Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine having a characteristic in a base board.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a base board, a first cover member, and a second cover member. The first cover member is a metal member arranged on at least one side of the base board. The first cover member is a member including a through hole at a position corresponding to a specific location on the base board. The second cover member is a resin member arranged on the opposite side of the first cover member from the side on which the base board is arranged. The base board is a base board in which display means showing predetermined information is provided at the specific location. The base board is a base board in which a certain component is provided at a certain location. The first cover member is a member in which the certain component is exposed. The second cover member is a member in which the certain component is exposed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, game tables equipped with various substrates have been proposed (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, in the conventional game table, there was room for improvement in the substrate.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a game table with a characteristic substrate.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine including a substrate, a first cover member, and a second cover member, wherein the first cover member is a metal member disposed on at least one side of the substrate, the first cover member is a member having a through hole at a position corresponding to a specific location on the substrate, the second cover member is a resin member disposed on the side of the first cover member opposite to the side on which the substrate is disposed, the substrate is a substrate provided with display means for indicating predetermined information at the specific location, the substrate is a substrate on which a certain component is provided at a certain location, the first cover member is a member exposing the certain component, and the second cover member is a member exposing the certain component.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a gaming machine having characteristics on the substrate can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[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 attached to the front of the main body 101 and openable and closable with respect to the main body 101.

[0012] The symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are, as seen from the player, generally displayed vertically in three rows from the symbol display windows 113 provided in front of the respective reels 110 to 112, and a total of nine symbols can be seen. By rotating each of the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols visible to the player changes. That is, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that variably displays a plurality of types of symbol combinations.

[0013] In addition, as such a display device, in addition to the reel, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be adopted. Further, in the present embodiment, three reels are arranged at the center of the main body 101, but the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

[0014] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that notifies the player that, for example, it has won internally for a specific winning combination (e.g., bonus combination) in an internal lottery or that a bonus game is in progress. The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying the player that the player can insert game medals. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (i.e., medal insertion is not required) when winning a replay (re - game), which is one of the winning combinations, in the previous game.

[0015] The bet button 132 is a button for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, when the bet button 132 is pressed, 3 medals are inserted. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as the MAX bet button. Note that the game medal insert lamp 129 lights up a number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when the specified number of medals are inserted, the game start lamp 121, which notifies that the game start operation is possible, lights up.

[0016] The effect button 156 is an operable means for the player. In this embodiment, it is composed of buttons that can be pressed by the player and is used for various effects. Such an operable means used for effects is not limited to buttons and may be composed of, for example, a lever, a touch panel, etc., or may be provided with a plurality of operable means.

[0017] 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 button 132 or actual medals can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion port 141, and "insertion" means including both.

[0018] The stored number indicator 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for numerically displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game). The paid-out number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to the player as a result of winning a certain winning combination, and is also used as an instruction monitor for performing a payout order effect. In this example, the stored number indicator 125, the game information display 126, and the paid-out number display 127 are 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0019] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when a desired number of medals is inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or the bet button 132 is operated to operate the start lever 135, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation on the start lever 135 is called a game start operation.

[0020] The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by the operation of the start lever 135, and are associated with the respective reels 110 to 112. Note that a light emitter may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter can be lit to notify the player.

[0021] Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 137 to 139 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is referred to as a first stop operation (hereinafter, also referred to as "first stop" or "1 stop"), the next stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation (hereinafter, also referred to as "second stop" or "2 stop"), and the last stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation (hereinafter, also referred to as "third stop" or "3 stop").

[0022] Also, the reels that are stopped in response to these stop operations are successively referred to as the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel. Furthermore, the order of operating the stop buttons 137 to 139 to stop all of the rotating reels 110 to 112 is referred to as the operation order (or the pressing order).

[0023] When the operation order (pressing order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is represented by using the left stop button 137 as "left or L", the middle stop button 138 as "middle or M", and the right stop button 139 as "right or R", there are six types: (1) the operation order of left → middle → right (left middle right or LMR), (2) the operation order of left → right → middle (left right middle or LRM), (3) the operation order of middle → left → right (middle left right or MLR), (4) the operation order of middle → right → left (middle right left or MRL), (5) the operation order of right → left → middle (right left middle or RLM), and (6) the operation order of right → middle → left (right middle left or RMS).

[0024] The medal return button 133 is a button to be pressed to remove jammed inserted medals. The settlement button 134 is a button to settle the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the bet medals and discharge them from the medal payout 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.

[0025] Below the stop buttons 137 to 139, a medal payout opening 155 and a medal tray 161 are provided. The side lamps 144 and 654 provided on the left and right parts of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for enlivening the game.

[0026] A panel unit 750 (details will be described later) is disposed above the front door 102, and a transmissive liquid crystal display device 157 is disposed in front of the reels 110 to 112 below it. Note that it is only necessary for the display device to be capable of displaying various effect images and various game information, and it does not have to be a liquid crystal display device. For example, it may be a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device composed of a projector and a screen. Further, the display screen is rectangular and is configured such that the entire screen is visible to the player. In the case of the present embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Further, a decoration (not shown) may be provided at the periphery of the display screen, and as a result, a part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, so that the display screen may appear to have an irregular shape. The display screen is a flat surface in the case of the present embodiment, but it may also have a curved surface. Further, the location where the panel unit 750 is disposed is not limited to this example, and for example, it may be disposed at the lower part of the front door 102.

[0027] Further, 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.

[0028] <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.

[0029] 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 window 113 provided in front of each of the reels 110 to 112 as seen by the player, and a total of nine symbols can be seen.

[0030] Specifically, the symbol displayed in the upper stage of the left reel 110 (the position shown as 1 in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 1) is called the upper-stage symbol of the left reel, the symbol displayed in the middle stage of the left reel 110 (the position shown as 2 in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 2) is called the middle-stage symbol of the left reel, and the symbol displayed in the lower stage of the left reel 110 (the position shown as 3 in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 3) is called the lower-stage symbol of the left reel.

[0031] Also, the symbol displayed in the upper stage of the middle reel 111 (the position shown as 4 in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 4) is called the upper-stage symbol of the middle reel, the symbol displayed in the middle stage of the middle reel 111 (the position shown as 5 in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 5) is called the middle-stage symbol of the middle reel, and the symbol displayed in the lower stage of the middle reel 111 (the position shown as 6 in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 6) is called the lower-stage symbol of the middle reel.

[0032] Also, the symbol displayed in the upper stage of the right reel 112 (the position shown as 7 in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 7) is called the upper-stage symbol of the right reel, the symbol displayed in the middle stage of the right reel 112 (the position shown as 8 in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 8) is called the middle-stage symbol of the right reel, and the symbol displayed in the lower stage of the right reel 112 (the position shown as 9 in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 9) is called the lower-stage symbol of the right reel.

[0033] 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-stage symbol of the left reel (symbol position 2), the middle-stage symbol of the middle reel (symbol position 5), and the middle-stage symbol of the right reel (symbol position 8) is provided.

[0034] 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 a line for determining whether or not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination 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.

[0035] 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 valid, and the winning line L1 becomes valid when three medals are bet. When the winning line becomes valid, the game can be started by operating the start lever 135.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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, and 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 may be set as valid winning lines, and the number of winning lines corresponding to the number of bet medals may be set as valid winning lines.

[0038] <Internal Structure> Next, the internal structure of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3(a) is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 opened, and FIG. 3(b) is a side sectional view of the slot machine 100.

[0039] The main body 101 is a box body that opens to the front. Inside the main body 101, a main control board storage case 210 that houses the main control board inside is arranged, and below this main control board storage case 210, three reels 110 to 112 are arranged.

[0040] And below, a medal payout device 180 (a device that pays out medals accumulated in a bucket) is disposed. Above this medal payout device 180, that is, below the reels 110 to 112, a power supply device (not shown) having a power supply board and the like are disposed. The power supply device 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. Further, even after the external power supply is cut off, 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) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days).

[0041] On the right side of the medal payout device 180, a medal auxiliary storage 240 is disposed, and an overflow terminal is disposed behind it (not shown).

[0042] The front door 102 is hinged to the left side of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276. Above the symbol display window 113, there are provided a pre-reel illumination 250 (details will be described later), a liquid crystal display device 157, an upper speaker 272, and an effect control unit 600 (details will be described later) that controls these liquid crystal display devices 157, speakers 272, etc. Further, below the symbol display window 113, there are provided a medal selector 170 for sorting the inserted medals, and a passage 265 through which the medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops an illegal medal or the like onto the medal tray 161.

[0043] <Pre-reel illumination (first light-emitting means)> Next, with reference to FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the pre-reel illumination 250 (first light-emitting means) will be described.

[0044] The pre-reel illumination 250 is a light-emitting means (first light-emitting means) that illuminates (lights up) the reel bands of each of the reels 110 to 112 (only the reel band 111a of the middle reel 111 is shown in FIG. 3(b)) from the front side (front surface). In this example, it is disposed above the symbol display window 113 on the back surface of the front door 102 so as to face the reel bands of the reels 110 to 112.

[0045] The reel front illumination 250 in this example is configured to include a plurality of LEDs capable of emitting light toward the front surface of the reel tape of the reels 110 to 112, and a colored transparent (in this example, milky white) lens cover disposed in front of these LEDs.

[0046] Note that the "first light emitting means" according to the present invention only needs to be "a light emitting means capable of illuminating at least the reel tape of the reel from the front side", and its structure is not particularly limited. However, when there is no lens cover, or when the lens cover is a colorless and transparent member, the light emitted from the LED is reflected in a granular manner on the reel tape of the reels 110 to 112 (so-called "spotlight"), which deteriorates the appearance of the reels 110 to 112, or the light emitted from the LED does not spread well and cannot uniformly illuminate the entire reel tape, and there is a risk that the visibility of the reels 110 to 112 deteriorates. Therefore, it is preferable to cover the front of the LED with a lens cover made of a colored transparent member.

[0047] Note that the relationship between the shortest distance α from the reel front illumination 250 (first light emitting means) to the reel tape and the shortest distance β from the reel backlight 264 (second light emitting means) to be described later is "shortest distance α < shortest distance β", and the reel front illumination 250 is closer to the reel tape than the reel backlight 264.

[0048] Thus, since the reel front illumination 250 is likely to cause spotlighting because of its short distance to the reel tape, a lens cover is provided. On the other hand, the reel backlight 264 can ensure a distance to the reel tape longer than that of the reel front illumination 250, has a distance for the light emitted from the LED to spread, and can sufficiently diffuse the light by the reflector 266 to be described later, so it does not have a lens cover.

[0049] <Reel backlight (second light emitting means)> Next, the reel backlight 264 (second light emitting means) will be described with reference to FIGS. 3(b) and 4.

[0050] The slot machine 100 according to this example includes a left reel device (not shown) having a left reel 110, a middle reel device 260 having a middle reel 111 (see FIG. 3(b)), a right reel device (not shown) having a right reel 112, and a reel frame 262 (see FIG. 3(b)) capable of accommodating these three reel devices therein.

[0051] Note that since the structures of the left reel device and the right reel device of the slot machine 100 in this example are the same as the structure of the middle reel device 260, the description of the middle reel device 260 will be given here, and the descriptions of the left reel device and the right reel device will be omitted.

[0052] The middle reel device 260 includes a middle reel 111, a reel drive unit (not shown) that rotationally drives the middle reel 111, a reel backlight 264 that illuminates (lights) the reel band 111a of the middle reel 111 from the rear side (back surface), a reel detection unit (not shown) for detecting the rotational position of the middle reel 111, and the like.

[0053] The middle reel 111 includes a reel band 111a on which a plurality of types of symbols are printed at equal intervals, and a reel frame 111b that supports both side surfaces of the reel band 111a. The reel band 111a is a flat ring-shaped member formed by adhering the longitudinal ends of a rectangular band-shaped member to each other.

[0054] FIG. 4(a) is a front view of the reel backlight 264, FIG. 4(b) is a side view of the reel backlight 264, and FIG. 4(c) is an external perspective view of the members constituting the reel backlight 264 disassembled and viewed from the front side.

[0055] The reel backlight 264 is a light emitting means (second light emitting means) that illuminates (lights) the reel bands of the respective reels 110 to 112 from the rear side (back surface). In this example, it is composed of a reflector 266, an illumination substrate 268 detachably attached to the back surface of the reflector 266, and a decorative plate 270 disposed on the side surface of the reflector 266.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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 illumination substrate 268.

[0058] 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 where the middle reel device 260 is attached.

[0059] 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 where the left reel device is attached.

[0060] 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 where the right reel device is attached.

[0061] In this example, by arranging six LEDs 268a at positions corresponding to the openings 266a to 266c, light emitted from one opening is configured not to interfere with light emitted from other openings. Thereby, each of a plurality of symbol positions in the symbol display window 113 can be irradiated with light uniformly.

[0062] For example, by lighting all the LEDs 268a, it is possible to illuminate all the symbols visible to the player from behind. Also, by lighting a part of the LEDs 268a, it is possible to illuminate a part of the symbols visible to the player from behind. Note that the number and position of the openings and LEDs are not limited to this example.

[0063] 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 symbol located in the front, and the visibility of the symbol can be enhanced.

[0064] 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 slit is formed are staggered in the vertical direction (so that the positions of the slits do not coincide with the upper and lower partitions of the opening). With such a structure, the light emitted from adjacent openings through the slits is configured not to interfere with each other.

[0065] Note that since the reel backlight 264 can sufficiently and uniformly illuminate the reel band by 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 include a lens cover. Thereby, the reel band can be uniformly illuminated, 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.

[0066] <Control Unit> Next, with reference to FIG. 5, 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.

[0067] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is roughly divided into a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main effects according to a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as "command") transmitted by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on the command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400.

[0068] <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 is equipped with a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control program data, lottery data used during the internal lottery of winning combinations, 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, which will be described later.

[0069] The CPU 304 of the 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 data for frequency division stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312, and the counter timer 312 determines an interrupt time based on the received data for frequency division and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 304 for each interrupt time. The CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits a drive pulse in response to the interrupt request. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1 / 256, and the frequency division data of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference time for interrupt is 256×47÷8 MHz=1.504 ms.

[0070] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a random number generation circuit 316 (which is assumed to have two random number generation circuits built in) that derives a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535 each time it receives a clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315a, and a start-up signal output circuit 338 that outputs a start-up signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When a start-up signal is input from this start-up signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts the main control unit main processing described later).

