Gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine having a feature in a flow path.SOLUTION: A third screw insertion opening is formed on a flow path of a third flow path of a game machine, there are first and second openings in the third flow path, the first opening is located upstream from the second opening, the third screw insertion opening is formed at a position where a game ball flowing through the third flow path is in contact with a structure forming a screw and the third flow path in the case that the screw is not correctly inserted into the third screw insertion opening, and is formed at a position closer to the first opening than the second opening. Control means does not transmit data showing a fourth value obtained by subtracting a third value from a first value as counting data in transmitting next second information when prescribed operation means is not operated by the time of transmitting the next second information of timing of transmitting the latest second information in the case of executing counting processing based on a first operation mode by the end of a prescribed period in a situation where a game value is acquired by the end of the prescribed period after transmitting the third value as game value number data to make the game value number data the first value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 33

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a game table represented by a pachinko machine, a spinning reel game machine (slot machine), an enclosed game machine, or a medal-less slot machine. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Conventionally, as one type of game table, for example, a slot machine is known. (For example, Patent Document 1). Also, as one type of game table, a pachinko machine is known. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-296354 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0004】 However, the conventional game table has room for improvement in the flow path. 【0005】 An object of the present invention is to provide a game table having characteristics in the flow path. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0006】 The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine equipped with a channel through which gaming balls flow, wherein the channel is configured to have a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel, the first channel being a channel through which gaming balls can flow during normal gameplay, the second channel being a channel through which it is difficult for gaming balls to flow during normal gameplay but easy for gaming balls to flow during a winning game, the third channel being a channel through which gaming balls can flow during normal gameplay, a first screw insertion opening into which a screw can be inserted is formed on the channel of the first channel, and a screw insertion opening is formed on the channel of the second channel No screw insertion opening is formed, and a third screw insertion opening into which a screw can be inserted is formed on the flow path of the third flow path, the first screw insertion opening is formed at a position where, if a screw is not properly inserted into the first screw insertion opening, a game ball that has been flowing through the first flow path will come into contact with the screw and the structure forming the first flow path, the third flow path has a first opening and a second opening, the first opening is located upstream of the second opening, and the third screw insertion opening is formed at a position where, if a screw is not properly inserted into the third screw insertion opening, the third flow The game ball that has been flowing through the path comes into contact with the screw and the structure forming the third flow path, and is formed at a position closer to the first opening than the second opening, and furthermore, the number of game values ​​can be stored as game value number data in a predetermined memory area, and comprises a control means and a predetermined operating means, the control means is a means that can add game value data corresponding to the acquisition of the game value to the game value number data, and the control means, when the predetermined operating means is operated in a situation where the game value number data is not "0", the game value A means capable of performing a counting process for counting numerical data, wherein 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, wherein 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, when the game value number data is a first value, the predetermined operating means is operated in a first operating manner,The control means is capable of transmitting data indicating the first value as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information, and when the predetermined operating means is operated in the first operating mode while the game value data is a second value greater than the first value, the control means is capable of transmitting data indicating the first value as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information, and when the predetermined operating means is operated in the first operating mode while the game value data is a third value less than the first value, the control means is capable of transmitting data indicating the third value as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information, and when the predetermined operating means is operated in the first operating mode while the game value data is a third value less than the first value, the control means is capable of transmitting data indicating the third value as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information, and when the game value is acquired and the game value data becomes the first value before transmitting the third value as the game value data, the counting process based on the first operating mode is executed before the predetermined period elapses. In the case where the most recent second information is transmitted, data indicating the first value is transmitted as the counting data. The control means, after transmitting the third value as the game value counting data, and before the predetermined period has elapsed, the game value has been acquired and the game value counting data has become the first value. In the case where the counting process 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, the control means does not transmit data indicating the first value as the counting data, but instead transmits data indicating the third value. In the case of the first case, if the predetermined operation means has not been operated until the transmission of the next second information after the timing of transmitting the most recent second information, the control means does not transmit data indicating the fourth value obtained by subtracting the third value from the first value as the counting data when transmitting the next second information. [Effects of the Invention] 【0007】 According to the present invention, a gaming machine with a distinctive flow path 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 sequence diagram shows an example of communication in chronological order 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. [Figure 10] This sequence diagram shows an example of communication in chronological order 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. [Figure 11] (a) A diagram showing the types of commands between the frame control unit and the dispensing device. (b) A diagram showing the types of gaming machine information notification commands. [Figure 12] This sequence diagram shows a time-series example of basic communication (without game information) between the frame control unit 600 and the dispensing device 614. [Figure 13] This sequence diagram shows an example of the priority transmission of the game machine information notification command (game information available) in communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614, in chronological order. [Figure 14] This 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. [Figure 15]It is a sequence diagram showing an example of a lending notice in the communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 in chronological order. [Figure 16] It is a sequence diagram showing an example in chronological order when a communication failure occurs in the communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614. [Figure 17] It is a sequence diagram showing an example in chronological order when a communication failure occurs in the communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614. [Figure 18] It 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 in chronological order. [Figure 19] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communication abnormality in the lending notice between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 in chronological order. [Figure 20] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 during a game in chronological order. [Figure 21] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 when the increase in the number of game balls overlaps with a short press of the count button in chronological order. [Figure 22] It is a sequence diagram showing an example of the communication between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 when the increase in the number of game balls overlaps with a long press of the count 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 count 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 count 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 count 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] It is a schematic front view of the game board 200 seen from the front. [Figure 33] It is a schematic rear view of the game board 200 seen from the back. [Figure 34] (a) It is a partially enlarged view showing the enlarged 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) It is a partially enlarged view of the general winning hole passage 256. [Figure 35] It is a partially enlarged view showing the enlarged second ball passage 260 with the first ball passage 250 removed. [Figure 36] (a) It is a side sectional view schematically showing the ball passage 270 in which the screw insertion hole 274 is formed. (b) It is a partially enlarged view showing the vicinity of the screw insertion hole 274 enlarged. [Figure 37] (a) It is a front view showing the ball passage 270 with the upper surface portion 270d omitted. (b) It is a side sectional view schematically showing the ball passage 280 according to the first modification. [Figure 38] It is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 seen from the front side (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 the medalless slot machine 100 and the rental machine 700, seen from the front (player side). [Figure 45] This is a circuit block diagram of the control unit of a modified version of the medalless slot machine 100. [Figure 46] This is a plan view of the main board housing case 740. [Figure 47] (a) A side view of the main control board 750 shown in Figure 46, viewed from the left. (b) A partial side cross-sectional view showing the area around the recess 756 in a modified example. (c) A partial plan view showing the area around the recess 756 as seen from the direction indicated by the letter Z in (b). [Figure 48] This is a perspective view of the pachinko machine according to this embodiment, as seen from the front (player side). [Figure 49] This is a rear view of a pachinko machine, seen from the back. [Figure 50] This is a simplified front view of the game board as seen from the front (player's side). [Figure 51] Figure 50 is an enlarged view of a part of the attacker unit 23, where (a) shows the internal state of the unit body 23a, and (b) shows the state of the back side of the unit cover body 23b that covers the unit body 23a. [Figure 52] This is a functional block diagram of a pachinko machine. [Figure 53] 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 54] This is