Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine having a characteristic in a mounting structure for multiple members.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a first member and a second member that can be mounted to a base. The second member abuts against at least a portion of the first member and covers at least a portion of the first member. The base has a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. The first member has a first hole through which fixing means can pass, and the second member has a second hole and a third hole through which the fixing means can pass. The fixing means that passes through the third hole does not pass through the first hole. The first member is mounted to the first mounting portion by the fixing means passing through the first hole of the first member and the second hole of the second member. The second member is fixed to the second mounting portion by the fixing means passing through the third hole and abuts against at least a portion of the first member to fix the first member. The second member can be mounted to the base in either a first orientation or a second orientation. The second orientation is an orientation in which the second member is rotated 180 degrees circumferentially with respect to the first orientation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 45

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as one type of game table, for example, a slot machine is known. Such a slot machine is composed of a plurality of members (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the mounting structure of a plurality of members in the conventional game table.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a game table having a feature in the mounting structure of a plurality of members.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The gaming table according to the present invention is a gaming table including a first member attachable to a base and a second member attachable to the base. The second member is a member that covers at least a part of the first member when attached to the base. The base includes a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion. The first member includes a first hole through which a fixing means can penetrate. The second member includes a second hole and a third hole through which the fixing means can penetrate. The fixing means passing through the third hole does not pass through the first hole. The first member is attached to the first attachment portion by a fixing means passing through the first hole of the first member and the second hole of the second member. The second member is fixed to the second attachment portion by the fixing means passing through the third hole, abuts against at least a part of the first member to fix the first member, and the second member can be attached to the base in either a first orientation or a second orientation. The second orientation is an orientation in which the second member is rotated 180 degrees in the circumferential direction with respect to the first orientation. This is a gaming table characterized by such.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a gaming table having a characteristic attachment structure of a plurality of members can be realized.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] <<Embodiment 1>> Hereinafter, a gaming machine (slot machine) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <Overall Configuration> First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (the player side).

[0011] The slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an example of the gaming machine of the present invention, and includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 that is attached to the front of the main body 101 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 101. Inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface are housed and configured to be rotatable inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

[0012] In the present embodiment, each symbol is printed at equal intervals on a strip-shaped member, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member to form each of the reels 110 to 112 (see FIG. 4). When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are generally displayed vertically in three rows through the symbol display windows 113 provided in front of each of the reels 110 to 112, and a total of nine symbols can be seen.

[0013] By rotating each of the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols visible to the player will change. That is, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that can variably display a plurality of types of symbol combinations. Note that, as such a display device, in addition to reels, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be adopted. Also, in the present embodiment, three reels are provided inside the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

[0014] On the back of each of the reels 110 to 112, a backlight 264 (see FIG. 18) for illuminating the individual symbols displayed in the symbol display window 113 is arranged (details will be described later). Also, inside the slot machine 100, in the vicinity of each of the reels 110 to 112, an optical sensor composed of a light projecting part and a light receiving part (also referred to as an index sensor. Not shown in the figure) is provided, and it is configured such that a light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the light projecting part and the light receiving part of this optical sensor. Based on the detection result of this sensor, the rotational direction position of the symbols on the reel is judged, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

[0015] The notification lamp 123 is, for example, a lamp that notifies the player that they have won internally in a specific winning combination (specifically, special combination 1 or special combination 2) in an internal lottery described later, or that a bonus game is in progress (during the special combination 1·2 game state). The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying the player that they can insert a game medal. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game is replayable (that it is not necessary to insert a medal) when they won in a replay, which is one of the winning combinations in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for effect.

[0016] The bet buttons (first operating means) 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In the present embodiment, each time the bet button 130 is pressed, one medal is inserted up to a maximum of three medals, two medals are inserted when the bet button 131 is pressed, and three medals are inserted when the bet button 132 is pressed. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as the MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up a number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when a prescribed number of medals are inserted, the game start lamp 121, which notifies that the game start operation is possible, lights up.

[0017] The effect button 156 is an operating means operable by the player. In the present embodiment, it is composed of buttons that can be pressed by the player and is used for various effects. The operating means used for such effects is not limited to buttons and may be composed of, for example, a lever, a touch panel, etc., or may have a plurality of operating means.

[0018] The medal insertion port 141 is an insertion port for the player to insert medals when starting the game. That is, medals can be inserted electronically by the bet buttons 130 to 132, or actual medals can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion port 141, and "insertion" means including both.

[0019] The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for numerically displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during the bonus game). The paid-out number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to the player as a result of winning a certain winning combination, and is also used as an instruction monitor for performing the press order effect. In this example, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the paid-out number display 127 are 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0020] The start lever (second operating means) 135 is a lever-type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when a desired number of medals are inserted into the medal insertion port 141 or the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated to operate the start lever 135, the reels 110 to 112 will start rotating. The operation on the start lever 135 is referred to as the start operation of the game.

[0021] The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons (halt buttons) 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by the operation of the start lever 135, and are associated with the respective reels 110 to 112. Note that a light emitter may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter can also be lit to notify the player.

[0022] Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 137 to 139 is referred to as a stop operation. The first stop operation is the first stop operation (hereinafter, also referred to as "one stop" or "first stop"), the next stop operation is the second stop operation (hereinafter, also referred to as "two stops" or "second stop"), and the last stop operation is the third stop operation (hereinafter, also referred to as "three stops" or "third stop").

[0023] Also, the reels stopped corresponding to these stop operations are referred to as the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel in order. Furthermore, the order of operating the stop buttons 137 to 139 to stop all of the rotating reels 110 to 112 is referred to as the operation order (or the pressing order).

[0024] When the operation order (pressing order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is represented as the left stop button 137 being "left or L", the middle stop button 138 being "center or C", and the right stop button 139 being "right or R", there are six types: (1) the operation order of left → middle → right (left middle right or LCR), (2) the operation order of left → right → middle (left right middle or LRC), (3) the operation order of middle → left → right (middle left right or CLR), (4) the operation order of middle → right → left (middle right left or CRL), (5) the operation order of right → left → middle (right left middle or RLC), and (6) the operation order of right → middle → left (right middle left or RCL).

[0025] The medal return button 133 is a button to be pressed to remove the inserted jammed medals. The settlement button 134 is a button to settle the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the bet medals and discharge them from the medal payout opening 155. The door keyhole 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted.

[0026] Below the stop button unit 136, a title panel 162 for displaying the model name and attaching various certificates is provided. Below the title panel 162, a medal payout opening 155 and a medal tray 161 are provided. The sound hole 181 is a hole for outputting the sound of the speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right parts of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for enlivening the game. An effect device 160 is disposed above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the effect device 160.

[0027] This effect device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 composed of two right shutters 163a and left shutters 163b that can be opened and closed in the horizontal direction, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (effect image display device) disposed on the back side of this shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b open outward in the horizontal direction in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 appears in front of the slot machine 100 (on the player side).

[0028] Note that, even if it is not a liquid crystal display device, any display device capable of displaying various effect images and various game information may be used. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device composed of a projector and a screen may be used. Also, the display screen is rectangular and is configured such that the entire screen is visible to the player. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may be square. Further, a decoration (not shown) may be provided at the periphery of the display screen so that a part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, resulting in the display screen appearing to have an irregular shape. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but it may be a curved surface.

[0029] Also, inside the main body 101, there are provided a setting key that can be switched between on and off by a rotation operation, an operation (setting value change operation) for changing settings by a pressing operation, and a setting switch that can perform an operation for confirming settings. The setting key is an operation means for starting the change and confirmation of the setting value (settings 1 to 6 in this example), and the setting switch is one of the setting means capable of setting one of a plurality of setting values.

[0030] <Winning line> Next, the winning line will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the winning line of the slot machine 100.

[0031] As described with reference to FIG. 1, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are generally displayed vertically in three rows from the symbol display windows 113 provided in front of the respective reels 110 to 112 as seen by the player, and a total of nine symbols can be seen.

[0032] Specifically, the symbol displayed in the upper part of the left reel 110 (the position shown as 1 in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 1) is called the upper left reel symbol, the symbol displayed in the middle part of the left reel 110 (the position shown as 2 in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 2) is called the middle left reel symbol, and the symbol displayed in the lower part of the left reel 110 (the position shown as 3 in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 3) is called the lower left reel symbol.

[0033] Also, the symbol displayed in the upper part of the middle reel 111 (the position shown as 4 in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 4) is called the upper middle reel symbol, the symbol displayed in the middle part of the middle reel 111 (the position shown as 5 in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 5) is called the middle middle reel symbol, and the symbol displayed in the lower part of the middle reel 111 (the position shown as 6 in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 6) is called the lower middle reel symbol.

[0034] Also, the symbol displayed in the upper part of the right reel 112 (the position shown as 7 in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 7) is called the upper right reel symbol, the symbol displayed in the middle part of the right reel 112 (the position shown as 8 in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 8) is called the middle right reel symbol, and the symbol displayed in the lower part of the right reel 112 (the position shown as 9 in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 9) is called the lower right reel symbol.

[0035] In this embodiment, as the winning line, only the middle winning line L1 (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "winning line L1") composed of the middle left reel symbol (symbol position 2), the middle middle reel symbol (symbol position 5), and the middle right reel symbol (symbol position 8) is provided.

[0036] Here, the winning line is a line set at the stop position of the symbol that can be visually recognized through the symbol display window 113, and it is the line for determining whether or not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination explained with reference to FIG. 5 is displayed (aligned). The effective winning line (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "effective line") is determined in advance according to the number of medals bet as the game medium.

[0037] The slot machine 100 of this embodiment is a dedicated three-coin bet machine. When the number of inserted medals is less than three, none of the winning lines are activated. When three medals are bet, the winning line L1 is activated. When the winning line is activated, the game can be started by operating the start lever 135.

[0038] Hereinafter, among the symbol display windows 113, the symbol positions 2, 5, and 8 on the winning line L1 may be referred to as "winning positions", and the other symbol positions, that is, the symbol positions 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9 may be referred to as "non-winning positions". That is, the winning position refers to the position where the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination stop on the winning line.

[0039] Note that the number of winning lines is not limited to one line. For example, in addition to the winning line L1, an upper winning line composed of the upper symbols of the left reel, the upper symbols of the middle reel, and the upper symbols of the right reel, or a lower winning line composed of the lower symbols of the left reel, the lower symbols of the middle reel, and the lower symbols of the right reel, a total of three lines may be set as valid winning lines, or the number of winning lines corresponding to the number of bet medals may be set as valid winning lines.

[0040] <Control Unit> Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail. Note that this figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

[0041] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is roughly composed of a main control unit 300 (first control means) that mainly controls the game, a first sub-control unit 400 (second control means) that mainly controls the effects according to the command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as "command") transmitted by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 (second control means) that controls various devices based on the command transmitted by the first sub-control unit 400.

[0042] <Main Control Unit> First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. This basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control program data, lottery data used during the internal lottery of winning combinations, the stop positions of the reels, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling the input / output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, etc., and a WDT (watchdog timer) 314. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and the same applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 described later.

[0043] The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time. The CPU 304 executes monitoring of each sensor, etc. and transmission of drive pulses in response to this interrupt request. For example, when the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1 / 256, and the frequency division data of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference time for the interrupt is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz = 1.504 ms.

[0044] The main control unit 300 includes a random number value generation circuit 316 that derives a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535 each time it receives a clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315a (it is assumed that this circuit incorporates two random number value generation circuits), and a start signal output circuit 338 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When the CPU 304 receives the start signal from this start signal output circuit 338, it starts game control (starts the main control unit main process described later).

[0045] The random number generation circuit 316 generates random numbers used by the basic circuit 302. There are roughly two methods for generating random numbers in this random number generation circuit 316: the counter mode and the random number mode. In the counter mode, a value that counts up (or down) at a predetermined time interval is obtained, and that value is derived as the random number. There are further two methods in the random number mode. The first method in the random number mode is to perform an operation using a predetermined function (e.g., a modulus function) with the seed of the random number, and derive the result of this operation as the random number. The second method is to read a value from a random number table in which values in the range of 0 to 65535 are randomly arranged, and derive the read value as the random number. The random number generation circuit 316 obtains irregular values by utilizing the white noise superimposed on the signals input from the various sensors 318 to the sensor circuit 320. The random number generation circuit 316 uses the values thus obtained as the initial value of a counter that counts up (or down) in the counter mode, as the seed of the random number, or when determining the start position for reading the random number table.

[0046] Also, the main control unit 300 is equipped with a sensor circuit 320. The CPU 304 monitors the states of various sensors 318 (the bet button 130 sensor, the bet button 131 sensor, the bet button 132 sensor, the medal reception sensor for the medals inserted from the medal insertion port 141, the start lever 135 sensor, the stop button 137 sensor, the stop button 138 sensor, the stop button 139 sensor, the settlement button 134 sensor, the medal payout sensor for the medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, the optical sensor of the reel 110, the optical sensor of the reel 111, the optical sensor of the reel 112, etc.) at each interrupt time.

[0047] When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, a signal indicating this detection is output to the random number generation circuit 316. The random number generation circuit 316 that receives this signal latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random number used for the lottery.

[0048] The medal reception sensor is installed in two places in the internal passage of the medal insertion port 141 and detects the presence or absence of medal passage. The start lever 135 sensor is installed in two places inside the start lever 135 and detects the start operation by the player. The stop button 137 sensor, the stop button 138 sensor, and the stop button 139 are installed on each of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

[0049] The bet button 130 sensor, the bet button 131 sensor, and the bet button 132 sensor are installed on each of the medal insertion buttons 130 to 132 and detect the insertion operation when the medals electronically stored in the RAM 308 are inserted as the medals for the game. The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the electronically stored medals are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting the medals paid out by the medal payout device 180. Note that each of the above sensors may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor.

[0050] The optical sensor of the reel 110, the optical sensor of the reel 111, and the optical sensor of the reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of the respective reels 110 to 112 and become at the L level each time the light shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes through. When the CPU 304 detects this signal, it determines that the reel has rotated once and resets the rotation position information of the reel to zero.

[0051] The main control unit 300 includes a drive circuit 322 for driving the stepping motors provided in the reel devices 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 for driving the solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 that sorts the inserted medals, a drive circuit 326 for driving the motor provided in the medal payout device 180, and a drive circuit 328 for driving various lamps 336 (the winning line display lamp 120, the notification lamp 123, the game medal insertable lamp 124, the replay lamp 122, the game medal insert lamp 129, the game start lamp 121, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127).

[0052] Also, an information output circuit 334 (external centralized terminal board 248) is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 outputs the game information (e.g., game state) of the slot machine 100 to the information input circuit 652 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 334.

[0053] The main control unit 300 also includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied from a power management unit (not shown) to the main control unit 300. When the voltage value of the power supply is less than a predetermined value (9V in this embodiment), the voltage monitoring circuit 330 outputs a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped to the basic circuit 302.

[0054] The main control unit 300 also includes an output interface for transmitting commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. The information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication. The main control unit 300 is configured to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the main control unit 300.

[0055] <Sub-control unit> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 receives the control commands transmitted by the main control unit 300 via the input interface, and includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on these control commands. This basic circuit 402 is equipped with a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by the crystal oscillator 414 as the system clock. The ROM 406 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, data for controlling the lighting pattern of the backlight and various displays, etc.

[0056] The CPU 404 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 every this interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0057] In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sound source IC 418, and speakers 272 and 277 are provided to the sound source IC 418 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls the sound output from the amplifier and the speakers 272 and 277 in response to commands from the CPU 404. An S-ROM (Sound ROM) storing audio data is connected to the sound source IC 418, and the audio data acquired from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from the speakers 272 and 277.

[0058] In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162 lamp, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface.

[0059] In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 424 for driving the motor of the shutter 163, and the shutter 163 is provided in the drive circuit 424 via an output interface. This drive circuit 424 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 404.

[0060] In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sensor circuit 426. The sensor circuit 426 is connected with a shutter sensor 428 capable of detecting the position of the shutter 163 and a production button sensor 430 capable of detecting a pressing operation of the production button 156 via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the states of the shutter sensor 428 and the production button sensor 430 at each interrupt time.

[0061] In addition, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to and from the second sub-control unit 500 via an output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of the production device 160 including display control of the production image display device 157 (hereinafter, also referred to as "liquid crystal display device 157"). Note that the second sub-control unit 500 may be composed of a plurality of control units, such as a control unit for controlling the display of the liquid crystal display device 157 and a control unit for controlling various production driving devices (for example, a control unit for controlling the motor drive of the shutter 163).

[0062] The second sub-control unit 500 includes a basic circuit 502 that receives the control command transmitted by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on this control command. This basic circuit 502 is equipped with a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 512 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by the crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock. The ROM 506 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, etc.

[0063] The CPU 504 transmits, at a predetermined timing, the data for frequency division stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 506 via the data bus to the counter timer 512. The counter timer 512 determines the interrupt time based on the received data for frequency division, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 504 at each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0064] Also, a VDP 516 (video display processor) is provided in the second sub-control unit 500, and the ROM 506 and the VRAM 518 are connected to the VDP 516 via a bus. The VDP 516 reads out the image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on the signal from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 518, and displays the image on the effect image display device 157.

[0065] <Symbol arrangement> Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the symbol arrangement applied to each of the above-described reels 110 to 112 will be described. Note that FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a planar development of the symbol arrangement applied to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112).

[0066] A plurality of types (nine types in the present embodiment) of symbols shown on the right side of the figure are arranged on each of the reels 110 to 112 for a predetermined number of frames (20 frames numbered 0 to 19 in the present embodiment). Also, the numbers 0 to 19 shown at the left end of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of the symbols on each of the reels 110 to 112. For example, in the present embodiment, a "watermelon symbol" is arranged in the frame numbered 0 of the left reel 110, a "bell symbol" is arranged in the frame numbered 1 of the middle reel 111, and a "replay symbol" is arranged in the frame numbered 0 of the right reel 112.

[0067] <Types of winning combinations> Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described. Note that FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the types of winning combinations, the names of the condition devices, the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, the payout numbers, and remarks.

[0068] Among the winning combinations of the slot machine 100, there are special combinations (Special Combination 1, Special Combination 2) and general combinations (Re - play Combination 1 - 3, Minor Combination 1 - Minor Combination 5), etc. Note that the types of winning combinations are not limited to these combinations and can be arbitrarily adopted. In FIG. 5, the illustration of some winning combinations is omitted.

[0069] <Type of Winning Combination / Special Combination> Among the winning combinations in this embodiment, Special Combination 1 and Special Combination 2 are combinations that cause the game state to shift to a special game state where a predetermined profit is given to the player. Also, the re - play combination is a combination that enables re - play without newly inserting medals (a combination to which re - play is given). These winning combinations may be called "active combinations".

[0070] In addition, in this embodiment, "winning" also includes the case where a combination of symbols of an active combination without medal payout (without medal dispensing) is displayed on the winning line. For example, winning for Special Combination 1, Special Combination 2, and the re - play combination is included.

[0071] Special Combination 1 and Special Combination 2 are winning combinations where the game state shifts to the Special Combination 1·2 internal winning state (RT3) by internal winning and shifts to the Special Combination 1·2 game state (RT4) by winning. Note that when more than a specified number of medals (for example, 200 medals) are dispensed in the Special Combination 1·2 game state (RT4), the game state shifts to the re - play low - probability state (RT1). Each game state (RT1 - RT4) will be described later.

[0072] The symbol combination corresponding to Special Combination 1 (BB) is "Seven 1 Symbol - Seven 1 Symbol - Seven 1 Symbol" or "Seven 2 Symbol - Seven 2 Symbol - Seven 2 Symbol", and the symbol combination corresponding to Special Combination 2 (RB) is "BAR Symbol - BAR Symbol - BAR Symbol".

[0073] If there is an internal winning for Special Role 1 or Special Role 2, the special role internal winning flag corresponding to the internally won role is set to on (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300). This flag remains on until winning the internally won role, and in subsequent games, it becomes a state where it is easier to win the internally won role. That is, in a game where there is an internal winning for Special Role 1 or Special Role 2, even if the special role is not won, in subsequent games, it will be in a state of internal winning for that special role, and the symbol combinations corresponding to the special role will be in a state where they are likely to win all together.

[0074] <Type of winning role / Re - game role> Re - game roles 1 to 3 are winning roles (active roles) that can play the game without inserting medals (game media) in the next game when winning, and no medal payout is made. The corresponding symbol combinations are as shown in Fig. 5.

[0075] Note that the re - game role only needs to be a role that allows the player to play the next game without inserting medals. Therefore, for example, when winning the re - game role, it may be such that medals are automatically inserted in the next game (the number of inserted medals is reset in the medal insertion number storage area), or the medals inserted in the game where the re - game role is won can be carried over and used in the next game as they are. The special replay described later is also one of the re - game roles.

[0076] <Type of winning role / Small role> Small roles 1 to 5 are winning roles where a predetermined number of medals are paid out (there is a payout number) when winning.

[0077] Small role 1 (Watermelon) is a winning role where, when winning, the symbol combination of "Watermelon symbol - Watermelon symbol - Watermelon symbol" stops and is displayed on the winning line L1, and 5 medals are paid out.

[0078] Minor winning combination 2 (Cherry) is a winning combination where, upon winning, the symbol combination of "Cherry symbol - ANY - ANY" is stopped and displayed on the winning line L1, and two medals are paid out. Note that for the symbol combination of "Cherry symbol - ANY - ANY", it only requires that the symbol on the left reel 110 is the "Cherry symbol", and the symbols on the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 can be any symbol.

[0079] Hereafter, these minor winning combinations 1 (Watermelon) and minor winning combination 2 (Cherry) may be collectively referred to as "rare winning combinations". However, the rare winning combinations are not limited to these winning combinations. It can be either one of these winning combinations or other winning combinations can be added.

[0080] Note that when winning a rare winning combination in the AT state described later, a lottery is executed to add extra game counts or extra set counts (to make it easier to win the lottery). On the other hand, even if winning a rare winning combination in the ED state, no lottery is executed to add extra game counts or extra set counts.

[0081] Minor winning combination 3 (Order Bell) is composed of six types of winning combinations from minor winning combination 3a to minor winning combination 3f. In this example, by lottery, with a predetermined probability (about 1 / 6 in this example, common for all settings), it internally wins one of the winning combinations from minor winning combination 3a to minor winning combination 3f. When the operation order (pressing order) of the stop buttons 137 - 139 for the stop operation matches the corresponding winning combination of the internally won winning combination, it wins, and 12 medals are paid out. That is, minor winning combination 3 (Order Bell) is an operation mode result (winning combination) with different degrees of advantage depending on the operation mode of the stop buttons (stop buttons) 137 - 139.

[0082] Minor winning combination 4 (Common Bell) is a winning combination where, regardless of the operation order (pressing order) and operation timing of the stop buttons 137 - 139 for the stop operation, the symbol combination of "Bell symbol - Bell symbol - Bell symbol" is stopped and displayed on the winning line L1, and 12 medals are paid out.

[0083] The small combination 5 (a single combination) is a winning combination where, regardless of the operation order (pressing order) or operation timing of the stop operation by the stop buttons 137 to 139, the symbol combination of "Replay symbol - Replay symbol - Blank 1 symbol" is stopped and displayed on the winning line L1, and one medal is paid out.

[0084] <Types of RT-based game states> Next, the types and transitions of the RT-based game states in the slot machine 100 will be described.

[0085] <Replay low probability state (RT1)> The replay low probability state (RT1) is the default RT-based game state (hereinafter also referred to as the "normal game state") that is initially set immediately after the power of the slot machine 100 is turned on, etc., and is a game state that is relatively disadvantageous for the player compared to other game states.

[0086] In this example, in this replay low probability state (RT1), when winning the replay combination 2 (upgraded replay 1) or the replay combination 3 (upgraded replay 2), it transitions to the replay high probability state (RT2) described later. Also, in this replay low probability state (RT1), when internally winning the special combination 1 or the special combination 2, it transitions to the special combination 1·2 internal winning state (RT3) described later.

[0087] <Replay high probability state (RT2)> The replay high probability state is a game state where the internal winning probability of the replay is higher than that of the replay low probability state (RT1).

[0088] In this example, in this replay high probability state (RT2), when internally winning the special combination 1 or the special combination 2, it transitions to the special combination 1·2 internal winning state (RT3) described later.

[0089] <Special combination 1·2 internal winning state (RT3)> The internal winning state (RT3) of special role 1 or 2 is a state in which the internal winning flag corresponding to special role 1 or special role 2 is set to on. When the player performs a stop operation at a predetermined timing, the symbol combination corresponding to the special role corresponding to this flag can be displayed, which is a gaming state.

