Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine having features in presentations.SOLUTION: The game machine includes a plurality of reels and operation means, and has a second period in which the reels can start spinning when the operation means is operated. Further, sometimes a first game may be performed in which, with an elapse of a first time after a start of the second period, a first notification is started for urging the operation of the operation means. Sometimes, a second game may be performed in which, with an elapse of a second time after a start of the second period, a second notification is started for urging the operation of the operation means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a slot machine, an enclosed gaming machine, or a medal-less slot machine. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, slot machines are known as one type of gaming machine, and some of these slot machines perform various effects (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-73461 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

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

[0006] The gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine equipped with a plurality of reels and an operating means, and has a period (hereinafter referred to as the "second period") during which the reels can start rotating when the operating means is operated, and may execute a first game in which a notification (hereinafter referred to as the "first notification") urging the player to operate the operating means is initiated after a first time has elapsed since the start of the second period, and may execute a second game in which a notification (hereinafter referred to as the "second notification") urging the player to operate the operating means is initiated after a second time has elapsed since the start of the second period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with distinctive presentation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a pay line of the slot machine 100. [Figure 3] 1A is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open, and FIG. 1B is a side cross-sectional view of the slot machine 100. [Figure 4] (a) is a front view of the backlight module 630. (b) is a side view of the backlight module 630. (c) is an external perspective view of the backlight module 630, with the components thereof disassembled and viewed from the front. [Figure 5] 1 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the general flow of multiple types of presentations in chronological order. [Figure 7] (a) is a time chart showing an example of the flow of the performance A in chronological order. (b) is a time chart showing an example of the flow of the performance A' in chronological order. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing specific example 1 of production A in chronological order. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the continuation of specific example 1 of production A in chronological order. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing specific example 2 of production A in chronological order. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing the continuation of specific example 2 of production A in chronological order. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing a specific example of performance A' in chronological order. [Figure 13] 10 is a time chart showing an example of the flow of production B in chronological order. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing specific example 1 of production B in chronological order. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing the continuation of specific example 1 of production B in chronological order. [Figure 16] This is a diagram showing specific example 2 of production B in chronological order. [Figure 17] 10 is a time chart showing an example of the flow of production C in chronological order. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing specific example 1 of presentation C in chronological order. [Figure 19] This is a diagram showing the continuation of specific example 1 of presentation C in chronological order. [Figure 20] This is a diagram showing specific example 2 of presentation C in chronological order. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open. [Figure 23] 1 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit. [Figure 24] (a) A diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112) in a flat layout. (b) A diagram showing the types of winning combinations (including activated combinations), the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the activation or payout of each winning combination. [Figure 25] (a) is a plan view showing a state in which the reel relay board unit 700 is attached to the power supply relay board unit 600. (b) is a side view showing a state in which the reel relay board unit 700 is attached to the power supply relay board unit 600. (c) is a side view showing a state in which the reel relay board unit 700 is removed from the power supply relay board unit 600. [Figure 26] 1A is a front view of the power supply relay board unit 600. FIG. 1B is a rear view of the power supply relay board unit 600. [Figure 27] 10 is an exploded front view of the components that make up the power supply relay board unit 600. FIG. [Figure 28] 10 is an exploded view of the components that make up the power supply relay board unit 600, as seen from the rear. [Figure 29]10 is a partially enlarged view showing a main-side substrate accommodating portion 612 of the substrate support member 610. FIG. [Figure 30] (a) is a front view showing a state in which the main-side power supply relay board 640 is accommodated in the main-side board accommodating section 612 of the board support body 610. (b) is a plan view showing a state in which the main-side power supply relay board 640 has been moved leftward as viewed from the front in the main board accommodating section 612. (c) is a plan view showing a state in which the main-side power supply relay board 640 has been moved downward as viewed from the front in the main board accommodating section 612. [Figure 31] 6(a) is a front view showing the state in which the main-side power supply relay board 640 is accommodated in the main-side board accommodation section 612 of the board support body 610 and a mounting screw 646 is attached. (b) is a view from the direction of symbol A in (a), and is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the mounting screw 646. [Figure 32] (a) is a front view of the reel relay board unit 700 as seen from the front side, (b) is a side view of the reel relay board unit 700 as seen from the right side, and (c) is an exploded side view of the components constituting the reel relay board unit 700 as seen from the right side. [Figure 33] (a) A front view of the main side reel relay board 742 as seen from the front side, (b) A plan view of the main side reel relay board 742 as seen from above, and (c) A bottom view of the main side reel relay board 742 as seen from the bottom side. [Figure 34] 10A is a front view of the main housing 744, (b) is a plan view of the main housing 744 from above, and (c) is a front perspective view of the main housing 744 from diagonally above the front. [Figure 35] 10A is a front view of the main-side lid 746, (b) is a plan view of the main-side lid 746 from above, and (c) is a front perspective view of the main-side lid 746 from diagonally above the front. [Figure 36] 7A is a front view of the sheet metal member 710 as seen from the front side, FIG. 7B is a plan view of the sheet metal member 710 as seen from above, and FIG. 7C is a rear view of the sheet metal member 710 as seen from the rear side. [Figure 37]10(a) is a front view showing the state in which the main-side housing 744 is fitted into the sheet metal member 710, as viewed from the front side. FIG. 10(b) is a rear view showing the state in which the main-side housing 744 is fitted into the sheet metal member 710, as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 10(c) is a side view showing how the main-side housing 744 is attached to the sheet metal member 710. [Figure 38] 7A is a side view showing a procedure for attaching a main-side housing 744 and a main-side reel-side relay board 742 to the sheet metal member 710. FIG. 7B is a side view showing a procedure for attaching a main-side cover 746 to the sheet metal member 710 to which the main-side housing 744 and the main-side reel-side relay board 742 have been attached. [Figure 39] 10 is a plan view showing the main reel relay board 742 and the sub-reel relay board 772 side by side. [Figure 40] 1 is a front view showing the inside of the main body 101, illustrating the connection relationship between the reel relay board unit 700 and the reels 110 to 112. FIG. [Figure 41] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing by a main control unit. [Figure 42] (a) A flowchart showing the flow of the lottery process during AT. (b) An example of a BB lottery table. (c) An example of a lottery table for resetting the advantageous zone when the BB is won. [Figure 43] (a) A flowchart showing the flow of the lottery process for BB etc. during AT. (b) A flowchart showing the flow of the process at the end of AT. [Figure 44] 10 is a graph showing an example of the change in the difference in number of coins during a certain gaming period. [Figure 45] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation during a certain game period. [Figure 46] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example (continuation) of the presentation during a certain game period. [Figure 47] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example (continuation) of the presentation during a certain game period. [Figure 48] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a small winning group. [Figure 49]10A is a flowchart showing the flow of next navigation decision processing during AT, and FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing the flow of navigation command output processing during AT. [Figure 50] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a prize lottery process at the time of determining whether a prize has been won. [Figure 51] 10A is a diagram showing an example of an additional lottery table, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of a rewrite lottery table. [Figure 52] 10 is a graph showing an example of changes in the net increase in gaming value during a certain gaming period. [Figure 53] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of changes in cumulative earned P and cumulative payout during a certain gaming period. [Figure 54] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of various effects and operation navigation during a certain game period in chronological order. [Figure 55] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of various effects and operation navigation during a certain game period in chronological order. [Figure 56] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of various effects and operation navigation during a certain game period in chronological order. [Figure 57] This is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112) in a flat layout. [Figure 58] (a) is a diagram showing an example of a small winning group; (b) is a diagram showing an example of a display on an instruction monitor; [Figure 59] 10A is a flowchart showing the flow of the AT process, and FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing the flow of the judgment process. [Figure 60] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a point lottery table. [Figure 61] This is a diagram showing an example of various effects during AT in chronological order. [Figure 62] (a) to (d) are diagrams showing examples of various effects during AT in chronological order. (e) to (h) are diagrams showing an example of a display mode selection screen. (i) to (j) are diagrams showing examples of various effects in display mode 1 during continuation judgment in chronological order. [Figure 63]This is a diagram showing an example of various effects in effect mode 1 during continuation judgment in chronological order. [Figure 64] This is a diagram showing an example of various effects in effect mode 1 during continuation judgment in chronological order. [Figure 65] 10(a)-(b) are diagrams showing an example of a presentation mode selection screen, and (c)-(i) are diagrams showing examples of various presentations in presentation mode 2 during continuation judgment in chronological order. [Figure 66] This is a diagram showing an example of various effects in effect mode 2 during continuation judgment in chronological order. [Figure 67] 10(a)-(b) are diagrams showing an example of a presentation mode selection screen. FIG. 10(c)-(j) are diagrams showing examples of various presentations in presentation mode 3 during continuation judgment in chronological order. [Figure 68] 10A to 10B are diagrams showing examples of various effects in effect mode 3 during continuation judgment in chronological order. FIG. 10C to 10E are diagrams showing modified examples of operation navigation during continuation judgment. [Figure 69] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 70] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a pay line of the slot machine 100. [Figure 71] FIG. 10 is a front view of the status display LED 280. [Figure 72] 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the components constituting the status display LED 280. FIG. [Figure 73] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the status indicator LED 280, including the thermal caulking portion 284d of the reflector 284. FIG. [Figure 74] 1A is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open, and FIG. 1B is a side cross-sectional view of the slot machine 100. [Figure 75] (a) is a front view of the reel backlight 264. (b) is a side view of the reel backlight 264. (c) is an external perspective view of the reel backlight 264, with the components constituting the reel backlight 264 disassembled and viewed from the front. [Figure 76]10(a) is a front view of the LED board 288 of the status display LED 280. FIG. 10(b) is a front view of the illumination board 268 of the reel backlight 264. FIG. [Figure 77] 1 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit. [Figure 78] 10(a) is a plan view of the main control board 600 before the identification board 610 is separated, and FIG. 10(b) is a plan view of the main control board 600 after the identification board 610 is separated. [Figure 79] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the sub-control board 650. [Figure 80] 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the main board storage case 640 and the main control board 600. FIG. [Figure 81] (a) A plan view of the main board housing case 640 housing the main control board 600, as seen from the board housing body 642 side. (b) A cross-sectional view taken along line AA in (a). (c) A cross-sectional view showing the structure of a conventional board corresponding to (b). [Figure 82] 10(a) and 10(b) are plan views of a main control board 670 according to a first modification. [Figure 83] 10(a) is a plan view of a main control board 690 according to Modification 2. FIG. 10(b) is a plan view of a main control board 696 according to Modification 3. FIG. [Figure 84] 7A is a plan view of the substrate 700 according to this example, seen from the side of the power supply layer 710. FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate 700 taken along line XX in FIG. [Figure 85] (a) is a terminal layout diagram of the LED driver IC 714. (b) is a terminal layout diagram of the motor driver IC 716. [Figure 86] 7A is a pattern diagram showing an example of a power supply wiring pattern in a power supply layer 710 of a substrate 700. FIG. 7B is a pattern diagram showing a GND wiring pattern 706a in a GND layer 706 of the substrate 700. FIG. [Figure 87]86(a) is a partially enlarged view of the power supply layer 710, showing an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the symbol A in Fig. 86(a). (b) is a partially enlarged view of the GND layer 706, showing an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the symbol B in Fig. 86(b). (c) is a pattern diagram showing the power supply layer 710 shown in (a) and the GND layer 706 shown in (b) superimposed on each other. [Figure 88] (a) A plan view showing the positional relationship between the pattern cutout 706b of the GND layer 706 and the LED driver IC 714 and motor driver 716 mounted on the power supply layer 710. (b) A cross-sectional view taken along line YY of the LED driver 714 shown enlarged in (a). (c) A cross-sectional view taken along line ZZ of the motor driver 716 shown enlarged in (a). [Figure 89] 1A is a conceptual diagram showing the problems with the circuit board of a conventional gaming machine, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the concept of the circuit board of the present invention. [Figure 90] (a) A plan view showing the non-overlapping area NOE and the assumed maximum area CE of the carbonized conductive path according to Example 1. (b) A cross-sectional view taken along line AA in (a). (c) A plan view showing an example in which the non-overlapping area NOE of the substrate 700 does not include the assumed maximum area CE of the carbonized conductive path. (d) and (d') Cross-sectional views taken along line BB in (c). [Figure 91] (a) is a plan view showing a non-overlapping region NOE2 according to Example 2. (b) is a plan view showing a non-overlapping region NOE3 according to Example 3. (c) is a plan view showing a non-overlapping region NOE4 according to Example 4. [Figure 92] 10(a) is a plan view showing a non-overlapping area NOE5 according to Example 5. FIG. 10(b) is a plan view showing an example in which the pattern of the power supply wiring line in FIG. [Figure 93] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the main control board 600 before components are mounted thereon. [Figure 94] This is a plan view in which the reference numerals are deleted from FIG. 93. [Figure 95] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the main control board 600 after components have been mounted. [Figure 96] This is a plan view in which the reference numerals are removed from Figure 95. [Figure 97] (a) is a plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Example 1); (b) is a plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Modification 1 of Example 1); (c) is a plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Modification 2 of Example 1); and (d) is a plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Modification 3 of Example 1). [Figure 98] (a) A plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Example 2). (b) A plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Modification 1 of Example 2). (c) A plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Modification 2 of Example 2). (d) A plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Modification 3 of Example 2). [Figure 99] (a) A plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Example 3). (b) A plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Modification 1 of Example 3). (c) A plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Modification 2 of Example 3). (d) A plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Modification 3 of Example 3). [Figure 100] (a) A plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Example 4). (b) A plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Modification 1 of Example 4). (c) A plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Modification 2 of Example 4). (d) A plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Modification 3 of Example 4). [Figure 101] (a) A plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Example 5). (b) A plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Variation 1 of Example 5). (c) A plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Variation 2 of Example 5). (d) A plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Variation 3 of Example 5). (e) A plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Example 6). [Figure 102]FIG. 10 is a plan view of the motor drive board 800 before components are mounted. [Figure 103] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the motor drive board 800 after components have been mounted. [Figure 104] FIG. 10 is a plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Example 7). [Figure 105] FIG. 10 is a plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position display (first modification of the seventh embodiment). [Figure 106] FIG. 13 is a plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position display (Modification 2 of the Seventh Embodiment). [Figure 107] (a) is a partially enlarged view showing the periphery of IC16 on the main control board 600, and is a diagram showing a modified example of the graphic representation 719a of IC16 shown in Fig. 106(b). (b) is a side view of IC16 as seen from the direction indicated by the symbol X in (a). (c) is a diagram corresponding to the side view shown in (b), showing the graphic representation of IC16 and a modified example of solder paste. [Figure 108] (a) and (b) are plan views for explaining the positional relationship between the parts and the position indication (Example 8). (c) is a view corresponding to the front view shown in (b) and shows a modified example of the graphic indication of IC 6. (d) is a side view of IC 6 as seen from the direction indicated by the symbol Y in (b). (e) is a side view of IC 6 as seen from the direction indicated by the symbol Z in (c). [Figure 109] FIG. 13 is a plan view for explaining the positional relationship between the component and the position indication (Example 9). [Figure 110] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of the slot machine 100 and the lending machine 700 as seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 111] FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit. [Figure 112] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of connections between each board and each unit. [Figure 113] 113 is a diagram showing an example in which a relay board is provided between the main control board 300B shown in FIG. 112 and the reel unit 109 also shown in FIG. [Figure 114] FIG. 111 is a configuration diagram of a gaming system including the slot machine 100 and the lending machine 700 shown in FIG. [Figure 115] This is a table summarizing gaming machine status information, gaming machine performance information, and gaming machine installation information. [Figure 116] 10 is a diagram showing a communication sequence when a game control state command is sent from the game control unit 302 to the medal count control unit 350. FIG. [Figure 117] A diagram showing details of communication between the medal count control unit 350 and the lending machine 700. [Figure 118] (a) is a diagram showing details of the hall control and fraud monitoring information, and (b) is a list of error codes. [Figure 119] 10 is a table showing game control state commands. [Figure 120] 10 is a table showing medal count control state commands. [Figure 121] 10 is a diagram showing a communication sequence when a game control priority command is sent from the game control unit 302 to the medal count control unit 350. FIG. [Figure 122] 10A is a diagram showing details of the game control priority command, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing details of the response command returned from the medal count control unit 350 to the game control unit 302. FIG. [Figure 123] 10 is a diagram showing a communication sequence when a game control priority command 2 is transmitted from the game control unit 302 to the medal count control unit 350. FIG. [Figure 124] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a game control unit main process. [Figure 125] 125 is a flowchart of the medal insertion / start lever reception process (step S102) in FIG. 124. [Figure 126] 126 is a flowchart of the medal insertion process (step S1011) in FIG. [Figure 127] 127 is a flowchart of the settlement button process (step S1102) in FIG. [Figure 128] This is a flowchart of the process of sending change information to the medal count control unit (steps S1111, S1205, and S1605) in Figures 126, 127, and 131. [Figure 129] 129 is a flowchart of triple command transmission processing (step S1307) in FIG. 128. [Figure 130] 125 and 129. This is a flowchart of the process of sending a priority command to the medal count control unit (steps S1014, S1403, S1406, and step S1409) in FIG. [Figure 131] 125 is a flowchart of the medal awarding process (step S109) in FIG. [Figure 132] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a game control unit timer interrupt process. [Figure 133] 133 is a flowchart of a disconnection determination process, which is one of the error monitoring processes (step S203) in FIG. [Figure 134] 133 is a flowchart of the medal count control command reception process (step S206) in FIG. [Figure 135] 133 is a flowchart of the game control command transmission process (step S207) in FIG. [Figure 136] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a medal count control unit main process. [Figure 137] 137 is a flowchart of the RAM abnormality determination process (step S302) in FIG. [Figure 138] 10 is a table showing the target range of RAM clear processing. [Figure 139] 137 and the like. [Figure 140] 137 is a flowchart of the preparation process (step S303) in FIG. 136. [Figure 141] 137 is a flowchart of the gaming machine information notification transmission process (step S304) in FIG. [Figure 142] 141. This is a flowchart of the gaming machine information type acquisition process (step S3305) in FIG. [Figure 143] 137 is a flowchart of the counting notification transmission process (step S305) in FIG. [Figure 144] 137 is a flowchart of the lending notification reception confirmation process (step S306) in FIG. [Figure 145] 137 is a flowchart of the loan acceptance result response transmission process (step S308) in FIG. [Figure 146] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of medal count control unit timer interrupt processing. [Figure 147] 147 is a flowchart of the lending notification receiving process (step S404) in FIG. 146. [Figure 148] 148 is a flowchart of the lending number determination process (step S4004) in FIG. 147. [Figure 149] 147 is a flowchart of the process of updating the number of coins to be counted (step S405) in FIG. [Figure 150] 147 is a flowchart of the game control unit command receiving process (step S406) in FIG. [Figure 151] 150. This is a flowchart of the game control state command receiving process (step S4304) in FIG. [Figure 152] 150. This is a flowchart (first half) of the game control priority command receiving process (step S4305) in FIG. [Figure 153] 150. This is the flowchart (second half) of the game control priority command receiving process (step S4305) in FIG. [Fig. 154] 154 is a flowchart of the input command receiving process (step S4517) in FIG. 153. [Figure 155] 154 is a flowchart of the settlement command receiving process (step S4519) in FIG. [Figure 156] 154 is a flowchart of the start lever acceptance command reception process (step S4521) in FIG. 153. [Figure 157] This is a flowchart of the game information setting process (steps S4806, S4A19) in Figures 156 and 158. [Figure 158]154 is a flowchart of the payout command receiving process (step S4523) in FIG. [Figure 159] 158. This is a flowchart of the game medal number overflow confirmation process (step S4A11) in FIG. [Figure 160] 154 is a flowchart of the error occurrence command reception process (step S4524) in FIG. [Figure 161] 147 is a flowchart of the error monitoring process (step S407) in FIG. 146. [Figure 162] 147 is a flowchart of the medal count control command transmission process (step S408) to the game control unit in FIG. [Figure 163] 147 is a flowchart of the display device display process (step S409) in FIG. 146. [Fig. 164] A flowchart showing a modified example of the processing during medal insertion in Figure 126. [Figure 165] 130 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the triple-command transmission process of FIG. 129. [Figure 166] 155 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the input command receiving process of FIG. 154. [Figure 167] 150 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the scheduled count number update process of FIG. 149. [Figure 168] 150 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the scheduled count number update process of FIG. 149. [Figure 169] (a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400, (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400, and (d) is a flowchart of the command processing (step S307) in (a). [Figure 170](a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, and (d) is a flowchart of the image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500. [Figure 171] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first example in which the count button 171 is operated. [Fig. 172] 10 is a timing chart showing a first example of a presentation when counting is being performed. [Figure 173] 10 is a timing chart showing an example in which a bet operation has been performed before the count button 171 is operated and the number of bets is not 0. [Fig. 174] 10 is a timing chart showing an example of a counting end effect. [Figure 175] 10 is a timing chart showing an example of a case where the settlement button 134 is operated. [Figure 176] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which the number of counted sheets increases as the operation time of the count button 171 becomes longer. [Figure 177] (a) is a timing chart showing an example of a continuation of the example shown in Figure 176(c), and (b) is a timing chart showing an example of the case in which a power outage occurs when the number of sheets to be counted is set to 30 in the example shown in Figure 176(c) and then power is restored. [Figure 178] 169 is a timing chart showing an example in which the process of updating the number of coins to be counted in FIG. 168 is adopted. [Figure 179] (a) is a timing chart showing an example in which automatic counting ends when the value of the "number of game medals" stored in RAM 358 reaches a certain value, and (b) is a timing chart showing an example in which power is interrupted during automatic counting and then restored. [Figure 180] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display indicating that automatic counting is in progress. [Figure 181] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sound output indicating that automatic counting is in progress. [Figure 182]10 is a timing chart showing an example of a case where power is interrupted before 0.5 seconds, which is the determination time for a long press operation, has elapsed after the start of operation of the count button 171. [Figure 183] 183 is a timing chart showing a modified example of the example shown in FIG. 182. [Figure 184] 183 is a timing chart showing another modified example of the example shown in FIG. 182. [Figure 185] 10A is a diagram showing an example of a change display (subtraction) on the game medal count display device 170, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of a change display (addition) on the game medal count display device 170. FIG. [Figure 186] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other examples of change display in the game medal count display device 170. [Figure 187] 13 is a diagram showing an example in which the "number of game medals played" stored in the RAM 358 is displayed not only on the game medal number display device 170 but also on the effect image display device 157. FIG. [Figure 188] FIG. 188 is a diagram showing a modified example of the example shown in FIG. 187. [Figure 189] FIG. 188 is a diagram showing another example that is completely different from the example shown in FIG. 187. [Figure 190] 10A is a timing chart showing a case where a dispense is attempted in excess of the dispensing threshold, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing another example of an over-upper-limit error notification. [Figure 191] 10A is a timing chart showing a case where a dispense is about to be made when the amount exceeds the second threshold for dispensing, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing another example of a notification that the upper limit is approaching. [Figure 192] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example in which a highly urgent error notification overlaps with a notification prompting counting. [Figure 193] 10A is a diagram showing an example in which the notification prompting counting continues even after transitioning to the demonstration display, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of the notification after the count button 171 is operated during the demonstration. [Figure 194](a) is a diagram showing an example of a notification when the "number of game medals" exceeds a certain specified number, such as a payout threshold or a second payout threshold, and then falls below that specified number, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of a notification that prompts counting when the "number of game medals" exceeds the second payout threshold over multiple games. [Figure 195] (a) is a diagram showing an example of a notification prompting the player to count each time the "number of game medals" increases by a predetermined number, (b) is a diagram showing an example of a case where the counting button 171 is operated in a state advantageous to the player, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of a case where the counting button 171 is operated in a state disadvantageous to the player. [Figure 196] (a) is a diagram showing a modified example of the example shown in Figure 195(b), (b) is a diagram showing an example in which counting that was forcibly terminated is restarted, and (c) is an example of the modified example described using (a) and (b) when the player is in a disadvantageous state (for example, a normal state). [Figure 197] This is a timing chart showing an example of when the VL signal from the rental machine 700 is turned off. [Figure 198] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second modified example in which the operation differs depending on whether the "number of game medals" is less than a certain threshold value. [Figure 199] 10 is a timing chart showing another example of when the VL signal from the rental device 700 is turned off. [Figure 200] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the change in the number of game medals when the count button 171 is pressed and held. [Figure 201] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of effects executed according to the number of game medals. [Figure 202] A figure showing an example of a presentation executed depending on the number of medals acquired in the AT state. [Figure 203] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation when an overflow of the number of game medals occurs. [Figure 204] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation when a medal count control wire break error (error code E0) occurs. [Figure 205]This is a diagram showing an example of the operation when an error in which the number of game medals exceeds the upper limit and an error in which the medal number control is disconnected (error code E0) occur simultaneously. [Figure 206] A diagram showing an example of operation when a medal count control unit wire break error occurs. [Figure 207] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation in which, when a counting sound is output in response to a counting process, an output permission period for the sound is set. [Figure 208] FIG. 207(b) shows the state of the slot machine 100 during the operation of FIG. 207(a). [Figure 209] FIG. 207(b) shows the state of the slot machine 100 during the operation shown in FIG. [Figure 210] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication cycle between each control unit and the device. [Figure 211] 137 is a flowchart showing an example of the counting notification transmission process (step S305) in the medal count control unit main process of FIG. [Figure 212] 169(a) is a flowchart showing an example of sound control processing (step S511) in the main processing of the first sub-control unit 400. FIG. [Figure 213] FIG. 213 is a diagram showing an example of counting sounds set in the processing of FIG. 212. [Figure 214] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing a modified example of the counting sound of FIG. 213. [Figure 215] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 216] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 217] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 218] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 219] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 220] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 221]FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 222] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 223] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 224] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 225] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 226] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 227] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 228] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 229] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 230] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 231] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 232] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 233] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 234] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 235] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 236] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 237] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 238] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 239] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 240] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 241] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 242] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 243] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 244] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 245] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 246] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 247] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 248] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. [Figure 249] FIG. 214 is a diagram showing an example of an operation based on FIGS. 210 to 213. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

[0011] The slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an example of a gaming machine of the present invention, and comprises a main body 101 and a front door 102 attached to the front of the main body 101 and capable of being opened and closed relative to the main body 101.

