bet, the five lines including 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. Regardless of the number of bets, the same number of winning lines may be uniformly set as the valid winning lines.

[0394] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that notifies the player that, for example, a specific winning combination (specifically, a bonus) has been internally won in the internal lottery or that a bonus game is in progress. The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying the player that the player can insert game medals. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game is replayable (i.e., medal insertion is not required) when the player wins a replay, which is one of the winning combinations, in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for effect.

[0395] 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. When the bet button 131 is pressed, two medals are inserted, and when the bet button 132 is pressed, three medals are inserted. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as the MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up a number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals. When the specified number of medals is inserted, the game start lamp 121, which notifies that the game start operation is possible, lights up.

[0396] 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. The term "insertion" includes 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 medal payouts 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.

[0397] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when the desired number of medals 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.

[0398] The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started 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. Note that 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.

[0399] 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.

[0400] 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.

[0401] 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).

[0402] Note that it may be a 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. Further, 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. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface.

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

[0404] 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, at a position that does not overlap with the ventilation opening 249 provided at the upper part of the back panel 242, a main control board storage case 640 that houses the main control board 600 inside is arranged. Details of the main control board 600 and the main control board storage case 640 will be described later.

[0405] 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 the information of the slot machine 100 to an external device is attached.

[0406] 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.

[0407] 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.

[0408] The front door 102 is hingedly attached to the side panel 260 on the left side of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276. Above the pattern 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 storage case (not shown) for housing a sub-control circuit board inside, an upper speaker 272, etc. Below the pattern display window 113, there are provided a medal selector 170 for sorting the inserted medals, a passage 266 through which the medals pass when the 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.

[0409] <Main circuit board storage case, mirror> Next, with reference to FIGS. 40 and 41, the main circuit board storage case 640 and the mirror 647 will be described.

[0410] FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view showing the main circuit board storage 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 storage case 640.

[0411] The main circuit board storage case 640 (circuit board case) is a box body formed by combining a board housing 642 (housing) having a substantially rectangular bottom and in the shape of a corner dish, and a lid 644 arranged to cover the space inside the board housing 642.

[0412] In the space inside this main circuit board storage case 640, the main control circuit board 600 (circuit board) is housed in a state of being fixed to the board housing 642 by screws 646. The board housing 642 and the lid 644 are each made of a translucent resin, and the main control circuit board 600 housed inside the main circuit board storage case 640 can be visually recognized from the outside through the main circuit board storage case 640.

[0413] On the lower edge of the substrate container 642, two U-shaped hinge portions 642b are provided. On the lower edge of the lid 644, two hook-shaped hook portions 644a that engage with the hinge portions 642b are provided, and on 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.

[0414] 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.

[0415] 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, 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 board 600 when the main control board 600 is housed in the substrate container 642.

[0416] According to this example, the back side and terminal portion of the IC (main IC 606a) in the state of being mounted on the substrate (main control board 600) can be made visible by the mirror surface member (mirror 647), so it is easier to notice improper behavior. Moreover, since the IC (main IC 606a) can be confirmed in the state where the substrate (main control board 600) is housed in the substrate case (main substrate storage case 640), the confirmation work by store clerks of the game parlor etc. becomes easy, and the convenience can be improved. Also, by providing the mirror surface member (mirror 647) near the IC (main IC 606a), the deterrent effect against improper behavior can be enhanced, and improper behavior can be prevented in advance.

[0417] In addition, since the mirror 647 (mirror member) is provided inside the 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, or unauthorized removal of the mirror member (mirror 647), thereby enhancing maintainability and crime prevention performance.

[0418] 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.

[0419] In this example, an example of providing the mirror 647 (mirror member) 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).

[0420] <Main control board, mirror> Next, the main control board 600 and the mirror 647 will be described with reference to FIG. 41.

[0421] 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 the substrate constituting the main control unit. For example, it may be the sub-control board or the effect control board described with reference to FIG. 39, or other substrates mounted on the gaming table. Also, the gaming table may be provided with a plurality of substrates corresponding to the "substrate" according to the present invention.