[0090] In this example, in this internal winning state (RT3) of special role 1 or 2, when winning a prize in special role 1 or special role 2, it transitions to the special gaming state (RT4) described later.

[0091] <Special gaming state (RT4)> The special gaming state (RT4) is the most advantageous gaming state for the player among all gaming states. In this example, in the special gaming state (RT4), when a specified number of medals (for example, 200 medals) are paid out, it transitions to the low probability of re - gaming state (RT1).

[0092] Note that in this example, the end condition of the special gaming state (RT4) is not particularly limited. For example, it may be when winning an internal prize for a specified role, when there are winnings a specified number of times (for example, 8 times), or when a specified number of games (for example, 6 times) are played.

[0093] <Transition of AT - type gaming states> Next, the AT - type gaming states will be described.

[0094] The AT - type gaming states are roughly classified into a low - navigation state and a high - navigation state. The low - navigation state is a state where the probability of executing the operation navigation is low, and is also referred to as the normal mode, non - advantageous section, or normal section. The high - navigation state is a state where the probability of executing the operation navigation is higher than that of the low - navigation state, and is also referred to as the AT mode and advantageous section.

[0095] Here, the operation navigation refers to an effect that notifies the stop operation mode (for example, the correct operation order and the timing of the stop operation) of stop buttons 137 - 139 in order to obtain medals or maintain an advantageous gaming state. For example, an effect that notifies the correct operation order of the pressing order role (for example, the small role 3 (pressing order bell LCR)) (for example, an effect that displays characters such as "left → middle → right") etc. corresponds to this.

[0096] When a stop operation is performed according to the operation content of the operation navigator, a result advantageous to the player is brought about. Therefore, the high-navi state is a gaming state more advantageous to the player than the low-navi state. Here, "advantageous" specifically means that, with respect to the total number of gaming media used by the player as the bet amount on the gaming table when playing the game for a predetermined period, the ratio of the total number of gaming media paid out by the gaming table, that is, the so-called payout rate (payout rate of balls) is advantageous.

[0097] In this example, the low-navi state is a state where the execution probability of the operation navigator is low, and the high-navi state is a state where the execution probability of the operation navigator is higher than that of the low-navi state. However, the low-navi state may be a state where the operation navigator is not executed, and the high-navi state may be a state where the operation navigator is executed.

[0098] Each gaming state of the AT system is managed in a subdivided manner, and this is called an effect state. Specifically, the effect state of the low-navi state includes a normal gaming state, and the effect states of the high-navi state include a normal state, a confirmation notice state, a judgment state, a draw-back state, an AT1 state, an AT2 state, and an ED (ending) state. Note that the AT1 state, the AT2 state, and the ED state are, in principle, states where the number of balls increases.

[0099] In the present embodiment, when a certain condition is satisfied (for example, when winning a winning combination other than a losing combination) in the normal gaming state of the low-navi state, the state shifts to the normal state of the high-navi state. After that, for example, there are routes that shift in the order of the confirmation notice state → AT1 state → judgment state, and from this judgment state, shift to the normal gaming state or the AT2 state via the draw-back state, or a route that directly shifts from the judgment state to the AT2 state.

[0100] The AT state (AT1 state, AT2 state) is a state in which AT games can be played a predetermined number of times (for example, 30 games in one set), and is a state more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state of the low-navi state or the normal state of the high-navi state.

[0101] In this AT game, at the start of the AT game, a set continuation lottery (for example, a lottery with a winning probability of 1 / 4) to determine whether to continue the AT game is executed. If one wins this set continuation lottery, an additional predetermined number of AT games (in this example, 30 games per set) are granted, and the AT state is extended. Also, when the transition condition to the normal game state is satisfied in the AT state (in this example, when all the games in the AT state are completed), the game transitions to the normal game state starting from the next game.

[0102] Also, when the remaining games in the high navigation state become a predetermined number of games (for example, 20 games) or less, the game transitions to the ED state. In this ED state, an ED (ending) effect indicating the end of the high navigation state is executed.

[0103] Note that the transition condition to the ED state is not limited to the remaining games in the high navigation state becoming a predetermined number of games (for example, 20 games) or less. For example, the predetermined number of games can be 20 games or more or less, or it can be "acquired number + expected acquisition difference number > 2000".

[0104] <Main control unit main process> First, with reference to FIG. 6, the main control unit main process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described. Note that this figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit main process.

[0105] As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 that receives this start signal starts reset by a reset interrupt and executes the main control unit main process shown in FIG. 6 according to the control program stored in advance in the ROM 306.

[0106] When the power is turned on, first, various initial settings are performed in step S101. In this initial setting, the stack initial value is set to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, the interrupt prohibition is set, the initial setting of the I / O 310, the initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, the operation permission and the initial value are set to the WDT 314, etc.

[0107] In step S102, a bet number setting / start operation reception process is executed. Here, the presence or absence of medal insertion is checked, and preparation for transmitting an insertion command indicating that a medal has been inserted is performed. In addition, when winning a prize in the replay combination in the previous game, since the process of inserting the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game is performed, it is not necessary for the player to insert medals. Also, it is checked whether the start lever 135 has been operated, and if there is an operation of the start lever 135, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0108] In step S103, the number of inserted medals is determined, and a winning line determination process for determining a valid winning line is performed.

[0109] In step S104, a random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316 is acquired, and an internal lottery process for winning combinations is performed. In the internal lottery process for winning combinations, the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read out according to the current game state, and an internal lottery is performed using this and the acquired random number value, and preparation for transmitting an internal lottery command indicating the result of this internal lottery to the first sub-control unit 400 is performed. As a result of the internal lottery, if an internal win occurs in any of the winning combinations (including the activated combination), the flag of that winning combination is turned on.

[0110] In step S105, a reel stop data selection process for selecting reel stop data is performed based on the internal lottery result of the internal lottery process for winning combinations. Note that this reel stop data is stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300. Also, in step S105, preparation for transmitting a reel stop data command including information regarding the selected reel stop data to the first sub-control unit 400 is performed.

[0111] In step S106, based on the start lever operation, the effect state control process related to the control of the above-described AT-based gaming state is executed. In step S107, an effect process is executed. In this effect process, control of various effects and the like is performed.

[0112] In step S108, the reel rotation start process is executed to start the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112.

[0113] In step S109, a reel stop control process is performed. In the reel stop control process, reception of the stop buttons 137 to 139 becomes possible. When any of the stop buttons is pressed, in order to stop the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button, the stop table of the reel stop data is referred to, and any one of the reels 110 to 112 is stopped according to the number of drawing commands set in the stop table. When all the reels 110 to 112 stop, the process proceeds to step S110. In this step S109, for each stop operation, preparation is made to transmit a stop button reception command related to the pressed stop button 137 to 139 (specifically, for the first stop operation, the stop button reception 1 command, for the second stop operation, the stop button reception 2 command, and for the third stop operation, the stop button reception 3 command) to the first sub-control unit 400. For the stop of each reel, preparation is made to transmit a reel stop command related to the stop position of the reel (specifically, for the first stop reel, the reel stop 1 command, for the second stop operation, the reel stop 2 command, and for the third stop operation, the reel stop 3 command) to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0114] In step S110, a winning determination process for performing a winning determination is performed. In this winning determination process, when a symbol combination corresponding to any winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114, it is determined that a win has occurred for that winning combination. For example, if "bell - bell - bell" is aligned on the activated winning line, it is determined that a win has occurred for the small winning combination 3 (bell). In this step S110, preparation is also made to transmit a winning determination command indicating the result of the winning determination to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0115] In step S111, medal awarding processing is performed. In the medal awarding processing, if a winning combination with a payout is won, the corresponding number of medals is paid out according to the number of winning lines.

[0116] In step S112, game state control processing is performed. In the game state control processing, processing related to the transition of each RT-based game state is performed, and the game state is transitioned due to the establishment of their start conditions or end conditions. Also, preparations are made to transmit a game state command including information indicating the current RT-based game state.

[0117] In step S113, effect state control processing related to the control of the above-described AT-based game state is executed. In step S114, high navigation state end processing related to the end of the high navigation state is executed.

[0118] Thus, one game ends. Thereafter, the game progresses by returning to step S102 and repeating the above-described processing. Note that the various commands prepared in each of the above steps are transmitted in the command setting transmission processing (step S206 in FIG. 7) of the main control unit timer interrupt processing described later.

[0119] <Main control unit timer interrupt processing> Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the main control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described. Note that this figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt processing.

[0120] The main control unit 300 includes a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined period (once every approximately 2 ms in this embodiment), and the main control unit timer interrupt processing is started at a predetermined period triggered by this timer interrupt signal.

[0121] In step S201, timer interrupt start processing is performed. In this timer interrupt start processing, processing such as temporarily saving the values of each register of the CPU 304 in the stack area is performed.

[0122] In step S202, the watchdog timer 314 is restarted periodically (once every approximately 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt in this embodiment) so that the count value of the watchdog timer 314 does not exceed the initial setting value (32.8 ms in this embodiment) and no watchdog interrupt occurs (so as not to detect an abnormality in the process).

[0123] In step S203, an input port status update process is performed. In this input port status update process, detection signals from the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of the I / O 310, the presence or absence of the detection signals is monitored, and the signals are stored in the signal status storage areas provided in the RAM 308, partitioned for each of the various sensors 318.

[0124] In step S204, various game processes are executed, and processes according to the interrupt status are executed. In step S2005, a timer update process is performed. More specifically, the various timers are updated in their respective time units.

[0125] In step S206, a command setting transmission process is performed, and various commands that have been prepared for transmission are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. In the first sub-control unit 400, depending on the command type included in the received output schedule information, it becomes possible to determine the effect control according to the change in the game control in the main control unit 300, and based on the information of the command data included in the output schedule information, it becomes possible to determine the effect control content.

[0126] In step S207, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to the information input circuit 652, which is separate from the slot machine 100, via the information output circuit 334.

[0127] In step S208, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring processing, first, the signal states of various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area in step S203 are read out, the presence or absence of errors related to medal insertion abnormalities and medal payout abnormalities is monitored, and when an error is detected, error processing (not shown) is executed. Further, according to the current gaming state, settings are made for the medal selector 170 (medal blocker in which the solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 operates), various lamps 339, and various 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0128] In step S209, it is monitored whether the low-voltage signal is on or not. When the low-voltage signal is on (when power-off is detected), the process proceeds to step S211, and when the low-voltage signal is off (when power-off is not detected), the process proceeds to step S210.

[0129] In step S210, various processes for ending the timer interrupt end processing are performed. In this timer interrupt end processing, the values of the respective registers temporarily saved in step S2001 are set to the original respective registers, etc. Then, the process returns to the main control unit main processing shown in FIG. 7.

[0130] On the other hand, in step S211, specific variables and stack pointers for returning to the state at the time of power-off at the time of power restoration are saved as restoration data in a predetermined area of the RAM 308, power-off processing such as initialization of the input / output port is performed, and then the process returns to the main control unit main processing shown in FIG. 7.

[0131] <Processing of the First Sub-Control Unit> Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described. Note that FIG. 8(a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. FIG. 8(b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. FIG. 8(c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400.

[0132] First, with reference to FIG. 8(a), the main processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described.

[0133] When the power is turned on, first, initialization processing is executed in step S301. In this initialization processing, initial settings of input / output ports, initialization processing of storage areas in the RAM 408, etc. are performed. In this processing, an area for storing internal winning information, which is information representing the result of internal winning, and an area for storing RT update information, which is information representing the game state, are respectively provided in the RAM 408.

[0134] In step S302, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to the process of step S3003. In step S303, 0 is substituted into the timer variable. In step S304, command processing, which is processing corresponding to each command received from the main control unit 300, is executed.

[0135] In step S305, effect control processing is performed. Here, preparation for the effect is carried out according to the effect reservation information in the effect reservation area provided in the RAM 408. This preparation includes, for example, processing such as reading effect data from the ROM 406, and when updating of the effect data is necessary, it includes the update processing of the effect data.

[0136] In step S306, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S305. For example, when there is an instruction to the sound source IC 418 in the effect data read in step S305, this instruction is output to the sound source IC 418. In step S307, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S305. For example, when there is an instruction to the various lamps 420 in the effect data read in step S305, this instruction is output to the drive circuit 422.

[0137] In step S308, shutter control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S3005. For example, if there is an instruction for the shutter 163 in the production data read in step S305, this instruction is output to the drive circuit 424. In step S309, information output processing is performed to set to transmit a command to the second sub-control unit 500 based on the processing result of step S305. For example, if there is a command to be transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the production data read in step S305, a setting to output this control command is made, and the process returns to step S302.

[0138] Next, with reference to FIG. 8(b), the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described. This command reception interrupt processing is a process executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output by the main control unit 300. In step S401 of the command reception interrupt processing, the command output by the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 408.

[0139] Next, with reference to FIG. 8(c), the first sub-control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and based on this timer interrupt, the timer interrupt processing is executed at a predetermined period.

[0140] In step S501, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step S302 in the first sub-control unit main processing shown in FIG. 8(a), and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S302, it is determined that the value of the timer variable is 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10). In step S502, transmission of a command to the second sub-control unit 500 set in step S309, update processing of production random number values, and the like are performed.

[0141] <Processing of the second sub-control unit> Next, the processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. Note that FIG. 9(a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 9(b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 9(c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 9(d) is a flowchart of the image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500.

[0142] First, in step S601 of FIG. 9(a), various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, first, the initialization process is executed in step S601. In this initialization process, initial settings of input / output ports, initialization of the storage area in the RAM 508, initialization of the storage area in the VRAM 536, and the like are performed.

[0143] In step S602, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to the process of step S603. In step S4003, 0 is assigned to the timer variable. In step S604, command processing is performed. In the command processing, the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 determines whether a command has been received from the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400.

[0144] In step S605, effect control processing is performed. Specifically, when there is a new command in step S604, the process corresponding to this command is performed. For example, a process of reading out effect data for performing image control related to the background image from the ROM 506 is executed. Also, processes such as reading out other effect data from the ROM 506 are performed, and when the update of the effect data is necessary, the update process of the effect data is included.

[0145] In step S606, image control processing (specific details will be described later) is performed based on the processing result of step S605. For example, when there is an image control instruction in the effect data read in step S605, image control corresponding to this instruction is performed. For example, image control regarding the display image (notification image, background image) is executed. When this image control processing is completed, the process returns to step S602.

[0146] Next, with reference to FIG. 9(b), the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described. This command reception interrupt processing is a process executed when the second sub-control unit 500 detects a strobe signal output by the first sub-control unit 400.

[0147] In step S701 of the command reception interrupt processing, the command output by the first sub-control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in the command storage area provided in the RAM 508.

[0148] Next, with reference to FIG. 9(c), the second sub-control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described. The second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and based on this timer interrupt, the timer interrupt processing is executed at a predetermined period.

[0149] In step S801, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of the RAM 508 described in step S602 in the second sub-control unit main processing shown in FIG. 9(a), and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S602, it is determined that the value of the timer variable is 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10). In step S802, processing such as updating the random number value for effect is performed.

[0150] Next, with reference to FIG. 9(d), the image control processing in step S606 in the main processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described. This figure shows a flowchart indicating the flow of the image control processing.

[0151] In step S901, an instruction to transfer image data is issued. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps the designations of the drawing areas in the display areas A and B of the VRAM 536. As a result, an image of one frame stored in the display area not designated as the drawing area is displayed on the effect image display device 157. Next, the CPU 504 sets, in the attribute register of the VDP 534, the ROM coordinates (transfer source address of the ROM 506), VRAM coordinates (transfer destination address of the VRAM 536), etc. based on the position information table and the like, and then sets an instruction to start the transfer of image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 536. The VDP 534 transfers the image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 536 based on the instruction set in the attribute register. Thereafter, the VDP 534 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 504.

[0152] In step S902, it is determined whether a transfer end interrupt signal is input from the VDP 534. If the transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step S903; otherwise, it waits for the transfer end interrupt signal to be input.

[0153] In step S903, parameter settings are performed based on the effect scenario configuration table, attribute data, etc. Here, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 534 with information on the image data constituting the display image (coordinate axes of the VRAM 536, image size, VRAM coordinates (placement coordinates), transparency, etc.) in order to form a display image in the display area A or B of the VRAM 536 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 536 in step S901. The VDP 534 performs parameter settings according to the attributes based on the instruction stored in the attribute register.

[0154] In step S904, a drawing instruction is issued. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 534 to start drawing an image. The VDP 534 starts drawing the image in the frame buffer according to the instruction of the CPU 504.

[0155] In step S905, it is determined whether a generation end interrupt signal from the VDP534 based on the end of image drawing is input. If the generation end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step S906. Otherwise, it waits for the generation end interrupt signal to be input.

[0156] In step S906, the scene display counter that is set in a predetermined area of the RAM508 and counts which scene's image has been generated is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

[0157] <Freeze control> Next, the freeze control that the slot machine 100 can execute will be described.

[0158] Here, "freeze" is a control that directly or indirectly temporarily stops (freezes) the progress of the game. This control includes, for example, stopping, interrupting, waiting, invalidating, etc., so that the game does not progress even if the player operates operation means such as the bet buttons 130 to 132, the start lever 135, and the stop buttons 137 to 139. As a specific example of freeze, a method of performing a process of looping within the main control unit main process or the main control unit timer interrupt process so that the game does not progress even if the operation means is operated until a predetermined time has elapsed can be cited.

[0159] Note that it is also possible not to perform the game progress process based on the reception of operations of all the operation means among the operation means operated to advance the game, or not to perform the game progress process based on the reception of operations of some of the operation means among the operation means operated to advance the game. Also, while not performing the game progress process based on the reception of operations of the operation means operated to advance the game, it may be configured to perform the command transmission process based on the reception of operations of some of the operation means among the operation means operated to advance the game.

[0160] By using such a freeze, it is possible to give the player a sense of discomfort due to the fact that the process based on the reception of the operation of the operation means operated to advance the game is not performed, and the player can recognize that the player is in a special state (for example, a state with a privilege) due to this sense of discomfort. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the effects that the player wants to show from being interrupted by the progress of the game, and it is possible to surely execute important effects such as suggesting that it is advantageous to the player until the end.

[0161] <Freeze Control / Example 1> FIG. 10(a) is a time chart of the freeze control (Example 1) when the winning combination of the previous game is other than replay, and FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams showing the production examples of the freeze control (Example 1) when the winning combination of the previous game is other than replay in time series.

[0162] <Freeze Control / Example 1 / Game Period T1> The game period T1 shown in FIG. 10(a) is the period from when the pressing operation of the start lever 135 is received until immediately before the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 in the previous game (the Nth game where N is a positive integer).

[0163] The state shown in FIG. 11(1) is the state where the pressing operation of the start lever 135 is received during the game period T1 of the previous game (the Nth game).

[0164] In the same state, since the pressing operation of the start lever 135 has been received, the winning combination internal lottery process (step S105) has been performed. In this example, as a result of the internal lottery, it has been internally selected as a loss.

[0165] Also, in the same state, based on the pressing operation of the start lever 135, the reel rotation start process (step S108) is performed, the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112 is started, and in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of the normal effect corresponding to the normal game (in this example, the display of an image in which the lord and the old man are sitting in the castle) is started.

[0166] The state shown in FIG. 11(2) is a state in which, during the game period T1 of the previous game (the Nth game), the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 has been received.

[0167] In this state, since the stop operation of the stop button 137 has been received as the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, the reel stop control process (step S109) is performed, and the left reel 110 corresponding to the stop button 137 is stopped. At the same time, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of the normal effect corresponding to the normal game (in this example, the display of an image showing the lord and the old man noticing something) has started.

[0168] The state shown in FIG. 11(3) is a state in which, during the game period T1 of the previous game (the Nth game), the second stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 has been received.

[0169] In this state, since the stop operation of the stop button 138 has been received as the second stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, the reel stop control process (step S109) is performed, and the middle reel 111 corresponding to the stop button 138 is stopped. At the same time, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of the normal effect corresponding to the normal game (in this example, the display of an image showing the lord looking upwards) has started.

[0170] <Freeze control / Example 1 / Game period T2> The game period T2 shown in FIG. 10(a) is the period from when the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 was received in the previous game (the Nth game) until immediately before the pressing operation of the bet button 132 was received in this game (the (N + 1)th game).

[0171] The state shown in FIG. 11(4) is a state in which, during the game period T2 of the previous game (the Nth game), the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 has been received.

[0172] In the same state, as the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, since the stop operation of the stop button 139 has been received, the reel stop control process (step S109) is performed, and the right reel 112 corresponding to the stop button 139 is stopped.

[0173] Also, in the same state, a preview performance suggesting the possibility of awarding a privilege to the player in the next game (the current game (the (N + 1)-th game)) is started. The performance mode of the preview performance is not particularly limited, but in the preview performance of this example, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of an image showing the lord looking upward is started.

[0174] Also, in the same state, based on the stop of all the reels 110 to 112, a winning determination process (step S110) is performed. In this example, as a result of an internal winning, since it is an internal losing, it is determined that the player did not win in the winning combination, and on the effective line of the symbol display window 113, a symbol combination corresponding to a losing (in this example, the symbol combination of "REPLAY" - "BELL" - "REPLAY") is stopped and displayed.

[0175] The state shown in FIG. 11(5) is a state in which, during the game period T2 of the previous game (the N-th game), the continuation of the preview performance shown in FIG. 11(4) of the same figure is being executed.

[0176] In the same state, as the continuation of the preview performance shown in FIG. 11(4), an effect of closing the two right shutters 163a and left shutter 163b of the shutter (shielding device) 163 is executed in front of the liquid crystal display device 157.

[0177] According to this example, in order to execute a preview performance suggesting that a certain performance is started in the previous game (the N-th game) before the start of the exciting performance (a certain performance), a certain performance can be started by the operation of the nearest player in the flow of the performance.

[0178] <Freeze control / Example 1 / Game period T3> The gaming period T3 shown in FIG. 10(a) is the period from when the pressing operation of the bet button 132 is received until immediately before the pressing operation of the start lever 135 is received in the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0179] Here, the start time of the gaming period T3, that is, the timing when the pressing operation of the bet button 132, indicated by the symbol Tbet in FIG. 10(a), is received, is referred to as the "bet button operation start time Tbet".

[0180] The state shown in FIG. 11(6) is a state in which the pressing operation of the bet button 132 has been received during the gaming period T3 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0181] In the same state, since the pressing operation of the bet button 132 has been received, after performing the process of inserting the specified number of credits, the bet number setting / start operation reception process (step S102) is performed, and the game has shifted to a state where the start operation of the game is possible.

[0182] Also, in the same state, as a continuation of the preview effect shown in FIGS. 11(4) and (5), a stimulating effect (a certain effect) suggesting the possibility of giving a privilege to the player in the current game (the (N + 1)-th game) has been started.

[0183] The stimulating effect in this example is an example of the "certain effect" according to the present invention. This "certain effect" is an effect that requires at least a certain effect time, and is an effect that may be executed in relation to the operation of the first operation means (for example, the bet button 132) and in relation to a freeze.

[0184] The effect mode of the "certain effect" according to the present invention is not particularly limited, but the stimulating effect in this example is a continuous effect that is executed over the effect time Tpl (a certain effect time) shown in FIG. 10(a) in relation to the operation of the bet button 132 (the first operation means), and is composed of the effects shown in FIGS. 11(6) to (8) and FIGS. 12(9) to (10).

[0185] In the state shown in FIG. 11(6), based on the pressing operation of the bet button 132, a part of the excitement effect (a certain effect), in this example, the effect of closing the shutter 163 and the effect of displaying the character string "high probability" in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157 behind the closed shutter 163, is started.

[0186] Also, in the slot machine according to this example, in relation to the operation of the first operation means (for example, the bet button 132), the time for executing the freeze (freeze execution time) may be set to a certain effect time of a certain effect.

[0187] In this example, in relation to the operation of the bet button 132 (the first operation means), the time for executing the freeze (freeze execution time) is set (temporarily set) to the effect time Tpl (a certain effect time) of the excitement effect (a certain effect).

[0188] <Freeze control / Example 1 / Game period T4> The game period T4 shown in FIG. 10(a) is the period from when the freeze is started based on receiving the pressing operation of the start lever 135 in the current game (the (N + 1)-th game) until immediately before receiving the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139.

[0189] Here, the start time of the game period T4, that is, the timing of receiving the pressing operation of the start lever 135 indicated by the symbol Tstl in FIG. 10(a), is referred to as the "start lever operation start time Tstl".

[0190] Also, in the current game (the (N + 1)-th game), the time from when the bet button 132 is operated until the start lever 135 is operated, that is, the time obtained by subtracting the bet button operation start time Tbet from the start lever operation start time Tstl (= Tstl - Tbet), is referred to as the "elapsed time Tet".

