Gaming machines

Abstract

To provide gaming machines that make it easier to check if the electrical connections are working correctly. [Solution] A gaming machine equipped with a reel that can be operated by the drive of a motor, wherein the gaming machine is equipped with a predetermined circuit board, and the motor is electrically connected to the predetermined circuit board via a harness, the state in which the predetermined circuit board and harness are electrically connected is defined as the connected state, the state in which the predetermined circuit board and harness are not electrically connected is defined as the disconnected state, the state in which the connected state and the power supply to the gaming machine are cut off is defined as the first state, and the state in which the disconnected state and the power supply to the gaming machine are cut off is defined as the second state, and the load on the manual operation of the reel is different in the first state and the second state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game table represented by a rotary gaming machine (slot machine) or a pinball gaming machine (pachinko machine).

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as one type of game table, for example, a slot machine or a pachinko machine is known. Some of these game tables have a movable body that can be operated by driving a motor (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] In the conventional game table, there is room for improvement in the configuration for easily checking whether the circuit around the motor is electrically connected properly.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a game table in which it is easy to check whether the circuit around the motor is electrically connected properly.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the game table of the present invention is a game table provided with a reel that can be operated by driving a motor, the game table includes a predetermined substrate, the motor is electrically connected to the predetermined substrate via a harness, a state in which the predetermined substrate and the harness are electrically connected is defined as a connection state, The state in which the predetermined circuit board and the harness are not electrically connected is defined as the disconnected state. The first state is defined as the connection state and the power outage state in which the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off. The aforementioned disconnected state and the power supply to the gaming machine being cut off are defined as the second state. In the first state and the second state, the load on the manual operation of the reel is different. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that makes it easier to check whether the circuit around the motor is electrically connected correctly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of slot machine 100 from the front (player side). [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the winning line. [Figure 3] This is a circuit block diagram of the control unit. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the arrangement of the patterns on each reel in a two-dimensional view. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the contents of the button-press sequence bell. [Figure 6] Figure 1 shows the transitions in the game state of slot machine 100. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the main processing flow of the main control unit. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt processing. [Figure 9] (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 10](a) is a flowchart of the main process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt process of the second sub-control unit 500, (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the second sub-control unit 500, and (d) is a flowchart of the image control process of the second sub-control unit 500. [Figure 11] It is a table showing the contents of the rotation control table of this embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of reel rotation control different from FIG. 11. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration related to the drive of reels 110 to 112. [Figure 14] It is a simplified diagram of the circuit for controlling the stepping motor 700 of the left reel board 700BL in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing the circuit inside the IC1 in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration related to the drive of reels 110 to 112 different from FIG. 13. [Figure 17] It is a simplified diagram of the circuit for controlling the stepping motor 700 of the left reel board 700BL in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration related to the drive of reels 110 to 112 different from FIG. 13. [Figure 19] It is a simplified diagram of the circuit for controlling the stepping motor 700 of the left reel board 700BL in FIG. 18. [Figure 20] It is a diagram showing a modification example of FIG. 14. [Figure 21] It is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the IC1 in FIG. 20. [Figure 22] It is a diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration related to the motor drive of the movable body for the effect. [Figure 23] It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] It is a circuit block diagram of the control unit of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25](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 26] (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 27] 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 28] 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 29] (A) is a flowchart showing the process of displaying the maximum number of coins in the demo screen display of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, (B) is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the liquid crystal command of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (C) is a diagram illustrating the display marker and the non-display marker of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] (A) is a functional block diagram of the first sub-control unit of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of the connection between the CPU and the drive circuit shown in Figure 30(A). [Figure 31] (A) and (B) are diagrams showing examples of LED drivers used as lamp drive circuits in the first sub-control unit of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of control data for controlling the lamps of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (C) is a diagram illustrating a method for communicating control data for a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] This is an external view of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the position of the speaker. [Figure 34](a) is a top view of the first sub-control board of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention; (b) is a diagram showing the arrangement 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 of (a) along the YY line. [Figure 35] (a) is a circuit diagram showing the signal lines of the audio circuit shown in Figure 34(a), and (b) is a circuit diagram showing the power lines of the audio circuit shown in Figure 34(a). [Figure 36] (a) is a top view of the first sub-control board on which the components of the first sub-control unit of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention are arranged, and (b) and (c) are diagrams illustrating the ground of the first sub-control board shown in (a). [Figure 37] This is a top view of the first sub-control board of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention (modified example). [Figure 38] (a) is a circuit diagram of the signal lines of the audio circuit shown in Figure 37, and (b) is a circuit diagram of the power lines of the audio circuit shown in Figure 37. [Figure 39] (a) is a diagram showing the first layer of the first sub-control board shown in Figure 37, and (b) is a diagram showing the third layer of the first sub-control board shown in Figure 37. [Figure 40] (a) is a diagram showing the fourth layer of the first sub-control board shown in Figure 37, and (b) is a diagram showing the fifth layer of the first sub-control board shown in Figure 37. [Figure 41] (a) is a diagram showing the seventh layer of the first sub-control board shown in Figure 37, and (b) is a diagram showing the eighth layer of the first sub-control board shown in Figure 37. [Figure 42] (a), (b), and (c) are diagrams illustrating the arrangement layout of audio circuits provided on the first sub-control board of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 43] (a), (b), and (c) are diagrams illustrating the position of the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (d), (e), and (f) are diagrams illustrating the arrangement of each component of the audio circuit of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 44] This is a perspective view of the medalless slot machine 100 and the rental machine 700, seen from the front (player side). [Figure 45] This is an external perspective view of slot machine 100 with its front door 102 open, seen from a diagonal front angle. [Figure 46] (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 47] (a) A cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 46(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 46(b), showing the state in which the front door 102 is open relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θY. [Figure 48] This shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit of slot machine 100. [Figure 49] This diagram shows an example of the connections for the circuit board of slot machine 100. [Figure 50] (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 51] (a) This is a cross-sectional view along the line X-X in Figure 50(b). (b) This is a cross-sectional view corresponding to (a), showing a modified example of the sub-control unit substrate case. (c) This is a cross-sectional view showing the basic structure of the double-sided substrate. [Figure 52] (a) A cross-sectional view along the Y-Y line in Figure 50(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 50(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. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, a slot machine embodying an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described using Figures 1 to 22. In the event of any overlap in terminology with other embodiments, the terminology of this embodiment shall take precedence, and in the event of any overlap in descriptions with drawings other than Figures 1 to 22, the descriptions in Figures 1 to 22 shall take precedence.

[0010] The slot machine of this embodiment, described below, 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 the success or failure of internal winnings of multiple types of roles is determined by lottery based on the reception of the rotation start instruction operation, and each of the multiple reels stops rotating individually when a predetermined rotation stop instruction operation is received, and if the conditions determined by the role based on the result of the lottery and the combination of symbols when the multiple reels stop match predetermined payout conditions, game tokens are paid out and the game ends, and if they do not match, the game ends without paying out game tokens.

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

[0012] The slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1 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.

[0013] In this embodiment, each pattern 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 material to constitute each reel 110 to 112. From the player's perspective, approximately three patterns are displayed vertically from the display window 113 on the reels 110 to 112, so that a total of nine patterns are visible. To explain in detail using Figure 2, the pattern displayed on the upper part of the left reel 110 (position 1 in the figure) is the left reel upper pattern, the pattern displayed on the middle part of the left reel 110 (position 2 in the figure) is the left reel middle pattern, the pattern displayed on the lower part of the left reel 110 (position 3 in the figure) is the left reel lower pattern, the pattern displayed on the upper part of the middle reel 111 (position 4 in the figure) is the middle reel upper pattern, the pattern displayed on the middle part of the left reel 111 (position 5 in the figure) is the middle reel middle pattern, and the pattern on the lower part of the middle reel 111 is the middle reel upper pattern. The symbols displayed on the first row (position 6 in the diagram) are called the lower row symbols of the middle reel, the symbols displayed on the upper row of the right reel 112 (position 7 in the diagram) are called the upper row symbols of the right reel, the symbols displayed on the middle row of the right reel 112 (position 8 in the diagram) are called the middle row symbols of the right reel, and the symbols displayed on the lower row of the right reel 112 (position 9 in the diagram) are called the lower row symbols of the right reel. Each of the symbols on each reel 110 to 112 is displayed vertically in groups of three, for a total of nine symbols, through the display window 113. 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.

[0014] A backlight (not shown) is positioned on the back of each reel 110 to 112 to illuminate the individual symbols displayed in the display window 113. It is desirable that the backlight be shielded for each symbol so that each symbol 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 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 optical 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.

[0015] The winning line indicator lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates an active winning line. 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. In this embodiment, only one line is provided, the middle winning line L1, which consists of the middle symbols on the left reel, the middle symbols on the middle reel, and the middle symbols on the right reel. Figure 2 shows this winning line L1. The active winning lines (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "active lines") are predetermined by the number of tokens bet as the game medium. The slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1 requires 3 tokens, and when the number of tokens inserted is less than 3, none of the winning lines are active. When 3 tokens are bet, winning line L1 becomes active. When a winning line becomes active, the game can be started by operating the start lever 135. Note that the number of winning lines is not limited to one line. For example, in addition to the middle winning line L1, a total of three lines may be set as valid winning lines: a diagonal winning line consisting of the upper symbol on the left reel, the middle symbol on the middle reel, and the lower symbol on the right reel; and an upward winning line consisting of the lower symbol on the left reel, the middle symbol on the middle reel, and the upper symbol on the right reel. Alternatively, a number of winning lines corresponding to the number of bets may be set as valid winning lines.