[0071] The random number generation circuit 316 generates the random numbers used by the basic circuit 302. There are roughly two types of 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 (down) at a predetermined time interval is obtained, and that value is derived as a 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 (for example, a modulus function) with the seed of the random number, and derive the result of this operation as a 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 a random number. The random number generation circuit 316 obtains irregular values by using 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 the counter that counts up (down) in the counter mode, as the seed of the random number, or when determining the read start position of the random number table.

[0072] Also, the main control unit 300 is provided with a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 monitors the states of the various sensors 318 (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, etc.) at each interrupt time.

[0073] When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random number 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.

[0074] The medal reception sensor is installed in two places in the internal passage of the medal insertion slot 141 and detects whether a medal has passed through. 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 their respective stop buttons 137 to 139 and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

[0075] The bet button 132 sensor is installed on the bet button 132 and detects the insertion operation when inserting the medals electronically stored in the RAM 308 as the medals to be inserted into the game. The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the electronically stored medals are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting the medals paid out by the medal payout device 180. Note that each of the above sensors may be a non-contact sensor or a contact sensor.

[0076] The main control unit 300 includes a drive circuit 322 for driving the reels 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 for driving the solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 for sorting 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, the payout number display 127).

[0077] In addition, an information output circuit 334 (external centralized terminal board 248) is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 outputs the game information (for example, game state) of the slot machine 100 to the information input circuit 651 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) etc. via this information output circuit 334.

[0078] In addition, the main control unit 300 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.

[0079] In addition, the main control unit 300 includes an output interface for transmitting commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. Note that the information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication. The main control unit 300 is configured to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the main control unit 300.

[0080] <Sub-control unit> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 receives the control command transmitted by the main control unit 300 via the input interface, and includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on this control command. The 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 emission color, lighting pattern of the reel front illumination 250 and the reel backlight 264, and various displays, etc.

[0081] The CPU 404 transmits, at a predetermined timing, the data for frequency division stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus. The counter timer 412 determines the interrupt time based on the received data for frequency division, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0082] In addition, a sound source IC 418 is provided in the first sub-control unit 400, and speakers 272 and 277 are provided to the sound source IC 418 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls the sound output from the amplifier and the speakers 272 and 277 according to an instruction from the CPU 404. An S-ROM (Sound ROM) storing voice data is connected to the sound source IC 418, and the voice data acquired from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from the speakers 272 and 277.

[0083] In addition, a drive circuit 422 is provided in the first sub-control unit 400, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, reel front illumination 250, reel backlight 264, panel illumination board 664 of the panel unit 750, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface.

[0084] In addition, a sensor circuit 426 is provided in the first sub-control unit 400, and an effect button sensor 430 capable of detecting a pressing operation of the effect button 156 is connected to the sensor circuit 426 via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the states of the shutter sensor 428 and the effect button sensor 430 at each interrupt time.

[0085] Also, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to and from the second sub-control unit 500 via the output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls including display control of the effect image display device 157 (hereinafter also referred to as the "liquid crystal display device 157"). Note that the second sub-control unit 500 may be composed of a plurality of control units, such as a control unit that controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 157 and a control unit that controls various effect driving devices.

[0086] 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 the 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 the 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.

[0087] The CPU 504 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 504 at each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0088] Also, a VDP 516 (Video Display Processor) is provided in the second sub-control unit 500, and the ROM 506 and the VRAM 518 are connected to the VDP 516 via a bus. The VDP 516 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on a signal from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 518, and displays the image on the effect image display device 157.

[0089] <Change in the light emission mode of the pre-reel illumination> Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the change in the light emission mode of the pre-reel illumination 250 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the change in the light emission mode of the pre-reel illumination 250 at the time of winning of a replay (re-playing role) in chronological order.

[0090] <Change in the light emission mode of the pre-reel illumination / N game (start operation)> In the state indicated by reference numeral T1 in FIG. 6, in an N (N is a positive integer) game, a start operation (a pressing operation of the start lever 135) is performed, and the replay (re-playing role) is internally selected.

[0091] In the slot machine according to this example, the first light emitting means (for example, the pre-reel illumination 250) can be controlled to a third light emission mode (for example, white) at least during the rotation of the reels in a certain game, and the second light emitting means (for example, the reel backlight 264) is configured to be controllable to a second light emission mode (for example, white) of the same color or a similar color as the third light emission mode at least during the rotation of the reels in a certain game.

[0092] In the state indicated by reference numeral T1, since the start operation has been performed, the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is started, and the pre-reel illumination 250 (the first light emitting means) is controlled (set) to white (the third light emission mode) to emit light in white, and the reel backlight 264 (the second light emitting means) is controlled (set) to white (the second light emission mode) to emit light in white. As a result, the front and back surfaces of the reel bands of the reels 110 to 112 are illuminated in white.

[0093] Here, in this example, as described with reference to FIG. 5, since the pre-reel illumination 250 is driven by the drive circuit 422 of the first sub-control unit 400, "controlling (setting) the pre-reel illumination 250 to white (the third light emission mode)" means that the main control unit 300 transmits a command to the first sub-control unit 400 to the effect of "controlling (setting) the pre-reel illumination 250 to white (the third light emission mode)", and the first sub-control unit 400 that has received the command makes various settings for "controlling (setting) the pre-reel illumination 250 to white (the third light emission mode)" with respect to the drive circuit 422 (the control of light blue (the first light emission mode) described later is the same).

[0094] Also, instead of the command to the effect of "controlling (setting) the pre-reel illumination 250 to white (the third light emission mode)", a "command based on a start operation", a "command based on a winning combination", or a "command based on a display determination (winning determination)" may be used, and the emission color of the reel illumination 250 may be set by the first sub-control unit 400 according to these commands.

[0095] Note that the pre-reel illumination 250 may be controlled by one or three or more control units. For example, when it is controlled by one control unit (for example, the main control unit 300), "controlling (setting) the pre-reel illumination 250 to white (the third light emission mode)" means that one control unit (for example, the main control unit 300) makes various settings for "controlling (setting) the pre-reel illumination 250 to white (the third light emission mode)" (the control of light blue (the first light emission mode) described later is the same).

[0096] Similarly, for the reel backlight 264, in this example, since the reel backlight 264 is driven by the drive circuit 422 of the first sub-control unit 400, "controlling (setting) the reel backlight 264 to white (the second light emission mode)" means that the main control unit 300 transmits a command to the first sub-control unit 400 to the effect of "controlling (setting) the reel backlight 264 to white (the second light emission mode)", and the first sub-control unit 400 that has received the command makes various settings for "controlling (setting) the reel backlight 264 to white (the second light emission mode)" with respect to the drive circuit 422.

[0097] Alternatively, instead of the command to "control (set) the reel front illumination 250 to white (the third light emission mode)", commands such as "command based on the start operation", "command based on the winning combination", or "command based on the display determination (winning determination)" may be used, and according to these commands, the light emission color of the reel backlight 264 may be set by the first sub-control unit 400.

[0098] Note that the reel backlight 264 may be controlled by one or three or more control units. For example, when it is controlled by one control unit (e.g., the main control unit 300), "control (set) the reel backlight 264 to white (the second light emission mode)" means that one control unit (e.g., the main control unit 300) performs various settings for "control (set) the reel backlight 264 to white (the second light emission mode)".

[0099] In addition, the color (light emission color) which is an element of the "second light emission mode" and the "third light emission mode" according to the present invention is not limited to white, and may be a color other than white. Also, the colors which are elements of the "second light emission mode" and the "third light emission mode" may be the same color (white. Color code #F0F0F0), or may be analogous colors (e.g., one is a kneaded color (neriiro. White including yellow. Color code #FFF4DB) and the other is milky white (color code #FFFEF6)).

[0100] In addition, the "second light emission mode" and the "third light emission mode" according to the present invention are concepts including, in addition to the light emission color, lighting patterns (flashing, lighting, extinguishing), luminance (brightness of light), etc., and combinations thereof. Therefore, for example, the front surface of the reel tapes of the reels 110 to 112 may be illuminated with white of the first luminance by the reel front illumination 250, and the back surface of the reel tapes of the reels 110 to 112 may be illuminated with white of a second luminance lower (or higher) than the first luminance by the reel backlight 264. Also, the front surface of the reel tapes of the reels 110 to 112 may be illuminated with white flashing by the reel front illumination 250, and the back surface of the reel tapes of the reels 110 to 112 may be illuminated with white lighting (without flashing) by the reel backlight 264.

[0101] <Change in the light emission mode of the front illumination of the reel / N game (first stop operation to third stop operation)> In FIG. 6, the state indicated by reference numeral T2 is the state in which the first stop operation (the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139) is performed in the N game, and the state indicated by reference numeral T3 is the state in which the third stop operation (the last stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139) is performed in the N game.

[0102] In the slot machine according to this example, when a predetermined condition is satisfied in a certain game in which the first light emitting means (for example, the front illumination 250 of the reel) is controlled to the third light emission mode (for example, white) (for example, an internal winning for a replay combination), and when the first timing arrives in the certain game (for example, when the third stop operation is performed), it is controlled to the first light emission mode (for example, light blue) for at least a certain period (the period from the first timing (for example, the timing of the third stop operation) in the certain game to the second timing (for example, the timing of the third stop operation) in the next game of the certain game). The second light emitting means (for example, the reel backlight 264) is configured to maintain the control of the second light emission mode even when the first timing arrives in a certain game in which it is controlled to the second light emission mode (for example, white).

[0103] In the state indicated by reference numeral T3, since the third stop operation has been performed, the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 has been stopped. In this example, since a winning for a replay has been achieved in the N game, the symbol combination "Replay - Replay - Replay" corresponding to the replay is stopped and displayed on the winning line L1 of the symbol display window 113.

[0104] Also, in the state indicated by symbol T3, since it is internally won as a replay role in N games (a certain game) (a predetermined condition is satisfied) and the third stop operation is performed (the first timing has arrived) in the N games (a certain game), by controlling (setting) the front-of-reel illumination 250 to light blue (the first light emission mode), the emission color of the front-of-reel illumination 250 is changed from white to light blue.

[0105] On the other hand, the reel backlight 264 (the second light emission means) maintains the control in white (the second light emission mode) even when it is internally won as a replay role in N games (a certain game) (a predetermined condition is satisfied) and the third stop operation is performed (the first timing has arrived) in the N games (a certain game). Therefore, in the state indicated by symbol T3, the control in white (the second light emission mode) is continued, and the reel backlight 264 emits light in white. As a result, in the state indicated by symbol T3, the front surface of the reel tape of the reels 110 to 112 is illuminated in light blue, and the back surface is illuminated in white.

[0106] Note that the "first timing" according to the present invention is not limited to the timing when the third stop operation is received, and may be the timing when the third stop operation is released (the stop button is released), the timing when all of the reels 110 to 112 stop, the timing when the symbol display determination (winning determination) ends, the timing when the winning effect ends, the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed from these timings, and the like.

[0107] <Change in Light Emission Mode of Front-of-Reel Illumination / N + 1 Games (Bet Operation, Start Operation)> In FIG. 6, the state indicated by symbol T4 is a state in which a bet operation (a pressing operation of the bet buttons 130 to 132) is performed and the N + 1 games are started, and the state indicated by symbol T5 is a state in which, in the N + 1 games, a start operation (a pressing operation of the start lever 135) is performed and the internal winning of the winning combination is a non-win (a miss). Since a replay is displayed in the N games, the bet operation indicated by symbol T4 may be an automatic bet associated with the replay.

[0108] In the state indicated by symbol T5, since the start operation has been performed, the rotation of reels 110 to 112 is started, and the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) is controlled (set) to white (second light-emitting mode), so that it emits light in white.

[0109] On the other hand, the reel front illumination 250 (first light-emitting means) is internally selected as a replay role in an N-game (a certain game) (when a predetermined condition is satisfied), and when the third stop operation is performed (the first timing has arrived) in the N-game (a certain game), from the timing of the third stop operation (first timing) in the N-game (a certain game) to the timing of the third stop operation (second timing) in the N + 1-game (the next game of a certain game), since it is controlled to aqua (first light-emitting mode), at the timing of the bet operation of the N + 1-game indicated by symbol T4 and the timing of the start operation of the N + 1-game indicated by symbol T5, the control of aqua (first light-emitting mode) is continued, and the reel front illumination 250 emits light in aqua. As a result, in the states indicated by symbols T4 and T5, the front surface of the reel band of reels 110 to 112 is illuminated in aqua, and the back surface is illuminated in white.

[0110] According to this example, the timing (in this example, the timing of the third stop operation of the Nth game indicated by symbol T3 in FIG. 6) for controlling the first light-emitting means (in this example, the reel front illumination 250) to the first light-emitting mode (in this example, aqua) is earlier than the timing (in this example, the timing of the third stop operation of the (N + 1)th game indicated by symbol T5 in FIG. 6) for controlling the second light-emitting means (in this example, the reel backlight 264) to the second light-emitting mode (in this example, white). Therefore, by making the light-emitting timings of the two types of light-emitting means different, even when malfunctions of the first light-emitting means and the second light-emitting means overlap, it is possible to prevent a situation where the visibility of the reel is significantly reduced and the player is disadvantaged.

[0111] In addition, in the slot machine according to this example, while the first light-emitting means (for example, the pre-reel illumination 250) is being controlled in the first light-emitting mode (for example, light blue), the control of light-emitting modes other than the first light-emitting mode is configured to be restricted.

[0112] In the state indicated by the symbol T5, upon the establishment of a predetermined condition (in this example, receiving a start operation), the pre-reel illumination 250 (first light-emitting means) that is being controlled in light blue (first light-emitting mode) executes a process (change restriction process) that restricts (prevents from being executed) the process of setting the color, brightness, lighting pattern, etc. so that it does not change to other light-emitting modes.

[0113] According to this example, even if production data of a color change is received during the period of the change restriction process, the visibility is not impaired by performing control to maintain the color as it is. Note that the change restriction process may be performed during the rotation of the reel after the start operation, whether the pre-reel illumination 250 is emitting white light or light blue light (the same applies to the reel backlight 264).