[0191] The state shown in Fig. 11(7) is a state where, during the game period T4 of the current game, in relation to the execution of an exciting effect (a certain effect), the freeze has been started.

[0192] In the slot machine according to this example, the time (elapsed time) from when the first operation means (for example, the bet button 132) is operated until the second operation means (for example, the start lever 135) is operated may change the time for executing the freeze (freeze execution time) in relation to the operation of the second operation means.

[0193] And when the elapsed time is less than a certain effect time of a certain effect, in relation to the operation of the second operation means, the freeze execution time may be reset to the time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the certain effect time, and the freeze may be executed.

[0194] In this example, during the game period T3, in relation to the operation of the bet button 132 (the first operation means), the time for executing the freeze (freeze execution time) was set to the effect time Tpl (a certain effect time) of the exciting effect (a certain effect).

[0195] However, in this example, since the elapsed time Tet from when the bet button 132 (the first operation means) is operated until the start lever 135 (the second operation means) is operated is less than the effect time Tpl (a certain effect time) of the exciting effect (a certain effect), during the game period T4, in relation to the operation of the start lever 135 (the second operation means), the freeze execution time Tfz is reset to the time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time Tet from the effect time Tpl (a certain effect time) (in this example, Tpl - Tet), and the freeze is executed.

[0196] According to this example, since the freeze execution time (freeze execution time Tfz) related to the operation of the start lever 135 (second operation means) may be changed according to the time (elapsed time Tet) from when the bet button 132 (first operation means) is operated until the start lever 135 (second operation means) is operated, the time for executing the freeze can be adjusted according to the operation interval of the plurality of operation means, and a novel effect that has never existed before can be provided.

[0197] Also, when the elapsed time Tet is less than the production time Tpl (a certain production time) of the exciting production (a certain production), in relation to the operation of the start lever 135 (second operation means), the freeze execution time Tfz may be reset to the time (Tpl - Tet) obtained by subtracting the elapsed time Tet from the production time Tpl (a certain production time), and since the freeze may be executed, by adjusting the time for executing the freeze, the production time of a certain production can be ensured, and the satisfaction of the player can be increased.

[0198] Also, resetting the freeze execution time Tfz to the time (Tpl - Tet) obtained by subtracting the elapsed time Tet from the production time Tpl (a certain production time) is the case where a replay has not been established in the game before the exciting production (a certain production) starts. Therefore, the production can be started in accordance with the start timing of the game triggered by the operation of the bet button, and the production can be started at the optimal timing for the player.

[0199] Note that the "first operation means" and "second operation means" according to the present invention are not limited to the combination of the bet button 132 and the start lever 135. For example, the "first operation means" may be the bet button 132 and the "second operation means" may be any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139, or the "first operation means" may be the start lever 135 and the "second operation means" may be any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139, or the "first operation means" may be any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (for example, the first stop operation) and the "second operation means" may be any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (for example, the second stop operation).

[0200] In the state shown in FIG. 11(7), during the game period T4 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game), since the start lever 135 has been pressed, the winning combination internal lottery process (step S105) has been performed. In this example, as a result of the internal lottery, a certain internal winning combination (for example, a rare combination) has been internally won, and a privilege (in this example, points) has been awarded.

[0201] Also, in the same state, in relation to the execution of the exciting effect (a certain effect), the freeze of the freeze execution time Tfz (= Tpl - Tet) has started. In this example, the rotation start of all the reels 110 to 112 has been temporarily suspended, and all the reels 110 to 112 are kept stopped.

[0202] Also, in the same state, since the performance time Tpl (a certain performance time) of the exciting effect (a certain effect) has not elapsed, a part of the exciting effect (a certain effect) (in this example, the effect of closing the shutter 163) is being continued.

[0203] The state shown in FIG. 11(8) is a state in which the freeze and the exciting effect (a certain effect) are being continued during the game period T4 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0204] In the same state, since the freeze execution time Tfz of the freeze has not elapsed, the freeze is continued, and the state of temporarily suspending the start of the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112 is maintained. Also, since the performance time Tpl (a certain performance time) of the exciting effect (a certain effect) has not elapsed, a part of the exciting effect (a certain effect) (in this example, the effect of closing the shutter 163 and the effect of displaying the family crest image in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157 behind the closed shutter 163) is being continued.

[0205] The state shown in FIG. 12(9) is a state in which the freeze and the exciting effect (a certain effect) are being continued during the game period T4 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0206] In the same state, since the freeze execution time Tfz of the freeze has not elapsed, the freeze is continued, and the start of the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112 is temporarily suspended, and since the production time Tpl (a certain production) of the fanning production (a certain production) has not elapsed, a part of the fanning production (a certain production) (in this example, the production of closing the shutter 163 and the production of enlarging and displaying the family crest image in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157 behind the closed shutter 163) is continued.

[0207] The state shown in FIG. 12(10) is a state in which the freeze and the fanning production (a certain production) have been completed during the game period T4 of the current game.

[0208] In the same state, since the freeze execution time Tfz of the freeze has elapsed, the freeze is terminated, the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112 is started, and since the production time Tpl (a certain production) of the fanning production (a certain production) has elapsed, the fanning production (a certain production) is terminated.

[0209] Also, in the same state, in relation to the start of the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112, an operation navi (in this example, the display of an image including the string "Aim at the middle reel!") suggesting the operation order of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is started in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157.

[0210] <Freeze control / Example 1 / Game period T5> The game period T5 shown in FIG. 10(a) is the period from when the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received to immediately before the second stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 in the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0211] The state shown in FIG. 12(11) is a state in which the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received during the game period T5 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0212] In the same state, as the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, since the stop operation of the stop button 138 was received, the reel stop control process (step S109) was performed, and the middle reel 111 corresponding to the stop button 138 was stopped. At the same time, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, a success effect (in this example, an image of the team leader, an image of a closed treasure box, and an image including the character string "GOOD!") indicating that a privilege (in this example, points) is given in the game is started to be displayed.

[0213] <Freeze Control / Example 1 / Game Period T6> The game period T6 shown in FIG. 10(a) is the period from when the second stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received to when the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received in the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0214] The state shown in FIG. 12(12) is the state where the second stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received in the game period T6 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0215] In the same state, as the second stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, since the stop operation of the stop button 137 was received, the reel stop control process (step S109) was performed, and the left reel 110 corresponding to the stop button 137 was stopped. At the same time, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, a success effect (in this example, an image of the team leader, an image of an open treasure box, and an image including the character string "GOOD!") indicating that a privilege (in this example, points) is given in the game is started to be displayed.

[0216] The state shown in FIG. 12(13) is the state where the second stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received in the game period T6 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0217] In the same state, as the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, since the stop operation of the stop button 139 was received, the reel stop control process (step S109) was performed, and the right reel 112 corresponding to the stop button 139 was stopped. At the same time, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, a success effect (in this example, an image of the gang leader, an image of an open treasure chest, and an image including the character string "+10P" indicating the number of points to be awarded) suggesting that a privilege (in this example, points) is to be awarded in the game is being displayed.

[0218] In the slot machine according to this example, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when an internal winning is made for a rare combination), a privilege (for example, points) is awarded to the player. When the privilege satisfies a certain condition (for example, when the awarded points reach a certain number of points), the game state is configured to shift to a game state advantageous to the player (for example, the AT state or the CZ state). Note that the game specifications of the slot machine are not limited to this example. For example, as a privilege, an additional number of AT games, an additional number of AT difference reels, a transition to a specialized zone, etc. may be awarded.

[0219] <Freeze Control / Example 2> FIG. 10(b) is a time chart of the freeze control (Example 2) when the winning combination in the previous game is other than replay, and FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the effect of the freeze control (Example 2) when the winning combination in the previous game is other than replay in chronological order.

[0220] This Example 2 shows an example where the elapsed time Tet2 from when the bet button 132 is operated until the start lever 135 is operated is longer than the elapsed time Tet of Example 1 described with reference to FIG. 10(a) (Tet2 > Tet).

[0221] Note that since the game periods T1 and T2 shown in FIG. 10(b) are the same as the game periods T1 and T2 of Example 1 described with reference to FIG. 10(a), the description of the game periods and the description of the corresponding effect examples are omitted.

[0222] <Freeze Control / Example 2 / Game Period T3> The game period T3 shown in Fig. 10(b) is the period from when the pressing operation of the bet button 132 is received until immediately before the pressing operation of the start lever 135 is received in the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0223] The state shown in Fig. 13(6) is the state where the pressing operation of the bet button 132 has been received during the game period T3 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0224] In the same state, since the pressing operation of the bet button 132 has been received, after performing the process of inserting the specified number of credits, the bet number setting / start operation reception process (step S102) is performed, and the state has shifted to a state where the start operation of the game is possible.

[0225] Also, in the same state, a provoking performance (a certain performance) that suggests the possibility of granting a privilege to the player in the current game (the (N + 1)-th game) has started.

[0226] The provoking performance in this example is an example of the "certain performance" according to the present invention. This "certain performance" is a performance that requires at least a certain performance time, and is a performance that may be executed in relation to the operation of the first operation means (for example, the bet button 132) and in relation to freezing.

[0227] The performance mode of the "certain performance" according to the present invention is not particularly limited, but the provoking performance in this example is a continuous performance that is executed over the performance time Tpl (a certain performance time) shown in Fig. 10(b) in relation to the operation of the bet button 132 (the first operation means), and is composed of the performances shown in Figs. 13(6) to (10).

[0228] In the state shown in Fig. 13(6), based on the pressing operation of the bet button 132, a part of the provoking performance (a certain performance) (in this example, the performance of closing the shutter 163 and the performance of displaying the character string "high probability" in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157 behind the closed shutter 163) is started.

[0229] Also, in the state shown in the subsequent Fig. 13(7), since the production time Tpl (a certain production time) of the fanning production (a certain production) has not elapsed, a part of the fanning production (in this example, the production of closing the shutter 163) is continued.

[0230] Also, in the slot machine according to this example, in relation to the operation of the first operation means (for example, the bet button 132), the time for executing the freeze (freeze execution time) may be set to a certain production time of a certain production.

[0231] In this example, in relation to the operation of the bet button 132 (the first operation means), the time for executing the freeze (freeze execution time) is set (temporarily set) to the production time Tpl (a certain production time) of the fanning production (a certain production).

[0232] <Freeze control / Example 2 / Game period T4> The game period T4 shown in Fig. 10(b) is the period from when the freeze is started based on receiving the pressing operation of the start lever 135 in the current game (the (N + 1)-th game) until immediately before receiving the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139.

[0233] Here, the start time of the game period T4, that is, the timing of receiving the pressing operation of the start lever 135 indicated by the symbol Tstl in Fig. 10(b), is referred to as the "start lever operation start time Tstl".

[0234] Also, in the current game (the (N + 1)-th game), the time from when the bet button 132 is operated until the start lever 135 is operated, that is, the time obtained by subtracting the bet button operation start time Tbet from the start lever operation start time Tstl (= Tstl - Tbet), is referred to as the "elapsed time Tet2".

[0235] The state shown in FIG. 13(8) is a state where, during the game period T4 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game), in relation to the execution of an exciting effect (a certain effect), the freeze has been started.

[0236] In the slot machine according to this example, the time (elapsed time) from when the first operation means (for example, the bet button 132) is operated until the second operation means (for example, the start lever 135) is operated may change the time for executing the freeze (freeze execution time) in relation to the operation of the second operation means.

[0237] And when the elapsed time is less than a certain effect time of a certain effect, in relation to the operation of the second operation means, the freeze execution time may be reset to the time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the certain effect time, and the freeze may be executed.

[0238] In this example, during the game period T3, in relation to the operation of the bet button 132 (the first operation means), the time for executing the freeze (freeze execution time) was set to the effect time Tpl (a certain effect time) of the exciting effect (a certain effect).

[0239] However, in this example, since the elapsed time Tet2 from when the bet button 132 (the first operation means) is operated until the start lever 135 (the second operation means) is operated is less than the effect time Tpl (a certain effect time) of the exciting effect (a certain effect), during the game period T4, in relation to the operation of the start lever 135 (the second operation means), the freeze execution time Tfz2 is reset to the time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time Tet2 from the effect time Tpl (a certain effect time) (in this example, Tpl - Tet2), and the freeze is executed.

[0240] According to this example, since the freeze execution time (Tfz2) related to the operation of the start lever 135 (second operation means) may change according to the time (elapsed time Tet2) from when the bed button 132 (first operation means) is operated until the start lever 135 (second operation means) is operated, the freeze execution time can be adjusted according to the operation interval of the plurality of operation means, and a novel effect that has never existed before can be provided.

[0241] Also, when the elapsed time Tet2 is less than the production time Tpl (a certain production time) of the exciting production (a certain production), in relation to the operation of the start lever 135 (second operation means), the freeze execution time Tfz2 is reset to the time (Tpl - Tet2) obtained by subtracting the elapsed time Tet from the production time Tpl (a certain production time), and since there may be a case where a freeze is executed, by adjusting the time for executing the freeze, the production time of a certain production can be ensured, and the satisfaction of the player can be increased.

[0242] Also, resetting the freeze execution time Tfz to the time (Tpl - Tet) obtained by subtracting the elapsed time Tet from the production time Tpl (a certain production time) is the case where no replay has been established in the game before the exciting production (a certain production) starts. Therefore, triggered by the operation of the bet button, the production can be started in accordance with the start timing of the game, and the production can be started at the optimal timing for the player.

[0243] In the state shown in FIG. 13(8), in the game period T4 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game), since the pressing operation of the start lever 135 has been received, the winning combination internal lottery process (step S105) is being performed. In this example, as a result of the internal lottery, a certain internal winning combination (for example, a rare combination) has not been internally won, and no special privilege (in this example, points) has been awarded.

[0244] Also, in the same state, in relation to the execution of the fanning effect (a certain effect), the freeze of the freeze execution time Tfz2 (= Tpl - Tet2) has started. In this example, the start of the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112 is temporarily postponed, and all the reels 110 to 112 are kept stopped.

[0245] Also, in the same state, since the production time Tpl (a certain production time) of the fanning effect (a certain effect) has not elapsed, a part of the fanning effect (a certain effect) (in this example, the effect of closing the shutter 163 and the effect of displaying the family crest image in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157 behind the closed shutter 163) is continued.

[0246] The state shown in FIG. 13(9) is a state in which the freeze and the fanning effect (a certain effect) are continued during the game period T4 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0247] In the same state, since the freeze execution time Tfz2 of the freeze has not elapsed, the freeze is continued, and the state of temporarily postponing the start of the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112 is maintained. Also, since the production time Tpl (a certain production time) of the fanning effect (a certain effect) has not elapsed, a part of the fanning effect (a certain effect) (in this example, the effect of closing the shutter 163 and the effect of enlarging and displaying the family crest image in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157 behind the closed shutter 163) is continued.

[0248] The state shown in FIG. 13(10) is a state in which the freeze and the fanning effect (a certain effect) are terminated during the game period T4 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0249] In the same state, since the freeze execution time Tfz2 of the freeze has elapsed, the freeze is terminated, and the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112 is started. Also, since the production time Tpl (a certain production time) of the fanning effect (a certain effect) has elapsed, the fanning effect (a certain effect) is terminated.

[0250] Also, in the same state, in relation to starting the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112, an operation navi (in this example, the display of an image including the string "Aim for the middle reel!") suggesting the operation order of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is started in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157.

[0251] <Freeze control / Example 2 / Game period T5> The game period T5 shown in FIG. 10(b) is the period from receiving the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 to immediately before receiving the second stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 in the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0252] The state shown in FIG. 13(11) is the state in which the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 has been received in the game period T5 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0253] In the same state, since the stop operation of the stop button 138 has been received as the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, a reel stop control process (step S109) is performed, and the middle reel 111 corresponding to the stop button 138 is stopped. Also, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, a failure effect (in this example, the display of an image including an old woman's image and the string "Ishishi") suggesting that no special privilege (in this example, points) is given in the game is started.

[0254] <Freeze control / Example 2 / Game period T6> The game period T6 shown in FIG. 10(b) is the period from receiving the second stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 to receiving the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 in the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0255] The state shown in FIG. 13(12) is the state in which the second stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 has been received in the game period T6 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0256] In the same state, as the second stop operation of stop buttons 137 to 139, since the stop operation of stop button 137 has been received, the reel stop control process (step S109) is performed, and the left reel 110 corresponding to the stop button 137 is stopped. At the same time, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, a failure effect (in this example, the display of an image including an old woman's image and the string "What a pity!") suggesting that no privilege (in this example, points) is given in the game is started.

[0257] The state shown in FIG. 13(13) is a state in which the second stop operation of stop buttons 137 to 139 has been received during the game period T6 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0258] In the same state, as the third stop operation of stop buttons 137 to 139, since the stop operation of stop button 139 has been received, the reel stop control process (step S109) is performed, and the right reel 112 corresponding to the stop button 139 is stopped. At the same time, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, a failure effect (in this example, the display of an image including an old woman's image and the string "What a pity!") suggesting that no privilege (in this example, points) is given in the game is started.

[0259] <Freeze Control / Example 3> FIG. 14(a) is a time chart of freeze control (Example 3) when the winning combination in the previous game is other than replay, and FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the production examples of freeze control (Example 3) in chronological order when the winning combination in the previous game is other than replay.

[0260] This Example 3 shows an example in which the elapsed time Tet3 from when the bet button 132 is operated until the start lever 135 is operated is longer than the production time Tpl (a certain production time) of the exciting production (a certain production), and no freeze is executed.

[0261] Note that since the game periods T1, T2, and T6 shown in Fig. 14(a) are the same as the game periods T1, T2, and T6 of Example 1 described with reference to Fig. 10(a), the description of these game periods and the corresponding presentation examples will be omitted.

[0262] <Freeze Control / Example 3 / Game Period T3> The game period T3 shown in Fig. 10(b) is the period from when the pressing operation of the bet button 132 is received until immediately before the pressing operation of the start lever 135 is received in the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0263] The state shown in Fig. 13(6) is the state in which the pressing operation of the bet button 132 has been received during the game period T3 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0264] In this state, since the pressing operation of the bet button 132 has been received, after performing the process of inserting the specified number of credits, the bet number setting / start operation reception process (step S102) is performed, and the game has shifted to a state where the start operation of the game is possible.

[0265] Also, in this state, a stimulating presentation (a certain presentation) that suggests the possibility of granting a privilege to the player in the current game (the (N + 1)-th game) has started.

[0266] The stimulating presentation in this example is an example of the "certain presentation" according to the present invention. This "certain presentation" is a presentation that requires at least a certain presentation time, and is a presentation that may be executed in relation to the operation of the first operation means (for example, the bet button 132) and in relation to the freeze.

[0267] The presentation mode of the "certain presentation" according to the present invention is not particularly limited, but the stimulating presentation in this example is a continuous presentation that is executed over the presentation time Tpl (a certain presentation time) shown in Fig. 14(b) in relation to the operation of the bet button 132 (the first operation means), and is composed of the presentations shown in Figs. 15(6) to (11).

[0268] In the state shown in FIG. 15(6), during the game period T3 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game), based on the pressing operation of the bet button 132, a part of the exciting effect (a certain effect), in this example, the effect of closing the shutter 163 and the effect of displaying the character string "high probability" in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157 behind the closed shutter 163, is started.

[0269] Also, in the state shown in the subsequent FIG. 15(7), during the game period T3 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game), since the effect time Tpl (a certain effect time) of the exciting effect (a certain effect) has not elapsed, a part of the exciting effect (a certain effect), in this example, the effect of closing the shutter 163, is continued.

[0270] Also, in the state shown in the subsequent FIG. 15(8), during the game period T3 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game), since the effect time Tpl (a certain effect time) of the exciting effect (a certain effect) has not elapsed, a part of the exciting effect (a certain effect), in this example, the effect of closing the shutter 163 and the effect of displaying the family crest image in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157 behind the closed shutter 163, is continued.

[0271] Also, in the state shown in the subsequent FIG. 15(9), during the game period T3 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game), since the effect time Tpl (a certain effect time) of the exciting effect (a certain effect) has not elapsed, a part of the exciting effect (a certain effect), in this example, the effect of closing the shutter 163 and the effect of enlarging and displaying the family crest image in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157 behind the closed shutter 163, is continued.

[0272] Also, in the state shown in the subsequent FIG. 15(10), during the game period T3 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game), since the production time Tpl (a certain production time) of the exciting production (a certain production) has not elapsed, a part of the exciting production (a certain production) (in this example, the production of closing the shutter 163 and the production of enlarging and displaying the crest image in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157 behind the closed shutter 163) is continuing, and an operation navigator (in this example, the display of an image including the string "Aim at the middle reel!") suggesting the operation order of the stop buttons 137 to 139 has been started.

[0273] Also, in the state shown in the subsequent FIG. 15(11), during the game period T3 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game), since the production time Tpl (a certain production time) of the exciting production (a certain production) has elapsed, the exciting production (a certain production) has ended. On the other hand, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, an operation navigator (in this example, the display of an image including the string "Aim at the middle reel!") suggesting the operation order of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is continuing.

[0274] <Freeze control / Example 3 / Game period T4> The game period T4 shown in FIG. 14(a) is the period from when the start lever 135 is pressed down in the current game (the (N + 1)-th game) until immediately before the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received.

[0275] Here, the start time of the game period T4, that is, the timing at which the pressing operation of the start lever 135, indicated by the symbol Tstl in FIG. 14(a), is received, is referred to as the "start lever operation start time Tstl".

[0276] Also, in the current game (the (N + 1)-th game), the time from when the bet button 132 is operated until the start lever 135 is operated, that is, the time obtained by subtracting the bet button operation start time Tbet from the start lever operation start time Tstl (= Tstl - Tbet), is referred to as the "elapsed time Tet3".

[0277] The state shown in FIG. 15(12) is a state in which a pressing operation of the start lever 135 is received during the game period T4 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0278] In the slot machine according to this example, the time (elapsed time) from when the first operation means (for example, the bet button 132) is operated until the second operation means (for example, any one of the start lever 135 and the stop buttons 137 to 139) is operated may change the time for executing a freeze (freeze execution time) in relation to the operation of the second operation means.

[0279] And when the elapsed time exceeds a certain production time of a certain production, it is configured not to execute a freeze.

[0280] In this example, since the elapsed time Tet3 (= Tstl - Tbet) from when the bet button 132 (first operation means) is operated until the start lever 135 (second operation means) is operated exceeds the production time Tpl (a certain production time) of the excitement production (a certain production), a freeze is not executed in relation to the reception of the pressing operation of the start lever 135.

[0281] According to this example, since it is possible to secure the production time of a certain production without executing a freeze, the control burden can be reduced, the production that the player wants to show can be surely shown, and the satisfaction of the player can be increased.

[0282] <Freeze control / Example 3 / Game period T5> The game period T5 shown in FIG. 14(a) is a period from when the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received until immediately before the second stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received in the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0283] The state shown in FIG. 15(13) is a state in which the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received during the game period T5 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0284] In the same state, as the first stop operation of stop buttons 137 to 139, since the stop operation of stop button 138 has been received, reel stop control processing (step S109) is performed, and the middle reel 111 corresponding to the stop button 138 is stopped. At the same time, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, a success effect (in this example, an image of the boss, an image of a closed treasure box, and an image including the character string "GOOD!") indicating that a privilege (points in this example) is given in the game is started to be displayed.

[0285] <Freeze Control / Example 4> FIG. 14(b) is a time chart of freeze control (Example 4) when the winning combination of the previous game is replay, and FIGS. 16 and 17 are diagrams showing the production examples of freeze control (Example 4) when the winning combination of the previous game is replay in time series.

[0286] In the above Examples 1 to 3, examples of freeze control when the winning combination of the previous game is other than replay were described, but this Example 4 shows an example of freeze control when the winning combination of the previous game is replay.

[0287] Note that since the game periods T5 and T6 shown in FIG. 10(b) are the same as the game periods T5 and T6 of Example 1 described with reference to FIG. 10(a), the description of the game period and the description of the corresponding production example are omitted.

[0288] <Freeze Control / Example 4 / Game Period T1> The game period T1 shown in FIG. 10(b) is the period from when the start lever 135 is pressed in the previous game (the Nth game) until immediately before the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received.

[0289] The state shown in FIG. 16(1) is the state in which the start lever 135 is pressed during the game period T1 of the previous game (the Nth game).

[0290] In the same state, since the pressing operation of the start lever 135 has been received, the winning combination internal lottery process (step S105) is being performed. In this example, as a result of the internal lottery, it has been internally won for replay.

