Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine for improving performance control.SOLUTION: The game machine includes a sound output means capable of outputting sound, a sound circuit capable of outputting a sound signal to the sound output means, and a first board on which the sound circuit is arranged, wherein the sound circuit includes a first filter and a second filter composed of a coil and a capacitor. The first filter is provided in an output path (left output path) of the audio signal corresponding to a left output, the second filter is provided in an output path (right output path) of the audio signal corresponding to a right output, a positional relationship between the coil and the capacitor in the first filter is the same or substantially the same as a positional relationship between the coil and the capacitor in the second filter, and a certain audio circuit is disposed closer to an end portion than a central portion in the first substrate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, slot machines are known as one type of gaming machine, and in such slot machines, effects are sometimes performed using a liquid crystal display device, a speaker, and the like in response to the awarding of a bonus (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

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

[0004] However, there is still room for improvement in terms of performance control.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can improve presentation control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention has, as one aspect thereof, a sound output means capable of outputting sound; an audio circuit capable of outputting an audio signal to the audio output means; A gaming machine comprising a first board on which the certain audio circuit is arranged, the certain audio circuit includes a first filter and a second filter using a coil and a capacitor; the first filter is provided in an output path of the audio signal corresponding to a left output (hereinafter referred to as a "left output path"); the second filter is provided in an output path of the audio signal corresponding to a right output (hereinafter referred to as a "right output path"); a positional relationship between a coil and a capacitor in the first filter is the same as or substantially the same as a positional relationship between a coil and a capacitor in the second filter; the certain audio circuit is disposed closer to an end portion than to a central portion on the first substrate; It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

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

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1A is a time chart relating to the transition of a demo screen in a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a time chart relating to the transition of a demo screen in a conventional slot machine. [Figure 4] (A) is a time chart showing the transition of the demo screen of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display device of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10 is an example of a slump graph showing the transition of the difference in the number of coins in a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of maximum coin number update processing in the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7](A) is a flowchart showing the flow of the maximum number display processing in the demo screen display of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, (B) is a diagram explaining the configuration of the liquid crystal command of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (C) is a diagram explaining the display markers and non-display markers of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] (A) is a functional block diagram of the first sub-control unit of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of the connection between the CPU and drive circuit shown in Figure 8(A). [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of an LED driver used as a lamp drive circuit in the first sub-controller of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] (A) and (B) are diagrams showing the configuration of control data for controlling lamps of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (C) is a diagram explaining a method of communicating control data of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 is an external view of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the position of a speaker. FIG. [Figure 12] (a) is a top view of the first sub-control board of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, (b) is a layout diagram of each component of the audio circuit shown in (a), (c) is a diagram showing the terminal layout of the audio amplifier IC shown in (a) and (b), and (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in (a). [Figure 13] 12(a) is a circuit diagram showing signal lines of the audio circuit shown in FIG. 12(a), and FIG. 12(b) is a circuit diagram showing power supply lines of the audio circuit shown in FIG. 12(a). [Figure 14] (a) is a top view of the first sub-control board on which each component of the first sub-control unit of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention is arranged, and (b) and (c) are diagrams explaining the ground of the first sub-control board shown in (a). [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a top view of a first sub-control board of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention (modification). [Figure 16] 16(a) is a circuit diagram of a signal line of the audio circuit shown in FIG. 15, and FIG. 16(b) is a circuit diagram of a power supply line of the audio circuit shown in FIG. [Figure 17] 16(a) is a diagram showing the first layer of the first sub-control board shown in FIG. 15, and FIG. 16(b) is a diagram showing the third layer of the first sub-control board shown in FIG. [Figure 18] 16(a) is a diagram showing the fourth layer of the first sub-control board shown in FIG. 15, and FIG. 16(b) is a diagram showing the fifth layer of the first sub-control board shown in FIG. [Figure 19] 16(a) is a diagram showing the seventh layer of the first sub-control board shown in FIG. 15, and FIG. 16(b) is a diagram showing the eighth layer of the first sub-control board shown in FIG. [Figure 20] 1(a), 1(b), and 1(c) are diagrams illustrating the layout of the sound circuits provided on the first sub-control board of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] (a), (b), and (c) are diagrams explaining the position of the output terminal of the audio amplifier IC of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (d), (e), and (f) are diagrams explaining the arrangement of each component of the audio circuit of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] The slot machine described below employs a so-called medal-less configuration, which uses information equivalent to the number of actual medals (virtual medal count), and in the following description, this information will be referred to as "medal count."

[0011] [First embodiment] The slot machine of this embodiment is a gaming machine in which a predetermined number of gaming medals are inserted, and multiple reels each bearing multiple types of patterns 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 patterns when the multiple reels stop based on the result of the lottery meet the predetermined payout conditions, a process to pay out the number of gaming medals is executed and the game ends, but if they do not meet the predetermined payout conditions, the process to pay out the number of gaming medals is not executed and the game ends;

[0012] Conventionally, there are gaming machines that display the number of coins won during advantageous gaming states such as during an automatic timer (AT) or a bonus, thereby giving the player a sense of satisfaction. However, such satisfaction is not felt until a certain number of coins is won (for example, 500 coins, 1000 coins, etc.). Conversely, when a small number of coins is won (for example, 50 coins or 100 coins), the player may feel dissatisfied rather than satisfied, so there is a risk that displaying the number of coins won may upset the player.

[0013] In addition, in the past, if a bet amount that could not be played (a bet amount that did not meet the specified amount) was set, the demo screen was not displayed. Therefore, if a game was finished with a bet amount that could not be played, the game machine was not recognized as an empty machine and was left as an empty machine for a long time.

[0014] In this embodiment, a gaming machine that can solve the above problem is provided.

[0015] <Overall structure> First, the basic configuration of the slot machine 100 and the basic configuration of the lending machine 700 will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 and the lending machine 700 as viewed from the front side (player side).

[0016] 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 a variety 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.

[0017] In this embodiment, an appropriate number of each symbol is printed at equal intervals on a strip-shaped member, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame to form each of the reels 110 to 112. When viewed by a player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are displayed in approximately three rows vertically through a display window 113, making a total of nine symbols visible. The symbol displayed on the top row of the left reel 110 is called the left reel top symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle row of the left reel 110 is called the left reel middle symbol, the symbol displayed on the bottom row of the left reel 110 is called the left reel bottom symbol, the symbol displayed on the top row of the middle reel 111 is called the middle reel top symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle row of the left reel 111 is called the middle reel middle symbol, the symbol displayed on the bottom row of the middle reel 111 is called the middle reel bottom symbol, the symbol displayed on the top row of the right reel 112 is called the right reel top symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle row of the right reel 112 is called the right reel middle symbol, and the symbol displayed on the bottom row of the right reel 112 is called the right reel bottom symbol. Each symbol on each reel 110 to 112 is displayed three vertically on each of the reels 110 to 112 through the display window 113, for a total of nine symbols. By spinning each of the reels 110-112, the combination of symbols seen by the player changes. In other words, each of the reels 110-112 functions as a display device that variably displays a plurality of combinations of symbols. Note that, in addition to reels, electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal display devices can also be used as such display devices. Also, although the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 has three reels located inside the center of the slot machine 100, the number of reels and the installation positions of the reels are not limited to this.

[0018] A backlight (not shown) is disposed on the back of each of the reels 110-112 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. An optical sensor (not shown) consisting of a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section is disposed near each of the reels 110-112 within the slot machine 100, and a light-shielding piece of a certain length attached to the reel passes between the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section of the optical sensor. The rotational position of the symbols on the reels is determined based on the detection results of the optical sensor, and the reels 110-112 are stopped so that the desired symbols are displayed on the pay line.

[0019] The payline indicator lamp 120 indicates the active paylines. A payline is a line that determines whether a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination is displayed. The active paylines are predetermined based on the number of medals bet as gaming media. There are five paylines. For example, if one medal is bet, the middle horizontal payline is active. If two medals are bet, the upper horizontal payline and the lower horizontal payline are active, resulting in three active paylines. If three medals are bet, the lower right-hand side payline and the upper right-hand side payline are active, resulting in five active paylines. The number of paylines is not limited to five. For example, if one medal is bet, the five active paylines may be the middle horizontal payline, the upper horizontal payline, the lower horizontal payline, the lower right-hand side payline, and the upper right-hand side payline. Hereinafter, the active paylines may be referred to as active lines.

[0020] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that notifies the player that, for example, a specific winning combination (for example, a bonus combination or a special combination) has been internally won in an internal lottery described below, or that this internal winning state has been carried over. The medal insertion possible lamp 124 is a lamp that notifies the player that a game medal can be inserted. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (no medal insertion is necessary) if a replay combination, which is one of the winning combinations, was won in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for presentation purposes.

[0021] The bet button 130 or 132 is a button for inserting a predetermined number of medals (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1, each press of the bet button 130 inserts one medal. Pressing the button once inserts one medal, pressing it once again inserts one additional medal (total of two medals), and pressing it once again inserts one additional medal (total of three medals). Pressing the bet button 132 inserts three medals. Hereinafter, the bet button 130 may be referred to as the "1-coin bet button," and the bet button 132 may be referred to as the "MAX bet button." The game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals. When the specified number of medals have been inserted, the game start lamp 121 lights up, indicating that a game can be started. Note that the slot machine 100 of this embodiment is a gaming machine exclusively for betting three medals, so the specified number of medals is three.

[0022] 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. Note that hereinafter, the expression "given to the player" may also be used to mean the same thing as "paid out to the player." The game information display 126 and the payout number display 127 are configured as 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0023] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. In other words, when the bet button 130 or 132 is operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is called the operation to start a game.

[0024] The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137-139, each consisting of a left stop button 137, a center stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 137-139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110-112 that have started spinning by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with each of the reels 110-112. 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 137-139 are 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 are referred to as the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel, respectively. Furthermore, the order in which the stop buttons 137-139 are operated to stop all of the spinning reels 110-112 is referred to as the operation sequence or push sequence. Furthermore, the operation sequence in which the first stop operation is the stop operation for the left reel 110, the second stop operation is the stop operation for the center reel 111, and the third stop operation is the stop operation for the right reel 112 is referred to as the "forward push operation sequence" or simply "forward push," and the stop operation in which the first stop operation is the stop operation for the right reel 112, the second stop operation is the stop operation for the center reel 111, and the third stop operation is the stop operation for the left reel 110 is referred to as the "reverse push operation sequence" or simply "reverse push." ​​Note that light-emitting elements may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137-139, and when the stop buttons 137-139 can be operated, the light-emitting elements can be lit to notify the player.

[0025] The instruction monitor 125 is a display for displaying information about the operation sequence (press order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139. This instruction monitor 125 is also configured with a 7-segment (SEG) display. For example, when instructing to operate the left stop button 137, the middle stop button 138, and the right stop button 139 in that order, the instruction monitor 125 displays "1," and when instructing to operate the left stop button 137, the right stop button 139, and the middle stop button 138 in that order, the instruction monitor 125 displays "2."

[0026] The settlement button 134 is a button for returning inserted game medals (number of bets) to the medal number control unit 350. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted.

[0027] The game medal count display device 170 is a five-digit seven-segment (SEG) display device, and is a device that displays the game medal count recorded in the medal count control unit 350 shown in FIG.

[0028] The count button 171 is an operation means for transmitting information on the number of game medals recorded in the medal count control unit 350 shown in FIG.

[0029] Below the stop button unit 136, there is provided a title panel 162 on which the model name is displayed and various certificate stamps are attached.

[0030] The sound hole 145 is a hole for outputting sound from a speaker 277 (see FIG. 2) provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for livening up the game. A performance device 160 is provided above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 for outputting sound from a speaker 272 (see FIG. 2) to the outside is provided above the performance device 160. 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 an effect means.

[0031] 1 is sometimes called a card unit and corresponds to an example of a gaming media management device of the present invention. This lending machine 700 is installed in a one-to-one relationship with the slot machine 100.

[0032] The lending machine 700 accepts cards. There are two types of "cards" referred to here. One is a visitor card (also called a general card) with a prepaid function, which is a gaming storage medium issued to general players who are not registered as members. The other is a membership card, which is a gaming storage medium issued to member players who have registered as members at the gaming facility. An IC card is used as the card.

[0033] The card stores a value, which includes the "number of medals held" and the "money balance," which is the balance of prepaid money.

[0034] The lending machine 700 that accepts a card has the function of converting the "number of possessed medals" stored on the card into the "number of gaming medals (number of credits)." The "number of gaming medals (number of credits)" is data that can be used to set the bet amount and can also be converted into the "number of possessed medals." The "number of gaming medals" can be obtained by debiting the "money balance" or "number of possessed medals" on the card. The "number of gaming medals" also includes the number of medals won by winning. This "number of gaming medals" is managed by the medal count control unit 350 shown in Figure 2, and is the number of electronic medals electromagnetically stored (amount of electronic gaming value). By inserting medals using the bet buttons 130, 132, the "number of gaming medals" is subtracted.

[0035] The "number of possessed medals" is a value obtained by converting the "number of game medals (number of credits)" into a count. This "number of possessed medals" is stored in a manner that allows it to be specified by the player's card. In other words, by operating the count button 171, the "number of game medals" is converted into the "number of possessed medals" and can be stored on the card. The "number of possessed medals" may also be managed by a management device for managing the number of possessed medals that is installed in the gaming facility.

[0036] The front side of the lending machine 700 is provided with a bill insertion slot 701 at the top for inserting bills and a card insertion slot 702 at the bottom for inserting cards. A membership card or visitor card inserted into this card insertion slot 702 is accepted by a card reader / writer, and the information stored on the card is read. The authenticity and type of bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 701 are identified, and the face value of the bill is stored as the "money balance" on the card inserted into the card insertion slot 702.

[0037] An information display 703 is provided below the bill insertion slot 701. This information display 703 is a display that provides operation guidance for the lending machine 700 and the status of the slot machine 100 by means of text and images. The surface may be configured as a touch panel, and various operations may be input by touching various displayed display items with a finger.

[0038] Below the information display 703, a money balance display 705 and a medal count balance display 706 are arranged in two rows, one above the other. The money balance display 705 displays the "money balance" stored in the card inserted in the card insertion slot 702 as a monetary amount. On the other hand, the medal count balance display 706 displays the "number of medals held" stored in the card inserted in the card insertion slot 702 as the number of medals.

[0039] A lending button 707 and a card return button 708 are provided in the vertical center of the lending machine 700. The lending button 707 is an operating means for withdrawing the "money balance" stored in the card inserted into the card insertion slot 702 to obtain the "number of game medals." Specifically, if the card inserted into the card insertion slot 702 has a "money balance," an LED lamp built into the lending button 707 lights up in a manner indicating that withdrawal is possible. By operating the lending button 707 in this state, the "number of game medals" is increased according to the amount of money withdrawn. For example, a "number of game medals" equivalent to a predetermined amount of 1,000 yen is added. Furthermore, if the "money balance" of the card is less than a predetermined amount (e.g., less than 1,000 yen), only the "number of game medals" converted from the current balance at a predetermined rate is added. Note that even if the "cash balance" of the card is less than a predetermined amount, the "number of possessed medals" stored on the card may be replenished, and the "number of game medals" may be increased by a predetermined amount. The card return button 708 is operated when the player ends the game, and is an operating means for storing the "number of possessed medals" determined at the end of the game in the card inserted into the card insertion slot 702 and ejecting it. The "number of possessed medals" determined at the end of the game is the number of medals obtained by subtracting the number of medals converted to the "number of game medals" from the "number of possessed medals" stored on the card inserted into the card insertion slot 702, and then adding the number of game medals counted by the counting operation. The data of the "cash balance," "number of possessed medals," and "number of game medals" explained above are converted in the following order: "cash balance" and "number of possessed medals" → "number of game medals" → "number of possessed medals." In this way, the "number of medals held" specified by the card is converted into the "number of game medals," and in the slot machine 100 of this embodiment, the "number of game medals" can be used to set the number of bets, so it is possible to provide a new slot machine (controlled game machine) that does not use real medals for gaming, without causing confusion to players who are accustomed to conventional slot machines in which real medals are loaned to them, credits are secured by inserting those real medals, and the number of bets is set using those credits.

