Game board

Abstract

To provide a game board in which output to an earphone is made optimized.SOLUTION: In a game board having a first board, the game board has first sound output means capable of outputting an output sound, the game board is configured so as to be capable of connecting second sound output means capable of outputting an output sound, the first board includes a circuit for processing an output signal to the second sound output means, and the first board includes a first circuit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to gaming machines such as slot machines and pinball gaming machines. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, some gaming machines output various sounds when effects are being performed (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-49146 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The gaming machine in Patent Document 1 uses a speaker to output sound, but does not disclose output through earphones, and there is room for improvement in this regard.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a gaming machine in which output to earphones is optimized. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention has: A gaming machine having a first base plate, The gaming machine has a first sound output means capable of outputting an output sound, The gaming machine is configured to be connectable to a second sound output means capable of outputting an output sound, the first substrate is a substrate including a circuit for processing an output signal to the second sound output means, the first substrate is a substrate including a first circuit; It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which output to earphones is optimized. [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. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a winning line. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a board configuration of a slot machine 100. [Figure 5] This is a circuit block diagram of a peripheral board 4191, an earphone amplifier board 4192, and an earphone jack board 4193. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the circuit of the earphone amplifier board 4192 shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 5. (a) is a table showing explanations of terms used in the drawings, and (b) is a table showing explanations of terminal numbers shown in FIG. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the connection configurations and pin arrangements of the peripheral board 4191, earphone amplifier board 4192, and earphone jack board 4193. [Figure 9] (a) is a table showing the absolute maximum ratings of the earphone amplifier board 4192, (b) is a table showing the recommended operating conditions, and (c) is a table showing the electrical characteristics. [Figure 10] (a) is a diagram showing an example of the circuit of a power supply noise filter 4192a, (b) is a diagram showing an example of the circuit of a DC 5V power supply circuit 4192b, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of the circuit of a reference power supply generating circuit 4192c. [Figure 11] 4(a) is a diagram showing an example of the circuit of the audio input level adjustment circuit 4192d, and FIG. 4(b) is a diagram showing an example of the circuit of the differential amplifier circuit 4192e. [Figure 12] 10(a) is a diagram showing an example of a circuit of a current amplifier circuit 4192f, and FIG. 10(b) is a diagram showing an example of a reset control circuit. [Figure 13] 10 is a timing chart showing changes at the time of start-up and power interruption of the current amplifier circuit 4192f. [Figure 14] 10A is a diagram showing an example of the circuit of the audio output circuit 4192g, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of the circuit of the detection signal noise filter 4192h. [Figure 15] (a) is a diagram showing an example of the circuit of the earphone jack 4193a, (b) is a diagram showing the state when the earphone plug is not inserted, and (c) is a diagram showing the state when the earphone plug is inserted. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the location of an earphone jack. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the location of an earphone jack on a pachinko machine. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the circuit board configuration of a pachinko machine. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine 10 as seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the top lamp unit 11 as seen obliquely from above. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a lamp unit. [Figure 22] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating the structure of a modified example of the lamp unit. [Figure 23] This is a diagram showing the entire first movable performance element 161 and second movable performance element 162 shown in Figure 19. [Figure 24] 23. (A) is a diagram of the first sheet member 1610 shown in FIG. 23 seen from below, and (B) is a diagram of the second sheet member 1620 shown in FIG. 23 seen from below. [Figure 25] This is a diagram showing an example of a combination of performance actions of the first movable performance body 161 on the left and the second movable performance body 162 on the right. [Figure 26] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rear side of the performance device 16. [Figure 27] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between sensor units SU1 and SU2 and light-shielding pieces C1 and C2. FIG. [Figure 28]FIG. 2 is a right side view of the performance device 16. [Figure 29] FIG. 27 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the sensor unit SU1 in FIG. 26 (the area circled by a dotted line). [Figure 30] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a sensor unit SU1 and a rib RB. [Figure 31] This is an external perspective view of a pachinko machine as seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 32] This is an external view of the pachinko machine seen from the rear side. [Figure 33] FIG. 2 is a simplified front view of the game board. [Figure 34] 1 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit. [Figure 35] 1 shows a block diagram of a gaming machine. [Figure 36] (a) An example of the stop pattern of a special design. (b) An example of the stop pattern of a decorative design. (c) An example of the stop display pattern of a regular design. [Figure 37] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing by a main control unit. [Figure 38] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a main control unit timer interrupt process. [Figure 39] (a) A flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU of the first sub-control unit, (b) A flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit, and (c) A flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit. [Figure 40] (a) A flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU of the second sub-control unit, (b) A flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit, and (c) A flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit. [Figure 41] (a) A flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU of the liquid crystal control unit. (b) A flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the liquid crystal control unit. (c) A flowchart of the liquid crystal control unit timer interrupt processing. (d) A flowchart of the VDP image control processing. [Figure 42]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the position of a lighting unit equipped with a lighting board. [Figure 43] 43 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 42 taken along line aa. [Figure 44] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a wiring example. [Figure 45] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a wiring structure. [Figure 46] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a wiring structure. [Figure 47] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a wiring structure. [Figure 48] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a wiring structure. [Figure 49] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a wiring structure. [Figure 50] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a wiring structure. [Figure 51] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a wiring structure. [Figure 52] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a wiring structure. [Figure 53] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a wiring structure. [Figure 54] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a wiring structure. [Figure 55] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a liquid crystal control board. [Figure 56] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a liquid crystal control board. [Figure 57] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a confirmation prompt structure. [Figure 58] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a confirmation prompt structure. [Figure 59] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a confirmation prompt structure. [Figure 60] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a confirmation prompt structure. [Figure 61] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a confirmation prompt structure. [Figure 62] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a confirmation prompt structure. [Figure 63] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a confirmation prompt structure. [Figure 64] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a confirmation prompt structure. [Figure 65] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a confirmation prompt structure. [Figure 66] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a confirmation prompt structure. [Figure 67] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a confirmation prompt structure. [Figure 68] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 69] FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine of the embodiment with the front door open. [Figure 70] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control unit of the slot machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 71] (a) is a diagram showing the arrangement of the symbols on each reel in a flat layout, and (b) is a diagram showing the types of winning roles (including activated roles), the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning role, and the activation or payout of each winning role. [Figure 72] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing by a main control unit. [Figure 73] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a main control unit timer interrupt process. [Figure 74] (a) is a flowchart of the main processing of the first sub-control unit, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit, and (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit. [Figure 75] (a) is a flowchart of the main processing of the second sub-control unit, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit, (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit, and (d) is a flowchart of the image control processing of the second sub-control unit. [Figure 76] 1A is a plan view of the circuit board, FIG. 1B is a bottom view of the circuit board, and FIG. 1C is a side view of the circuit board. [Figure 77] (A) and (B) are side views of the circuit board. [Figure 78] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the function of the circuit board. [Figure 79] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of use of a circuit board. [Figure 80] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of use of a circuit board. [Figure 81] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating examples of soldering on a circuit board. [Figure 82] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of use of a modified circuit board. [Figure 83]FIG. 1A is a plan view of another circuit board, FIG. 1B is a bottom view of another circuit board, and FIG. 1C is a side view of another circuit board. [Figure 84] FIG. 10 is a side view of another circuit board. [Figure 85] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of use of another circuit board. [Figure 86] FIG. 10A is a plan view of yet another circuit board, FIG. 10B is a bottom view of yet another circuit board, and FIG. 10C is a side view of yet another circuit board. [Figure 87] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of use of yet another circuit board. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0010] The slot machine of this embodiment, which will be described below, is a gaming machine in which a predetermined number of gaming media are inserted, and multiple reels, each bearing multiple types of symbols, begin to rotate upon receiving a predetermined rotation start instruction operation, and based on the reception of the rotation start instruction operation, a lottery is held to determine whether multiple types of internal winning combinations have been won, and each of the multiple reels stops spinning individually upon receiving a predetermined rotation stop instruction operation.If the conditions determined by the combination of symbols when the multiple reels stop based on the results of the lottery meet predetermined payout conditions, gaming media are paid out and the game ends, but if they do not meet, the game ends without paying out any gaming media.

[0011] First, the basic configuration of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side). Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a pay line.

[0012] The slot machine 100 shown in Fig. 1 corresponds to an example of a gaming machine of the present invention, and includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 attached to the front side 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, and 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.

[0013] In this embodiment, each symbol is printed at equal intervals on a strip-shaped member in appropriate numbers, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame to form each of the reels 110 to 112. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are displayed in approximately three rows vertically through the display window 113, for a total of nine symbols. Explaining this specifically with reference to FIG. 2, the symbol displayed on the top row of the left reel 110 (position 1 in the figure) is the left reel top row symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle row of the left reel 110 (position 2 in the figure) is the left reel middle row symbol, the symbol displayed on the bottom row of the left reel 110 (position 3 in the figure) is the left reel bottom row symbol, the symbol displayed on the top row of the center reel 111 (position 4 in the figure) is the middle reel top row symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle row of the left reel 111 (position 5 in the figure) is the middle reel middle row symbol, and the symbol displayed on the bottom row of the center reel 111 is the left reel bottom row symbol. The symbols displayed on the right reel 112 (position 6 in the figure) are called the middle reel lower symbol, the symbols displayed on the top of the right reel 112 (position 7 in the figure) are called the right reel upper symbol, the symbols displayed on the middle of the right reel 112 (position 8 in the figure) are called the right reel middle symbol, and the symbols displayed on the bottom of the right reel 112 (position 9 in the figure) are called the right reel lower symbol. Each of the symbols on each of the reels 110 to 112 is displayed vertically in three rows on each reel 110 to 112 through a display window 113, for a total of nine. By spinning each of the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols visible to the player changes. In other words, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that variably displays a variety of symbol combinations. In addition to reels, electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal displays can also be used as such display devices. In addition, in this embodiment, three reels are provided inside the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and the installation positions of the reels are not limited to this.

[0014] 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 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 provided on the reel passes between the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section of the optical sensor. The rotational position of the symbols on the reels is determined based on the detection results of the optical sensor, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the desired symbol appears on the pay line.

[0015] The payline indicator lamp 120 indicates an active payline. A payline is a line that determines whether a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination is displayed. In this embodiment, only one payline, the middle payline L1, is provided, which is composed of the symbols in the middle row of the left reel, the symbols in the middle row of the middle reel, and the symbols in the middle row of the right reel. FIG. 2 shows this payline L1. The active paylines (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "active lines") are predetermined based on the number of medals bet as gaming media. The slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 requires three medals. If fewer than three medals are inserted, no payline is active. When three medals are bet, the payline L1 is active. Once the payline is active, the start lever 135 can be operated to start the game. Note that the number of paylines is not limited to one. For example, in addition to the middle winning line L1, three lines may be set as valid winning lines: a downward-sloping winning line consisting of the upper symbol on the left reel, the middle symbol on the middle reel, and the lower symbol on the right reel; and a right-sloping winning line consisting of the lower symbol on the left reel, the middle symbol on the middle reel, and the upper symbol on the right reel. Alternatively, a number of winning lines corresponding to the number of bets may be set as valid winning lines.

[0016] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that notifies the player that, for example, a specific winning combination has been internally won in an internal lottery described below, or that a specific game state has been achieved. The medal insertion possible lamp 124 is a lamp that notifies the player that the player can insert a medal. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (no medal insertion is required) if the player has won a replay combination, which is one of the winning combinations, in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for presentation purposes.

[0017] 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, one medal is inserted each time the bet button 130 is pressed, two medals are inserted when the bet button 131 is pressed, and three medals are inserted when the bet button 132 is pressed. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 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 the game can be started.

[0018] 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 buttons 130 to 132, or actual medals can be inserted (insertion operation) into the medal insertion slot 141, and the term "insertion" includes both.

[0019] The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various internal information numerically. 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. In the following, the expression "awarded to the player" may be used to mean the same thing as "paid out to the player." In this embodiment, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are configured as 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139, each consisting of a left stop button 137, a center stop button 138, and a right stop button 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. More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the left stop button 137, the center reel 111 can be stopped by operating the center stop button 138, and the right reel 112 can be stopped by operating the right stop button 139. Hereinafter, operations of 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. The reels stopped in response to these stop operations will be 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 sequence or push sequence. Furthermore, the operation sequence in which the first stop operation is an operation to stop the left reel 110 is referred to as the "forward push operation sequence" or simply "forward push," and the stop operation in which the first stop operation is an operation to stop the right reel 112 is referred to as the "reverse push operation sequence" or simply "reverse push." ​​Incidentally, 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The sound hole 145 is a hole for outputting to the outside the sound of a speaker 277 (see FIG. 3) provided at the bottom inside the slot machine 100. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for livening up the game. The performance device 160 is disposed above the front door 102, and the performance device 160 has a sound hole 143 provided above it for outputting to the outside the sound of a speaker 272 (see FIG. 3) provided at the top inside the slot machine 100. This effect device 160 includes 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 an effect image display device 157 (liquid crystal display device) disposed behind the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the effect image display device 157, the display screen of the effect image display device 157 appears in front of the slot machine 100 (on the player's side, front side). Note that the display device does not have to be a liquid crystal display device; any display device capable of displaying various effect images and various game information may be used. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen may be used. The display screen is rectangular and configured so that the entire screen can be viewed by the player. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. In addition, decorations (not shown) may be provided around the periphery of the display screen, so that part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decorations, making the display screen appear irregularly shaped. In this embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface. This effect image display device 157 corresponds to an example of a display means or a notification means.

[0025] <Circuit configuration of control unit> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 3. Note that Figure 3 shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

[0026] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly divided into a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main effects in response to 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. Regarding the main control unit 300, a large data capacity makes it difficult to verify the program and can also become a breeding ground for illegal modifications, which can lead to security issues. Therefore, there is a limit on the data capacity of the ROM 306 and RAM 308 of the main control unit 300. The main control unit 300 corresponds to an example of a role-drawing means and a bonus-granting means.

[0027] <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 that stores control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery for winning combinations, reel symbol arrangements and stop positions, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling 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 315b as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines 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 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.

[0028] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a random number generating circuit 316 which is used as a hardware random number counter that varies the numerical value within the range of 0 to 65535 based on the clock signal input from the crystal oscillator 315a, and a start-up signal output circuit 338 which outputs a start-up signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When a start-up signal is input from this start-up signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts the main processing of the main control unit described below).

[0029] 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 the medal insertion slot 141, start lever 135 sensor, left stop button 137 sensor, middle stop button 138 sensor, right stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, optical sensor for left reel 110, optical sensor for middle reel 111, optical sensor for right reel 112, etc.) at each interrupt time.

[0030] 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.

[0031] Two medal acceptance sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion slot 141 and detect whether medals have passed through. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 and detect the start operation by the player. A left stop button 137 sensor, a middle stop button 138 sensor, and a right stop button 139 sensor are installed on the corresponding stop buttons 137 to 139, respectively, and detect the operation of the stop buttons by the player.

[0032] The bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, and bet button 132 sensor are provided on the corresponding bet buttons 130 to 132, respectively, 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 value stored in RAM 308 is cleared and the same number of medals is dispensed). 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.

[0033] The optical sensors of the left reel 110, center reel 111, and right reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of each reel 110-112, and turn low each time a light-shielding piece attached to the reel frame passes over them. Rotational position information, which indicates how far the reel has rotated from the reference position between the time it first turns low and the time it next turns low, is calculated based on the count value of the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b. When the CPU 304 detects the low signal, it determines that the reel has rotated once and resets the reel rotational position information to zero. This rotational position information is stored in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300.

[0034] 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 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).

[0035] In addition, an information output circuit 334 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 outputs game information (e.g., information indicating the 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.

[0036] 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).

[0037] 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.

[0038] <Sub-controller> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 receives control commands sent by the main control unit 300 via an input interface. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that 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 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, as well as data for controlling the backlight illumination pattern and various displays.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 amplifier and the sound output from 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 sound data acquired from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from speakers 272, 277.

[0041] The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with an earphone circuit 419 for outputting audio to an externally inserted earphone 280. The earphone circuit 419 controls the audio to be output (such as controlling the amplifier) ​​in response to commands from the CPU 404.

[0042] 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, title panel lamps, bet button lamps, reel backlights, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface.

[0043] The first sub-control unit 400 also has a drive circuit 424 that drives the motor of the shutter 163, and the drive circuit 424 is connected to the shutter 163 via an output interface. This drive circuit 424 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 404.

[0044] The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a sensor circuit 426, and a shutter sensor 428 is connected to the sensor circuit 426 via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 428 at each interrupt time.

[0045] 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 performance image 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).

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 a signal 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.

[0049] Various circuit boards are arranged inside a gaming machine, but due to limited space, multiple circuit boards and each operation unit are connected by appropriate harnesses. Figure 4 shows an example of the connections of circuit boards inside a gaming machine. For example, the main control board 300B equipped with the main control unit 300 is connected to the relay board RB1 by a harness HB1. This relay board RB1 is further connected to the lever unit 135U (equipped with the start lever 135), the stop button unit 136U (equipped with stop buttons 137-139), the bet button unit 132U (equipped with bet buttons 130, 132, and the settlement button 134) by harnesses HA1-HA5. In addition, the sub-control board 400B equipped with the first sub-control unit 400 is also connected to the menu button unit, chance button unit, and various performance devices (LCD control board, movable body unit, lighting board, speaker, earphone amplifier board, etc.) via harnesses and relay boards. Using such harnesses allows for efficient arrangement of circuit boards and components in a limited space.

[0050] <About the earphone amplifier board and earphone jack board> The earphone amplifier board 4192 shown in Fig. 4 generates power for earphone output, generates a reference power supply for operational amplifier output, adjusts the output level of the audio signal according to the earphone volume, sends an earphone insertion / removal detection signal to peripheral boards, and outputs and stops the audio signal in response to a reset signal. The earphone jack board 4193 detects whether the earphone is connected and inserted or removed. The configurations of these boards will be explained below using Figs. 5 to 15.

[0051] [About the connections on the board] FIG. 5 is a circuit block diagram of the peripheral board 4191, earphone amplifier board 4192, and earphone jack board 4193. Note that this peripheral board 4191 is a simplified view of the circuits associated with the earphone amplifier board 4192 among the sub-control board 400B and relay board 4190 in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the circuit of the earphone amplifier board 4192 shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7(a) is a table explaining the terms used in the drawings, and FIG. 7(b) is a table explaining the terminal numbers shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the connection configurations and pin arrangements of the peripheral board 4191, earphone amplifier board 4192, and earphone jack board 4193.

[0052] The peripheral board 4191 and the earphone amplifier board 4192 are connected at the circled numbers 1 to 8 in FIG.

[0053] At the connection point circled with the number 1 in FIG. 5, a power supply voltage (VDD) is supplied from the peripheral board 4191 to the earphone amplifier board 4192.

[0054] At the connection points indicated by circled numbers 2 to 5 in FIG. 5, left and right ± audio signals (Lin+, Lin-, Rin+, Rin-) are output from the peripheral board 4191 to the earphone amplifier board 4192. In this embodiment, the output audio waveform is divided into upper and lower halves, with the upper waveform being output as the + audio signal and the lower waveform being inverted up and down and output as the - audio signal. These + audio signal and - audio signal are output on the left and right, respectively. The digital amplifier on the peripheral board 4191 may output audio signals to the earphone amplifier board and the speaker amplifier board. Alternatively, the digital amplifier on the peripheral board 4191 may output audio signals only to the earphone amplifier board, in which case a separate digital amplifier for the speaker may be mounted. The digital amplifier for the earphone and the digital amplifier for the speaker may be mounted on a single board, or on separate boards.

[0055] At the connection point indicated by the circled number 6 in FIG. 5, a reset signal (RESET) is output from the peripheral board 4191 to the earphone amplifier board 4192.

[0056] At the connection point indicated by the circled number 7 in FIG. 5, an earphone jack insertion detection signal (JACK DET OUT) is output from the earphone amplifier board 4192 to the peripheral board 4191.

[0057] 5, the ground (DGND) of the peripheral board 4191 is connected to the earphone amplifier board 4192. To distinguish it from the ground of the earphone amplifier board 4192, the ground of the peripheral board 4191 is called the digital ground, and the ground of the earphone amplifier board 4192 is called the analog ground.

[0058] 8 shows that pin numbers 1 to 8 of the harness connecting the peripheral board 4191 and the earphone amplifier board 4192 correspond to the connection parts of the circled numbers 1 to 8 in FIG.

[0059] The earphone amplifier board 4192 and the earphone jack board 4193 are connected at the circled numbers 9 to 12 in FIG. 5 (the earphone jack board 4193 side is connected at the circled Greek numbers 1 to 4).

[0060] At the connection points of circled numbers 9 and 10 in FIG. 5, left and right earphone audio signals (LOUT, ROUT) are output from earphone amplifier board 4192 to earphone jack board 4193.

[0061] At the connection point indicated by the circled number 11 in FIG. 5, an earphone jack insertion detection signal (JACK DET IN) from the earphone jack board 4193 is input to the earphone amplifier board 4192.

[0062] At the connection point indicated by the circled number 12 in FIG. 5, the analog ground (AGND) of the earphone amplifier board 4192 is connected to the earphone jack board 4193.

[0063] 8 shows that in the harness connecting the earphone amplifier board 4192 and the earphone jack board 4193, pin numbers 1 to 4 of this harness correspond to the connection parts of the circled numbers 9 to 12 in FIG.

[0064] The earphone jack board 4193 and the housing chassis (FG) are connected at the point indicated by the circled Greek number 5 in Fig. 5. Fig. 8 shows that in the harness connecting the earphone jack board 4193 and the housing chassis, pin number 1 of this harness corresponds to the connection point indicated by the circled Greek number 5 in Fig. 5.

[0065] The absolute maximum ratings and recommended operating conditions of the earphone amplifier board 4192 are as shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b). The electrical characteristics of the earphone amplifier board 4192 are as shown in Figure 9(c).

[0066] [Circuit configuration of earphone amplifier board] 5 and 6, a power supply noise filter 4192a, a DC 5V power supply circuit 4192b, and a reference power supply generating circuit 4192c are provided as circuits around the power supply of the earphone amplifier board 4192. Also, an audio input level adjusting circuit 4192d, a differential amplifier circuit 4192e, a current amplifier circuit 4192f, and an audio output circuit 4192g are provided as circuits that process audio signals from the peripheral board 4191. In addition, a noise filter 4192h for earphone jack detection signals input from the earphone jack board 4193, which will be described later, is provided.

[0067] There is a large difference in level between the output of the digital amplifier provided on the peripheral board 4191 and the input of the earphones (the former is 12V or 24V, the latter is 5V or 3.3V). If the output level of the digital amplifier is lowered to match the earphones, distortion of the output waveform may occur, resulting in poor sound quality. For this reason, this embodiment does not lower the output of the digital amplifier on the peripheral board 4191, but instead uses a configuration in which the earphone amplifier board 4192 adjusts the level to match the earphone input level. Specifically, the level is adjusted (attenuated to about 4 / 11) by combining an audio input level adjustment circuit 4192d (attenuates to 1 / 11), a differential amplifier circuit 4192e (amplifies by 2x), and a current amplifier circuit 4192f (amplifies by 2x). Of course, these levels may be increased or decreased as needed. An example of these circuits will be described in detail below, using appropriate drawings.

[0068] [Power supply noise filters] 10(a) is a diagram showing an example of the circuit of the power supply noise filter 4192a. This circuit is connected to the power supply voltage VDD, digital ground DGND, and analog ground AGND of the peripheral board 4191. In addition, the internal power supply voltage VDD of the earphone amplifier board 4192 is connected.

[0069] In the power supply noise filter 4192a, the power supply voltage VDD supplied from the peripheral board 4191 to the earphone amplifier board 4192 is noise-removed and smoothed by capacitors C1 and C2, and is used as the internal power supply voltage VDD of the earphone amplifier board 4192. In addition, a resistor R1 is provided to limit the inrush current to this capacitor.

[0070] Furthermore, in this power supply noise filter 4192a, a diode D1 (hereinafter referred to as the first diode D1) with its cathode connected to digital ground DGND and a diode D2 (hereinafter referred to as the second diode D2) with its cathode connected to analog ground AGND are provided in parallel between digital ground DGND and analog ground AGND. If these diodes D1 and D2 were not present and digital ground DGND and analog ground AGND were directly connected, noise from the peripheral board 4191 (noise generated by LEDs, motor control, LCD, etc.) would sneak into the analog ground AGND side and be output from the earphones as noise. This noise would be difficult to notice when other sounds are being output, but if there is no sound, it would be output as white noise in the earphones and be easily noticeable, causing discomfort to the player.

[0071] The power supply noise filter 4192a is provided with the two diodes D1 and D2 to solve the above problem. On the earphone amplifier board 4192, even when there is no sound, the potential of the analog ground AGND is slightly higher (about 0.6 V) than the potential of the digital ground DGND. On the other hand, most voltages due to noise are lower than this potential difference (about 0.2 V). Therefore, when there is no sound, even if noise occurs on the peripheral board 4191 side, the potential on the cathode side of the second diode D2 remains higher than the potential on the anode side, and this noise does not pass through the second diode D2 and does not sneak into the analog ground AGND side. And of course, noise from the digital ground DGND side does not pass through the first diode D1.