[0291] Also, in the same state, based on the pressing operation of the start lever 135, the reel rotation start process (step S108) is being performed, starting the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112, and in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of a normal effect corresponding to a normal game (in this example, the display of an image where a lord and an old man are seated in the castle town) has been started.

[0292] The state shown in FIG. 16(2) is a state in which the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 has been received during the game period T1 of the previous game (the Nth game).

[0293] In the same state, since the stop operation of the stop button 137 has been received as the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, the reel stop control process (step S109) is being performed, stopping the left reel 110 corresponding to the stop button 137, and in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of a normal effect corresponding to a normal game (in this example, the display of an image showing the lord and the old man noticing something) has been started. In this example, since it has been internally won for replay, the replay symbol is stopped and displayed in the middle stage of the left reel 110 based on the first stop operation.

[0294] The state shown in FIG. 16(3) is a state in which the second stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 has been received during the game period T1 of the previous game (the Nth game).

[0295] In the same state, as the second stop operation of stop buttons 137 to 139, since the stop operation of stop button 138 was received, reel stop control processing (step S109) was performed, and the middle reel 111 corresponding to the stop button 138 was stopped. At the same time, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of a normal effect corresponding to a normal game (in this example, the display of an image showing the lord looking upward) has started. In this example, since a replay is internally won, the replay symbol is stopped and displayed in the middle stage of the middle reel 111 based on the second stop operation.

[0296] <Freeze Control / Example 4 / Game Period T2> The game period T2 shown in FIG. 10(b) is the period from when the third stop operation of stop buttons 137 to 139 was received in the previous game (the Nth game) until immediately before the pressing operation of the start lever 135 was received in the current game (the (N + 1)th game).

[0297] The state shown in FIG. 16(4) is the state in which the third stop operation of stop buttons 137 to 139 was received during the game period T2 of the previous game (the Nth game).

[0298] In the same state, as the third stop operation of stop buttons 137 to 139, since the stop operation of stop button 139 was received, reel stop control processing (step S109) was performed, and the right reel 112 corresponding to the stop button 139 was stopped. In this example, since a replay is internally won, the replay symbol is stopped and displayed in the middle stage of the right reel 112 based on the third stop operation.

[0299] Also, in the same state, a preview effect suggesting the possibility of giving a privilege to the player in the next game (the current game (the (N + 1)th game)) has started. The effect mode of the preview effect is not particularly limited, but in the preview effect of this example, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of an image showing the lord looking upward has started.

[0300] Also, in the same state, based on the stops of all reels 110 to 112, a winning determination process (step S110) is being performed. In this example, as a result of an internal win, since it has internally won a replay, on the effective line (in this example, the middle winning line) of the symbol display window 113, a symbol combination corresponding to the replay (in this example, "REPLAY-REPLAY-REPLAY") is stopped and displayed.

[0301] Subsequently, the main control unit 300 performs a bet number setting / start operation reception process (step S102). In this example, since it won a replay in the previous game (the Nth game), it performs a process of inserting the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game (the Nth game) (automatic insertion).

[0302] The state shown in FIG. 16(5) is a state where, at the timing of automatic insertion, the continuation of the preview effect shown in FIG. 16(4) of the same figure is being executed.

[0303] In the same state, as a continuation of the preview effect shown in FIG. 16(4), an effect of closing the two right shutters 163a and left shutter 163b of the shutter (shielding device) 163 is being executed in front of the liquid crystal display device 157.

[0304] According to this example, in order to execute a preview effect suggesting that a certain effect (a thrilling effect) was started in the previous game (the Nth game) before the start of the thrilling effect (a certain effect), a certain effect can be started by the operation of the latest player in the flow of the effect.

[0305] <Freeze Control / Example 4 / Game Period T4> The game period T4 shown in FIG. 10(b) is the period from when the start lever 135 is pressed in the current game (the (N + 1)th game) until immediately before the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received.

[0306] In the game before a certain effect is started, when the game value related to the game in which a replay is established and the certain effect is started is automatically inserted (the third case), the freeze execution time may be set to a certain effect time in relation to the operation of the start lever.

[0307] In this example, in the game before the excitement effect (a certain effect) is started (in this example, the previous game (the Nth game)), since the game value (in this example, medals) related to the game in which a replay is established and the certain effect is started is automatically inserted, the freeze execution time Tfz is set to the effect time Tpl (a certain effect time) of the excitement effect (a certain effect) in relation to the operation of the start lever 135.

[0308] The state shown in FIG. 16(6) is a state in which the pressing operation of the start lever 135 is received during the game period T4 of the current game (the (N + 1)th game).

[0309] In the same state, as a continuation of the preview effect shown in FIGS. 16(4) and (5), an excitement effect (a certain effect) suggesting the possibility of giving a privilege to the player in the current game (the (N + 1)th game) is started.

[0310] According to this example, when a replay is established, the operation of the bet button becomes unnecessary. Therefore, instead of the operation of the bet button, starting from the operation of the start lever, the effect can be started in accordance with the start timing of the game, and the effect can be started at the optimal timing for the player.

[0311] Also, in the same state, in relation to the execution of the excitement effect (a certain effect), the freeze of the freeze execution time Tfz (= Tpl) is started. In this example, the start of the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112 is temporarily suspended, and all the reels 110 to 112 are kept stopped.

[0312] The state shown in FIG. 16(7) is a state in which the freeze and the excitement effect (a certain effect) are continued during the game period T4 of the current game (the (N + 1)th game).

[0313] In the same state, since the freeze execution time Tfz of the freeze has not elapsed, the freeze is continued, maintaining a state where the start of the rotation of all reels 110 to 112 is temporarily suspended. Also, since the production time Tpl (a certain production) of the fanning production (a certain production) has not elapsed, a part of the fanning production (a certain production) (in this example, the production of closing the shutter 163) is continued.

[0314] The state shown in FIG. 16(8) is a state where the freeze and the fanning production (a certain production) are continued during the game period T4 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0315] In the same state, since the freeze execution time Tfz of the freeze has not elapsed, the freeze is continued, maintaining a state where the start of the rotation of all reels 110 to 112 is temporarily suspended. Also, since the production time Tpl (a certain production) of the fanning production (a certain production) has not elapsed, a part of the fanning production (a certain production) (in this example, the production of closing the shutter 163 and the production of displaying the crest image in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157 behind the closed shutter 163) is continued.

[0316] The state shown in FIG. 17(9) is a state where the freeze and the fanning production (a certain production) are continued during the game period T4 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game).

[0317] In the same state, since the freeze execution time Tfz of the freeze has not elapsed, the freeze is continued, maintaining a state where the start of the rotation of all reels 110 to 112 is temporarily suspended. Also, since the production time Tpl (a certain production) of the fanning production (a certain production) has not elapsed, a part of the fanning production (a certain production) (in this example, the production of closing the shutter 163 and the production of enlarging and displaying the crest image in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157 behind the closed shutter 163) is continued.

[0318] The state shown in Fig. 17(10) is a state where, during the game period T4 of the current game (the (N + 1)-th game), the freeze and the exciting effect (a certain effect) have ended.

[0319] In this state, since the freeze execution time Tfz of the freeze has elapsed, the freeze has ended, and the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112 has started. Also, since the effect time Tpl (a certain effect time) of the exciting effect (a certain effect) has elapsed, the exciting effect (a certain effect) has ended.

[0320] Also, in this state, in relation to the start of the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112, an operation navigator (in this example, the display of an image including the string "Aim for the middle reel!") that suggests the operation order of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is started in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157.

[0321] <Freeze Control / Summary> As described above, the gaming table (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in Fig. 1) according to the present embodiment includes a control means (for example, the main control unit 300 shown in Fig. 3), a first operation means (for example, the bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139 shown in Fig. 1), and a second operation means (for example, the bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139 shown in Fig. 1). The control means may change the time (hereinafter referred to as the "freeze execution time", for example, the freeze time Tfz shown in Fig. 10(a)) for executing a freeze that is started in relation to the operation of the second operation means according to the time (hereinafter referred to as the "elapsed time", for example, the elapsed time Tet shown in Fig. 10(a)) from the operation of the first operation means to the operation of the second operation means. The gaming table is characterized by this.

[0322] According to the gaming table of the present embodiment, it is possible to adjust the time for executing a freeze according to the operation interval of a plurality of operation means, and it is possible to provide a novel effect that has never existed before.

[0323] In addition, there is provided performance means (for example, the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 1, the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 shown in FIG. 3) capable of executing a certain performance (for example, the exciting performance shown in FIGS. 11(6) to (8) and FIGS. 12(9) to (10)). The certain performance is a performance that may be executed in relation to the freeze. The certain performance is a performance that requires at least a certain performance time (for example, the performance time Tpl shown in FIG. 10(a)). The certain performance is a performance that may be started in relation to the operation of the first operation means (hereinafter referred to as "the first case"). When the elapsed time in the first case is less than the certain performance time, the control means may execute the freeze in relation to the operation of the second operation means.

[0324] With such a configuration, it is possible to ensure the performance time of a certain performance, so that the certain performance does not extend, and the performance that the player wants to see can be surely shown, thereby enhancing the player's satisfaction.

[0325] Note that, in the first case, when the elapsed time exceeds the certain performance time, the control means may not execute the freeze in relation to the operation of the second operation means.

[0326] In addition, the control means may set the freeze execution time to the certain performance time in relation to the operation of the first operation means, and may re-set the freeze execution time to the time obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the certain performance time in relation to the operation of the second operation means (hereinafter referred to as "the second case").

[0327] With such a configuration, by adjusting the time for executing the freeze, it is possible to ensure the performance time of a certain performance and enhance the player's satisfaction.

[0328] In addition, when a certain effect is started in relation to the operation of the first operation means, the freeze may be started in relation to the operation of the second operation means during the execution of the certain effect.

[0329] With such a configuration, by adjusting the time to execute the freeze triggered by the operation of the second operation means, the effect time of a certain effect can be ensured, and the satisfaction of the player can be enhanced.

[0330] Also, the first operation means is a bet button (for example, the bet button 132 shown in FIG. 1), the second operation means is a start lever (for example, the start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), and when a replay is established in a certain game, game values (for example, medals, electronic information corresponding to medals) are automatically inserted without operating the bet button, and in the second case, it may occur even when a replay has not been established in the game before the certain effect is started.

[0331] With such a configuration, an effect can be started in accordance with the start timing of the game triggered by the operation of the bet button, and the effect can be started at the optimal timing for the player.

[0332] In addition, the effect means may be capable of executing an effect (for example, a preview effect shown in FIGS. 11(4) to (5)) that suggests the start of the certain effect in the game before the certain effect is started.

[0333] With such a configuration, a certain effect can be started by the most recent operation of the player in the flow of the effect.

[0334] Further, the control means may set the freeze execution time to the certain production time in relation to the operation of the start lever (hereinafter referred to as "the third case"). The third case may be a case where, in a game before the certain production starts, a replay is established and a game value related to the game in which the certain production starts is automatically inserted.

[0335] With such a configuration, when a replay is established, the operation of the bet button becomes unnecessary. Therefore, instead of operating the bet button, an effect can be started in accordance with the start timing of the game by using the operation of the start lever as an opportunity, and the effect can be started at the optimal timing for the player.

[0336] In addition, when a replay is established in a game before the certain production starts and a game value related to the game in which the certain production starts is automatically inserted, the effect means may be able to execute an effect suggesting that the certain production has started in the game before the certain production starts.

[0337] With such a configuration, a certain production can be started by the operation of the nearest player in the flow of the production.

[0338] <Backlight effect> Next, the backlight effect that the slot machine 100 can execute will be described.

[0339] Here, the backlight effect is an effect using the backlights 264 arranged on the back surfaces of the reels 110 to 112. First, prior to the explanation of the backlight effect, the backlights 264 will be described with reference to FIG. 18.

[0340] FIG. 18(a) is a front view of the reel backlight 264, FIG. 18(b) is a side view of the reel backlight 264, and FIG. 18(c) is an external perspective view of the members constituting the reel backlight 264 disassembled and viewed from the front side.

[0341] The reel backlight 264 is a light-emitting means for illuminating (lighting) the reel tapes of the respective reels 110 to 112 from the rear side (back surface). In this example, it is composed of a reflector 266, a lighting substrate 268 detachably attached to the back surface of this reflector 266, and a decorative plate 270 disposed on the side surface of the reflector 266.

[0342] The reflector 266 of the reel backlight 264 in this example is formed of white plastic, but the material of the reflector 266 of the reel backlight 264 is not particularly limited and may be metal or the like, or may be a member of another color.

[0343] In the reflector 266, three openings 266a to 266c communicating from the front side to the back side are formed side by side in the vertical direction. Further, six LEDs 268a are arranged at positions corresponding to the openings 266a to 266c on the lighting substrate 268.

[0344] The openings 266a to 266c and the LEDs 268a of the reflector 266 provided in the middle reel device 260 are arranged at positions corresponding to the symbol positions (the positions of symbol positions 4 to 6 described with reference to FIG. 2) where the symbols stop and are displayed in the symbol display window 113 in a state of being attached to the middle reel device 260.

[0345] The openings 266a to 266c and the LEDs 266a of the reflector 266 provided in the left reel device (not shown) are arranged at positions corresponding to the symbol positions (the positions of symbol positions 1 to 3 described with reference to FIG. 2) where the symbols stop and are displayed in the symbol display window 113 in a state of being attached to the left reel device.

[0346] The openings 266a to 266c and the LEDs 268a of the reflector 266 provided in the right reel device (not shown) are arranged at positions corresponding to the symbol positions (the positions of symbol positions 7 to 9 described with reference to FIG. 2) where the symbols stop and are displayed in the symbol display window 113 in a state of being attached to the right reel device.

[0347] In this example, six LED 268a are arranged at positions corresponding to the openings 266a to 266c so that the light emitted from one opening does not interfere with the light emitted from other openings. Thereby, each of the plurality of symbol positions on the symbol display window 113 can be uniformly irradiated with light.

[0348] For example, by lighting all the LED 268a, all the symbols visible to the player can be illuminated from behind. Also, by lighting a part of the LED 268a, a part of the symbols visible to the player can be illuminated from behind. Note that the number and positions of the openings and LEDs are not limited to this example.

[0349] Also, in this example, in the reflector 266, a plurality of slits (grooves) 266d to 266g are provided at predetermined intervals on the lower surface of the upper opening 266a, the upper and lower surfaces of the central opening 266b, and the upper surface of the lower opening 266c. Thereby, the light emitted from the LED 268a can be uniformly irradiated onto the symbols located in the front, and the visibility of the symbols can be enhanced.

[0350] Also, the slit 266d provided on the lower surface of the upper opening 266a, the slit 266e provided on the upper surface of the central opening 266b, the slit 266f provided on the lower surface of the central opening 266b, and the slit 266g provided on the upper surface of the lower opening 266c are arranged such that the portions where the respective slits are formed and the portions where no slits are formed are staggered in the vertical direction (so that the positions of the slits do not coincide with the upper and lower of the partition of the opening). With such a structure, the light emitted through the slits from adjacent openings is configured not to interfere with each other.

[0351] Note that since the reel backlight 264 can sufficiently and uniformly illuminate the reel tape by means of the reflector 266 and the slits (grooves) 266d to 266g, it does not have a lens cover like the reel front illumination 250, but it may be configured to have a lens cover. Thereby, the reel tape can be illuminated uniformly, and furthermore, since the reel backlight 264 cannot be directly viewed during reel assembly or game table maintenance, the glare of the operator can be reduced.

[0352] <Backlight effect / Example 1 (normal game, special replay winning by internal lottery)> FIG. 19(a) is a time chart showing the flow of a game (Example 1) in which a special replay is internally won in a normal game, and FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the backlight effect in a game (Example 1) in which a special replay is internally won in a normal game in chronological order.

[0353] <Backlight effect / Example 1 (normal game, special replay winning by internal lottery) / Game period T1> The game period T1 shown in FIG. 19(a) is the period from when the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received until the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received in a certain game (the Nth game, where N is a positive integer) of a normal game.

[0354] The state shown in FIG. 20(1) is a state in which the start lever 135 has been pressed during the game period T1 of a certain game (the Nth game).

[0355] In the same state, since the pressing operation of the start lever 135 has been received, a winning combination internal lottery process (step S105) has been performed. In this example, as a result of the internal lottery, it has been internally won for a special replay (a certain internally winning combination). Needless to say, the "certain internally winning combination" according to the present invention is not limited to a special replay.

[0356] Also, in the same state, based on the pressing operation of the start lever 135, reel rotation start processing (step S108) is performed, starting the rotation of all reels 110 to 112, and in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of a normal effect corresponding to a normal game (in this example, the display of an image where a lord and an old man are enshrined in the castle) is started.

[0357] The state shown in FIG. 20(2) is a state in which the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received during the game period T1 of a certain game (the Nth game).

[0358] In the same state, since the stop operation of the stop button 137 is received as the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, reel stop control processing (step S109) is performed, stopping the left reel 110 corresponding to the stop button 137, and in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of a winning combination suggestion effect (in this example, an effect where a princess appears) suggesting that a special replay (a certain internal winning combination) has been internally won is started.

[0359] The state shown in FIG. 20(3) is a state in which the second stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received during the game period T1 of a certain game (the Nth game).

[0360] In the same state, since the stop operation of the stop button 138 is received as the second stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, reel stop control processing (step S109) is performed, stopping the middle reel 111 corresponding to the stop button 138, and in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of a winning combination suggestion effect (in this example, an effect where the princess stops and smiles) suggesting that a special replay (a certain internal winning combination) has been internally won is started.

[0361] The state shown in FIG. 20(4) is a state in which the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received during the game period T1 of a certain game (the Nth game).

[0362] In the same state, as the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, since the stop operation of the stop button 139 has been received, the reel stop control process (step S109) is performed, and the right reel 112 corresponding to the stop button 139 is stopped. Also, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of a winning combination suggestion effect (in this example, the effect of a princess passing in front of a palace) suggesting that a special replay (a certain internal winning combination) has been internally won is started.

[0363] <Backlight effect / Example 1 (normal game, special replay winning) / Game period T2> The game period T2 shown in FIG. 19(a) is the period from when the winning determination of a certain game (the Nth game) in the normal game is made until immediately before the pressing of the bet button 132 in the next game (the (N + 1)th game) is received.

[0364] The state shown in FIG. 20(5) is a state where the winning determination is being made during the game period T2 of a certain game (the Nth game).

[0365] In the same state, based on the stop of all the reels 110 to 112, the winning determination process (step S110) is performed. In this example, as a result of the internal winning, since a special replay (a certain internal winning combination) has been internally won, the symbol combination corresponding to the special replay (a certain internal winning combination) (in this example, the symbol combination of "BAR - replay - replay") is stopped and displayed on the effective line of the symbol display window 113.

[0366] Also, in the same state, using the backlight 264 described with reference to FIG. 18, a backlight effect (the first effect) is executed.

[0367] The backlight effect of this example is an example of the "first effect" according to the present invention, and is a "light emission effect on at least a part of the area (the first area) of the stopped reel".

[0368] The presentation mode of the "first presentation" according to the present invention is not particularly limited. However, in the backlight presentation (first presentation) of this example, it is a presentation that causes the effective line of the symbol display window 113 or a line that clearly indicates that a certain internal winning combination (in this example, a special replay) has won to emit light.

[0369] Specifically, in the backlight presentation (first presentation) of this example, the LED 268a of the reflector 266 disposed on the rear side (back surface) of the symbol position (first area. In this example, the middle symbol LM of the left reel, the middle symbol CM of the middle reel, and the middle symbol RM of the right reel) of the middle winning line where the symbol combination corresponding to the special replay (a certain internal winning combination) (in this example, the symbol combination of "BAR - replay - replay") is stopped and displayed blinks in a light emission color different from the normal light emission color (in this example, white) (in this example, green). Hereinafter, the backlight presentation (first presentation) of this example may be referred to as "flash 1 presentation".

[0370] Also, in this example, in order to make the flash 1 presentation prominent, the LED 268a of the reflector 266 disposed on the rear side (back surface) of symbols other than the symbol position (first area) of the middle winning line is turned off.

[0371] Note that the "first area" of the "first presentation" according to the present invention is not limited to the symbol position of the middle winning line shown in FIG. 20(5). For example, as shown in FIG. 20(5'), when the symbol combination corresponding to the special replay (a certain internal winning combination) (in this example, the symbol combination of "BAR - replay - replay") is stopped and displayed on the downward - right winning line composed of the upper symbol LU of the left reel, the middle symbol CM of the middle reel, and the lower symbol RL of the right reel, the LED 268a of the reflector 266 disposed on the rear side (back surface) of the symbol position (first area) of the downward - right winning line may blink in a light emission color different from the normal light emission color (in this example, white) (in this example, green).

[0372] Also, although illustration is omitted, regarding the upper winning line composed of the upper symbols on the left reel, the upper symbols on the middle reel, and the upper symbols on the right reel, the lower winning line composed of the lower symbols on the left reel, the lower symbols on the middle reel, and the lower symbols on the right reel, and the upper-right rising winning line composed of the lower symbols on the left reel, the middle symbols on the middle reel, and the upper symbols on the right reel, similarly, the "first region" of the "first effect" according to the present invention may be the symbol positions of these winning lines.

[0373] Also, the "first effect" according to the present invention is not limited to the mode in which the LED 268a of the backlight 264 blinks in a light emission color different from the normal light emission color (in this example, white) (in this example, green). For example, it may be lit in a light emission color different from the normal light emission color (for example, white) (for example, yellow), or may be changed to another color (for example, red or rainbow color), or may be an effect of illuminating (lighting) the "first region" from the front side of the reels 110 to 112. Further, it may be a light emission effect on at least a part of the region (first region) of the full-face liquid crystal display.

[0374] <Backlight effect / Example 1 (normal game, special replay win) / Game period T3> The game period T3 shown in FIG. 19(a) is the period from when the pressing of the bet button 132 is accepted until immediately before the pressing operation of the start lever 135 is accepted in the next game (the (N + 1)-th game) of a certain game (the N-th game) of the normal game.

[0375] The state shown in FIG. 20(6) is the state in which the pressing of the bet button 132 is accepted in the next game (the (N + 1)-th game) of a certain game (the N-th game) of the normal game.

[0376] In the same state, since the pressing operation of the bet button 132 has been accepted, after performing the process of inserting the specified number of credits, the bet number setting / start operation reception process (step S102) is performed, and the state has shifted to a state where the start operation of the game is possible.

[0377] Also, in the same state, based on the pressing operation of the bet button 132 in the next game (the (N + 1)-th game), the LED 268a of the reflector 266 is lit.

[0378] In this example, an example is shown in which the flash 1 effect (the first effect) is executed triggered by an internal winning of a certain internal winning combination (in this example, the special replay). However, the "first effect" according to the present invention may be executed triggered by winning a certain internal winning combination.

[0379] <Backlight effect / Example 2 (Judge victory, special replay not won)> Next, an example of the backlight effect in a game (Example 2) where the special replay was not internally won when the judge effect is a victory will be described.

[0380] FIG. 19(b) is a time chart showing the flow of a game (Example 2) where the special replay was not internally won when the judge effect is a victory, and FIGS. 21(1) to (8) and FIGS. 22(9) to (10) are diagrams showing examples of the backlight effect in a game (Example 2) where the special replay was not internally won when the judge effect is a victory in chronological order.

[0381] Here, the "judge effect" according to the present invention is an effect for notifying whether a privilege is given to the player. In this example, as an example of the "judge effect" according to the present invention, an example of shifting from a normal game to an AT (entering the AT) will be described, but it is not limited to this example. For example, it may be an effect executed during the addition during the AT, or an effect executed when shifting to a specialized zone or a chance zone.

[0382] Also, the "privilege" according to the present invention includes the right to shift to a game state advantageous to the player (for example, bonus, AT, CZ, etc.) and the addition of the number of AT games.

[0383] <Backlight effect / Example 2 (Judge victory, special replay not won) / Game period T4> The game period T4 shown in FIG. 19(b) is the period from when the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received to when the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received in a certain game (the Nth game where N is a positive integer) at the time of a judge production victory.

[0384] The state shown in FIG. 21(1) is the state immediately before the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received in the game period T4 of a certain game (the Nth game) at the time of a judge production victory.

[0385] In the same state, since the pressing operation of the start lever 135 has been received, a winning combination internal lottery process (step S105) is being performed. In this example, as a result of the internal lottery, it has been internally selected as a winning combination other than a special replay (a certain internally winning combination) (in this example, a losing combination).

[0386] Also, in the same state, based on the pressing operation of the start lever 135, a reel rotation start process (step S108) is being performed, starting the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112, and in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of a judge production corresponding to the judge state (in this example, a continuous production in which the lord chases the retainers in the castle town) has been started.