a flowchart showing the main processing flow of the main control unit. [Figure 55] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt processing. [Figure 56] (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 57] (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 58] (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 59](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 60] 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 61] 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 62] This diagram illustrates the transitions between game states. [Figure 63] 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 64] This diagram shows a step-by-step continuation of an example of the production shown in Figure 63. [Figure 65] This figure shows another example of the staging that follows Figure 63(q), illustrating it step by step. [Figure 66] This diagram shows a step-by-step example of a jackpot game presentation centered around a decorative pattern display device. [Figure 67] This diagram shows, step by step, another example of the presentation in a jackpot game, centered around a decorative pattern display device. [Figure 68] 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 69]This is an example where, in a normal gameplay state, when both the regular symbol display indicating a win and the special symbol 2 display indicating a big win are being executed, the animation of the symbol that stops first is given priority. [Figure 70] This diagram shows a step-by-step example, different from the example shown in Figure 68, where both the regular display of the variable figure and the special figure 2 display indicating a jackpot are being executed during normal gameplay. [Figure 71] 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 72] This figure shows a variation of the standby display. [Figure 73] This is a diagram to explain the performance modes. [Figure 74] 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 75] This diagram shows a step-by-step example of what happens when the winning command is missed while performance mode A is selected. [Figure 76] This diagram shows a step-by-step example of what happens when the winning command is missed while performance mode C is selected. [Figure 77] 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 78] 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 79] This is a front view of a sealed-type pachinko machine to which the present invention can be applied. [Figure 80] This is a perspective view of a slot machine applicable to the present invention, as seen from the front (player side). [Figure 81]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. [Figure 82] This is a perspective view of the pachinko machine according to this embodiment, as seen from the front (player side). [Figure 83] This is a rear view of a pachinko machine, seen from the back. [Figure 84] This is a simplified front view of the game board as seen from the front (player's side). [Figure 85] Figure 84 is an enlarged view of a part of the attacker unit 23, where (a) shows the internal state of the unit body 23a, and (b) shows the state of the back side of the unit cover body 23b that covers the unit body 23a. [Figure 86] This is a functional block diagram of a pachinko machine. [Figure 87] 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 88] This is a flowchart showing the main processing flow of the main control unit. [Figure 89] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt processing. [Figure 90] (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 91] (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 92-1] This is a timing chart showing the sequence of operations for a standard electric mechanism. [Figure 92-2] (a) is a diagram showing the win / failure determination table for the regular diagram in the regular diagram lottery, (b) is a diagram showing the variable pattern determination table for the regular diagram used in the non-time-saving game state, (c) is a diagram showing the variable pattern determination table for the regular diagram used in the time-saving game state, and (d) is a diagram showing the determination table for the fixed stop time of the regular diagram. [Figure 92-3] (a-1) is a diagram showing the determination table for the start time (OP time) of a win triggered by a normal symbol in a non-time-saving game state, (a-2) is a diagram showing the determination table for the start time (OP time) of a win triggered by a normal symbol in a time-saving game state, (b-1) is a diagram showing the determination table for the opening time of a win triggered by a normal symbol in a non-time-saving game state, (b-2) is a diagram showing the determination table for the opening time of a win triggered by a normal symbol in a1 time-saving game state and c time-saving game state, (b-3) is a diagram showing the determination table for the opening time of a win triggered by a normal symbol in a2 time-saving game state, (c) is a diagram showing the determination table for the closing time of a win triggered by a normal symbol, (d-1) is a diagram showing the determination table for the end time of a win triggered by a normal symbol in a non-time-saving game state, and (d-2) is a diagram showing the determination table for the end time of a win triggered by a normal symbol in a time-saving game state. [Figure 93-1] (a) is a diagram showing the determination table for the start time (OP time) of the normal operation gate trigger; (b) is a diagram showing the determination table for the operation time of the normal operation gate trigger in various game states; (c) is a diagram showing the handling when a game ball passes through the normal operation gate 228g; (d) is a diagram showing the handling of special figure 1 and special figure 2 when special figure 1 and special figure 2 are fluctuating simultaneously; and (e) is a diagram showing the handling when a game ball passes through the normal operation gate 228g while the normal figure is fluctuating. [Figure 93-2] This is a timing chart explaining the timing for determining the opening time of the standard electric mechanism (electric chute) triggered by the standard electric gate. [Figure 93-3] This is a timing chart explaining the measures taken to ensure sufficient stopping time for the regular symbols shown in Figure 92-2(d). [Figure 94] 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 95] 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 96] This diagram illustrates the transitions between game states. [Figure 97] 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 98] This diagram shows the continuation of an example of the production shown in Figure 97, in a step-by-step manner. [Figure 99] This figure shows another example of the staging that follows Figure 97(q), illustrating it step by step. [Figure 100] This diagram shows a step-by-step example of a jackpot game presentation centered around a decorative pattern display device. [Figure 101] This diagram shows, step by step, another example of the presentation in a jackpot game, centered around a decorative pattern display device. [Figure 102] 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 103]This is an example where, in a normal gameplay state, when both the regular symbol display indicating a win and the special symbol 2 display indicating a big win are being executed, the animation of the symbol that stops first is given priority. [Figure 104] This diagram shows a step-by-step example, different from the example shown in Figure 102, where both the regular display of the variable figure and the special figure 2 display indicating a jackpot are being executed during normal gameplay. [Figure 105] 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 106] This figure shows a variation of the standby display. [Figure 107] This is a diagram to explain the performance modes. [Figure 108] 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 109] This diagram shows a step-by-step example of what happens when the winning command is missed while performance mode A is selected. [Figure 110] This diagram shows a step-by-step example of what happens when the winning command is missed while performance mode C is selected. [Figure 111] 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 112] 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 113] This is a diagram illustrating variations in the performance mode. [Figure 114] This diagram shows two examples step-by-step of the execution of the hold change effect and the pre-notification effect. [Figure 115](a) is a diagram showing the win / failure determination table for the regular symbols in the second embodiment, (b) is a diagram showing the win / failure determination table for the special symbols in the second embodiment, (c) is a diagram showing the special symbol determination table for when a minor win is achieved, used in the non-time-saving game state of the second embodiment, and (d) is a diagram showing the special symbol determination table for when a minor win is achieved, used in the time-saving game state of the second embodiment. [Figure 116] (a) is a diagram showing the activation time determination table for the normal operation gate trigger in various game states of the second embodiment, and (b) is a diagram showing how to handle Feature Figure 1 and Feature Figure 2 when Feature Figure 1 and Feature Figure 2 are changing simultaneously in the second embodiment. [Figure 117] This diagram shows the flow of gameplay on the gaming machine of the second embodiment. [Figure 118] This flowchart shows the flow of the bonus performance determination process in the second embodiment. [Figure 119] This diagram shows a step-by-step example of how bonus features are executed. [Figure 120] This diagram shows another example of a pre-announcement effect related to a jackpot in a game, illustrating it step by step. [Figure 121] This figure shows a regular-character reach symbol determination table that determines the type of reach symbol in the display of the regular-character decorative symbols during normal gameplay. [Figure 122] This figure shows the Special Feature 2 Reach Symbol Determination Table, which determines the type of reach symbol in the display of the decorative symbols in Special Feature 2 during the shortened play state (RUSH state). [Figure 123] This flowchart shows the process for determining the decorative pattern in the general diagram in the second embodiment. [Figure 124] This is a table showing the display patterns of the hold icon or fluctuating icon in each performance mode of the second embodiment, and the probability of winning. [Figure 125] (a) is a table showing a modified version of the table shown in Figure 124, and (b) is a table showing a modified version of the table shown in Figure 124 that is different from the modified version shown in (a). [Figure 126]This diagram shows, step by step, two examples in which a hold change effect and a pre-notification effect are executed in a gaming machine according to the second embodiment. [Figure 127] (a) is a timing chart showing the flow of the demo performance in the game machine of the second embodiment, and (b) is a timing chart showing the flow when termination condition 1 or termination condition 2 is met during the execution of the demo performance. [Figure 128] This flowchart shows the flow of the demo performance control process in the gaming machine of the second embodiment. [Figure 129] (a) is a timing chart showing the sequence of events when, during the execution of a demo performance in normal gameplay (non-time-saving gameplay), no touch to the ball launch handle 134 is detected and the display of the decorative symbols begins, and then a touch to the ball launch handle 134 is detected. (b) is a timing chart showing the sequence of events when, during the execution of a demo performance in normal gameplay (non-time-saving gameplay), no touch to the ball launch handle 134 is detected and the display of the special symbol 