[0040] Although this specification does not refer to the "number of medals saved," this "number of medals saved" refers to the number of medals deposited in the gaming facility, rather than being stored on the card. In the gaming facility, the number of medals a player has acquired through play may be managed as "points" by the hall management terminal or other management computer for the day, and as the "number of medals saved" from the day after the acquisition. When both the "number of medals saved" and the "number of medals saved" are stored, priority is given to deducting the "number of medals saved." Furthermore, both the "number of medals saved" and the "number of medals saved" may be stored in a host server (not shown) in association with the card number. In the case of a visitor card, the "number of medals saved" is stored directly on the visitor card, but the "number of medals saved" may also be stored in the host server in association with the card number. When storing the number of medals saved in the host server in association with the card number, data identifying the time the data was stored in the host server may be written to the card (membership card, visitor card) and then discharged. Furthermore, the "cash balance" is written directly onto the card (membership card, visitor card) and then discharged. The "number of possessed medals" is stored on the card (membership card, visitor card) or in the host server, for example, when the counting button 171 is operated and the counting process is performed. However, instead of this, it may be stored all at once when the card is returned. Furthermore, when a player finishes playing and returns the card from the lending machine 700, the "number of possessed medals" stored in the lending machine 700 may be temporarily stored as saved medals in the hall management terminal 800. When the player inserts the card into the same or a different lending machine 700 on the same day as the card is returned, only the "number of possessed medals" for that day that was temporarily stored as saved medals may be stored again in the lending machine 700, and the "number of game medals" may be added within the range of the "number of possessed medals" so that the player can play.

[0041] The rental machine 700 may also be provided with an IR photosensitive unit that receives infrared signals from a remote control carried by an attendant at the game center, converts them into electronic signals, and outputs them.

[0042] Furthermore, in the lending machine 700 shown in FIG. 1, the lending of "game medal count" was possible by operating the lending button 707 and debiting the "money balance" stored on the card. However, it may also be possible to debit the "owned medal count" recorded on the card and convert it into "game medal count." Specifically, a medal button is provided on the lending machine 700, and if the card inserted in the card insertion slot 702 contains "owned medal count," an LED lamp built into the owned medal button lights up in a manner indicating that withdrawal is possible. By operating the owned medal button in this state, if the owned medal count is equal to or exceeds a predetermined number (e.g., 50), the "game medal count" is increased by a predetermined number (e.g., 50). Furthermore, the number of owned medals acquired by the player during play as described above is stored on the card as "owned points" for the day, or is managed by the hall management terminal 800 or other management computer, and a replay button is provided on the lending machine 700. If there are "points," the LED lamp built into the replay button will light up in a manner indicating that withdrawal is possible. By operating the replay button in this state, a predetermined number (for example, 50) of "game medals" may be added.

[0043] <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 2. Note that Figure 2 shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

[0044] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main presentation in 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. With regard to the main control unit 300, if the data capacity becomes too large it becomes difficult to verify the program and it can also become a breeding ground for illegal modifications, which can lead to security issues, so there are limits on the data capacity of the ROM 306 and RAM 308 of the main control unit 300.

[0045] <Main control unit> First, we will explain the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100. The main control unit 300 has a game control unit 302 that controls the progress of the game and a medal count control unit 350 that controls the number of game medals owned by the player. The game control unit 302 corresponds to an example of game control means, and the medal count control unit 350 corresponds to an example of game value number control means. The game control unit 302 is equipped with 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) (not shown). Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and the same applies to the medal count control unit 350, first sub-control unit 400, and second sub-control unit 500, which will be described later. The CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 operates by receiving a clock signal with a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator (not shown) as a system clock. Furthermore, when the CPU 304 is powered on, it transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time. The CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits drive pulses in response to the interrupt request. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1 / 256, and the frequency division data in the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference time for the interrupt is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz = 1.504 ms.

[0046] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a random number generating circuit (not shown) which is used as a hardware random number counter that fluctuates values ​​within the range of 0 to 65535 based on a clock signal input from a crystal oscillator (not shown), and a start-up signal output circuit (not shown) which outputs a start-up signal (reset signal) when power is turned on, and the CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 starts game control when a start-up signal is input from this start-up signal output circuit.

[0047] The CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 also monitors the states of the bet buttons 130, 132, the start lever 135, the stop buttons 137-139, and the settlement button 134 at each interrupt time. For example, when it detects that the bet buttons 130, 132 have been turned on, it executes a process of electronically inserting medals stored electronically in the medal count control unit 350 as medals to be inserted into the game. When it detects that the start lever 135 has been turned on, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random number generation circuit. Upon receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores random numbers to be used in the lottery. When it detects that the left stop button 137, the center stop button 138, or the right stop button 139 has been turned on, it executes control to stop the reels 110-112 corresponding to each stop button if they are in a stoppable state. When it is detected that the settlement button 134 has been turned on, a process of electronically returning the inserted gaming medals to the medal count control unit 350 is executed.

[0048] The CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 also monitors the status of various sensors 318 (such as the optical sensor of the left reel 110, the optical sensor of the center reel 111, and the optical sensor of the right reel 112) at each interrupt time. The optical sensors of the left reel 110, the center reel 111, and the right reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of the reels 110-112, and turn L level each time a light-shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes by. Rotational position information indicating how far the reel has rotated from the reference position between the time it turns L level and the time it next turns L level is calculated based on the count value of the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b. When the CPU 304 detects the L level signal, it determines that the reel has made one rotation 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.

[0049] The main control unit 300 includes a drive circuit 322 that drives the motors provided on the reels 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 that drives display devices such as the instruction monitor 125, game information display 126, and payout number display 127, and a drive circuit 326 that drives various lamps 336 (winning line display lamp 120, notification lamp 123, game medal insertion possible lamp 124, replay lamp 122, game medal insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, etc.).

[0050] Furthermore, the slot machine 100 has setting values ​​that vary in the degree of advantage to the player. Setting 1 to Setting 6 are available as setting values. The higher the setting value, the greater the advantage to the player tends to be. Specifically, an internal winning probability is determined for each setting value. Even if the internal winning probability is the same for each setting value, setting differences may be provided for lotteries related to AT, such as AT transition lotteries and AT addition lotteries, and lotteries related to CZ, such as CZ transition lotteries and high-probability transition lotteries that give an advantage to CZ transitions. A setting change button 175, which is operated when changing the setting value, is connected to the game control unit 302.

[0051] In addition, an information output circuit 328 is connected to the game control unit 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 650 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 328.

[0052] In addition, the main control unit 300 is equipped with a voltage monitoring circuit (not shown) that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied to the main control unit 300 from the power management unit (not shown), and this voltage monitoring circuit outputs a low voltage signal indicating a drop in voltage to each of the game control unit 302 and the medal count control unit 350 when the voltage value of the power supply is below a predetermined value (e.g., 9V).

[0053] 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.

[0054] Like the game control unit 302, the medal count control unit 350 is equipped with a CPU 354, a ROM 356, a RAM 358, an I / O 360 for controlling input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 362 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPUs 304 and 354 are mounted on the same circuit board and connected via a buffer IC. This allows the CPU 304 to use the ROM 306 and RAM 308 without using the ROM 356 and RAM 358, and the CPU 354 to use the ROM 356 and RAM 358 without using the ROM 306 and RAM 308. A WDT (watchdog timer), not shown, is also mounted. The CPU 354 of the medal count control unit 350 also operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined cycle output by a crystal oscillator, not shown, as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 354 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 356 to the counter timer 362. The counter timer 362 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 354 at each interrupt time. The CPU 354 operates in response to this interrupt request. The medal count control unit 350 executes interrupt processing every 0.745 ms. The CPU 354 also repeatedly communicates with the lending machine 700 at 300 ms intervals.

[0055] The CPU 354 of the medal count control unit 350 also has a start-up signal output circuit (not shown) that outputs a start-up signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on, and the CPU 354 of the medal count control unit 350 also starts medal count control when a start-up signal is input from this start-up signal output circuit.

[0056] A game medal count display device 170 configured with a 5-digit 7-segment (SEG) display, a count button 171, and a game medal count clear button 172 are connected to the basic circuit of the medal count control unit 350.

[0057] The basic circuit of the medal count control unit 350 is also connected to the lending machine 700 via a lending machine connection terminal board 790. The medal count control unit 350 communicates with the lending machine 700 in both directions.

[0058] The medal count control unit 350 transmits various commands to the game control unit 302. The game control unit 302 also transmits various commands to the medal count control unit 350. In other words, communication between the medal count control unit 350 and the game control unit 302 is also two-way communication.

[0059] Furthermore, the medal count control unit 350 stores the "number of game medals" in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 358. Specifically, the "number of game medals" is stored in a credit counter. The medal count control unit 350 updates the "number of game medals" stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 358 by addition processing or subtraction processing. Examples of addition processing include processing based on a payout command sent from the game control unit 302, processing based on a settlement command sent from the game control unit 302, and processing based on a lending notification sent from the lending machine 700. On the other hand, examples of subtraction processing include counting processing based on operation of the count button 171 and processing based on an insertion command sent from the game control unit 302.

[0060] The medal count clear button 172 shown in FIG. 2 is located in a position where it cannot be operated by a player (for example, in a position where it cannot be operated without opening the front door 102), and is an operating means for clearing the "medal count" stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 358. For example, if a player leaves the game with "2" remaining in the medal count, it becomes difficult to determine whether the player who left "2" intends to continue playing, and another player is unable to start playing. However, if the medal count can be cleared by a store clerk's operation, another player can be welcomed sooner. Note that the "medal count" does not necessarily have to be cleared when the medal count clear button 172 is operated. For example, it may be cleared when the medal count is two or less, and counted in the same way as when the count button 171 is operated when three or more medals are remaining. If the counting button 171 malfunctions and cannot recognize that it has been operated, the "number of game medals" cannot be converted to the "number of held medals," potentially causing a disadvantage to the player. However, if counting can be performed by a store clerk, this does not cause any disadvantage to the player. Furthermore, there is no need to provide a new counting button for store clerks, which does not increase costs. Instead of distinguishing between clearing and counting based on the number of game medals, clearing and counting may be determined by the method of operation of the game medal count clear button 172. For example, clearing occurs when the game medal count clear button 172 is pressed briefly, and counting occurs when the game medal count clear button 172 is pressed for a long time. Either clearing or counting can be easily selected regardless of the number of game medals. Furthermore, clearing occurs when only the game medal count clear button 172 is pressed, and counting occurs when the game medal count clear button 172 and another button are pressed simultaneously. The possibility of operating the game medal count clear button 172 incorrectly is reduced, making it easy to select either clearing or counting.

[0061] <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 (game control unit 302) via an input interface. The first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on these control commands. This basic circuit 402 is equipped with a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, data for controlling the backlight lighting pattern and various displays, etc.

[0062] 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.

[0063] The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with an audio amplifier IC 418, which is connected to speakers 272, 277 via an output interface. The audio amplifier IC 418 controls the sound output from the amplifier and speakers 272, 277 in response to commands from the CPU 404. An S-ROM (sound ROM) in which sound data is stored is connected to the audio amplifier IC 418, and sound data acquired from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from the speakers 272, 277. These speakers 272, 277 correspond to an example of a performance means.

[0064] The first sub-controller 400 is also 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. The various lamps 420 correspond to an example of a performance means.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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).

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] <Demo screen transition> Next, a demo screen transition according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. As mentioned above, the slot machine 100 is a three-coin bet-only machine.

[0072] In this embodiment, the demo screen is started (A) after the number of medals won on the day (MY) has reached a predetermined number L, and (1) when the waiting time M has elapsed since all reels stopped, (2) when the number of bets (number of wagers) is not the specified number, that is, when the number of bets is 1 or 2 and the waiting time M has elapsed since the medal was inserted, or (3) when the waiting time M has elapsed since any operation was performed on the gaming machine.

[0073] Here, "some operation on the gaming machine" refers to an operation on the counting button 171 or the settlement button 143, or an operation on an effect button for calling up a player menu screen or adjusting the volume and light intensity. These operations are accepted during the period before the game starts (non-play period), and the demo screen starts when the waiting time M has elapsed since the last of these operations was performed. In this embodiment, the predetermined number L is 1000 coins and the waiting time M is 1 minute, but this is not limited to this.

[0074] Here, MY refers to the number of medals acquired from the point where the difference in number of medals on that day (the cumulative value of the difference between the number of medals inserted and the number of medals paid out in one game (number of medals paid out - number of medals inserted)) is the smallest (the point where the game was most successful). Also, the stopping of all reels refers to a state where the game is waiting to start, and more precisely, it means that the medal insertion enable lamp 124 is lit.

[0075] FIG. 3(A) shows a time chart relating to demo screen transitions in the case where the number of bets is 0 (case (A) and (1) above) in this embodiment. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3(A), the liquid crystal display device 157 continues to display the game screen d1 (FIG. 4(B-1) described later) from the previous game, but since no medals are bet, the display of the demo screen d2 (FIGS. 4(B-2) to (B-4) described later; the configuration of the demo screen d2 will be described in detail later) begins at time t2 when the waiting time M has elapsed from time t1 when all the reels have stopped. The demo screen d2 is displayed from time t1 until time t3 when the specified number of medals, 3, is bet.

[0076] Fig. 3(B) shows a time chart for demo screen transitions in the case of a conventional bet of 2. In the past, when medals less than the specified number were bet, as shown in Fig. 3(B), demo screen d2 was not displayed and game screen d1 continued to be displayed even at time t5, when waiting time M had elapsed from time t4 when the bet was made. In other words, in the past, when medals less than the specified number were bet, demo screen d2 was not displayed.

[0077] Therefore, in the past, even if a game was finished with fewer than the required number of medals bet, the demo screen would not be displayed, making it difficult to recognize the machine as vacant, and there was a problem that the machine would be left vacant for a long time.

[0078] In contrast, Fig. 4(A) shows a time chart relating to demo screen transitions in the case of a bet number of 2 in this embodiment (the case of (A) and (2) above). In this case, as shown in Fig. 4(A), the liquid crystal display device 157 continues to display the game screen d1 from the previous game, but at time t5, when a waiting time M has elapsed since time t4, when medals less than the specified number are bet, the demo screen d2 is displayed until time t3, when the specified number of medals, 3, is bet, as in Fig. 3(A).

[0079] As a result, in this embodiment, even if a game ends with less than the specified number of medals bet, the demo screen d2 is displayed, making it easier to recognize that the machine is vacant. In other words, it is possible to prevent vacant machines from being left unattended for a long time.

[0080] In the slot machine 100 of this embodiment, even if the number of credits is one or two, the bet button 132 can be operated, and one or two medals equal to the number of credits can be inserted.

[0081] Here, the configuration and display example of the demo screen d2 will be described with reference to the above-mentioned FIGS. 3(A), 4(A), and 4(B).

[0082] Fig. 4 (B-1) shows a display example of the game screen d1, and Figs. 4 (B-2) to (B-4) show display examples of the demo screen d2. As shown in Figs. 3 (A) and 4 (A), the demo screen d2 of this embodiment is specifically composed of a performance introduction display screen d2A, a machine name display screen d2B, a warning display screen d2C, and a company name display screen d2D. Each demo screen is controlled to be displayed cyclically in the following order over a predetermined display time: performance introduction display screen d2A → machine name display screen d2B → warning display screen d2C → company name display screen d2D → performance introduction display screen d2A → ...

[0083] The effect introduction display screen d2A is a demo display screen that introduces the effects executed in the slot machine 100, as shown in FIG. 4 (B-2). The model name display screen d2B is a demo display screen that displays the model name of the slot machine 100 (not shown). The caution display screen d2C is a demo display screen that displays a message that warns against addiction to games (for example, "Be careful not to get addicted!"), as shown in FIG. 4 (B-3). The company name display screen d2D is a demo display screen that displays the name of the company that manufactures and sells the slot machine 100 (not shown).

[0084] Furthermore, the demo screen d2 of this embodiment displays a maximum number display d10, as shown in Fig. 3(A) and Fig. 4(A). The maximum number display d10 is an image that displays the maximum MY value for the day. The maximum number display d10 of this embodiment is displayed when the maximum MY value is 1000 or more, and is not displayed when the maximum MY value is less than 1000, so the value displayed in the maximum number display d10 is a value of 1000 or more. As shown in Figs. 4(B-2) to (B-4), the maximum number display d10 is displayed together with the demo screen d2.