[0387] The state shown in FIG. 21(2) is the state in which the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received in the game period T4 of a certain game (the Nth game) at the time of a judge production victory.

[0388] In the same state, as the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, since the stop operation of the stop button 137 has been received, a reel stop control process (step S109) is being performed, stopping the left reel 110 corresponding to the stop button 137, and in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of a judge production corresponding to the judge state (in this example, a continuous production in which the lord chases the retainers in the castle town) is being continued.

[0389] The state shown in FIG. 21(3) is a state in which a second stop operation of stop buttons 137 to 139 is accepted during a game period T4 of a certain game (the Nth game) at the time of a judge production victory.

[0390] In the same state, since the stop operation of stop button 138 is accepted as the second stop operation of stop buttons 137 to 139, reel stop control processing (step S109) is performed, and the middle reel 111 corresponding to the stop button 138 is stopped. At the same time, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of a judge production (in this example, a continuous production in which the lord chases the retainers in the castle town) corresponding to the judge state is continued.

[0391] The state shown in FIG. 21(4) is a state in which a third stop operation of stop buttons 137 to 139 is accepted during a game period T4 of a certain game (the Nth game) at the time of a judge production victory.

[0392] In the same state, since the stop operation of stop button 139 is accepted as the third stop operation of stop buttons 137 to 139, reel stop control processing (step S109) is performed, and the right reel 112 corresponding to the stop button 139 is stopped. At the same time, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of a judge production (in this example, a continuous production in which the lord chases the retainers in the castle town) corresponding to the judge state is continued.

[0393] The judge production in this example is a production with a freeze. In the same state, a freeze is started in relation to the start of the judge production. The freeze in this example is related to the fact that the last reel 112 among the plurality of reels 110 to 112 has stopped, and for a predetermined period (in this example, the judge production result display waiting time until the display of the judge production result is started. For example, 10 seconds), processing related to the payout of game values (in this example, medals) is not performed. During the judge production result display waiting time (predetermined period. In this example, 10 seconds), the LED 268a of the backlight 264 of the reels 110 to 112 is turned off.

[0394] Note that the "judgment effect" according to the present invention is not limited to the "effect with freeze", and may be an effect without freeze or another effect using a timer. Also, in this example, when the judgment effect is executed, all or part of the backlight 264 is turned off for a predetermined period so that the judgment effect and the flash 2 effect (second effect) described later are prominent. However, during this period, the backlight 264 may be turned on, or an effect of flashing (flashing) the backlight 264 may be executed.

[0395] Also, the "freeze" according to the present invention is not limited to "processing related to the payout of game values is not performed for a predetermined period", and for example, operation means such as the bet buttons 130 to 132, the start lever 135, and the stop buttons 137 to 139 may be invalidated, or conversely, operation means such as the bet buttons 130 to 132, the start lever 135, and the stop buttons 137 to 139 may be valid. In this case, when the operation means is received, it may be configured to cancel (cancel) the freeze.

[0396] Also, the "predetermined period" according to the present invention may be a period from the start of the judgment effect until all or at least part of the display of the judgment effect result display can be visually recognized, or a period from the start of the judgment effect until all or at least part of the display of a part of the judgment effect (for example, the initial exciting part) can be visually recognized.

[0397] In the state shown in FIG. 21(4), triggered by the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, the count of the result display standby timer for measuring the judgment effect result display standby time (predetermined period. In this example, 10 seconds) is started (timer generation).

[0398] Also, in the same state, based on the stop of all reels 110 to 112, a winning determination process (step S110) is being performed. In this example, as a result of internal winning, since it has not internally won a special replay (a certain internal winning combination), while a symbol combination corresponding to a loss is stopped and displayed on the effective line of the symbol display window 113, since it has not internally won a special replay (a certain internal winning combination), a flash 1 effect (the first effect) is not being executed.

[0399] <Backlight effect / Example 2 / Game period T5> The game period T5 shown in FIG. 19(b) is the period from when the count of the judge effect result display standby timer is started to when the count of the said result display timer ends in a certain game (the Nth game) at the time of judge effect victory.

[0400] The states shown in FIGS. 21(5) to (7) are states where, during the game period T5 of a certain game (the Nth game) at the time of judge effect victory, the judge effect and freeze are continued while the judge effect result display standby timer is being counted.

[0401] In the same state, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of the judge effect corresponding to the judge state (in this example, a continuous effect showing a scene where a lord and his retainers are fighting) is continued, along with a freeze where no processing regarding the payout of game values (in this example, medals) is performed, and the turning off of the LED 268a of the backlight 264 is continued.

[0402] <Backlight effect / Example 2 (judge victory, not winning a special replay) / Game period T6> The game period T6 shown in FIG. 19(b) is the period from when the count of the judge effect result display standby timer ends to immediately before the pressing of the bet button 132 for the next game is accepted.

[0403] The state shown in FIG. 21(8) is a state where the result display of the judge effect is being performed during the game period T6 of a certain game (the Nth game) at the time of judge effect victory.

[0404] In the same state, since the count of the judge effect display standby timer has ended (the judge effect display standby time (10 seconds in this example) has elapsed since the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139), the judge effect is ended, and as a result display of the judge effect, a victory effect (in this example, an image showing the lord catching retainers and the display of the character string "captured" suggesting that the lord has caught retainers) notifying that a privilege is granted to the player is started.

[0405] In the case where the slot machine according to this example notifies that a privilege is granted by a judge effect (the second case), even when not winning a certain internal winning combination in a certain game, the second effect can be executed. In this example, in the state shown in FIG. 21(8), although not winning a special replay (a certain internal winning combination), in relation to all of the plurality of reels 110 to 112 having stopped, a backlight effect (the second effect) using the backlight 264 is being executed.

[0406] The backlight effect of this example is an example of the "second effect" according to the present invention, and is a "light emission effect on at least a part of the area (second area) of the stopped reel".

[0407] The effect mode of the "second effect" according to the present invention is not particularly limited, but the backlight effect (second effect) of this example is an effect (V flash) that causes the V-shaped winning line of the symbol display window 113 to emit light.

[0408] Specifically, in the backlight effect (second effect) of this example, the LED 268a of the reflector 266 disposed on the rear side (back surface) of the symbol position (second area) of the V-shaped winning line composed of the upper symbol LU and the middle symbol LM of the left reel, the lower symbol CL of the middle reel, and the upper symbol RU and the middle symbol RM of the right reel is blinking in a light emission color different from the normal light emission color (white in this example) (green in this example). Hereinafter, the backlight effect (second effect) of this example may be referred to as the "flash 2 effect".

[0409] Also, in this example, in order to make the flash 2 effect more prominent, the LED 268a of the reflector 266 disposed on the rear side (back surface) of the symbol position other than the symbol position (the first area) of the V-shaped winning line is turned off.

[0410] According to this example, when notifying that a privilege is granted by a judge victory (judge effect), even when not winning a special replay (a certain internal winning combination) in a certain game, since the flash 2 effect (the second effect) can be executed, it is possible to clearly notify the player that a privilege is granted.

[0411] The flash 2 effect (the second effect) of this example is an effect (light emission effect for the second area) that causes the upper symbol LU and the middle symbol LM of the left reel, the lower symbol CL of the middle reel, and the upper symbol RU and the middle symbol RM (the second area) of the right reel to blink (flash) from the rear side (back surface), while the flash 1 effect (the first effect) of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 20(5) is an effect (light emission effect for the first area) that causes the middle symbol LM of the left reel, the middle symbol CM of the middle reel, and the middle symbol RM of the right reel (the first area) to blink (flash) from the rear side (back surface).

[0412] A part of the middle symbol LM of the left reel, the middle symbol CM of the middle reel, and the middle symbol RM of the right reel (the first area) shown in FIG. 20(5) (in this example, the middle symbol LM of the left reel and the middle symbol RM of the right reel) and a part of the upper symbol LU and the middle symbol LM of the left reel, the lower symbol CL of the middle reel, and the upper symbol RU and the middle symbol RM (the second area) shown in FIG. 21(8) (in this example, the middle symbol LM of the left reel and the middle symbol RM of the right reel) are in the same area, and the flash 1 effect (the first effect) of the first embodiment and the flash 2 effect (the second effect) of this example are common in that they cause the middle symbol LM of the left reel and the middle symbol RM of the right reel to blink (flash) from the rear side (back surface).

[0413] Note that the "second area" of the "second effect" according to the present invention is not limited to the symbol position of the V-shaped winning line shown in FIG. 21(8). For example, it may be the symbol position of an X-shaped winning line composed of the upper and lower symbols on the left reel, the middle symbol on the middle reel, and the upper and lower symbols on the right reel. That is, as long as a part of the "first area" of the "first effect" according to the present invention and a part of the "second area" of the "second effect" according to the present invention are in the same area.

[0414] Further, the "first area of the first effect" and the "second area of the second effect" according to the present invention may be made to emit light in different colors.

[0415] Also, in this example, by continuing to turn off the backlight 264, the result display of the judge effect and the flash 2 effect (second effect) are configured to be prominent. However, the backlight 264 may be turned on, or an effect of flashing (flashing) the backlight 264 may be executed. Further, it may be a light emission effect on at least a part of the area (first area) of the full-face liquid crystal display.

[0416] <Backlight effect / Example 2 (judge victory, special replay non-winning) / Game period T7> The game period T7 shown in FIG. 19(b) is the period from when the pressing of the bet button 132 is received to immediately before the pressing operation of the start lever 135 is received in the next game (the (N + 1)-th game) of a certain game (the N-th game) at the time of judge effect victory.

[0417] The state shown in FIG. 22(9) is a state where the next game (the (N + 1)-th game) of a certain game (the N-th game) at the time of judge effect victory is started triggered by the pressing operation of the bet button 132.

[0418] In the same state, since the pressing operation of the bet button 132 has been received, after performing the process of inserting credits for the specified number of sheets, the bet number setting / start operation reception process (step S102) is performed, and the state has shifted to a state where the start operation of the game is possible.

[0419] Also, in the same state, based on the pressing operation of the bet button 132 in the next game (the (N + 1)-th game), the LED 268a of the backlight 264 that was turned off is lit, and in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, a privilege grant suggestion effect (in this example, the display of an image showing the sliding open of the shoji screen inside the castle) that suggests that the player has been granted a privilege is started.

[0420] <Backlight Effect / Example 2 (Judge Victory, Special Replay Not Selected) / Game Period T8> The game period T8 shown in FIG. 19(b) is the period from when the pressing operation of the start lever 135 is received until immediately before the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 in the next game (the (N + 1)-th game) of a certain game (the N-th game) at the time of the judge effect victory.

[0421] The state shown in FIG. 22(10) is a state in which a privilege grant effect is being performed triggered by the pressing operation of the start lever 135 in the next game (the (N + 1)-th game) of a certain game (the N-th game) at the time of the judge effect victory.

[0422] In the same state, based on the pressing operation of the start lever 135, a reel rotation start process (step S108) is performed, the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112 is started, and in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, a privilege grant effect (in this example, the display of an image including the character string "Bonus Confirmed!!" that notifies that the bonus has been confirmed) that notifies the player that a privilege has been granted is started.

[0423] <Backlight Effect / Example 3 (Judge Victory, Special Replay Selected)> Next, an example of the backlight effect in a game (Example 3) in which a special replay is internally won at the time of the judge effect victory will be described.

[0424] Figs. 22(1) to (4) and Figs. 23(5) to (10) are diagrams showing in time series the production examples of the backlight production in the game (Example 3) that was internally selected for the special replay when the judge production was victorious.

[0425] In order to avoid duplicate explanations, the following will only explain the content that is different from Example 2 (the game in which the special replay was not internally selected when the judge production was victorious).

[0426] The state shown in Fig. 22(1) is the state immediately before accepting the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 in a certain game (the Nth game) when the judge production is victorious.

[0427] In the same state, since the start lever 135 has been pressed, the winning combination internal lottery process (step S105) has been performed. In this example, as a result of the internal lottery, it has been internally selected for the special replay (a certain internally winning combination).

[0428] The state shown in Fig. 22(4) is the state in which the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 has been accepted in a certain game (the Nth game) when the judge production is victorious.

[0429] In the same state, as the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, since the stop operation of the stop button 139 has been accepted, the reel stop control process (step S109) is performed, and the right reel 112 corresponding to the stop button 139 is stopped. At the same time, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of the judge production corresponding to the judge state (in this example, the continuous production in which the lord chases the retainers in the castle) is continued.

[0430] The judgment effect in this example is an effect accompanied by freezing, and in this state, freezing has started in relation to the start of the judgment effect. The freezing in this example is related to the fact that the last reel 112 among the plurality of reels 110 to 112 has stopped, and for a predetermined period (in this example, the judgment effect result display waiting time until the display of the judgment effect result starts. For example, 10 seconds), no processing related to the payout of game values (in this example, medals) is performed. During the judgment effect result display waiting time (predetermined period. In this example, 10 seconds), the LEDs 268a of the backlights 264 of the reels 110 to 112 are turned off.

[0431] Also, in this state, triggered by the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, the counting of the result display waiting timer for measuring the judgment effect result display waiting time (predetermined period. In this example, 10 seconds) is started (timer generation).

[0432] Also, in this state, based on the stop of all the reels 110 to 112, a winning determination process (step S110) is being performed. In this example, as a result of internal winning, since it has internally won a special replay (a certain internal winning combination), on the effective lines of the symbol display window 113, a symbol combination corresponding to the special replay (a certain internal winning combination) (in this example, the symbol combination of "BAR - REPLAY - REPLAY") is stopped and displayed.

[0433] In addition, in Example 1, an example was shown in which when internally winning a certain internal winning combination (in this example, a special replay), a flash 1 effect (first effect) is executed triggered by the stop of all the reels 110 to 112. However, in this example, instead of the flash 1 effect (first effect), as shown in FIG. 23(8), at the timing of starting the display of the judgment effect result, a flash 2 effect (second effect) is executed (the flash 1 effect (first effect) is replaced by the flash 2 effect (second effect)). Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 22(4), the flash 1 effect (first effect) is not executed.

[0434] According to this example, winning a special replay (a certain internal winning combination) can be made prominent by giving different notifications, and the gaming motivation of the player can be enhanced.

[0435] Also, when a privilege is given to the player, it can be made to appear as if the privilege was given to the player by winning a special replay (a certain internal winning combination), and the player's anticipation can be enhanced.

[0436] Since the states shown in FIGS. 23(5) to (10) below are the same as the states shown in FIGS. 21(5) to (8) and FIGS. 22(9) to (10) of Example 2, the description thereof is omitted.

[0437] <Backlight effect / Example 4 (judgment loss, special replay not won)> Next, an example of the backlight effect in a game (Example 4) in which a special replay was not internally won when the judgment effect was lost will be described.

[0438] FIG. 19(c) is a time chart showing the flow of a game (Example 4) in which a special replay was not internally won when the judgment effect was lost, and FIGS. 24(1) to (8) and FIGS. 25(9) to (10) are diagrams showing the example of the backlight effect in a game (Example 4) in which a special replay was not internally won when the judgment effect was lost in chronological order.

[0439] <Backlight effect / Example 4 (judgment loss, special replay not won) / Game period T4> The game period T4 shown in FIG. 19(c) is the period from when the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received until the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received in a certain game (the Nth game where N is a positive integer) when the judgment effect is lost.

[0440] The state shown in FIG. 24(1) is the state immediately before the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is received in the game period T4 of a certain game (the Nth game) when the judgment effect is lost.

[0441] In the same state, since the pressing operation of the start lever 135 has been received, the winning combination internal lottery process (step S105) is being performed. In this example, as a result of the internal lottery, the internal winning is for a winning combination other than the special replay (a certain internally winning combination) (in this example, a losing combination).

[0442] Also, in the same state, based on the pressing operation of the start lever 135, the reel rotation start process (step S108) is being performed, starting the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112, and in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of a judging effect corresponding to the judging state (in this example, a continuous effect where the lord chases the retainers in the castle town) has started.

[0443] The state shown in FIG. 24(2) is a state where the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 has been received during the game period T4 of a certain game (the Nth game) at the time of losing the judging effect.

[0444] In the same state, since the stop operation of the stop button 137 has been received as the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, the reel stop control process (step S109) is being performed, stopping the left reel 110 corresponding to the stop button 137, and in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of a judging effect corresponding to the judging state (in this example, a continuous effect where the lord chases the retainers in the castle town) continues.

[0445] The state shown in FIG. 24(3) is a state where the second stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 has been received during the game period T4 of a certain game (the Nth game) at the time of losing the judging effect.

[0446] In the same state, as the second stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, since the stop operation of the stop button 138 has been received, the reel stop control process (step S109) is performed, and the middle reel 111 corresponding to the stop button 138 is stopped. At the same time, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of the judgment effect corresponding to the judgment state (in this example, the continuous effect of the lord chasing the retainers in the castle) is continued.

[0447] The state shown in FIG. 24(4) is a state in which the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 has been received during the game period T4 of a certain game (the Nth game) when the judgment effect fails.

[0448] In the same state, as the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, since the stop operation of the stop button 139 has been received, the reel stop control process (step S109) is performed, and the right reel 112 corresponding to the stop button 139 is stopped. At the same time, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of the judgment effect corresponding to the judgment state (in this example, the continuous effect of the lord chasing the retainers in the castle) is continued.

[0449] The judgment effect in this example is an effect with freeze. In the same state, in relation to the start of the judgment effect, the freeze is started. The freeze in this example is related to the fact that the last reel 112 among the plurality of reels 110 to 112 has stopped, and for a predetermined period (in this example, the judgment effect result display waiting time until the display of the judgment effect result is started. For example, 10 seconds), the process regarding the payout of game values (in this example, medals) is not performed. During the judgment effect result display waiting time (predetermined period. In this example, 10 seconds), the LEDs 268a of the backlights 264 of the reels 110 to 112 are turned off.

[0450] Also, in the same state, triggered by the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, the count of the result display waiting timer for measuring the judgment effect result display waiting time (predetermined period. In this example, 10 seconds) is started (timer generation).

[0451] <Backlight effect / Example 4 (Judge loses, special replay not won) / Game period T5> The game period T5 shown in Fig. 19(c) is the period from when the count of the judge effect result display standby timer is started to when the count of the result display timer is ended in a certain game (the Nth game) when the judge effect fails.

[0452] The states shown in Figs. 24(5) to (7) are states where, during the game period T5 of a certain game (the Nth game) when the judge effect fails, the judge effect and freeze are continued, and the judge effect result display standby timer is being counted.

[0453] In the same state, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of the judge effect corresponding to the judge state (in this example, a continuous effect showing the lord and his retainers fighting) is continued, along with a freeze where no processing regarding the payout of game values (in this example, medals) is performed, and the turning off of the LED 268a of the backlight 264 is continued.

[0454] <Backlight effect / Example 4 (Judge loses, special replay not won) / Game period T9> The game period T9 shown in Fig. 19(c) is the period from when the count of the judge effect result display standby timer is ended to immediately before the pressing of the bet button 132 for the next game is accepted.

[0455] The state shown in Fig. 24(8) is a state where the result display of the judge effect is being performed during the game period T9 of a certain game (the Nth game) when the judge effect fails.

[0456] In the same state, based on the stop of all the reels 110 to 112, a winning determination process (step S110) is being performed. In this example, as a result of internal winning, since an internal winning has occurred for a winning combination other than the special replay (a certain internal winning combination) (in this example, a loss), the symbol combination corresponding to a loss is stopped and displayed on the effective line of the symbol display window 113.

[0457] Also, in the same state, since the count of the judge effect display waiting timer has ended (the judge effect display waiting time (10 seconds in this example) has elapsed since the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139), the judge effect is ended, and as a result display of the judge effect, a defeat effect (in this example, an image showing the retainers escaping from the lord and the display of the character string "escape" suggesting that the lord was unable to catch the retainers) notifying the player that no privilege is granted is started.

[0458] The slot machine according to this example is configured not to execute the second effect when notifying (the first case) that no privilege is granted by the judge effect. In this example, in the state shown in FIG. 24(8), since a defeat effect notifying the player that no privilege is granted is being executed, the flash 2 (the second effect) is not being executed.

[0459] According to this example, since the flash 2 (the second effect) is not executed, it is possible to clearly notify the player that no privilege is granted.

[0460] <Backlight Effect / Example 4 (Judge Defeat, Special Reel Non-Winning) / Game Period T10> The game period T10 shown in FIG. 19(c) is the period from when the pressing of the bet button 132 is accepted until immediately before the pressing operation of the start lever 135 is accepted in the next game (the (N + 1)-th game) of a certain game (the N-th game) at the time of judge effect defeat.

[0461] The state shown in FIG. 25(9) is the state where, triggered by the pressing operation of the bet button 132, the next game (the (N + 1)-th game) of a certain game (the N-th game) at the time of judge effect defeat is started.

[0462] In the same state, since the pressing operation of the bet button 132 has been accepted, after performing the process of inserting the specified number of credits, the bet number setting / start operation reception process (step S102) is performed, and the state has shifted to a state where the start operation of the game is possible.

[0463] Also, in the same state, based on the pressing operation of the bet button 132 in the next game (the (N + 1)-th game), while ending the judgment effect that was being executed in a certain game (the N-th game), the LED 268a of the backlight 264 that was turned off is lit, and the display of the normal effect corresponding to the normal game (in this example, the display of an image where a lord and an old man are enshrined in the castle) is started.

[0464] <Backlight Effect / Example 4 (Judgment Loss, Special Replay Not Selected) / Game Period T11> The game period T11 shown in FIG. 19(c) is the period from when the pressing operation of the start lever 135 is received until immediately before the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 in the next game (the (N + 1)-th game) of a certain game (the N-th game) when the judgment effect fails.

[0465] The state shown in FIG. 25(11) is the state where the pressing operation of the start lever 135 is received during the game period T11 of the next game (the (N + 1)-th game) of a certain game (the N-th game) when the judgment effect fails.

[0466] In the same state, since the pressing operation of the start lever 135 has been received, after performing the winning combination internal lottery process (step S105), the reel rotation start process (step S108) is performed, the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112 is started, and in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of the normal effect corresponding to the normal game (in this example, the display of an image where a lord and an old man are enshrined in the castle) is started.

[0467] <Backlight Effect / Example 5 (Judgment Loss, Special Replay Selected)> Next, an example of the backlight effect in a game (Example 5) that won the special replay internally when the judgment effect failed will be described.

[0468] Figs. 25(1) to (4) and Figs. 26(5) to (10) are diagrams showing, in chronological order, examples of backlight effects in a game (Example 5) that won an internal lottery for a special replay when the judge effect fails.

[0469] To avoid redundant explanations, the following will only explain the content that is different from Example 4 (a game that did not win an internal lottery for a special replay when the judge effect fails).

[0470] The state shown in Fig. 25(1) is the state immediately before accepting the first stop operation of stop buttons 137 to 139 in a certain game (the Nth game) when the judge effect fails.

[0471] In this state, since the start lever 135 has been pressed, a winning combination internal lottery process (step S105) has been performed. In this example, as a result of the internal lottery, it has won an internal lottery for a special replay (a certain internal winning combination).

[0472] The state shown in Fig. 25(4) is the state after accepting the third stop operation of stop buttons 137 to 139 in a certain game (the Nth game) when the judge effect fails.

[0473] In this state, as the third stop operation of stop buttons 137 to 139, since the stop operation of stop button 139 has been accepted, a reel stop control process (step S109) is performed, and the right reel 112 corresponding to the stop button 139 is stopped. At the same time, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display of the judge effect corresponding to the judge state (in this example, a continuous effect in which the lord chases the retainers in the castle) continues.

[0474] The judgment effect in this example is an effect accompanied by freezing, and in this state, freezing has started in relation to the start of the judgment effect. The freezing in this example is related to the fact that the last reel 112 among the plurality of reels 110 to 112 has stopped, and during a predetermined period (in this example, the judgment effect result display waiting time until the display of the judgment effect result starts. For example, 10 seconds), no processing related to the payout of game values (in this example, medals) is performed. During the judgment effect result display waiting time (predetermined period. In this example, 10 seconds), the LEDs 268a of the backlights 264 of the reels 110 to 112 are turned off.

[0475] Also, in this state, upon the third stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, the counting of the result display waiting timer for measuring the judgment effect result display waiting time (predetermined period. In this example, 10 seconds) is started (timer generation).

[0476] Also, in this state, a winning determination process (step S110) is being performed based on the stop of all the reels 110 to 112. In this example, as a result of internal winning, an internal win has occurred for a special replay (a certain internal winning combination), and on the valid lines of the symbol display window 113, a symbol combination corresponding to the special replay (a certain internal winning combination) (in this example, the symbol combination of "BAR - REPLAY - REPLAY") is stopped and displayed.

