Gaming machines

Abstract

We provide gaming machines with distinctive internal structures. [Solution] The gaming machine comprises a housing, a front door, a certain light-emitting element, a first component, and a second component. The light-emitting element is disposed inside the housing, and the first component is disposed in a certain area on the back of the front door. This area is the area that is illuminated by the light of the light-emitting element when the front door is closed. The first component is capable of reflecting the light of the light-emitting element, and the second component is located inside the housing, with at least a portion of the light of the light-emitting element reflected by the first component illuminating at least a portion of the second component.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as one type of game table, for example, a slot machine is known. Inside such a slot machine, in addition to various substrates, connectors for attaching harnesses and various switches are provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the inside of the slot machine's housing becomes a shadow of the game store's lighting, and it may be difficult to visually recognize the inside. The conventional game table has room for improvement in the internal structure of the housing.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a game table having a characteristic internal structure of the housing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The gaming machine according to the present invention comprises a housing, a front door, a certain light-emitting element, a first component, and a second component, wherein the certain light-emitting element is disposed inside the housing, the first component is disposed in a certain area on the back of the front door, the certain area is an area to which light from the certain light-emitting element is shone when the front door is closed, the first component is a component capable of reflecting light from the certain light-emitting element, the second component is a component located inside the housing, and at least a part of the second component is shone with at least a part of the light from the certain light-emitting element reflected by the first component. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a gaming machine with a distinctive internal structure for its casing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the medalless slot machine 100 and the rental machine 700, seen from the front (player side). [Figure 2] This is an external perspective view of slot machine 100 with its front door 102 open, seen from a diagonal front angle. [Figure 3] (a) A front view of the main body 101 with the front door 102 open. (b) A cross-sectional view along the line A-A in (a). [Figure 4] (a) A cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 3(b), showing the state in which the front door 102 is open relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θX. (b) A cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 3(b), showing the state in which the front door 102 is open relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θY. [Figure 5] This shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit of slot machine 100. [Figure 6] This diagram shows an example of the connections for the circuit board of slot machine 100. [Figure 7](a) A diagram showing a portion of the front door 102 in its open state. (b) A magnified view of the sub-control circuit board case 164. [Figure 8] (a) A cross-sectional view along the line X-X in Figure 7(b). (b) A cross-sectional view corresponding to (a), showing a modified example of the sub-control unit substrate case. (c) A cross-sectional view showing the basic structure of the double-sided substrate. [Figure 9] (a) A cross-sectional view along the Y-Y line in Figure 7(b), showing the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D in its normal position. (c) (1) A diagram showing the front surface 500Da of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D. (b) A cross-sectional view along the Y-Y line in Figure 7(b), showing the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D when it is not in its normal position. (c) (2) A diagram showing the back surface 500Db of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a circuit block diagram of the control unit of a slot machine relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] (A) is a time chart showing the transitions between demo screens of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a time chart showing the transitions between demo screens of a conventional slot machine. [Figure 13] (A) is a time chart showing the transitions between demo screens 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 a liquid crystal display device of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is an example of a slump graph showing the trend in the number of tokens won or lost by a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a sequence diagram showing the process of updating the maximum number of tokens in a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16](A) is a flowchart showing the flow of the maximum number display process in the demo screen display of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, (B) is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the liquid crystal commands of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (C) is a diagram for explaining the display markers and non-display markers of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] (A) is a functional block diagram of the first sub-control unit of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of the connection between the CPU and the drive circuit shown in FIG. 17(A). [Figure 18] (A) and (B) are diagrams showing an example of an LED driver used as a drive circuit for a lamp in the first sub-control unit of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] (A) and (B) are diagrams schematically showing the configuration of control data for controlling the lamp of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (C) is a diagram for explaining the communication method of the control data of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] It is an external view of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention and shows the position of the speaker. [Figure 21] (a) is a top view of the first sub-control board of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, (b) is an arrangement diagram of each component of the audio circuit shown in (a), (c) is a diagram showing the terminal arrangement of the audio amplifier IC shown in (a) and (b), and (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the Y-Y line of (a). [Figure 22] (a) is a circuit diagram showing the signal lines of the audio circuit shown in FIG. 21(a), and (b) is a circuit diagram showing the power lines of the audio circuit shown in FIG. 21(a). [Figure 23] (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 an embodiment of the present invention is arranged, and (b) and (c) are diagrams for explaining the ground of the first sub-control board shown in (a). [Figure 24] It is a top view of the first sub-control board of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention (modified example). [Figure 25] (a) is a circuit diagram of the signal lines of the audio circuit shown in FIG. 24, and (b) is a circuit diagram of the power lines of the audio circuit shown in FIG. 24. [Figure 26] (a) is a diagram showing the first layer of the first sub-control board shown in FIG. 24, and (b) is a diagram showing the third layer of the first sub-control board shown in FIG. 24. [Figure 27] (a) is a diagram showing the fourth layer of the first sub-control board shown in FIG. 24, and (b) is a diagram showing the fifth layer of the first sub-control board shown in FIG. 24. [Figure 28] (a) is a diagram showing the seventh layer of the first sub-control board shown in FIG. 24, and (b) is a diagram showing the eighth layer of the first sub-control board shown in FIG. 24. [Figure 29] (a), (b), and (c) are diagrams for explaining the layout of the audio circuit provided on the first sub-control board of the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] (a), (b), and (c) are diagrams for explaining the positions of the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC of the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (d), (e), and (f) are diagrams for explaining the arrangement configuration of each component of the audio circuit of the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] It is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 32] It is a diagram showing an example of a winning line. [Figure 33] It is a circuit block diagram of the control unit. [Figure 34] It is a diagram showing the arrangement of the symbols applied to each reel developed in a plane. [Figure 35] It is a diagram showing the content of the push-order bell. [Figure 36] It is a transition diagram of the gaming state of the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 31. [Figure 37] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit main process. [Figure 38] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt process. [Figure 39](a) is a flowchart of the main processing performed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400, and (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. [Figure 40] (a) is a flowchart of the main processing performed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, and (d) is a flowchart of the image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500. [Figure 41] This table shows the contents of the rotation control table in this embodiment. [Figure 42] This figure shows an example of reel rotation control that differs from Figure 41. [Figure 43] This figure shows an example of a circuit configuration for driving reels 110 to 112. [Figure 44] This is a simplified diagram of the circuit that controls the stepping motor 700 of the left reel board 700BL in Figure 43. [Figure 45] This diagram shows the internal circuitry of IC1 shown in Figure 44. [Figure 46] This figure shows an example of a circuit configuration for driving reels 110 to 112, which is different from Figure 43. [Figure 47] This is a simplified diagram of the circuit that controls the stepping motor 700 of the left reel board 700BL in Figure 46. [Figure 48] This figure shows an example of a circuit configuration for driving reels 110 to 112, which is different from Figure 43. [Figure 49] This is a simplified diagram of the circuit that controls the stepping motor 700 of the left reel board 700BL in Figure 48. [Figure 50] This figure shows a modified example of Figure 44. [Figure 51] Figure 50 shows the internal configuration of IC1. [Figure 52] This figure shows an example of a circuit configuration for motorizing movable parts used in performances. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <<Embodiment 1>> The following describes a gaming machine (medalless slot machine) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <Overall Structure> First, the overall configuration of the medalless slot machine 100 will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the medalless slot machine 100 and the dispensing machine 700 as seen from the front (player side).

[0011] The medalless slot machine (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "slot machine") 100 shown in Figure 1 is an example of a gaming machine of the present invention, and comprises a main body 101 and a front door 102 (front door) attached to the front of the main body 101 and which can be opened and closed relative to the main body 101 (casing). The front door 102 will be described later with reference to Figure 2.

[0012] Inside the central part of the main body 101 (not shown), there are three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) with multiple types of patterns arranged on their outer surfaces, configured to rotate inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110-112 are driven to rotate by a drive device such as a stepping motor.

[0013] In this embodiment, each design is printed at equal intervals in appropriate numbers on a strip-shaped member, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame to form each reel 110 to 112. From the player's perspective, approximately three designs on each reel 110 to 112 are displayed vertically through a design display window 113 located in front of each reel 110 to 112, resulting in a total of nine designs being visible.

[0014] By rotating each of the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols visible to the player changes. In other words, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that can display multiple combinations of symbols in a variable manner. In addition to reels, other electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal displays can also be used as such display devices. Furthermore, in this embodiment, three reels are provided inside the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and their installation positions are not limited to this.

[0015] A backlight (not shown) is positioned on the back of each reel 110 to 112 to illuminate the individual symbols displayed in the symbol display window 113. It is desirable that the backlight be shielded for each symbol so that each symbol is illuminated evenly. Inside the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (also called an index sensor; not shown), consisting of a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part, is provided near each reel 110 to 112, and a light-shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of this optical sensor. Based on the detection result of this sensor, the rotational position of the symbols on the reels is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

[0016] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that informs the player, for example, that they have internally won a specific winning combination (specifically, a special combination) in the internal lottery described later, or that they are in bonus game mode (special game mode). The coin insertion lamp 124 is a lamp that informs the player that they can electronically insert coins. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that informs the player that they can replay the game if they won a replay combination, which is one of the winning combinations, in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for visual effects.

[0017] The bet buttons 130 and 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of tokens (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, each time the bet button (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "single bet button") 130 is pressed, one token is inserted up to a maximum of three tokens, and when the bet button (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "maximum bet button") 132 is pressed, three tokens are inserted. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 will also be referred to as the maximum bet button. The game token insertion lamp 129 lights up a number of lamps corresponding to the number of tokens inserted, and when the predetermined number of tokens has been inserted, the game start lamp 121 lights up to indicate that the game can be started.

[0018] The stored tokens indicator 125 is a display for showing the number of tokens electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information indicator 126 is a display for showing various internal information (for example, the number of tokens dispensed during bonus gameplay) numerically. The payout tokens indicator 127 is a display for showing the number of tokens dispensed to the player as a result of winning a prize, and is also used as an instruction monitor for performing button-press sequence effects. In this example, the stored tokens indicator 125, the game information indicator 126, and the payout tokens indicator 127 are all composed of 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0019] The game token count display device 170 is a 5-digit 7-segment (SEG) display that displays the number of game tokens recorded in the token count control unit 350 shown in Figure 5. The counting button 171 is an operating means for transmitting the game token count information recorded in the token count control unit 350 to the dispensing machine 700, which will be described later. As shown in Figure 1, the operating surface of the counting button is positioned on the open end side of the front door 102 of the slot machine 100, facing the player, rather than on the pivot axis side. Note that the counting button 171 is not limited to the example where its operating surface faces the player; it may also be positioned so that its operating surface faces upward and does not face the player, similar to the bet button 130 or 132.

[0020] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch used to initiate the rotation of reels 110 to 112. That is, by operating the bet button 130 or 132 and then the start lever 135, the reels 110 to 112 will begin to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is referred to as the game start operation.

[0021] The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating due to the operation of the start lever 135, and each button is associated with a specific reel. In addition, a light-emitting element may be provided inside each stop button 137 to 139, and if the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light-emitting element can be illuminated to inform the player.

[0022] Hereinafter, operations performed on stop buttons 137 to 139 will be referred to as stop operations, with the first stop operation being the first stop operation (hereinafter also referred to as "1st stop" or "1st stop"), the next stop operation being the second stop operation (hereinafter also referred to as "2nd stop" or "2nd stop"), and the final stop operation being the third stop operation (hereinafter also referred to as "3rd stop" or "3rd stop").

[0023] Furthermore, the reels that are stopped in response to these stopping operations are referred to as the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel, respectively. In addition, the order in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are pressed to stop all of the rotating reels 110 to 112 is called the operation order (or pressing order).

[0024] The order of operation (pressing order) for stop buttons 137 to 139 is as follows, assuming the left stop button 137 is "left or R", the middle stop button 138 is "middle or C", and the right stop button 139 is "right or R": (1) Left → Middle → Right operation order (Left-Middle-Right or LCR), (2) Left → Right → Middle operation order (Left-Right-Middle or LRC), (3) Middle → Left → Right operation order (Middle-Left-Right or CLR), (4) Middle → Right → Left operation order (Middle-Right-Left or CRL), (5) Right → Left → Middle operation order (Right-Left-Middle or RLC), and (6) Right → Middle → Left operation order (Right-Middle-Left or RCL).

[0025] The payout button 134 is a button for paying out the tokens electronically stored and bet in the slot machine 100. The door keyhole 140 is a hole for inserting a key to unlock the front door 102 of the slot machine 100.

[0026] A title panel 162 is provided at the bottom of the stop button unit 136 for displaying the model name and attaching various certification labels. Below the title panel 162 is a sound hole 145 for outputting sound from a speaker located inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. Side lamps 144, located on the left and right sides of the front door 102, are decorative lamps to enhance the gaming experience. A performance device 160 is located at the top of the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided at the top of the performance device 160.

[0027] This display device 160 is equipped with a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two horizontally opening and closing shutters, a right shutter 163a and a left shutter 163b, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (display means; hereinafter also referred to as the "display image display device") located behind the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 appears on the front of the slot machine 100 (the player's side).

[0028] The display means does not have to be a liquid crystal display device; any display device capable of displaying various performance images and various game information is acceptable. For example, it may be a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen. The display screen is rectangular, and its entirety is configured to be visible to the player. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Furthermore, decorative elements (not shown) may be placed around the periphery of the display screen, so that a part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decorative elements, resulting in the display screen appearing to have an irregular shape. In this embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface.

[0029] The dispensing machine 700 is sometimes referred to as a card unit and is an example of the gaming media management device of the present invention. This dispensing machine 700 is installed in a one-to-one relationship with the slot machine 100.

[0030] The rental machine 700 accepts cards. There are two types of "cards" referred to here. One is a visitor card (also called a general card), a prepaid gaming memory medium issued to general players who are not registered members. The other is a membership card, a gaming memory medium issued to registered players who have registered with the arcade. IC cards are used for both types of cards.

[0031] The card stores valuable information. This valuable information includes the "number of tokens held" and the "money balance," which is the remaining balance of prepaid money. The dispensing machine 700, upon receiving the card, has the function of converting the "number of tokens held" stored on the card into "game tokens (credits)."

[0032] "Number of game tokens (credits)" is data that can be used to set the bet amount and can also be converted to "number of tokens held". "Number of game tokens" is obtained by deducting the "money balance" or "number of tokens held" from the card. "Number of game tokens" also includes the number of tokens won through winning. This "number of game tokens" is managed by the token count control unit 350 and is the number of electronic tokens (amount of electronic game value) stored electromagnetically. The "number of game tokens" is decreased by inserting tokens using the bet buttons 130 and 132.

[0033] "Number of tokens held" is the value obtained by counting the "number of game tokens (number of credits)". This "number of tokens held" is stored in a identifiable way on the player's card. In other words, by operating the counting button 171, the "number of game tokens" can be converted to "number of tokens held" and stored on the card. Alternatively, the "number of tokens held" may be managed by a token count management device installed in the arcade.

[0034] The front of the lending machine 700 is provided with a banknote slot 701 at the top for inserting banknotes and a card slot 702 at the bottom for inserting cards. Member cards and visitor cards inserted into the card slot 702 are received by a card reader / writer, and the information stored on the card is read. Banknotes inserted into the banknote slot 701 are identified for authenticity and type, and the face value of the banknotes is stored as the "money balance" on the card inserted into the card slot 702.

[0035] Below the banknote slot 701, an information display 703 is provided. This information display 703 is a display that provides information such as operating instructions for the lending machine 700 and the status of the slot machine 100 in text and images. Alternatively, the surface may be configured as a touch panel, allowing various operations to be input by touching the displayed items with a finger.

[0036] Below the information display 703, the cash balance display 705 and the medal balance display 706 are arranged in two rows, one above the other. The cash balance display 705 displays the "cash balance" stored on the card inserted into the card slot 702 as an amount. On the other hand, the medal balance display 706 displays the "number of medals held" stored on the card inserted into the card slot 702 as the number of medals.

[0037] The central part of the dispensing machine 700 is provided with a dispensing button 707 and a card return button 708. The dispensing button 707 is an operating means for withdrawing the "money balance" stored on the card inserted into the card slot 702 and obtaining the "number of game tokens". Specifically, if there is a "money balance" on the card inserted into the card slot 702, the LED lamp built into the dispensing button 707 lights up to indicate that it is available for withdrawal. By operating the dispensing button 707 in this state, the "number of game tokens" is added according to the amount of money to be withdrawn.

[0038] For example, a predetermined amount equivalent to 1000 yen in "game tokens" will be added. Also, if the card's "money balance" is less than the predetermined amount (for example, less than 1000 yen), only the "game tokens" calculated from the current balance at the predetermined rate will be added. However, even if the card's "money balance" is less than the predetermined amount, it may be possible to add the "game tokens" equivalent to the predetermined amount by supplementing the "number of tokens held" stored on the card.

[0039] The card return button 708 is operated when a player finishes playing, and is a means of operation to store the "number of tokens held" determined at the end of the game on the card inserted in the card slot 702 and then eject it. The "number of tokens held" determined at the end of the game is the number of tokens obtained by subtracting the number of tokens converted to "number of game tokens" from the "number of tokens held" stored on the card inserted in the card slot 702, and then adding the number of game tokens counted by the counting operation.

[0040] As explained above, the data for "money balance," "number of tokens held," and "number of game tokens" are converted in the following order: "money balance" and "number of tokens held" → "number of game tokens" → "number of tokens held." In this way, the "number of tokens held" identified by the card is converted to the "number of game tokens," and in the slot machine 100 in this example, the number of game tokens can be used to set the bet. Therefore, it is possible to offer a new type of slot machine (managed gaming machine) that does not use physical tokens, without confusing players who are used to conventional slot machines where players receive physical tokens, insert those physical tokens to secure credits, and then use those credits to set the bet.

[0041] <Internal structure> Next, the internal configuration of the slot machine 100 will be explained using Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open, viewed from a diagonal front angle. Figure 3(a) is a front view of the main body 101 with the front door 102 open, viewed from the front.

[0042] <Main body> First, let's explain the main unit 101 of slot machine 100.

[0043] The main body 101 is a box-shaped structure enclosed by a top panel 261, a left side panel 260, a right side panel 262, a bottom panel 264, and a rear panel 242, with an opening at the front. Inside the main body 101, a main control board case 210, which houses the main control board 300B (corresponding to the main control unit 300 described later), is positioned so as not to overlap with the ventilation opening 249 provided at the top of the rear panel 242. Below this main control board case 210, three reels 110 to 112 are arranged.

[0044] The main control board 300B is equipped with monitor LEDs 336a to 336c (light-emitting elements) that can monitor the power supplied from the power supply unit 252, which will be described later. The main control 24V monitor LED 336a is a power supply monitoring LED lamp that lights up or blinks while a 24V DC current is flowing, the main control 12V monitor LED 336b is a power supply monitoring LED lamp that lights up or blinks while a 12V DC current is flowing, and the main control 5V monitor LED 336c is a power supply monitoring LED lamp that lights up or blinks while a 5V DC current is flowing.

[0045] Furthermore, the main control board 300B is equipped with a main board display (monitor LED) 190. The main board display 190 is one of the notification means capable of notifying information related to the game (such as the operating status and errors of the operating means), and in this example, it is composed of multiple LEDs (light-emitting elements).

[0046] On the main board display unit 190, monitor LED 190a lights up when the bet button 130 (1BET) is operated, monitor LED 190b lights up when the bet button 132 (MAXBET) is operated, and monitor LED 190c lights up when the start lever 135 is operated. In addition, monitor LEDs 190d, 190e, and 190f light up when the left stop button 137, middle stop button 138, and right stop button 139 are operated, respectively, and monitor LEDs 190g, 190h, and 190i light up while the left reel 110, middle reel 111, and right reel 112 are rotating, respectively. Monitor LED 190j lights up when the counting button 171 is operated.

[0047] Furthermore, the notification method by the monitor LED is not limited to the LED being lit, but may also be indicated by blinking or turning off the LED. In addition, the main board display 190 only needs to be capable of notifying information related to the game, and may also notify errors that occur in the slot machine 100 (for example, RAM failure) or information other than the example operation information (for example, game status, winning combination, winning combination).

[0048] Furthermore, an external centralized terminal board 248, which is connected to the main control board 300B and outputs information of the slot machine 100 to an external device, is mounted on the right side panel 262. In addition, a setting key switch 230 for changing settings such as game control in the slot machine 100 is provided near the bottom of the left reel 110. The setting key switch 230 is a key switch that is electrically turned ON / OFF by inserting a predetermined setting key (not shown) and rotating it. Specifically, when a predetermined setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 230 and rotated to the right, the setting key sensor provided on the setting key switch 230 detects the ON state and outputs an ON-level signal to the main control unit 300, and when rotated to the left, the setting key sensor detects the OFF state and outputs an OFF-level signal to the main control unit 300.

[0049] Furthermore, below the reels 110-112 on the back panel 242, a medal count control board case 222 is positioned, which houses a medal count control board 350B (corresponding to the medal count control unit 350 described later).

[0050] The medal count control board 350B includes monitor LEDs 336d to 336e (light-emitting elements) capable of monitoring the power supplied from the power supply unit 252 (described later), a count button monitor LED 336f (light-emitting element) that lights up when the count button 171 is operated, and a 6-digit segment display 336g capable of displaying the number of medals, error codes, etc. The medal count control 24V monitor LED 336d is a power supply monitoring LED lamp that lights up or blinks while a 24V DC current is flowing, and the medal count control 12V monitor LED 336e is a power supply monitoring LED lamp that lights up or blinks while a 12V DC current is flowing.

[0051] Here, the counting button 171 is configured to perform counting processing in response to operation when connected to the lending machine 700, but not to perform counting processing when operated when not connected to the lending machine 700. However, by providing the counting button monitor LED 336f, the operation of the counting button 171 can be confirmed by the slot machine 100 alone even when not connected to the lending machine 700, and the visibility of the inside of the main unit 101 can be improved by shining light into the inside of the main unit 101 and the reflective material.

[0052] The segment display unit 336g consists of six 7-segment (SEG) displays (light-emitting elements) and can display error information related to errors that occur in the slot machine 100 (e.g., error codes) and the number of game tokens (game value) stored in the token count control unit 350. The main control unit 300 displays the number of game tokens on the segment display unit 336g when no errors occur in the slot machine 100, but when an error occurs in the slot machine 100, it is configured to alternately display the number of game tokens and an error information related to the error (in this example, an error code).

[0053] In this example, the segment display unit 336g was used to display the number of game tokens and error codes. However, instead of displaying (or in addition to) the number of game tokens and error codes, it may also be used to display the advantageous section ratio, the bonus item ratio, the bonus item ratio including instructions, etc., which are calculated from the total number of game tokens paid out and the total number of games played.

[0054] In this example, the number of tokens played and the error message are displayed alternately, making the error message more noticeable and easier to detect. This allows for quicker response to errors, thereby increasing player satisfaction.

[0055] In this context, possible errors that may occur in slot machine 100 include RAM failure and abnormal prize entry.

[0056] A RAM failure occurs when an abnormality is detected by checking RAM 308, and the corresponding error code is, for example, E8, with "0000E8" displayed on segment display 336g. The RAM failure is resolved when the error clear switch (setting key switch 230 in this example) is operated. A prize entry abnormality occurs when a prize different from the prize determined by the internal lottery is entered after reels 110-112 have stopped, and the corresponding error code is, for example, E9, with "0000E9" displayed on segment display 336g. The prize entry abnormality is resolved when the error clear switch (setting key switch 230 in this example) is operated.

[0057] Furthermore, in a coinless gaming machine that does not use a physical gaming medium such as gaming tokens, as is the case with the gaming machine according to the present invention, communication abnormalities between the main control board 300B and the token count control board 350B, as well as communication abnormalities with the external dispensing machine 700, are also errors that can occur in the slot machine 100.

[0058] Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a slot machine 100, but can also be applied to a pachinko machine. Examples of errors that may occur in a pachinko machine include main control unit communication errors, magnetic anomaly errors, magnetic field anomaly errors, frame release errors, RAM clear errors, and impact sensor errors. These errors are also resolved when the error release switch is operated after the cause of the error has been removed.

[0059] A power supply unit (power box) 252, which has a power supply board, is located to the side of the medal count control board 350B, specifically below the left side panel 260, and a power switch 244 is located on the front of the power supply unit 252. The power switch 244 is a toggle switch electrically connected to the power supply unit 252. This power switch 244 can be used to turn the power on or off (turn off or cut off) of the slot machine 100. The power supply unit 252 converts the AC power supplied to the slot machine 100 from an external source into DC power, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and device, such as the main control unit 300 and the sub-control unit 400. Furthermore, it is equipped with an energy storage circuit (e.g., a capacitor) to supply power to a predetermined component (e.g., the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (e.g., 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off.

[0060] The power supply unit 252 is provided with a power cord connector for connecting the power cord 254, and the power cord 254 connected thereto extends to the outside through a power cord hole opened in the rear panel 242 of the main unit 101.

[0061] Furthermore, a terminal board 790 for connecting to the loaner machine 700 is attached to the bottom panel 264 of the main unit 101.

[0062] Figure 3(b) is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A in Figure 3(a).

[0063] If we define the widthwise length of the main body 101 as L1, the widthwise center position of the main body 101 (the position where the distance from one end and the other end in the widthwise direction are the same distance L2) as C1, the widthwise length of the medal count control board 350B as L3, and the widthwise center position of the medal count control board 350B (the position where the distance from one end and the other end in the widthwise direction are the same distance L4) as C2, then the widthwise center position C2 of the medal count control board 350B is located to the left of the widthwise center position C1 of the main body 101 when viewed from the front. In other words, the medal count control board 350B is eccentrically positioned on the back plate 242 of the main body 101, closer to the left side plate 260 than to the right side plate 262 of the main body 101.

[0064] The power supply unit 252 is positioned on the left side panel 260 of the main body 101, closer to the front door 102 than the medal count control board 350B in the front-to-back direction of the slot machine 100, and closer to the pivot axis 102a of the front door 102 (the rotation axis of the hinge device 276) than the medal count control board 350B in the left-to-right direction of the slot machine 100 (further from the open end 102b).