[0422] The main control board 600 is composed of a base material 602 in the form 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) etc. mounted on one surface (mounting surface 600a) of the base material 602.

[0423] 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 verification terminal 606f, etc.

[0424] 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.

[0425] In this example, the main IC 606a is mounted on the mounting surface 600a of the main control board 600 via a socket 606g, and 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 made easier to see by the mirror member (mirror 647), making it easier for store clerks etc. in the game arcade to notice it illegally.

[0426] In addition, one longitudinal side (the left side in the longitudinal direction in this example) of the main control board 600 on which the main IC 606a is mounted is close to the side panel 260 on the left side when viewed from the front inside the main body 101 (see FIG. 39), that is, close 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 a 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.

[0427] 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), no other electronic components are provided. Therefore, 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 the back side and terminal portion of the IC (main IC 606a) are easily visible through the mirror member (mirror 647), making it easy for a store clerk or the like of a 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 obstruct the visibility of the mirror member (mirror 647).

[0428] 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, no light output means capable of outputting light (for example, LED 606e) or display means capable of displaying (for example, LED segment display) are provided. Therefore, 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 the back side and terminal portion of the IC (main IC 606a) are easily visible through the mirror member (mirror 647), making it easy for a store clerk or the like of a game parlor to notice any irregularities.

[0429] FIG. 42(a) is a side view seen from the direction indicated by the line A-A in FIG. 41.

[0430] 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.

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

[0432] 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, further, since a mirror 647 is provided near one end side in the longitudinal direction of the main IC 606a, the states of the notch portion 606g1 and the notch portion 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.

[0433] 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.

[0434] 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.

[0435] 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.

[0436] According to this example, since the light output from the LED 606e is less likely to be reflected onto the mirror member (mirror 647) by the verification terminal 606f, the back side and terminal portion of the main IC 606a are more easily visible through the mirror member (mirror 647), making it easier for store employees of the game parlor or the like to notice it illegally.

[0437] In this example, an example of mounting a verification terminal on the main control board 600 has been 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, and the component is not limited to the verification terminal.

[0438] FIG. 42(b) is a side view seen from the direction indicated by the line B - B in FIG. 41.

[0439] 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 board 600, and the mirror 647 (mirror member) is placed and fixed on the upper surface of this inclined surface 643a.

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

[0441] According to this example, the back side and terminal portion of the IC (main IC 606a) are more easily visible, making it easier for store employees of the game parlor or the like to notice it illegally.

[0442] Although an example in which the mirror 647 is erected and tilted in the direction of the main IC 606a has been shown, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, while the mirror 647 is erected and tilted in the direction of the main IC 606a (the first direction), if it is further tilted upward (in the second direction) toward the front door 102, when the error 647 is visually recognized from above the front door 102, the back side and terminal portion of the main IC 606a will be even more visible, and it may be easier for store employees of the game parlor or the like to notice it illegally.

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

[0444] The slot machine according to this example includes a main control board 600 and a board storage case 650 capable of accommodating a peripheral board 652 connected to the main control board 600 via a harness (not shown).

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

[0446] In this example, a mirror 657 is disposed below the opening 650b1 in the second storage portion 650b (the bottom surface of the second storage portion 650b), and store employees of the game parlor or the like can directly visually recognize the mirror 657 through the opening 650b1 (without passing through the board storage case 650).

[0447] According to this example, since the mirror member (mirror 657) can be directly visually recognized without using other members, the visibility of the mirror member (mirror 657) can be enhanced, making it easier to see the back side and terminal portions of the IC (main IC 606a), and making it easier for store employees of the game parlor or the like to notice it illegally.

[0448] Further, the main control board 600 includes a connector CN1 disposed in a region vertically below the front door with respect to the mirror 657, and the peripheral board 652 includes a connector CN2 disposed in a region vertically below the front door with respect to the mirror 657. The connector CN1 of the main control board 600 and the connector CN2 of the peripheral board 652 are electrically connected by a harness (not shown).