[0085] As a result, according to the present embodiment, the maximum coin count display d10 is displayed on the demo screen d2 only when the winning number of coins is such that the player feels satisfied, so that a player who views the maximum coin count display d10 will not have a negative impression. Also, when the demo screen d2 is displayed during non-play, the maximum coin count display d10 is displayed only when the maximum MY value of the day is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (1000 coins), so that an available machine can be promoted as a "machine that will pay out" and an incentive to play can be achieved. Conversely, when the maximum MY value of the day is less than the predetermined number (1000 coins), the maximum coin count display d10 is not displayed, so that a player will not have a negative impression that it is a "machine that will not pay out."

[0086] In addition, since the maximum number display d10 is displayed using the liquid crystal display device 157 of the slot machine 100, an empty machine can be easily found without being distracted by the data display of each machine. As a result, trouble between customers, such as starting to play on a machine reserved by another player, can be prevented.

[0087] Furthermore, the maximum number of coins display d10 on the demo screen d2 eliminates the need for player operation compared to transitioning from a menu screen to display a ranking of the number of coins won, the number of coins won, the number of times the game has been controlled to an advantageous state, etc.

[0088] Furthermore, even if the game is ended with less than the specified number of medals bet, the screen will transition to the demo screen d2 and show the maximum number of medals d10, which prevents the machine from being left vacant for a long time and also encourages players to play.

[0089] In this embodiment, the maximum number display d10 is displayed on the performance introduction display screen d2A, the machine name display screen d2B, and the warning display screen d2C, but is not displayed on the company name display screen d2D, but is not limited to this. For example, the demo screen d2 may not be displayed on the warning display screen d2C, or the demo screen d2 may be displayed on the company name display screen d2D.

[0090] <Slump graph> Next, the display of the maximum number display d10 and the advance notification d20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is an example of a slump graph showing the transition of the difference in number of coins in the slot machine 100.

[0091] The slot machine 100 of this embodiment has a complete function. The complete function is a function that disables play on that day when the number of coins won (MY) for that day reaches a specified number MA (for example, 19,000 coins in this embodiment). The advance notification d20 is a display effect that notifies that the MY for that day is approaching the specified number MA. In this embodiment, when MY reaches 18,500 coins or more, the advance notification d20 begins to be executed, and the number of coins remaining up to the specified number MA is displayed.

[0092] Fig. 4 (B-4) shows an example of the display of advance notification d20 on demo screen d2. As shown in Fig. 4 (B-4), advance notification d20 is displayed together with maximum number display d10 on demo screen d2. Note that maximum number display d10 is displayed larger than advance notification d20, making it more noticeable than advance notification d20.

[0093] According to Figure 5, the minimum difference in coins is -2000 at time T1, so MY is calculated based on the number of coins won from this minimum value of -2000. From time T0 to time T4, MY is 1000 or less, so the maximum coin count display d10 is not displayed on demo screen d2. Hereinafter, the section in which the maximum coin count display d10 is not displayed on demo screen d2 will be referred to as the "maximum coin count non-display section," and the section in which the maximum coin count display d10 is displayed on demo screen d2 will be referred to as the "maximum coin count display section." The section from time T0 to time T4 is the maximum coin count non-display section. On the other hand, the section from time T4 onwards is the section in which MY reaches 1000 or more, so it becomes the maximum coin count display section.

[0094] In the section from time T4 to time T5, the MY value increases, so the value of the maximum number display d10 is updated ("Maximum number updated" shown in Figure 5). Then, at time T5, the maximum number display d10 is displayed as 1500. Next, in the section from time T5 to time T9, the MY value decreases or increases, but MY does not exceed 1500, so the value of the maximum number display d10 remains 1500 ("Maximum 1500" shown in Figure 5). In this way, even in sections where medals decrease, the maximum MY value up to that point is displayed, so the maximum number display d10 can be promoted as a machine with the potential to pay out.

[0095] In the section from time T9 to time T11, the MY value increases, so the value of the maximum coin count display d10 is updated. Here, the section from time T10 to time T11 is not in the AT state but in the normal state, but the number of medals won is slightly increasing, so the value of the maximum coin count display d10 is updated. In this embodiment, whether in the AT state or the normal state, the updated maximum coin count display d10 is displayed on the demo screen d2. Then, at time T11, the maximum coin count display d10 of 3020 is displayed. Next, in the section from time T11 to time T13, the MY value decreases or increases, but MY does not exceed 3020, so the value of the maximum coin count display d10 remains 3020 ("maximum 3020 coins" shown in Figure 5).

[0096] In the section from time T13 to time T15, the MY value is increasing, so the value of the maximum number display d10 is updated. Here, the MY value reaches 18,500 at time T14, so the advance notification d20 begins to be displayed from time T14 onwards. The advance notification d20 is displayed until MY reaches 19,500. Furthermore, at time T15, the maximum number display d10 of 18,700 is displayed. Next, in the section from time T15 to time T17, the MY value is decreasing or increasing, but MY does not exceed 18,700, so the value of the maximum number display d10 remains 18,700 ("Maximum 18,700" shown in Figure 5).

[0097] In this embodiment, the maximum number of coins display d10 starts to be displayed after the MY value for the day reaches 1,000 or more, thereby preventing the player from having a negative impression that the machine "doesn't pay out," thereby encouraging the player to play. Even if the MY value decreases, the maximum MY value up to that point continues to be displayed, so the machine can be promoted as having potential. Furthermore, when the MY value is 18,500 or more, the advance notice d20 is displayed along with the maximum number of coins display d10, allowing the player to grasp the number of coins remaining up to the specified number of coins of 19,000.

[0098] The slump graph in Figure 5 shows a case where the number of balls dispensed increases from time T8 onward. However, we will now consider the case where the number of balls dispensed does not increase after time T8. Even if the number of balls dispensed continues to decrease from time T8 onward and the difference in number of balls falls below -1500, the maximum number display d10 will still display "1500." This is because the maximum MY (the maximum increase from the minimum value) of 1500 has not been updated. For example, if the number of medals increases after the difference in number of balls reaches -3000, and the number of balls dispensed does not increase to -1500, the maximum MY of 1500 will not be updated, and the maximum number display d10 will still display "1500." However, if the difference in number of balls dispensed increases beyond -1500, the maximum MY will be updated to be greater than 1500, and the maximum number display d10 will display the updated maximum MY value.

[0099] <Slot machine operation> Maximum number update process Next, the maximum number update process will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the maximum number update process executed by the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400.

[0100] When the main control unit 300 enters a state of waiting for a game to start, it transmits the current MY value (the MY value up to the previous game) to the first sub-control unit 400 (step S101). Here, the state of waiting for a game to start is a state in which it is possible to insert a medal, or more precisely, a state in which the medal insertion possible lamp 124 is lit. As a result, the first sub-control unit 400 receives the current MY value NV.

[0101] Next, the main control unit 300 accepts a game start operation by operating the start lever 135 (step S102), and waits until the reels 110 to 112 start to spin (step S103). Meanwhile, at this wait timing, the first sub-control unit 400 refers to the MY value transmitted in step S101 (step S201). As a result, the first sub-control unit 400 grasps the current MY value NV.

[0102] Next, when the wait ends, the main control unit 300 spins the reels 110-112 (step S104), and when a stop operation is received from a stop button 137-139 (step S105), the main control unit 300 stops the corresponding reel 110-112. The main control unit 300 performs a winning determination process based on the stopping state of all reels 110-112 and performs a medal payout process (step S106). In the winning determination process, if a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination is displayed on an activated winning line, it is determined that the winning combination has been won. In the medal payout process, if a winning combination that offers a payout has been won, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out. Also, in step S106, the main control unit 300 transmits the number of medals inserted BV and the number of medals paid out OV for the game to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0103] As a result, the first sub-control unit 400 receives the number of medals inserted BV and the number of medals paid out OV for the game (step S202), and calculates the number of medals remaining until the complete function is activated ZV (step S203). Specifically, the remaining number ZV = specified number MA - received MY value NV - (number of medals paid out OV - number of medals inserted BV). For example, if the specified number MA is 19,000, the MY value NV is 5,000, the number of medals inserted is 3, and the number of medals paid out is 10, the remaining number ZV is 13,993.

[0104] Next, the first sub-control unit 400 calculates a new MY value (hereinafter referred to as "current MY value") NV that reflects the current game. Specifically, current MY value NV = specified number of coins MA - remaining number of coins ZV. For example, if the specified number of coins MA is 19,000 and the remaining number of coins ZV calculated in step S203 is 13,993, the current MY value NV is 5,007 coins.

[0105] Next, the first sub-control unit 400 determines whether the current MY value NV is greater than the display value DV of the current maximum number display d10 (hereinafter also referred to as the "demo MY display value") (step S205). If the current MY value NV is greater than the demo MY display value DV (step S205: YES), the first sub-control unit 400 sets the current MY value NV to the demo MY display value DV (step S206); if not (step S205: NO), the first sub-control unit 400 terminates the maximum number update process.

[0106] On the other hand, after completing the process of step S106, the main control unit 300 executes a counter update process for calculating MY (step S107), and returns to step S101.

[0107] In this way, according to the maximum coin number update process of this embodiment, the demo MY display value is updated only when the current MY value is greater than the demo MY display value, so the demo MY display value will not decrease, but will only maintain its current state or increase. In other words, the maximum coin number display d10 displayed on the demo screen d2 will not decrease, which can encourage players to play.

[0108] -Maximum number display processing Next, the maximum number display process on the demo screen d2 (hereinafter simply referred to as "maximum number display process") will be explained using Figures 7(A) and (B). Figure 7(A) is a flowchart showing the flow of the maximum number display process executed by the second sub-control unit 500. The maximum number display process is a process that is executed every predetermined time (timer interrupt time).

[0109] The second sub-control unit 500 determines whether it has detected either a display marker or a non-display marker (steps S301 and S305). Here, the display marker is a marker indicating that the demo MY display value DV will start to be displayed on the screen while the demo screen d2 is being displayed, and the non-display marker is a marker indicating that the demo MY display value DV will start to be hidden on the screen. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7(C-1), a display marker is attached to the beginning of the performance introduction screen d2A that constitutes the demo screen d2, and a non-display marker is attached to the beginning of the company name screen d2D. Therefore, when a display marker is detected on the currently displayed demo screen d2, control is performed so that the demo MY display value DV will be displayed on the screen thereafter, and when a non-display marker is detected, control is performed so that the demo MY display value DV will not be displayed on the screen thereafter.

[0110] When the second sub-control unit 500 detects a display marker (step S301: YES), specifically, it sets the current demo MY display value DV to the "demo MY value" extension command on the performance introduction screen d2A, model name screen d2B, and warning screen d2C (step S302), and then sets the display mode corresponding to the current demo MY display value DV to the "demo MY color" extension command (step S303). After processing step S303, the process proceeds to step S307.

[0111] Here, the extension command is a parameter associated with the LCD command as shown in FIG. 7B. A "Demo My Numeric Value" indicating the value of the Demo My Display Value DV and a "Demo My Color" indicating the color of the Demo My Display Value DV are stored in predetermined bit positions of the 1-byte LCD command. Specifically, the Demo My Color in this embodiment is set to display or hide depending on the Demo My Display Value DV, and to a value related to the color when displayed. Specifically, the Demo My Color is set as follows: (1) Hide when the Demo My Display Value DV is 999 or less; (2) Silver when 1000 or less than the Demo My Display Value DV is 2999; (3) Gold when 3000 or less than the Demo My Display Value DV is 4999; and (4) Rainbow when the Demo My Display Value DV is 5000 or more. In this way, display or hide and the display color are set in step S303.

[0112] Furthermore, if the second sub-control unit 500 detects a hidden marker (step S305: YES), it sets the "Demo MY Color" extension command to "Hide" (step S306). After processing step S306, the process proceeds to step S307.

[0113] On the other hand, if the second sub-control unit 500 does not detect either the displayed marker or the non-displayed marker (step S301: NO, step S305: NO), the second sub-control unit 500 proceeds to step S307.

[0114] Next, the second sub-control unit 500 executes a display update process (step S307). In the display update process, an image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157 based on the values ​​set in the liquid crystal display command.

[0115] As described above, according to the maximum number display process of this embodiment, the demo MY display value is displayed on the demo screen d2 only when the value is MY1000 or more, so that the number of balls dispensed can be appealed to the user on an empty machine, thereby encouraging the user to play. Also, since the display color is changed according to the value of the demo MY display value, the dispensed ball status can be appealed to the user visually by the display color. Furthermore, since the display and non-display of the demo MY display value are controlled by the display marker and non-display marker, it is possible to flexibly respond to changes in the configuration of the demo screen d2.

[0116] In this embodiment, even if the demo MY display value DV is less than 1000 sheets, the "demo MY value" is set, but the "demo MY color" is hidden, so that the maximum number display d10 is not displayed on the demo screen d2 (first method). However, other control methods may be used to prevent the maximum number display d10 from being displayed on the demo screen d2 when the demo MY display value DV is less than 1000 sheets. For example, when the demo MY display value DV is less than 1000 sheets, the "demo MY value" may not be set (second method). The first method has the advantage of reducing the amount of program code, but the disadvantage of displaying the maximum number display d10 at an unintended timing if there is a data error. On the other hand, the second method has the advantage of more reliably controlling display / hide, but the disadvantage of increasing the amount of program code due to the addition of a branching algorithm.

[0117] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7(C-1), a display marker is placed at the beginning of the performance introduction screen d2A and a non-display marker is placed at the beginning of the company name screen d2D, but as shown in 7(C-2), a non-display marker may be placed at the beginning of the company name screen d2D and a display marker may be placed at the end of the company name screen d2D. The same control as that shown in Fig. 7(C-1) can be executed.

[0118] <Modification> In this embodiment, the maximum number display d10 displays the maximum MY value for the day, but it may also display the maximum payout number. Since the number of bets is not taken into account when it comes to the payout number, a larger number can be displayed, further emphasizing the appeal of the payout. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the maximum number display d10 reflects the difference in the number of medals acquired by irregular button presses, but the difference may not be reflected in the case of irregular button presses. It is possible to display a larger number of medals than the number of medals acquired displayed on the result screen at the end of a favorable game.

[0119] In this embodiment, if the number of coins bet is not the specified number, i.e., if the number of coins bet is 1 or 2, the demo screen is displayed when the waiting time M has elapsed since the coin was inserted. However, the demo screen may also be displayed when the number of coins bet is the specified number, i.e., if the number of coins bet is 3. Furthermore, the demo screen may also be displayed when the waiting time M has elapsed after a replay win. While the waiting time M is set to 1 minute in this embodiment, the waiting time M may be variable depending on the conditions. For example, the waiting time M may be 40 seconds for a 0-coin bet, 60 seconds for a 1- or 2-coin bet, or 120 seconds for a 3-coin bet (including replays). A shorter waiting time may be used for a 0-coin bet because the player is likely to stop playing, whereas a longer waiting time may be used for a 1-coin bet or greater because the player is likely to be temporarily away from their seat (especially if the number of coins bet is 3). This reduces the annoyance of frequently switching to the demo screen d2 even when the game is not stopped.

[0120] Also, the medal count display device 170 Even if medals are stored in the medal count display device 170 (number of medals > 0), the demo screen may be started when the standby time M has elapsed. This configuration can prevent mischief such as a malicious player intentionally leaving only one medal and leaving the store, thereby reducing the operation of the gaming machine, more than a configuration in which the demo screen is not started when the medal count display device 170 shows "number of medals > 0."

[0121] On the other hand, the demo screen may be started when the waiting time M has elapsed in a case where no medals are stored in the medal count display device 170 (number of medals=0). This configuration can prevent problems such as another player playing even though medals are stored in the medal count storage device 170.

[0122] Alternatively, if the medal count display device 170 indicates "number of medals > 0", the demo screen may be started when the waiting time M has elapsed on the condition that the number of bets is 0 (in other words, if the number of bets ≠ 0, the demo screen will not be started even if the waiting time M has elapsed), and this configuration can eliminate both the mischief and the trouble described above. Note that if the medal count display device 170 indicates "number of medals > 0", the demo screen may be started even if the number of bets ≠ 0.