2 begins twice, and a minor win is achieved on the second display of the special symbol 2. [Figure 130] This flowchart shows the flow of demo performance control processing in SumaPachi. [Figure 131] This is a front view of a sealed-type pachinko machine to which the present invention can be applied. [Figure 132] This is a perspective view of a slot machine 1000 to which the present invention can be applied, as seen from the front (player side). [Figure 133] 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. [Figure 134] This is a perspective view of the slot machine 100 according to the embodiment. [Figure 135]This diagram shows the arrangement of the symbols on each reel 110-112 in a two-dimensional layout, along with an explanatory diagram of the symbol names. [Figure 136] (a) A magnified view of a portion of the reel before the reel strip 150 is attached to the reel frames 212 and 214. (b) A magnified view of a portion of the reel after the lower end of the reel strip 150 has been attached to the reel frames 212 and 214. [Figure 137] This is a partially disassembled perspective view of the reel drive unit 200. [Figure 138] This is an exploded perspective view of reels 110-112 and surrounding components. [Figure 139] (a) An exploded perspective view of the backlight module 240. (b) A front view of the backlight module 240. [Figure 140] (a) A front view showing the peripheral components of the right reel 112 in the reel drive unit 200. (b) A cross-sectional view along line AA in (a). (c) A magnified view of the dotted line portion indicated by reference numeral B in (b). [Figure 141] (a) An external perspective view showing an example of the structure of the double-sided tape 252. (b) A cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the reel band fixing surface of the reel frame. (c) A cross-sectional view showing a portion where the reel band 152 overlaps twice. [Figure 142] (a) A front view of the stop button unit 136. (b) A diagram showing the slide stop operation initiated using the stop buttons 137-139. [Figure 143] (a) A front view of the stop button unit 270 according to Modification 1. (b) A cross-sectional view along the CC line in (a). (c) A front view of the stop button unit 275 according to Modification 2. (d) A front view of the stop button unit 280 according to Modification 3. [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 activities 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 the frame control unit and the 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 symbol T4d, the lending device 614 that has received the counting notification command adds the counted ball number 250 included in the received counting notification command to the number of balls in hand 100 before receiving the said counting notification command, updates the number of balls in hand to 350, and since the number of lent balls is 0, transmits a lending notification command including information of lending serial number = k (k is a positive integer) and lending ball number = 0 towards the frame control unit 600. 【0183】 At the timing indicated by symbol T4e, the frame control unit 600 that has received the lending notification command transmits a lending reception result response command including information of lending serial number = k and lending ball number reception result = normal towards the lending device 614. 【0184】 In this example, in the state where the number of game balls is 750 and the cumulative counted ball number is 250, the operation of "long press" of the counting button 617 is being continued, and since the second operation of "long press" of the counting button 617 has been received, the numerical value "250" representing 250 balls is set for the counted ball number, and the counted ball number 250 is added to the cumulative counted ball number 250 to update the cumulative counted ball number to 500. 【0185】 At the timing indicated by symbol T4f, the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification command including information of serial number = n + 1 and number of game balls = 750 towards the lending device 614, and then at the subsequent timing indicated by symbol T4g, within the period of 90 ms or more and 100 ms or less after transmitting the gaming machine information notification command, after transmitting a counting notification command including information of counting serial number = m + 1, counted ball number = 250, and cumulative counted ball number = 500 towards the lending device 614, the number of game balls is updated to 500 by subtracting the counted ball number 250 from the number of game balls 750. However, since a communication abnormality has occurred, the lending device 614 has not received the said command normally. 【0186】 Also, at the timing indicated by the symbol T4h, the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification command including information of serial number = n + 2 and number of gaming balls = 500 to the lending device 614. However, since a communication abnormality has occurred, the lending device 614 has not been able to receive the command normally. 【0187】 On the other hand, since the lending device 614 has not been able to receive the gaming machine information notification command from the frame control unit 600 normally, it detects a communication abnormality and sets VL = OFF (non-firing state) and PSI = OFF (count button invalid state) at the latest 300 ms after detecting the communication abnormality. Also, since the frame control unit 600 has not been able to receive the lending notification command for the count notification command from the lending device 614 normally, it sets VL = OFF (non-firing state, count button invalid). 【0188】 In the frame control unit 600, since the count button 617 has become invalid, after resetting the counted number of balls from 250 to 0, at the timing indicated by the symbol T4i, it transmits a count notification command including information of count serial number = m + 2, counted number of balls = 0, and cumulative counted number of balls = 500 to the lending device 614. However, since a communication abnormality has occurred, the lending device 614 has not been able to receive these commands normally. 【0189】 At the timing indicated by the symbol T4j, the store clerk of the game parlor checks the number of gaming balls and the number of balls in hand and waits for error recovery of the communication abnormality until the communication abnormality is resolved. When the communication abnormality is resolved, the lending device 614 sets VL = ON (state permitting firing of gaming balls) and PSI = ON (state where the count button is valid). 【0190】 <Communication abnormality between the frame control unit and the lending device / during lending notification> FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication abnormality in the lending notification between the frame control unit 600 and the lending device 614 in chronological order. 【0191】 This example is an example of lending notification when a communication abnormality occurs when the lending button 614a of the lending device 614 is operated and lending of 125 balls × 1 time is performed. 【0192】 At the timing indicated by symbol T5a, 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 when, as a result of a game being played on the enclosed gaming machine 100, a game ball is launched toward the game board 200 or a game ball (a far ball) that did not reach the game board 200 is detected. 【0206】 Here, the "total number of launched game balls" in FIG. 20 is the total number of "number of launched balls" since the power-on of the enclosed gaming machine 100. The "number of launched balls" is a numerical value calculated by adding +1 when a game ball passes through the subtraction sensor 618 and subtracting -1 when a game ball passes through the far ball detection sensor 616. 【0207】 At the timing indicated by symbol T6a, since the number of game balls is 1000, the frame control unit 600 transmits a gaming machine information notification command including the information of serial number = n (n is a positive integer) and 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 the information of counting serial number = m (m is a positive integer), counting number of balls = 0, and cumulative counting number of balls = 0 to the lending device 614, since one game ball is launched toward the game board 200 (the game ball passes through the subtraction sensor 618), 1 is set for the number of launched balls, and 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 number of balls of the lending device 614 that has received the counting notification command is 0, it transmits a lending notification command including the information of lending serial number = k (k is a positive integer) and lending number of balls = 0 to the frame control unit 600. At the timing indicated by symbol T6d, the frame control unit 600 that has received the lending notification command transmits a lending reception result response command including the information of lending serial number = k and lending number of balls reception result = normal to the lending device 614. 【0210】 At the timing indicated by code T6e, since the number of game balls is 999 and the number of balls launched is 1, the frame control unit 600 sends a game machine information notification command to the dispensing device 614 that includes the information sequence number = n+1, number of game balls = 999, and number of balls launched = 1. Upon receiving the command, the dispensing device 614 adds the number of balls launched, which is 1, to the total number of balls launched, which is 100, and updates the total number of balls launched to 101. 【0211】 At the timing indicated by code T6f, the frame control unit 600, within a period of 90ms to 100ms after sending the game machine information notification command, sends a count notification command to the dispensing device 614 containing the information count serial number = m+1, count balls = 0, and cumulative count balls = 0. Then, having detected one foul ball (a game ball passed the foul ball detection sensor 616), sets the number of launched balls to -1 and adds 1 to the game ball count of 999, updating the game ball count to 1000. 【0212】 At the timing indicated by code T6g, 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 k+1. At the timing indicated by code T6h, 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 k+1 and that the number of balls received is normal. 【0213】 At the timing indicated by code T6i, the number of game balls is 1000 and the number of balls launched is -1. Therefore, 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+2, the number of game balls is 1000, and the number of balls launched is -1. Upon receiving this command, the dispensing device 614 adds -1, the number of balls launched included in the command, to the total number of balls launched, 101, and updates the total number of balls launched 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】 Furthermore, the frame control unit 600 receives a second "short press" of the counting button 617 at the timing indicated by symbol T7i. 【0228】 In this example, the number 1 (planned count), which represents one ball and corresponds to a "short press" of the counting button 617, is not greater than the number of game balls (1) transmitted in the game machine information notification command sent at the timing indicated by code T7g. Therefore, in this example, the number of balls to be counted is set to "1," which represents one ball, and the cumulative number of balls to be counted is updated to 1 by adding the number of balls to the cumulative number of balls to be counted (0). 【0229】 At the timing indicated by code T7j, 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 T7k, 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. 