[0449] According to this example, since neither the main control board 600 nor the peripheral board 652 has a connector for connecting the two disposed in a region vertically above the front door with respect to the mirror 657, the harness (wiring) connecting the connectors of the two does not hang down above the mirror member (mirror 657), and does not inhibit the visibility of the mirror member (mirror 657). Also, the back side and terminal portions of the IC (main IC 606a) are easier to see, and it becomes easier for store employees of the game parlor or the like to notice it illegally.

[0450] <Main board storage case, main control board, mirror / summary> As described above, the gaming table according to the present embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 38 or the enclosed gaming machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming table including a board (for example, the main control board 600 shown in FIGS. 40 and 41) and a board case (for example, the main board storage case 640 shown in FIGS. 40 and 41) for housing the board. At least an IC (for example, the main IC 606a shown in FIGS. 40 and 41) is mounted on the board, and a mirror member (for example, the mirror 647 shown in FIGS. 40 and 41) is provided in the vicinity of one end side in the longitudinal direction of the IC.

[0451] According to the gaming table according to this embodiment, since the back side and terminal portions of the IC in the mounted state on the substrate can be visually recognized by the mirror member, it becomes easier to notice any improper behavior. Also, since the IC can be checked in a state where the substrate is housed in the substrate case, the checking work by store clerks or the like in the gaming parlor becomes easier, and the convenience can be enhanced. Further, by providing a mirror member in the vicinity of the IC, the deterrent effect against improper behavior can be enhanced, and improper behavior can be prevented beforehand.

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

[0453] With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent dirt, damage, or improper behavior such as removing the mirror member illegally, and the maintainability and crime prevention performance can be enhanced.

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

[0455] With such a configuration, since other electronic components mounted on the substrate are less likely to be reflected in the mirror member, the back side and terminal portions of the IC are more easily visible through the mirror member, and it becomes easier for store clerks or the like in the gaming parlor to notice any impropriety.

[0456] Also, the mirror member may be provided in a state inclined at a predetermined angle (for example, 60 degrees) with respect to the mounting surface of the substrate (for example, the mounting surface 600a shown in FIG. 42(b)) on which the IC is mounted.

[0457] With such a configuration, the back side and terminal portions of the IC are more easily visible, and it becomes easier for store clerks or the like in the gaming parlor to notice any impropriety.

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

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

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

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

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

[0463] In this embodiment, 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 (see Fig. 47(a)). When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are generally displayed vertically in three rows from the symbol display window 113 provided in front of each of the reels 110 to 112, and a total of nine symbols can be seen.

[0464] 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.

[0465] 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 be shielded for each individual symbol so that each individual symbol can be evenly irradiated. In addition, inside the slot machine 100, in the vicinity of each of the reels 110 to 112, an optical sensor composed of a light projecting part and a light receiving part (also referred to as an index sensor. Not shown) is provided, 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 symbols on the reel is judged, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

[0466] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that notifies the player, for example, that it has won internally in a specific winning combination (specifically, a special combination) in the internal lottery described later, or that it is in a bonus game (during a special game state). The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying the player that the player can insert game medals. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (i.e., medal insertion is not required) when winning in a replay combination, which is one of the winning combinations in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is an effect lamp.

[0467] The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In the present embodiment, each time the bet button (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "1-credit bet button") 130 is pressed, one medal is inserted up to a maximum of three medals, and when the bet button (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "2-credit bet button") 131 is pressed, two medals are inserted, and when the bet button (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "MAX bet button") 132 is pressed, three medals are inserted. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as the MAX bet button. Note that the game medal insert 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 start operation is possible, lights up.

[0468] 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 1, 30 to 132, or actual medals can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 141, and "insertion" means including both.

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

[0470] The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for numerically displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game). The paid-out 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, and is also used as an instruction monitor for performing a draw order effect. In this example, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the paid-out number display 127 are composed of 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 a desired number of medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated to operate the start lever 135, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation on the start lever 135 is called the start operation of the game.