[0016] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that informs the player, for example, that they have internally won a specific winning combination in the internal lottery described later, or that they are in a specific game state. 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 need to insert coins) 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 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of tokens (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, one token is inserted each time bet button 130 is pressed, two tokens are inserted when bet button 131 is pressed, and three tokens are inserted when bet button 132 is pressed. Hereinafter, bet button 132 will also be called 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 predetermined number of tokens has been inserted, the game start lamp 121 lights up to indicate that the game can be started.

[0018] The medal slot 141 is where the player inserts medals to start playing. That is, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet buttons 130 to 132, or by actually inserting medals into the medal slot 141 (insertion operation). Insertion includes both methods.

[0019] The stored tokens indicator 125 is a display for showing the number of tokens electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for showing various internal information numerically. The payout tokens indicator 127 is a display for showing the number of tokens that will be paid out to the player as a result of winning a prize. In the following, the expression "given to the player" may be used interchangeably with "paid out to the player". In this embodiment, the stored tokens indicator 125, the game information display 126, and the payout tokens indicator 127 are all composed of 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0020] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch used to start the rotation of reels 110 to 112. That is, by inserting the desired number of tokens into the token slot 141 or by operating the bet buttons 130 to 132 and then operating the start lever 135, the reels 110 to 112 will start to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is called the game start operation.

[0021] The stop button unit 136 is equipped with stop buttons 137 to 139, consisting of a left stop button 137, a middle stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and each is associated with a specific reel. 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 to 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 sequence in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are pressed to stop all of the rotating reels 110 to 112 is called the operation sequence or pressing order. Moreover, the operation sequence in which the first stop operation is the left reel 110 is called the "forward pressing operation sequence" or simply "forward pressing," and the operation sequence in which the first stop operation is the right reel 112 is called the "reverse pressing operation sequence" or simply "reverse pressing." In addition, a light-emitting element may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 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] The medal return button 133 is a button to be pressed to remove medals if they become jammed. The settlement button 134 is a button to settle the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the medals that have been bet, and to dispense them from the medal payout opening 155. The door keyhole 140 is a hole for inserting a key to unlock the front door 102 of the slot machine 100.

[0023] 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. Below the title panel 162 are a medal payout opening 155 and a medal tray 161.

[0024] The sound hole 145 is a hole for outputting sound from speaker 277 (see Figure 3), which is located at the bottom 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 installed at the top of the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided at the top of the performance device 160 for outputting sound from speaker 272 (see Figure 3), which is located at the top inside the slot machine 100, to the outside. 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 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.

[0025] Figure 3 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door open. The main body 101 is a box-shaped structure enclosed by a top panel 261, a left side panel 260, a right side panel 260, a bottom panel 264, and a rear panel 242, with an opening at the front. Inside the main body 101, a main control board storage case 210 containing a main control board 300 is positioned so as not to overlap with a ventilation opening 249 provided at the top of the rear panel 242. Below this main control board storage case 210, a reel unit 700 equipped with three reels 110 to 112 is positioned. To the side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reel unit 700, i.e., on the left side panel 260, a sub-control board storage case 220 containing a sub-control board 400 is provided. Furthermore, an external centralized terminal board 248, which is connected to the main control board 300 and outputs information from the slot machine 100 to an external device, is mounted on the right-hand side panel 260.

[0026] Furthermore, a medal dispensing device 180 (a device that dispenses medals accumulated in a bucket) is installed on the bottom plate 264, and above this medal dispensing device 180, that is, below the reel unit 700, a power supply unit 252 having a power supply board is installed, and a power switch 244 is installed on the front of the power supply unit 252. The power supply unit 252 converts the AC power supplied to the slot machine 100 from an external source into DC, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and each device, such as the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400. In addition, 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.

[0027] To the right of the medal dispensing device 180, there is a medal auxiliary storage compartment 240, behind which is an overflow terminal (not shown). The power supply unit 252 is provided with a power cord connection part for connecting the power cord 265, and the power cord 265 connected here extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 opened in the back panel 242 of the main body 101.

[0028] The front door 102 is hinged to the left side panel 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276. Above the pattern display window 113 are a performance device 160, a performance control board (not shown) that controls the performance device 160, and an upper speaker 272. Below the pattern display window 113 are a medal selector 170 for sorting inserted medals, and a passage 266 through which medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops counterfeit medals into the medal tray 161. Furthermore, a bass speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 145.

[0029] <Control Unit Circuit Configuration> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be explained in detail using Figure 4. Note that this figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

[0030] 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 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. The main control unit 300 is an example of a means for determining winning combinations and a means for granting bonuses.

[0031] <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 that stores control program data, lottery data used when internally drawing winning combinations, the arrangement of reel symbols and stopping positions, 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 spins, etc., and a WDT (watchdog timer) 314. 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. The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by receiving a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 315b as the system clock. Furthermore, when power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines 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 transmits 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.

[0032] The main control unit 300 includes a random number generation circuit 316, which is 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 the crystal oscillator 315a, and a startup signal output circuit 338 that outputs a startup signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 starts game control when it receives a startup signal from this startup signal output circuit 338.

[0033] Furthermore, the main control unit 300 is equipped with a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 monitors the status of various sensors 318 (bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, bet button 132 sensor, medal reception sensor for medals inserted from the medal slot 141, start lever 135 sensor, left stop button 137 sensor, middle stop button 138 sensor, right stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal dispensing sensor for medals dispensed from the medal dispensing device 180, optical sensor for the left reel 110, optical sensor for the middle reel 111, optical sensor for the right reel 112, etc.) at interrupt intervals.

[0034] Furthermore, if the sensor circuit 320 detects a high level from the start lever sensor, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random number generation circuit 316. Upon receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit 316 latches the value at that moment and stores it in a register that stores the random value used for the lottery.

[0035] Two medal reception sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal slot 141 to detect whether or not a medal has passed through. Two start lever sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 to detect the player's start operation. The left stop button sensor 137, the middle stop button sensor 138, and the right stop button sensor 139 are installed on the corresponding stop buttons 137 to 139, respectively, to detect the player's operation of the stop buttons.

[0036] The bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, and bet button 132 sensor are installed on the corresponding bet buttons 130 to 132, respectively, and detect the insertion operation when inserting tokens electronically stored in RAM 308 as tokens to be used in the game. The payout button 134 sensor is installed on payout button 134. When payout button 134 is pressed once, the electronically stored tokens are paid out (the value stored in RAM 308 is cleared and the same number of tokens are dispensed). The token dispensing sensor is a sensor for detecting the tokens to be dispensed by the token dispensing device 180. Note that each of the above sensors may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor.

[0037] The optical sensors on 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 to 112, and each time a light-shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes over them, they reach an L level. The rotational 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 L level signal, it determines that the reel has rotated once and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero. This rotational position information is stored in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300.

[0038] The main control unit 300 includes a drive circuit 322 that drives the stepping motors provided on the reel devices 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 that drives the solenoid provided on the medal selector 170 that sorts the inserted medals, a drive circuit 326 that drives the motor provided on the medal dispensing device 180, and a drive circuit 328 that drives various lamps 336 (winning line indicator lamp 120, notification lamp 123, game medal insertion ready lamp 124, replay lamp 122, game medal insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, stored number indicator 125, game information indicator 126, and payout number indicator 127).

[0039] Furthermore, an information output circuit 334 is connected to the basic circuit 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 652 provided by an external hall computer (not shown) via this information output circuit 334.

[0040] Furthermore, the main control unit 300 includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied to the main control unit 300 from the power management unit (not shown). The voltage monitoring circuit 330 outputs a low voltage signal to the basic circuit 302 indicating that the voltage has dropped when the voltage value of the power supply falls below a predetermined value (9V in this embodiment).

[0041] 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.

[0042] <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. 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 spins, 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a sound source IC 418, and speakers 272 and 277 are connected to the sound source IC 418 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls the sound output from the amplifier and speakers 272 and 277 in response to instructions from the CPU 404. The sound source IC 418 is connected to an S-ROM (sound ROM) in which sound data is stored, and the sound data acquired from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from speakers 272 and 277.

[0045] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a drive circuit 422, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel lamp, bet button lamp, reel backlight, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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).

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] <Reel Rotation Device> Next, the reel rotation device 10 that rotates the reels 110 to 112 of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail using Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is an external perspective view showing the reel rotation device 10 of the slot machine 100, which is generally composed of reel drive units 20 to 40 and a case member 12 that houses them. The reel drive units 20 to 40 are structurally made up of the same parts, differing only in the arrangement of the patterns printed on the reel strip 610 (see Figure 6). Each of the reel drive units 20 to 40 (hereinafter, since they have the same configuration, the reel drive unit 20 will be described) is individually and detachably housed in the case member 12.

[0053] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the reel drive unit 20. Figure 7(a) is a schematic side view showing the reel drive unit 20 in its assembled state, and Figure 7(b) is a schematic front view thereof. Note that in Figures 7(a) and (b), some components are omitted from the illustration for explanatory purposes. The reel drive unit 20 has a configuration for moving and displaying patterns, which includes a reel 110, a drive device 604 that rotates the reel 110, a rotation detection device 606 that detects the rotational position of the reel 110, and a reel illumination device 608 that illuminates the patterns on each reel 110 from inside the reel 110.

[0054] The reel 110 consists of a thin-walled cylindrical reel strip 610, a first reel frame 612 attached to the left side of the reel strip 610 and supporting the left side of the reel strip 610, and a second reel frame 614 attached to the right side of the reel strip 610 and supporting the right side of the reel strip 610.

[0055] The first reel frame 612 is composed of an annular frame portion 612A, six support portions 612B that extend from the frame portion 612A toward the center of the frame portion 612A, and a cylindrical mounting portion 612C that protrudes toward the drive unit 604 from the tips of the six support portions 612B toward the drive unit 604.