【0230】 At the timing indicated by code T7l, 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 serial number = n+2 and number of game balls = 1. Then, at the timing indicated by the following code T7m, since the number of balls counted and the cumulative number of balls counted are 1, 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 serial number = m+2, number of balls counted = 1 and cumulative number of balls counted = 1. 【0231】 Upon receiving this counting notification command, the lending device 614 adds the count of 1 included in the received counting notification command to the number of balls held before receiving the command (0), and updates the number of balls held to 1. 【0232】 <Communication between the frame control unit and the dispensing device / When the number of game balls increases and the counting button is pressed and held simultaneously> 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. 【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 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 moved to 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, there are two general prize slots 226 located on the lower left of the game board 200 and one on the right side 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, one is installed 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 on the left and 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】 <Game board / First ball passage / General prize entry passage> 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 passage 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 passage 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 path outlet 256out). The first opening (flow path inlet 256in) is located upstream of the second opening (flow path outlet 256out), and the screw insertion opening 256a is located closer to the first opening (flow path inlet 256in) than the second opening (flow path 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】 In this example, the structure of the ball passage shown in Figure 34(b) is applied to the general prize-winning passage 256, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be applied to other ball passages (for example, the general starting passage 258, the first special starting passage 266, the variable prize-winning passage 267, and the second special starting passage 268). Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the general prize-winning passage 256 located on the right side of the game board 200, but can also be applied to the general prize-winning passage 256 located on the left side of the game board 200. In addition, the configuration of the ball passage described below can be applied to any of the general starting passage 258, the first special starting passage 266, the variable prize-winning passage 267, and the second special starting passage 268. 【0351】 <Game board / First ball passage / General start gate flow path> 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. 【0352】 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. 【0353】 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. 【0354】 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. 【0355】 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. 【0356】 <Game board / Second ball passage> Figure 35 is a magnified view of the second ball passage 260 with the first ball passage 250 removed. 【0357】 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. 【0358】 <Game board / Second ball passage / First special symbol starting opening passage> 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 to 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 and easy for game balls to enter during time-saving gameplay, 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 and easy for game balls to circulate during winning gameplay. 【0359】 <Game board / Second ball passage / Variable prize entry point flow path> 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. 【0360】 <Game board / Second ball passage / Second special symbol starting opening passage> 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. 【0361】 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 opening 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. 【0362】 In other words, in this example, no screw insertion openings into which screws can be inserted are formed in the flow paths of the first special design starting port flow path 266, the variable prize winning port flow path 267, and the second special design starting port flow path 268. 【0363】 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. 【0364】 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. 【0365】 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. 【0366】 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). 【0367】 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. 【0368】 <Game board / ball passage and screws> Next, we will explain the relationship between the ball passage and the screw. 【0369】 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 in which the upper surface portion 270d is omitted. 【0370】 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. 【0371】 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 270a in the short direction, and an upper surface portion 270d positioned opposite the lower surface portion 270a. 【0372】 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. 【0373】 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. 【0374】 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. 【0375】 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. 【0376】 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. 【0377】 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. 【0378】 Furthermore, as shown in Figure 37(a), a sensor 270f (ball detection sensor) capable of detecting when a game ball BL has passed through the ball passage 270 is provided below the screw insertion opening 274 in the ball passage 270. In other words, the screw insertion opening 274 is located upstream of the sensor 270f in the ball passage 270. 【0379】 In this example, if the screw 272 loosens and game balls BL get stuck in the ball passage 270, even if game balls BL flow down, the sensor 270f will not perform any actions (such as changes in each symbol, left (right) shooting warning display, game ball payout, error display, etc.), so the loosening of the screw 272 can be noticed immediately. 【0380】 <Game board / ball passage and screws / ball passage (modified example 1)> Next, the spherical passage 280 according to Modification 1 will be described using Figure 37(b). Figure 37(b) is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the spherical passage 280 according to Modification 1. 【0381】 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. 【0382】 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. 【0383】 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. 【0384】 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). 【0385】 Furthermore, in Figure 37(b), the area enclosed by the dotted line indicated by the symbol ER1 represents a specific space on the spherical passage 280 that includes at least the head 282a of the screw 282 when the screw 282 is properly installed in the screw insertion opening 284. 【0386】 In this example, the first rib 281 and the second rib 282 are formed in the space of the spherical passage 280 excluding the specific space ER1, and the rib is not formed in at least the specific space ER1. In other words, the first rib 281 and the second rib 282 are formed on the spherical passage 280, but these first rib 281 and second rib 282 are not provided near the screw insertion opening 284 of the spherical passage 280. 【0387】 The ribs are already prone to the game balls BL getting stuck (stagnating), and even if it's not an assembly error, there's a risk of the game balls BL getting stuck if the screw 282 protrudes slightly due to individual differences in the components forming the screw 282 and the ball passage 280. Therefore, by not providing the screw insertion opening 284 near the first rib 281 or the second rib 282 (not providing the first rib 281 or the second rib 282 near the screw insertion opening), it is possible to prevent the game balls BL from getting stuck even if it is not an assembly error. 【0388】 <Game board / ball passage and screws / ball passage (modified version 2)> Next, the spherical passage 290 according to the modified example 2 will be described using Figure 37(c). Figure 37(c) is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the spherical passage 290 according to the modified example 2. 【0389】 The ball passage 290 schematically represents a ball passage in which a screw insertion opening 294 into which a screw 292 can be inserted is formed. Examples include the general prize entry passage 256 and the general start-up passage 258 explained using Figure 34. 【0390】 The spherical passage 290 is a cylindrical member composed of a lower surface portion 290a, left side portion 290b and right side portion 290c erected along the longitudinal direction on both sides of the lower surface portion 290a in the short direction, and an upper surface portion (not shown) disposed opposite the lower surface portion 290a. 【0391】 A screw insertion opening 294 is formed in the lower surface 290a of the ball passage 290, into which the threaded portion of a screw 292 can be inserted. The ball passage 290 is fixed to the back of the game board 200 by the screw 292 inserted into the screw insertion opening 294. 【0392】 Furthermore, a first rib 291 is formed on the left side surface 290b of the ball passage 290, projecting toward the opposing right side surface 290c to facilitate the rolling of the game ball BL, and a second rib 292 is formed on the right side surface 290c of the ball passage 280, projecting toward the opposing left side surface 290b to facilitate the rolling of the game ball BL. 【0393】 Furthermore, a sensor 290f (ball detection sensor) capable of detecting when a game ball BL has passed through the ball passage 290 is provided below the screw insertion opening 294 in the ball passage 290. In other words, the screw insertion opening 294 is located upstream of the sensor 290f in the ball passage 290. 【0394】 According to this example, if screw 292 loosens and game balls BL get stuck in ball passage 290, even if game balls BL flow down, the sensor 290f will operate according to the change in each symbol and left (right) Because warnings such as hitting the target, dispensing game balls, and error messages are not displayed, the loosening of screw 292 can be noticed immediately. 【0395】 Furthermore, in Figure 37(c), the region indicated by the symbol ER2 represents a specific space on the spherical passage 290 that includes at least the head 292a of the screw 292 when the screw 292 is properly installed in the screw insertion opening 294. 【0396】 In this example, the first rib 291 and the second rib 292 are formed in the space of the spherical passage 290 excluding the specific space ER2, and the rib is not formed in at least the specific space ER2. In other words, the first rib 291 and the second rib 292 are formed on the spherical passage 290, but these first rib 291 and second rib 292 are not provided near the screw insertion opening 294 of the spherical passage 290. 【0397】 The ribs are already prone to causing game balls BL to get stuck (stagnate), and even if it's not an assembly error, there's a risk of game balls BL getting stuck if the screw 292 protrudes slightly due to individual differences in the components forming the screw 292 and ball passage 290. Therefore, by not providing the screw insertion opening 294 near the first rib 291 or the second rib 292 (not providing the first rib 291 or the second rib 292 near the screw insertion opening 294), it is possible to prevent game balls BL from getting stuck even if it is not an assembly error. 【0398】 <Game board / winning slot, starting slot> Next, we will explain the differences between the general prize winning slot 226, the first special symbol starting slot 232, the second special symbol starting slot 230, the regular symbol starting slot 228, and the variable prize winning slot 234, as explained using Figure 32. 