Gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game board featuring counting processing.SOLUTION: Control means transmits data showing a third value without transmitting data showing a first value as count data when transmitting second the most recent information in execution of counting processing based on a first operation mode until a predetermined period passes in a situation in which game value number data become the first value by the time when a predetermined period passes after the third value is transmitted as the game value number data, does not transmit data showing a fourth value obtained by subtracting the third value from the first value as count data when transmitting next second information when operation means is not operated by the time when second next information is transmitted after the timing for transmitting the second most recent information, and transmits data showing a fourth value as count data when transmitting next second information in a first case and when operation means continue to be operated in a first operation mode until the next second information after the timing for transmitting the second most recent information is transmitted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 22

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an enclosed game table has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the conventional game table has room for improvement in counting processing. [[ID=|37]]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a game table having characteristics in counting processing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine capable of storing the number of game values ​​as game value number data in a predetermined memory area, and comprises control means and predetermined operating means, wherein the control means is a means capable of adding game value data corresponding to the acquisition of the game value to the game value number data, the control means is a means capable of performing a counting process to count the game value number data when the predetermined operating means is operated in a situation where the game value number data is not "0", the control means is a means capable of transmitting first information to an external device at predetermined intervals, and transmitting second information after a predetermined period has elapsed since the transmission of the first information, the first information includes the game value number data, and the second information includes counting data indicating the value counted from the time the previous second information was transmitted until the current second information is transmitted, and the control means is the The control means is a means capable of transmitting data indicating the first value as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information when the predetermined operating means is operated in the first operating mode while the game value data is a first value, and the control means is a means capable of transmitting data indicating the first value as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information when the predetermined operating means is operated in the first operating mode while the game value data is a second value which is greater than the first value, and the control means is a means capable of transmitting data indicating the first value as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information when the predetermined operating means is operated in the first operating mode while the game value data is a third value which is less than the first value, and the control means is a means capable of transmitting data indicating the third value as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information before transmitting the third value as the game value data The fourth value The aforementioned game value is obtained and the number of game value data is described two In a situation where the value is such that the counting process based on the first operation mode is performed before the predetermined period has elapsed, when transmitting the most recent second information, the counting data is as follows: The aforementioned The control means transmits data indicating the first value, and after transmitting the third value as the game value data, and before the predetermined period has elapsed, The fourth valueGaming value is acquired and the number of gaming value data is described two In a situation where the value is such that the counting process based on the first operation mode is performed before the predetermined period elapses (hereinafter referred to as "the first case"), when transmitting the most recent second information, the counting data is used as The aforementioned Without sending data indicating the first value, data indicating the third value is sent. before In the first case, if the predetermined operating means continues to operate in the first operating mode until the transmission of the next second piece of information following the timing of transmission of the most recent second piece of information, the gaming machine is characterized in that, when transmitting the next second piece of information, it transmits data indicating the fourth value as the counting data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a gaming machine with a unique counting process can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the enclosed gaming machine 100, seen from the front (player side). [Figure 2] This shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit of the enclosed gaming machine 100. [Figure 3] This diagram schematically shows the flow of game balls in a sealed-type gaming machine 100. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the counting process flow of the frame control unit 600. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the flow of reference signal processing in the frame control unit 600. [Figure 6] This shows the flow of the game ball subtraction process in the frame control unit 600. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the command types between the main control unit and the frame control unit. [Figure 8] This sequence diagram shows an example of communication between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600 after the power of the enclosed gaming machine 100 is turned on, in chronological order. [Figure 9]This is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication over time when a communication line break error occurs in the main control unit 300 during communication between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600. [Figure 10] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication over time when a communication line break error occurs in the frame control unit 600 during communication between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600. [Figure 11] (a) This is a diagram showing the command types between the frame control unit and the lending device. (b) This is a diagram showing the types of gaming machine information notification commands. [Figure 12] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of basic communication (without gaming information) between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 over time. [Figure 13] This 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 over time. [Figure 14] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of a count notification in the communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 over time. [Figure 15] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of a lending notification in the communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 over time. [Figure 16] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communication break in the communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 over time. [Figure 17] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communication break in the communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 over time. [Figure 18] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communication abnormality in the count notification between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 over time. [Figure 19] This 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 over time. [Figure 20] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 during a game over time. [Figure 21]It 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 short press of the counting button, in chronological order. [Figure 22] It 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. [Figure 23] It 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. [Figure 24] It is a time chart showing changes in various signals when a launch operation of one game ball and a counting operation of one game ball are performed when the number of game balls is 1. [Figure 25] It is a time chart showing changes in various signals when a launch operation of one game ball and a counting operation of 250 game balls are performed when the number of game balls is 250. [Figure 26] It is a time chart showing changes in various signals when a launch operation of one game ball and a counting operation of 250 game balls are performed when the number of game balls is 251. [Figure 27] It 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. [Figure 28] It is an exploded perspective view of the enclosed gaming machine 100. [Figure 29] It is a rear view of the front frame door 106 seen from the back side. [Figure 30] (a) It is a partially enlarged view showing the state where the slide lock 170 has moved to the locked position. (b) It is a partially enlarged view showing the state where the slide lock 170 has moved to the unlocked position. (c) It is a rear view of the upper unit 154 seen from the back. [Figure 31] (a) It is a top view of the front frame door 106 seen from above. (b) It is a front view showing the state where the upper unit 154 has moved to the locked position. (c) It is a front view showing the state where the upper unit 154 has moved to the unlocked position. [Figure 32] This is a simplified front view of the game board 200, as seen from the front. [Figure 33] This is a simplified rear view of the game board 200, seen from the back. [Figure 34] (a) This is a magnified view of the first ball passage 250 with the first ball passage cover 254 removed, and the second ball passage 260 with the second ball passage cover 264 removed. (b) This is a magnified view of the general prize-winning passage 256. [Figure 35] This is a magnified view of the second ball passage 260 with the first ball passage 250 removed. [Figure 36] (a) A schematic side cross-sectional view showing the spherical passage 270 in which the screw insertion opening 274 is formed. (b) A magnified view of the vicinity of the screw insertion opening 274. [Figure 37] (a) A front view of the ball passage 270 with the upper surface portion 270d omitted. (b) A schematic side cross-sectional view of a modified ball passage 280. [Figure 38] This is a perspective view of slot machine 100 from the front (player side). [Figure 39] This is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open. [Figure 40] This is an exploded perspective view showing the main board housing case 640 and the main control board 600. [Figure 41] This is a plan view showing the main control board 600 housed in the main board housing case 640. [Figure 42] (a) A side view taken from the direction indicated by the line labeled AA in Figure 41. (b) A side view taken from the direction indicated by the line labeled BB in Figure 41. [Figure 43] (a) A plan view showing the substrate housing case 650 and mirror 657 according to a modified example. (b) A side view seen from the direction indicated by the CC line in (a). [Figure 44] This is a perspective view of slot machine 100 from the front (player side). [Figure 45]This is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open. [Figure 46] This shows the circuit block diagram of the control unit. [Figure 47] (a) A diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) laid out in a two-dimensional manner. (b) A diagram showing the types of winning combinations (including activated combinations), the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the activation or payout of each winning combination. [Figure 48] This is a flowchart showing the main processing flow of the main control unit. [Figure 49] This is a flowchart showing the initial setup process. [Figure 50] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the settings change process. [Figure 51] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt processing. [Figure 52] The device monitoring process has concluded. [Figure 53] (a) A diagram showing the control state of each button when the power is turned on. (b) A diagram showing the control state of each button when the power is turned on (error detection state). (c) A diagram showing the control state of each button when the power is turned on after a setting change. [Figure 54] (a) This figure shows an example of control when the enable button (second operating means) is operated simultaneously when the power is turned on. (b) This figure shows an example of control when the enable button (second operating means) is operated simultaneously when the power is turned on (error detection state). [Figure 55] This diagram shows an example of the control state of other buttons while each button is being operated. [Figure 56] (a) This diagram shows the sequence of events from when the power is lost until the power is restored with the MAX bet button 132 pressed. (b) This diagram shows the sequence of events from when the power is lost until the power is restored with the start lever 135 pressed. [Figure 57](a) This diagram shows the sequence of events from when a power outage occurs while reel 112 is rotating until power is restored with the stop button 139 pressed. (b) This diagram shows the sequence of events from when a power outage occurs while reels 110-112 are stopped in the first stopping mode until power is restored with the stop button 139 pressed. [Figure 58] (a) This diagram shows the sequence of events from when a power outage occurs while an error is detected until power is restored while the reset button 243 is pressed. (b) This diagram shows the sequence of events from when the reset button 243 is pressed until power is turned on, which also transitions to a state where settings can be changed. [Figure 59] (a) A diagram showing the control state of each button when the power is turned on (modified version), corresponding to Figure 53(a). (b) A diagram showing the control state of each button when the power is turned on (error detection state) (modified version), corresponding to Figure 53(b). (c) A diagram showing the control state of each button when the power is turned on with a setting change (modified version), corresponding to Figure 53(c). [Figure 60] This diagram shows variations in the control states of other buttons while each button is being operated. [Figure 61] This is a perspective view of the modified slot machine 1100 and dispensing machine 1700 as seen from the front (player side). [Figure 62] This is a circuit block diagram of the control unit of a modified slot machine 1100. [Figure 63] (a) A diagram showing the control state of the counting button and the game token count clear button when the power is turned on. (b) A diagram showing an example of control when the counting button and the game token count clear button are operated simultaneously. (c) A diagram showing an example of the control state of the game token count clear button when the counting button is operated. (d) A diagram showing an example of the control state of the counting button when the game token count clear button is operated. [Figure 64] (a) This diagram shows the maximum protruding height of the operating surface of each button, extracted from the front view of the slot machine 100. (b) This diagram shows the area of ​​the operating surface of each button, extracted from the front view of the slot machine 100. [Figure 65] (a) A diagram showing the flow of the normal settings change mode in chronological order. (b) A diagram showing the flow of the normal settings confirmation mode in chronological order. [Figure 66] (a) This figure shows a time-series example of when the game becomes playable when the front door 102 is closed in the setting confirmation mode. (b) This figure shows a time-series example of when the setting confirmation mode is maintained when the front door 102 is closed in the setting confirmation mode. (c) This figure shows an example of the control state of the game token count clear button when the counting button is operated. (d) This figure shows an example of the control state of the counting button when the game token count clear button is operated. [Figure 67] This diagram shows a time-series example of control when a setting change operation (Example 1) is performed while the door is closed. [Figure 68] This diagram shows a time-series example of control when a setting change operation (Example 2) is performed while the door is closed. [Figure 69] This diagram shows a time-series example of control when a setting change operation (Example 3) is performed while the door is closed. [Figure 70] This diagram shows a time-series example of control when a setting change operation (Example 4) is performed while the door is closed. [Figure 71] This diagram shows a time-series example of control when a setting change operation (Example 5) is performed while the door is closed. [Figure 72] This diagram shows a time-series example of control when a setting change operation (Example 6) is performed while the door is closed. [Figure 73] This is a perspective view of the pachinko machine according to this embodiment, as seen from the front (player side). [Figure 74] This is a rear view of a pachinko machine, seen from the back. [Figure 75] This is a simplified front view of the game board as seen from the front (player's side). [Figure 76]Figure 75 shows an enlarged view of a part of the attacker unit 23, where (a) is a diagram showing the internal state of the unit body 23a, and (b) is a diagram showing the state of the back side of the unit cover body 23b that covers the unit body 23a. [Figure 77] This is a functional block diagram of a pachinko machine. [Figure 78] This diagram shows an example of a display pattern for a pachinko machine, where (a) shows an example of a stop display pattern for Special Feature 1, (b) shows an example of a stop display pattern for Special Feature 2, (c) shows an example of a decorative pattern, and (d) shows an example of a stop display pattern for the regular pattern. [Figure 79] This is a flowchart showing the main processing flow of the main control unit. [Figure 80] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt processing. [Figure 81] (a) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the special symbol win / loss determination table, (b) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the special symbol determination table for big wins and sudden time-saving wins in non-time-saving game state, (c) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the special symbol determination table for big wins and sudden time-saving wins in time-saving game state (a), and (d) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the special symbol determination table for big wins and sudden time-saving wins in time-saving state (c). [Figure 82] (a) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the special symbol judgment table for when a minor win is achieved in a non-time-saving state, (b) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the special symbol judgment table for when a minor win is achieved in a time-saving game state, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the special symbol judgment table for when a minor win is achieved in c time-saving game state. [Figure 83](a) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the table for determining whether a regular symbol wins or loses, (b) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the regular symbol judgment table for when a regular symbol wins in a non-time-saving game state, (c) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the regular symbol judgment table for when a regular symbol wins in a1 time-saving game state, (d) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the regular symbol judgment table for when a regular symbol wins in a2 time-saving game state, (e) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the waiting time from when the regular electric activation gate is passed until the regular electric mechanism is activated, and (f) is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the operating time of the regular electric mechanism when the regular electric activation gate is passed. [Figure 84] (a) is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the state of the normal display fluctuation and the operation when passing through the normal operation gate, (b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the state of the fluctuation display in Special Figure 1 and the state of the fluctuation display in Special Figure 2, and (c) is a diagram illustrating the state of the normal display fluctuation when passing through the normal operation gate while the normal display fluctuation is active. [Figure 85] This flowchart shows the processing flow in the first sub-control unit of a pachinko machine. (a) is the flowchart for the main processing of the first sub-control unit, (b) is the flowchart for the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit, and (c) is the flowchart for the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit. [Figure 86] This flowchart shows the processing flow in the second sub-control unit of a pachinko machine. (a) is the flowchart for the main processing of the second sub-control unit, (b) is the flowchart for the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit, (c) is the flowchart for the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit, and (d) is the flowchart for the image control processing of the second sub-control unit. [Figure 87] This diagram illustrates the transitions between game states. [Figure 88] This diagram shows, step by step, an example of a performance related to the display of changing decorative symbols, centered on the decorative symbol display device of the pachinko machine of this embodiment. [Figure 89] This diagram shows a step-by-step continuation of an example of the production shown in Figure 88. [Figure 90] This figure shows another example of the staging that follows Figure 88(q), illustrating it step by step. [Figure 91] This diagram shows a step-by-step example of a jackpot game presentation centered around a decorative pattern display device. [Figure 92] This diagram shows, step by step, another example of the presentation in a jackpot game, centered around a decorative pattern display device. [Figure 93] This diagram illustrates, step by step, an example of how, when different symbols are being displayed simultaneously, the animation of the symbol that stops first is prioritized. [Figure 94] This is an example where, in a normal gameplay state, when both the regular symbol variation display (indicating a win) and the special symbol 2 variation display (indicating a big win) are being executed, the animation of the symbol that stops first is prioritized. [Figure 95] This diagram shows a step-by-step example, different from the example shown in Figure 93, where both the regular display variation and the special display variation of the winning figure 2 are being executed during normal gameplay. [Figure 96] This diagram shows a step-by-step example of the transition from the final spin in the time-saving game state (RUSH state) to the normal game state (non-time-saving game state). [Figure 97] This figure shows a variation of the standby display. [Figure 98] This is a diagram to explain the performance modes. [Figure 99] This diagram shows a step-by-step example of how the game progresses while changing the presentation mode during the shortened play state (RUSH state). [Figure 100] This diagram shows a step-by-step example of what happens when the winning command is missed while performance mode A is selected. [Figure 101] This diagram shows a step-by-step example of what happens when the winning command is missed while performance mode C is selected. [Figure 102] This diagram shows a step-by-step example of what happens when a power outage occurs for a moment in each performance mode, followed immediately by a power restoration. [Figure 103] This diagram shows a step-by-step example of what happens when the winning command is missed while the modified presentation mode C is selected. [Figure 104] This is a front view of a sealed-type pachinko machine to which the present invention can be applied. [Figure 105] This is a perspective view of a slot machine applicable to the present invention, as seen from the front (player side). [Figure 106] The figures show game machines according to modified versions of the present invention, where (a) shows a casino machine 2000, (b) shows a mobile phone 3000 equipped with a storage unit for storing electronic data that realizes the present invention, (d) shows a portable game machine 4000 equipped with a storage unit for storing electronic data that realizes the present invention, (d) shows a home video game machine 5000 equipped with a storage unit for storing electronic data that realizes the present invention, and (e) shows a data server 6000 that stores electronic data that realizes the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

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

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

[0012] The outer frame 102 is a vertically rectangular wooden frame member for fixing to an installation location (island equipment, etc.) provided in a gaming establishment. The main body 104, also called the inner frame or frame, is a vertically rectangular gaming machine base body member provided inside the outer frame 102 and rotatably mounted to the outer frame 102 via a hinge portion 112. Furthermore, when the main body 104 is opened, an inner frame opening sensor (not shown) is provided to detect the opening of the main body 104.

[0013] The front frame door 106, also called a front door or glass frame, is a door member that is attached to the front of the main body 104, which is the front side of the pachinko machine 100, via a hinge portion 112, and is configured in a frame shape so that it can be opened and closed freely and has a locking function. 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 rear surface of the front frame door 106 and the front surface of the game board 200 form a partitioned game area. Furthermore, when the front frame door 106 is opened, a front frame door open sensor (not shown) is provided to detect the opening of the front frame door 106.

[0014] The lower door 108 is a door component attached to the lower side of the main body 104 on the front of the pachinko machine 100, with a locking function and capable of being opened and closed. The lower door 108 includes a ball launching handle 134 (launching operation means) that launches game balls guided to the launching device by the player into the game area of ​​the game board 200, an effect button 136 that changes the effect mode of various effect devices by the player's operation, and an operation panel unit 138 having multiple buttons such as a plus button, a minus button, a cross button, and a select button.

[0015] <Department Head> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of this enclosed gaming machine 100 will be explained in detail using Figure 2. Figure 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 broadly composed of a main control unit 300 that controls the central part of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that mainly controls the effects in response to command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") transmitted by the main control unit 300, a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on commands transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400, a frame control unit 600 that mainly controls the supply of game balls in response to commands 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 supplied to the enclosed gaming machine 100.

[0017] <Main Control Unit> First, let's describe the main control unit 300 of the enclosed gaming machine 100. The main control unit 300 is equipped with a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire system. This basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control programs and various data, and a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data.