[0114] Also, in this example, similarly for the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means), upon the establishment of a predetermined condition (in this example, receiving a start operation), the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) that is being controlled in white (second light-emitting mode) executes a process (change restriction process) that restricts (prevents from being executed) the process of setting the color, brightness, lighting pattern, etc. so that it does not change to other light-emitting modes. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) may be configured not to execute the change restriction process.

[0115] According to this example, since the first light-emitting means (in this example, the pre-reel illumination 250) is configured such that the control of light-emitting modes other than the first light-emitting mode is restricted while it is being controlled in the first light-emitting mode (in this example, light blue), it is possible to suppress defects related to the first light-emitting means and prevent the visibility of the reel from being impaired, as compared with the case where the restriction is not executed.

[0116] In addition, the first light-emitting means (in this example, the front reel illumination 250) can be controlled to a first light-emitting mode (in this example, light blue) at least during the rotation of the reel in a certain game, and the second light-emitting means (in this example, the reel backlight 264) can be controlled to a second light-emitting mode (in this example, white) at least during the rotation of the reel in a certain game. Therefore, compared with the case of controlling the first light-emitting mode in the same second light-emitting mode as the second light-emitting means, it is possible to notice the defects of the first light-emitting means and the second light-emitting means earlier, and it is possible to suppress the decrease in the visibility of the reel when a defect occurs in the second light-emitting means.

[0117] <Change in the light-emitting mode of the front reel illumination / N+1 games (stop operation)> In FIG. 6, the state indicated by reference numeral T6 is a state in which the first stop operation (the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139) is performed in the N+1 game, and the state indicated by reference numeral T7 is a state in which the third stop operation (the last stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139) is performed in the N+1 game.

[0118] In the state indicated by reference numeral T7, since the third stop operation has been performed, the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 has been stopped. In this example, since the internal winning of the winning combination has become a non-winning (a miss), the symbol combination "REPLAY - REPLAY - BLANK" corresponding to a miss is stopped and displayed on the winning line L1 of the symbol display window 113.

[0119] In addition, even when the reel backlight 264 (the second light-emitting means) internally wins the replay combination (a predetermined condition is satisfied) in a game controlled to white (the second light-emitting mode) and the third stop operation is performed (the first timing has arrived) in the N game (a certain game), since the control of white (the second light-emitting mode) is maintained, in the state indicated by reference numeral T7, the control of white (the second light-emitting mode) is continued and the reel backlight 264 is made to emit light in white.

[0120] On the one hand, when the front reel illumination 250 (the first light-emitting means) internally wins the replay role in the N games (a certain game) (when a predetermined condition is satisfied) and the third stop operation is performed (the first timing arrives) in the N games (a certain game), from the timing of the third stop operation (the first timing) in the N games (a certain game) to the timing of the third stop operation (the second timing) in the N + 1 games (the next game of a certain game), since it is controlled to be light blue (the first light-emitting mode), the control of the light blue (the first light-emitting mode) is continued until the timing of the third stop operation (the second timing) of the N + 1 games indicated by the symbol T7, and the front reel illumination 250 is made to emit light in light blue.

[0121] As a result, from the timing of the third stop operation (the first timing) of the N games indicated by the symbol T3 to the timing of the third stop operation (the second timing) of the N + 1 games indicated by the symbol T7 (a certain period), the front surfaces of the reel tapes of the reels 110 to 112 are illuminated in light blue, and the back surfaces are illuminated in white.

[0122] According to this example, in the period (a certain period) from the first timing in a certain game to the second timing in the next game of the certain game, while providing a colorful effect, by maintaining the light-emitting mode of the second light-emitting means, it is possible to ensure the minimum light amount of the light-emitting means and maintain the visibility of the reels.

[0123] Subsequently, after the timing of the third stop operation (the second timing) has passed, the change restriction process for the front reel illumination 250 and the reel backlight 264 is terminated, and by controlling (setting) the front reel illumination 250 to white (the third light-emitting mode), the emission color of the front reel illumination 250 is changed from light blue to white.

[0124] Also, although illustration is omitted, in the N+1 game, when winning internally in a replay again, since the anticipation for the bonus game increases, at the timing when the third stop operation is performed in the N+1 game (the timing when the first timing arrives), by controlling (setting) the pre-reel illumination 250 to a fourth light emission mode (for example, yellow), the emission color of the pre-reel illumination 250 is changed from light blue to yellow.

[0125] Also, in the N+2 game of the next game after the N+1 game, when winning internally in a replay again, since the anticipation for the bonus game further increases, at the timing when the third stop operation is performed in the N+2 game (the timing when the first timing arrives), by controlling (setting) the pre-reel illumination 250 to a fifth light emission mode (for example, red), the emission color of the pre-reel illumination 250 is changed from yellow to red.

[0126] Note that the change in the light emission mode of the pre-reel illumination 250 when winning in a replay continuously is not limited to "light blue → yellow → red". For example, other colors may be adopted, or the color may be changed three or more times. Also, when winning in other winning combinations (for example, special combinations) other than a replay, the light emission mode may be changed. When the continuity of winning in a replay is interrupted, the pre-reel illumination 250 is controlled (set) to white (the third light emission mode) as described above.

[0127] Also, the lighting pattern may be changed, such as "light blue (no blinking) → light blue (medium-speed blinking) → light blue (high-speed blinking)", or the brightness may be changed, such as "light blue (low brightness) → light blue (medium brightness) → light blue (high brightness)".

[0128] <Change in Light Emission Mode of Pre-Reel Illumination / When an Error Occurs> In the slot machine according to this example, when an error occurs during the rotation of the reels 110 to 112, no processing or notification regarding the error is executed during the rotation, and after the third stop operation is performed (after all of the reels 110 to 112 have stopped), processing and notification regarding the error are executed.

[0129] In a certain game where an error occurs during the rotation of reels 110 to 112 and a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, an internal winning for a replay combination), even when a first timing (for example, the timing of the third stop operation) arrives in the certain game, the first light-emitting means (for example, the pre-reel illumination 250) is not controlled to a first light-emitting mode (for example, light blue), and when the error is resolved, it is configured to be controlled to the first light-emitting mode (for example, light blue).

[0130] In a certain game where an error occurs during the rotation of reels 110 to 112 and a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, an internal winning for a replay combination), when a first timing (for example, the timing of the third stop operation) arrives in the certain game, the first light-emitting means (for example, the pre-reel illumination 250) may be controlled to a first light-emitting mode (for example, light blue) and the control of the first light-emitting mode (for example, light blue) may be maintained even during the error.

[0131] With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the player from having uneasiness such as "the replay may have disappeared" or "the replay may be unexciting" and prevent the decline of the player's gaming motivation.

[0132] <Change in the light-emitting mode of the pre-reel illumination / Bonus game> Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the change in the light-emitting mode of the pre-reel illumination 250 in the bonus game will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the change in the light-emitting mode of the pre-reel illumination 250 in the bonus game in time series.

[0133] <Change in the light-emitting mode of the pre-reel illumination / Bonus game / M game (third stop operation)> The state indicated by reference numeral T1 in FIG. 7 is a state where, in an M (M is a positive integer) game, the third stop operation (the last stop operation of stop buttons 137 to 139) is performed.

[0134] In the slot machine according to this example, in a certain game in which the first light-emitting means (for example, the reel front illumination 250) is controlled to a third light-emitting mode (for example, white), when winning a special game (for example, a bonus) and when the first timing arrives in the certain game (for example, when the third stop operation is performed), from the first timing to the third timing (for example, the timing of the bet operation) in the game next to the final game of the special game, it is controlled to a sixth light-emitting mode (for example, red). The second light-emitting means (for example, the reel backlight 264) is configured to maintain the control of the second light-emitting mode even when winning a special game (for example, a bonus) in a certain game in which it is controlled to the second light-emitting mode (for example, white).

[0135] In the state indicated by the symbol T1, since the third stop operation has been performed, the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 has been stopped. In this example, since winning a bonus in the M game, the symbol combination "seven-seven-seven" corresponding to the bonus is stopped and displayed on the winning line L1 of the symbol display window 113.

[0136] Also, in the state indicated by the symbol T1, since winning a special game (bonus) in the M game (a certain game) and the third stop operation (the first timing has arrived) has been performed in the M game (a certain game), by controlling (setting) the reel front illumination 250 to red (the sixth light-emitting mode), the emission color of the reel front illumination 250 is changed from white to red.

[0137] On the other hand, even when a bonus is won in an M game (a certain game) in which the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) is controlled to white (second light-emitting mode), and even when a third stop operation is performed (the first timing has arrived) in the M game (a certain game), since the control of white (second light-emitting mode) is maintained, in the state indicated by symbol T1, the control of white (second light-emitting mode) is continued, and the reel backlight 264 is made to emit light in white. As a result, at the timing of the third stop operation of the M game indicated by symbol T1, the front surface of the reel tapes of reels 110 to 112 is illuminated in red, and the back surface is illuminated in white.

[0138] <Change in Light-Emitting Mode of Reel Front Illumination / Bonus Game / M + 1 Game (Bet Operation)> In the state indicated by symbol T2 in FIG. 7, in the next M + 1 game of the M game, a bet operation (a pressing operation of bet buttons 130 to 132) is performed, and the M + 1 game has started.

[0139] In the slot machine according to this example, the first light-emitting means (for example, the reel front illumination 250) is configured to be controllable to a sixth light-emitting mode (for example, red) upon a bet operation during the execution of a special game.

[0140] In the state indicated by symbol T2, since a bet operation has been performed and a prescribed number of medals have been inserted, the start operation of the game becomes possible, and by controlling (setting) the reel front illumination 250 (first light-emitting means) to red (sixth light-emitting mode), it is made to emit light in red.

[0141] On the other hand, even when a bonus (special game) is won in a certain game in which the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) is controlled to white (second light-emitting mode), since the control of white (second light-emitting mode) is maintained, at the timing of the bet operation of the M + 1 game indicated by symbol T2, the control of white (second light-emitting mode) is continued, and the reel backlight 264 is made to emit light in white. As a result, in the state indicated by symbol T2, the front surface of the reel tapes of reels 110 to 112 is illuminated in red, and the back surface is illuminated in white.

[0142] <Change in the light emission mode of the front-of-reel illumination / Bonus game / M+1 game (start operation)> In FIG. 7, the state indicated by reference numeral T3 is a state in which, in the M+1 game, a start operation (a pressing operation of the start lever 135) is performed and a winning occurs in the bell combination.

[0143] In the state indicated by reference numeral T3, since the start operation has been performed, the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is started, and by controlling (setting) the reel backlight 264 (the second light-emitting means) to white (the second light emission mode), it emits light in white.

[0144] On the other hand, in the M game (a certain game) in which the front-of-reel illumination 250 (the first light-emitting means) is controlled to white (the third light emission mode), when a winning occurs in a bonus (special game) and a third stop operation is performed in the M game (a certain game) (when the first timing arrives), from the timing (the first timing) at which the third stop operation is performed to the timing (the third timing) of the bet operation in the game next to the final game of the bonus (special game), since it is controlled to the sixth light emission mode (for example, red), at the timing of the start operation of the M+1 game indicated by reference numeral T3, the control of red (the sixth light emission mode) is continued, and the front-of-reel illumination 250 emits light in red. As a result, in the state indicated by reference numeral T3, the front surface of the reel band of the reels 110 to 112 is illuminated in red, and the back surface is illuminated in white.

[0145] In the slot machine according to this example, the first light-emitting means (for example, the front-of-reel illumination 250) is configured such that the control of the light emission modes other than the sixth light emission mode is restricted during the period in which it is controlled in the sixth light emission mode (for example, red).

[0146] In the state indicated by symbol T3, upon the establishment of a predetermined condition (in this example, the reception of a start operation), the reel front illumination 250 (first light-emitting means) controlled to red (sixth light-emitting mode) executes a process (change regulation process) that regulates (prevents from being executed) the process of setting the color, brightness, lighting pattern, etc. so as not to change to other light-emitting modes.

[0147] Also, in this example, similarly for the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means), upon the establishment of a predetermined condition (in this example, the reception of a start operation), the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) controlled to white (second light-emitting mode) executes a process (change regulation process) that regulates (prevents from being executed) the process of setting the color, brightness, lighting pattern, etc. so as not to change to other light-emitting modes. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) may be configured not to execute the change regulation process.

[0148] <Change in the light-emitting mode of the reel front illumination / Bonus game / M+1 game (stop operation)> In FIG. 7, the state indicated by symbol T4 is a state in which the first stop operation (the first stop operation of stop buttons 137 to 139) is performed in the M+1 game, and the state indicated by symbol T5 is a state in which the third stop operation (the last stop operation of stop buttons 137 to 139) is performed in the M+1 game.

[0149] In the state indicated by symbol T5, since the third stop operation has been performed, the rotation of reels 110 to 112 has stopped. In this example, since a winning combination of the bell combination has been won, the symbol combination "bell - bell - bell" corresponding to the bell combination is stopped and displayed on the winning line L1 of the symbol display window 113.

[0150] In addition, when the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) wins a bonus (special game) in an M game (a certain game) controlled to white (second light-emitting mode) and a third stop operation is performed (the first timing arrives) in the M game (a certain game), even in this case, since the control of white (second light-emitting mode) is maintained, at the timing of the third stop operation indicated by symbol T5, the control of white (second light-emitting mode) is continued, and the reel backlight 264 is made to emit light in white.

[0151] On the other hand, when the reel front illumination 250 (first light-emitting means) wins a bonus (special game) in an M game (a certain game) controlled to white (third light-emitting mode) and a third stop operation is performed (the first timing arrives) in the M game (a certain game), from the timing (first timing) when the third stop operation is performed to the timing (third timing) of the bet operation in the game next to the final game of the bonus (special game), it is controlled to red (sixth light-emitting mode). Therefore, at the timing of the third stop operation indicated by symbol T5, the control of red (sixth light-emitting mode) is continued, and the reel front illumination 250 is made to emit light in red. As a result, in the state indicated by symbol T5, the front surface of the reel bands of reels 110 to 112 is illuminated in red, and the back surface is illuminated in white.

[0152] Subsequently, after the timing (second timing) of the third stop operation has elapsed, the change restriction process for the reel front illumination 250 and the reel backlight 264 is terminated.

[0153] <Change in the light-emitting mode of the reel front illumination / Bonus game / Final game (bet operation)> The state indicated by symbol T6 in FIG. 7 is a state in which a bet operation is performed and the L game is started in the L game next to the final game of the bonus game. That is, the operation at symbol T6 is a bet operation related to the L game.