[0065] The loaner machine connection terminal board 790 is positioned on the lower plate 264 of the main body 101 in the front-to-back direction of the slot machine 100, closer to the front door 102 than the medal count control board 350B, and in the left-to-right direction of the slot machine 100, closer to the open end 102b of the front door 102 than the medal count control board 350B (further from the pivot axis 102a).

[0066] Here, considering the positions of the various LEDs on the medal count control board 350B with the medal count control board 350B as the reference, the medal count control 24V monitor LED 336d is positioned to the left of the center position C2 in the width direction on the medal count control board 350B when viewed from the front, and the medal count control 12V monitor LED 336e and the counting button monitor LED 336f are positioned to the right of the center position C2 in the width direction on the medal count control board 350B when viewed from the front. The three monitor LEDs 336d to 33df are positioned slightly to the right (eccentrically) when viewed from the front on the medal count control board 350B, with the medal count control board 350B as the reference.

[0067] On the other hand, when considering the positions of the various LEDs on the medal count control board 350B with respect to the main unit 101, the medal count control 24V monitor LED 336d is positioned to the left of the center position C1 in the width direction on the main unit 101 when viewed from the front, the medal count control 12V monitor LED 336e is positioned at the center position C1 in the width direction on the main unit 101, and the counting button monitor LED 336f is positioned to the right of the center position C1 in the width direction on the main unit 101 when viewed from the front. The three monitor LEDs 336d to 33df are positioned symmetrically on the main unit 101 with respect to the medal count control 12V monitor LED 336e as the center.

[0068] In this example, the main control board 300B is positioned above reels 110-112, and the medal count control board 350B is positioned below reels 110-112. However, the position of the "boards (first board, second board)" according to the present invention is not limited to this example. Both boards may be positioned above reels 110-112, or below reels 110-112. Furthermore, the main control board 300B and the medal count control board 350B may be the same board, and this board may be positioned above reels 110-112, or below reels 110-112.

[0069] Furthermore, the bottom plate 264 of the main body 101 is provided with a left fixing screw 271L for fixing the left frame 270L, which is made of a plate-like material, to the bottom plate 264, and a right fixing screw 271R for fixing the right frame 270R, which is made of a plate-like material, to the bottom plate 264. The left fixing screw 271L is located to the left of the center position C1 in the width direction of the main body 101 when viewed from the front, and is on the extension of the left side of the medal count control board 350B. The right fixing screw 271R is located to the right of the center position C1 in the width direction of the main body 101 when viewed from the front, and is on the extension of the right side of the medal count control board 350B. Note that the location of the left frame 270L, left fixing screw 271L, right frame 270R, and right fixing screw 271R is not limited to this example, and they may be located on the bottom plate 264 of the main body 101.

[0070] <Front Door> Next, we will describe the front door 102 of slot machine 100.

[0071] The front door 102 is hinged to the left side panel 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276 so as to be able to open and close, and is configured to be rotatable around the pivot axis 102a (the rotation axis of the hinge device 276) as the pivot point.

[0072] A pattern display window 113 is formed in the front door 102 at a position opposite to the reels 110-112. Above this pattern display window 113 is a sub-control unit board case 164 that houses the performance device 160, and the sub-control board 400B, liquid crystal control board 500B, liquid crystal CPU board 500C, and liquid crystal ROM board 500D that control the performance device 160.

[0073] The sub-control board 400B is a board that constitutes the first sub-control unit 400, which will be described later using Figures 5 and 6, while the liquid crystal control board 500B, the liquid crystal CPU board 500C, and the liquid crystal ROM board 500D are boards that constitute the second sub-control unit 500, which will be described later using Figures 5 and 6.

[0074] Furthermore, a bass speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 145 shown in Figure 1. In addition, a locking mechanism 280 is provided at the open end 102b of the front door 102 (the side opposite the hinge device 276) to lock the closed front door 102. A reset sensor cover is provided over the locking mechanism 280 to cover door detection means such as a door sensor (door open sensor) that detects when the front door 102 is unlocked, i.e., the open state of the front door 102, and a door reset sensor (reset sensor) that detects a reset operation performed by inserting a key into the door keyhole 140 and resets the slot machine 100, thereby preventing fraud.

[0075] Furthermore, the front door 102 is provided with an upper reflective member 282a (first component) positioned above the pattern display window 113, and lower reflective members 282b to 282g (first components) positioned below the pattern display window 113. These upper reflective members 282a and lower reflective members 282b to 282g are reflective members capable of reflecting light emitted from the monitor LEDs 336a to 336f, the main board display unit 190, the segment display unit 336g, etc., which are located on the main body 101 facing the front door 102.

[0076] Here, the term "opposing" according to the present invention is not limited to "facing each other" or "opposing" where two members face each other directly, but also includes states where parts of the two members face each other directly and other parts do not face each other directly, or where the two members are diagonally opposite each other.

[0077] The upper reflective member 282a is a rectangular, plate-like metal plate that is attached to cover a portion of the outer wall of the sub-control board case 164, which is located on the front door 102. In addition to functioning as a reflective member, it also serves to prevent static electricity (disturbances) from being applied to the boards such as the sub-control board 400B and the liquid crystal control board 500B housed in the sub-control board case 164.

[0078] The upper reflective member 282a is positioned above the pattern display window 113 of the front door 102, and closer to the pivot axis 102a side than the open end 102b side of the front door 102, so as to face the main control board 300B which is positioned above the reels 110 to 112 of the main body 101.

[0079] The upper reflective member 282a is mounted substantially vertically on the outer wall of the sub-control unit board case 164, and can reflect light (incident light) emitted from the monitor LEDs 336a to 336c of the main control unit 300 and the monitor LEDs 190a to 190j of the main board display unit 190, and emit light (reflected light) toward the main unit 101.

[0080] Since the upper reflective member 282a is erected in a substantially vertical direction on the front door 102, the light reflected by the upper reflective member 282a (reflected light) mainly illuminates the area opposite the upper reflective member 282a, that is, the area above the reels 110-112 of the main body 101.

[0081] The installation method of the upper reflective member 282a is not limited to this example. For example, if the upper reflective member 282a is installed on the front door 102 at an angle downwards, the light reflected by the upper reflective member 282a (reflected light) will be emitted diagonally downwards, illuminating the reels 110-112 of the main body 101 and the area below these reels 110-112.

[0082] Furthermore, the lower reflective members 282b to 282e are reflective members formed by silver plating the surface of devices and components arranged inside the front door 102, and the lower reflective members 282f to 282g are reflective members formed by applying a mirror-finish coating of resin to a yoke (metal component) that constitutes the electromagnetic circuit for vibrating the transducer of the speaker 277.

[0083] Of these lower reflective members 282b to 282g, the lower reflective members 282d, 282e, and 282g are positioned below the pattern display window 113 of the front door 102, and closer to the pivot axis 102a side than the open end 102b side of the front door 102, so as to face the medal count control board 350B which is located below the reels 110 to 112 of the main body 101.

[0084] Furthermore, of the lower reflective members 282b to 282g, the lower reflective members 282b, 282c, and 282f are positioned below the pattern display window 113 of the front door 102, and closer to the open end 102b side of the front door 102 than the pivot axis 102a side, so as to face the medal count control board 350B which is located below the reels 110 to 112 of the main body 101.

[0085] The lower reflective members 282b to 282e are provided on the substantially vertical surface of the device or component, and can reflect light (incident light) emitted from the monitor LEDs 336d to 336f and segment display 336g of the medal count control board 350B, and emit light (reflected light) toward the main body 101.

[0086] Since the lower reflective members 282b to 282g are provided on the substantially vertical surfaces of the device and components, the light reflected by the lower reflective members 282b to 282g (reflected light) mainly illuminates the area opposite to the lower reflective members 282b to 282g, that is, the area below the reels 110 to 112 of the main body 101.

[0087] The installation configuration of the lower reflective members 282b to 282g is not limited to this example. For example, if one, several, or all of the lower reflective members 282b to 282g are installed at an upward inclination on the front door 102, the light reflected by one, several, or all of the lower reflective members 282b to 282g (reflected light) will be emitted diagonally upward, illuminating the reels 110 to 112 of the main body 101 and the area above these reels 110 to 112.

[0088] Furthermore, the material of the "reflective member" according to the present invention is not limited to metal, but may be, for example, wood, plastic, resin, etc. Also, the processing applied to the member is not limited to silver plating or mirror painting, but may be plated with metals such as gold, chromium, copper, nickel, etc., or painted with paint, varnish, etc.

[0089] Furthermore, the shape of the "reflective member" according to the present invention is not limited to a flat surface. For example, if the reflective member is made of a curved surface (convex or concave), the area illuminated by the reflected light of the reflective member can be expanded, or the luminosity of the reflected light of the reflective member can be increased. It may also have a shape that has both a flat and a curved surface. In addition, the number and placement of the "reflective members" according to the present invention are not particularly limited. Two or more upper reflective members may be provided, or only one lower reflective member, or seven or more lower reflective members may be provided.

[0090] <Function of reflective material> Next, the function of the lower reflective members 282b to 282g will be explained using Figure 4.

[0091] Figure 4(a) is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 3(b), showing the front door 102 open relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θX. Figure 4(b) is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 3(b), showing the front door 102 open relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θY.

[0092] As explained using Figures 3(a) and 3(b), the lower reflective members 282b to 282g reflect light (incident light) emitted from the monitor LEDs 336d to 336f and segment display 336g of the medal count control board 350B, and can emit the reflected light toward the main body 101.

[0093] For example, when the front door 102 is opened relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θX (>θY, for example, 30 degrees), the incident light ILd1, which is emitted almost straight from the monitor LED 336d towards the front door 102 and incident on the lower reflective members 282b~282g at a predetermined incident angle A1 (for example, 60 degrees), is reflected by the lower reflective members 282b~282g and emitted as reflected light RLd1 from the lower reflective members 282b~282g towards the main body 101 at a predetermined reflection angle A2 (for example, 30 degrees).

[0094] On the other hand, when the front door 102 is opened relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θY (<θX, for example, 15 degrees), the incident light ILd1, which is emitted almost straight from the monitor LED 336d towards the front door 102 and incident on the lower reflective members 282b~282g at a predetermined incident angle A1' (for example, 70 degrees), is reflected by the lower reflective members 282b~282g and emitted as reflected light RLd1 from the lower reflective members 282b~282g towards the main body 101 at a predetermined reflection angle A2' (for example, 40 degrees).

[0095] In Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the region indicated by the symbol RLdE1 schematically represents the region (reflected light region) from which the reflected light RLd1 of the incident light ILd1 emitted from the monitor LED 336d and incident on the lower reflective members 282b to 282g is emitted.

[0096] As shown in Figure 4(a), when the front door 102 is opened relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θX (>θY), the reflected light region RLdE1 includes a portion of the lower panel 264 of the front door 102, the entire area of ​​the left frame 270L and left fixing screw 271L, a portion of the monitor LED 336d, a portion of the segment display 336g, and a portion of the power supply unit 252. These portions of the lower panel 264 (second component), the entire left frame 270L (second component) and left fixing screw 271L (second component), a portion of the monitor LED 336d (second component), a portion of the segment display 336g (second component), and a portion of the power supply unit 252 (second component) are illuminated by the reflected light RLd1 of the lower reflective members 282b to 282g.

[0097] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4(b), when the front door 102 is opened relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θY (<θX), the reflected light region RLdE1 includes a part of the lower panel 264 of the front door 102, the entire area of ​​the left frame 270L and left fixing screw 271L, the left half of the front view of the medal count control board 350B including all of the monitor LED 336d and a part of the segment display 336g, and a part of the power supply unit 252. These parts of the lower panel 264 (second component), the entire left frame 270L (second component) and left fixing screw 271L (second component), the left half of the front view of the medal count control board 350B (second component), and a part of the power supply unit 252 (second component) are illuminated by the reflected light RLd1 of the lower reflective members 282b~282g.

[0098] Therefore, when the front door 102 is opened relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θY (<θX) (the amount the front door is opened is smaller), the reflected light RLd1 from the lower reflective members 282b~282g reaches the back of the front door 102, and the reflected light RLd1 from the lower reflective members 282b~282g illuminates a wider area, brightly illuminating the area below the reels 110~112.

[0099] In this example, even if the opening angle of the front door 102 is small (even if the front door 102 is not fully opened), the reflected light from the light-emitting element can illuminate a wide area inside the front door 102. This makes it easier for workers to perform their tasks even when the store is dark, and also prevents players from peeking inside the machine during maintenance work. Furthermore, since the counting button 171 is located on the open end side of the front of the front door 102, it is easy to operate the counting button 171 even at a small opening angle, and it is easier to inspect and work inside the machine while the front door 102 is open compared to when the counting button 171 is located closer to the pivot axis of the front door 102.

[0100] Furthermore, when the front door 102 is opened relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θY (<θX) (the front door is opened less than when it is opened at an opening angle θY (<θX) (the front door is opened less than when it is opened at an opening angle θY (>θY) (the front door is opened more than when it is opened at an opening angle θY (<θX) (the front door is opened less less than when it is opened at an opening angle θY (<θX) (the front door is opened less than when it is opened less than when it is opened less than when it is opened less than when it is opened less than when it is opened at an opening angle θY (<θX) (the front door is opened less than when it is opened less than when it is opened less than when it is opened less than when it is opened less than when it is opened at an opening angle θY (<θX) (the front door

[0101] In this example, even if the opening angle of the front door 102 is small (even if the front door 102 is not fully opened), the reflected light from the light-emitting element can illuminate the left frame 270L and the left fixing screw 271L, making it easier for workers to work even when the store is dark.

[0102] Furthermore, when the front door 102 is opened relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θX (>θY), the incident light ILd2, which is emitted diagonally from the monitor LED 336d toward the front door 102 and incident on the lower reflective members 282b~282g at a predetermined incident angle B1 (for example, 80 degrees), is reflected by the lower reflective members 282b~282g and emitted as reflected light RLd2 toward the main body 101 at a predetermined reflection angle B2 (for example, 40 degrees).

[0103] On the other hand, when the front door 102 is open relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θY (<θX), the incident light ILd2, which is emitted diagonally from the monitor LED 336d toward the front door 102 and incident on the lower reflective members 282b~282g at a predetermined incident angle B1' (for example, 120 degrees), is reflected by the lower reflective members 282b~282g and emitted as reflected light RLd2 toward the main body 101 from the lower reflective members 282b~282g at a predetermined reflection angle B2' (for example, 20 degrees).

[0104] In Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the region indicated by the symbol RLdE2 schematically represents the region (reflected light region) from which the reflected light RLd2 of the incident light ILd2 emitted from the monitor LED 336d and incident on the lower reflective members 282b to 282g is emitted.

[0105] As shown in Figure 4(a), when the front door 102 is opened relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θX (>θY), the reflected light region RLdE2 includes a portion of the lower plate 264 of the front door 102 and a portion of the hinge device 276. These portions of the lower plate 264 (second component) and the hinge device 276 (second component) are illuminated by the reflected light RLd2 of the lower reflective members 282b to 282g.

[0106] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4(b), when the front door 102 is opened relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θY (<θX), the reflected light region RLdE2 includes a portion of the lower plate 264 of the front door 102 and a portion of the power supply unit 252. These portions of the lower plate 264 (second component) and the power supply unit 252 (second component) are illuminated by the reflected light RLd2 of the lower reflective members 282b to 282g.

[0107] Therefore, when the front door 102 is opened relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θY (<θX) (the amount the front door is opened is smaller), the reflected light RLd1 from the lower reflective members 282b~282g reaches the back of the front door 102, and the reflected light RLd1 from the lower reflective members 282b~282g illuminates a wider area, brightly illuminating the area below the reels 110~112.

[0108] Note that in Figures 4(a) and (b), for explanatory purposes, only the reflected light regions RLdE1 and RLdE2 of the light emitted from the monitor LED 336d of the medal count control unit 350 and the reflected light region RLfE of the light emitted from the monitor LED 336f are shown, and the illustration of the reflected light emitted from the monitor LED 336e and the segment display unit 336g is omitted.

[0109] Next, for example, when the front door 102 is opened relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θX (>θY), the incident light ILf, which is emitted almost straight from the monitor LED 336f toward the front door 102 and incident on the lower reflective members 282b~282g at a predetermined incident angle C1 (for example, 50 degrees), is reflected by the lower reflective members 282b~282g and emitted as reflected light RLf toward the main body 101 at a predetermined reflection angle C2 (for example, 80 degrees).

[0110] On the other hand, when the front door 102 is opened relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θY (<θX), the incident light ILf, which is emitted almost straight from the monitor LED 336f toward the front door 102 and incident on the lower reflective members 282b~282g at a predetermined incident angle C1' (for example, 80 degrees), is reflected by the lower reflective members 282b~282g and emitted as reflected light RLf toward the main body 101 from the lower reflective members 282b~282g at a predetermined reflection angle C2' (for example, 110 degrees).

[0111] In Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the region indicated by the symbol RLfE schematically represents the region (reflected light region) from which the reflected light RLf of the incident light ILf emitted from the monitor LED 336d and incident on the lower reflective members 282b to 282g is emitted.

[0112] As shown in Figure 4(a), when the front door 102 is opened relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θX (>θY), the reflected light region RLfE includes a portion of the lower panel 264 of the front door 102, the entire area of ​​the right frame 270R and the right fixing screw 271R, a portion of the monitor LED 336d, a portion of the segment display 336g, and the entire area of ​​the loaner machine connection terminal board 790. All of these components—a portion of the lower panel 264 (second component), the entire right frame 270R (second component) and the right fixing screw 271R (second component), a portion of the monitor LED 336d (second component), a portion of the segment display 336g (second component), and the loaner machine connection terminal board 790 (second component)—are illuminated by the reflected light RLf of the lower reflective members 282b to 282g.

[0113] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4(b), when the front door 102 is opened relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θY (<θX), the reflected light region RLfE includes a part of the lower plate 264 of the front door 102, the entire area of ​​the right frame 270R and the right fixing screw 271R, the right half of the front view of the medal count control board 350B including all of the monitor LED 336f and a part of the segment display 336g, and the entire area of ​​the loaner machine connection terminal board 790. Thus, a part of the lower plate 264 (second component), the entire right frame 270R (second component) and the right fixing screw 271R (second component), the right half of the front view of the medal count control board 350B (second component), and the entire loaner machine connection terminal board 790 (second component) are illuminated by the reflected light RLf of the lower reflective members 282b~282g.

[0114] Therefore, when the front door 102 is opened to the main body 101 at an opening angle θY (<θX) (the amount the front door is opened) compared to when the front door 102 is opened to the main body 101 at an opening angle θX (>θY) (the amount the front door is opened), the reflected light RLf from the lower reflective members 282b~282g reaches the back of the front door 102, and the reflected light RLf from the lower reflective members 282b~282g illuminates a wider area, brightly illuminating the area below the reels 110~112.

[0115] In this example, even if the opening angle of the front door 102 is small (even if the front door 102 is not fully opened), the reflected light from the light-emitting element can illuminate a wide area inside the front door 102. This makes it easier for workers to perform their tasks even when the store is dark, and also prevents players from peeking inside the machine during maintenance work. Furthermore, because the counting button 171 is located on the open end side of the front of the front door 102, it is easy to operate the counting button 171 even at a small opening angle, and it is easier to inspect and work inside the machine while the front door 102 is open compared to when the counting button 171 is located closer to the pivot axis of the front door 102.

[0116] Furthermore, the reflected light RLd1 of the incident light incident on the lower reflective members 282b to 282g, the region RLdE1 from which this reflected light RLd1 is emitted, the reflected light RLd2 of the incident light ILd2 incident on the lower reflective members 282b to 282g, and the region RLdE2 from which this reflected light RLd2 is emitted are all light generated by the lower reflective members 282d, 282e, and 282g, which are located among the multiple lower reflective members 282b to 282g, closer to the pivot axis 102a side than to the open end 102b side of the front door 102.

[0117] On the other hand, the reflected light RLf of the incident light ILf incident on the lower reflective members 282b to 282g, and the region RLfE from which this reflected light RLf is emitted, are the light generated by the lower reflective members 282b, 282c, and 282f, which are among the multiple lower reflective members 282b to 282g and are located closer to the open end 102b side of the front door 102 than to the pivot axis 102a side.

[0118] Furthermore, when the front door 102 is opened relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θY (<θX) (the front door is opened less than when it is opened at an opening angle θY (>θY) (the front door is opened a large amount), the distance from the lower reflective members 282b~282g to the right frame 270R and the right fixing screw 271R is shorter. As a result, the reflected light RLd1 from the lower reflective members 282b~282g illuminates the right frame 270R and the right fixing screw 271R more brightly.

[0119] In this example, even if the opening angle of the front door 102 is small (even if the front door 102 is not fully opened), the reflected light from the light-emitting element can illuminate the right frame 270R and the right fixing screw 271R, making it easier for workers to work even when the store is dark. The rental machine connection terminal board 790, which is located on the lower panel 264 of the front door 102, is difficult to reach with light emitted from the monitor LEDs 336d~336f and segment display 336g. Furthermore, when viewed from the front door 102 side, the light from the monitor LEDs 336d~336f and segment display 336g may become backlighting, reducing visibility. However, in this example, the entire rental machine connection terminal board 790 can be illuminated by the reflected light RLf from the lower reflective members 282b~282g, thereby improving the visibility of the rental machine connection terminal board 790.

[0120] Furthermore, when the front door 102 is opened to the main body 101 at an opening angle θY (<θX), the left half of the medal count control board 350B in a front view can be illuminated by the reflected light of the monitor LED 336d and segment display 336g, the central part of the medal count control board 350B in a front view can be illuminated by the reflected light of the monitor LED 336e and segment display 336g, and the right half of the medal count control board 350B in a front view can be illuminated by the reflected light of the monitor LED 336f and segment display 336g. Thus, almost the entire medal count control board 350B can be illuminated by the reflected light of the monitor LEDs 336d to 336f and segment display 336g.

[0121] Therefore, the visibility of the medal count control board 350B can be improved, and the visibility of the operating means (for example, a reset button, a medal count clear button, a setting key) can be improved regardless of where on the medal count control board 350B (for example, the left end in the front view that is close to the pivot axis 102a of the front door 102, or the right end in the front view that is close to the open end 102b of the front door 102).

[0122] Furthermore, the visibility of the segment display 336g installed on the medal count control board 350B can be improved. For example, when the slot machine 100 is restored to power after a power outage, it is possible to determine whether the medal count needs to be reset by looking at the display on the segment display 336g without having to look at the display on the game medal count display device 170 on the front door 102 (with the front door 102 open), thus improving convenience for amusement parlor staff. Additionally, when the power is restored to power after a power outage, it is possible to determine whether an error needs to be cleared, further improving convenience for amusement parlor staff.

[0123] Furthermore, when the monitor LED 336f or segment display 336g displays a flashing light, the reflected light from the monitor LED 336f or segment display 336g can illuminate a wide area inside the main unit 101, making it easier to notice errors or other abnormalities and allowing for a quick response to such errors.

[0124] In this invention, "a certain substrate" can be any substrate having light-emitting elements, and the placement of the light-emitting elements on the substrate is not limited to this example. Therefore, in this example, the monitor LEDs 336d to 336f are placed towards the right in the longitudinal direction of the medal count control substrate 350B, but the monitor LEDs 336d to 336f may also be placed towards the left in the longitudinal direction of the medal count control substrate 350B, or they may be placed in the center in the longitudinal direction of the medal count control substrate 350. By placing the light-emitting elements in the center in the longitudinal direction of the substrate, the reflected light emitted from the light-emitting elements can be reflected over a wider area within the main body, thereby improving visibility within the main body.

[0125] Similarly, the placement of operating means (e.g., reset button, medal count clear button, setting key) on the circuit board is not limited to this example. Therefore, for example, the operating means may be placed near the pivot axis of the front door on the circuit board, or near the open end of the front door on the circuit board.

[0126] By positioning the operating means close to the pivot axis of the front door on the circuit board, even if the operating means is not visible without the reflected light from the light-emitting element, the reflected light from the light-emitting element can illuminate the operating means, thereby improving the visibility of the operating means.

[0127] On the other hand, if the operating mechanism is positioned closer to the open end of the front door on the circuit board, the front door can be operated with a smaller opening (smaller opening angle) than if it were closer to the pivot axis, making it easier to access the operating mechanism and improving work efficiency. In addition, even if the light-emitting element is backlit, the operating mechanism can be illuminated by the reflected light from the light-emitting element, improving visibility.

[0128] Furthermore, the location in which the "certain substrate" according to the present invention is placed is not particularly limited. In this example, the main control board 300B is placed above the reels 110-112 and the medal count control board 350B is placed below the reels 110-112. However, the main control board 300B may be placed below the reels 110-112 and the medal count control board 350B may be placed above the reels 110-112, or both the main control board 300B and the medal count control board 350B may be placed above (or below) the reels 110-112.

[0129] For example, if the main control board 300B is positioned below the reels 110-112, the reflected light emitted from the main board display 190 can illuminate the operating means (e.g., setting keys) located near the pivot axis 102a of the front door 102 on the main control board 300B. Even if the operating means would not be visible without the reflected light from the light-emitting element, the reflected light from the light-emitting element can illuminate the operating means, thereby improving the visibility of the operating means.

[0130] Furthermore, if the main control board 300B is positioned below the reels 110-112, the reflected light from the main board display 190 can illuminate the operating means (for example, the medal count clear button) located below the main board display 190 on the main control board 300B. While the light from the main board display 190 may become backlighting when viewed from the front door 102 side, potentially reducing the visibility of the main board display 190, the reflected light from the main board display 190 can illuminate the operating means, thereby improving the visibility of the operating means.

[0131] Furthermore, the main control board 300B and the medal count control board 350B may be positioned off-center (off-center) towards the right side (or left side) of the front view of the rear panel 242 of the front door 102. For example, the medal count control board 350B may be positioned towards the right side of the front view of the rear panel 242 of the front door 102, the light-emitting element may be positioned to the left of the longitudinal direction of the medal count control board 350B, and the segment display and operating means (e.g., reset button, medal count clear button, setting key) may be positioned below the light-emitting element.