【0399】 <Game board / General prize slot> The general prize slot 226 allows game balls to flow through in any of the game states: normal gameplay, time-saving gameplay, or big win (minor win) gameplay. Furthermore, since it does not have any electrically driven components, game balls can flow through even when the power to the game machine is turned off. The general prize slot 226 may be provided only in the left area of ​​the game board 200, only in the right area of ​​the game board 200, or in both areas. 【0400】 As shown in Figure 34(b), a screw insertion opening 256a into which a screw 257 can be inserted is formed in the general prize-winning channel 256. However, similar to the ball passage 270 explained using Figure 37(a), the screw insertion opening 256a is not located in the meandering portion of the general prize-winning channel 256, but is positioned upstream of the sensor that detects ball entry (winning) into the general prize-winning channel 226. 【0401】 If a screw loosens and a game ball gets stuck in the flow path, the sensor will not perform any actions (such as changes in the symbols, left (right) shot warnings, game ball payouts, or error displays) even if the game ball flows down, so a loose screw can be noticed immediately. In addition, the meandering section of the flow path is already prone to game balls getting stuck (stagnating), and even if it's not an assembly error, there is a risk of game balls getting stuck if the screw protrudes slightly due to individual differences in the screws or the components forming the flow path. Therefore, by not providing a screw insertion point in the meandering section, it is possible to prevent game balls from getting stuck even if it is not an assembly error. 【0402】 Furthermore, although ribs are formed on the general prize-winning channel 256, similar to the ball passage 290 explained using Figure 37(c), the ribs are configured not to be located near the screw insertion opening 256a of the general prize-winning channel 256. 【0403】 Ribs are inherently prone to causing game balls to get stuck (stagnant), and even if it's not due to an assembly error, a slight protrusion of a screw due to individual differences in the screws or components forming the flow path can cause game balls to get stuck. Therefore, by not placing screw insertion points near ribs (or not placing ribs near screw insertion points), it is possible to prevent game balls from getting stuck even when there is no assembly error. 【0404】 As shown in Figure 34(b), the general prize entry channel 256 has a first opening (channel inlet 256in) and a second opening (channel outlet 256out). The first opening (channel inlet 256in) is located upstream of the second opening (channel outlet 256out), and the screw insertion port 256a is located closer to the first opening (channel inlet 256in) than to the second opening (channel outlet 256out). 【0405】 Therefore, during pre-shipment test tests, if a game ball gets stuck in the flow path and overflows due to a loose screw or other issue, assembly errors can be immediately detected, improving convenience. 【0406】 <Game board / First special symbol starting point> The first special feature starting port 232 facilitates the flow of game balls in a certain time-saving game state. Furthermore, because it is equipped with an electrically driven component (openable and closable wing member), when the power to the game machine is turned off in the normal game state, it is often difficult for game balls to flow down. Specifically, the wing member can be driven to the open state when a game ball passes through the normal operation gate 228g, but the normal operation gate 228g is located in a position where it can be passed through when shooting to the right, and even if it passes through in the normal game state (non-time-saving game state), it only remains open for a short time, so when the power to the game machine is turned off in the normal game state, it is often difficult for game balls to flow down. Note that the first special feature starting port 232 may be provided only in the left area of ​​the game board 200, or only in the right area of ​​the game board 200. 【0407】 As shown in Figure 35, no screw insertion openings for inserting screws are formed in the flow path 266 of the first special design, and a screw insertion opening 262a for inserting screws 257 is formed in a region that is not on the flow path of the first special design, the starting port flow path 266. 【0408】 Therefore, the first special feature starting port passage 266 can be made free from adverse effects such as loosening of screws, and can be stably fixed to the game board. 【0409】 <Game board / Second special symbol starting point> The second special symbol start port 230 allows game balls to flow down in any game state, whether it is normal gameplay, time-saving gameplay, or big win (minor win) gameplay. Furthermore, since it does not have any electrically driven components, game balls can flow even when the power to the game machine is turned off. The second special symbol start port 230 may be provided in the left-side area of ​​the game board 200. 【0410】 In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which no screw insertion opening into which a screw can be inserted is formed in the flow path 268 of the second special design. However, a screw insertion opening into which a screw can be inserted may be formed in the flow path 268 of the second special design. In this case, similar to the ball passage 270 explained using Figure 37(a), it is preferable that the screw insertion opening is not located in the meandering portion of the second special design start opening 230, but rather located upstream of the sensor that detects ball entry (winning) into the second special design start opening 230. 【0411】 If a screw loosens and a game ball gets stuck in the flow path, the sensor will not perform any actions (such as changes in the symbols, left (right) shot warnings, game ball payouts, or error displays) even if the game ball flows down, so the loose screw can be noticed immediately. In addition, the meandering section of the flow path is already prone to game balls getting stuck (stagnating), and there is a risk of game balls getting stuck even if the screw protrudes slightly due to individual differences in the screws or components forming the flow path, rather than an assembly error. Therefore, by not providing a screw insertion point in the meandering section (not providing a rib near the screw insertion point), it is possible to prevent game balls from getting stuck even if there is no assembly error. 【0412】 Furthermore, although ribs are formed on the starting port flow path 268 in the second special design, if a screw insertion opening is formed on the flow path of the starting port flow path 268 in the second special design, it is preferable that the ribs are not provided near the screw insertion opening of the starting port 230 in the second special design, similar to the ball passage 290 explained using Figure 37(c). 【0413】 The ribs are already prone to causing game balls to get stuck (stagnant), and even if it's not due to an assembly error, there's a risk of game balls getting stuck if a screw protrudes slightly due to individual differences in the screws or components that form the flow path. Therefore, by not providing screw insertion points near the ribs, it is possible to prevent game balls from getting stuck even when there is no assembly error. 【0414】 The second special design drawing shows that the starting port flow path 268 has a first opening (flow path inlet) and a second opening (flow path outlet), with the first opening (flow path inlet) located upstream of the second opening (flow path outlet). If a screw insertion opening is formed on the flow path of the second special design drawing shows that the screw insertion opening is located closer to the first opening (flow path inlet) than to the second opening (flow path outlet). 【0415】 With this configuration, during pre-shipment test tests, if a game ball gets stuck in the flow path due to loose screws or other issues and overflows, assembly errors can be immediately detected, thus improving convenience. 【0416】 <Game board / General diagram starting point> The general-purpose starting port 228 allows game balls to flow down in any game state, whether it is normal gameplay, time-saving gameplay, or jackpot (minor jackpot) gameplay. Furthermore, since it does not have any electrically driven components, game balls can flow even when the power to the game machine is turned off. The general-purpose starting port 228 may be located in the right-hand area of ​​the game board 200. 【0417】 As shown in Figure 34, a screw insertion opening 258a into which a screw 257 can be inserted is formed on the flow path 258 of the normal starting port. However, similar to the ball passage 270 explained using Figure 37(a), the screw insertion opening 258a is not located in the meandering portion of the normal starting port flow path 258, but is positioned upstream of the sensor that detects ball entry (winning) into the normal starting port 228. 【0418】 If a screw loosens and a game ball gets stuck in the flow path, the sensor will not perform any actions (such as changes in the symbols, left (right) shot warnings, game ball payouts, or error displays) even if the game ball flows down, so a loose screw can be noticed immediately. In addition, the meandering section of the flow path is already prone to game balls getting stuck (stagnating), and even if it's not an assembly error, there is a risk of game balls getting stuck if the screw protrudes slightly due to individual differences in the screws or the components forming the flow path. Therefore, by not providing a screw insertion point in the meandering section, it is possible to prevent game balls from getting stuck even if it is not an assembly error. 【0419】 Furthermore, although ribs are formed on the starting port passage 258 shown in the diagram, similar to the ball passage 290 explained using Figure 37(c), the ribs are configured not to be located near the screw insertion opening 258a of the starting port passage 258 shown in the diagram. 【0420】 Ribs are inherently prone to causing game balls to get stuck (stagnant), and even if it's not due to an assembly error, a slight protrusion of a screw due to individual differences in the screws or components forming the flow path can cause game balls to get stuck. Therefore, by not placing screw insertion points near ribs (or not placing ribs near screw insertion points), it is possible to prevent game balls from getting stuck even when there is no assembly error. 【0421】 The starting port passage 258 has a first opening (passage inlet) and a second opening (passage outlet). The first opening (passage inlet) is located upstream of the second opening (passage outlet), and the screw insertion port 258a is located closer to the first opening (passage inlet) than to the second opening (passage outlet). 【0422】 Therefore, during pre-shipment test tests, if a game ball gets stuck in the flow path and overflows due to a loose screw or other issue, assembly errors can be immediately detected, improving convenience. 【0423】 <Game board / Variable prize slots> The variable prize entry point 234 facilitates the flow of game balls during a big win (or small win) game. Furthermore, because it is equipped with electrically driven components (openable / closable door members), it becomes difficult for game balls to flow down when the power to the game machine is turned off during normal gameplay. The variable prize entry point 234 may also be located in the left-side area of ​​the game board 200. 【0424】 As shown in Figure 35, no screw insertion openings for inserting screws are formed in the flow path 267 of the variable prize-winning opening, but a screw insertion opening 262a for inserting screws 257 is formed in a region of the variable prize-winning opening flow path 267 that is not on the flow path. 