[0154] In the slot machine according to this example, in a certain game where the first light-emitting means (for example, the reel front illumination 250) is controlled to a third light-emitting mode (for example, white), when winning a special game (for example, bonus) and when the first timing arrives in the certain game (for example, when the third stop operation is performed), from the first timing to the third timing (for example, the timing of the bet operation) in the game next to the final game of the special game, it is configured to be controlled to a sixth light-emitting mode (for example, red) over the period.

[0155] In the state indicated by the symbol T6, since the bet operation has been performed and the specified number of medals have been inserted, the start operation of the game has become possible.

[0156] Also, the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) wins a bonus (special game) in the M game (a certain game) that is controlled to white (second light-emitting mode), and even when the third stop operation is performed (the first timing arrives) in the M game (a certain game), since the control of white (second light-emitting mode) is maintained, at the timing of the bet operation indicated by the symbol T6, the control of white (second light-emitting mode) is continued, and the reel backlight 264 is made to emit light in white.

[0157] On the other hand, the reel front illumination 250 (first light-emitting means) wins a bonus (special game) in the M game (a certain game) that is controlled to white (third light-emitting mode), and when the third stop operation is performed (the first timing arrives) in the M game (a certain game), from the timing (first timing) when the third stop operation is performed to the timing (third timing) of the bet operation in the L game, which is the game next to the final game of the bonus (special game), since it is controlled to red (sixth light-emitting mode) over the period, until the timing (third timing) of the bet operation in the L game, which is the game next to the bonus game, indicated by the symbol T6, the control of red (sixth light-emitting mode) is continued, and the reel front illumination 250 is made to emit light in red.

[0158] Thereby, from the timing of the third stop operation of the M game that won the bonus, indicated by symbol T1 (the first timing), to the timing of the bet operation of the L game, which is the game next to the final game of the bonus game, indicated by symbol T6 (the third timing), the front surfaces of the reel bands of reels 110 to 112 are illuminated in red, and the back surfaces are illuminated in white over the period.

[0159] According to this example, in the period from the first timing in a certain game that won the special game to the third timing in the game next to the final game of the special game, while providing various effects, by maintaining the light emission mode of the second light emission means, it is possible to secure the minimum light amount of the light emission means and maintain the visibility of the reels.

[0160] Subsequently, after the timing of the bet operation (the third timing) has passed, the front reel illumination 250 is controlled (set) to white (the third light emission mode), thereby changing the emission color of the front reel illumination 250 from red to white. And during the progress of the L game (when the start operation is performed), change restriction processing is performed so that neither the front reel illumination 250 nor the reel backlight 264 assumes a light emission mode other than white emission (common in the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0161] <Change of Light Emission Mode of Front Reel Illumination / Summary> As described above, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes a reel (for example, reels 110 to 112 shown in FIG. 1) having a reel band on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged, a first light-emitting means (for example, the reel front illumination 250 shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b)) that illuminates at least the reel band from the front side, and a second light-emitting means (for example, the reel backlight 264 shown in FIGS. 3(b) and 4) that illuminates at least the reel band from the rear side. The first light-emitting means is a means that can be controlled in a first light-emitting mode (for example, light blue) at least during the rotation of the reel, and the second light-emitting means is a means that can be controlled in a second light-emitting mode (for example, white) at least during the rotation of the reel. The first light-emitting means is characterized in that control of a light-emitting mode other than the first light-emitting mode is restricted during the period in which it is controlled in the first light-emitting mode.

[0162] According to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, since the first light-emitting means is configured such that control of a light-emitting mode other than the first light-emitting mode is restricted during the period in which it is controlled in the first light-emitting mode, it is possible to suppress defects related to the first light-emitting means compared to the case where no restriction is executed, and it is possible to prevent the visibility of the reel from being impaired. Further, since the first light-emitting means can be controlled in the first light-emitting mode and the second light-emitting means can be controlled in the second light-emitting mode, it is possible to detect defects in the first light-emitting means and the second light-emitting means earlier compared to the case where the first light-emitting mode is controlled in the same second light-emitting mode as the second light-emitting means, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in the visibility of the reel when a defect occurs in the second light-emitting means.

[0163] Further, the timing for controlling the first light-emitting means in the first light-emitting mode (for example, the timing of the third stop operation in the Nth game, indicated by reference numeral T3 in FIG. 6) and the timing for controlling the second light-emitting means in the second light-emitting mode (for example, the timing of the third stop operation in the (N + 1)th game, indicated by reference numeral T5 in FIG. 6) may be different.

[0164] With such a configuration, by making the light emission timings of the two types of light emitting means different, even if the defects of the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means overlap, it is possible to prevent a situation where the visibility of the reel is significantly reduced and the player is disadvantaged.

[0165] Also, the timing for controlling the first light emitting means to the first light emission mode (for example, the timing of the third stop operation in the Nth game, indicated by reference numeral T3 in FIG. 6) may be earlier than the timing for controlling the second light emitting means to the second light emission mode (for example, the timing of the third stop operation in the (N + 1)th game, indicated by reference numeral T5 in FIG. 6).

[0166] With such a configuration, by making the light emission timings of the two types of light emitting means different, even if the defects of the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means overlap, it is possible to prevent a situation where the visibility of the reel is significantly reduced and the player is disadvantaged.

[0167] Further, when the first timing (for example, the timing of the third stop operation in the Nth game, indicated by reference numeral T3 in FIG. 6) arrives while the first light emitting means is controlled in the third light emission mode (for example, white), the first light emitting means may be controlled from the third light emission mode to the first light emission mode (for example, light blue). Even when the first timing arrives while the second light emitting means is controlled in the second light emission mode (for example, white), the second light emitting means may maintain the control of the second light emission mode.

[0168] With such a configuration, while providing a variety of effects by changing the light emission mode of the first light emitting means, by maintaining the light emission mode of the second light emitting means, it is possible to ensure the minimum light amount of the light emitting means and maintain the visibility of the reel.

[0169] Further, the first light-emitting means is a means controllable to the third light-emitting mode (e.g., white) at least during the rotation of the reel in a certain game (e.g., the N game shown in FIG. 6). The second light-emitting means is a means controllable to the second light-emitting mode (e.g., white) at least during the rotation of the reel in a certain game. The third light-emitting mode and the second light-emitting mode are light-emitting modes of the same color (e.g., white with color code #F0F0F0) or analogous colors (e.g., off-white with color code #FFF4DB and milky white with color code #FFFEF6). In the certain game in which the first light-emitting means is controlled to the third light-emitting mode, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (e.g., an internal winning for a replay combination) and the first timing arrives in the certain game, the first light-emitting means is controlled to the first light-emitting mode for at least a certain period. Even when the predetermined condition is satisfied and the first timing arrives in the certain game in which the second light-emitting means is controlled to the second light-emitting mode, the control of the second light-emitting mode is maintained. The certain period may be a period from the first timing (e.g., the timing of the third stop operation in the Nth game, indicated by reference numeral T3 in FIG. 6) in the certain game to the second timing (e.g., the timing of the third stop operation in the (N + 1)th game, indicated by reference numeral T7 in FIG. 6) in the next game (e.g., the (N + 1)th game shown in FIG. 6) of the certain game.

[0170] With such a configuration, during the period (a certain period) from the first timing in a certain game to the second timing in the next game of the certain game, while providing a variety of effects, by maintaining the light-emitting mode of the second light-emitting means, it is possible to ensure the minimum light amount of the light-emitting means and maintain the visibility of the reel.

[0171] Regarding the third timing for returning the reel front illumination 250 from red to white, it is set as the timing when a bet operation is performed for the next game (the L-th game) after the bonus final game. However, it is not limited to this, and it may be the timing when a start operation for the L-th game is performed, or the timing of the third stop operation in the bonus final game, or the timing when the payout after the third stop operation is completed. Whichever timing it is, by returning the emission color from red to white before the L-th game progresses (before the reels rotate), it is possible to clearly indicate that the bonus game has ended and that the bonus game is not continuing until the next game, and it is possible to prevent misrecognition that the L-th game is also a bonus game.

[0172] <Performance control unit> Next, the performance control unit 600 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 12.

[0173] As described with reference to FIG. 3(a), the performance control unit 600 is a unit that houses various substrates that control a liquid crystal display device 157, speakers 272 and 277, various lamps 420, etc. In this example, it is disposed above the symbol display window 113 on the back surface of the front door 102. Needless to say, the installation location of the performance control unit 600 is not limited to this example.

[0174] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the main members constituting the performance control unit 600 as viewed from the front side of the performance control unit 600, and FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the main members constituting the performance control unit 600 as viewed from the back side of the performance control unit 600.

[0175] The performance control unit 600 includes a board mounting base 602 fixed to the back surface of the front door 102, a lower sheet metal shield 604 disposed on the front surface of the board mounting base 602, a lower board case 606 disposed on the front surface of the lower sheet metal shield 604, a sub-control board 612 and a sub-peripheral board 614 housed in a box-shaped board case (accommodation case) 610 composed of the lower board case 606 and an upper board case 608, a performance peripheral board 616 disposed on the upper rear surface of the board mounting base 602, and an upper sheet metal shield 618 and a shield cover 620 rotatably disposed on the front surface of the upper board case 608.

[0176] FIG. 10(a) is a front view of the performance control unit 600, and FIG. 10(b) is a front view showing the upper sheet metal shield 618 with the shield cover 620 removed from the performance control unit 600.

[0177] Further, FIG. 10(c) is a front view showing the upper board case 608 with the shield cover 620 and the upper sheet metal shield 618 removed from the performance control unit 600, and FIG. 10(d) is a front view showing the sub-control board 612 and the sub-peripheral board 614 with the shield cover 620, the upper sheet metal shield 618, and the upper board case 608 removed from the performance control unit 600.

[0178] <Shield cover> Next, the shield cover 620 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10(a).

[0179] The shield cover (second cover member) 620 is a box-shaped member made of a colorless and transparent resin. In this example, it includes a base portion 620a having a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, a plate-shaped wall portion 620b protruding in the thickness direction with the outer edge of the base portion 620a as the base end, and a hinge 620c protruding outward with the right end portion of the base portion 620a when viewed from the front as the base end. Note that the material and color of the shield cover 620 are not particularly limited, and it may be a member such as plastic, ceramic, rubber, or glass, or a member of another color.

[0180] The shield cover (second cover member) 620 is disposed on the side opposite to the side where the sub-control board 612 and the sub-peripheral board 614 are disposed in the upper sheet metal shield (first cover member) 618, and is disposed so as to cover the upper sheet metal shield (first cover member) 618. Note that the "second cover member" according to the present invention may be any member that is disposed so as to cover at least a part of the "first cover member" according to the present invention.

[0181] According to this example, when liquid is poured from the upper part of the gaming table or the like, it is possible to prevent the liquid from staying around the board, and thus it is possible to prevent an electrical failure caused by the liquid. Further, when the upper sheet metal shield (first cover member) 618 becomes hot due to heat generated from the components provided on each board, it is possible to prevent a burn when a store clerk or the like of a game parlor checks the board.

[0182] In the base portion 620a of the shield cover 620, a ventilation hole 620a1 is formed at a position corresponding to the fan 624 (see FIG. 10(d)) provided in the sub-control board 612, a volume knob opening 620a2 is formed at a position corresponding to the volume knob 625 provided in the sub-control board 612, and a fitting hole 620a3 into which the fitting protrusion 604c (see FIG. 12(b)) of the lower sheet metal shield 604 can be fitted is formed at the left end portion in the front view. Further, a locking claw 620b1 that can be locked to the locking portion 608b1 (see FIGS. 10(c) and 8) of the upper board case 608 is formed on the upper wall portion 620 in the front view of the shield cover 620.

[0183] <Upper sheet metal shield> Next, the upper sheet metal shield 618 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10(b).

[0184] The upper sheet metal shield (first cover member) 618 is a box-shaped member made of metal. In this example, it includes a base portion 618a having a rectangular shape in the front view, and a plate-shaped wall portion 618b that protrudes in the thickness direction with the outer edge of the base portion 618a as the base end.

[0185] The upper sheet metal shield (first cover member) 618 is disposed on one side (in this example, the front side of each substrate) of the sub-control board 612 and the sub-peripheral board 614, and is arranged to cover the board case 610 (accommodation case) in a state where the sub-control board 612 and the sub-peripheral board 614 are accommodated. Note that the "first cover member" according to the present invention may be a member arranged to cover at least a part of the accommodation case in a state where the board is accommodated.

[0186] According to this example, since the board can be protected by at least the accommodation case (board case 610), the first cover member (upper sheet metal shield 618), and the second cover member (shield cover 620), it is possible to prevent unauthorized acts on the board and the like in advance, and the security can be enhanced.

[0187] Also, if the board case itself is made of metal, there is a risk that the board case itself will become hot due to heat generation and dissipation of components immediately after the game, which may hinder inspection and replacement work. However, by covering the board case with the upper sheet metal shield and the shield cover as in this example, it is possible to prevent the board case itself from becoming hot and hindering inspection and replacement work immediately after the game while realizing countermeasures against static electricity.

[0188] In the base portion 618a of the upper sheet metal shield 618, a ventilation hole 618a1 is formed at a position corresponding to the fan 624 (see FIG. 10(d)) of the sub-control board 612, a volume knob opening 618a2 is formed at a position corresponding to the volume knob 625 of the sub-control board 612, a fitting hole 618a3 into which the fitting protrusion 604c (see FIG. 12(b)) of the lower sheet metal shield 604 can be fitted is formed at the left end portion when viewed from the front, and a monitor LED confirmation hole 618a4 formed of a through hole is formed at a position corresponding to the monitor lamp (light emitting means) 627 (see FIG. 10(d)) of the sub-control board 612.

[0189] According to this example, the metal first cover member (upper sheet metal shield 618) can protect the substrate from static electricity and the like, prevent substrate defects in advance, and can grasp game information through the light emitting means (monitor lamp 627) disposed on the substrate, improving maintainability and convenience.

[0190] FIG. 11(a) is a perspective view showing only the shield cover 620 and the upper sheet metal shield 618 extracted from the effect control unit 600 and shown through the shield cover 620.