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

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

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

[0021] Furthermore, information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is unidirectional. The main control unit 300 is configured to send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to send signals such as commands to the main control unit 300. On the other hand, information communication between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600 is bidirectional. The main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600 are configured to send and receive signals such as commands to 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 is equipped with a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 mainly based on commands transmitted by the main control unit 300. This basic circuit 402 is equipped with a CPU 404, a ROM 406 that stores various performance data, and a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data.

[0023] Furthermore, the basic circuit 402 is equipped with a detection sensor to detect when the performance button 136 is pressed, a sound source IC for controlling the speaker 120 (and amplifier), a drive circuit for controlling the various lamps 418, and a drive circuit for controlling the performance device 246.

[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 is equipped with a basic circuit 502 that controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on commands transmitted by the first sub-control unit 400. This basic circuit 502 is equipped with a CPU 504, a ROM 506 that stores data for image display, etc., and a VDP (video display processor) 434 that reads the data for image display etc. stored in the ROM 506 based on signals from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of ​​the VRAM 436, and displays the image on the decorative pattern display device (liquid crystal display device) 157.

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

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

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

[0028] The frame control unit 600 is equipped with a basic circuit 602 that controls the supply of game balls, etc., mainly 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 that stores various data, a RAM 608 for temporarily storing data, a sensor circuit that receives signals output by a foul ball detection sensor 616, a counting button 617 (a predetermined operating means), or a subtraction sensor 618 (a detection means), a drive circuit for controlling the display of the game ball count display device 619, and a drive circuit for controlling the drive of the ball lifting motor 601 of the lifting device 714 (see Figure 3). The foul ball detection sensor 616 and the subtraction sensor 618 will be described later with reference to Figure 3.

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

[0030] The dispensing button 614a of the dispensing device 614 is an operating means for performing an operation to obtain the number of game balls by withdrawing the "money balance" stored on the card inserted into the dispensing device 614. By operating the dispensing 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 increased according to the amount of money withdrawn.

[0031] The number of game balls and prize balls are managed as numerical data by the frame control unit 600 and displayed using the game ball count display device 619. Furthermore, at the end of the game, pressing the counting button 617 transfers the game ball count managed by the frame control unit 600 to the dispensing device 614, where it can be stored on a card.

[0032] The launch control unit 630 controls the launch solenoid 632 that drives the launching rod 146 and the launching hammer 148 (see Figure 3), and the ball feeding solenoid 634 that supplies balls toward the ball launching handle 134, based on predetermined signals output by the frame control unit 600, such as control signals that instruct launching permission or stopping, and control signals output by a launching intensity output circuit located inside the ball launching handle 134 that instruct the launching intensity according to the amount the player operates the ball launching handle 134.

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

[0034] <Flow of sealed gaming machines / game balls> Next, we will explain the flow of game balls in the sealed-type gaming machine 100 using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of game balls in the sealed-type gaming machine 100.

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

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

[0037] Once the game ball reaches the top of the game board 200, it falls downwards, changing direction as it moves due to the ball direction changing member and game nails, and either enters a prize entry point (variable prize entry point 234, etc.) or a starting point (first special starting point 232, etc.), or it reaches the out point 240 without entering any prize entry point or starting point, or simply by passing through the normal starting point.

[0038] Game balls that enter the prize slots or start slots of the game board 200 pass through the prize ball passage 760 located on the back side of the game board 200, while game balls that do not enter the prize slots or start slots pass through the out slot 240 at the bottom of the game board 200 and through the out ball passage 762 located on the back side of the game board 200, and in both cases enter the first rail 752 of the lower passage 750, roll along the incline of the first rail 752 inside the first rail 752 and reach the downstream side of the first rail 752.

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

[0040] The game balls transported by the lifting device 714 enter the upper passage 736 of the ball lifting upper passage unit 718 and roll along it, passing through a subtraction sensor (proximity sensor) 618 capable of detecting game balls passing through the upper passage 736. After passing through this subtraction sensor 618, the game balls are discharged into the launching device ball passage 748 by the ball feeding solenoid 634 of the ball feeding device 127, and then guided through the launching device ball passage 748 to the launching rail 149 of the launching device 140.

[0041] As explained above, the enclosed game machine 100 is similar to conventional pinball game machines (pachinko machines) in that the player plays by launching game balls onto the game board 200. However, unlike conventional pinball game machines (pachinko machines), the minimum number of game balls required for launching are circulated within the game machine, and along the circulation, there are launching devices 140, ball feeding devices 127, ball polishing devices 716, lifting devices 714, etc., and there are no upper or lower trays, so the player is basically unable to directly touch the game balls.

[0042] Furthermore, in the enclosed-type gaming machine 100, the speed at which the gaming balls are transported (lifted) by the lifting device 714 (200 balls per minute in this example) is set to be faster than the speed at which the gaming balls are launched by the launching device 140 (100 balls per minute in this example). Therefore, it is possible to prevent situations in which the launching device 140 runs out of gaming balls and the game is interrupted.

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

[0044] <Frame Control Unit / Counting Processing> Next, the counting process performed by the frame control unit 600 will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the counting process performed by the frame control unit 600.

[0045] In step S101 of the counting process, it is determined whether or not an operation of the counting button 617 (in this example, a "short press" or a "long press") has been received. If an operation of the counting button 617 has been received, the process proceeds to step S102; otherwise, the counting process ends.

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

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

[0048] In step S102, it is determined whether the number of balls to be counted is greater than the number of game balls sent by the game machine information notification command described later. If it is greater than the number of balls, the process proceeds to step S103 to set the correction data; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0049] Here, we will explain an example of the correction data to be set in step S103. For example, in the example shown in Figure 21, which will be described later, the counting button 617 is "short-pressed" at the timing indicated by symbol T7c, immediately after the prize ball indicated by symbol T7b. However, the number 1 (planned count), which represents one ball counted in response to the "short-pressed" operation of the counting button 617, is greater than the number of game balls transmitted by the game machine information notification command at the timing indicated by symbol T7a. Therefore, instead of setting the number 1, which represents one ball counted in response to the "short-pressed" operation of the counting button 617, as the counting data, 0 is set as the correction data for the counting data (counting data) in step S103.

[0050] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 22, which will be described later, the "long press" operation of the counting button 617 is accepted at the timing indicated by symbol T8a. However, since the numerical value 250 (planned count), which represents the count of 250 balls corresponding to the "long press" operation of the counting button 617, is greater than the number of game balls, 245, transmitted by the game machine information notification command at the timing indicated by symbol T8b, 245 is set as the planned correction data for the counting data (counted balls) in step S103, without setting the numerical value 250, which represents the count of 250 balls corresponding to the "long press" operation of the counting button 617, as the counted balls (counting data).

[0051] In this example, if the number of game balls increases during a predetermined period after sending game ball count data (game machine information notification command) to an external device (loan device 614) but before sending counting data information (counting notification command), it is possible to prevent the transmission of more counting data information than game ball count data information. This prevents the transmission of information that could be mistaken for fraudulent activity or a malfunction to the external device, thereby enabling the smooth operation of the game machine.

[0052] In step S104, it is determined whether or not there is data to be corrected. If there is data to be corrected, the process proceeds to step S108; otherwise, 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, it proceeds to step S107, where the uncorrected counting data (number of balls counted) is set, and the counting process ends.

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

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

[0056] Here, we will explain an example of the counting data (counted balls) to be set when Yes is determined in step S106. In the example shown in Figure 24, which will be described later, at the timing indicated by symbol T11b, the subtraction result of subtracting the planned count (1 in this example) from the number of game balls (1 in this example) is 0 (= number of game balls 1 - planned count 1). Therefore, the subtraction result (0 in this example) obtained by subtracting 1 from the planned count (1 in this example) is set as the counting data (counted balls) in step S108.

[0057] In this example, even when the launch of game balls and the counting process for counting game ball count data overlap, the value (1 ball) corresponding to the first operation mode (short press) of the predetermined operating means (counting button 617) is not counted from the game ball count data (1 ball), thus enabling proper processing.

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

[0059] For example, if the launch of game balls and the counting process for counting game ball data are performed without any restrictions, and the game ball count data is 250 balls, and the launch of game balls and the counting by long-pressing (250 balls) occur at the same time, 250 balls will be counted, and a problem will arise where game balls are launched even though there are no game balls in the game ball count data. However, in this example, even if the launch of game balls and the counting process for counting game ball data occur at the same time, the value (250 balls) corresponding to the first operation mode (long-press) of the predetermined operation means (counting button 617) is not counted from the game ball count data (250 balls), so appropriate processing becomes possible.

[0060] <Frame Control Unit / Reference Signal Processing> Next, the reference signal processing performed by the frame control unit 600 will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of reference signal processing by the frame control unit 600.

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

[0062] Here, the "reference signal" refers to the signal that the launch control unit 630 transmits to the frame control unit 600. The launch control unit 630 transmits the reference signal to the frame control unit 600 when it drives the ball feeding solenoid 634 of the ball feeding device 127, as explained using Figure 3 (when the game ball that has passed through the subtraction sensor 618 in the upper passage 736 is discharged into the launch device ball passage 748).

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

[0064] <Frame Control Unit / Game Ball Subtraction Processing> Next, the game ball subtraction process performed by the frame control unit 600 will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the game ball subtraction process performed by the frame control unit 600.

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

[0066] In step S302, the process of subtracting 1 from the game ball count data (game ball count data) stored in RAM 608 is performed, and then the process proceeds to step S304. In step S303, it is determined whether a predetermined period (for example, 640ms) has elapsed. If the predetermined period has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S304; otherwise, the game ball subtraction process is terminated.

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

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

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

[0070] Figure 7 shows the types of commands that can be sent and received between the main control unit and the frame control unit. There are four types of commands that can be sent and received between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600: the gaming machine installation information notification command, the gaming machine installation information response command, the gaming machine information notification command, and the gaming machine information response command.

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

[0072] This "Gaming Machine Installation Information" includes information such as "Gaming Machine Type," main control chip ID number, main control chip manufacturer code, and main control chip product code. The "Gaming Machine Type" includes information that identifies the type of gaming machine (pachinko, slot, arrangement ball, jankyū).

[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 108ms intervals until it receives a gaming machine installation information response command from the frame control unit 600.

[0074] If the main control unit 300 fails to receive a gaming machine installation information response command from the frame control unit 600 within 1080ms after starting to transmit this command, a disconnection error will occur, and the game will be stopped until power is restored.

[0075] On the other hand, if the frame control unit 600 fails to receive this command within 180 seconds (3 minutes) of startup, it will report a disconnection error, indicating a communication line failure. Furthermore, if the command is successfully received from the main control unit 300 after the communication line failure, the disconnection error will be cleared.

[0076] <Communication between main control unit and 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 it is a command that notifies the main control unit 300 that the frame control unit 600 has received the gaming machine installation information notification command.

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

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

[0079] After receiving a 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 108ms.

[0080] Furthermore, this command is not transmitted at 108ms intervals after receiving a gaming machine installation information response command from the frame control unit 600, but rather the type of the gaming machine installation information notification command that is transmitted at 108ms intervals is switched to the gaming machine information notification command in question before transmission.

[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 it is a command that notifies the main control unit 300 of information such as the number of balls counted, the number of balls dispensed, and the total number of prize balls included in the gaming machine information notification command.

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

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

[0084] <Communication between the main control unit and the frame control unit / Communication after power-on> Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600 after the power is turned on of the enclosed gaming machine 100, in chronological order. In subsequent drawings, the word "command" may be omitted from the command names for the sake of readability.

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

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

[0087] As mentioned above, if the frame control unit 600 fails to receive the gaming machine installation information notification command within 180 seconds (3 minutes) of startup, it will report a disconnection error, indicating a communication line failure. Furthermore, if the gaming machine installation information notification command is successfully received from the main control unit 300 after the communication line failure, the disconnection error will be cleared.

[0088] To summarize 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 count display device. In addition, in the game ball subtraction process explained using Figure 6, when the subtraction sensor 618 detects the launch of a game ball, the frame control unit 600 subtracts one game ball and displays it on the game ball count display device. Furthermore, when the frame control unit 600 detects the passage of a game ball by the foul ball detection sensor 616, it adds one game ball and displays it on the game ball count display device.

[0089] Although not shown in the diagram, when the main control unit 300 sends a game machine information notification command to the frame control unit 600, the frame control unit 600 may send the received prize ball information back to the main control unit 300, and the main control unit 300 may perform a process to check whether the prize ball information sent to the frame control unit 600 matches the prize ball information received from the frame control unit 600.

[0090] With this configuration, the reliability of the information transmitted and received by the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600 can be increased, and malfunctions due to fraudulent activity or communication failures can be prevented.

[0091] <Communication between the main control unit and the frame control unit / Communication line failure error by the main control unit> Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing a time-series example of communication when a communication line disconnection error occurs in the main control unit 300 during communication between the main control unit 300 and the frame control unit 600. In subsequent diagrams, the game machine installation information notification command and the game machine information notification command may be collectively referred to as "notification message," and the game machine installation information response command and the game machine information response command may be collectively referred to as "response message."

[0092] If the main control unit 300 fails to receive a response message from the frame control unit 600 for 10 consecutive times, it will register a communication line disconnection error, issue an error notification indicating the disconnection error, and remain in a game-stopped state until power is restored.

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

[0094] The main control unit 300 began transmitting the nth notification message (communication serial number = n) and sent the notification message to the frame control unit 600 a total of 10 times at 108ms intervals. However, for 1080ms (108ms x 10 times), it failed to receive a response message from the frame control unit 600 for 10 consecutive times. As a result, at the timing indicated by code T24, a disconnection error occurred due to a communication line failure. An error notification indicating a disconnection error was issued, and the game remained stopped until power was restored.

[0095] If the main control unit 300 experiences a disconnection error, it is possible to recover from the disconnection error by turning off the power to the enclosed gaming machine 100 and then turning the power back on (re-energizing). Once the power is restored, the main control unit 300 will start the post-power-on communication described in Figure 8 from the beginning.

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

[0097] If the frame control unit 600 fails to receive the next notification message (a game machine installation information notification command or a game machine information notification command) within 1000ms after receiving the previous notification message, it will generate a disconnection error, indicating a communication line break, and will issue an error notification to inform the unit of the disconnection error.

[0098] At the timing indicated by code T31, the main control unit 300 sends the nth notification message (communication serial number = n) to the frame control unit 600. At the timing indicated by the following code T32, the frame control unit 600 sends a response message (communication serial number = n) to the notification message to the main control unit 300. However, at the timings indicated by the following codes T33 and T34, the main control unit 300 is unable to send 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] The frame control unit 600 received a notification message (communication serial number = n) at the timing indicated by code T31, and then failed to receive the next notification message (communication serial number = n+1, n+2, ...) for 1000ms. Therefore, at the timing indicated by code T35, a disconnection error occurred, and the unit issued an error notification indicating that a disconnection error had occurred.

[0100] Furthermore, the frame control unit 600 can recover from a disconnection error when it successfully receives a notification message from the main control unit 300.

[0101] <Communication between the frame control unit and the lending device> Next, we will explain the communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614.

[0102] As described above, the information communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 is bidirectional, and the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 are configured to send and receive signals such as commands to each other.

[0103] Figure 11(a) shows the types of commands that can be sent and received between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614. There are four types of commands that can be sent and received between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614: the gaming machine information notification command, the counting notification command, the lending notification command, and the lending receipt result response command.

[0104] <Communication between frame control unit and 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 dispensing device 614, and periodically transmits commands related to three types of gaming machines.

[0105] Figure 11(b) shows the types of gaming machine information notification commands.

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

[0107] The "priority" shown in Figure 11(b) indicates the priority order when sending commands. If the timing of sending multiple types of commands overlaps, the command with the highest "priority" will be sent first. In this example, the priority order for sending commands is as follows: 1: Hall control / fraud monitoring information command (main control status updated or game information available), 2: Gaming machine installation information command, 3: Gaming machine performance information command, 4: Hall control / fraud monitoring information command (main control status not updated and no game information available).

[0108] The "notification conditions" shown in Figure 11(b) indicate the conditions (timing) for sending each command. In this example, the frame control unit 600 sends a hall control fraud monitoring information command (main control status update or game information available) to the dispensing device 614 at 300ms intervals after the enclosed gaming machine 100 has finished starting up, and sends a gaming machine installation information command to the dispensing device 614 at 60s intervals after the enclosed gaming machine 100 has finished starting up.

[0109] Furthermore, a gaming machine performance information command is sent to the dispensing device 614 every 180 seconds after the enclosed gaming machine 100 has finished starting up, and a hall control fraud monitoring information command (no update to main control status and no gaming information) is sent to the dispensing device 614 every 300ms after the enclosed gaming machine 100 has finished starting up.

[0110] The "Contents" shown in Figure 11(b) indicate the information transmitted by each command. For example, the Hall Control Fraud Monitoring Information command (with main control status update or game information) transmits the number of game balls, the number of balls launched, the total number of prize balls, the main control status, the game machine error status, the fraud detection status, the performance information status notification, and game information.

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

[0112] "Main control state" is information including information such as jackpot signal 1 (during a specific jackpot), jackpot signal 2 (during all jackpots), jackpot signal 3 (during time-saving mode, during probability variation mode), high probability mode, time-saving mode, probability variation mode or advantageous state, jackpot + time-saving mode, probability variation mode or advantageous state, and firing stop request. "Gaming machine error state" is information such as the type of error that has occurred, and "fraud detection state" is information including information such as setting change / setting confirmation in progress, RAM clear, error occurring, and complete function activated. "Performance information state notification" is information including information such as non-time-saving mode, time-saving mode, during jackpot, low probability, and high probability, and "game information" is information including the number of entries into each prize slot, the number of times symbols are confirmed, and the number of jackpots.

[0113] The Hall Computer Fraud Monitoring Information Command (no main control status update and no game information) transmits information other than the main control status and game information, which is the same information transmitted by the Hall Computer Fraud Monitoring Information Command (main control status update or game information available).

[0114] The gaming machine installation information command transmits information such as the total number of game balls launched, the total number of game balls acquired, the payout rate, the number of game balls acquired per minute (low base), the ratio of bonus features, the ratio of consecutive bonus features, and the number of jackpots.