[0132] With this configuration, the reflected light emitted from the light-emitting element can illuminate the operating means located below the light-emitting element on the medal count control board 350B. While there is a risk that the light from the light-emitting element may cause backlighting and reduce the visibility of the operating means when viewed from the front door 102 side, the reflected light from the light-emitting element can illuminate the operating means, thereby improving its visibility.

[0133] Although the upper reflective member 282a is not shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), as described above, the light reflected by the upper reflective member 282a (reflected light) mainly illuminates the area opposite the upper reflective member 282a, that is, the area above the reels 110 to 112 of the main body 101.

[0134] This example shows that the visibility of the area above the reels, which is often obscured by the lighting in a gaming parlor, can be improved, making it easier to perform tasks such as inspecting the inside of the machine and replacing parts, thereby enhancing the maintainability of the gaming machine.

[0135] <Function of reflective material / summary> As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1) comprises a housing (for example, the main body 101 shown in Figure 1), a front door (for example, the front door 102 shown in Figure 1), certain light-emitting elements (for example, the monitor LEDs 336a to 336e shown in Figures 3(a) and (b), the main board display 190, and the segment display 336g), a first component (for example, the upper reflective member 282a shown in Figure 2, and the lower reflective members 282b to 282g shown in Figures 2, 4(a) and (b)), and a second component (for example, the main control board 300B shown in Figures 3(a) and (b), the dispensing machine connection terminal board 790, and the power supply unit 25 2. A gaming machine comprising a medal count control board 350B), wherein a certain light-emitting element is disposed inside the casing, the first component is disposed in a certain area on the back of the front door, the certain area is an area to which the light of the certain light-emitting element is shone when the front door is closed, the first component is a component capable of reflecting the light of the certain light-emitting element, the second component is a component located inside the casing, and at least a part of the second component is shone with at least a part of the light of the certain light-emitting element reflected by the first component.

[0136] The interior of slot machine cabinets can be difficult to see due to the shadows cast by the lighting in the gaming parlor. Furthermore, many gaming parlors dim the lighting in the slot machine area compared to the pachinko area, making it even harder to see inside the cabinet. In recent years, coinless slot machines (managed gaming machines) that do not use the conventional physical token medium have been proposed. In such managed gaming machines, a hopper device for storing tokens is unnecessary, creating empty space inside the cabinet, and there is a need to make effective use of this empty space.

[0137] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, even without fully opening the front door, the visibility of the area inside the cabinet, which tends to be obscured by the lighting of the gaming parlor, can be improved, making it easier to perform inspection work and parts replacement work inside the cabinet, thereby improving the maintainability of the gaming machine.

[0138] The device also includes reels (for example, reels 110-112 shown in Figure 1) and a circuit board (for example, a medal count control board 350B shown in Figure 3), wherein the circuit board is disposed below the reels inside the housing, and a certain light-emitting element (for example, monitor LEDs 336d-336e and 7-segment display 336g shown in Figures 3(a) and (b)) is disposed on the circuit board, and the second component (for example, a dispensing machine connection terminal board 790, a power supply unit 252, and a medal count control board 350B shown in Figures 3(a) and (b)) may be located below the reels inside the housing.

[0139] With this configuration, even without fully opening the front door, the visibility of the area below the reels, which is often obscured by the lighting in the gaming parlor, can be improved. This makes it easier to perform inspection work and replace parts inside the cabinet, thereby improving the maintainability of the gaming machine. In particular, with coinless slots (managed gaming machines), the space below the reels creates extra room, further improving the visibility of parts located below the reels compared to conventional slot machines, and thus improving the maintainability of those parts.

[0140] Furthermore, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1) comprises a housing (for example, the main body 101 shown in Figure 1), a front door (for example, the front door 102 shown in Figure 1), a certain light-emitting element (for example, the monitor LEDs 336a to 336e, the main board display 190, and the segment display 336g shown in Figures 3(a) and (b)), and a first component (for example, the upper reflective member 282a shown in Figure 2, and the lower reflective members 282b to 282g shown in Figures 2, 4(a) and (b)), wherein the light-emitting element is disposed inside the housing, and the first component is disposed in a certain area on the back of the front door, and the certain area is illuminated by the light of the light-emitting element when the front door is closed. The light source is an area that is illuminated, the first component is a component capable of reflecting the light of a certain light-emitting element, the area is located closer to the pivot axis (for example, the pivot axis 102a shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b)) than to the open end of the front door (for example, the open end 102b shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b)), and the light source reflected by the first component illuminates the inside of the housing more brightly when the amount of opening of the front door is smaller than when the amount of opening of the front door is smaller than when the front door 102 is opened at an opening angle θX relative to the main body 101 (for example, when the front door 102 is opened at an opening angle θY relative to the main body 101, as shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b)).

[0141] The interior of slot machine cabinets can be difficult to see due to the shadows cast by the lighting in the gaming parlor. Furthermore, many gaming parlors dim the lighting in the slot machine area compared to the pachinko area, making it even harder to see inside the cabinet. In recent years, coinless slot machines (managed gaming machines) that do not use the conventional physical token medium have been proposed. In such managed gaming machines, a hopper device for storing tokens is unnecessary, creating empty space inside the cabinet, and there is a need to make effective use of this empty space.

[0142] According to this embodiment of the gaming machine, visibility of areas that tend to be obscured by the lighting of the gaming parlor can be improved even without fully opening the front door, making it easier to perform tasks such as inspecting the inside of the machine and replacing parts, thereby improving the maintainability of the gaming machine. In addition, it is possible to prevent players from peeking inside the machine during maintenance work.

[0143] Furthermore, the device comprises reels (for example, reels 110-112 shown in Figure 1), a circuit board (for example, a medal count control circuit board 350B shown in Figure 3), and a second component (for example, a dispensing machine connection terminal board 790, a power supply unit 252, and a medal count control circuit board 350B shown in Figures 3(a) and (b)), wherein the circuit board is disposed below the reels inside the housing, and a certain light-emitting element (for example, monitor LEDs 336d-336e and a 7-segment display unit 336g shown in Figures 3(a) and (b)) is disposed on the circuit board, and the second component is located below the reels inside the housing, and the light of the light-emitting element reflected by the first component may illuminate the area below the reels more brightly when the front door is opened less than when it is opened more.

[0144] With this configuration, even without fully opening the front door, the visibility of the area below the reels, which is often obscured by the lighting in the gaming parlor, can be improved. This makes it easier to perform inspection work and replace parts inside the cabinet, thereby improving the maintainability of the gaming machine. In particular, with coinless slots (managed gaming machines), the space below the reels creates extra room, further improving the visibility of parts located below the reels compared to conventional slot machines, and thus improving the maintainability of those parts.

[0145] Furthermore, the light-emitting element may also be a light-emitting element that indicates the amount of game value (for example, the number of game tokens) stored in the game machine.

[0146] With this configuration, when power is restored after an outage, the need to reset the game value can be determined by the game value indicated by the light-emitting element, thereby improving convenience for staff at amusement parlors.

[0147] Furthermore, the light-emitting element may also be a light-emitting element that displays an error related to an error that occurred in the gaming machine (for example, an error code).

[0148] With this configuration, it becomes possible to determine whether or not an error needs to be cleared when power is restored after an outage, thus improving convenience for staff at amusement parlors and other related personnel.

[0149] Furthermore, the light-emitting element may be configured to alternately display the game value and the error display when an error occurs in the game machine.

[0150] This configuration makes error messages more prominent, making it easier to notice when an error occurs, and allows for quicker responses to errors, thereby increasing player satisfaction.

[0151] Furthermore, the aforementioned light-emitting element may be a light-emitting element that indicates that the first operating means of the gaming machine (for example, the counting button 171 shown in Figure 1) has been operated.

[0152] With this configuration, it is possible to verify whether the operation detection of the first operating means is functioning correctly.

[0153] Furthermore, the first operating means is an operating means provided on the front side of the front door, and when the first operating means is operated with the front door open, at least a portion of the light from the light-emitting element reflected by the first component may be irradiated onto at least a portion of the second component.

[0154] With this configuration, when you want to focus on inspecting or working inside the casing, you can activate the first operating mechanism to make it light up and reflect, and when you don't want the player to peek inside, you can darken the inside of the casing without operating the first operating mechanism, thus allowing you to adjust the brightness of the view as needed.

[0155] Furthermore, the first operating means may be an operating means provided on the front side of the front door at a position closer to the open end side than to the pivot axis side of the front door.

[0156] With this configuration, the first operating means can be positioned closer to the open end of the front door, thereby improving the operability of the first operating means when the front door is open.

[0157] <Department Head> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be explained in detail using Figure 5. Figure 5 shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit of the slot machine 100.

[0158] 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 effects in accordance with command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") transmitted by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on commands transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400.

[0159] <Main Control Unit> First, let's describe the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100. The main control unit 300 is equipped with a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. This basic circuit 302 is equipped with a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control program data, lottery data used when internally drawing winning combinations, reel stopping positions, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of spins, etc. Note that other storage devices may be used instead of the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and this also applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 which will be described later.

[0160] The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator as the system clock. Furthermore, when power is turned on, the CPU 304 sends frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time. The CPU 304 then performs monitoring of various sensors and transmission of drive pulses based on this interrupt request. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator is set to 8MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1 / 256, and the frequency division data in ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference interrupt time will be 256 × 47 ÷ 8MHz = 1.504ms.

[0161] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a sensor circuit, and the CPU 304 monitors the status of various sensors 318 (bet button 130 sensor, bet button 132 sensor, start lever 135 sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, payout button 134 sensor, setting change button 175 sensor, reel 110 index sensor, reel 111 index sensor, reel 112 index sensor, etc.) at interrupt intervals.

[0162] The start lever 135 sensor consists of two sensors installed inside the start lever 135 to detect the player's start operation. The stop button sensors 137, 138, and 139 are installed on the respective stop buttons 137-139 to detect the player's operation of the stop buttons.

[0163] The bet button 130 sensor and the bet button 132 sensor detect the insertion operation when inserting tokens electronically stored in the RAM 308 as tokens to be used in the game. The payout button 134 sensor is located on the payout button 134. When the payout button 134 is pressed once, the electronically stored tokens are paid out. Note that each of the above sensors may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor.

[0164] The index sensors for reel 110, reel 111, and reel 112 are installed in predetermined positions on the mounting bases of each reel 110-112, and each time a light-shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes over them, the signal level becomes L. When the CPU 304 detects this signal, it determines that the reel has rotated once and resets the rotation position information of the reel to zero.

[0165] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a drive circuit 322 for driving the stepping motors installed on the reels 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 for driving display devices such as the main board display 190, and a drive circuit 326 for driving various lamps 336 (winning line indicator lamp 120, game token insertion ready lamp 124, replay lamp 122, game token insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, stored token count indicator 125, game information indicator 126, payout token count indicator 127).

[0166] Furthermore, an information output circuit 328 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 outputs game information (for example, game status) of the slot machine 100 to an information input circuit 650 provided by an external hall computer (not shown) via this information output circuit 328. The main control unit 300 also includes a voltage monitoring circuit that monitors the voltage value of the power supply to the main control unit 300, and the voltage monitoring circuit outputs a low voltage signal to the basic circuit 302 indicating that the voltage has dropped when the voltage value of the power supply falls below a predetermined value (9V in this embodiment).

[0167] Furthermore, 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. However, information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way; the main control unit 300 can send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but the first sub-control unit 400 cannot send signals such as commands to the main control unit 300.

[0168] <Deputy Commander> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 receives control commands transmitted by the main control unit 300 via an input interface and includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on these control commands. This basic circuit 402 is equipped with a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by receiving a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 414 as the system clock. The first sub-control unit 400 also includes a ROM 406 that stores control programs and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, data for controlling the backlight lighting patterns and various indicators, etc.

[0169] The CPU 404 transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0170] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a sound source (audio amplifier) ​​IC 418, to which speakers 272 and 277 are connected via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls the sound output from the amplifier and speakers 272 and 277 in response to commands from the CPU 404. The sound source IC 418 is connected to an S-ROM (sound ROM) in which audio data is stored, and the audio data acquired from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from speakers 272 and 277.

[0171] The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a drive circuit 422, to which various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162 lamp, notification lamp 123, etc.) are connected via an input / output interface.

[0172] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 424 for driving the shutter 163, and the shutter 163 is connected to the drive circuit 424 via an output interface. This drive circuit 424 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided on the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 404.

[0173] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped 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 status of the shutter sensor 428 at interrupt intervals.

[0174] Furthermore, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub-control unit 500 via an output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 of the slot machine 100 controls the liquid crystal display device 157 and other components.

[0175] Next, the second sub-control unit 500 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The second sub-control unit 500 receives control commands transmitted by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and includes a basic circuit 502 that 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 receiving a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 514 as the system clock. The second sub-control unit 500 also includes a ROM 506 that stores control programs and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, as well as data for image display, etc.

[0176] The CPU 504 transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 504 at each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0177] The second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a VDP 516 (video display processor), to which a liquid crystal ROM 507 and a VRAM 518 are connected via a bus. Based on signals from the CPU 504, the VDP 516 reads image data stored in the liquid crystal ROM 507, generates a display image using the work area of ​​the VRAM 516, and displays the image on the image display device 157.

[0178] Next, the medal count control unit 350 will be described. In addition to the game control unit 302 that controls the progress of the game, the main control unit 300 has a medal count control unit 350 that controls the number of game medals owned by the player. The game control unit 302 is an example of a game control means, and the medal count control unit 350 is an example of a game value control means.

[0179] The medal count control unit 350, like the game control unit 302, is equipped with a CPU 354, ROM 356, RAM 358, I / O 360 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 362 for measuring time, counts, etc.

[0180] The basic circuit of the medal count control unit 350 is connected to a game medal count display device 170 consisting of a 5-digit 7-segment (SEG) display, a counting button 171, and a game medal count clear button 172.

[0181] Furthermore, the basic circuit of the medal count control unit 350 is also connected to the lending machine 700 via the lending machine connection terminal board 790. The medal count control unit 350 communicates bidirectionally with the lending machine 700.

[0182] The medal count control unit 350 sends various commands to the game control unit 302. The game control unit 302 also sends 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 bidirectional. The medal count control unit 350 also stores the "number of game medals" in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 358. Specifically, the "number of game medals" is stored in the credit counter. The medal count control unit 350 updates the "number of game medals" stored in the predetermined area of ​​the RAM 358 through addition or subtraction processing. Addition processing includes processing based on payout commands sent from the game control unit 302, processing based on settlement commands sent from the game control unit 302, and processing based on loan notifications sent from the loan machine 700. On the other hand, subtraction processing includes counting processing based on the operation of the counting button 171, and processing based on the insertion command sent from the game control unit 302.

[0183] The game token count clear button 172 is located in a position that the player cannot operate (for example, a position that cannot be operated without opening the front door 102), and is a means of clearing the "number of game tokens" stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 358.

[0184] For example, if the number of game tokens remaining is "2" and the player is absent, it becomes difficult to determine whether the player who left the "2" intends to continue playing or not, and another player may be unable to start playing. However, if the number of game tokens can be cleared by an employee, another player can be welcomed sooner. Furthermore, when the game token count clear button 172 is operated, it is not necessary to always clear the "number of game tokens". For example, it may be possible to clear the game tokens only when there are 2 or fewer tokens, and if there are 3 or more, counting may be performed in the same way as when the counting button 171 is operated. If the counting button 171 malfunctions and it is not possible to recognize that it has been operated, it may become impossible to convert the "number of game tokens" to the "number of tokens held", which could disadvantage the player. However, if counting can also be done by an employee, this disadvantage to the player can be avoided.

[0185] Furthermore, since there is no need to install a separate counting button for staff, there is no increase in costs. Alternatively, instead of determining the number of game tokens to decide whether to clear or count, the process could be determined by how the game token count clear button 172 is operated. For example, a short press would clear the tokens, and a long press would count them. This allows for easy selection of either clear or count, regardless of the number of game tokens. Another option is to clear the tokens if only the game token count clear button 172 is operated, and count them if the game token count clear button 172 and another button are operated simultaneously. This reduces the possibility of operational errors and allows for easy selection of either clear or count.

[0186] <Example of circuit board connection> Next, an example of the connections of the circuit board in the slot machine 100 will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the connections of the circuit board in the slot machine 100.

[0187] For example, the main control board 300B, which is equipped with the main control unit 300, is connected to the relay board RB1 by harness HB1. Furthermore, this relay board RB1 is connected by harnesses HA1 to HA6 to the lever unit 135U (equipped with start lever 135), the stop button unit 136U (equipped with stop buttons 137 to 139), the game token count display device 170, the bet button unit 132U (equipped with bet buttons 130 and 132, and settlement button 134), the counting button unit 138U (equipped with counting button 171), the door sensor, etc.

[0188] Furthermore, the main control board 300B is connected by harnesses HF1 to HF3 to the medal count control board 350B, which is equipped with a medal count control unit 350, the relay board RB2, and the power supply unit 252, respectively. In addition, the medal count control board 350B is connected by harness HG1 to the dispensing machine connection terminal board 790, and the relay board RB2 is connected by harnesses HI1 to HI3 to the reel unit 140U (equipped with reels 110 to 112).

[0189] Alternatively, power (power supply voltage) may be supplied to the medal count control board 350B by a harness connecting the power supply unit 252 and the medal count control board 350B, or power supply unit 252 and a power supply relay board may be connected by a harness, and power (power supply voltage) may be supplied from the power supply relay board to the main control board 300B and the medal count control board 350B.

[0190] The sub-control board 400B, which is equipped with the first sub-control unit 400, is connected to the main control board 300B by harness HE1 and to the relay board RB4 by harness HD1. Furthermore, this relay board RB4 is connected to the menu button unit 900U and the chance button unit 190U by harnesses HC1 and HC2, respectively.

[0191] Furthermore, the sub-control board 400B is connected to the liquid crystal control board 500B, on which the ROM 506 of the second sub-control unit 500 is located, by board-to-board connections using connectors CN4B1 and CN5B1, which will be described later. This liquid crystal control board 500B is further connected to the performance image display device 157 via connectors CN5B2 and CN5B3, which will be described later, and is also connected to the liquid crystal CPU board 500C, on which the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 is located, by board-to-board connections using connectors CN5B4 and CN5C2, which will be described later. This liquid crystal CPU board 500C is further connected to the liquid crystal ROM board 500D, on which the liquid crystal ROM 507 of the second sub-control unit 500 is located, by board-to-board connections using connectors CN5C1 and CN5D1, which will be described later.

[0192] The liquid crystal control board 500B, the liquid crystal CPU board 500C, and the liquid crystal ROM board 500D are boards that constitute the second sub-control unit 500, and hereafter, the liquid crystal control board 500B, the liquid crystal CPU board 500C, and the liquid crystal ROM board 500D may be collectively referred to as "liquid crystal boards" or "liquid crystal boards 500B-500D". In addition, although a floating connector is used as the connector for board-to-board connection in this example, the "connector" according to the present invention is not limited to this example, and may be a micro connector, stacking connector, mezzanine connector, or the like.

[0193] Furthermore, the sub-control board 400B is connected to the movable unit 141U, the lighting board 550, and the speakers 272 and 277 via harnesses HJ1 to HJ3, relay boards RB5 to RB7, and harnesses HK1 to HK3.

[0194] <Sub-control board and liquid crystal board> Next, the sub-control board 400B and the liquid crystal boards 500B to 500D will be described. Figure 7(a) is a diagram showing a portion of the front door 102 in its open state.

[0195] Here, arrows d1 and d2 in Figure 7(a) indicate the direction when the slot machine 100 is fixed in place. Arrow d1 indicates the width direction of the slot machine 100 (sometimes called the left-right direction), and in a rear view, the left hand may be referred to as left and the right hand as right. Arrow d2 indicates the height direction of the slot machine 100 (sometimes called the up-down direction), and the higher side may be referred to as up and the lower side as down. Although not shown in Figure 7(a), in the depth direction of the slot machine 100 (sometimes called the front-back direction), the front side may be referred to as the front or front face, and the back side may be referred to as the rear or rear face.

[0196] The front door 102 is hinged to the main body 101 via a hinge device 276 so that it can be opened and closed. Above the pattern display window 113, there is a display device 160 (a shutter 163 and a display image display device 157 as shown in Figure 1), a sub-control board case 164 housing a sub-control board 400B and liquid crystal boards 500B to 500D that control the display device 160, and an upper speaker 272.

[0197] <Sub-control board and LCD board / sub-control board case> Next, the sub-control circuit board case 164 will be described using Figures 7(b) and 8(a).

[0198] Here, arrows d3 and d4 in Figure 7(b) indicate the direction when the sub-control board case 164 is fixed to the back panel 242 of the front door 102. Arrow d3 indicates the width direction of the sub-control board case 164 (sometimes called the left-right direction or the long side direction) and the width direction of the various boards housed in this sub-control board case 164 (sometimes called the left-right direction or the board surface direction), and in the front view of Figure 7(b), the left hand is sometimes referred to as left and the right hand as right. Arrow d4 indicates the height direction of the sub-control board case 164 (sometimes called the up-down direction or the short side direction) and the height direction of the various boards housed in this sub-control board case 164 (sometimes called the up-down direction or the board surface direction), and the higher side is sometimes referred to as up and the lower side as down.

[0199] Although not shown in Figure 7(b), in the depth direction of the sub-control circuit board case 164 (sometimes referred to as the front-to-back direction or thickness direction) and in the depth direction of the various circuit boards housed in this sub-control circuit board case 164 (sometimes referred to as the thickness direction or board thickness direction), the front side may be called the surface, front side, or front face, and the back side may be called the back side, rear side, or rear face.

[0200] Figure 7(b) is a magnified view of the sub-control circuit board case 164, and Figure 8(a) is a cross-sectional view along the line X-X in Figure 7(b).

[0201] The sub-control circuit board case 164 is a box-shaped structure composed of a lower case 164D, which has a roughly rectangular bottom, and an upper case 164U, which is positioned to cover the space inside the lower case 164b.

[0202] In the right-hand region of the upper case 164U, screw bosses 166 for the sub-control board 400B are formed, projecting inward from the upper case 164U, into which mounting screws 165 for fixing the sub-control board 400B can be screwed. A total of four screw bosses 166 for the sub-control board are formed at positions corresponding to the screw holes 167 formed at the four corners of the sub-control board 400B, and the projection length h1 from the upper case 164U is the same as the projection length h1 from the upper case 164U in the liquid crystal control board screw boss 181 described later.

[0203] Furthermore, in the left region of the upper case 164U, screw bosses 181 for the liquid crystal control board 500B are formed, which can be screwed into mounting screws 180 for fixing the liquid crystal control board 500B, and which protrude inward from the upper case 164U. A total of four screw bosses 181 for the liquid crystal control board are formed at positions corresponding to the screw holes 182 formed at the four corners of the liquid crystal control board 500B, and the protrusion length h1 from the upper case 164U is the same as the protrusion length h1 from the upper case 164U of the screw bosses 166 for the sub-control board.

[0204] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8(a), a rib (protrusion) 184 for supporting the sub-control board 400B from below is formed to protrude inward from the lower case 164D, slightly to the right of the center of the lower case 164D.

[0205] Inside the sub-control board case 164, the sub-control board 400B and the liquid crystal control board 500B are fixed to the upper case 164U by mounting screws 165 and 180, respectively, via board-to-board connection. The liquid crystal CPU board 500C is connected to the liquid crystal control board 500B via board-to-board connection in the thickness direction, and the liquid crystal ROM board 500D is further connected to the liquid crystal CPU board 500C via board-to-board connection in the surface direction. Details of each board-to-board connection will be described later.

[0206] The upper case 164U and the lower case 164D are each made of translucent resin, allowing the sub-control board 400B and liquid crystal boards 500B~500D, which are housed inside the sub-control board case 164, to be visible from the outside through the sub-control board case 164.

[0207] <Sub-control board and LCD board / Sub-control board, LCD control board> Next, the sub-control board 400B and the liquid crystal control board 500B will be explained using Figures 7(b) and 8(a).

[0208] Here, arrows d3 and d5 in Figure 8(a) indicate the direction when the sub-control unit board case 164, which houses the sub-control board 400B and the liquid crystal control board 500B, is fixed to the back panel 242 of the front door 102. Arrow d3 indicates the direction of the board surface of the sub-control board 400B and the liquid crystal control board 500B (sometimes referred to as the width direction or left-right direction), and in the front view of Figure 8(a), the left hand is sometimes referred to as left and the right hand as right.

[0209] Arrow d5 indicates the thickness direction (sometimes called the depth direction or thickness direction) of the sub-control board 400B and the LCD control board 500B. In the front view of Figure 8(a), the upper side is the front side of the slot machine 100, but in the description of the board, it may be referred to as the upper side, top, or upward. Similarly, in the front view of Figure 8(a), the lower side is the back side of the slot machine 100, but in the description of the board, it may be referred to as the lower side, bottom, or downward (the same applies to Figure 8(b), which will be discussed later).

[0210] [0] When the front door 102 is closed, the surface of each circuit board is positioned opposite the back panel 242 of the main unit 101, but when the front door 102 is open, the surface of each circuit board is positioned opposite the worker.

[0211] The sub-control board 400B comprises a base material consisting of a rectangular plate-like body, and four screw holes 167 are formed at the four corners of this base material, through which mounting screws 165 for attaching the sub-control board 400B to the sub-control unit board case 164 can be inserted.

[0212] On one side 400Ba (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front surface") and the other side 400Bb (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "back surface") of the sub-control board 400B, various types of components (connectors, ICs, etc.) are mounted, and resist layers, wiring patterns, pads, lands, interlayer conductive parts (vias, through-holes), silk screen printing, etc., are formed.