【0425】 Therefore, the variable prize entry channel 267 can be free from adverse effects such as loosening of screws, and can be stably fixed to the game board. 【0426】 <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. 【0427】 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. 【0428】 Furthermore, 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 through which gaming balls flow, and the flow path is configured to have a first flow path (for example, the general start opening flow path 258 shown in Figure 34(a)), a second flow path (for example, the first special start opening flow path 266 and the variable prize opening flow path 267 shown in Figure 35), and a third flow path (for example, the general prize opening flow path 256 shown in Figure 34(a)), and the first flow path is used when gaming balls flow through during normal gameplay. The first channel is a passable channel, the second channel is a channel in which the flow of game balls is difficult during normal gameplay but easy during winning gameplay, the third channel is a channel in which game balls can flow during normal gameplay, the first channel has a first screw insertion opening (for example, the screw insertion opening 258a shown in Figure 34(a)) into which a screw can be inserted, and the second channel does not have a screw insertion opening into which a screw can be inserted. The game machine is characterized in that, a third screw insertion opening (for example, a screw insertion opening 256a shown in Figure 34(b)) into which a screw can be inserted is formed on the flow path of the third flow path, the first screw insertion opening is formed at a position in which, if a screw is not properly inserted into the first screw insertion opening, a game ball that has been flowing through the first flow path will come into contact with the screw and the structure forming the first flow path, the third flow path has a first opening (for example, a flow path inlet 256in shown in Figure 34(b)) and a second opening (for example, a flow path outlet 256out shown in Figure 34(b)), the first opening is located upstream of the second opening, and the third screw insertion opening is formed at a position in which, if a screw is not properly inserted into the third screw insertion opening, a game ball that has been flowing through the third flow path will come into contact with the screw and the structure forming the third flow path, and is located closer to the first opening than to the second opening. 【0429】 According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, if screws are not properly installed and become loose during the assembly of the flow channels, game balls will accumulate in the flow channels of the first and third channels. This makes it easy to notice assembly errors during pre-shipment test play inspections, thereby improving convenience. 【0430】 Furthermore, since there are no screw insertion points in the second channel (the channel through which game balls only flow during winning games), even if screws are not properly installed and become loose during the assembly of the channel, the second channel will not be affected, and pre-shipment test tests can be performed quickly. 【0431】 Furthermore, since the third screw insertion opening is located closer to the first opening than the second opening, during pre-shipment test tests, if a game ball becomes trapped in the flow path and overflows due to a loosening of the third screw, the assembly error can be immediately detected, thus improving convenience. If the third screw insertion opening were located closer to the second opening than the first opening, it would take a certain amount of time for the game ball to become trapped in the flow path and overflow, making it impossible to immediately detect the assembly error. 【0432】 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)). 【0433】 With this configuration, during pre-shipment test tests, if a game ball gets stuck in the flow path due to loose screws or other issues and overflows, assembly errors can be immediately detected, thus improving convenience. 【0434】 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. 【0435】 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. 【0436】 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 path 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. 【0437】 With this configuration, during pre-shipment test tests, if a game ball gets stuck in the flow path due to loose screws or other issues and overflows, assembly errors can be immediately detected, thus improving convenience. 【0438】 Furthermore, the game machine according to this embodiment (for example, the enclosed game machine 100 shown in Figure 1) is a game machine equipped with a game board and a flow path through which game balls flow, wherein the flow path has a portion that is bent in the in-plane direction of the game board surface and a portion that is not bent in the in-plane direction of the game board surface (hereinafter referred to as the "non-bent portion"), and the flow path has a first flow path (for example, the general start opening flow path 258 shown in Figure 34(a)), a second flow path (for example, the first special start opening flow path 266 and the variable prize opening flow path 267 shown in Figure 35), and a third flow path (for example, Figure 34( The machine is configured to have a general prize-winning passage 256) as shown in a), the first passage being a passage through which game balls can flow during normal gameplay, the second passage being a passage through which it is difficult for game balls to flow during normal gameplay but easy for game balls to flow during winning gameplay, the third passage being a passage through which game balls can flow during normal gameplay, the first passage having a first screw insertion opening (for example, the screw insertion opening 258a shown in Figure 34(a)) into which a screw can be inserted, and the second passage having a screw insertion opening No screw insertion opening is formed, and a third screw insertion opening (for example, the screw insertion opening 256a shown in Figure 34(b)) into which a screw can be inserted is formed on the flow path of the third flow path, and the first screw insertion opening is formed at a position where, if a screw is not properly inserted into the first screw insertion opening, a game ball that has flowed through the first flow path will come into contact with the screw and the structure forming the first flow path, and the third flow path has a first opening (for example, the flow path inlet 256in shown in Figure 34(b)) and a second opening (for example, Figure 3 The game machine is characterized in that it has a flow path outlet 256out shown in 4(b), the first opening is located upstream of the second opening, the third screw insertion port is located closer to the first opening than the second opening at a position where, if a screw is not properly inserted into the third screw insertion port, a game ball that has flowed through the third flow path will come into contact with the screw and the components forming the third flow path, and the third screw insertion port is located in the non-bent portion of the flow path of the third flow path. 【0439】 Furthermore, the second flow path may have a second screw insertion opening formed in a region not on the flow path of the second flow path, the first flow path may be fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the first screw insertion opening, the second flow path may be fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the second screw insertion opening, and the third flow path may be fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the third screw insertion opening. 【0440】 In the gaming machine according to this embodiment, the third screw insertion opening is formed closer to the first opening than the second opening. Therefore, during pre-shipment test play inspections, if a game ball becomes trapped in the flow path and overflows due to a loose third screw, the assembly error can be immediately noticed, improving convenience. If the third screw insertion opening were formed closer to the second opening than the first opening, it would take a predetermined amount of time for the game ball to become trapped in the flow path and overflow, making it impossible to immediately notice the assembly error. Furthermore, the meandering section (bent section) is inherently prone to game balls getting stuck (accumulating), and there is a risk that game balls will become trapped even if the screw protrudes slightly due to individual differences in the screws or components forming the flow path, rather than due to an assembly error. Therefore, by providing the screw insertion opening in the non-bent section, it is possible to prevent game balls from becoming trapped even if there is no assembly error. 【0441】 Furthermore, the game machine according to this embodiment (for example, the enclosed game machine 100 shown in Figure 1) is a game machine equipped with a first operating means (for example, the ball launching handle 134 shown in Figure 1) capable of launching game balls, and a flow path through which game balls flow, wherein the flow path is configured to have a first flow path (for example, the general start opening flow path 258 shown in Figure 34(a)), a second flow path (for example, the first special start opening flow path 266 and the variable prize opening flow path 267 shown in Figure 35), and a third flow path (for example, the general prize opening flow path 256 shown in Figure 34(a)), The first channel is a channel through which game balls can flow when the player uses the first operating means to shoot to the left; the second channel is a channel through which game balls can flow when it is difficult for game balls to flow during normal gameplay and the player uses the first operating means to shoot to the right during a winning game; the third channel is a channel through which game balls can flow when the player uses the first operating means to shoot to the right; and the first channel has a first screw insertion opening into which a screw can be inserted (for example, the screw insertion opening 258a shown in Figure 34(a)). The game machine is characterized in that a screw insertion opening is formed in the second channel, no screw insertion opening into which a screw can be inserted is formed in the channel of the third channel, a third screw insertion opening (for example, a screw insertion opening 256a shown in Figure 34(b)) into which a screw can be inserted is formed in the channel of the third channel, the first screw insertion opening is formed at a position in which, if a screw is not properly inserted into the first screw insertion opening, a game ball that has been flowing through the first channel will come into contact with the screw and the structure forming the first channel, the third channel has a first opening (for example, a channel inlet 256in shown in Figure 34(b)) and a second opening (for example, a channel outlet 256out shown in Figure 34(b)), the first opening is located upstream of the second opening, and the third screw insertion opening is formed at a position in which, if a screw is not properly inserted into the third screw insertion opening, a game ball that has been flowing through the third channel will come into contact with the screw and the structure forming the third channel, and is located closer to the first opening than to the second opening. 【0442】 According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, if screws are not properly installed and become loose during the assembly of the flow channels, game balls will accumulate in the flow channels of the first and third channels. This makes it easy to notice assembly errors during pre-shipment test play inspections, thereby improving convenience. 【0443】 Furthermore, since there are no screw insertion points in the second channel (the channel through which game balls only flow during winning games), even if screws are not properly installed and become loose during the assembly of the channel, the second channel will not be affected, and pre-shipment test tests can be performed quickly. 