[0191] The upper sheet metal shield 618 is housed inside the shield cover 620 in a superimposed (stacked) manner and is fixed to the shield cover 620 in a state of being entirely covered by the shield cover 620. Specifically, it is fixed by the locking claws (not shown) of the shield cover 620 locking to the locked portion 618a5 provided on the upper sheet metal shield 618. Since the shield cover 620 of this example is made of a colorless and transparent resin, the monitor LED confirmation hole 618a4 and the like formed in the upper sheet metal shield 618 are visible from the outside through the shield cover 620.

[0192] The length L1 of the upper wall portion 618b of the upper sheet metal shield 618 in the front view is shorter than the length L2 of the upper wall portion 620b of the shield cover 620 that overlaps (overlies) outside this wall portion 618b, and the length L3 of the left wall portion 618b of the upper sheet metal shield 618 in the front view is shorter than the length L4 of the left wall portion 620b of the shield cover 620 that overlaps (overlies) outside this wall portion 618b. Although not shown, the same applies to the lower and right wall portions 618b of the upper sheet metal shield 618 in the front view.

[0193] In other words, in the upper sheet metal shield 618 (first cover member), the length L1 in the short side direction of the wall portion 618b (one surface) that overlaps with the shield cover 620 (second cover member) is shorter than that of the shield cover 620 (second cover member).

[0194] According to this example, even when the substrate is covered with a first cover member (upper sheet metal shield 618) made of metal, a part of the substrate can be visually recognized from the outside through the second cover member (shield cover 620) made of resin, which can improve the convenience for store clerks and the like in the game arcade.

[0195] Also, since the length L1 is shorter than the length L2 and the length L3 is shorter than the length L4, the substrate (sub-control board 612 and sub-peripheral board 614) and the substrate case 610 can be visually recognized without rotating the shield cover 620 by illuminating the light from above or from the side.

[0196] Fig. 11(b) is an external view showing a state where the shield cover 620 and the upper sheet metal shield 618 are rotated and opened, and Fig. 11(c) is an external view showing a state where the shield cover 620 and the upper sheet metal shield 618 are rotated and closed.

[0197] The upper sheet metal shield 618 and the shield cover 620 are configured to be integrally rotatable (swingable) about the hinge 620c of the shield cover 620 as the rotation center (details will be described later).

[0198] <Upper substrate case> Next, the upper substrate case 608 will be described with reference to Figs. 8, 9, and 10(c).

[0199] The upper substrate case 608 is a box-shaped member made of a colorless and transparent resin. In this example, it includes a base portion 608a having a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and a plate-shaped wall portion 608b that protrudes in the thickness direction with the outer edge of the base portion 608a as the base end.

[0200] In the base portion 608a of the upper substrate case 608, a ventilation hole 608a1 is formed at a position corresponding to the fan 624 (see Fig. 10(d)) of the sub-control board 612, and a volume knob opening 608a2 is formed at a position corresponding to the volume knob 625 of the sub-control board 612.

[0201] Further, on the upper wall portion 608b of the upper substrate case 608 when viewed from the front, there are formed a locking portion 608b1 to which the locking claw 620b1 of the shield cover 620 is locked, a locking portion 608b2 to which the locking claw 606b of the lower substrate case 606 is locked, and a caulking member 608b3 that is sealed together with the caulking member 606c of the lower substrate case 606 by a substrate case caulking member 621 (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

[0202] In addition, if the substrate case caulking member 621 is configured to leave a trace when the upper substrate case 608 and the lower substrate case 606 are unsealed, unauthorized acts can be suppressed, and even if an unauthorized act has occurred, the fact that the unauthorized act has been committed can be surely discovered by the trace, and a response to the unauthorized act can be quickly made.

[0203] <Sub-control board, Sub-peripheral board> Next, the sub-control board 612 and the sub-peripheral board 614 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10(d).

[0204] In the substrate case 610 composed of the upper substrate case 608 and the lower substrate case 606, the sub-control board 612 is accommodated on the right side when viewed from the front, and the sub-peripheral board 614 is accommodated on the left side when viewed from the front. These sub-control board 612 and sub-peripheral board 614 are B-to-B connected (inter-substrate connection) via an inter-substrate connector 622.

[0205] The sub-control board 612 and the sub-peripheral board 614 are the boards that constitute the first sub-control unit 400 described with reference to FIG. 5, and are the boards that perform control related to games and effects. On the substrate of the sub-control board 612, a monitor lamp 627 and a cooling fan 624 are disposed, and the upper part of this fan 624 is covered with a fan cover 626 (see FIG. 8).

[0206] The monitor lamp (light emitting means) 627 is a means capable of notifying game information (a predetermined situation). In this example, it is composed of a plurality of LEDs. The game information (predetermined situation) that can be notified by the monitor lamp 627 is not particularly limited. For example, game state, instruction information, RT state, payout number of coins, operating condition device, advantageous section, reel drive, error, door open, setting change, setting confirmation, power supply state to the substrate and power supply state on the substrate, operating state of the liquid crystal display device, ON / OFF state and operating state of various components and sensors electrically connected directly or indirectly to the substrate, communication status with other substrates and components connected to the substrate, and the like.

[0207] Also, the "substrate" according to the present invention is not limited to the sub-control substrate 612 and the sub-peripheral substrate 614. Therefore, for example, one or three or more substrates may be accommodated in the substrate case 610, or a substrate that performs control other than effect control (for example, payout control of game values, main control substrate, power supply circuit) may be accommodated.

[0208] <Lower substrate case> Next, the lower substrate case 606 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, and 12(a).

[0209] FIG. 12(a) is a front view showing the lower substrate case 606 with the shield cover 620, upper sheet metal shield 618, upper substrate case 608, sub-control substrate 612, and sub-peripheral substrate 614 removed from the effect control unit 600.

[0210] The lower substrate case 606 is a plate-like member made of a colorless and transparent resin. In this example, it has a rectangular base portion 606a when viewed from the front, a plurality of locking claws 606b protruding from the outer edge of the base portion 608a, and a caulking member 606c that is sealed together with the caulking member 608b3 of the upper substrate case 608 by a substrate case caulking member 621 (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

[0211] <Lower sheet metal shield> Next, the lower metal shield 604 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, and 12(b).

[0212] FIG. 12(b) is a front view showing the lower metal shield 604 with the shield cover 620, upper metal shield 618, upper substrate case 608, sub-control board 612, sub-peripheral board 614, and lower substrate case 606 removed from the effect control unit 600.

[0213] The lower metal shield 604 is a box-shaped member made of metal. In this example, it includes a base portion 604a having a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, a plurality of locking claws 604b that project in the thickness direction with the outer edge of the base portion 618a as the base end and can be locked to the substrate case 610, a fitting projection 604c that can be fitted into the fitting hole 620a3 of the shield cover 620 and the fitting hole 618a3 of the upper metal shield 618, and a ground connection portion 604d to which a ground wire is connected.

[0214] In the present embodiment, the lower metal shield 604 has been described as a box-shaped member made of a metal member, but it may be a plate-shaped member composed mostly of the base portion 604a without any problem.

[0215] As described with reference to FIGS. 11(b) and (c), the shield cover 620 and the upper metal shield 618 can rotate integrally about the hinge 620c of the shield cover 620 as the rotation center.

[0216] As shown in FIG. 11(b), when the shield cover 620 and the upper metal shield 618 are rotated (opened) in a direction away from the substrate mounting base 602 about the hinge 620c of the shield cover 620 as the rotation center, the upper substrate case 608 is exposed to the outside, and the shield cover 620 and the upper metal shield 618 are in an open state.

[0217] In this open state, by removing the substrate case 610 from the substrate mounting base 602 and releasing the seal of the substrate case caulking member 621, access to the sub-control board 612 and the sub-peripheral board 614 inside the substrate case 610 becomes possible.

[0218] On the one hand, as shown in FIG. 11(c), the shield cover 620 and the upper sheet metal shield 618 are rotated (closed) in a direction approaching the substrate mounting base 602 with the hinge 620c of the shield cover 620 as the rotation center. When the fitting hole 620a3 of the shield cover 620 and the fitting hole 618a3 of the upper sheet metal shield 618 are fitted to the fitting protrusion 604c of the lower sheet metal shield 604, the upper sheet metal shield 618 and the lower sheet metal shield 604 are locked in contact with each other, and the shield cover 620 and the upper sheet metal shield 618 are in a closed state. Further, in the closed state, the locking claw 604b of the lower sheet metal shield 604 and the upper wall portion 618b on the upper side in the front view of the upper sheet metal shield 618 are brought into contact with each other.

[0219] In this closed state, since the substrate case 610 is covered by the shield cover 620 and the upper sheet metal shield 618, access to the sub-control substrate 612 and the sub-peripheral substrate 614 becomes impossible. Further, the upper sheet metal shield 618 contacts the lower sheet metal shield 604 and is grounded through the lower sheet metal shield 604.

[0220] According to this example, by closing the shield cover 620 and the upper sheet metal shield 618, the lower sheet metal shield 604 and the upper sheet metal shield 618 arranged to sandwich the substrate case 610 can be surely grounded, and electrostatic countermeasures can be surely taken against electronic components such as substrates and circuits arranged in the effect control unit 600.

[0221] <Effect peripheral substrate> Next, the effect peripheral substrate 616 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, and 12(b).

[0222] The effect peripheral substrate 616 is a substrate that constitutes the second sub-control unit 500 described with reference to FIG. 5 and is a substrate that performs control related to the game. This effect peripheral substrate 616 is arranged on the upper back surface of the substrate mounting base 602 and is electrically connected to the sub-control substrate 612 and the sub-peripheral substrate 614 arranged on the front side of the substrate mounting base 602 through a plurality of cables and connectors (not shown).

[0223] Figure 12(c) is a front view of the effect peripheral board cover 616a and the effect peripheral board harness cover 616b. Figure (d) of the same figure is an external perspective view showing the effect peripheral board cover 616a and the effect peripheral board harness cover 616b disassembled. Figure (e) of the same figure is a side view of the effect peripheral board cover 616a and the effect peripheral board harness cover 616b.

[0224] The effect peripheral board cover 616a is an elongated box-shaped member made of colorless transparent plastic, and is fixed to the upper front surface of the board mounting base 602 so as to cover the front surface of the effect peripheral board 616.

[0225] The effect peripheral board harness cover 616b is an elongated box-shaped member made of colorless transparent plastic that can accommodate the effect peripheral board cover 616a inside, and is superimposed (stacked) outside the effect peripheral board cover 616a so as to cover the effect peripheral board cover 616a and the cable led from the effect peripheral board 616 to the front surface of the board mounting base 602. This effect peripheral board harness cover 616b is rotatable with respect to the effect peripheral board cover 616a about a hinge 616a1 disposed on the right side in the front view of the effect peripheral board cover 616a as a rotation center.

[0226] The upper surface of the effect peripheral board harness cover 616b is composed of an inclined surface that gradually descends and inclines from the back side toward the front side as shown in the side view of Figure 12(e). When liquid is poured from the upper part of the slot machine 100 or the like, the liquid is configured to flow downward along the inclination of the upper surface without staying on the upper surface of the effect peripheral board harness cover 616b.

[0227] According to the effect peripheral board harness cover 616b of this example, when liquid is poured from the upper part of the slot machine 100 or the like, it is possible to prevent the liquid from staying around the effect peripheral board 616 and the cable, so that electrical failures caused by the liquid can be prevented in advance.

[0228] As described above, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes a substrate (for example, the sub-control board 612 and the sub-peripheral board 614 shown in FIG. 8), a first cover member (for example, the upper sheet metal shield 618 shown in FIG. 8), and a light-emitting means (for example, the monitor lamp 627 shown in FIG. 10(d)). The first cover member is a metal member disposed on at least one side of the substrate. The first cover member has a through hole (for example, the monitor LED confirmation hole 618a4 shown in FIG. 10(b)) at a position corresponding to a specific location on the substrate. The light-emitting means is a means capable of notifying a predetermined situation (for example, gaming information). The light-emitting means is disposed at the specific location. The gaming machine is characterized by this.

[0229] According to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the first cover member made of metal can protect the substrate from static electricity and the like, prevent malfunctions of the substrate, and grasp gaming information through the light-emitting means disposed on the substrate, thereby improving maintainability and convenience.

[0230] Further, a second cover member (for example, the shield cover 620 shown in FIG. 8) may be provided. The second cover member is a resin member and may be disposed on the side opposite to the side where the substrate is disposed in the first cover member.

[0231] With such a configuration, when liquid is poured from the upper part of the gaming machine, it is possible to prevent the liquid from staying around the substrate, thereby preventing electrical failures caused by the liquid. Also, it is possible to prevent burns when a store clerk or the like of a gaming parlor performs a confirmation operation on the substrate.

[0232] Further, it may include a storage case (for example, the substrate case 610 shown in FIG. 8) capable of storing the substrate, the first cover member may be disposed to cover at least a part of the storage case with the substrate stored therein, and the second cover member may be disposed to cover at least a part of the first cover member.

[0233] With such a configuration, since the substrate can be protected by at least the storage case, the first cover member, and the second cover member, it is possible to prevent unauthorized acts on the substrate and the like in advance, and improve security.

[0234] Also, if the substrate case itself is made of metal, there is a risk that the substrate case itself will become hot due to heat generation and dissipation of components immediately after the game, which may hinder inspection and replacement work. However, by covering the substrate case with the upper sheet metal shield and the shield cover as in this example, while realizing countermeasures against static electricity, the substrate case itself does not become hot and inspection and replacement work can be carried out immediately after the game.

[0235] Further, the length of the first cover member in the short side direction on at least one surface overlapping the second cover member may be shorter than that of the second cover member.

[0236] With such a configuration, even when the substrate is covered with the first cover member made of metal, a part of the substrate can be visually recognized from the outside through the second cover member made of resin, which can improve the convenience for store clerks of game arcades and the like. In addition, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment is a gaming machine including a substrate, a first cover member, and a second cover member, wherein the first cover member is a metal member disposed on at least one side of the substrate, the first cover member is a member having a through hole at a position corresponding to a specific location on the substrate, the second cover member is a resin member disposed on the side opposite to the side on which the substrate is disposed in the first cover member, the substrate is a substrate provided with display means for indicating predetermined information at the specific location, the substrate is a substrate on which a certain component is provided at a certain location, the first cover member is a member exposing the certain component, and the second cover member is a member exposing the certain component. This is a characteristic of the gaming machine. Also, the certain component may be a component that is the work target of an operator. Further, the certain component may be a component related to the output of the effect of the gaming machine. Also, the first cover member may be a member having an opening at a position corresponding to the certain component, and the second cover member may be a member having an opening at a position corresponding to the certain component. Also, a surface facing one side in a front view of the first cover member is defined as a first surface, a surface facing the one side in a front view of the second cover member is defined as a second surface, the first surface is at a position overlapping the second surface, and it may have a specific portion where the length in the short side direction of the first surface is shorter than the length in the short side direction of the second surface.