[0472] The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons (stop buttons) 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with the respective reels 110 to 112. Note that 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] Hereinafter, an operation on the stop buttons 137 to 139 is referred to as a stop operation. The first stop operation is called the first stop operation (hereinafter, also referred to as "first stop" or "1st stop"). The next stop operation is called the second stop operation (hereinafter, also referred to as "second stop" or "2nd stop"). The last stop operation is called the third stop operation (hereinafter, also referred to as "third stop" or "3rd stop").

[0474] Also, the reels that are stopped corresponding to these stop operations are successively referred to as the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel. Furthermore, the order of operating the stop buttons 137 to 139 to stop all the rotating reels 110 to 112 is referred to as the operation order (or the pressing order).

[0475] When the operation order (pressing order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is represented by the left stop button 137 as "left or L", the middle stop button 138 as "middle or M", and the right stop button 139 as "right or R", there are six types: (1) the operation order of left → middle → right (left middle right or LMR), (2) the operation order of left → right → middle (left right middle or LRM), (3) the operation order of middle → left → right (middle left right or MLR), (4) the operation order of middle → right → left (middle right left or MRL), (5) the operation order of right → left → middle (right left middle or RLM), and (6) the operation order of right → middle → left (right middle left or RMS).

[0476] The medal return button 133 is a button to be pressed to remove jammed inserted medals. The settlement button 134 is a button to settle the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the bet medals and discharge 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.

[0477] In this example, the settlement button 134 is arranged to protrude forward (towards the player side, the direction in which the front door 102 is opened) from the vertical surface 102b of the front door 102 (which is substantially perpendicular to the player in the slot machine 100 and is the outer surface facing the player; refer to Fig. 64(a)). However, it may be arranged to protrude upward (in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the front door 102 is opened) from the horizontal surface 102a of the front door 102, like the effect button 156 or the like.

[0478] At the lower part of the stop button unit 136, a title panel 162 for displaying the model name and attaching various certificates is provided. At the lower part of the title panel 162, a medal payout port 155 and a medal tray 161 are provided. 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 enlivening the game. An effect device 160 is arranged at the upper part of the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided at the upper part of the effect device 160.

[0479] 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 (display means, hereinafter also referred to as "effect image display device") arranged 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 (the player side).

[0480] Note that the display means may be any display device that can display various effect images and various game information, not necessarily a liquid crystal display device. For example, it may be a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device composed of a projector and a screen. Also, the display screen is rectangular and configured such that the entire screen is visible to the player. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Further, a decoration (not shown) may be provided at the periphery of the display screen, and as a result, a part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, making the display screen appear irregular. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface.

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

[0482] The main body 101 is a box body surrounded by an upper panel 261, left and right side panels 260, a lower panel 264, and a rear panel 242, and is open at the front. Inside the main body 101, at a position that does not overlap with the ventilation opening 249 provided at the upper part of the rear panel 242, a main control board storage case 210 for storing the main control board inside is arranged. Below this main control board storage case 210, three reels 110 to 112 are arranged. Also, on the main control board, a main board display 190 composed of a plurality of LEDs is provided. The main board display 190 will be described later with reference to FIG. 56 etc., but the main board display 190 is one of the notification means capable of notifying information related to the game (such as errors and the operation state of the operation means).

[0483] On the side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reels 110 to 112, that is, on the left side panel 260 facing it, a sub-control board storage case 220 for storing the sub-control board inside is arranged. Also, on the right side panel 260 facing it, an external centralized terminal board 248 connected to the main control board and outputting the information of the slot machine

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

[0485] Also, inside the main body 101, there is a reset switch (hereinafter also referred to as "reset SW" or "reset button") 243 that can perform an operation (setting value change operation) for changing the setting by a pressing operation. This reset SW243 is also an operation means that functions as an error release switch capable of performing an operation (error elimination operation) for eliminating various errors described later.

[0486] These setting key SW and reset SW243 are operation means provided at positions where they can be operated only when the front door 102 (door body) is in the open state (open state). When the front door 102 (door body) is in the closed state, the operation is difficult or impossible. In other words, they are operation means that can be operated only by the administrator (such as a store clerk) of the game parlor and cannot be operated by the player.