[0056] One of the six support portions 612B has a plate-shaped light-shielding piece 612D protruding toward the rotation detection device 606, and is configured to pass between the light-emitting and light-receiving portions of the index sensor 606A, which will be described later. In addition, the cylindrical mounting portion 612C has four engagement recesses formed at approximately equal intervals (approximately 90-degree intervals in this example) in the circumferential direction. These four engagement recesses are fitted to four engagement protrusions of the movable gear 620, thereby engaging and fixing the first reel frame 612 to the movable gear 620.

[0057] The second reel frame 614 consists of an annular member having approximately the same diameter as the frame portion 612A of the first reel frame 612, and is positioned on the opposite side of the first reel frame 612, with the reel strip 610 in between.

[0058] The drive unit 604 consists of a drive motor 616, a drive gear 618 attached to the motor shaft 616A of the drive motor 616, a movable gear 620 that meshes with the drive gear 618, and a base 622 that rotatably supports the movable gear 620 via a support member 623 and a washer 621. The drive motor 616 and the base 622 are fixedly supported to a plate-shaped metal frame 626 by a plurality of mounting screws 624.

[0059] In this embodiment, the drive motor 616 is composed of a 1-2 phase excitation type stepping motor 700 (details will be described later). The movable gear 620 is composed of a gear with a larger diameter than the drive gear 618, and the movable gear 620 and the drive gear 618 constitute a gear set. Furthermore, as described above, after the movable gear 620 is engaged with the mounting portion 612C of the first reel frame 612, it is fixed to the first reel frame 612 using mounting screws 624 and washers 621, and is rotatably supported on the base 622, so that it can rotate together with the first reel frame 612.

[0060] The rotation detection device 606 consists of an optical index sensor 606A comprising a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, and a mounting base 606B to which the index sensor 606A is attached. The light-shielding piece 612D provided on the first reel frame 612 passes between the light-emitting and light-receiving units of the index sensor 606A (see Figure 7(b)). The mounting base 606B is fixed to the metal frame 626 by mounting screws 624. Based on the detection results of the rotation detection device 606, the slot machine 100 determines the rotational position of the symbols on the reels 110-112 and stops the reels 110-112 so that the desired symbols are displayed on the winning line 114. In other words, when the light-shielding piece 612D of the rotating reel 110 is detected by the index sensor 606A, the main control unit 300 resets the rotational position information of the reels and becomes able to control the stopping position of the reels.

[0061] The reel lighting device 608 consists of a lighting board 608B with a single cold cathode tube positioned in the center, a lighting case 608C which includes a light guide plate for guiding the light emitted from the cold cathode tube in a predetermined direction when the lighting board 608B is mounted, and a back cover 608A which covers the back surface of the lighting board 608B. The lighting case 608C is fixed to the metal frame 626 by mounting screws 624 when the lighting board 608B and the back cover 608A are mounted on it.

[0062] <Stepping motor> Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the stepping motor 700. As shown in Figure 8, the stepping motor 700 consists of a motor shaft 710, a case member 720 that supports the motor shaft 710, a first bearing 722 and a second bearing 724 disposed in the case member 720 and supporting the motor shaft 710, a stator 730 consisting of a fixed electromagnet disposed inside the case member 720, and a rotor 740 that is rotatably mounted on the motor shaft 710. The stepping motor 700 in this embodiment is a PM (Permanent Magnet) type stepping motor, and is configured to rotate once in 96 steps of 1-2 phase excitation. In this embodiment, the gear ratio between the reel and the motor is 1:5.25, so the reel rotates once in 504 steps (= 5.25 × 96).

[0063] The motor shaft 710 is the shaft to which the drive gear 618 shown in Figures 6 and 7 is attached and which outputs power. Hereafter, the end of the motor shaft 710 to which the drive gear 618 is attached will be called the output end 710A, and the opposite end will be called the rear end 710B.

[0064] The case member 720 is a hollow cylindrical body with a bottom, consisting of a substantially cylindrical base portion 720A with an open end and a lid portion 720B disposed to close the opening of the base portion 720A. The case member 720 houses the stator 730 and rotor 740 inside and supports the motor shaft 710, which penetrates from the bottom of the base portion 720A to the lid portion 720B, via a first bearing 722 and a second bearing 724. The base portion 720A is also provided with a fixing member 720C, which has holes through which mounting screws 624 for fixing support to the metal frame 626 shown in Figure 6 are inserted.

[0065] The first bearing 722 is a substantially cylindrical sliding bearing positioned approximately in the center of the lid portion 720B of the case member 720, and rotatably supports the motor shaft 710 near the output end 710A.

[0066] The second bearing 724 is a substantially cylindrical sliding bearing positioned approximately in the center of the bottom of the base portion 720A of the case member 720, and rotatably supports the motor shaft 710 near its rear end 710B.

[0067] The stator 730 is arranged to surround the rotor 740, and drive coils are wound in two stages, upper and lower (A phase and B phase). In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the magnetic pole teeth form a triangle (the upward-facing ones are called A phase and B phase, and the downward-facing ones are called A- phase and B- phase. The A phase and B phase have a phase relationship of 90 degrees electrical angle, and the A phase and A- phase and the B phase and B- phase have a phase relationship of 180 degrees electrical angle), and each magnetic pole (A phase, A- phase, B phase, B- phase) has 12 teeth around its circumference. Figure 9 shows the arrangement of the magnetic poles of the stator 730. As shown in Figure 9, the magnetic poles are arranged circumferentially in the order of A phase, B phase, A- phase, and B- phase in a clockwise direction.

[0068] In this embodiment, the rotor 740 is composed of permanent magnets and has 24 magnetic poles.

[0069] The operating principle of the stepping motor 700 will now be explained. The stepping motor 700 is configured to rotate the rotor 740 by passing current through coils wound around the stator 730 to sequentially magnetize each phase of the stator 730 based on the excitation pattern described later, thereby attracting the rotor 740 with magnetic force.

[0070] In the 1-2 phase excitation type, the rotor 740 is made to rotate in a constant direction by exciting the four phases of the stator 730 described above in the following order: for example, A phase (1 phase excitation) → A phase and B phase (hereinafter referred to as AB phase, 2 phase excitation) → B phase (1 phase excitation) → A- phase and B phase (hereinafter referred to as AB phase, 2 phase excitation) → A- phase (1 phase excitation) → A- phase and B- phase (hereinafter referred to as AB- phase, 2 phase excitation) → B- phase (1 phase excitation) → A phase and B- phase (hereinafter referred to as AB- phase, 2 phase excitation) → A phase (1 phase excitation) → ...

[0071] More specifically, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300, via the drive circuit 322 shown in Figure 4, outputs an on-level pulse signal (e.g., a high-level signal) to the phase of the stator 730 of the stepping motor 700 that is to be excited, and at the same time outputs an off-level pulse signal (e.g., a low-level signal) to the phase that is not to be excited, thereby exciting a predetermined phase. As a result, the rotor 740 of the stepping motor 700 is rotated by a predetermined angle (1 step). For example, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 outputs an on-level pulse signal to the A phase of the stator 730 of the stepping motor 700, and at the same time outputs off-level pulse signals to the B phase, A- phase, and B- phase, thereby exciting only the A phase and rotating the rotor by 1 pulse (1 step), and thereafter, by switching the excitation in the above order, the rotor is rotated by a predetermined number of pulses. The rotation of A phase → AB phase → B phase → AB phase → A- phase → AB- phase → B- phase → AB- phase (or A phase → AB- phase → B- phase → AB- phase → A phase → AB phase → B phase → AB phase) consisting of 8 pulses (8 steps) will be referred to as one cycle below.

[0072] In this embodiment, as described above, the number of pulses required to rotate the reel once (360 degrees) is set to 504 pulses (504 pulses / 8 pulses = 63 cycles). Therefore, the rotation angle of the rotor 740 per pulse is approximately 0.71428 degrees (= 360 / 504).

[0073] Furthermore, the number of steps (pulses) required to rotate the reel once (360 degrees) is 504 steps. For example, if there are 21 symbols on one reel, the number of steps per symbol is 504 / 21 = 24 steps.

[0074] <Excitation Table> The drive signals output from the CPU 304 to the drive circuit 322 are stored as an excitation table in the ROM 306. The CPU 304 outputs the instructed drive signals by referring to this excitation table. Figure 10 is a table showing the contents of the excitation table in this embodiment. The data in each excitation table (also called rotation control data, as it is data for controlling the rotation of the reel) is configured to represent the phase to be excited and the excitation force by combining six bit data (specifically, A-I0, A-I1, A-Phase, B-I0, B-I1, B-Phase). Specifically, the combination of A-I0 and A-I1 indicates the magnitude of the current (excitation force) required to excite the A-phase or A-phase coil. When A-I0 is 0 and A-I1 is 0, it indicates 0%; when A-I0 is 1 and A-I1 is 0, it indicates 20%; when A-I0 is 0 and A-I1 is 1, it indicates 60%; and when A-I0 is 1 and A-I1 is 1, it indicates 100%. When A-Phase is 1, it indicates A-phase excitation, and when it is 0, it indicates A-phase excitation. Similarly, the combination of B-I0 and B-I1 indicates the magnitude of the current (excitation force) for exciting the B-phase or B-phase coil. When B-I0 is 0 and B-I1 is 0, it indicates 0%; when B-I0 is 1 and B-I1 is 0, it indicates 20%; when B-I0 is 0 and B-I1 is 1, it indicates 60%; and when B-I0 is 1 and B-I1 is 1, it indicates 100%. A B-Phase of 1 indicates excitation of the B-phase, and a B-Phase of 0 indicates excitation of the B-phase.