[0237] <Assembly Structure of the Lens Unit> Next, the assembly structure of the lens unit 700 will be described.

[0238] FIG. 13(a) is a front view of an effect device disposed at the lower part of the slot machine 100 as seen from the front side, and FIG. 13(b) is a rear view of the same effect device as seen from the rear side.

[0239] The slot machine 100 includes an upper effect unit 650, a panel unit 750 disposed below the upper effect unit 650, and side lamps 654 and the like disposed on both sides of the upper effect unit 650 and the panel unit 750.

[0240] The upper effect unit 650 is configured to include a lens unit 700 capable of outputting light, a plurality of speakers 660 capable of outputting sound, and an effect cover 662 that supports these lens unit 700, speakers 660, and the like.

[0241] The panel unit 750 is configured to include a plate-shaped panel 652, a panel illumination reflector 658 disposed on the back side of the panel 652, a panel illumination substrate 664 disposed on the front surface of the panel illumination reflector 658, and a panel partition 656 that supports the lower side of the panel 652. Details of the panel unit 750 will be described later.

[0242] <Lens unit> Next, the lens unit 700 will be described.

[0243] FIG. 14(a) is a front view of the lens unit 700, FIG. 14(b) is a rear view of the lens unit 700, and FIG. 14(c) is an exploded perspective view showing the main members constituting the lens unit 700 disassembled.

[0244] The lens unit 700 is configured to include a lens holder 702, an inner lens 704 attached to the lens holder 702, an outer lens 706 disposed on the front surface of the inner lens 704, and a lens cover 708 disposed so as to cover the outer lens 706 and the inner lens 704.

[0245] <Lens unit / Lens holder> The lens holder 702 is a mounting member to which mounting members such as an illumination substrate (not shown), an inner lens 704, an outer lens 706, and a lens cover 708 are attached. In this example, it is composed of a base portion 702a which is a plate-shaped member having an inverted triangular shape when viewed from the back, a wall portion 702b protruding from the outer edge of the base portion 702a, and an illumination substrate (not shown) fixed to the base portion 702a.

[0246] On the base portion 702a of the lens holder 702, a total of three inner lens engaging portions 702a1, one at each of the upper both ends and one at the lower part, are formed, into which the plate-shaped engaging piece 704b1 of the inner lens 704 can be engaged. Needless to say, the number and positions of the engaging piece 704b1 of the inner lens 704 and the inner lens engaging portion 702a1 of the lens holder 702 are not limited to this example.

[0247] Also, on the wall portion 702b of the lens holder 702, a total of four outer lens engaging portions (first engaging portions) 702b1, two at the upper part and two at the lower part, are formed, into which the outer lens engaging piece 706a of the outer lens (first mounting member) 706 can be engaged, and a total of six lens cover engaging portions (second engaging portions) 702b2, three at the upper part and three at the lower part, are formed, into which the lens cover engaging piece 708a of the lens cover (second mounting member) 708 can be engaged.

[0248] Needless to say, the number and positions of the outer lens engaging piece 706a of the outer lens 706, the lens cover engaging piece 708a of the lens cover 708, the outer lens engaging portion 702b1 of the lens holder 702, and the lens cover engaging portion 702b2 are not limited to this example.

[0249] In addition, the engaging portion 702a1 for the inner lens, the engaging portion 702b1 for the outer lens, and the engaging portion 702b2 for the lens cover are arranged alternately, and since they have a one-to-one correspondence with the inner lens 204, the outer lens 706, and the lens cover 708, even if the engaging pieces of different lenses are inserted into different engaging portions, they cannot be properly attached to the lens holder 702, and the structure is such that it is easy to notice an assembly error.

[0250] The lighting substrate (not shown) is a substrate on which a plurality of LEDs are mounted, is fixed to the surface of the base portion 702a on the inner lens 704 side, and is configured to emit light toward the inner lens 704.

[0251] <Lens unit / Inner lens> The inner lens 704 is a member capable of emitting and diffusing the light emitted from the LEDs mounted on the lighting substrate of the lens holder 702 toward the outer lens 706 and the lens cover 708. In this example, it is composed of a plate-like member having an inverted triangular shape when viewed from the back, and includes a base portion 704a having a plurality of reflectors and a wall portion 704b protruding from the outer edge of the base portion 704a.

[0252] On the wall portion 704b of the inner lens 704, a total of three engaging pieces 704b1 that can be engaged with the inner lens engaging portion 702a1 of the lens holder 702 are formed, one at each of the upper both ends and one at the lower part.

[0253] <Lens unit / Outer lens> The outer lens (first mounting member) 706 is a colored transparent (orange in this example) member disposed on the front surface of the inner lens 704. In this example, it is composed of a cylindrical member having an inverted triangular shape when viewed from the back and having an inner space capable of accommodating a part of the inner lens 704.

[0254] In the opening of the outer lens 706, a total of six outer lens engaging pieces 706a that can be engaged with the outer lens engaging portion 702b1 of the lens holder 702 are formed, three at the upper part and three at the lower part.

[0255] Details will be described with reference to FIG. 16(b). An engagement hole 706a1 that can engage with the engagement claw 702b12 of the engagement portion 702b1 for the outer lens is formed in the outer lens engagement piece 706a.

[0256] <Lens unit / Lens cover> The lens cover (second mounting member) 708 is a colorless and transparent member disposed so as to cover the outer lens 706 and the inner lens 704. In this example, it is composed of a cylindrical member having an inverted triangular shape in a rear view with an inner space capable of accommodating a part of the outer lens 706.

[0257] Six lens cover engagement pieces 708a that can engage with the engagement portion 702b2 for the lens cover of the lens holder 702 are formed at the opening of the lens cover 708, three at the upper part and three at the lower part.

[0258] Details will be described with reference to FIG. 16(c). An engagement hole 708a1 that can engage with the engagement claw 702b22 of the engagement portion 702b2 for the lens cover is formed in the lens cover engagement piece 708a.

[0259] <Lens unit / Assembly process> Next, the assembly process of the lens unit 700 will be described with reference to FIG. 15.

[0260] FIG. 15(a) is an exploded view showing the lens unit 700 before assembly, and FIG. 15(b) is an exploded view showing the lens unit 700 in a state where the inner lens 704 is attached to the lens holder 702.

[0261] Also, FIG. 15(c) is an exploded view showing the lens unit 700 in a state where the inner lens 704 and the outer lens 706 are attached to the lens holder 702, and FIG. 15(d) is an exploded view showing the lens unit 700 after assembly.

[0262] When assembling the lens unit 700, first, as shown in FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b), the three engaging pieces 704b1 of the inner lens 704 are engaged with the three engaging portions 702a1 for the inner lenses of the lens holder 702, thereby attaching the inner lens 704 to the lens holder 702.

[0263] Next, as shown in FIGS. 15(b) and 15(c), the four outer lens engaging pieces 706a of the outer lens 706 are engaged with the four engaging portions 702b1 for the outer lenses of the lens holder 702 with the inner lens 704 attached thereto, thereby attaching the outer lens 706 to the lens holder 702. As a result, the outer lens 706 is fixed in a state of overlapping the outer side of the inner lens 704.

[0264] Finally, as shown in FIGS. 15(c) and 15(d), the six lens cover engaging pieces 708a of the lens cover 708 are engaged with the six engaging portions 702b2 for the lens cover of the lens holder 702 with the outer lens 706 and the inner lens 704 attached thereto, thereby attaching the lens cover 708 to the lens holder 702. As a result, the lens cover 708 is fixed in a state of overlapping the outer side of the outer lens 706.

[0265] As shown in FIG. 15(d), in the assembled state of the lens unit 700, the four outer lens engaging pieces 706a of the outer lens 706 and the lens cover engaging pieces 708a of the lens cover 708 are alternately arranged in the lens holder 702.

[0266] In this example, an assembly process in which the inner lens 704 is mounted on the lens holder 702, then the outer lens 706 is mounted, and finally the lens cover 708 is mounted has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an assembly process in which the inner lens 704, the outer lens 706, and the lens cover 708 are mounted on the lens holder 702 in a state of being overlapped may also be used.

[0267] The engaging piece 704b1 of the inner lens 704, the outer lens engaging piece 706a, and the lens cover engaging piece 708a have an alternating positional relationship, and even when these three members are overlapped, they do not interfere with each other, so that they can be mounted on the lens holder 702 in the overlapped state, and the efficiency in the assembly process can be improved.

[0268] According to this example, on one surface of the mounting member (in this example, the lens holder 702), the engaging portion (in this example, the engaging portion 702b1 for the outer lens) with the first mounting member (in this example, the outer lens 706) and the engaging portion (in this example, the engaging portion 702b2 for the lens cover) of the second mounting member (in this example, the lens cover 708) are alternately arranged. Therefore, the first mounting member and the second mounting member are not easily detached from the mounting member, and the mounting strength of the first mounting member and the second mounting member can be increased.

[0269] <Engaging portion of lens unit / lens holder> Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the engaging portion of the lens holder 702 will be described.

[0270] FIG. 16(a) is a partially enlarged view showing an enlarged main part of the lens holder 702 before attaching the outer lens 706 and the lens cover 708. FIG. 16(b) is a partially enlarged view showing an enlarged main part of the lens holder 702 after attaching the outer lens 706. FIG. 16(c) is a partially enlarged view showing an enlarged main part of the lens holder 702 after attaching the lens cover 708 and the outer lens 706.

[0271] As shown in FIG. 16(a), the engaging portion 702b1 for the outer lens of the lens holder 702 includes an insertion hole 702b11 through which the outer lens engaging piece 706a of the outer lens 706 can be inserted, an engaging claw 702b12 that can engage with an engaging hole 706a1 formed in the outer lens engaging piece 706a of the outer lens 706, and a fitting passage 702b13 into which the outer lens engaging piece 706a of the outer lens 706 can be fitted.

[0272] The fitting passage 702b13 has a first portion along the short side direction of the wall portion 702b and a second portion extending in a direction opposite to the side where the outer lens 706 is mounted, and the engaging claw 702b12 is provided at the tip side in the second portion of the fitting passage.

[0273] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. (a) of the same figure, the lens cover engaging portion 702b2 of the lens holder 702 includes a fitting passage 702b21 into which the lens cover engaging piece 708a of the lens cover 708 can be fitted, and an engaging claw 702b22 that can engage with the engaging hole 708a1 formed in the lens cover engaging piece 708a of the lens cover 708.

[0274] The fitting passage 702b21 has a first portion along the short side direction of the wall portion 702b and a second portion extending in a direction opposite to the side where the outer lens 706 is mounted, and the engaging claw 702b22 is provided at the tip side in the second portion of the fitting passage 702b21.

[0275] The engaging claw 702b12 of the outer lens engaging portion 702b1 protrudes downward (inward of the lens holder 702), while the engaging claw 702b22 of the lens cover engaging portion 702b2 protrudes upward (outward of the lens holder 702), and the protruding directions of the two are 180 degrees different.

[0276] When attaching the outer lens 706 to the lens holder 702, as shown in Fig. 16(b), after inserting the outer lens engaging piece 706a into the insertion hole 702b11 of the outer lens engaging portion 702b1, the engaging hole 706a1 of the outer lens engaging piece 706a is engaged (fitted) with the engaging claw 702b12 of the outer lens engaging portion 702b1 to fix the outer lens 706 to the lens holder 702.

[0277] As a result, the outer lens engaging piece 706a of the outer lens 706 abuts against the back surface (the first surface) of the wall portion 702b of the lens holder 702 and is fixed to the lens holder 702 while being pressed in the direction of the back surface (the first surface) of the wall portion 702b.

[0278] On the other hand, when removing the outer lens 706 from the lens holder 702, by pushing the outer lens engaging piece 706a inward (the first direction; downward in FIG. 16) of the lens holder 702, after releasing the engagement between the engaging claw 702b12 of the engaging portion 702b1 for the outer lens and the engaging hole 706a1 of the outer lens engaging piece 706a, the outer lens 706 is removed from the lens holder 702 by withdrawing the outer lens engaging piece 706a from the insertion hole 702b11 of the engaging portion 702b1 for the outer lens.

[0279] When attaching the lens cover 708 to the lens holder 702, as shown in FIG. 16(c), after pushing the lens cover engaging piece 708a along the fitting passage 702b21 of the engaging portion 702b2 for the lens cover, the lens cover 708 is fixed to the lens holder 702 by engaging (fitting) the engaging hole 708a1 of the lens cover engaging piece 708a with the engaging claw 702b22 of the engaging portion 702b2 for the lens cover.

[0280] As a result, the lens cover engaging piece 708a of the lens cover 708 abuts against the front surface (the second surface) of the wall portion 702b of the lens holder 702 and is fixed to the lens holder 702 while being pressed in the direction of the front surface (the second surface) of the wall portion 702b. Also, in this state, since the upper surfaces of the walls on both sides of the fitting passage 702b21 of the engaging portion 702b2 for the lens cover and the upper surface of the lens cover engaging piece 708a of the lens cover 708 are substantially flush, the uneven portions of the lens unit 700 can be reduced, and interference with other members can be prevented.

[0281] When removing the lens cover 708 from the lens holder 702, to disengage the engaging claw 702b22 of the engaging portion 702b2 for the lens holder from the engaging hole 708a1 of the lens cover engaging piece 708a, pull the lens cover engaging piece 708a outward (the second direction; the upward direction in FIG. 16) of the lens holder 702. Then, to remove the lens cover 708 from the lens holder 702, pull out the lens cover engaging piece 708a along the fitting passage 702b21 of the engaging portion 702b2 for the lens holder.