[0072] As explained above, by arranging the first diode D1 and the second diode D2 in parallel between the digital ground DGND and the analog ground AGND, it is possible to prevent noise from the peripheral board 4191 side from leaking into the analog ground AGND side, making it less likely that noise will occur in silent states.

[0073] Furthermore, because the audio output from the earphone swings between positive and negative with respect to digital ground DGND, a current supply path between digital ground DGND and analog ground AGND is required to supply current; however, the configuration of the first diode D1 and second diode D2 described above ensures this current supply path.

[0074] [DC5V power supply circuit] 10(b) is a diagram showing an example of the circuit of the DC 5V power supply circuit 4192b. In the DC 5V power supply circuit 4192b, a linear regulator is driven by the power supply voltage VDD (for internal use in the earphone amplifier board 4192), generating the DC 5V voltage used in the earphone amplifier board 4192. Note that capacitors C14 and C15 on the input side (power supply voltage VDD side) of the linear regulator are provided to remove noise and smooth the power supply voltage VDD, and capacitors C16 and C17 on the output side (DC 5V voltage side) of the linear regulator are provided to remove noise and smooth the DC 5V voltage. Also, diode D3, which is provided in parallel with the linear regulator, is provided to protect the linear regulator from reverse voltage that occurs when power is interrupted.

[0075] [Reference power generation circuit] 10(c) is a diagram showing an example of the reference power supply generation circuit 4192c. The reference power supply generation circuit 4192c generates a reference voltage (2.5V in this embodiment) for the audio input / output signals in the differential amplifier circuit 4192e, which will be described later. Specifically, an intermediate voltage of DC 5V (2.5V in this embodiment) generated by voltage-dividing resistors R20 and R21 is output as the reference voltage for the audio input / output signals via a voltage follower using operational amplifier IC4. This configuration generates a reference voltage that follows ground fluctuations relative to the power supply voltage, making it possible to suppress the effects of ground fluctuations.

[0076] Capacitor C22 on the input side (DC 5V voltage side) of the voltage follower is provided to prevent operational amplifier IC4 from oscillating due to parasitic capacitance caused by the pattern wiring (parasitic capacitance suppression) and to eliminate noise. Capacitor C26 on the output side of the voltage follower is provided to eliminate noise and smooth the reference voltage of the audio input / output signals. Capacitor C26 also suppresses parasitic capacitance on the output side of operational amplifier IC4. Resistor R22 is also provided to limit the inrush current to capacitor C26.

[0077] [Audio input level adjustment circuit] Fig. 11(a) is a diagram showing an example of the circuit of the audio input level adjustment circuit 4192d. In Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, voltage divider circuits for the left and right ± audio signals are shown as the audio input level adjustment circuit 4192d, but these voltage divider circuits all have a common configuration, and Fig. 11(a) will explain this voltage divider circuit.

[0078] In the audio input level adjustment circuit 4192d, the level of the audio signal from the peripheral board 4191 is adjusted using voltage dividing resistors R2 and R6 in order to process the output of the digital amplifier of the peripheral board 4191 to match the output level of the earphones. In this embodiment, the level of the audio signal from the peripheral board 4191 is lowered (adjusted to 1 / 11 in this example, from a maximum of approximately 12 V to approximately 1.09 V) in consideration of the maximum output of the digital amplifier of the peripheral board 4191 (maximum of approximately 12 V in this example) and the amplification by subsequent circuits (differential amplifier circuit 4192e, current amplifier circuit 4192f). This makes it possible to protect the circuit when the level of the audio signal is excessively high.

[0079] [Differential amplifier circuit] Fig. 11(b) is a diagram showing an example of the circuit of the differential amplifier circuit 4192e. Although Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show circuits that integrate (convert to a single output) the audio signals adjusted by the audio input level adjustment circuit 4192d on the left and right, these circuits have a common configuration for the left and right, and Fig. 11(b) will explain this circuit.

[0080] 11(b), the left edge of the drawing shows that a negative audio signal (L / Rin-) and a positive audio signal (L / Rin+) are input from the audio input level adjustment circuit 4192d. The DC components of these input positive and negative audio signals are cut by electrolytic capacitors C3 and C4, respectively. These electrolytic capacitors C3 and C4 are responsible for the AC coupling process shown in FIG. 5.

[0081] After AC coupling processing, the difference between the + audio signal and the - audio signal is amplified and output by the differential amplifier IC1. As explained above, the + audio signal corresponds to the upper waveform of the original audio waveform, and the - audio signal corresponds to the waveform obtained by inverting the lower waveform of the original audio waveform up and down. Therefore, the original audio waveform is obtained by taking the difference between the + audio signal and the - audio signal. In this embodiment, the amplification factor of the differential amplifier IC1 is 1x, but the amplitude of the output audio signal is approximately twice as large as the amplitude of the ± audio signals whose levels have been adjusted by the audio input level adjustment circuit 4192d.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reference voltage of the audio input / output signal generated by the reference power supply generation circuit 4192c is applied as a bias voltage to the + input side of the differential amplifier IC1, so the audio signal output from the differential amplifier IC1 is a signal centered around the bias voltage. Note that because the differential amplifier IC1 operates between 5V and ground (0V), if there is no bias voltage, it cannot output a - audio signal and will output only a half-wave signal of the + audio signal. Therefore, the reference voltage is raised from 0V by the bias voltage, so that the waveform of the - audio signal is made above 0V, enabling the full waveform to be output.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an inverting amplifier circuit is configured using the differential amplifier IC1, and so the original audio waveform can be obtained from the differential amplifier IC1 by inverting the input audio signal (inputting a negative audio signal to the positive input side and a positive audio signal to the negative input side). Note that the configuration for integrating the positive and negative audio signals is not limited to this circuit configuration; for example, a non-inverting amplifier circuit may be used, or a separate inverting circuit may be combined.

[0084] In this embodiment, the digital amplifier on the peripheral board 4191 outputs ± audio signals obtained by dividing the original audio waveform into upper and lower halves, but the present invention can also be applied to digital amplifiers that output other audio signals. For example, the present invention can be applied to a case where the original audio waveform is a + audio signal and the inverted audio waveform is a - audio signal. Furthermore, in this modified example, the present invention can be applied to a configuration where only one of the ± audio signals is used (the other is output at 0 V). However, depending on the level of the audio signal used, it may be necessary to change the degree of level adjustment in the audio input level adjustment circuit 4192d.

[0085] Additionally, a small-capacity capacitor C7 (220 pF in this example) is provided to prevent the amplifier circuit from oscillating due to high-frequency noise.

[0086] Here, we will explain the polarity of electrolytic capacitors C3 and C4, which are responsible for AC coupling processing. On the side of the electrolytic capacitor that is the boundary for the differential amplifier IC1, the reference voltage (2.5 V in this embodiment) for the audio input / output signal generated by the reference power supply generating circuit 4192c is applied as a bias voltage. On the other hand, on the side of the electrolytic capacitors C3 and C4 where the audio signal is input (the left side in the figure), audio signals with levels exceeding this reference voltage are not input (a maximum of approximately 1.09 V in this example). For this reason, the polarity of electrolytic capacitors C3 and C4 is set to + on the differential amplifier side, not on the side where the audio signal is input.

[0087] These electrolytic capacitors C3 and C4 also serve to prevent the backflow of DC components from the differential amplifier IC1 side. If a DC component were to flow back from the differential amplifier IC1 side, the digital amplifier of the peripheral device 4191 would detect the DC component and activate (stop functioning). However, in this embodiment, electrolytic capacitors C3 and C4 prevent the DC component from flowing back from the differential amplifier IC1 side, so it is possible to prevent the digital amplifier of the peripheral device 4191 from malfunctioning and stopping.

[0088] [Current amplifier circuit and reset control circuit] Fig. 12(a) is a diagram showing an example of the circuit of the current amplifier circuit 4192f. Although Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show circuits corresponding to the left and right audio signals output from the differential amplifier circuit 4192e, these circuits have a common configuration for the left and right, and Fig. 12(a) will explain this circuit.

[0089] 12(a), the left edge of the drawing shows that the audio signal (in) integrated by the differential amplifier circuit 4192e is input. The DC component of this audio signal is cut by the capacitor C12. Note that this capacitor C12 is responsible for the AC coupling process shown in FIG. 5.

[0090] The audio signal that has undergone AC coupling processing is amplified and output by operational amplifier IC3. In this embodiment, operational amplifier IC3 performs 2x amplification using non-inverting amplification. This operational amplifier IC3 also has a built-in function for generating a bias voltage (2.1V in this example), and the audio signal output from operational amplifier IC3 is a signal centered around the bias voltage.

[0091] The operational amplifier IC3 has a built-in mute function, and the output can be turned off (muted) by inputting a signal (Lo) to the MUTE terminal. In this embodiment, the reset signal (Lo is reset on (mute), Hi is reset off, see Figure 9(c)) output from the CPU on the peripheral board 4191 is input to this MUTE terminal via a reset control circuit. This reset control circuit will be described below.

[0092] 12(b) is a diagram showing an example of a reset control circuit. This circuit receives a reset signal (RESET) output from the CPU on the peripheral board 4191 and outputs it to the MUTE terminal. In this circuit, resistor R18 and capacitor C18 form a noise filter.

[0093] Here, we will explain how to suppress the output of pop noise during startup and power outages. During startup, the power supply voltage fluctuates. Then, on the earphone amplifier board 4192, the DC 5V power supply circuit 4192b generates a DC 5V voltage for use in each circuit, but this voltage fluctuates even before it reaches 5V. The output of the operational amplifier changes in response to these voltage fluctuations. The graph in Figure 13 shows that the power supply voltage VDD fluctuates at the beginning of the startup time and reaches the specified value. It also shows that the output voltages (LOUT, ROUT) of the operational amplifier IC3 rise to their specified values ​​later than the power supply voltage.

[0094] When such voltage fluctuations occur, pop noise occurs in the earphones, causing discomfort to the player. For this reason, at startup, a reset-on signal (Lo input to the MUTE terminal) is output from the peripheral board 4191 to the earphone amplifier board 4192, turning off the audio output and preventing pop noise from being output.

[0095] The capacitance of electrolytic capacitor C19, which is connected between the BIAS terminal of operational amplifier IC3 and analog ground, affects the startup time of operational amplifier IC3. In this embodiment, the capacitance is set so that voltage fluctuations during startup are gradual (to suppress pop noise).

[0096] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, a configuration is adopted in which a reset-off signal is output after the rise time of the power supply voltage VDD and the operational amplifier IC3 has elapsed.

[0097] Furthermore, just as during startup, voltage fluctuations also occur during power outages, causing pop noise in the earphones. For this reason, during power outages, a reset-on signal (Lo input to the MUTE terminal) is output from the peripheral board 4191 to the earphone amplifier board 4192 before the power supply voltage or the output voltage of operational amplifier IC3 fluctuate, turning off the audio output and preventing pop noise. Figure 13 shows that the reset-on signal is output before the power supply voltage VDD and operational amplifier IC3 fall. Note that the period marked by symbol B in Figure 13 is longer than the period marked by symbol C, and the fall time is longer than the rise time.

[0098] In this embodiment, an operational amplifier IC3 with a built-in mute function is used, but the configuration for preventing pop noise output is not limited to this example. For example, a linear regulator in the DC 5V power supply circuit 4192b may be configured to have a built-in output stop function, and the output of the linear regulator may be stopped using a reset signal from the peripheral board 4191 at startup and when power is interrupted. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a reset signal is output from the peripheral board 4191 at startup and when power is interrupted, but this reset signal may also be output from the earphone amplifier board 4192. For example, a configuration may be used in which, by focusing on voltage fluctuations on the power supply voltage line, the rise (or fall) of this voltage is detected and a reset signal is output.

[0099] Furthermore, a configuration for preventing pop noise from being output may include a detection means capable of detecting the rise and fall of a power supply voltage and a mute means capable of muting an audio signal, wherein the mute means releases muting after a first time has elapsed since the detection means detected a rise in voltage, and mutes after a second time has elapsed since the detection means detected a fall in voltage. Also, a reset signal output means capable of outputting a reset signal may be included, wherein the first time period may start when the reset signal transitions from a first state to a second state (e.g., when the reset signal transitions from an output state to a non-output state), and the second time period may start when the reset signal transitions from the second state to the first state (e.g., when the non-output state transitions to an output state). The mute means may be composed of circuit components other than an operational amplifier, and may be implemented by shorting the audio output to ground or opening the circuit using a transistor, FET, relay, or the like.

[0100] [Audio output circuit] Fig. 14(a) is a diagram showing an example of the circuit of the audio output circuit 4192g. Although Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show circuits corresponding to the left and right audio signals output from the current amplifier circuit 4192f, these circuits have a common configuration for the left and right, and Fig. 14(a) will explain this circuit.

[0101] In the audio output circuit 4192g in Figure 14(a), an audio signal amplified by the current amplifier circuit 4192f is input from the left end. The DC component of this audio signal is cut by capacitor C23. This capacitor C23 is responsible for the AC coupling process shown in Figure 5. The audio signal with the DC component cut is output to the earphone jack board 4193. In this circuit, resistor R23 is provided to prevent overcurrent from occurring and damaging the circuit if the output side is shorted to ground when an earphone plug is inserted. Resistor R26 is provided to prevent oscillation when an earphone plug is not inserted and to release any remaining charge when the earphone plug is removed, preventing noise from occurring due to the remaining charge when the earphone plug is later inserted. Capacitor C27 is provided to prevent pop noise caused by contact when the earphones are connected and to prevent chattering.

[0102] [Noise filter for detection signals] 14(b) is a diagram showing an example of the circuit of the detection signal noise filter 4192h. An earphone jack insertion detection signal is input to this circuit from the right end from the earphone jack board 4193 (JACK DET IN). Noise is removed from this detection signal by a filter formed by resistor R28 and capacitor C25, and the detection signal is output to the peripheral board 4191 (JACK DET OUT). When an earphone plug is not inserted, the terminal on the earphone jack board 4193 is in contact with ground, and a Lo detection signal is output to the peripheral board 4191. In contrast, when an earphone plug is inserted, the terminal on the earphone jack board 4193 is not in contact with ground, at which point a voltage is supplied by pull-up resistor R25, and a Hi detection signal is output to the peripheral board 4191.

[0103] [Earphone jack board circuit configuration] An earphone jack board 4193 shown in FIG. 5 is provided with an earphone jack 4193a and a surge absorber 4193b.

[0104] 15(a) is a diagram showing an example of the circuit of an earphone jack 4193a. The ground of this earphone jack 4193a is connected to the ground of the earphone jack board 4193 (connected to the analog ground AGND of the earphone amplifier board 4192). The left and right audio output terminals from the earphone amplifier board 4192 are configured to connect to the left and right input terminals of the earphone plug. There is also a terminal for outputting a detection signal for the earphone plug.

[0105] The left and right audio output terminals from the earphone amplifier board 4192 are each integrated with a ground terminal via an insulator (hatched downward to the right in the diagram), and are designed to operate when an earphone plug is inserted. This operation causes the earphone plug detection signal to change. This is explained below.

[0106] 15(b) shows the state before the earphone plug is inserted. In this state, the output terminal of the earphone plug's detection signal is in contact with the ground of the earphone jack board 4193. As a result, Lo is output as the detection signal from the detection signal noise filter 4192h of the earphone amplifier board 4192 to the peripheral board 4191.

[0107] Figure 15(c) shows the state when the earphone plug is inserted. In this state, the output terminal for the earphone plug detection signal is not in contact with the ground of the earphone jack board 4193. As a result, in the detection signal noise filter 4192h of the earphone amplifier board 4192, voltage is supplied by the pull-up resistor R25 connected to a 5V power supply, and a Hi detection signal is output to the peripheral board 4191. Note that the earphone plug and the signal line for the insertion detection signal are insulated.

[0108] Surge absorber 4193b of earphone jack board 4193 is a mechanism for removing external static electricity, and is installed between the ground (AGND) of earphone jack board 4193 and the ground (FG) of the housing. When earphones are connected, the earphones come into contact with the ground (AGND) of earphone jack board 4193, and external static electricity can be removed at this time.

[0109] <About the location of the earphone jack> FIG. 16 shows an example of the location of an earphone jack on a slot machine 100. It is preferable to locate the earphone jack in a location that does not interfere with gameplay on the slot machine 100. FIG. 16 shows the upper left (position P1) of the slot machine 100, the left side of the stop button and start lever (position P2), the lower left (position P3), and the bottom (position P4) of the slot machine 100. Placing the earphone jack in these locations ensures that it does not interfere with gameplay. Furthermore, position P1 allows the use of a short earphone cable, and leaving the earphones plugged in makes it easy to know when a player is away from their seat. Furthermore, in the case of a medalless system, actual medals are not dispensed to the lower tray, so position P4 does not interfere with payouts. Considering the labor required to replace the earphone jack if a malfunction occurs, it is preferable to locate the earphone jack in a location on the front door that is easy to maintain.

[0110] Alternatively, the earphone jack may be provided on the back of the gaming machine instead of on the front, and an extension cord may be used from the back of the gaming machine to enable earphones to be used on the front side.Also, instead of providing an earphone jack on the front side, an extension cord may be used from a circuit board inside the gaming machine (for example, a board to which left and right audio output signals are supplied, such as earphone jack board 4193) to enable earphones to be used on the front side.

[0111] <Applying earphones to pachinko machines> 1 to 16, a slot machine 100 has been described as an example of a gaming machine that can use earphones, but the type of gaming machine is not limited to a slot machine, and the present invention may also be applied to, for example, a pachinko machine. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a pachinko machine that is provided with an earphone jack.

[0112] It is preferable to install the earphone jack in a location that does not interfere with gameplay on the pachinko machine. Figure 17 shows the upper left of the pachinko machine 100a (position P5), the lower left of the game board (position P6), the lower left of the pachinko machine 100a (position P7), and the underside of the game board (position P8). Installing the earphone jack in these locations ensures that it does not interfere with gameplay. Furthermore, position P5 allows the use of a short earphone cable, and leaving the earphones plugged in makes it easy to know when the player is away from their seat. Considering the labor required to replace the earphone jack if it malfunctions, it is preferable to install it in a location on the front door that is easy to maintain.

[0113] Alternatively, the earphone jack may be provided on the back of the gaming machine instead of on the front, and an extension cord may be used from the back of the gaming machine to enable earphones to be used on the front side.Also, instead of providing an earphone jack on the front side, an extension cord may be used from a circuit board inside the gaming machine (for example, a board to which left and right audio output signals are supplied, such as earphone jack board 4193) to enable earphones to be used on the front side.

[0114] FIG. 18 shows an example of the circuit board configuration inside a pachinko machine. In this circuit board configuration, a sub-control board 401 controls audio output and is connected to an earphone amplifier board 4192 and an earphone jack board 4193 via a board frame sub-relay board 205, a frame sub-relay board 213, and a relay board 213d. In this circuit board configuration, the sub-control board 401, the board frame sub-relay board 205, the frame sub-relay board 213, and the relay board 213d correspond to the peripheral board 4191 in FIG. 5. In this way, the earphone amplifier board 4192 and the earphone jack board 4193 can be applied regardless of the type of gaming machine. Note that, to facilitate maintenance, it is preferable to install related boards (e.g., relay board 213d, earphone amplifier board 4192) close to the earphone jack. In the board configuration of Figure 18, upper frame relay board 213b and lower frame relay board 213c are provided to match the position of the front door, but relay board 213d may be incorporated into these boards when provided in a position close to the earphone jack.

[0115] <<Configuration of the invention and correspondence between embodiments>> Hereinafter, the configuration of the invention based on the above embodiment will be described with reference to the corresponding configuration.

[0116] In the above explanation, A gaming machine having a first board (for example, an earphone amplifier board 4192), The gaming machine has a first sound output means (e.g., speakers 272, 277) capable of outputting an output sound, The gaming machine is configured to be connectable to a second sound output means (e.g., earphones) capable of outputting an output sound, the first substrate is a substrate including a circuit for processing an output signal to the second sound output means, The first substrate is a substrate including a first circuit (e.g., a diode configuration with alternating polarity). The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0117] This gaming machine can provide an gaming machine in which output to earphones is optimized.

[0118] In addition, the gaming machine described above, the first circuit is a circuit including a predetermined diode configuration (e.g., an alternating polarity diode configuration); The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0119] This gaming machine can prevent ground noise from flowing into the first substrate and causing noise in the earphones.

[0120] Also, in the above explanation, A gaming machine having a first board (for example, an earphone amplifier board 4192), The gaming machine has a first sound output means (e.g., speakers 272, 277) capable of outputting an output sound, The gaming machine is configured to be connectable to a second sound output means (e.g., earphones) capable of outputting an output sound, the first substrate is a substrate including a circuit for processing an output signal to the second sound output means, The first substrate is a substrate including a first circuit (e.g., a reference power supply generating circuit 4192c). The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0121] This gaming machine can provide an gaming machine in which output to earphones is optimized.

[0122] In addition, the gaming machine described above, the first circuit is a circuit including a predetermined power supply circuit (for example, a voltage dividing resistor and a voltage follower), the predetermined power supply circuit is a circuit that generates a reference voltage (2.5V) related to the output of the output sound to the second sound output means; The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0123] This gaming machine can stabilize the voltage related to the earphone output and suppress noise.

[0124] Also, in the above explanation, A gaming machine having a first board (for example, an earphone amplifier board 4192), The gaming machine has a first sound output means (e.g., speakers 272, 277) capable of outputting an output sound, The gaming machine is configured to be connectable to a second sound output means (e.g., earphones) capable of outputting an output sound, the first substrate is a substrate including a circuit for processing an output signal to the second sound output means, The first substrate is a substrate including a first circuit (e.g., a differential amplifier circuit 4192e), The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0125] This gaming machine can provide an gaming machine in which output to earphones is optimized.

[0126] In addition, the gaming machine described above, the first circuit is a circuit including a predetermined differential amplifier circuit; The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0127] This gaming machine can combine two output signals to match the earphone output.

[0128] Also, in the above explanation, A gaming machine having a first board (for example, an earphone amplifier board 4192), The gaming machine has a first sound output means (e.g., speakers 272, 277) capable of outputting an output sound, The gaming machine is configured to be connectable to a second sound output means (e.g., earphones) capable of outputting an output sound, the first substrate is a substrate including a circuit for processing an output signal to the second sound output means, The first substrate is a substrate including a first circuit (e.g., a current amplifier circuit 4192f), The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0129] This gaming machine can provide an optimal output to earphones. In addition, the gaming machine described above, The first circuit is a circuit whose output is limited by a reset signal input at the time of power rise or fall. The gaming machine characterized by the above features has been described.

[0130] This gaming machine can prevent pop-up noise when the power is turned on or off.

[0131] <Other> In this embodiment, a slot machine 100 using medals (coins) as a gaming medium is shown as an example of a gaming machine, but this is not limited to this and the present invention can be applied to slot machines using gaming balls (e.g., pachinko balls) as a gaming medium, pachinko machines, arrange ball gaming machines, janball gaming machines, smart ball gaming machines, etc.

[0132] In addition, the slot machine may be a slot machine that does not use medals but only exchanges electronic data, such as one that operates on a mobile terminal (smartphone, game console) or a personal computer using a program that simulates operation based on the above configuration, in which case the gaming medium includes electronic data corresponding to medals, and inserting the gaming medium includes inputting the electronic data from a specified external device (electronic storage device), and paying out the gaming medium includes outputting the electronic data to the specified external device (electronic storage device).

[0133] Although the present embodiment has been described above, it is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made to the embodiment of the present invention without departing from the gist of the present invention, and such modifications and changes are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the functions and effects described in the embodiment of the invention are merely a list of the most preferable functions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the functions and effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] 19 to 25, gaming machines to which the present invention can be applied (for example, reel gaming machines such as slot machines 100 and pinball gaming machines such as pachinko machines) will be described in detail below. Note that the reference numerals shown in FIGS. 19 to 25 will be used only in the description using FIGS. 19 to 25, and even if overlapping reference numerals are shown in other drawings, the reference numerals shown in FIGS. 19 to 25 will take precedence in the description using FIGS.

[0135] FIG. 19 is a front view of the slot machine 10 as seen from the front side (player side).

[0136] The slot machine 10 shown in FIG. 19 is a gaming machine in which a predetermined number of gaming media are inserted, and multiple reels bearing multiple symbols begin to spin upon receiving a predetermined spin start command. Based on the spin start command, a lottery is conducted to determine whether multiple internal winning combinations have been achieved. Each of the multiple reels stops spinning individually upon receiving a predetermined spin stop command. If the winning combination based on the lottery result and the symbol combination when the multiple reels stop meet a predetermined payout condition, gaming media are paid out and the game ends. If the conditions do not meet the payout condition, gaming media are not paid out and the game ends. The payout of gaming media is sometimes referred to as a profit. Furthermore, something that facilitates the acquisition of this profit is sometimes referred to as a bonus.

[0137] This slot machine 10 comprises a main body and a front door 102 that is attached to the front of the main body and can be opened and closed relative to the main body. The front door 102 is a door member that is rotatably attached to the main body. The front door has a locking function so that it cannot be opened by anyone other than a gaming facility employee.