[0123] Furthermore, the previous embodiments may be combined, and when the medal count display device 170 indicates "number of medals = 0" and a non-playable bet number is set, a demo screen may be started after the waiting time M has elapsed, and when the medal count display device 170 indicates "number of medals > 0", a demo screen may be started after the waiting time M has elapsed, provided that the bet number is 0.

[0124] Also, the demo screen may not be started depending on the game state at that time. For example, if the game state is a state in which the payout balls are increasing (during a bonus or AT), the demo screen may not be started even if the waiting time M has elapsed, while if the payout balls are not increasing, the demo screen may be started when the waiting time M has elapsed. Also, if a continuous effect spanning multiple games is being executed, the demo screen may not be started even if the waiting time M has elapsed, while if the continuous effect is not being executed, the demo screen may be started when the waiting time M has elapsed.

[0125] Furthermore, the result screen and the maximum number of coins display d10 displayed at the end of a favorable game may be displayed overlapping, or may not be displayed overlapping. In the former case, the number of coins won in the favorable game and the maximum number of coins won that day can be confirmed at the same time, so that the payout information can be confirmed all at once, and the trouble of operating a data lamp, for example, can be eliminated. In the latter case, the number of coins won is displayed multiple times, so that confusion for the player can be prevented. Furthermore, when the result screen is displayed, the waiting time M can be shortened. This allows the player to be informed early that the machine is vacant.

[0126] In addition, the configuration in which the number of coins is displayed or not displayed depending on the number of coins won may also be applied to the result screen. For example, if the result screen is composed of a "background screen + winning coin count display," if the number of winning coins in a favorable game such as a bonus or automatic time slot is low (e.g., less than 100 coins), the result screen at the end of the favorable game may display the background screen without displaying the winning coin count. On the other hand, if the number of winning coins in a favorable game such as a bonus or automatic time slot is high (e.g., 100 coins or more), the result screen at the end of the favorable game may display the winning coin count and the background screen. Also, a certain suggestion may be made on the background screen. This reduces player stress by not displaying a situation where the number of winning coins is low. Furthermore, if a player quits playing and leaves the facility after the result screen, a situation where the number of winning coins is low is not displayed, thereby reducing machine utilization. The "certain suggestion" may, for example, suggest the setting value of the gaming machine. Furthermore, if there are multiple modes before a favorable game such as a bonus, automatic time slot, or coin count zone is awarded, the content may suggest the mode. Furthermore, when determining the mode for multiple times in advance, the suggestion may be something like "Mode A for M times out of N times." In this way, when a certain suggestion is made on the background screen, the background screen including the suggestion may be displayed on the result screen even in a situation where the number of coins won is not displayed. This can reduce the player's stress while increasing their motivation to continue playing. Furthermore, when the number of coins won is small, a suggestion with a high degree of advantage may be made more frequently than when the number of coins won is large. This can reduce the player's stress while further increasing their motivation to continue playing.

[0127] In addition, in this embodiment, the maximum number of coins display d10 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157, but the device that displays the maximum number of coins display d10 is not limited to this. For example, the maximum number of coins display d10 may be displayed on a data display device installed on the slot machine 100. In this case, too, it is possible to appeal to the player about the number of coins that can be won, and it is possible to avoid giving the impression that the machine does not pay out.

[0128] For example, the data display device may be capable of displaying the maximum number of coins display d10 when the gaming machine is in a non-play state and / or is displaying a demonstration. Furthermore, the data display device may determine that the gaming machine is not in play when an operation signal (a signal indicating 1G progress) is not input from the gaming machine within a predetermined time M, and may use this as an opportunity to display the maximum number of coins display d10. Furthermore, the data display device may also use a signal input from a hall staff member indicating that the machine is vacant as an opportunity to display the maximum number of coins display d10.

[0129] <Summary of the embodiment> As described above, according to the gaming machine (for example, slot machine 100) according to the above embodiment, A gaming machine equipped with a display means (for example, a liquid crystal display device 157, a first sub-control unit 400, and a second sub-control unit 500), The display means is a means capable of displaying the number of game values ​​acquired based on the number of bets and the number of payouts at a first timing (for example, at the timing of displaying the demo screen d2), The display means is means for displaying the number of winnings at the first timing when a first condition is met (for example, when the minimum MY value reaches 1000), The first condition is met when the number of winnings is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 1,000). This is the first basic configuration.

[0130] According to this first basic configuration, it is possible to appeal to the player about the number of balls that can be paid out while avoiding the impression that the machine does not pay out, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

[0131] In the first basic configuration, The display means may execute a demonstration display (for example, display a demo screen d2) when a second condition is met (for example, a predetermined time has elapsed after all reels have stopped, or a predetermined time has elapsed since a bet operation) in a non-game state (for example, a demo state) in which no game is being played, the first timing is a timing when the demonstration display is being executed; This is the first preferred configuration.

[0132] According to the first preferred configuration, it is possible to appeal to players about the number of balls that can be won at vacant gaming machines, thereby encouraging players to play.

[0133] In the first preferred configuration, The game machine includes a first bet number (e.g., 3 coins) that is a bet number that can be played, and a second bet number (e.g., 2 coins) that is a bet number that cannot be played, the display means may execute a demonstration display when the second condition is met in a state in which neither the first bet number nor the second bet number is set, the display means may execute a demonstration display when the second condition is met in a state in which the second bet number is set, The second condition is a condition that is met when a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) has elapsed in the non-play state. This is the second preferred configuration.

[0134] According to the second preferred configuration, even if a machine is left with an unplayable bet number set, it can be recognized as an empty machine.

[0135] In a second preferred configuration, A storage means for storing game values ​​(for example, RAM 308, medal count control unit 350, etc.), an operating means (for example, a bet button 132) that can set the first bet amount from the gaming value stored in the storage means based on a single operation; Equipped with the operation means is means for setting the first bet amount based on the one operation when the gaming value stored in the storage means satisfies the first bet amount; the operation means is means for setting the second bet number based on the one operation when the gaming value stored in the storage means is the second bet number; This is the third preferred configuration.

[0136] According to the third preferred configuration, the processing when the operating means is operated can be standardized, so that the processing volume in the development process can be reduced. In the case of a gaming machine equipped with a medal count display device, when the remaining number of game value medals stored in the medal count display device is, for example, 1 or 2 medals, the number of bets can be set by operating the operating means, and the remaining number of game value medals stored in the medal count display device can be set to 0, making it easy to recognize that the machine is vacant. Furthermore, if a player leaves the store with the remaining number of game value medals stored in the medal count display device being 1 or 2 medals, the gaming store staff will have to return the remaining number of medals to the lending device, or reset the medal count display device during closing operations (or opening operations) for maintenance or preparation for the next business day; however, such work can be reduced, which can contribute to improving the operations of the gaming store.

[0137] Furthermore, according to the display device according to the above embodiment (for example, a display connected to the slot machine 100), A display device that is provided in correspondence with a gaming machine (e.g., a slot machine 100) and can display information about the gaming machine, The display device is capable of displaying the number of bets and the number of payouts of the gaming value that are provided for the game on the gaming machine, The display device is capable of displaying the number of wins when a first condition is met (for example, when the minimum MY value of the slot machine 100 reaches 1000), The first condition is met when the number of winnings is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 1,000). This is the second basic configuration.

[0138] According to this second basic configuration, it is possible to appeal to the player about the number of balls that can be paid out while avoiding the impression that the machine does not pay out, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

[0139] In the second basic configuration, The gaming machine may execute a demonstration display in a non-play state (e.g., a demo state) in which no game is being played, The display device is capable of displaying the number of wins when the gaming machine is in the non-play state. This is the fourth preferable configuration.

[0140] According to the fourth preferred configuration, it is possible to appeal to players about the number of balls that can be won on vacant gaming machines, thereby encouraging players to play.

[0141] [Second embodiment] The presentation devices (lamps, speakers, moving parts, etc.) on gaming machines are important devices that help enhance the entertainment value of the game. Therefore, when controlling the presentation devices, stable data communication between the control unit (CPU) and the drive unit (driver IC) is required. For example, data communication that is strong against noise and can flexibly accommodate different types and versions of drive units (components) is desired.

[0142] In the second embodiment, a gaming machine that solves the above problems is provided. Note that, in the following, only the configurations, functions, and processes that are different from those in the first embodiment will be explained, and the same components as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0143] <Connection configuration> In this embodiment (second embodiment), a communication method when the CPU 404 of the first sub-controller 400 shown in FIG. 2 transmits a control signal to the drive circuit 422 that drives the various lamps 420 will be described.

[0144] 8(A) is a functional block diagram of the first sub-control unit 400 of this embodiment. In detail, a communication method will be described in which the CPU 404 sends a control signal to the drive circuit 422X to drive the frame lamp 420X and sends a control signal to the drive circuit 422Y to drive the side lamp 420Y.

[0145] Here, the drive circuit 422X is composed of an LED driver ICxxx, and the drive circuit 422Y is composed of an LED driver ICyyy (xxx and yyy indicate the model number and type of IC). The frame lamp 420X is a lamp driven by ICxxx, and the side lamp 422Y is a lamp driven by ICyyy. ICxxx and the frame lamp 420X are arranged on a frame lamp substrate, and ICyyy and the side lamp 422Y are arranged on a side lamp substrate.

[0146] Figure 9(A) shows an example of an ICxxx LED driver, and Figure 9(B) shows an example of an ICyyy LED driver. As shown in Figure 9, the ICxxx LED driver and the ICyyy LED driver are different types of drivers. Different types of drivers are, for example, drivers with different pin arrangements and different performance. The terminals shown in the pin arrangement are assigned to the RGB terminals, data input terminals, data output terminals, power terminals, GND terminals, CS signals (chip select), etc. Note that even with the same driver, if the pin arrangement is different, the performance will differ (for example, the function of reducing noise, the function of reducing brightness to cool down when the temperature rises, etc.).

[0147] In this embodiment, the drive circuit 422X that drives the frame lamp 420X and the drive circuit 422Y that drives the side lamp 420Y are different types of drive circuits, but this is not limited to this. As shown in Figures 8(B-1) and (B-2), drive circuits of the same type may be connected, or as shown in this embodiment and Figure 8(B-3), a configuration in which different types of drive circuits are mixed may be used. As will be described in detail later, this is because the packet structure of the control signal transmitted from the CPU 404 is the same regardless of the type of IC of the drive circuit 422.

[0148] <Communication method> Next, a communication method when the CPU 404 of this embodiment transmits a control signal (hereinafter referred to as "control data") to the drive circuit 422 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0149] FIG. 10(A) shows a schematic diagram of the packet structure of control data CD1 for ICxxx, and FIG. 10(B) shows a schematic diagram of the packet structure of control data CD2 for ICxxx.

[0150] As shown in Figures 10(A) and (B), the structure of the control data CD for LED drivers is the same even if the type of LED driver is different (control data is collectively referred to as CD). As shown in Figures 10(A) and (B), the control data CD is 8 bytes of data and is composed of a start command, slave address, sub-address, data byte, stop command, and noise suppression command. Each item in the control data CD consists of 1 byte (8 bits).

[0151] The start command is a data item indicating the start of a packet, and in this embodiment, is set to a value of FFh (111111111). The slave address and subaddress are destination addresses of the control data CD, and are set to the address of the LED driver. The data byte is set to a value indicating the control content for the controlled object. The stop command is a data item indicating the end of a packet, and in this embodiment, is set to a value of 81h (10000001). The noise countermeasure command is a characteristic component of the control data CD in this embodiment, and is an item that plays a role in ensuring stable data communication even when noise bits are mixed into the control data CD due to noise generation or when part of the control data CD is missing (the increase and / or loss of bits due to noise is sometimes collectively referred to as "bit misalignment"). In this embodiment, the value of 00h (00000000) is set.

[0152] The premise of the communication method of this embodiment is that the first sub-control unit 400 is configured to simultaneously transmit control signals to multiple lamps 420 during periodically executed timer interrupt processing. Therefore, for example, when transmitting control signals to both the drive circuit 422X of the frame lamp 420X and the drive circuit 422Y of the side lamp 420Y during one timer interrupt processing, a command group combining the control data CD1 shown in FIG. 10(A) and the control data CD2 shown in FIG. 10(B) is transmitted to each of the drive circuits 422X and 422Y. The receiving drive circuits 422X and 422Y extract the control data CD addressed to them from the received command group and discard the remaining control data CD. Specifically, the drive circuits 422X and 422Y recognize the delimiters of one piece of control data CD based on the start command and stop command, and then acquire the control data CD addressed to them based on the values ​​of the slave address and subaddress.

[0153] In such a data communication method, problems such as those shown in Fig. 10 (C1) and (C2) have conventionally occurred. Note that the packet structure of conventional control data is composed of control data OCD, which is the control data CD of this embodiment minus the noise reduction command. That is, the control data OCD is control data composed of a start command, a slave address, a subaddress, a data byte, and a stop command.

[0154] Fig. 10(C1) schematically shows data communication when noise is not mixed in either the control data OCD1 or the control data OCD2, and Fig. 10(C2) schematically shows data communication when noise is mixed in the control data OCD1. Note that in Figs. 10(C1) to 10(C3), the control data for the first IC (specifically, ICxxx) will be described as control data OCD1, and the control data for the second IC (specifically, ICyyy) will be described as control data OCD2.

[0155] Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 10(C1), each of the drive circuit 422X of the frame lamp 420X and the drive circuit 422Y of the side lamp 420Y received and acquired control data OCD for itself based on the start command, stop command, and slave address information, as described above.

[0156] 10(C2), if noise is introduced into the control data OCD1 and the control data OCD1 increases by one bit, the drive circuit 422Y will receive the control data CD2 addressed to itself as data that is shifted by one bit. Specifically, the drive circuit 422Y will erroneously recognize and receive the last bit of the stop command in the control data OCD1 as the first bit of the start command in the control data OCD2.

[0157] In contrast to this, FIG. 10(C3) schematically shows data communication when noise is mixed into the control data CD1 of this embodiment.

[0158] In this embodiment, if noise is introduced into the control data CD1 and the control data CD1 increases by one bit, the noise countermeasure command is sandwiched between the stop command of the control data CD1 and the start command of the control data CD2, so the drive circuit 422Y can correctly receive the control data CD2 without mistakenly recognizing the last bit of the stop command of the control data CD1 as the first bit of the start command of the control data CD2.

[0159] In this embodiment, when the first bit value FB (specifically, 1) of the start command of the control data CD and the last bit value LB (specifically, 1) of the stop command of the control data CD are the same, a noise prevention command consisting of a bit value (specifically, 0) different from the bit values ​​FB and LB is inserted between the stop command of the first control data CD1 and the start command of the second control data CD2. Therefore, even if noise is mixed into the first control data CD1, the presence of the noise prevention command can eliminate the bit misalignment and the end position of the control data CD1 becomes clear, so that the drive circuit 422Y can reliably receive the control data CD2 addressed to it.

[0160] In addition, Figure 10 (C3) describes data communication when noise is mixed into the control data CD1 of this embodiment, but even if a bit of the control data CD1 is missing, the presence of the noise prevention command can similarly eliminate the bit misalignment and make the end position of the control data CD1 clear, so the drive circuit 422Y can reliably receive the control data CD2 addressed to it.

[0161] In this way, the control data CD of this embodiment has a noise countermeasure command added to the configuration of conventional control data OCD, so even if a data abnormality such as an increase in or loss of bits occurs in the earlier control data CD1, the presence of the noise countermeasure command can resolve the data abnormality in the earlier control data CD1. This prevents the data abnormality from affecting the later control data CD2, enabling stable communication of the later control data CD2.

[0162] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the start command of the control data CD is FFh (11111111), but this is not limited to this and may be F0h (11110000), for example. Similarly, in this embodiment, the noise reduction command of the control data CD is 00h (00000000), but this is not limited to this. For example, if the start command of the control data CD is FFh (11111111) and the stop command is 81h (10000001), the noise reduction command may be F0h (11110000). In this case, too, the presence of the noise reduction command can eliminate bit misalignment and clearly separate each piece of control data CD.

[0163] In other words, if the last bit value of the stop command and the first bit value of the start command of the control data CD are the same, the noise countermeasure command is composed of bit values ​​different from the last bit value of the stop command and the first bit value of the start command of the control data CD, so even if an abnormality occurs in one control data CD, the subsequent control data CD can be treated as normal control data CD. In other words, the noise countermeasure command is a command that prevents noise from affecting the subsequent control data CD, and is configured so that even if there is a data abnormality due to noise in the initial control data CD, the subsequent control data CD can maintain the state before the noise occurred.