[0075] For example, excitation table "55H" with table number "B0" has A-I0 at 1, A-I1 at 0, A-Phase at 1, B-I0 at 1, B-I1 at 0, and B-Phase at 1, indicating that the A and B phases are excited to 20%. Similarly, excitation table "26H" with table number "C2" has A-I0 at 0, A-I1 at 1, A-Phase at 1, B-I0 at 0, B-I1 at 0, and B-Phase at 0, indicating that the A phase is excited to 60% (the B phase is 0%, so it is not excited). Therefore, when switching the table numbers in the order "C0" → "C1" → "C2" → "C3" → "C4" → "C5" → "C6" → "C7", each phase is excited to 60% in the order of AB phase → A phase → AB- phase → B- phase → AB- phase → A- phase → AB phase → B phase, and the rotor 740 can be rotated by the angle of one cycle. In this embodiment, the reel is controlled to rotate by outputting the data (rotation control data) of the excitation table, which is composed of 6 bits, as a drive signal to the drive circuit 322. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, an excitation force of 0% is also referred to as no excitation, an excitation force of 20% as weak excitation, an excitation force of 60% as medium excitation, and an excitation force of 100% as strong excitation.

[0076] <Rotation control table> Figure 11 is a table showing the contents of the rotation control table in this embodiment. The rotation control table is stored on the ROM 306 and stores the contents of the rotation control for each reel control status (specifically, it consists of a general-purpose offset counter value, an excitation table, and holding parameters). The reel control status is information about the control state of each reel 110 to 112, which is stored independently for each reel. One of the following information is stored for each reel 110 to 112: "Stopped Control State (Stopping Control in Progress)" which indicates that each reel 110 to 112 is stopped; "Accelerated State (Accelerating Control in Progress)" which indicates that each reel 110 to 112 is accelerating; "Constant Speed ​​State (Constant Speed ​​Control in Progress)" which indicates that each reel 110 to 112 is at a constant speed; "Retracted State (Retraction Control in Progress)" which indicates that each reel 110 to 112 is retracted; "Brake State (Brake Control in Progress)" which indicates that each reel 110 to 112 is braked; or "Reel Performance Control in Progress" which indicates that each reel 110 to 112 is performing a reel performance. In this embodiment, the constant speed state is further classified into two states with different excitation forces: "Constant Speed ​​1 State (Constant Speed ​​1 Control in Progress)" which is set immediately after the acceleration state, and "Constant Speed ​​2 State (Constant Speed ​​2 Control in Progress)" which is set immediately after the Constant Speed ​​1 State (Constant Speed ​​1 Control in Progress). The Constant Speed ​​1 State is provided to ensure stable rotation of reels 110-112 and to save power, while the Constant Speed ​​2 State is provided to further reduce the excitation force and suppress heat generation of reels 110-112. The slot machine 100 of this embodiment controls the rotation of reels 110-112 by changing the reel control status from stop control → acceleration control → constant speed 1 control → constant speed 2 control → retraction control → brake control → stop control, and selecting an excitation table (rotation control data) corresponding to each reel status.

[0077] For example, when the reel control status is "Acceleration Control in Progress," as shown in Figure 11, the rotation control data for excitation table "77H" corresponding to the general offset counter value "0" is first held for "12" minutes, then the rotation control data for excitation table "07H" corresponding to the general offset counter value "1" is held for "12" minutes, then the rotation control data for excitation table "37H" corresponding to the general offset counter value "2" is held for "3" minutes, then the rotation control data for excitation table "30H" corresponding to the general offset counter value "3" is held for "3" minutes, and so on, with the rotation control data being set sequentially from the top row to the bottom of the table. Then, by gradually decreasing the hold time of the sequentially set rotation control data, reels 110 to 112 are accelerated.

[0078] The general-purpose offset counter value is a number (0-based) that indicates the order in which each rotation control data is executed in each reel control status, and it is a cyclical value that returns to 0 after 7. The hold time (hold parameter) indicates the time for which the set rotation control data is held, and 1 hold time represents 1 interrupt time (for example, 1.49 ms). Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, in this embodiment, "acceleration control" is configured to perform 100% excitation (strong excitation) of phases 1-2, requiring a time of 89.4 ms (= 1.49 × 60).

[0079] Furthermore, when the reel control status is "Constant Speed ​​1 Control," as shown in Figure 11, the rotation control data for excitation table "77H" corresponding to the general-purpose offset counter value "0" is first held at "1" for a certain period of time, then the rotation control data for excitation table "07H" corresponding to the general-purpose offset counter value "1" is held at "1" for a certain period of time, then the rotation control data for excitation table "37H" corresponding to the general-purpose offset counter value "2" is held at "1" for a certain period of time, and so on. The rotation control data listed in the table is set as one set and repeated 16 times. In other words, the rotation control data that is set sequentially is switched at a holding time of 1 and executed 16 times, thereby stably rotating the reel at a constant speed. As a result, "Constant Speed ​​1 Control" in this embodiment is configured to require 190.72 ms (= 1.49 × 8 × 16 sets) with 1-2 phase 100% excitation (strong excitation). During the constant speed control described above, the control pattern, such as one set of rotation control data, is repeated a predetermined number of times.

[0080] Furthermore, when the reel control status is "Constant Speed ​​2 Control," as shown in Figure 11, the rotation control data for excitation table "66H" corresponding to the general-purpose offset counter value "0" is first held at "1" for a certain period of time, then the rotation control data for excitation table "06H" corresponding to the general-purpose offset counter value "1" is held at "1" for a certain period of time, then the rotation control data for excitation table "26H" corresponding to the general-purpose offset counter value "2" is held at "1" for a certain period of time, and so on, with the rotation control data being set sequentially from the top row to the bottom row of the table. In other words, the reel is rotated at a constant speed by switching the sequentially set rotation control data with a holding time of 1. As a result, in this embodiment, "Constant Speed ​​2 Control" is configured to maintain a state of 1-2 phase 60% excitation (medium excitation) until a stop operation is performed in the stoppable state, which will be described in more detail later. The constant speed 2 control described above repeats a control pattern, such as rotation control data with a general-purpose offset counter value of "0" to "7", an indefinite number of times. When a stop operation is performed in a state where stopping is possible, the constant speed 2 control terminates even if it is in the middle of the control pattern.

[0081] Furthermore, when the reel control status is "Retraction Control in Progress," the rotation control data used in "Constant Speed ​​2 Control in Progress" continues to be set sequentially. For example, when transitioning to "Retraction Control in Progress" after setting the rotation control data for excitation table "42H" corresponding to a general-purpose offset counter value of "5" in "Constant Speed ​​2 Control in Progress" for a holding time of "1," the rotation control data for excitation table "62H" corresponding to a general-purpose offset counter value of "6" is set for a holding time of "1," and then the rotation control data for excitation table "64H" corresponding to a general-purpose offset counter value of "7" is set for a holding time of "1." After that, the rotation control data for each excitation table corresponding to a general-purpose offset counter value of 0 to 7 is sequentially and repeatedly set for a number of steps equivalent to the number of retraction frames (number of retraction frames × 24) for a holding time of "1" (in this embodiment, to stop in phase AB).

[0082] Furthermore, when the reel control status is "Brake control in progress," as shown in Figure 11, 2-phase 100% excitation (strong excitation) is performed for 74.5 ms, which applies a brake to the rotating reel and stops it.

[0083] Furthermore, when the reel control status is "reel stop control in progress," the stop state is maintained by continuing 2-phase 20% excitation (weak excitation), as shown in Figure 11.

[0084] Below, using Figure 12, we will explain an example of reel rotation control that differs from that shown in Figure 11.

[0085] As shown in the example in Figure 11, the rotation of the reels can be controlled using different excitation forces such as no excitation, weak excitation, medium excitation, and strong excitation. In the example in Figure 11, 1-2 phase excitation and 2-phase excitation are used, but as shown in Figure 12, for example, a configuration in which the excitation type and excitation time (number of interrupts) are changed may also be used, such as 1-2 phase excitation and 4-phase excitation. Figure 12 shows the changes in excitation type and excitation time when this configuration is adopted.

[0086] For example, when the reel control status is "Acceleration Control in Progress," as shown in Figure 12, the rotation control data is set sequentially from the top row to the bottom of the table, starting with holding the 2-phase excitation for 190ms (130 interrupts), then holding the 1-phase excitation for 11.92ms (8 interrupts), then holding the 2-phase excitation for 10.47ms (7 interrupts), and so on. By gradually decreasing the holding time of the sequentially set rotation control data, reels 110 to 112 are accelerated.

[0087] Furthermore, when the reel control status is "constant speed control in progress," as shown in Figure 12, the rotation control data is set sequentially from the top row to the bottom row of the table, starting with holding single-phase excitation for 1.49 ms (1 interrupt), then holding two-phase excitation for 1.49 ms (1 interrupt), then holding single-phase excitation for 1.49 ms (1 interrupt), and so on. In this control data, the reel is rotated stably at a constant speed by switching between single-phase excitation and two-phase excitation every 1.49 ms (1 interrupt).

[0088] Furthermore, when the reel control status is "Brake control in progress," as shown in Figure 12, four-phase excitation is performed for 208.6 ms to apply a brake to the rotating reel, causing it to stop. After that, the reel control status changes to "Reel stop control in progress."

[0089] When the reel control status is "reel stop control in progress," the system enters a zero-phase excitation state (excitation open, no excitation) as shown in Figure 12. Note that, in addition to zero-phase excitation, the system may also be configured to hold the reel in a one-phase or two-phase excitation state for stabilization.

[0090] <Regarding the circuit configuration related to the reel> Here, an example of the circuit configuration for driving reels 110 to 112, as shown in Figure 4, will be explained using Figure 13.