[0012] The symbols on the reels 110-112 are displayed vertically in roughly three rows through symbol display windows 113 provided in front of each reel 110-112, so that a total of nine symbols can be seen by the player. By spinning each reel 110-112, the combination of symbols seen by the player changes. In other words, each reel 110-112 functions as a display device that variably displays a plurality of types of symbol combinations.

[0013] In addition to reels, electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal display devices can also be used as such display devices. In this embodiment, three reels are arranged in the center of the main body 101, but the number of reels and the installation positions of the reels are not limited to this.

[0014] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that notifies a player that, for example, a specific winning combination (e.g., a bonus combination) has been internally won in an internal lottery, or that a bonus game is in progress. The medal insertion possible lamp 124 is a lamp that notifies a player that a game medal can be inserted. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies a player that the current game can be played again (no medal insertion is required) if a replay (replay), which is one of the winning combinations, was won in the previous game.

[0015] The bet button 132 is a button for inserting a predetermined number of medals (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, pressing the bet button 132 inserts three medals. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 will also be referred to as the MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamps 129 light up lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when the specified number of medals have been inserted, the game start lamp 121 lights up to indicate that a game can be started.

[0016] The effect button 156 is an operating means that can be operated by the player. In this embodiment, it is configured as a button that can be pressed by the player and is used for various effects. The operating means used for such effects is not limited to a button, and may be configured as, for example, a lever or a touch panel, or multiple operating means may be provided.

[0017] The medal insertion slot 141 is an insertion slot through which a player inserts medals when starting a game. That is, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet button 132, or actual medals can be inserted (by inserting operation) into the medal insertion slot 141, and the term "inserting" includes both.

[0018] The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) in numerical form. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to a player as a result of winning some kind of winning combination, and is also used as an instruction monitor for performing push order effects. In this example, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout 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 the desired number of medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or the bet button 132 is operated and the start lever 135 is then operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. Operation of 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 to rotate by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with each of the reels 110 to 112. Note that light emitters 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 emitters can be lit to notify the player.

[0021] Hereinafter, operations on stop buttons 137 to 139 will be referred to as stop operations, with the first stop operation being referred to as the first stop operation (hereinafter also referred to as "first stop" or "first stop"), the next stop operation being referred to as the second stop operation (hereinafter also referred to as "second stop" or "second stop"), and the final stop operation being referred to as the third stop operation (hereinafter also referred to as "third stop" or "third stop").

[0022] The reels that are stopped in response to these stop operations are referred to as the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel, respectively. Furthermore, the order in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are operated to stop all of the spinning reels 110 to 112 is referred to as the operation order (or push order).

[0023] The operation sequence (pressing order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139, when the left stop button 137 is represented as "left or R", the middle stop button 138 as "middle or C", and the right stop button 139 as "right or R", are six types: (1) left-to-middle-to-right operation sequence (left-right-right or LCR), (2) left-to-right-to-middle operation sequence (left-right-center or LRC), (3) middle-to-left-to-right operation sequence (center-left-right or CLR), (4) middle-to-right-to-left operation sequence (center-right-left or CRL), (5) right-to-left-to-middle operation sequence (right-left-center or RLC), and (6) right-to-middle-to-left operation sequence (right-center-left or RCL).

[0024] The medal return button 133 is a button that can be pressed to remove medals that have been inserted and become stuck. The settlement button 134 is a button that can be used to settle medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and medals that have been bet, and to dispense them from the medal payout outlet 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key can be inserted to unlock the front door 102 of the slot machine 100.

[0025] A medal payout outlet 155 and a medal tray 161 are provided below the stop buttons 137 to 139. Side lamps 144, 654 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps to add excitement to the game.

[0026] A panel unit 750 (described in detail later) is disposed above the front door 102, and a transmissive liquid crystal display device 157 is disposed below the panel unit 750 in front of the reels 110-112.

[0027] Note that any display device capable of displaying various effect images and various game information may be used, even if it is not an LCD display. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen may be used. The display screen is rectangular and configured so that the entire screen is visible to the player. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Furthermore, decorations (not shown) may be provided around the periphery of the display screen, so that a portion of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, making the display screen appear irregularly shaped. In this embodiment, the display screen has a flat surface, but it may also have a curved surface. The location of the panel unit 750 is not limited to this example; for example, it may be located below the front door 102.

[0028] Also provided inside the main body 101 are a setting key that can be turned on and off by a rotation operation, and a setting switch that can be pressed down to change settings (change setting values) or check settings. The setting key is an operating means for starting to change or check setting values ​​(settings 1 to 6 in this example), and the setting switch is one of the setting means that can set one setting value out of multiple setting values.

[0029] <Winning line> Next, the pay lines will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the pay lines of the slot machine 100.

[0030] As explained using Figure 1, when viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are displayed in approximately three rows vertically through the symbol display windows 113 provided in front of each reel 110 to 112, so that a total of nine symbols can be seen.

[0031] Specifically, the symbol displayed on the top row of the left reel 110 (position 1 shown in the figure; also called symbol position 1) is called the left reel top row symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle row of the left reel 110 (position 2 shown in the figure; also called symbol position 2) is called the left reel middle row symbol, and the symbol displayed on the bottom row of the left reel 110 (position 3 shown in the figure; also called symbol position 3) is called the left reel bottom row symbol.

[0032] In addition, the pattern displayed on the top row of the middle reel 111 (position 4 shown in the figure; also called pattern position 4) is called the top row of the middle reel pattern, the pattern displayed on the middle row of the middle reel 111 (position 5 shown in the figure; also called pattern position 5) is called the middle row of the middle reel pattern, and the pattern displayed on the bottom row of the middle reel 111 (position 6 shown in the figure; also called pattern position 6) is called the bottom row of the middle reel pattern.

[0033] In addition, the symbol displayed on the top row of the right reel 112 (position 7 shown in the figure; also called symbol position 7) is called the right reel top row symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle row of the right reel 112 (position 8 shown in the figure; also called symbol position 8) is called the right reel middle row symbol, and the symbol displayed on the bottom row of the right reel 112 (position 9 shown in the figure; also called symbol position 9) is called the right reel bottom row symbol.

[0034] In this embodiment, the only winning line provided is the middle winning line L1 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the "winning line L1"), which is composed of the middle pattern of the left reel (pattern position 2), the middle pattern of the middle reel (pattern position 5), and the middle pattern of the right reel (pattern position 8).

[0035] Here, the winning line is a line set at the stop position of the symbols visible through the symbol display window 113, and is a line that determines whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to a winning role is displayed (whether or not it is aligned). The winning line that becomes effective (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "effective line") is predetermined by the number of medals bet as gaming media.

[0036] The slot machine 100 of this embodiment is a three-coin bet-only machine, and when the number of inserted medals is less than three, no winning line is active, and when three medals are bet, the winning line L1 is active. When the winning line is active, the start lever 135 can be operated to start the game.

[0037] Hereinafter, in the symbol display window 113, symbol positions 2, 5, and 8 on the winning line L1 may be referred to as "winning positions," and other symbol positions, i.e., symbol positions 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9, may be referred to as "non-winning positions." In other words, a winning position is a position on the winning line where a symbol that constitutes a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination stops.

[0038] The number of winning lines is not limited to one. For example, in addition to the winning line L1, three lines in total may be set as valid winning lines: an upper winning line consisting of the upper symbols on the left reel, the upper symbols on the middle reel, and the upper symbols on the right reel, and a lower winning line consisting of the lower symbols on the left reel, the lower symbols on the middle reel, and the lower symbols on the right reel. Alternatively, a number of winning lines corresponding to the number of medals bet may be set as valid winning lines.

[0039] <Internal structure> Next, the internal structure of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3(a) is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open, and Figure 3(b) is a side cross-sectional view of the slot machine 100.

[0040] Main body 101 is a box-shaped body with an opening at the front. Inside main body 101, a main control board storage case 210 that stores a main control board is disposed, and three reels 110 to 112 are disposed below main control board storage case 210.

[0041] A medal payout device 180 (a device that pays out medals accumulated in a bucket) is disposed below, and a power supply device (not shown) having a power supply board and the like are disposed above the medal payout device 180, i.e., below the reels 110 to 112. The power supply device converts AC power supplied from an external source to the slot machine 100 into DC, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and device, such as the main control unit 300 and sub-control units 400 and 500, which will be described later. Furthermore, the power supply device is provided with a power storage circuit (e.g., a capacitor) for supplying power to predetermined components (e.g., the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (e.g., 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off.

[0042] An auxiliary medal storage 240 is disposed on the right side of the medal payout device 180, behind which an overflow terminal (not shown) is disposed.

[0043] The front door 102 is hinged to the left side of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276, and above the symbol display window 113, there are provided a reel front light 250 (details of which will be described later), a liquid crystal display device 157, an upper speaker 272, a performance control unit 600 (details of which will be described later) that controls the liquid crystal display device 157, the speaker 272, etc. Also, below the symbol display window 113, there are provided a medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals, a passage 265 through which medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops illegal medals, etc. into the medal tray 161, etc.

[0044] <Reel front lighting (first light-emitting means)> Next, the pre-reel lighting 250 (first light-emitting means) will be described with reference to FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b).

[0045] The reel front lighting 250 is a light-emitting means (first light-emitting means) that illuminates (illuminates) the reel bands of each reel 110 to 112 (only the reel band 111a of the middle reel 111 is shown in Figure 3(b)) from the front side (front face), and in this example, is arranged above the pattern display window 113 on the back of the front door 102 so as to face the reel bands of the reels 110 to 112.

[0046] In this example, the reel front lighting 250 is configured with a plurality of LEDs capable of emitting light toward the front of the reel bands of the reels 110 to 112, and a colored transparent (in this example, milky white) lens cover placed in front of these LEDs.

[0047] The "first light-emitting means" according to the present invention may be "a light-emitting means that can illuminate at least the reel band of the reel from the front side," and its structure is not particularly limited; however, if there is no lens cover or if the lens cover is made of a colorless, transparent material, the light emitted from the LED may be reflected in a granular manner on the reel band of the reels 110 to 112 (so-called "point light"), which may make the reels 110 to 112 look bad, or the light emitted from the LED may not be spread well and may not illuminate the entire reel band evenly, which may reduce the visibility of the reels 110 to 112. Therefore, it is preferable to cover the front of the LED with a lens cover made of a colored, transparent material.

[0048] The relationship between the shortest distance α from the reel front lighting 250 (first light-emitting means) to the reel band and the shortest distance β from the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) described later to the reel band is "shortest distance α<shortest distance β", and the reel front lighting 250 is positioned closer to the reel band than the reel backlight 264.

[0049] As described above, the reel front lighting 250 is provided with a lens cover because it is prone to point light due to its close distance to the reel band. On the other hand, the reel backlight 264 is provided with a lens cover because it is closer to the reel band than the reel front lighting 250, has a distance that allows the light emitted from the LED to diffuse, and the light can be sufficiently diffused by the reflector 266 described below.

[0050] <Reel backlight (second light-emitting means)> Next, the reel backlight 264 (second light emitting means) will be described with reference to FIG. 3(b) and FIG.

[0051] The slot machine 100 of this example is configured to have a left reel device (not shown) equipped with a left reel 110, a center reel device 260 (see FIG. 3(b)) equipped with a center reel 111, a right reel device (not shown) equipped with a right reel 112, and a reel frame 262 (see FIG. 3(b)) capable of accommodating these three reel devices inside.

[0052] In addition, 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 center reel device 260, here we will explain the center reel device 260 and omit explanations of the left reel device and the right reel device.

[0053] The middle reel device 260 is composed of a middle reel 111, a reel drive unit (not shown) that drives the middle reel 111 to rotate, a reel backlight 264 that illuminates (lights) the reel band 111a of the middle reel 111 from the rear side (back), and a reel detection unit (not shown) that detects the rotational position of the middle reel 111.

[0054] The middle reel 111 is configured with a reel band 111a on which multiple types of designs are printed at equal intervals, and a reel frame 111b that supports both sides of the reel band 111a. The reel band 111a is a flat ring-shaped member configured by bonding the longitudinal ends of a rectangular band-shaped member together.

[0055] 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 reel backlight 264 when the components constituting the reel backlight 264 are disassembled and viewed from the front side.

[0056] The reel backlight 264 is a light-emitting means (second light-emitting means) that illuminates (illuminates) the reel bands of each reel 110 to 112 from the rear side (back surface), and in this example, is composed of a reflector 266, an illumination board 268 that is detachably attached to the back surface of the reflector 266, and a decorative panel 270 that is arranged on the side surface of the reflector 266.

[0057] In this example, the reflector 266 of the reel backlight 264 is formed from white plastic, but the material of the reflector 266 of the reel backlight 264 is not particularly limited, and may be metal or a material of another color.

[0058] Three openings 266a to 266c that connect from the front side to the back side are formed in the reflector 266. Furthermore, six LEDs 268a are arranged on the illumination board 268 at positions corresponding to the openings 266a to 266c.

[0059] The openings 266a to 266c and the LED 268a of the reflector 266 provided on the middle reel device 260 are arranged at positions corresponding to the symbol positions to be displayed in a stopped state in the symbol display window 113 (the positions of symbol positions 4 to 6 described using Figure 2) when attached to the middle reel device 260.

[0060] The openings 266a to 266c and the LED 266a of the reflector 266 provided on the left reel device (not shown) are arranged at positions corresponding to the symbol positions (symbol positions 1 to 3 described using Figure 2) to be displayed in a stopped state in the symbol display window 113 when attached to the left reel device.

[0061] The openings 266a to 266c and the LED 268a of the reflector 266 provided on the right reel device (not shown) are arranged at positions corresponding to the symbol positions (symbol positions 7 to 9 described using Figure 2) to be displayed in a stopped state in the symbol display window 113 when attached to the right reel device.

[0062] In this example, six LEDs 268a are arranged at positions corresponding to the openings 266a to 266c, so that the light emitted from one opening does not interfere with the light emitted from another opening, thereby enabling the light to be uniformly irradiated onto each of the multiple symbol positions of the symbol display window 113.

[0063] For example, by turning on all the LEDs 268a, all of the symbols visible to the player can be illuminated from behind. Also, by turning on some of the LEDs 268a, some of the symbols visible to the player can be illuminated from behind. Note that the number and positions of the openings and LEDs are not limited to this example.

[0064] In this example, reflector 266 has a plurality of slits (grooves) 266d to 266g provided at predetermined intervals on the bottom surface of upper opening 266a, the top and bottom surfaces of central opening 266b, and the top surface of lower opening 266c. This allows the light emitted from LED 268a to be uniformly irradiated onto the pattern located in front, improving the visibility of the pattern.

[0065] Furthermore, slit 266d provided on the underside of upper opening 266a, slit 266e provided on the top surface of central opening 266b, slit 266f provided on the bottom surface of central opening 266b, and slit 266g provided on the top surface of lower opening 266c are arranged so that the areas where the slits are formed and the areas where the slits are not formed alternate in the vertical direction (so that the positions of the slits do not coincide above and below the partitions of the openings). This structure prevents interference between light beams emitted through the slits from adjacent openings.

[0066] The reel backlight 264 is able to sufficiently and uniformly illuminate the reel band by the reflector 266 and the slits (grooves) 266d to 266g, and therefore does not have a lens cover like the reel front lighting 250, but may have a configuration with a lens cover, which allows the reel band to be illuminated uniformly, and furthermore, since the reel backlight 264 does not need to be looked directly at during reel assembly or maintenance of the gaming machine, glare on the worker can be reduced.

[0067] <Control unit> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 5. Note that Figure 5 shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

[0068] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main presentation in accordance with command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") sent by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on the commands sent from the first sub-control unit 400.

[0069] <Main control unit> First, we will explain the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100. The main control unit 300 is equipped with a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300, and this basic circuit 302 is equipped with a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery for winning combinations, reel stop positions, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling the input and output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, etc., and a WDT (watchdog timer) 314. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and this also applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and second sub-control unit 500 described below.

[0070] The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by receiving a clock signal with a predetermined cycle output by the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time. The CPU 304 monitors the sensors and transmits drive pulses in response to this interrupt request. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1 / 256, and the frequency division data in the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference time for the interrupt is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz = 1.504 ms.

[0071] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a random number generation circuit 316 (which is assumed to have two random number generation circuits built in) that derives a number in the range of 0 to 65535 each time it receives a clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315a, and a start-up signal output circuit 338 that outputs a start-up signal (reset signal) when power is turned on.When a start-up signal is input from this start-up signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts the main processing of the main control unit, which will be described later).

[0072] The random number generation circuit 316 generates random numbers to be used in the basic circuit 302. The random number generation circuit 316 generates random numbers in two ways: counter mode and random number mode. In counter mode, a value that counts up (down) at a predetermined time interval is acquired and the acquired value is used as a random number. The random number mode has two further methods. In the first method, a seed value of the random number is used to perform a calculation using a predetermined function (e.g., a modulus function) and derive the result of this calculation as a random number. In the second method, a value is read from a random number table in which values ​​ranging from 0 to 65535 are randomly arranged, and the read value is used as a random number. The random number generation circuit 316 acquires irregular values ​​by utilizing white noise superimposed on signals input from various sensors 318 to the sensor circuit 320. The random number generation circuit 316 uses the value thus obtained as the initial value for a counter that counts up (down) in counter mode, as a seed for a random number, or when determining the start position for reading from the random number table.

[0073] The main control unit 300 also has a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 monitors the status of various sensors 318 (bet button 132 sensor, medal acceptance sensor for medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 141, start lever 135 sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, etc.) at each interrupt time.

[0074] 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. Upon receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit 316 latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores random numbers to be used in the lottery.

[0075] Two medal acceptance sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion slot 141 and detect whether a medal has passed through. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 and detect the start operation by the player. Stop button 137 sensors, stop button 138 sensors, and stop button 139 sensors are installed on each of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

[0076] The bet button 132 sensor is installed on the bet button 132, and detects the insertion operation when medals electronically stored in the RAM 308 are inserted as medals to be inserted into a game. The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the medals electronically stored are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting medals to be 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.

[0077] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a drive circuit 322 that drives the reels 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 that drives a solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 that selects the inserted medals, a drive circuit 326 that drives a motor provided in the medal payout device 180, and a drive circuit 328 that drives various lamps 336 (winning line indicator lamp 120, notification lamp 123, game medal insertion possible lamp 124, replay lamp 122, game medal insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, number of stored medals indicator 125, game information indicator 126, number of paid out medals indicator 127).

[0078] 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 game information (e.g., game status) of the slot machine 100 to an information input circuit 651 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 334.

[0079] The main control unit 300 also includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied to the main control unit 300 from a power management unit (not shown), and the voltage monitoring circuit 330 outputs a low voltage signal to the basic circuit 302 indicating that the voltage has dropped when the voltage value of the power supply is below a predetermined value (9V in this embodiment).

[0080] In addition, the main control unit 300 is equipped with an output interface for sending commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but is configured so that signals such as commands cannot be sent from the first sub-control unit 400 to the main control unit 300.

[0081] <Sub-controller> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that receives control commands sent by the main control unit 300 via an input interface and controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on these control commands. The basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling 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 receiving a clock signal with a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, the light color and lighting pattern of the reel front lights 250 and reel backlights 264, and data for controlling various indicators.

[0082] The CPU 404 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 for each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0083] The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a sound source IC 418, which is connected to speakers 272, 277 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls the sound output from the amplifier and speakers 272, 277 in response to commands from the CPU 404. An S-ROM (sound ROM) in which sound data is stored is connected to the sound source IC 418, and the sound data acquired from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from the speakers 272, 277.

[0084] In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, and various lamps 420 (upper lamps, lower lamps, side lamps 144, reel front lights 250, reel backlights 264, panel lighting boards 664 of panel units 750, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via input / output interfaces.

[0085] The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a sensor circuit 426, which is connected via an input interface to an effect button sensor 430 that can detect pressing of the effect button 156. The CPU 404 monitors the status of the shutter sensor 428 and the effect button sensor 430 at each interrupt time.

[0086] The CPU 404 also transmits and receives signals to the second sub-control unit 500 via the output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls including display control of the performance image display device 157 (hereinafter also referred to as "liquid crystal display device 157"). The second sub-control unit 500 may be configured with multiple control units, such as a control unit that controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 157 and a control unit that controls various performance drive devices.

[0087] The second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a basic circuit 502 that receives control commands sent by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on these control commands.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 of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock.The ROM 506 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, etc.

[0088] 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 an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 504 for each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0089] The second sub-control unit 500 is also provided with a VDP 516 (video display processor), which is connected to the ROM 506 and VRAM 518 via a bus. The VDP 516 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on signals from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of ​​the VRAM 518, and displays the image on the performance image display device 157.

[0090] <Freeze effect cancellation notification> Next, the cancellation notification of the freeze effect will be described.

[0091] Here, the freeze effect refers to an effect that makes it seem as if the originally planned effect has been interrupted midway, an effect that makes it seem as if the slot machine has stopped responding, etc. Furthermore, for light-emitting means such as lamps, a freeze may be defined as, for example, when the change in the light-emitting mode stops, for sound output means such as speakers, a freeze may be defined as, for example, when the same sound continues to be output indefinitely, and for movable bodies such as reels, a freeze may be defined as, for example, when operation stops midway.

[0092] In this example, as a freeze effect, even if the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 do not start spinning, and operation of the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.) is disabled for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), and a reel effect is produced that makes it appear as if the slot machine 100 has stopped responding.

[0093] <Freeze effect cancellation notification / Outline of effects A to C> Next, an outline of the effects that can be executed by the slot machine 100 will be explained with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the general flow of a plurality of types of effects in chronological order.

[0094] The slot machine 100 can execute at least four types of effects: A, A', B, and C. Of these four types of effects, A, B, and C are all effects that can execute reel effects, continuous effects using the liquid crystal display device 157, and cancel notifications, and A' is an effect that can execute reel effects, continuous effects using the liquid crystal display device 157, and does not execute cancel notifications.

[0095] Each performance will be explained in detail below.

[0096] <Freeze effect cancellation notification / Outline of effect A> Next, an outline of the production A will be explained using Fig. 6(a). Fig. 6(a) is a diagram showing the general flow of the production A in chronological order.

[0097] The effect A has a period (first period) T1 during which operation of the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is invalid after the start lever 135 is operated, and a period (second period) T2 during which the reels 110-112 can start spinning if the operating means is operated while the reels 110-112 are stopped, and is an effect in which a notification (first notification) urging operation of the operating means may be initiated after a first time t1 (15 seconds in this example) has elapsed since the start of the second period T2. Note that the first period may be a period including a game interval timer (a so-called 4.1-second wait).

[0098] In the effect A, when the first period T1 starts, the execution of the reel effect is started as a freeze effect, and the execution of the specialized zone entry effect is started as a continuous effect using the liquid crystal display device 157.

[0099] The reel effect is an effect in which the reels 110 to 112 do not start spinning (the reels 110 to 112 are frozen) even when the start lever 135 is operated. In effect A, this reel effect is executed until a predetermined time (third time t3, in this example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the start lever 135 was operated.