[0213] In this example, the front surface 400Ba of the sub-control board 400B is equipped with a CPU 404, a first connector CN4B1 for board-to-board connection with the liquid crystal control board 500B, a second connector CN4B2 to which harness HE1 (see Figure 6) connected to the main control board 300B can be connected, and a third connector CN4B3 and a fourth connector CN4B4 to which harnesses HC1 and HJ1 to HJ3 (see Figure 6) connected to any of the relay boards RB4 to RB7 (see Figure 6) can be connected. Components such as capacitors 168 are mounted on the back surface 400Bb of the sub-control board 400B.

[0214] The liquid crystal control board 500B comprises a base material consisting of a rectangular plate-like body, and four screw holes 182 are formed at the four corners of this base material, through which mounting screws 180 for attaching the liquid crystal control board 500B to the sub-control board case 164 can be inserted.

[0215] On one side 500Ba (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front surface") and the other side 500Bb (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "back surface") of the liquid crystal control substrate 500B, various types of components (connectors, ICs, etc.) are mounted, and resist layers, wiring patterns, pads, lands, interlayer conductive parts (vias, through-holes), silk screen printing, etc., are formed.

[0216] In this example, the front surface 500Ba of the liquid crystal control board 500B is equipped with a first connector CN5B1 for board-to-board connection with the sub-control board 400B, a second connector CN5B2 to which an FFC for outputting video to the performance image display device 157 is connected, and a third connector CN5B3 to which a harness for outputting audio to the performance image display device 157 is connected. The liquid crystal CPU board 500C is also connected board-to-board to the liquid crystal control board 500B, and components such as the battery 183 are mounted on the back surface 500Bb of the liquid crystal control board 500B. Details of the board-to-board connection with the liquid crystal CPU board 500C will be described later.

[0217] The second connector CN5B2 of the liquid crystal control board 500B is thinner than any of the third connector CN5B3 of the liquid crystal control board 500B, and the first connector CN4B1, second connector CN4B2, third connector CN4B3, and fourth connector CN4B4 of the sub-control board 400B, and is smaller than any of the first connector CN4B1, second connector CN4B2, third connector CN4B3, and fourth connector CN4B4 of the sub-control board 400B. Furthermore, the third connector CN5B3 of the liquid crystal control board 500B is smaller than any of the first connector CN4B1, second connector CN4B2, third connector CN4B3, and fourth connector CN4B4 of the sub-control board 400B.

[0218] The first connector CN4B1 of the sub-control board 400B is located on the left side of the sub-control board 400B in the longitudinal direction, and the first connector CN5B1 of the liquid crystal control board 500B is located on the right side of the liquid crystal control board 500B in the longitudinal direction. The first connector CN4B1 of the sub-control board 400B and the first connector CN5B1 of the liquid crystal control board 500B are connected board to board in the planar direction (board surface direction) of their respective boards, thereby electrically connecting the sub-control board 400B and the liquid crystal control board 500B.

[0219] In other words, the sub-control board 400B (first board) and the liquid crystal control board 500B (second board) are connected board-to-board in the board surface direction by a pair of first connectors CN4B1 and CN5B1, which are located on opposite sides of each other.

[0220] In this example, the board-to-board connector is positioned on the side of the short edge on one side of the longitudinal direction of each of the two boards, and the boards are connected board-to-board along their short edges. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The board-to-board connector may also be positioned on the side of the long edge on one side of the longitudinal direction of each of the two boards, and the boards are connected board-to-board along their long edges. Alternatively, the board-to-board connector may be positioned on the side of the long edge on one end of the longitudinal direction of one board and on the side of the short edge on one side of the longitudinal direction of the other board, and the boards are connected board-to-board along the long edge of one board and the short edge of the other board (the same applies to other board-to-board connections between boards).

[0221] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8(a), the protrusion length h2 from the surface 400Ba of the sub-control board 400B at the first connector CN4B1 of the sub-control board 400B is the same as the protrusion length h2 from the surface 500Ba of the liquid crystal control board 500B at the first connector CN5B1 of the liquid crystal control board 500B. When the sub-control board 400B and the liquid crystal control board 500B are board-to-board connected by the first connector CN4B1 and the first connector CN5B1, the two boards are configured such that when viewed from the side, the heights of the surface 400Ba of the sub-control board 400B and the surface 500Ba of the liquid crystal control board 500B are aligned (they are flush).

[0222] The sub-control board 400B that is board-to-board connected to the liquid crystal control board 500B has four mounting screws 165 inserted into four screw holes 167 from the back surface 400Bb side, and each mounting screw 165 is screwed into the screw bosses 166 for the sub-control board on the upper case 164U of the sub-control unit board case 164, thereby being fixed to the upper case 164U of the sub-control unit board case 164.

[0223] The liquid crystal control board 500B that is board-to-board connected to the sub-control board 400B has four mounting screws 180 inserted into four screw holes 182 from the back surface 500Bb side, and each mounting screw 180 is screwed into the screw bosses 181 for the liquid crystal control board on the upper case 164U of the sub-control unit board case 164, thereby being fixed to the upper case 164U of the sub-control unit board case 164.

[0224] As described above, since the protruding length h1 from the upper case 164U in the screw bosses 166 for the sub-control board and the protruding length h1 from the upper case 164U in the screw bosses 181 for the liquid crystal control board are the same, even when the sub-control board 400B and the liquid crystal control board 500B are fixed to the upper case 164U of the sub-control unit board case 164 in a state where they are board-to-board connected by the first connectors CN4B1 and CN5B1, they can be fixed to the upper case 164U so that the heights of the front surface 400Ba of the sub-control board 400B and the front surface 500Ba of the liquid crystal control board 500B are aligned (flush), and the heights of the pair of first connectors CN4B1 and CN5B1 also become aligned (flush), so that the burden on the pair of connectors can be reduced.

[0225] On the other hand, regarding the thicknesses of the sub-control board 400B and the liquid crystal control board 500B, the thickness of the sub-control board 400B is h3, while the thickness of the liquid crystal control board 500B is h4 which is thinner than h3 (h4 < h3). The sub-control board 400B and the liquid crystal control board 500B have different board thicknesses, and the liquid crystal control board 500B (the second board) is thinner than the sub-control board 400B (the first board).

[0226] However, the difference in substrate thickness between the sub-control board 400B and the liquid crystal control board 500B can be compensated for by making the length (depth) of the screw holes formed in the screw boss 181 for the liquid crystal control board longer (deeper) than the length (depth) of the screw holes formed in the screw boss 166 for the sub-control board by the amount of the difference in substrate thickness (=h3-h4). As a result, the diameter and length of the mounting screws 165 and 180 can be made the same, allowing the mounting screws 165 and 180 to be shared and costs to be reduced.

[0227] Furthermore, because the thickness of the substrates of the sub-control board 400B and the liquid crystal control board 500B are different, if the sub-control board 400B is fixed to the upper case 164U so that the heights of the surface 400Ba of the sub-control board 400B and the surface 500Ba of the liquid crystal control board 500B are the same (so that they are flush), the back surface 400Bb of the sub-control board 400B will come into contact with the rib 184 formed on the lower case 164D of the sub-control board case 164, but the back surface 500Bb of the liquid crystal control board 500B will not come into contact with the rib 184.

[0228] In this way, by providing ribs 184 between the board-to-board connection points in the board surface direction (so that they are in a positional relationship spanning both boards), rattle (range of motion) when board-to-board connection can be precisely suppressed relative to the connector portion. Furthermore, a gap is created between the back surface 500Bb of the liquid crystal control board 500B and the ribs 184 of the lower case 164D, and the volume of the space formed between the back surface 500Bb of the liquid crystal control board 500B and the lower case 164D is larger than the volume of the space formed between the back surface 400Bb of the sub-control board 400B and the lower case 164D.

[0229] Therefore, even if only a capacitor 168 with a maximum height of h5 can be mounted in the space formed between the back surface 400Bb of the sub-control board 400B and the lower case 164D, a battery 183 with a maximum height of h6, which is higher than the maximum height of the capacitor 168 (h5), can be mounted in the space formed between the back surface 500Bb of the liquid crystal control board 500B and the lower case 164D. This increases the variety of components that can be mounted on the liquid crystal control board 500B and enhances design flexibility.

[0230] In this example, the surface area of ​​the liquid crystal control board 500B is larger than that of the sub-control board 400B, but it may also be smaller than that of the sub-control board 400B. With such a configuration, the connector on the smaller liquid crystal control board 500B can be made smaller than the connector on the sub-control board 400B, thereby suppressing the load on the board when inserting and removing the connector. Furthermore, by making the number of connectors on the smaller liquid crystal control board 500B less than the number of connectors on the sub-control board 400B, the frequency of load on the board when inserting and removing the connector can be reduced.

[0231] Here, we will use Figure 8(c) to supplement the information regarding the thickness of the substrate. Figure 8(c) is a cross-sectional view showing the basic structure of a double-sided substrate.

[0232] Generally, substrates can be classified into single-sided, double-sided, and multilayer substrates. A single-sided substrate is a substrate on which wiring patterns are formed on only one side and electronic components are mounted. It has a structure in which the substrate B3, copper foil B2, and solder resist B1 are stacked in that order from the bottom layer. The thickness of a single-sided substrate can be defined as the sum of the thicknesses of the substrate B3, copper foil B2, and solder resist B1, which is t1.

[0233] A double-sided substrate is a substrate on which wiring patterns are formed on both sides and electronic components are mounted. It is constructed by stacking the following layers from the bottom up: solder resist B5, copper foil B4, substrate B3, copper foil B2, and solder resist B1. The substrate B3 is at the center, and it has the structure of a single-sided substrate on both sides. The thickness of a double-sided substrate can be defined as the sum of the thicknesses of each layer, t2, which is the sum of the thicknesses of solder resist B5, copper foil B4, substrate B3, copper foil B2, and solder resist B1.

[0234] A multilayer substrate has a structure in which layers of copper foil and solder resist are further stacked on a double-sided substrate. For example, a 4-layer substrate has two layers of copper foil and two layers of solder resist on each side of the base material B3. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8(d), a prepreg is interposed as an insulating layer between conductive layer L1 and conductive layer L2, and between conductive layer L3 and conductive layer L4 in a multilayer substrate. The thickness of a multilayer substrate can be defined as the sum of the thicknesses of all the layers that make up the substrate: the base material, the copper foil, and the solder resist.

[0235] In principle, the "substrate thickness" according to the present invention refers to the total thickness of all layers constituting the substrate, such as the base material, copper foil, and solder resist. However, since the base material accounts for the majority of the total thickness of the substrate, it may sometimes refer to the thickness of the base material alone.

[0236] In this embodiment, even if the thickness of the substrate is the same (or nearly the same) for the liquid crystal control substrate 500B and the sub-control substrate 400B, the number of conductive layers (copper foil) differs between the two substrates, resulting in a difference in the overall thickness of the substrate including the substrate, copper foil, prepreg, and solder resist. However, even if the number of conductive layers (copper foil) is the same, the thickness of the substrate may differ, resulting in a difference in the overall thickness of the substrate including the substrate, copper foil, prepreg, and solder resist.

[0237] Therefore, for example, the liquid crystal control board 500B and sub-control board 400B in this example may have one side being a 4-layer board and the other a 6-layer board, or one side being a double-sided board (2 layers) and the other a multilayer board with 3 or more layers. Alternatively, one side may be a single-sided board and the other a double-sided board or a multilayer board.

[0238] <Modified examples of sub-control board and LCD board / sub-control board case> Next, a modified example of the sub-control circuit board case will be described using Figure 8(b).

[0239] Figure 8(b) is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 8(a), and shows a modified example of the sub-control circuit board case.

[0240] The sub-control circuit board case 185 in this modified example is a box-shaped structure composed of a lower case 185D, which has a roughly rectangular bottom, and an upper case 185U, which is positioned to cover the space inside the lower case 185D. To avoid redundant explanations, only the configurations that differ from the sub-control circuit board case 164 described using Figure 8(a) will be explained.

[0241] In the right-hand region of the lower case 185D, a screw boss 186 for a sub-control board, into which mounting screws 165 for fixing the sub-control board 400B can be screwed, is formed to protrude inward from the lower case 185D, facing the screw boss 166 for a sub-control board on the upper case 185U.

[0242] In the left region of the lower case 185D, a screw boss 187 for the liquid crystal control board 500B is formed to protrude inward from the lower case 185D, so as to face the screw boss 181 for the liquid crystal control board on the upper case 185U, into which mounting screws 180 for fixing the liquid crystal control board 500B can be screwed. A rib (protrusion) 184 for supporting the sub-control board 400B from below is formed to protrude inward from the lower case 185D, slightly to the right of the center of the lower case 185D, and a rib (protrusion) 188 for supporting the battery 183 mounted on the back surface 500Bb of the liquid crystal control board 500B from below is formed to protrude inward from the lower case 185D in the left region of the lower case 185D.

[0243] The sub-control board 400B, which is connected to the liquid crystal control board 500B via board-to-board connection, is fixed by inserting four mounting screws 165 from the outer wall side of the lower case 185D of the sub-control board case 185 into four sub-control board screw bosses 186 and screw holes 167, respectively, and screwing each mounting screw 165 into the sub-control board screw boss 166 of the upper case 185U of the sub-control board case 185, thereby sandwiching the sub-control board case 185 between the lower case 185D and the upper case 185U.

[0244] The liquid crystal control board 500B, which is connected to the sub-control board 400B board by board-to-board connection, is fixed by four mounting screws 180 inserted from the outer wall side of the lower case 185D of the sub-control board case 185 into four liquid crystal control board screw bosses 187 and screw holes 182, respectively, and each mounting screw 180 is screwed into the liquid crystal control board screw boss 181 of the upper case 185U of the sub-control board case 185, so that it is sandwiched between the lower case 185D and the upper case 185U of the sub-control board case 185.

[0245] In this example as well, since the thickness h3 of the sub-control board 400B and the thickness h4 of the liquid crystal control board 500B are different, when the sub-control board 400B is fixed to the upper case 185U so that the height of the surface 400Ba of the sub-control board 400B and the surface 500Ba of the liquid crystal control board 500B are the same (so that they are flush), the back surface 400Bb of the sub-control board 400B will come into contact with the screw boss 186 and rib 184 for the sub-control board formed on the lower case 185D of the sub-control board case 185, but the liquid crystal control board 50 The back surface 500Bb of 0B does not contact the screw bosses 187 or ribs 184 for the liquid crystal control board, creating a gap between the back surface 500Bb of the liquid crystal control board 500B and the screw bosses 187 or ribs 184 for the liquid crystal control board on the lower case 185D. Furthermore, the volume of the space formed between the back surface 500Bb of the liquid crystal control board 500B and the lower case 185D is greater than the volume of the space formed between the back surface 400Bb of the sub-control board 400B and the lower case 185D.

[0246] Therefore, even if only a capacitor 168 with a maximum height of h5 can be mounted in the space formed between the back surface 400Bb of the sub-control board 400B and the lower case 185D, a battery 183 with a maximum height of h6, which is higher than the capacitor 168 with a maximum height of h5, can be mounted in the space formed between the back surface 500Bb of the liquid crystal control board 500B and the lower case 185D. This increases the types of components that can be mounted on the liquid crystal control board 500B and enhances design flexibility.

[0247] On the other hand, in this example, the battery 183 mounted on the back surface 500Bb of the liquid crystal control board 500B contacts the rib 188 formed on the lower case 185D, so the battery 183 can be supported from below, preventing the battery 183 from coming off the liquid crystal control board 500B. Furthermore, even when the sub-control board 400B and the liquid crystal control board 500B are fixed to the upper case 185U of the sub-control board case 185 with board-to-board connection using the first connector CN4B1 and the first connector CN5B1, the sub-control board 400B can be fixed to the upper case 185U so that the heights of the surface 400Ba of the sub-control board 400B and the surface 500Ba of the liquid crystal control board 500B are aligned (flush), thereby reducing the load on the first connector CN4B1 and the first connector CN5B1.

[0248] <Sub-control board and LCD board / Sub-control board, LCD control board / Summary> As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1) is a gaming machine comprising a first circuit board (for example, the sub-control board 400B shown in Figure 8(a)), a second circuit board (for example, the liquid crystal control board 500B shown in Figure 8(a)), and a housing (for example, the sub-control board case 164 shown in Figures 7 and 8(a)), wherein the first circuit board and the second circuit board are connected board-to-board in the board surface direction by a pair of connectors (for example, the first connector CN4B1 of the sub-control board 400B and the first connector CN5B1 of the liquid crystal control board 500B shown in Figure 8(a)) that are arranged facing each other, the second circuit board is thinner than the first circuit board, and the first circuit board and the second circuit board are connected board-to-board in the housing The gaming machine is characterized in that it is a housing for circuit boards, wherein the first circuit board and the second circuit board are circuit boards on which one connector constituting the pair of connectors is disposed on each other's first surfaces (for example, the surface 400Ba of the sub-control board 400B shown in Figure 8(a), the surface 500Ba of the liquid crystal control board 500B), and the housing is a housing having a configuration in which the first circuit board and the second circuit board are fixed using fixing members (for example, mounting screws 165 and 180 shown in Figure 8(a)) inserted from the second surface side opposite to the first surface, on which the pair of connectors are not disposed (for example, the back surface 400Bb of the sub-control board 400B shown in Figure 8(a), the back surface 500Bb of the liquid crystal control board 500B shown in Figure 8(a), or the outer wall side of the lower case 185D of the sub-control board case 185 shown in Figure 8(b)).

[0249] Board-to-board connections involve connecting two boards with connectors in the direction of the board surface or the board thickness. These board-to-board connections are also used for main control boards or boards related to main control that are involved in game progression, and for performance control boards or boards related to performance. However, in the case of performance control boards, as the amount of performance increases, the number of components increases and communication speeds are made faster and more stable, so they may be composed of multilayer boards or double-sided boards.

[0250] In the case of multilayer substrates or double-sided substrates, depending on the substrate, two-layer, four-layer, six-layer, etc. may be mixed, and the thicknesses of the substrates may be different from each other. Even if the thicknesses of the base materials constituting the substrates are the same, the substantial thicknesses are different depending on the number of wiring layers. Also, between substrates that are substrate-to-substrate connected, the weights of the connected substrates are different because the number of components arranged, the types of components, the substrate size, etc. are different.

[0251] According to the game table according to this embodiment, when performing substrate-to-substrate connection between substrates with different thicknesses or substrate-to-substrate connection between substrates with different weights and sizes, when accommodating in a container in a state where the substrates are substrate-to-substrate connected by a pair of connectors, the first surface of the first substrate and the first surface of the second substrate on which the pair of connectors are arranged can be fixed to the container so that their heights are aligned (so that they are flush), and the burden applied to the pair of connectors for substrate-to-substrate connection between the first substrate and the second substrate can be reduced.

[0252] Further, the container has an extension part (for example, the screw boss 166 for the sub-control board and the screw boss 181 for the liquid crystal control board shown in FIG. 8(a)) that extends toward the first surface, and the extension part may be a part where the fixing member is inserted.

[0253] With such a configuration, the first surface of the first substrate and the first surface of the second substrate can be fixed to the container so that their heights are aligned (so that they are flush) by the extension part of the container, and the burden applied to the pair of connectors for substrate-to-substrate connection between the first substrate and the second substrate can be reduced.

[0254] Also, the second surface of the second substrate may be provided with a component (for example, the battery 183 shown in FIG. 8(a)) that is higher in height than a component (for example, the capacitor 168 shown in FIG. 8(a)) arranged on the second surface of the first substrate.

[0255] With such a configuration, the types of components that can be mounted on the second surface of the second substrate can be increased, and the degree of freedom in design can be enhanced.

[0256] Furthermore, the second and third substrates may be connected in the thickness direction by a pair of connectors (for example, connectors CN5B4 and CN5C2 shown in Figure 9(a)) arranged on their opposing surfaces.

[0257] With this configuration, the load on the pair of connectors can be reduced compared to when two substrates are connected substrate-to-substrate in the board surface direction. Furthermore, the substrate below in the thickness direction can support the substrate above in the thickness direction, thus preventing the upper substrate from bending in the thickness direction.

[0258] Furthermore, the first substrate is a substrate on which one of the pair of connectors is disposed, the second substrate is a substrate on which the other of the pair of connectors is disposed, the first substrate is a substrate on which a first connector different from the first connector is disposed, the second substrate is a substrate on which a second connector different from the other connector is disposed, and the second connector may be a smaller connector than the first connector.

[0259] In this example, since the second connector is smaller than the first connector, the stress (bending, distortion) on the circuit board during connector insertion and removal can be reduced compared to when the connector is larger.

[0260] Furthermore, the number of the second connectors may be less than the number of the first connectors.

[0261] With this configuration, since the second circuit board is thinner than the first circuit board, the number of connectors on the second circuit board can be reduced compared to the number of connectors on the first circuit board, thereby suppressing the frequency of stress on the circuit board when inserting or removing connectors.

[0262] Furthermore, the first substrate is a substrate on which one of the pair of connectors is disposed, the second substrate is a substrate on which the other of the pair of connectors is disposed, the first substrate is a substrate on which a first number of connectors are disposed separately from the one connector, and the second substrate is a substrate on which a second number of connectors are disposed separately from the other connector, and the second number may be less than the first number.

[0263] With this configuration, since the second circuit board is thinner than the first circuit board, the number of connectors on the second circuit board can be reduced compared to the number of connectors on the first circuit board, thereby suppressing the frequency of stress on the circuit board when inserting or removing connectors.

[0264] <Sub-control board and LCD board / LCD CPU board, LCD CPU board> Next, the liquid crystal CPU board 500C and the liquid crystal ROM board 500D will be described using Figures 7(b) and 9(a).

[0265] Figure 9(a) is a cross-sectional view along the Y-Y line in Figure 7(b), showing the case where the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D is in the normal position.

[0266] Here, arrows d6 and d5 in Figure 9(a) indicate the direction when the sub-control unit board case 164, which houses the liquid crystal CPU board 500C and the liquid crystal ROM board 500D, is fixed to the back panel 242 of the front door 102. Arrow d6 indicates the board surface direction (sometimes called the width direction or left-right direction) of the liquid crystal CPU board 500C and the liquid crystal ROM board 500D. In the front view of Figure 9(a), the left hand is below the slot machine 100, but in the explanation of the board, it may be referred to as left or left-side. In the front view, the right hand is above the slot machine 100, but in the explanation of the board, it may be referred to as right or right-side.

[0267] Arrow d5 indicates the thickness direction (sometimes called the depth direction or thickness direction) of the LCD CPU board 500C and the LCD ROM board 500D. In the front view of Figure 9(a), the upper side is the front side of the slot machine 100, but in the description of the boards, it may be referred to as the upper side, top, or upward. The lower side is the back side of the slot machine 100, but in the description of the boards, it may be referred to as the lower side, bottom, or downward (the same applies to Figure 9(b), which will be described later).

[0268] Before describing the liquid crystal CPU board 500C and the liquid crystal ROM board 500D, the sub-control board case 164 will be described. The upper case 164U of the sub-control board case 164 has a screw boss 202 for the liquid crystal CPU board, into which mounting screws 201 for fixing the liquid crystal CPU board 500C can be screwed, and the screw boss 202 for the liquid crystal CPU board is formed protruding inward from the upper case 164U. One screw boss 202 for the liquid crystal CPU board is formed at a position corresponding to a screw hole 203 formed in the liquid crystal CPU board 500C, and the protruding length h7 from the upper case 164U is the same as the protruding length h7 from the upper case 164U of the screw boss 205 for the liquid crystal ROM board, which will be described later.

[0269] Furthermore, the upper case 164U has a screw boss 205 for the liquid crystal ROM board that can be screwed into a mounting screw 204 for fixing the liquid crystal ROM board 500D, which protrudes inward from the upper case 164U. One screw boss 205 for the liquid crystal ROM board is formed at a position corresponding to a screw hole 206 formed in the liquid crystal ROM board 500D, and its protrusion length h7 from the upper case 164U is the same as the protrusion length h7 from the upper case 164U of the screw boss 202 for the liquid crystal CPU board.

[0270] The liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C comprises a base material consisting of a rectangular plate-like body, and this base material has a single screw hole 203 through which a mounting screw 201 for attaching the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C to the sub-control board case 164 can be inserted.

[0271] On one side surface 500Ca (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front surface") and the other side surface 500Cb (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "back surface") of the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C, multiple types of components (connectors, ICs, etc.) are mounted, and in addition, a resist layer, wiring patterns, pads, lands, interlayer conduction parts (vias, through holes), silk printing, etc. are formed.

[0272] In this example, on the front surface 500Ca of the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C, a liquid crystal CPU 504 and a first connector CN5C1 for board-to-board connection with the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D are mounted, and on the back surface 500Cb of the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C, a second connector CN5C2 for board-to-board connection with the liquid crystal control substrate 500B is mounted.

[0273] The liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D includes a base material in the form of a rectangular plate-like body, and on this base material, one screw hole 206 through which a mounting screw 204 for attaching the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D to the sub-control unit substrate case 164 can be inserted is formed.

[0274] FIG. 9(c)(1) is a diagram showing the front surface 500Da of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D, and FIG. 9(c)(2) is a diagram showing the back surface 500Db of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D.

[0275] On one side surface 500Da (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front surface") and the other side surface 500Db (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "back surface") of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D, multiple types of components (connectors, ICs, etc.) are mounted, and in addition, a resist layer, wiring patterns, pads, lands, interlayer conduction parts (vias, through holes), silk printing, etc. are formed.

[0276] In this example, on the front surface 500Da of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D, a liquid crystal ROM 507 and a first connector CN5D1 for board-to-board connection with the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C are mounted, and on the back surface 500Db of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D, a component area 500Db1 where components such as a plurality of ceramic capacitors 207 are mounted and a non-component area 500Db2 where no components are mounted are formed.

[0277] As shown in Figure 7(b), the first connector CN5C1 of the liquid crystal CPU board 500C is located on the upper long side of the shorter side of the liquid crystal CPU board 500C, and the first connector CN5D1 of the liquid crystal ROM board 500D is located on the lower long side of the shorter side of the liquid crystal ROM board 500D. The first connector CN5C1 of the liquid crystal CPU board 500C and the first connector CN5D1 of the liquid crystal ROM board 500D are connected board to board in the planar direction (board surface direction) of each board, thereby electrically connecting the liquid crystal CPU board 500C and the liquid crystal ROM board 500D.