[0115] Here, "Total number of game balls launched" is the total number of "game balls launched" from the time the sealed game machine 100 is powered on. "Total number of game balls acquired" is the total number of game balls acquired from the time the sealed game machine 100 is powered on. "Payout rate" is a value calculated as (total number of game balls acquired / total number of game balls launched) × 100. "Game balls acquired per minute (low base)" is a value calculated as (total number of game balls acquired during low base / total number of game balls launched during low base) × 100. "Feature ratio" is a value calculated as (game balls acquired by feature operation / total number of game balls acquired) × 100. "Continuous feature ratio" is a value calculated as (game balls acquired by continuous feature operation / total number of game balls acquired) × 100.

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

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

[0118] Here, "counted balls" is the number of game balls to be counted (0 to 250 balls), and even if the counting button 617 is not being operated, information indicating 0 balls is transmitted. "cumulative counted balls" is the cumulative count of "counted balls" since the sealed game machine 100 was powered on, and is reset to 0 after the sealed game machine 100 is powered on.

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

[0120] <Communication between the frame control unit and the lending device / Lending notification command> The loan notification command is a command transmitted from the loan device 614 to the frame control unit 600, and it includes information about the number of balls to be loaned.

[0121] Here, "number of balls lent" refers to the number of game balls lent from the lending device 614 to the sealed game machine 100.

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

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

[0124] The frame control unit 600 sends this command to the lending device 614 within 10ms of 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 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 (no game information)> Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing a time-series example of basic communication (without game information) between the frame control unit 600 and the dispensing device 614. Note that in subsequent diagrams, the word "command" may be omitted from command names for clarity.

[0127] The frame control unit 600 transmits the hall computer fraud monitoring information command, one of the gaming machine information notification commands, to the dispensing device 614 at 300ms intervals after the enclosed gaming machine 100 has finished starting up. Then, during a period of 90ms to 100ms after transmitting the gaming machine information notification command, it transmits the counting report notification command to the dispensing device 614 at 300ms intervals.

[0128] At the timing indicated by code T41, the enclosed gaming machine 100 has finished starting up, so the frame control unit 600 sends the hall computer fraud monitoring information command from the gaming machine information notification commands. However, since the main control status in the gaming machine information is not updated and there is no game information, the frame control unit 600 sends the hall computer fraud monitoring information command (main control status not updated and no game information) from the gaming machine information notification commands to the dispensing device 614.

[0129] At the timing indicated by code T42, the frame control unit 600 sends a counting notification command to the dispensing device 614 during a period of 90ms to 100ms after sending the gaming machine information notification command.

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

[0131] Subsequently, if the main control state among the gaming machine information is not updated and there is no gaming information, the frame control unit 600 sends the hall computer fraud monitoring information command (main control state not updated and no gaming information) from the gaming machine information notification command to the lending device 614 at 300ms intervals, and then sends a counting notification command to the lending device 614. Upon receiving the counting notification command, the lending device 614 sends a lending notification command to the frame control unit 600, and upon receiving the lending notification command, the frame control unit 600 sends a lending receipt result response command to the lending device 614.

[0132] At the timing indicated by code T45, 60 seconds have elapsed since the sealed gaming machine 100 completed its startup, so the gaming machine installation information command, one of the gaming machine information notification commands, is sent to the dispensing device 614. At the timing indicated by code T46, 180 seconds have elapsed since the sealed gaming machine 100 finished starting up. Therefore, the system attempts to send the gaming machine performance information command from the gaming machine information notification commands to the lending device 614. However, in this example, the timing of sending the gaming machine installation information command (priority 2), which has a higher priority than the gaming machine performance information command (priority 3), overlaps. As a result, the gaming machine installation information command from the gaming machine information notification commands is given priority and sent to the lending device 614 first.

[0133] After sending the gaming machine installation information command, the frame control unit 600 sends a counting notification command to the dispensing device 614. Upon receiving the counting notification command, the dispensing device 614 sends a dispensing notification command to the frame control unit 600. Upon receiving the dispensing notification command, the frame control unit 600 sends a dispensing receipt result response command to the dispensing device 614.

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

[0135] Although not shown in the diagram, after sending the gaming machine performance information command, the frame control unit 600 sends a counting notification command to the dispensing device 614. Upon receiving the counting notification command, the dispensing device 614 sends a dispensing notification command to the frame control unit 600. Upon receiving the dispensing notification command, the frame control unit 600 sends a dispensing receipt result response command to the dispensing device 614.

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

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

[0138] Furthermore, when the frame control unit 600 receives the number of balls to be dispensed from the dispensing device 614, it displays the sum of the number of balls dispensed and the current number of game balls as the new number of game balls on the game ball count display device.

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

[0140] The frame control unit 600 transmits the hall computer fraud monitoring information command, one of the gaming machine information notification commands, to the dispensing device 614 at 300ms intervals after the enclosed gaming machine 100 has finished starting up, and transmits the gaming machine installation information command, one of the gaming machine information notification commands, to the dispensing device 614 at 60s intervals after the enclosed gaming machine 100 has finished starting up.

[0141] At the timing indicated by code T52, 60 seconds have elapsed since the sealed gaming machine 100 finished starting up, so the system attempts to send the gaming machine installation information command from the gaming machine information notification commands to the dispensing device 614. However, in this example, the system is holding game information at that time, and the timing of sending the hall computer / fraud monitoring information command (with game information) (priority 1), which has a higher priority than the gaming machine installation information command (priority 2), coincides. Therefore, the hall computer / fraud monitoring information command (with game information) from the gaming machine information notification commands is given priority and sent to the dispensing device 614 first.

[0142] At the timing indicated by code T53, the frame control unit 600 has run out of game information, so the game machine installation information command, whose transmission timing coincides with the hall computer fraud monitoring information command (game information available), is transmitted to the dispensing device 614 300ms after the timing indicated by code T52.

[0143] Furthermore, the frame control unit 600 transmits the game machine performance information command, one of the game machine information notification commands, to the dispensing device 614 at 180s intervals after the enclosed game machine 100 has finished starting up.

[0144] At the timing indicated by code T54, 180 seconds have elapsed since the sealed gaming machine 100 finished starting up, so the machine attempts to send the gaming machine performance information command from the gaming machine information notification commands to the dispensing device 614. However, in this example, the frame control unit 600 is holding game information at that timing, and the timing of sending the hall computer fraud monitoring information command (game information available) (priority 1), which has a higher priority than the gaming machine performance information command (priority 3), overlaps. Therefore, the hall computer fraud monitoring information command (game information available) from the gaming machine information notification commands is given priority and sent to the dispensing device 614 first.

[0145] At the timing indicated by code T55, the frame control unit 600 has run out of game information, so the game machine performance information command, whose transmission timing coincides with the hall computer fraud monitoring information command (game information available), is transmitted to the dispensing device 614 300ms after the timing indicated by code T54.

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

[0147] This example shows a count notification when the counting button 617 of the sealed gaming machine 100 is pressed and held, and 250 balls are counted twice (500 balls in total).

[0148] Specifically, at the timing indicated by symbol T1a, with the number of game balls at 1000 and the cumulative count of balls at 0, the first "long press" operation of the counting button 617 was received. As a result, the number of balls counted was set to "250," which represents 250 balls, and the cumulative count of balls was updated to 250 by adding the counted balls of 250 to the cumulative count of 0.

[0149] At the timing indicated by code T1b, the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information serial number = n (where n is a positive integer) and game ball count = 1000. Then, at the timing indicated by the following code T1c, within a period of 90ms to 100ms after sending the game machine information notification command, the frame control unit 600 sends a counting notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information count serial number = m (where m is a positive integer), count ball count = 250, and cumulative count ball count = 250. After that, it subtracts the count ball count of 250 from the game ball count of 1000 to update the game ball count to 750.

[0150] At the timing indicated by code T1d, the lending device 614, having received the counting notification command, adds the counted balls of 250 included in the received counting notification command to the number of balls held (100) before receiving the counting notification command, updating the number of balls held to 350. Since the number of balls lent is 0, it also sends a lending notification command to the frame control unit 600 containing the information: lending serial number = k (where k is a positive integer), number of balls lent = 0.

[0151] At the timing indicated by code T1e, the frame control unit 600, having received the loan notification command, sends a loan receipt result response command to the loan device 614, which includes the information that the loan serial number is k and the number of loaned balls received is normal.

[0152] Subsequently, in this example, with the number of game balls at 750 and the cumulative count at 250, the "long press" operation of the counting button 617 continued. Since the second "long press" operation of the counting button 617 was received, the number of balls counted was set to "250," which represents 250 balls, and the cumulative count was updated to 500 by adding the 250 balls counted to the cumulative count of 250.

[0153] At the timing indicated by code T1f, the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information serial number = n+1 and game ball count = 750. Then, at the timing indicated by the following code T1g, within a period of 90ms to 100ms after sending the game machine information notification command, the frame control unit 600 sends a counting notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information count serial number = m+1, count ball count = 250, and cumulative count ball count = 500. After that, it updates the game ball count to 500 by subtracting the count ball count of 250 from the game ball count of 750.

[0154] At the timing indicated by code T1h, the lending device 614, upon receiving the counting notification command, adds the counted balls of 250 included in the received counting notification command to the number of balls held (350) before receiving the counting notification command, updating the number of balls held to 600. Since the number of balls lent is 0, it also sends a lending notification command to the frame control unit 600 containing the information: lending serial number = k+1, number of balls lent = 0.

[0155] At the timing indicated by code T1i, the frame control unit 600, having received the loan notification command, sends a loan receipt result response command to the loan device 614, which includes the information that the loan serial number is k+1 and the loan number receipt result is normal.

[0156] At the timing indicated by code T1j, the long press operation of the counting button 617 is released. At the timing indicated by the following code T1k, the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification to the dispensing device 614 containing the information that the serial number is n+2 and the number of game balls is 500. At the timing indicated by the following code T1l, during a period of 90ms to 100ms after sending the game machine information notification command, a counting notification command is sent to the dispensing device 614 containing the information that the counting serial number is m+2, the number of balls counted is 0, and the cumulative number of balls counted is 500. However, since the number of balls counted is 0, the number of game balls is maintained at 500.

[0157] At the timing indicated by code T1m, the lending device 614, having received the counting notification command, maintains the number of balls held at 600 because the number of balls counted is 0, and also sends a lending notification command to the frame control unit 600 containing the information lending serial number = k+2 and number of balls lent = 0 because the number of balls lent is 0.

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

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

[0160] This example shows a loan notification when the loan button 614a of the loan device 614 is operated and 125 balls are loaned out once.

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

[0162] At the timing indicated by code T2b, since the number of game balls is 50, the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information of serial number = n (where n is a positive integer) and number of game balls = 50. Then, at the timing indicated by the following code T2c, during a period of 90ms to 100ms after sending the game machine information notification command, it sends a counting notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information of counting serial number = m (where m is a positive integer), counted balls = 0, and cumulative counted balls = 0.

[0163] At the timing indicated by code T2d, the lending device 614, upon receiving the counting notification command, sends a lending notification command containing the information of lending serial number = k (where k is a positive integer) and number of balls lent = 125 to the frame control unit 600 within 170 ms of receiving the counting notification command.

[0164] At the timing indicated by code T2e, the frame control unit 600, upon receiving the loan notification command, adds the number of loaned balls, 125, included in the received loan notification command to the number of game balls, 50, updating the number of game balls to 175. At the same time, it sends a loan receipt result response command containing information such as loan serial number = k and loaned ball receipt result = normal to the loan device 614 within 10 ms of receiving the loan notification command. This allows the loan device 614 to confirm that the frame control unit 600 has successfully received information such as the number of loaned balls.

[0165] At the timing indicated by code T2f, since the number of game balls is 175, the frame control unit 600 transmits a game machine information notification to the dispensing device 614 that includes the information sequence number = n+1 and number of game balls = 175.

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

[0167] This example illustrates communication when a communication interruption (cable break) occurs during communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614.

[0168] At the timing indicated by code T3a, since the number of game balls is 1000, the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information that the sequence number is n (where n is a positive integer) and the number of game balls is 1000. Then, at the timing indicated by the following code T3b, during a period of 90ms to 100ms after sending the game machine information notification command, the frame control unit 600 sends a counting notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information that the counting sequence number is m (where m is a positive integer), the number of balls counted is 0, and the cumulative number of balls counted is 0.

[0169] Furthermore, at the timing indicated by code T3c, the dispensing device 614, having received the counting notification command, sends a dispensing notification command to the frame control unit 600 containing the information that the number of dispensing balls is 0, and the number of dispensing balls is 0. At the timing indicated by code T3d, the frame control unit 600, having received the dispensing notification command, sends a dispensing receipt result response command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information that the number of dispensing balls received is 0, and the number of dispensing balls received is normal. At the timing indicated by code T3e, the dispensing device 614 sends a gaming machine information notification command containing the information that the serial number is n+1 and the number of gaming balls is 1000.

[0170] At the timing indicated by code T3f, a communication interruption (cable break) occurred in the communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614. As a result, the frame control unit 600 subsequently entered a VL=OFF state (unable to fire, counting button disabled), and the lending device 614 entered a VL=OFF state (unable to fire) and PSI=OFF state (counting button disabled).

[0171] At the timing indicated by code T3g, the counting button was disabled, so a counting notification command containing the information counting serial number = m+1, counted balls = 0, and cumulative counted balls = 0 was sent to the lending device 614. However, due to a communication interruption (cable break), the lending device 614 was unable to receive the command properly.

[0172] Furthermore, at the timing indicated by code T3h, the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification command containing the information serial number = n+2 and game ball count = 1000 to the dispensing device 614. Then, at the timing indicated by the following code T3i, within a period of 90ms to 100ms after sending the game machine information notification command, it sends a counting notification command containing the information counting serial number = m+2, counted ball count = 0, and cumulative counted ball count = 0 to the dispensing device 614. However, due to a communication interruption (cable break), the dispensing device 614 is unable to receive these commands properly.

[0173] In Figure 17, at the timing indicated by symbol T3j, the arcade staff checked the number of game balls, resolved the communication interruption (cable break), and restored the cable. As a result, the frame control unit 600 and the dispensing device 614 are in the state of VL=ON (game ball launching permitted) and PSI=ON (counting button enabled). In addition, after the dispensing device 614 is in the state of VL=ON (game ball launching permitted), the arcade staff checks the cable connection status.

[0174] At the timing indicated by code T3k, since the number of game balls is 1000, the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information that the sequence number is n+3 and the number of game balls is 1000. Then, at the timing indicated by the following code T3l, during a period of 90ms to 100ms after sending the game machine information notification command, the dispensing device 614 sends a counting notification command containing the information that the counting sequence number is m+3, the number of balls counted is 0, and the cumulative number of balls counted is 0.

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

[0176] At the timing indicated by code T3o, a gaming machine information notification command containing the information serial number = n+4 and number of game balls = 1000 is sent to the dispensing device 614. At the timing indicated by code T3p, during a period of 90ms to 100ms after sending the gaming machine information notification command, a counting notification command containing the information counting serial number = m+4, number of balls counted = 0, and cumulative number of balls counted = 0 is sent to the dispensing device 614.

[0177] Furthermore, at the timing indicated by code T3q, the lending device 614, having received the counting notification command, updates the lending serial number k to k+1 by adding 1 because the cable has been restored, and sends a lending notification command to the frame control unit 600 containing the information that the lending serial number is k+1 and the number of balls lent is 0. At the timing indicated by code T3r, the frame control unit 600, having received the lending notification command, sends a lending receipt result response command to the lending device 614 containing the information that the lending serial number is k+1 and the number of balls received is normal.

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

[0179] This example shows a counting notification that occurs when the counting button 617 of a sealed-type gaming machine 100 is pressed and held, counting 250 balls once (total of 250 balls), and a communication error occurs while the "press and hold" operation is being continued.

[0180] Specifically, at the timing indicated by symbol T4a, with the number of game balls at 1000 and the cumulative count of balls at 0, the first "long press" operation of the counting button 617 was received. As a result, the number of balls counted was set to "250," which represents 250 balls, and the cumulative count of balls was updated to 250 by adding the counted balls of 250 to the cumulative count of 0.

[0181] At the timing indicated by code T4b, the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information serial number = n (where n is a positive integer) and game ball count = 1000. Then, at the timing indicated by the following code T4c, within a period of 90ms to 100ms after sending the game machine information notification command, the frame control unit 600 sends a counting notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information count serial number = m (where m is a positive integer), count ball count = 250, and cumulative count ball count = 250. After that, it subtracts the count ball count of 250 from the game ball count of 1000 to update the game ball count to 750.

[0182] At the timing indicated by code T4d, the lending device 614, upon receiving the counting notification command, adds the counted balls of 250 included in the received counting notification command to the number of balls held (100) before receiving the counting notification command, updating the number of balls held to 350. Since the number of balls lent is 0, it also sends a lending notification command to the frame control unit 600 containing the information: lending serial number = k (where k is a positive integer), number of balls lent = 0.

[0183] At the timing indicated by code T4e, the frame control unit 600, having received the loan notification command, sends a loan receipt result response command to the loan device 614, which includes the information that the loan serial number is k and the loan number receipt result is normal.

[0184] In this example, with the number of game balls at 750 and the cumulative count at 250, the "long press" operation of the counting button 617 continues. Since the second "long press" operation of the counting button 617 has been received, the number of balls counted is set to "250," which represents 250 balls, and the cumulative count at 250 is updated to 500 by adding the counted balls at 250.

[0185] At the timing indicated by code T4f, the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information serial number = n+1 and game ball count = 750. Then, at the timing indicated by the following code T4g, within a period of 90ms to 100ms after sending the game machine information notification command, the frame control unit 600 sends a counting notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information counting serial number = m+1, counted balls = 250, and cumulative counted balls = 500. After that, it updates the game ball count to 500 by subtracting the counted balls of 250 from the game ball count of 750. However, due to a communication error, the dispensing device 614 was unable to properly receive the command.

[0186] Furthermore, at the timing indicated by code T4h, the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification command containing the information sequence number = n+2 and number of game balls = 500 to the dispensing device 614, but due to a communication error, the dispensing device 614 is unable to receive the command properly.