[0100] The specialized zone entry effect is a continuous effect that includes a series of animation displays, and in this example, is mainly composed of the following scenario: "Teasing effect → Success effect → Specialized zone explanation → End of specialized zone explanation." In effect A, this specialized zone entry effect is executed until a predetermined time (fourth time t4, in this example, 18 seconds) has elapsed since the start lever 135 was operated.

[0101] The period (first period) T1 (=third time t3) during which the reel effect is being performed is a period during which operations of the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.) are invalid.

[0102] When the period (first period) T1 during which the reel effects are being executed ends, a second period T2 starts. During the second period T2, the reels 110 to 112 can start rotating when an operating means (such as the bet button 132, start lever 135, or stop buttons 137 to 139) is operated while the reels 110 to 112 are stopped.

[0103] In effect A, after a predetermined time (first time t1; in this example, 15 seconds) has elapsed since the start of second period T2 (20 seconds after the start of first period T1), a notification (first notification; first cancel notification) is initiated to prompt the player to operate the operating means (e.g., bet button 132).

[0104] In this example, the execution time of the specialized zone entry effect (fourth time t4) is set to a time (18 seconds in this example) that is shorter than the time (third time t3; 5 seconds in this example) for the period (first period) T1 during which the reel effect is being executed plus the time (first time t1; 15 seconds in this example) from the start of the second period T2 to the start of the first cancel notification (= t3 + t1; 20 seconds in this example), but it may also be set to the same time (18 seconds in this example) as the time from when the start lever 135 is operated to the start of the first cancel notification.

[0105] Next, in effect A, when a period longer than the second period T2 (in this example, 60 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the second period T2 (when 60 seconds have elapsed since the start of the first period T1 and a timeout has occurred), the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate even if the operating means (for example, the bet button 132) is not operated after the first notification (first cancel notification) has been initiated.

[0106] According to this example, if the player does not notice the notification, the reels can be rotated without any operation by the player, thereby promoting the progress of the game.

[0107] In effect A, the time (third time t3, in this example, 5 seconds) during the period (first period) T1 during which the reel effect is being executed, the time (first time t1, in this example, 15 seconds) from the start of the second period T2 to the start of the first cancellation notification, and the timeout time of the second period T2 (in this example, 60 seconds) are counted (measured) by a first timer common to effect B, which will be described later.

[0108] According to this example, the timer used in performance A and performance B can be made common, which not only reduces and effectively utilizes the limited storage capacity but also simplifies performance control.

[0109] In effect A, an example is shown in which a success effect (an effect that confirms a transition to the specialized zone) is executed in the specialized zone entry effect together with the reel effect, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0110] FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing the general flow of the performance A' in chronological order.

[0111] In this example, as a continuous effect using the liquid crystal display device 157, instead of the specialized zone entry effect of effect A, a specialized zone failure effect is executed until a predetermined time (in this example, 2 seconds) has elapsed since the start lever 135 was operated. In other words, the form and execution time of the effect executed during the "first period" or "second period" according to the present invention are not particularly limited as long as it is an effect that ends before the "first notification" starts.

[0112] The specialized zone failure effect is a continuous effect that includes a series of animation displays, and in this example, is mainly composed of a scenario of "teasing effect → failure effect." When the specialized zone failure effect is executed together with the reel effect, the reels 110 to 112 start spinning when at least one waiting time (4.172 seconds) between games has elapsed since the start lever 135 was operated (in this example, when the 5-second reel effect has ended), without transitioning to the second period T2 after the first period T1, even if the operating means (for example, the bet button 132) is not operated.

[0113] In addition, when a specialized zone failure effect is executed together with the reel effect, there is no transition to the second period T2 after the first period T1, and therefore the first notification (first cancellation notification) that can be executed in the second period T2 is also not executed.

[0114] <Freeze effect cancellation notification / Outline of effect B> Next, an outline of the performance B will be explained using Fig. 6(c). Fig. 6(c) is a diagram showing the general flow of the performance B in chronological order.

[0115] Presentation B has a period (first period) T1 during which operation of the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is invalid after the start lever 135 is operated, and a period (second period) T2 during which the reels 110-112 can start rotating when the operating means is operated while the reels 110-112 are stopped, and is a presentation in which a notification (second notification) urging the player to operate the operating means may be initiated after a second time t2 (35 seconds in this example) has elapsed since the start of the second period T2.

[0116] In effect B, when the first period T1 starts, a reel effect is started to be executed as a freeze effect, and an additional confirmation effect is started to be executed as a continuous effect using the liquid crystal display device 157.

[0117] The reel effect is an effect in which the reels 110 to 112 do not start spinning (the reels 110 to 112 are frozen) even when the start lever 135 is operated. In effect B, this reel effect is executed until a predetermined time (third time t3, in this example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the start lever 135 was operated.

[0118] The added bonus confirmation effect is a continuous effect that includes a series of animation displays, and in this example, is mainly composed of the following scenario: "Inciting effect → Added bonus confirmation notification → Added bonus effect → Added bonus effect end." In effect B, this added bonus confirmation effect is executed until a predetermined time (a fifth time t5, in this example, 38 seconds) has elapsed since the start lever 135 was operated.

[0119] The period (first period) T1 during which the reel effect is being executed is a period during which operations of the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.) are invalid.

[0120] When the period (first period) T1 during which the reel effects are being executed ends, a second period T2 starts. During the second period T2, the reels 110 to 112 can start rotating when an operating means (such as the bet button 132, start lever 135, or stop buttons 137 to 139) is operated while the reels 110 to 112 are stopped.

[0121] In effect B, after a predetermined time (second time t2; in this example, 35 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the second period T2, an announcement (second announcement; second cancel announcement) is made to prompt the player to operate the operating means (e.g., bet button 132).

[0122] In this example, the execution time of the additional confirmation effect (fifth time t5) is set to a time (38 seconds in this example) that is shorter than the time (third time t3; 5 seconds in this example) for the period (first period) T1 during which the reel effect is being executed plus the time (second time t2; 35 seconds in this example) from the start of the second period T2 to the start of the second cancel notification (= t3 + t2; 40 seconds in this example), but it may also be set to the same time (40 seconds in this example) as the time from when the start lever 135 is operated to the start of the second cancel notification.

[0123] Next, in effect B, when a period longer than the second period T2 (in this example, 60 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the second period T2 (when 60 seconds have elapsed since the start of the first period T1 and a timeout has occurred), the reels 110 to 112 begin to rotate after the second notification (second cancel notification) has begun, even if the operating means (for example, the bet button 132) is not operated.

[0124] According to this example, if the player does not notice the notification, the reels can be rotated without any operation by the player, thereby promoting the progress of the game.

[0125] In effect B, the time (third time t3, in this example, 5 seconds) during the period (first period) T1 during which the reel effect is being executed, the time (second time t2, in this example, 35 seconds) from the start of the second period T2 to the start of the second cancellation notification, and the timeout time of the second period T2 (in this example, 60 seconds) are counted (measured) by a first timer common to effect A.

[0126] According to this example, the timer used in performance A and performance B can be made common, which not only reduces and effectively utilizes the limited storage capacity but also simplifies performance control.

[0127] <Freeze effect cancellation notification / Outline of effect C> Next, an outline of the presentation C will be explained using Fig. 6(d). Fig. 6(d) is a diagram showing the general flow of the presentation C in chronological order.

[0128] Presentation C has a period (fourth period) T4 during which operation of the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is invalid after the start lever 135 is operated, and a period (fifth period) T5 during which the reels 110-112 can start rotating when the operating means is operated while the reels 110-112 are stopped, and is a presentation in which an announcement (third announcement) urging the player to operate the operating means may be made after a sixth time t6 (110 seconds in this example) has elapsed since the start of the fifth period T5.

[0129] In effect C, when the fourth period T4 starts, a reel effect is executed as a freeze effect, and an effect of entering a higher level AT is executed as a continuous effect using the liquid crystal display device 157.

[0130] The reel effect is an effect in which the reels 110 to 112 do not start spinning (the reels 110 to 112 are frozen) even when the start lever 135 is operated. In effect C, this reel effect is executed until a predetermined time (30 seconds in this example) has elapsed since the start lever 135 was operated.

[0131] The higher AT entry performance is a continuous performance that includes a series of animation displays, and in this example, it is mainly composed of the scenario of "teasing performance → premium image display & entry notification → premium image explanation → premium image explanation end." In performance C, this higher AT entry performance is executed until a predetermined time (in this example, 135 seconds) has passed since the start lever 135 was operated.

[0132] In addition, among the animation displays that make up the higher AT entry performance, the animation display (30 seconds) of "teasing performance → display of premium image & entry notification" is a display that the player must see. For this reason, in performance C, priority is given to executing the reel performance and counting (measuring) the time (in this example, 30 seconds) for the animation display of "teasing performance → display of premium image & entry notification", and a second timer separate from the first timer used in performance A and performance B is used.

[0133] The period T4 during which the reel effect is being performed (fourth period) is a period during which operations of the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.) are invalid.

[0134] When the period (fourth period) T4 during which the reel effects are being executed ends, a fifth period T5 starts. During the fifth period T5, the reels 110 to 112 can start spinning when the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.) is operated while the reels 110 to 112 are stopped.

[0135] In effect C, after the time (sixth time t6, in this example, 110 seconds) has elapsed from the start of the fifth period T5 to the start of the third cancel notification, a notification (third notification; third cancel notification) is initiated to prompt the player to operate the operating means (e.g., bet button 132).

[0136] Next, in effect C, when a period longer than the fifth period T5 (in this example, 180 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the fifth period T5 (when 180 seconds have elapsed since the start of the fourth period T4 and a timeout has occurred), the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate even if the operating means (for example, the bet button 132) is not operated after the third notification (third cancel notification) is initiated.

[0137] According to this example, if the player does not notice the notification, the reels can be rotated without any operation by the player, thereby promoting the progress of the game.

[0138] In effect C, the second timer counts the time (in this example, 30 seconds) during which the reel effect is being executed (fourth period) T4, the time from the start of the fifth period T5 to the start of the third cancellation notification (sixth time t6, in this example, 110 seconds), and the timeout time of the fifth period T5 (in this example, 180 seconds).

[0139] As described above, in effect C, a reel effect is executed, and time is counted (measured) based on the time (30 seconds in this example) required for the animation display of "teasing effect → display of premium image & entry notification," and a second timer is used for this counting.

[0140] If this second timer is used in both effect A and effect B, in effect A, the 18-second specialized zone entry effect will end while the 30-second reel effect is being executed, and in effect B, the 38-second added-on confirmation effect will not end while the 30-second reel effect is being executed, and the added-on confirmation effect will continue to be executed even during the second period T2 during which the reels can rotate, resulting in a period during which the reel effect cannot be canceled, causing dissatisfaction among players.

[0141] In this regard, in this example, while effect A and effect B use a common first timer to count the effect time, effect C uses a second timer that is different from the first timer to count the effect time, so it is possible to execute other effects according to the type and time of the freeze effect, making it possible to provide players with a variety of effects and increase player satisfaction.

[0142] <Freeze effect cancellation notification / Example of effect A 1> Next, specific example 1 of the performance A explained using Fig. 6(a) will be explained using Fig. 7(a) and Fig. 8 to Fig. 9. Fig. 7(a) is a time chart showing an example of the flow of performance A in chronological order, and Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 are diagrams showing specific example 1 of performance A in chronological order.

[0143] The state shown in Fig. 8(a) is the state immediately after the Nth (N is a positive integer) game has ended, and is the state before the start of presentation A. In this state, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a background image of a closed sliding door, the number of games remaining in the AT (in this example, the character string "AT remaining 30G" is displayed, indicating that the number of games remaining in the AT game is 30), and the number of medals won in the AT game (in this example, the character string "322GET" is displayed, indicating that 322 medals have been won).

[0144] Moreover, this state occurs immediately after the Nth game has ended, and all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped.

[0145] The state shown in the following Figure 8(b) is the state in which the start lever 135 is operated (lever operation) after the Nth game and the N+1th game has started, which is the state at the timing indicated by symbol EA1 in Figure 7(a).

[0146] In this state, since the N+1th game has started, the display of the remaining AT games is updated, and in this example, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 displays the string "AT remaining 29G", indicating that the number of remaining AT games is 29.

[0147] In this state, a first period T1 is initiated by operating the lever. This first period T1 is a period during which operations of the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.) are invalid.

[0148] In this example, when the first period T1 starts, the reel effect of effect A starts, and the first timer that manages the execution time of effect A starts counting. Since the reel effect is an effect that does not start the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 (freezes the reels 110 to 112) even when the start lever 135 is operated, all of the reels 110 to 112 remain stopped.

[0149] Also, in this state, since the first period T1 has started, the specialized zone entry effect of effect A is started using the liquid crystal display device 157. In effect A, this specialized zone entry effect is executed until a predetermined time (fourth time t4, in this example, 18 seconds) has elapsed since the start lever 135 was operated, but since the specialized zone entry effect is composed of the scenario "hyping effect → success effect → specialized zone explanation → end of specialized zone explanation," the hyping effect is started first.

[0150] The subsequent state shown in FIGS. 8(c) and 8(d) is a state in which the reel effect is continued while the liquid crystal display device 157 is executing a provocative effect for the specialized zone entry effect.

[0151] In this example, as a provocative effect for entering the specialized zone, an animation is displayed in which a figure appears behind a closed sliding door, followed by the shadow of a family crest.

[0152] The next state shown in Figure 8(e) is a state in which the reel presentation is continuing while the liquid crystal display device 157 is executing a successful presentation of the specialized zone entry presentation, and is the state at the timing indicated by symbol EA2 in Figure 7(a).

[0153] In this example, the successful entry into the specialized zone is achieved by displaying an animation of a closed sliding door opening to reveal a family crest, and by displaying the text "Entering specialized zone," indicating the transition to the specialized zone.

[0154] The next state shown in FIG. 8(f) is a state in which the liquid crystal display device 157 starts to explain the specialized zone in the specialized zone entry effect while continuing the reel effect.

[0155] In this example, at the start of the specialized zone explanation for the specialized zone entry effect, the string "Specialized Zone Explanation" is displayed, suggesting that an explanation about the specialized zone is about to begin.

[0156] 8(g) is a state in which the reel effect has ended. When the first timer detects that the time for executing the reel effect (third time t3, in this example, 5 seconds) has elapsed, the reel effect ends and a second period T2 begins. This second period T2 is a period in which the reels 110 to 112 can start spinning when an operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.) is operated while the reels 110 to 112 are stopped.

[0157] The state shown in the following Figures 8(h) and 9(a) to (b) is a state in which the reels 110 to 112 can start rotating by operating the operating means, and the liquid crystal display device 157 is executing a specialized zone explanation for the specialized zone entry performance.

[0158] In this example, the specialized zone explanation is as follows: the string "Ninja Appears + 5G" and an image of a ninja character are displayed (see Figure 8(h)), which suggest that when a ninja character appears in the specialized zone, the number of remaining games in the AT will increase by 5 games; the string "Kunoichi Appears + 10G" and an image of a kunoichi character are displayed (see Figure 9(a)), which suggest that when a ninja and kunoichi characters appear in the specialized zone, the number of remaining games in the AT will increase by 10 games; and the string "Ninja and Kunoichi + 30G" and an image of a ninja and kunoichi character are displayed (see Figure 9(b)), which suggest that when a ninja and kunoichi characters appear in the specialized zone, the number of remaining games in the AT will increase by 30 games.

[0159] The state shown in the following Figure 9(c) is a state in which the reels 110 to 112 can start rotating by operating the operating means, and the explanation of the specialized zone for the specialized zone entry performance has been completed on the liquid crystal display device 157, which is the state at the timing indicated by symbol EA3 in Figure 7(a).

[0160] In this example, since the execution time of the specialized zone entry performance (fourth time t4, in this example, 18 seconds) has passed, the image of a tub and the text "Ends with a tub" are displayed at the end of the specialized zone explanation, suggesting that the specialized zone will end when the tub appears in the specialized zone.

[0161] In this example, the player can be notified that the reels can be spun after all the desired effects have been shown to the player, while a player who wants to hurry up with the game can continue playing by spinning the reels before the notification begins, thereby increasing the player's satisfaction.

[0162] The state shown in the following Figures 9(d) and (e) is the state 20 seconds have passed since the start of effect A, and is the state at the timing indicated by symbol EA4 in Figure 7(a).

[0163] When the first timer counts down and detects that the total time (= t3 + t1, in this example, 20 seconds) has elapsed, which is the sum of the first period T1 (third time t3, in this example, 5 seconds) for executing the reel presentation and the first time t1 (in this example, 15 seconds) from the start of the second period T2, the first cancellation notification (first notification) is started.

[0164] In this example, as the first cancellation notification, the light emitting portion of the bet button 132 (not shown) is illuminated, and the text "Bet will spin the reels" is displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157, suggesting that the reels 110 to 112 can start spinning by operating the bet button 132. In addition, as the background image for the first cancellation notification, at least a part of the display at the end of the specialized zone explanation shown in Fig. 9(c) is continuously displayed.

[0165] According to this example, it is possible to make the player pay attention to the reels and effects until the first notification is started, and it is possible to prevent the player from suffering any disadvantages.

[0166] In addition, after the animation ends, the notification starts while the animation is stopped, so the player can see a series of animations. In addition, the end of the animation itself can sometimes function as a notification to encourage the player to continue playing.

[0167] Furthermore, the change in the state of the bet button makes it easier for the player to notice, encouraging the player to operate the bet button.

[0168] The state shown in the following Figures 9(f) and (g) is the state 60 seconds have passed since the start of effect A, and is the state at the timing indicated by symbol EA6 in Figure 7(a).

[0169] When the count of the first timer detects that a time (60 seconds in this example) longer than the total time (= t3 + t1, 20 seconds in this example) obtained by adding the first period T1 (third time t3, 5 seconds in this example) for executing the reel presentation and the first time t1 (15 seconds in this example) from the start of the second period T2 has elapsed (when 60 seconds have elapsed since the start of the first period T1 and a timeout has occurred), the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate even if the operating means (bet button 132 in this example) is not operated after the first cancel notification (first notification) has been initiated.

[0170] According to this example, if the player does not notice the notification, the reels can be rotated without any operation by the player, thereby promoting the progress of the game.

[0171] Also, in this state, when the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate due to a timeout, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a push order navigation (in this example, an image of "2 1 3" indicating that the order in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 should be pressed is center → left → right), an image of a ninja character, and the string "+5" indicating that the number of games remaining in the AT will increase by 5.

[0172] The next state shown in FIG. 9(h) is a state in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are operated and all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped.

[0173] In this state, the rotation of reels 110 to 112 is stopped, and since the number of remaining games in the AT has increased by 5, the display of the number of remaining games in the AT is updated.In this example, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 displays the string "AT remaining 34G," indicating that the number of remaining games in the AT game is 34.

[0174] <Freeze effect cancellation notification / Example of effect A 2> Next, specific example 2 of the effect A explained using Fig. 6(a) will be explained using Fig. 7(a) and Fig. 10 to Fig. 11. Fig. 10 to Fig. 11 are diagrams showing specific example 2 of the effect A in chronological order.

[0175] Note that the aspect of specific example 2 of performance A shown in Figure 10 (Figures 10(a) to (h)) is almost the same as the aspect of specific example 1 of performance A explained using Figure 8 (Figures 8(a) to (h)), so a detailed explanation will be omitted, but a performance different from the aspect of specific example 1 of performance A may be executed.

[0176] In specific example 2 of effect A, when the successful effect shown in Figure 10(e) is executed, the bet button 132 is operated, but this state is the period during which the reel effect is being executed, and since this is the first period T1 during which operation of the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.) is invalid, operation of the bet button 132 is not accepted and the reels 110 to 112 remain stopped.

[0177] The state shown in FIG. 11(a) is a state in which the reels 110 to 112 can start to rotate by operating the operating means, and the liquid crystal display device 157 is executing a specialized zone explanation for the specialized zone entry effect.

[0178] This state is a second period T2 in which the reels 110 to 112 can start rotating when the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.) is operated while the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, and therefore operation of the bet button 132 is valid.

[0179] The state shown in FIG. 11(b) is the state in which the bet button 132 is operated and the reels 110 to 112 start to spin, which corresponds to the timing indicated by the symbol EA5 in FIG. 7(a).

[0180] This state is the second period T2, and when the bet button 132 is operated while the operation of the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.) is valid, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate.

[0181] According to this example, a player who wants to hurry up with the game can continue the game by spinning the reels (cancelling the freeze effect) before the timeout, thereby increasing the player's satisfaction.

[0182] Also, in this state, when the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a push order navigation (in this example, an image of "2 1 3" indicating that the order in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 should be pressed is middle → left → right), an image of a ninja character, and the string "+5" indicating that the number of games remaining in the AT will increase by 5.

[0183] The next state shown in FIG. 11(c) is a state in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are operated and all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped.

[0184] In this state, the rotation of reels 110 to 112 is stopped, and since the number of remaining games in the AT has increased by 5, the display of the number of remaining games in the AT is updated.In this example, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 displays the string "AT remaining 34G," indicating that the number of remaining games in the AT game is 34.

[0185] <Freeze effect cancellation notification / Example of effect A'> Next, a specific example of the effect A' explained using Fig. 6(b) will be explained using Fig. 7(b) and Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a specific example of the effect A' in chronological order.

[0186] 12(a) is the state immediately after the Nth (N is a positive integer) game has ended and before the start of presentation A'. In this state, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a background image of a closed sliding door, the number of games remaining in the AT (in this example, the character string "AT remaining 30G" is displayed, indicating that the number of games remaining in the AT game is 30), and the number of medals won in the AT game (in this example, the character string "322GET" is displayed, indicating that 322 medals have been won).

[0187] Moreover, this state occurs immediately after the Nth game has ended, and all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped.

[0188] The state shown in the following Figure 12(b) is the state in which the start lever 135 is operated (lever operation) after the Nth game and the N+1th game has started, which is the state at the timing indicated by symbol EA'1 in Figure 7(b).

[0189] In this state, since the N+1th game has started, the display of the remaining AT games is updated, and in this example, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 displays the string "AT remaining 29G", indicating that the number of remaining AT games is 29.

[0190] In this state, a first period T1 is initiated by operating the lever. This first period T1 is a period during which operations of the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.) are invalid.

[0191] In this example, when the first period T1 starts, the reel effect of effect A' starts, and the first timer that manages the execution time of effect A' starts counting. Since the reel effect is an effect that does not start the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 (freezes the reels 110 to 112) even when the start lever 135 is operated, all of the reels 110 to 112 remain stopped.

[0192] Also, in this state, since the first period T1 has started, the specialized zone failure effect of effect A' is started using the liquid crystal display device 157. In effect A', the specialized zone failure effect is executed until a predetermined time (in this example, 2 seconds) has elapsed since the start lever 135 was operated, but since the specialized zone failure effect is composed of a scenario of "teasing effect → failure effect," the teasing effect is started first.

[0193] The next state shown in FIG. 12(c) is a state in which the reel effect is continued while the liquid crystal display device 157 is executing a provocative effect of the specialized zone failure effect.

[0194] In this example, as a provocation for the special zone failure effect, an animation is displayed in which a figure appears behind a closed sliding door.

[0195] The next state shown in Figure 12(d) is a state in which the reel presentation is continuing while the failure presentation of the specialized zone failure presentation is being executed on the liquid crystal display device 157, and is the state at the timing indicated by symbol EA'2 in Figure 7(b).

[0196] In this example, the failure effect of the specialized zone failure effect is an animation of a closed sliding door opening and a basin appearing, and the word "Sorry" is displayed to indicate that the player will not move on to the specialized zone.

[0197] The subsequent states shown in FIGS. 12(e) and 12(f) are states in which the reel effects have ended and the reels 110 to 112 have started to rotate.

[0198] When it is detected by the counting of the first timer that the time for executing the reel effect (third time t3, 5 seconds in this example) has elapsed, the reel effect is ended.

[0199] When a specialized zone failure effect is executed together with the reel effect, after the first period T1, without transitioning to the second period T2 shown in Figure 7(a), if at least the waiting time between games (4.172 seconds) has elapsed since the start lever 135 was operated, the reels 110 to 112 will start rotating even if the operating means (e.g., bet button 132) is not operated.

[0200] According to this example, the reels are rotated without any operation by the player, thereby promoting the progress of the game.

[0201] In effect A', a specialized zone failure effect is executed along with the reel effect, so when it is detected that the time for executing the reel effect (third time t3, in this example, 5 seconds) has elapsed, the reel effect is terminated and the reels 110 to 112 begin to rotate.

[0202] 12(g) shows a state in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are operated and all of the reels 110 to 112 are stopped. In this state, the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is stopped.

[0203] In addition, when a specialized zone failure effect is executed together with a reel effect, there is no transition to the second period T2 shown in Figure 7(a) after the first period T1, and therefore the first notification (first cancellation notification) that can be executed in the second period T2 is also not executed.