[0138] Three reels (left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3) with multiple types of symbols arranged on their outer peripheries are housed inside the center of the main body (not shown), and are configured to rotate inside the slot machine 10. These reels R1 to R3 are rotated by a drive device such as a stepping motor.

[0139] Each symbol is printed at equal intervals on a strip-shaped member, and the strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined cylindrical frame to form each of the reels R1 to R3. When viewed by the player, the symbols on the reels R1 to R3 are displayed in roughly three rows vertically from the symbol display window R0, making a total of nine symbols visible.

[0140] The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 10. In this embodiment, one medal is inserted each time the bet button 130 is pressed, two medals are inserted when the bet button 131 is pressed, and three medals are inserted when the bet button 132 is pressed. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as the MAX bet button.

[0141] 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 buttons 130 to 132, or actual medals can be inserted (insertion operation) into the medal insertion slot 141, and the term "insertion" includes both.

[0142] The slot machine 10 of this embodiment is a gaming machine that is designed for playing with three coins as a bet. However, it is also possible to play with two coins as a bet. For this reason, the slot machine is designed to be more advantageous for players to play with three coins in a two-coin bet bonus internal win state than to play with two coins in a three-coin bet bonus internal win state. The two-coin bet bonus internal win state is treated as the normal game state, and players are encouraged to play with three coins as much as possible.

[0143] The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 10. 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) as numerical values. 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. The stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are seven-segment (SEG) displays.

[0144] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting the rotation of the reels R1 to R3. 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 to operate the start lever 135, the reels R1 to R3 start to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is called the game start operation.

[0145] The stop button unit is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139, each consisting of a left stop button 137, a center stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels R1 to R3 that have started spinning by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with each of the reels R1 to R3. More specifically, the left reel R1 can be stopped by operating the left stop button 137, the center reel R2 can be stopped by operating the center stop button 138, and the right reel R3 can be stopped by operating the right stop button 139. 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.

[0146] 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 10 and medals that have been bet, and to discharge them from the medal payout outlet 155.

[0147] Below the stop buttons 137 to 139, there is provided a title panel 152 on which the model name is displayed and various certificate stamps are attached. This title panel 152 is illuminated from the back by a title panel lamp. Below the title panel 152, there are provided a medal payout opening 155 and a medal tray 151.

[0148] The top lamp unit 11 provided at the top of the front door 102, the left side lamp 144L provided on the left side of the front door 102, and the right side lamp 144R provided on the right side are decorative lamps for livening up the game. The top lamp unit 11 will be described in detail later. Speaker units 143 are provided on the left and right sides of the top lamp unit 11. Sound holes 145 are also provided on the left and right sides of the reels R1 to R3. These sound holes 145 are holes for outputting sound from the bass speakers to the outside.

[0149] Additionally, the front door 102 is provided with a display device 16 between the top lamp unit 11 and the reels R1 to R3. The display device 16 includes a first movable display element 161 on the left side, a second movable display element 162 on the right side, and a display device 157 behind these movable display elements. While the display device 157 is a liquid crystal display, any display device capable of displaying various display images and various game information may be used. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic electroluminescence (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, but may also be square. A decorative element (not shown) may be provided around the periphery of the display screen, obscuring part of the periphery of the display screen, making the display screen appear irregular. Furthermore, the display screen may be flat, but may also be curved.

[0150] Figure 19 shows a background image being displayed on the performance image display device 157. The first movable performance body 161 on the left side is performing an opening operation, and the first sheet member 1610 having the first light-transmitting portion 161t overlaps a portion of the display screen of the performance image display device 157. In the portion of the display screen where the first light-transmitting portion 161t overlaps, the background image appears blurred. The first movable performance body 161 and the second movable performance body 162 will be described in more detail below.

[0151] What has been referred to as a lamp up to now is an example of a light-emitting means, and in this specification, an LED light source is also referred to as a lamp. Anything that emits light, such as a fluorescent lamp or a cold cathode tube, may also be referred to as a lamp, and anything that emits light corresponds to an example of a light-emitting means.

[0152] First, the top lamp unit 11 will be described in detail.

[0153] 20 is a perspective view of the top lamp unit 11 seen from diagonally above. The diagonally lower left side of the figure is the player side (front side).

[0154] The top lamp unit 11 has a central light-emitting portion 111, a canopy portion 112 that protrudes toward the player (forward) directly above the central light-emitting portion 111, an inner left reflecting portion 113 (the portion surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 19) provided diagonally above and to the left of the central light-emitting portion 111, an inner right reflecting portion 114 provided diagonally above and to the right of the central light-emitting portion 111, a left light-emitting portion 115 that extends along the left edge of the central light-emitting portion 111, and a right light-emitting portion 116 (the portion surrounded by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 19) that extends along the right edge of the central light-emitting portion 111. Also, as shown in FIG. 19, an outer left reflecting member 12 (the portion surrounded by a one-dot chain line) is provided between the left light-emitting portion 115 and the left speaker unit 143, and an outer right reflecting member 13 is provided between the right light-emitting portion 116 and the right speaker unit 143. Both the outer left reflective member 12 and the outer right reflective member 13 are attached to the top lamp unit 11. Although neither the outer left reflective member 12 nor the outer right reflective member 13 is shown in Fig. 20, the top lamp unit 11 shown in Fig. 20 shows an attachment portion 1101 provided on the right light-emitting portion 116. The outer right reflective member 13 is attached to the top lamp unit 11 by being screwed to this attachment portion 1101. Hereinafter, the top lamp unit 11 to which the outer left reflective member 12 and the outer right reflective member 13 are attached will be referred to as a lamp unit RU. Note that the top lamp unit 11, the outer left reflective member 12, and the outer right reflective member 13 may be molded integrally.

[0155] In addition, FIG. 20 also shows a part of the attachment portion 1101 for attaching the top lamp unit 11 to the front door 102.

[0156] The character "top" is displayed on the central light-emitting portion 111, and the whole can emit light in a plurality of colors such as red, blue, and green.

[0157] The eaves portion 112 is made of resin having light transmissibility at least in part, and at the light transmissible portion, it can emit light in a plurality of colors. In the eaves portion 11 2 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, a part of the central portion is covered with an opaque decorative member 112p shown in gray, and the portion covered with the decorative member 112p does not transmit light and does not emit light. Note that the decorative member 112p may be omitted and the whole may be made capable of emitting light.

[0158] The inner left reflecting portion 113 and the inner right reflecting portion 114 are three-dimensional resin structures having a portion protruding toward the player side, and also have a recessed portion on the rear side. Further, the inner left reflecting portion 113 and the inner right reflecting portion 114 have a reflecting portion capable of reflecting light at least in part. The upper end portions of the inner left reflecting portion 113 and the inner right reflecting portion 114 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 are covered with decorative members 113p and 114p shown in gray.

[0159] The left light-emitting portion 115 and the right light-emitting portion 116 are also three-dimensional resin structures having a portion protruding toward the player side, and also have a recessed portion on the rear side. Further, the left light-emitting portion 115 and the right light-emitting portion 116 have a light transmissible portion at least in part, and at the light transmissible portion, they can emit light in a plurality of colors.

[0160] Both the outer left reflecting member 12 and the outer right reflecting member 13 are three-dimensional resin structures having a portion protruding toward the player side, and also have a recessed portion on the rear side. Further, both the outer left reflecting member 12 and the outer right reflecting member 13 have a reflecting portion capable of reflecting light at least in part.

[0161] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining the structure of the lamp unit. In this FIG. 21, the upper side of the figure is the player side (front side). Also, the right side of the figure is the inner side, and the left side is the outer side.

[0162] FIG. 21 shows the left side of the lamp unit RU, and schematically illustrates the left light-emitting unit 115, the inner left reflecting unit 113, and the outer left reflecting member 12. The left light-emitting unit 115 is sandwiched between the inner left reflecting unit 113 and the outer left reflecting member 12. That is, the left light-emitting unit 115 is provided adjacent to the inner left reflecting unit 113 and also adjacent to the outer left reflecting member 12. FIG. 21 shows a horizontal cross section of the portion of the left light-emitting unit 115, the inner left reflecting unit 113, or the outer left reflecting member 12 that protrudes most toward the player. The right side (not shown) of the lamp unit RU has a similar structure to the left side.

[0163] The top lamp unit 11 has a built-in light emitting substrate 110B. A plurality of surface-emitting chip LEDs 110L are discretely arranged on this light emitting substrate 110B. The chip LEDs 110L can emit light in a plurality of colors. The light emitting substrate 110B is covered from the rear side by a rear case 1103 and attached to a substrate attachment portion 1104.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 21, the left light-emitting unit 115 has a double lens structure and includes an inner lens 1151 and an outer lens 1152. The inner lens 1151 is attached so as to straddle the front case 1105 and the rear case 1104. The inner left reflecting unit 113 is attached so as to straddle the front case 1105 and the outer lens 1152. The outer left reflecting member 12 is attached to the outer lens 1152. The location where the outer left reflecting member 12 is attached to the outer lens 1152 corresponds to the attachment portion 1101 shown in FIG. 20. The attachment method for each optical member (113, 115, 12) is shown as an example, and other attachment methods may be used.

[0165] The following description will be given taking as an example the light emitted from the chip LED 110L shown at the leftmost end of Fig. 21. The chip LED 110L shown at the leftmost end is the chip LED closest to the left light-emitting unit 115 and is the chip LED covered by the left light-emitting unit 115. In the figure, the solid arrows indicate the path of the light.

[0166] The inner lens 1151 is covered by the outer lens 1152 and is made entirely of a light-transmitting resin. A lens cut surface RC that has a light distribution (light guide) effect is provided on the inner peripheral surface of this inner lens 1151. In FIG. 21, the lens cut surface RC is represented by a jagged, uneven surface, and the light that has just been emitted from the chip LED 110L is distributed (guided) toward the player side (front side) by this lens cut surface RC. At the tip of the lens cut surface RC on the player side, the light is divided into light that is distributed (guided) toward the player side (straight ahead) and light that is distributed (guided) in the horizontal direction (a direction perpendicular to the straight ahead direction).

[0167] Although the path of light is not represented by a solid arrow, it is not limited to the lens cut surface RC, and for example, even at the tip of the outer lens 1152 on the player side, light can be distributed toward the player (straight ahead), horizontally (at right angles), or vertically.

[0168] The inner left reflector 113 has a reflective portion RF1 at a portion where light traveling to the right (inward) from the left light-emitting element 115 is irradiated. That is, the reflective portion RF1 is located at the tip of the outer surface. The outer left reflector 12 has a reflective portion RF2 at a portion where light traveling to the left (outward) from the left light-emitting element 115 is irradiated. That is, the reflective portion RF2 is located at the tip of the inner surface. In FIG. 21, the reflective portions RF1 and RF2 are shown in gray. The light reflected by the reflective portions RF1 and RF2 travels toward the player (forward). As a result, from the player H1, it appears that the reflective portions RF1 and RF2 are also emitting light in addition to the left light-emitting element 115. This allows the area of ​​the light-emitting effect visible from the player's side to be wider than when the light-emitting effect is performed using only the light-emitting elements, and the area of ​​the light-emitting element when viewed from the front can be made more compact than before. Furthermore, whether the chip LED 110L is emitting light or is off, the opposing lens cut surface RC is reflected in the reflective portions RF1 and RF2, which looks like a pattern to the player H1, enhancing the decorativeness. Moreover, while the chip LED 110L is emitting light, the reflective portions RF1 and RF2 look even more like they are emitting light.

[0169] If a lens-cut surface RC is present between the chip LED 110L and the viewpoint, the light distribution effect of the lens-cut surface RC will make the chip LED 110L invisible. However, if the lens-cut surface RC is not present, the chip LED 110L will be visible due to its transparency. Having the chip LED 110L visible is undesirable from a design perspective, whether it is lit or not. The outer lens 1152 is made entirely of light-transmitting resin, but the inner surface, behind the tip facing the player, is provided with a concealing surface FG that has been blasted or otherwise processed to reduce light transmittance. The concealing surface FG is made of resin, not glass, but is processed to resemble frosted or frosted glass. In Figure 21, the concealing surface FG is represented by a series of black triangles, providing a concealing effect that prevents the chip LED 110L from being seen from the diagonally forward direction (see H1'). The portion of the outer lens 1152 where the blinding surface FG is provided is a portion where light from the chip LED 110L does not pass through and is not related to the light distribution effect, so there is no problem in providing a lens cut surface RC instead of the blinding surface FG.

[0170] Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a modified example of a lamp unit. Components with the same names as those described in Fig. 21 will be described using the same reference numerals as those used in Fig. 21. Also, descriptions of content that overlaps with the content described using Fig. 21 will be omitted. Furthermore, in Fig. 22, the solid line representing the path of light emitted from the chip LED 110L shown at the far left is omitted, but this is the same as the path of light shown in Fig. 21.

[0171] In this modification, the concealing surface FG is provided on the inner lens 1151 instead of the outer lens 1152. That is, the concealing surface FG is provided on the surface of the inner lens 1151 facing the light emitting substrate 110B at a location substantially parallel to the light emitting substrate 110B. Like the concealing surface FG shown in FIG. 21, the concealing surface FG shown in FIG. 22 also has a concealing effect of preventing the chip LED 110L from being seen from the diagonally forward (see H1′) side. Note that although the location where the concealing surface FG shown in FIG. 22 is provided is a location where light from the chip LED 110L hits, it is not related to the light distribution effect, so there is no problem in providing a lens cut surface RC instead of the concealing surface FG. The outer lens 1152 shown in FIG. 22 has the function of protecting the inner lens 1151.

[0172] Both the concealing surface FG shown in FIG. 21 and the concealing surface FG shown in FIG. 22 are provided at a position away from the chip LED 110L and at a position that is not exposed to the outside.

[0173] 21, the same applies to the structure of the lamp unit, except that the player-side tip of the left light-emitting unit 115 protrudes further toward the player than the player-side tip of the inner left reflecting unit 113 and the player-side tip of the outer left reflecting member 12. As a result, the shortest distance from the light-emitting substrate 110B is longer for the portion 115t (L1) of the inner lens 1151 that is closer to the player than the inner left reflecting unit 113, than for the portion 113t (L2) of the inner left reflecting unit 113 that is closest to the player. Also, as shown in FIG. 21, light distributed laterally (inward and outward) from the portion of the left light-emitting unit 115 that is closer to the player than the inner left reflecting unit 113 and the outer left reflecting member 12 travels in a straight line. That is, the light emitted from the chip LED 110L shown at the far left is directed in a predetermined direction (here, inward and outward directions) different from the player's direction, avoiding the inner left reflector 113 and the outer left reflector 12, by the player-side portion 115t of the left light-emitting unit 115. As a result, the light may reach a store clerk or another player H2 looking at the slot machine 10 from the side, and may cause those persons H2 to recognize the light-emitting effect. In particular, the light distributed outward is unobstructed, making it easier for those persons H2 to recognize the light-emitting effect.

[0174] According to the above description, "a gaming machine including a first cover portion [e.g., inner lens 1151] including at least a transparent portion having transparency, a reflecting portion [e.g., inner left reflecting portion 113] including at least a reflecting portion [e.g., RF1] capable of reflecting light, and a light emitting means [e.g., chip LED 110L shown at the leftmost end of FIG. 21] covered by the first cover portion, wherein the first cover portion is configured to direct light from the light emitting means at least toward the player [e.g., the upward solid arrow shown in FIG. 21], and the first cover portion is configured to direct light from the light emitting means at least toward the reflecting portion [e.g., the horizontal solid arrow shown in FIG. 21], and the light that reaches the reflecting portion is reflected by the reflecting portion and directed at least toward the player."

[0175] With this gaming machine, the area of ​​the light-emitting effect visible to the player can be made larger than when the light-emitting effect is created using only the first cover part, due to the light reflected by the reflecting part, and the area of ​​the first cover part and the light-emitting means when viewed from the front can be made more compact than before.

[0176] The gaming machine is also described as follows: "The light-emitting means is disposed on a light-emitting substrate [e.g., light-emitting substrate 110B], the reflecting portion is provided at a position adjacent to the first cover portion, the shortest distance [e.g., L1] of a first portion of the first cover portion from the light-emitting substrate is longer than the shortest distance [e.g., L2] of a second portion of the reflecting portion from the light-emitting substrate, the second portion is the portion of the reflecting portion closest to the player [e.g., portion 113t closest to the player], the first portion is the portion of the transmissive portion closer to the player than the second portion [e.g., portion 115t closer to the player], and the light from the light-emitting means is directed by the first portion in a predetermined direction different from the direction of the player, avoiding the reflecting portion."

[0177] That is, the player-side tip of the first cover portion protrudes further toward the player than the player-side tip of the reflecting portion.

[0178] With this gaming machine, the first cover part, which is located farther away than the reflecting part, can produce a light-emitting effect, which may allow store staff and other players looking at the gaming machine from the side to recognize the effects of the gaming machine.

[0179] The predetermined direction may be a direction in which there is no gaming machine component that blocks the progression of light. Also, the light from the light emitting means may be configured to be directed toward a side of the gaming machine by the first portion.

[0180] The document also explained that "the first cover portion has a lens cut surface [for example, a lens cut surface RC], and the reflecting portion is disposed so as to reflect at least a portion of the lens cut surface."

[0181] This gaming machine can give the player the illusion that the reflecting portion is the first cover portion.

[0182] In addition, the article also explained that "a gaming machine is provided with a second cover portion [e.g., outer lens 1152] that covers the first cover portion, and the second cover portion also includes at least a transparent portion that has transparency."

[0183] According to this gaming machine, the second cover portion can prevent damage to the first cover portion.

[0184] In addition, the device may be provided with a second reflective portion (e.g., outer left reflective member 12) separate from the reflective portion (e.g., inner left reflective portion 113) provided adjacent to the first cover portion, the second reflective portion being provided on the opposite side of the reflective portion, and the second cover portion (e.g., outer lens 1152) being positioned between the reflective portion and the second reflective portion.

[0185] In addition, the explanation was given of "a gaming machine characterized by comprising optical action means [for example, a blindfold surface FG] that prevents the light emitting means from being seen through the transparent portion, the optical action means being provided in a position that is separated from the light emitting means and is not exposed to the outside."

[0186] According to this gaming machine, the light emitting means can be prevented from being viewed directly.

[0187] Also, the present inventors have explained a gaming machine that is characterized by comprising "optical action means [for example, a blindfold surface FG] that prevents the light-emitting means from being seen through the transparent portion of the first cover portion, and the optical action means is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the second cover portion [for example, the inner peripheral surface of the outer lens 1152 shown in Fig. 21]."

[0188] According to this gaming machine, the light emitting means can be prevented from being viewed directly through the second cover portion.

[0189] Next, the first movable performance body 161 and the second movable performance body 162 will be described in detail.

[0190] Figure 23 is a diagram showing the entire first movable performance element 161 and second movable performance element 162 shown in Figure 19. In Figure 23, the front side of the paper is the player side (front side), and the back side of the paper is the side where the performance image display device 157 (not shown) is located.

[0191] The first movable performance body 161 on the left side has a left winding section 1611 on the left side and a left drawer section 1612 on the opposite right side. Meanwhile, the second movable performance body 162 on the right side has a right winding section 1621 on the right side and a right drawer section 1622 on the opposite left side. The performance device 16 also has a rack 163 common to the first movable performance body 161 and the second movable performance body 162, an upper cable storage section 164, and a lower cable storage section 165.

[0192] The left reel section 1611 includes a left reel panel LP1, a left reel motor LM1, a left reel connector LL1, and a left reel gear LG1. The left drawer section 1612 includes a left reel panel LP2, a left reel motor LM2, a left reel connector LL2, and a left reel gear LG2. The rack 163, upper cable storage section 164, lower cable storage section 165, left reel motor LM1, left reel gear LG1, left reel motor LM2, left reel gear LG2, left reel connector LL1, and left reel connector LL2 are hidden by the top lamp unit 11, outer left reflector 12, outer right reflector 13, and left and right speaker units 143 shown in FIG. 19. The left drawer section 1612 also includes a first sheet member 1610, one longitudinal end of which is connected to the left reel section 1611. The first sheet member 1610 is strip-shaped, with a first light-transmitting portion 161t provided between a first upper edge portion 1610u and a first lower edge portion 1610b. The first light-transmitting portion 161t has a higher light transmittance than the first upper edge portion 1610u and the first lower edge portion 1610b, but the background image appears blurred in the portion of the display screen of the performance image display device 157 where the first light-transmitting portion 161t overlaps. In other words, the first light-transmitting portion 161t is translucent. The first light-transmitting portion 161t may be opaque. Alternatively, the first light-transmitting portion 161t may be transparent.

[0193] FIG. 24(A) is a view from below of the first sheet member 1610 shown in FIG. 23. In FIG. 24, the lower side of the figure is the player side (front side), and the upper side of the figure is the side where the effect image display device 157 (display screen), not shown, is located. Also, in FIG. 24(A), the components of the left winding section 1611 are shown in gray, and the components of the left drawer section 1612 are shown hatched. The left drawer section 1612 has a left base section LBB connected to the left drawer connector LL2. As shown in FIG. 23, the left drawer connector LL2 is an L-shaped metal fitting that is screwed to the left drawer motor LM2 (strictly speaking, the left drawer motor case) from the side and its bottom is screwed to the left base section LBB. The L-shaped metal fitting of the left drawer connector LL2 enhances its strength and durability. The bottom end of the left base section LBB is free, and the left base section LBB is suspended from above. The left drawer panel LP2 is provided to cover the left base portion LBB from the player's side. The left base portion LBB is also provided with a grip portion LFX. The left drawer 1612 grips one longitudinal end (right side) of the strip-shaped first sheet member 1610 with its grip portion LFX. The grip portion LFX is made of a transparent material, allowing the clamped end of the first sheet member 1610 to be visually observed. Furthermore, if the base material of the first sheet member 1610 is a transparent sheet, the one longitudinal end can be colored by printing or the like, allowing visual confirmation of correct assembly even when gripped by the grip portion LFX. The left winding portion 1611 has a first sheet member storage portion LS connected to the left winding connector LL1. As shown in Figure 23, the left winding connector LL1 is also an L-shaped metal fitting that is screwed to the left winding motor LM1 (strictly speaking, the left winding motor case) from the side and its bottom is screwed to the first sheet material storage section LS. The first sheet material storage section LS rotatably supports the upper and lower ends of the left winding shaft LAX. The left winding shaft LAX is rotatably supported at both ends by the first sheet material storage section LS and is rotatable in both directions (see the arrows in Figure 24(A)). However, while the upper end of the left winding shaft LAX is connected to the left withdrawal connector LL2 via the top of the first sheet material storage section LS, the lower end of the left winding shaft LAX is free, and the left winding shaft LAX has a cantilever structure.The other longitudinal end (left side) of the first sheet member 1610 is inserted into the left winding shaft LAX, and the first sheet member 1610 is connected to the left winding shaft LAX. The first sheet member 1610 is wound onto the left winding shaft LAX when the left winding shaft LAX rotates forward, and is unwound from the left winding shaft LAX when the left winding shaft LAX rotates reversely. Figure 24(A) shows the first sheet member 1610 completely unwound from the left winding shaft LAX. The first sheet member 1610 shown in Figure 24(A) protrudes from the notch LS1 of the first sheet member storage section LS, goes around the outer periphery of the first sheet member storage section LS, and extends toward the left drawer section 1612. The left winding panel LP1 covers the first sheet material storage section LS from the player side, and the portion of the first sheet material 1610 that goes around the outer periphery of the first sheet material storage section LS is not visible from the player side. By providing the first sheet material storage section LS on the outside of the left winding shaft LAX and having the first sheet material 1610 go around the outer periphery of the first sheet material storage section LS in this way, the portion of the first sheet material 1610 that covers the display screen of the effect image display device 157 can be kept parallel to the display screen regardless of the amount of the first sheet material 1610 that is wound around the left winding shaft LAX, and the background image is blurred evenly.

[0194] The right winding section 1621 shown in FIG. 23 includes a right winding panel RP1, a right winding motor RM1, a right winding connector RL1, and a right winding gear RG1. The right drawing section 1622 includes a right drawing panel RP2, a right drawing motor RM2, a right drawing connector RL2, and a right drawing gear RG2. The right winding motor RM1, the right winding gear RG1, the right drawing motor RM2, the right drawing gear RG2, the right winding connector RL1, and the right drawing connector RL2 are also hidden by the top lamp unit 11, the outer left reflecting member 12, the outer right reflecting member 13, and the left and right speaker units 143 shown in FIG. 19. The right drawing section 1622 includes a second sheet member 1620, one longitudinal end of which is connected to the right winding section 1621. However, the right winding panel RP1 and the right drawing panel RP2 shown in FIG. 23 are in contact with each other, and the second sheet member 1620 is not actually visible. The structure of this second sheet member 1620 is the same as the structure of the first sheet member 1610 described above, in that it is strip-shaped with a second light-transmitting portion provided between a second upper edge portion and a second lower edge portion. The second light-transmitting portion also has a higher light transmittance than the second upper edge portion and the second lower edge portion, but the background image appears blurred in the portion of the display screen of the performance image display device 157 where the second light-transmitting portion overlaps. In other words, the second light-transmitting portion is translucent. The second light-transmitting portion may be opaque. Alternatively, the second light-transmitting portion may be transparent.