[0282] According to this example, since tools, screws, etc. are not required for attaching the mounting members (in this example, the outer lens 706 and the lens cover 708), the convenience during the assembly of the mounting members and the mounting member (in this example, the lens holder 702) can be improved. Also, since the first engaging portion (in this example, the engaging portion 702b1 for the outer lens) and the second engaging portion (in this example, the engaging portion 702b2 for the lens holder) have different directions for releasing the engagement with the mounting members, the mounting members are not easily detached from the mounting member, and the mounting strength of the mounting members can be increased.

[0283] In addition, since the direction in which the first mounting member (in this example, the outer lens 706) engages with the first engaging portion (in this example, the engaging portion 702b1 for the outer lens) is different from the direction in which the second mounting member (in this example, the lens cover 708) engages with the second engaging portion (in this example, the engaging portion 702b2 for the lens holder), the mounting error between the first mounting member and the second mounting member can be reduced. Also, the first mounting member and the second mounting member are not easily detached from the mounting member, and the mounting strength of the first mounting member and the second mounting member can be increased.

[0284] Moreover, when removing the first mounting member (in this example, the outer lens 706) and the second mounting member (in this example, the lens cover 708) from the mounting member (in this example, the lens holder 702), since it is necessary to move the first mounting member and the second mounting member in opposite directions to release the engagement with the mounting member, the first mounting member and the second mounting member are not easily detached from the mounting member, and the mounting strength of the first mounting member and the second mounting member can be increased.

[0285] In addition, since the mounting members (in this example, the outer lens 706 and the lens cover 708) are attached so as to sandwich the mounting member (in this example, the lens holder 702), the mounting members are not easily detached from the mounting member, and the mounting strength of the mounting members can be increased.

[0286] In this example, an engaging claw 702b12 is provided at the engaging portion of the mounting member (the engaging portion 702b1 for the outer lens of the lens holder 702), and an engaging hole 706a1 is provided in the mounting member (the outer lens engaging piece 706a of the outer lens 706). However, an engaging claw that can engage with the engaging portion of the mounting member may be provided on the mounting member (the outer lens engaging piece 706a of the outer lens 706), and an engaging hole with which the mounting member can engage may be provided at the engaging portion of the mounting member (the engaging portion 702b1 for the outer lens of the lens holder 702).

[0287] Also, an engaging claw 702b22 is provided at the engaging portion of the mounting member (the engaging portion 702b2 for the lens holder of the lens holder 702), and an engaging hole 708a1 is provided in the mounting member (the lens cover engaging piece 708a of the lens cover 708). However, an engaging claw that can engage with the engaging portion of the mounting member may be provided on the mounting member (the lens cover engaging piece 708a of the lens cover 708), and an engaging hole with which the mounting member can engage may be provided at the engaging portion of the mounting member (the engaging portion 702b2 for the lens holder of the lens holder 702).

[0288] <Assembly Structure of Lens Unit / Summary> As described above, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine including a mounting member (for example, the lens holder 702 shown in FIG. 16) to which a mounting member (for example, the outer lens 706 and the lens cover 708 shown in FIG. 16) can be attached. The mounting member includes a plurality of engaging portions that can engage with the mounting member. The plurality of engaging portions include a first engaging portion (for example, the engaging portion 702b1 for the outer lens shown in FIG. 16) and a second engaging portion (for example, the engaging portion 702b2 for the lens holder shown in FIG. 16). The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion have different directions for releasing the engagement with the mounting member. This is the characteristic of the gaming machine.

[0289] According to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, since tools, screws, etc. are not required for attaching the mounting member, the convenience during the assembly of the mounting member and the mounting member can be improved. In addition, since the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion have different directions for releasing the engagement with the mounting member, the mounting member is not easily detached from the mounting member, and the attachment strength of the mounting member can be increased.

[0290] Further, the mounting member can attach a plurality of the mounting members (hereinafter referred to as "a plurality of mounting members"). One of the plurality of mounting members is a first mounting member, and one of the plurality of mounting members is a second mounting member. The plurality of mounting members include a first mounting member (for example, the outer lens 706 shown in FIG. 16) and a second mounting member (for example, the lens cover 708 shown in FIG. 16). The first engaging portion can engage with the first mounting member, and the second engaging portion can engage with the second mounting member. The direction in which the first mounting member and the first engaging portion engage and the direction in which the second mounting member and the second engaging portion engage may be different.

[0291] With such a configuration, since the direction in which the first mounting member engages with the first engaging portion is different from the direction in which the second mounting member engages with the second engaging portion, it is possible to reduce the mounting error between the first mounting member and the second mounting member. Moreover, the first mounting member and the second mounting member are not easily detached from the mounting member, and the mounting strength of the first mounting member and the second mounting member can be increased.

[0292] Also, the direction for releasing the first mounting member from the engagement with the first engaging portion is the first direction (for example, inward of the lens holder 702) on one surface of the mounting member, and the direction for releasing the second mounting member from the engagement with the second engaging portion is the second direction (for example, inward of the lens holder 702) on the one surface of the mounting member, and the first direction and the second direction may be opposite directions.

[0293] With such a configuration, when removing the first mounting member and the second mounting member from the mounting member, since it is necessary to move the first mounting member and the second mounting member in opposite directions to release the engagement with the mounting member, the first mounting member and the second mounting member are not easily detached from the mounting member, and the mounting strength of the first mounting member and the second mounting member can be increased.

[0294] Further, the second mounting member may be mounted so as to overlap the outside of the first mounting member in a state where the first mounting member is mounted on the mounting member.

[0295] With such a configuration, the mounting strength of the first mounting member and the second mounting member that are overlapped and mounted on the mounting member can be increased.

[0296] In addition, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine provided with a mounting member (for example, the lens holder 702 shown in FIG. 16) to which a mounting member (for example, the outer lens 706 and the lens cover 708 shown in FIG. 16) can be attached. The mounting member includes a plurality of engaging portions engageable with the mounting member. The plurality of engaging portions include a first engaging portion (for example, the engaging portion 702b1 for the outer lens shown in FIG. 16) and a second engaging portion (for example, the engaging portion 702b2 for the lens holder shown in FIG. 16). The mounting member and the first engaging portion are engaged on a first surface of the mounting member, and the mounting member and the second engaging portion are engaged on a second surface of the mounting member. The first surface and the second surface may be surfaces that are in a front-back relationship with each other.

[0297] With such a configuration, tools, screws, etc. are not required for attaching the mounting member, so the convenience during the assembly of the mounting member and the mounting member can be improved. In addition, since the mounting member is attached so as to sandwich the mounting member, the mounting member is not easily detached from the mounting member, and the attachment strength of the mounting member can be increased.

[0298] Further, the first engaging portion includes a first fitting portion (for example, the insertion hole 702b11 shown in FIG. 16) into which a part of the first mounting member can be fitted on the first surface of the mounting member, and the second engaging portion includes a second fitting portion (for example, the fitting passage 702b21 shown in FIG. 16) into which a part of the second mounting member can be fitted on the second surface of the mounting member. The first surface and the second surface may be surfaces that are in a front-back relationship with each other.

[0299] With such a configuration, since the mounting member is attached so as to sandwich the mounting member, the mounting member is not easily detached from the mounting member, and the attachment strength of the mounting member can be increased.

[0300] Further, the first engaging portion may include a first protruding piece (e.g., the engaging claw 702b12 shown in FIG. 16) protruding in a first direction, and the second engaging portion may include a second protruding piece (e.g., the engaging claw 702b22 shown in FIG. 16) protruding in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0301] With such a configuration, tools, screws, etc. are not required for attaching the mounting member, so the convenience during the assembly of the mounting member and the attachment member can be improved. In addition, since the mounting member is attached so as to sandwich the attachment member, the mounting member is not easily detached from the attachment member, and the attachment strength of the mounting member can be increased.

[0302] Further, the first mounting member (e.g., the outer lens 706 shown in FIG. 16) and the second mounting member (e.g., the lens cover 708 shown in FIG. 16) may be members that are light-transmissive and have different colors.

[0303] With such a configuration, even if there is only one type of emission color, the emission color can be changed to various colors depending on the combination of the first mounting member and the second mounting member, and the production effect can be enhanced.

[0304] Further, the first mounting member may be unable to be attached to the attachment member when the second mounting member is attached to the attachment member.

[0305] With such a configuration, the attachment mistakes between the first mounting member and the second mounting member can be reduced.

[0306] <Shadow prevention structure of the panel> Next, the shadow prevention structure of the panel 652 will be described. Prior to this description, the panel unit 750 will be described with reference to FIG. 17. @ <Shadow prevention structure of the panel / Panel unit> FIG. 17(a) is an exploded perspective view showing the main members constituting the panel unit 750, FIG. 17(b) is an external perspective view of the panel unit 750 seen from the front side, and FIG. 17(c) is an external perspective view of the panel unit 750 seen from the back side.

[0307] The panel unit 750 includes a plate-shaped panel 652, a panel lighting reflector 658 disposed on the back side of the panel 652, a panel lighting substrate 664 on which a plurality of LEDs 664a are mounted, and a panel partition 656 that supports the lower part of the panel 652.

[0308] As described with reference to FIG. 13, this panel unit 750 is attached below the upper production unit 650 via an upper production unit attachment portion 658d provided on the panel lighting reflector 658.

[0309] <Anti-shadow structure of panel / Panel unit / Panel> The panel 652 is a member (first member) through which at least a part of the light emitted from the panel lighting substrate 664 (light emitting means) can pass. In this example, it is composed of a colored translucent plate-shaped member with a decoration (characters, figures, symbols, patterns, characters, etc.) applied to the front surface 652a.

[0310] Note that the "first member" according to the present invention is not limited to a colored translucent plate-shaped member with a decoration, and it may not have a decoration, or it may be composed of a member through which a part of the light can pass and another part through which the light cannot pass, or it may not be a plate-shaped member.

[0311] <Anti-shadow structure of panel / Panel unit / Panel lighting reflector> The panel lighting reflector 658 is a member (second member) that supports the panel (first member) 652. In this example, it includes a plate-shaped base portion 658a having a plurality of lighting substrate attachment portions 658a1, a plate-shaped wall portion 658b extending in the thickness direction with the outer edge of the base portion 658a as the base end, a panel partition attachment portion 658c provided below the outer edge of the base portion 658a, and an upper effect unit attachment portion 658d provided above the outer edge of the base portion 658a. Note that the detailed structure of this panel lighting reflector 658 will be described later.

[0312] <Panel shadow prevention structure / Panel unit / Panel lighting substrate> The panel lighting substrate 664 (light emitting means) includes a plurality of LEDs 664a capable of emitting light toward the panel 652. The panel lighting substrate 664 (light emitting means) is screwed to the lighting substrate attachment portion 658a1 of the panel lighting reflector 658 and fixed to the base portion 658a of the panel lighting reflector 658 with the plurality of LEDs 664a directed toward the panel 652.

[0313] <Panel shadow prevention structure / Panel unit / Panel partition> The panel partition 656 is a horizontally long rod-shaped member capable of supporting the panel 652 from below. In this example, it includes a panel support portion 656a on which the panel 652 can be placed (supported) and a reflector attachment portion (not shown) provided on the back surface.

[0314] The panel partition 656 is screwed to the panel partition attachment portion 658c of the panel lighting reflector 658 via a reflector attachment portion (not shown) while supporting the bottom of the panel 652 at the panel support portion 656a, and is fixed to the lower edge of the panel lighting reflector 658.

[0315] <Panel shadow prevention structure / Detailed structure of panel lighting reflector> Next, with reference to FIG. 18, the detailed structure of the panel lighting reflector 658 will be described.

[0316] FIG. 18(a) is a side view of the panel unit 750, FIG. 18(b) is an external perspective view of the state where the panel 652 is removed from the panel unit 750 as viewed obliquely from below, and FIG. 18(c) is an external perspective view of the same state as viewed obliquely from above.

[0317] The wall portion 658b erected on the outer edge of the base portion 658a of the panel illumination reflector 658 includes a contact portion 658b1 that contacts the panel (first member) 652, a non-contact portion 658b2 that does not contact the panel (first member) 652, and a chamfered portion 658b3 that is partially chamfered.

[0318] The contact portion 658b1 of the wall portion 658b functions as a portion that contacts the back surface 652b of the panel 652 and supports the back surface 652b of the panel 652 in the assembled state of the panel unit 750.

[0319] On the other hand, the non-contact portion 658b2 of the wall portion 658b has a structure in which the tip of the contact portion 658b1 is cut out. The maximum height of the non-contact portion 658b2 is lower than the maximum height of the contact portion 658b1, and it is configured not to contact the back surface 652b of the panel 652 in the assembled state of the panel unit 750.

[0320] That is, the wall portion 658b has a shape with a recess, and supports the back surface 652b of the panel 652 by contacting it at a location that is not recessed. In other words, it can also be said that the wall portion 658b has a first wall portion region (contact portion 658b1) facing (extending) toward the panel 652 and a second wall portion region (non-contact portion 658b2) that does not face (extend) toward the panel 652 more than the first wall portion region.

[0321] Note that it is not necessarily required that all contact portions contact the panel 652, and a structure in which some contact portions contact it may be used. Also, a gap may be formed between the panel 652 and the contact portion, and by creating the gap, it is possible to mitigate the transmission of impact to the panel illumination reflector 658 when an impact is applied to the panel 653.

[0322] Note that the maximum height of the non-contact portion 658b2 may be appropriately designed according to the presence or absence of shadow generation on the panel 652, and may be about 3 / 4 of the maximum height of the contact portion 658b1, or may be about 1 / 2. Also, in this example, the contact portion 658b1 and the non-contact portion 658b2 are integrally formed, but they may be separate bodies.

[0323] As shown in the external perspective views of FIGS. 18(b) and (c), the panel illumination reflector 658 is composed of a polygonal member having a plurality (six in this example) of corner portions CP. The contact portion 658b1 is arranged at a site including these plurality of corner portions CP, while the non-contact portion 658b2 is arranged substantially symmetrically about the longitudinal direction of the panel illumination reflector 658 at a site excluding these plurality of corner portions CP.

[0324] According to this example, it is possible to suppress the generation of shadows uniformly on the left and right in the first member (the panel 652 in this example), and while preventing a situation where the shadow of the second member (the panel illumination reflector 658 in this example) is reflected on the first member, the designability of the first member can be ensured. Also, even when an external impact is applied to the front surface of the first member, the impact force can be dispersed to the left and right, preventing damage to the first member and ensuring durability.