[0477] Note that in the first embodiment, an example was shown in which when an internal win occurred for a certain internal winning combination (in this example, a special replay), a flash 1 effect (the first effect) was executed upon the stop of all the reels 110 to 112. However, the slot machine according to this example is configured such that in the case of notifying that no privilege is given by the judgment effect (the first case), even when winning a certain internal winning combination in a certain game, the first effect and the second effect are not executed. In this example, even when winning the special replay (a certain internal winning combination), in the state shown in FIG. 25(4), the flash 1 effect (the first effect) is not executed, and in the state shown in FIG. 26(8), the flash 2 effect (the second effect) is not executed.

[0478] Since the states shown in FIGS. 26(5) to (10) below are the same as the states shown in FIGS. 24(5) to (8) and FIGS. 25(9) to (10) of Example 3, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0479] According to this example, when notifying that no privilege is granted during a judge effect failure (judge effect), even if a special replay (a certain internal winning combination) is won in a certain game, since the flash 1 effect (first effect) and the flash 2 effect (second effect) are not executed, it is possible to clearly notify the player that no privilege is granted.

[0480] <Backlight Effect / Summary> As described above, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is provided with a plurality of reels (for example, the reels 110 to 112 shown in FIG. 1) that are provided with a plurality of types of symbols and are rotationally driven, a plurality of stop buttons (for example, the stop buttons 137 to 139 shown in FIG. 1) provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels for individually stopping the rotation of the reels, internal lottery means (for example, the winning combination internal lottery process shown in FIG. 6) for deriving one lottery result from a plurality of types of lottery results, and effect means (for example, the liquid crystal display device 157 shown in FIG. 1, the speakers 272 and 277 shown in FIG. 3, the various lamps 336 shown in FIG. 3, the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 shown in FIG. 3) capable of executing effects. The gaming machine is such that the one lottery result derived by the lottery means may include a certain internal winning combination (for example, a special replay). In the normal game, when winning the certain internal winning combination, the effect means is capable of executing a first effect (for example, the flash 1 effect shown in FIG. 20(5)) (in relation to the fact that all of the plurality of reels have stopped (for example, when receiving a third stop operation)). The first effect is a light emission effect (for example, an effect of illuminating the back of the reel band of the reels 110 to 112 by the backlight 264) on at least a part of the region of the stopped reels (hereinafter referred to as the "first region". For example, the left reel middle symbol LM, the middle reel middle symbol CM, and the right reel middle symbol RM shown in FIG. 20(5)). In a certain game (for example, a certain game in which a judge effect is executed, a certain game during a normal game, a certain game during an AT), when winning the certain internal winning combination in a state where a certain condition is satisfied (for example, a state where a judge effect victory is executed, a state where it is notified that an AT or a bonus has been determined), the effect means is capable of executing a second effect (for example, the flash 2 effect shown in FIG. 21(8)) (in relation to the fact that all of the plurality of reels have stopped). The second effect is on at least a part of the region of the stopped reels (hereinafter referred to as the "second region".For example, it is a light emission effect for the upper left reel symbol LU, the middle left reel symbol LM, the lower middle reel symbol CL, the upper right reel symbol RU, and the middle right reel symbol RM shown in FIG. 21(8). A part of the first region (for example, the middle left reel symbol LM and the middle right reel symbol RM) and a part of the second region (for example, the middle left reel symbol LM and the middle right reel symbol RM) are the same region. The gaming table is characterized by this.

[0481] According to the gaming table according to this embodiment, winning a certain internal winning combination can be made prominent by giving different notifications, and the gaming motivation of the player can be enhanced.

[0482] Also, the certain game is a game in which a judge effect (for example, the judge effect victory shown in FIGS. 21(1) to (8), the judge effect defeat shown in FIGS. 24(1) to (8), etc., an effect executed when shifting from a normal game to AT (entering AT), an effect executed when adding a bonus during AT, an effect executed when shifting to a specialized zone or a chance zone, etc.) is executed. The judge effect may be an effect that notifies whether a privilege (for example, giving a bonus or AT, adding a bonus to AT) is given to the player.

[0483] With such a configuration, when winning a certain internal winning combination in a certain game, it can be made to seem as if a privilege has been given to the player, and the player's expectation can be enhanced.

[0484] Also, when the effect means notifies that the privilege is not given by the judge effect (hereinafter referred to as "the first case"), even when winning a certain internal winning combination in the certain game, it may not execute the first effect and the second effect.

[0485] With such a configuration, it is possible to clearly notify the player that no privilege is given.

[0486] Further, when the effect means notifies that the privilege is granted by the judge effect (hereinafter referred to as "the second case"), even if the player does not win the certain internal winning combination in the certain game, the second effect may be executable.

[0487] With such a configuration, it is possible to clearly notify the player that a privilege is granted.

[0488] Further, the judge effect is an effect accompanied by a freeze. The freeze is related to the fact that the last reel among the plurality of reels has stopped, and for a predetermined period (for example, the judge effect result display waiting time until the display of the judge effect result starts), no processing related to the payout of game value (for example, medals, electronic information corresponding to medals) is performed. During the predetermined period, at least a part of the backlight of the reel (for example, the backlight 264 shown in FIG. 18) is turned off. In relation to the elapse of the predetermined period, the result of the judge effect is notified. In the first case, the effect means continues to turn off at least a part of the backlight even after the predetermined period has elapsed. In the second case, the effect means may start the second effect in relation to the elapse of the predetermined period.

[0489] With such a configuration, when a privilege is not granted to the player, it is possible to avoid the player being misrecognized as if a privilege is granted, and when a privilege is granted to the player, it is possible to make it appear as if the privilege is granted to the player by winning a certain internal winning combination, thereby enhancing the player's sense of expectation.

[0490] Further, the normal game may be a game in which processing related to the payout of game value is performed in relation to the fact that the last reel among the plurality of reels has stopped.

[0491] <Speaker mounting structure> Next, the speaker mounting structure in the slot machine 100 will be described.

[0492] Figure 27 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 opened. The main body 101 is a box body surrounded by an upper surface plate 261, a left side surface plate 260, a right side surface plate 260, a lower surface plate 264, and a back surface plate 242, and is open at the front. Inside the main body 101, at a position that does not overlap with the ventilation opening 249 provided at the upper part of the back surface plate 242, a main control board storage case 210 for storing the main control board inside is arranged. Below this main control board storage case 210, three reels 110 to 112 are arranged. On the side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reels 110 to 112, that is, on the left side surface plate 260 facing it, a sub-control board storage case 220 for storing the sub-control board inside is provided. Also, on the right side surface plate 260 facing it, an external centralized terminal board 248 connected to the main control board and outputting the information of the slot machine 100 to an external device is attached.

[0493] And on the lower surface plate 264, a medal payout device 180 (a device for paying out medals accumulated in a bucket) is provided. Above this medal payout device 180, that is, below the reels 110 to 112, a power supply device 252 having a power supply board is provided, and a power switch 244 is provided on the front of the power supply device 252. The power supply device 252 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the slot machine 100 into DC power, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit such as the main control unit 300, sub-control units 400, 500, etc. and each device described later. Furthermore, it is provided with a power storage circuit (for example, a capacitor) for supplying power to a predetermined component (for example, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300, etc.) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off.

[0494] On the right side of the medal payout device 180, a medal auxiliary storage 240 is provided, and an overflow terminal is provided behind this (not shown in the figure). The power supply device 252 is provided with a power cord connection part for connecting the power cord 264, and the power cord 264 connected here extends to the outside through the power cord hole 262 opened in the back surface plate 242 of the main body 101.

[0495] The front door 102 is hinged to the side panel 260 on the left side of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276. Above the symbol display window 113, there are provided an effect device 160, an effect control circuit board (not shown) for controlling the effect device 160, and an upper speaker 272. Below the symbol display window 113, there are provided a medal selector 170 for sorting the inserted medals, and a passage 266 through which the medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops an illegal medal or the like onto the medal tray 161. Further, a speaker unit 600 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 181.

[0496] <Speaker mounting structure / Configuration of speaker unit> Next, with reference to FIG. 28, the configuration of the speaker unit 600 will be described. FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the speaker unit 600.

[0497] As described with reference to FIG. 27, the speaker unit 600 is screwed and installed at the lower left side of the back surface of the front door 102. As shown in FIG. 28, the speaker unit 600 is composed of a speaker 610 (first member) for low - sound output having a large diaphragm, and a back cover 620 (second member) covering the back side of the speaker 610, and is attached to a speaker pedestal portion 630 (base) formed on the back surface of the front door 102.

[0498] <Speaker mounting structure / Speaker pedestal> The speaker pedestal portion 630 (base) includes an outer frame portion 631 formed in accordance with the substantially rectangular outer shape of the flange 614 of the speaker 610, mounting sleeves 632 formed at the four inner corners of the outer frame portion 631 for screwing the speaker 610 and the back cover 620 to the front door 102, and a circular inner frame portion 633 with which the front - side peripheral portion of the frame 612 of the speaker 610 abuts.

[0499] Inside the inner frame portion 633 of the speaker pedestal 630, a sound hole 161 composed of a plurality of holes is formed, and the low - sound output from the speaker 610 is output to the outside of the slot machine 100 through this sound hole 161.

[0500] <Speaker mounting structure / Speaker, rear cover> Next, with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30, the speaker 610 and the rear cover 620 that constitute the speaker unit 600 will be described in detail.

[0501] FIG. 29(a) is a side view of the rear cover 620, and FIG. 29(b) is a top view of the rear cover 620. Further, FIG. 29(c) is a side view of the speaker 610, and FIG. 29(d) is a top view of the speaker 610. Also, FIG. 30(a) is a top view of the speaker unit 600, and FIG. 30(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the speaker unit 600 shown in FIG. 30(a).

[0502] <Speaker mounting structure / Speaker> The speaker 610 (first member) is a cone-type dynamic speaker, and as shown in FIGS. 29(c) and 30(b), it generally consists of a voice coil and a magnet, and an electromagnetic circuit 611 that vibrates a diaphragm 613 described later in response to an electrical signal, a frame 612 that supports the electromagnetic circuit 611, a diaphragm 613 that vibrates to generate sound, and a flange 614 to which the diaphragm 613 is fixedly mounted so as to be vibratable.

[0503] The frame 612 is a cylindrical metal ring frame that expands slightly forward, and a plurality of openings 615 (see FIG. 28) for discharging the air around the diaphragm 613 are formed along the circumferential direction on the side surface. That is, on the side surface of the frame 612, a plurality of openings 615 are formed along the circumferential direction, and between the openings 615, a support column 612a is formed along the front-rear direction. The diaphragm 613 is formed in a cone shape that opens forward using a flexible material such as paper, for example.

[0504] As shown in FIG. 29(d), dedicated screw holes 616a (first through-holes) for screwing the speaker 610 to the front door 102 are formed at the upper left and lower right corners of the flange 614, respectively. Also, common screw holes 616b (second through-holes) for screwing the speaker 610 and the back cover 620 to the front door 102 are formed at the lower left and upper right corners of the flange 614, respectively.

[0505] In this example, the two dedicated screw holes 616a (first through-holes) are arranged diagonally (at the vertices of the diagonal ends) at the upper left and lower right corners on the outer edge of the flange 614, and the two common screw holes 616b (second through-holes) are arranged diagonally (at the vertices of the diagonal ends) at the lower left and upper right corners on the outer edge of the flange 614. As a result, the dedicated screw holes 616a (first through-holes) and the common screw holes 616b (second through-holes) are alternately arranged at a predetermined interval in the outer peripheral direction of the flange 614.

[0506] According to this example, when the speaker 610 (first member) is fixed to the front door 102 (base) using the dedicated screw holes 616a (first through-holes) for positioning, or when only the back cover 620 (second member) is removed from the front door 102 (base), the speaker 610 (first member) can be stably fixed, enhancing safety and workability.

[0507] Note that the arrangement positions and numbers of the "first through-hole" and "second through-hole" according to the present invention are not limited to this example. For example, one dedicated screw hole 616a (first through-hole) may be arranged only at either the upper left or lower right corner on the outer edge of the flange 614, and one common screw hole 616b (second through-hole) may be arranged only at either the lower left or upper right corner on the outer edge of the flange 614. Also, three or more dedicated screw holes 616a (first through-holes) may be arranged on the outer edge of the flange 614, and three or more common screw holes 616b (second through-holes) may be arranged on the outer edge of the flange 614, and the dedicated screw holes 616a (first through-holes) and the common screw holes 616b (second through-holes) do not have to be the same number.

[0508] The flange 614 also functions as a member that supports the diaphragm 613 so as to be vibrationally movable. On the back surface of the flange 614, the outer edge 613a of the diaphragm 613 (see Fig. 30(b)) that appears on the back side of the flange 614 through the opening of the flange 614 is fixed. And the thickness of the flange 614 is designed to be higher than the maximum vibration width of the diaphragm 613 so as not to inhibit the vibration of the diaphragm 613.

[0509] Incidentally, in this example, the back cover 620 is arranged on the back surface of the speaker 610. However, in a state where the back cover 620 is fixed to the speaker pedestal portion 630 of the front door 102, the minimum distance between the back cover 620 and the front door 102 is also designed to be longer than the thickness of the flange 614 so as not to inhibit the vibration of the diaphragm 613.

[0510] <Speaker mounting structure / Back cover> The back cover 620 (the second member) is a resin member that houses most of the speaker 610 inside. Specifically, the back cover 620 is formed with a circular opening 621 that exposes the rear end (a part of the electromagnetic circuit 611) of the speaker 610 on the back side, and is provided with a stepped cylindrical side wall portion 622 that expands slightly toward the front.

[0511] Also, as shown in Fig. 29(b), the back cover 620 is provided with two protruding pieces 623a and two protruding pieces 623b with screw holes that protrude circumferentially outward from the front end of the side wall portion 622. Screw holes 624 (the third through holes) for screwing the speaker 610 and the back cover 620 integrally to the front door 102 are respectively formed in the protruding pieces 623b with screw holes arranged diagonally (the vertices at the ends of the diagonal line) at the lower left corner and the upper right corner.

[0512] With such a configuration, the common screw holes 616b (second through holes) in the flange 614 of the speaker 610 and the screw holes 624 (third through holes) in the screw hole-provided protruding pieces 623b of the rear cover 620 are aligned with the holes of the mounting sleeve 632 of the speaker pedestal portion 630 (base) and fastened with screws (fixing means), whereby the speaker unit 600 is integrated and fixed to the back surface of the front door 102. Note that the method of mounting the speaker unit 600 will be described later.

[0513] In addition, the protruding pieces 623a arranged diagonally (at the vertices of the diagonal ends) at the upper left corner and the lower right corner of the rear cover 620 have a thicker shape than the screw hole-provided protruding pieces 623b, and inside thereof, a screw head accommodation space 623a1 capable of accommodating the head (screw head) of a screw (fixing means) is formed.

[0514] With such a configuration, after only the speaker 610 is fixed to the back surface of the front door 102 by aligning the dedicated screw holes 616a (first through holes) in the flange 614 of the speaker 610 with the holes of the mounting sleeve 632 of the speaker pedestal portion 630 (base) and fastening with screws (fixing means), even when the rear cover 620 is positioned with respect to the back surface of the speaker 610, the protruding pieces 623a of the rear cover 620 do not interfere with the screws (fixing means) attached to the dedicated screw holes 616a of the speaker 610, and the rear cover 620 can be attached to the back surface of the speaker 610.

[0515] In addition, the rear cover 620 (second member) has a point-symmetrical shape and can be attached to the speaker pedestal portion 630 (base) even when rotated 180 degrees, so that the attachment work of the rear cover 620 (second member) can be facilitated.

[0516] A box-shaped space 622S for accommodating a lead wire connected to the electromagnetic circuit 611 and guiding the lead wire outside the speaker unit 600 is formed to protrude from a part of the side wall portion 622. Further, a plurality of vent holes 625, which are opening holes for discharging the air around the diaphragm 613, are formed in the side wall portion 622 at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0517] <Speaker mounting structure / Correct mounting method> Next, a correct mounting method for the speaker unit 600 will be described with reference to Fig. 31(a).

[0518] Fig. 31(a) is a diagram schematically showing an example of a correct mounting method for the speaker unit 600.

[0519] When mounting the speaker unit 600 on the speaker pedestal portion 630 (base), first, as shown in Fig. 31(a-1), after mounting the speaker 610 (first member) on the speaker pedestal portion 630 (base), next, as shown in Fig. (a-2) of the same figure, the rear cover 620 (second member) is mounted on the speaker pedestal portion 630 (base).

[0520] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 31(a-1), two dedicated screw holes 616a (first through holes) in the flange 614 of the speaker 610 are aligned with the holes of the mounting sleeve 632 of the speaker pedestal portion 630 (base), and the speaker 610 alone is mounted on the speaker pedestal portion 630 (base) by fastening with screws 634 (fixing means).

[0521] Next, the rear cover 620 is positioned with respect to the speaker pedestal portion 630 (base) so as to cover the rear surface of the speaker 610. However, a screw head accommodation space 623a1 is formed in the protruding piece 623a of the rear cover 620, and since the rear cover 620 does not interfere with the screws 634 (fixing means) attached to the dedicated screw holes 616a (first through holes) of the speaker 610, the rear cover 620 can be surely positioned on the rear surface of the speaker 610 as shown in Fig. 31(a-2).

[0522] Finally, with the rear cover 620 positioned at the back of the speaker 610, the screw hole 624 (third through-hole) in the protruding piece 623b with a screw hole of the rear cover 620 is aligned with two common screw holes 616b (second through-holes) in the flange 614 of the speaker 610 and the hole of the mounting sleeve 632 of the speaker pedestal portion 630 (base), and fastened with screws 634 (fixing means), thereby attaching the rear cover 620 to the speaker pedestal portion 630 (base). Thereby, the speaker unit 600 is integrated and fixed to the back surface of the front door 102.

[0523] According to this example, when fixing the speaker 610 (first member) and the rear cover 620 (second member) to the speaker pedestal portion 630 (base) with screws (fixing means), it is possible to fix them at once with one screw 634 (fixing means) through the common screw hole 616b (second through-hole) of the speaker 610 (first member) and the screw hole 624 (third through-hole) of the rear cover 620 (second member). Therefore, the member attachment work can be simplified compared to the prior art. Also, with the speaker 610 (first member) fixed and positioned on the base using the dedicated screw hole 616a (first through-hole), it is possible to fix the rear cover 620 (second member) to the speaker pedestal portion 630 (base). Thus, there is no need to position the two members simultaneously, and the working efficiency can be improved.

[0524] Also, when the speaker unit 600 is correctly attached, as shown in FIG. 31(a-2), since the dedicated screw hole 616a (first through-hole) in the speaker 610 (first member) is covered by the protruding piece 623a of the rear cover 620 (second member), it can be visually confirmed that there is no need to use the dedicated screw hole 616a (first through-hole) when fixing the rear cover 620 (second member), and the member attachment work can be performed reliably.

[0525] Note that the rear cover 620 (second member) has a point-symmetrical shape and can be attached to the speaker pedestal portion 630 (base) even when rotated 180 degrees. Therefore, the attachment work of the rear cover 620 (second member) can be facilitated.

[0526] <Speaker mounting structure / Incorrect mounting method> Next, an incorrect mounting method of the speaker unit 600 will be described with reference to FIG. 31(b).

[0527] FIG. 31(b) is a diagram schematically showing an example of an incorrect mounting method of the speaker unit 600.

[0528] The example shown in FIG. 31(b-1) shows an example in which only the speaker 610 is attached to the speaker pedestal portion 630 (base) by erroneously aligning two common screw holes 616b (second through holes) with two dedicated screw holes 616a (first through holes) in the flange 614 of the speaker 610 and fastening them with screws 634 (fixing means) through the holes of the mounting sleeve 632 of the speaker pedestal portion 630 (base).

[0529] In this example, as shown in FIG. 31(b-2), when the rear cover 620 is positioned with respect to the speaker pedestal portion 630 (base) so as to cover the rear of the speaker 610, the bottom of the protruding piece 623b with a screw hole of the rear cover 620 interferes with the screw 634 (fixing means) erroneously attached to the common screw hole 616b (second through hole) of the speaker 610. Therefore, the rear cover 620 cannot be positioned on the rear of the speaker 610, and the rear cover 620 cannot be attached.

[0530] According to this example, it is possible to easily recognize that the mounting method of the speaker 610 (first member) is incorrect, and it is possible to prevent work mistakes in advance.

[0531] FIGS. 32(a) and (b) are diagrams schematically showing another example of an incorrect mounting method of the speaker unit 600.

[0532] The example shown in Fig. 32(a) is an example in which the attachment order of the speaker 610 (first member) and the rear cover 620 (second member) is incorrect, and the rear cover 620 (second member) is attached to the speaker pedestal portion 630 (base) first.

[0533] Since the speaker 610 (first member) cannot be accommodated in the rear cover 620 (second member) in a state where it is attached to the speaker pedestal portion 630 (base), it can be easily recognized that the attachment method of the speaker 610 (first member) is incorrect, and work mistakes can be prevented in advance.

[0534] The example shown in Fig. 32(b) is an example in which the rear cover 620 (second member) is mistakenly rotated 90 degrees and an attempt is made to position it with respect to the speaker pedestal portion 630 (base).

[0535] The rear cover 620 (second member) has a point-symmetrical shape and can be attached to the speaker pedestal portion 630 (base) even when rotated 180 degrees. However, since it does not have a line-symmetrical shape, it cannot be positioned with respect to the speaker pedestal portion 630 (base) when rotated 90 degrees.

[0536] Also, since the position of the box-shaped space 622S of the rear cover 620 is shifted by 90 degrees, the speaker 610 cannot be accommodated in the rear cover 620 either. Therefore, it can be easily recognized that the attachment method of the rear cover 620 (second member) is incorrect, and work mistakes can be prevented in advance.

[0537] <Summary of Speaker Attachment Structure> As described above, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes a first member (for example, the speaker 610 shown in FIGS. 28 and 31) that can be fixed to a base (for example, the speaker pedestal portion 630 of the front door 102 shown in FIG. 28), and a second member (for example, the back cover 620 shown in FIGS. 28 and 31) that can cover at least a part of the first member. The gaming machine is characterized in that the first member includes a plurality of through holes for fixing the first member to the base, the plurality of through holes including one or more first through holes (for example, the dedicated screw holes 616a shown in FIG. 29(d)) and one or more second through holes (for example, the shared screw holes 616b shown in FIG. 29(d)) different from the first through holes. The second member includes one or more through holes (hereinafter referred to as "third through holes", for example, the screw holes 624 shown in FIGS. 28 and 31) for fixing the second member to the base. The first member is fixed to the base using the first through holes, and the second member is fixed to the base using the third through holes and the second through holes.

[0538] According to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the first member and the second member are fixed to the base by fixing means, it is possible to fix them at once with one fixing means through the second through holes of the first member and the third through holes of the second member. Therefore, the member attachment work can be simplified compared to the prior art. Further, since the second member can be fixed to the base in a state where the first member is fixed and positioned on the base using the first through holes, there is no need to position the two members simultaneously, and the work efficiency can be improved.

[0539] Note that the "first member" and "second member" according to the present invention are not limited to a speaker and a back cover, and may be, for example, a substrate and a substrate case, a connector and a connector cover, a movable body and a movable body cover, etc. That is, the "first member" according to the present invention may be any member that can be fixed to the base, and the "second member" according to the present invention may be any member that can cover at least a part of the first member.

[0540] Also, after fixing the first member to the base using the first through-hole, when the second member is fixed to the base using the third through-hole and the second through-hole, the first through-hole in the first member may be covered by the second member.

[0541] With such a configuration, it is possible to visually confirm that it is not necessary to use the first through-hole when fixing the second member, and the member mounting work can be reliably performed.

[0542] Further, the first member may include a plurality of the first through-holes and the second through-holes, and the plurality of first through-holes and the plurality of second through-holes may be alternately arranged in the outer peripheral direction of the first member.

[0543] With such a configuration, when fixing and positioning the first member to the base using the first through-hole, or when only the second member is removed from the base, the first member can be stably fixed, and safety and workability can be improved.

[0544] In addition, the plurality of first through-holes and the plurality of second through-holes may be alternately arranged in the outer peripheral direction of the first member, and the plurality of first through-holes may be at diagonal positions in the first member, and the plurality of second through-holes may be at diagonal positions in the first member.

[0545] Also, after fixing the first member to the base by fixing means (for example, the screw 634 shown in FIG. 31(b)) through the second through-hole, when positioning to fix the second member to the base, the third through-hole of the second member may interfere with the fixing means.