[0204] <Freeze effect cancellation notification / Example of effect B 1> Next, specific example 1 of the performance B explained using Fig. 6(c) will be explained using Fig. 13 to Fig. 15. Fig. 13 is a time chart showing an example of the flow of performance B in chronological order, and Fig. 14 to Fig. 15 are diagrams showing specific example 1 of performance B in chronological order.

[0205] 14(a) is the state immediately after the Nth (N is a positive integer) game has ended, and is the state before the start of presentation B. In this state, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a background image of a closed sliding door, the number of games remaining in the AT (in this example, the character string "10G AT remaining" is displayed, indicating that the number of games remaining in the AT game is 10), and the number of medals won in the AT game (in this example, the character string "419GET" is displayed, indicating that 419 medals have been won).

[0206] Moreover, this state occurs immediately after the Nth game has ended, and all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped.

[0207] The state shown in the following Figure 14(b) is the state in which the start lever 135 is operated (lever operation) after the Nth game and the N+1th game has started, which is the state at the timing indicated by symbol EB1 in Figure 13.

[0208] In this state, since the N+1st game has started, the display of the remaining AT games is updated, and in this example, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 displays the string "AT remaining 9G", indicating that the number of remaining AT games is 9.

[0209] In this state, a first period T1 is initiated by operating the lever. This first period T1 is a period during which operations of the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.) are invalid.

[0210] In this example, when the first period T1 starts, the reel effect of effect B starts, and the first timer that manages the execution time of effect B starts counting. Since the reel effect is an effect that does not start the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 (freezes the reels 110 to 112) even when the start lever 135 is operated, all of the reels 110 to 112 remain stopped.

[0211] Also, in this state, since the first period T1 has started, the added-on confirmation effect of effect B is started using the liquid crystal display device 157. In effect B, this added-on confirmation effect is executed until a predetermined time (fifth time t5, in this example, 38 seconds) has elapsed since the start lever 135 was operated, but since the added-on confirmation effect is composed of the scenario of "teasing effect → added-on confirmation notification → added-on effect → end of added-on effect," the teasing effect is started first.

[0212] The subsequent states shown in FIGS. 14(c) to 14(f) are states in which the reel effects are continued and the liquid crystal display device 157 is executing a provocative effect of the added confirmation effect.

[0213] In this example, as a promotion for the confirmed bonus effect, an animation is displayed in which the lord chases and captures an old man sitting in the hall of the castle.

[0214] The next state shown in Figure 14(g) is a state in which the reel presentation is continuing while the liquid crystal display device 157 is executing an additional addition confirmation notification for the additional addition confirmation presentation, which is the state at the timing indicated by symbol EB2 in Figure 13.

[0215] In this example, to notify the player that the bonus has been confirmed, an animation of the Lord capturing the old man is displayed, the string "Captured" is displayed to indicate that the Lord has captured the old man, and the string "Bonus Confirmed" is displayed to indicate that the bonus to the AT game has been confirmed.

[0216] The state shown in the following Figures 14(h) to 15(d) is the state in which the add-on effect of the add-on confirmation effect is being executed on the liquid crystal display device 157, and the state shown in the following Figure 15(e) is the state in which the add-on effect has ended, which is the state at the timing indicated by symbol EB3 in Figure 13.

[0217] In this example, as an additional effect, an animation is displayed in which the lord and the samurai duel and the lord wins against the samurai, and since the execution time of the additional effect confirmation effect (fifth time t5, in this example 38 seconds) has passed, the string "+50" is displayed at the end of the additional effect confirmation effect to notify that the number of games remaining in the AT has increased by 50 games (an additional 50 games has been executed).

[0218] Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, when the count of the first timer detects that the time for executing the reel effect (third time t3, in this example, 5 seconds) has elapsed during the execution of the additional determination effect, the reel effect ends and a second period T2 begins. This second period T2 is a period during which the reels 110 to 112 can start spinning when the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.) is operated while the reels 110 to 112 are stopped.

[0219] In this example, the player can be notified that the reels can be spun after all the desired effects have been shown to the player, while a player who wants to hurry up with the game can continue playing by spinning the reels before the notification begins, thereby increasing the player's satisfaction.

[0220] The state shown in the following Figures 15(f) and (g) is the state 40 seconds have passed since the start of performance B, and is the state at the timing indicated by symbol EB4 in Figure 13.

[0221] When the first timer counts down and detects that the total time (= t3 + t2, in this example, 40 seconds) has elapsed, which is the sum of the first period T1 (third time t3, in this example, 5 seconds) for executing the reel presentation and the second time t2 (in this example, 35 seconds) from the start of the second period T2, the second cancellation notification (second notification) is started.

[0222] In this example, as the second cancellation notification, the light emitting portion of the bet button 132 (not shown) is illuminated, and the text "Bet will spin the reels" is displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157, suggesting that the reels 110 to 112 can start spinning by operating the bet button 132. In addition, as the background image for the second cancellation notification, at least a part of the display at the end of the bonus confirmation notification shown in Fig. 15(e) is continuously displayed.

[0223] According to this example, it is possible to make the player pay attention to the reels and the effects until the second notification is started, and it is possible to prevent the player from suffering any disadvantages.

[0224] In addition, after the animation ends, the notification starts while the animation is stopped, so the player can see a series of animations. In addition, the end of the animation itself can sometimes function as a notification to encourage the player to continue playing.

[0225] Furthermore, the change in the state of the bet button makes it easier for the player to notice, encouraging the player to operate the bet button.

[0226] The state shown in the following Figures 15(h) and (i) is the state 60 seconds have passed since the start of performance B, and is the state at the timing indicated by symbol EB6 in Figure 13.

[0227] When the count of the first timer detects that a time (60 seconds in this example) longer than the total time (= t3 + t2, 40 seconds in this example) obtained by adding the first period T1 (third time t3, 5 seconds in this example) for executing the reel presentation and the second time t2 (35 seconds in this example) from the start of the second period T2 has elapsed (when 60 seconds have elapsed since the start of the first period T1 and a timeout has occurred), the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate even if the operating means (bet button 132 in this example) is not operated after the second cancel notification (second notification) is initiated.

[0228] According to this example, if the player does not notice the notification, the reels can be rotated without any operation by the player, thereby promoting the progress of the game.

[0229] <Freeze effect cancellation notification / Example of effect B 2> Next, a specific example 2 of the effect B explained using Fig. 6(c) will be explained using Fig. 13 and Fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a specific example 2 of the effect B in chronological order.

[0230] In specific example 2 of effect B, the bet button 132 is operated when the additional effect shown in Figure 16(b) is executed after the additional confirmation notification shown in Figure 16(a) is executed, but this state is the period during which the reel effect is being executed, and since it is the first period T1 during which operation of the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.) is invalid, operation of the bet button 132 is not accepted and the reels 110 to 112 remain stopped.

[0231] The state shown in the following Figure 16(c) is a state in which the reels 110 to 112 can start rotating by operating the operating means, and the liquid crystal display device 157 is executing the AT effect after the end of the added-on confirmation effect, which is the state at the timing indicated by symbol EB5 in Figure 13.

[0232] This state is the second period T2, and when the bet button 132 is operated while the operation of the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.) is valid, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate.

[0233] According to this example, a player who wants to hurry up with the game can continue the game by spinning the reels (cancelling the freeze effect) before the timeout, thereby increasing the player's satisfaction.

[0234] In addition, in this state, the string "+50" is displayed, indicating that the number of remaining games in the AT will increase by 50 games.

[0235] <Freeze effect cancellation notification / Example of effect C 1> Next, specific example 1 of the effect C explained using Fig. 6(d) will be explained using Fig. 17 to Fig. 19. Fig. 17 is a time chart showing an example of the flow of effect C in chronological order, and Fig. 18 to Fig. 19 are diagrams showing specific example 1 of effect C in chronological order.

[0236] 18(a) is the state immediately after the Nth (N is a positive integer) game has ended, and is the state before the start of effect C. In this state, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a background image of a sliding door in a closed state, the number of games remaining in the AT (in this example, the character string "AT remaining 30G" is displayed, indicating that the number of games remaining in the AT game is 30), and the number of medals won in the AT game (in this example, the character string "322GET" is displayed, indicating that 322 medals have been won).

[0237] Moreover, this state occurs immediately after the Nth game has ended, and all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped.

[0238] The state shown in the following Figure 18(b) is the state in which the start lever 135 is operated (lever operation) after the Nth game and the N+1th game has started, which is the state at the timing indicated by symbol EC1 in Figure 17.

[0239] In this state, since the N+1th game has started, the display of the remaining AT games is updated, and in this example, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 displays the string "AT remaining 29G", indicating that the number of remaining AT games is 29.

[0240] In addition, in this state, a fourth period T4 is initiated in response to a lever operation. During the fourth period T4, operations of the operating means (the bet button 132, the start lever 135, the stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.) are invalid.

[0241] In this example, since the fourth period T4 has started, the reel effect of effect C is started, and the second timer that manages the execution time of effect C is started. Since the reel effect is an effect that does not start the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 (freezes the reels 110 to 112) even when the start lever 135 is operated, all of the reels 110 to 112 remain stopped.

[0242] Also, in this state, since the fourth period T4 has started, the higher AT entry effect of effect C is started using the liquid crystal display device 157. In effect C, this higher AT entry effect is executed until a predetermined time (135 seconds in this example) has passed since the start lever 135 was operated, but since the higher AT entry effect is composed of the scenario of "teasing effect → display of premium image & entry notification → premium image explanation → end of premium image explanation", the teasing effect is started first.

[0243] The state shown in the following FIG. 18(c) to FIG. 18(f) is a state in which the liquid crystal display device 157 is executing a provocative effect for a higher AT entry effect while continuing the reel effect.

[0244] In this example, as a promotion for entering a higher-level AT, an animation is displayed in which the shadow of a family crest appears on the far side of a closed sliding door, gradually grows larger, and then a human figure appears.

[0245] The state shown in the following Figure 18(g) is a state in which the reel presentation continues while the LCD display device 157 displays a premium image of the higher AT entry presentation and notifies the entry presentation, and is the state at the timing indicated by symbol EC2 in Figure 17.

[0246] In this example, the premium image is displayed by displaying a character image of a vassal, and the entry notification is displayed with the text "Strong AT Entry," which indicates that the transition to a higher AT has been confirmed.

[0247] 18(h) is a state in which the reel effect has ended. When the second timer detects that the time for executing the reel effect (30 seconds in this example) has elapsed, the reel effect ends and a fifth period T5 begins. This fifth period T5 is a period in which the reels 110 to 112 can start spinning when an operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.) is operated while the reels 110 to 112 are stopped.

[0248] The state shown in the following Figures 19(a) to 19(e) is a state in which the reels 110 to 112 can start rotating by operating the operating means, and the liquid crystal display device 157 is displaying a premium image explanation of the higher-level AT entry performance.

[0249] In this example, as an explanation of the premium image, when a premium image of Yoshimune holding a cell phone is displayed in the higher-level AT entry performance, the text "It's super hot when Yoshimune holds a cell phone" is displayed (see Figures 19(b) and (c)), suggesting that there is a high expectation of entering the higher-level AT; when a premium image of an old woman being kidnapped is displayed in the higher-level AT entry performance, the text "It's super hot when old woman is kidnapped" is displayed (see Figure 19(d)), suggesting that there is a high expectation of entering the higher-level AT; and when a premium image of an old man coming to the rescue is displayed in the higher-level AT entry performance, the text "It's super hot when old man comes to the rescue" is displayed (see Figure 19(e)), suggesting that there is an even higher expectation of entering the higher-level AT.

[0250] The state shown in Figure 19(e) is a state in which reels 110 to 112 can start rotating by operating the operating means, and the premium image explanation of the higher AT entry performance has finished on the liquid crystal display device 157, and is the state at the timing indicated by symbol EC3 in Figure 17.

[0251] The state shown in the following Figures 19(f) and (g) is the state 135 seconds after the start of effect C, which is the state at the timing indicated by symbol EC4 in Figure 17.

[0252] When the second timer counts down and detects that the total time (140 seconds in this example) has elapsed, which is the sum of the fourth period T4 (30 seconds in this example) for executing the reel presentation and the sixth time t6 (110 seconds in this example) from the start of the fifth period T5, the third cancellation notification (third notification) is started.

[0253] In this example, as the third cancellation notification, the light emitting portion of the bet button 132 (not shown) is illuminated, and the text "Operate the lever or bet to spin the reels" is displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157, suggesting that the reels 110 to 112 can start spinning by operating the bet button 132 or the start lever 135. In addition, as the background image for the third cancellation notification, at least a part of the display at the end of the premium image explanation shown in Fig. 19(e) is continuously displayed.

[0254] According to this example, the change in the state of the bet button makes it easy for the player to notice, encouraging the player to operate the bet button. Furthermore, since the start lever is an operation means that the player operates every time the reels are rotated in a normal game, it is easy for the player to operate when the reels remain stopped, regardless of whether the first notification is given or not. Furthermore, if the start lever is operated before the first notification is given, the player will naturally understand that the effect will be canceled.

[0255] The state shown in the subsequent Figures 19(h) and (i) is the state 180 seconds after the start of effect C, which is the state at the timing indicated by symbol EC6 in Figure 17.

[0256] When the second timer detects that a time (in this example, 180 seconds) longer than the total time (in this example, 140 seconds) obtained by adding the fourth period T4 (in this example, 30 seconds) for executing the reel presentation and the sixth time t6 (in this example, 110 seconds) since the start of the fifth period T5 has passed (when 180 seconds have passed since the start of the fourth period T4 and a timeout has occurred), the reels 110 to 112 will start spinning after the third cancel notification (third notification) has started, even if the operating means (in this example, the bet button 132 or the start lever 135) is not operated.

[0257] According to this example, if the player does not notice the notification, the reels can be rotated without any operation by the player, thereby promoting the progress of the game.

[0258] Also, in this state, when the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate, a push order guide (in this example, an image of "2 1 3" indicating that the order in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 should be pressed is center → left → right) is displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157.

[0259] The next state shown in FIG. 19(j) is a state in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are operated and all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped.

[0260] In this state, the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is stopped, and since the next game will be a transition to a higher AT, the character string "Next Strong AT" is displayed, indicating that the next game will be a transition to a higher AT.

[0261] <Freeze effect cancellation notification / Example of effect C 2> Next, specific example 2 of effect C explained using Fig. 6(d) will be explained using Fig. 17 and Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing specific example 2 of effect C in chronological order.

[0262] The state shown in FIG. 20(a) is a state in which the reels 110 to 112 can start to rotate by operating the operating means, and the liquid crystal display device 157 is displaying a premium image explanation of the higher-rank AT entry effect.

[0263] This state is the fifth period T5 in which the reels 110 to 112 can start rotating when the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.) is operated while the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, and therefore operation of the bet button 132 is valid.

[0264] The state shown in FIG. 20(b) is the state in which the bet button 132 is operated and the reels 110 to 112 start to spin, which corresponds to the timing indicated by the symbol EC5 in FIG.

[0265] This state is the fifth period T5, and when the bet button 132 is operated while the operation of the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.) is valid, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate.

[0266] According to this example, a player who wants to hurry up with the game can continue the game by spinning the reels (cancelling the freeze effect) before the timeout, thereby increasing the player's satisfaction.

[0267] Also, in this state, when the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate, a push order guide (in this example, an image of "2 1 3" indicating that the order in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 should be pressed is center → left → right) is displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157.

[0268] The next state shown in FIG. 20(c) is a state in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are operated and all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped.

[0269] In this state, the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is stopped, and since the next game will be a transition to a higher AT, the character string "Next Strong AT" is displayed, indicating that the next game will be a transition to a higher AT.

[0270] <Freeze effect cancellation notification / summary> As explained above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine that includes a plurality of reels (for example, the reels 110 to 112 shown in FIG. 1) and operation means (for example, the bet button 132, the start lever 135, the stop buttons 137 to 139, etc. shown in FIG. 1), and has a period during which the reels can start spinning when the operation means is operated (hereinafter, referred to as a "second period"; for example, the second period T2 shown in FIGS. 6(a), 6(c), 7(a), and 13), and a first time period (for example, the first time period T1 shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 7(a)) has elapsed since the start of the second period. This gaming machine is characterized in that a first game (e.g., the game shown in Figure 7(a)) may be executed in which a notification (hereinafter referred to as the "first notification", for example, the first cancel notification shown in Figure 9(e)) urging the player to operate the operating means is started after a second time (e.g., second time t2 = 35 seconds shown in Figures 6(c) and 13) has elapsed since the start of the second period, and a second game (e.g., the game shown in Figure 13) may be executed in which a notification (hereinafter referred to as the "second notification", for example, the second cancel notification shown in Figure 15(g)) urging the player to operate the operating means is started after a second time (e.g., second time t2 = 35 seconds shown in Figures 6(c) and 13) has elapsed since the start of the second period.

[0271] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to have the player focus on the reels and the effects until the first or second notification is initiated, thereby preventing the player from suffering any disadvantages.

[0272] The operating means may also include a start lever (for example, start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), and have a period from when the start lever is operated to start the game during which operation of the operating means is invalid (hereinafter referred to as the "first period"; for example, the first period T1 shown in FIGS. 6(a), 6(c), 7(a), and 13), and the second period may be a period that starts after the first period.

[0273] With this configuration, a period in which operation of the operating means is invalid based on operation of the start lever begins before the second period, making it difficult for the player to realize that the reels can be rotated until the first or second notification begins, and the player can be directed to the reels and presentation until the first or second notification begins.

[0274] Furthermore, the first period and the second period do not have to be consecutive periods, and for example, there may be a third period between the first period and the second period (for example, a period during which a freeze effect other than a reel effect can be executed, or a period during which a specific effect is executed using a liquid crystal display device or a movable body). In other words, the second period may be a period that starts after the first period.

[0275] The game device is also provided with a presentation means (for example, a liquid crystal display device 157 shown in FIG. 8, etc.), and the presentation means is capable of executing a first presentation (for example, a specialized zone entry presentation shown in FIG. 6(a) and FIG. 7(a)), and the first presentation is a presentation in which an announcement indicating a result (for example, a success announcement shown in FIG. 8(e)) is executed within a fourth period of time (for example, the fourth period of time t4 shown in FIG. 6(a) and FIG. 7(a) = 18 seconds) from when the start lever is operated to start the game, and the first period of time is a third period of time (for example, the third period of time t3 shown in FIG. 6(a), FIG. 6(c), FIG. 7(a), and FIG. 13 = 5 seconds), and the fourth period of time may be shorter than the time (for example, 20 seconds) obtained by adding the third period of time and the first period of time (for example, 15 seconds).

[0276] With this configuration, the player can be notified that the reels can be spun after all the desired effects have been shown to the player, while a player who wants to hurry up with the game can continue playing by spinning the reels before the notification begins, thereby increasing the player's satisfaction.

[0277] Furthermore, the fourth time may be of the same length as the sum of the third time and the first time, and may be configured so that the first presentation can end simultaneously with the first notification.

[0278] With this configuration, the timing of the end of the first effect and the timing of the start of the first notification can be matched, making it easier for the player to notice the first notification.

[0279] Furthermore, in the first game, when a period longer than the second period has elapsed since the start of the second period (for example, 60 seconds after the start of the first period T1 (55 seconds after the start of the second period T2) as shown in FIG. 6(a)), the reels may start spinning even if the operating means is not operated after the start of the first notification, and in the second game, when a period longer than the second period has elapsed since the start of the second period (for example, 60 seconds after the start of the first period T1 (55 seconds after the start of the second period T2) as shown in FIG. 6(c)), the reels may start spinning even if the operating means is not operated after the start of the second notification.

[0280] With this configuration, if the player does not notice the notification, the reels can be rotated without any operation by the player, thereby promoting the progress of the game.

[0281] Furthermore, the operating means may include a bet button (for example, bet button 132 shown in FIG. 1), and the first notification and the second notification may be notifications that the state of the bet button changes from a first state to a second state (for example, from off to on, from on to off, from off to flashing, from flashing to off, from flashing at a first speed to flashing at a second speed faster (or slower) than the first speed, from being on at a first brightness to being on at a second brightness brighter (or darker) than the first brightness, from being on in a first color to being on in a second color different from the first color).

[0282] With this configuration, the change in the state of the bet button makes it easier for the player to notice the notification, and encourages the player to operate the bet button.

[0283] Furthermore, the operating means may include a start lever (for example, start lever 135 shown in FIG. 1), and the first notification and the second notification may be notifications that prompt the user to operate the start lever (for example, the display of the text "Rotate with lever or bet" as shown in FIG. 19(g)).

[0284] With this configuration, the start lever is an operation means that the player operates every time the reels are rotated in a normal game, so it is easy for the player to operate it when the reels remain stopped, regardless of whether the first notification is given or not. Also, if the start lever is operated before the first notification starts, the player will naturally understand that the effect will be canceled.

[0285] Furthermore, the display may be provided with light-emitting means (for example, the reel front lights 250 and reel back lights 264 shown in FIG. 3(b), or various lamps used for effects), and the first notification and the second notification may be notifications in which the state of the light-emitting means changes from a first state to a second state (for example, from off to on, from on to off, from off to blinking, from blinking to off, from blinking at a first speed to blinking at a second speed faster (or slower) than the first speed, from being on at a first brightness to being on at a second brightness brighter (or darker) than the first brightness, or from being on in a first color to being on in a second color different from the first color).

[0286] With this configuration, the change in the light emission mode of the light emitting means makes it easier for the player to notice the notification, and encourages the player to operate the bet button.

[0287] Furthermore, the device may be provided with sound output means (for example, speakers 272, 277 shown in FIG. 5), and the first notification and the second notification may be notifications in which the state of the sound output means changes from a first state to a second state (for example, from muted to sound output, from sound output to muted, from outputting sound at a first volume to outputting sound at a second volume that is louder (or softer) than the first volume, or from outputting a first type of sound to outputting a second type of sound that is different from the first type of sound).

[0288] With this configuration, the change in the manner of the sound output means makes it easier for the player to notice the notification, and encourages the player to operate the bet button.

[0289] The presentation means may also be capable of executing a second presentation (for example, the additional bonus confirmation presentation shown in Figures 6(c) and 13), and the second presentation may be a presentation in which an announcement indicating the result (for example, the additional bonus confirmation announcement shown in Figure 14(g)) is executed within a fifth time period (for example, the fifth time period t5 = 38 seconds shown in Figures 6(c) and 13) from the time the start lever is operated to start the game, and the fifth time period is shorter than the sum (for example, 40 seconds) of the third time period (for example, 5 seconds) and the second time period (for example, 35 seconds), and the presentation means may include a display means (for example, a liquid crystal display device 157 shown in Figure 8, etc.), and the first presentation started in the first game may include a series of animation displays, and at least the first announcement may be displayed on the display means after the animation displays have ended, and the second presentation started in the second game may include a series of animation displays, and at least the second announcement may be displayed on the display means after the animation displays have ended.

[0290] With this configuration, after the animation ends, the notification starts while the animation is stopped, allowing the player to see a series of animations. Also, the end of the animation itself may function as a notification to encourage the player to continue playing.

[0291] Furthermore, the fifth time may be the same length as the sum of the third time and the second time, and may be configured so that the second presentation can end simultaneously with the second notification.

[0292] With this configuration, the timing of the end of the second presentation and the timing of the start of the second notification can be matched, making it easier for the player to notice the second notification.

[0293] In addition, the types of the effects described in the above examples (for example, specialized zone entry effects, specialized zone failure effects, additional bonus confirmation effects, higher level AT entry effects) are not particularly limited, and may be effects that do not include a series of animation displays (for example, effects consisting of still images).

[0294] <<Embodiment 2>> Hereinafter, a gaming machine (slot machine) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0295] <Overall structure> First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Figure 21. Figure 21 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side).

[0296] The slot machine 100 shown in Figure 21 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 capable of opening and closing relative to the main body 101. Three reels (left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112) with multiple types of symbols arranged on their outer peripheries are housed inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), and are configured to be rotatable inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are driven to rotate by a drive device such as a stepping motor.

[0297] In this embodiment, each symbol is printed at equal intervals on a strip-shaped member in an appropriate number, and the strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined cylindrical frame to form each of the reels 110-112. The symbols on the reels 110-112 are displayed vertically in approximately three columns through the symbol display window 113, for a total of nine symbols, as viewed by the player. By rotating each of the reels 110-112, the symbol combinations visible to the player change. In other words, each of the reels 110-112 functions as a display device that variably displays multiple symbol combinations. Note that, in addition to reels, electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal displays can also be used as such display devices. Although three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100 in this embodiment, the number and location of the reels are not limited thereto.