[0187] On the other hand, the dispensing device 614 detects a communication anomaly because it has not been able to properly receive the gaming machine information notification command from the frame control unit 600. After detecting the communication anomaly, it sets VL=OFF (cannot fire) and PSI=OFF (counting button disabled). In addition, the frame control unit 600 sets VL=OFF (cannot fire, counting button disabled) because it has not been able to properly receive the dispensing notification command in response to the counting notification command from the dispensing device 614.

[0188] In the frame control unit 600, since the counting button 617 became disabled, the counting ball count was reset from 250 to 0. Then, at the timing indicated by code T4i, a counting notification command containing the information counting serial number = m+2, counting ball count = 0, and cumulative counting ball count = 500 was sent to the lending device 614. However, due to a communication error, the lending device 614 was unable to receive these commands properly.

[0189] At the timing indicated by code T4j, the game parlor staff check the number of game balls and the number of balls held, and the system waits for the communication error to be resolved until the communication error is fixed. When the communication error is resolved, the dispensing device 614 will set VL=ON (game ball launching permitted) and PSI=ON (counting button enabled).

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

[0191] This example shows a loan notification that occurs when a communication error occurs after the loan button 614a of the loan device 614 is operated and 125 balls are loaned out once.

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

[0193] At the timing indicated by code T5b, since the number of game balls is 50, the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information serial number = n (where n is a positive integer) and number of game balls = 50. Then, at the timing indicated by the following code T5c, the frame control unit 600 sends a counting notification command to the dispensing device 614 during a period of 90ms to 100ms after sending the game machine information notification command, containing the information counting serial number = m (where m is a positive integer), counted balls = 0, and cumulative counted balls = 0.

[0194] At the timing indicated by code T5d, the lending device 614, upon receiving the counting notification command, sends a lending notification command containing the information of lending serial number = k (where k is a positive integer) and number of balls lent = 125 to the frame control unit 600 within 170 ms of receiving the counting notification command.

[0195] At the timing indicated by code T5e, the frame control unit 600, upon receiving the loan notification command, adds the number of loaned balls, 125, included in the command to the number of game balls, 50, updating the number of game balls to 175. It also sends a loan receipt result response command, containing information such as loan serial number = k and loan ball receipt result = normal, to the loan device 614 within 10 ms of receiving the loan notification command. However, in this example, a communication error has occurred, and the loan device 614 has not been able to receive the command properly.

[0196] The frame control unit 600 sends a loan acceptance result response command to the loan device 614 within 10ms of receiving a loan notification command from the loan device 614. In this example, at the timing indicated by symbol T5f, the loan device 614 has not received a loan acceptance result response command from the frame control unit 600 even though more than 10ms have passed since it sent the loan notification command to the frame control unit 600. Therefore, it determines that the loan process is not complete and continues the loan process.

[0197] At the timing indicated by code T5g, since the number of game balls is 175, the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification containing the information serial number = n+1 and number of game balls = 175 to the dispensing device 614. Then, at the timing indicated by the following code T5h, within a period of 90ms to 100ms after sending the game machine information notification command, it sends a counting notification command containing the information counting serial number = m+1, counted balls = 0, and cumulative counted balls = 0 to the dispensing device 614.

[0198] The lending device 614 has not successfully received the lending receipt result response command for the lending notification command sent at the timing indicated by code T5d, and it is unclear whether the frame control unit 600 has successfully received the lending notification command. Therefore, at the timing indicated by code T5i, the same k is set again as the lending serial number, and a lending notification command containing the information lending serial number = k and number of balls lent = 125 is sent 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 loan serial numbers included in the loan notification command, and if the loan serial numbers are not consecutive, it sends a loan receipt result response command that includes information about the loan number receipt result = abnormal.

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

[0201] On the other hand, if the loan serial number included in the loan receipt result response command received from the frame control unit 600 matches the loan serial number included in the loan notification command sent previously, the loan device 614 determines that the frame control unit 600 has successfully received the loan notification command and completes the loan process.

[0202] In this example, when the loan device 614 receives a loan receipt result response command from the frame control unit 600 at the timing indicated by code T5j, it determines that the loan serial number k included in the loan receipt result response command matches the loan serial number k included in the previous loan notification command sent to the frame control unit 600 at the timing indicated by code T5i, and completes the loan process.

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

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

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

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

[0207] At the timing indicated by symbol T6a, since the number of game balls is 1000, the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification command including information on 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 on the counted serial number = m (m is a positive integer), the counted number of balls = 0, and the counted cumulative 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 number of balls of 0, it transmits a lending notification command including information on the lending serial number = k (k is a positive integer) and the lending number of balls = 0 to the frame control unit 600. At the timing indicated by symbol T6d, the frame control unit 600 that received the lending notification command transmits a lending receipt result response command including information on the lending serial number = k and the lending number of balls receipt result = normal to the lending device 614.

[0210] At the timing indicated by symbol T6e, since the number of game balls is 999 and the number of launched balls is 1, the frame control unit 600 transmits a game 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 symbol T6f, after the frame control unit 600 transmits a game 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 game ball has passed through the foul ball detection sensor 616), the number of launched balls is set to -1, 1 is added to the number of game balls 999, and the number of game balls is updated to 1000.

[0212] At the timing indicated by symbol T6g, since the number of lent balls of the lending device 614 that has received the counting notification command is 0, 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 symbol T6h, 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.

[0213] At the timing indicated by symbol T6i, since the number of game balls is 1000 and the number of launched balls is -1, the frame control unit 600 transmits a game 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] Subsequently, since one game ball was launched toward the game board 200 (the game ball passed the subtraction sensor 618), the frame control unit 600 sets the number of launched balls to 1 and subtracts 1 from the number of game balls to update the number of game balls from 1000 to 999.

[0215] At the timing indicated by code T6j, the frame control unit 600, within a period of 90ms to 100ms after sending the game machine information notification command, sends a counting notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information counting serial number = m+2, counted balls = 0, and cumulative counted balls = 0. Then, having detected one foul ball (a game ball passed the foul ball detection sensor 616), it updates the number of launched balls from 1 to 0 and adds 1 to the number of game balls, updating the number of game balls from 999 to 1000.

[0216] At the timing indicated by code T6k, the lending device 614, having received the counting notification command, sends a lending notification command to the frame control unit 600 containing the information that the number of balls lent is 0, with lending serial number = k+2 and number of balls lent = 0. At the timing indicated by code T6l, the frame control unit 600, having received the lending notification command, sends a lending receipt result response command to the lending device 614 containing the information that the lending serial number is k+2 and the number of balls received is normal.

[0217] At the timing indicated by code T6m, the number of game balls is 1000 and the number of balls launched is 0 (= 1 (launched) - 1 (foul ball)). Therefore, the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification command to the dispensing device 614, which includes the information that the sequence number is n+3, the number of game balls is 1000, and the number of balls launched is 0.

[0218] <Communication between the frame control unit and the dispensing device / When the number of game balls increases and the counting button is pressed briefly at the same time> Figure 21 is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication between the frame control unit 600 and the dispensing device 614 in chronological order when the number of game balls increases and the counting button is pressed briefly at the same time.

[0219] This example illustrates communication in a sealed-type gaming machine 100 when the timing of the increase in the number of game balls due to prize balls coincides with the timing of counting by a short press of the counting button 617. While this example describes the case where the number of game balls increases due to prize balls, the same applies when the number of game balls increases due to foul balls.

[0220] At the timing indicated by code T7a, the number of game balls is 0, so the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information that the sequence number is n (where n is a positive integer) and the number of game balls is 0. Then, at the timing indicated by code T7b, the number of game balls increases by 1 due to a prize ball, so 1 is added to the number of game balls to update the number of game balls from 0 to 1.

[0221] In this example, with the number of game balls at 1 and the cumulative count of balls at 0, the first "short press" operation of the counting button 617 is accepted at the timing indicated by symbol T7c immediately after the prize ball is awarded.

[0222] However, since the numerical value 1 (planned count), which represents the count of 1 ball in response to the "short press" operation of the counting button 617, is greater than the 0 for the number of game balls transmitted in the game machine information notification command sent at the timing indicated by symbol T7a, in this example, instead of setting the numerical value 1, which represents the count of 1 ball in response to the "short press" operation of the counting button 617, as the number of balls, 0 is set as the planned correction data for the counting data (number of balls counted) (step S103 of the counting process shown in Figure 4), and at the timing indicated by symbol T7d, a counting notification command containing the information counting serial number = m (m is a positive integer), number of balls counted = 0, and cumulative number of balls counted = 0 is sent to the lending device 614.

[0223] In other words, in this example, when the detection means (ball detection sensor) detects game balls during a predetermined period and the number of game balls data (data on the number of game balls) increases (indicated by symbol T7b in Figure 21, a situation where the number of game balls increases by 1 due to a prize ball), if the counting process is performed during the predetermined period due to the operation of a predetermined operating means (counting button 617), the value corresponding to the operation of the predetermined operating means (counting button 617) (the numerical value 1 representing 1 ball) may not be counted.

[0224] In this example, if the number of game balls increases during a predetermined period after sending game ball count data (game machine information notification command) to an external device (loan device 614) but before sending counting data information (counting notification command), it is possible to prevent the transmission of more counting data information than game ball count data information. This prevents the transmission of information that could be mistaken for fraudulent activity or a malfunction to the external device, thereby enabling the smooth operation of the game machine.

[0225] At the timing indicated by code T7e, the lending device 614, having received the counting notification command, sends a lending notification command to the frame control unit 600 containing the information that the number of balls lent is 0, and that the number of balls lent is 0. At the timing indicated by code T7f, the frame control unit 600, having received the lending notification command, sends a lending receipt result response command to the lending device 614 containing the information that the number of balls lent is 0 and that the number of balls received is normal.

[0226] At the timing indicated by code T7g, since the number of game balls is 1, the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information that the sequence number is n+1 and the number of game balls is 1. Then, at the timing indicated by the following code T7h, since 0 is set as the planned correction data for the counting data (counted balls), within a period of 90ms to 100ms after sending the game machine information notification command, it sends a counting notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information that the counting sequence number is m+1, the counted balls is 0, and the cumulative counted balls is 0.

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

[0228] Here, since the numerical value 1 (count planned 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 number of game balls = 1 to the lending device 614. Then, at the subsequent timing indicated by the code T7m, since the counted ball number and the counted cumulative ball number are 1, within a 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 communication between the frame control unit and the lending device / increase in the number of game balls and long press of the count button overlap> Figure 22 is a sequence diagram showing a time-series example of communication between the frame control unit 600 and the dispensing device 614 when the number of game balls increases and the counting button is pressed and held simultaneously.

[0233] This example illustrates communication in a sealed-type gaming machine 100 when the timing of the increase in the number of game balls due to prize balls coincides with the timing of counting by pressing and holding the counting button 617. While this example describes the case where the number of game balls increases due to prize balls, the same applies when the number of game balls increases due to foul balls.

[0234] At the timing indicated by code T8b, the number of game balls is 245, so the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information sequence number = n (where n is a positive integer) and number of game balls = 245. Then, at the timing indicated by code T8c, the number of game balls increases by 15 due to prize balls, so 15 is added to the number of game balls to update the number of game balls from 245 to 260.

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

[0236] However, since the number 250 (planned count), which represents the count of 250 balls in response to the "long press" operation of the counting button 617, is greater than the number of game balls, 245, transmitted in the game machine information notification command sent at the timing indicated by symbol T8b, the number 250, which represents the count of 250 balls in response to the "long press" operation of the counting button 617, is not set as the number of balls counted (counting data). Instead, 245 is set as the planned correction data for the counting data (number of balls counted) (step S103 of the counting process shown in Figure 4). At the timing indicated by symbol T8d, a counting notification command containing the information counting serial number = m (where m is a positive integer), number of balls counted = 245, and cumulative number of balls counted = 245 is sent to the dispensing device 614. After that, the number of game balls is updated to 15 by subtracting the number of balls counted 245 from the number of game balls 260.

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

[0238] In this example, if the number of game balls increases during a predetermined period after sending game ball count data (game machine information notification command) to an external device (loan device 614) but before sending counting data information (counting notification command), it is possible to prevent the transmission of more counting data information than game ball count data information. This prevents the transmission of information that could be mistaken for fraudulent activity or a malfunction to the external device, thereby enabling the smooth operation of the game machine.

[0239] At the timing indicated by code T8e, the lending device 614, having received the count notification command, adds the counted balls of 245 included in the received count notification command to the number of balls held before receiving the count notification command (0), updating the number of balls held to 245. Since the number of balls lent is 0, it sends a lending notification command to the frame control unit 600 containing the information: lending serial number = k (where k is a positive integer) and number of balls lent = 0. At the timing indicated by code T8f, the frame control unit 600, having received the lending notification command, sends a lending receipt result response command to the lending device 614 containing the information: lending serial number = k and the number of balls lent received result = normal.

[0240] At the timing indicated by code T8g, since the number of game balls is 15, the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information that the sequence number is n+1 and the number of game balls is 15. Then, at the timing indicated by the following code T8h, the "long press" of the counting button 617 is still being performed, and the device is accepting a second "long press" operation.

[0241] However, since the number of game balls is 15, which is less than the 250 balls that would be counted if the counting button 617 were "long-pressed", the number of balls counted is set to 15, which represents the total number of game balls, and the number of balls counted is added to the cumulative number of balls counted of 245 to update the cumulative number of balls counted to 260. Within a period of 90ms to 100ms after sending the game machine information notification command, a counting notification command containing the information counting serial number = m+1, number of balls counted = 15, and cumulative number of balls counted = 260 is sent to the dispensing device 614.

[0242] At the timing indicated by code T8i, the lending device 614, having received the count notification command, adds the count of 15 balls included in the received count notification command to the number of balls held, 245, before receiving the count notification command, updating the number of balls held to 260. Since the number of balls lent is 0, it sends a lending notification command to the frame control unit 600 containing the information lending serial number = k+1 and number of balls lent = 0. At the timing indicated by code T8j, the frame control unit 600, having received the lending notification command, sends a lending receipt result response command to the lending device 614 containing the information lending serial number = k+1 and the number of balls lent received result = normal.

[0243] At the timing indicated by code T8k, the long press operation of the counting button 617 is released, and at the timing indicated by code T8l, since the number of game balls is 0, the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information that the serial number is n+2 and the number of game balls is 0. Then, at the timing indicated by the following code T8m, within a period of 90ms to 100ms after sending the game machine information notification command, it sends a counting notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information that the counting serial number is m+2, the number of balls counted is 0, and the cumulative number of balls counted is 260.

[0244] <Communication between the frame control unit and the lending device / Summary> As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the enclosed gaming machine 100 shown in Figure 1) is a gaming machine capable of storing the number of gaming balls as gaming ball count data in a predetermined memory area (for example, the RAM 608 of the frame control unit 600 shown in Figure 2), and comprises control means (for example, the frame control unit 600 shown in Figure 2), detection means capable of detecting gaming balls (for example, various sensors 320 shown in Figure 2 (sensors that detect gaming balls passing through each start opening, prize opening, and variable prize opening)), and predetermined operating means (for example, the counting button shown in Figure 2) The control means comprises a tan 617) and a means that can add ball data corresponding to the detection of a game ball by the detection means to the game ball count data, and when the predetermined operating means is operated in a situation where the game ball count data is not 0, the control means is capable of executing a counting process (for example, the counting process shown in Figure 4) to count the game ball count data, and the control means can send first information (for example, the game machine information notification frame shown in Figures 20 and 21) to an external device (for example, the lending device 614 shown in Figure 2). Means capable of transmitting a first information, and capable of transmitting a second information (e.g., a counting notification command shown in Figures 20 and 21) after a predetermined period (e.g., 100 ms) has elapsed since the first information was transmitted, wherein the first information includes the game ball count data (e.g., the game ball count shown in Figures 21 and 22), and the second information includes counting data (e.g., the count of balls shown in Figures 21 and 22) indicating the value counted from the time the previous second information was transmitted until the current second information is transmitted, and the control means The gaming machine is characterized in that, in situations where the detection means detects game balls during the predetermined period and the number of game balls data increases (for example, (1) a situation in which the number of game balls increases by 1 due to a prize ball, as indicated by the symbol T7b in Figure 21, or (2) a situation in which the number of game balls increases by 15 due to a prize ball, as indicated by the symbol T8c in Figure 22), if the counting process is performed during the predetermined period due to the operation of the predetermined operating means, the means may not count the value corresponding to the operation of the predetermined operating means.

[0245] If it were possible to transmit more counting data than the number of game balls (i.e., the total number of balls held) to an external device, the external device would receive more counting data than the total number of balls held, which could lead to an error state. However, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, in a predetermined period after transmitting the number of game balls data to the external device but before transmitting the counting data, it is possible to prevent the transmission of more counting data than the number of game balls data when the number of game balls increases. This prevents the transmission of information that could cause the external device to mistakenly perceive fraudulent activity or a malfunction, thereby enabling the smooth operation of the gaming machine.

[0246] Furthermore, the control means is a means for counting a second value (e.g., 250 balls) smaller than the first value from the game ball count data when the predetermined operating means is operated in a first operating manner (e.g., long press) when the game ball count data is equal to or greater than a first value (e.g., 251 balls), and the control means is a means for counting a second value (e.g., 250 balls) smaller than the first value from the game ball count data when the predetermined operating means is operated in a first operating manner (e.g., long press) when the game ball count data is equal to or greater than the second value In a situation where the number of game balls is a value (for example, 249 balls), if the predetermined operating means is operated in the first operating manner (for example, long press), the means counts the third value (for example, 249 balls) from the game ball count data. The control means may also be a means that counts the third value if, after transmitting the game ball count data, which is the third value, as the first information, the detection means detects game balls during the predetermined period and the game ball count data increases to a fourth value (for example, 250 balls or more) which is greater than the third value, and the predetermined operating means is operated in the first operating manner, resulting in a counting process being performed during the predetermined period.