[0546] With such a configuration, it is possible to easily recognize that the attachment method of the first member is incorrect, and work mistakes can be prevented in advance.

[0547] In addition, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes a first member (for example, the speaker 610 shown in FIGS. 28 and 31) that can be fixed to a base (for example, the speaker pedestal portion 630 of the front door 102 shown in FIG. 28), and a second member (for example, the back cover 620 shown in FIGS. 28 and 31) that can cover at least a part of the first member. The gaming machine is characterized in that the first member includes a plurality of first through holes and a plurality of second through holes different from the first through holes, the second member includes a plurality of third through holes, the first through holes are through holes used when fixing the first member to the base among the first member and the second member, the second through holes and the third through holes are through holes used when fixing both the first member and the second member to the base, and the plurality of first through holes and the plurality of second through holes are alternately arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the first member.

[0548] In addition, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes a first member (for example, the speaker 610 shown in FIGS. 28 and 31) that can be fixed to a base (for example, the speaker pedestal portion 630 of the front door 102 shown in FIG. 28), and a second member (for example, the back cover 620 shown in FIGS. 28 and 31) that can cover at least a part of the first member. The gaming machine is configured such that the first member includes a plurality of first through holes and a plurality of second through holes different from the first through holes, the second member includes a plurality of third through holes, the first through holes are through holes used when fixing the first member of the first member and the second member to the base, the second through holes and the third through holes are through holes used when fixing both the first member and the second member to the base, the plurality of first through holes and the plurality of second through holes are alternately arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the first member, and the plurality of first through holes and the second through holes adjacent to both sides of the plurality of first through holes are configured to form a quadrilateral when connected by a straight line. The plurality of first through holes are arranged on the diagonal line (the vertex at the end of the diagonal line) of the quadrilateral. The gaming machine is characterized by this.

[0549] In addition, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes a first member (for example, the speaker 610 shown in FIGS. 28 and 31) that can be fixed to a base (for example, the speaker pedestal portion 630 of the front door 102 shown in FIG. 28), and a second member (for example, the rear cover 620 shown in FIGS. 28 and 31) that can cover at least a part of the first member. The gaming machine is characterized in that the first member includes a plurality of first through-holes and a plurality of second through-holes different from the first through-holes, the second member includes a plurality of third through-holes, the first through-holes are through-holes used when fixing the first member to the base among the first member and the second member, the second through-holes and the third through-holes are through-holes used when fixing both the first member and the second member to the base, the plurality of first through-holes and the plurality of second through-holes are alternately arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the first member, and the base includes a frame portion formed in accordance with the outer shape of the first member.

[0550] According to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when fixing the first member and the second member to the base by fixing means, it is possible to fix them at once with one fixing means through the second through-holes of the first member and the third through-holes of the second member. Therefore, the member attachment work can be simplified compared to the prior art. In addition, since the second member can be fixed to the base in a state where the first member is fixed and positioned on the base using the first through-holes, there is no need to position the two members simultaneously, and the work efficiency can be improved.

[0551] <Speaker mounting structure (Modification 1) / Configuration of speaker unit> Next, the configuration of the speaker unit 700 according to Modification 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 33. FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of the speaker unit 700 according to Modification 1.

[0552] As shown in Fig. 33, the speaker unit 700 according to the first modification example is composed of a speaker 710 (first member) for low - sound output having a large diaphragm, and a rear cover 720 (second member) covering the rear side of the speaker 710, and is attached to a speaker pedestal portion 730 (base) formed on the back surface of the front door 102 of the slot machine.

[0553] <Speaker mounting structure / Speaker pedestal portion> The speaker pedestal portion 730 (base) includes an annular frame support portion 731 that supports the frame 714 of the speaker 710, a cylindrical cover support portion 735 that supports the bottom of the rear cover 720, four mounting sleeves 732 for screwing the speaker 710 and the rear cover 720 to the front door 102, a disc - shaped sound hole plate 734 attached inside the frame support portion 731, and the like. The detailed configuration of the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base) will be described later with reference to Fig. 36.

[0554] <Speaker mounting structure (first modification example) / Speaker, rear cover> Next, with reference to Figs. 34 and 35, the speaker 710 and the rear cover 720 that constitute the speaker unit 700 according to the first modification example will be described in detail.

[0555] Fig. 34(a) is a side view of the rear cover 720, Fig. 34(b) is a top view of the rear cover 720. Fig. 34(c) is a side view of the speaker 710, and Fig. 34(d) is a top view of the speaker 710. Fig. 35(a) is a top view of the speaker unit 700, and Fig. 35(b) is a cross - sectional view taken along the line B - B of the speaker unit 700 shown in Fig. 35(a).

[0556] <Speaker mounting structure (first modification example) / Speaker> The speaker 710 (first member) is a cone-type dynamic speaker, which generally consists of a voice coil and a magnet, as shown in FIGS. 34(c) and 35(b). It has an electromagnetic circuit 711 (electrical component) that vibrates a diaphragm 713 described later in response to an electrical signal, a frame 712 that supports this electromagnetic circuit 711, a diaphragm 713 that vibrates to generate sound, a flange 714 to which this diaphragm 713 is fixedly arranged so as to be vibratable, a pair of lead terminals 716 respectively arranged on the right side and the left side in a top view of the upper surface of this flange 714, and a lead wire (wiring) 717 detachably connected to this lead terminal 716.

[0557] The frame 712 is a cylindrical metal ring frame that expands slightly forward. A plurality of openings 715 (see FIG. 33) for discharging the air around the diaphragm 713 are formed along the circumferential direction on the side surface. That is, on the side surface of the frame 712, a plurality of openings 715 are formed along the circumferential direction, and between the openings 715, a support column 712a (see FIG. 33) is formed along the front-rear direction. The diaphragm 713 is formed in a cone shape that opens forward using a flexible material such as paper, for example.

[0558] As shown in FIG. 34(d), dedicated screw holes 716a (first through holes) for screwing the speaker 710 to the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base) are respectively formed at the upper left corner and the lower right corner of the outer end portion of the flange 714. Also, common screw holes 716b (second through holes) for screwing the speaker 710 and the back cover 720 to the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base) are respectively formed at the lower left corner and the upper right corner of the outer end portion of the flange 714.

[0559] In this example, two dedicated screw holes 716a (first through holes) are arranged diagonally (at the vertices of the diagonal ends) at the upper left corner and the lower right corner on the outer edge of the flange 714, and two shared screw holes 716b (second through holes) are arranged diagonally (at the vertices of the diagonal ends) at the lower left corner and the upper right corner on the outer edge of the flange 714. As a result, the dedicated screw holes 716a (first through holes) and the shared screw holes 716b (second through holes) are alternately arranged at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the flange 714.

[0560] In other words, as shown in FIG. 34(d), when a plurality of dedicated screw holes 716a (first through holes) and the shared screw holes 716b (second through holes) adjacent to both sides of these plurality of dedicated screw holes 716a (first through holes) are connected by a virtual straight line VL, a virtual quadrilateral VQ is formed. The plurality of dedicated screw holes 716a (first through holes) are arranged on the diagonal line (at the vertices of the diagonal ends) of the virtual quadrilateral VQ, and the plurality of shared screw holes 716b (second through holes) are configured to be arranged on the diagonal line (at the vertices of the diagonal ends) of the virtual quadrilateral VQ.

[0561] Also, paying attention to the distance between the dedicated screw hole 716a (first through hole) and the shared screw hole 716b (second through hole), as shown in FIG. 34(d), the shortest distance L1 from the dedicated screw hole 716a (first through hole) arranged at the upper left corner to one through hole of the shared screw holes 716b (second through holes) (for example, the shared screw hole 716b arranged at the upper right corner) and the shortest distance L2 from the dedicated screw hole 716a (first through hole) arranged at the upper left corner to another through hole of the second through hole of the shared screw holes 716b (second through holes) different from the one through hole (for example, the shared screw hole 716b arranged at the lower left corner) are substantially the same.

[0562] According to this example, when the speaker 710 (first member) is fixed to the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base) of the front door 102 using the dedicated screw holes 716a (first through holes) for positioning, or when only the rear cover 720 (second member) is removed from the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base), the speaker 710 (first member) can be stably fixed, improving safety and workability.

[0563] <Speaker mounting structure (Modification 1) / Rear cover> Next, the rear cover 720 (second member) will be described in detail.

[0564] The rear cover 720 (second member) is a colored transparent resin member capable of accommodating the speaker 710 (first member) inside, and is a member made of a material that allows the speaker 710 (first member) to be visually recognized from the outside when the speaker 710 (first member) is accommodated inside.

[0565] According to this example, since at least a part of the speaker 710 (first member) can be visually recognized through the rear cover 720 (second member), the fixing position of the speaker 710 (first member) with respect to the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base), the positional relationship between the speaker 710 (first member) and the rear cover 720 (second member), etc. can be visually confirmed, and the convenience in the member mounting work can be improved.

[0566] Note that the rear cover 720 (second member) only needs to be a member having permeability, and its material is not limited to colored transparent resin. For example, it may be colorless transparent (or translucent) plastic, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, glass, metal, etc.

[0567] As shown in FIGS. 34(a) and (b), the rear cover 720 is formed with a circular cover portion 721 that covers the rear end of the speaker 710 on the rear side, and is provided with a cylindrical side wall portion 722 that gradually expands rearward with this cover portion 721 as the base end.

[0568] The cover part 721 is formed with a plurality of rectangular ventilation holes 725 which are openings for discharging the air around the electromagnetic circuit 711 of the speaker 710, and a predetermined display 726 (in this example, part number and material) is provided above in a top view. The display mode of the predetermined display 726 is not particularly limited, but in this example, on the surface of the cover part 721, a part number display representing the part number of the back cover 720 (in this example, the display of the character string "SPxxxx") and a material display representing the material of the back cover 720 (in this example, the display of the character string "PC") are engraved.

[0569] According to this example, since the predetermined display 726 is provided on the back cover 720, the correct orientation (mounting direction) of the back cover 720 can be easily identified by the orientation of this predetermined display 726, and the convenience during the mounting of the back cover 720 and the like can be improved.

[0570] Also, as shown in FIG. 34(b), the back cover 720 includes two protruding pieces 723a protruding outward from the outer edge of the side wall portion 722 and two protruding pieces 723b with screw holes.

[0571] In this example, the two protruding pieces 723a are arranged diagonally (at the vertices of the diagonal ends) at the upper left corner and the lower right corner at the outer edge of the side wall portion 722, and the two protruding pieces 723b with screw holes are arranged diagonally (at the vertices of the diagonal ends) at the lower left corner and the upper right corner at the outer edge of the side wall portion 722. Thereby, the protruding pieces 723a and the protruding pieces 723b with screw holes are alternately arranged at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the side wall portion 722.

[0572] In other words, as shown in FIG. 34(b), when the vertices of the plurality of protruding pieces 723a and the protruding pieces 723b with screw holes adjacent to both sides of these plurality of protruding pieces 723a are connected by an imaginary straight line VL2, an imaginary quadrilateral VQ2 is formed. The plurality of protruding pieces 723a are arranged on the diagonal line (at the vertices of the diagonal ends) of the imaginary quadrilateral VQ2, and the plurality of protruding pieces 723b with screw holes are configured to be arranged on the diagonal line (at the vertices of the diagonal ends) of the imaginary quadrilateral VQ2.

[0573] On the protruding pieces 723b with screw holes disposed diagonally (at the vertices at the ends of the diagonal line) at the lower left corner and the upper right corner, screw holes 724 (third through holes) for screwing the speaker 710 and the rear cover 720 integrally to the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base) are respectively formed at positions slightly eccentric toward the cover portion 721 side (the center side of the rear cover 720) from the center of the protruding pieces 723b with screw holes.

[0574] With such a configuration, by fastening the common screw holes 716b (second through holes) of the speaker 710 and the screw holes 724 (third through holes) of the rear cover 720 to the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base) with screws 740 (fixing means; see FIG. 33), the speaker unit 700 is integrated and fixed to the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base). Note that the method of attaching the speaker unit 700 will be described later.

[0575] Around the screw holes 724 (third through holes) in the protruding pieces 723b with screw holes, thin screw hole identification recesses 724a formed of annular recesses having an outer diameter larger than that of the screw holes 724 are formed. Due to the screw hole identification recesses 724a formed around the screw holes 724, the wall thickness around the screw holes 724 (third through holes) of the rear cover 720 is formed thinner than the wall thickness of other portions of the rear cover 720.

[0576] According to this example, when positioning the rear cover 720 (second member), the presence of the protruding pieces 723b with screw holes can easily recognize the fixing positions (screw holes 724 (third through holes)) of the rear cover 720 (second member), and the protruding pieces 723b with screw holes can also function as reinforcement for the portions (screw hole identification recesses 724a) where the wall thickness around the screw holes 724 (third through holes) is formed thin.

[0577] Also, on the side wall portion 722, screw hole identification grooves 722a formed of linear grooves communicating with the screw hole identification recesses 724a and extending from the lower side to the upper side of the side wall portion 722 are formed.

[0578] That is, in this example, around the screw hole 724 (third through hole), a screw hole identification recess 724a and a screw hole identification groove 722a are formed, so that the screw hole 724 (third through hole) can be identified.

[0579] According to this example, at least one of the dedicated screw hole 716a (first through hole), the shared screw hole 716b (second through hole), and the screw hole 724 (third through hole) (in this example, the screw hole 724 (third through hole)) is configured to be identifiable. Therefore, it can be easily determined whether each through hole is a through hole used when fixing only the first member as a base, or a through hole used when fixing both the first member and the second member as a base, and the efficiency of the member mounting work can be improved. Also, using the through hole type as a clue, the correct orientation (mounting direction) of the back cover 720 can be easily identified, and the convenience during the mounting of the back cover 720 and the like can be enhanced.

[0580] Note that in this example, as a configuration for making the screw hole 724 (third through hole) identifiable, an example of forming a screw hole identification recess 724a and a screw hole identification groove 722a near the screw hole 724 (third through hole) is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only one of the screw hole identification recess 724a and the screw hole identification groove 722a may be formed, or a seal or the like capable of identifying the screw hole 724 (third through hole) may be attached near the screw hole 724 (third through hole), or a display, printing, engraving, etc. capable of identifying the screw hole 724 (third through hole) may be performed.

[0581] Also, on a member other than the back cover 720 (second member) (for example, the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base) or the speaker 710 (first member)), a portion capable of identifying the screw hole 724 (third through hole) may be formed, a seal or the like capable of identifying the screw hole 724 (third through hole) may be attached, or a display, printing, engraving, etc. capable of identifying the screw hole 724 (third through hole) may be performed.

[0582] Also, although a configuration has been exemplified in which the screw holes 724 (third through holes) of the back cover 720 can be identified, alternatively (or in addition), a configuration may be adopted in which the dedicated screw holes 716a (first through holes) of the speaker 710 (first member), and / or the common screw holes 716b (second through holes) can be identified.

[0583] Therefore, for example, at least one of the dedicated screw holes 716a (first through holes), the common screw holes 716b (second through holes), and the screw holes 724 (third through holes) is formed at a distinguishable portion on the mounting sleeve 732 of the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base), or a seal or the like at which at least one through hole is distinguishable is attached, or a display, printing, engraving, or the like at which at least one through hole is distinguishable is applied. Also, at the flange 714 of the speaker 710 (first member), a distinguishable portion for the dedicated screw holes 716a (first through holes), and / or the common screw holes 716b (second through holes) is formed, a seal or the like at which the dedicated screw holes 716a (first through holes), and / or the common screw holes 716b (second through holes) are distinguishable is attached, or a display, printing, engraving, or the like at which the dedicated screw holes 716a (first through holes), and / or the common screw holes 716b (second through holes) are distinguishable is applied.

[0584] Further, by making the shape of the protruding piece 723b with a screw hole of the back cover 720 different from the shape of the protruding piece 723a, it may be made distinguishable that the through hole formed in the protruding piece 723b with a screw hole is a through hole used when fixing both the speaker 710 (first member) and the back cover 720 (second member) to the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base). Conversely, by making the shape of the protruding piece 723a of the back cover 720 different from the shape of the protruding piece 723b with a screw hole, it may be made distinguishable that the through hole of the speaker 710 covered by the protruding piece 723a is a through hole used when fixing only the speaker 710 (first member) to the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base).

[0585] With such a configuration, based on the shape of the protruding piece of the back cover 720, it becomes possible to visually identify the role of the through hole, and the work efficiency can be improved.

[0586] In addition, the protruding pieces 723a arranged diagonally (at the vertices of the diagonal ends) at the upper left corner and the lower right corner of the back cover 720 are parts having a two-step stepped shape with a greater thickness from the bottom surface of the back cover 720 than the protruding pieces 723b with screw holes, as shown in the side view of Fig. 34(a). Inside the protruding piece 723a, a screw accommodation space 723a1 having a size capable of accommodating a part (head) of the screw 740 is formed.

[0587] With such a configuration, by fastening the dedicated screw hole 716a (first through hole) of the speaker 710 to the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base) with the screw 740, after fixing only the speaker 710 to the speaker pedestal portion 730, even when the back cover 720 is positioned against the back of the speaker 710, the head of the screw 740 attached to the dedicated screw hole 716a of the speaker 710 is accommodated in the screw accommodation space 723a1, so that the screw 740 does not interfere with the back cover 720, and the back cover 720 can be securely attached to the back of the speaker 710.

[0588] In addition, the back cover 720 (second member) has a point-symmetric shape and can be attached to the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base) even when rotated 180 degrees, so that the attachment work of the back cover 720 (second member) can be facilitated.

[0589] As described above, since a predetermined display 726 is provided on the back cover 720, when attaching the back cover 720 to the speaker pedestal portion 730, it is preferable to attach it in a regular orientation with the side having the predetermined display 726 facing up so that the predetermined display 726 is easily visible. However, even when the back cover 720 is rotated 180 degrees from the regular orientation and the orientation of the predetermined display 726 is reversed, it can still be attached to the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base).

[0590] As shown in Fig. 34(b), box-shaped spaces 722S (space parts) for housing a pair of lead terminals 716 and guiding lead wires 717 to the outside of the speaker unit 700 are formed to project from the right and left outer edges of the upper surface of the rear cover 720, respectively.

[0591] As shown in Figs. 34(a) and (b), this box-shaped space 722S (space part) is composed of a first space part 722S1 in the shape of a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped extending from the upper part of the side wall part 722 to the vicinity of the lower part of the side wall part 722 with the upper part of the side wall part 722 as the base end, and a second space part 722S2 in the shape of a horizontally long rectangular parallelepiped communicating with the first space part 722S1 and having a width slightly larger than the width of the first space part 722S1. The first space part 722S1 and the second space part 722S2 are arranged on the radially outer side of the rear cover 720 (second member) with respect to the screw hole 724 (third through hole).

[0592] With such a configuration, in a state where the speaker 710 (first member) and the rear cover 720 (second member) are fixed to the speaker pedestal part 730 (base), a space is formed between the speaker 710 (first member) and the rear cover 720 (second member). As shown in Fig. 35(b), the lead wire 717 (wiring) of the speaker 710 can be drawn out to the outside of the speaker 710 (first member) and the rear cover 720 (second member) through the space.

[0593] According to this example, even when a part of the speaker 710 (first member) is covered by the rear cover 720 (second member), the lead wire 717 (wiring) of the speaker 710 (first member) can be drawn out to the outside, and the degree of freedom in design can be increased.

[0594] In addition, when fixing the rear cover 720 (second member) to the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base), since a wider area can be taken for the region other than the portion where the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base) and the rear cover 720 (second member) come into contact (around the through-hole), it is possible to prevent a situation where wiring is pinched between the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base) and the rear cover 720 (second member).

[0595] In addition, the horizontally long rectangular parallelepiped-shaped second space portion 722S2 can secure a wide area when drawing out wiring from between the rear cover 720 (second member) and the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base). Moreover, by partially restricting the area for guiding the wiring with the vertically long rectangular parallelepiped-shaped first space portion 722S1, the wiring of the speaker 710 can be smoothly guided to the second space portion 722S2, and it is possible to prevent the wiring from approaching the vicinity of the through-hole when the rear cover 720 (second member) is fixed, which would interfere with the mounting work.

[0596] In this example, an example in which two box-shaped spaces (space portions) 722S are formed in the rear cover 720 is shown. However, the number of box-shaped spaces (space portions) 722S is not limited to this example. When the speaker 710 has only one lead terminal, only one box-shaped space (space portion) 722S capable of accommodating this lead terminal may be formed. Also, a notch recess or the like for leading the lead wire to the outside may be formed below the box-shaped space (space portion) 722S.

[0597] <Speaker mounting structure (Modification 1) / Speaker pedestal portion> Next, the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 36.

[0598] FIGS. 36(a) to (d) are diagrams showing an example of the speaker unit 700 mounting method in chronological order, and FIG. (a) thereof is a diagram showing the speaker pedestal portion 730 with the sound hole plate 734 removed.

[0599] As described with reference to FIG. 33, the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base) includes an annular frame support portion 731 that supports the frame 714 of the speaker 710, a cylindrical cover support portion 735 that supports the bottom of the rear cover 720, four mounting sleeves 732 (732a, 732b) for screwing the speaker 710 and the rear cover 720 to the front door 102, and a disc-shaped sound hole plate 734 attached inside the frame support portion 731.

[0600] As shown in FIG. 36(a), the sound hole plate 734 is formed with a plurality of circular sound holes 734a for outputting the sound of the speaker 710, and at the outer edge of the sound hole plate 734, four locking portions 734b that can be locked to the sound hole plate locking portion 736 of the frame support portion 731 are formed along the circumferential direction at a predetermined interval.

[0601] On the other hand, inside the frame support portion 731, four sound hole plate locking portions 736 to which the locking portions 734b of the sound hole plate 734 can be locked are formed at a predetermined interval along the inner circumference of the frame support portion 731. Also, the height of the frame support portion 731 (the height from the back surface of the front door 102) is designed to be higher than the maximum vibration width of the diaphragm 713 so as not to inhibit the vibration of the diaphragm 713 of the speaker 710.

[0602] The sound hole plate 734 has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the frame support portion 731. After being fitted inside the frame support portion 731, the four locking portions 734b are respectively locked to the four sound hole plate locking portions 736, and thus, as shown in FIG. 36(b), it is fixed inside the frame support portion 731.

[0603] Among the four mounting sleeves 732, the first mounting sleeve 732a arranged at the upper left corner and the lower right corner in a top view is a mounting sleeve to which the dedicated screw hole 716a (first through hole) of the speaker 710 is fastened by a screw 740, as shown in FIG. 36(c).

[0604] On one side, among the four mounting sleeves 732, the second mounting sleeve 732b disposed at the lower left corner and the upper right corner in top view is a mounting sleeve in which the common screw hole 716b (second through hole) of the speaker 710 and the screw hole 724 (third through hole) of the back cover 720 are fastened by screws 740, as shown in FIG. 36(d).

[0605] Outside the frame support portion 731, a rectangular first rectangular boss 737a is erected so as to surround the periphery of the first mounting sleeve 732a, and a rectangular second rectangular boss 737b is erected so as to surround the periphery of the second mounting sleeve 732b. Further, in the vicinity of the first mounting sleeve 732a disposed at the upper left corner and the lower right corner in top view, an arcuate through-hole identification boss 738 is erected.

[0606] This through-hole identification boss 738 is a boss erected to identify that among the four mounting sleeves 732, two first mounting sleeves 732a are mounting sleeves fastened to the dedicated screw holes 716a (first through holes) of the speaker 710, and it is not formed in the vicinity of the second mounting sleeve 732b.

[0607] According to this example, since the through-hole identification boss 738 is erected in the vicinity of two of the four mounting sleeves 732, that is, the first mounting sleeves 732a, using this through-hole identification boss 738 as a clue, it is possible to attach the speaker 710 and the back cover 720 to the speaker pedestal portion 730 in the correct orientation, preventing work mistakes and improving work efficiency.

[0608] Furthermore, between the first rectangular boss 737a disposed at the upper left corner in top view and the second rectangular boss 737b disposed at the lower left corner in top view, and between the second rectangular boss 737b disposed at the upper right corner in top view and the first rectangular boss 737a disposed at the lower right corner in top view, arcuate mounting direction identification bosses 739 are respectively erected.

[0609] This mounting direction identification boss 739 is a boss erected to enable identification of the mounting direction of the speaker 710 and the rear cover 720, and is a boss not formed between the first rectangular boss 737a arranged at the upper left corner in top view and the second rectangular boss 737b arranged at the upper right corner in top view, and between the second rectangular boss 737b arranged at the lower left corner in top view and the first rectangular boss 737a arranged at the lower right corner in top view.