[0195] Figure 24(B) is a bottom view of the second sheet member 1620 shown in Figure 23. In Figure 24(B), components of the right winding section 1621 are shown in gray, and components of the right drawer section 1622 are shown hatched. The right drawer section 1622 has a right base section RBB connected to the right drawer connector RL2. As shown in Figure 23, the right drawer connector RL2 is also an L-shaped metal fitting, which is screwed to the right drawer motor RM2 (strictly speaking, the right drawer motor case) from the side and screwed to the right base section RBB at its bottom. Because the right drawer connector RL2 is also an L-shaped metal fitting, it has increased strength and durability. The bottom end of the right base section RBB is free, and the right base section RBB is suspended from above. The right drawer panel RP2 is provided to cover the right base section RBB from the player's side. In addition, a grip section RFX is provided on the right base section RBB. The right pull-out section 1622 grips one longitudinal end (left side) of the strip-shaped second sheet member 1620 with its gripping portion RFX. The gripping portion RFX is made of a transparent material, allowing the clamped end of the second sheet member 1620 to be visually observed. Furthermore, if the base material of the second sheet member 1620 is a transparent sheet, the longitudinal end can be colored by printing or the like, allowing visual confirmation of correct assembly even when the second sheet member 1620 is gripped by the gripping portion RFX. The right winding section 1621 has a second sheet member storage section RS connected to the right winding connector RL1. As shown in FIG. 23 , the right winding connector RL1 is also an L-shaped metal fitting, and is screwed from the side to the right winding motor RM1 (strictly speaking, the right winding motor case) and its bottom is screwed to the second sheet member storage section RS. The second sheet member storage section RS rotatably supports the upper and lower ends of the right winding shaft RAX. The right winding shaft RAX is rotatably supported at both ends by the second sheet member storage section RS and is rotatable in both directions. However, the upper end of the right winding shaft RAX is connected to the right pull-out connector RL2 via the upper part of the second sheet member storage section RS, but the lower end of the right winding shaft RAX is free, so that the right winding shaft RAX has a cantilever structure. The other longitudinal end (right side) of the second sheet member 1620 is inserted into the right winding shaft RAX, and the second sheet member 1620 is connected to the right winding shaft RAX.The second sheet member 1620 is wound onto the right winding shaft RAX when the right winding shaft RAX rotates in the reverse direction, and is fed out from the right winding shaft RAX when the right winding shaft RAX rotates in the forward direction. Figure 24(B) shows the second sheet member 1620 wound onto the right winding shaft RAX inside the second sheet member storage section RS. That is, in Figure 24(B) where the right winding panel RP1 and the right drawing panel RP2 are in contact, the second sheet member 1620 is wound three times around the right winding shaft RAX. The second sheet member 1620 protrudes from the notch RS1 in the second sheet member storage section RS, circles around the outer periphery of the second sheet member storage section RS, and extends toward the right drawing section 1622. The right winding panel RP1 covers the second sheet material storage section RS from the player side, and the portion of the second sheet material 1620 that wraps around the outer periphery of the second sheet material storage section RS is not visible to the player. By providing the second sheet material storage section RS on the outside of the right winding shaft RAX and having the second sheet material 1620 wrap around the outer periphery of the second sheet material storage section RS in this way, the portion of the second sheet material 1620 that covers the display screen of the effect image display device 157 can be kept parallel to the display screen regardless of the amount of the second sheet material 1620 wound around the right winding shaft RAX, and the background image is blurred evenly.

[0196] As explained above, in a pair of movable bodies (1611 and 1612, 1621 and 1622), the rotation axis (LAX, RAX) is located in only one of the movable bodies (1611, 1621).

[0197] In addition, both the first sheet member 1610 and the second sheet member 1620 are initially wound around winding shafts (LAX, RAX). The sheet member substrate (a translucent film, an opaque film, or a transparent film) has no adhesive surface on both sides (front and back) and a transparent layer is provided over the entire surface of each side. This transparent layer may be provided by printing. By providing a transparent layer instead of an adhesive surface, it is possible to prevent overlapping portions from sticking together when wound.

[0198] The left winding motor LM1 shown in FIG. 23 is driven by power supplied from a left winding flexible cable LC1, shown in black. This left winding flexible cable LC1 is stored in the upper cable storage section 164. A left winding gear LG1 is attached to the drive shaft of the left winding motor LM1, and the left winding gear LG1 meshes with a rack 163. A left winding connector LL1 is also connected to the left winding motor LM1, and the left winding motor LM1 is fixed so that it cannot rotate. When the left winding motor LM1 rotates in one direction, the left winding section 1611 moves along the rack 163 in a direction away from the left drawing section 1612 (leftward in FIG. 23). When the left winding motor LM1 rotates in the opposite direction, the left winding section 1611 moves along the rack 163 in a direction approaching the left drawing section 1612 (rightward in FIG. 23).

[0199] The left drawing motor LM2 shown in FIG. 23 is driven by power supplied from the left drawing flexible cable LC2, shown in black. This left drawing flexible cable LC2 is stored in the lower cable storage section 165. A left drawing gear LG2 is attached to the drive shaft of the left drawing motor LM2, and the left drawing gear LG2 meshes with the rack 163. The left drawing motor LM2 is also connected to the left drawing connector LL2, and the left drawing motor LM2 is fixed so that it cannot rotate. When the left drawing motor LM2 rotates in one direction, the left drawing section 1612 moves along the rack 163 in a direction approaching the left reel section 1611 (leftward in FIG. 23). When the left drawing motor LM2 rotates in the opposite direction, the left drawing section 1612 moves along the rack 163 in a direction away from the left reel section 1611 (rightward in FIG. 23).

[0200] The right winding motor RM1 shown in FIG. 23 is driven by power supplied from a right winding flexible cable RC1, shown in gray. This right winding flexible cable RC1 is stored in the upper cable storage section 164. A right winding gear RG1 is attached to the drive shaft of the right winding motor RM1, and the right winding gear RG1 meshes with a rack 163. A right winding connector RL1 is also connected to the right winding motor RM1, and the right winding motor RM1 is fixed so that it cannot rotate. When the right winding motor RM1 rotates in one direction, the right winding section 1621 moves along the rack 163 in a direction approaching the right drawing section 1622 (leftward in FIG. 23). When the right winding motor RM1 rotates in the opposite direction, the right winding section 1621 moves along the rack 163 in a direction away from the right drawing section 1622 (rightward in FIG. 23).

[0201] 23 is driven by power supplied from a right-drawing flexible cable RC2 shown in gray. This right-drawing flexible cable RC2 is stored in the lower cable storage section 165.

[0202] The upper cable storage section 164 stores two cables, a left-hand retraction flexible cable LC1 and a right-hand retraction flexible cable RC1, which supply power to the drive sources of different movable bodies, and the lower cable storage section 165 stores two cables, a left-hand drawer flexible cable LC2 and a right-hand drawer flexible cable RC2, which also supply power to the drive sources of different movable bodies. This allows for more space to be saved than storing the cables one by one. Furthermore, not only is contact and tangling of the cables reduced compared to storing four cables together, but the way the cables are stored is also ingenious, so contact and tangling of the cables can be further reduced. That is, when two cables are stored in the same storage section, the first cable is arc-shaped on one side (for example, a long horizontal arc on the front side or a long horizontal arc on the left side), and the second cable is arc-shaped on the other side (a long horizontal arc on the rear side or a long horizontal arc on the right side), and the cables are stored in each storage section so that the diameter of the arc (inner diameter in the horizontal direction) increases as the length of the cable extending from the storage section decreases, and the diameter of the arc (inner diameter in the horizontal direction) decreases as the length of the cable extending from the storage section increases.

[0203] A right withdrawal gear RG2 is attached to the drive shaft of the right withdrawal motor RM2, and the right withdrawal gear RG2 meshes with the rack 163. In addition, a right withdrawal connector RL2 is connected to the right withdrawal motor RM2, and the right withdrawal motor RM2 is fixed so that it cannot rotate by this right withdrawal connector RL2. When the right withdrawal motor RM2 rotates in one direction, the right withdrawal section 1622 moves along the rack 163 in a direction away from the right reel section 1621 (leftward in FIG. 23). When the right withdrawal motor RM2 rotates in the opposite direction, the right withdrawal section 1622 moves along the rack 163 in a direction approaching the right reel section 1621 (rightward in FIG. 23).

[0204] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a combination of performance actions of the first movable performance body 161 on the left and the second movable performance body 162 on the right.

[0205] The state shown on the left side of Figure 25(A) is a state in which the first movable performance body 161 on the left side and the second movable performance body 162 on the right side are each in their initial positions. That is, at the left end of the display screen of the performance image display device 157, the left winding panel LP1 and the left drawer panel LP2 of the first movable performance body 161 are in contact, and the first sheet member 1610 is not visible. Also, at the right end of the display screen, the right winding panel RP1 and the right drawer panel RP2 of the second movable performance body 162 are in contact, and the second sheet member 1620 is not visible. The state shown on the right side of Figure 25(A) is a state in which the second movable performance body 162 on the right side is stopped in its initial position, and only the left drawer section 1612 of the first movable performance body 161 on the left side has moved in a direction away from the left winding section 1611 (to the right in Figure 25). The strip-shaped first sheet member 1610 appears as if being pulled out from the left winding section 1611 and extends toward the right. As a result, the area where the first light-transmitting section 161t overlaps with the display screen of the performance image display device 157 gradually becomes larger, and the area where the background image appears blurred expands. The movement of the first movable performance body 161 shown in FIG. 25(A) corresponds to an example of a first movement in which the left drawer panel LP2 (corresponding to the first part) and the left winding panel LP1 (corresponding to the second part) move in directions away from each other. Note that while the left winding section 1611 moves in a direction approaching the left drawer section 1612 (to the right in FIG. 25), the left drawer section 1612 may also move in a direction away from the left winding section 1611 (to the right in FIG. 25) at a speed faster than the movement speed of the left winding section 1611. Even in this case, the position of the left winding panel LP1 (corresponding to the second part) moves to the right, but the left drawing panel LP2 (corresponding to the first part) and the left winding panel LP1 move in directions away from each other. Also, if the left winding part 1611 is in a state where it can move leftward, the left winding part 1611 may move in a direction away from the left drawing part 1612 (to the right in FIG. 25) while the left drawing part 1612 also moves in a direction away from the left winding part 1611 (to the right in FIG. 25). Even in this case, the left drawing panel LP2 (corresponding to the first part) and the left winding panel LP1 (corresponding to the second part) move in directions away from each other.

[0206] The state shown on the left side of Figure 25(B) shows the state in which the first movable performance body 161 has completed the first operation described above, and the state shown on the right side shows the state in which the left drawer section 1612 has now moved in a direction approaching the left winding section 1611 (to the left in Figure 25) and returned to its initial position. The first sheet member 1610 is pushed by the left drawer section 1612 and is wound up by the left winding section 1611. As a result, the area in which the first light-transmitting section 161t overlaps with the display screen of the performance image display device 157 gradually becomes smaller, and the area in which the background image appears blurred becomes narrower. The operation of the first movable performance body 161 shown in Figure 25(B) corresponds to an example of a third operation in which the left drawer panel LP2 (corresponding to the first part) and the left winding panel LP1 (corresponding to the second part) move in a direction approaching each other. Note that, if the left reel unit 1611 is in a state where it can move leftward, the left reel unit 1612 may move in a direction toward the left reel unit 1611 (leftward in FIG. 25) at a speed faster than the moving speed of the left reel unit 1611, while the left reel unit 1611 moves in a direction away from the left drawer unit 1612 (leftward in FIG. 25). Even in this case, the position of the left reel panel LP1 (corresponding to the second portion) moves to the left, but the left reel panel LP2 (corresponding to the first portion) and the left reel panel LP1 move in a direction toward each other. Furthermore, while the left reel unit 1611 moves in a direction toward the left drawer unit 1612 (leftward in FIG. 25), the left reel unit 1612 may also move in a direction toward the left reel unit 1611 (rightward in FIG. 25). Even in this case, the left drawer panel LP2 (corresponding to the first portion) and the left winding panel LP1 (corresponding to the second portion) move in directions approaching each other.

[0207] The state shown on the left side of Figure 25(C) shows the state in which the first movable performance body 161 has completed the first operation described above, and the state shown on the right side shows the left winding section 1611 moving in a direction approaching the left drawer section 1612 (to the right in Figure 25), so that the left winding section 1611 is in contact with the left drawer section 1612. The first sheet member 1610 is being wound around the left winding section 1611. As a result, the area in which the first light-transmitting section 161t overlaps with the display screen of the performance image display device 157 gradually becomes smaller, and the area in which the background image appears blurred becomes narrower. The operation of the first movable performance body 161 shown in Figure 25(C) corresponds to an example of the fourth operation.

[0208] The state shown on the left side of Figure 25(D) shows the state when the first movable performance body 161 has completed the fourth operation described above, and the state shown on the right side shows the state when the left winding section 1611 has moved in a direction away from the left pull-out section 1612 (to the left in Figure 25). The first sheet member 1610 appears as if being sent out from the left winding section 1611 and extends toward the left side. As a result, the first light-transmitting section 161t gradually overlaps the display screen of the performance image display device 157, and the area in which the background image appears blurred expands. The operation of the first movable performance body 161 shown in Figure 25(D) corresponds to an example of the second operation.

[0209] The state shown on the left side of Figure 25(E) also shows the state when the first movable performance body 161 has completed the fourth operation described above, and the state shown on the right side thereof shows the state in which the left winding section 1611 first moves in a direction away from the left drawing section 1612 (leftward in Figure 25), as shown in Figure 25(D), completing the second operation. Next, as shown in Figure 7(B), the left drawing section 1612 moves in a direction approaching the left winding section 1611 (leftward in Figure 25) and returning to its initial position. In other words, after the second operation, the third operation is performed, and the first movable performance body 161 returns to its initial position. During this time, the first sheet member 1610 first widens towards the left, and then narrows towards the left.

[0210] While each panel, such as the left winding panel LP1, the left pull-out panel LP2, the right winding panel RP1, and the right pull-out panel RP2, is a panel that covers only the player's side, each panel may be cylindrical, with the front half-circular arc portion visible to the player being opaque and the rear half-circular arc portion invisible to the player being transparent. By making the rear half-circular arc portion transparent, it is possible to check from the rear whether the assembly has been completed correctly. Furthermore, in the event of a malfunction, the inside can be checked without disassembly, allowing for early detection of internal defects.

[0211] In the above description, both the first and second movable effect bodies 161 and 162 only move horizontally, but they may also rotate. For example, the first and second rotation effect bodies, which are horizontally long, can rotate forward and backward around their respective centers of gravity. The first rotation effect body has a member (e.g., a base member supporting the rotation axes of the first and second rotation effect bodies) at least partially connected to the second rotation effect body. The initial position is a position where the first and second rotation effect bodies are aligned in a straight line, and they are positioned via the base member on the player's side of the display screen of the effect image display device 157. In the initial position, the base member overlaps the display screen, but neither the first nor the second rotation effect body directly overlaps. Also, in the initial position, a certain portion of the right end of the first rotation effect body (corresponding to the first portion) and a certain portion of the left end of the second rotation effect body (corresponding to the second portion) are close to each other. The action of the first rotational performance body rotating 90 degrees counterclockwise corresponds to an action (first action) in which a certain part of the right end of the first rotational performance body (corresponding to the first part) moves away from a certain part of the left end of the second rotational performance body (corresponding to the second part). When the first rotational performance body has rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise, a certain part of the right end of the first rotational performance body (corresponding to the first part) in a vertically long position overlaps the display screen of performance image display device 157. In other words, when the first rotational performance body rotates 90 degrees counterclockwise from its initial position, the area in which a certain part of the right end (corresponding to the first part) overlaps the display screen expands. The action of the first rotational performance body rotating 90 degrees clockwise and returning to its initial position after completing the first action corresponds to an action (third action) in which a certain part of the right end of the first rotational performance body (corresponding to the first part) moves closer to a certain part of the left end of the second rotational performance body (corresponding to the second part). When the first rotational stage rotates 90 degrees clockwise after completing the first action and returns to its initial position, the area where a certain part on the right end (corresponding to the first part) overlaps with the display screen shrinks. Also, the action of the second rotational stage rotating 90 degrees clockwise corresponds to an action (second action) in which a certain part on the left end of the second rotational stage (corresponding to the second part) moves away from a certain part on the right end of the first rotational stage (corresponding to the first part).When the second rotation production body is rotated 90 degrees clockwise, a certain portion (corresponding to the second part) of the left end of the second rotation production body, which is now in a vertically long position, overlaps with the display screen of the production image display device 157. In other words, when the second rotation production body rotates 90 degrees clockwise from its initial position, the area where the certain portion (corresponding to the second part) of the left end overlaps with the display screen expands. The action of the second rotation production body, which has completed the second action, rotating 90 degrees counterclockwise and returning to its initial position corresponds to an action (fourth action) in which a certain portion (corresponding to the second part) of the left end of the second rotation production body approaches a certain portion (corresponding to the first part) of the right end of the first rotation production body. When the second rotation production body, which has completed the second action, rotates 90 degrees counterclockwise and returns to its initial position, the area where the certain portion (corresponding to the second part) of the left end overlaps with the display screen shrinks.

[0212] According to the above description, "a gaming machine including a first movable body [e.g., left drawer 1612], a second movable body [e.g., left reel 1611], a first drive unit [e.g., left drawer motor LM2], and a second drive unit [e.g., left reel motor LM1], wherein the first movable body is configured to be movable by driving the first drive unit, the second movable body is configured to be movable by driving the second drive unit, and the first movable body has a member [e.g., first sheet member 1610] at least a portion of which is connected to the second movable body." has been described.

[0213] This gaming machine allows for the execution of novel effects by the movement of two movable bodies that are partially connected, thereby increasing the interest of players.

[0214] The article also described a gaming machine characterized in that "the first movable body [e.g., the left drawer section 1612] is configured to be able to perform a first operation [e.g., the operation shown in Fig. 25(A)] in which a first portion of the first movable body [e.g., the left drawer panel LP2] and a second portion of the second movable body [e.g., the left take-up panel LP1] move away from each other, and the first movable body [e.g., the left drawer section 1612] is configured to be able to perform a third operation [e.g., the operation shown in Fig. 25(B)] in which the first portion and the second portion move closer to each other."

[0215] According to this gaming machine, a novel effect can be produced by the operation of changing the relative position of the first movable body with respect to the second movable body, thereby increasing the interest of the player.

[0216] The first motion may be a motion in which the first part moves away from the second part while the second part is stationary, a motion in which the first part moves away from the second part at a speed faster than the speed of the second part while the second part is moving towards the first part, or a motion in which the first part moves away from the second part while the second part is moving away from the first part.

[0217] The third motion may be a motion in which the first part moves toward the second part while the second part remains stationary, a motion in which the first part moves toward the second part at a speed faster than the speed of the second part while the second part is moving away from the first part, or a motion in which the second part moves toward the first part while the first part also moves toward the second part.

[0218] Also, the explanation was given for a gaming machine that includes "a display means [for example, a performance image display device 157], and that is characterized in that the first movable body is configured so that the area overlapping with the display means expands when the first action is performed, and that the first movable body is configured so that the area overlapping with the display means contracts when the third action is performed."

[0219] This gaming machine can provide a novel effect in which the size of the area of ​​the first movable body that overlaps with the display means changes, thereby increasing the player's interest.

[0220] In addition, the article also explained that "the first movable body is configured to include, as the member, a certain member [e.g., a first sheet member 1610] having optical transparency in at least a portion [e.g., a first optically transparent portion 161t], and the certain member is configured to expand an area overlapping with the display means when the first action is performed, and the certain member is configured to shrink an area overlapping with the display means when the third action is performed."

[0221] According to this gaming machine, a novel effect can be produced in which the size of the area overlapping the display means of the certain component changes, thereby increasing the interest of the player.

[0222] The article also explained a gaming machine characterized in that "the second movable body [e.g., the left winding section 1611] is configured to be able to perform a second action [e.g., the action shown in Fig. 25(D)] in which the first portion [e.g., the left drawer panel LP2] and the second portion [e.g., the left winding panel LP1] move away from each other, and the second movable body [e.g., the left winding section 1611] is configured to be able to perform a fourth action [e.g., the action shown in Fig. 25(C)] in which the first portion and the second portion move closer to each other."

[0223] According to this gaming machine, a novel effect can be produced by the action of the second movable body changing its relative position with respect to the first movable body, thereby increasing the interest of the player.

[0224] The second motion may be a motion in which the second part moves away from the first part while the first part remains stationary, a motion in which the second part moves away from the first part at a speed faster than the speed of the first part while the first part is moving towards the second part, or a motion in which the first part moves away from the second part while the second part also moves away from the first part.

[0225] The fourth motion may be a motion in which the second part moves toward the first part while the first part remains stationary, a motion in which the second part moves toward the first part at a speed faster than the speed of the first part while the first part is moving away from the second part, or a motion in which the first part moves toward the second part while the second part also moves toward the first part.

[0226] In addition, the explanation was given for a gaming machine characterized in that "the first movable body is operable during the operation of the second movable body, and the second movable body is operable during the operation of the first movable body."

[0227] This gaming machine can perform a novel effect in which the first movable body and the second movable body move simultaneously, thereby increasing the player's interest.

[0228] In addition, the first movable body may be configured to be capable of performing a first operation in which a first portion of the first movable body moves in a direction away from a second portion of the second movable body, and the first portion of the first movable body may be configured to be capable of performing a third operation in which the first portion of the first movable body moves in a direction toward the second portion of the second movable body.

[0229] Furthermore, the second movable body may be configured to be capable of performing a second operation in which the second portion of the second movable body moves in a direction away from the first portion of the first movable body, and may be configured to be capable of performing a fourth operation in which the second portion of the second movable body moves in a direction toward the first portion of the first movable body.

[0230] Furthermore, the fourth operation may be configured to be executable during the execution of the first operation, the second operation may be configured to be executable during the execution of the third operation, the second operation may be configured to be executable during the execution of the first operation, and the fourth operation may be configured to be executable during the execution of the third operation.

[0231] <Configuration of sensor unit SU of rendering device 16> Next, the configuration of sensor unit SU of rendering device 16 explained in Fig. 23 will be explained using Fig. 26 to Fig. 30. In the following explanation, the same reference numerals will be used for the configurations already explained in other embodiments (e.g., Fig. 17 to Fig. 32), and explanations thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, for the configurations that contradict the following explanation and the previous embodiment, the terms and reference numerals of this example will take precedence.

[0232] FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing the rear side of performance device 16. As shown in FIG.

[0233] As explained in Figures 23 to 25, the performance device 16 is provided with a first movable performance body 161 and a second movable performance body 162. The left winding section 1611 and the left drawer section 1612 of the first movable performance body 161 are each provided with a light-shielding piece, and a sensor unit is provided to detect whether these light-shielding pieces are in their initial positions (here, the positions where the film is stored at the left end as shown in Figure 26). In addition, the right winding section 1621 and the right drawer section 1622 of the second movable performance body 162 are each provided with a light-shielding piece, and a sensor unit is provided to detect whether these light-shielding pieces are in their initial positions (here, the positions where the film is stored at the right end as shown in Figure 26). The sensor unit SU1 shown in Figure 26 is for detecting the initial position of the right winding section 1621.

[0234] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the sensor units SU1 and SU2 and the light-shielding pieces C1 and C2.

[0235] In Figure 27, some parts of the performance device 16 are hidden to make it easier to understand the parts that are difficult to see from the outside, as shown in Figure 26. Figure 27 shows a state in which the sensor unit SU1 provided for the right winding section 1621 of the second movable performance body 162 detects the light-shielding piece C1 of this right winding section 1621 (both in their initial positions). Also shown is a state in which the sensor unit SU2 provided for the right drawer section 1622 of the second movable performance body 162 detects the light-shielding piece C2 of this right drawer section 1622 (both in their initial positions).

[0236] FIG. 28 is a right side view of the performance device 16. FIG.

[0237] The effect device 16 is disposed on the front door 102 of the slot machine 10, and behind it are disposed an effect image display device 157 and a circuit board that controls it. Because the internal space of the slot machine 10 is limited, these components are installed as close as possible, as shown in FIG. 28. For this reason, during assembly, there is a risk that other components may collide with the sensor unit on the back of the effect device 16, damaging the sensor unit. In the example of FIG. 28, the effect image display device 157 is tilted slightly to make it easier for the player to see, but performing the assembly work while adjusting this tilt increases the risk of collision.

[0238] FIG. 29 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the sensor unit SU1 in FIG. 26 (the area circled by a dotted line).

[0239] As shown in Fig. 29, in the rendering device 16 of this embodiment, a rib RB is provided in the vicinity of the sensor unit SU1, and it is possible to prevent collision with the sensor unit SU1. Hereinafter, this rib RB will be described in detail.

[0240] FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the sensor unit SU1 and the rib RB.

[0241] The sensor unit SU1 shown in Figure 30 has a light-emitting unit SUE, a light-receiving unit SUR facing it, a screw hole SUH for fixing the sensor, and a connector SUC. A connector HAC provided at the end of a harness HA is connected to the connector SUC, and the sensor unit SU1 is configured to output a detection signal to an external circuit board. The sensor unit SU1 outputs a signal indicating whether the light-receiving unit SUR has detected light from the light-emitting unit SUE. This sensor unit SU1 is not attached to the circuit board to which the output signal is sent, but is attached to a member different from this circuit board.