[0278] In other words, the liquid crystal CPU board 500C (first board) and the liquid crystal ROM board 500D (second board) are connected board-to-board in the board surface direction by a pair of first connectors CN5C1 and CN5D1, which are located on opposite sides of each other.

[0279] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9(a), the protrusion length h8 from the surface 500Ca of the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C at the first connector CN5C1 of the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C is the same as the protrusion length h8 from the surface 500D of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D at the first connector CN5D1 of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D. When the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C and the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D are connected board-to-board using the first connector CN5C1 and the first connector CN5D1, the two substrates are configured such that when viewed from the side, the heights of the surface 500Ca of the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C and the surface 500D of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D are aligned (they are flush).

[0280] The LCD CPU board 500C, which is connected to the LCD ROM board 500D via a board-to-board connection, is fixed to the upper case 164U of the sub-control board case 164 by inserting a single mounting screw 201 through a screw hole 203 from the back side 500Cb, and screwing the mounting screw 201 into the screw boss 202 for the LCD CPU board on the upper case 164U of the sub-control board case 164.

[0281] The liquid crystal ROM board 500D, which is connected to the liquid crystal CPU board 500C via a board-to-board connection, is fixed to the upper case 164U of the sub-control board case 164 by a single mounting screw 204 inserted through a screw hole 206 from the back surface 500Db side, and screwed into the screw boss 205 for the liquid crystal ROM board on the upper case 164U of the sub-control board case 164, that is, by the mounting screw 204 being sufficiently fastened, there is no gap between the surface 500Da of the liquid crystal ROM board 500D and the screw boss 205 for the liquid crystal ROM board, and there is no gap between the back surface 500Db of the liquid crystal ROM board 500D and the screw head of the mounting screw 204.

[0282] As described above, the protrusion length h7 from the upper case 164U of the screw boss 202 for the LCD CPU board and the protrusion length h7 from the upper case 164U of the screw boss 205 for the LCD ROM board are the same. Therefore, even when the LCD CPU board 500C and the LCD ROM board 500D are fixed to the upper case 164U of the sub-control board case 164 with the boards connected board-to-board using the first connector CN5C1 and the first connector CN5D1, the LCD CPU board 500C and the LCD ROM board 500D can be fixed to the upper case 164U in such a way that the heights of the surface 500Ca of the LCD CPU board 500C and the surface 500D of the LCD ROM board 500D are aligned (flush), thereby reducing the load on the first connector CN5C1 and the first connector CN5D1.

[0283] <Sub-control board and LCD board / LCD CPU board, LCD control board> Next, the liquid crystal ROM board 500D and the liquid crystal control board 500B will be described using Figures 9(a) and 9(b).

[0284] As shown in Figure 9(a), in addition to the first connector CN5B1, the second connector CN5B2, and the third connector CN5B3 described using Figure 6(a), a fourth connector CN5B4 for board-to-board connection with the liquid crystal CPU board 500C is mounted on the front surface 500Ba of the liquid crystal control board 500B, CN5B1, below the back surface 500Cb of the liquid crystal CPU board 500C.

[0285] Then, the second connector CN5C2 of the LCD CPU board 500C and the fourth connector CN5B4 of the LCD control board 500B are connected board-to-board in the thickness direction (board thickness direction) of each board, thereby electrically connecting the LCD CPU board 500C and the LCD control board 500B.

[0286] In other words, the liquid crystal CPU board 500C and the liquid crystal control board 500B are connected board-to-board in the thickness direction by a pair of second connectors CN5C2 and fourth connectors CN5B4 which are arranged on opposite sides of each other.

[0287] In this example, compared to the case where the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C and the liquid crystal control substrate 500B are connected substrate-to-substrate in the board surface direction, the load on the second connector CN5C2 and the fourth connector CN5B4 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the substrate at the bottom in the board thickness direction (liquid crystal control substrate 500B in this example) can support the substrate at the top in the board thickness direction (liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C in this example), bending of the substrate at the top in the board thickness direction (liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C in this example) can be prevented.

[0288] In this example, the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C and the liquid crystal control substrate 500B are shown to be connected board-to-board in the thickness direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C may be arranged to straddle both the liquid crystal control substrate 500B and the sub-control substrate 400B, and the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C and the liquid crystal control substrate 500B, and the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C and the sub-control substrate 400B may be connected board-to-board in the thickness direction. Alternatively, instead of (or together with) the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C and the liquid crystal control substrate 500B, the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D and the liquid crystal control substrate 500B may be connected board-to-board in the thickness direction.

[0289] Furthermore, an electrolytic capacitor 189 is mounted on the front surface 500Ba of the liquid crystal control board 500B, below the non-component area 500Db2 on the back surface 500Db of the liquid crystal ROM board 500D.

[0290] Figure 9(b) is a cross-sectional view along the Y-Y line in Figure 7(b), showing the case where the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D is not in its normal position.

[0291] As explained using Figure 9(a), the liquid crystal ROM board 500D is fixed to the upper case 164U of the sub-control board case 164 by inserting a mounting screw 204 through a screw hole 206 from the back side 500Db, and screwing the mounting screw 204 into the screw boss 205 for the liquid crystal ROM board on the upper case 164U of the sub-control board case 164.

[0292] While the liquid crystal CPU board 500C is supported from below by the liquid crystal control board 500B, the liquid crystal ROM board 500D is not supported from below by the liquid crystal control board 500B. Therefore, if the fastening of the mounting screws 204 loosens due to aging or installation errors, that is, if the mounting screws 204 are not fastened sufficiently, a gap will be created between the surface 500Da of the liquid crystal ROM board 500D and the screw boss 205 for the liquid crystal ROM board, and a gap will be created between the back surface 500Db of the liquid crystal ROM board 500D and the screw head of the mounting screw 204. This may cause the position of the liquid crystal ROM board 500D to change from the normal position shown in Figure (a) to the abnormal position shown in Figure (b).

[0293] Here, in Figure 9(b), the dotted line indicated by the symbol A' shows the position of the surface 500Da of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D when the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D is in the normal position shown in Figure 9(a), and the dotted line indicated by the symbol A shows the position of the upper surface of the first connector CN5D1 when the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D is in the normal position.

[0294] Furthermore, in Figure 9(b), the dotted line indicated by the symbol B' shows the position of the surface 500Da of the liquid crystal ROM board 500D when the fastening of the mounting screw 204 loosens and the liquid crystal ROM board 500D bends downward, causing the non-component area 500Db2 on the back surface 500Db of the liquid crystal ROM board 500D to come into contact with the tip of the electrolytic capacitor 189 of the liquid crystal control board 500B. The dotted line indicated by the symbol B shows the position of the upper surface of the first connector CN5D1 when the non-component area 500Db2 on the back surface 500Db of the liquid crystal ROM board 500D comes into contact with the tip of the electrolytic capacitor 189 of the liquid crystal control board 500B.

[0295] Furthermore, in Figure 9(b), the dotted line indicated by the symbol C' shows the position of the surface 500Da of the liquid crystal ROM board 500D when the liquid crystal ROM board 500D is bent downward until the first connector CN5D1 of the liquid crystal ROM board 500D reaches its maximum movable position, assuming that no component restricting the bending of the liquid crystal ROM board 500D (in this example, the electrolytic capacitor 189) is mounted on the liquid crystal control board 500B. The dotted line indicated by the symbol C shows the position of the upper surface of the first connector CN5D1 when the first connector CN5D1 is in its maximum movable position (the lowest position it has moved to without the board-to-board connection with the liquid crystal CPU board 500C being disconnected). The range of motion of the first connector CN5D1 (floating connector) is approximately ±0.5 mm in the X direction (left-right direction in Figure 9(b)) and approximately ±0.5 mm in the Y direction (up-down direction in Figure 9(b)).

[0296] In this example, even if the mounting screws 204 loosen due to aging or installation errors, causing the surface 500Da of the liquid crystal ROM board 500D to bend to the position indicated by the symbol B' in Figure 9(b), the non-component area 500Db2 of the back surface 500Db of the liquid crystal ROM board 500D will still contact the electrolytic capacitor 189 of the liquid crystal control board 500B. As a result, the components mounted on the liquid crystal ROM board 500D will not come into contact with any components other than the electrolytic capacitor 189 on the liquid crystal control board 500B, thus avoiding electrical malfunctions or damage caused by contact between components.

[0297] Furthermore, before the first connector CN5D1 of the liquid crystal ROM board 500D reaches the maximum movable position indicated by the symbol C in Figure 9(b), the non-component area 500Db2 on the back surface 500Db of the liquid crystal ROM board 500D comes into contact with the electrolytic capacitor 189 of the liquid crystal control board 500B and stops at the position indicated by the symbol B in Figure 9(b). Therefore, even if the fastening of the mounting screws 204 becomes loose due to aging or installation errors, the load on the first connector CN5D1 can be reduced, and a situation in which the board-to-board connection between the liquid crystal CPU board 500C and the liquid crystal ROM board 500D becomes detached can be prevented.

[0298] <Sub-control board and LCD board / LCD CPU board, LCD control board / Summary> As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1) is a gaming machine comprising a first circuit board (for example, the liquid crystal CPU circuit board 500C shown in Figure 9(a)), a second circuit board (for example, the liquid crystal ROM circuit board 500D shown in Figure 9(a)), and a housing (for example, the sub-control circuit board case 164 shown in Figures 7 and 8(a)), wherein the first circuit board and the second circuit board are arranged opposite each other and are connected by a pair of connectors (for example, the first connector CN5C1 of the liquid crystal CPU circuit board 500C shown in Figure 9(a), and the first connector of the liquid crystal ROM circuit board 500D) The substrates are connected in the board surface direction by CN5D1), and the first substrate and the second substrate are substrates housed in the housing while connected in the board surface direction, and the first substrate and the second substrate are substrates on which one connector constituting the pair of connectors is disposed on each other's first surface (for example, surface 500Ca of the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C and surface 500D of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D shown in Figure 9(a)), and the housing is on the side opposite to the first surface and on the second surface side where the pair of connectors are not disposed (for example, on the side opposite to the first surface and on the second surface side shown in Figure 9(a) The housing is configured such that the first substrate and the second substrate are fixed using fixing members (for example, mounting screws 204 and 201 shown in Figure 9(a)) inserted from the back surface 500Cb of the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C, the back surface 500Db of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D, or the outer wall side of the lower case 164D of the sub-control unit substrate case 164 shown in Figure 9(b), and when the fixing member secures the second substrate sufficiently (for example, the state indicated by the symbol A' in Figures 9(a) and (b)), the first surface of the second substrate is aligned with the first surface of the first substrate. In contrast, the gaming machine is characterized in that, when the second substrate is located on approximately the same line and the fixing member does not adequately fix the second substrate (for example, the state indicated by the symbol B' in Figure 9(b)), the first surface of the second substrate is inclined with respect to the first surface of the first substrate toward the side into which the fixing member is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the "first side"), and the first side is provided with a first contact portion that the second substrate can contact during the inclination (for example, the electrolytic capacitor 189 shown in Figure 9(a), a portion spanning multiple components, or at least a part of a component such as a case or connector).

[0299] Here, "a state in which the second substrate is sufficiently fixed by the fixing means" means, for example, a state in which the second substrate is fixed by being sandwiched between the fixing means and the housing, and there is no gap that allows the second substrate to move (tilt relative to the first substrate) toward the side into which the fixing means is inserted due to its own weight. "A state in which the second substrate is insufficiently fixed by the fixing means" means, for example, a state in which the second substrate is fixed by being sandwiched between the fixing means and the housing, but there is a gap that allows the second substrate to move (tilt relative to the first substrate) toward the side into which the fixing means is inserted due to its own weight.

[0300] Board-to-board connections involve connecting two boards with connectors in the direction of the board surface or the board thickness. These board-to-board connections are also used for main control boards or boards related to main control that are involved in game progression, and for performance control boards or boards related to performance. However, in the case of performance control boards, as the amount of performance increases, the number of components increases and communication speeds are made faster and more stable, so they may be composed of multilayer boards or double-sided boards.

[0301] Multilayer or double-sided circuit boards may contain a mix of 2, 4, or 6 layers, and the thickness of the boards may differ from board to board. Even if the thickness of the base material constituting the board is the same, the actual thickness will differ depending on the number of wiring layers. Furthermore, boards connected to each other may differ in the number of components, the types of components, and the size of the boards, resulting in differences in the weight of the connected boards.

[0302] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, when connecting boards of different thicknesses, or boards of different weights and sizes, etc., when housing the boards in the housing with a pair of connectors, the height of the first surface of the first board on which the pair of connectors is arranged and the first surface of the second board can be aligned (made flush) to the housing, thereby reducing the load on the pair of connectors that connect the first and second boards. Furthermore, even if the second board becomes insufficiently fixed due to aging or installation errors, the load on the connector can be reduced by the first component, preventing the board-to-board connection between the first and second boards from coming loose.

[0303] Furthermore, the first contact portion may be at a height such that it contacts the second substrate before the second substrate reaches the maximum inclined position.

[0304] With this configuration, the load on the connector can be reduced by the first component, and the board-to-board connection between the first and second boards can be prevented from coming loose.

[0305] Furthermore, the second substrate does not need to have any components that can come into contact with the first contact portion when the second substrate is not sufficiently fixed by the fixing member.

[0306] This configuration helps to avoid electrical malfunctions and damage caused by contact between components.

[0307] Furthermore, the system includes a third substrate (for example, the liquid crystal control substrate 500B shown in Figure 9(a)), wherein the third substrate is located opposite the second surface of the second substrate, and the first contact portion may be a component disposed on the third substrate.

[0308] With this configuration, by placing the first contact portion on the third circuit board, which is positioned opposite the second circuit board, the tilt of the second circuit board can be supported without providing a dedicated part (section) to support the tilt of the second circuit board, thereby saving space and reducing the number of parts in the gaming machine.

[0309] Furthermore, the first substrate and the third substrate may be substrates connected in the thickness direction by a pair of connectors (for example, connectors CN5B4 and CN5C2 shown in Figure 9(a)) arranged on their opposing surfaces.

[0310] With this configuration, the load on the pair of connectors can be reduced compared to when two substrates are connected substrate-to-substrate in the board surface direction. Furthermore, the substrate below in the thickness direction can support the substrate above in the thickness direction, thus preventing the upper substrate from bending in the thickness direction.

[0311] Furthermore, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferred actions and effects arising from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. Even if a constituent element is included only in each of the embodiments, examples, modifications, various examples, and appendices described above, that constituent element may be applied to other embodiments, examples, modifications, various examples, and appendices. In other words, as long as there are no factors preventing its application, applying a constituent element included only in each of the embodiments, examples, modifications, various examples, and appendices to other embodiments, examples, modifications, various examples, and appendices will still constitute a cohesive technical idea.

[0312] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0313] The slot machines described below employ a so-called "coinless" configuration, using information equivalent to the actual number of tokens (virtual token count). However, in the following explanation, this information will be referred to as "token count."

[0314] [First Embodiment] The slot machine of this embodiment is a gaming machine that proceeds through a series of games in which a predetermined number of game tokens are inserted, and multiple reels, each decorated with multiple types of symbols, start to rotate when a predetermined rotation start instruction operation is received, and based on the receipt of the rotation start instruction operation, the success or failure of an internal win of one of multiple types of winning combinations is determined by lottery, each of the multiple reels stops rotating individually when a predetermined rotation stop instruction operation is received, and if the conditions determined by the winning combination based on the result of the lottery and the combination of symbols when the multiple reels stop match predetermined payout conditions, a process of paying out the number of game tokens is executed and the game ends, and if the conditions do not match, the process of paying out the number of game tokens is not executed and the game ends.

[0315] Traditionally, some gaming machines have displayed the number of coins won during advantageous gameplay states such as AT (Automatic Trigger) or bonus rounds, giving players a sense of satisfaction. However, this kind of satisfaction can only be felt after reaching a certain number of coins won (for example, 500 or 1000 coins). Conversely, if the number of tokens won is small (for example, 50 or 100 tokens), it may not only fail to satisfy the player but could even cause dissatisfaction, so displaying the number of tokens won could potentially upset the player.

[0316] Furthermore, previously, if a minimum number of bets was set that would prevent gameplay (a minimum number of bets below the specified limit), the demo screen was not displayed. As a result, game machines that ended with a minimum number of bets set that would prevent gameplay were not recognized as vacant and were left vacant for extended periods.

[0317] This embodiment provides a gaming machine that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0318] <Overall Structure> First, Figure 10 will be used to explain the basic configuration of the slot machine 100 and the dispensing machine 700. Figure 10 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 and the dispensing machine 700 as seen from the front (player side).

[0319] The slot machine 100 shown in Figure 10 is an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention, and comprises a main body 101 and a front door 102 attached to the front side of the main body 101 and which can be opened and closed relative to the main body 101. Inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), there are three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) with multiple types of symbols arranged on their outer surfaces, and are configured to rotate inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are driven to rotate by a drive device such as a stepping motor.

[0320] In this embodiment, each design is printed at equal intervals in appropriate numbers on a strip-shaped member, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame to constitute each reel 110 to 112. From the player's perspective, approximately three designs are displayed vertically through the display window 113 on the reels 110 to 112, so that a total of nine designs are visible. The symbols displayed on the upper part of the left reel 110 are called the left reel upper symbols, the symbols displayed on the middle part of the left reel 110 are called the left reel middle symbols, the symbols displayed on the lower part of the left reel 110 are called the left reel lower symbols, the symbols displayed on the upper part of the middle reel 111 are called the middle reel upper symbols, the symbols displayed on the middle part of the left reel 111 are called the middle reel middle symbols, the symbols displayed on the lower part of the middle reel 111 are called the middle reel lower symbols, the symbols displayed on the upper part of the right reel 112 are called the right reel upper symbols, the symbols displayed on the middle part of the right reel 112 are called the right reel middle symbols, and the symbols displayed on the lower part of the right reel 112 are called the right reel lower symbols. Each symbol for each reel 110 to 112 is displayed three times vertically on each reel from 110 to 112 through the display window 113, for a total of nine symbols. Then, by rotating each of the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols visible to the player changes. In other words, each reel 110-112 functions as a display device that can display multiple combinations of symbols in a variable manner. Note that, in addition to reels, other electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal displays can also be used as such display devices. Furthermore, while the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 10 has three reels located inside the center of the machine, the number of reels and their placement are not limited to this.

[0321] A backlight (not shown) is positioned on the back of each reel 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 is illuminated evenly. Inside the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) consisting of a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part is provided near each reel 110-112, and a light-shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the light-emitting and light-receiving parts of this optical sensor. Based on the detection results of this optical sensor, the rotational position of the symbols on the reels is determined, and the reels 110-112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

[0322] The winning line indicator lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates the valid winning lines. A winning line is a line on which it is determined whether or not a combination of symbols corresponding to a winning combination has been displayed. The valid winning lines are predetermined by the number of medals bet as the game medium. There are five winning lines. For example, if one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line becomes valid. If two medals are bet, the upper horizontal winning line and the lower horizontal winning line are added, making a total of three lines valid. If three medals are bet, the lower right downward winning line and the upper right upward winning line are added, making a total of five lines valid as winning lines. Note that the number of winning lines is not limited to five lines. For example, if one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line, the upper horizontal winning line, the lower horizontal winning line, the lower right downward winning line, and the upper right upward winning line may all be considered valid winning lines. Hereafter, the valid winning lines may be referred to as "valid lines."

[0323] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that informs the player that, for example, they have internally won a specific winning combination (e.g., a bonus combination, a special combination) in the internal lottery described later, or that this internally won state has been carried over. The coin insertion lamp 124 is a lamp that informs the player that they can insert coins. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that informs the player that they can replay the game (no coin insertion is required) if they won a replay combination, which is one of the winning combinations, in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for visual effects.

[0324] The bet buttons 130 or 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of tokens (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 10, one token is inserted each time the bet button 130 is pressed. One token is inserted when pressed once, an additional token is inserted when pressed again (total of 2 tokens), and an additional token is inserted when pressed again (total of 3 tokens). When the bet button 132 is pressed, 3 tokens are inserted. Hereinafter, the bet button 130 may be referred to as the 1-token bet button, and the bet button 132 may be referred to as the MAX bet button. The game token insertion lamp 129 lights up a number of lamps corresponding to the number of tokens inserted, and when the prescribed number of tokens has been inserted, the game start lamp 121 lights up to indicate that the game can be started. In this embodiment, the slot machine 100 is a game machine exclusively for 3-token bets, so the prescribed number of tokens is 3.

[0325] The game information display unit 126 is a display unit for displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals dispensed during bonus gameplay) numerically. The payout display unit 127 is a display unit for displaying the number of medals dispensed to the player as a result of winning a prize. In the following, the expression "dispensed to the player" may be used interchangeably with "given to the player." The game information display unit 126 and the payout display unit 127 are composed of 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0326] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch used to initiate the rotation of reels 110-112. That is, by operating the bet button 130 or 132 and then operating the start lever 135, reels 110-112 will begin to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is referred to as the game start operation.

[0327] The stop button unit 136 is equipped with stop buttons 137-139, consisting of a left stop button 137, a middle 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 rotating by the operation of the start lever 135, and each is associated with a specific reel 110-112. More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the left stop button 137, the middle reel 111 can be stopped by operating the middle stop button 138, and the right reel 112 can be stopped by operating the right stop button 139. Hereinafter, operations on the stop buttons 137-139 will be referred to as stop operations, with the first stop operation being the first stop operation, the next stop operation being the second stop operation, and the last stop operation being the third stop operation. The reels that are stopped in response to these stop operations will be referred to as the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel, respectively. Furthermore, the order in which the stop buttons 137-139 are pressed to stop all of the rotating reels 110-112 is called the operation order or pressing order. Moreover, the operation order in which the first stop operation is the left reel 110, the second stop operation is the middle reel 111, and the third stop operation is the right reel 112 is called the "forward pressing order" or simply "forward pressing," and the operation order in which the first stop operation is the right reel 112, the second stop operation is the middle reel 111, and the third stop operation is the left reel 110 is called the "reverse pressing order" or simply "reverse pressing." In addition, a light-emitting element may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137-139, and if the stop buttons 137-139 can be operated, the light-emitting element can be illuminated to inform the player.

[0328] The instruction monitor 125 is a display unit that shows information regarding the operation order (pressing order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139. This instruction monitor 125 is also composed of a 7-segment (SEG) display unit. For example, if the instruction is to operate the left stop button 137, the middle stop button 138, and the right stop button 139 in that order, "1" will be displayed on the instruction monitor 125. If the instruction is to operate the left stop button 137, the right stop button 139, and the middle stop button 138 in that order, "2" will be displayed on the instruction monitor 125.

[0329] The settlement button 134 is a button for returning the inserted game tokens (number of tokens wagered) to the token count control unit 350. The door keyhole 140 is a hole for inserting a key to unlock the front door 102 of the slot machine 100.

[0330] The game token count display device 170 is a 5-digit 7-segment (SEG) display that displays the number of game tokens recorded by the token count control unit 350 shown in Figure 11.

[0331] The counting button 171 is an operating means for transmitting information about the number of game tokens recorded in the token count control unit 350 shown in Figure 11 to the dispensing machine 700.

[0332] A title panel 162 is provided at the bottom of the stop button unit 136 for displaying the model name and for attaching various certification labels.

[0333] The sound hole 145 is a hole for outputting sound from the speaker 277 (see Figure 11) located inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 located on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps to enhance the gaming experience. A performance device 160 is located above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 for outputting sound from the speaker 272 (see Figure 11) to the outside is provided above the performance device 160. This display device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two horizontally opening and closing shutters, a right shutter 163a and a left shutter 163b, and a display image display device 157 (liquid crystal display device) positioned behind the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the display image display device 157, the display screen of the display image display device 157 appears on the front (player side, front side) of the slot machine 100. Note that any display device capable of displaying various display images and various game information is acceptable, rather than a liquid crystal display device. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen may be used. The display screen is rectangular and configured so that the entire screen is visible to the player. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Furthermore, decorative elements (not shown) can be placed around the periphery of the display screen, so that a portion of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by these elements, resulting in the display screen appearing to have an irregular shape. In this embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface. Note that this presentation image display device 157 is an example of a presentation means.

[0334] The dispensing machine 700 shown in Figure 10 may also be referred to as a card unit and is an example of the gaming media management device of the present invention. This dispensing machine 700 is installed in a one-to-one relationship with the slot machine 100.

[0335] The rental machine 700 accepts cards. There are two types of "cards" referred to here. One is a visitor card (also called a general card), a prepaid gaming memory medium issued to general players who are not registered members. The other is a membership card, a gaming memory medium issued to registered players who have registered with the arcade. IC cards are used for both types of cards.

[0336] The cards store monetary value. This monetary value includes the "number of medals held" and the "money balance," which is the remaining balance of prepaid money.

[0337] The card-receiving dispensing machine 700 has a function to convert the "number of tokens held" stored on the card into "number of game tokens (credits)". The "number of game tokens (credits)" is data that can be used to set the number of bets and can also be converted into the "number of tokens held". The "number of game tokens" is obtained by deducting the "money balance" or "number of tokens held" from the card. The "number of game tokens" also includes the number of tokens won through winning. This "number of game tokens" is managed by the token count control unit 350 shown in Figure 11 and is the number of electronic tokens (amount of electronic game value) stored electromagnetically. The "number of game tokens" is decreased by performing the insertion operation using the bet buttons 130 and 132.

[0338] "Number of tokens held" is the numerical value obtained by converting the "number of tokens (credits) used for gameplay." This "number of tokens held" is stored in a way that can be identified by the player's card. In other words, by operating the counting button 171, the "number of tokens played" is converted to the "number of tokens held" and can be stored on the card. Alternatively, the "number of tokens held" may be managed by a token count management device installed in the arcade.