[0247] With this configuration, appropriate counting processing can be performed according to the number of game balls, and if the number of game balls increases during a predetermined period after sending the game ball count information to an external device but before sending the counting data information, it is possible to prevent the transmission of more counting data information than the game ball count information. This prevents the transmission of information that could be mistaken for fraudulent activity or a malfunction to an external device, thereby enabling the smooth operation of the gaming machine. Furthermore, the gaming machine according to this embodiment is a gaming machine capable of storing the number of game values ​​as game value data in a predetermined memory area, and comprises a control means and a predetermined operating means, wherein the control means is a means capable of adding game value data corresponding to the acquisition of the game value to the game value data, the control means is a means capable of performing a counting process to count the game value data when the predetermined operating means is operated in a situation where the game value data is not "0", the control means is a means capable of transmitting first information to an external device at predetermined intervals, and transmitting second information after a predetermined period has elapsed since the transmission of the first information, the first information includes the game value data, and the second information includes counting data indicating the value counted from the time the previous second information was transmitted until the current second information is transmitted, and the control means The control means is a means capable of transmitting data indicating the first value as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information when the predetermined operating means is operated in the first operating mode while the game value data is a first value, and the control means is a means capable of transmitting data indicating the first value as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information when the predetermined operating means is operated in the first operating mode while the game value data is a second value which is greater than the first value, and the control means is a means capable of transmitting data indicating the first value as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information when the predetermined operating means is operated in the first operating mode while the game value data is a third value which is less than the first value, and the control means is a means capable of transmitting data indicating the third value as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information before transmitting the third value as the game value data The fourth valueThe aforementioned game value is obtained and the number of game value data is described two In a situation where the value is such that the counting process based on the first operation mode is performed before the predetermined period has elapsed, when transmitting the most recent second information, the counting data is as follows: The aforementioned The control means transmits data indicating the first value, and after transmitting the third value as the game value data, and before the predetermined period has elapsed, The fourth value Gaming value is acquired and the number of gaming value data is described two In a situation where the value is such that the counting process based on the first operation mode is performed before the predetermined period elapses (hereinafter referred to as "the first case"), when transmitting the most recent second information, the counting data is used as The aforementioned Without sending data indicating the first value, data indicating the third value is sent. before In the first case, if the predetermined operating means continues to operate in the first operating mode until the transmission of the next second piece of information following the timing of transmission of the most recent second piece of information, the gaming machine is characterized in that, when transmitting the next second piece of information, it transmits data indicating the fourth value as the counting data.

[0248] <Control by frame control unit and launch control unit> Next, the control by the frame control unit 600 and the launch control unit 630 will be explained using Figures 23 to 27.

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

[0250] In Figures 23 to 27, the "ball feed solenoid" refers to the ball feed solenoid 634 of the ball feed device 127 explained using Figures 2 and 3. "Driven" and "Stopped" 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 being stopped, respectively.

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

[0252] The "reference signal flag" indicates a flag that the frame control unit 600 sets ON or OFF in the reference signal processing explained using Figure 5 and the game ball subtraction processing explained using Figure 6. When the frame control unit 600 receives a reference signal from the launch control unit 630, it sets the reference signal flag to ON. However, 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., 640ms) has elapsed since the reference signal flag was set to ON, it sets the reference signal flag to OFF (resets it).

[0253] The "subtraction sensor signal" refers to 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 a game ball, the subtraction sensor signal changes from the OFF level to the ON level.

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

[0255] "Launch solenoid" refers to the launch solenoid 632 of the launch device 140, as explained using Figures 2 and 3. "Driven" and "Stopped" refer to the state in which the drive signal for 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> Figure 23 is a time chart showing the changes in various signals when a single game ball is launched, assuming the number of game balls is 1.

[0257] At the timing indicated by symbol T10a, the launch control unit 630 drives the ball feeding solenoid 634 of the ball feeding device 127 to supply the game ball to the launch position on the launch rail 149, and based on the fact that the ball feeding solenoid 634 has been driven, it transmits an ON-level reference signal to the frame control unit 600. Upon receiving the reference signal, the frame control unit 600 sets the reference signal flag to ON (step S202 of the reference signal processing shown in Figure 5).

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

[0259] At the timing indicated by the symbol T10c, the launch control unit 630 drives the launch solenoid 632 of the launching 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 for 1 game ball> Figure 24 is a time chart showing the changes in various signals when one game ball is launched and one game ball is counted, assuming the number of game balls is 1.

[0261] At the timing indicated by symbol T11a, the launch control unit 630 drives the ball feeding solenoid 634 of the ball feeding device 127 to supply the game ball to the launch position on the launch rail 149, and based on the fact that the ball feeding solenoid 634 has been driven, it transmits an ON-level reference signal to the frame control unit 600. Upon receiving the reference signal, the frame control unit 600 sets the reference signal flag to ON (step S202 of the reference signal processing shown in Figure 5).

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

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

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

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

[0266] Furthermore, if no restrictions were placed on the counting process as in the example described above, and a counting operation (short press) was performed between the time the ball-feeding solenoid 634 was activated and the time the subtraction sensor signal turned OFF while there was only one game ball, then two balls would be used—one for launching and one for counting—even though there was only one game ball.

[0267] However, in this example, even if the launch of the game balls and the counting process for counting the number of game balls overlap, the value (1 ball) corresponding to the first operation mode (short press) of the predetermined operating means (counting button 617) is not counted from the game ball count data (1 ball), thus enabling proper processing.

[0268] <Control by frame control unit and launch control unit / Launch operation and counting operation for 250 game balls> Figure 25 is a time chart showing the changes in various signals when one game ball is launched and 250 game balls are counted, assuming a total of 250 game balls.

[0269] At the timing indicated by symbol T12a, the launch control unit 630 drives the ball feeding solenoid 634 of the ball feeding device 127 to supply the game ball to the launch position on the launch rail 149, and based on the fact that the ball feeding solenoid 634 has been driven, it transmits an ON-level reference signal to the frame control unit 600. Upon receiving the reference signal, the frame control unit 600 sets the reference signal flag to ON (step S202 of the reference signal processing shown in Figure 5).

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

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

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

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

[0274] For example, if the launch of game balls and the counting process for counting game ball data are performed without any restrictions, and the game ball count data is 250 balls, and the launch of game balls and the counting by long-pressing (250 balls) occur at the same time, 250 balls will be counted, and a problem will arise where game balls are launched even though there are no game balls in the game ball count data. However, in this example, even if the launch of game balls and the counting process for counting game ball data occur at the same time, the value (250 balls) corresponding to the first operation mode (long-press) of the predetermined operation means (counting button 617) is not counted from the game ball count data (250 balls), so appropriate processing becomes possible.

[0275] <Control by frame control unit and launch control unit / Launch operation and counting operation for 251 game balls> Figure 26 is a time chart showing the changes in various signals when 251 game balls are launched and 250 game balls are counted.

[0276] At the timing indicated by symbol T13a, the launch control unit 630 drives the ball feeding solenoid 634 of the ball feeding device 127 to supply the game ball to the launch position on the launch rail 149, and based on the fact that the ball feeding solenoid 634 has been driven, it transmits an ON-level reference signal to the frame control unit 600. Upon receiving the reference signal, the frame control unit 600 sets the reference signal flag to ON (step S202 of the reference signal processing shown in Figure 5).

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

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

[0279] At the timing indicated by symbol T13c, the frame control unit 600 detects that the subtraction sensor signal output from the subtraction sensor 618 has changed from an ON level (high level in this example) to an OFF level (low level in this example), and that the subtraction sensor 618 has detected a game ball. Therefore, it 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 the reference signal flag to OFF (reset) (step S304 of the game ball subtraction process).

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

[0281] In this example, appropriate counting processing can be performed according to the number of game balls.

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

[0283] At the timing indicated by symbol T14a, the launch control unit 630 drives the ball feeding solenoid 634 of the ball feeding device 127 to supply the game ball to the launch position on the launch rail 149, and based on the fact that the ball feeding solenoid 634 has been driven, it transmits an ON-level reference signal to the frame control unit 600. Upon receiving the reference signal, the frame control unit 600 sets the reference signal flag to ON (step S202 of the reference signal processing shown in Figure 5).

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

[0285] In this example, even if 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 counting data that does not need correction continues to be corrected during the counting process.

[0286] <Control by frame control unit and launch control unit / Summary> As described above, the game machine according to this embodiment (for example, the enclosed game machine 100 shown in Figure 1) is a game machine capable of storing the number of game balls as game ball count data in a predetermined memory area (for example, the RAM 608 of the frame control unit 600 shown in Figure 2), and comprises a first control means (for example, the frame control unit 600 shown in Figure 2), a launching operation means operated when launching game balls (for example, the ball launching handle 134 shown in Figures 1 and 2), a launching means for launching game balls (for example, the launching device 140 shown in Figure 3), and a ball feeding means for feeding game balls to the launching position of the launching means (for example, shown in Figure 3) The first control means comprises a ball feeding device 127), a predetermined operating means (for example, a counting button 617 shown in Figure 2), and a detection means (for example, a subtraction sensor 618 shown in Figures 2 and 3) capable of detecting that a game ball is sent to the launching means by the ball feeding means, wherein the first control means is capable of executing a subtraction process (for example, a game ball subtraction process shown in Figure 6) which subtracts the game ball count data based on the detection means detecting that a game ball is sent to the launching means by the ball feeding means, and the first control means, in a situation where the game ball count data is not 0, the predetermined operation When the means is operated, it is a means capable of performing a counting process (for example, the counting process shown in Figure 4) to count the game ball count data, and the first control means, when the game ball count data is equal to or greater than a first value (for example, (1) 251 balls, (2) 2 balls), counts a value from the game ball count data corresponding to the first operation method (for example, (1) long press, (2) short press) when the predetermined operating means is operated in a first operation method (for example, (1) long press, (2) short press) (counting the balls), and the first control means, when the game ball count data is less than the first value (for example, (1) 250 balls, (2) 1 ball), if the predetermined operating means is operated in the first operating manner during the predetermined period when the game balls are launched, does not count the value corresponding to the first operating manner from the game ball count data (for example, (1) subtracting 1 ball from the number of balls launched, which is the number of balls counted in response to a long press, to correct the number of balls counted to 249 balls and counting, (2) subtracting 1 ball from the number of balls launched, which is the number of balls counted in response to a short press, to correct the number of balls counted to 0 and not counting),This is a gaming machine characterized by the following:

[0287] For example, if the launch of game balls and the counting process for counting game ball data are performed without any restrictions, and the game ball count data is 250 balls, and the launch of game balls and the counting by long-pressing (250 balls) coincide, 250 balls will be counted, and a problem will arise where game balls are launched even though there are no game balls in the game ball count data. However, with the game machine according to this embodiment, even if the launch of game balls and the counting process for counting game ball data coincide, the value corresponding to the first operation mode of the predetermined operation means is not counted from the game ball count data, thus enabling appropriate processing.

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

[0289] With this configuration, appropriate counting processing can be performed according to the number of game balls, and proper processing is possible even when the launch of game balls and the counting processing of game ball count data overlap.

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

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

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

[0293] Furthermore, a decorative film 164 (decorative member) made of a decorative sheet having decorative properties, and a decorative film cover 166 (cover member) that fixes the decorative film 164 (decorative member) to the upper unit 154 (first component) are detachably attached to the upper unit 154 (first component).

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

[0295] Traditionally, when introducing a different type of gaming machine, it was possible to replace only the game board and reuse the frame. However, this presented challenges, such as the overall appearance of the gaming machine deviating from the manufacturer's intentions, or the frame being less decorative if it was designed with the assumption that it would be reused. In this example, however, by making the decorative sheet (design film 164) replaceable, when introducing a different type of gaming machine, it is possible to reuse the frame (front frame door 106) while adopting a decorative sheet (design film 164) that matches the gaming machine being introduced, thereby enhancing its decorative appeal.

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

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

[0298] These hand-tightened screws 168 and slide locks 170 are located on the back of the front frame door 106, and are components that can be operated when the front frame door 106 (door body) is open. They cannot be operated by players, and are operating means that can only be operated by staff of the amusement parlor.

[0299] The hand-operated screw 168 consists of a drive unit 168a that can be rotated by hand, a circular, flat head 168b, and a threaded portion (not shown) that extends from the base end of the head 168b.

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

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

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

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

[0304] The slide lock 170 can be slid in one direction (for example, to the right horizontally when viewed from the rear) from the unlocked position shown in Figure 30(b) to the locked position shown in Figure 30(a), thereby moving the locking piece 170a of the slide lock 170 above the locking portion 154a of the upper unit 154. By sliding the slide lock 170 to the locked position, the glass frame base 152 and the upper unit 154 are fixed (locked), and the upward movement of the upper unit 154 relative to the glass frame base 152 is restricted.

[0305] On the other hand, by sliding the slide lock 170 in another direction (for example, horizontally to the left when viewed from the rear) from the locked position shown in Figure 30(b) to the unlocked position shown in the same Figure 30(b), the locking piece 170a of the slide lock 170 can be moved out from above the locking portion 154a of the upper unit 154. Then, by sliding the slide lock 170 to the unlocked position, the fixing (locking) of the glass frame base 152 and the upper unit 154 is released, and by releasing the fixing (fastening) of the upper unit 154 by the hand screw 168, the upper unit 154 can be moved upward relative to the glass frame base 152.

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

[0307] In this example, the slide lock 170 can hold the upper unit 154 in the unlocked position, thereby improving convenience during the replacement of the design film 164.

[0308] Figure 31(a) is a top view of the front frame door 106 as seen from above, Figure 31(b) is a front view showing the upper unit 154 in the locked position, and Figure 31(c) is a front view showing the upper unit 154 in 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 decorative film cover 166.

[0310] When the upper unit 154 is in the locked position shown in Figure 31(b), the upper locking part 154a (second restricting member) cannot be lifted upward, and the upper locking part 154a restricts the attachment and detachment of the design film cover 166, making it impossible to remove the design film cover 166 (cover member) from the upper unit 154 (first component) (first state).

[0311] Furthermore, when the upper unit 154 is moved to the locked position shown in Figure 31(b), the two left and right locking parts 154c (design film cover lock mechanism) (second restricting member), which are capable of locking the lower part of the design film cover 166 to the upper unit 154, are covered by the upper unit 154 and cannot be operated, making it impossible to release the locking of the design film cover 166 by the design film cover lock mechanism.

[0312] On the other hand, when the upper unit 154 is in the unlocked position shown in Figure 31(c), the upper locking part 154a can be lifted upward, and the restriction on attaching and detaching the design film cover 166 by the upper locking part 154a is released.

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

[0314] Therefore, after moving the upper unit 154 to the unlocked position shown in Figure 31(c), the upper locking part 154a is lifted upward, and the locking mechanism of the design film cover is released, making it possible to remove the design film cover 166 (cover member) from the upper unit 154 (first component) (second state).

[0315] In this example, the first restricting member (hand-operated screw 168 or slide lock 170) is a member that can be operated when the door body (front frame door 106) is open, thus preventing the removal of decorative members by players, etc., and thus preventing vandalism and fraudulent activities.

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

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

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

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

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

[0321] In this example, the first component (upper unit 154) is equipped with a second restricting member (upper locking part 154a shown in Figure 31(a), locking part 154c shown in Figure 31(c)) that restricts the removal of the cover member (design film cover 166) from the first component (upper unit 154). The second restricting member (upper locking part 154a shown in Figure 31(a), locking part 154c shown in Figure 31(c)) is a member that can be operated when the first component (upper unit 154) changes from the second state (the state shown in Figure 31(b)) to the first state (the state shown in Figure 31(c)). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the decorative member from being removed by the player or others, thereby preventing vandalism and fraudulent activity.

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

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

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

[0325] This configuration prevents players from removing decorative elements, thus preventing vandalism and fraudulent activity.

[0326] Furthermore, the first component includes a second restricting member (for example, the upper locking portion 154a shown in Figure 31(a) and the locking portion 154c shown in Figure 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] This configuration prevents players from removing decorative elements, thus preventing vandalism and fraudulent activity.

[0328] Furthermore, the decorative member may be a decorative sheet having decorative properties.

[0329] Traditionally, when introducing a different type of gaming machine, it was possible to replace only the game board and reuse the frame. However, this presented challenges such as the overall appearance of the gaming machine deviating from the manufacturer's intentions, or the frame being less decorative if it was designed with the assumption that it would be reused. With the present invention, however, by making the decorative sheet replaceable, when introducing a different type of gaming machine, it is possible to reuse the frame while still adopting a decorative sheet that matches the newly introduced machine, thereby enhancing its decorative appeal.

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

[0331] <Game board / Overall configuration> Figure 32 is a schematic front view of the game board 200 as seen from the front. The game board 200 is equipped with predetermined ball entry points, such as a general prize entry point 226, a regular prize entry point 228, a second special prize entry point 230, a first special prize entry point 232, and a variable prize entry point 234.

[0332] In this example, two general prize slots 226 are located in the lower left of the game board 200. When a predetermined ball detection sensor (not shown) detects a ball entering one of these general prize slots 226 (i.e., a ball enters a general prize slot 226), a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10 balls) are dispensed as prize balls.

[0333] The regular ball start port 228 consists of a device called a gate or through-chucker, which determines whether or not a game ball has passed through a predetermined area. In this example, one such port is located in the center of the game board 200. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that a game ball has passed through the regular ball start port 228, the pachinko machine 100 starts a regular ball variation game using a regular ball display device (not shown).

[0334] In this example, the second special feature start port 230 is located to the right of the regular feature start port 228. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering this second special feature start port 230, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 3) are dispensed as prize balls, and the special feature variation game is started by the first special feature display device (not shown).

[0335] The first special symbol start opening 232 is called an electric tulip (electric tulip), and in this example, two of them are arranged vertically on the right side of the game board 200. This first special symbol start opening 232 is equipped with a wing member that can be opened and closed from left to right. When the wing member is closed, it is not possible for game balls to enter. When a regular symbol variation game is won and the regular symbol display device (not shown) stops displaying the winning symbol, the wing member opens and closes at predetermined time intervals and a predetermined number of times. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that a ball has entered the first special symbol start opening 232, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 4 balls) are dispensed as prize balls, and the special symbol variation game is started by the second special symbol display device (not shown).

[0336] The variable prize slot 234 is called the big prize slot or attacker, and in this example, only one is installed in the lower right of the game board 200. This variable prize slot 234 is equipped with a door member that can be opened and closed, and when the door member is closed, it is not possible for game balls to enter. When a special symbol variation game is won and the special symbol display device stops and displays the big win symbol, the door member opens and closes at a predetermined time interval (for example, an open time of 29 seconds and a closed time of 1.5 seconds) for a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that a ball has entered the variable prize slot 234, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 15 balls) are dispensed as prize balls.