[0242] The rib RB has portions that exceed the size of the sensor unit SU1 in both the front-to-back direction (the direction connecting the front and back) and the up-down direction. Specifically, in the harness connection direction (the front-to-back direction in FIG. 30), there is a portion that exceeds the sensor tip (x1 in FIG. 30), a portion that exceeds the connector SUC of the sensor unit SU1 (x3 in FIG. 30), and a portion that exceeds the connector HAC of the harness HA connected to the sensor unit SU1 (x4 in FIG. 30). Furthermore, in the direction perpendicular to the harness connection direction (the up-down direction in FIG. 30), there are portions that exceed the sensor unit SU1, the connector SUC of the sensor unit SU1, and the connector HAC connected to it (x2, x5 in FIG. 30). The edge RBS of the rib RB on the side of the effect image display device 157 has a partially inclined shape (a shape inclined from the front-to-back direction or the up-down direction). This inclined shape disperses the force of a collision of the effect image display device 157 and also allows the effect image display device 157 to be moved along this edge RBS and guided to its installation position.

[0243] In the above configuration, the rib RB provided near the sensor unit SU1 protects the sensor unit SU1 from collision with other components, making it possible to make the sensor unit SU1 less susceptible to damage.

[0244] In the above example, the rib RB has a portion that exceeds the size of the sensor unit SU1 in both the front-to-back and up-to-down directions, but it may also be configured to have a portion that exceeds the size of the sensor unit SU1 in at least one direction. In this case, the sensor unit SU1 can be protected in at least this one direction. Of course, by having a portion that exceeds the size of the sensor unit SU1 in two directions as in the above example, more reliable protection can be achieved. In particular, the protective effect can be enhanced when these two directions are perpendicular to each other.

[0245] In the above example, the rib RB has a portion that exceeds the size of the sensor unit SU1 in both the front-to-rear and up-to-down directions, but it may have a portion that protrudes in either direction, such as a portion that protrudes beyond the sensor unit SU1 only on the rear side in the front-to-rear direction. In this case, the sensor unit SU1 can be protected on the side with the protruding portion.

[0246] While the above example describes a configuration for protecting the sensor unit SU1 provided in the performance device 16, the object to be protected is not limited to the sensor unit SU1, and any circuit configuration means may be protected. For example, some circuit configuration means, such as connectors, cables, and sensor detection units, are easily damaged, and this configuration can protect such circuit configuration means from damage. For example, in the case of a configuration for protecting a connector SUC, the rib RB may have a portion that exceeds the size of the connector SUC in at least one direction. Furthermore, a combination of multiple parts or components, such as the combination of connector SUC and connector HAC, may also be protected.

[0247] Furthermore, in the above example, the configuration in which the sensor unit SU1 is protected by the rib RB has been described, but the same protective effect can be achieved with any member having a portion larger than the size of the sensor unit SU1, not limited to the rib RB.

[0248] Furthermore, when a sensor unit is to be protected, it may be, like the sensor unit SU1, a certain board (for example, a board inside the sensor unit SU1) that is provided with at least a certain circuit configuration means (for example, a connector SUC) and a detection unit (for example, a light-emitting unit SUE and a light-receiving unit SUR). Alternatively, the sensor unit may be a certain board (for example, a board inside the sensor unit SU1) that is provided with only a certain circuit configuration means (for example, a connector SUC), a detection unit (for example, a light-emitting unit SUE and a light-receiving unit SUR), and a resistor.

[0249] Furthermore, while the above example describes a configuration in which the sensor unit SU1 does not have a light-shielding piece C1, the present invention can also be applied to a sensor unit that also has a light-shielding piece. In such a sensor unit, the light-shielding piece moves in response to an external force, making it possible to detect the presence or absence of an external force. In other words, the sensor unit may include at least a certain substrate (e.g., a substrate inside the sensor unit SU1), certain circuit configuration means (e.g., a connector SUC), a detection unit (e.g., a light-emitting unit SUE and a light-receiving unit SUR), and a light-shielding piece.

[0250] Furthermore, when a sensor unit is to be protected, it may be a sensor unit having a circuit configuration means (e.g., a connector SUC) on a first surface of a certain board (e.g., a board inside the sensor unit SU1) and a detection unit (e.g., a light-emitting unit SUE and a light-receiving unit SUR) on a second surface of the certain board. Alternatively, it may be a sensor unit having a circuit configuration means (e.g., a connector SUC) and a detection unit (e.g., a light-emitting unit SUE and a light-receiving unit SUR) on a first surface of a certain board (e.g., a board inside the sensor unit SU1).

[0251] Furthermore, when the sensor unit to be protected is incorporated into other components or parts, such as the sensor unit SU1 provided in the performance device 16, a portion of the sensor unit may be exposed from these components or parts or may be visible.

[0252] Furthermore, the sensor unit to be protected is not limited to a specific detection target, and may be capable of detecting that the movable body is in its initial position as in the above example, or may be capable of detecting the position of the door body. Furthermore, the sensor unit SU1 may be provided on the rib RB.

[0253] In addition, a certain unit (for example, the performance image display device 157) may be configured to be detachable with the sensor unit or certain circuit configuration means to be protected installed.

[0254] Furthermore, the side RBS of the rib RB on the side of the performance image display device 157 has a partially inclined shape (a shape inclined from the front-to-back direction or the up-down direction). In this way, a certain member (for example, the rib RB) that serves as a protective member may have a side on the side of a certain unit (for example, the performance image display device 157) inclined in a certain direction (for example, the direction of the connector SUC). Furthermore, depending on the mounting position of the sensor unit, the side RBS may have a partially inclined shape (a shape inclined from the left-to-right direction or the up-down direction).

[0255] The technical ideas described in the explanations of FIGS. 26 to 30 will be described below with reference to the corresponding configurations.

[0256] The above description describes a gaming machine that is equipped with a certain circuit configuration means (e.g., a connector SUC) and a certain member (e.g., a rib RB), wherein the certain member is located in the vicinity of the certain circuit configuration means and has a portion that protrudes further than the certain circuit configuration means in a first direction (e.g., the rearward direction in the front-to-rear direction) (see, for example, Figure 30).

[0257] We have also described the gaming machine described above, characterized in that the certain component has a portion that protrudes further than the certain circuit configuration means in a second direction different from the first direction (for example, the upward direction of the vertical direction) (see, for example, Figure 30).

[0258] Furthermore, the gaming machine described above is characterized in that the second direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0259] Also, the gaming machine described above is characterized in that the certain circuit configuration means is a connector to which a harness can be connected.

[0260] Furthermore, the gaming machine described above is characterized in that it is equipped with a sensor unit (for example, sensor unit SU1), and the sensor unit includes the certain circuit configuration means.

[0261] We have also described the gaming machine described above, characterized in that the sensor unit is attached to a member different from the substrate to which the output signal of the sensor unit is sent.

[0262] As described above, the gaming machine of the present invention is equipped with a launching device that launches balls into a predetermined gaming area, a winning port configured to allow the balls launched from the launching device to enter, detection means that detects balls that have entered the winning port, payout means that pays out the balls when the detection means detects a ball, and a variable display device that displays a variable predetermined pattern (identification information), and is suitable for pachinko machines and the like in which, when a gaming ball enters the winning port and wins a prize, the variable display device changes the pattern and then displays a still image to notify the progress of the gaming status.

[0263] The gaming machine according to the present invention can also be applied to an enclosed gaming machine. Here, an "enclosed gaming machine" is a gaming machine that circulates gaming balls enclosed within the gaming machine. The main control unit, first sub-control unit, and second sub-control unit may be configured on a single chip, or the main control unit and the first sub-control unit may be configured to enable bidirectional communication. Furthermore, while bidirectional communication is enabled between the main control unit and the first sub-control unit, communication from the first sub-control unit to the second sub-control unit may be unidirectional.

[0264] Furthermore, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, by applying the content described in one of the multiple configurations described in the examples to another configuration, the range of play may be further expanded.

[0265] <<Embodiment B>> <Embodiment 1>> A gaming machine (pachinko machine 100) according to embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0266] <Overall Configuration> First, the overall configuration of the pachinko machine 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 31. Note that this figure is an external perspective view of the pachinko machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side).

[0267] The external structure of the pachinko machine 100 comprises an outer frame 102, a main body 104, a front frame door 106, a door 108 with a ball storage tray, a launching device 110, and a game board 200 on its front.

[0268] The outer frame 102 is a vertically rectangular wooden frame member for fixing to an installation location (such as an island facility) in a gaming machine installation store. The main body 104 is called an inner frame, and is a vertically rectangular member that is provided inside the outer frame 102 and is rotatably attached to the outer frame 102 via a hinge portion 112, forming the base body of the gaming machine. The main body 104 is formed in a frame shape and has a space portion 114 inside. It also has an inner frame opening sensor (not shown) that detects the opening of the main body 104 when it is opened.

[0269] The front frame door 106 is a door element that has a locking function and is attached to the front of the main body 104, which is the front side of the pachinko machine 100, via a hinge portion 112 so that it can be opened and closed freely, and is configured in a frame shape with an opening on the inside. The front frame door 106 is provided with a transparent plate member 118 made of glass or resin at the opening, and a speaker 120 and a lamp 122 for the game table frame are attached to the front side. The rear surface of the front frame door 106 and the front surface of the game board 200 define a game area 124. In addition, a front frame door opening sensor (not shown) is provided that detects the opening of the front frame door 106 when it is opened.

[0270] The door 108 with ball storage tray is a door member with a locking function attached to the underside of the main body 104 on the front of the pachinko machine 100 so as to be freely opened and closed. The door 108 with ball storage tray comprises an upper tray 126 capable of storing a plurality of game balls (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "balls") and having a passageway for guiding the game balls to the launching device 110, a lower tray 128 for storing game balls that cannot be stored in the upper tray 126, a ball removal button 130 operated by the player to discharge the game balls stored in the upper tray 126 into the lower tray 128, a ball discharge lever 132 operated by the player to discharge the game balls stored in the lower tray 128 into a game ball collection container (commonly known as a dollar box), and a lever 132 operated by the player to discharge the game balls guided to the launching device 110. The game machine is equipped with a ball launch handle 134 for firing balls into the game area 124 of the game board 200, a chance button 136 that changes the presentation mode of the various presentation devices 206 when operated by the player, a chance button lamp 138 that lights up the chance button 136, a ball lending operation button 140 that issues a ball lending instruction to a card unit (CR unit) installed in the game arcade, a return operation button 142 that issues an instruction to return the player's balance to the card unit, a ball lending display unit 144 that displays the player's balance and the status of the card unit, and a button unit 190. It also has a lower tray full sensor (not shown) that detects whether the lower tray 128 is full.

[0271] The launching device 110 is attached to the lower part of the main body 104 and comprises a launching rod 146 that rotates when the ball launching handle 134 is operated by the player, and a launching hammer 148 that strikes the game ball with the tip of the launching rod 146.

[0272] The game board 200 has a game area 124 on the front side, and is detachably attached to the main body 104 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space 114 of the main body 104. After the game board 200 is attached to the main body 104, the game area 124 can be observed through the opening.

[0273] Figure 32 is an external view of the pachinko machine 100 of Figure 31 as seen from the rear side. At the upper rear of the pachinko machine 100, there is provided a ball tank 150 having an opening that opens upward and for temporarily storing game balls, and a tank rail 154 located below the ball tank 150 for guiding balls that pass through a communication hole formed in the bottom of the ball tank 150 and fall to a payout device 152 located on the right side of the rear.

[0274] The payout device 152 is made of a cylindrical member, and is equipped therein with a payout motor, a sprocket, and a payout sensor (not shown here). The sprocket is configured to be rotatable by the payout motor, and is configured to temporarily retain game balls that have passed through the tank rail 154 and flowed down into the payout device 152, and to send the temporarily retained game balls one by one downward from the payout device 152 by driving the payout motor and rotating it by a predetermined angle.

[0275] The payout sensor is a sensor for detecting the passage of a gaming ball sent out by the sprocket, and outputs either a high or low signal when a gaming ball is passing, and the other signal, either a high or low, when a gaming ball is not passing, to the payout control unit 600. The gaming ball that passes this payout sensor is configured to pass through a ball rail (not shown) and reach the upper tray 126 arranged on the front side of the pachinko machine 100, and the pachinko machine 100 pays out balls to the player using this configuration.

[0276] On the left side of the figure of the payout device 152, there are a main control board case 158 that houses a main control board 156 that constitutes the main control unit 300 that performs control processing for the overall game, a first sub-control board case 162 that houses a first sub-control board 160 that constitutes the first sub-control unit 400 that performs control processing for presentations based on processing information generated by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control board 164 that constitutes the second sub-control unit 500 that performs control processing for presentations based on processing information generated by the first sub-control unit 400, a liquid crystal control board case 682 that houses a liquid crystal control board 680 that constitutes the liquid crystal control unit 700 that performs control processing for the liquid crystal, and a payout control unit 600 that performs control processing for the payout of game balls and is operated by a gaming store clerk. a power supply board case 184 that houses a power supply board 182 that constitutes a power supply management unit 660 that supplies power to various electric gaming machines and that is equipped with a power switch 178 that turns the power on and off by operation of a gaming parlor clerk and an RWM clear switch 180 that is operated when the power is turned on to output an RWM clear signal to the main control unit 300; and a CR interface unit 186 that transmits and receives signals between the payout control unit 600 and the card unit. The CR interface unit 186 has a CR unit connection unit configured, for example, by a D-sub (D-subminiature) connector, and transmits and receives signals between the payout control unit 600 and the card unit via this.

[0277] Furthermore, when viewed from the rear side, the pachinko machine 100 has a relay board 196 on the right side of the ball tank 150 and above the tank rail 154. The relay board 196 is used for electrical connection between the pachinko machine 100 and the hall computer. When replacing the game board 200, there is no need to change the wiring between the pachinko machine 100 and the hall computer, so the game board 200 is replaced while the main body 104 and the hall computer remain connected via the relay board 196. However, depending on the model, it may be necessary to change the type of signal sent from the pachinko machine 100 to the hall computer, so the pachinko machine 100 may be configured so that the connection status of the relay board 196 can be checked from the front (near side) of the pachinko machine 100 when the game board 200 is removed.

[0278] Furthermore, a volume adjustment switch 192 for adjusting the volume of the speaker 120, for example, is provided on the upper left of the first sub-control board case 162 in the drawing. The volume adjustment switch 192 is configured by, for example, a rotary switch.

[0279] In this way, the main control board 156, the first sub-control board 160, the second sub-control board 164 and the LCD control board 680 are provided on the back of the game board 200 because they need to be changed for each model, while the payout control board 170, the launch board 174 and the power supply board 182 are provided on the outer frame 102 because they are commonly used by multiple models.

[0280] 33 is a schematic front view of the game board 200. An outer rail 202 and an inner rail 204 are arranged on the game board 200, and a game area 124 in which the game ball can roll is defined.

[0281] A presentation device 206 is disposed approximately in the center of the gaming area 124. This presentation device 206 has a decorative symbol display device 208 and a movable display device 288 disposed approximately in the center, and around them are a normal symbol display device 210, a first special symbol display device 212, a second special symbol display device 214, a normal symbol reserve lamp 216, a first special symbol reserve lamp 218, a second special symbol reserve lamp 220, and a high probability lamp 222. Note that, hereinafter, normal symbols may be referred to as "normal symbols" and special symbols may be referred to as "special symbols."

[0282] The effect device 206 operates the effect movable body 224 to perform effects, and details will be described later. The decorative pattern display device 208 is a display device for displaying decorative patterns and various displays used in the effects, and in this embodiment is configured as a liquid crystal display (LCD). This decorative pattern display device 208 is divided into four display areas: a left pattern display area 208a, a center pattern display area 208b, a right pattern display area 208c, and an effect display area 208d. The left pattern display area 208a, the center pattern display area 208b, and the right pattern display area 208c each display a different decorative pattern, and the effect display area 208d displays an image used in the effects. Furthermore, the position and size of each display area 208a, 208b, 208c, and 208d can be freely changed within the display screen of the decorative pattern display device 208. Although a liquid crystal display device is used as the decorative pattern display device 208, it is not limited to a liquid crystal display device as long as it is configured to be able to display various effects and various game information, and other display devices may be used, including, for example, a dot matrix display device, a 7-segment display device, an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display device, a reel (drum) type display device, a leaf type display device, a plasma display, and a projector.

[0283] The movable display device 288 is also a display device for performing various displays used in the performance, and in this embodiment is configured as a liquid crystal display device, but like the decorative pattern display device 208, other display devices including, for example, a dot matrix display device, a 7-segment display device, an organic EL display device, a reel (drum) type display device, a leaf type display device, a plasma display, and a projector may be used. The movable display device 288 is equipped with a motor (not shown) and is configured to be movable in the vertical direction by the motor, and when lowered, covers at least a portion of the front of the decorative pattern display device 208.

[0284] The general map display device 210 is a display device for displaying general maps, and in this embodiment is configured with a 7-segment LED. The first special map display device 212 and the second special map display device 214 are display devices for displaying special maps, and in this embodiment are configured with a 7-segment LED.

[0285] The normal symbol reserve lamp 216 is a lamp for indicating the number of reserved normal symbol variable games (details will be described later), and in this embodiment, it is possible to reserve up to a predetermined number (e.g., two) of normal symbol variable games. The first special symbol reserve lamp 218 and the second special symbol reserve lamp 220 are lamps for indicating the number of reserved special symbol variable games (details will be described later), and in this embodiment, it is possible to reserve up to a predetermined number (e.g., four) of special symbol variable games. The high probability lamp 222 is a lamp for indicating that the game state is in a high probability state where a jackpot is likely to occur, or is about to enter a high probability state; it lights up when the game state changes from a low probability state where a jackpot is unlikely to occur to a high probability state, and it goes out when the game state changes from a high probability state to a low probability state.

[0286] In addition, around this performance device 206, predetermined ball entrance openings, such as a general winning opening 226, a normal winning opening 228, a first special winning opening 230, a second special winning opening 232, and a variable winning opening 234, are arranged.

[0287] In this embodiment, multiple general winning openings 226 are arranged on the game board 200, and when a predetermined ball detection sensor (not shown) detects a ball entering one of these general winning openings 226 (when a ball enters a general winning opening 226), the payout device 152 is activated and a predetermined number of balls (for example, 10 balls) are discharged as prize balls onto the upper tray 126. The balls discharged onto the upper tray 126 can be freely removed by the player, and this configuration allows prize balls to be paid out to the player based on the winnings. Note that balls that enter the general winning openings 226 are guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged onto the game island side. In this embodiment, balls paid out to players in exchange for winnings are sometimes referred to as "prize balls," and balls loaned to players are sometimes referred to as "loan balls," and "prize balls" and "loan balls" are collectively referred to as "balls (game balls)."

[0288] The normal map start port 228 is composed of a device called a gate or through chucker, which is used to determine whether or not a ball has passed through a predetermined area of ​​the play area 124, and in this embodiment, one is provided on the left side of the play board 200. Unlike balls that enter the general winning port 226, balls that pass through the normal map start port 228 are not discharged to the play island side. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects that a ball has passed through the normal map start port 228, the pachinko machine 100 starts a normal map variable game using the normal map display device 210.

[0289] In this embodiment, only one first special symbol start hole 230 is disposed in the center of the game board 200. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering this first special symbol start hole 230, the payout device 152 described later is driven, a predetermined number of balls (for example, three balls) are discharged as prize balls onto the upper tray 126, and a special symbol variable game is started by the first special symbol display device 212. The ball that entered the first special symbol start hole 230 is guided to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged to the game island side.

[0290] The second special symbol start opening 232 is called an electric tulip (electric chute), and in this embodiment, only one is provided directly below the first special symbol start opening 230. This second special symbol start opening 232 is equipped with a blade member 232a that can be opened and closed left and right. Balls cannot enter the opening while the blade member 232a is closed. When a player wins the normal symbol variable game and the normal symbol display device 210 displays a winning symbol, the blade member 232a opens and closes at a predetermined time interval and a predetermined number of times. When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the second special symbol start opening 232, the payout device 152 is activated, and a predetermined number of balls (e.g., four balls) are discharged as prize balls onto the upper tray 126, and the special symbol variable game is initiated by the second special symbol display device 214. Balls entering the second special symbol start opening 232 are guided to the back of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharged toward the game island.

[0291] The variable prize opening 234 is called a jackpot opening or attacker, and in this embodiment, only one is located below the center of the game board 200. This variable prize opening 234 has a door member 234a that can be opened and closed. Balls cannot enter the opening while the door member 234a is closed. When a player wins a special symbol variable game and the special symbol display device displays a jackpot symbol, the door member 234a opens and closes at predetermined time intervals (e.g., 29 seconds for opening and 1.5 seconds for closing) and a predetermined number of times (e.g., 15 times). When a predetermined ball detection sensor detects a ball entering the variable prize opening 234, the payout device 152 is activated, and a predetermined number of balls (e.g., 15 balls) are dispensed into the upper tray 126 as prize balls. Balls that enter the variable prize opening 234 are guided to the back of the pachinko machine 100 and then dispensed toward the game island.

[0292] Furthermore, in the vicinity of these winning holes and starting holes, there are arranged disk-shaped ball direction changing members 236 called windmills and a plurality of game nails 238, and at the bottom of the inner rail 204, there is provided an outlet 240 for guiding balls that do not enter any of the winning holes or starting holes to the back side of the pachinko machine 100 and then discharging them to the game island side.

[0293] In this pachinko machine 100, the player supplies the balls stored in the upper tray 126 to the launch position of the launch rail, drives the launch motor with a strength corresponding to the amount of operation of the operating handle by the player, and the balls are shot through the outer rail 202 and inner rail 204 by the launch rod 146 and the launch hammer 148 into the play area 124. Then, the balls that reach the top of the play area 124 fall downward while changing their direction of travel by the ball direction changing member 236, the play nail 238, etc., and either win in a winning hole (general winning hole 226, variable winning hole 234) or a starting hole (first special starting hole 230, second special starting hole 232), or reach the outlet hole 240 without winning in any winning hole or starting hole, or by only passing through the normal starting hole 228.

[0294] <Effective Device 206> Next, the effective device 206 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.

[0295] On the front side of this performance device 206, a warp device 242 and a stage 244 are arranged in an area where the game ball can roll, and a performance movable body 224 is arranged in an area where the game ball cannot roll. Also, a decorative pattern display device 208 and a shielding device 246 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a door) are arranged on the back side of the performance device 206. That is, in the performance device 206, the decorative pattern display device 208 and the shielding means are located behind the warp device 242, the stage 244, the performance movable body 224, and the movable display device 288.

[0296] The warp device 242 discharges game balls that have entered a warp entrance 242a provided at the upper left of the performance device 206 from a warp exit 242b onto a stage 244 below the front of the performance device 206. The stage 244 allows balls discharged from the warp exit 242b and balls that have run over nails on the game board 200 to roll, and a special route 244a is provided in the center of the stage 244, which makes it easier for balls that pass through to enter the first special chart starting hole 230.

[0297] In this embodiment, the performance movable body 224 comprises an upper arm portion 224a and a forearm portion 224b that resemble the upper arm and forearm of a human right arm, and is equipped with an upper arm motor (not shown) that rotates the upper arm portion 224a to the shoulder position and a forearm motor (not shown) that rotates the forearm portion 224b to the elbow position. The performance movable body 224 moves in front of the decorative pattern display device 208 by the upper arm motor and the forearm motor.

[0298] The shielding device 246 consists of a lattice-shaped left door 246a and a right door 246b, and is disposed between the decorative symbol display device 208 and the front stage 244. Belts wound around two pulleys (not shown) are fixed to the tops of the left door 246a and the right door 246b, respectively. That is, the left door 246a and the right door 246b move left and right in response to the movement of the belts driven by a motor via pulleys. When the left door 246a and the right door 246b are closed, the shielding means overlaps the respective inner edges of the left door 246a and the right door 246b, shielding the decorative symbol display device 208 so that it is difficult for the player to view it. When the left door 246a and the right door 246b are open, the respective inner edges slightly overlap the outer edges of the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 208, but the player can view the entire display of the decorative symbol display device 208. Furthermore, the left door 246a and the right door 246b can be stopped at any position, and for example, can cover only a part of the decorative pattern to the extent that the player can identify which decorative pattern is the displayed decorative pattern. The left door 246a and the right door 246b may make a part of the rear decorative pattern display device 208 visible through the lattice hole, or the shoji part of the lattice hole may be covered with a translucent lens body so that the player can vaguely see the display by the rear decorative pattern display device 208, or the shoji part of the lattice hole may be completely covered (shielded) so that the rear decorative pattern display device 208 is completely invisible.

[0299] The movable display device 288 displays the effects and is movable. Therefore, in the following description, as display devices, the decorative pattern display device 208 may be referred to as the first display device (main liquid crystal display device), and the movable display device 288 may be referred to as the second display device (sub-liquid crystal display device). Also, the shielding device 246 and the effect movable body 224 resembling a human arm may be referred to as a (effect) movable body.