[0487] Also, inside the main body 101, there is a setting value display device 101a (see FIG. 58(b)) that can display the setting values. In this example, the setting value display device 101a is composed of a 7-segment display. Although the details will be described later, when a setting change operation is performed, the setting value (any one of setting 1 to setting 6) is displayed on the setting value display device 101a, and when the setting value is determined by the operation of the start lever 135, the setting value becomes non-displayed. On the other hand, when a setting confirmation operation is performed, a numerical value indicating the current setting value is displayed on the setting value display device 101a.

[0488] On the lower panel 264, a medal payout device 180 (a device for paying out medals accumulated in a bucket) is disposed. Above this medal payout device 180, that is, below the reels 110 to 112, a power supply device (power supply means) 252 having a power supply board is disposed, and a power switch (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "power SW") 244 is disposed on the front of the power supply device 252. The power supply device (power supply means) 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 such as the main control unit 300, sub-control units 400, 500, etc. and each device described later. Furthermore, it is provided with 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, etc.) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off.

[0489] On the right side of the medal payout device 180, a medal auxiliary storage 240 is disposed, and an overflow terminal is disposed behind this (not shown). 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 formed in the back panel 242 of the main body 101.

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

[0491] In this example, by inserting a key held by the administrator of the game parlor into the door key hole 140 (see FIG. 44), the front door 102 locked in the closed state can be opened. For this reason, the administrator can unlock the front door 102 (change it from the closed state to the open state), but a person other than the administrator (for example, a player) cannot unlock the front door 102.

[0492] On the right side plate 260 of the main body 101, an optical sensor (detection means, hereinafter also referred to as "open / close sensor", not shown in the figure) composed of a light emitting part and a light receiving part is provided, and a light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the front door 102 is configured to pass between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of this open / close sensor.

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

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

[0495] That is, the open / close sensor is a detection means capable of detecting the open / closed state of the front door (door body) 102. When the front door 102 is in the closed state (closed state), the detection state becomes the closed detection state, and when the front door 102 is in the open state (open state), the detection state becomes the open detection state.

[0496] Note that the "detection means" according to the present invention is not limited to an optical sensor, and may be, for example, a magnetic sensor, a proximity switch, a micro switch, a Hall element, etc. Also, it is not limited to those in which the open detection state and the closed detection state always switch with the opening and closing of the door body. Even when the door body is in the open state, it may be possible for the detection state to become the closed detection state, or conversely, even when the door body is in the closed state, it may be possible for the detection state to become the open detection state.

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

[0498] Note that the "predetermined operation" according to the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a DIP switch for setting the opening / closing sensor to the closed detection state may be provided, and as the predetermined operation, the operation of this DIP switch may be performed. Further, when the detection means is constituted by a magnetic sensor, the detection state of the opening / closing sensor may be set to the closed detection state by bringing a magnet close.

[0499] An effect device 160, an effect control board (not shown) for controlling this effect device 160, and a speaker 272 are provided above the symbol display window 113. Below the symbol display window 113, a medal selector 170 for sorting the inserted medals, a passage 266 through which the medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops an illegal medal or the like onto the medal tray 161, and the like are provided. Further, a speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 181.

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

[0501] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is roughly composed of a main control unit (main control means) 300 for controlling the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 for controlling the main effects according to a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as "command") transmitted by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 for controlling various devices based on the command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400.

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

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

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

[0505] The random number value generation circuit 316 generates random number values to be used by the basic circuit 302. Generally speaking, there are two methods for generating random number values in this random number value generation circuit 316: the counter mode and the random number mode. In the counter mode, a value that counts up (or down) at a predetermined time interval is obtained, and this value is derived as the random number value. There are further two methods in the random number mode. The first method in the random number mode is to perform an operation using a predetermined function (such as a modulus function) with the seed of the random number value, and the result of this operation is derived as the random number value. The second method is to read a value from a random number table in which values in the range of 0 to 65535 are randomly arranged, and the read value is derived as the random number value. The random number value generation circuit 316 obtains irregular values by using the white noise superimposed on the signals input from various sensors 318 to the sensor circuit 320. The random number value generation circuit 316 uses the value thus obtained as the initial value of the counter that counts up (or down) in the counter mode, or as the seed of the random number value, or when determining the start position for reading the random number table.