[0164] Furthermore, even when transmitting control data CD to multiple drive circuits 422 using different types of ICs, the control data CD has the same packet structure, and the same noise suppression command is inserted between the control data CDs, thereby stabilizing communication and preventing delays in the development process. In other words, stabilizing communication contributes to improving the enjoyment of games. Furthermore, even if a problem occurs with the supply of parts for one drive circuit 422, it can be addressed with parts for other drive circuits 422, preventing delays in the development process.

[0165] In this embodiment, the method of communicating the control data CD to the IC of the drive circuit 422 that controls the lamp 420 has been described, but the present invention is also applicable to a method of communicating the control data CD to an amplifier IC, a motor IC, or the like.

[0166] <Summary of the embodiment> As described above, according to the gaming machine (for example, slot machine 100) according to the above embodiment, a plurality of operating means (e.g., lamps 420, etc.) operable in a certain manner; a plurality of driving means (e.g., a driving circuit 422) for driving the plurality of operating means; a control means (e.g., CPU 404) that transmits control information (e.g., control data CD) for controlling the plurality of driving means to the plurality of driving means; A gaming machine equipped with One of the plurality of operating means is a first operating means (e.g., a frame lamp 420X, etc.), One of the plurality of operating means is a second operating means (for example, a frame lamp 420Y, etc.), One of the plurality of driving means is a first driving means (e.g., a driving circuit 422X) that drives the first operating means, One of the plurality of driving means is a second driving means (e.g., a driving circuit 422Y) that drives the second operating means, the control means transmits the control information to at least the first driving means and the second driving means; the control information includes at least first control information for controlling the first driving means (e.g., control data CD1 not including a noise reduction command), second control information for controlling the second driving means (e.g., control data CD2 not including a noise reduction command), and noise reduction information (e.g., a noise reduction command), the noise countermeasure information is information sandwiched between the first control information and the second control information, The first basic structure is According to the first basic configuration, even if the first control information is affected by noise, the existence of noise countermeasure information allows the subsequent second control information to be transmitted correctly, thereby minimizing the effects of noise and ensuring the stability of data communication.

[0167] In this first basic configuration, the second driving means receives the second control information without bit shift occurring in the second control information based on the intervention of the noise countermeasure information, even if at least one of a loss and an addition occurs in the configuration of the first control information due to noise; This is the first preferred configuration.

[0168] According to the first preferred configuration, even if noise causes loss or addition to the configuration of the first control information, the second driving means can correctly receive the second control information due to the presence of noise countermeasure information, thereby ensuring the stability of data communication to the second driving means.

[0169] In this first preferred configuration, The first control information is information composed of a plurality of items (e.g., a start command, a slave address, a subaddress, a data byte, a stop command, etc.), the second control information is information configured from the plurality of items, a bit string (e.g., the last bit) including the end of the last item of the first control information is composed of first information (e.g., 1); a bit string including the beginning of the first item of the second control information (for example, the first bit) is composed of the first information, the bit string of the noise countermeasure information is composed of second information (e.g., 0) different from the first information; This is the second preferred configuration.

[0170] According to a second preferred configuration, by making the bit string of the noise countermeasure information different from the bit string including the end of the last item of the first control information and the bit string including the beginning of the first item of the second control information, the two pieces of control information can be clearly distinguished. Therefore, even if noise is mixed in the first control information or part of the first control information is missing, the second driving means can correctly receive the second control information.

[0171] In a second preferred configuration, the first driving means is a driving means of a different type from the second driving means (e.g., ICxxx and ICYYY, etc.); a bit string (e.g., the first bit) including the beginning of the first item of the first control information is composed of first information (e.g., 1); The bit string including the end of the last item of the second control information (for example, the last bit) is composed of the first information. This is the third preferred configuration.

[0172] According to a third preferred configuration, even if the first driving means and the second driving means are of different types, the bit strings including the beginning of the first item and the bit strings including the end of the last item of the first control information and the second control information are identical and different from the bit strings of the noise countermeasure information. Therefore, even if noise is mixed in the first control information or part of the first control information is missing, the second driving means can correctly receive the second control information.

[0173] [Third embodiment] The speakers of gaming machines are required to output sound stably. The third embodiment provides a gaming machine that solves this problem. Note that, in the following, only the configurations, functions, and processes that are different from the above embodiment will be explained, and the same components as those of the other configurations, functions, and processes will be assigned the same reference numerals and explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0174] <Speaker> 11 is an external view of the slot machine of this embodiment (third embodiment), showing the positions of the speakers to which the audio amplifier IC 418 of this embodiment is connected. The slot machine 100 of this embodiment includes upper speakers 272 (upper left speaker 272a, upper right speaker 272b) provided behind the sound hole 143, middle speakers 275 (middle left speaker 275a, middle right speaker 275b) provided behind the win line indicator lamps 120 and the reel panel lamps 128, and lower speakers 277 (lower left speaker 277a, lower right speaker 277b) provided behind the sound hole 145. The layout of the components of the audio circuit around the audio amplifier IC 418 connected to these three speakers is unique. That is, in this embodiment, the layout of the components of the audio circuit is designed to stably output sound.

[0175] Here, the upper left speaker 272a and the upper right speaker 272b of the upper speaker 272 are the same type of speaker. Furthermore, the middle left speaker 275a and the middle right speaker 275b of the middle speaker 275 are the same type of speaker. Furthermore, the lower left speaker 277a and the lower right speaker 277b of the lower speaker 277 are the same type of speaker. On the other hand, the upper speaker 272 (upper left speaker 272a, upper right speaker 272b) and the middle speaker 275 (middle left speaker 275a, middle right speaker 275b) are different types of speakers. Furthermore, the middle speaker 275 (middle left speaker 275a, middle right speaker 275b) and the lower speaker 277 (lower left speaker 277a, lower right speaker 277b) are different types of speakers. The upper speakers 272 (upper left speaker 272a, upper right speaker 272b) and the lower speakers 277 (lower left speaker 277a, lower right speaker 277b) are different types of speakers. There are audio circuits corresponding to the upper speakers 272 (upper left speaker 272a, upper right speaker 272b), audio circuits corresponding to the middle speakers 275 (middle left speaker 275a, middle right speaker 275b), and audio circuits corresponding to the lower speakers 277 (lower left speaker 277a, lower right speaker 277b). This embodiment aims to improve the functionality of these audio circuits to increase the enjoyment of the game.

[0176] <Audio circuit layout> Figure 12(a) is a top view of the first sub-control board 401 on which the components of the first sub-control unit 400 are arranged, and shows the component layout of the audio circuit 450 around the audio amplifier IC 418. In the following description, the +X direction shown in Figure 12 is the right, the -X direction is the left, the +Y direction is the top, and the -Y direction is the bottom. The board surface of the first sub-control board 401 shown in FIG. 12(a) may be referred to as the component surface or front surface, and the board surface opposite thereto may be referred to as the solder surface or back surface.

[0177] As shown in FIG. 12(a), the first sub-control board 401 is equipped with an audio circuit 450A for the upper speaker 272, an audio circuit 450B for the middle speaker 275, an audio circuit 450C for the lower speaker 275, and an audio circuit 450D for the woofer. The audio circuits 450A and 450B are provided on the left edge of the first sub-control board 401, and the audio circuit 450C is provided on the right edge of the first sub-control board 401. That is, the audio circuits 450A, 450B, and 450C (hereinafter, when these three are referred to collectively, or when the audio circuit 450D is also referred to collectively, they will be referred to as the audio circuit 450) are all provided close to the edge of the first sub-control board 401. The audio output by the audio circuit 450 requires a large amount of power and therefore a large amount of power supply, which significantly affects the magnetic field on other components. For this reason, the audio circuit 450 is placed at the edge of the first sub-control board 401 (the CPU 404 is located in the center of the first sub-control board 401) to minimize any influence on other logic communication signals or power supply systems.

[0178] Furthermore, audio circuits 450A and 450B are connected to connector CN1 near audio circuit 450A, and audio circuit 450C is connected to connector CN3 near audio circuit 450C. This is a measure to shorten the length of the wiring to avoid power loss, since the audio circuit 450 requires a large amount of power and longer wiring results in greater power loss due to voltage drop. In other words, the first sub-control board 401 of this embodiment has a first connector (e.g., connector CN1) connected to the audio circuit 450 (e.g., audio circuit 450A) and a second connector (e.g., connector CN2) connected to a circuit other than the audio circuit 450, and the first connector is closer to the audio circuit 450 than the second connector. The second connector (for example, connector CN2) may be a connector electrically connected to an LCD display device, a connector electrically connected to a performance operation button used to trigger a performance (such as a push button performance, rapid press performance, or long press performance) or to customize the performance, a connector electrically connected to various LEDs, or a connector electrically connected to the main control board.

[0179] Although audio circuit 450A and audio circuit 450B are connected to a common connector CN1, and multiple audio circuits are connected to one connector, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, multiple connectors may be connected to one audio circuit, such as a connector CN-A corresponding to audio circuit 450A, a connector CN-B corresponding to audio circuit 450B, and a connector CN-C corresponding to audio circuit 450C. As will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 15 to 19, multiple connectors may be connected to one audio circuit. Specifically, the left speaker output of the audio circuit for the center speaker may be connected to connector CN-L and the right speaker output may be connected to connector CN-R, while the left speaker output of the audio circuit for the bottom speaker may be connected to connector CN-L and the right speaker output may be connected to connector CN-R. In the examples of Figures 15 to 19 (multiple connectors for one audio circuit), the audio circuits and corresponding connectors are arranged at a distance from each other, but the configuration may also be such that multiple connectors are connected to one audio circuit, or that the corresponding connector is arranged near the audio circuit, as shown in Figure 12(a).

[0180] As shown in FIG. 12(a), the audio circuit 450 has components (e.g., audio amplifier IC 418, coil L, resistor R, capacitor C, electrolytic capacitor EC, etc.) arranged in a substantially identical layout. This allows for uniform audio output performance from the three speakers (upper speaker 272, middle speaker 275, and lower speaker 277), resulting in stable audio output. For example, the vertical spacing t1 between the two coils L arranged in the audio circuit 450 is substantially identical. By uniformly spacing the spacing t1 between the coils L, the heat generation effects of the three speakers can be equalized, resulting in stable audio output and uniform noise reduction effects. Furthermore, even if different types of speakers are included, the positional relationships between the components constituting the audio circuit are substantially identical, making it easy to identify speaker-related components, and allowing for rapid response if a problem with the audio output occurs. In other words, it is easy to determine which part of the board to focus on.

[0181] Furthermore, no electronic components are placed at least on the component side in the region of the gap t1 of the coil L. This prevents the heat generated by the coil L from affecting other components. It also improves the heat dissipation effect compared to when components are placed in the gap t1. The same effect can be achieved by not placing components in the solder surface area corresponding to the interval t1, but components may be placed there since the effect of heat generation is reduced compared to the component surface.

[0182] In addition, two coils L are arranged in the audio circuit 450 (audio circuit 450A, audio circuit 450B, audio circuit 450C) because the upper speaker 272, the middle speaker 275, and the lower speaker 277 are stereo output speakers, and one coil L is arranged in the audio circuit 450D because the woofer is a mono output speaker.

[0183] 12(b) is a layout diagram of the components of the audio circuit 450. The amplifier circuit 450 generally includes an audio amplifier IC418, two coils L, a plurality of resistors R, a plurality of capacitors C, and an electrolytic capacitor EC. The audio amplifier IC418 is disposed in the middle position between the two coils L. More specifically, the two coils L are disposed in positions that are line-symmetrical with respect to an imaginary extension line L4 that divides the audio amplifier IC418 into upper and lower halves. That is, the audio amplifier IC418 and the two coils L are laid out (corresponding to a first positional relationship) so that at least a portion of the audio amplifier IC418 is included in the middle portion of the two coils L (the region between the imaginary extensions of both the end edge of one coil on the side of the other coil and the end edge of the other coil on the side of one coil, the region consisting of the imaginary extensions with an interval t1). For example, the audio amplifier IC418 may be laid out so as to be linearly symmetrical with respect to the two coils L, or the audio amplifier IC418 may be laid out so as to be eccentric to one of the two coils L. As a result, in the case of stereo output, by equalizing the lengths of the wiring patterns from the audio amplifier IC to both coils L, the likelihood (or difficulty) of noise generation is also equalized, making it possible to stabilize the audio output and achieve well-balanced audio output.

[0184] The audio circuit 450 of this embodiment is provided with two LC filters LCF that selectively remove high-frequency noise. That is, the LC filter LCF of this embodiment functions as a low-pass filter that cuts high-frequency signals. The LC filter LCF is composed of one coil L and two capacitors C to the right of the coil L. In this embodiment, both the coil L and the capacitor C are provided on the front (top) surface of the first sub-control board 401. However, the coil L may be provided on the front (top) surface while the capacitor C is provided on the back (bottom) surface (both the coil L and the capacitor C may be provided on the back surface, or the coil L may be provided on the back surface and the capacitor C on the front surface). The Zobel filter ZOF, which prevents oscillation and noise due to the speaker load (back electromotive force from the speaker), is composed of one capacitor and two resistors R to the left of the coil L. The Zobel filter ZOF of this embodiment is provided on the left side of the coil L, that is, on the side opposite to the connector CN to which the audio circuit 450 is connected, but it may also be provided on the right side of the coil L, that is, on the connector CN side to which the audio circuit 450 is connected. Note that in this embodiment, the capacitor C and the resistor R are both provided on the front surface (top surface) of the first sub-control board 401, but the capacitor C may be provided on the front surface (top surface) and the resistor R may be provided on the back surface (bottom surface) (both the capacitor C and the resistor R may be provided on the back surface, or the capacitor C may be provided on the back surface and the resistor R on the front surface).

[0185] FIG. 13 shows a circuit diagram of the audio circuit 450. FIG. 13(a) shows a circuit diagram of the signal system, and FIG. 13(b) shows a circuit diagram of the power supply system. As shown in FIG. 13(a), the audio signal is output from the output terminal of the audio amplifier IC418, first through an LC filter LCF and then through a Zobel filter ZOF to a connector CN. In addition, the power supply bypass capacitor PBC shown in the power supply system circuit diagram is a capacitor installed between the power supply and ground, and by bypassing (diverting) noise to ground, it enables a stable power supply to the circuit.

[0186] Although the coil L of the LC filter LCF in this embodiment does not have a core, a coil with a core may also be used. The constant of each element of the LC filter LCF is determined based on the switching frequency (20 kHz to 350 kHz) of the digital amplifier. Specifically, a coil L of 10 to 15 μH is desirable, and a capacitor C of 0.33 μF is used for a coil L of 10 μH, and a capacitor C of 0.22 μF is used for a coil L of 15 μH.

[0187] Note that the capacitor C1 (a capacitor for suppressing high-frequency noise) provided between the LC filter LCF and the Zobel filter is optional. Specifically, if the capacitor C used in the LC filter LCF is a ceramic capacitor, it is preferable to use the capacitor C1, but if a film capacitor is used, the capacitor C1 is optional. In the case of a ceramic capacitor, the ceramic capacitor expands and contracts due to the piezoelectric effect (electrostrictive effect) when voltage is applied, and this expansion and contraction can be suppressed. In this case, the capacitance of the capacitor C1 is preferably smaller than that of the capacitor C constituting the LC filter. For example, if the capacitor C of the LC filter is 0.33 μF, the capacitance should be 0.01 μF to 0.1 μF. If the capacitance of the capacitor C1 is large, the LC filter LCF will be formed by the capacitor C1 (the LC filter LCF will function twice), resulting in a muffled sound and an inability to output the intended sound quality.

[0188] Additionally, capacitor C2 before connector CN is a high-pass filter for the tweeter. When the left and right speakers are connected in parallel, with one speaker used as a low-midrange speaker and the other as a high-range speaker (tweeter), it is used to cut the low-midrange from the other speaker. If the left and right speakers are connected one-to-one, it is possible to simply output low-midrange sounds from one speaker and high-range sounds from the other, so this capacitor does not need to be used.