[0091] Figure 13 shows the main control board 300B in the center, with the power supply board 252B connected to the main control board 300B by harness H1 and the medal dispensing device 180 connected by harness H2 shown on the left side of the drawing. Further on the right side of the drawing are the left reel motor board 700BL, the middle reel motor board 700BC, and the right reel motor board 700BR, all connected to the main control board 300B by harnesses H3 to H5.

[0092] The power supply board 252B is a board installed in the power supply unit 252, and in Figure 13, it supplies power voltages of 5V and 24V and ground to the main control board 300B, etc. Furthermore, it supplies power voltage and ground to the medal dispensing device 180, the left reel board 700BL, the middle reel board 700BC, and the right reel board 700BR via the main control unit 300B.

[0093] The main control board 300B is the board corresponding to the main control unit 300 in Figure 4. Note that some components and wiring are omitted in the diagram. The main control board 300 shows the CPU 304 in Figure 4, and various control signals are output from this CPU 304. Figure 13 shows that wiring is provided from the CPU 304 to the sub-control board 400B, which corresponds to the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500. It also shows that wiring is provided from the CPU 304 to IC1, IC2, and IC3, which output drive signals for reels 110 to 112. These IC1 to 3 correspond to the drive circuit 322 in Figure 4 and control each stepping motor 700 of reels 110 to 112 according to the drive signals from the CPU 304. Figure 13 shows that the wiring from IC1 to 3 is connected to the terminals of each stepping motor 700 of reels 110 to 112. Note that in Figure 13, terminal L_REEL_Φ0 is for A-phase excitation control, terminal L_REEL_Φ1 is for B-phase excitation control, terminal L_REEL_Φ2 is for A-phase excitation control, and terminal L_REEL_Φ3 is for B-phase excitation control.

[0094] Furthermore, it is shown that a path is provided for inputting rotation position signals from each index sensor 606A for detecting the rotation position of reels 110 to 112 to the CPU 304 via IC0. In addition, it is shown that wiring is provided for outputting a hopper drive signal from the CPU 304 to the medal dispensing device 180 via IC4, and for inputting a dispensing sensor signal from the medal dispensing device 180 to the CPU 304 via IC4.

[0095] Figure 14 is a simplified diagram of the circuit that controls the stepping motor 700 of the left reel board 700BL in Figure 13.

[0096] Figure 14 shows, similar to Figure 13, a resistor R1 and an LEDD1 connected in series between the 24V power supply and ground of the main control board 300B. Of these, LEDD1 is responsible for indicating that the power is on by emitting light.

[0097] Figure 14 also shows capacitor CA connected between the 24V power supply and ground of the main control board 300B. Figure 13 shows that multiple capacitors (e.g., capacitors C1 to C3) are provided to stabilize operation and remove noise, but capacitor CA shown in Figure 14 comprehensively represents these multiple capacitors.

[0098] Figure 14 also shows the load ZA connected between the 24V power supply and ground of the main control board 300B. Figure 13 shows that various wirings and components are installed, but the load ZA shown in Figure 14 comprehensively represents the load from these wirings and components.

[0099] Figure 14 also shows that the coils controlling each phase of the stepping motor 700 on the left reel board 700BL, and IC1 which controls these coils, are connected between the 24V power supply and ground of the main control board 300B. Note that there are coils controlling each phase, such as coil LA which controls phase A, coil LB which controls phase B, coil LA- which controls phase A-, and coil LB- which controls phase B-, but in Figure 14 these coils are shown together as a single coil.

[0100] <Regarding the operation when the reel is manually rotated with the power off (1)> In this embodiment, abnormalities can sometimes be detected by manually rotating the reel. This operation will be explained below with reference to Figures 14 and 15. In the following explanation, the left reel 110 will be described, but the same applies to the other reels.

[0101] First, let's explain the control of the left reel 110. As mentioned above, the CPU 304 rotates the left reel 110 by sequentially switching the corresponding excitation table (see Figure 10) according to the rotation status of the left reel 110 shown in Figure 11. Specifically, IC1, which receives a drive signal from the CPU 304, controls the magnitude of the current flowing through the coils LA, LB, LA-, and LB- corresponding to each phase so that the excitation state corresponds to the excitation table (no excitation, weak excitation, medium excitation, strong excitation), causing the left reel 110 to rotate and stop. The excitation state of each phase of the stepping motor 700 is also controlled by IC2 and IC3, respectively, for the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112. In Figure 14, IC1 is located between the ground and the coils LA, LB, LA-, and LB-, but it is also possible to configure IC1 to be located between the 24V power supply and the coils LA, LB, LA-, and LB-, and to control the magnitude of the current flowing through the coils LA, LB, LA-, and LB- corresponding to each phase.

[0102] Next, we will explain the case where the power is off and there is no abnormality in the circuit (i.e., the connectors and harnesses are properly connected). In this case, when the left reel 110 is rotated manually, an electromotive force is generated sequentially in the coils LA, LB, LA-, and LB- of each phase due to electromagnetic induction (the coils act as power supplies of several volts), and a current flows in the opposite direction to when the reel is driven (counterclockwise from the stepping motor 700 in Figure 14). Specifically, as shown by the dotted arrows (1) to (5) in Figures 14 and 15, a circuit configuration PT1 is established in which current flows from the stepping motor 700 of the left reel 110 (more specifically, from each of the coils LA, LB, LA-, and LB-), through the components R1 and LEDD1, capacitor CA, and load ZA, and further through the inside of IC1 to the stepping motor 700, and current flows through this circuit configuration PT1. The current path inside IC1 will be explained below using Figure 15.

[0103] Figure 15 shows transistors TR11, TR12, TR13, and TR14 located inside IC1. These transistors TR11, TR12, TR13, and TR14 have so-called parasitic diodes and parasitic capacitances (physical configurations equivalent to diodes and capacitors in structure) that are not located inside IC1. These parasitic diodes PD11, PD12, PD13, and PD14 are shown as dotted lines in Figure 15. The current path inside IC1 when the left reel 110 is manually rotated (in Figure 15, the path enters from the bottom (ground side) of IC1 and exits to the right side (coil LA, LB, LA-, LB- side)) is formed by these parasitic diodes PD11, PD12, PD13, and PD14. Depending on the type of IC, there may also be voltage-resistant protection diodes to protect the transistors from back electromotive force; in this case, the current path is formed by these voltage-resistant protection diodes.

[0104] Furthermore, in response to the electromotive force generated by electromagnetic induction, a back electromotive force (power that attempts to counteract the changes in the magnetic flux and current of the coils) is generated sequentially in the coils LA, LB, LA-, and LB- of each phase. This back electromotive force creates a load (difficulty in rotating the left reel 110, resistance to manual rotation) when the left reel 110 is rotated manually. More specifically, if the coil of the stepping motor 700 is considered as 0V when the power is off, then when the left reel 110 is rotated manually, an electromotive force (reverse voltage) of several volts is generated by electromagnetic induction. This then generates a back electromotive force that attempts to counteract this change from 0V to several volts, and this becomes the load (resistance; the weight felt when moving the reel) when it is rotated manually. This back electromotive force increases in proportion to the change in current (speed) due to electromagnetic induction, and for example, the load is greater when the left reel 110 is rotated quickly at high speed than when it is rotated slowly from a stationary state. In other words, if the amount of change in current (speed) within a certain period is large, the load when rotating manually will also be large, and if the amount of change in current (speed) within a certain period is small, the load when rotating manually will also be small.

[0105] Furthermore, a portion of the current generated in the coils LA, LB, LA-, and LB- of each phase flows into the capacitor CA, where it is charged (charged and stored). The charge stored in capacitor CA is released (flows to ground) via the load ZA, etc., but a portion of it also flows into the coils LA, LB, LA-, and LB-, causing a change in the load when the left reel 110 is rotated manually.

[0106] On the other hand, if the power is turned off and there is an abnormality in the circuit configuration PT1 corresponding to coils LA, LB, LA-, LB- (the circuit is not connected, the resistance value is higher than normal, or the connector or harness is not properly connected), then there will be parts of the circuit configuration PT1 that are not functioning due to this abnormality. As a result, even if the left reel 110 is rotated manually, no current will flow (or the current will be low) in the abnormal or non-functioning circuit configuration PT1, and no back electromotive force or load will be generated (or the back electromotive force and load will be small) when the left reel 110 is rotated manually.

[0107] Based on the above, it is possible to infer whether or not there is a malfunction in the circuit around the motor of the left reel 110 by observing the difference in load when the left reel 110 is rotated manually. For example, if harness H3 is disconnected, when the left reel 110 is rotated manually, no back electromotive force or load is generated in any of the circuits connected to the coils LA, LB, LA-, and LB- of each phase. In this case, it is easy to recognize whether or not there is a load when the left reel 110 is rotated manually, making it the easiest situation to infer that there is a malfunction in the circuit around the motor of the left reel 110.

[0108] Furthermore, "when harness H3 is disconnected" refers to a situation where connector CN2, which is the board-side connector on the main control board 300B, and connector CN2-1, which is the harness-side connector on one end of harness H3, are not properly connected. Although not shown in the diagram, the same applies when the motor connector (motor-side connector) and harness-side connector CN2-2, which is on the other end of harness H3 that can be connected to the motor-side connector, are not properly connected. In other words, it refers to a situation where the connection points of connector CN2-1 and / or connector CN2-2 on harness H3 are not properly connected. On the other hand, when harness H3 is not disconnected, manually rotating the left reel 110 generates back electromotive force in all the circuits connected to the coils LA, LB, LA-, and LB- of each phase, resulting in a greater load when manually rotating the left reel 110 than when harness H3 is disconnected. This confirms that there is no abnormality in the motor-related circuit of the left reel 110.