[0506] In addition, the main control unit 300 is equipped with a sensor circuit 320. The CPU 304 monitors the states of various sensors 318 (bed button 130 sensor, bed button 131 sensor, bed button 132 sensor, medal reception sensor for medals inserted from the medal insertion port 141, start lever 135 sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, optical sensors of the reels 110, 111, and 112, open / close sensor, setting key SW sensor, reset SW243 sensor, etc.) at each interrupt time.

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

[0508] The medal reception sensor is installed in two places in the internal passage of the medal insertion port 141 and detects the presence or absence of the passage of the medal. The start lever 135 sensor is installed in two places inside the start lever 135 and detects the start operation by the player. The stop button 137 sensor, the stop button 138 sensor, and the stop button 139 are installed on each of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

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

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

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

[0512] The setting key SW sensor and the reset 243SW sensor are installed on each SW and detect the operation of the SW by a store employee or the like of the game parlor.

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

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

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

[0516] The main control unit 300 also includes an output interface for transmitting commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. 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 40, 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.

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

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

[0519] Also, a sound source IC 418 is provided in the first sub-control unit 400, and speakers 272 and 277 are provided to the sound source IC 418 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls the sound output from the amplifier and the speakers 272 and 277 in response to a command from the CPU 404. An S-ROM (Sound ROM) storing voice data is connected to the sound source IC 418, and the voice data obtained from this ROM is amplified by an amplifier and output from the speakers 272 and 277.

[0520] Also, a drive circuit 422 is provided in the first sub-control unit 400, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162 lamp, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface.

[0521] In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 424 for driving the motor of the shutter 163, and the shutter 163 is provided in the drive circuit 424 via an output interface. This drive circuit 424 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 404.

[0522] The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a sensor circuit 426, and various sensors 428 (cross button 193 sensors, effect button 156 sensors) capable of detecting the pressing operations of the cross button 193 (cross keys (volume buttons) 193a, OK button 193b) and the effect button 156 are connected to the sensor circuit 426 via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the states of the cross button 193 (cross keys (volume buttons) 193a, OK button 193b) and the effect button 156 sensors at each interrupt time.

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

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

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

[0526] Also, a VDP 516 (Video Display Processor) is provided in the second sub-control unit 500, and the ROM 506 and the VRAM 518 are connected to the VDP 516 via a bus. The VDP 516 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on a signal from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 518, and displays the image on the effect image display device 157.

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

[0528] <Symbol Arrangement> Using FIG. 47(a), the symbol arrangements applied to each of the above-described reels 110 to 112 will be described. Note that this figure is a diagram showing the symbol arrangements applied to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) in a planar development.

[0529] On each of the reels 110 to 112, a plurality of types (eight types in this embodiment) of symbols shown on the right side of this figure are arranged for a predetermined number of frames (21 frames numbered 0 to 20 in this embodiment). Also, the numbers 0 to 20 shown at the left end of this figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of the symbols on each of the reels 110 to 112. For example, in this embodiment, a "REPLAY" symbol is arranged in the frame numbered 1 of the left reel 110, a "BELL" symbol is arranged in the frame numbered 0 of the middle reel 111, and a "WATERMELON" symbol is arranged in the frame numbered 2 of the right reel 112.

[0530] <Types of winning combinations> Next, using FIG. 47(b), the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described. Note that this figure shows the types of winning combinations (including operating combinations), the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the operation or payout of each winning combination.

[0531] Among the winning combinations in this embodiment, the big bonuses (BB1, BB2) and the regular bonus (RB) are regarded as combinations that trigger bonus games, and the replay is regarded as a combination that enables replay without inserting new medals. In some cases, they may be distinguished from winning combinations and called "operating combinations". However, the "winning combinations" in this embodiment include the operating combinations, namely, the big bonuses, the regular bonus, and the replay. Also, the "winning" in this embodiment includes the case where a symbol combination of an operating combination without medal payout (without medal payout) is displayed on the active line. For example, it includes winning combinations for the big bonuses, the regular bonus, and the replay.