[0339] The front of the lending machine 700 is provided with a banknote slot 701 at the top for inserting banknotes and a card slot 702 at the bottom for inserting cards. Member cards and visitor cards inserted into the card slot 702 are received by a card reader / writer, and the information stored on the card is read. Banknotes inserted into the banknote slot 701 are identified for authenticity and type, and the face value of the banknotes is stored as the "money balance" on the card inserted into the card slot 702.

[0340] Below the banknote slot 701, an information display 703 is provided. This information display 703 is a display that provides information such as operating instructions for the lending machine 700 and the status of the slot machine 100 in text and images. Alternatively, the surface may be configured as a touch panel, allowing various operations to be input by touching the displayed items with a finger.

[0341] Below the information display 703, the cash balance display 705 and the medal balance display 706 are arranged in two rows, one above the other. The cash balance display 705 displays the "cash balance" stored on the card inserted into the card slot 702 as an amount. On the other hand, the medal balance display 706 displays the "number of medals held" stored on the card inserted into the card slot 702 as the number of medals.

[0342] The central part of the dispensing machine 700 is provided with a dispensing button 707 and a card return button 708. The dispensing button 707 is an operating means for obtaining "game tokens" by withdrawing the "money balance" stored on the card inserted into the card slot 702. Specifically, if there is a "money balance" on the card inserted into the card slot 702, the LED lamp built into the dispensing button 707 lights up in a manner that indicates that withdrawal is possible. In this state, operating the lending button 707 will add "game tokens" according to the amount of money to be withdrawn. For example, "game tokens" equivalent to 1000 yen will be added as a predetermined amount. Also, if the card's "money balance" is less than a predetermined amount (for example, less than 1000 yen), only the "game tokens" calculated from the current balance at a predetermined rate will be added. Even if the card's "money balance" is less than a predetermined amount, it may be possible to add "game tokens" equivalent to the predetermined amount by replenishing the "number of tokens held" stored on the card. The card return button 708 is operated when the player finishes playing, and is a means of operation to store the "number of tokens held" determined at the end of the game on the card inserted in the card slot 702 and then eject it. The "number of tokens held" determined at the end of the game is calculated by subtracting the number of tokens converted to "number of game tokens" from the "number of tokens held" stored on the card inserted into the card slot 702, and then adding the number of game tokens counted by the counting operation. The "money balance," "number of tokens held," and "number of game tokens" data described above are converted in the following order: "money balance" and "number of tokens held" → "number of game tokens" → "number of tokens held." In this way, the "number of tokens held" is converted to "number of game tokens" according to the "number of tokens held" identified by the card, and in the slot machine 100 of this embodiment, the number of game tokens can be used to set the bet. Therefore, it is possible to provide a new type of slot machine (managed game machine) that does not use physical tokens without confusing players who are accustomed to conventional slot machines where players receive physical tokens, insert those physical tokens to secure credits, and then use those credits to set the bet.

[0343] Although this specification does not mention "stored medals," this "stored medals" refers to the number of medals deposited with the arcade, not stored on the card. The arcade may manage the number of medals a player has won through gameplay as "points" for the day, and as "stored medals" from the following day onward, using a hall management terminal or other management computer. If both "stored medals" and "held medals" are stored, the "held medals" will be deducted first. Both "held medals" and "stored medals" may also be stored in a higher-level server (not shown) in association with the card number. In the case of visitor cards, the "held medals" are stored directly on the visitor card, but the "held medals" may also be stored in a higher-level server in association with the card number. When storing the card number in association with the higher-level server, data that identifies the time the information was stored in the higher-level server may be written to the card (member card, visitor card) before it is dispensed. The "money balance" can be written directly to the card (member card, visitor card) before it is dispensed. The timing for storing the "number of medals held" on the card (member card, visitor card) or in the higher-level server is, for example, when the counting button 171 is operated and the counting process is performed. However, instead, the information may be stored all at once when the card is returned. Furthermore, when a player finishes playing and returns their card from the dispensing machine 700, the "number of tokens held" that was stored in the dispensing machine 700 may be temporarily stored as stored tokens in the hall management terminal 800. When the player inserts the card into the same or a different dispensing machine 700 again on the same day that the card was returned, only the "number of tokens held" for that day, which was temporarily stored as stored tokens, will be stored again in the dispensing machine 700, and the "number of tokens to play" will be added within the range of that "number of tokens held," allowing the player to play.

[0344] Furthermore, the rental machine 700 may be equipped with an IR photosensitive unit that receives infrared signals from a remote control held by an employee of the gaming hall, converts them into electronic signals, and outputs them.

[0345] Furthermore, in the lending machine 700 shown in Figure 10, lending "game tokens" was possible by operating the lending button 707 to withdraw the "money balance" stored on the card. However, it may also be possible to withdraw the "number of tokens held" recorded on the card and convert it into "game tokens." Specifically, the lending machine 700 is provided with a "number of tokens held" button, and if there are "number of tokens held" on the card inserted in the card slot 702, the LED lamp built into the "number of tokens held" button lights up in a manner that indicates that it is ready to withdraw. In this state, by operating the "number of tokens held" button, if there are a predetermined number of tokens (for example, 50 tokens) or more, the predetermined number (for example, 50 tokens) of "game tokens" will be added. In addition, the number of tokens held by the player during gameplay, as described above, is stored on the card as "points held" for the rest of the day, and is managed by the hall management terminal 800 or other management computer, and the lending machine 700 is provided with a replay button. If there are "points remaining," the built-in LED lamp on the replay button lights up in a manner that indicates it is ready to be played. In this state, operating the replay button may add a predetermined number of "game tokens" (for example, 50 tokens).

[0346] <Control Unit Circuit Configuration> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be explained in detail using Figure 11. Note that this figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

[0347] 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 effects in accordance with command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") transmitted by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on commands transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400. Here, regarding the main control unit 300, since a large data capacity would make it difficult to verify the program and could also lead to security problems such as becoming a breeding ground for illegal modifications, the data capacity of the ROM 306 and RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 is limited.

[0348] <Main Control Unit> First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. 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 is an example of a game control means, and the medal count control unit 350 is an example of a game value control means. The game control unit 302 is equipped with a CPU 304, a ROM 306 that stores control program data, lottery data used when internally drawing winning combinations, the arrangement of reel symbols and stopping positions, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling the input and output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, etc., and a WDT (watchdog timer) which is not shown. Note that other storage devices may be used instead of ROM 306 and RAM 308, and the same applies to the medal count control unit 350, the first sub-control unit 400, and the second sub-control unit 500 which will be described later. The CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator (not shown) as the system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 sends frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time. The CPU 304 then performs monitoring of various sensors and transmission of drive pulses based on this interrupt request. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8MHz, 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 interrupt time will be 256 × 47 ÷ 8MHz = 1.504ms.

[0349] The main control unit 300 includes a random number generation circuit (not shown) used as a hardware random number counter that varies a value in the range of 0 to 65535 based on a clock signal input from a crystal oscillator (not shown), and a startup signal output circuit (not shown) that outputs a startup signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 starts game control when it receives a startup signal from this startup signal output circuit.

[0350] Furthermore, the CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 monitors the status of each bet button 130, 132, start lever 135, each stop button 137-139, and payout button 134 at each interrupt time. For example, if it detects that the bet buttons 130 or 132 have been turned on, the medal count control unit 350 executes a process to electronically insert the medals electronically stored in the medal count control unit 350 as medals to be inserted into the game. If it detects that the start lever 135 has been turned on, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random number generation circuit. The random number generation circuit that receives this signal latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores random values ​​to be used for the lottery. If it detects that the left stop button 137, middle stop button 138, or right stop button 139 has been turned on, and the reels 110-112 corresponding to each stop button are in a stopable state, it executes stop control for the reels 110-112. If it is detected that the settlement button 134 has been turned on, the system will execute a process to return the electronically inserted game tokens to the token count control unit 350.

[0351] Furthermore, the CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 also monitors the status of various sensors 318 (optical sensor for the left reel 110, optical sensor for the middle reel 111, optical sensor for the right reel 112, etc.) at each interrupt time. The optical sensors for the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of each reel 110-112, and each time a light-shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes over them, they reach an L level. The rotation position information, which indicates how much the reel has rotated from the reference position between the time it reaches an L level and the next time it reaches an L level, is calculated based on the value obtained by counting the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b. When the CPU 304 detects the above L level signal, it determines that the reel has rotated once and resets the rotation position information of the reel to zero. This rotation position information is stored in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300.

[0352] 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, the game information display 126, and the payout count display 127, and a drive circuit 326 that drives various lamps 336 (winning line indicator lamp 120, notification lamp 123, game token insertion ready lamp 124, replay lamp 122, game token insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121).

[0353] Furthermore, slot machine 100 has different setting values ​​that affect the player's advantage. There are six setting values ​​available, from setting 1 to setting 6. Generally, the higher the setting value, the greater the player's advantage. Specifically, an internal winning probability is determined for each setting value. Even if the internal winning probability is the same for each setting value, there may be differences in the settings for AT-related lotteries such as AT transition lotteries and AT bonus lotteries, and for CZ-related lotteries such as CZ transition lotteries and high-probability transition lotteries that make CZ transitions more favorable. A setting change button 175 is connected to the game control unit 302, which is operated when changing these setting values.

[0354] Furthermore, an information output circuit 328 is connected to the game control unit 302, and the main control unit 300 outputs game information of the slot machine 100 (for example, information indicating the state of the game) to an information input circuit 650 provided by an external hall computer (not shown) via this information output circuit 328.

[0355] Furthermore, 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). This voltage monitoring circuit outputs a low voltage signal to the game control unit 302 and the medal count control unit 350, respectively, when the voltage value of the power supply falls below a predetermined value (for example, 9V), indicating that the voltage has dropped.

[0356] Furthermore, 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. Information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is unidirectional; the main control unit 300 is configured to send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to send signals such as commands to the main control unit 300.

[0357] The medal count control unit 350, like the game control unit 302, is equipped with a CPU 354, ROM 356, RAM 358, I / O 360 for controlling the input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 362 for measuring time, counts, etc. The CPUs 304 and 354 are mounted on the same board and connected via a buffer IC. This allows the CPU 304 to use ROM 306 and RAM 308 without using ROM 356 and RAM 358, and vice versa. A WDT (watchdog timer), not shown in the diagram, is also included. The CPU 354 of the medal count control unit 350 also operates by receiving a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator (not shown) as the system clock. Furthermore, when power is turned on, the CPU 354 transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 356 to the counter timer 362. The counter timer 362 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 354 at each interrupt time. The CPU 354 operates in response to this interrupt request. This medal count control unit 350 executes the interrupt processing every 0.745ms. It also communicates with the dispensing machine 700 every 300ms.

[0358] The CPU 354 of the medal count control unit 350 is also equipped with a startup signal output circuit (not shown) that outputs a startup 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 startup signal is input from this startup signal output circuit.

[0359] The basic circuit of the medal count control unit 350 is connected to a game medal count display device 170 consisting of a 5-digit 7-segment (SEG) display, a counting button 171, and a game medal count clear button 172.

[0360] Furthermore, the basic circuit of the medal count control unit 350 is also connected to the lending machine 700 via the lending machine connection terminal board 790. The medal count control unit 350 communicates bidirectionally with the lending machine 700.

[0361] The medal count control unit 350 sends various commands to the game control unit 302. The game control unit 302 also sends 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 bidirectional.

[0362] 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 the credit counter. The medal count control unit 350 updates the "number of game medals" stored in the predetermined area of ​​the RAM 358 by addition or subtraction processing. Addition processing includes processing based on payout commands transmitted from the game control unit 302, processing based on settlement commands transmitted from the game control unit 302, and processing based on loan notifications transmitted from the loan machine 700. On the other hand, subtraction processing includes counting processing based on the operation of the counting button 171, and processing based on insert commands transmitted from the game control unit 302.

[0363] The game token count clear button 172 shown in Figure 11 is located in a position that players cannot operate (for example, a position that cannot be operated without opening the front door 102), and is an operation means for clearing the "game token count" stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 358. For example, if the game token count remains at "2" and the player is absent, it becomes difficult to determine whether the player who left "2" intends to continue playing or not, and another player may not be able to start playing. However, if the game token count can be cleared by an employee, another player can be welcomed sooner. Note that the game token count clear button 172 does not necessarily clear the "game token count" when it is operated. For example, it may be set to clear only when the game token count is 2 or less, and if there are 3 or more, the count may be performed in the same way as when the counting button 171 is operated. If the counting button 171 malfunctions and the system cannot recognize that it has been operated, it may become impossible to convert the "number of game tokens played" to the "number of tokens held," potentially causing disadvantage to the player. However, if counting is also possible through operation by a store employee, this disadvantage to the player can be avoided. Furthermore, there is no need to install a new counting button for employees, thus avoiding increased costs. In addition, instead of determining the number of game tokens to decide whether to clear or count, the clearing and counting actions could be determined by how the game token count clear button 172 is operated. For example, a short press could clear the tokens, and a long press could count them. This would allow for easy selection of either clearing or counting, regardless of the number of game tokens. Alternatively, if only the game token count clear button 172 is operated, the tokens would be cleared, and if the game token count clear button 172 and another button are operated simultaneously, the tokens would be counted. This would reduce the possibility of operational errors and allow for easy selection of either clearing or counting.

[0364] <Deputy Commander> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 receives control commands transmitted 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 receiving a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 414 as the 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 patterns and various indicators, etc.

[0365] The CPU 404 transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0366] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with an audio amplifier IC 418, and speakers 272 and 277 are connected to the audio amplifier IC 418 via an output interface. The audio amplifier IC 418 controls the sound output from the amplifier and speakers 272 and 277 in response to instructions from the CPU 404. An S-ROM (sound ROM) containing audio data is connected to the audio amplifier IC 418, and the audio data acquired from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from speakers 272 and 277. These speakers 272 and 277 are examples of performance techniques.

[0367] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a drive circuit 422, to which various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel lamp, bet button lamp, reel backlight, etc.) are connected via an input / output interface. The various lamps 420 are examples of the effects and effects.

[0368] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a drive circuit 424 that drives the motor of the shutter 163, and the shutter 163 is connected to the drive circuit 424 via an output interface. This drive circuit 424 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided on the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 404.

[0369] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a sensor circuit 426, to which a shutter sensor 428 is connected via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the status of the shutter sensor 428 at interrupt intervals.

[0370] Furthermore, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub-control unit 500 via an output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of the performance device 160, including the display control of the performance image display device 157. The second sub-control unit 500 may be composed of 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).

[0371] The second sub-control unit 500 receives control commands transmitted by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and includes a basic circuit 502 that 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, counts, etc. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by receiving a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 514 as the system clock. The ROM 506 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, as well as data for image display, etc.

[0372] The CPU 504 transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0373] Furthermore, the second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a VDP 516 (video display processor), to which a ROM 506 and a VRAM 518 are connected via a bus. Based on signals from the CPU 504, the VDP 516 reads image data stored in the ROM 506, generates a display image using the work area of ​​the VRAM 518, and displays the image on the image display device 157.

[0374] <Demo screen transition> Next, the demo screen transitions according to this embodiment will be explained using Figures 12 and 13. As mentioned above, the slot machine 100 is a machine exclusively for betting 3 coins.

[0375] In this embodiment, the demo screen is started when (A) the number of medals acquired on the day (MY) reaches a predetermined number L, and (1) a waiting time M has elapsed since all reels stopped, (2) a waiting time M has elapsed since medals were inserted when the number of bets (number of tokens wagered) is not the predetermined number, i.e., when the number of tokens wagered is 1 or 2, or (3) a waiting time M has elapsed since some operation was performed on the gaming machine.

[0376] Here, "any operation on the gaming machine" refers to operations on the counting button 171 or the payout button 143, or operations on the buttons for calling up the player menu screen or adjusting the volume and brightness of the effects. These operations are accepted during the period before the game starts (non-game period), and the demo screen starts when the waiting time M has elapsed since the last operation was performed. In this embodiment, the predetermined number of coins L is set to 1000 coins and the waiting time M is set to 1 minute, but it is not limited to these values.

[0377] Here, MY refers to the number of medals acquired from the point where the net number of medals for the day (the cumulative difference between the number of medals inserted and the number of medals paid out in a single game (paid out - inserted)) was minimized (the point where the losing streak was the worst). Also, the stopping of all reels refers to the state of waiting to start the game, and more precisely, it means that the game medal insertion ready lamp 124 is lit.

[0378] Figure 12(A) shows a time chart of the demo screen transition in the case of a bet of 0 in this embodiment (case (A) and (1) above). In this case, as shown in Figure 12(A), the liquid crystal display device 157 continues to display the game screen d1 (Figure 13(B-1) described later) from the previous game, but since no medals are bet, the demo screen d2 (Figures 13(B-2) to (B-4) described later; the configuration of demo screen d2 will be described in detail later) starts to be displayed at time t2, after the waiting time M has elapsed from time t1 when all reels have stopped. The demo screen d2 is displayed from time t1 until time t3 when the predetermined number of 3 medals are bet.

[0379] Figure 12(B) shows a time chart for the demo screen transition in the case of a bet of 2 in the conventional system. Conventionally, if the number of medals bet was less than the specified number, as shown in Figure 12(B), the demo screen d2 was not displayed even at time t5, after the waiting time M had elapsed from the time the bet was made t4, and the game screen d1 continued to be displayed. In other words, conventionally, the system was configured so that the demo screen d2 would not be displayed if the number of medals bet was less than the specified number.

[0380] Therefore, conventionally, even if a game was ended with fewer than the required number of tokens bet, the demo screen would not appear, making it difficult to recognize the machine as vacant, and resulting in the problem of machines being left vacant for extended periods.

[0381] In contrast, Figure 13(A) shows a time chart relating to the demo screen transition in the case of a bet of 2 in this embodiment (the case of (A) and (2) above). In this case, as shown in Figure 13(A), the liquid crystal display device 157 continues to display the game screen d1 from the previous game, but the demo screen d2 is displayed at time t5, after the waiting time M has elapsed from the time t4 when a number of medals less than the prescribed number is bet. The demo screen d2 is displayed until time t3 when the prescribed number of 3 medals is bet, similar to Figure 12(A).

[0382] As a result, in this embodiment, even if the game ends with fewer than the specified number of tokens bet, the game transitions to demo screen d2, making it easier to recognize that the machine is vacant. In other words, it is possible to prevent machines from being left vacant for extended periods.

[0383] In this embodiment, the slot machine 100 allows the bet button 132 to be operated even if there are only one or two credits, and one or two tokens are inserted.

[0384] Here, we will explain the configuration and display examples of demo screen d2 using Figures 12(A), 13(A), and 13(B) mentioned above.

[0385] Figure 13(B-1) shows an example of the game screen d1 display, and Figures 13(B-2) to (B-4) show examples of the demo screen d2 display. In this embodiment, the demo screen d2 is composed of, in detail, a performance introduction display screen d2A, a machine name display screen d2B, a warning display screen d2C, and a company name display screen d2D, as shown in Figures 12(A) and 13(A). Each demo screen is controlled to be displayed sequentially and cyclically as a predetermined display time elapses, in the order of performance introduction display screen d2A → machine name display screen d2B → warning display screen d2C → company name display screen d2D → performance introduction display screen d2A →...

[0386] The performance introduction display screen d2A, as shown in Figure 13(B-2), is a demo display screen that introduces the performances performed in slot machine 100. The model name display screen d2B is a demo display screen that displays the model name of slot machine 100 (not shown). The warning display screen d2C, as shown in Figure 13(B-3), is a demo display screen that displays a message warning against becoming addicted to the game (for example, "Be careful not to get addicted!"). The company name display screen d2D is a demo display screen that shows the name of the company that manufactures and sells slot machine 100 (not shown in the illustration).

[0387] Furthermore, the demo screen d2 of this embodiment displays the maximum number of photos d10, as shown in Figures 12(A) and 13(A). The maximum number of photos d10 is an image that displays the maximum MY value for the day. In this embodiment, the maximum number of photos d10 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 number displayed in the maximum number of photos d10 will be 1000 or more. As shown in Figures 13(B-2) to (B-4), the maximum number of photos d10 is displayed together with the demo screen d2.

[0388] As a result, the maximum number of coins display d10 of this embodiment is displayed on the demo screen d2 only when the number of coins won is such that it gives the player a sense of satisfaction, thus preventing the player from getting a negative impression of the maximum number of coins display d10. Furthermore, when the demo screen d2 is displayed while the player is not playing, the maximum number of coins display d10 is displayed only when the maximum MY value for the day is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (1000 coins), thus appealing to players that the available machine is a "payout machine" and encouraging them to play. Conversely, when the maximum MY value for the day is less than a predetermined number (1000 coins), the maximum number of coins display d10 is not displayed, thus preventing the player from getting a negative impression that the machine is a "non-payout machine".

[0389] Furthermore, since the maximum number of coins d10 is displayed using the LCD display device 157 of the slot machine 100, it is possible to easily find an available machine without being distracted by the data display of each machine. As a result, it is possible to prevent disputes between customers where a player starts playing on a machine that has been reserved by another player.

[0390] Furthermore, the maximum number of coins displayed d10 on demo screen d2 eliminates the need for player operation compared to transitioning from the menu screen to display rankings of acquired coins, displays of acquired coins, and the number of times the game has been controlled to a favorable state.

[0391] Furthermore, if the game ends with fewer than the specified number of medals bet, the system transitions to demo screen d2 and displays the maximum number of medals d10, thus preventing machines from being left vacant for extended periods and encouraging players to continue playing.

[0392] In this embodiment, the maximum number of images d10 is displayed on the performance introduction screen d2A, the model name display screen d2B, and the warning display screen d2C, but is configured not to be displayed on the company name display screen d2D, however, it is not limited to this configuration. 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.

[0393] <Slump graph> Next, using Figure 14, the display of the maximum number of coins d10 and the pre-notification d20 according to this embodiment will be explained. Figure 14 is an example of a slump graph showing the change in the number of coins for the slot machine 100.

[0394] The slot machine 100 of this embodiment has a complete function. The complete function is a function that makes it impossible to play for the day when the number of coins won (MY) for the day reaches a predetermined number MA (for example, 19,000 coins in this embodiment). The advance notification d20 is a visual display that notifies the player that the MY for the day is approaching this predetermined number MA. In this embodiment, when MY reaches 18,500 coins or more, the advance notification d20 is executed and the number of coins remaining until the predetermined number MA is displayed.

[0395] Figure 13(B-4) shows an example of the display of the pre-notification d20 on the demo screen d2. As shown in Figure 13(B-4), the pre-notification d20 is displayed on the demo screen d2 together with the maximum number display d10. Note that the maximum number display d10 is displayed larger than the pre-notification d20 and is therefore more prominent.

[0396] According to Figure 14, the minimum difference in the number of tokens is -2000 at time T1, so MY is calculated based on the number of tokens gained from this minimum value of -2000. From time T0 to time T4, MY is 1000 or less, so the maximum number of tokens display d10 is not displayed on demo screen d2. Hereafter, the section in which the maximum number of tokens display d10 is not displayed on demo screen d2 will be called the "maximum number not displayed section," and the section in which the maximum number of tokens display d10 is displayed on demo screen d2 will be called the "maximum number displayed section." The section from time T0 to time T4 is the maximum number not displayed section. On the other hand, the section from time T4 onward is the section after MY has reached 1000 or more, so it is the maximum number displayed section.

[0397] From time point T4 to time point T5, the MY value increases, so the value of the maximum number of medals displayed d10 is updated (shown as "Maximum number updated" in Figure 14). Then, at time T5, the maximum number of medals displayed d10 is 1500. Subsequently, from time point T5 to time point T9, the MY value decreases or increases, but since MY does not exceed 1500, the value of the maximum number of medals displayed d10 remains at 1500 (shown as "Maximum 1500 medals" in Figure 14). In this way, even in periods when medals decrease, the maximum MY value up to that point is displayed, so the machine can be promoted as having the potential to pay out the maximum number of medals displayed d10.

[0398] In the interval from time T9 to time T11, the MY value increases, so the value of the maximum number of medals displayed d10 is updated. Here, in the interval from time T10 to time T11, although the state is normal and not AT state, the number of medals acquired has increased slightly, so the value of the maximum number of medals displayed d10 is updated. Thus, in this embodiment, the updated maximum number of medals displayed d10 is shown on demo screen d2 whether it is AT state or normal state. Then, at time T11, the maximum number of medals displayed d10 of 3020 is displayed. Subsequently, in the interval from time T11 to time T13, the MY value decreases or increases, but since MY does not exceed 3020, the value of the maximum number of medals displayed d10 remains 3020 (shown as "Maximum 3020 medals" in Figure 14).

[0399] From time point T13 to time point T15, the MY value increases, so the value of the maximum number of coins displayed d10 is updated during this period. At time point T14, the MY value reaches 18500, so the display of the advance notification d20 begins from time T14 onward. The advance notification d20 is displayed until MY reaches 19500 coins. At time T15, the maximum number of coins displayed d10 is 18700. Subsequently, from time point T15 to time point T17, the MY value decreases or increases, but MY does not exceed 18700, so the value of the maximum number of coins displayed d10 remains at 18700 (shown as "Maximum 18700 coins" in Figure 14).

[0400] In this embodiment, the maximum number of coins display d10 is displayed only after the MY value for the day reaches 1000 or more, thus preventing the negative impression of a "machine that doesn't pay out" and thereby encouraging players to continue playing. Furthermore, even if the MY value decreases, the maximum MY value up to that point is displayed, allowing the machine to be appealing as having potential. Moreover, if the MY value is 18500 or more, the advance notification d20 is displayed along with the maximum number of coins display d10, allowing players to know the remaining number of coins up to the specified number of 19000.

[0401] While Figure 14 shows a slump graph where the number of tokens increases from time T8, we will now explain the case where the number of tokens does not increase after time T8. Even if the number of tokens continues to decrease from time T8 and the net number of tokens falls below -1500, the maximum number of tokens display d10 will still show "1500". This is because the maximum MY (maximum increase from the minimum value) of 1500 has not been updated. Subsequently, for example, if the number of tokens increases after reaching a net number of -3000, and the number of tokens does not increase to a net number of -1500, the maximum MY of 1500 is not updated, so the maximum number of tokens display d10 will show "1500". However, if the number of tokens increases beyond -1500, the maximum MY will be updated beyond 1500, and the maximum number of tokens display d10 will show the updated maximum MY value.