[0109] Furthermore, "when harness H3 is not disconnected" refers to the case where connector CN2, which is the board-side connector on the main control board 300B, and connector CN2-1, which is the harness-side connector on one end of harness H3, are properly connected. Also, although not shown in the diagram, the same applies when the motor connector (motor-side connector) and harness-side connector CN2-2, which is on the other end of harness H3 that can be connected to the motor-side connector, are properly connected. In other words, it refers to the case where the connection points of connector CN2-1 and / or connector CN2-2 on harness H3 are properly connected.

[0110] An abnormality in the circuit configuration corresponding to coils LA, LB, LA-, and LB- could be, for example, if harness H3 connecting the main control board 300B and the reel board 700BL is disconnected (connectors CN2 and CN2-1 are not connected, or the motor-side connector and connector CN2-2 are not connected), or if some of the wiring on harness H3 or the wiring on the boards (main control board 300B, reel board 700BL) is broken. Other examples include cases where the terminals on harness H3 are not in the correct connection positions, resulting in no connection, or where the wiring is connected to a degree that allows for some operation, but the resistance value of the wiring is higher than in a normal state because the terminals on harness H3 are not in the correct connection positions. Examples of cases where the wiring is not connected or the resistance value of the wiring is high include cases where one or both of a pair of terminals are missing (for example, a pin is broken), or where one or both of a pair of terminals are deformed (for example, a pin is bent). Furthermore, the male and female ends of these terminals can be either male or female, and the configuration is not limited to male terminals on the circuit board side and female terminals on the harness side.

[0111] <Regarding torque during brake control> When the power is on and there is no abnormality in the circuit, as described above, the CPU 304 controls the excitation state of each phase according to one of the excitation tables shown in Figure 10, depending on the rotation status of the reels 110 to 112 shown in Figure 11. Of these, the torque of the stepping motor 700 when brake control is performed (strong excitation by two phases of A and B) as shown in Figure 11 is called the brake torque. This brake torque is higher than the torque when reels 110 to 112 are accelerating (hereinafter referred to as acceleration torque) or when they are rotating at a constant speed (hereinafter referred to as constant speed torque), and the holding force of reels 110 to 112 is highest when brake control is performed compared to other states. Similarly, when the modified example shown in Figure 12 is used, the brake torque (four-phase excitation) is higher than the torque when reels 110 to 112 are accelerating (acceleration torque) or when they are rotating at a constant speed (constant speed torque), and the holding force of reels 110 to 112 is highest when brake control is performed compared to other states.

[0112] On the other hand, as explained above, when the power is turned off and there is no abnormality in the circuit configuration PT1 corresponding to coils LA, LB, LA-, and LB-, manually rotating reels 110 to 112 generates a load required for the rotation of reels 110 to 112 due to back electromotive force. At this time, the load generated by back electromotive force is the torque required when manually rotating reels 110 to 112 (the torque required for the rotation of the stepping motor 700), and this torque will be referred to as back electromotive force torque below. This back electromotive force torque increases in proportion to the change in current (speed) of reels 110 to 112. Furthermore, this back electromotive force torque is about the same magnitude as the torque corresponding to the operation (for example, acceleration torque or constant speed torque) when reels 110 to 112 are manually rotated and operated in the same way as during gameplay. The reason for assuming they are roughly the same is that the circuit conditions differ depending on whether power is supplied or not; for example, a capacitor that stores charge when power is supplied does not store charge when the power is turned off, and this affects the magnitude of the back electromotive force torque. For example, when reels 110 to 112 are rotated manually to achieve an acceleration similar to that in gameplay, the back electromotive force torque will be about the same magnitude as the acceleration torque and smaller than the braking torque (Figures 11 and 12, the same applies to both configurations).

[0113] Furthermore, when the power is turned off and there is a malfunction in the circuit configuration PT1 corresponding to coils LA, LB, LA-, and LB-, if reels 110-112 are rotated manually, no load due to back electromotive force will be generated (or the load will be reduced) in the faulty circuit. Note that when there is a circuit malfunction, the load due to back electromotive force is lower (or no load is generated) compared to when there is no circuit malfunction. For example, if reels 110-112 are rotated manually to achieve an acceleration similar to that in gameplay, the torque required for this rotation is smaller than the brake torque (Figures 11 and 12, the same applies to both configurations).

[0114] In the above configuration, the brake torque is greater than the back electromotive force torque when accelerating to the same degree as during gameplay, so even if the reels are accidentally rotated manually during brake control, malfunctions are less likely to occur.

[0115] <Regarding the load when the reel is manually rotated while the power is on> When the power is on and there is no abnormality in the circuit configuration PT1 corresponding to coils LA, LB, LA-, and LB-, the CPU 304 controls the excitation state of each phase according to one of the excitation tables shown in Figure 10, according to the rotation status of reels 110 to 112 shown in Figure 11, as described above. Of these, the reel stop control in Figure 11 is a state set when not playing (before the start of play or after the end of play), and specifically, phases A and B are controlled to weak excitation, and phases A- and B- are controlled to a state of no excitation. In this state, the torque due to the weak excitation of phases A and B becomes a holding torque that resists external rotational force, and this holding torque causes reels 110 to 112 (stepping motor 700) to stop. This holding torque is lower than the torque during acceleration of reels 110 to 112 (acceleration torque) and the torque during constant speed rotation (constant speed torque).

[0116] In the reel stop control state, reels 110 to 112 can be manually rotated by applying a torque greater than the holding torque applied to them. When the power is off, manually rotating reels 110 to 112 generates a load due to back electromotive force. However, in the reel stop control state, the reel drive voltage (24V) is constantly applied to the coil of the stepping motor 700, so manually rotating reels 110 to 112 does not generate a load due to back electromotive force. In this situation, the induced electromotive force due to the manual rotation of the reels is lower than the power supply voltage (DC) (the voltage due to the induced electromotive force is only a few volts compared to the power supply voltage of 24V), and it is AC. In this case, the voltage due to the induced electromotive force is not sufficient to drive current against the power supply voltage, so no current flows due to the induced electromotive force, and no back electromotive force or load is generated due to this current. In other words, when reels 110-112 are manually rotated with the power off, an electromotive force of several volts is generated in the coil, which was 0V before rotation, and a back electromotive force is generated due to the current caused by this potential difference. On the other hand, when reels 110-112 are manually rotated with the power on, no current is generated due to the induced electromotive force in the coil, which was supplied with 24V, so no back electromotive force or load is generated. Furthermore, depending on the configuration of IC1, it is possible that the current required to drive the stepping motor 700 (current flowing through the transistor: weak excitation) is maintained inside IC1, while the current due to the induced electromotive force (current from the ground side) is cut off (circuit configuration PT1 does not hold for the induced electromotive force). That is, in the reel stop control state, the holding torque due to the weak excitation of phases A and B becomes the load when reels 110-112 are manually rotated. Note that in the modified example in Figure 12, the reel stop control state is an unexcited state, so no load is generated when reels 110-112 are manually rotated. Thus, depending on the control and configuration of the transistors, no current is generated due to induced electromotive force, and no back electromotive force or load is generated when manually rotating reels 110-112.

[0117] On the other hand, as explained above, when the power is turned off and there is no abnormality in the circuit configuration PT1 corresponding to coils LA, LB, LA-, and LB-, manually rotating reels 110 to 112 generates a load required for the rotation of reels 110 to 112 due to back electromotive force. At this time, the load generated by back electromotive force is the torque required when manually rotating reels 110 to 112 (the torque required for the rotation of the stepping motor 700), and this torque will be referred to as back electromotive force torque below. This back electromotive force torque increases in proportion to the change in current (speed) of reels 110 to 112. Furthermore, this back electromotive force torque is about the same magnitude as the torque corresponding to the operation (for example, acceleration torque or constant speed torque) when reels 110 to 112 are manually rotated and operated in the same way as during gameplay. The reason for assuming they are roughly the same is that the circuit conditions differ depending on whether power is supplied or not. For example, a capacitor that stores charge when power is supplied does not store charge when the power is turned off, and this affects the magnitude of the back electromotive force torque. For example, when the power is turned off, if reels 110 to 112 are rotated manually to achieve an acceleration similar to that in gameplay, the back electromotive force torque will be about the same magnitude as the acceleration torque, and will be greater than the holding torque (the load when reels 110 to 112 are rotated manually in the reel stop control state).

[0118] <Regarding operation when the reel is manually rotated with the power off (2)> The above explanation described how abnormalities can sometimes be detected by the load applied when reels 110-112 are manually rotated. Below, Figure 14 will be used to explain how abnormalities can be detected by actions other than load. Note that the following explanation will focus on the left reel 110, but the same principles apply to the other reels.

[0119] When the left reel 110 is rotated manually, the power generated in coils LA, LB, LA-, and LB- causes current to flow to LEDD1, and LEDD1 lights up. On the other hand, if there is an abnormality in the circuit configuration PT1 corresponding to coils LA, LB, LA-, and LB- (the circuit is not connected, or the resistance value is higher than normal), then even if the left reel 110 is rotated manually, no current will flow to LEDD1 in the faulty circuit.

[0120] From the above, it is possible to infer whether or not there is an abnormality in the circuit around the stepping motor 700 of the left reel 110 by observing the difference in the illumination pattern of LEDD1 when the left reel 110 is rotated manually.

[0121] As shown in Figure 13, the power supply voltages (5V, 24V) and ground of the main control board 300B and the power supply board 252B are connected, and an LED is provided between the 24V power supply and ground of the power supply board 252B. Therefore, when the left reel 110 is rotated manually, the same operation as LEDD1 shown in Figures 13 and 14 can be observed in the LED on the power supply board 252B. Thus, by observing the differences in the light emission patterns of these LEDs, it is possible to infer whether or not there is a malfunction in the circuit around the stepping motor 700 of the left reel 110. Furthermore, by observing the differences in the light emission patterns of the LEDs, it is possible to infer whether or not there is a malfunction in the harness or wiring between the boards on which they are located.