[0337] Furthermore, several disc-shaped ball-direction changing members 236 called windmills and game pins 238 are arranged near these prize-winning and starting openings. Below the starting opening 228, an out opening 240 is provided to guide game balls that do not enter any of the prize-winning or starting openings to the back of the sealed game machine 100.

[0338] <Game board / ball passage> Figure 33 is a schematic rear view of the game board 200 as seen from the rear. A first ball passage 250 is provided at the lower rear of the game board 200, through which game balls that have entered the general prize entry opening 226 and the regular prize entry opening 228 can pass. A second ball passage 260 is provided at the left rear of the game board 200, through which game balls that have entered the second special prize entry opening 230, the first special prize entry opening 232, and the variable prize entry opening 234 can pass.

[0339] The first ball passage 250 is comprised of a first ball passage base 252, which is positioned horizontally below the rear surface of the base member 201 of the game board 200, and a first ball passage cover 254, which is positioned to cover the ball passage formed on the first ball passage base 252.

[0340] The second ball passage 260 comprises a second ball passage base 262 positioned vertically on the left rear side of the base member 201 of the game board 200, and a second ball passage cover 264 disposed to cover the ball passage formed on the second ball passage base 262.

[0341] <Game board / First ball passage> Figure 34(a) is a magnified partial 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. Figure 34(b) is a magnified partial view of the general prize-winning passage 256.

[0342] The first ball passage base 252 of the first ball passage 250 has a general prize opening passage 256 (first passage) through which game balls that enter the general prize opening 226 flow, and a general start opening passage 258 (first passage) through which game balls that enter the general start opening 228 flow.

[0343] One end of the general prize entry channel 256 is connected to the general prize entry port 226 formed in the base member 201, and the other end is connected to the lower passage 750 (see Figure 3) located below the base member 201. The general prize entry channel 256 is capable of discharging game balls that have entered the general prize entry port 226 into the lower passage 750. Since the general prize entry port 226 is a ball entry port into which game balls can be easily entered during normal gameplay, the general prize entry channel 256 (first channel) can be said to be a channel through which game balls can flow during normal gameplay.

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

[0345] In this example, if screws are not properly installed and become loose during the assembly of the flow path, game balls will accumulate in the flow path of the first flow path (general prize entry flow path 256). This makes it easy to detect assembly errors during pre-shipment test tests, thereby improving convenience.

[0346] More specifically, as shown in Figure 34(b), the general prize opening channel 256 is configured to have a straight section 256b that extends linearly downward from the vicinity of the general prize opening 226 as its base, a meandering section 256c that is bent to the left in a rear view from the straight section 256b as its base and then bent further downward, and a straight section 256d that extends linearly downward from the meandering section 256c as its base. In this example, the screw insertion opening 256a is formed in the straight section 256b of the general prize opening channel 256.

[0347] Because the meandering section 256c has a bent portion, the game balls that circulate are inherently prone to getting caught (stagnating), and even if it is not due to an assembly error, but rather due to individual differences in the screws or the components forming the flow path, there is a risk that the game balls will become stuck if a screw protrudes even slightly. However, in this example, by providing the screw insertion opening 256a in the straight section 256b instead of the meandering section 256c, it is possible to prevent the game balls from becoming stuck in the flow path due to factors other than assembly errors.

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

[0349] If the screw insertion opening 256a is located close to the exit of the flow path, it takes time for game balls to accumulate in the flow path due to loose screws or the like and overflow from the flow path, making it difficult to immediately notice defects during pre-shipment test runs. However, in this example, the first flow path (general prize entry 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 located upstream of the second opening (flow outlet 256out), and the screw insertion opening 256a is located closer to the first opening (flow path inlet 256in) than the second opening (flow outlet 256out). Therefore, during pre-shipment test runs, if game balls accumulate in the flow path due to loose screws or the like and overflow from the flow path, assembly errors can be immediately noticed, improving convenience.

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

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

[0352] In this example, if screws are not properly installed and become loose during the assembly of the flow path, the game balls will accumulate in the flow path of the first flow path (start opening flow path 258 in the diagram). This makes it easy to detect assembly errors during pre-shipment test tests, thereby improving convenience.

[0353] Furthermore, in the first ball passage base 252 of the first ball passage 250, multiple screw insertion openings 252a into which screws 257 can be inserted are formed in locations other than the general prize entry passage 256 and the general start passage 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 openings 252a.

[0354] In this example, the first flow path (general prize entry flow path 256 and general start entry flow path 258) allows for the detection of loose screws due to the accumulation of game balls, and also allows for stable fixing to the game board 200.

[0355] <Game board / Second ball passage> Figure 35 is a magnified view of the second ball passage 260 with the first ball passage 250 removed.

[0356] The second ball passage base 262 of the second ball passage 260 has a first special symbol start passage channel 266 (second passage) through which game balls that have entered the first special symbol start opening 232 flow, a variable prize opening passage channel 267 (second passage) through which game balls that have entered the first special symbol start opening 232 or the variable prize opening 234 flow, and a second special symbol start passage channel 268 through which game balls that have entered the second special symbol start opening 230 flow.

[0357] The first special symbol start port passage 266 is a passage that can discharge game balls that have entered the first special symbol start port 232 into the lower passage 750. Since the first special symbol start port 232 is a ball entry port where it is difficult for game balls to enter during normal gameplay, but easy for game balls to enter during a winning (minor winning) game, the first special symbol start port passage 266 (second passage) can be said to be a passage where it is difficult for game balls to circulate during normal gameplay, but easy for game balls to circulate during a winning game.

[0358] The variable prize entry passage 267 is a passage that can discharge game balls that have entered the first special symbol start opening 232 or the variable prize entry opening 234 into the lower passage 750. The first special symbol start opening 232 and the variable prize entry opening 234 are ball entry points where it is difficult for game balls to enter during normal gameplay, but easy for game balls to enter during winning (minor win or major win) gameplay. Therefore, the variable prize entry passage 267 (second passage) can be said to be a passage where it is difficult for game balls to circulate during normal gameplay, but easy for game balls to circulate during winning gameplay.

[0359] The second special symbol start port passage 268 is a passage that can discharge game balls that have entered the second special symbol start port 230 into the lower passage 750. Since the second special symbol start port 230 is a ball entry port into which game balls can be easily entered during normal gameplay, the second special symbol start port passage 268 can be said to be a passage through which game balls can flow during normal gameplay.

[0360] In the second ball passage base 262 of the second ball passage 260, multiple screw insertion openings 262a into which screws 257 can be inserted are formed in locations other than the first special feature start opening passage 266, the variable prize entry passage 267, and the second special feature start opening passage 268. The second ball passage base 262 is fixed (fastened) to the base member 201 of the game board 200 by multiple screws 257 inserted into these screw insertion openings 262a. In other words, in this example, no screw insertion openings into which screws can be inserted are formed on the passages of the first special feature start opening passage 266, the variable prize entry passage 267, and the second special feature start opening passage 268.

[0361] Furthermore, if a screw insertion opening were formed in the second flow path and the screw was not properly installed, causing it to become loose, the second flow path would normally be difficult for game balls to pass through during gameplay. Therefore, inspectors might not notice this during pre-shipment test runs. To prevent this, a screw insertion opening that allows a screw to be inserted is not formed in the second flow path, thus preventing the product from being shipped with a loose screw.

[0362] In this example, since no screw insertion openings are formed in the second flow path (the first special feature start opening flow path 266 and the variable prize winning opening flow path 267), even if the screws are not properly installed and become loose during the assembly of the flow path, the second flow path (the first special feature start opening flow path 266 and the variable prize winning opening flow path 267) will not be affected, and pre-shipment test tests can be performed quickly.

[0363] Furthermore, the second flow path (the first special feature start opening flow path 266 and the variable prize winning opening flow path 267) can be made free from adverse effects caused by loose screws, etc., and can be stably fixed to the game board.

[0364] In this example, all game balls that enter the second special feature start port 230, the first special feature start port 232, and the variable prize port 234 are configured to pass through a common second ball passage 260. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and game balls that enter each ball entry port may be configured to pass through separate ball passages. In this case, a screw insertion port into which a screw can be inserted may be formed on the flow path through which game balls can normally flow during gameplay (for example, the second special feature start port flow path 268).

[0365] Furthermore, even if the system is configured to have two types of flow paths that merge—one through which game balls can flow during normal gameplay, and another through which game balls are difficult to flow during normal gameplay but easy to flow during winning gameplay—a screw insertion opening may be formed in the flow path downstream of the ball entry point through which game balls can enter (or are easily entered) during normal gameplay, allowing a screw to be inserted.

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

[0367] The ball passage 270 schematically represents a ball passage in which a screw insertion opening 274 into which a screw 272 can be inserted is formed. Examples include the general prize entry passage 256 and the general start passage 258 explained using Figure 34.

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

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

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

[0371] When assembling the ball passage 270, if the screw 272 is properly installed in the screw insertion opening 274 without loosening, the head of the screw 272 will protrude from the lower surface 270a by about 0.5 mm, as shown in an enlarged view in Figure 36(b). However, it will not protrude more than the height h1 = about 1 mm of the rib 270e. Therefore, as shown in "Normal" in Figure 36(a), the game ball BL can pass between the head of the screw 272 and the upper surface 270d, and will not get stuck in the ball passage 270.

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

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

[0374] In this example, if screws are not properly installed and become loose during the assembly of the flow path, game balls will accumulate in the flow path of the first flow path (general prize entry flow path 256 and general prize entry start flow path 258). This makes it easy to notice assembly errors during pre-shipment test runs, thus improving convenience. Furthermore, since no screw insertion openings are formed in the flow path of the second flow path (first special prize entry start flow path 266 and variable prize entry flow path 267), even if screws are not properly installed and become loose during the assembly of the flow path, the second flow path (first special prize entry start flow path 266 and variable prize entry flow path 267) will not be affected, allowing for quick pre-shipment test runs.

[0375] Figure 37(b) is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a modified spherical passage 280.

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

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

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

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

[0380] <Game board / Summary> As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the enclosed gaming machine 100 shown in Figure 1) is a gaming machine equipped with a flow path for gaming balls to flow through, wherein the flow path is configured to have a first flow path (for example, the general prize entry flow path 256 and the general start opening flow path 258 shown in Figure 34(a)) and a second flow path (for example, the first special start opening flow path 266 and the variable prize entry flow path 267 shown in Figure 35), wherein the first flow path is a flow path through which gaming balls can flow during normal gameplay, and the second flow path is a flow path through which it is difficult for gaming balls to flow during normal gameplay but easy for gaming balls to flow during winning gameplay, wherein a screw insertion opening (for example, the screw insertion opening 256a and the screw insertion opening 258a shown in Figure 34(a)) into which a screw can be inserted is formed on the flow path of the first flow path, but such a screw insertion opening is not formed on the flow path of the second flow path, characterized in that the gaming machine is a gaming machine.

[0381] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, if screws are not properly installed and become loose during the assembly of the flow path, the game balls will accumulate in the flow path of the first flow path. This makes it easy to notice assembly errors during pre-shipment test play inspections, thereby improving convenience. Furthermore, since no screw insertion openings are formed in the flow path of the second flow path, even if screws are not properly installed and become loose during the assembly of the flow path, the second flow path will not be affected, and pre-shipment test play inspections can be performed quickly.

[0382] Furthermore, the screw insertion opening (for example, the screw insertion opening 274 shown in Figure 36(a)) formed on the flow path of the first flow path (for example, the ball passage 270 shown in Figure 36(a)) may be positioned so that, if the screw (for example, the screw 272 shown in Figure 36(a)) is not properly inserted into the screw insertion opening (for example, if the screw is loose as shown in "abnormality" in Figure 36(a)), the game ball that has been flowing through the first flow path will come into contact with the screw and the components forming the first flow path (for example, the upper surface portion 270d shown in Figure 36(a), the left side portion 270b or the right side portion 270c shown in Figure 37(a)).

[0383] With this configuration, during pre-shipment test tests, if game balls become trapped in the flow path and overflow due to loose screws or other issues, assembly errors can be immediately detected, thus improving convenience.

[0384] Furthermore, the system may include a game board (for example, the game board 200 shown in Figure 32), wherein the second flow path has a screw insertion opening (for example, the screw insertion opening 262a shown in Figure 35) formed in a region of the second flow path that is not on the flow path, the first flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting the screw into the screw insertion opening formed in the first flow path, and the second flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting the screw into the screw insertion opening formed in a region of the second flow path that is not on the flow path.

[0385] With this configuration, the first channel allows for the detection of loose screws due to the accumulation of game balls, etc., and can be stably fixed to the game board. The second channel eliminates the adverse effects caused by loose screws, etc., and can also be stably fixed to the game board.

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

[0387] With this configuration, during pre-shipment test tests, if game balls become trapped in the flow path and overflow due to loose screws or other issues, assembly errors can be immediately detected, thus improving convenience.

[0388] <Embodiment 2> The following describes in detail a gaming machine (slot machine) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, with reference to the drawings.

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

[0390] The slot machine 100 comprises a main body 101 and a front door 102 attached to the front of the main body 101 and capable of opening and closing relative to the main body 101. Inside the center of the main body 101 are three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, and right reel 112) (not shown) each having multiple types of symbols arranged on its outer surface, and are configured to rotate inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are driven to rotate by a drive device such as a stepping motor.

[0391] In this embodiment, each symbol is printed at equal intervals in appropriate numbers on a strip-shaped member, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame material to constitute each reel 110 to 112. From the player's perspective, approximately three symbols are displayed vertically from the symbol display window 113 on the reels 110 to 112, so that a total of nine symbols are visible. By rotating each reel 110 to 112, the combination of symbols visible to the player changes. In other words, each reel 110 to 112 functions as a display device that can display multiple combinations of symbols in a variable manner. In addition to reels, other electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal displays can also be used as such display devices. Furthermore, in this embodiment, three reels are provided inside the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and their installation positions are not limited to this.

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

[0393] The winning line indicator lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates the valid winning lines 114. The valid winning lines are predetermined by the number of medals bet as the game medium. There are 5 winning lines 114. For example, if 1 medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line becomes valid. If 2 medals are bet, the upper horizontal winning line and the lower horizontal winning line are added, making a total of 3 lines valid. If 3 medals are bet, the lower right downward winning line and the upper right upward winning line are added, making a total of 5 lines valid as winning lines. Note that the number of winning lines 114 is not limited to 5 lines. For example, if 1 medal is bet, the 5 lines of the middle horizontal winning line, upper horizontal winning line, lower horizontal winning line, lower right downward winning line, and upper right upward winning line may be set as valid winning lines. Alternatively, the same number of winning lines may be uniformly set as valid winning lines regardless of the number of medals bet.

[0394] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that informs the player, for example, that they have internally won a specific winning combination (specifically, a bonus) in the internal lottery, or that they are currently playing a bonus game. The coin insertion lamp 124 is a lamp that informs the player that they can insert coins. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that informs the player that they can replay the current game (no coin insertion is required) if they won the replay combination, which is one of the winning combinations, in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp used for visual effects.

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

[0396] The medal slot 141 is where the player inserts medals to start playing. That is, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet buttons 130 to 132, or by actually inserting medals through the medal slot 141 (insertion operation), and "insertion" includes both. The stored medal count indicator 125 is a display for showing the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for showing various internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during bonus play) numerically. The payout count indicator 127 is a display for showing the number of medals paid out to the player as a result of winning a prize. The stored medal count indicator 125, the game information display 126, and the payout count indicator 127 are 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0397] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch used to start the rotation of reels 110 to 112. That is, by inserting the desired number of tokens into the token slot 141 or by operating the bet buttons 130 to 132 and then operating the start lever 135, the reels 110 to 112 will start to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is called the game start operation.

[0398] The stop button unit 136 is equipped 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 each is associated with a specific reel 110 to 112. Hereinafter, operations on the stop buttons 137 to 139 will be referred to as stop operations, with the first stop operation being the first stop operation, the next stop operation being the second stop operation, and the final stop operation being the third stop operation. In addition, a light-emitting element may be provided inside each stop button 137 to 139, and if the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light-emitting element can be illuminated to inform the player.

[0399] The medal return button 133 is a button to be pressed to remove medals if they become jammed. The settlement button 134 is a button to settle the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the medals that have been bet, and to dispense them from the medal payout opening 155. The door keyhole 140 is a hole for inserting a key to unlock the front door 102 of the slot machine 100.

[0400] A title panel 162 is provided at the bottom of the stop button unit 136 for displaying the model name and for attaching various certification labels. Below the title panel 162 are a medal payout opening 155 and a medal tray 161.

[0401] The sound hole 181 is a hole for outputting sound from a speaker located inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 located on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps to enhance the gaming experience. A display device 160 is located above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is located above the display device 160. This display device 160 consists of a shutter (shielding device) 163 made up of two horizontally opening and closing shutters, a right shutter 163a and a left shutter 163b, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (display image display device) located behind the shutters 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b open horizontally outward in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 appears on the front of the slot machine 100 (player side).

[0402] Furthermore, the display device does not have to be a liquid crystal display; any display device capable of displaying various visual effects and game information is acceptable. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen may be used. The display screen is rectangular in shape and configured so that the entire screen is visible to the player. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Additionally, decorative elements (not shown) may be placed around the periphery of the display screen, so that a portion of the periphery is hidden by the decorative elements, resulting in the display screen appearing to have an irregular shape. In this embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface.

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

[0404] The main body 101 is a box-shaped structure enclosed by a top panel 261, a left side panel 260, a right side panel 260, a bottom panel 264, and a rear panel 242, with an opening at the front. Inside the main body 101, a main control board housing case 640, which houses the main control board 600, is positioned so as not to overlap with the ventilation opening 249 located at the top of the rear panel 242. Details of the main control board 600 and the main control board housing case 640 will be described later.

[0405] Below the main control board housing case 640, three reels 110 to 112 are arranged. On the right side panel 260, an external centralized terminal board 248 is mounted, which is connected to the main control board 600 and outputs information from the slot machine 100 to an external device.