[0300] <Control Unit> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of this pachinko machine 100 will be explained in detail using Figure 34. Note that this figure is a circuit block diagram of the control unit. The control unit of the pachinko machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control unit 300 that controls the core of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls various devices in response to command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") sent by the main control unit 300, a second sub-control unit 500 that mainly controls the presentation based on the commands sent from the first sub-control unit 400, a payout control unit 600 that mainly controls the payout of game balls in response to commands sent by the main control unit 300, a launch control unit 630 that controls the launch of game balls, a power supply control unit 660 that controls the power supplied to the pachinko machine 100, and a liquid crystal control unit 700.

[0301] <Main Control Unit> First, the main control unit 300 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. 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 programs and various data, 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 314 for monitoring program processing abnormalities. 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 described below. The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 316b as a system clock.

[0302] The basic circuit 302 also includes a counter circuit (random number generating circuit) 318 (which has two built-in counters) used as a hardware random number counter that varies the value within the range of 0 to 65535 each time it receives a clock signal output from a crystal oscillator 316a, and a sensor circuit 320 for receiving signals output from various sensors 320, including predetermined ball detection sensors, for example, sensors that detect game balls passing through each start port, winning port, and variable winning port, a front frame door open sensor, an inner frame open sensor, and a lower tray full sensor, and outputting the amplification results and the comparison results with a reference voltage to the counter circuit 318 and the basic circuit 302. 2, a drive circuit 324 for controlling the display of a predetermined pattern display device, for example, the first special pattern display device 212 or the second special pattern display device 214, a drive circuit 326 for controlling the display of a predetermined pattern display device, for example, the normal pattern display device 210, a drive circuit 330 for controlling the display of various status display units 328 (for example, the normal pattern hold lamp 216, the first special pattern hold lamp 218, the second special pattern hold lamp 220, the high probability lamp 222, etc.), and a drive circuit 334 for controlling various solenoids 332 that open and close predetermined movable members, for example, the blade member 232a of the second special pattern start port 232 and the door member 234a of the variable winning port 234, etc.

[0303] When the ball detection sensor 320 detects that a ball has entered the first special symbol starting hole 230, the sensor circuit 322 outputs a signal indicating that a ball has been detected to the counter circuit 318. The counter circuit 318 receives this signal and latches the value of the counter corresponding to the first special symbol starting hole 230 at that timing, and stores the latched value in a built-in counter value storage register corresponding to the first special symbol starting hole 230. Similarly, when the counter circuit 318 receives a signal indicating that a ball has entered the second special symbol starting hole 232, it latches the value of the counter corresponding to the second special symbol starting hole 232 at that timing, and stores the latched value in a built-in counter value storage register corresponding to the second special symbol starting hole 232.

[0304] Furthermore, an information output circuit 336 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 outputs game information (e.g., game status) of the pachinko machine 100 to an information input circuit 350 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 336.

[0305] The main control unit 300 is also provided with a voltage monitoring circuit 338 that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied from the power supply control unit 660 to the main control unit 300, and this voltage monitoring circuit 338 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).

[0306] In addition, the main control unit 300 is provided with a start-up signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 340 that outputs a start-up signal (reset signal) when power is turned on, and when the CPU 304 receives a start-up signal from this start-up signal output circuit 340, it starts game control (starts the main processing of the main control unit, which will be described later).

[0307] In addition, the main control unit 300 is equipped with an output interface for sending commands to the first sub-control unit 400 and an output interface for sending commands to the dispensing control unit 600, and this configuration enables communication with the first sub-control unit 400 and the dispensing control unit 600. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 and the dispensing control unit 600 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 and the dispensing control unit 600, but is configured so that signals such as commands cannot be sent from the first sub-control unit 400 and the dispensing control unit 600 to the main control unit 300.

[0308] <Sub-controller> Next, the first sub-controller 400 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. The first sub-controller 400 is equipped with a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-controller 400 mainly based on commands sent by the main controller 300, and this basic circuit 402 is equipped with a CPU 404, a ROM 406 for storing control programs and various performance data, 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 this basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. Note that the ROM 406 may store the control program and various performance data in separate ROMs.

[0309] In addition, the basic circuit 402 is connected to a sound source IC 416 for controlling the speaker 120 (and amplifier), a drive circuit 420 for controlling various lamps 418 (for example, the chance button lamp 138 and the gaming machine frame lamp 122), a drive circuit 432 for controlling the drive of the chance button 136 and the movable parts of the button unit 190, a button detection sensor 426 and various sensors 430 that detect pressing of the chance button 136 and the button unit 190, and a sensor circuit 428 that outputs detection signals from the various sensors 430 and the button detection sensor 426 to the basic circuit 402.

[0310] Next, the second sub-control unit 500 of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. 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, and this basic circuit 502 is equipped with a CPU 504, RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, I / O 510 for controlling 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, and is provided with a ROM 506 that stores control programs and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, etc.

[0311] In addition, the basic circuit 502 is connected to a drive circuit 516 for controlling the drive of the movable parts of the performance movable body 224, the shading device 246, and the movable display device 288, a performance movable body sensor 424 for detecting the current positions of the performance movable body 224, the shading device 246, etc., a sensor circuit 518 for outputting the detection signal from the performance movable body sensor 424 to the basic circuit 502, a game board lamp drive circuit 530 for controlling the game board lamp 532, and a serial communication control circuit 520 for controlling the lighting via serial communication between the basic circuit 502 and the game board lamp drive circuit 530.

[0312] <Payout control unit, launch control unit, power supply control unit> Next, we will explain the payout control unit 600, launch control unit 630, and power supply control unit 660 of the pachinko machine 100. The payout control unit 600 controls the payout motor 602 of the payout device 152 mainly based on signals such as commands sent by the main control unit 300, detects whether the payout of prize balls or loan balls has been completed based on a control signal output by a payout sensor 604, and communicates with a card unit 608 provided separately from the pachinko machine 100 via an interface unit 606.

[0313] The launch control unit 630 controls the launch motor 632 that drives the launch rod 146 and the launch hammer 148, and the ball feeding device 634 that supplies balls from the upper tray 126 to the launch device 110, based on a control signal output by the payout control unit 600 that instructs whether to allow or stop the launch, and a control signal output by a launch intensity output circuit provided in the ball launch handle 134 that instructs the launch intensity according to the amount of operation of the ball launch handle 134 by the player.

[0314] The power supply control unit 660 converts AC power supplied from outside to the pachinko machine 100 into DC, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit such as the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400, and each device such as the payout device 152. Furthermore, the power supply control unit 660 is equipped with a 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. Note that in this embodiment, the power supply control unit 660 supplies a predetermined voltage to the payout control unit 600 and the second sub-control unit 500, and the payout control unit 600 supplies a predetermined voltage to the main control unit 300, the second sub-control unit 500, and the launch control unit 630, but the predetermined voltage may be supplied to each control unit and each device via another power supply path.

[0315] <Liquid Crystal Control Unit> Next, we will explain the liquid crystal control unit 700. The liquid crystal control unit 700 receives control commands sent by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and includes a CPU 704 that controls the entire liquid crystal control unit 700 based on these control commands, a RAM 708 for temporarily storing data, a ROM 506 that stores control programs and data for controlling the entire liquid crystal control unit 700, data for image display, etc., and a VDP (video display processor) 710. The CPU 704 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 714A as a system clock.

[0316] The VDP 710 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output by the crystal oscillator 714B as a system clock, and reads image data etc. stored in the CGROM 716 based on a signal from the CPU 404, generates a display image using the work area of ​​the VRAM 718, and displays the image on the decorative pattern display device 208 and the movable display device 288.

[0317] <Block diagram of gaming machine> The connection relationships of each board (control board) of the pachinko machine 100 will be explained with reference to Figure 35. The figure is a block diagram showing the connection relationships of each (control) board, etc. constituting the main control unit 300, first sub-control unit 400, second sub-control unit 500, payout control unit 600, and liquid crystal control unit 700, etc., with the display device, movable body, etc.

[0318] In the pachinko machine 100, on the game board 200 side, a board relay board 722, an external terminal board 720, and a first sub-control board 160 are connected to a main control board 156. The board relay board 722 is connected to various sensors 320, solenoids 332, and symbol display boards 212, 214, 210, and 328. As a result, when the ball detection sensor 320 detects that a game ball has entered the general winning opening (winning opening) 226, the normal starting opening (gate) 228, the first special starting opening 230, or the second starting opening 232, a switch signal is sent to the main control unit 300. In addition, a solenoid signal for opening and closing the second special starting opening (normal electric device) 232 is sent from a drive circuit 334 of the main control unit 300 to the solenoid 332. In addition, solenoid signals for opening and closing the first variable winning opening 234 and the second variable winning opening 235 (large winning opening) are transmitted from the drive circuit 334 of the main control unit 300 to the solenoid 332. In addition, count signals for counting the number of winning balls are transmitted to the main control unit 300 from the first variable winning opening 234 and the second variable winning opening 235 (large winning opening).

[0319] Furthermore, a liquid crystal control board 680 is connected to the first sub-control board 160, and a decorative symbol display device (main liquid crystal display device) 208 and a movable display device (sub liquid crystal display device) 288 are connected to the liquid crystal control board 680. Furthermore, a second sub-control board 164 is connected to the first sub-control board 160, and a board-side lighting board 724 on which movable objects M on the board surface side (movable part 2441 of movable display device 288, performance movable body 244, shading device 246, etc.) and game board lamps 532 are mounted is connected to the second sub-control board 164.

[0320] As a result, the first sub-control board 160 performs control in response to commands from the main control board 156, and the LCD control board 680 and the second sub-control board 164 perform control in response to commands from the first sub-control board 160. Specifically, processing information (command signals) generated by the main control unit 300 is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400, and the processing information or processing information generated by the first sub-control unit 400 is transmitted to the LCD control unit 700 and the second sub-control unit 500. For example, data for driving the performance movable body 224, data for emitting illumination for the performance movable body 224, data for driving the movable display device 288, etc. are transmitted from the first sub-control board 160 to the second sub-control board 164. In addition, data or a clock signal for emitting illumination on the gaming board 200 side is transmitted from the drive circuit 516 of the second sub-control unit 500 to the board side illumination board 724. In addition, the drive circuits 324, 326, 330 transmit display control signals for the first special symbol display device 212, the second special symbol display device 214, the normal symbol display device 210, and the various status display units 328. In addition, control data for the first sub-control board 160 is transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 680, and image data is transmitted to the decorative symbol display device 208 and the movable display device 288.

[0321] Furthermore, the pachinko machine 100 is provided with board frame relay boards 726A, 726B, and 726C on the main body 104 side, which relay and connect the boards on the game board 200 side and the boards on the main body 104 side. The board frame relay board 726A connects the main control board 156 and the payout control board 170. This allows the main control unit 300 to send command signals related to payout control, for example (such as the number of payouts and information for communicating with the external terminal board 720) to the payout control unit 600, and the payout control unit 600 to send error information on the discharge system, etc. to the main control unit 300. In addition, the panel frame relay board 726B connects the first sub-control board 160 and the power supply board 182, and the panel frame relay board 726C connects the first sub-control board 160 and the door side lighting board 734 on which the chance button 136, button unit 190, various lamps 138, 418 for the buttons, button movable part 246, and various lamps 418 are mounted, which are provided on the front frame door 106, and the speaker 120 via the door side lighting board 734.

[0322] As a result, data and clock signals for illuminating the various lamps 418 are transmitted from the drive circuit 420 of the first sub-control unit 400 to the door-side lighting board 734. Also, audio data is transmitted from the sound source IC 416 to the speaker 120. Also, detection results of the button detection sensor 426 and the like resulting from operation of the chance button 136 and the button unit 190 are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0323] The payout control board 170 is connected to the payout sensor 604, the payout motor 602, and the game ball lending device connection board 728. The payout control board 170 is also connected to the power supply board 182, the launch board 174, and the receiving tray board 730. The launch board 174 is connected to the power supply board 182, the launch motor 632, and the ball feeding device 634. The receiving tray board 730 is connected to the launch handle board 738 and the degree display board 744 provided on the front frame door 106. The handle volume 736, the full tank switch 740, and the touch sensor 742 are connected to the launch handle board 738.

[0324] <Types of symbols> Next, using Figures 36(a) to (c), we will explain the types of special symbols and normal symbols that are displayed as stopped by the first special symbol display device 212, the second special symbol display device 214, the decorative symbol display device 208, and the normal symbol display device 210 of the pachinko machine 100. Figure 36(a) shows an example of the stopped symbol mode of the special symbol.

[0325] Special symbol 1 variable play begins on the condition that the first start port sensor detects that a ball has entered the first special symbol start port 230, and special symbol 2 variable play begins on the condition that the second start port sensor detects that a ball has entered the second special symbol start port 232. When special symbol 1 variable play begins, the first special symbol display device 212 performs a "special symbol 1 variable display" by repeatedly lighting up all seven segments and the single central segment. Also, when special symbol 2 variable play begins, the second special symbol display device 214 performs a "special symbol 2 variable display" by repeatedly lighting up all seven segments and the single central segment. These "special symbol 1 variable display" and "special symbol 2 variable display" correspond to examples of the variable display of the pattern referred to in this invention.

[0326] Then, when the change time determined before the start of the change of special symbol 1 (corresponding to the change time referred to in this invention) has elapsed, the first special symbol display device 212 displays the stopped symbol pattern of special symbol 1, and when the change time determined before the start of the change of special symbol 2 (which also corresponds to the change time referred to in this invention) has elapsed, the second special symbol display device 214 displays the stopped symbol pattern of special symbol 2. Therefore, the period from the start of the "change display of special symbol 1" to the stopped symbol pattern of special symbol 1, or from the start of the "change display of special symbol 2" to the stopped symbol pattern of special symbol 2, corresponds to an example of a pattern change stop display referred to in this invention, and hereinafter, the series of displays from the start of this "change display of special symbol 1 or 2" to the stopped symbol pattern of special symbol 1 or 2 will be referred to as a pattern change stop display. As will be described later, the pattern change stop display may be performed multiple times in succession. Figure (a) shows 10 types of special symbols, from "Special Symbol A" to "Special Symbol J," as the stop symbol patterns in the symbol change stop display, with the white areas in the figure indicating the locations of the segments that will be turned off and the black areas indicating the locations of the segments that will be lit.

[0327] "Special symbol A" is a 15-round (15R) special jackpot symbol, and "Special symbol B" is a 15R jackpot symbol. In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, as described below, the determination of whether or not a jackpot occurs in the special symbol variable game is performed by a hardware random number lottery, and the determination of whether or not a special jackpot occurs is performed by a software random number lottery. The difference between a jackpot and a special jackpot is whether the probability of winning a jackpot in the next special symbol variable game is high (special jackpot) or low (jackpot). Hereinafter, a state with a high probability of winning a jackpot will be referred to as a "special symbol high probability state," and a state with a low probability will be referred to as a "special symbol low probability state." Furthermore, after both the 15R special jackpot game and the 15R jackpot game end, the game transitions to a time-saving state. While time-saving will be described in more detail below, a state in which the game transitions to the time-saving state will be referred to as a "normal symbol high probability state," and a state in which the game does not transition to the time-saving state will be referred to as a "normal symbol low probability state." The 15R special jackpot symbol "Special A" is a high probability special symbol and a high probability normal symbol, while the 15R jackpot symbol "Special B" is a low probability special symbol and a high probability normal symbol. These "Special A" and "Special B" symbols are symbols that will give the player a relatively large amount of profit.

[0328] "Special Chart C" is a 2R jackpot pattern known as a sudden probability change, and is in a state of high probability for special charts and high probability for regular charts. In other words, compared to "Special Chart A" which is 15R, "Special Chart C" is different in that it is 2R. "Special Chart D" is a 2R jackpot pattern known as a sudden time reduction, and is in a state of low probability for special charts and high probability for regular charts. In other words, compared to "Special Chart B" which is 15R, "Special Chart D" is different in that it is 2R.

[0329] "Special Chart E" is a 2R jackpot pattern called a hidden probability change, and is in a state where the special chart has a high probability and the normal chart has a low probability. "Special Chart F" is a 2R jackpot pattern called a sudden normal chart, and is in a state where the special chart has a low probability and the normal chart has a low probability. Both "Special Chart E" and "Special Chart F" are 2R and do not transition to a time-saving state.

[0330] "Special symbol G" is the first small win symbol, and "Special symbol H" is the second small win symbol, both of which are in a special symbol low probability and normal symbol low probability state. The small win referred to here is equivalent to a jackpot without 2R time reduction. In other words, "Special symbol G" and "Special symbol H" are in the same state as "Special symbol F," but the effects displayed on the decorative symbol display device 208 are different for both. By intentionally providing "Special symbol G," "Special symbol H," and "Special symbol F" even in the same state, the excitement of the game is heightened. In addition, "Special symbol I" is the first losing symbol, and "Special symbol J" is the second losing symbol, and these are symbols that will grant the player a relatively small amount of profit.

[0331] In addition, the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment is also provided with symbols other than "Special A" as the 15R special jackpot symbol, and the same applies to other symbols such as the 15R jackpot symbol.

[0332] Figure 36(b) shows an example of a decorative pattern. There are ten types of decorative patterns in this embodiment, "Decoration 1" to "Decoration 10." When a ball enters the first special pattern starting hole 230 or the second special pattern starting hole 232, that is, when the first starting hole sensor detects that a ball has entered the first special pattern starting hole 230, or when the second starting hole sensor detects that a ball has entered the second special pattern starting hole 232, a "decorative pattern change display" is performed in which the display is switched in the following order in each of the left pattern display area 208a, the center pattern display area 208b, and the right pattern display area 208c of the decorative pattern display device 208. When a 15R jackpot of "Special Chart B" is announced, a symbol combination of three identical decorative symbols lined up corresponding to the 15R jackpot (for example, "Decoration 1-Decoration 1-Decoration 1" or "Decoration 2-Decoration 2-Decoration 2") is stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 208a to 208c. When a 15R special jackpot of "Special Chart A" is announced, a symbol combination of three identical odd-numbered decorative symbols lined up (for example, "Decoration 3-Decoration 3-Decoration 3" or "Decoration 7-Decoration 7-Decoration 7") is stopped and displayed.

[0333] In addition, when announcing a 2R jackpot called a hidden probability change on "Special Chart E," a 2R jackpot called a sudden normal on "Special Chart F," or the first small win on "Special Chart G," or the second small win on "Special Chart H," the display will stop with "Decoration 1-Decoration 2-Decoration 3." Furthermore, when announcing a 2R jackpot called a sudden probability change on "Special Chart C," or a 2R jackpot called a sudden time reduction on "Special Chart D," the display will stop with "Decoration 1-Decoration 3-Decoration 5."

[0334] On the other hand, when announcing the first miss of "Special Chart I" or the second miss of "Special Chart J", a symbol combination other than the symbol combination shown in the same figure (b) is displayed in a static manner in the symbol display areas 208a to 208c.

[0335] Figure 36(c) shows an example of a stop display pattern for a normal symbol. In this embodiment, there are two types of stop display patterns for the normal symbol: "Normal Symbol A," which is a winning symbol, and "Normal Symbol B," which is a losing symbol. Based on the above-mentioned gate sensor detecting that the ball has passed through the normal symbol start hole 228, the normal symbol display device 210 performs a "normal symbol variation display" by repeatedly lighting up all seven segments and the single central segment. Then, when announcing a win in the normal symbol variation game, "Normal Symbol A" is displayed as a stop display, and when announcing a loss in the normal symbol variation game, "Normal Symbol B" is displayed as a stop display. In this Figure (c), the white parts in the figure indicate the locations of the segments that will be unlit, and the black parts indicate the locations of the segments that will be lit.

[0336] <Main Processing of Main Control Unit> Next, the main processing of the main control unit executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 37. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main processing of the main control unit.

[0337] As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 340 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when power is turned on. When this start signal is input, the CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 is reset and started by a reset interrupt, and executes the main processing of the main control unit shown in Fig. 37 in accordance with a control program previously stored in the ROM 306.

[0338] In step S101, initial setting 1 is performed. In this initial setting 1, a stack initial value is set (temporarily set) to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, an interrupt mask is set, the I / O 310 is initialized, various variables stored in the RAM 308 are initialized, and operation permission and an initial value are set to the WDT 314. In this embodiment, a numerical value equivalent to 32.8 ms is set as the initial value to the WDT 314. In step S103, the value of the counter of the WDT 314 is cleared, and time measurement by the WDT 314 is restarted.

[0339] In step S105, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is ON, that is, whether the voltage monitoring circuit 338 is outputting a low voltage signal indicating a voltage drop when the voltage value of the power supply supplied from the power supply control unit 660 to the main control unit 300 is less than a predetermined value (9V in this embodiment). If the low voltage signal is ON (if the CPU 304 detects that the power supply has been cut off), the process returns to step S103, and if the low voltage signal is OFF (if the CPU 304 has not detected that the power supply has been cut off), the process proceeds to step S107. Note that if the predetermined value (9V) has not yet been reached immediately after the power is turned on, the process also returns to step S103, and step S105 is repeatedly executed until the supply voltage reaches or exceeds the predetermined value.

[0340] In step S107, initial setting 2 is performed. In this initial setting 2, a numerical value that determines the period for periodically executing the main control unit timer interrupt processing described below is set in counter timer 312, a clear signal is output from a predetermined port of I / O 310 (e.g., a test output port, an output port to first sub-control unit 400), and settings are made to allow writing to RAM 308.

[0341] In step S109, it is determined whether or not the state before the power was cut off (before power was cut off) is to be restored, and if the state before power was cut off is not to be restored (if the basic circuit 302 of the main control unit 300 is to be set to its initial state), the initialization process (step S113) is carried out.

[0342] Specifically, first, it is determined whether a RAM clear signal, which is transmitted when an RWM clear switch 180 provided on the power supply board is operated by a store clerk or the like at an amusement parlor, is on (indicating that an operation has been performed), i.e., whether RAM clearing is necessary. If the RAM clear signal is on (if RAM clearing is necessary), the process proceeds to step S113 to initialize the basic circuit 302. On the other hand, if the RAM clear signal is off (if RAM clearing is not necessary), the process reads out power status information stored in a power status storage area provided in RAM 308 and determines whether this power status information indicates suspend. If the power status information does not indicate suspend, the process proceeds to step S113 to initialize the basic circuit 302. If the power status information indicates suspend, the process calculates a checksum by adding all 1-byte data stored in a predetermined area (e.g., all areas) of RAM 308 to a 1-byte register whose initial value is 0, and it is determined whether the calculated checksum result is a specific value (e.g., 0) (whether the checksum result is normal). If the checksum result is a specific value (for example, 0) (if the checksum result is normal), the process proceeds to step S111 to restore the state before the power outage, and if the checksum result is a value other than the specific value (for example, 0) (if the checksum result is abnormal), the process proceeds to step S113 to return the pachinko machine 100 to its initial state. Similarly, if the power status information indicates information other than "suspended", the process proceeds to step S113.

[0343] In step S111, power restoration processing is performed. In this power restoration processing, the value of the stack pointer stored in a stack pointer save area provided in RAM 308 at the time of power outage is read out and reset (main setting) to the stack pointer. Also, the values ​​of each register stored in a register save area provided in RAM 308 at the time of power outage are read out and reset to each register, and then interrupt permission is set. Thereafter, the CPU 304 executes the control program based on the reset stack pointer and registers, and the pachinko machine 100 returns to the state it was in at the time of power outage. That is, processing is resumed from the command next to the command (predetermined in step S115) executed immediately before branching to timer interrupt processing (described later) immediately before power outage. Also, a transmission information storage area is provided in the RAM 308 mounted on the basic circuit 302 in the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 34. In this step S111, a power restoration command is set in the transmission information storage area. This power restoration command is a command indicating that the state at the time of power outage has been restored, and is sent to the first sub-control unit 400 in step S233 of the timer interrupt processing of the main control unit 300, which will be described later.

[0344] In step S113, initialization processing is performed. This initialization processing includes setting interrupt prohibition, setting the stack initial value to the stack pointer (main setting), and initializing all storage areas in RAM 308. Furthermore, here, a normal return command is set in the transmission information storage area provided in RAM 308 of the main control unit 300. This normal return command is a command indicating that the initialization processing of the main control unit 300 (step S113) has been performed, and like the power recovery command, it is sent to the first sub-control unit 400 in step S233 in the timer interrupt processing of the main control unit 300.

[0345] In step S115, after the interrupt prohibition setting, a basic random number initial value update process is performed. In this basic random number initial value update process, two random number counters for generating initial values ​​for the normal winning random number counter and the special random number counter are updated, as well as two random number counters for generating the normal timer random number value and the special timer random number value. For example, if the possible range of values ​​for the normal timer random number value is 0 to 100, a value is obtained from the random number counter storage area for generating the normal timer random number value provided in RAM 308, 1 is added to the obtained value, and the value is then stored in the original random number counter storage area. If the result of adding 1 to the obtained value is 101, 0 is stored in the original random number counter storage area. Other initial value generation random number counters and random number counters are also updated in the same manner. The initial value generation random number counters are also updated in step S207, which will be described later. The main control unit 300 repeatedly executes the process of step S115, except during timer interrupt processing, which starts at a predetermined cycle.

[0346] <Main Control Unit Timer Interruption Processing> Next, the main control unit timer interruption processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 38. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interruption processing.