[0298] A backlight (not shown) is disposed on the back of each of the reels 110 to 112 to illuminate the individual symbols displayed in the symbol display window 113. It is desirable that the backlight be shielded for each symbol so that each symbol can be evenly illuminated. Inside the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) consisting of a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section is provided near each of the reels 110 to 112, and a light-shielding piece of a certain length attached to the reel passes between the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section of the optical sensor. Based on the detection results of this sensor, the rotational position of the symbols on the reels is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the desired symbol is displayed on the pay line.

[0299] The payline indicator lamp 120 indicates which paylines 114 are active. The active paylines are determined in advance by the number of medals bet as gaming media. There are five paylines 114. For example, if one medal is bet, the middle horizontal payline is active. If two medals are bet, three lines are active, including the upper horizontal payline and the lower horizontal payline. If three medals are bet, five lines are active, including the lower right-hand payline and the upper right-hand payline. Note that the number of paylines 114 is not limited to five. For example, if one medal is bet, the five lines active may be the middle horizontal payline, the upper horizontal payline, the lower horizontal payline, the lower right-hand payline, and the upper right-hand payline. Alternatively, the same number of paylines may be uniformly set as active paylines regardless of the number of bets.

[0300] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that notifies the player that, for example, a specific winning combination (specifically, a bonus) has been internally won in an internal lottery described below, or that a bonus game is in progress. The medal insertion possible lamp 124 is a lamp that notifies the player that a game medal can be inserted. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (no medal insertion is required) if a replay, which is one of the winning combinations, was won in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for effect purposes.

[0301] The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, each time the bet button 130 is pressed, one medal is inserted up to a maximum of three medals, when the bet button 131 is pressed, two medals are inserted, and when the bet button 132 is pressed, three medals are inserted. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as the MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamps 129 light up the number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when the specified number of medals have been inserted, the game start lamp 121 lights up to indicate that the game can be started.

[0302] The medal insertion slot 141 is an insertion slot through which a player inserts medals to start a game. That is, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet buttons 130 to 132, or physical medals can be inserted (insertion operation) through the medal insertion slot 141; the term "insertion" includes both. The stored medal number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various internal information (e.g., the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) in numerical form. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to a player as a result of achieving a winning combination. The stored medal number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are seven-segment (SEG) displays.

[0303] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when the desired number of medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. Operation of the start lever 135 is called a game start operation.

[0304] 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 spinning by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with each of the reels 110 to 112. Hereinafter, operations on the stop buttons 137 to 139 will be referred to as stop operations, with the first stop operation being referred to as the first stop operation, the next stop operation being referred to as the second stop operation, and the final stop operation being referred to as the third stop operation. Note that light-emitting elements 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-emitting elements can be lit to notify the player.

[0305] The medal return button 133 is a button that can be pressed to remove medals that have been inserted and become stuck. The settlement button 134 is a button that can be used to settle medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and medals that have been bet, and to dispense them from the medal payout outlet 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key can be inserted to unlock the front door 102 of the slot machine 100.

[0306] A title panel 162 for displaying the model name and attaching various certificate stamps is provided below the stop button unit 136. Below the title panel 162, a medal payout opening 155 and a medal tray 161 are provided.

[0307] The sound hole 181 is a hole for outputting sound from a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. Side lamps 144 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for livening up the game. An effect device 160 is provided above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the effect device 160. This effect device 160 is equipped with a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two shutters, a right shutter 163a and a left shutter 163b, which can be opened and closed horizontally, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (effect image display device) provided on the back side of the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 appears on the front (player side) of the slot machine 100. Note that any display device capable of displaying various effect images and various game information may be used, not limited to a liquid crystal display device. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen may be used. The display screen is rectangular and configured so that the entire screen is visible to the player. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Furthermore, decorations (not shown) may be provided around the periphery of the display screen, so that a portion of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, making the display screen appear irregularly shaped. In this embodiment, the display screen is flat, but it may also be curved.

[0308] <Internal structure> 22 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open. The main body 101 is a box-shaped body that is surrounded by a top panel 261, a left side panel 260, a right side panel 260, a bottom panel 264, and a back panel 242, and is open at the front.

[0309] Inside main body 101, main control board case 210, which houses main control board 210a, is disposed at a position that does not overlap with ventilation opening 249 provided at the top of back panel 242, and sub-control board case 220, which houses sub-control board 220a, is disposed to the side of main control board case 210, i.e., on side panel 260 on the left side as you face it. In addition, on side panel 260 on the right side as you face it, an external centralized terminal board 248, which is connected to main control board 210a and outputs information about slot machine 100 to an external device, is attached.

[0310] Below the main control board case 210, there are arranged a power supply relay board unit 600 which relays between the main control board 210a and the sub-control board 220a and the power supply board of the power supply device 252 described later, and a reel relay board unit 700 which relays between the main control board 210a and the sub-control board 220a and the reels 110 to 112.

[0311] In this example, the power supply relay board unit 600 is arranged on the back panel 242 of the main body 101, and the reel relay board unit 700 is connected to the power supply relay board unit 600 via a connector, and three reels 110 to 112 are arranged below this reel relay board unit 700.

[0312] Details of the power supply relay board unit 600 and the reel relay board unit 700 will be described later, but in this example, the reel relay board unit 700 is attached to a predetermined position inside the main body 101 (for example, by attaching the right end of the sheet metal member 710 of the reel relay board unit 700 to the attachment portion 101a of the main body 101), so that the connectors of the reel relay board unit 700 (main side reel relay board first connector MRC1 and sub side reel relay board first connector SRC1) are connected to the connectors of the power supply relay board unit 600 (main side power supply relay board first connector MVC1 and sub side power supply relay board first connector SVC1).

[0313] A medal payout device 180 (a device that pays out medals accumulated in a bucket) is disposed on a lower panel 264 of the main body 101, and a power supply device 252 having a power supply board is disposed above the medal payout device 180, i.e., below the reels 110 to 112, with a power switch 244 disposed on the front of the power supply device 252. The power supply device 252 converts AC power supplied from an external source to the slot machine 100 into DC, converts it into a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and device, such as the main control unit 300 and sub-control units 400 and 500, which will be described later. Furthermore, the power supply device 252 is provided with a power storage circuit (e.g., a capacitor) for supplying power to predetermined components (e.g., the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (e.g., 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off.

[0314] An auxiliary medal storage 240 is disposed on the right side of the medal payout device 180, and an overflow terminal (not shown) is disposed behind this. The power supply device 252 is provided with a power cord connector for connecting a power cord 264, and the power cord 264 connected to this connector extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 opened in a back panel 242 of the main body 101. The front door 102 is hinged to the left side panel 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276, and above the symbol display window 113 are provided the performance device 160, a performance control board (not shown) that controls this performance device 160, and an upper speaker 272. Below the symbol display window 113 are provided a medal selector 170 for sorting inserted medals, and a passage 266 through which medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops illegal medals and the like into the medal tray 161. Furthermore, a low-frequency speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 181.

[0315] <Control unit> The circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 23. Figure 23 shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

[0316] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main presentation in accordance with command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") sent by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on the commands sent from the first sub-control unit 400.

[0317] <Main control unit> First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. This basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery for winning combinations, reel stop positions, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling the input and output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, etc., and a WDT (watchdog timer) 314. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and this also applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and second sub-control unit 500 described below. The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by receiving a clock signal with a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 314 as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 304 for each interrupt time. The CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits drive pulses in response to this interrupt request. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 314 is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1 / 256, and the frequency division data in the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference time for the interrupt is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz = 1.504 ms. The main control unit 300 is equipped with a random number generating circuit 316 which is used as a hardware random number counter that fluctuates numerical values ​​within the range of 0 to 65535, and a start-up signal output circuit 338 which outputs a start-up signal (reset signal) when power is turned on. When a start-up signal is input from this start-up signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts the main processing of the main control unit, which will be described later).

[0318] The main control unit 300 also has a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 monitors the status of various sensors 318 (bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, bet button 132 sensor, medal acceptance sensor for medals inserted from medal insertion slot 141, start lever 135 sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from medal payout device 180, reel 110 index sensor, reel 111 index sensor, reel 112 index sensor, etc.) at each interrupt time.

[0319] 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. Upon receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit 316 latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores random numbers to be used in the lottery.

[0320] Two medal acceptance sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion slot 141 and detect whether a medal has passed through. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 and detect the start operation by the player. Stop button 137 sensors, stop button 138 sensors, and stop button 139 sensors are installed on each of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

[0321] The bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, and bet button 132 sensor are provided on each of the medal insertion buttons 130 to 132, and detect the insertion operation when medals electronically stored in RAM 308 are inserted as medals to be inserted into a game. The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the medals electronically stored are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting medals to be 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.

[0322] The index sensors for reel 110, reel 111, and reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of each of reels 110 to 112, and go to L level every time a light-shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes by. When CPU 304 detects this signal, it determines that the reel has made one rotation and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero.

[0323] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a drive circuit 322 that drives the stepping motors provided in the reel devices 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 that drives the solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 that selects the inserted medals, a drive circuit 326 that drives the motor provided in the medal payout device 180, and a drive circuit 328 that drives various lamps 338 (winning line indicator lamp 120, notification lamp 123, game medal insertion possible lamp 124, replay lamp 122, game medal insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, stored number indicator 125, game information indicator 126, payout number indicator 127).

[0324] 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 game information (e.g., game status) of the slot machine 100 to an information input circuit 652 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 334.

[0325] The main control unit 300 also includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied to the main control unit 300 from a power management unit (not shown), and the voltage monitoring circuit 330 outputs a low voltage signal to the basic circuit 302 indicating that the voltage has dropped when the voltage value of the power supply is below a predetermined value (9V in this embodiment).

[0326] In addition, the main control unit 300 is equipped with an output interface for sending commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but is configured so that signals such as commands cannot be sent from the first sub-control unit 400 to the main control unit 300.

[0327] <Sub-controller> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that receives control commands sent by the main control unit 300 via an input interface and controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on these control commands. This basic circuit 402 is equipped with a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by receiving a clock signal with a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, data for controlling the backlight lighting pattern and various displays, etc.

[0328] The CPU 404 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 for each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request. The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a sound source IC 418, which is connected to speakers 272, 277 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls the sound output from the amplifier and speakers 272, 277 in response to commands from the CPU 404. An S-ROM (sound ROM) in which sound data is stored is connected to the sound source IC 418, and the sound data acquired from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from the speakers 272, 277.

[0329] In addition, the first sub-controller 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, to which various lamps 420 (upper lamps, lower lamps, side lamps 144, title panel 162 lamps, etc.) are connected via an input / output interface.

[0330] The CPU 404 also transmits and receives signals to the second sub-control unit 500 via the output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of the performance device 160, including display control of the performance image display device 157. The second sub-control unit 500 may be configured with multiple control units, such as a control unit that controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 157 and a control unit that controls various performance drive devices (for example, a control unit that controls the motor drive of the shutter 163).

[0331] The second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a basic circuit 502 that receives control commands sent by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on these control commands.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 of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock.The ROM 506 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, etc.

[0332] 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 an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 for each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0333] The second sub-control unit 500 is also provided with a drive circuit 530 that drives the motor of the shutter 163, and the drive circuit 530 is connected to the shutter 163 via an output interface. The drive circuit 530 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 504.

[0334] The second sub-control unit 500 is also provided with a sensor circuit 532, and a shutter sensor 538 is connected to the sensor circuit 532 via an input interface. The CPU 504 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 538 at each interrupt time.

[0335] The second sub-control unit 500 is also provided with a VDP 534 (video display processor), which is connected to the ROM 506 and VRAM 536 via a bus. The VDP 534 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on signals from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of ​​the VRAM 536, and displays the image on the performance image display device 157.

[0336] <Reel> 24(a) will be used to explain the arrangement of symbols on the reels 110 to 112. Note that FIG. 24(a) is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112) developed in a plane.

[0337] <Pattern Arrangement> On each of the reels 110 to 112, a predetermined number of symbols (21 symbols numbered 0 to 20 in this embodiment) of various types (eight symbols in this embodiment) shown on the right side of the figure are arranged. The numbers 0 to 20 shown on the left side of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of the symbols on each of the reels 110 to 112. For example, in this embodiment, a "replay" symbol is arranged on the symbol numbered 1 on the left reel 110, a "bell" symbol is arranged on the symbol numbered 0 on the center reel 111, and a "watermelon" symbol is arranged on the symbol numbered 2 on the right reel 112.

[0338] <Types of winning roles> Next, using Figure 24(b), we will explain the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100. Note that Figure 24(b) is a diagram showing the types of winning combinations (including activation combinations), the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the activation or payout of each winning combination.

[0339] Among the winning roles in this embodiment, the big bonus (BB1, BB2) and the regular bonus (RB) are roles that transition to bonus games, and the replay is a role that allows replay without inserting new medals. These roles are sometimes called "operating roles" to distinguish them from winning roles, but the "winning roles" in this embodiment include the operating roles of the big bonus, regular bonus, and replay. Furthermore, the "winning role" in this embodiment also includes the case where a symbol combination of an operating role that does not involve a medal payout (does not involve the payout of medals) is displayed on an active line, and includes, for example, winning the big bonus, regular bonus, and replay.

[0340] The winning combinations of the slot machine 100 include big bonuses (BB1, BB2), regular bonuses (RB), small combinations (cherry, watermelon, bell), and replays. It goes without saying that the types of winning combinations are not limited to these and can be any combination.

[0341] The "Big Bonus (BB1, BB2)" (hereinafter sometimes referred to simply as "BB") is a special combination (operating combination) that, when won, initiates a special game, the Big Bonus game (BB game). The corresponding symbol combinations are "White 7-White 7-White 7" for BB1 and "Blue 7-Blue 7-Blue 7" for BB2. Furthermore, flags are carried over for BB1 and BB2. That is, if an internal win occurs for BB1 or BB2, a flag indicating this is set (stored in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 308 of the main control unit 300). However, even if BB1 or BB2 is not won in that game, the flag indicating the internal win remains set until a win occurs. Therefore, BB1 and BB2 remain internal wins in the next game and thereafter, and the symbol combination "White 7-White 7-White 7" corresponding to BB1 and the symbol combination "Blue 7-Blue 7-Blue 7" corresponding to BB2 are both in a winning state.

[0342] A "Regular Bonus (RB)" is a special combination (activation combination) that, when won, initiates a regular bonus game (RB game). The corresponding symbol combination is "Bonus-Bonus-Bonus." Note that, like the BB described above, a flag is carried over for RB. However, (as will be described in detail later) in a Big Bonus game (BB game), the start condition is not necessarily an internal win in the regular bonus game (RB game) or the symbol combination appearing on the winning line. Instead, the regular bonus game may start immediately after the start of the Big Bonus game, and the next regular bonus game may start immediately after the completion of one regular bonus game. A "Small combination (Cherry, Watermelon, Bell)" (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "Cherry," "Watermelon," or "Bell") is a winning combination that pays out a predetermined number of medals upon winning. The corresponding symbol combinations are "Cherry-ANY-ANY" for Cherry, "Watermelon-Watermelon-Watermelon" for Watermelon, and "Bell-Bell-Bell" for Bell. In addition, the corresponding payout numbers are as shown in the figure. In the case of "Cherry-ANY-ANY", the symbol on the left reel 110 is only required to be "Cherry", and the symbols on the center reel 111 and right reel 112 may be any symbols.

[0343] "Replay" is a winning combination (operation combination) that allows you to play the next game without inserting medals (game media), and medals are not paid out. The corresponding symbol combination for replay is "replay-replay-replay."

[0344] <Types of game status> Next, types of game states of the slot machine 100 will be explained. A game state is information for identifying the type of lottery data selected in a lottery or the like. In this embodiment, the game states of the slot machine 100 are broadly divided into a normal game, a BB game, an RB game, and an internal win game of a big bonus (BB) and a regular bonus (RB). However, the internal win game may be classified as included in the normal game. <Normal game> The winning combinations that can be internally won during normal play include Big Bonus (BB), Regular Bonus (RB), Replay, and Small combinations (Cherry, Watermelon, Bell).

[0345] A "Big Bonus (BB)" is a special role (activating role) that, upon winning, initiates a Big Bonus game (BB game), a special game. A "Regular Bonus (RB)" is a special role (activating role) that, upon winning, initiates a Regular Bonus game (RB game). A "Replay" is a winning role (activating role) that allows a player to play the next game without inserting medals, and no medals are paid out. A "Small Role" is a winning role that pays out a predetermined number of medals upon winning. The internal winning probability of each role is calculated by dividing the numerical data corresponding to the range of the lottery data associated with each role from the lottery data prepared for normal play by the numerical data within the range of random numbers (e.g., 65535) obtained during the internal lottery. The lottery data prepared for normal play is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each numerical range is associated with a role or a losing combination. The random number obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery is determined to be the value corresponding to the lottery data corresponding to which role, and the internal lottery role is determined. This lottery data has settings 1 to 6, each with a different winning probability for at least one role, and the staff of the gaming facility can arbitrarily select and set any of the settings.

[0346] The normal game is set such that the result of the internal lottery is generally a loss (not winning the Big Bonus (BB), Regular Bonus (RB), replay, or small winning combination), or a losing stop display result that does not correspond to any symbol combination of any winning combination is generally derived, and the total number of medals obtained is less than the total number of medals inserted, resulting in a game state that is disadvantageous to the player. However, when predetermined conditions are met (for example, when a specific symbol combination is displayed), it is a game state in which the probability of internal winning of the replay can be increased by making a variation. In this case, the consumption of medals used in the game is suppressed, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning a small winning combination, so that the total number of medals obtained exceeds the total number of medals inserted, and there may be a game state that is beneficial to the player.

[0347] <BB Game> The BB game is set to be a game state that is beneficial to the player. That is, in the BB game, the total number of medals obtained exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the BB game is started by winning the Big Bonus (BB) and can continuously repeat the RB game (described later). It ends when more than a predetermined number (for example, 465) of medals are obtained during the game. However, the BB game only needs to be able to execute the RB game multiple times. For example, a winning combination for starting the RB game (the symbol combination is, for example, replay - replay - replay) can be set, and when this combination is internally won or won, the RB game can be set to start. Furthermore, the BB game may end when a predetermined number (for example, 30 times) of BB general games excluding the RB game during the BB game are executed, or when the number of RB games executed during the BB game reaches a predetermined number (for example, 3 times).

[0348] <RB Game> The RB game is designed to be a game state that is profitable for the player. In other words, the RB game is a game state in which the total number of medals acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the RB game begins with the winning of a regular bonus (RB). A predetermined winning combination increases the probability of an internal win (for example, the internal winning probability of 1 / 15 for "minor combination 1" set in "setting 1" and "normal game" is increased to a predetermined value of 1 / 1.2). The RB game ends when a predetermined number of winning combinations (for example, eight combinations) have occurred. The RB game may end when a predetermined number of winning combinations (at least two combinations) have occurred (for example, eight combinations), or when the number of RB games played during the RB game has reached a predetermined number (for example, eight combinations). Since the BB game described above can be played multiple times, a single RB game will end with fewer medals acquired than the total number of medals acquired in the BB game.

[0349] <Big Bonus (BB) and Regular Bonus (RB) internal winning games> The winning combinations that can be internally won in the Big Bonus (BB) and Regular Bonus (RB) internal win games include replays and small combinations. The Big Bonus (BB) and Regular Bonus (RB) are not internal wins, and this is a game state in which it is possible to win with the symbol combination that corresponds to the Big Bonus (BB) or Regular Bonus (RB).

[0350] However, the probability of an internal win in a replay may be varied from the next play after an internal win in the big bonus (BB) or regular bonus (RB), for example, by varying the probability of an internal win in a replay to increase the probability, and until a symbol combination corresponding to the big bonus (BB) or regular bonus (RB) wins, the game state may be such that the total number of medals won is approximately the same as the total number of medals inserted, making it a game state that is more profitable for the player than normal play. Note that since both BB play and RB play are game states that are profitable for the player, they may be collectively referred to as bonus play or special play.

[0351] <Power relay board unit and reel relay board unit> Next, the power supply relay board unit 600 and the reel relay board unit 700 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0352] Figure 25(a) is a plan view showing the state in which the reel relay board unit 700 is attached to the power supply relay board unit 600, (b) is a side view showing the state in which the reel relay board unit 700 is attached to the power supply relay board unit 600, and (c) is a side view showing the state in which the reel relay board unit 700 has been removed from the power supply relay board unit 600.

[0353] 22, the power supply relay board unit 600 is fixed with screws above the three reels 110 to 112 on the back panel 242 of the main body 101. As will be described in detail later, the power supply relay board unit 600 includes a main-side power supply relay board first connector MVC1 (first connector), which is a male connector, and a sub-side power supply relay board first connector SVC1 (first connector), which is also a male connector.

[0354] On the other hand, the reel relay board unit 700 includes a female main side reel relay board first connector MRC1 (second connector) having a shape complementary to the main side power supply relay board first connector MVC1 (first connector), and a female sub side reel relay board first connector SRC1 (second connector) having a shape complementary to the sub side power supply relay board first connector SVC1 (first connector).

[0355] The main side reel relay board first connector MRC1 of the reel relay board unit 700 can be directly attached and detached to the main side power supply relay board first connector MVC1 of the power supply relay board unit 600, and the sub side reel relay board first connector SRC1 of the reel relay board unit 700 can be directly attached and detached to the sub side power supply relay board first connector SVC1 of the power supply relay board unit 600.

[0356] As explained using FIG. 22, in this example, the reel relay board unit 700 is attached to a predetermined position inside the main body 101 (for example, by attaching the right end of the sheet metal member 710 of the reel relay board unit 700 to the attachment portion 101a of the main body 101), so that the main side reel relay board first connector MRC1 and the sub-side reel relay board first connector SRC1 of the reel relay board unit 700 are connected to the main side power supply relay board first connector MVC1 and the sub-side power supply relay board first connector SVC1 of the power supply relay board unit 600.

[0357] In this example, the connector of the reel relay board unit 700 is manually connected to the connector of the power supply relay board unit 600, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one of the power supply relay board unit 600 and the reel relay board unit 700 may be fixed to a first member (e.g., the main body 101), and the other of the power supply relay board unit 600 and the reel relay board unit 700 may be fixed to a second member (e.g., the front door 102), so that when the second member (front door 102) is opened relative to the first member (main body 101), the power supply relay board unit 600 and the reel relay board unit 700 are disconnected, and when the second member (front door 102) is closed relative to the first member (main body 101), the power supply relay board unit 600 and the reel relay board unit 700 are connected.

[0358] Furthermore, the gaming machine is not limited to a slot machine, and for example, in a pachinko machine having a gaming frame and an inner frame, a power supply relay board unit may be fixed to one of the gaming frame and the inner frame, and the connector of the reel relay board unit may be manually connected to this power supply relay board unit connector. Also, a power supply relay board unit may be fixed to one of the gaming frame and the inner frame, and a reel relay board unit may be fixed to the other of the gaming frame and the inner frame, and when the gaming frame is attached to the inner frame, the connector of the reel relay board unit may be automatically connected to the connector of the power supply relay board unit.

[0359] Furthermore, the power supply relay board unit 600 may be provided with only one of the main-side power supply relay board first connector MVC1 (first connector) and the sub-side power supply relay board first connector SVC1 (first connector), and the reel relay board unit 700 may be provided with only a connector having a shape complementary to one connector provided in the power supply relay board unit 600. In other words, the number of "connectors" according to the present invention and "boards" on which the "connectors" are arranged are not limited to two.

[0360] <Power relay board unit> Next, the power supply relay board unit 600 will be described in detail.

[0361] Fig. 26(a) is a front view of the power supply relay board unit 600, and Fig. 26(b) is a rear view of the power supply relay board unit 600. Fig. 27 is an exploded view of the components constituting the power supply relay board unit 600 as seen from the front, and Fig. 28 is an exploded view of the components constituting the power supply relay board unit 600 as seen from the rear.

[0362] The power supply relay board unit 600 is composed of a plate-shaped board support 610 (mounting portion), a main-side power supply relay board 640 housed in the area on the right side of the board support 610 when viewed from the front, and a sub-side power supply relay board 670 housed in the area on the left side of the board support 610 when viewed from the front.

[0363] <Power relay board unit / board support> Next, the substrate support 610 will be described.

[0364] The board support 610 is a plate-like member made of translucent resin and has a horizontally elongated rectangular shape, and is composed of a main-side board accommodating section 612 consisting of a rectangular area located on the right side when viewed from the front, a sub-side board accommodating section 614 consisting of a rectangular area located on the left side when viewed from the front, a connecting section 615 that connects the main-side board accommodating section 612 and the sub-side board accommodating section 614, a main-side cable support section 616 arranged below the main-side board accommodating section 612, and a sub-side cable support section 618 arranged below the sub-side board accommodating section 616.