[0325] Also, by arranging the contact portion at the corner of the second member (the panel illumination reflector 658 in this example), the strength of the second member can be increased, and the first member (the panel 652 in this example) can be stably supported by the second member.

[0326] As shown in FIG. 18(b), the chamfered portion 658b3 of the wall portion 658b has a structure in which the tip of the contact portion 658b1 is chamfered obliquely. In a state where the panel unit 750 is assembled, the tip abuts against the back surface 652b of the panel 652, and the portion other than the tip is configured not to abut against the back surface 652b of the panel 652. In this example, only one chamfered portion 658b3 is arranged at the center of the upper edge of the panel illumination reflector 658.

[0327] The panel 652 has various decorations and characters drawn on it, and prominent characters or decorations are often drawn in the central part thereof. The chamfered portion 658b3 is a location corresponding to approximately the center in the longitudinal direction of the panel 652. If chamfering is not performed at this location, a dark portion will also occur in the central part of the panel, deteriorating the appearance of the most prominent part of the panel.

[0328] On the other hand, if this location is cut out in the same way as other non - abutting parts, the durability when an impact is applied cannot be ensured. Therefore, in this example, in the wall portion 658b, by adopting a chamfered structure at the location corresponding to approximately the center in the longitudinal direction of the panel 52, it is possible to improve the appearance and durability of the panel 652.

[0329] According to this example, while maintaining the function of supporting the first member (in this example, the panel 652) with the second member (in this example, the panel lighting reflector 658) by the abutting portion (tip portion) in the chamfered portion 658b3, it is possible to prevent, by the non - abutting portion (chamfered part) in the chamfered portion 658b3, a situation where the shadow of the second member is projected onto the first member.

[0330] Note that the chamfered portion 658b3 may not be provided, or two or more of them may be arranged. Also, part or all of the non - abutting portion 658b2 may be constituted by the chamfered portion 658b3.

[0331] <Panel shadow prevention structure / Functions of non - abutting portion and chamfered portion> Next, with reference to FIGS. 19(a) and (b), the functions of the non - abutting portion 658b2 and the chamfered portion 658b3 in the panel unit 750 will be described.

[0332] FIG. 19(a) is a front view of the panel unit 750, and FIG. 19(b) is a side cross - sectional view taken along the line A - A shown in FIG. 19(a) and an enlarged view of the main part thereof.

[0333] The light emitted from the LED 664a of the panel lighting substrate 664 toward the back surface 652b of the panel 652 can be classified into the light that directly reaches the back surface 652b of the panel 652 and the light that is reflected by the wall portion 658b of the panel lighting reflector 658 and reaches the back surface 652b of the panel 652.

[0334] For example, in FIG. 19(b), the light indicated by the reference sign L1 travels in a direction opposite to the wall portion 658b of the panel lighting reflector 658 and directly reaches the back surface 652b of the panel 652. The light indicated by the reference sign L2 passes above the non-contact portion 658b2 of the panel lighting reflector 658 and directly reaches the edge of the back surface 652b of the panel 652. The light indicated by the reference sign L3 is reflected by the non-contact portion 658b2 of the panel lighting reflector 658 and reaches the back surface 652b of the panel 652.

[0335] In a conventional gaming table, the wall portion 658b of the panel lighting reflector 658 is composed of only the portion corresponding to the contact portion 658b1 in this example, and there is no non-contact portion 658b2 and chamfered portion 658b3 in this example. Therefore, the light L1 shown in FIG. 18(b) can directly reach the back surface 652b of the panel 652, but the light L2 shown in FIG. 18(b) is reflected by the portion corresponding to the contact portion 658b1 in this example and reaches the back surface 652b of the panel 652, so it cannot directly reach the edge of the back surface 652b of the panel 652.

[0336] For this reason, in a conventional gaming table, the quantity (light amount) of the light L2 that directly reaches the edge of the back surface 652b of the panel 652 is relatively small, and the edge of the back surface 652b of the panel 652 becomes darker than the central portion of the back surface 652b of the panel 652, resulting in a problem that the appearance of the panel 652 from the front becomes poor.

[0337] In this regard, since the panel lighting reflector 658 according to this example has a non-contact portion 658b2 that does not contact the panel 652 and a chamfered portion 658b3 that partially does not contact the panel 652, the light L2 shown in Fig. 18(b) passes through the gap (space) formed between the panel 652 and the non-contact portion 658b2 (or between the panel 652 and the chamfered portion 658b3), and can directly reach the edge of the back surface 652b of the panel 652, and the amount of light (light quantity) of the light L2 that illuminates the edge of the back surface 652b of the panel 652 can be increased compared to the conventional game table.

[0338] According to this example, since the second member (in this example, the panel lighting reflector 658) has a non-contact portion 658b2 that does not contact the first member (in this example, the panel 652), a part of the light emitted toward the first member is reflected by the second member, so that a shadow of the second member is generated on the first member and a situation where it is reflected into the first member can be prevented, and the appearance of the first member can be improved without hindering the design of the first member.

[0339] Also, while maintaining the function of supporting the first member (in this example, the panel 652) by the contact portion 658b1, the non-contact portion 658b2 can prevent a situation where a shadow of the second member is reflected into the first member. Further, since the non-contact portion 658b2 has a structure in which the contact portion 658b1 is cut out, the structure of the second member is not complicated, and the second member can be easily processed.

[0340] <Panel shadow prevention structure / Members around the panel unit> Next, with reference to Fig. 19(c), the members around the panel unit 750 will be described.

[0341] Fig. 19(c) is a partially enlarged view showing the panel unit 750 attached to the upper effect unit 650 with the illustration of the panel 652 omitted.

[0342] In the state where the panel unit 750 is attached to the upper stage unit 650, both longitudinal sides of the panel unit 750 (panel 652 and panel lighting reflector 658) are arranged on the back side of the side lamp cover 654a of the side lamp 654 at a position overlapping with this side lamp cover 654a (a position overlapping in the front-rear direction). That is, the side lamp cover 654a is arranged to protrude forward of the panel unit 750.

[0343] Also, in the same state, the upper side in the lateral direction of the panel unit 750 (panel 652 and panel lighting reflector 658) is arranged on the back side of the production cover 662 of the upper stage unit 650 at a position overlapping with this production cover 662 (a position overlapping in the front-rear direction), and the lower side in the lateral direction of the panel unit 750 (panel 652 and panel lighting reflector 658) is arranged on the back side of the panel partition 656 at a position overlapping with this panel partition 656 (a position overlapping in the front-rear direction). That is, the production cover 662 is arranged to protrude forward of the panel unit 750.

[0344] According to this example, since the edges in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the panel 652 can be covered with other members (in this example, the side lamp cover 654a, the production cover 662, the panel partition 656), even when the shadow of the second member (in this example, the panel lighting reflector 658) is reflected on the edge of the first member (in this example, the panel 652), the reflection of the shadow can be made inconspicuous, and the appearance of the first member can be improved without hindering the design of the first member.

[0345] Also, in this example, plating is applied to the surface of the edge in the vicinity of the panel unit 750 in the side lamp cover 654a (the third member) and the surface of the edge in the vicinity of the panel unit 750 in the production cover 662 (the third member).

[0346] According to this example, a third member having plating (in this example, the side lamp cover 654a and the effect cover 662) is provided, and the third member is disposed at least partially around the first member (in this example, the panel 652). Therefore, light such as a fluorescent lamp installed in the game parlor can be reflected by the third member and irradiated around the first member. Even when the shadow of the second member (in this example, the panel illumination reflector 658) is reflected on the edge of the first member (in this example, the panel 652), the reflection of the shadow can be made inconspicuous, and the appearance of the first member can be improved without hindering the design of the first member.

[0347] Note that the "third member" according to the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, plating may be applied to either the surface of the edge near the panel unit 750 in the side lamp cover 654a or the surface of the edge near the panel unit 750 in the effect cover 662. Further, plating may be applied to the surface of the edge near the panel unit 750 in the panel partition 656.

[0348] In addition, although an example in which a third member having plating (in this example, the side lamp cover 654a and the effect cover 662) is disposed at least partially around the first member (in this example, the panel 652) has been shown, in addition to (or instead of) disposing the third member having plating, at least a part of the periphery of the front surface of the first member (in this example, the panel 652) may be lined to make the shadow of the edge of the panel 652 inconspicuous.

[0349] <Panel shadow prevention structure / Summary> 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 panel 652 shown in FIG. 17(a)), a second member that supports at least a part of the first member (for example, the panel illumination reflector 658 shown in FIG. 17(a)), and a light emitting means (for example, the panel illumination substrate 664 and the LED 664a shown in FIG. 17(a)) that can irradiate the first member supported by the second member. The first member is capable of transmitting at least a part of the light emitted from the light emitting means, and the second member has a first portion (for example, the contact portion 658b1 shown in FIGS. 18(a) to 18(c)) facing the first member and a second portion (for example, the non-contact portion 658b2 shown in FIGS. 18(a) to 18(c)) that does not face the first member more than the first portion. The gaming machine is characterized by this.

[0350] According to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, since the second member has a non-contact portion that does not contact the first member, a part of the light emitted toward the first member is reflected by the second member, preventing a situation where a shadow of the second member is generated on the first member and reflected in the first member. Without hindering the design of the first member, the appearance of the first member can be improved.

[0351] Further, the first portion is a contact portion that contacts the first member (for example, the contact portion 658b1 shown in FIGS. 18(a) to 18(c)), the second portion is a non-contact portion that does not contact the first member (for example, the non-contact portion 658b2 shown in FIGS. 18(a) to 18(c)), the second member has a wall portion (for example, the wall portion 658b shown in FIG. 18(a)) protruding toward the first member, the wall portion includes the contact portion and the non-contact portion, and the non-contact portion may have a structure in which the contact portion is cut out.

[0352] With such a configuration, while maintaining the function of supporting the first member by the second member by the contact portion, the non-contact portion can prevent a situation where the shadow of the second member is projected onto the first member. Further, since the non-contact portion has a structure in which the contact portion is cut out, the structure of the second member does not become complicated, and the second member can be easily processed.

[0353] Further, the non-contact portions may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the left and right in the longitudinal direction of the second member.

[0354] With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the generation of shadows uniformly on the left and right in the first member, and while preventing a situation where the shadow of the second member is projected onto the first member, the designability of the first member can be ensured. Further, even when an external impact is applied to the front surface of the first member, the impact force can be dispersed to the left and right, preventing damage to the first member and ensuring durability.

[0355] Further, the second member may be composed of a polygonal member having a plurality of corner portions (for example, the corner portions CP shown in FIGS. 18(b) and 18(c)), the contact portion may be arranged at least at the plurality of corner portions, and the non-contact portion may be arranged at a portion excluding the plurality of corner portions.

[0356] With such a configuration, by arranging the contact portion at the corner portion of the second member, the strength of the second member can be increased, and the first member can be stably supported by the second member.

[0357] Further, it may include a third member having plating (for example, the side lamp cover 654a and the effect cover 662 shown in FIG. 19(c)), and the third member may be disposed at least at a part in the vicinity of the periphery of the first member.

[0358] With such a configuration, light such as that from a fluorescent lamp installed in a game parlor can be reflected by the third member and irradiated around the first member. Even when the shadow of the second member is reflected on the edge of the first member, the reflection of the shadow can be made inconspicuous, and the appearance of the first member can be improved without hindering the design of the first member.

[0359] In addition, the game table according to the present invention can also be applied to an enclosed game machine. Here, an "enclosed game machine" is one that circulates and uses game balls enclosed in the game machine. Also, the main control unit, the first sub-control unit, and the second sub-control unit may be configured on a single chip, or the main control unit and the first sub-control unit may be configured to enable two-way communication. Further, while enabling two-way communication between the main control unit and the first sub-control unit, the communication from the first sub-control unit to the second sub-control unit may be one-way communication.

[0360] Also, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention merely list the most suitable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. Further, among the plurality of configurations described in the examples, there may be cases where the content described in one configuration can be applied to other configurations to further expand the range of the game.

Industrial Applicability

[0361] The game table according to the present invention can be applied to game tables typified by pinball machines (pachinko machines), spinning reel game machines (slot machines), enclosed game machines, or medal-less slot machines.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0362] 100 Slot machine 110~112 Reels 113 Symbol display window 130~132 Bet buttons 135 Start lever 137~139 Stop buttons 156 Effect button 157 Performance Image Display Device (Liquid Crystal Display Device) 250 Reel Front Illumination 264 Reel Backlight 300 Main Control Unit 400 First Sub-Control Unit 500 Second Sub-Control Unit 600 Performance Control Unit 604 Lower Sheet Metal Shield 606 Lower Substrate Case 608 Upper Substrate Case 610 Substrate Case 612 Sub-Control Board 614 Sub-Peripheral Board 614 618 Upper Sheet Metal Shield 620 Shield Cover 652 Panel 658 Panel Illumination Reflector 700 Lens Unit 702 Lens Holder 704 Inner Lens 706 Outer Lens 708 Lens Cover 750 Panel Unit

Claims

1. A game table comprising a substrate, a first cover member, and a second cover member, wherein the first cover member is a metal member disposed on at least one side of the substrate, the first cover member is a member having a through hole at a position corresponding to a specific location on the substrate, the second cover member is a resin member disposed on the side of the first cover member opposite to the side on which the substrate is disposed, the substrate is a substrate provided with display means for indicating predetermined information at the specific location, the substrate is a substrate on which a certain component is provided at a certain location, the first cover member is a member exposing the certain component, the second cover member is a member exposing the certain component, characterized in that it is a game table.

2. The game table according to claim 1, wherein the certain component is a component that is an object of work for an operator, characterized in that it is a game table.

3. The game table according to claim 2, wherein the certain component is a component related to the output of effects of the game table, characterized in that it is a game table.

4. The game table according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the first cover member is a member having an opening at a position corresponding to the certain component, the second cover member is a member having an opening at a position corresponding to the certain component, characterized in that it is a game table.

5. The game table according to claim 4, wherein a surface of the first cover member facing one side in a front view is defined as a first surface, a surface of the second cover member facing the one side in a front view is defined as a second surface, the first surface is at a position overlapping the second surface, and the first surface has a specific portion where the length in the short side direction is shorter than the length in the short side direction of the second surface, characterized in that it is a game table.

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