[0122] <Regarding the circuit board configuration> In the example shown in Figure 13, a configuration was described in which circuit boards equipped with stepping motors 700 (left reel motor board 700BL, middle reel motor board 700BC, right reel motor board 700BR) and a circuit board equipped with ICs 1-3 that control the stepping motors 700 (main control board 300B) are connected by harnesses H3-H5. However, there are various configurations for circuit boards used in gaming machines, and the example in Figure 13 is not the only one. Below, we will describe an example using a circuit board different from that in Figure 13.

[0123] Figure 16 shows a configuration in which circuit boards equipped with stepping motors 700 (left reel motor board 700BL, middle reel motor board 700BC, right reel motor board 700BR) and a circuit board equipped with ICs 1-3 for controlling the stepping motors 700 (main control board 300B) are connected via a reel relay board 700BM1. Figure 17 is a simplified diagram of the circuit for controlling the stepping motor 700 on the left reel board 700BL in Figure 16.

[0124] Comparing Figure 14 and Figure 17, the combined configuration of harnesses H7 and H8 and the reel relay board 700BM1 in Figure 17 corresponds to harness H3 in Figure 14. In other words, if the board configuration is not considered, the circuits in Figures 13 and 14 are equivalent to the circuits in Figures 16 and 17. For example, in the circuits of Figures 13 and 14, it was explained that an abnormality in harness H3 (harness not connected, some wiring broken, terminals not in the correct connection position, etc.) can be inferred by manually rotating the reel. Similarly, in the circuits of Figures 16 and 17, an abnormality in harnesses H7 and H8 (harness not connected, some wiring broken, terminals not in the correct connection position, etc.) can be inferred by manually rotating the reel. Furthermore, since harnesses H8 to H10 are provided in a one-to-one relationship corresponding to each reel, similar to harnesses H3 to H5 in Figure 13, the multiple reels (reels 110 to 112) can be individually inspected by manually rotating them. On the other hand, harness H7 is a harness that consolidates the wiring of each reel (reels 110-112) in a one-to-one relationship. If harness H7 is not connected, a load will be generated when all reels (reels 110-112) are rotated manually, allowing for a simultaneous inspection. If some wiring is broken or some terminals are not connected in the correct position, a load will be generated when any of the corresponding reels are rotated manually. At this time, harnesses H8-H10 can also be inspected to narrow down which part is malfunctioning.

[0125] Figure 18 shows a configuration in which circuit boards equipped with stepping motors 700 (left reel motor board 700BL, middle reel motor board 700BC, right reel motor board 700BR) and a circuit board equipped with ICs 1-3 for controlling the stepping motors 700 (main control board 300B) are connected via the main connection board 300BM and the reel relay board 700BM2. Figure 19 is a simplified diagram of the circuit for controlling the stepping motor 700 on the left reel board 700BL in Figure 18.

[0126] Comparing Figure 14 and Figure 19, the difference is that capacitors C2 and C3, which were located on the main control board 300B in Figure 14, are located on the reel relay board 700BM2 in Figure 19. Also, Figure 19 differs in that capacitor C4 on the main connection board 300BM and IC4 on the reel relay board 700BM2 are present, which are not present in the circuit of Figure 14. Note that IC4 on the reel relay board 700BM2 is a buffer that holds the signal from IC1, and when no power supply voltage is supplied, it is in a conductive state due to parasitic capacitance and parasitic diodes, similar to IC1.

[0127] Although there are differences between Figure 14 and Figure 19 as described above, they are similar in that the circuit configuration PT1 is established, starting from the stepping motor 700 on the left reel 110 (more specifically, from each of the coils LA, LB, LA-, and LB-), passing through resistors R1 and LEDD1, capacitors C1 to C3, load ZA, and then IC1 to reach the stepping motor 700. In other words, the circuit to the left of harness H15 in Figure 19 corresponds to the circuit to the left of harness H3 in Figure 14. For example, in the circuits of Figures 13 and 14, it was explained that an abnormality in harness H3 (harness not connected, some wiring broken, terminals not in the correct connection position, etc.) can be inferred by manually rotating the reel, but in the circuits of Figures 18 and 19, an abnormality in harnesses H15 and H14 (harness not connected, some wiring broken, terminals not in the correct connection position, etc.) can be inferred by manually rotating the reel.

[0128] Furthermore, in order to confirm whether or not the circuit configuration PT1 is established by manually rotating the reel, as in this embodiment, it is necessary that the circuit configuration PT1 is not established within the reel motor boards (left reel motor board 700BL, middle reel motor board 700BC, right reel motor board 700BR) on which the stepping motor 700 is installed. In other words, by establishing the circuit configuration PT1 across the reel motor board, the board located on the power supply side of the reel motor, and the harness connecting these boards, it is possible to check for abnormalities in the circuit boards and connecting harnesses. Note that even if the circuit configuration PT1 is completed within the reel motor board, if the circuit configuration is not established due to mounting defects or component damage, the resistance when manually rotating the reel will be heavier. However, in this case, only the abnormality of the reel motor board can be detected, and abnormalities in other harnesses, etc., cannot be detected. On the other hand, as in this embodiment, the circuit configuration PT1 is configured to span across the reel motor board, the board located on the power supply side of the reel motor, and the harness connecting these boards. This allows the user to notice that an abnormality has occurred somewhere in the reel motor board, the board located on the power supply side of the reel motor, or the harness connecting these boards, not only when the harness is inserted but also when the harness is inserted and feels light. This provides an opportunity to initiate inspections focusing on multiple components and prevents the power from being turned on while a potential abnormality is present.

[0129] The power supply board 252B, which is present in all three examples (Figures 13, 16, and 18), is for supplying power voltage (5V, 24V) and ground, and is connected to the power voltage (5V, 24V) and ground of the other boards via a harness. A capacitor is provided between the 24V power supply and ground on this power supply board 252B. Therefore, when the reels 110-112 are rotated manually with the power supply turned off, some of the current generated by the coil of the stepping motor 700 flows into this capacitor, and a charge is accumulated. At this time, if there is a problem with the harness of the power supply board 252B (harness H1 in Figure 13, harness H6 in Figure 16, harness H11 in Figure 18) (e.g., the harness (connector) is disconnected, a part of the wire is broken), but there is no problem with the other harnesses, then no back electromotive force is generated because no current flows through the capacitor on the power supply board 252B, and the load is smaller compared to when there is no problem with the harness. Furthermore, the same phenomenon occurs if there is a problem with harness H14 in the example shown in Figure 18. Also, in the example shown in Figure 18, if the reel relay board 700BM2 does not have a power supply path from the main connection board 300BM, and instead a harness powered by the power supply board 252B is directly connected, the same phenomenon as described above will occur if there is a problem with this directly connected harness. Therefore, depending on the capacitance of the capacitors provided on the power supply board 252B, it may be possible to infer a problem with the harness around the power supply board 252B (harness disconnection, some wiring breaks, terminals not in the correct connection position, etc.) by manually rotating the reel.

[0130] Furthermore, depending on the configuration of the elements and circuits, a power supply voltage other than the power supply voltage used for reel driving (for example, 24V in Figure 13; in other words, the driving voltage for analog circuits and analog signals such as motors) may be provided (for example, 5V in Figure 13; in other words, the driving voltage for digital circuits and digital signals such as ICs). In such a configuration, if elements such as resistors are provided between circuits with different power supply voltages, current (current due to induced electromotive force) caused by manual rotation of the reel when the power is turned off may flow through these elements such as resistors provided between the power supply voltages. In other words, the circuit configuration PT1 may include not only circuits that are intended to operate at the power supply voltage used for reel driving, but also other circuits.

[0131] As described above, regardless of the circuit board configuration, it is sometimes possible to detect abnormalities by manually rotating the reel.

[0132] <Regarding the motor type> The stepping motor 700 in the above embodiment uses a so-called unipolar motor, but a bipolar motor may also be used. The following explanation will be given with reference to Figures 20 and 21. Figure 20 is a diagram showing a modified example of Figure 14. Figure 21 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of IC1 in Figure 20.

[0133] The modified version shown in Figure 20 replaces the unipolar motor used in Figure 14 with a bipolar motor. In this modified version, IC1 is replaced with one that controls the bipolar motor. In a bipolar motor, the A-phase and A-phase pair are controlled by a common coil LA (LA-), and the B-phase and B-phase pair are controlled by another common coil. The coils controlling the B-phase and B-phase are controlled in the same way as the coils LA for the A-phase and A-phase. Therefore, the coils controlling the B-phase and B-phase are not shown in the diagram, and the excitation of the A-phase and A-phase will be explained below using Figure 21.

[0134] Figure 21 shows transistors TR21, TR22, TR23, and TR24 located inside IC1. When the A phase is excited, transistors TR21 and TR24 are controlled to be on, and transistors TR22 and TR23 are controlled to be off. Conversely, when the A- phase is excited, transistors TR21 and TR24 are controlled to be off, and transistors TR22 and TR23 are controlled to be on. This control reverses the direction of the current when exciting the A phase and when exciting the A- phase (see arrows in Figure 21). In other words, the A phase and A- phase are controlled by reversing the magnetic field of coil LA.