[0365] Note that the sub-side board accommodating section 614 has a shape that is approximately symmetrical to the main-side board accommodating section 612 with respect to an imaginary center line that passes vertically through the center of the connecting section 615, so a description thereof will be omitted below and only the main-side board accommodating section 612 will be described. In addition, the sub-side cable support section 618 has approximately the same shape as the main-side cable support section 616, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0366] <Power relay board unit / board support / main board housing section> Next, the main-side substrate accommodating portion 612 of the substrate support body 610 will be described with further reference to Figure 29. Figure 29 is a partially enlarged view showing the main-side substrate accommodating portion 612 of the substrate support body 610 in an enlarged scale.

[0367] The main side board accommodating section 612 is configured to have a bottom surface 620 consisting of a rectangular plate-like body, outer walls 622 erected along the outer edges of the four sides of the bottom surface 620, three board loose-fit bosses 624 erected respectively at the upper left corner, the center left side, and the lower right corner of the bottom surface 620 when viewed from the front, five board support bosses 626 (626a, 626b) erected on the bottom surface 620 inward from the board loose-fit bosses 624, regulating pieces 628 (628a, 628b) that regulate movement of the main side power supply relay board 640 in the thickness direction, and pressing sections 630 (630a to 630d) that press the main side power supply relay board 640 in a predetermined direction while allowing the main side power supply relay board 640 to move a predetermined amount.

[0368] <Power relay board unit / board support / bottom, outer wall> The lengths of the bottom surface 620 in the longitudinal and lateral directions are designed to be longer than the lengths of the main-side power supply relay board 640 in the longitudinal and lateral directions, respectively, and the main-side power supply relay board 640 is configured to be movable (slidable) left and right in the longitudinal direction and up and down in the lateral direction within the space (board accommodating space) formed by the bottom surface 620 and the outer wall 622 (details will be described later).

[0369] <Power relay board unit / board support / board loose-fit boss> The board loose-fit boss 624 is a part that is loosely fitted (fitted with some play) into a through hole 642c (see Figures 27, 30, etc.; details will be described later) formed in the main side power supply relay board 640, and in this example is made up of a cylindrical member with a screw hole 624a (see Figures 29, 31(b), etc.) formed in the center.

[0370] The board loose-fit boss 624 has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 642c of the main side power supply relay board 640, and the through hole 642c of the main side power supply relay board 640 has a predetermined ``play'' with respect to the board loose-fit boss 624.

[0371] With this configuration, the main side power supply relay board 640 is accommodated in the board accommodation space (the space formed by the bottom surface 620 and the outer wall 622) of the main board accommodation section 612, and even when loosely fitted into the board loose-fit boss 624, it is configured to be able to move (slide) left and right in the longitudinal direction and up and down in the lateral direction by the amount of play (gap) formed between the through hole 642c of the main side power supply relay board 640 and the board loose-fit boss 624.

[0372] 31(b), a mounting screw 646 having a head (flange) 646a can be attached to the screw hole 624a of the board loose-fit boss 624. The outer diameter of the head (flange) 646a of the mounting screw 646 is larger than the inner diameter of the through-hole 642c of the main-side power supply relay board 640.

[0373] That is, in this example, the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) is provided with a restricting portion (board loose-fit boss 624 + mounting screw 646) that restricts at least a portion of the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) from moving out of the accommodation space of the mounting portion (main board accommodation portion 612), and therefore, the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) can be prevented from coming off the mounting portion (main board accommodation portion 612).

[0374] The number and positions of the board loose-fit bosses 624 are not limited to this example, and may be, for example, one, two, or four or more, and may be erected in a location other than the example shown, such as the lower left corner or upper right corner of the bottom surface 620.

[0375] <Power relay board unit / board support / board support boss> The board support boss 626 (626a, 626b) is a member that comes into contact with the back surface of the main side power supply relay board 640 and supports the main side power supply relay board 640 from below, and in this example is composed of a cylindrical member with a through hole formed in the center.

[0376] When the main-side power supply relay board 640 is accommodated in the board accommodation space of the main board accommodation section 612, the back surface of the main-side power supply relay board 640 is supported by five board support bosses 626 (626a, 626b) and a plurality of outer wall bosses 622a (see FIG. 27(b)) formed at predetermined intervals along the outer wall 622. When the main-side power supply relay board 640 is moved within the board accommodation space of the main board accommodation section 612, the main-side power supply relay board 640 is configured to be able to slide (move by sliding) on ​​the board support bosses 626 and the outer wall bosses 622a.

[0377] According to this example, the mounting portion (main board accommodating portion 612) has second protrusions (board support bosses 626 (626a, 626b), outer wall boss 622a) protruding from the bottom surface of the mounting portion (main board accommodating portion 612), and the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) is configured to be able to move while in contact with the second protrusions (board support bosses 626 (626a, 626b), outer wall boss 622a). This reduces the contact area between the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) and the mounting portion (main board accommodating portion 612), reduces friction when the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) moves, and allows the second board to move smoothly.

[0378] Furthermore, since the board support boss 626 is a cylindrical member with a through hole formed in the center, the contact area between the main-side power supply relay board 640 and the main-side board accommodating portion 612 of the board support body 610 can be further reduced, allowing the main-side power supply relay board 640 to move smoothly relative to the board support body 610.

[0379] In other words, since the second protrusion (board support boss 626 (626a, 626b)) has a portion that does not come into contact with the second board (main side power supply relay board 640), the contact area between the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) and the mounting portion (main board accommodating portion 612) can be reduced, and the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) can be moved smoothly relative to the mounting portion (main board accommodating portion 612).

[0380] Furthermore, the board support bosses 626 (626a, 626b) can hold the main-side power supply relay board 640 at a position higher than the bottom surface 620 of the main-side board accommodating portion 612, and a space can be formed between the back surface 642b of the main-side power supply relay board 640 and the bottom surface 620 of the main-side board accommodating portion 612. This makes it possible to prevent members such as connector screws 644 (see Figure 28, etc.; details will be described later) attached to the back surface 642a of the main-side power supply relay board 640 from interfering with the bottom surface 620 of the main-side board accommodating portion 612.

[0381] In other words, a portion of the fixing means (screw for connector 644) is configured to be able to be accommodated in the space formed between one side surface (back surface 642b) of the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) and the bottom surface (bottom surface 620) of the mounting portion (main board accommodating portion 612), so that even when the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) is moved relative to the mounting portion (main board accommodating portion 612), contact between the fixing means (screw for connector 644) and the mounting portion (main board accommodating portion 612) can be avoided.

[0382] The board support bosses 626 (626a, 626b) can be divided into four first board support bosses 626a arranged at approximately equal intervals on the left side of the bottom surface 620 of the main board accommodating section 612 when viewed in plan, and one second board support boss 626b arranged on the right side of the bottom surface 620 of the main board accommodating section 612 when viewed in plan.

[0383] As shown in the rear view of Figure 26(b), the second board support boss 626b is arranged in a position where it can abut against the connector screw 644 of the main side power supply relay board 640, and also functions as a member that restricts movement of the main side power supply relay board 640.

[0384] Therefore, when the main-side power supply relay board 640 is moved to the right as viewed from the front within the board accommodation space of the main board accommodation section 612, the connector screw 644 of the main-side power supply relay board 640 abuts against the second board support boss 626b, thereby restricting (preventing) the main-side power supply relay board 640 from moving further to the right.

[0385] In other words, the fixing means (screw for connector 644) is configured to be able to come into contact with the second protrusion (board support boss 626b) when the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640) moves relative to the mounting portion (main-side board accommodating portion 612). Therefore, even if a force greater than expected is applied to the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640) due to, for example, forceful positioning of the connectors of the power supply relay board unit 600 and the reel relay board unit 700, causing the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640) to move significantly relative to the mounting portion (main-side board accommodating portion 612), the fixing means (screw for connector 644) of the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640) will come into contact with the second protrusion (board support boss 626b) to restrict movement of the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640), and the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640) can be protected.

[0386] The number and positions of the substrate support bosses 626 (626a, 626b) are not limited to those in this example, and may be, for example, 1 to 4, or 6 or more, or may be erected in a location other than the illustrated location, such as the center of the bottom surface 620.

[0387] <Power relay board unit / board support / regulating piece> The restricting pieces 628 (628a, 628b) are parts that restrict (prevent) the main side power supply relay board 640 from moving outside the board accommodation space (from coming out of the board accommodation space) when the main side power supply relay board 640 is moved within the board accommodation space of the main board accommodation section 612.

[0388] In this example, a first regulating piece 628a is formed at a position slightly to the right of the center of the upper outer wall 622 when viewed from above, protruding inward from the bottom surface 620 with the outer wall 622 as its base end (protruding along the short direction of the main side power supply relay board 640 (up and down direction when viewed from the front)), and a second regulating piece 628b is formed at the lower end of the outer wall 622 on the left side when viewed from above, protruding inward from the bottom surface 620 with the outer wall 622 as its base end (protruding along the long direction of the main side power supply relay board 640 (left and right direction when viewed from the front)).

[0389] When the main side power supply relay board 640 is accommodated in the board accommodation space of the main board accommodation section 612, the outer edge of the main side power supply relay board 640 is attached so as to be sandwiched below the restricting pieces 628 (628a, 628b) (details will be described later).

[0390] The protrusion amount of the first restricting piece 628a (the length of the protruding portion with the outer wall 622 as its base end) is designed to be longer than the maximum vertical movement amount (maximum vertical movement distance) of the main side power supply relay board 640 within the board accommodating space of the main board accommodating section 612. Therefore, even if the main side power supply relay board 640 is moved vertically within the board accommodating space of the main board accommodating section 612, the first restricting piece 628a can restrict (prevent) the main side power supply relay board 640 from moving outside the board accommodating space (from coming out of the board accommodating space).

[0391] Furthermore, the protrusion amount of the second restricting piece 628b (the length of the protruding portion with the outer wall 622 as its base end) is designed to be longer than the maximum left-right movement amount (maximum distance that can be moved in the left-right direction) of the main-side power supply relay board 640 within the board accommodation space of the main board accommodation section 612.Therefore, even if the main-side power supply relay board 640 is moved left-right within the board accommodation space of the main board accommodation section 612, the second restricting piece 628b can restrict (prevent) the main-side power supply relay board 640 from moving outside the board accommodation space (from coming out of the board accommodation space).

[0392] According to this example, the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) is provided with a restricting portion (restricting pieces 628 (628a, 628b)) that restricts at least a portion of the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) from moving out of the accommodation space of the mounting portion (main board accommodation portion 612), and therefore, the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) can be prevented from coming off the mounting portion (main board accommodation portion 612).

[0393] Furthermore, the regulating portion (regulating piece 628 (628a, 628b)) is a regulating piece that protrudes toward the storage space, and the protruding length of the regulating piece is longer than the distance that the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) can move in the storage space, so no matter what position the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) is moved to, it is possible to reliably prevent the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) from coming off the mounting portion.

[0394] <Power relay board unit / board support / pressure section> The pressing portions 630 (630a to 630d) are portions that constitute part of the outer wall 620, and are elastically deformable portions (elastic portions) that press (urge) the main side power supply relay board 640 in a predetermined direction while allowing the main side power supply relay board 640 to move a predetermined amount.

[0395] In this example, the pressing portion 630 (630a to 630d) is configured as a cantilever beam with one end fixed to the outer wall 622 and the other end being a free end, and is a tongue (a part shaped like a tongue) that is longer in the longitudinal direction than the first restricting piece 628a and the second restricting piece 628b.

[0396] In this example, the longitudinal length of the regulating pieces (regulating pieces 628 (628a, 628b)) is shorter than the longitudinal length of the elastic portions (pressing portions 630 (630a to 630d)), so the regulating pieces (regulating pieces 628 (628a, 628b)) are not too long, while the elastic portions (pressing portions 630 (630a to 630d)) have an appropriate length, making it easier to accommodate the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640) in the accommodation space, and after accommodation, the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640) can be securely held in the accommodation space by the regulating pieces (regulating pieces 628 (628a, 628b)) and the elastic portions (pressing portions 630 (630a to 630d)).

[0397] In this example, a first pressing portion 630a and a second pressing portion 630b, each having one end fixed to the outer wall 622 and the other end being a free end, are formed near the right end and left end of the outer wall 622 at the bottom when viewed from above, and a third pressing portion 630c and a fourth pressing portion 630d, each having one end fixed to the outer wall 622 and the other end being a free end, are formed in the center of the outer wall 622 on the right side when viewed from above and the outer wall 622 on the left side when viewed from above, respectively.

[0398] According to this example, the elastic portion (pressing portion 630 (630a to 630d)) constitutes part of the outer wall (outer wall 622) that forms the storage space, so even if a force greater than expected is applied to the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) due to forceful positioning of the connectors of the power supply relay board unit 600 and the reel relay board unit 700, causing the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) to move significantly relative to the mounting portion (main board storage portion 612), part of the storage space will elastically deform, thereby mitigating the impact applied to the second board (main side power supply relay board 640).

[0399] Since the first pressing portion 630a and the second pressing portion 630b are portions that can swing (elastically deform) in the vertical direction when viewed from above, even when the main-side power supply relay board 640 is moved in the vertical direction when viewed from the front within the board accommodating space of the main board accommodating portion 612, the first pressing portion 630a and the second pressing portion 630b can press (force) the main-side power supply relay board 640 in the upward direction when viewed from the front, while allowing the main-side power supply relay board 640 to move a predetermined amount in the downward direction when viewed from the front.

[0400] Since the third pressing portion 630c is a portion that can swing (elastically deform) left and right when viewed from above, even when the main side power supply relay board 640 is moved in the left front view direction within the board accommodating space of the main board accommodating portion 612, the third pressing portion 630c can press (force) the main side power supply relay board 640 in the right front view direction while allowing the main side power supply relay board 640 to move a predetermined amount in the left front view direction.

[0401] Since the fourth pressing portion 630d is a portion that can swing (elastically deform) left and right when viewed from above, even when the main side power supply relay board 640 is moved to the right when viewed from the front within the board accommodating space of the main board accommodating portion 612, the fourth pressing portion 630d can press (force) the main side power supply relay board 640 to the left when viewed from the front, while allowing the main side power supply relay board 640 to move a predetermined amount to the right when viewed from the front.

[0402] <Power relay board unit / Main side power relay board> Next, the main-side power supply relay board 640 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0403] The main side power supply relay board 640 is composed of a base material 642 consisting of a rectangular plate-like body, and a main side power supply relay board first connector MVC1 (first connector), a main side power supply relay board second connector MVC2, and a main side power supply relay board third connector MVC3 arranged on one side surface 642a of this base material 642 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front surface" or "component surface").

[0404] The main side power supply relay board 640 is electrically connected to the connectors of the power supply board of the power supply device 252 described using Figure 22 via the main side power supply relay board first connector MVC1 to main side power supply relay board third connector MVC3 and a harness (wiring) not shown, and is a board that relays between the main control board 210a and the power supply board.

[0405] Three through holes 642c are formed in the upper left corner, center left corner, and lower right corner of the base material 642 when viewed from the front, at positions corresponding to the three board loose-fit bosses 624 erected on the bottom surface 620 of the main side board accommodating section 612.

[0406] On the surface 642a of the base material 642, the main side power supply relay board first connector MVC1 to the main side power supply relay board third connector MVC3 are arranged, and also a resist layer, wiring patterns, pads, lands, interlayer conductive parts (vias, through holes), silk printing, etc. are formed, and in this example, a rectangular solid ground pattern 641 is formed around the through hole 642c.

[0407] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 28, no electronic components are mounted on the other surface 642b of the substrate 642 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "back surface" or "solder surface"), and two connector screws 644 are attached to fix the main side power supply relay board first connector MVC1 from the back surface 642b side.

[0408] According to this example, the second connector (main-side power supply relay board first connector MVC1) is fixed to one surface (back surface 642b) of the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640) using fixing means (connector screws 644). Therefore, even if the connectors of the power supply relay board unit 600 and the reel relay board unit 700 are repeatedly attached and detached, the second connector (main-side power supply relay board first connector MVC1) is unlikely to come off the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640). In addition, when connecting the first connector (main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1) to the second connector (main-side power supply relay board first connector MVC1), the fixing means (connector screws 644) can withstand the force applied from the first connector (main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1) to the second connector (main-side power supply relay board first connector MVC1), and the connectors can be securely connected to each other.

[0409] In addition, on the back surface 642b of the base material 642, a plurality of circular solid ground patterns 643 are formed at positions corresponding to the five board support bosses 626 (626a, 626b) formed on the main-side board accommodating section 612.

[0410] The area of ​​each of the ground patterns 643 is wider than the area where the rear surface 642b of the main-side power supply relay board 640 and the board support bosses 626 (626a, 626b) can come into contact with each other.

[0411] According to this example, the area of ​​the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) that comes into contact with the mounting portion (board support 610) can be made into a ground pattern, which not only makes effective use of the limited area of ​​the second board (main side power supply relay board 640), but also prevents damage to wiring patterns, etc. other than the ground pattern of the second board (main side power supply relay board 640).

[0412] In particular, the second protrusion (board support boss 626 (626a, 626b)) is a cylindrical part, and the ground pattern 643 is circular, so that the limited area of ​​the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) can be effectively utilized.

[0413] <Power relay board unit / Sub-side power relay board> Next, the sub-side power supply relay board 670 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0414] The sub-side power supply relay board 670 is composed of a base material 672 consisting of a rectangular plate-like body, and a sub-side power supply relay board first connector SVC1 (first connector), a sub-side power supply relay board second connector SVC2, a sub-side power supply relay board third connector SVC3, and a sub-side power supply relay board fourth connector SVC4 arranged on one side surface 672a of the base material 672 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front surface" or "component surface").

[0415] The sub-side power supply relay board 670 is electrically connected to the connectors of the power supply board of the power supply device 252 described using Figure 22 via the sub-side power supply relay board first connector SVC1 to the sub-side power supply relay board fourth connector SVC4 and a harness (wiring) not shown, and is a board that relays between the sub-control board 220a and the power supply board.

[0416] Three through holes 672c are formed in the upper right corner, the center right side, and the lower left corner of the base material 672 at positions corresponding to three board loose-fit bosses 674 (see Figure 27) erected on the bottom surface 620 of the sub-side board accommodating section 614.

[0417] The surface 672a of the base material 672 is provided with the sub-side power supply relay board first connector SVC1 to the sub-side power supply relay board fourth connector SVC4, as well as with a resist layer, wiring patterns, pads, lands, interlayer conductive parts (vias, through holes), silk printing, etc., and in this example, a rectangular solid ground pattern 671 is formed around the through hole 672c.

[0418] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 28, no electronic components are mounted on the other surface 672b of the substrate 672 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "back surface" or "solder surface"), and two screws 674 are attached to fix the sub-side power relay board first connector SVC1 from the back surface 672b side.

[0419] In addition, on the back surface 672b of the base material 672, multiple circular solid ground patterns 673 are formed at positions corresponding to the five board support bosses 676 (676a, 676b) formed on the sub-side board accommodating portion 614.

[0420] The area of ​​each of the ground patterns 673 is wider than the area where the rear surface 672b of the sub-side power relay board 670 and the board support bosses 676 (676a, 676b) can come into contact with each other.

[0421] According to this example, the area of ​​the second board (sub-side power supply relay board 670) that comes into contact with the mounting portion (board support 610) can be made into a ground pattern, which not only makes effective use of the limited area of ​​the second board (sub-side power supply relay board 670), but also prevents damage to the wiring pattern, etc. of the second board (sub-side power supply relay board 670).

[0422] In particular, the second protrusion (board support boss 676 (676a, 676b)) is a cylindrical portion, and the ground pattern 673 is circular, so that the limited area of ​​the second board (sub-side power relay board 670) can be effectively utilized.

[0423] <How to install the power relay board unit / power relay board> 30(a) and 31, a method for attaching the main-side power supply relay board 640 to the board support body 610 will be described. Note that the method for attaching the sub-side power supply relay board 670 to the board support body 610 is almost the same as that for the main-side power supply relay board 640, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0424] Figure 30(a) is a front view showing the state in which the main-side power supply relay board 640 is accommodated in the main-side board accommodating section 612 of the board support body 610, Figure 31(a) is a front view showing the state in which the main-side power supply relay board 640 is accommodated in the main-side board accommodating section 612 of the board support body 610 and a mounting screw 646 is attached, and Figure 31(b) is a view from the direction of symbol A in Figure 31(a), and is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the mounting screw 646.

[0425] First, as shown in Figure 30(a), while positioning the main-side power supply relay board 640 relative to the board support body 610 so that the three board loose-fit bosses 624 of the board support body 610 are loosely fitted into the through-holes 642c at the upper left corner, the center left side, and the lower right corner of the main-side power supply relay board 640 when viewed from the front, the upper outer edge of the main-side power supply relay board 640 when viewed from the front is inserted below the first restricting piece 628a of the board support body 610, and the edge of the lower left corner of the main-side power supply relay board 640 when viewed from the front is inserted below the second restricting piece 628b of the board support body 610.

[0426] Next, the outer edge of the main side power supply relay board 640 on the left side as viewed from the front is pressed against the third pressing portion 630c on the left side as viewed from the front of the board support body 610, the main side power supply relay board 640 is moved slightly to the left as viewed from the front, and the outer edge of the main side power supply relay board 640 on the right side as viewed from the front is fitted inside the fourth pressing portion 630d on the right side as viewed from the front of the board support body 610.

[0427] Next, the main side power supply relay board 640 is moved slightly upward when viewed from the front, and the outer edge of the main side power supply relay board 640 on the lower side when viewed from the front is fitted inside the first pressing portion 630a and second pressing portion 630b on the lower side when viewed from the front of the board support body 610, thereby accommodating the main side power supply relay board 640 in the board accommodating space (the space formed by the bottom surface 620 and outer wall 622) of the main side board accommodating portion 612 of the board support body 610.

[0428] That is, in this example, one end of the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) is engaged with the regulating piece (regulating piece 628 (628a, 628b)), and the other end of the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) elastically deforms the elastic portion (pressing portion 630 (630a to 630d)), thereby accommodating the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) in the accommodating space.

[0429] According to this example, it is easier to accommodate the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) in the accommodation space, and after accommodation, the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) can be securely held in the accommodation space by the restricting pieces (restricting pieces 628 (628a, 628b)) and the elastic portions (pressing portions 630 (630a to 630d)).

[0430] Finally, as shown in Figures 31(a) and (b), mounting screws 646 are fastened to the screw holes 624a of the three board loose-fit bosses 624 of the board support body 610, and the main-side power supply relay board 640 is mounted in a state where it can move up and down and left and right in the board accommodating space of the board support body 610.

[0431] As shown in an enlarged view in Figure 31(b), when the main side power supply relay board 640 is accommodated in the main side board accommodation section 612 of the board support body 610, the tip of the board loose-fit boss 624 protrudes slightly above the surface 642a of the main side power supply relay board 640. Therefore, even when an attachment screw 646 is fastened to the board loose-fit boss 624, the main side power supply relay board 640 can be prevented from coming into contact with the attachment screw 646, and movement of the main side power supply relay board 640 is not hindered.

[0432] That is, in this example, when the opening (through hole 642c) of the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640) is inserted into the protrusion (board loose-fit boss 624) of the mounting portion (board support body 610) and a screw (mounting screw 646) is attached to the protrusion (board loose-fit boss 624), a part of the protrusion (board loose-fit boss 624) and the head (head (flange) 646a) of the screw (mounting screw 646) are positioned above one side surface (surface 642a) of the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640), and the head (head (flange) 646a) of the screw (mounting screw 646) is positioned above one side surface (surface 642a) of the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640) regardless of the position to which the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640) is moved inside the storage space of the mounting portion (board support body 610).

[0433] According to this example, even when the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) is moved relative to the mounting portion (board support 610), contact between the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) and the head of the screw (head (flange) 646a of the mounting screw 646) can be avoided, and deterioration and wear of the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) can be prevented, and the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) can be moved smoothly.

[0434] Furthermore, since the outer diameter of the head (flange) 646a of the mounting screw 646 is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 642c of the main side power supply relay board 640, it is possible to reliably prevent the main side power supply relay board 640 from falling off (detaching) from the board support body 610 after mounting.

[0435] Furthermore, when the opening (through hole 642c) of the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640) is inserted through the protruding portion (board loose-fit boss 624) of the mounting portion (board support 610) and a screw (mounting screw 646) is attached to the protruding portion (board loose-fit boss 624), when the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640) is moved relative to the mounting portion (board support 610), the second board is configured to be able to come into contact with the head (head (flange) 646a) of the screw, and a solid mark is provided in an area of ​​the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640) that can come into contact with the head (head (flange) 646a). Since the ground pattern 641 (see Figures 27, 31(a), etc.) is formed, it is possible to prevent the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640) from coming off the mounting portion (board support 610) while allowing the second board to move, and it is possible to prevent the wiring patterns, etc. formed on the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640) from being damaged even if the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640) is moved with the head of the screw (head (flange) 646a of the mounting screw 646) in contact with the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640).