【0444】 Furthermore, since the third screw insertion opening is located closer to the first opening than the second opening, during pre-shipment test tests, if a game ball becomes trapped in the flow path and overflows due to a loosening of the third screw, the assembly error can be immediately detected, thus improving convenience. If the third screw insertion opening were located closer to the second opening than the first opening, it would take a certain amount of time for the game ball to become trapped in the flow path and overflow, making it impossible to immediately detect the assembly error. 【0445】 Furthermore, since the first channel is a channel through which material can flow when the tool is driven left-handed, and the second and third channels are channels through which material can flow when the tool is driven right-handed, it is possible to inspect screws located at distant positions, thereby improving the accuracy of the inspection. 【0446】 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 second 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 a screw (for example, the screw 257 shown in Figure 35) into the first screw insertion opening, the second flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the second screw insertion opening, and the third flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the third screw insertion opening. 【0447】 With this configuration, the first and third channels can detect loose screws due to the accumulation of game balls, etc., and can be stably fixed to the game board. The second channel can be prevented from being negatively affected by loose screws, etc., and can also be stably fixed to the game board. 【0448】 Furthermore, the game machine according to this embodiment (for example, the enclosed game machine 100 shown in Figure 1) is a game machine equipped with a flow path through which game balls flow, and the flow path is configured to have a first flow path (for example, the general start opening flow path 258 shown in Figure 34(a)), a second flow path (for example, the variable prize opening flow path 267 shown in Figure 35), a third flow path (for example, the general prize opening flow path 256 shown in Figure 34(a)), and a fourth flow path (for example, the first special start opening flow path 266 shown in Figure 35), and the first flow path is a flow path through which game balls can flow during normal gameplay. The second channel is a channel in which the flow of game balls is difficult during normal gameplay but easy during winning gameplay; the third channel is a channel in which game balls can flow during normal gameplay; the fourth channel is a channel in which the flow of game balls is difficult during normal gameplay but easy during a shortened game; a first screw insertion opening (for example, the screw insertion opening 258a shown in Figure 34(a)) into which a screw can be inserted is formed on the channel of the first channel; and a screw can be inserted on the channel of the second channel. No screw insertion opening is formed in the third channel, and a third screw insertion opening (for example, screw insertion opening 256a shown in Figure 34(b)) into which a screw can be inserted is formed on the channel of the third channel, and no screw insertion opening is formed in the channel of the fourth channel into which a screw can be inserted, and the first screw insertion opening is formed at a position where, if a screw is not properly inserted into the first screw insertion opening, a game ball that has been flowing through the first channel will come into contact with the screw and the structure forming the first channel, and the third channel has The game machine is characterized by having one opening (for example, a flow path inlet 256in shown in Figure 34(b)) and a second opening (for example, a flow path outlet 256out shown in Figure 34(b)), wherein the first opening is located upstream of the second opening, and the third screw insertion opening is formed at a position closer to the first opening than the second opening, where, if a screw is not properly inserted into the third screw insertion opening, a game ball that has flowed through the third flow path will come into contact with the screw and the components forming the third flow path. 【0449】 According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, if screws are not properly installed and become loose during the assembly of the flow channels, game balls will accumulate in the flow channels of the first and third channels. This makes it easy to notice assembly errors during pre-shipment test play inspections, thereby improving convenience. 【0450】 Furthermore, since there are no screw insertion points in the second channel (the channel through which game balls only flow during winning games), even if screws are not properly installed and become loose during the assembly of the channel, the second channel will not be affected, and pre-shipment test tests can be performed quickly. 【0451】 Furthermore, since the third screw insertion opening is located closer to the first opening than the second opening, during pre-shipment test tests, if a game ball becomes trapped in the flow path and overflows due to a loosening of the third screw, the assembly error can be immediately detected, thus improving convenience. If the third screw insertion opening were located closer to the second opening than the first opening, it would take a certain amount of time for the game ball to become trapped in the flow path and overflow, making it impossible to immediately detect the assembly error. 【0452】 Furthermore, by not forming screw insertion openings in the second channel, through which game balls only circulate during winning games, and the fourth channel, through which game balls only circulate during time-saving games, even if screws are not properly installed and become loose during the assembly of the channels, the second and fourth channels will not be affected, thus preventing situations where game machines are shipped out without the assembly error being noticed. 【0453】 The system may also include a game board (for example, the game board 200 shown in Figure 32), wherein the second flow path has a second 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, and the fourth flow path has a fourth screw insertion opening (for example, the screw insertion opening 262a shown in Figure 35) formed in a region of the fourth flow path that is not on the flow path, and the first flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw (for example, the screw 257 shown in Figure 35) into the first screw insertion opening, the second flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the second screw insertion opening, the third flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the third screw insertion opening, and the fourth flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the fourth screw insertion opening. 【0454】 With this configuration, the first and third channels can detect loose screws due to the accumulation of game balls, etc., and can be stably fixed to the game board. The second and fourth channels can be prevented from being negatively affected by loose screws, etc., and can also be stably fixed to the game board. 【0455】 Furthermore, 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 through which gaming balls flow, and the flow path is configured to have a first flow path (for example, the general start opening flow path 258 shown in Figure 34(a)), a second flow path (for example, the first special start opening flow path 266 and the variable prize opening flow path 267 shown in Figure 35), and a third flow path (for example, the general prize opening flow path 256 shown in Figure 34(a)), and the first flow path is turned off when the power to the gaming machine is turned off. The first channel is a channel through which game balls can flow even when the power to the game machine is turned off during normal gameplay, the second channel is a channel through which game balls cannot flow even when the power to the game machine is turned off, the first channel has a screw insertion opening (for example, the screw insertion opening 258a shown in Figure 34(a)) into which a screw can be inserted, and the second channel has a screw insertion opening into which a screw can be inserted. The game machine is characterized in that, in the third flow path, a third screw insertion opening (for example, a screw insertion opening 256a shown in Figure 34(b)) into which a screw can be inserted is formed, the first screw insertion opening is formed at a position in which, if a screw is not properly inserted into the first screw insertion opening, a game ball that has been flowing through the first flow path will come into contact with the screw and the structure forming the first flow path, the third flow path has a first opening (for example, a flow path inlet 256in shown in Figure 34(b)) and a second opening (for example, a flow path outlet 256out shown in Figure 34(b)), the first opening is located upstream of the second opening, and the third screw insertion opening is formed at a position in which, if a screw is not properly inserted into the third screw insertion opening, a game ball that has been flowing through the third flow path will come into contact with the screw and the structure forming the third flow path, and is located closer to the first opening than to the second opening. 【0456】 According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, if screws are not properly installed and become loose during the assembly of the flow channels, game balls will accumulate in the flow channels of the first and third channels. This makes it easy to notice assembly errors during pre-shipment test play inspections, thereby improving convenience. 【0457】 Furthermore, since there are no screw insertion points in the second channel (the channel through which game balls only flow during winning games), even if screws are not properly installed and become loose during the assembly of the channel, the second channel will not be affected, and pre-shipment test tests can be performed quickly. 【0458】 Furthermore, since the third screw insertion opening is located closer to the first opening than the second opening, during pre-shipment test tests, if a game ball becomes trapped in the flow path and overflows due to a loosening of the third screw, the assembly error can be immediately detected, thus improving convenience. If the third screw insertion opening were located closer to the second opening than the first opening, it would take a certain amount of time for the game ball to become trapped in the flow path and overflow, making it impossible to immediately detect the assembly error. 【0459】 Furthermore, since the first and third pathways allow game balls to flow even when the power to the game machine is turned off, inspections related to the flow of game balls can be performed even after the power to the game machine is turned off, thereby improving convenience for workers. 【0460】 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 second 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 a screw (for example, the screw 257 shown in Figure 35) into the first screw insertion opening, the second flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the second screw insertion opening, and the third flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the third screw insertion opening. 