[0406] Furthermore, a medal dispensing device 180 (a device that dispenses medals accumulated in a bucket) is installed on the bottom plate 264, and above this medal dispensing device 180, that is, below the reels 110 to 112, a power supply unit 252 having a power supply board is installed, and a power switch 244 is installed on the front of the power supply unit 252. The power supply unit 252 converts the AC power supplied to the slot machine 100 from an external source into DC, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and each device. In addition, it is equipped with an energy storage circuit (e.g., a capacitor) to supply power to certain components for a predetermined period (e.g., 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off.

[0407] To the right of the medal dispensing device 180, there is a medal auxiliary storage compartment 240, behind which an overflow terminal is located (not shown). The power supply unit 252 is provided with a power cord connection section 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 unit 101.

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

[0409] <Main board housing case, mirror> Next, the main board housing case 640 and the mirror 647 will be described using Figures 40 and 41.

[0410] Figure 40 is an exploded perspective view showing the main board housing case 640 and the main control board 600, and Figure 41 is a plan view showing the main control board 600 housed in the main board housing case 640.

[0411] The main board storage case 640 (board case) is a box-shaped structure composed of a board housing 642 (housing) which has a roughly rectangular bottom and a tray-like shape, and a lid 644 which is positioned to cover the space inside the board housing 642.

[0412] The main control board 600 (circuit board) is housed in the internal space of the main board housing case 640, fixed to the circuit board housing 642 by screws 646. The circuit board housing 642 and the lid 644 are each made of translucent resin, making it possible to view the main control board 600 housed inside the main board housing case 640 from the outside through the main board housing case 640.

[0413] The lower edge of the substrate housing 642 is provided with two gate-shaped hinge portions 642b. The lower edge of the lid 644 is provided with two hook-shaped hook portions 644a that engage with these hinge portions 642b, and the left and right ends of the upper edge are provided with locking tongues 644b that engage with the upper edge of the substrate housing 642.

[0414] Therefore, when assembling the main board housing case 640, first the hook portion 644a of the lid 644 is engaged with the hinge portion 642b of the board housing 642, then the lid 644 is rotated around the hinge portion 642b to combine the board housing 642 and the lid 644, and the locking tab 644b of the lid 644 is locked into the locking hole on the upper edge of the board housing 642 to fix the lid 644 to the board housing 642.

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

[0416] In this example, the mirrored member (mirror 647) makes the back side and terminals of the IC (main IC 606a) mounted on the circuit board (main control board 600) visible, making it easier to detect fraudulent activity. Furthermore, since the IC (main IC 606a) can be checked while the circuit board (main control board 600) is housed in the circuit board case (main circuit board storage case 640), the verification process for staff at the amusement parlor becomes easier, increasing convenience. In addition, by providing the mirrored member (mirror 647) near the IC (main IC 606a), the deterrent effect against fraudulent activity can be enhanced, and fraudulent activity can be prevented before it occurs.

[0417] Furthermore, since the mirror 647 (mirror surface component) is located inside the circuit board case (main circuit board storage case 640), which is firmly sealed and fixed by the circuit board housing 642 and the lid 644, it is possible to prevent dirt and damage to the mirror surface component (mirror 647), as well as unauthorized acts such as the unauthorized removal of the mirror surface component (mirror 647), thereby improving maintainability and security.

[0418] Furthermore, the "mirror-finished member" according to the present invention is not limited to a mirror (mirror) made by attaching a silver film to a glass plate, but may also be, for example, a member made by polishing (mirror polishing) a material such as metal, aluminum, or plastic to make the surface of the material like a mirror, or a member made by processing (mirror processing) a material such as metal, aluminum, or plastic to make the surface of the processed product like a mirror.

[0419] Furthermore, although this example shows the mirror 647 (mirror surface member) being provided inside the board housing 642 of the main board housing case 640 (board case), the "mirror surface member" according to the present invention only needs to be provided near one end of the IC in the longitudinal direction. For example, it may be provided inside the lid 644 of the main board housing case 640 (board case), on the main control board 600 (board), or on a member other than the main board housing case 640 (board case) or the main control board 600 (board). Also, although it was provided near the left side in the longitudinal direction of the main IC 606a (the end where pin 1 is located), it may also be provided near the right side in the longitudinal direction of the main IC 606a (the end opposite to the end where pin 1 is located).

[0420] <Main control board, mirror> Next, the main control board 600 and the mirror 647 will be described using Figure 41.

[0421] The main control board 600 is an example of a "board" according to the present invention. Therefore, the "board" according to the present invention is not limited to a board that constitutes the main control unit, but may also be a sub-control board or a performance control board as explained using Figure 39, or other boards mounted on a gaming machine. Furthermore, a gaming machine may have multiple boards corresponding to the "board" according to the present invention.

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

[0423] Examples of components 606 mounted on the main control board 600 include the main IC 606a, various ICs 606b, passive components 606c such as resistors, capacitors, and coils, connectors 606d, LEDs 606e, and matching terminals 606f.

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

[0425] In this example, the main IC 606a is mounted on the mounting surface 600a of the main control board 600 via a socket 606g. On this mounting surface 600a, it is mounted eccentrically to one side in the longitudinal direction of the main control board 600 (in this example, the left side in the longitudinal direction) (closer to the outer edge to the left of the center). This allows the distance between the mirrored member (mirror 647) provided in the main board housing case 640 and the IC (main IC 606a) mounted on the main control board 600 to be reduced. The mirrored member (mirror 647) makes the back side and terminals of the IC (main IC 606a) easier to see, making it easier for employees of the amusement parlor to notice any fraud.

[0426] Furthermore, one longitudinal side of the main control board 600 on which the main IC 606a is mounted (in this example, the left longitudinal side) is closer to the left side panel 260 on the inside of the main body 101 when viewed from the front (see Figure 39), that is, closer to the rotation axis DL of the front door 102 (the axis shown by the dashed line in Figure 41). Therefore, when an employee of a gaming parlor opens the front door 102 to look at the mirrored member (mirror 647), the front door 102 does not get in the way of the inspection work, making it easier to check the mirrored member (mirror 647), improving the efficiency of the inspection work, and making it easier to detect fraud.

[0427] Furthermore, since no other electronic components are provided in the region BE (the rectangular region shown by the thick dotted line in Figure 41) between the mirror 647 (mirror surface member) and the main IC 606a on the main control board 600 (board), other electronic components mounted on the board (main control board 600) are less likely to be reflected in the mirror surface member (mirror 647). This makes the back side and terminals of the IC (main IC 606a) easier to see through the mirror surface member (mirror 647), making it easier for employees of the amusement parlor to notice any fraud. Note that as long as no other electronic components are provided in region BE, silk screen printing indicating component numbers and mounting locations, wiring patterns, lands, through-holes, etc., may be formed there, as long as they do not obstruct the visibility of the mirror surface member (mirror 647).

[0428] Furthermore, since no light output means (e.g., LED 606e) or display means (e.g., LED segment display) capable of displaying information are provided in the region LE (the region between the two thin dotted lines in Figure 41) along the longitudinal extension of the main IC 606a, light emitted from the light output means or display means is less likely to be reflected in the mirrored member (mirror 647). This makes the back side and terminals of the IC (main IC 606a) easier to see through the mirrored member (mirror 647), making it easier for employees of the amusement parlor to notice any fraudulent activity.

[0429] Figure 42(a) is a side view taken from the direction indicated by the line labeled AA in Figure 41.

[0430] Inside the socket 606g mounted on the main control board 600, socket pins (terminals) are provided at positions corresponding to terminal 606a1 of the main IC 606a to be installed (not shown). When the main IC 606a is installed in the socket 606g, terminal 606a1 of the main IC 606a and the socket pin of the socket 606g are electrically connected, thereby electrically connecting the main IC 606a and the main control board 600.

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

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

[0433] The LED606e is an electronic component equipped with multiple light-emitting elements (LEDs) capable of outputting light, and has a maximum height of h3.

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

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

[0436] In this example, the matching terminal 606f makes it difficult for the light output from the LED 606e to be reflected in the mirrored material (mirror 647), making the back side and terminals of the main IC 606a easier to see through the mirrored material (mirror 647), thus making it easier for employees of the amusement parlor to notice any fraudulent activity.

[0437] In this example, a comparison terminal is shown to be mounted on the main control board 600. However, when mounting light output means (e.g., lamps or LEDs) or display means (e.g., LED segment displays) on the main control board 600, it is sufficient to mount components with a maximum height greater than the maximum height of the light output means or display means in an area closer to the main IC 606a or mirror 647 than these light output means or display means. Such components are not limited to comparison terminals.

[0438] Figure 42(b) is a side view taken from the direction indicated by the line labeled BB in Figure 41.

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

[0440] In other words, the mirror 647 (mirror surface member) is installed at a predetermined angle (for example, 60 degrees) with respect to the mounting surface 600a of the main control board 600 (board).

[0441] In this example, the back of the IC (main IC 606a) and its terminals become easier to see, making it easier for staff at the arcade to notice any fraudulent activity.

[0442] Although an example has been shown in which the mirror 647 is raised and tilted toward the main IC 606a, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the mirror 647 is raised and tilted toward the main IC 606a (first direction), and further tilted toward the upper side of the front door 102 (second direction), the back side and terminals of the main IC 606a will be more easily visible when viewing error 647 from above the front door 102, which may make it easier for employees of amusement parlors to notice any fraudulent activity.

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

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

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

[0446] In this example, a mirror 657 is positioned below the opening 650b1 in the second storage section 650b (on the bottom surface of the second storage section 650b), allowing employees of the amusement parlor to directly view the mirror 657 through the opening 650b1 (without going through the circuit board storage case 650).

[0447] In this example, since the mirror surface (mirror 657) can be directly viewed without the need for other components, the visibility of the mirror surface (mirror 657) can be improved, making the back side and terminals of the IC (main IC 606a) easier to see, and making it easier for employees of the amusement parlor to notice any fraudulent activity.

[0448] Furthermore, the main control board 600 is equipped with a connector CN1 located in a region vertically below the front door, relative to the mirror 657, and the peripheral board 652 is equipped with a connector CN2 located in a region vertically below the front door, relative 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] In this example, neither the main control board 600 nor the peripheral board 652 has a connector for connecting them in the area vertically above the front door relative to the mirror 657. As a result, the harness (wiring) connecting the two connectors does not hang down above the mirror surface (mirror 657), thus not obstructing the visibility of the mirror surface (mirror 657). This makes the back of the IC (main IC 606a) and its terminals easier to see, making it easier for employees of the amusement parlor to notice any fraud.

[0450] <Main board housing case, main control board, mirror / set> As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 38 or the enclosed gaming machine 100 shown in Figure 1) is a gaming machine comprising a circuit board (for example, the main control circuit board 600 shown in Figures 40 and 41) and a circuit board case for housing the circuit board (for example, the main circuit board housing case 640 shown in Figures 40 and 41), wherein at least an IC (for example, the main IC 606a shown in Figures 40 and 41) is mounted on the circuit board, and a mirror-finished member (for example, the mirror 647 shown in Figures 40 and 41) is provided near one end of the IC in the longitudinal direction.

[0451] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the mirrored surface allows the back side and terminal portion of the IC mounted on the circuit board to be visible, making it easier to detect fraudulent activity. Furthermore, since the IC can be checked while the circuit board is housed in the circuit board case, the checking work by staff at the gaming parlor becomes easier, thus improving convenience. In addition, by providing a mirrored surface near the IC, the deterrent effect against fraudulent activity can be enhanced, and fraudulent activity can be prevented before it occurs.

[0452] Furthermore, the mirror-finished member may be provided on the substrate case.

[0453] This configuration prevents dirt and damage to the mirrored components, as well as unauthorized removal of the mirrored components, thereby improving maintainability and security.

[0454] Furthermore, no other electronic components are required in the region between the mirror-finished member and the IC on the substrate (for example, region BE shown in Figure 41).

[0455] With this configuration, other electronic components mounted on the circuit board are less likely to be reflected in the mirrored material, making the back of the IC and its terminals easier to see, thus making it easier for staff at amusement parlors to notice any fraudulent activity.

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

[0457] This configuration makes the back of the IC and the terminals easier to see, making it easier for staff at amusement parlors to spot any fraudulent activity.

[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 arising from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. Even if a constituent element is included only in each of the embodiments, examples, modifications, various examples, and appendices described above, that constituent element may be applied to other embodiments, examples, modifications, various examples, and appendices. In other words, as long as there are no factors preventing its application, applying a constituent element included only in each of the embodiments, examples, modifications, various examples, and appendices to other embodiments, examples, modifications, various examples, and appendices will still constitute a cohesive technical idea.

[0459] First, an embodiment of the present invention, a gaming machine (slot machine), will be described using Figures 44 to 72.

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

[0461] The slot machine 100 shown in Figure 44 is an example of a gaming machine of the present invention, and comprises a main body 101 and a front door 102 (door body) attached to the front of the main body 101 and which can be 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] Inside the central part of the main body 101 (not shown), there are three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) with multiple types of patterns arranged on their outer surfaces, configured to rotate inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110-112 are driven to rotate by a drive device such as a stepping motor.

[0463] In this embodiment, each design is printed at equal intervals in appropriate numbers on a strip-shaped member, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame material to constitute each reel 110 to 112 (see Figure 47(a)). From the player's perspective, approximately three designs on each reel 110 to 112 are displayed vertically through a design display window 113 located in front of each reel 110 to 112, resulting in a total of nine designs being visible.

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

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

[0466] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that informs the player, for example, that they have internally won a specific winning combination (specifically, a special combination) in the internal lottery described later, or that they are in bonus game mode (special game mode). The coin insertion lamp 124 is a lamp that informs the player that they can insert coins. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that informs the player that they can replay the current game (no coin insertion is required) if they won a replay combination, which is one of the winning combinations, in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for visual effects.

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

[0468] The medal slot 141 is where the player inserts medals to start playing. That is, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet buttons 130 to 132, or by actually inserting medals into the medal slot 141 (insertion operation). Insertion includes both methods.

[0469] To the left of the medal slot 141 are the directional pad 193a (first operating means; consisting of four buttons: up, down, right, and left; hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "volume buttons") and OK button 193b (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the "directional pad 193"), which are operating means for selecting menus, adjusting the volume, etc. on the administrator screen SD described later, and the effect buttons (first operating means) 156 that accept player input during various effects.

[0470] The stored tokens indicator 125 is a display for showing the number of tokens electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information indicator 126 is a display for showing various internal information (for example, the number of tokens dispensed during bonus gameplay) numerically. The payout tokens indicator 127 is a display for showing the number of tokens dispensed to the player as a result of winning a prize, and is also used as an instruction monitor for performing button-press sequence effects. In this example, the stored tokens indicator 125, the game information indicator 126, and the payout tokens indicator 127 are all composed of 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0471] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch used to start the rotation of reels 110 to 112. That is, by inserting the desired number of tokens into the token slot 141 or by operating the bet buttons 130 to 132 and then operating the start lever 135, the reels 110 to 112 will start to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is called the game start operation.

[0472] The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating due to the operation of the start lever 135, and each button is associated with a specific reel. In addition, a light-emitting element may be provided inside each stop button 137 to 139, and if the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light-emitting element can be illuminated to inform the player.

[0473] Hereinafter, operations performed on stop buttons 137 to 139 will be referred to as stop operations, with the first stop operation being the first stop operation (hereinafter also referred to as "1st stop" or "1st stop"), the next stop operation being the second stop operation (hereinafter also referred to as "2nd stop" or "2nd stop"), and the final stop operation being the third stop operation (hereinafter also referred to as "3rd stop" or "3rd stop").

[0474] Furthermore, the reels that are stopped in response to these stopping operations are referred to as the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel, respectively. In addition, the order in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are pressed to stop all of the rotating reels 110 to 112 is called the operation order (or pressing order).

[0475] The order of operation (pressing order) for stop buttons 137 to 139 is as follows, assuming the left stop button 137 is "left or R", the middle stop button 138 is "middle or C", and the right stop button 139 is "right or R": (1) Left → Middle → Right operation order (Left-Middle-Right or LCR), (2) Left → Right → Middle operation order (Left-Right-Middle or LRC), (3) Middle → Left → Right operation order (Middle-Left-Right or CLR), (4) Middle → Right → Left operation order (Middle-Right-Left or CRL), (5) Right → Left → Middle operation order (Right-Left-Middle or RLC), and (6) Right → Middle → Left operation order (Right-Middle-Left or RCL).

[0476] The medal return button 133 is a button to be pressed to remove medals if they become jammed. The settlement button 134 is a button to settle the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the medals that have been bet, and to dispense them from the medal payout opening 155. The door keyhole 140 is a hole for inserting a key to unlock the front door 102 of the slot machine 100.

[0477] In this example, the settlement button 134 is positioned to protrude toward the front (towards the player; in the direction of opening the front door 102) from the vertical surface 102b of the front door 102 (which is approximately perpendicular to the player in the slot machine 100 and is the outer surface facing the player; see Figure 64(a)). However, it may also be positioned to protrude upward (in a direction perpendicular to the direction of opening the front door 102) from the horizontal surface 102a of the front door 102, such as the effect button 156.

[0478] A title panel 162 is provided below the stop button unit 136 for displaying the model name and attaching various certification labels. Below the title panel 162 are a medal payout port 155 and a medal tray 161. The sound hole 181 is a hole for outputting sound from a speaker located inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps to enhance the gaming experience. A performance device 160 is located above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the performance device 160.

[0479] This display device 160 is equipped with a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two horizontally opening and closing shutters, a right shutter 163a and a left shutter 163b, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (display means; hereinafter also referred to as the "display image display device") located behind the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 appears on the front of the slot machine 100 (the player's side).

[0480] The display means does not have to be a liquid crystal display device; any display device capable of displaying various performance images and various game information is acceptable. For example, it may be a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen. The display screen is rectangular, and its entirety is configured to be visible to the player. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Furthermore, decorative elements (not shown) may be placed around the periphery of the display screen, so that a part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decorative elements, resulting in the display screen appearing to have an irregular shape. In 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 explained using Figure 45. Figure 45 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open.