[0610] According to this example, since the mounting direction identification boss 739 capable of identifying the mounting direction of the speaker 710 and the rear cover 720 is erected, when attaching the speaker 710 to the speaker pedestal portion 730, by aligning the position of the lead terminal 716 of the speaker 710 with the mounting direction identification boss 739, the speaker 710 can be attached to the speaker pedestal portion 730 in the correct orientation. When attaching the rear cover 720 to the speaker pedestal portion 730, by aligning the box-shaped space 722S of the rear cover 720 with the mounting direction identification boss 739, the rear cover 720 can be attached to the speaker pedestal portion 730 in the correct orientation, thereby preventing work mistakes when attaching the speaker 710 and the rear cover 720 and improving work efficiency.

[0611] <Speaker Mounting Structure (Modification Example 1) / Mounting Method> Next, the mounting method of the speaker unit 700 will be described with reference to FIG. 36.

[0612] When attaching the speaker unit 700 to the speaker pedestal portion 730, first, as shown in FIGS. 36(b) and (c), after attaching the speaker 710 to the speaker pedestal portion 730, next, as shown in FIGS. 36(c) and (d), attach the rear cover 720 to the speaker pedestal portion 730.

[0613] More specifically, when attaching the speaker 710 to the speaker pedestal portion 730, align the dedicated screw holes 716a of the speaker 710 with the through-hole identification boss 738 and the first rectangular boss 737a of the speaker pedestal portion 730 as a guide, and align the position of the lead terminal 716 of the speaker 710 with the attachment direction identification boss 739, thereby positioning the speaker 710 with respect to the speaker pedestal portion 730.

[0614] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 36(c), overlap the two dedicated screw holes 716a of the speaker 710 with the holes of the attachment sleeve 732a of the speaker pedestal portion 730 and fasten them with screws 740, thereby attaching only the speaker 710 to the speaker pedestal portion 730.

[0615] Note that the speaker 710 has a substantially point-symmetric shape and can be attached to the speaker pedestal portion 730 even when rotated 180 degrees, so the attachment operation of the speaker 710 can be facilitated.

[0616] In addition, since the lead terminal 716 and the lead wire 717 of the speaker 710 are configured to be detachable, even when the wiring of the lead wire 717 up to the speaker pedestal portion 730 is completed, it is possible to rotate the speaker 710 by 180 degrees, attach it to the speaker pedestal portion 730, and then connect the lead terminal 716 and the lead wire 717 later. Even when the speaker 710 is attached to the speaker pedestal portion 730, it is possible to change the wiring of the lead wire 717 and connect the lead terminal 716 and the lead wire 717 later.

[0617] Next, when attaching the rear cover 720 to the speaker pedestal portion 730, after recognizing the screw holes 724 of the rear cover 720 using the screw hole identification recess 724a and the screw hole identification groove 722a as guides, align the second rectangular boss 737b of the speaker pedestal portion 730 as a guide with the second mounting sleeve 732b. While aligning the position of the box-shaped space 722S of the rear cover 720 with the mounting direction identification boss 739, cover the rear surface of the speaker 710 with the rear cover 720 to position the rear cover 720 with respect to the speaker pedestal portion 730.

[0618] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 36(d), align the screw holes 724 of the rear cover 720 with the common screw holes 716b of the speaker 710 and the holes of the mounting sleeve 732b of the speaker pedestal portion 730, and fasten them with screws 740 to attach the rear cover 720 to the speaker pedestal portion 730. Thereby, the speaker unit 700 is integrated and fixed to the back surface of the front door 102.

[0619] According to this example, when fixing the speaker 710 and the rear cover 720 to the speaker pedestal portion 730 with screws 740, it is possible to fix them at once with a single screw 740 through the common screw holes 716b of the speaker 710 and the screw holes 724 of the rear cover 720. Therefore, the member attachment work can be simplified compared to the prior art. Also, since it is possible to fix the rear cover 720 to the speaker pedestal portion 730 with the speaker 710 fixed and positioned to the base using the dedicated screw holes 716a, there is no need to position two members simultaneously, and the work efficiency can be improved.

[0620] Note that the rear cover 720 has a substantially point-symmetric shape and can be attached to the speaker pedestal portion 730 with the lead terminals 716 and the lead wires 717 of the speaker 710 accommodated in the box-shaped space 722S even when rotated 180 degrees. Therefore, the attachment work of the rear cover 720 can be facilitated.

[0621] In addition, when the speaker unit 700 is correctly attached and the speaker 710 (first member) is covered with the back cover 720 (second member), as shown in FIG. 36(d), since the dedicated screw hole 716a (first through hole) in the speaker 710 (first member) is configured to be covered by the protruding piece 723a (a certain part) of the back cover 720 (second member), it can be visually confirmed that there is no need to use the dedicated screw hole 716a when fixing the back cover 720. Moreover, the positioning of the back cover 720 (second member) with respect to the speaker 710 (first member) can be easily performed, and the attachment work of the second member can be carried out reliably.

[0622] Furthermore, since a screw accommodation space 723a1 (accommodation space) having a predetermined space is formed in the protruding piece 723a (a certain part) of the back cover 720 (second member), even when the back cover 720 is positioned with respect to the back of the speaker 710, the head of the screw 740 (fixing means) attached to the dedicated screw hole 716a (first through hole) of the speaker 710 (first member) is accommodated in the screw accommodation space 723a1 (space part). Therefore, the screw 740 (fixing means) does not interfere with the back cover 720 (second member), and the back cover 720 (second member) can be reliably attached to the back of the speaker 710 (first member).

[0623] In particular, when a screw is used as the fixing means, if the tightening of the screw is loose when the speaker 710 (first member) is fixed to the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base), the head of the screw may protrude more than necessary from the dedicated screw hole 716a (first through hole). However, since the back cover 720 (second member) is formed with a screw accommodation space 723a1 (accommodation space) capable of accommodating at least a part of the screw 740 (fixing means), the risk of interference between the back cover 720 (second member) and the head of the screw can be avoided.

[0624] In addition, since the wall thickness around the screw hole 724 of the back cover 720 is formed thinner than the wall thickness of other parts of the back cover 720, the stroke amount of the screw 740 (fixing means) that fastens both the common screw hole 716b (second through hole) of the speaker 710 (first member) and the screw hole 724 (third through hole) of the back cover 720 (second member) can be reduced, improving work efficiency. Moreover, since a part of the head of the screw 740 (fixing means) can be accommodated in the screw hole identification recess 724a formed around the third through hole, the screw 740 (fixing means) can be made difficult to come off, and the speaker 710 (first member) and the back cover 720 (second member) can be stably fixed to the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base). Also, the screw hole identification recess 724a (around the third through hole) functions as a positioning means when attaching the screw 740 (fixing means).

[0625] Furthermore, when attaching the speaker 710 and the back cover 720, a common screw 740 (a screw with the same length and thickness) can be used, eliminating the need to distinguish between multiple types of screws, improving convenience, preventing screw attachment errors, and enabling secure attachment of the members.

[0626] Note that when attaching the speaker 710 and the back cover 720 using a common screw 740, the length of the screw 740 needs to be at least as long as the sum of the thickness of the screw hole 724 of the back cover 720 and the thickness of the common screw hole 716b of the speaker 710.

[0627] Therefore, when using the common screw 740 to fasten the dedicated screw hole 716a of the speaker 710, the length of the screw becomes excessive by the thickness of the back cover 720. However, in this example, since the screw 740 attached to the dedicated screw hole 716a of the speaker 710 is configured to be accommodated in the screw accommodation space 723a1, the screw 740 does not interfere with the back cover 720. Moreover, by covering the screw 740 with the screw accommodation space 723a1, deterioration of the screw 740 and improper acts against the screw 740 can be prevented.

[0628] As shown in FIG. 36(d), when the rear cover 720 is attached to the speaker pedestal portion 730, the bottom of the rear cover 720 is configured to be supported not only by the four mounting sleeves 732 but also by a cylindrical cover support portion 735 disposed on the right side in a top view. That is, when the speaker 710 (first member) and the rear cover 720 (second member) are fixed to the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base), a part of the rear cover 720 (second member) abuts against the mounting sleeves 732 and the cover support portion 735 of the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base), and a space is formed between the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base) and the rear cover 720 (second member).

[0629] Also, as described with reference to FIG. 35(b), even when the speaker 710 (first member) is covered with the rear cover 720 (second member), a space is formed between the speaker 710 (first member) and the rear cover 720 (second member).

[0630] With such a configuration, spaces are formed between the speaker pedestal portion 730 (base) and the rear cover 720 (second member), and between the speaker 710 (first member) and the rear cover 720 (second member), and the lead wire 717 (wiring) of the speaker 710 can be drawn out to the outside of the speaker 710 (first member) and the rear cover 720 (second member) through these spaces.

[0631] <Summary of the speaker mounting structure (Modification 1)> As described above, the gaming table according to the present embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes a first member (for example, the speaker 710 shown in FIGS. 33, 34(c), and 34(d)) that can be fixed to a base (for example, the speaker pedestal portion 730 shown in FIGS. 33 and 36), and a second member (for example, the back cover 620 shown in FIGS. 33, 34(a), and 34(b)) that can cover at least a part of the first member. The first member includes a first through hole (for example, the dedicated screw hole 716a shown in FIG. 34(d)) and a plurality of second through holes (for example, the common screw holes 716b shown in FIG. 34(d)) different from the first through hole. The second member includes a plurality of third through holes (for example, the screw holes 724 shown in FIG. 34(b)). The first through hole is a through hole used when fixing the first member of the first member and the second member to the base. The second through hole and the third through hole are through holes used when fixing both the first member and the second member to the base. The first through hole and the plurality of second through holes are arranged in the order of the second through hole, the first through hole, and the second through hole on the outer peripheral portion of the first member. A convex portion (for example, the protruding piece 723b with a screw hole shown in FIG. 34(b)) is formed near the third through hole in the second member, and a concave portion (for example, the screw hole identification groove 722a shown in FIG. 34(b)) is formed in the convex portion near the third through hole. The gaming table is characterized by this.

[0632] According to the gaming table according to this embodiment, when fixing the first member and the second member to the base, it is possible to fix them at once through the second through hole of the first member and the third through hole of the second member. Therefore, the member attachment work can be simplified compared to the prior art, and the two first members and the second member can be stably fixed. Further, since the second member can be fixed to the base in a state where the first member is fixed to the base using the first through hole and positioned, it is not necessary to position the two members simultaneously, and the work efficiency can be improved. Further, since the first through hole and the plurality of second through holes are arranged in the order of the second through hole, the first through hole, and the second through hole on the outer peripheral portion of the first member, the two first members and the second member can be stably fixed by the second through holes arranged on both sides of the first through hole. Further, a convex portion is formed in the vicinity of the third through hole in the second member, and a concave portion is formed in the convex portion in the vicinity of the third through hole (that is, the third through hole is provided with identification means that can be identified). Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether each through hole is a through hole used when fixing to the base or a through hole used when fixing both the first member and the second member to the base, and the efficiency of the member attachment work can be improved.

[0633] Further, each of the plurality of second through holes may be provided at an outer end portion of the second member.

[0634] With such a configuration, the second member can be stably fixed to the base.

[0635] Further, a portion (for example, the first attachment sleeve 732a, the second attachment sleeve 732b, and the frame support portion 731 shown in FIG. 36(b)) capable of positioning the first member may be formed on the base.

[0636] With such a configuration, even when the second member is removed from the base, the first member can be stably fixed to the base.

[0637] Also, the shortest distance from the first through-hole to one of the plurality of second through-holes (for example, the shortest distance L1 shown in FIG. 34(d)) and the shortest distance from the first through-hole to another through-hole among the plurality of second through-holes (for example, the shortest distance L2 shown in FIG. 34(d)) may be substantially the same.

[0638] With such a configuration, the first member can be stably fixed to the base, enhancing safety and workability.

[0639] Here, "substantially the same" is not limited to the case where the shortest distance from the first through-hole to one of the plurality of second through-holes and the shortest distance from the first through-hole to another through-hole among the plurality of second through-holes are "identical", but includes the case where the shortest distances of both are "substantially identical" (for example, when the ratio of the shortest distances is 4:6 or 6:4, or when the first through-hole is disposed substantially at the center between the second through-holes disposed on both sides thereof, etc.).

[0640] Also, depending on the shape, weight, etc. of the first member, the shortest distances of both may be made different. For example, the first through-hole may be between the second through-holes disposed on both sides thereof and near the center of gravity position of the first member. When the first member has a polygonal shape, the second through-hole may be disposed at a position in a diagonal relationship (vertices at the ends of the diagonal) in the first member, or may be disposed at a position not in a diagonal relationship in the first member, or may be disposed near a vertex angle, or may be disposed along a side, or may be disposed at a position other than the outer edge.

[0641] Further, the first member is a member including an electrical component (e.g., the electromagnetic circuit 711 shown in FIG. 36(b)) to which a wiring (e.g., the lead wire 717 shown in FIG. 36(b)) is connected. In a state where the first member and the second member are fixed to the base, a space is formed between the first member and the second member, and the wiring may be configured to be drawn out to the outside of the first member and the second member through the space.

[0642] With such a configuration, even when a part of the first member is covered by the second member, the wiring of the first member can be drawn out to the outside, and the degree of freedom in design can be increased.

[0643] Further, the gaming table (e.g., the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) according to the present embodiment includes a first member (e.g., the speaker 710 shown in FIGS. 33 and 34(c), (d)) that can be fixed to a base (e.g., the speaker pedestal portion 730 shown in FIGS. 33 and 36), and a second member (e.g., the back cover 620 shown in FIGS. 33 and 34(a), (b)) that can cover at least a part of the first member. The first member includes a first through hole (e.g., the dedicated screw hole 716a shown in FIG. 34(d)) and a plurality of second through holes (e.g., the common screw holes 716b shown in FIG. 34(d)) different from the first through hole. The second member includes a plurality of third through holes (e.g., the screw holes 724 shown in FIG. 34(b)). The first through hole is a through hole used when fixing the first member of the first member and the second member to the base. The second through hole and the third through hole are through holes used when fixing both the first member and the second member to the base. The first through hole and the plurality of second through holes are alternately arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the first member. A convex portion (e.g., the protruding piece 723b with a screw hole shown in FIG. 34(b)) is formed in the vicinity of the third through hole in the second member, and a concave portion (e.g., the screw hole identification groove 722a shown in FIG. 34(b)) is formed in the convex portion in the vicinity of the third through hole. The gaming table is characterized by this.

[0644] According to the gaming table according to the present embodiment, when fixing the first member and the second member to the base, it is possible to fix them at once through the second through hole of the first member and the third through hole of the second member. Therefore, the member mounting work can be simplified compared to the prior art, and the two first members and the second member can be stably fixed. Further, since it is possible to fix the second member to the base in a state where the first member is fixed and positioned on the base using the first through hole, there is no need to position the two members at the same time, and the work efficiency can be improved. Further, since the first through hole and the plurality of second through holes are arranged in the order of the second through hole, the first through hole, and the second through hole on the outer peripheral portion of the first member, the two first members and the second member can be stably fixed by the second through holes arranged on both sides of the first through hole. Further, a convex portion is formed in the vicinity of the third through hole in the second member, and a concave portion is formed in the convex portion in the vicinity of the third through hole (that is, the third through hole is provided with identification means that can be identified). Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether it is a through hole used when fixing to the base or a through hole used when fixing both the first member and the second member to the base, and the efficiency of the member mounting work can be improved.

[0645] In addition, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes a first member (for example, the speaker 710 shown in FIGS. 33, 34(c), and 34(d)) that can be fixed to a base (for example, the speaker pedestal portion 730 shown in FIGS. 33 and 36), and a second member (for example, the back cover 620 shown in FIGS. 33, 34(a), and 34(b)) that can cover at least a part of the first member. The first member includes a first through-hole (for example, the dedicated screw hole 716a shown in FIG. 34(d)) and a plurality of second through-holes (for example, the common screw holes 716b shown in FIG. 34(d)) different from the first through-hole. The second member includes a plurality of third through-holes (for example, the screw holes 724 shown in FIG. 34(b)). The first through-hole is a through-hole used when fixing the first member of the first member and the second member to the base. The second through-hole and the third through-hole are through-holes used when fixing both the first member and the second member to the base. The first through-hole and the plurality of second through-holes are arranged in the order of the second through-hole, the first through-hole, and the second through-hole on the outer peripheral portion of the first member. In a state where the first member and the second member are fixed to the base, the first through-hole of the first member is configured to be covered by a certain part of the second member (for example, the protruding piece 723a of the back cover 720 shown in FIG. 36(d)). The gaming machine is characterized by this.

[0646] According to the gaming table according to this embodiment, when fixing the first member and the second member to the base, it is possible to fix them at once through the second through-hole of the first member and the third through-hole of the second member. Therefore, the member mounting work can be simplified compared to the prior art, and the two first members and the second member can be stably fixed. Further, since the second member can be fixed to the base in a state where the first member is fixed and positioned on the base using the first through-hole, there is no need to position the two members at the same time, and the work efficiency can be improved. Further, since the first through-hole and the plurality of second through-holes are arranged in the order of the second through-hole, the first through-hole, and the second through-hole on the outer peripheral portion of the first member, the two first members and the second member can be stably fixed by the second through-holes arranged on both sides of the first through-hole. Further, since the first through-hole of the first member is configured to be covered by a certain portion of the second member in a state where the first member and the second member are fixed to the base, it can be visually confirmed that there is no need to use the first through-hole when fixing the second member. In addition, the positioning of the second member with respect to the first member can be easily performed, and the mounting work of the second member can be surely performed.

[0647] Further, the first member and the second member are configured to be fixable (or fixed) to the base by fixing means (for example, the screw 740 shown in FIGS. 33 and 36), and at the certain portion, a storage space (for example, the screw storage space 723a1 shown in FIG. 34(a)) capable of storing at least a part of the fixing means may be formed.

[0648] With such a configuration, since a part of the fixing means attached to the first through-hole of the first member is accommodated in the accommodation space, the fixing means does not interfere with the second member, and the second member can be reliably attached to the back surface of the first member. In particular, when a screw is used as the fixing means, if the tightening of the screw is loose when the first member is fixed to the base, the head of the screw may protrude from the first through-hole more than necessary. However, since the second member is formed with an accommodation space capable of accommodating at least a part of the fixing means, the risk of interference between the second member and the head of the screw can be avoided.

[0649] Further, after fixing the first through-hole of the first member to the base by the fixing means, the third through-hole of the second member may be positioned with respect to the second through-hole of the first member, and the second through-hole of the first member and the third through-hole of the second member may be configured to be fixable (or fixed) to the base by the fixing means.

[0650] With such a configuration, for example, when a screw is used as the fixing means, if the tightening of the screw is loose when the first member is fixed to the base, the head of the screw may protrude from the first through-hole more than necessary. However, since the second member is formed with an accommodation space capable of accommodating at least a part of the fixing means, the risk of interference between the second member and the head of the screw can be avoided.

[0651] Further, the second member may be a member made of a material that allows the first member to be visible from the outside when the first member is accommodated therein.

[0652] With such a configuration, since the first member can be visually recognized through the second member, the fixing position of the first member with respect to the base, the positional relationship between the first member and the second member, etc. can be confirmed, and the convenience in the member mounting operation can be improved.

[0653] In addition, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes a first member (for example, the speaker 710 shown in FIGS. 33, 34(c), and 34(d)) that can be fixed to a base (for example, the speaker pedestal portion 730 shown in FIGS. 33 and 36), and a second member (for example, the back cover 620 shown in FIGS. 33, 34(a), and 34(b)) that can cover at least a part of the first member. The gaming machine is configured such that the first member includes a first through hole (for example, the dedicated screw hole 716a shown in FIG. 34(d)) and a plurality of second through holes (for example, the common screw holes 716b shown in FIG. 34(d)) different from the first through hole. The second member includes a plurality of third through holes (for example, the screw holes 724 shown in FIG. 34(b)). The first through hole is a through hole used when fixing the first member of the first member and the second member to the base. The second through hole and the third through hole are through holes used when fixing both the first member and the second member to the base. The first through hole and the plurality of second through holes are alternately arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the first member. In a state where the first member and the second member are fixed to the base, the first through hole of the first member is configured to be covered by a certain part of the second member (for example, the protruding piece 723a of the back cover 720 shown in FIG. 36(d)). The gaming machine is characterized by this configuration.

[0654] According to the gaming table according to this embodiment, when fixing the first member and the second member to the base, it is possible to fix them at once through the second through-hole of the first member and the third through-hole of the second member. Therefore, the member mounting work can be simplified compared to the prior art, and the two first members and the second member can be stably fixed. Further, since the second member can be fixed to the base in a state where the first member is fixed and positioned on the base using the first through-hole, there is no need to position the two members at the same time, and the work efficiency can be improved. Further, since the first through-hole and the plurality of second through-holes are alternately arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the first member, the two first members and the second member can be stably fixed by the second through-holes arranged on both sides of the first through-hole. Further, in a state where the first member and the second member are fixed to the base, since the first through-hole of the first member is configured to be covered by a certain part of the second member, it can be visually confirmed that there is no need to use the first through-hole when fixing the second member. In addition, the positioning of the second member with respect to the first member can be easily performed, and the mounting work of the second member can be surely performed.

[0655] In addition, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes a first member (for example, the speaker 710 shown in FIGS. 33 and 34(c), (d)) that can be fixed to a base (for example, the speaker pedestal portion 730 shown in FIGS....

Claims

1. A first member attachable to a base, A second member attachable to the base, A gaming table comprising: In a state where the second member is attached to the base, the second member is a member that covers at least a part of the first member, The base includes a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion, The first member includes a first hole through which a fixing means can penetrate, The second member includes a second hole and a third hole through which the fixing means can penetrate, The fixing means passing through the third hole does not pass through the first hole, The first member is attached to the first attachment portion by a fixing means passing through the first hole of the first member and the second hole of the second member, The second member is fixed to the second attachment portion by the fixing means passing through the third hole, abuts against at least a part of the first member, and fixes the first member, The second member can be attached to the base in either a first orientation or a second orientation, The second orientation is an orientation in which the second member is rotated 180 degrees in the circumferential direction with respect to the first orientation. A gaming table characterized by the above.

2. The gaming table according to claim 1, The second member includes a sixth hole, The sixth hole is a hole not used when attaching the second member to the base in the first orientation, The second member in the second orientation is attached to the second attachment portion by a fixing means passing through the sixth hole of the second member, The third hole is a hole not used when attaching the second member to the base in the second orientation. A gaming table characterized by the above.

3. The gaming table according to claim 2, wherein the third hole and the sixth hole of the second member are arranged at positions that are line-symmetric with respect to an imaginary line passing through the center of the second member. This is the gaming table characterized by the above.

4. The gaming table according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first member is provided with a fourth hole, the second member is provided with a fifth hole, the fourth hole of the first member and the fifth hole of the second member are holes that are not used when attaching the first member and the second member to the base in the first direction, the first member and the second member in the second direction are attached to the base by fixing means passing through the fourth hole of the first member and the fifth hole of the second member, the first hole of the first member and the second hole of the second member are holes that are not used when attaching the first member and the second member to the base in the second direction. This is the gaming table characterized by the above.

5. The gaming table according to claim 4, wherein the first member and the second member are configured to be attached in the vertical direction along the base, in a state where the first member and the second member are attached to the base in the first direction, the first hole of the first member and the second hole of the second member are located below the third hole of the second member in the vertical direction, the first hole and the fourth hole of the first member are arranged at positions that are line-symmetric with respect to an imaginary line passing through the center of the first member. This is the gaming table characterized by the above.

6. The gaming table according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base has a first region and a second region as regions where the first member and the second member can be attached. the first member and the second member in the first orientation are attachable to the first region but not attachable to the second region; the first member and the second member in the second orientation are attachable to the second region but not attachable to the first region; A gaming machine characterized by:

7. a first member attachable to the base; A second member attachable to the base; A gaming machine equipped with the second member is a member that covers at least a portion of the first member when attached to the base, the base includes a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion; the first member has a first hole through which a fastening means can pass; the second member has a second hole and a third hole through which the fixing means can pass; the fixing means passing through the third hole does not pass through the first hole, the first member is attached to the first mounting portion by fastening means passing through the first hole of the first member and the second hole of the second member; the second member is fixed to the second mounting portion by the fixing means passing through the third hole and adjacent to at least a portion of the first member to fix the first member; the second member is attachable to the base in either a first orientation or a second orientation; The second orientation is an orientation in which the second member is rotated 180 degrees in a circumferential direction with respect to the first orientation. A gaming machine characterized by:

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