[0189] Fig. 12(c) is a diagram showing the terminal arrangement of the audio amplifier IC 418. As shown in Fig. 12(c), the terminals (output terminal and power supply terminal) LT for the left speaker are provided in a straight line (left-right direction) at the upper edge of the rectangular audio amplifier IC 418, and the terminals (output terminal and power supply terminal) RT for the right speaker are provided in a straight line (left-right direction) at the lower edge of the rectangular audio amplifier IC 418.

[0190] FIG. 12(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in FIG. 12(a). Because the audio amplifier IC 418 and the coil L of this embodiment generate a large amount of heat, the board case 403 covering the first sub-control board 401 is provided with ventilation holes 405 in the vicinity of the audio amplifier IC 418 or the coil L. The ventilation holes 405 may be ventilation holes 405a formed on the top or bottom surface (hereinafter referred to as the top and bottom surfaces) of the board case 403, ventilation holes 405b formed across the top and bottom surfaces and the side surfaces, or both ventilation holes 405a and 405b may be provided. A fan may be provided instead of the ventilation holes 405, or a fan may be provided together with the ventilation holes 405. This improves the heat dissipation effect of the audio amplifier IC 418 and the coil L, which generate a large amount of heat, and allows for concentrated heat dissipation from components that are prone to heat generation.

[0191] FIG. 14(b) is a diagram showing the ground area GND and the ground-disconnected area N-GND of the first sub-control board 401 shown in FIG. 14(a) (a control board arranged in the same manner as the audio circuit 450 shown in FIG. 12(a)). As shown in FIG. 14(b), the area where the coils L of the audio circuits 450A, 450B, 450C, and 450D are arranged is the ground-disconnected area N-GND (first example of ground GND). This makes it possible to prevent potential instability due to the magnetic field generated by the coil L of the audio circuit 450.

[0192] FIG. 14(c) shows a potential adjustment method different from that shown in FIG. 14(b). As shown in FIG. 14(c), the ground VC1 in the area where the audio circuits 450A and 450B are located and the ground VC2 in the area where the audio circuits 450C and 450D are located may be separated and wired separately from the ground GND in the area where other circuits are located. In this case, a slit-shaped area N-GND that removes the ground may be provided between each area to physically separate each area. For example, the areas may be completely separated, such as between the ground VC1 and the ground GND (a second example of ground GND), or they may be separated so that some areas are connected, such as between the ground VC2 and the ground GND (a third example of ground GND). This method also prevents potential instability due to the magnetic field generated by the coil L of the audio circuit 450. In addition, in Figure 14(c), the second and third examples are shown as examples of dividing the ground GND, but it is not necessary for the second and third examples to coexist on one board, and it is sufficient if either the second or third example is configured on one board.

[0193] <Variations of audio circuit layout> Next, the first sub-control board 401A of Modification 1 will be described using Figures 15 to 19. In the following description, the +X direction in Figure 15 is referred to as right, the -X direction as left, the +Y direction as up, and the -Y direction as down. Figure 15 is a top view of the component side of the first sub-control board 401A, and shows the component layout of the audio circuit 451 around the audio amplifier IC 418. Figure 16 is a circuit diagram of the audio circuit 451. The first sub-control board 401A is configured in multiple layers, with Figure 17(a) showing a top view of the first layer of the first sub-control board 401A, Figure 17(b) showing the third layer, Figure 18(a) showing the fourth layer, Figure 18(b) showing the fifth layer, Figure 19(a) showing the seventh layer, and Figure 19(b) showing the eighth layer. In Figures 17 to 19, the light gray area indicates the ground area GND, the white area indicates the ground-free area N-GND, and the dark gray shaded area indicates the wiring pattern for audio signals from the audio amplifier IC418 to the connector CN.

[0194] 15, the first sub-control board 401A is provided with an audio circuit 451A for the upper speaker 272, an audio circuit 451B for the middle speaker 275, and an audio circuit 451C for the lower speaker 277 near the center of the first sub-control board 401A. In detail, three audio circuits 451 (when the three audio circuits are collectively referred to as audio circuit 451) are arranged from top to bottom near the center of the first sub-control board 401A in the order of audio circuit 451A, audio circuit 451B, and audio circuit 451C.

[0195] 15, audio circuit 451 has components (for example, audio amplifier IC418, coil L, resistor R, capacitor C, electrolytic capacitor EC, etc.) arranged in approximately the same layout. This makes it possible to equalize the performance of the audio output and stabilize the audio output. Audio circuit 451 generally includes audio amplifier IC418, multiple coils L, multiple resistors R, multiple capacitors C, and electrolytic capacitor EC.

[0196] Figure 16 shows a circuit diagram of the audio circuit 451. Figure 16(a) shows the signal system circuit diagram, and Figure 16(b) shows the power system circuit diagram. As shown in Figure 16(a), the audio signal is output from the output terminal of the audio amplifier IC418 through an LC filter LCF and then a Zobel filter ZOF before being output to the connector CN. Similarly to Figure 13(b), the power system circuit diagram in Figure 16(b) includes a power supply bypass capacitor PBC to eliminate noise. Capacitor C1 (C207, C208, C209, and C222 in Figure 16) connected to the BST terminal is a bootstrap capacitor for boosting voltage and supports the output of the positive and negative terminals. For audio amplifier IC418 without a BST terminal, capacitor C1 is not necessary. Capacitor C2 (C238, C299, C303, and C304 in Figure 16) is provided to suppress noise from the speaker.

[0197] Although the coil L of the LC filter LCF in this embodiment does not have a core, a coil with a core may also be used. The constant of each element of the LC filter LCF is determined based on the switching frequency (20 kHz to 350 kHz) of the digital amplifier. Specifically, a coil L of 10 to 15 μH is used, and a capacitor C of 0.33 μF is used for a coil L of 10 μH, and a capacitor C of 0.22 μF is used for a coil L of 10 μH.

[0198] 15, wiring C1 for audio output signals from the audio circuit 451A to the upper speakers 272 (specifically, the upper left speaker 272a and the upper right speaker 272a) is connected to a connector CN1 provided in the center of the left edge of the first sub-control board 401A. Wiring C2 for audio output signals from the audio circuit 451B to the right of the middle speaker 275 (specifically, the middle speaker 275b) and from the audio circuit 451C to the right of the lower speaker 277 (specifically, the lower speaker 277b) is connected to a connector CN2 provided below the left edge of the first sub-control board 401a. Wiring C3 for audio output signals from the audio circuit 451B to the left of the middle speaker 275 (more specifically, the middle speaker 275a) and from the audio circuit 451C to the left of the lower speaker 277 (more specifically, the lower speaker 277a) is connected to a connector CN3 provided below the right edge of the first sub-control board 401A.

[0199] Here, the flow of the audio signal from the audio circuit 451 to the connector CN will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0200] The wiring C1 is connected from the audio circuit 451A to the connector C1 via the path C1-1a in Figure 17(a), the path C1-1b in Figure 19(b), the path C1-2 in Figure 18(b), the path C1-3 in Figure 17(a), the path C1-4 in Figure 18(a), and the path C1-5 in Figure 17(a).

[0201] Wiring C2 is connected from audio circuit 451B and audio circuit 451C to connector C2 via path C2-1a in Figure 17(a), path C2-1b in Figure 19(b), path C2-2 in Figure 18(b), path C2-3 in Figure 17(a), and path C2-4 in Figure 18(a).

[0202] The wiring C3 is connected to the connector C3 from the audio circuit 451B and the audio circuit 451C via the path C3-1a in Fig. 17(a), the path C3-1b in Fig. 19(b), the path C3-2 in Fig. 18(b), the path C3-3 in Fig. 17(a), and the path C3-4 in Fig. 19(a). In this way, the wiring pattern from the audio amplifier IC to the connector may be configured via multiple layers.

[0203] 17(a), the area where the coil L of the audio circuit 451 (audio circuit 451A, audio circuit 451B, audio circuit 451C) is arranged is an area N-GND without a GND. This makes it possible to prevent potential instability due to the magnetic field generated by the coil L of the audio circuit 451. Also, as shown in FIG. 14(c), the ground GND of the area of ​​the audio circuit 451 (audio circuit 451A, audio circuit 451B, audio circuit 451C) may be separated from the ground GND of the area of ​​the other circuits and wired separately.

[0204] [Other variations] Layout of audio circuit components The arrangement of components of multiple (specifically, two) audio circuits 450 will be described using Figure 20(a). In Figure 20(a), one audio circuit is represented as 450A and the other audio circuit is represented as 450B. Also, in Figure 20(a), imaginary extension lines are shown along with each component (audio amplifier IC418, coil L, resistor R, and electrolytic capacitor EC) that constitutes audio circuit 450. The imaginary extension line generally indicates a straight line that forms the outline of the audio circuit 450 made up of a plurality of components, or a straight line that passes through the center of a specific component.

[0205] 20(a), both the audio circuit 450A and the audio circuit 450B are arranged within the range surrounded by imaginary extension lines L1, L2, L3, and L4, and the coil L, capacitor C, and resistor R are arranged in positions symmetrical with respect to the audio amplifier IC418 (the coil L, capacitor C, and resistor R are arranged in positions symmetrical with respect to the imaginary extension line VL that divides the audio amplifier IC418 into left and right halves). In addition, the electrolytic capacitor EC is arranged to the right of the power supply IC418 in parallel with the audio amplifier IC418.

[0206] In this way, the component layouts in the two audio circuits may be made substantially the same, and the coil L, capacitor C, and resistor R may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the audio amplifier IC418.

[0207] In Example 2 of FIG. 20(a), similarly to Example 1, both the audio circuit 450A and the audio circuit 450B are disposed within the ranges enclosed by imaginary extension lines L1, L2, L3, and L4, and the coil L, capacitor C, and resistor R are disposed in positions symmetrical with respect to the audio amplifier IC418 (the coil L, capacitor C, and resistor R are disposed in positions symmetrical with respect to the imaginary extension line VL that bisects the audio amplifier IC418). However, the positional relationship between the electrolytic capacitor EC and the audio amplifier IC418 differs from that in Example 1. In Example 2, the electrolytic capacitor EC is disposed below the audio amplifier IC418. In this way, the lower end of the electrolytic capacitor EC may be disposed offset from the lower end of the audio amplifier IC418.

[0208] Here, the audio circuits 450A and 450B in Examples 1 and 2 of FIG. 20(a) have substantially the same layout of components within the audio circuits, but it is not necessary that all components have substantially the same layout. For example, as shown in Example 3 of FIG. 20(a), the electrolytic capacitor EC may be arranged in an inverted position. The layout of the other components is substantially the same as in Examples 1 and 2. Specifically, in the audio circuit 450A, the electrolytic capacitor EC is arranged to the right of the audio amplifier IC418, while in the audio circuit 450B, the electrolytic capacitor EC is arranged to the left of the audio amplifier IC418. In this way, the audio circuits 450A and 450B may be arranged in a line-symmetrical positional relationship.

[0209] In Example 4 of FIG. 20(a), both the audio circuit 450A and the audio circuit 450B are arranged within the range surrounded by imaginary extension lines L1, L2, L3, and L4, but unlike Examples 1 to 3, the components near the coil L (coil L, capacitor C, resistor R) are not arranged in symmetrical positions with respect to the audio amplifier IC 418. On the other hand, the components near the audio amplifier IC 418 (capacitor C, resistor R) are arranged in symmetrical positions with respect to the power supply IC 418. Note that the audio circuits 450A and 450B in Example 4 of FIG. 20(a) have approximately the same layout of the components within the audio circuits.

[0210] In Examples 1 to 4 of FIG. 20(a), the electrolytic capacitor EC is not disposed between the two coils L, but the electrolytic capacitor EC may be disposed between the two coils L. In addition, in the diagrams shown in Examples 1 to 4 of FIG. 20(a), capacitors related to other electronic processes are not shown, but capacitors related to other electronic processes may be disposed.

[0211] From the above, the audio amplifier IC418 and the two coils L are laid out (corresponding to the first positional relationship) so that at least a portion of the audio amplifier IC418 is included in the middle portion of the two coils L (the region between the imaginary extension lines of the end edge of one coil on the side of the other coil and the end edge of the other coil on the side of one coil, which is the region consisting of imaginary extension lines with an interval t1; the diagonal line region between the imaginary extension line L1' and the imaginary extension line L5' shown in Figure 20). For example, the audio amplifier IC418 is laid out so as to be linearly symmetrical with respect to the two coils L, or the audio amplifier IC418 is laid out so as to be eccentric to one of the two coils L.

[0212] Furthermore, the audio amplifier IC 418 and the capacitor C may be laid out such that the capacitor C is located between the audio amplifier 418 and the coil L (corresponding to the second positional relationship), or such that the coil L is located between the audio amplifier 418 and the capacitor C (corresponding to the second positional relationship). That is, in the output direction of the audio signal as seen from the audio amplifier 418, the positional relationships are "audio amplifier IC → capacitor C → coil L" and "audio amplifier IC → coil L → capacitor C." The capacitor C may also be laid out in line symmetry with the audio amplifier IC 418, the capacitor C may be laid out in line symmetry with two coils L, or the capacitor C may be laid out in line symmetry with one coil L. The audio amplifier IC 418 and the electrolytic capacitor EC may be laid out such that at least a portion of the electrolytic capacitor EC is located inward of an imaginary extension line L4 along an end of the audio amplifier IC 418 on one side that has a power supply terminal and is opposite the side on which the coil L is located (corresponding to another example of the second positional relationship or a fourth positional relationship).

[0213] Furthermore, the coil L and the capacitor C may be arranged in a layout in which the capacitor C is located between the coil L and the audio amplifier IC 418 (corresponding to the third positional relationship), or in which the capacitor C is located between the coil L and the connector CN (corresponding to the third positional relationship). That is, the capacitor C may be arranged closer to the audio amplifier IC 418 as viewed from the coil L, or closer to the connector CN on the opposite side of the audio amplifier IC 418 as viewed from the coil L. Furthermore, the capacitor C is laid out so as to be axisymmetric with respect to one coil L and / or two coils L. The layout (corresponding to another example of the third positional relationship or the fifth positional relationship) is such that the electrolytic capacitor EC is eccentrically positioned on one side of the two coils L, with at least a portion of the electrolytic capacitor EC located inward from an imaginary extension line L5 of the edge of the one coil L opposite the other coil L, at least a portion of the electrolytic capacitor EC located inward from an imaginary extension line L4 along the end of the audio amplifier IC 418 opposite the side where the coil L is located, and at least a portion of the electrolytic capacitor EC located inward from an extension line L3 of the connector-side edges of the two coils L. Furthermore, electronic components such as a capacitor C and / or a resistor R are positioned between the coil L and the electrolytic capacitor EC, and the electrolytic capacitor EC is positioned on the side of the audio amplifier IC 418 where the power terminal is located (the side closer to the power terminal). This prevents the coil L from coming into close contact with the electrolytic capacitor EC, minimizing the effect of heat generated by the coil L on the electrolytic capacitor EC. As shown in Example 4, even if there are no components between the coil L and the electrolytic capacitor EC, the same effect can be achieved by positioning them apart.

[0214] Furthermore, the audio amplifier IC418, coil L, and capacitor C are at least partially included in an area formed by an imaginary extension of the distance t1 between the audio amplifier IC418 and the two coils L, and the capacitor C is laid out in line symmetry with the audio amplifier IC418 and / or coil L. The electrolytic capacitor EC is disposed on one side of the audio amplifier IC418 and one side of the two coils L, and is laid out so that an imaginary extension of one end of the electrolytic capacitor EC overlaps with the audio amplifier IC418 and / or coil L.

[0215] Audio circuit layout on the first sub-control board Figure 20(b) shows an example of the arrangement of the audio circuits 450 on the first sub-control board 401. In Figure 20(b), audio circuit 1 is represented as 450X, audio circuit 2 as 450Y, and audio circuit 3 as 450Z.

[0216] Example 1 in Figure 20(b) shows a first sub-control board 401X in which audio circuits 450X, 450Y, and 450Z are each arranged at or near the edge of the board. In the first sub-control board 401X, audio circuits 450X and 450Y are arranged at one edge (specifically, the left edge), and audio circuit 450Z is arranged at the other edge (specifically, the right edge). In addition, a first connector CN1 is arranged near the audio circuits 450X and 450Y, and a second connector CN2 is arranged near the audio circuit 450Z.