[0436] <How to move the power relay board unit / power relay board> 30(a) to 30(c), a method for moving the main-side power supply relay board 640 in the main-side board accommodating section 612 of the board support body 610 will be described. Note that the method for moving the sub-side power supply relay board 670 in the sub-side board accommodating section 614 of the board support body 610 is almost the same as that for the main-side power supply relay board 640, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0437] Figure 30(b) is a plan view showing a state in which the main-side power supply relay board 640 has been moved leftward as viewed from the front in the main board accommodating section 612, and Figure 30(c) is a plan view showing a state in which the main-side power supply relay board 640 has been moved downward as viewed from the front in the main board accommodating section 612. For convenience of explanation, Figures 30(b) and 30(c) show the main-side power supply relay board 640 in a state before the mounting screws 646 are attached.

[0438] For example, as shown in Fig. 30(b), when the main-side power supply relay board 640 is moved leftward as viewed from the front against the pressing direction (biasing direction) of the third pressing portion 630c on the left side of the board support body 610 as viewed from the front, the main-side power supply relay board 640 can be moved (slid) leftward as viewed from the front within a range in which the third pressing portion 630c is movable (elastically deformable). Continuing the movement leftward as viewed from the front eventually abuts the through-hole 642c formed in the upper left corner and center left side of the main-side power supply relay board 640 as viewed from the front, as shown in Fig. 30(b), against the inner edge on the right side as viewed from the front of the board loose-fit boss 624 of the board support body 610, thereby restricting the movement of the main-side power supply relay board 640 leftward as viewed from the front. In other words, the main-side power supply relay board 640 can move leftward as viewed from the front within a range in which it is not restricted by the board loose-fit boss 624 of the board support body 610.

[0439] Although not shown in the drawings, when the main-side power supply relay board 640 is moved rightward as viewed from the front against the pressing direction (biasing direction) of the fourth pressing portion 630d on the right side as viewed from the front of the board support body 610, the main-side power supply relay board 640 can be moved (slid) rightward as viewed from the front within a movable (elastically deformable) range of the fourth pressing portion 630d. Then, when the movement to the right as viewed from the front continues, eventually, the through-hole 642c formed in the upper left corner and center left side of the main-side power supply relay board 640 as viewed from the front abuts against the inner edge on the left side as viewed from the front of the board loose-fit boss 624 of the board support body 610, and the movement of the main-side power supply relay board 640 to the right as viewed from the front is restricted.

[0440] 26(b), when the main-side power supply relay board 640 is moved to the right as viewed from the front, the connector screw 644 on the back surface of the main-side power supply relay board 640 comes into contact with the second board support boss 626b, restricting movement of the main-side power supply relay board 640 to the right as viewed from the front. In other words, the main-side power supply relay board 640 can move to the right as viewed from the front within a range that is not restricted by the board loose-fit boss 624 of the board support body 610 or the second board support boss 626b.

[0441] 30(c), when the main-side power supply relay board 640 is moved in a downward direction as viewed from the front against the pressing direction (biasing direction) of the first pressing portion 630a and the second pressing portion 630b on the lower side of the board support body 610 as viewed from the front, the main-side power supply relay board 640 can be moved (slid) in the downward direction as viewed from the front within a range in which the first pressing portion 630a and the second pressing portion 630b are movable (elastically deformable). Then, when the movement in the downward direction as viewed from the front continues, the through-hole 642c formed in the lower right corner of the main-side power supply relay board 640 eventually abuts against the inner edge on the lower side as viewed from the front of the board loose-fit boss 624 of the board support body 610, thereby restricting the movement of the main-side power supply relay board 640 in the downward direction as viewed from the front. In other words, the main-side power supply relay board 640 can move in the downward direction as viewed from the front within a range in which it is not restricted by the board loose-fit boss 624 of the board support body 610.

[0442] Because a predetermined gap is provided between the outer wall 622 on the upper side as viewed from the front of the board support 610 and the outer edge of the main-side power supply relay board 640 on the upper side as viewed from the front, the main-side power supply relay board 640 can be moved (slid) upward as viewed from the front. Then, as the movement in the upward direction as viewed from the front continues, the outer edge on the upper side as viewed from the front of the main-side power supply relay board 640 eventually comes into contact with the outer wall 622 on the upper side as viewed from the front of the board support 610, and the movement of the main-side power supply relay board 640 in the upward direction as viewed from the front is restricted. In other words, the main-side power supply relay board 640 can move upward as viewed from the front within a range that is not restricted by the outer wall 622 of the board support 610.

[0443] Conventionally, connectors that are movable themselves have been the norm, and there has been a problem in that the connectors wear out as the number of times they are inserted and removed increases. However, according to this example, even if the connectors become misaligned when connecting the first connector (main side reel relay board first connector MRC1) of the first board (main side reel relay board 742) and the second connector (main side power supply relay board first connector MVC1) of the second board (main side power supply relay board 640), the position can be adjusted by moving the second board (main side power supply relay board 640), and it is possible to prevent the connectors from being connected while they are misaligned, thereby avoiding wear on the connector itself and damage to the connector pins.

[0444] Furthermore, the second connector (main-side power supply relay board first connector MVC1) that is connected board-to-board on the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640) tends to have a large number of pins, and the connector is accordingly large. Therefore, if only the large connector were to move, there would be a high risk of damaging the board or causing poor contact, but by moving the entire second board (main-side power supply relay board 640), a stable connection can be achieved.

[0445] In addition, the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) can be moved freely within a range in which the opening (through hole 642c) of the second board (main side power supply relay board 640) can move relative to the protrusion (board loose-fit boss 624) of the mounting portion (main side board accommodating portion 612), allowing smooth connection between connectors.

[0446] In particular, the opening (through hole 642c) is a circular portion, the protrusion (board loose-fit boss 624) is made of a cylindrical member, and the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640) is configured to be movable up, down, left, and right relative to the mounting portion (main-side board accommodating portion 612). Therefore, the size of the opening formed in the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640) can be minimized, and the limited mounting surface of the second board (main-side power supply relay board 640) can be effectively utilized.

[0447] <Power relay board unit / cable support part> The main side cable support part 616 has a harness insertion hole 616a through which a harness (wiring) can be inserted that connects the main side power supply relay board first connector MVC1 to main side power supply relay board third connector MVC3 of the main side power supply relay board 640 to the connector of the power supply board of the power supply device 252 described using Figure 22.

[0448] The sub-side cable support portion 618 has a harness insertion hole 618a through which a harness (wiring) can be inserted that connects the sub-side power supply relay board first connector SVC1 to the sub-side power supply relay board fourth connector SVC4 to the connector of the power supply board of the power supply device 252 described using Figure 22.

[0449] <Reel relay board unit> Next, the reel relay board unit 700 will be described in detail.

[0450] Figure 32(a) is a front view of the reel relay board unit 700 as seen from the front side, Figure 32(b) is a side view of the reel relay board unit 700 as seen from the right side, and Figure 32(c) is an exploded side view of the components constituting the reel relay board unit 700 as seen from the right side.

[0451] The reel relay board unit 700 is composed of a plate-shaped sheet metal member 710, a main reel relay board unit 740 arranged on the right side of this sheet metal member 710 when viewed from the front, and a sub-side reel relay board unit 770 arranged on the left side of the sheet metal member 710 when viewed from the front.

[0452] The main side reel relay board unit 740 and the sub side reel relay board unit 770 are arranged at a predetermined distance in the sheet metal member 710, and a space 790 is formed between the main side reel relay board unit 740 and the sub side reel relay board unit 770.

[0453] <Reel relay board unit / Main side reel side relay board unit> Next, the main reel relay board unit 740 will be described.

[0454] The main side reel side relay board unit 740 is composed of a main side reel relay board 742, a main side housing body 744 that is L-shaped when viewed from the side and can house part of the main side reel side relay board 742, and a main side lid body 746 that is arranged to cover the surface of the main side reel relay board 742.

[0455] <Reel relay board unit / Main side reel relay board unit relay board> Next, the main side reel relay board 742 will be described using Figure 33. Figure 33(a) is a front view of the main side reel relay board 742 as seen from the front side, Figure 33(b) is a plan view of the main side reel relay board 742 as seen from above, and Figure 33(c) is a bottom view of the main side reel relay board 742 as seen from the bottom side.

[0456] The main side reel relay board 742 is composed of a base material 748 made of a rectangular plate-like body, and a main side reel relay board first connector MRC1 to a main side reel relay board seventh connector MRC7 arranged on one surface 748a (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front surface" or "component surface") of this base material 748.

[0457] The surface 748a of the base material 748 is provided with the main side reel relay board first connector MRC1 to the main side reel relay board seventh connector MRC7, and also has various ICs, resist layers, wiring patterns, pads, lands, interlayer conductive parts (vias, through holes), silk printing, etc. formed thereon, although not shown.

[0458] On the other hand, no components are mounted on the other surface 748b of the base material 748 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "back surface" or "solder surface"), on which a solid ground pattern is formed, and two screws 750 are attached to fix the main side reel relay board first connector MRC1 from the back surface 748b side.

[0459] The main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1 (second connector) is a female connector having a shape complementary to the main-side power supply relay board first connector MVC1 (first connector; see Figure 25, etc.) of the main-side power supply relay board 640, which is a male connector, and can be directly attached to and detached from the main-side power supply relay board first connector MVC1. Note that the main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1 is not limited to a female connector, and may be a male connector or another type of connector.

[0460] As shown in Figure 33(a), screw holes 750 are formed on both the left and right ends of the main side reel relay board first connector MRC1, into which screws 754 can be inserted to fix the main side reel side relay board 742 to the sheet metal member 710.

[0461] The main side reel relay board second connector MRC2 is a connector to which the harness connected to the left reel 110 is connected, the main side reel relay board third connector MRC3 is a connector to which the harness connected to the middle reel 111 is connected, and the main side reel relay board fourth connector MRC4 is a connector to which the harness connected to the right reel 112 is connected.

[0462] In this example, the main side reel relay board second connector MRC2, main side reel relay board third connector MRC3, and main side reel relay board fourth connector MRC4 are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals on the surface 748a of the base material 748 along the longitudinal direction of the base material 748. The distance indicated by the symbol L1 in Figure 33(b) indicates the shortest distance from the main side reel relay board second connector MRC2, main side reel relay board third connector MRC3, and main side reel relay board fourth connector MRC4 to the outer edge 748c on one side in the short direction of the base material 748.

[0463] <Reel relay board unit / Main side reel relay board unit / Main side housing> Next, the main container 744 and the main cover 746 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0464] Figure 34(a) is a front view of the main side housing 744 as seen from the front side, Figure 34(b) is a plan view of the main side housing 744 as seen from above, and Figure 34(c) is a front perspective view of the main side housing 744 as seen from diagonally above the front.

[0465] The main side accommodating body 744 is a member arranged to cover the back surface 748b of the main side reel relay board 742 and part of the main side reel relay board first connector MRC1, and in this example, is configured to have a connector accommodating section 744a consisting of a box-shaped body that can accommodate part of the main side reel relay board first connector MRC1, and a board accommodating section 744b consisting of a dish-shaped body that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the connector accommodating section 744a, with the lower end of this connector accommodating section 744a as its base end.

[0466] On the front surface of the connector accommodating section 744a, there are formed one protrusion 744c consisting of a rod-shaped body that can pass through the accommodating body through-hole 716b (see Figure 36(a)) formed in the plate-shaped member 710, one screw hole 744d into which a screw 754 (see Figure 32(a) etc.) for fixing the main side reel side relay board 742 to the plate member 710 can be inserted, and one mounting protrusion 744e consisting of a rod-shaped body to which the main side cover body 746 is attached, on each of the left and right sides when viewed from the front.

[0467] The substrate accommodating portion 744b has a plate-shaped protruding piece 744f that protrudes downward from the bottom surface, and two lid engaging pieces 744g that protrude and are formed at a predetermined interval on the front surface of the substrate accommodating portion 744b.

[0468] Figure 35(a) is a front view of the main side cover body 746 seen from the front side, (b) is a plan view of the main side cover body 746 seen from above, and (c) is a front oblique view of the main side cover body 746 seen from diagonally above the front.

[0469] The main side cover 746 is a member arranged to cover the surface 748a of the main side reel relay board 742, and in this example is composed of a base portion 746a made of a plate-shaped body, a housing attachment portion 746b protruding upward on both longitudinal sides of the base portion 746a, two housing engagement claws 746c protruding downward from one short side of the base portion 746a as a base end, and a harness holding portion 746d protruding outward in the longitudinal direction from one longitudinal end of the base portion 746a as a base end.

[0470] The base portion 746a is formed with a plurality of connector openings 746e that allow the main side reel relay board second connector MRC2 to the main side reel relay board seventh connector MRC7 to be exposed to the outside when the surface 748a of the main side reel relay board 742 is covered by the main side cover body 746.

[0471] The container attachment portion 746b is made of a box-shaped body having a space capable of accommodating the attachment protrusion 744e of the main-side container 744, and on the front surface thereof is formed a screw hole 746f through which a screw 756 (see Figures 32(a), 38(b), etc.) can be inserted for attaching the main-side lid body 746 to the main-side container 744. The container engagement claw 746c is a portion that can engage with the lid body engagement piece 744g of the main-side container 744.

[0472] The lid engagement piece 744g of the main side accommodating body 744 is engaged with this accommodating body engagement claw 746c, and the mounting protrusion 744e of the main side accommodating body 744 is accommodated in the accommodating body mounting portion 746b. The accommodating body mounting portion 746b and the mounting protrusion 744e are fastened together with screws 756 (see Figures 32(a) and 38(b)), thereby fixing the main side lid body 746 to the main side accommodating body 744.

[0473] <Reel relay board unit / sheet metal parts> Next, the sheet metal member 710 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0474] Figure 36(a) is a front view of the sheet metal member 710 seen from the front side, Figure 36(b) is a plan view of the sheet metal member 710 seen from above, and Figure 36(c) is a rear view of the sheet metal member 710 seen from the rear side.

[0475] The sheet metal member 710 is composed of a base portion 712 made of a rectangular plate-like body, and an outer wall 714 erected on one side (back side) of the thickness direction of the base portion 712, with the outer edges of the four sides of the base portion 712 as base ends.

[0476] A main unit attachment section 716 to which a main reel relay board unit 740 can be attached is provided on the right side of the base section 712 when viewed from the front, and a sub unit attachment section 718 to which a sub reel relay board unit 770 can be attached is provided on the left side of the base section 712 when viewed from the front. Note that the sub unit attachment section 718 has substantially the same shape as the main unit attachment section 716, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0477] The main side unit attachment portion 716 is configured to have an opening 716a through which the main side reel relay board 742 of the main side reel relay board unit 740 and a part of the main side housing body 744 can be inserted, a housing body through hole 716b through which a protrusion 744c (see Figure 34(a) etc.) formed on the front surface of the main side housing body 744 can pass, a screw hole 716c through which a screw 754 (see Figure 32(a) etc.) for fixing the main side reel side relay board 742 to the sheet metal member 710 can be inserted, and a protrusion piece 716d formed so as to protrude forward with the lower edge of the opening 716a as its base end.

[0478] <Positioning of the reel relay board unit / main housing> Next, a method for positioning the main housing 744 relative to the sheet metal member 710 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0479] Figure 37(a) is a front view of the main side housing 744 fitted into the sheet metal member 710, as seen from the front side; Figure 37(b) is a rear view of the main side housing 744 fitted into the sheet metal member 710, as seen from the rear side; and Figure 37(c) is a side view showing how the main side housing 744 is attached to the sheet metal member 710.

[0480] First, insert the substrate accommodating portion 744b of the main side accommodating body 744 from the back side to the front side of the opening 716a of the main side unit mounting portion 716 so that it slides over the upper surface of the protruding piece 716d of the main side unit mounting portion 716 of the sheet metal member 710.

[0481] According to this example, a protrusion (protrusion piece 716d) is formed at the mounting position (main-side unit mounting portion 716) of the mounting member (sheet metal member 710) with a part of the mounting member as its base end and protruding in at least one direction (from the back side to the front side of the sheet metal member 710) of the first direction (from the back side to the front side of the sheet metal member 710) and the second direction (from the front side to the back side of the sheet metal member 710). This makes it easier to position the board case (main-side housing 744) relative to the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), and the protrusion (protrusion piece 716d) can support the board case (main-side housing 744), thereby improving work efficiency when mounting the board case (main-side housing 744) to the mounting member (sheet metal member 710). In addition, the board case (main side housing 744) can be smoothly guided to the mounting position (main side unit mounting portion 716), thereby improving work efficiency when mounting the board case (main side housing 744) to the mounting member (sheet metal member 710).

[0482] Next, the protrusions 744c formed on both the left and right sides of the front surface of the main side housing 744 are passed through the housing through-holes 716b formed in the plate-shaped member 710 from the rear side of the plate-shaped member 710, and the front surface of the substrate housing portion 744b of the main side housing 744 is brought into abutment (surface contact) with the upper rear surface 716a1, as viewed from the front, the right rear surface 716a2, and the left rear surface 716a3 of the opening 716a of the sheet metal member 710 as viewed from the front, and the front surface of the protruding piece 744f of the main side housing 744 is brought into abutment (surface contact) with the lower rear surface 716a4 of the opening 716a of the sheet metal member 710 as viewed from the front, thereby positioning the main side housing 744 with respect to the sheet metal member 710.

[0483] That is, the through-hole 716b for the container in the plate-shaped member 710 and the outer edge of the opening 716a in the plate-shaped member 710 (the upper back surface 716a1 when viewed from the front, the right back surface 716a2 when viewed from the front, the left back surface 716a3 when viewed from the front, and the lower back surface 716a4 when viewed from the front) function as parts for positioning the main side container 744 relative to the sheet metal member 710.

[0484] According to this example, when the convex portion (protrusion portion 744c) of the first member (main side housing 744) is fitted into the hole (housing through hole 716b) of the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), the first member (main side housing 744) is positioned relative to the mounting member (sheet metal member 710). This allows the first member to be positioned quickly and reliably, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0485] Furthermore, when the first member (main-side housing 744) is positioned at the mounting position (main-side unit mounting portion 716) of the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), the protrusion (protrusion piece 744f) of the first member is configured to come into contact with the mounting member, thereby restricting movement of the first member. Therefore, the protrusion (protrusion piece 744f) coming into contact with the mounting member (sheet metal member 710) makes it easier to position the first member (main-side housing 744) relative to the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), and the board case (main-side housing 744) can be stably mounted to the mounting member.

[0486] Furthermore, when the first member (main-side housing 744) is positioned at the mounting position (main-side unit mounting portion 716) of the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), at least a portion of the first member comes into surface contact with the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), thereby restricting movement of the first member in a first direction (from the back side to the front side of the sheet metal member 710). Therefore, when the first member (main-side housing 744) is mounted to the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), movement of the first member (main-side housing 744) is restricted, which makes it easier to mount the first member (main-side housing 744) to the mounting member (sheet metal member 710) and also enables the board case (main-side housing 744) to be stably mounted to the mounting member (sheet metal member 710).

[0487] When the main side housing 744 is positioned relative to the sheet metal member 710, the main side housing 744 is supported by the housing through-hole 716b of the plate-shaped member 710 and held at a position higher than the protruding piece 716d of the sheet metal member 710, so that the main side housing 744 and the protruding piece 716d of the sheet metal member 710 are not in contact with each other.

[0488] According to this example, when the board case (main-side housing 744) is positioned at the mounting position (main-side unit mounting portion 716) of the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), the board case is configured not to come into contact with a part of the mounting member (the lower edge of the opening 716a of the main-side unit mounting portion 716) and the protrusion (protrusion piece 716d).This reduces the contact area between the board case (main-side housing 744) and the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), preventing the board case (main-side housing 744) and the mounting member (sheet metal member 710) from being scratched or damaged.

[0489] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the main side housing 744 may be configured so that when the main side housing 744 is attached to the sheet metal member 710, the main side housing 744 and the protruding piece 716d of the sheet metal member 710 are not in contact with each other.

[0490] 37(b), the width w1 in the left-right direction in plan view of the substrate accommodating portion 744b of the main-side accommodating body 744 is shorter than the width w2 in the left-right direction in plan view of the lower side of the opening 716a of the sheet metal member 710, so when the main-side accommodating body 744 is positioned relative to the sheet metal member 710, the outer edge in the left-right direction in plan view of the main-side accommodating body 744 does not come into contact with the opening 716a of the sheet metal member 710. This makes it possible to prevent the main-side accommodating body 744 from being scratched or damaged due to contact with the sheet metal member 710, etc.

[0491] When the main side housing 744 is positioned relative to the sheet metal member 710, the screw holes 744d formed on both the left and right sides of the front of the main side housing 744 match the positions of the screw holes 716c formed in the sheet metal member 710, and the screws 754 for fixing the main side reel side relay board 742 to the sheet metal member 710 can be inserted through both the sheet metal member 710 and the main side housing 744.

[0492] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 37(c), when the main side accommodating body 744 is positioned relative to the sheet metal member 710, the tip end portion of the board accommodating portion 744b of the main side accommodating body 744 is located on the front side of the opening 716a of the sheet metal member 710, and the mounting protrusions 744e formed on both the left and right sides of the front side of the connector accommodating portion 744a are located on the front side of the opening 716a of the sheet metal member 710 and protrude (expose) on the front side of the opening 716a.

[0493] On the other hand, the rear end portion of the board accommodating portion 744b and the connector accommodating portion 744a cannot pass through the opening 716a of the sheet metal member 710, and therefore are positioned on the rear side of the sheet metal member 710.

[0494] That is, in this example, when the board case (main side housing 744) is positioned at the mounting position (main side unit mounting portion 716) of the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), the first member (main side housing 744) is configured to be restricted from moving in a first direction (from the back side to the front side of the sheet metal member 710) by the mounting member (sheet metal member 710).

[0495] <Installation method for reel relay board unit / main side reel relay board> Next, a method for attaching the main reel relay board 742 to the sheet metal member 710 will be described with reference to FIG. 38(a).

[0496] FIG. 38( a ) is a side view showing the procedure for attaching the main-side housing body 744 and the main-side reel-side relay board 742 to the sheet metal member 710 .

[0497] When the main side housing 744 is positioned relative to the sheet metal member 710, and the main side reel relay board 742 is housed in the main side housing 744 (or when the main side housing 744 is positioned relative to the sheet metal member 710 with the main side reel relay board 742 housed in the main side housing 744), both the main side housing 744 and the main side reel relay board 742 are positioned relative to the sheet metal member 710.

[0498] When the main side accommodating body 744 and the main side reel relay board 742 are positioned relative to the sheet metal member 710, the screw holes 750 formed on both the left and right sides of the main side reel relay board first connector MRC1 match the positions of both the screw holes 744d of the main side accommodating body 744 and the screw holes 716c of the sheet metal member 710, allowing the screws 754 for fixing the main side reel side relay board 742 to the sheet metal member 710 to be inserted through all of the sheet metal member 710, the main side accommodating body 744, and the main side reel relay board 742.

[0499] With the main side accommodating body 744 and the main side reel relay board 742 positioned relative to the sheet metal member 710, screws 754 are inserted from the back side of the sheet metal member 710 through the screw holes 750 of the main side reel relay board first connector MRC1 of the main side reel relay board 742, the screw holes 744d of the main side accommodating body 744, and the screw holes 716c of the sheet metal member 710 in that order and tightened, thereby fixing the main side accommodating body 744 and the main side reel relay board 742 to the sheet metal member 710, as shown in Figure 38(a) and Figure 32(a).

[0500] When the main side accommodating body 744 and the main side reel relay board 742 are attached to the sheet metal member 710, the main side reel relay board second connector MRC2 to the main side reel relay board seventh connector MRC7 of the main side reel relay board 742 are located on the front side of the opening 716a of the sheet metal member 710, while the main side reel relay board first connector MRC1 of the main side reel relay board 742 is located on the back side of the sheet metal member 710, as shown in Figure 38(b).

[0501] According to this example, by fixing the first connector (main side reel relay board first connector MRC1) to the mounting member (sheet metal member 710) with screws 754, it is possible to prevent the first connector (main side reel relay board first connector MRC1) and the second connector (main side power supply relay board first connector MVC1) from coming loose when attaching or detaching them, and it is possible to maintain a stable connection between the first connector and the second connector.

[0502] Furthermore, in this example, when the board case (main side housing body 744, main side cover body 746) containing the first board (main side reel side relay board 742) is positioned at the mounting position (main side unit mounting portion 716) of the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), first connectors (main side reel relay board second connector MRC2 to main side reel relay board seventh connector MRC7) are arranged in the portion of the first board exposed on the other side of the mounting member (front side of sheet metal member 7100). This makes it easy to attach and detach harnesses and the like to the first connectors, improving convenience for the worker.