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

[0533] "Big bonus (BB1, BB2)" (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "BB") is a special combination (active combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started upon winning. The corresponding symbol combinations are "white 7 - white 7 - white 7" for BB1 and "blue 7 - blue 7 - blue 7" for BB2. Also, flag carry - over is performed for BB1 and BB2. That is, when BB1 or BB2 is internally selected, a flag indicating this is set (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM308 of the main control unit 300). Even if BB1 or BB2 does not win in that game, the flag indicating internal selection remains set until winning, and BB1 and BB2 remain internally selected in subsequent games. The symbol combinations corresponding to BB1, "white 7 - white 7 - white 7", and BB2, "blue 7 - blue 7 - blue 7", are in a state where they can win together.

[0534] "Regular bonus (RB)" is a special combination (active combination) in which a regular bonus game (RB game) is started upon winning. The corresponding symbol combination is "bonus - bonus - bonus". Note that flag carry - over is also performed for RB as in the case of BB above. However, (details will be described later) in the big bonus game (BB game), the regular bonus game (RB game) can be started without setting the internal selection of the regular bonus game or the display of the symbol combination on the winning line as start conditions. After the start of the big bonus game, the regular bonus game can be automatically started, and when one regular bonus game ends, the next regular bonus game can be started immediately.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0541] In this example, when a special winning combination is internally won in this high-probability replay state (RT2), the game shifts to a special winning combination internal winning state (RT3) described later.

[0542] <Special winning combination internal winning state (RT3)> The special winning combination internal winning state (RT3) is a game state in which the internal winning flag corresponding to the special winning combination is set to on, and by the player performing a stop operation at a predetermined timing, the symbol combination corresponding to the special winning combination corresponding to this flag can be displayed.

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

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

[0545] Note that in this example, the end condition of the special game state (RT4) is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be when a predetermined winning combination is internally won, when there are winnings a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times), or when a game is played a predetermined number of times (for example, 6 times).

[0546] <Main control unit main process> First, with reference to FIG. 48, the main control unit main process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described. Note that this figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit main process.

[0547] As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When the CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 receives this start signal, it starts resetting by a reset interrupt and executes the main control unit main process according to the control program stored in advance in the ROM 306.

[0548] When the power is turned on, first, various initial setting processes are performed in step S101. Although the details will be described later, in this initial setting process, processes related to initial setting, setting change, return process, etc. are performed.

[0549] In step S102, medal insertion / start operation reception processing is executed. Here, it is determined by detection by the sensor circuit 320 whether there is an electronic medal insertion operation by the bet buttons 130 to 132 or a direct medal insertion operation from the medal insertion port 141. If there is an insertion operation, the winning line display lamp 120 is lit according to the number of inserted medals. Also, preparations are made to send a medal insertion command indicating that medals have been inserted to the first sub-control unit 400. In addition, if a replay winning occurred in the previous game, since a process of inserting the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game is performed, it becomes unnecessary for the player to insert medals.

[0550] Also, it is checked based on the detection of the sensor circuit 320 whether the start lever 135 has been operated. If it is determined that the start operation has been performed, the number of inserted medals is determined, and preparations are made to send a start lever reception command indicating that the start lever 135 has been operated to the first sub-control unit 400.

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

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

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

[0554] In step S108, a reel stop control process is performed. In the reel stop control process, reception of the stop buttons 137 to 139 becomes possible. When any of the stop buttons is pressed, in order to stop the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button, the stop table of the reel stop data is referred to, and any one o...

Claims

Claim 1 A gaming table having a door that can be opened and closed, wherein the door is configured to have a first component, the first component includes a decorative member and a cover member 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, 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") and a state in which the cover member cannot be removed from the first component (hereinafter referred to as the "second state"), the door includes a first restricting member that restricts the first component from changing from the second state to the first state, the first restricting member is a member that can be operated when the door is opened, the first component includes a second restricting member that restricts the removal of the cover member from the first component, the second restricting member is a member that can be operated when the first component changes from the second state to the first state, A gaming table characterized by the above.

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