[0217] According to the first sub-control board 401X shown in Example 1 of Figure 20(b), by locating the audio circuit at the end, it is possible to reduce the impact of noise due to switching frequencies on other components. In addition, the correspondence between the connector CN (audio circuit) and the speaker is easy to understand, which has the effect of making it easier to identify the defective part. Furthermore, if the output sound from the gaming machine is felt to be loud during inspection work, the connector of the harness connecting the connector CN and the speaker may be unplugged. In this way, since the audio circuit and the connector CN connected to the corresponding speaker are located close to each other, it is easy to know which connector to unplug, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0218] 20(b) shows a first sub-control board 401Y in which both the audio circuit 450X and the audio circuit 450Y are concentrated in one edge area of ​​the board (specifically, the upper right 1 / 4 area of ​​the board). In addition, the connector CN is arranged near the audio circuit 450X and the audio circuit 450Y.

[0219] According to the first sub-control board 401Y shown in Example 2 of Figure 20(b), by concentrating the audio circuits at the edge, it is possible to further reduce the impact of noise on other components. Also, it is easy to identify the connector CN connected to the speaker, and it is possible to instantly identify the connector CN to be unplugged when a loud noise occurs. Furthermore, by concentrating heat-generating components such as the audio amplifier IC 418 and the coil L, it is possible to dissipate heat in a concentrated manner.

[0220] 20(b) shows a first sub-control board 401Z in which both the audio circuit 450X and the audio circuit 450Y are arranged in the central region of the board. In addition, the first connector CN1 is arranged near the audio circuit 450X, and the second connector CN2 is arranged near the audio circuit 450Y.

[0221] According to the first sub-control board 401Z shown in Example 3 of Figure 20(b), by arranging heat-generating components such as the audio amplifier IC 418 and the coil L in the center of the board, the heat can be dispersed throughout the board, making it easier to achieve heat dissipation. In addition, since the connector CN and the audio circuit are located close to each other, the correspondence between the connector CN and the audio circuit is easy to understand, which makes inspection work more efficient.

[0222] - When the audio circuit components are arranged differently In the above embodiment and modified examples, the layout of components within the audio circuits 450 is the same or substantially the same (including inverted components), but the layout of components may be different for each audio circuit 450. Fig. 20(c) shows a first sub-control board 401J in which the layout of components in the audio circuits 450X and 450Y is different. The audio circuits 450X and 450Y differ in the positional relationship between the audio amplifier IC 418 and the coil C, and the positional relationship between the audio amplifier IC 418 and the electrolytic capacitor EC. A capacitor C is also arranged on the side of the audio amplifier IC418 where the coil L is not arranged, and in the audio circuit 450X, the coil L is arranged parallel to the audio amplifier IC418 (left-right direction), and the capacitor C is arranged perpendicular to the audio amplifier IC418 (up-down direction), with the coil L corresponding to the (+) output terminal and (-) output terminal of one coil L on one side in the perpendicular direction, and the coil L corresponding to the (+) output terminal and (-) output terminal of the other coil L on the other side in the perpendicular direction. Also, in the audio circuit 450Y, the coil L is arranged perpendicular to the audio amplifier IC418 (upward in the drawing, but it may also be downward or up-down), and the capacitor C is arranged parallel to the audio amplifier IC418 (left-right direction), with the coil L corresponding to the (+) output terminal and (-) output terminal of one coil L on one side in the parallel direction, and the coil L corresponding to the (+) output terminal and (-) output terminal of the other coil L on the other side in the parallel direction. However, in both the audio circuit 450X and the audio circuit 450Y, the components are arranged in areas surrounded by imaginary extension lines shown in Fig. 20(c) as dashed dotted lines. Here, the rectangular area S1 surrounded by the imaginary extension lines of the audio circuit 450X and the rectangular area S2 surrounded by the imaginary extension lines of the audio circuit 450Y are substantially the same in shape and area (specifically, the vertical and horizontal lengths of the rectangles are substantially the same). Note that this is not limited to the imaginary extension lines shown as dashed dotted lines that follow the ends of each component, and the same is true for these imaginary extension lines shown as dotted lines, and each component is arranged in an area surrounded by the imaginary extension lines shown as dotted lines.In the audio circuit 450X, an area S1 is formed by an imaginary extension line along the end of the electrolytic capacitor EC, an imaginary extension line along the end of the coil L, and an imaginary extension line along the end of the capacitor C, and in the audio circuit 450Y, an area S2 is formed by an imaginary extension line along the end of the electrolytic capacitor EC, an imaginary extension line along the end of the coil L, and an imaginary extension line along the end of the audio amplifier IC418.

[0223] Furthermore, the audio amplifier IC418 and the coil L are laid out within a region (a region formed by imaginary extensions of the spacing between the coils L) (a first range) between an end edge of one coil on the side of the other coil and an end edge of the other coil on the side of the one coil, and are laid out within a range (another example of the first range) in which the distances from the audio amplifier IC418 to each coil L are approximately the same (w1 ≒ w2, w3 ≒ w4). This allows the wiring lengths to be approximately equal, thereby achieving uniform sound output between the left output and the right output. Note that "w1·w2" and "w3·w4" may be different or approximately the same.

[0224] Furthermore, the audio amplifier IC418 and capacitor C are laid out so that capacitor C is approximately symmetrical in the parallel and perpendicular directions to the audio amplifier IC418, and are also laid out within the range of areas S1 and S2 (second range) surrounded by imaginary extension lines from the ends of each component. This makes it possible to equalize the left output, right output, and (+) output and (-) output, and to save space in the audio circuit.

[0225] Furthermore, the coil L and the capacitor C are laid out within a range (third range) such that the distance from the capacitor C to each coil L is approximately the same (w5 ≒ w6). Note that, although the distances w7 and w8 from the capacitor C to each coil L in the audio circuit 450Y are not shown, these distances are also approximately the same (w7 ≒ w8). This allows the wiring lengths to be approximately equal, thereby achieving uniform sound output between the left output and the right output.

[0226] In this way, even if the component layout differs for each audio circuit 450, it is sufficient that each component is arranged in the same predetermined area in each audio circuit 450. Even in this case, the performance of multiple speakers can be made uniform, thereby stabilizing the audio output.

[0227] -Layout of audio amplifier IC output terminals 21(a) to 21(c) are diagrams showing the arrangement of output terminals of the audio amplifier IC 418. In Fig. 21(a) to 21(c), the coil for the left speaker is denoted as LL, the coil for the right speaker is denoted as RL, the output terminal for the left speaker of the audio amplifier IC 418 is denoted as LT, and the output terminal for the right speaker is denoted as RT. Furthermore, with respect to the center line VL that divides the audio amplifier IC 418 into left and right halves, the left region is denoted as LS, and the right region is denoted as RS.

[0228] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 12, the two coils LL and RL are arranged in positions that are line-symmetrical with respect to the center line VL of the audio amplifier IC 418. In this case, in order to avoid crossings and shorten the distance between the wiring of the audio amplifier IC 418 and the coil L, it is preferable that the output terminal LT and the left speaker coil LL are connected in the same region LS, and the output terminal RT and the right speaker coil RL are connected in the same region RS. Figs. 21(a) to 21(c) show an example of the arrangement of the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC 418 in such a case, with the output terminal LT arranged in the left region LS and the output terminal RT arranged in the right region RS.

[0229] 21(a), the output terminal LT may be arranged linearly on the left side of the rectangular audio amplifier IC418, and the output terminal RT may be arranged linearly on the right side. In other words, the arrangement direction of the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the coil L. Note that a layout in which at least a portion of the audio amplifier IC418 is included in a region formed by an imaginary extension of the gap between two coils L, and the arrangement direction of the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC418 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the coil L, may be an example of a first positional relationship.

[0230] 21(b), for example, the output terminal LT may be arranged in an L-shape on the left and top sides of the rectangular audio amplifier IC 418, straddling the corners, and the output terminal RT may be arranged in an L-shape on the right and top sides, straddling the corners. In other words, the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC are arranged in a direction that is both perpendicular and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the coil L. Note that a layout in which at least a portion of the audio amplifier IC 418 is included in an area formed by an imaginary extension of the gap between two coils L, and the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC 418 are arranged in a direction that is perpendicular and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the coil L, may be an example of a first positional relationship.

[0231] 21(c), for example, the output terminals LT may be arranged linearly in a position facing a left region LS in the left half of the top edge of a rectangular audio amplifier IC 418, and the output terminals RT may be arranged linearly in a position facing a right region RS in the right half of the top edge. In other words, the arrangement direction of the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the coil L. Note that a layout in which at least a portion of the audio amplifier IC 418 is included in a region formed by an imaginary extension of the gap between two coils L and the arrangement direction of the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC 418 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the coil L may be an example of a first positional relationship.

[0232] In any of the cases shown in FIGS. 21(a) to 21(c), it is possible to avoid crossing of the wiring between the audio amplifier IC418 and the coil L, and it is possible to shorten the wiring distance.

[0233] Layout of audio circuit components 21(d) to 21(f) are schematic diagrams illustrating the layout of components that make up the audio circuit 450 when they are linearly arranged in the vertical direction. Note that Fig. 21(d) to 21(f) illustrate an example in which the LC filter LCF is composed of two coils L and four capacitors C (to be precise, one coil L and two capacitors C for the left speaker, and one coil L and two capacitors C for the right speaker), and the Zobel filter ZOF is composed of two capacitors C and two resistors R (to be precise, one capacitor C and one resistor for the left speaker, and one capacitor C and one resistor R for the right speaker).

[0234] For example, the audio circuit 450D shown in FIG. 21(d) is arranged in the following order from top to bottom: connector CN, Zobel filter ZOF, capacitor C of LC filter LCF, coil L of LC filter LCF, audio amplifier IC418, and electrolytic capacitor EC. In the audio circuit 450 of this embodiment, as shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. 14, the audio signal flows in the following order: audio amplifier IC418 → coil L of LC filter LCF → capacitor C of LC filter LCF → Zobel filter ZOF → connector CN. Therefore, the component layout shown in FIG. 21(d) allows for the shortest possible wiring distance between the audio amplifier IC418 and connector CN. In other words, the wiring pattern is optimally positioned for each filter, resulting in improved wiring efficiency and enhanced filter effectiveness. However, the proximity of the audio amplifier IC418 and coil L, which tend to generate heat, also presents a disadvantage: heat buildup.

[0235] 21(d) also shows a layout (first positional relationship) in which the audio amplifier IC and the coil L include at least a portion of the audio amplifier IC 418 in the area formed by the imaginary extension of the distance between the two coils L. This improves the wiring efficiency between the audio amplifier IC and the coil L, and further equalizes the imbalance in the wiring pattern distance between the left output and the right output to stabilize the output. Also, a layout (second positional relationship) in which the audio amplifier IC and the capacitor C are arranged so that the coil L is located between the audio amplifier IC and the capacitor C. This allows for sequential wiring in the filter circuit, resulting in the shortest possible wiring pattern. Also, a layout (third positional relationship) in which the capacitor C is located between the coil L and the connector CN. This allows for sequential wiring in the filter circuit, resulting in the shortest possible wiring pattern.

[0236] Although not shown in the audio circuit 450D shown in FIG. 21(d), a bootstrap capacitor may be provided between the coil L of the LC filter LCF and the audio amplifier IC418.

[0237] For example, the audio circuit 450E shown in Fig. 21(e) is arranged in the following order from top to bottom: connector CN, Zobel filter ZOF, coil L of LC filter LCF, capacitor C of LC filter LCF, audio amplifier IC418, and electrolytic capacitor EC. When the components are arranged as shown in Fig. 21(e), the distance is longer than when the components are arranged as shown in Fig. 21(d) because the arrangement is not in the order of the circuit from coil L to capacitor C in the LC filter LCF, but this is preferable wiring because the current flows in the order audio amplifier IC418 → LC filter LCF → Zobel filter ZOF → connector CN.

[0238] According to the audio circuit 450E shown in FIG. 21(e), the audio amplifier IC418, which tends to generate heat, and the coil L are separated by a capacitor C, which has the advantage of preventing heat from concentrating. However, since the LC filters LCF are not arranged in the correct order, the wiring pattern becomes long, which also has the disadvantage of making it easier for noise to be mixed in.

[0239] 21(e) also shows a layout (first positional relationship) in which at least a portion of the audio amplifier IC 418 is included in the area formed by the imaginary extension of the spacing between the two coils L. This improves the wiring efficiency between the audio amplifier IC and the coil L and stabilizes the output by equalizing the wiring pattern distance between the left and right outputs as much as possible. Also, a layout (second positional relationship) in which the audio amplifier IC and the capacitor C are located between the audio amplifier IC and the coil L is also shown. This allows for a sufficient distance between the audio amplifier IC and the coil L, thereby preventing heat buildup. Also, a layout (third positional relationship) in which the coil L and the capacitor C are located between the coil L and the audio amplifier IC is also shown. This allows for a sufficient distance between the audio amplifier IC and the coil L, thereby preventing heat buildup. Incidentally, by placing the capacitor C of the Zobel filter between the coil L and the connector CN, the wiring in the filter circuit can be arranged in a sequential order, resulting in the shortest possible wiring pattern.

[0240] 21(f), the audio circuit 450F is arranged in the following order from top to bottom: connector CN, capacitor C of LC filter LCF, coil L of LC filter LCF, Zobel filter ZOF, audio amplifier IC418, and electrolytic capacitor EC. In this manner, the top-bottom positions of the LC filter LCF and Zobel filter ZOF may be interchanged.

[0241] According to the audio circuit 450F shown in FIG. 21(f), the audio amplifier IC418, which tends to generate heat, and the coil L are separated by a capacitor C, which has the advantage that heat does not accumulate. However, there is also the disadvantage that the Zobel filter ZOF is not located near the connector CN, which reduces the effectiveness of countermeasures against back electromotive force from the speaker.

[0242] 21(f) also shows a layout (first positional relationship) in which the audio amplifier IC and the coil L include at least a portion of the audio amplifier IC 418 in the area formed by the imaginary extension of the gap between the two coils L. This improves the wiring efficiency between the audio amplifier IC and the coil L, and further equalizes the bias in the wiring pattern distance between the left output and the right output to the greatest extent possible, thereby stabilizing the output. Also, a layout (second positional relationship) in which the audio amplifier IC and the capacitor C are located between the audio amplifier IC and the coil L is also shown. This allows for a certain distance between the audio amplifier IC and the coil L, thereby preventing heat from building up. Also, a layout (third positional relationship) in which the coil L and the capacitor C are located between the coil L and the audio amplifier IC is also shown. This allows for a certain distance between the audio amplifier IC and the coil L, thereby preventing heat from building up.

[0243] In this embodiment, an audio amplifier IC is used as the IC in the audio circuit, but this is not limiting and a sound source IC may also be used. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the term "substantially the same" may refer to the "same" configuration, and the term "same" may refer to the "substantially the same" configuration. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the positional relationship refers to the layout of components between components or components in the target circuit configuration. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the audio circuit includes a wiring path for audio signals: "audio amplifier IC → LC filter consisting of coil L and capacitor C → Zobel filter (→ connector) consisting of resistor R and capacitor C."

[0244] <Summary of the embodiment> (1) As described above, according to the gaming machine (for example, slot machine 100) according to the above embodiment, Multiple speakers of different types (e.g., speakers 272, 275, 277, etc.) a plurality of audio circuits (e.g., audio circuits 450A, 450B, 450C, etc.) electrically connected to the plurality of speakers, respectively, and capable of outputting audio signals; a first board (for example, a first sub-control board 401) on which the plurality of audio circuits are arranged; A gaming machine equipped with Each of the plurality of audio circuits includes a first component (e.g., an audio amplifier IC 418), a second component (e.g., a coil L), and a third component (e.g., a capacitor C), In each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first substrate, the positional relationship between the first component, the second component, and the third component is substantially the same (for example, as shown in FIG. 12(a) ); This is the first basic configuration.

[0245] According to the first basic configuration, the performance of the audio output of the plurality of audio circuits is made substantially uniform, thereby making it possible to output audio stably.