[0503] Furthermore, in this example, when the board case (main-side housing 744, main-side lid 746) in which the first board (main-side reel-side relay board 742) is housed is positioned at the mounting position (main-side unit mounting portion 716) of the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), a second connector (main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1) is disposed at a portion of the first board located on one side of the mounting member (the back side of the sheet metal member 710). The second connector is configured to be directly connectable to a third connector (main-side power supply relay board first connector MVC1) provided on another board (main-side reel relay board 742) different from the first board when the mounting member is mounted at a predetermined position on the gaming machine. Therefore, by attaching and detaching the mounting member to a predetermined position on the gaming machine, Since the second connector (main side reel relay board first connector MRC1) and the third connector (main side power supply relay board first connector MVC1) can be attached and detached, the second connector (main side reel relay board first connector MRC1) and the third connector (main side power supply relay board first connector MVC1) can be easily attached and detached, improving convenience for the worker, and by fixing the attachment member, it is possible to prevent the connection between the second connector (main side reel relay board first connector MRC1) and the third connector (main side power supply relay board first connector MVC1) from coming loose, and the connection between the second connector (main side reel relay board first connector MRC1) and the third connector (main side power supply relay board first connector MVC1) can be maintained stably.

[0504] <Installation of reel relay board unit / main side cover> Next, a method for attaching the main-side cover 746 to the main-side container 744 will be described with reference to FIG. 38(b).

[0505] FIG. 38(b) is a side view showing the procedure for attaching the main-side cover 746 to the sheet metal member 710 to which the main-side housing body 744 and the main-side reel-side relay board 742 are attached.

[0506] When the main side housing 744 and the main side reel relay board 742 are positioned relative to the sheet metal member 710 (or when the main side housing 744 and the main side reel relay board 742 are fixed to the sheet metal member 710 with screws 754), the housing engagement claw 746c of the main side cover 746 is engaged with the cover engagement piece 744g of the main side housing 744, and the mounting protrusion 744e of the main side housing 744 is accommodated in the housing mounting portion 746b of the main side cover 746, and these housing mounting portion 746b and mounting protrusion 744e are fastened together with screws 756, thereby fixing the main side cover 746 to the main side housing 744.

[0507] In other words, the main side lid body 746 is not fixed directly to the sheet metal member 710, but is configured to be fixed to the main side container 744 which is fixed to the sheet metal member 710, and is configured so that the main side lid body 746 is held by the main side container 744 (the movement of the main side lid body 746 is restricted by the main side container 744).

[0508] In other words, in this example, when the board case (main side housing 744, main side cover 746) is positioned at the mounting position of the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), the second member (main side cover 746) is configured to be restricted from moving in the second direction (from the front side to the back side of the sheet metal member 710) by the mounting member (sheet metal member 710).

[0509] Conventional circuit board cases are made up of multiple components, and because the multiple components are fixed together using screws or the like, if the screws or the like loosen, it affects all of the components and causes the entire circuit board case to loosen. However, with the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to restrict the first component of the circuit board case from moving in a first direction, and it is also possible to restrict the second component of the circuit board case from moving in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Therefore, even if a malfunction occurs in one of the components that make up the circuit board case, it is possible to prevent the malfunction from affecting all of the components that make up the circuit board case, and the circuit board housed in the circuit board case can be reliably protected.

[0510] In this example, the container engagement claws 746c of the main side cover 746 are engaged with the cover engagement pieces 744g of the main side cover 744, and the container attachment portion 746b of the main side cover 746 is accommodated in the attachment protrusions 744e of the main side cover 744, so that the main side cover 746 is engaged with the main side cover 744. Therefore, even if the container attachment portion 746b and the attachment protrusions 744e are not fastened with the screws 756, the main side cover 746 can be prevented from coming off the main side cover 746 from the main side cover 744, thereby improving convenience.

[0511] <Reel relay board unit / Sub-reel relay board unit> Next, the sub-reel relay board unit 770 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0512] The sub-side reel side relay board unit 770 is composed of a sub-side reel relay board 772, a sub-side container 774 that is L-shaped when viewed from the side and can accommodate a portion of the main-side reel side relay board 772, and a sub-side cover 776 that is arranged to cover the surface of the sub-side reel relay board 772.

[0513] The main structures of the sub-side container 774 and the sub-side cover 776 are almost the same as those of the main-side container 744 and the main-side cover 746, respectively, so detailed explanations will be omitted and only the sub-side reel relay board 772 will be explained below.

[0514] <Reel relay board unit / sub-side reel relay board unit relay board> Next, the sub-reel relay board 772 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0515] Figure 39 is a plan view showing the main reel relay board 742 and the sub reel relay board 772 side by side. Note that a description of the same components as those of the main reel relay board 742 described using Figure 33 will be omitted.

[0516] The sub-side reel relay board 772 is composed of a base material 778 made of a rectangular plate-like body, and sub-side reel relay board first connector SRC1 to sub-side reel relay board seventh connector SRC7 arranged on one side surface 778a of this base material 778 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front surface" or "component surface").

[0517] The surface 778a of the substrate 778 is provided with the sub-side reel relay board first connector SRC1 to the sub-side reel relay board seventh connector SRC7, as well as various ICs, resist layers, wiring patterns, pads, lands, interlayer conductive parts (vias, through holes), silk printing, etc.

[0518] On the other hand, no components are mounted on the other side of the substrate 778 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "back side" or "solder side"), and a solid ground pattern is formed thereon, and two screws (not shown) are attached to secure the sub-side reel relay board first connector SRC1 from the back side.

[0519] The sub-side reel relay board first connector SRC1 (second connector) is a female connector having a shape complementary to the sub-side power supply relay board first connector SVC1 (see Figure 25, etc.) of the sub-side power supply relay board 670, which is a male connector, and can be directly attached to and detached from the sub-side power supply relay board first connector SVC1. Note that the sub-side reel relay board first connector SRC1 is not limited to a female connector, and may be a male connector or another type of connector.

[0520] The sub-side reel relay board second connector SRC2 is a connector to which the harness connected to the left reel 110 is connected, the sub-side reel relay board third connector SRC3 is a connector to which the harness connected to the center reel 111 is connected, and the sub-side reel relay board fourth connector SRC4 is a connector to which the harness connected to the right reel 112 is connected.

[0521] In this example, the sub-side reel relay board second connector SRC2, the sub-side reel relay board third connector SRC3, and the sub-side reel relay board fourth connector SRC4 are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals on the surface 778a of the base material 778 along the longitudinal direction of the base material 778. The distance indicated by the symbol L2 in Fig. 39 indicates the shortest distance from the sub-side reel relay board second connector SRC2, the sub-side reel relay board third connector SRC3, and the sub-side reel relay board fourth connector SRC4 to the outer edge 778c on one side in the shorter direction of the base material 778.

[0522] In this example, the shortest distance L2 from the sub-side reel relay board second connector SRC2, the sub-side reel relay board third connector SRC3, and the sub-side reel relay board fourth connector SRC4 to the outer edge 778c on one side of the short side of the base material 778 is shorter than the shortest distance L1 from the main side reel relay board second connector MRC2, the main side reel relay board third connector MRC3, and the main side reel relay board fourth connector MRC4 to the outer edge 748c on one side of the short side of the base material 748 (L1>L2).

[0523] In other words, in this example, the first connectors (main side reel relay board second connector MRC2 to main side reel relay board fourth connector MRC4) and the second connectors (sub side reel relay board second connector SRC2 to sub side reel relay board fourth connector SRC4) are arranged so as to be offset from their positions on each other's longitudinal extension lines. Therefore, even if the first wiring connected to the first connector and the second wiring connected to the second connector are guided into the same space portion (for example, space portion 790 shown in FIG. 40), the first wiring and the second wiring can be prevented from overlapping in the space portion, and the first wiring and the second wiring can be gathered in the space portion, making it possible to easily and reliably visually check the states of the first wiring and the second wiring.

[0524] <Reel relay board unit / Summary> As explained above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine shown in FIG. 21) is a gaming machine including a first board (for example, the main-side reel relay board 742 and the sub-side reel relay board 772 shown in FIG. 39) and a board case (for example, the main-side housing 744 and the main-side lid 746 shown in FIG. 36) that can accommodate the first board, and the board case is configured to have at least a first member (for example, the main-side housing 744 shown in FIG. 34) and a second member (for example, the main-side lid 746 shown in FIG. 35), and an attachment member (for example, the sheet metal part shown in FIG. 36) that can attach the board case. 36(a)), the first member is configured to be restricted from moving in a first direction (for example, from the back side to the front side of the sheet metal member 710 shown in FIG. 36) by the mounting member when the base case is positioned at the mounting position of the mounting member (for example, the main unit mounting portion 716 of the sheet metal member 710 shown in FIG. 36(a)), the second member is configured to be mountable to the first member from a second direction (for example, from the front side to the back side of the sheet metal member 710 shown in FIG. 36), and the first direction and the second direction are opposite directions.

[0525] Conventional circuit board cases are made up of multiple components, and because the multiple components are fixed together using screws or the like, if the screws or the like loosen, it affects all of the components and causes the entire circuit board case to loosen. However, with the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to restrict the first component of the circuit board case from moving in a first direction, and it is also possible to restrict the second component of the circuit board case from moving in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Therefore, even if a malfunction occurs in one of the components that make up the circuit board case, it is possible to prevent the malfunction from affecting all of the components that make up the circuit board case, and the circuit board housed in the circuit board case can be reliably protected.

[0526] The gaming machine may also be configured so that when the mounting member is attached to or detached from a predetermined position on the gaming machine while the board case is attached to the mounting member, the first connector and the second connector are detached.

[0527] With this configuration, the first connector and the second connector can be attached and detached by attaching and detaching the mounting member to a designated position on the gaming machine, making it easier to attach and detach the first connector and the second connector and increasing convenience for the worker.In addition, by fixing the mounting member, it is possible to prevent the connection between the first connector and the second connector from coming loose, and the connection between the first connector and the second connector can be maintained stably.

[0528] The first connector may be fixed to the mounting member using fixing means (for example, screws 754 shown in FIG. 32 and FIG. 38(a)).

[0529] With this configuration, by fixing the first connector to the mounting member, it is possible to prevent the connection between the first connector and the second connector from coming loose when the first connector and the second connector are attached or detached, and it is possible to maintain a stable connection between the first connector and the second connector.

[0530] Furthermore, the first member may be attached to the mounting member from one side thereof (for example, the back side of the sheet metal member 710 shown in FIG. 36), and the second member may be attached to the first member on the other side thereof (for example, the front side of the sheet metal member 710 shown in FIG. 36), the first direction being the direction from the one side of the mounting member toward the other side, and the second direction being the direction from the other side of the mounting member toward the one side, and the first connector and the second connector being connected by attaching the mounting member to the predetermined position.

[0531] With this configuration, even if the fixation between the first member and the second member loosens, the fixation between the mounting member and the first member is not affected, so the fixation between the mounting member and the first member can be maintained stably and the substrate can be reliably protected.

[0532] Furthermore, the first member may have a convex portion (for example, the protrusion 744c shown in Figure 37(a) or a notch not shown), and the mounting member may have a hole (for example, the through hole 716b for the container shown in Figure 37(a)) into which the convex portion of the first member can fit, so that when the convex portion of the first member is fitted into the hole of the mounting member, the first member is positioned relative to the mounting member.

[0533] With this configuration, the first member can be positioned quickly and reliably, and work efficiency can be improved.

[0534] Furthermore, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine shown in FIG. 21) is a gaming machine that includes a first board (for example, the main-side reel relay board 742 and the sub-side reel relay board 772 shown in FIG. 39) and a board case that can accommodate the first board (for example, the main-side housing 744 and the main-side lid 746 shown in FIG. 32), and the board case is configured to have at least a first member (for example, the main-side housing 744 shown in FIG. 34) and a second member (for example, the main-side lid 746 shown in FIG. 35), and includes an attachment member that can attach the board case (for example, the main-side housing 744 shown in FIG. 36). 39), the first member is a member that covers at least a portion of one surface of the first board (for example, the back surface 748b of the main side reel relay board 742 shown in FIG. 39), the first member is formed with a protrusion (for example, the protrusion piece 744f shown in FIG. 34), and when the first member is positioned at the mounting position of the mounting member (for example, the main side unit mounting portion 716 of the sheet metal member 710 shown in FIG. 36), the protrusion of the first member comes into contact with the mounting member, thereby restricting the movement of the first member.

[0535] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the protrusion that contacts the mounting member makes it easy to position the first member relative to the mounting member, and the base case can be stably attached to the mounting member.

[0536] Furthermore, when the board case is positioned at the mounting position of the mounting member (hereinafter referred to as the "first state"), the mounting member is configured to restrict movement of the first member in a first direction (for example, from the back side to the front side of sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36), and in the first state, the second member is configured to be mountable to the first member from a second direction (for example, from the front side to the back side of sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36), and the first direction and the second direction may be opposite directions.

[0537] Conventional board cases are made up of multiple components, and because the multiple components are fixed together using screws or the like, if the screws or the like loosen, this affects all of the components and causes the entire board case to loosen. However, with this configuration, it is possible to restrict the first component of the board case from moving in a first direction, and it is also possible to restrict the second component of the board case from moving in a second direction opposite to the first direction.As a result, even if a malfunction occurs in one of the components that make up the board case, it is possible to prevent the malfunction from affecting all of the components that make up the board case, and the board housed in the board case can be reliably protected.

[0538] In addition, in the first state, the protruding portion of the first member (for example, the protruding piece 744f shown in FIG. 34) may be configured to be able to come into surface contact with the mounting member.

[0539] With this configuration, the protrusion that comes into surface contact with the mounting member makes it easy to position the first member relative to the mounting member, and the board case can be stably attached to the mounting member.

[0540] In addition, the first member may be configured not to come into contact with a part of the mounting member in the first state.

[0541] With this configuration, the contact area between the board case and the mounting member can be reduced, and the board case and the mounting member can be prevented from being scratched or damaged.

[0542] Furthermore, in the first state, at least a portion of the first member may be in surface contact with the mounting member (for example, the outer edge of the opening 716a of the plate-shaped member 710 shown in Figure 37(a) (the upper back surface 716a1 when viewed from the front, the right back surface 716a2 when viewed from the front, the left back surface 716a3 when viewed from the front, and the lower back surface 716a4 when viewed from the front)), thereby restricting movement of the first member in the first direction.

[0543] With this configuration, movement of the first member is restricted when the first member is attached to the mounting member, making it easier to attach the first member to the mounting member and allowing the board case to be stably attached to the mounting member.

[0544] The first member is provided with a second board (for example, the main-side power supply relay board 640 or the sub-side power supply relay board 670 shown in FIG. 27), the first board is provided with a first connector (for example, the main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1 or the sub-side reel relay board first connector SRC1 shown in FIG. 39), the second board is provided with a second connector (for example, the main-side power supply relay board first connector MVC1 or the sub-side power supply relay board first connector SVC1 shown in FIG. 27), and the first member is provided with one side of the mounting member (for example, the main-side power supply relay board The second member may be attached to the mounting member from one side (for example, the back side of sheet metal member 710 shown in FIG. 36 ) of the mounting member, the second member being attached to the first member on the other side of the mounting member (for example, the front side of sheet metal member 710 shown in FIG. 36 ), the first direction being the direction from the one side of the mounting member toward the other side, and the second direction being the direction from the other side of the mounting member toward the one side, and the first connector and the second connector being connected by attaching the mounting member to a predetermined position.

[0545] With this configuration, even if the fixation between the first member and the second member loosens, the fixation between the mounting member and the first member is not affected, so the fixation between the mounting member and the first member can be maintained stably and the substrate can be reliably protected.

[0546] Furthermore, a gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine shown in FIG. 21) is a gaming machine that includes a first board (for example, the main-side reel relay board 742 and the sub-side reel relay board 772 shown in FIG. 39) and a board case that can accommodate the first board (for example, the main-side housing 744 and the main-side lid 746 shown in FIG. 32), and the board case is configured to have at least a first member (for example, the main-side housing 744 shown in FIG. 34) and a second member (for example, the main-side lid 746 shown in FIG. 35), and includes an attachment member (for example, the sheet metal member 710 shown in FIG. 36) to which the board case can be attached, and the board case is attached to an attachment position of the attachment member (for example, the main-side housing 744 and the main-side lid 746 shown in FIG. 36). 36(a)), the mounting member is configured to restrict movement of the first member in a first direction (for example, from the back side to the front side of the sheet metal member 710 shown in FIG. 36), the second member is configured to be mountable to the first member in a second direction (for example, from the front side to the back side of the sheet metal member 710 shown in FIG. 36), the first direction and the second direction are opposite directions, and the mounting member is formed with a protrusion that can guide the circuit board case (for example, protrusion piece 716d shown in FIG. 36(a)).

[0547] In a conventional circuit board case made up of multiple components, the components are fastened together with screws or the like, which causes a problem that if the screws or the like loosen, all of the components are affected, causing the entire circuit board case to become loose. However, with the gaming machine according to this embodiment, it is possible to restrict the first component of the circuit board case from moving in a first direction and restrict the second component of the circuit board case from moving in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Therefore, even if a malfunction occurs in one of the components constituting the circuit board case, it is possible to prevent the malfunction from affecting all of the components constituting the circuit board case, and it is possible to reliably protect the circuit board housed in the circuit board case. Furthermore, at the mounting position of the mounting member, a protrusion is formed that protrudes in at least one of the first and second directions from a portion of the mounting member as a base end. This makes it easy to position the circuit board case relative to the mounting member, and the protrusion can support the circuit board case, thereby improving the work efficiency when attaching the circuit board case to the mounting member.

[0548] Furthermore, the protrusion is a portion that protrudes in the first direction (for example, from the back side to the front side of the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36) with a part of the mounting member as its base end, and the first state may be a state in which the board case is positioned at the mounting position by moving the board case in the first direction toward the mounting position of the mounting member.

[0549] With this configuration, the board case can be smoothly guided to the mounting position, and the efficiency of the work when mounting the board case to the mounting member can be improved.

[0550] Furthermore, when the board case is attached to the attachment position of the attachment member, the board case may be configured so that it does not come into contact with a part of the attachment member (for example, a part of the opening 716a of the main side unit attachment portion 716 shown in Figure 36) and the protrusion.

[0551] With this configuration, the contact area between the board case and the mounting member can be reduced, and the board case and the mounting member can be prevented from being scratched or damaged.

[0552] The first member is provided with a second board (for example, the main-side power supply relay board 640 or the sub-side power supply relay board 670 shown in FIG. 27), the first board is provided with a first connector (for example, the main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1 or the sub-side reel relay board first connector SRC1 shown in FIG. 39), the second board is provided with a second connector (for example, the main-side power supply relay board first connector MVC1 or the sub-side power supply relay board first connector SVC1 shown in FIG. 27), and the first member is provided with one side of the mounting member (for example, the main-side power supply relay board The second member may be attached to the mounting member from the other side (for example, the front side of sheet metal member 710 shown in FIG. 36 ) of the mounting member, the first direction being the direction from the one side of the mounting member to the other side, and the second direction being the direction from the other side of the mounting member to the one side, and the mounting member may be configured so that the first connector and the second connector are connected by mounting the mounting member at the predetermined position.

[0553] With this configuration, even if the fixation between the first member and the second member loosens, the fixation between the mounting member and the first member is not affected, so the fixation between the mounting member and the first member can be maintained stably and the substrate can be reliably protected.

[0554] Furthermore, the first member may have a convex portion (e.g., protrusion 744c shown in Figure 37(a)), and the mounting member may have a hole (e.g., container through-hole 716b shown in Figure 37(a)) into which the convex portion of the first member can fit, and when the convex portion of the first member is fitted into the hole of the mounting member, the first member may be positioned relative to the mounting member.

[0555] With this configuration, the first member can be positioned quickly and reliably, and work efficiency can be improved.

[0556] Furthermore, a gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine shown in FIG. 21) is a gaming machine that includes a first board (for example, the main-side reel relay board 742 or the sub-side reel relay board 772 shown in FIG. 39), a second board (for example, the main-side power supply relay board 640 or the sub-side power supply relay board 670 shown in FIG. 27), and a board case that can accommodate the first board (for example, the main-side container 744 and the main-side cover 746 shown in FIG. 32), and the first board is connected to a first connector (for example, the main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1 or the sub-side reel relay board first connector MRC2 shown in FIG. 39). the second board has a second connector (for example, a main-side power supply relay board first connector MVC1 or a sub-side power supply relay board first connector SVC1 shown in FIG. 27), and has an attachment member (for example, a sheet metal member 710 shown in FIG. 36) to which the board case can be attached, the attachment member being a member that is attached to a predetermined position on the gaming machine, and configured so that when the attachment member is removed from the predetermined position while the board case is attached to the attachment member, the first connector and the second connector are removed.

[0557] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first connector and the second connector can be attached and detached by attaching and detaching the mounting member to a predetermined position on the gaming machine, which makes it easier to attach and detach the first connector and the second connector and increases convenience for the worker.In addition, by fixing the mounting member, it is possible to prevent the connection between the first connector and the second connector from coming loose, and the connection between the first connector and the second connector can be maintained stably.

[0558] Furthermore, the board case is configured to have at least a first member (e.g., main side accommodating body 744 shown in FIG. 34) and a second member (e.g., main side cover body 746 shown in FIG. 35), and in a state (hereinafter referred to as the "first state") in which the board case is positioned at the mounting position (e.g., main side unit mounting portion 716 of sheet metal member 710 shown in FIG. 36) of the mounting member (e.g., sheet metal member 710 shown in FIG. 36), the first member is configured to be able to restrict movement of the first member in a first direction (e.g., from the back side to the front side of sheet metal member 710 shown in FIG. 36) by the mounting member, and in the first state, the second member is configured to be able to be mounted to the first member from a second direction (e.g., from the front side to the back side of sheet metal member 710 shown in FIG. 36), and the first direction and the second direction may be opposite directions.

[0559] Conventional board cases are made up of multiple components, and because the multiple components are fixed together using screws or the like, if the screws or the like loosen, this affects all of the components and causes the entire board case to loosen. However, with this configuration, it is possible to restrict the first component of the board case from moving in a first direction, and it is also possible to restrict the second component of the board case from moving in a second direction opposite to the first direction.As a result, even if a malfunction occurs in one of the components that make up the board case, it is possible to prevent the malfunction from affecting all of the components that make up the board case, and the board housed in the board case can be reliably protected.

[0560] In addition, the second board may be movably attached to an attachment portion (for example, the main board accommodating portion 612 or the sub-side board accommodating portion 614 of the board support body 610 shown in Figure 27), and the second board may be configured to be movable relative to the attachment portion when connecting the first connector of the first board and the second connector of the second board.

[0561] Conventionally, connectors that are movable themselves have been the norm, and there has been a problem in that the connectors wear out as they are inserted and removed more frequently. However, with this configuration, even if the connectors become misaligned when connecting the first connector on the first board and the second connector on the second board, the position can be adjusted by moving the second board, and it is possible to prevent the connectors from being connected while they are ...

Claims

1. Multiple reels and An operating means; A gaming machine equipped with a period during which the reel can start spinning when the operating means is operated (hereinafter referred to as the "second period"); A first game may be executed in which a notification (hereinafter referred to as a "first notification") prompting the player to operate the operating means is initiated after a first time has elapsed since the start of the second period, A second game may be executed in which a notification (hereinafter referred to as a "second notification") prompting the player to operate the operating means is initiated after a second time has elapsed since the start of the second period. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

2. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, The operating means includes a start lever, A period (hereinafter referred to as a "first period") is provided from the time when the start lever is operated to start a game to when operation of the operating means is invalid, The second period is a period that begins after the first period. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

3. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, Equipped with directing means, the effect means is capable of executing a first effect, The first effect is an effect in which a notification indicating a result is executed between the start lever being operated to start a game and a fourth time period having elapsed, the first period of time is a third time; the fourth time period is shorter than the sum of the third time period and the first time period; A gaming machine characterized by the above.

4. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, In the first game, when a period longer than the second period has elapsed since the start of the second period, the reels start to rotate even if the operation means is not operated after the start of the first notification, In the second game, when a period longer than the second period has elapsed since the start of the second period, the reels start to rotate even if the operating means is not operated after the start of the second notification. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

5. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, the operation means includes a bet button, the first notification and the second notification include a notification that the state of the bet button changes from a first state to a second state; A gaming machine characterized by the above.

6. The gaming machine according to claim 3, the effect means is capable of executing a second effect, The second effect is an effect in which a notification indicating a result is executed within a fifth time period from when the start lever is operated to start a game, the fifth time period is shorter than the sum of the third time period and the second time period, The presentation means includes a display means, The first effect started in the first game includes a series of animation displays, and after the animation displays are completed, at least the first notification is displayed on the display means; The second effect started in the second game includes a series of animation displays, and is configured so that at least the second notification is displayed on the display means after the animation displays have ended. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

Images