【0461】 With this configuration, the first and third channels can detect loose screws due to the accumulation of game balls, etc., and can be stably fixed to the game board. The second channel can be prevented from being negatively affected by loose screws, etc., and can also be stably fixed to the game board. Furthermore, the gaming machine according to this embodiment is a gaming machine equipped with a channel through which gaming balls flow, wherein the channel is configured to have a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel, the first channel being a channel through which gaming balls can flow during normal gameplay, the second channel being a channel through which it is difficult for gaming balls to flow during normal gameplay but easy for gaming balls to flow during a winning game, the third channel being a channel through which gaming balls can flow during normal gameplay, a first screw insertion opening into which a screw can be inserted is formed on the channel of the first channel, and a screw can be inserted on the channel of the second channel. No screw insertion opening is formed, and a third screw insertion opening into which a screw can be inserted is formed on the flow path of the third flow path, and the first screw insertion opening is formed at a position where, if a screw is not properly inserted into the first screw insertion opening, a game ball that has been flowing through the first flow path will come into contact with the screw and the structure forming the first flow path, and the third flow path has a first opening and a second opening, the first opening is located upstream of the second opening, and the third screw insertion opening is formed at a position where, if a screw is not properly inserted into the third screw insertion opening, the third The game balls that have been flowing through the channel come into contact with the screw and the structure forming the third channel, and the channel is formed at a position closer to the first opening than the second opening, and furthermore, the number of game values ​​can be stored as game value number data in a predetermined memory area, and the device comprises a control means and a predetermined operating means, the control means being a means capable of adding game value data corresponding to the acquisition of the game value to the game value number data, and the control means being a means capable of adding game value data corresponding to the acquisition of the game value to 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 game value Means capable of performing a counting process for counting value data, 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 information includes the game value data, 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, when the game value data is the first value, the predetermined operating means is operated in a first operating manner,The control means is capable of transmitting data indicating the first value as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information, and when the predetermined operating means is operated in the first operating mode while the game value data is a second value greater than the first value, the control means is capable of transmitting data indicating the first value as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information, and when the predetermined operating means is operated in the first operating mode while the game value data is a third value less than the first value, the control means is capable of transmitting data indicating the third value as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information, and when the predetermined operating means is operated in the first operating mode while the game value data is a third value less than the first value, the control means is capable of transmitting data indicating the third value as the counting data when transmitting the most recent second information, and when the game value is acquired and the game value data becomes the first value before transmitting the third value as the game value data, the counting process based on the first operating mode is executed before the predetermined period elapses. In the case where the most recent second information is transmitted, data indicating the first value is transmitted as the counting data. The control means, after transmitting the third value as the game value counting data, and before the predetermined period has elapsed, the game value has been acquired and the game value counting data has become the first value. In the case where the counting process 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, the control means does not transmit data indicating the first value as the counting data, but instead transmits data indicating the third value. In the case of the first case, if the predetermined operation means has not been operated until the transmission of the next second information after the timing of transmitting the most recent second information, the control means does not transmit data indicating the fourth value obtained by subtracting the third value from the first value as the counting data when transmitting the next second information. 【0462】 <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. 【0463】 <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). 【0464】 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. 【0465】 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. 【0466】 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. 【0467】 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. 【0468】 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. 【0469】 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. 【0470】 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. 【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 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. 【0473】 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. 【0474】 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. 【0475】 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). 【0476】 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. 【0477】 <Internal structure> Figure 39 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open. 【0478】 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. 【0479】 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. 【0480】 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. 【0481】 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. 【0482】 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. 【0483】 <Main board housing case, mirror> Next, the main board housing case 640 and the mirror 647 will be described using Figures 40 and 41. 【0484】 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. 【0485】 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. 【0486】 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. 【0487】 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. 【0488】 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. 【0489】 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. 【0490】 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. 【0491】 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. 【0492】 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. 【0493】 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). 【0494】 <Main control board, mirror> Next, the main control board 600 and the mirror 647 will be described using Figure 41. 【0495】 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. 【0496】 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. 【0497】 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. 【0498】 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. 【0499】 In this example, the main IC 606a is mounted on the mounting surface 600a of the main control board 600 via a socket 606g. 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. 【0500】 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. 【0501】 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). 【0502】 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. 【0503】 Figure 42(a) is a side view taken from the direction indicated by the line labeled AA in Figure 41. 【0504】 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. 【0505】 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. 【0506】 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. 【0507】 The LED606e is an electronic component equipped with multiple light-emitting elements (LEDs) capable of outputting light, and has a maximum height of h3. 【0508】 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. 【0509】 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. 【0510】 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. 【0511】 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. 【0512】 Figure 42(b) is a side view taken from the direction indicated by the line labeled BB in Figure 41. 【0513】 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. 【0514】 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). 【0515】 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. 【0516】 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. 【0517】 <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) ...

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine equipped with a channel through which game balls circulate, The aforementioned flow path is configured to have a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path. The aforementioned first channel is a channel through which game balls can normally flow during gameplay. The second flow path is a flow path in which the circulation of game balls is difficult during normal gameplay but easy during winning gameplay. The third channel is a channel through which game balls can flow during normal gameplay. A first screw insertion opening into which a screw can be inserted is formed on the flow path of the first flow path. No screw insertion opening is formed on the flow path of the second flow path, into which a screw can be inserted. A third screw insertion opening into which a screw can be inserted is formed on the flow path of the third channel. The first screw insertion opening is formed in such a position that, if the screw is not properly inserted into the first screw insertion opening, the game balls that have been flowing through the first flow path come into contact with the screw and the components forming the first flow path. The third flow path has a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is located upstream of the second opening. The third screw insertion opening is formed at a position where, if the screw is not properly inserted into the third screw insertion opening, the game ball that has been flowing through the third flow path comes into contact with the screw and the structure forming the third flow path, and is located closer to the first opening than to the second opening. moreover, The number of game values ​​can be stored 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 receives the game value and the game value data becomes the first value before transmitting the third value as the game value data, and counting processing based on the first operation mode is performed before the predetermined period elapses, it 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 the game value data has become the first value after acquiring the game value before the predetermined period has elapsed, 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 has not been operated between the time of transmitting the most recent second piece of information and the transmission of the next piece of information, then when transmitting the next piece of information, data showing a fourth value obtained by subtracting the third value from the first value shall not be transmitted as the counting data. A gaming machine characterized by the following features. [Claim 2] A gaming machine according to claim 1, Equipped with a game board, In the second flow path, a second screw insertion opening is formed in a region that is not on the flow path of the second flow path. The first flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the first screw insertion port. The second flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the second screw insertion port. The third flow path is fixed to the game board by inserting a screw into the third screw insertion port. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

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