[0482] The main body 101 is a box-shaped structure enclosed by a top panel 261, a left side panel 260, a right side panel 260, a bottom panel 264, and a rear panel 242, with an opening at the front. Inside the main body 101, a main control board storage case 210, which houses the main control board, is positioned so as not to overlap with a ventilation opening 249 located at the top of the rear panel 242. Below this main control board storage case 210, three reels 110 to 112 are arranged. The main control board is also equipped with a main board indicator 190 consisting of multiple LEDs. The main board indicator 190 will be described later using Figure 56, etc., but the main board indicator 190 is one of the notification means capable of notifying information related to the game (errors, operating status of the operating means, etc.).

[0483] On the side of the main control board housing case 210 and the reels 110 to 112, specifically on the left side panel 260, a sub-control board housing case 220 containing a sub-control board is provided. On the right side panel 260, an external centralized terminal board 248 is mounted, which is connected to the main control board and outputs information from the slot machine 100 to an external device.

[0484] Furthermore, the main unit 101 is equipped with a setting key switch (operating means; hereinafter also referred to as "setting key SW"; not shown in the diagram) that can be switched between ON (second operating state; hereinafter sometimes referred to as "ON") and OFF (first operating state; hereinafter sometimes referred to as "OFF") by rotation. This setting key SW is an operating means for initiating setting changes and setting confirmations for the setting values ​​(settings 1 to 6 in this example), which will be described later.

[0485] Furthermore, the main unit 101 is equipped with a reset switch (hereinafter also referred to as "reset SW" or "reset button") 243 that can be pressed to change settings (setting value change operation). This reset SW 243 also functions as an error clearing switch that can resolve various errors (error clearing operation) as described later.

[0486] These setting key switches and reset switch 243 are operating means that are positioned so that they can only be operated when the front door 102 (door body) is in the open state. When the front door 102 (door body) is in the closed state, operation is difficult or impossible. In other words, these are operating means that can only be operated by the manager of the amusement parlor (employee, etc.), and cannot be operated by the player.

[0487] Furthermore, the main unit 101 is equipped with a setting value display device 101a (see Figure 58(b)) capable of displaying the set value. In this example, the setting value display device 101a is configured as a 7-segment display. As will be described in detail later, when a setting change operation is performed, the setting value display device 101a displays the set value (one of settings 1 to 6), and when the set value is confirmed by operating the start lever 135, the set value is hidden. On the other hand, when a setting confirmation operation is performed, the setting value display device 101a displays a numerical value indicating the current set value.

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

[0489] To the right of the medal dispensing device 180, there is a medal auxiliary storage compartment 240, behind which an overflow terminal is located (not shown). The power supply unit 252 is provided with a power cord connection section 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 unit 101.

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

[0491] In this example, the front door 102, which is locked in the closed state, can be opened by inserting a key held by the manager of the amusement parlor into the door keyhole 140 (see Figure 44). Therefore, the manager can unlock the front door 102 (change it from the closed state to the open state), but no one other than the manager (for example, a player) can unlock the front door 102.

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

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

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

[0495] In other words, the opening / closing 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 a closed state, the detection state becomes a closed detection state, and when the front door 102 is in an open state, the detection state becomes an open detection state.

[0496] Furthermore, the "detection means" according to the present invention is not limited to optical sensors, but may be, for example, magnetic sensors, proximity switches, microswitches, Hall elements, etc. Also, it is not limited to the case where the open detection state and the closed detection state always switch when the door is opened or closed, but it may be possible for the detection state to be the closed detection state even when the door is open, or conversely, for the detection state to be the open detection state even when the door is closed.

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

[0498] It should be noted that the "predetermined operation" according to the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a DIP switch may be provided to set the opening / closing sensor to a closed detection state, and the predetermined operation may be the operation of this DIP switch. Also, if the detection means is configured as a magnetic sensor, the detection state of the opening / closing sensor may be set to a closed detection state by bringing a magnet close to it.

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

[0500] <Department Head> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be explained in detail using Figure 46. Note that this figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

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

[0502] <Main Control Unit> First, let's describe 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. This basic circuit 302 is equipped with a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control program data, lottery data used when internally drawing winning combinations, reel stopping 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 spins, etc., and a WDT (watchdog timer) 314. Note that other storage devices may be used instead of ROM 306 and RAM 308, and this also applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500, which will be described later.

[0503] The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output by the crystal oscillator 315b as the system clock. Furthermore, when power is turned on, the CPU 304 sends frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time. The CPU 304 then performs monitoring of various sensors and transmission of drive pulses based on this interrupt request. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8MHz, 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 interrupt time will be 256 × 47 ÷ 8MHz = 1.504ms.

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

[0505] The random value generation circuit 316 generates random values ​​for use in the basic circuit 302. There are two main methods for generating random values ​​in this random value generation circuit 316: counter mode and random number mode. In counter mode, a number that counts up (down) at predetermined time intervals is acquired, and that number is derived as a random value. There are two further methods in random number mode. The first method in random number mode is to perform an operation using a predetermined function (e.g., a modulus function) with a random value seed, and derive the result of this operation as a random value. The second method is to read a number from a random number table in the range of 0 to 65535, and derive the read number as a random value. The random value generation circuit 316 acquires irregular values ​​by utilizing the white noise superimposed on the signals input to the sensor circuit 320 from various sensors 318. The random number generation circuit 316 uses the values ​​obtained in this way as the initial value of a counter that counts up (down) in counter mode, as a seed for random numbers, or to determine the starting position for reading the random number table.

[0506] Furthermore, the main control unit 300 is equipped with a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 monitors the status of various sensors 318 (bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, bet button 132 sensor, medal reception sensor for medals inserted from medal slot 141, start lever 135 sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal dispensing sensor for medals dispensed from medal dispensing device 180, optical sensor for reel 110, optical sensor for reel 111, optical sensor for reel 112, open / close sensor, setting key SW sensor, reset SW 243 sensor, etc.) at interrupt intervals.

[0507] Furthermore, when the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random value generation circuit 316. Upon receiving this signal, the random value generation circuit 316 latches the value at that moment and stores it in a register that stores random values ​​to be used for the lottery.

[0508] Two medal reception sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal slot 141 to detect whether or not a medal has passed through. Two start lever sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 to detect the start operation by the player. Stop button sensors 137, 138, and 139 are installed on the respective stop buttons 137 to 139 to detect the operation of the stop buttons by the player.

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

[0510] The optical sensors on reel 110, reel 111, and reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of each reel 110 to 112, and each time a light-shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes over them, they reach an L level. When the CPU 304 detects this signal, it determines that the reel has rotated once 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 open / closed state of the front door (door body) 102. When the front door 102 is closed, the opening / closing sensor outputs a signal (e.g., a low-level signal) to the CPU 304 indicating that it is closed. On the other hand, when the front door 102 is open, the opening / closing sensor outputs a signal (e.g., a high-level signal) to the CPU 304 indicating that it is open.

[0512] The setting key SW sensor and the reset 243 SW sensor are installed on each respective switch to detect operation of the switch by a game store employee or other personnel.

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

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

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

[0516] Furthermore, the main control unit 300 is equipped with an output interface for sending commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. Information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is unidirectional; the main control unit 300 is configured to send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to send signals such as commands to the main control unit 300.

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

[0518] The CPU 404 transmits 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 sends an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

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

[0520] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, 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] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a drive circuit 424 that drives the motor of the shutter 163, and the shutter 163 is connected to the drive circuit 424 via an output interface. This drive circuit 424 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided on the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 404.

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

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

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

[0525] The CPU 504 transmits 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 sends an interrupt request to the CPU 504 at each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

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

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

[0528] <Pattern arrangement> The arrangement of symbols on each of the reels 110 to 112 described above will be explained using Figure 47(a). This figure shows the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) in a planar view.

[0529] Each reel 110 to 112 has a predetermined number of symbols (21 symbols numbered 0 to 20 in this embodiment) of multiple types (eight types in this embodiment) shown on the right side of the figure. The numbers 0 to 20 shown on the left end of the figure indicate the positions of the symbols on each reel 110 to 112. For example, in this embodiment, the symbol "Replay" is placed in the symbol number 1 on the left reel 110, the symbol "Bell" is placed in the symbol number 0 on the middle reel 111, and the symbol "Watermelon" is placed in the symbol number 2 on the right reel 112.

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

[0531] In this embodiment, among the winning combinations, the Big Bonus (BB1, BB2) and the Regular Bonus (RB) are sometimes referred to as "activating combinations" as they transition to bonus games, and the Replay combination allows for replaying without inserting new medals. However, in this embodiment, the "winning combinations" include the activating combinations: the Big Bonus, the Regular Bonus, and the Replay combination. Furthermore, in this embodiment, "winning" also includes cases where combinations of activating combinations that do not result in medal payouts (no medal distribution) are displayed on the active line, such as winning the Big Bonus, the Regular Bonus, or the Replay combination.

[0532] The winning combinations in Slot Machine 100 include Big Bonuses (BB1, BB2), Regular Bonuses (RB), Small Wins (Cherry, Watermelon, Bell), and Replay Wins. It goes without saying that the types of winning combinations are not limited to these and can be arbitrarily selected.

[0533] The "Big Bonus (BB1, BB2)" (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "BB") is a special role (activating role) that, upon winning, initiates the special game, the Big Bonus game (BB game). The corresponding symbol combinations are "White 7-White 7-White 7" for BB1 and "Blue 7-Blue 7-Blue 7" for BB2. Furthermore, the flag for BB1 and BB2 is carried over. That is, when BB1 or BB2 is internally won, a flag indicating this is set (stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300). Even if BB1 or BB2 is not won in that game, the flag indicating internal win remains set until it is won, and in subsequent games, BB1 or BB2 remains internally won, and the symbol combination corresponding to BB1, "White 7-White 7-White 7", and the symbol combination corresponding to BB2, "Blue 7-Blue 7-Blue 7", are in a state where they can be won together.

[0534] The "Regular Bonus (RB)" is a special role (activating role) that, upon winning, initiates a Regular Bonus game (RB game). The corresponding symbol combination is "Bonus-Bonus-Bonus". Note that, like the Big Bonus (BB) mentioned above, the flag is carried over for RBs as well. However, (as will be explained in detail later) in Big Bonus games (BB games), the Regular Bonus game may be set to start automatically after the start of the Big Bonus game, without requiring internal wins of the Regular Bonus game (RB game) or the display of the symbol combination on the winning line as starting conditions. This setting will start the Regular Bonus game immediately after the start of the Big Bonus game, and after one Regular Bonus game is completed, the next Regular Bonus game will start immediately.

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

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

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

[0538] <Re-game low probability state (RT1)> The re-game low probability state (RT1) is the default RT-based game state (hereinafter also referred to as the "normal game state") that is first set immediately after the power 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 re-game low probability state (RT1), when winning on the re-game winning combination 2 (upgraded replay 1) or the re-game winning combination 3 (upgraded replay 2), it transitions to the re-game high probability state (RT2) described later. Also, in this re-game low probability state (RT1), when an internal winning occurs for a special winning combination, it transitions to the special winning combination internal winning state (RT3) described later.

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

[0541] In this example, if a special role is internally won during this high-probability replay state (RT2), the game transitions to the special role internal win state (RT3), which will be described later.

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

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

[0544] <Special game mode (RT4)> The Special Game State (RT4) is the most advantageous game state for the player among all game states. In this example, when a predetermined number of coins (for example, 200 coins) are paid out in the Special Game State (RT4), the game transitions to the Low Probability of Replay State (RT1).

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

[0546] <Main processing of the main control unit> First, using Figure 48, we will explain the main processing performed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300. Note that this figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main processing of the main control unit.

[0547] As described above, the main control unit 300 is equipped with a startup signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs a startup signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302, upon receiving this startup signal, resets via a reset interrupt and executes the main processing of the main control unit according to the control program pre-stored in the ROM 306.

[0548] When the power is turned on, various initial setup processes are performed in step S101. As will be explained in detail later, this initial setup process includes processes related to initial setup, setting changes, and recovery.

[0549] Step S102 executes the medal insertion / start operation reception process. Here, the sensor circuit 320 detects whether an electronic medal insertion operation has occurred using the bet buttons 130-132 or a direct medal insertion operation from the medal slot 141. If an insertion operation has occurred, the winning line indicator lamp 120 is lit according to the number of medals inserted. Preparations are also made to send a medal insertion command to the first sub-control unit 400 to indicate that medals have been inserted. If a re-play win occurred in the previous game, the same number of medals as those inserted in the previous game will be inserted, so the player does not need to insert any more medals.

[0550] Furthermore, the system checks whether the start lever 135 has been operated based on the detection by the sensor circuit 320. If it is determined that the start operation has been performed, the system determines the number of medals inserted and prepares to send a start lever acceptance command to the first sub-control unit 400 indicating that the start lever 135 has been operated.

[0551] Step S103 determines the number of medals inserted and performs a winning line confirmation process to determine the valid winning lines.

[0552] In step S104, a random number acquisition process is performed to obtain the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316, and in the next step S105, an internal prize draw process is performed. In this internal prize draw process, the prize draw table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current game state, and an internal draw is performed using this and the acquired random number, and preparations are made to send an internal draw command indicating the result of this internal draw to the first sub-control unit 400. If an internal prize (including an activated prize) is won as a result of the internal draw, the flag for that prize 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 lottery process for winning combinations. This reel stop data is stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300. Also in step S106, preparations are made to send a reel stop data command containing information about the selected reel stop data to the first sub-control unit 400. In step S107, the reel rotation start process is executed, and all reels 110 to 112 begin to rotate.

[0554] In step S108, reel stop control processing is performed. In reel stop control processing, stop buttons 137 to 139 become available. When any of the stop buttons are pressed, the stop table of reel stop data is referenced to stop the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button, and one of the reels 110 to 112 is stopped according to the number of retracted frames set in the stop table. Once all reels 110 to 112 have stopped, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0555] In step S108, preparations are made to send a stop button reception command (specifically, a stop button reception 1 command for the first stop operation, a stop button reception 2 command for the second stop operation, and a stop button reception 3 command for the third stop operation) to the first sub-control unit 400 for each stop operation, and preparations are made to send a reel stop command (specifically, a reel stop 1 command for the first stop reel, a reel stop 2 command for the second stop operation, and a reel stop 3 command for the third stop operation) to the first sub-control unit 400 for each stop operation.

[0556] In step S109, a prize determination process is performed to determine if a prize has been won. In this prize determination process, if a combination of symbols corresponding to a prize is displayed on the activated prize line 114, it is determined that a prize has been won for that prize. For example, if "bell-bell-bell" is lined up on the activated prize line, it is determined that a small prize (bell) has been won. Also in this step S109, preparations are made to send a prize determination command indicating the result of the prize determination to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0557] Step S110 performs the medal payout process. In the medal payout process, if any winning combination that is eligible for a payout has been achieved, the number of medals corresponding to that winning combination will be paid out according to the number of winning lines.

[0558] In step S111, game state control processing is performed. This game state control processing involves processing related to the transition of each game state in the RT system, and the game state is changed when the start or end conditions for those states are met. Preparations are also made to send a game state command that includes information indicating the current game state of the RT system.

[0559] This completes one game. From here on, the game will proceed by returning to step S102 and repeating the process described above. The various commands prepared in each of the above steps will be transmitted in the command setting transmission process (step S206) of the main control unit timer interrupt processing, which will be described later.

[0560] <Initial setup process> Next, using Figure 49, we will explain the initial setup process (step S101) in the main processing of the main control unit, which was explained using Figure 48. Note that this figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the initial setup process.

[0561] Step S201 performs the initial startup settings. This initial startup setting includes setting the initial stack value (temporary setting) for the CPU304's stack pointer (SP), disabling interrupts, initializing the I / O310, initializing various variables to be stored in RAM308, and enabling and setting the initial value for WDT314.

[0562] In step S202, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in RAM308. If there is an abnormality, the process proceeds to step S207 to perform initialization. If there is no abnormality, the process proceeds to step S203.

[0563] In step S203, it is determined whether the front door 102 is in an open state (door open). If the door is open, the process proceeds to step S204; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S205 to execute the reset process. Also, in step S204, it is determined whether the setting key SW is ON or OFF. If it is ON, the process proceeds to step S206 to execute the setting change process; if it is OFF, the process proceeds to step S205 to execute the reset process.

[0564] In the recovery process of step S205, after performing a process to restore the slot machine 100 to the state it was in before the power outage (for example, restoring the recovery data saved in RAM 308 during the power outage process in step S411 of the main control unit timer interrupt processing), the initial setup process is terminated.

[0565] In step S206, the configuration change process is performed, and then the process proceeds to step S207. As will be explained in...

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine capable of storing the number of game values ​​as game value data in a predetermined memory area, Control means and Equipped with predetermined operating means, The control means is a means capable of adding game value data corresponding to the acquisition of the game value to the game value count data, The control means is a means capable of performing a counting process to count the game value data when the predetermined operating means is operated while the game value data is not "0". The control means is capable of transmitting first information to an external device at predetermined intervals, and is capable of transmitting second information after a predetermined period has elapsed since the transmission of the first information. The first piece of information includes the game value data, The aforementioned second information includes counting data showing the values ​​counted between the time the previous second information was transmitted and the current second information is transmitted. The control means is a means capable of transmitting data indicating the first value as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information when the predetermined operating means is operated in a first operating manner while the game value data is a first value. The control means is a means capable of transmitting data indicating the first value as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information when the predetermined operating means is operated in the first operating manner, in a situation where the game value data is a second value which is greater than the first value. The control means is a means capable of transmitting data indicating the third value as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information when the predetermined operating means is operated in the first operating manner, in a situation where the game value data is a third value less than the first value. When the control means obtains the fourth value of the game value before transmitting the third value as the game value data, and the game value data becomes the second value, if the counting process based on the first operation mode is performed before the predetermined period elapses, the control means transmits data indicating the first value as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information. When the control means has transmitted the third value as the game value data and, before the predetermined period has elapsed, has acquired the fourth value of the game value and the game value data has become the second value, and counting processing based on the first operation mode is performed before the predetermined period has elapsed (hereinafter referred to as "first case"), when transmitting the most recent second information, it does not transmit data indicating the first value as the counting data, but transmits data indicating the third value. In the first case described above, if the predetermined operating means continues to operate in the first operating mode until the transmission of the next second piece of information following the timing of the transmission of the most recent second piece of information, then when transmitting the next second piece of information, data indicating the fourth value is transmitted as the counting data. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

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