[0347] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (approximately once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and this timer interrupt signal is used as a trigger to start main control unit timer interrupt processing at the predetermined cycle. In step S201, timer interrupt start processing is performed. This timer interrupt start processing includes processing to temporarily save the values ​​of each register of the CPU 304 in a stack area.

[0348] In step S203, the WDT is restarted periodically (in this embodiment, once every approximately 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt) to prevent the count value of WDT314 from exceeding the initial setting value (32.8 ms in this embodiment) and causing a WDT interrupt (to prevent processing abnormalities from being detected).

[0349] In step S205, an input port status update process is performed. In this input port status update process, detection signals from various sensors 320, including the front frame door open sensor, inner frame open sensor, bottom tray full sensor, and various ball detection sensors, are input via the input port of I / O 310 to monitor the presence or absence of detection signals, and are stored in signal status memory areas partitioned for each of the various sensors 320 in RAM 308. Using the detection signals of ball detection sensors as an example, information on the presence or absence of detection signals from each ball detection sensor detected in the timer interrupt process two times before last (approximately 4 ms ago) is read from the previous detection signal memory area partitioned for each ball detection sensor in RAM 308, and this information is stored in the previous detection signal memory area partitioned for each ball detection sensor in RAM 308. Information on the presence or absence of detection signals from each ball detection sensor detected in the previous timer interrupt process (approximately 2 ms ago) is read from the current detection signal memory area partitioned for each ball detection sensor in RAM 308, and this information is stored in the previous detection signal memory area. In addition, the detection signals of each ball detection sensor detected this time are stored in the above-mentioned current detection signal storage area.

[0350] In step S205, the information on the presence or absence of detection signals from each ball detection sensor stored in the aforementioned second-to-last detection signal storage area, previous detection signal storage area, and current detection signal storage area is compared to determine whether the information on the presence or absence of detection signals from each ball detection sensor for the past three times matches the winning determination pattern information. While a gaming ball passes through a ball detection sensor, this main control unit timer interrupt process, which repeatedly activates at very short intervals of approximately 2 ms, is activated several times. Therefore, each time the main control unit timer interrupt process is activated, the aforementioned step S205 checks for detection signals indicating that the same gaming ball has passed the same ball detection sensor. As a result, detection signals indicating that the same gaming ball has passed the same ball detection sensor are stored in the aforementioned second-to-last detection signal storage area, previous detection signal storage area, and current detection signal storage area. In other words, when a gaming ball begins to pass a ball detection sensor, the following will occur: no second-to-last detection signal, a previous detection signal, and a current detection signal. In this embodiment, taking into consideration erroneous detection and noise from the ball detection sensors, if a detection signal is stored twice in succession after no detection signal, it is determined that a win has occurred. The ROM 306 of the main control unit 300 shown in FIG. 34 stores winning determination pattern information (in this embodiment, information indicating that there was no detection signal two times before last, that there was a detection signal the previous time, and that there was a detection signal this time). In this step S205, if the information on the presence or absence of detection signals from each ball detection sensor for the past three times matches predetermined winning determination pattern information (in this embodiment, information indicating that there was no detection signal two times before last, that there was a detection signal the previous time, and that there was a detection signal this time), it is determined that a ball has entered the general winning slot 226, the variable winning slot 234, the first special symbol starting slot 230, or the second special symbol starting slot 232, or passed through the general symbol starting slot 228. In other words, it is determined that a win has occurred in these winning slots 226, 234, or these starting slots 230, 232, and 228.For example, if the information on the presence or absence of detection signals from the past three times at the general winning opening sensor that detects balls entering the general winning opening 226 matches the above-mentioned winning determination pattern information, it is determined that a win has occurred at the general winning opening 226, and processing associated with subsequent wins at the general winning opening 226 is performed. However, if the information on the presence or absence of detection signals from the past three times does not match the above-mentioned winning determination pattern information, the processing associated with subsequent wins at the general winning opening 226 is not performed and the processing branches to subsequent processing. Note that ROM 306 of the main control unit 300 stores winning determination clear pattern information (in this embodiment, information indicating that there was a detection signal two times before last, that there was no detection signal last time, and that there was no detection signal this time). After it is determined that a win has occurred, it is not determined that a win has occurred until the information on the presence or absence of detection signals from each ball detection sensor from the past three times matches the winning determination clear pattern information. If the information matches the winning determination clear pattern information, it is then determined whether or not the information matches the above-mentioned winning determination pattern information.

[0351] In steps S207 and S209, a basic random number initial value update process and a basic random number update process are performed. In these basic random number initial value update processes, the value of the random number counter for generating the initial value, performed in step S115 above, is updated, and then two random number counters for generating the normal winning random number value, the special 1 random number value, and the special 2 random number value, respectively, used by the main control unit 300 are updated. For example, if the range of values ​​that can be taken as the normal winning random number value is 0 to 100, a value is obtained from the random number counter memory area for generating the normal winning random number value provided in RAM 308, 1 is added to the obtained value, and the value is then stored in the original random number counter memory area. At this time, if the result of adding 1 to the obtained value is 101, 0 is stored in the original random number counter memory area. Furthermore, if it is determined that the random number counter has completed one cycle as a result of adding 1 to the obtained value, the value of the random number counter for generating the initial value corresponding to each random number counter is obtained and set in the random number counter memory area. For example, if a value is obtained from a random number counter for generating a normal winning random number value, which varies between 0 and 100, and the result of adding 1 to the obtained value is equal to the previously set initial value (e.g., 7) stored in a predetermined initial value storage area in RAM 308, a value is obtained as an initial value from the random number counter for generating an initial value corresponding to the random number counter for generating a normal winning random number value, and set in the random number counter for generating a normal winning random number value. At the same time, the newly set initial value is stored in the initial value storage area to determine whether the random number counter for generating a normal winning random number value has completed its next full cycle. In addition to the initial value storage area described above for determining whether the random number counter for generating a normal winning random number value has completed its next full cycle, RAM 308 also provides an initial value storage area for determining whether the random number counter for generating a special winning random number value has completed its full cycle. In this embodiment, separate counters are provided for obtaining the random number value for special number 1 and the random number value for special number 2, but the same counter may be used.

[0352] In step S211, a random number update process for effect is performed. In this random number update process, a random number counter for generating random numbers for effect used by the main control unit 300 is updated.

[0353] In step S213, a timer update process is performed. In this timer update process, various timers are updated, including a normal symbol display symbol update timer for timing the time for varying and stopping the symbol display on the normal symbol display device 210, a special symbol 1 display symbol update timer for timing the time for varying and stopping the symbol display on the first special symbol display device 212, a special symbol 2 display symbol update timer for timing the time for varying and stopping the symbol display on the second special symbol display device 214, and timers for timing a predetermined winning performance time, a predetermined opening time, a predetermined closing time, a predetermined ending performance period, etc.

[0354] In step S215, a winning slot counter update process is performed. In this winning slot counter update process, when a prize is won at the winning slots 226, 234, 235 or the starting slots 230, 232, 228, the value of the prize ball number storage area provided for each winning slot or each starting slot in RAM 308 is read, 1 is added, and the value is set to the original prize ball number storage area.

[0355] In addition, in step S217, a winning acceptance process is performed. In this winning acceptance process, it is determined whether or not there has been a win in the first special symbol start port 230, the second special symbol start port 232, the normal symbol start port 228, the first variable winning port 234, and the second variable winning port 235. Here, the determination is made using the result of whether or not there is a match with the winning determination pattern information in step S203. If there has been a win in the first special symbol start port 230 and the corresponding reserved number memory area provided in RAM 308 is not full, a value is obtained from the winning counter value memory register of the counter circuit 318 as a special symbol 1 winning random number value, and a value is obtained from the random number counter for generating special symbol 1 random number values ​​as a special symbol 1 random number value and stored in the corresponding random number value memory area. If there is a win at the second special symbol start port 232 and the corresponding reserved number memory area provided in RAM 308 is not full, a value is obtained from the winning counter value memory register of counter circuit 318 as a special symbol 2 winning random number value, and a value is obtained from the random number counter for generating special symbol 2 random number values ​​as a special symbol 2 random number value, and stored in the corresponding random number value memory area. If there is a win at the normal symbol start port 228 and the corresponding reserved number memory area provided in RAM 308 is not full, a value is obtained from the random number counter for generating normal symbol winning random number values ​​as a normal symbol winning random number value, and stored in the corresponding random number value memory area. If there is a win at the variable symbol start port 234, information indicating that a ball has entered the variable symbol start port 234 is stored in the winning memory area for the variable symbol start port.

[0356] In step S219, a payout request number transmission process is performed. The output schedule information and payout request information output to the payout control unit 600 are configured, for example, in one byte, with strobe information in bit 7 (when on, indicates that data is being set), power-on information in bit 6 (when on, indicates that this is the first command transmission after power-on), current processing type (0 to 3) for encryption in bits 4 to 5, and the payout request number after encryption processing in bits 0 to 3.

[0357] In step S221, a normal map status update process is performed. This normal map status update process is one of a plurality of processes corresponding to the normal map status. For example, in the normal map status update process during the normal map variation display (the value of the normal map display pattern update timer described above is 1 or more), an on / off drive control is performed to repeatedly turn on and off the 7-segment LED that makes up the normal pattern display device 210. By performing this control, the normal pattern display device 210 displays the variation of the normal map (normal map variation game).

[0358] Furthermore, during the normal symbol status update process when the normal symbol variable display time has elapsed (when the value of the normal symbol display symbol update timer changes from 1 to 0), if the winning flag is on, the 7-segment LEDs constituting the normal symbol display device 210 are controlled to turn on and off so that the display mode is a winning symbol. If the winning flag is off, the 7-segment LEDs constituting the normal symbol display device 210 are controlled to turn on and off so that the display mode is a losing symbol. The RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 also has a setting area for various settings, not just for the normal symbol status update process. Here, the above-mentioned lighting and extinguishing control is performed, and a setting is made in the setting area to indicate that the normal symbol is currently displayed. By performing this control, the normal symbol display device 210 confirms the display of either the winning symbol (normal symbol A shown in FIG. 36(c)) or the losing symbol (normal symbol B shown in FIG. 36(c)). Furthermore, to maintain the display for a predetermined stop display period (for example, 500 ms), information indicating the stop period is set in the memory area of ​​the timer for managing the normal symbol stop time provided in RAM 308. By this setting, the fixed displayed symbol is displayed in a stopped state for a predetermined period, and the result of the normal symbol variable game is notified to the player.

[0359] Also, if the result of the normal map variable game is a win, as described below, the normal map win flag is turned on. When this normal map win flag is on, in the normal map state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (the timing when the value of the normal map stop time management timer changes from 1 to 0), the normal map operation is set in the setting area of ​​RAM 308, and a signal to keep the blade member 232a in an open state is output to the solenoid (332) for opening and closing the blade member 232a of the second special map start port 232 for a predetermined opening period (for example, 2 seconds), and information indicating the opening period is set in the memory area of ​​the blade opening time management timer provided in RAM 308.

[0360] In addition, in the normal state update process, which starts when the specified open period ends (when the value of the blade open time management timer changes from 1 to 0), a signal is output to the solenoid 332 for driving the blade member to open and close in order to keep the blade member in a closed state for a specified closed period (for example, 500 ms), and information indicating the closed period is set in the memory area of ​​the blade closed time management timer provided in RAM 308.

[0361] Furthermore, in the normal map status update process that starts when the predetermined closure period ends (when the value of the timer for managing the blade closure time changes from 1 to 0), the normal map is set to inactive in the setting area of ​​RAM308. Furthermore, if the result of the normal map variable game is a miss, the normal map miss flag is turned on, as described below. If this normal map miss flag is on, the normal map status update process that occurs when the predetermined stop display period described above ends (when the value of the timer for managing the normal map stop time changes from 1 to 0) also sets the normal map to inactive in the setting area of ​​RAM308. In the normal map status update process when the normal map is not in operation, nothing is done and the process moves to the next step S223.

[0362] In step S223, a lottery process related to the normal map is performed. In this lottery process, when the normal map variable play and the second special map start port 232 are not being controlled to open or close (the normal map state is inactive), and the number of reserved normal map variable play is one or more, a random number lottery based on the normal map winning random number stored in the random number memory area is used to determine whether the result of the normal map variable play is a win or a loss. If a win is determined, the win flag in RAM 308 is set to ON. If a loss is determined, the win flag is set to OFF. Furthermore, regardless of the result of the win determination, the value of the random number counter for generating the normal map timer random number is next obtained as the normal map timer random number, and one time for displaying the normal map on the normal map display device 210 from among multiple variable times is selected based on the obtained normal map timer random number, and this variable display time is stored as the normal map variable display time in the normal map variable time memory area in RAM 308. The number of reserved normal variable games is stored in a normal variable number storage area provided in RAM 308, and each time a win is determined, the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of reserved normal variable games is stored again in this normal variable number storage area. Also, the random number value used for the win determination is erased.

[0363] Next, special symbol status update processing is performed for each of special symbol 1 and special symbol 2. First, special symbol status update processing (special symbol 2 status update processing) is performed for special symbol 2 (step S225). This special symbol 2 status update processing performs one of the following eight processes depending on the state of special symbol 2. For example, in the special symbol 2 status update processing during the special symbol 2 variable display (when the value of the special symbol 2 display symbol update timer described above is 1 or greater), on / off drive control is performed to repeatedly turn on and off the 7-segment LEDs that make up the second special symbol display device 214. By performing this control, the second special symbol display device 214 performs a variable display of special symbol 2 (special symbol 2 variable play). In addition, predetermined transmission information indicating that the rotation start setting transmission processing is to be executed in the command setting transmission processing (step S233) is additionally stored in the transmission information storage area described above, and then the processing ends.

[0364] In addition, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 is provided with flags for a 15R jackpot flag, a 2R jackpot flag, a first small jackpot flag, a second small jackpot flag, a first loss flag, a second loss flag, a special symbol probability fluctuation flag, and a regular symbol probability fluctuation flag. In the special symbol 2 state update process that starts when the special symbol 2 fluctuation display time has elapsed (when the value of the special symbol 2 display symbol update timer changes from 1 to 0), if the 15R jackpot flag is on, the special symbol probability fluctuation flag is on, and the regular symbol probability fluctuation flag is also on, the special symbol A shown in FIG. 36(a) is displayed; if the 15R jackpot flag is on, the special symbol probability fluctuation flag is off, and the regular symbol probability fluctuation flag is on, the special symbol B is displayed; if the 2R jackpot flag is on, the special symbol probability fluctuation flag is on, and the regular symbol probability fluctuation flag is also on, the special symbol C is displayed; if the 2R jackpot flag is on, the special symbol probability fluctuation flag is off, and the regular symbol probability fluctuation flag is on, the special symbol D is displayed; When the 2R jackpot flag is on, the special symbol probability fluctuation flag is also on, and the normal symbol probability fluctuation flag is on, the display shows special symbol E; when the 2R jackpot flag is on, the special symbol probability fluctuation flag is off, and the normal symbol probability fluctuation flag is also off, the display shows special symbol F; when the first small hit flag is on, the display shows special symbol G; when the second small hit flag is on, the display shows special symbol H; when the first miss flag is on, the display shows special symbol I; and when the second miss flag is on, the display shows special symbol I. The setting area of ​​RAM 308 is set to indicate that special symbol 2 is currently being displayed. By performing this control, the second special symbol display device 214 displays one of the following symbols: 15R special jackpot symbol (special symbol A), 15R jackpot symbol (special symbol B), sudden probability variable symbol (special symbol C), sudden time-saving symbol (special symbol D), hidden probability variable symbol (special symbol E), sudden normal symbol (special symbol F), first small win symbol (special symbol G), second small win symbol (special symbol H), first loss symbol (special symbol I), and second loss symbol (special symbol J). Furthermore, to maintain the display for a predetermined stop display period (e.g., 500 ms), information indicating the stop period is set in the memory area of ​​the special symbol 2 stop time management timer provided in RAM 308. This setting causes the displayed special symbol 2 to be displayed in a stopped state for a predetermined period, and the player is notified of the results of the special symbol 2 variable game.In addition, if the number of time-saving times stored in the time-saving number storage unit provided in RAM 308 is 1 or more, 1 is subtracted from the number of time-saving times, and if the subtraction result changes from 1 to 0, the time-saving flag is turned off unless the special chart probability is fluctuating (details will be described later). Furthermore, the time-saving flag is also turned off during a jackpot game (special game state).

[0365] In addition, predetermined transmission information indicating that the rotation stop setting transmission process is to be executed in the command setting transmission process (step S233) is additionally stored in the above-mentioned transmission information storage area, and special pattern 2 identification information indicating that the pattern that will stop the variable display is special pattern 2 is additionally stored in RAM 308 as information to be included in the command data described later, and then the processing is terminated.

[0366] Also, if the result of the special symbol 2 variable game is a jackpot, as described below, a jackpot flag is turned on. When this jackpot flag is on, in the special symbol 2 state update process at the timing when the predetermined stop display period ends (the timing when the value of the special symbol 2 stop time management timer changes from 1 to 0), the special symbol 2 is set to be in operation in the setting area of ​​RAM 308, and information indicating the winning effect period is set in the memory area of ​​the special symbol 2 waiting time management timer provided in RAM 308 to wait for a predetermined winning effect period (for example, 3 seconds), that is, the period during which an image notifying the player that a jackpot will begin by the decorative symbol display device 208 is displayed. Also, predetermined transmission information indicating that the winning effect setting transmission process is to be executed in the command setting transmission process (step S233) is additionally stored in the above-mentioned transmission information memory area.

[0367] In addition, in the special symbol 2 state update process, which starts when the predetermined winning presentation period ends (when the value of the special symbol 2 waiting time management timer changes from 1 to 0), a signal is output to the solenoid (332) for driving the opening and closing of the door element 235a of the second variable winning port 235 (the door element 234a of the first variable winning port 234 in the case of special symbol 1) for a predetermined opening period (for example, 29 seconds, or until the entry of a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10 balls) into the second variable winning port 235 (the first variable winning port 234 in the case of special symbol 1) is detected), to keep the door element 235a (the door element 234a in the case of special symbol 1) in an open state, and information indicating the opening period is set in the memory area of ​​the door opening time management timer provided in RAM 308. In addition, predetermined transmission information indicating that the special winning port opening setting transmission process is to be executed in the command setting transmission process (step S233) is additionally stored in the above-mentioned transmission information memory area.

[0368] In addition, in the special chart 2 state update process, which starts at the timing when the predetermined open period ends (the timing when the value of the door open time management timer changes from 1 to 0), a signal is output to the solenoid (332) for driving the opening and closing of the door element 235a of the second variable winning opening 235 (the door element 234a of the first variable winning opening 234 in the case of special chart 1) for the predetermined closed period (for example, 1.5 seconds) to keep the door element 235a (the door element 234a in the case of special chart 1) in a closed state, and information indicating the closed period is set in the memory area of ​​the door closed time management timer provided in RAM 308. In addition, predetermined transmission information indicating that the large winning opening close setting transmission process is to be executed in the command setting transmission process (step S233) is additionally stored in the above-mentioned transmission information memory area.

[0369] Furthermore, this door element opening / closing control is repeated a predetermined number of times (15 rounds or 2 rounds in this embodiment), and upon completion, the special symbol 2 state update process begins. To set the timer to wait for a predetermined end effect period (e.g., 3 seconds), i.e., the period during which an image informing the player that the jackpot has ended is displayed by the decorative symbol display device 208, information indicating the effect wait period is set in the storage area of ​​the effect wait time management timer provided in RAM 308. Furthermore, if the normal symbol probability fluctuation flag is set to ON, upon completion of this jackpot game, the time-saving count memory section provided in RAM 308 is set to 100, and the time-saving flag provided in RAM 308 is also turned ON. Note that if the normal symbol probability fluctuation flag is set to OFF, the time-saving count memory section is not set, and the time-saving flag is not turned ON. The time-saving process here refers to shortening the time between the end of a jackpot in the special symbol variable game and the start of the next jackpot, thereby placing the pachinko machine in a state advantageous to the player. When this time-saving flag is set to ON, the normal game is in a high probability state. In a normal game with a high probability, the probability of winning a jackpot is higher in a normal game with variable normal gameplay than in a normal game with low probability. Furthermore, in a normal game with a high probability, the variable time for normal gameplay and the variable time for special gameplay are shorter than in a normal game with low probability. Furthermore, in a normal game with a high probability, the opening time of the pair of blade members 232a of the second special starting port 232 is likely to be longer than in a normal game with low probability. Additionally, in a normal game with a high probability, the pair of blade members 232a are likely to open more than once compared to a normal game with low probability. Also, as mentioned above, the time-saving flag is set to OFF during a jackpot game (special game state). Therefore, the normal game with low probability is maintained during a jackpot game. This is to solve the problem that when there is a high probability of winning a normal game during a jackpot game, many game balls enter the second special game starting port 232 before a predetermined number of game balls enter the variable winning port 234 during the jackpot game, and the number of game balls that can be won during the jackpot increases, which increases the tendency to gamble.

[0370] Furthermore, predetermined transmission information indicating that the end effect setting transmission process is to be executed in the command setting transmission process (step S233) is additionally stored in the transmission information storage area.

[0371] Furthermore, in the special chart 2 state update process that starts when the predetermined end display period ends (when the value of the timer for managing the display waiting time changes from 1 to 0), the special chart 2 is set to inactive in the setting area of ​​RAM308. Furthermore, if the result of the special chart 2 variable game is a miss, as will be described later, the miss flag is turned on. If this miss flag is on, the special chart 2 state update process that occurs when the predetermined stop display period described above ends (when the value of the timer for managing the special chart 2 stop time changes from 1 to 0) also sets the special chart 2 to inactive in the setting area of ​​RAM308. In the special chart 2 state update process when the special chart 2 is inactive, nothing is done and the process proceeds to the next step S227.

[0372] Next, a special chart state update process (special chart 1 state update process) is performed for special chart 1 (step S227). In this special chart 1 state update process, each process described in the special chart 2 state update process described above is performed depending on the state of special chart 1. Each process performed in this special chart 1 state update process is the same as the process described in the special chart 2 state update process described above, with "special chart 2" replaced with "special chart 1", so the description will be omitted. Note that the order of the special chart 2 state update process and the special chart 1 state update process may be reversed.

[0373] When the special chart state update processing in step S225 and step S227 is completed, this time, the special chart related lottery processing is performed for each of the special charts 1 and 2. Here too, the special chart related lottery processing for the special chart 2 (special chart 2 related lottery processing) is performed first (step S229), and then the special chart related lottery processing for the special chart 1 (special chart 1 related lottery processing) is performed (step S231). In these special chart related lottery processing, the main control unit 300 performs the special chart 2 related lottery processing before the special chart 1 related lottery processing, so that even if the start conditions for the special chart 2 variable play and the start conditions for the special chart 1 variable play are met at the same time, the special chart 2 variable play will be in the process of changing first, and the special chart 1 variable play will not start changing. In addition, the notification of the results of the jackpot determination for the special symbol variable game by the decorative symbol display device 208 is performed by the first sub-control unit 400, and notification of the lottery results based on winning at the second special symbol start port 232 is given priority over notification of the lottery results based on winning at the first special symbol start port 230.

[0374] In step S233, a command setting and sending process is performed, and various commands are sent to the first sub-control unit 400. The output schedule information sent to the first sub-control unit 400 is composed of, for example, 16 bits, with bit 15 being strobe information (when on, indicates that data is being set), bits 11 to 14 being command type (in this embodiment, information that can identify the type of command, such as basic command, pattern change start command, pattern change stop command, winning performance start command, ending performance start command, jackpot round number designation command, power recovery command, RAM clear command, etc.), and bits 0 to 10 being command data (predetermined information corresponding to the command type).

[0375] Specifically, the strobe information is turned on and off by the command transmission process described above. Furthermore, if the command type is a symbol variation start command, the command data includes information indicating the values ​​of the 15R jackpot flag and 2R jackpot flag, the value of the special symbol probability variation flag, and the timer number selected in the special symbol-related lottery process. If the command type is a symbol variation stop command, the command data includes the values ​​of the 15R jackpot flag and 2R jackpot flag, and the value of the special symbol probability variation flag. If the command type is a prize-winning command or an end-of-prize-start command, the command data includes the value of the special symbol probability variation flag. If the command type is a basic command, the command data includes device information, whether or not a prize has been won in the first special symbol start port 230, whether or not a prize has been won in the second special symbol start port 232, and whether or not a prize has been won in the variable prize port 234.