[0402] <How the slot machine works> • Maximum number of pages update process Next, the maximum number of sheets update process will be explained using Figure 15. Figure 15 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the maximum number of sheets update process executed by the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400.

[0403] When the main control unit 300 enters a state of waiting to start a game, it transmits the current MY value (MY value up to the previous game) to the first sub-control unit 400 (step S101). Here, the state of waiting to start a game means that it is possible to insert tokens, or more precisely, the state in which the token insertion ready lamp 124 is lit. As a result, the first sub-control unit 400 receives the current MY value NV.

[0404] Next, the main control unit 300 receives a game start operation by operating the start lever 135 (step S102) and waits until the reels 110 to 112 start rotating (step S103). Meanwhile, the first sub-control unit 400 refers to the MY value transmitted in step S101 during this wait time (step S201). As a result, the first sub-control unit 400 grasps the current MY value NV.

[0405] Next, when the wait time is finished, the main control unit 300 rotates the reels 110 to 112 (step S104), and when it receives a stop operation from the stop buttons 137 to 139 (step S105), it stops the corresponding reels 110 to 112. Based on the stopping patterns of all reels 110 to 112, the main control unit 300 performs a prize determination process and a medal payout process (step S106). In the prize determination process, if a combination of symbols corresponding to any winning combination is displayed on an activated winning line, it is determined that a prize has been won. In the medal payout process, if a prize that is payoutable has been won, the number of medals corresponding to that 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.

[0406] As a result, the first sub-control unit 400 receives the number of tokens inserted BV and the number of tokens paid out OV in the game (step S202) and calculates the remaining number of tokens ZV until the complete function is activated (step S203). Specifically, the remaining number of tokens ZV = specified number of tokens MA - received MY value NV - (number of tokens paid out OV - number of tokens inserted BV). For example, if the specified number of tokens MA is 19000, the MY value NV is 5000, the number of tokens inserted is 3, and the number of tokens paid out is 10, the remaining number of tokens ZV will be 13993.

[0407] Next, the first sub-control unit 400 calculates a new MY value (hereinafter referred to as "this MY value") NV that reflects the current game. Specifically, this MY value NV = prescribed number of coins MA - remaining number of coins ZV. For example, if the prescribed number of coins MA is 19000 and the remaining number of coins ZV calculated in step S203 is 13993, then this MY value NV will be 5007 coins.

[0408] Next, the first sub-control unit 400 determines whether the current MY value NV is greater than the current maximum number of sheets display d10 display value DV (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). Otherwise (step S205: NO), it terminates the maximum number of sheets update process.

[0409] Meanwhile, after completing the processing in step S106, the main control unit 300 performs a counter update process to calculate MY (step S107) and returns to step S101.

[0410] Thus, according to the maximum 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. Therefore, the demo MY display value does not decrease, but only remains the same or increases. In other words, the maximum number display d10 shown on the demo screen d2 does not decrease, which can encourage players to continue playing.

[0411] • Maximum number of pages display processing Next, the maximum number of pages display process (hereinafter simply referred to as the "maximum number of pages display process") in the demo screen d2 will be explained using Figures 16(A) and (B). Figure 16(A) is a flowchart showing the flow of the maximum number of pages display process executed by the second sub-control unit 500. The maximum number of pages display process is executed at predetermined intervals (timer interrupt time).

[0412] The second sub-control unit 500 determines whether it has detected either a display marker or a hide marker (steps S301, S305). Here, the display marker is a marker that indicates the start of displaying the demo MY display value DV on the screen while the demo screen d2 is being displayed, and the hide marker is a marker that indicates the start of hiding the demo MY display value DV on the screen. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 16(C-1), a display marker is placed at the beginning of the performance introduction screen d2A that constitutes the demo screen d2, and a hide marker is placed at the beginning of the company name screen d2D. Therefore, if a display marker is detected on the currently displayed demo screen d2, the system is controlled to display the demo MY display value DV on the screen thereafter, and if a hide marker is detected, the system is controlled not to display the demo MY display value DV on the screen thereafter.

[0413] When the second sub-control unit 500 detects a display marker (step S301: YES), specifically, in the performance introduction screen d2A, the model name screen d2B, and the warning screen d2C, it sets the current value of demo MY display value DV to the extended command "Demo MY value" (step S302), and then sets the display mode corresponding to the current value of demo MY display value DV to the extended command "Demo MY color" (step S303). After the processing in step S303, the process proceeds to step S307.

[0414] Here, the extended command is a parameter associated with the liquid crystal command as shown in Figure 16(B). In a predetermined bit position of the 1-byte liquid crystal command, the "Demo MY Numerical Value" indicating the value of Demo MY Display Value DV and the "Demo MY Color" indicating the color of Demo MY Display Value DV are stored. Specifically, in this embodiment, the Demo MY Color is set to indicate whether to display or not, and the color if it is displayed, according to the value of Demo MY Display Value DV. Specifically, (1) if Demo MY Display Value DV ≤ 999, it is hidden; (2) if Demo MY Display Value DV ≤ 2999, it is silver; (3) if Demo MY Display Value DV ≤ 4999, it is gold; and (4) if Demo MY Display Value DV ≥ 5000, it is rainbow-colored. Thus, in step S303, the display or not and the display color are set.

[0415] Furthermore, if the second sub-control unit 500 detects a hidden marker (step S305: YES), it sets the extended command "Demo MY Color" to "Hidden" (step S306). After the processing in step S306, the process proceeds to step S307.

[0416] On the other hand, if the second sub-control unit 500 does not detect either the display marker or the non-display marker (step S301: NO, step S305: NO), it proceeds to step S307.

[0417] Next, the second sub-control unit 500 performs 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 value set in the liquid crystal display command.

[0418] As described above, with the maximum number of tokens display processing of this embodiment, the demo MY display value is displayed on demo screen d2 only when MY is 1000 or more, so it is possible to appeal to players by highlighting the tokens on available machines and encouraging them to play. In addition, the display color is changed according to the value of the demo MY display value, so the token situation can be visually appealed to by the display color. Furthermore, since the display and hiding of the demo MY display value are controlled by the display marker and the hide marker, it is possible to flexibly respond to changes in the configuration of demo screen d2.

[0419] 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, thereby preventing the display of the maximum number of sheets d10 on the demo screen d2 (first method). However, other control methods may be used to prevent the display of the maximum number of sheets d10 on the demo screen d2 when the demo MY display value DV is less than 1000 sheets. For example, if 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 it also has the disadvantage that if there is a problem with the data, the maximum number of sheets d10 may be displayed at an unintended time. On the other hand, the second method has the advantage of being able to control display / hide more reliably, but it also has the disadvantage that the amount of program code increases because a branching algorithm is added.

[0420] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 16(C-1), a display marker is placed at the beginning of the presentation introduction screen d2A and a hide marker is placed at the beginning of the company name screen d2D. However, as shown in 7(C-2), a hide 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 in Figure 16(C-1) can be performed.

[0421] <Variation> In this embodiment, the maximum number of tokens display d10 displays the maximum MY value for the day, but it may also display the maximum number of tokens paid out. In the case of the number of tokens paid out, the number of tokens bet is not taken into consideration, so a larger number can be displayed, and the appeal of winning tokens can be further emphasized. In addition, in this embodiment, the maximum number of tokens display d10 reflects the difference in the number of tokens obtained by irregular button presses, but it may be configured so that the difference in tokens is not reflected in the case of irregular button presses. It is possible to display a larger number of tokens than the number of tokens obtained displayed on the results screen shown at the end of a favorable game.

[0422] In this embodiment, if the number of bets is not the specified number, i.e., if the number of bets is 1 or 2, the demo screen is started after a waiting time M has elapsed since the medals were inserted. However, the demo screen may also be started when the number of bets is the specified number, i.e., if the number of bets is 3. Alternatively, the demo screen may be started after a waiting time M has elapsed when a replay is won. In this embodiment, the waiting time M was set to 1 minute, but the waiting time M may be variable depending on the conditions. For example, the waiting time M may be 40 seconds if the number of bets is 0, 60 seconds if the number of bets is 1 or 2, and 120 seconds if the number of bets is 3 (the same applies to replays). A shorter time may be used when the number of bets is 0 because there is a high possibility that the game will be stopped completely, and a longer waiting time may be used when the number of bets is 1 or more because there is a high possibility that the player is temporarily away from their seat (especially when the number of bets is 3). This reduces the annoyance of frequently transitioning to the demo screen d2 even when the game has not been stopped.

[0423] Alternatively, the demo screen may be set to start even if there are medals stored in the medal count display device 170 (number of medals > 0) after the waiting time M has elapsed. This configuration prevents malicious players from intentionally leaving only one medal and leaving the store to reduce the operation of the gaming machine, compared to the configuration in which the demo screen does not start when the number of medals in the medal count display device 170 is > 0.

[0424] On the other hand, the demo screen may be configured to start after a waiting time M has elapsed when no medals are stored in the medal count display device 170 (number of medals = 0). This configuration prevents problems such as another player playing the game even though medals are stored in the medal count storage device 170.

[0425] Alternatively, if the medal count display device 170 shows "medal count > 0", the demo screen may be started after a waiting time M has elapsed, provided the bet is 0 (i.e., if the bet ≠ 0, the demo screen will not be shown even after the waiting time M has elapsed). This configuration eliminates both the aforementioned mischief and troubles. Note that the demo screen may also be started even if the bet ≠ 0 when the medal count display device 170 shows "medal count > 0".

[0426] Furthermore, the above embodiments may be combined, and when the medal count display device 170 shows "medal count = 0", if a number of bets that cannot be played is set, the demo screen may start after the waiting time M has elapsed, and when the medal count display device 170 shows "medal count > 0", the demo screen may start after the waiting time M has elapsed, provided that the number of bets is 0.

[0427] Furthermore, the demo screen may not start depending on the state of the game at that time. For example, if the game state is one in which the payout is increasing (during a bonus or AT), the demo screen may not start even after the waiting time M has elapsed, while if the payout is not increasing, the demo screen may start after the waiting time M has elapsed. Also, if a continuous performance spanning multiple games is in progress, the demo screen may not start even after the waiting time M has elapsed, while if a continuous performance is not in progress, the demo screen may start after the waiting time M has elapsed.

[0428] Furthermore, the result screen displayed at the end of a favorable game and the maximum number of tokens display d10 may be displayed together or separately. In the former case, the number of tokens won in that favorable game and the maximum number of tokens for the day can be checked simultaneously, allowing for a comprehensive review of payout information and saving the trouble of operating data displays, for example. In the latter case, multiple token counts are displayed, preventing confusion for the player. Additionally, the waiting time M may be shortened when the result screen is displayed. This allows for quicker notification of available machines.

[0429] Furthermore, a configuration that sometimes displays the number of acquired items and sometimes does not may also be applied to the results screen. For example, if the results screen consists of a background screen and a display of the number of coins won, and the number of coins won during a favorable game such as a bonus or AT is small (for example, less than 100 coins), the results screen at the end of the favorable game may display only the background screen without showing the number of coins won. On the other hand, if the number of coins won during a favorable game such as a bonus or AT is large (for example, 100 coins or more), the results screen at the end of the favorable game may display both the number of coins won and the background screen. The background screen may also provide some kind of hint. This reduces player stress by preventing the screen from unnecessarily displaying situations where the number of coins won is small. Furthermore, if some players quit playing and leave the store after seeing the results screen, the machine's usage may decrease because it will not display situations where the number of coins won is small. The "certain hint" could, for example, be something that hints at the machine's settings. Also, if there are multiple modes leading up to the granting of favorable games such as bonuses, ATs, or CZs, the hint could be something that indicates which mode is being used. Furthermore, if multiple modes are predetermined, the suggestion may be something like "Mode A will be used M times out of N times." In this way, when a suggestion is made on the background screen, even if the number of acquired coins is not displayed, the result screen may display the background screen containing the suggestion. This can reduce player stress while increasing their motivation to continue playing. Also, when the number of acquired coins is small, the suggestion with a higher degree of advantage may be displayed more frequently than when the number of acquired coins is large. This can further reduce player stress while increasing their motivation to continue playing.

[0430] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the maximum number of tokens display d10 is shown on the liquid crystal display device 157, but the device for displaying the maximum number of tokens display d10 is not limited to this. For example, the maximum number of tokens display d10 may be shown on a data display device installed on the slot machine 100. In this case as well, it is possible to appeal to players about the potential payout and avoid giving the impression that the machine is "not paying out."

[0431] For example, the data display device may be able to display the maximum number of coins d10 when the gaming machine is not in a game state and / or is displaying a demonstration. The data display device may also determine that the machine is not in a game state if no operation signal (a signal indicating 1G progress) is input from the gaming machine within a predetermined time M, and may display the maximum number of coins d10 as a result. The data display device may also display the maximum number of coins d10 as a result of receiving a signal from a hall employee indicating that the machine is available.

[0432] <Summary of Embodiments> As described above, according to the gaming machine (for example, slot machine 100) of the above embodiment, A gaming machine equipped with display means (for example, a liquid crystal display device 157, a first sub-control unit 400, 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 payouts at a first timing (for example, the timing of displaying demo screen d2), The display means is a means capable of displaying the number acquired at the first timing when the first condition is met (for example, when the minimum MY value reaches 1000 coins), The first basic configuration is that the first condition is met when the number of acquired items is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 1000 items).

[0433] This first basic configuration allows for an appealing payout while avoiding the impression that the machine doesn't pay out, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

[0434] In the first basic configuration described above, The aforementioned display means is a means that may execute a demonstration display (for example, display 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, demo state) where no game is being played. A first preferred configuration is that the first timing is the timing when the demonstration display is being executed.

[0435] According to the first preferred configuration, it is possible to appeal to players by displaying the payout on vacant gaming machines, thereby encouraging them to play.

[0436] In the first preferred configuration described above, It comprises a first bet number that allows gameplay (for example, 3 cards) and a second bet number that does not allow gameplay (for example, 2 cards), The display means is a means that may perform a demonstration display when the second condition is met, even when neither the first bet nor the second bet has been set. The display means is a means that may perform a demonstration display when the second condition is met while the second bet is set. A second preferred configuration is that the second condition is met when a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) has elapsed in the non-game state.

[0437] According to the second preferred configuration, even if a number of bets that cannot be played is set and left unattended, the machine can be recognized as an available machine.

[0438] In the second preferred configuration, A memory means for storing game value (for example, RAM 308, medal count control unit 350, etc.), The system includes an operating means (for example, a bet button 132) that can set the first bet amount from the game value stored in the storage means based on a single operation, The operating means is a means for setting the first bet number based on the first operation when the game value stored in the storage means satisfies the first bet number, A third preferred configuration is that the operating means is a means for setting the second bet number based on the first operation when the game value stored in the storage means is the second bet number.

[0439] According to the third preferred configuration, the processing when the operating means is operated can be standardized, thus reducing the processing capacity in the development process. Furthermore, if the gaming machine is equipped with a medal count display device, when the remaining number of game value stored in the medal count display device is, for example, 1 to 2, the number of bets can be set by operating the operating means, and the remaining number of game value stored in the medal count display device can be set to 0, making it easier to recognize that the machine is vacant. In addition, if a player leaves the store with the remaining number of game value stored in the medal count display device at 1 to 2, the store staff would have to return that number of medals to the dispensing device, or reset the medal count display device during closing (or opening) operations such as maintenance or preparation for the next business day. By reducing such tasks, this can contribute to improving the operations of the gaming store.

[0440] Furthermore, according to the display device of the above embodiment (for example, a display connected to a slot machine 100), A display device provided in conjunction with a gaming machine (for example, a slot machine 100) and capable of displaying information about the gaming machine, The display device is capable of displaying the number of game values ​​acquired based on the number of bets and payouts made in the game on the gaming machine. The display device is capable of displaying the number of winnings when the first condition is met (for example, when the minimum MY value of slot machine 100 reaches 1000 coins). The second basic configuration is that the first condition is met only when the number of acquired items is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 1000 items).

[0441] This second basic configuration allows for an appealing payout while avoiding the impression that the machine doesn't pay out, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

[0442] In the second basic configuration described above, The aforementioned gaming machine may perform a demonstration display even when no game is being played (for example, in demo mode). A fourth preferred configuration is that the display device is capable of displaying the number of wins when the gaming machine is in the non-playing state.

[0443] According to the fourth preferred configuration, it is possible to appeal to players by displaying payouts on vacant gaming machines, thereby encouraging them to play.

[0444] [Second Embodiment] The visual effects devices (lamps, speakers, moving parts, etc.) on gaming machines are important devices that contribute to enhancing the enjoyment of the game. Therefore, stability is required in the data communication between the control unit (CPU) and the drive unit (driver IC) when controlling these visual effects devices. For example, data communication that is resistant to noise and can flexibly handle differences in the type and version of drive unit (components) is desired.

[0445] In the second embodiment, a gaming machine that solves the above-mentioned problems is provided. In the following description, only the configurations, functions, and processes that differ from the first embodiment will be described, and other configurations, functions, and processes will be omitted from the description, with the same reference numerals used for the same parts.

[0446] <Connection Configuration> In this embodiment (second embodiment), the communication method used when the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 shown in Figure 11 transmits control signals to the drive circuit 422 that drives the various lamps 420 will be described.

[0447] Figure 17(A) is a functional block diagram of the first sub-control unit 400 of this embodiment. In detail, the communication method when 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 will be described.

[0448] Here, the drive circuit 422X consists of an LED driver for ICxxx, and the drive circuit 422Y consists of an LED driver for ICyyy (xxx and yyy indicate the model number and type of the IC). The top lamp 420X is a lamp driven by ICxxx, and the side lamp 422Y is a lamp driven by ICyyy. ICxxx and the top lamp 420X are installed on the top lamp board, and ICyyy and the side lamp 422Y are installed on the side lamp board.

[0449] Figure 18(A) shows an example of an LED driver for ICxxx, and Figure 18(B) shows an example of an LED driver for ICyyy. As shown in Figure 18, the LED drivers for ICxxx and ICyyy are different types of drivers. Different types of drivers mean, for example, drivers with different pin configurations and different performance. The terminals shown in the pin configuration are assigned to RGB terminals, data input terminals, data output terminals, power terminals, GND terminals, CS signal (chip select), etc. Note that even with the same driver, performance will differ if the pin configuration is different (for example, functions to reduce noise, functions to reduce brightness and cool when the temperature rises, etc.).

[0450] 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 of different types, but this is not limited to this. As shown in Figures 17(B-1) and (B-2), the same type of drive circuit may be connected, or as shown in this embodiment and Figure 17(B-3), different types of drive circuits may be mixed. As will be described in more detail later, this is because the packet structure of the control signals transmitted from the CPU 404 is the same regardless of the type of IC in the drive circuit 422.

[0451] <Communication Method> Next, using Figure 19, we will explain the communication method when the CPU 404 of this embodiment transmits a control signal (hereinafter referred to as "control data") to the drive circuit 422.

[0452] Figure 19(A) schematically shows the packet structure of control data CD1 for ICxxx, and Figure 19(B) schematically shows the packet structure of control data CD2 for ICxxx.

[0453] As shown in Figures 19(A) and (B), the configuration of the control data CD for an LED driver is the same regardless of the type of LED driver (control data is collectively referred to as CD). As shown in Figures 19(A) and (B), the control data CD is 8 bytes of data and consists of a start command, slave address, subaddress, data byte, stop command, and noise suppression command. Each item of the control data CD consists of 1 byte (8 bits).

[0454] The start command is a data item that indicates the start of a packet, and in this embodiment, the value FFh (111111111) is set. The slave address and subaddress are the destination addresses of the control data CD, and the addresses of the LED driver are set. The data byte contains a value that indicates the control content for the controlled object. The stop command is a data item that indicates the end of a packet, and in this embodiment, the value 81h (10000001) is set. The noise suppression command is a characteristic component of the control data CD in this embodiment, and it 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 a 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 shift"). In this embodiment, the value 00h (00000000) is set.

[0455] The premise of the communication method in this embodiment is as follows: The first sub-control unit 400 is configured to transmit control signals to multiple lamps 420 at once each time a timer interrupt process is performed periodically. For example, when transmitting control signals to both the drive circuit 422X for the frame lamp 420X and the drive circuit 422Y for the side lamp 420Y in one timer interrupt process, a command group consisting of control data CD1 shown in Figure 19(A) and control data CD2 shown in Figure 19(B) is transmitted to the drive circuit 422X and the drive circuit 422Y, respectively. The receiving drive circuits 422X and 422Y take the control data CD addressed to themselves from the received command group and discard the other control data CDs. Specifically, the drive circuits 422X and 422Y recognize the boundary of a control data CD based on the start command and stop command, and then acquire the control data CD addressed to themselves based on the values ​​of the slave address and sub-address.

[0456] Conventionally, such data communication methods have resulted in the problems shown in Figures 19(C1) and (C2). The conventional control data packet structure consists of control data OCD, which is the control data CD of this embodiment with the noise suppression command removed. That is, control data OCD is control data composed of a start command, slave address, subaddress, data byte, and stop command.

[0457] Figure 19(C1) schematically shows data communication when no noise is present in either control data OCD1 or control data OCD2, and Figure 19(C2) schematically shows data communication when noise is present in control data OCD1. In Figures 19(C1) to (C3), control data for the first IC (specifically ICxxx) is described as control data OCD1, and control data for the second IC (specifically ICyyy) is described as control data OCD2.

[0458] Conventionally, as shown in Figure 19(C1), the drive circuit 422X for the frame lamp 420X and the drive circuit 422Y for the side lamp 420Y each received and acquired control data OCD for themselves based on the start command, stop command, and slave address information, as described above.

[0459] However, as shown in Figure 19(C2), if noise is introduced into the control data OCD1 and the control data OCD1 increases by one bit, a problem occurs in which the drive circuit 422Y receives the control data CD2 addressed to itself as data that is shifted by one bit. Specifically, the last bit of the stop command in the control data OCD1 is mistakenly recognized and received as the first bit of the start command in the control data OCD2.

[0460] In contrast, Figure 19(C3) schematically shows data communication when noise is mixed into the control data CD1 of this embodiment.

[0461] In this embodiment, if noise is introduced into the control data CD1 and the control data CD1 increases by one bit, a noise suppression command is inserted between the stop command of control data CD1 and the start command of control data CD2. Therefore, the drive circuit 422Y can correctly receive the control data CD2 without misinterpreting the last bit of the stop command of control data CD1 as the first bit of the start command of control data CD2.

[0462] In this embodiment, when the leading bit value FB (specifically 1) of the start command of the control data CD and the trailing bit value LB (specifically 1) of the stop command of the control data CD are the same, a noise suppression command consisting of a different bit value (specifically 0) from 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 introduced into the first control data CD1, the presence of the noise suppression command eliminates the bit misalignment and clarifies the end position of the control data CD1, so that the drive circuit 422Y can reliably receive the control data CD2 addressed to it.

[0463] In addition, Figure 19(C3) illustrates data communication when noise is present in the control data CD1 of this embodiment. However, even if bits are missing from the control data CD1, the presence of noise suppression commands can similarly eliminate the bit misalignment, making the end position of the control data CD1 clear. As a result, the drive circuit 422Y can reliably receive the control data CD2 addressed to itself.

[0464] As described above, the control data CD of this embodiment adds noise suppression commands to the configuration of the conventional control data OCD. Therefore, even if data anomalies such as bit increases or losses occur in the preceding control data CD1, the presence of the noise suppression commands can resolve the data anomalies in the preceding control data CD1. As a result, the subsequent control data CD2 is not affected by the data anomalies, enabling stable communication of the subsequent control data CD2.

[0465] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the start command for the control data CD is set to FFh (11111111), but it is not limited to this, and for example, it may be set to F0h (11110000). Similarly, in this embodiment, the noise suppression command for the control data CD is set to 00h (00000000), but it is not limited to this. For example, if the start command for the control data CD is FFh (11111111) and the stop command is 81h (10000001), the noise suppression command may be set to F0h (11110000). In this case as well, the presence of the noise suppression command eliminates bit misalignment and allows each control data CD to be clearly separated.

[0466] 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 suppression command will consist 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. Therefore, even if an abnormality occurs in one control data CD, subsequent control data CDs can be treated as normal control data CDs. In other words, the noise suppression command is a command that prevents noise from affecting subsequent control data CDs, and even if there is a data abnormality due to noise in the first control data CD, the subsequent control data CD is configured to maintain the state it was in before the noise occurred.

[0467] Furthermore, even when transmitting control data CDs to multiple drive circuits 422 using different types of ICs, the same packet structure is used for the control data CDs, and the same noise suppression commands are interposed between the control data CDs. This ensures stable communication and prevents delays in the development process. In other words, stabilizing communication contributes to improving the enjoyment of the game. Also, if a problem occurs with the supply of parts for one drive circuit 422, it is possible to use parts from other drive circuits 422, thus preventing delays in the development process.

[0468] In this embodiment, the method for communicating control data CD to the IC of the drive circuit 422 that controls the lamp 420 has been described, but this method can also be applied to communication methods for control data CD to amplifier ICs, motor ICs, and the like.

[0469] <Summary of Embodiments> As described above, according to the gaming machine (for example, slot machine 100) of the above embodiment, Multiple operating means (for example, lamp 420, etc.) capable of operating in a certain mode of operation, Multiple driving means (for example, a driving circuit 422, etc.) for driving the multiple operating means, A gaming machine comprising control means (e.g., CPU 404, etc.) that transmits control information (e.g., control data CD, etc.) for controlling the plurality of drive means to the plurality of drive means, One of the aforementioned multiple operating means is a first operating means (for example, a frame-mounted lamp 420X, etc.), One of the aforementioned multiple operating means is a second operating means (for example, a frame-top ramp 420Y, etc.), One of the plurality of driving means is a first driving means (for example, a driving circuit 422X, etc.) that drives the first operating means. One of the plurality of driving means is a second driving means (for example, a driving circuit 422Y, etc.) that drives the second operating means. The control means transmits the control information to at least the first drive means and the second drive means. The control information comprises at least first control information for controlling the first drive means (e.g., control data CD1 that does not include noise suppression commands), second control information for controlling the second drive means (e.g., control data CD2 that does not include noise suppression commands), and noise suppression information (e.g., noise suppression commands). The first basic configuration is that the noise countermeasure information is information that is sandwiched between the first control information and the second control information. According to the first basic configuration, even if the first control information is affected by noise, the presence of noise countermeasures information allows the subsequent second control information to be transmitted correctly, thereby minimizing the impact of noise and ensuring the stability of data communication.