[0246] In this first basic configuration, In each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first substrate, the first component and the second component are disposed in a first positional relationship; the first component and the third component are disposed in a second positional relationship; The second component and the third component are disposed in a third positional relationship (for example, as shown in FIG. 12( a) ), This is the first preferred configuration.

[0247] According to the first preferred configuration, by making the layout relationship of the three components the same, it is possible to substantially equalize the performance regarding the audio output of the plurality of audio circuits, and to output audio stably.

[0248] In this first preferred configuration, the first component is an audio amplifier element (e.g., audio amplifier IC 418); the second component is a coil (e.g., coil L), the third component is a capacitor (e.g., capacitor C), Each of the plurality of audio circuits includes a filter circuit (e.g., an LC filter LCF) using the coil and the capacitor. This is the second preferred configuration.

[0249] According to the second preferred configuration, noise reduction is made substantially uniform, so that sound can be output stably.

[0250] In this first basic configuration, first preferred configuration, or second preferred configuration, The first substrate further includes a control means (e.g., a CPU 404, etc.), The plurality of audio circuits are disposed on the first board closer to the end of the first board than the position where the control means is disposed (for example, as shown in FIG. 12(a) ). This is the third preferred configuration.

[0251] According to this third preferable configuration, it is possible to prevent the influence of the magnetic field from the audio circuit from affecting other components.

[0252] Furthermore, according to the gaming machine (for example, slot machine 100) according to the above embodiment, Multiple speakers of different types (e.g., speakers 272, 275, 277, etc.) a plurality of audio circuits (e.g., audio circuits 450A, 450B, 450C, etc.) electrically connected to the plurality of speakers, respectively, and capable of outputting audio signals; a first board (for example, a first sub-control board 401) on which the plurality of audio circuits are arranged; A gaming machine equipped with Each of the plurality of audio circuits includes a first component (e.g., an audio amplifier IC 418), a second component (e.g., a coil L), and a third component (e.g., a capacitor C), In each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first substrate, the first component, the second component, and the third component are arranged within approximately the same predetermined range (e.g., FIG. 12(a), FIG. 20(c), etc.), This is the second basic configuration.

[0253] According to the second basic configuration, the performance of the audio output of the plurality of audio circuits is substantially uniform, thereby making it possible to output audio stably.

[0254] In this second basic configuration: In each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first substrate, the first component and the second component are disposed within a first range; the first component and the third component are disposed within a second range; The second component and the third component are disposed within a third range (e.g., FIG. 12(a), FIG. 20(c), etc.); This is the fourth preferable configuration.

[0255] According to the fourth preferred configuration, by arranging the three components in the same range, the performance of the audio output of the plurality of audio circuits can be made substantially uniform, and audio can be output stably.

[0256] In a fourth preferred configuration, the first component is an audio amplifier element (e.g., audio amplifier IC 418); the second component is a coil (e.g., coil L), the third component is a capacitor (e.g., capacitor C), Each of the plurality of audio circuits includes a filter circuit (e.g., an LC filter LCF) using the coil and the capacitor. This is the fifth preferable configuration.

[0257] According to the fifth preferable configuration, noise reduction is made substantially uniform, so that sound can be output stably.

[0258] In the second basic configuration, the fourth preferred configuration, or the fifth preferred configuration, The first substrate further includes a control means (e.g., a CPU 404, etc.), The plurality of audio circuits are disposed on the first board closer to the end of the first board than the position where the control means is disposed (for example, as shown in FIG. 12(a) ). This is the sixth preferable configuration.

[0259] According to this sixth preferable configuration, it is possible to prevent the influence of the magnetic field from the audio circuit from affecting other components.

[0260] (2) Furthermore, according to the gaming machine (for example, slot machine 100) according to the above embodiment, Multiple speakers of different types (e.g., speakers 272, 275, 277, etc.) a plurality of audio circuits (e.g., audio circuits 450A, 450B, 450C, etc.) electrically connected to the plurality of speakers, respectively, and capable of outputting audio signals; a first board (for example, a first sub-control board 401) on which the plurality of audio circuits are arranged; A gaming machine equipped with Each of the plurality of audio circuits includes a first component (e.g., an audio amplifier IC 418), a plurality of second components (e.g., two coils L), and a third component (e.g., a capacitor C), In each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first substrate, the positional relationship between the first component, the plurality of second components, and the third component is substantially the same (for example, as shown in FIG. 12(a) ), In each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first substrate, when one of the plurality of second components is designated as the A second component and the other second component is designated as the B second component, at least a part of the first component is included in the region between an imaginary extension line of an edge of the A second component on the side facing the B second component and an imaginary extension line of an edge of the B second component on the side facing the A second component (for example, FIG. 12(a)), This is the third basic structure.

[0261] According to the third basic configuration, the performance of the audio output of the plurality of audio circuits is substantially uniform, thereby making it possible to output audio stably. The wiring pattern lengths between the first component and the plurality of second components can be well balanced for the plurality of second components, and for example, the output balance between the left and right speakers can be made uniform.

[0262] In the third basic configuration, In each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first substrate, the first component and the plurality of second components are arranged in a first positional relationship; the first component and the third component are disposed in a second positional relationship; The plurality of second components and the third component are arranged in a third positional relationship (e.g., as shown in FIG. 12( a) ); This is the seventh preferred configuration.

[0263] According to the seventh preferred configuration, by making the layout relationship of the three components the same, it is possible to substantially equalize the performance regarding the audio output of the plurality of audio circuits, and to output audio stably.

[0264] In a seventh preferred configuration, the first component is an audio amplifier element (e.g., audio amplifier IC 418); the second component is a coil (e.g., coil L), the third component is a capacitor (e.g., capacitor C), Each of the plurality of audio circuits includes a filter circuit (e.g., an LC filter LCF) using the coil and the capacitor. This is the eighth preferable configuration.

[0265] According to the eighth preferable configuration, noise reduction is made substantially uniform, so that sound can be output stably.

[0266] In the third basic configuration, the seventh preferred configuration, or the eighth preferred configuration, The first substrate further includes a control means (e.g., a CPU 404, etc.), The plurality of audio circuits are disposed on the first board closer to the end of the first board than the position where the control means is disposed (for example, as shown in FIG. 12(a) ). This is the ninth preferred configuration.

[0267] According to the ninth preferred configuration, it is possible to prevent the influence of the magnetic field from the audio circuit from affecting other components.

[0268] (3) Furthermore, according to the gaming machine (for example, slot machine 100) according to the above embodiment, Multiple speakers of different types (e.g., speakers 272, 275, 277, etc.) a plurality of audio circuits (e.g., audio circuits 450A, 450B, 450C, etc.) electrically connected to the plurality of speakers, respectively, and capable of outputting audio signals; a first board (for example, a first sub-control board 401) on which the plurality of audio circuits are arranged; A gaming machine equipped with Each of the plurality of audio circuits includes a first component (e.g., an audio amplifier IC 418), a plurality of second components (e.g., two coils L), and a third component (e.g., a capacitor C), In each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first substrate, the positional relationship between the first component, the plurality of second components, and the third component is substantially the same (for example, as shown in FIG. 12(a) ), In each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first substrate, the intervals between the plurality of second components are substantially the same, and no components are mounted in the areas defined by the intervals (for example, FIG. 12(a) ); This is the fourth basic structure.

[0269] According to the fourth basic configuration, the performance of the audio output of the multiple audio circuits is substantially uniform, thereby enabling stable audio output. Furthermore, by not placing any components between the multiple second components, the influence of heat generated by the second components can be prevented in advance.

[0270] In the fourth basic configuration, In each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first substrate, the first component and the plurality of second components are arranged in a first positional relationship; the first component and the third component are disposed in a second positional relationship; The plurality of second components and the third component are arranged in a third positional relationship (e.g., as shown in FIG. 12( a) ); This is the tenth preferred configuration.

[0271] According to this preferred configuration, by making the layout relationship of the three components the same, it is possible to substantially equalize the performance regarding the audio output of the multiple audio circuits, and to output audio stably.

[0272] In a tenth preferred configuration, the first component is an audio amplifier element (e.g., audio amplifier IC 418); the second component is a coil (e.g., coil L), the third component is a capacitor (e.g., capacitor C), Each of the plurality of audio circuits includes a filter circuit (e.g., an LC filter LCF) using the coil and the capacitor. This is an eleventh preferred configuration.

[0273] According to the eleventh preferred configuration, noise reduction is made substantially uniform, so that sound can be output stably.

[0274] In the fourth basic configuration, the tenth preferred configuration, or the eleventh preferred configuration, The first substrate further includes a control means (e.g., a CPU 404, etc.), The plurality of audio circuits are disposed on the first board closer to the end of the first board than the position where the control means is disposed (for example, as shown in FIG. 12(a) ). This is the twelfth preferred configuration.

[0275] According to the twelfth preferred configuration, it is possible to prevent the influence of the magnetic field from the audio circuit from reaching other components.

[0276] (4) Furthermore, according to the gaming machine (for example, slot machine 100) according to the above embodiment, Multiple speakers of different types (e.g., speakers 272, 275, 277, etc.) a plurality of audio circuits (e.g., audio circuits 450A, 450B, 450C, etc.) electrically connected to the plurality of speakers, respectively, and capable of outputting audio signals; a first board (for example, a first sub-control board 401) on which the plurality of audio circuits are arranged; A gaming machine equipped with Each of the plurality of audio circuits includes a first component (e.g., an audio amplifier IC 418), a second component (e.g., a coil L), and a third component (e.g., a capacitor C), In each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first substrate, the positional relationship between the first component, the second component, and the third component is substantially the same (for example, as shown in FIG. 12(a) ), the first substrate includes a connector (for example, a connector CN1 connected to the upper speaker 272) that can be electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of speakers; The certain connector is disposed near at least a certain audio circuit among the plurality of audio circuits (for example, as shown in FIG. 12(a) ), This is the fifth basic structure.

[0277] According to the fifth basic configuration, the performance of the audio output of the plurality of audio circuits is made substantially uniform, thereby making it possible to output audio stably. This makes it easier to recognize the correspondence between the speaker and the audio circuit, and for example, if a loud sound suddenly comes out of the speaker during maintenance work, it becomes easier to identify the connector of the speaker whose output you want to disable, which helps to shorten the time required to disable it.

[0278] In the fifth basic configuration, In each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first substrate, the first component and the second component are disposed in a first positional relationship; the first component and the third component are disposed in a second positional relationship; The second component and the third component are disposed in a third positional relationship (for example, as shown in FIG. 12( a) ), This is the thirteenth preferred configuration.

[0279] According to the thirteenth preferable configuration, by making the layout relationship of the three components the same, it is possible to substantially equalize the performance regarding the audio output of the plurality of audio circuits, and to output audio stably.

[0280] the first component is an audio amplifier element (e.g., audio amplifier IC 418); the second component is a coil (e.g., coil L), the third component is a capacitor (e.g., capacitor C), Each of the plurality of audio circuits includes a filter circuit (e.g., an LC filter LCF) using the coil and the capacitor. This is the fourteenth preferred configuration.

[0281] According to the fourteenth preferable configuration, noise reduction is made substantially uniform, so that sound can be output stably. In the fifth basic configuration, the thirteenth preferred configuration, or the fourteenth preferred configuration, The first substrate further includes a control means (e.g., a CPU 404, etc.), The plurality of audio circuits are disposed on the first board closer to the end of the first board than the position where the control means is disposed (for example, as shown in FIG. 12(a) ). This is the fifteenth preferred configuration.

[0282] According to the fifteenth preferred configuration, it is possible to prevent the influence of the magnetic field from the audio circuit from reaching other components.

[0283] (5) Furthermore, according to the gaming machine (for example, slot machine 100) according to the above embodiment, Multiple speakers of different types (e.g., speakers 272, 275, 277, etc.) a plurality of audio circuits (e.g., audio circuits 450A, 450B, 450C, etc.) electrically connected to the plurality of speakers, respectively, and capable of outputting audio signals; a first board (for example, a first sub-control board 401) on which the plurality of audio circuits are arranged; A gaming machine equipped with Each of the plurality of audio circuits includes a first component (e.g., an audio amplifier IC 418), a second component (e.g., a coil L), and a third component (e.g., a capacitor C), In each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first substrate, the positional relationship between the first component, the second component, and the third component is substantially the same (for example, as shown in FIG. 12(a) ), At least one surface of the first substrate is covered with a cover (for example, a substrate case 403) (for example, FIG. 12(d)), The cover is provided with a heat dissipation means (e.g., ventilation holes 405, a fan, etc.) near a position where a certain audio circuit among the plurality of audio circuits is disposed (e.g., FIG. 12(d) etc.), This is the sixth basic structure.

[0284] According to the sixth basic configuration, by roughly equalizing the performance of multiple audio circuits in terms of audio output, it is possible to output audio stably and promote heat dissipation to prevent malfunction of components.

[0285] In the sixth basic configuration, In each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first substrate, the first component and the second component are disposed in a first positional relationship; the first component and the third component are disposed in a second positional relationship; The second component and the third component are disposed in a third positional relationship (for example, as shown in FIG. 12( a) ), This is the sixteenth preferred configuration.

[0286] According to the sixteenth preferred configuration, by making the layout relationship of the three components the same, it is possible to substantially equalize the performance regarding the audio output of the multiple audio circuits, and to output audio stably.

[0287] In a sixteenth preferred configuration, the first component is an audio amplifier element (e.g., audio amplifier IC 418); the second component is a coil (e.g., coil L), the third component is a capacitor (e.g., capacitor C), Each of the plurality of audio circuits includes a filter circuit (e.g., an LC filter LCF) using the coil and the capacitor. This is the seventeenth preferred configuration.

[0288] According to the seventeenth preferable configuration, noise reduction is made substantially uniform, so that sound can be output stably.

[0289] In the sixth basic configuration, the sixteenth preferred configuration, or the seventeenth preferred configuration, The first substrate further includes a control means (e.g., a CPU 404, etc.), The plurality of audio circuits are disposed on the first board closer to the end of the first board than the position where the control means is disposed (for example, as shown in FIG. 12(a) ). This is the 18th preferred configuration.

[0290] According to the eighteenth preferred configuration, it is possible to prevent the influence of the magnetic field from the audio circuit from reaching other components.

[0291] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments 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 actions and effects described in the embodiments of the 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0292] 100 slot machines 110, 111, 112 reels 113 Reel window 130, 132 Medal insertion button 135 Start lever 137, 138, 139 Stop button 157 Liquid crystal display device 170 Gaming medal count display device 190 Performance Button 272, 277 Speaker 300 Main control unit 350 Medal count control unit 400 First sub-control section 500 Second sub-control section

Claims

1. a sound output means capable of outputting sound; an audio circuit capable of outputting an audio signal to the audio output means; A gaming machine comprising a first board on which the certain audio circuit is arranged, the certain audio circuit includes a first filter and a second filter using a coil and a capacitor; the first filter is provided in an output path of the audio signal corresponding to a left output (hereinafter referred to as a "left output path"); the second filter is provided in an output path of the audio signal corresponding to a right output (hereinafter referred to as a "right output path"); a positional relationship between a coil and a capacitor in the first filter is the same as or substantially the same as a positional relationship between a coil and a capacitor in the second filter; the certain audio circuit is disposed closer to an end portion than to a central portion on the first substrate; A gaming machine characterized by the above.

2. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, the certain audio circuit further comprises an audio amplifier; The audio signal is output from the audio amplifier, the left output path is a path between the audio amplifier and the certain sound output means, the right output path is a path between the audio amplifier and the certain sound output means; A gaming machine characterized by the above.

3. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, the certain audio circuit further comprises an audio amplifier; The audio signal is output from the audio amplifier, the left output path is a wiring path on the output side of the audio amplifier on the first board, the right output path is a wiring path on the output side of the audio amplifier on the first substrate; A gaming machine characterized by the above.

4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, the first substrate includes a connector electrically connectable to the sound output means, the certain connector is disposed in the vicinity of the certain audio circuit; A gaming machine characterized by the above.

5. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, the left output path is a wiring path between the audio amplifier and the certain connector, the right output path is a wiring path between the audio amplifier and the certain connector; A gaming machine characterized by the above.

6. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, a coil in the first filter is disposed on a first surface of the first substrate; a coil in the second filter is disposed on the first surface of the first substrate; In the first aspect, no components are disposed in a region between the coil of the first filter and the coil of the second filter. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

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