[0376] In the above-mentioned spin start setting transmission process, information indicating the values ​​of the 15R jackpot flag and 2R jackpot flag, the value of the special symbol probability fluctuation flag, the timer number selected in the special symbol 1-related lottery process and the special symbol 2-related lottery process, the number of reserved first special symbol variable games or second special symbol variable games, etc. stored in RAM 308 is set as the command data. In the above-mentioned spin stop setting transmission process, information indicating the values ​​of the 15R jackpot flag and 2R jackpot flag, the value of the special symbol probability fluctuation flag, etc. stored in RAM 308 is set as the command data. In the above-mentioned winning effect setting transmission process, information indicating the effect control information to be output to the decorative symbol display device 208, various lamps 418, and speaker 120 during the winning effect period, the value of the special symbol probability fluctuation flag, the number of reserved first special symbol variable games or second special symbol variable games, etc. stored in RAM 308 is set as the command data. In the above-mentioned end effect setting transmission process, the command data is set with information stored in RAM 308 indicating the effect control information to be output to the decorative symbol display device 208, various lamps 418, and speaker 120 during the effect standby period, the value of the special symbol probability change flag, the number of reserved first special symbol variable games or second special symbol variable games, etc. In the above-mentioned large prize opening setting transmission process, the command data is set with information stored in RAM 308 indicating the number of jackpot rounds, the value of the special symbol probability change flag, the number of reserved first special symbol variable games or second special symbol variable games, etc. In the above-mentioned large prize opening setting transmission process, the command data is set with information stored in RAM 308 indicating the number of jackpot rounds, the value of the special symbol probability change flag, the number of reserved first special symbol variable games or second special symbol variable games, etc. In addition, in this step S233, general command special symbol reservation increase processing is also performed. In this general command special chart reserve increase process, the command data is set with special chart identification information (information indicating special chart 1 or special chart 2) and advance notice information (either advance notice information, false advance notice information, or no advance notice information) stored in the transmission information storage area of ​​RAM 308.

[0377] The first sub-control unit 400 is able to determine the presentation control in response to changes in game control in the main control unit 300 based on the command type contained in the received output schedule information, and is also able to determine the content of the presentation control based on the command data information contained in the output schedule information.

[0378] In step S235, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to the information input circuit 350, which is separate from the pachinko machine 100, via the information output circuit 336.

[0379] In step S237, a device monitoring process is performed. In this device monitoring process, the signal states of the various sensors stored in the signal state storage area in step S205 are read out to monitor the presence or absence of predetermined errors, such as the presence or absence of a front frame door open error or a lower tray full error. When a front frame door open error or a lower tray full error is detected, device information indicating the presence or absence of a front frame door open error or a lower tray full error is set in the transmission information to be sent to the first sub-controller 400. In addition, various solenoids 332 are driven to control the opening and closing of the second special symbol start port 232 and the first variable winning port 234 (or second variable winning port 235), and display data output to the normal symbol display device 210, the first special symbol display device 212, the second special symbol display device 214, various status display units 328, etc. is set to the output port of I / O 310 via display circuits 324, 326, 330. In addition, the output schedule information set in the payout request quantity transmission process (step S219) is output to the first sub-control unit 400 via the output port (I / O 310).

[0380] In step S239, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is ON or not, and if the low voltage signal is ON (if a power cutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step S243, and if the low voltage signal is OFF (if a power cutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step S241.

[0381] In step S241, a timer interrupt end process is performed, in which the values ​​of each register temporarily saved in step S201 are set back to the original registers, interrupt permission is set, and the process then returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

[0382] On the other hand, in step S243, specific variables and stack pointers for restoring the system to the state it was in at the time of power outage when power is restored are saved as recovery data in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 308, power outage processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed, and then the system returns to the main processing of the main control unit described above.

[0383] <Processing of first sub-control unit 400> Next, the processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using Figure 39. Note that Figure (a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. Figure (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. Figure (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400.

[0384] First, in step S301 in FIG. 1A, various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, initialization processing is first executed in step S301. This initialization processing includes initial settings for input / output ports and initialization processing for storage areas in RAM 408. In step S303, it is determined whether the value of timer variable CNT in the timer variable storage area is 33 (33 ms) or greater, and this processing is repeated until the value of timer variable CNT becomes 33. When the value of timer variable CNT becomes 33 or greater, the processing proceeds to step S305. In step S305, 0 is substituted for timer variable CNT. Note that the value of timer variable CNT in the timer variable storage area may be changed, such as 33, 33, 34, each time the processing proceeds from step S303 to step S305.

[0385] In step S307, command processing is performed. The CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 determines whether or not it has received a command from the main control unit 300, a command from the second sub-control unit 500, and a return command from the LCD control unit 700, and processes them.

[0386] In step S309, a performance control process is performed. For example, if a new command is received in step S307, a process such as reading out performance data corresponding to this command from ROM 406 is performed, and if the performance data needs to be updated, a performance data update process is performed. In addition, a performance lottery process is performed based on a command from main control unit 300, and a setting process (described later) for LCD commands and box data that sets part data at a predetermined position is performed. In addition, if part data is present at a position after receiving a return command (described later), a setting process for part data to be sent to speaker 120, various lamps 418, game board lamp 532, performance movable bodies 246, 224, etc. is performed.

[0387] In step S311, if pressing of the chance button is detected, the effect data updated in step S309 is changed to effect data corresponding to pressing of the chance button.

[0388] In step S315, if the performance data read out in step S309 includes a command to the sound source IC 416, this command is output to the sound source IC 416. For example, if a notification condition is met, a command is output so that the speaker 120 issues a notification (e.g., a performance). Also, if an abnormality notification condition related to the detection of fraud or a malfunction is met, a command is output so that the speaker 120 issues a notification (e.g., a notification that an abnormality has occurred). In step S317, if the performance data read out in step S309 includes a command to the various lamps 418, this command is output to the drive circuit 420. For example, if a light-emitting condition for the various lamps 418 is met, a command to light the lamps is output.

[0389] In step S319, if the performance data read in step S309 contains a command to the shading device 246 or the movable body (rotating body) in the chance button 136, this command is output to the drive circuit 432. In step S321, if the performance data read in step S309 contains a control command to be sent to the second sub-control unit 500 or a liquid crystal command to be sent to the liquid crystal control unit 700, settings are made to output this control command, and the process returns to step S303.

[0390] Next, using the same figure (b), we will explain the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. This command reception interrupt processing is processing that the first sub-control unit 400 executes when it detects a strobe signal output by the main control unit 300. In step S401 of the command reception interrupt processing, the command output by the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command memory area provided in RAM 408.

[0391] Next, using the same figure (c), we will explain the first sub-control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. The first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once per 1 ms in this embodiment), and this timer interrupt triggers the execution of the timer interrupt processing at a predetermined period.

[0392] In step S501 of the first sub-control unit timer interrupt processing, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable CNT in the timer variable storage area of ​​RAM 408 described in step S303 of the first sub-control unit main processing, and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S303, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 33 or greater every 33 ms.

[0393] In step S503 of the first sub-control unit timer interrupt processing, the control command set in step S319 is sent to the second sub-control unit 500, and the random number value for performance is updated.

[0394] <Processing of second sub-control unit 500> Next, the processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained using Figure 40. Note that Figure (a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500.

[0395] First, in step S701 in FIG. 1A, various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, initialization processing is first executed in step S701. This initialization processing includes initial settings for input / output ports and initialization processing for the storage area in RAM 508. In step S703, it is determined whether the timer variable CNT is 33 or greater, and this processing is repeated until the timer variable CNT becomes 33 or greater. When the timer variable CNT becomes 33 or greater, the processing proceeds to step S705. Note that the value of the timer variable CNT in the timer variable storage area may be changed, such as to 33, 33, and 34, each time the processing proceeds from step S703 to step S707.

[0396] In step S705, 0 is substituted into the timer variable CNT.

[0397] In step S707, command processing is performed. The CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 determines whether or not a command has been received from the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400.

[0398] In step S709, a performance control process is performed. For example, if a new command is received in step S707, the performance data corresponding to this command is read from ROM 506, and if the performance data needs to be updated, the performance data is updated.

[0399] In step S711, if there is a command from the first sub-control unit 400 to the game board lamp 532 or the game table frame lamp 122, this command is output to the serial communication control circuit 520. In step S713, if there is a command from the first sub-control unit 400 to the movable object M on the board surface side (such as the movable part 2441 of the movable display device 288, the performance movable body 224, the shading device 246, etc.), this command is output to the drive circuit 516, and the process returns to step S703.

[0400] Next, using the same figure (b), the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained. This command reception interrupt processing is processing that the second sub-control unit 500 executes when it detects a strobe signal output by the first sub-control unit 400. In step S801 of the command reception interrupt processing, the command output by the first sub-control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command memory area provided in RAM 508.

[0401] Next, using Figure 1(c), we will explain the second sub-control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. The second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once per 1 ms in this embodiment), and this timer interrupt triggers the execution of the timer interrupt processing at a predetermined period.

[0402] In step S901 of the second sub-control unit timer interrupt processing, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable CNT in the timer variable storage area of ​​RAM 508 described in step S703 of the second sub-control unit main processing shown in Figure 40(a), and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S703, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 33 or greater every 33 ms.

[0403] In step S903 of the second sub-control unit timer interrupt processing, processing such as updating the random number value for performance is performed.

[0404] <Processing of LCD control unit 700> Next, processing of the LCD control unit 700 will be described with reference to Fig. 41. Fig. 41(a) is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 704 of the LCD control unit 700. Fig. 41(b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the LCD control unit 700. Fig. 41(c) is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing of the LCD control unit 700. Fig. 41(d) is a flowchart of VDP image processing.

[0405] First, in step S1001 in FIG. 10A, various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, initialization processing is first executed in step S1001. This initialization processing includes initial settings for input / output ports and initialization processing for the storage area in RAM 708. In step S1003, it is determined whether the timer variable CNT is 33 or greater, and this processing is repeated until the timer variable CNT becomes 33 or greater. When the timer variable CNT becomes 33 or greater, the processing proceeds to step S1005. Note that the value of the timer variable CNT in the timer variable storage area may be changed, such as to 33, 33, and 34, each time the processing proceeds from step S1003 to step S1005.

[0406] In step S1005, 0 is substituted into the timer variable CNT.

[0407] In step S1007, command processing is performed. The CPU 704 of the liquid crystal control unit 700 determines whether or not a command has been received from the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400.

[0408] In step S1009, a VDP command transmission process is performed. For example, if an instruction to display an image is received from the first sub-control unit 400, a command is sent to the VDP 710 to cause the VDP 710 to perform image control processing.

[0409] In step S1011, a return command sending process is performed. If the LCD control unit 700 controls the decorative pattern display device 208 or the movable display device 288 to display the requested image, it sends a return command to the first sub-control unit 400 and returns to step S1003.

[0410] Next, using the same figure (b), we will explain the command reception interrupt processing of the LCD control unit 700. This command reception interrupt processing is processing that the LCD control unit 700 executes when it detects a strobe signal output by the first sub-control unit 400. In step S1101 of the command reception interrupt processing, the command output by the first sub-control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command memory area provided in RAM 708.

[0411] Next, using Fig. 1(c), we will explain the second sub-controller timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 704 of the liquid crystal control unit 700. The liquid crystal control unit 700 is equipped with a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (once per 1 ms in this embodiment), and this timer interrupt triggers the execution of the timer interrupt processing at a predetermined cycle.

[0412] In step S1201 of the LCD control unit timer interrupt processing, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable CNT in the timer variable storage area of ​​RAM 708 described in step S1003 of the second sub-control unit main processing shown in Figure 41(a), and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S1003, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 33 or greater every 33 ms.

[0413] In step S1203 of the LCD control unit timer interrupt process, the random number values ​​for performance are updated.

[0414] Next, the image control processing of the VDP 710 that receives a command in the VDP command transmission processing of step S1009 in the liquid crystal control unit main processing will be described with reference to Fig. 1(d). Fig. 1(d) is a flowchart showing the flow of the image control processing.

[0415] In step S1301, an instruction to transfer image data is issued. Here, the CPU 704 first swaps the designation of the drawing areas of display area A and display area B of the VRAM 718. As a result, one frame of image stored in a display area not designated as a drawing area is displayed on the decorative pattern display device 208 and / or the movable display device 288. Next, the CPU 704 sets ROM coordinates (source address of CGROM 716), VRAM coordinates (destination address of VRAM 718), etc. in the attribute register of the VDP 710 based on the position information table, and then sets a command to start transferring image data from CGROM 716 to VRAM 718. The VDP 710 transfers the image data from CGROM 716 to VRAM 718 based on the command set in the attribute register. Thereafter, the VDP 710 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 704.

[0416] In step S1303, it is determined whether a transfer end interrupt signal has been input from the VDP 710. If a transfer end interrupt signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S1305; if not, the process waits for the transfer end interrupt signal to be input. In step S1305, parameters are set based on the performance scenario configuration table, attribute data, etc. Here, the CPU 704 instructs the VDP 718 on image data information constituting the display image (such as the coordinate axes of the VRAM 718, image size, and VRAM coordinates (placement coordinates)) in order to form a display image in display area A or B of the VRAM 718 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 710 in step S1301. The VDP 718 sets parameters in accordance with the attributes based on the command stored in the attribute register.

[0417] In step S1307, a drawing instruction is issued. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 704 instructs the VDP 710 to start drawing an image. The VDP 710 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer in accordance with the instruction from the CPU 704.

[0418] In step S1309, it is determined whether a generation end interrupt signal has been input from VDP 710 based on the completion of image drawing, and if a generation end interrupt signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S1311, otherwise the process waits for the generation end interrupt signal to be input. In step S1311, a scene display counter, which is set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 708 and counts how many scene images have been generated, is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

[0419] <Wiring Structure> The wiring structure of electronic components, etc. of the pachinko machine 100 will be described. Here, the wiring structure of the speaker 120 will be described. As already explained, in this embodiment, the speaker 120 is connected to the board frame relay board 726C via the door-side lighting board 734. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the board frame relay board 726C is arranged on the lower side of the pachinko machine 100. In this configuration, if the board frame relay board 726C and the speaker 120 are directly connected by a harness or the like, the required wiring length becomes relatively long and the wiring needs to be routed around the playing area 124. In terms of playability and interest in the game, it is often desirable to ensure that the playing area 124 is as large as possible. In this embodiment, by using the door-side lighting board 734, wiring for the speaker 120 can be installed even in cases where it is difficult to secure space to install a harness.

[0420] Figure 42 is a diagram showing the arrangement of lighting unit A equipped with door-side lighting board 734, and is a schematic diagram seen through the front panel of front frame door 106. Speakers 120 are located at two corners at the top of front frame door 106. Lighting unit A is located adjacent to play area 124 on both the left and right sides of play area 124, and is located in the narrow area between play area 124 and the side of front frame door 106. Although not shown, board frame relay board 726C is located near ball storage tray door 108.

[0421] Figure 43 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting unit A taken along line aa in Figure 42. The lighting unit A includes a door-side lighting board 734, a mounting member 1 for fixing the door-side lighting board 734 to the front door frame 106, and a covering cover 2 for covering the door-side lighting board 734.

[0422] The covering cover 2 is made of a transparent or semi-transparent material (e.g., acrylic or glass) that allows the door-side lighting board 734 to be seen from the outside. In this embodiment, the covering cover 2 is configured to cover the entire door-side lighting board 734, but it may also be configured to cover only a portion of it. Also, all or part of the covering cover 2 may be lenticular.

[0423] The door-side lighting board 734 is equipped with a lamp 418 as a light-emitting element. In this embodiment, the lamp 418 is an LED. As already mentioned, the lighting unit A is disposed on both the left and right sides of the play area 124. Therefore, when looking at the play area 124 from the front, the player can see the light emitted by the lamp 418, and the light emission pattern may enhance the enjoyment of the game. Note that the location where the lighting unit A (i.e., the door-side lighting board 734) is disposed is not limited to this, and it can also be disposed, for example, on the upper part of the front frame door 106 (between the speakers 120, etc.) depending on the positions of the wiring source and destination.

[0424] 44(a) shows an example of wiring between the panel frame relay board 726C and the speaker 120 via the door-side lighting board 734. In the example shown in the figure, a relay board 3 is interposed between the door-side lighting board 734 and the speaker 120, but a configuration in which the door-side lighting board 734 and the speaker 120 are directly connected can also be used.

[0425] The door-side lighting board 734 has a belt-like shape overall (for example, an aspect ratio in the range of 1:10 to 1:50), with a connector CN1 provided at one end and a connector CN2 provided at the other end. The door-side lighting board 734 is a rigid board, but may also be a flexible board. Six lamps 418 are mounted (LED1 to 6). The symbols CN1 and CN2 indicating the connectors and the symbols LED1 to 6 indicating the lamps 418 are also indications of the board components formed on the door-side lighting board 734 by printing or the like, and are displayed on the installation surface of the board components. This indication may also be formed on the reverse side of the installation surface.

[0426] One end of the harness H1 is connected to the connector CN1 and the other end is connected to the panel frame relay board 726C. The harness H2 is connected to the connector CN2 and the other end is connected to the relay board 3. The harness H3 is connected to the relay board 3 and the other end is connected to the speaker 120.

[0427] The door-side lighting board 734 has wiring (conductor pattern) that connects some terminals of the connector CN1 and some terminals of the connector CN2. This makes it possible to transmit an audio signal from the panel frame relay board 726C to the speaker 120 via the door-side lighting board 734 and the relay board 3.

[0428] In this embodiment, the relay board 3 is equipped with connectors and wiring for transmitting signals between the door side lighting board 734 and the speaker 120, but the relay board 3 may also be configured similarly to the door side lighting board 734 and equipped with light-emitting elements.

[0429] Furthermore, in this embodiment, wiring to the speaker 120 is exemplified, but the application is not limited to the speaker 120, and may also be a light-emitting element, an actuator (for example, a motor or a solenoid), etc. FIG. 44(b) shows an example. In the example of the same figure, a board 4 on which LEDs 1 and 2 are mounted as a gaming table frame lamp 122 instead of the speaker 120 is connected to a door-side lighting board 734. It becomes possible to transmit a light-on / light-off signal from the board frame relay board 726C to the gaming table frame lamp 122 via the door-side lighting board 734. The gaming table frame lamp 122 is used for presentation purposes, and can also be used to notify of abnormalities, like the speaker 120.

[0430] 44(a) and 44(b) can be combined. That is, the door-side lighting board 734 can be used as a relay board to connect a plurality of electronic components such as the speaker 120 and the game table frame lamp 122 or a plurality of boards such as the relay board 3 and the board 4, and transmit control signals from the board frame relay board 726C to these.

[0431] Next, we will explain the internal structure of the door-side illumination board 734. Figure 45(a) is a plan view of the door-side illumination board 734 (a view of the surface on which the lamps 418 are mounted), and Figure 45(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line bb in Figure 45(a).

[0432] In this embodiment, the door-side lighting board 734 is a multilayer board including three plate-shaped insulator layers 5a-5c, four wiring layers LY1-LY4, and holes Ha-Hh. Fig. 45(c) shows the wiring patterns of the wiring layers LY2-LY4. Although there are no wirings other than those shown in the figure, there may be other wirings (the same applies to other examples described later).

[0433] The wiring layer LY1 is formed on the surface of the insulator 5a. The surface of the insulator 5a forms the mounting surface for board components (connectors, LEDs) and is covered with a resist film R. The wiring layer LY2 is formed between the insulators 5a and 5b. The wiring layer LY3 is formed between the insulators 5b and 5c. The wiring layer LY4 is formed on the back surface of the insulator 5c and is covered with a resist film R. The wiring layers LY1 and LY4 may be called outer layers, and the wiring layers LY2 and LY3 may be called inner layers. The inner layers are layers located more inward on the door-side lighting board 734 than the outer layers. The holes Ha to Hh are through-holes that penetrate all three layers of the insulators 5a to 5c.

[0434] Connector CN1 is a connector with multiple pins (here, six pins), and connector CN2 is a connector with multiple pins (here, two pins). Wires W1 to W6 are connected to each pin of connector CN1 in that order. Wire W6 is connected to the first pin of connector CN2, and wire W1 is connected to the second pin. Wires W1 to W6 are patterns formed from a conductive film.

[0435] Wirings W2 to W4 are signal lines and are formed on the wiring layer LY1. Wiring W2 connects LED1 and LED2 in series. By transmitting a signal to wiring W2, it is possible to simultaneously control the light emission of these. Wiring W3 connects LED3 and LED4 in series. By transmitting a signal to wiring W3, it is possible to simultaneously control the light emission of these. Wiring W4 connects LED5 and LED6 in series. By transmitting a signal to wiring W4, it is possible to simultaneously control the light emission of these.

[0436] The wiring W5 is a power supply line and is connected to one end (anode side) of LED2, LED4, and LED6. The wiring W5 has a portion on the wiring layer LY1, a portion on the wiring layer LY4, and a portion on the holes Ha-Hc and He. The wiring W5 has different specifications for the portion on the wiring layer LY1 and the portion on the wiring layer LY4. Specifically, the width, area, distance (e.g., length in the longitudinal direction of the substrate) and the like are different. The majority of the wiring W5 is formed on the wiring layer LY4, and is formed in a linear shape on the wiring layer LY1 and in a strip shape (solid coating) on ​​the wiring layer LY4. Forming the wiring W5 in a strip shape on the wiring layer LY4 may reduce the electrical resistance when supplying power to each part.

[0437] Wires W1 and W6 are signal lines for the speaker 120. Wire W1 has a portion on wiring layer LY1, a portion on wiring layer LY3, and a portion with holes Hf and Hg. Wire W1 has different specifications for the portion on wiring layer LY1 and the portion on wiring layer LY3. Specifically, the width, area, distance (e.g., length in the longitudinal direction of the board) and the like are different. Most of wire W1 is formed on wiring layer LY3, and is formed in a linear shape on wiring layer LY1 and in a strip shape (solid coating) on ​​wiring layer LY3. Forming it in a strip shape on wiring layer LY3 may reduce the electrical resistance when transmitting signals to the speaker 120.

[0438] The wiring W6 has a portion on the wiring layer LY1, a portion on the wiring layer LY2, and portions with holes Hd and Hh. The wiring W6 has different specifications for the portion on the wiring layer LY1 and the portion on the wiring layer LY2. Specifically, the width, area, distance (e.g., length in the longitudinal direction of the board) and the like are different. The majority of the wiring W6 is formed on the wiring layer LY2, and is formed in a linear shape on the wiring layer LY1 and in a strip shape (solid coating) on ​​the wiring layer LY2. Forming the wiring W6 in a strip shape on the wiring layer LY2 may reduce the electrical resistance when transmitting a signal to the speaker 120.

[0439] As described above, in this embodiment, the wires W1 and W6 for the speaker 120 are routed through the inner layer of the door-side lighting board 734. This may make the wires W1 and W6 less susceptible to external factors. Furthermore, since there is a solid painted portion like the wire W5, it may be possible to reduce the influence of noise generated by game balls even when the speaker 120 is located adjacent to the play area 124. Furthermore, in the past, there was a risk that the harness would be cut to prevent the speaker 120 from sounding an alarm when a cheater committed a fraudulent act. However, in this embodiment, the wiring is relayed through the door-side lighting board 734, so the harness portion is shorter, making it less likely that the wiring will be cut, and it may be possible to reliably notify the occurrence of fraudulent act.

[0440] The wiring structure is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 45, and various other configurations can be adopted. These will be explained in order below.

[0441] <Modified Example 1> Fig. 46 shows the wiring patterns of the wiring layers LY1 to LY4 of Modified Example 1. In this example, the inner layers through which the wires W1 and W6 for the speaker 120 are passed are the same inner layer. That is, the wiring layer LY2 is divided in half in the width direction, and the wire W1 is carried on one side, and the wire W6 is carried on the other, each formed in a strip shape. The wiring layer LY3 has no wire, but can also be used to pass other wires through it.

[0442] <Modified Example 2> Figure 47 shows a wiring layer LY3 of modified example 1 in which a ground (GND) line GP is formed. In this example, screw holes GH are formed. The holes GH are through holes that penetrate all three layers of insulators 5a to 5c. For example, screws for fixing the lighting unit A are inserted into the screw holes GH, and the ground wiring of the pachinko machine 100 is fastened together. A ground line GP is also formed in the holes GH and is electrically connected to the ground wiring.

[0443] The ground line GP is formed in a strip shape (solid coating) on ​​the wiring layer LY3. By forming the ground line GP in a strip shape on the wiring layer LY3, it may be possible to suppress noise from entering the signal line.

[0444] <Modified Example 3> For wiring having an outer layer portion and an inner layer portion, some or all of the specifications may be the same for the outer layer portion and the inner layer portion. Figure 48 shows one such example. In the example shown in Figure 45, the wiring width of the wiring layer LY1 portion of wiring W1 is the same as that of the wiring layer LY3 portion. Similarly, the wiring width of the wiring layer LY1 portion of wiring W6 is the same as that of the wiring layer LY2 portion. Ground lines or other signal lines can also be formed in the empty spaces in the wiring layers LY2 and LY3.

[0445] <Modified Example 4> The wiring on the inner layer can be used not only as relay wiring for an external board, but also as wiring between board components within the board. Figures 49(a) and (b) show an example, where Figure 49(a) is a plan view of the board 6 of this example, and Figure 49(b) is a cross-sectional view of the board 6 taken along line cc in Figure 49(a). Of the components of the board 6, those that are the same as those of the door-side lighting board 734 are g...

Claims

1. A gaming machine having a first base plate, The gaming machine has a first sound output means capable of outputting an output sound, The gaming machine is configured to be connectable to a second sound output means capable of outputting an output sound, the first substrate is a substrate including a circuit for processing an output signal to the second sound output means, the first substrate is a substrate including a first circuit; A gaming machine characterized by the above.

2. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, The first circuit is a circuit whose output is limited by a reset signal input at the time of power rise or fall. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

Images