[0470] In this first basic configuration, A first preferred configuration of the second driving means is that, even if noise causes at least one of omissions and additions to the configuration of the first control information, the second control information is received without bit shifts occurring in the second control information, based on the intervention of the noise countermeasure information.

[0471] According to the first preferred configuration, even if noise causes omissions or additions to the structure of the first control information, the second drive means can correctly receive the second control information through the intervention of noise countermeasure information, thereby ensuring the stability of data communication to the second drive means.

[0472] In this first preferred configuration, The aforementioned first control information is information composed of multiple items (for example, a start command, a slave address, a subaddress, a data byte, a stop command, etc.), The second control information is information composed of the multiple items, The bit sequence including the end of the last item of the first control information (e.g., the last bit) consists of the first information (e.g., 1), The bit sequence (for example, the first bit) including the beginning of the first item of the second control information is composed of the first information, A second preferred configuration is that the bit sequence of the noise suppression information is composed of a second piece of information (for example, 0) that is different from the first piece of information.

[0473] According to the second preferred configuration, by making the bit sequence of noise suppression information different from the bit sequence containing the end of the last item of the first control information and the bit sequence containing the beginning of the first item of the second control information, the two control information can be clearly distinguished. Therefore, even if noise is mixed into the first control information or part of the first control information is missing, the second drive means can correctly receive the second control information.

[0474] In the second preferred configuration, The first driving means is a different type of driving means from the second driving means (for example, ICxxx and ICYYY, etc.), The bit sequence including the beginning of the first item of the first control information (e.g., the first bit) consists of the first information (e.g., 1), A third preferred configuration is that the bit sequence including the end of the last item of the second control information (for example, the last bit) is composed of the first information.

[0475] According to the third preferred configuration, even if the first and second driving means are of different types, the bit sequence including the beginning of the first item and the bit sequence including the end of the last item of the first and second control information are the same and different from the bit sequence of the noise suppression information. Therefore, even if noise is mixed into the first control information or part of the first control information is missing, the second driving means can correctly receive the second control information.

[0476] [Third Embodiment] The speakers in gaming machines are required to output sound stably. The third embodiment provides a gaming machine that solves this problem. In the following, only the configurations, functions, and processes that differ from the above embodiment will be described, and other configurations, functions, and processes will be described in more detail, with the same reference numerals used for the same parts.

[0477] <Speaker> Figure 20 is an external view of the slot machine of this embodiment (third embodiment), showing the position of the speakers to which the audio amplifier IC 418 of this embodiment is connected. The slot machine 100 of this embodiment is equipped with upper speakers 272 (upper left speaker 272a, upper right speaker 272b) located behind the sound hole 143, middle speakers 275 (middle left speaker 275a, middle right speaker 275b) located behind the winning line indicator lamp 120 and reel panel lamp 128, and lower speakers 277 (lower left speaker 277a, lower right speaker 277b) located behind the sound hole 145, and is characterized by the component layout of the audio circuit around the audio amplifier IC 418 connected to these three speakers. In other words, in this embodiment, the component layout of the audio circuit is designed to stably output sound.

[0478] Here, the upper left speaker 272a and the upper right speaker 272b of the upper speaker 272 are of the same type. Also, the left middle speaker 275a and the right middle speaker 275b of the middle speaker 275 are of the same type. Also, the lower left speaker 277a and the lower right speaker 277b of the lower speaker 277 are of the same type. On the other hand, the upper speaker 272 (upper left speaker 272a, upper right speaker 272b) and the middle speaker 275 (left middle speaker 275a, right middle speaker 275b) are of different types. Furthermore, the middle speaker 275 (left middle speaker 275a, right middle speaker 275b) and the lower speaker 277 (left lower speaker 277a, right lower speaker 277b) are different types of speakers. Furthermore, the upper speaker 272 (upper left speaker 272a, upper right speaker 272b) and the lower speaker 277 (lower left speaker 277a, lower right speaker 277b) are different types of speakers. There are also audio circuits corresponding to the upper speaker 272 (upper left speaker 272a, upper right speaker 272b), 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). This embodiment aims to enhance the enjoyment of the game by improving the functionality of these audio circuits.

[0479] <Audio circuit layout> Figure 21(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. Hereafter, the +X direction in Figure 21 will be referred to as right, the -X direction as left, the +Y direction as up, and the -Y direction as down. The board surface shown in Figure 21(a) on the first sub-control board 401 is sometimes referred to as the component surface or front surface, and the board surface on the opposite side is sometimes referred to as the solder surface or back surface.

[0480] As shown in Figure 21(a), the first sub-control board 401 includes 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. Audio circuits 450A and 450B are located at the left edge of the first sub-control board 401, and audio circuit 450C is located at the right edge of the first sub-control board 401. In other words, audio circuits 450A, 450B, and 450C (hereinafter, when referring to these three collectively, or including audio circuit 450D, they will be referred to as audio circuit 450) are all located close to the edge of the first sub-control board 401. The audio output from audio circuits 450 requires a large amount of power and thus a large power supply, resulting in a significant magnetic field influence on other components. Therefore, 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 interference with other logic communication signals and power supply systems.

[0481] 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 because audio circuits 450 require a large amount of power, and longer wiring would result in greater power loss due to voltage drop. Therefore, this is a measure to shorten the wiring length and avoid power loss. In other words, the first sub-control board 401 of this embodiment has a first connector (e.g., connector CN1) connected to audio circuit 450 (e.g., audio circuit 450A), and a second connector (e.g., connector CN2) connected to a circuit other than audio circuit 450, with the first connector being closer to audio circuit 450 than the second connector. The second connector (for example, connector CN2) may be a connector electrically connected to a liquid crystal display device, a connector electrically connected to an operation button used to trigger the start of an effect (such as a push button effect, rapid-fire effect, or long-press effect) or to customize the effect, a connector electrically connected to various LEDs, or a connector electrically connected to the main control board.

[0482] Although audio circuits 450A and 450B are connected to a common connector CN1, resulting in a configuration where multiple audio circuits are connected to one connector, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, connector CN-A may correspond to audio circuit 450A, connector CN-B to audio circuit 450B, connector CN-C to audio circuit 450C, and so on, where one audio circuit is connected to one connector. Furthermore, as will be explained in detail later using Figures 24 to 28, a configuration where one audio circuit is connected to multiple connectors is also possible. Specifically, in the audio circuit of the middle speaker, the output of the left speaker is connected to connector CN-L and the output of the right speaker is connected to connector CN-R, while in the audio circuit of the lower speaker, the output of the left speaker is connected to connector CN-L and the output of the right speaker is connected to connector CN-R. In the examples shown in Figures 24 to 28 (multiple connectors for one audio circuit), the audio circuit and the corresponding connector are located far apart. However, even in configurations where multiple connectors are connected to one audio circuit, it is also possible to have a configuration where the corresponding connector is located near the audio circuit, as shown in Figure 21(a).

[0483] As shown in Figure 21(a), the audio circuits 450 all have their components (e.g., audio amplifier IC 418, coil L, resistor R, capacitor C, electrolytic capacitor EC, etc.) arranged in a nearly identical layout. This allows for the equalization of the audio output performance of the three speakers (upper speaker 272, middle speaker 275, and lower speaker 277), thereby stabilizing the audio output. For example, the vertical spacing t1 between the two coils L arranged in the audio circuit 450 is nearly identical. By making the spacing t1 between the coils L nearly identical, the heat generation effect of the three speakers can be made equivalent, stabilizing the audio output and also achieving a uniform noise reduction effect. Furthermore, even if different types of speakers are installed, the positional relationship of the components constituting the audio circuit is nearly identical, making it easy to recognize that they are speaker-related components, allowing for quick response if a problem occurs in the audio output. In other words, it is immediately clear where on the circuit board to focus attention.

[0484] Furthermore, no electronic components are placed in the region of the gap t1 between coils L, at least on the component side. This prevents the heat generated by coils L from affecting other components. It also improves heat dissipation compared to when components are placed in the gap t1. Furthermore, a similar effect can be achieved by not placing components in the solder surface area corresponding to the interval t1, although components may be placed there as the effect of heat generation is reduced compared to the component surface.

[0485] In audio circuits 450 (audio circuits 450A, 450B, and 450C), two coils L are provided because the upper speaker 272, middle speaker 275, and lower speaker 277 are stereo output speakers, while in audio circuit 450D, one coil L is provided because the woofer is a monaural output speaker.

[0486] Figure 21(b) is a diagram showing the arrangement of the components of the audio circuit 450. The amplifier circuit 450 generally comprises an audio amplifier IC 418, two coils L, multiple resistors R, multiple capacitors C, and an electrolytic capacitor EC. The audio amplifier IC 418 is positioned midway between the two coils L. More specifically, the two coils L are positioned symmetrically with respect to a virtual extension line L4 that divides the audio amplifier IC 418 vertically. In other words, in the case of the audio amplifier IC 418 and the two coils L, the layout (corresponding to the first positional relationship) is such that at least a part of the audio amplifier IC 418 is included in the intermediate portion of the two coils L (the region between the virtual extension lines of both the end edge of one coil facing the other coil and the end edge of the other coil facing the first coil, and consisting of a virtual extension line with a distance t1). For example, the audio amplifier IC 418 may be laid out symmetrically with respect to the two coils L, or it may be laid out eccentrically with respect to one of the two coils L. As a result, in the case of stereo output, by making the length of the wiring pattern from the audio amplifier IC to both coils L uniform, the likelihood (or likelihood) of noise generation is also made uniform, stabilizing the audio output and achieving a well-balanced audio output.

[0487] The audio circuit 450 of this embodiment is provided with two LC filters LCF for selectively removing high-frequency noise. That is, the LC filters LCF of this embodiment have the function of low-pass filters that cut high-frequency signals. The LC filter LCF consists of one coil L and two capacitors C to the right of the coil L. In this embodiment, both the coil L and the capacitors C of the LC filter LCF are provided on the front (top) surface of the first sub-control board 401, but the coil L may be provided on the front (top) surface while the capacitors C are provided on the back (bottom) surface (both the coil L and capacitors C may be on the back surface, or the coil L may be on the back surface and the capacitors C may be on the front surface). In addition, the Zobel filter ZOF, which prevents oscillation and noise caused by the speaker load (back electromotive force from the speaker), consists of one capacitor and two resistors R to the left of the coil L. In this embodiment, the Zobel filter ZOF 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. However, 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. In this embodiment, both the capacitor C and the resistor R of the Zobel filter ZOF are provided on the front (top) surface of the first sub-control board 401. However, the capacitor C may be provided on the front (top) surface while the resistor R is provided on the back (bottom) surface (both the capacitor C and resistor R may be on the back surface, or the capacitor C may be on the back surface and the resistor R may be on the front surface).

[0488] Figure 22 shows the circuit diagram of the audio circuit 450. Figure 22(a) shows the circuit diagram of the signal system, and Figure 22(b) shows the circuit diagram of the power supply system. As shown in Figure 22(a), the audio signal is output from the output terminal of the audio amplifier IC 418, first through the LC filter LCF, then through the Zobel filter ZOF, and finally to the connector CN. The power supply bypass capacitor PBC shown in the power supply circuit diagram is a capacitor installed between the power supply and ground, and by bypassing (redirecting) noise to ground, it enables the supply of a stable power supply to the circuit.

[0489] In this embodiment, the coil L of the LC filter LCF uses a coreless coil, but a coil with a core may also be used. The constants of each element of the LC filter LCF are determined based on the switching frequency of the digital amplifier (20kHz to 350kHz). Specifically, a coil L of 10 to 15μH is desirable, and in the case of a 10μH coil L, a capacitor C of 0.33μF is used, and in the case of a 15μH coil L, a capacitor C of 0.22μF is used.

[0490] Note that the capacitor C1 (a capacitor that suppresses high-frequency noise) placed between the LC filter LCF and the Zobel filter is optional. More specifically, if the capacitor C used in the LC filter LCF is a ceramic capacitor, it is preferable to use capacitor C1, but if a film capacitor is used, capacitor C1 is not necessary. In the case of a ceramic capacitor, the piezoelectric effect (electrostrictive effect) when voltage is applied causes the ceramic capacitor to expand and contract, so this expansion and contraction can be suppressed. In this case, it is preferable that the capacitance of capacitor C1 is smaller than that of capacitor C that constitutes the LC filter. For example, if the capacitor C of the LC filter is 0.33μF, then it should be 0.01μF to 0.1μF. If the capacitance of capacitor C1 is large, an LC filter LCF will be formed by capacitor C1 (the LC filter LCF will work twice), resulting in muffled sound and preventing the output of sound with the intended sound quality.

[0491] Furthermore, 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 handling low-mid frequencies and the other handling high frequencies (tweeter), it is used to cut the low-mid frequencies from the other speaker. If the left and right speakers are connected one-to-one, it is not necessary to use it, as one speaker can handle the low-mid frequencies from the start and the other handles the high frequencies.

[0492] Figure 21(c) shows the terminal arrangement of the audio amplifier IC418. As shown in Figure 21(c), the terminals for the left speaker (output terminal and power terminal) LT are provided in a straight line (left-right direction) on the upper edge of the rectangular audio amplifier IC418, and the terminals for the right speaker (output terminal and power terminal) RT are provided in a straight line (left-right direction) on the lower edge of the rectangular audio amplifier IC418.

[0493] Figure 21(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the YY line in Figure 21(a). Because the audio amplifier IC 418 and coil L in this embodiment generate a large amount of heat, ventilation holes 405 are provided in the substrate case 403 covering the first sub-control board 401 near the audio amplifier IC 418 or coil L. The ventilation holes 405 may be ventilation holes 405a formed on the upper or lower surface (hereinafter referred to as the upper and lower surfaces) of the substrate case 403, ventilation holes 405b formed spanning the upper and lower surfaces and the side surface, or both ventilation holes 405a and 405b may be provided. Alternatively, a fan may be provided instead of the ventilation holes 405, or a fan may be provided together with the ventilation holes 405. This enhances the heat dissipation effect of the audio amplifier IC 418 and coil L, which generate a large amount of heat, and allows for concentrated heat dissipation of components that tend to generate a lot of heat.

[0494] Figure 23(b) shows the ground region GND and the region without ground N-GND of the first sub-control board 401 (a control board with the same configuration as the audio circuit 450 shown in Figure 21(a)) shown in Figure 23(a). As shown in Figure 23(b), the region where the coils L of audio circuits 450A, 450B, 450C, and 450D are located is designated as the region without ground N-GND (first example of ground GND). This prevents potential instability caused by the magnetic field generated by the coils L of audio circuit 450.

[0495] Figure 23(c) shows a different potential adjustment method than that shown in Figure 23(b). As shown in Figure 23(c), the ground VC1 of the region where audio circuits 450A and 450B are located, and the ground VC2 of the region where audio circuits 450C and 450D are located, may be wired separately from the ground GND of the region where the other circuits are located. In this case, a slit-shaped region N-GND, which does not have a ground connection, may be provided between each region to physically separate them. For example, the regions may be completely separated, such as between ground VC1 and ground GND (second example of ground GND), or they may be separated so that some regions are connected, such as between ground VC2 and ground GND (third example of ground GND). This method also prevents potential instability caused by the magnetic field generated by the coil L of audio circuit 450. Note that while Figure 23(c) shows the second and third examples of separating the ground (GND), it is not necessary for both the second and third examples to coexist on a single board; it is sufficient for either the second or third example to be implemented on a single board.

[0496] <Variations in the arrangement of audio circuits> Next, the first sub-control board 401A of modified example 1 will be described using Figures 24 to 28. In the following explanation, the +X direction in Figure 24 will be considered right, the -X direction left, the +Y direction up, and the -Y direction down. Figure 24 is a top view of the component side of the first sub-control board 401A, showing the component layout of the audio circuit 451 around the audio amplifier IC 418. Figure 25 is the circuit diagram of the audio circuit 451. The first sub-control board 401A is composed of multiple layers, and Figure 26(a) shows the top view of the first layer of the first sub-control board 401A, Figure 26(b) shows the top view of the third layer, Figure 27(a) shows the top view of the fourth layer, Figure 27(b) shows the top view of the fifth layer, Figure 28(a) shows the top view of the seventh layer, and Figure 28(b) shows the top view of the eighth layer. In Figures 26 to 28, the light gray area indicates the ground area GND, the white area indicates the area without ground N-GND, and the dark gray shaded area indicates the wiring pattern of the audio signal from the audio amplifier IC 418 to the connector CN.

[0497] As shown in Figure 24, the first sub-control board 401A is equipped 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. More specifically, the three audio circuits 451 (referred to collectively as audio circuit 451) are arranged near the center of the first sub-control board 401A in the order of audio circuit 451A, audio circuit 451B, and audio circuit 451C from top to bottom.

[0498] As shown in Figure 24, all audio circuits 451 have their components (for example, audio amplifier IC 418, coil L, resistor R, capacitor C, electrolytic capacitor EC, etc.) arranged in approximately the same layout. This allows for uniform audio output performance and improved audio output stability. In general, audio circuit 451 comprises an audio amplifier IC 418, multiple coils L, multiple resistors R, multiple capacitors C, and an electrolytic capacitor EC.

[0499] Figure 25 shows the circuit diagram of the audio circuit 451. Figure 25(a) shows the circuit diagram of the signal system, and Figure 25(b) shows the circuit diagram of the power supply system. As shown in Figure 25(a), the audio signal is output from the output terminal of the audio amplifier IC 418, first through the LC filter LCF, then the Zobel filter ZOF, and finally to the connector CN. Also, in the power supply system circuit diagram in Figure 25(b), a power supply bypass capacitor PBC is provided to remove noise, similar to Figure 22(b). Capacitors C1 (C207, C208, C209, C222 in Figure 25) connected to the BST terminal are bootstrap capacitors for voltage boosting and play a role in assisting the output of the positive and negative terminals. Capacitors C1 are not necessary in the case of the audio amplifier IC 418 which does not have a BST terminal. Capacitors C2 (C238, C299, C303, C304 in Figure 25) are provided for noise suppression from the speaker.

[0500] In this embodiment, the coil L of the LC filter LCF uses a coreless coil, but a coil with a core may also be used. The constants of each element of the LC filter LCF are determined based on the switching frequency of the digital amplifier (20kHz to 350kHz). Specifically, a coil L of 10 to 15μH is used, with a capacitor C of 0.33μF used for a 10μH coil L, and a capacitor C of 0.22μF used for a 10μH coil L.

[0501] Returning to Figure 24, the audio output signal wiring C1 from audio circuit 451A to the upper speaker 272 (specifically, the upper left speaker 272a and the upper right speaker 272a) is connected to connector CN1 located in the center of the left edge of the first sub-control board 401A. The audio output signal wiring C2 from audio circuit 451B to the right of the middle speaker 275 (specifically, the middle speaker 275b) and from audio circuit 451C to the right of the lower speaker 277 (specifically, the lower speaker 277b) is connected to connector CN2 located below the left edge of the first sub-control board 401a. The audio output signal wiring C3 from audio circuit 451B to the left of the middle speaker 275 (specifically, the middle speaker 275a) and from audio circuit 451C to the left of the lower speaker 277 (specifically, the lower speaker 277a) is connected to connector CN3 located below the right edge of the first sub-control board 401A.

[0502] Here, we will explain the flow of audio signals from the audio circuit 451 to connector CN using Figures 26 to 28.

[0503] Wiring C1 is connected from the audio circuit 451A to connector C1 via routes C1-1a in Figure 26(a), C1-1b in Figure 28(b), C1-2 in Figure 27(b), C1-3 in Figure 26(a), C1-4 in Figure 27(a), and C1-5 in Figure 26(a).

[0504] Wiring C2 is connected from audio circuits 451B and 451C to connector C2 via routes C2-1a in Figure 26(a), C2-1b in Figure 28(b), C2-2 in Figure 27(b), C2-3 in Figure 26(a), and C2-4 in Figure 27(a).

[0505] Wiring C3 connects from audio circuits 451B and 451C to connector C3 via paths C3-1a in Figure 26(a), C3-1b in Figure 28(b), C3-2 in Figure 27(b), C3-3 in Figure 26(a), and C3-4 in Figure 28(a). Thus, the wiring pattern from the audio amplifier IC to the connector may be configured via multiple layers.

[0506] As shown in Figure 26(a), the region where the coil L of the audio circuit 451 (audio circuit 451A, audio circuit 451B, audio circuit 451C) is located is a region N-GND without a ground connection. This prevents potential instability caused by the magnetic field generated by the coil L of the audio circuit 451. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 23(c), the ground connection GND of the region of the audio circuit 451 (audio circuit 451A, audio circuit 451B, audio circuit 451C) may be separated from the ground connection GND of the other circuits and wired separately.

[0507] [Other variations] • Arrangement of components in the audio circuit Figure 29(a) will be used to explain the arrangement of the components of the multiple (specifically two) audio circuits 450. In Figure 29(a), one audio circuit is denoted as 450A and the other audio circuit as 450B. Also in Figure 29(a), virtual extension lines are shown along with each component that makes up the audio circuit 450 (audio amplifier IC 418, coil L, resistor R, electrolytic capacitor EC). A virtual extension line generally refers to a straight line that forms the outer casing of an audio circuit 450 composed of multiple components, or a straight line that passes through the center of a predetermined component.

[0508] In Example 1 of Figure 29(a), both audio circuits 450A and 450B are located within the area enclosed by virtual extension lines L1, L2, L3, and L4, and the coil L, capacitor C, and resistor R are positioned symmetrically with respect to the audio amplifier IC 418 (the coil L, capacitor C, and resistor R are positioned symmetrically with respect to the virtual extension line VL that divides the audio amplifier IC 418 into left and right halves). In addition, the electrolytic capacitor EC is located to the right of the power supply IC 418 and parallel to the audio amplifier IC 418.

[0509] In this way, the component layouts within the two audio circuits can be made nearly identical, and the coil L, capacitor C, and resistor R can be placed in symmetrical positions with respect to the audio amplifier IC 418.

[0510] In Example 2 of Figure 29(a), similar to Example 1, both audio circuits 450A and 450B are located within the area enclosed by virtual extension lines L1, L2, L3, and L4, and the coil L, capacitor C, and resistor R are positioned symmetrically with respect to the audio amplifier IC 418 (the coil L, capacitor C, and resistor R are positioned symmetrically with respect to the virtual extension line VL that divides the audio amplifier IC 418 into left and right halves). However, the positional relationship between the electrolytic capacitor EC and the audio amplifier IC 418 is different from that in Example 1. In Example 2, the electrolytic capacitor EC is positioned below the position of the audio amplifier IC 418. Thus, the lower end of the electrolytic capacitor EC may be offset from the lower end of the audio amplifier IC 418.

[0511] Here, in Examples 1 and 2 of Figure 29(a), the audio circuits 450A and 450B have substantially the same component layout, but it is not necessary for the layout of all components to be substantially the same. For example, as shown in Example 3 of Figure 29(a), the electrolytic capacitor EC may be placed in an inverted position. The layout of the other components is substantially the same as in Examples 1 and 2. Specifically, in audio circuit 450A, the electrolytic capacitor EC is placed to the right of the audio amplifier IC 418, while in audio circuit 450B, the electrolytic capacitor EC is placed to the left of the audio amplifier IC 418. In this way, audio circuits 450A and 450B may be placed in a symmetrical positional relationship.

[0512] In Example 4 of Figure 29(a), both audio circuits 450A and 450B are located within the area enclosed by virtual extension lines L1, L2, L3, and L4. However, unlike Examples 1 to 3, the components near coil L (coil L, capacitor C, resistor R) are not arranged symmetrically 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 symmetrically with respect to the power supply IC 418. Note that audio circuits 450A and 450B in Example 4 of Figure 29(a) have substantially the same component layout within the audio circuits.

[0513] Note that in Examples 1 to 4 of Figure 29(a), the electrolytic capacitor EC was not placed between the two coils L, but it is also possible to place the electrolytic capacitor EC between the two coils L. Also, in the diagra...

Claims

1. The casing and Front door and A certain light-emitting element, The first part, The second part, A gaming machine equipped with, The aforementioned light-emitting element is arranged inside the housing. The first component is located in a certain area on the back side of the front door. The aforementioned region is a region that is illuminated by the light of the aforementioned light-emitting element when the front door is closed. The first component is a component capable of reflecting the light of the aforementioned light-emitting element, The second component is a component located inside the housing, At least a portion of the second component is illuminated by at least a portion of the light from the light-emitting element reflected by the first component. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

2. A gaming machine according to claim 1, Reel and, circuit board and Equipped with, The circuit board is located inside the housing below the reel. The aforementioned light-emitting element is disposed on the substrate, The second component is located inside the housing below the reel. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

3. A gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned light-emitting element is a light-emitting element that indicates the amount of game value stored in the game machine. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

4. A gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned light-emitting element is a light-emitting element that displays an error related to an error that occurred in the gaming machine. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

5. A gaming machine according to claim 4, referencing claim 3, The aforementioned light-emitting element is configured to alternately display the game value and the error display when an error occurs in the game machine. A gaming machine characterized by the following:

6. A gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned light-emitting element is a light-emitting element that indicates that the first operating means of the gaming machine has been operated. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, The first operating means is an operating means provided on the front side of the front door, When the first operating means is operated with the front door open, at least a portion of the light from the light-emitting element reflected by the first component is irradiated onto at least a portion of the second component. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

8. The gaming machine according to claim 7, The first operating means is an operating means provided on the front side of the front door, closer to the open end side than to the pivot axis side of the front door. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

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