[0135] Next, we will explain the case where the power is off and there is no abnormality in the circuit (i.e., the connectors and harnesses are properly connected). In this case, when the left reel 110 is rotated manually, an electromotive force is generated sequentially in the A-phase (A-phase) coil LA and the B-phase (B-phase) coil due to electromagnetic induction, and a current flows in the opposite direction to when the reel is driven (counterclockwise from the stepping motor 700 in Figure 20). Specifically, as shown by the dotted arrows (1) to (7) in Figure 21, a circuit configuration PT1 is established in which current flows from the stepping motor 700 of the left reel 110, through the inside of IC1, through the wiring on the 24V power supply side, through the components resistor R1 and LEDD1, capacitor CA and load ZA, and then through the wiring on the ground side, again through the inside of IC1 to the stepping motor 700. Current flows through this circuit configuration PT1. The current path inside IC1 will be explained below using Figure 21.

[0136] Transistors TR21, TR22, TR23, and TR24 located inside IC1 have so-called parasitic diodes and parasitic capacitances (physical configurations equivalent to diodes and capacitors in terms of structure) that are not located inside IC1. In Figure 21, these parasitic diodes PD21, PD22, PD23, and PD24, and parasitic capacitances PC21, PC22, PC23, and PC24 are shown as dotted lines. When the left reel 110 is rotated manually, the path of the current inside IC1 that exits from coil LA to the 24V power supply is formed by parasitic diode PD21 (or parasitic diode PD22). Also, the path of the current inside IC1 that returns from the ground side to coil LA is formed by parasitic diode PD24 (or parasitic diode PD23). Depending on the type of IC, there may be a voltage-resistant protection diode to protect the transistor from back electromotive force, in which case the current path is formed by this voltage-resistant protection diode.

[0137] As described above, when using a bipolar motor, just like when using a unipolar motor, if the reel is rotated manually with the power off, a current due to electromagnetic induction flows through the circuit configuration PT1. Furthermore, as in the example in Figure 14, a load is also generated when the reel is rotated manually. Thus, the operation when the reel is rotated manually, as described above, is independent of the type of motor, and therefore, regardless of the type of motor, it may be possible to detect abnormalities by observing the operation when the reel is rotated manually.

[0138] <Regarding the case where moving parts other than the reel are operated manually> The above explanation describes how abnormalities can sometimes be detected by observing the operation of reels 110-112 when they are rotated manually. In addition to reels 110-112, gaming machines may also have other movable parts that are operated by motors. In the case of such movable parts, if the circuit configuration is like that of circuit PT1 in Figure 14, manually operating them will generate induced electromotive force or back electromotive force in the motor, and abnormalities can sometimes be detected by observing this operation.

[0139] For example, Figure 13 shows that the medal dispensing device 180 is equipped with a motor. The medal dispensing device 180 has a hopper that is operated by the motor, and abnormalities can sometimes be detected by the difference in load or the difference in the illumination pattern of the LED when this hopper is operated manually.

[0140] Furthermore, for example, if a system is used in which movable parts for performances are driven by motors, abnormalities can sometimes be detected in the same way as described above by observing the operation of these movable parts when they are operated manually. This will be explained below using Figure 22.

[0141] Figure 22 shows the performance control board 400B on the left, the harness H21 connecting the performance control board 400B to the power supply board 252B, and the performance movable body relay board 400BM connected by harness H22. Further on the right side of the figure, the motor board 400BL connected to the performance movable body relay board 400BM by harness H23 is shown.

[0142] The performance control board 400B is the board corresponding to the first sub-control unit 400 in Figure 4. Note that some components and wiring are omitted in the diagram. The first sub-control unit 400 is shown as the CPU 404 in Figure 4, and various control signals are output from this CPU 404. Figure 22 shows that wiring is provided from the CPU 404 to IC 424a to output a drive signal for the movable body. This IC 424a corresponds to the drive circuit 424 in Figure 4 and controls the stepping motor 700 of the movable body according to the signal from the CPU 404. Figure 22 shows that the wiring from IC 424a is connected to the terminals of the stepping motor 700 of the movable body.

[0143] The stepping motor 700 in Figure 22 is a so-called bipolar type, and is equipped with coil LsA corresponding to phase A and A-, and coil LsB corresponding to phase B and B-. In Figure 22, drive signals Φ0 and Φ1 are input / output terminals for signals that control the excitation of coil LsA, and drive signals Φ2 and Φ3 are input / output terminals for signals that control the excitation of coil LsB. When current flows from drive signal Φ0 to drive signal Φ1, phase A is excited, and when current flows from drive signal Φ1 to drive signal Φ0, phase A- is excited. Similarly, when current flows from drive signal Φ2 to drive signal Φ3, phase B is excited, and when current flows from drive signal Φ3 to drive signal Φ2, phase B- is excited.

[0144] When IC424a receives an A-phase excitation signal from CPU404, it controls the current to flow from drive signal Φ0 to drive signal Φ1, and when it receives an A-phase excitation signal, it controls the current to flow from drive signal Φ1 to drive signal Φ0. Furthermore, when IC424a receives a B-phase excitation signal from CPU404, it controls the current to flow from drive signal Φ2 to drive signal Φ3, and when it receives a B-phase excitation signal, it controls the current to flow from drive signal Φ3 to drive signal Φ2.

[0145] Figure 22 also shows a resistor Rs1 and LEDDs1 connected in series between the 5V power supply and ground of the 400B performance control board. Of these, LEDDs1 is responsible for indicating that the power is on by emitting light. Figure 22 also shows that there are several capacitors (e.g., capacitors Cs1 and Cs2) provided to stabilize the operation and remove noise.

[0146] In the circuit shown in Figure 22, the case where the power is off and there is no abnormality in the circuit (connectors and harnesses are properly connected) will be explained. In this case, when the movable body is rotated manually, an electromotive force is generated in coils LsA and LsB due to electromagnetic induction, and a current flows in the opposite direction to when the movable body is driven. Specifically, the coils of the stepping motor 700 of the movable body (more specifically coils LsA and LsB) are connected to IC424a via resistor Rs2 and bead Ls1 along the wiring of the drive signal Φ0, and then through the inside of IC424a, passing through the wiring on the 5V power supply side, passing through resistor Rs1 and LEDDs1, and then from the ground side, passing through the inside of IC424a again, along the wiring of the drive signal Φ1, passing through bead Ls1 and resistor Rs2 to the stepping motor 700, forming circuit configuration PS1, and current flows through this circuit configuration PS1.

[0147] As described above, when using a movable body, just like with a reel, if the movable body is rotated manually with the power off, a current due to electromagnetic induction flows to circuit configuration PS1. Furthermore, as in the example in Figure 14, a load is also generated when the movable body is rotated manually.

[0148] If there is an abnormality in the circuit configuration PS1 shown in Figure 22 above (the circuit is not connected, the resistance value is higher than normal, or the connector or harness is not properly connected), the same phenomenon will occur as when there is an abnormality in the circuit configuration PT1 shown in Figures 13 and 14. For example, if harnesses H22 and H23 are disconnected, manually operating the movable body will not generate back electromotive force or load in any of the circuits connected to coils LsA and LsB. If harnesses H22 and H23 are not disconnected, manually operating the movable body will generate back electromotive force in the circuits connected to coils LsA and LsB, resulting in a greater load than when harnesses H22 and H23 are disconnected. This difference in load may indicate that there is an abnormality in the circuitry around the motor of the movable body.

[0149] ≪Other≫ In this embodiment, a slot machine 100 using medals (coins) as the game medium is shown as an example of a game machine, but it is not limited to this, and can be applied to slot machines using game balls (for example, pachinko balls), pachinko machines, arrangement ball game machines, jankyu game machines, smart ball, etc.

[0150] Furthermore, the slot machine may be a slot machine that operates on a mobile device (smartphone, game console) or personal computer using a program that simulates the operation based on the above configuration, and which only exchanges electronic data without using tokens. In this case, the game medium contains digitized data equivalent to tokens, the insertion of the game medium includes inputting digitized data from a predetermined external device (electronic storage device), and the payout of the game medium includes outputting digitized data to a predetermined external device (electronic storage device).

[0151] Although this embodiment has been described above, it is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and such modifications and changes are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the invention are merely a list of the most preferred actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0152] <Technical concept corresponding to the embodiment> The following describes the technical concepts mentioned in the above explanation, referring to the corresponding configurations.

[0153] In the above explanation, A gaming machine equipped with movable parts (e.g., reels 110-112) that can be operated by the drive of a motor, The aforementioned gaming machine is equipped with a predetermined circuit board (for example, the main control board 300B in Figure 13, see <About the circuit board configuration> for other components), The motor is electrically connected to the predetermined circuit board via a harness (for example, harnesses H3 to H5 in Figure 13, see also <Regarding the configuration of the circuit board>). The state in which the predetermined circuit board and the harness are electrically connected is defined as the connected state. The state in which the predetermined circuit board and the harness are not electrically connected is defined as the disconnected state. The first state is defined as the connection state and the power outage state in which the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off. The aforementioned disconnected state and the power supply to the gaming machine being cut off are defined as the second state. In the first state and the second state, the load on the manual operation of the movable body is different. A gaming machine characterized by the above (see, for example, <Operation when the reels are manually rotated with the power off (1)>) was described.

[0154] Furthermore, the gaming machines described above, The first state presents a greater load on the manual operation of the movable body than the second state presents. A gaming machine characterized by the above (see, for example, <Operation when the reels are manually rotated with the power off (1)>) was described.

[0155] Furthermore, the gaming machines described above, The aforementioned predetermined substrate is a substrate on which the first component (for example, resistor R1, LEDD1, capacitor CA, load ZA, IC1 in Figure 14) is arranged. In the first state described above, a circuit configuration (for example, circuit configuration PT1 in Figure 14) is established that leads from the motor through the first component to the motor. In the second state described above, the circuit configuration is not established. A gaming machine characterized by the above (see, for example, <Operation when the reels are manually rotated with the power off (1)>) was described.

[0156] Furthermore, in the above explanation, A gaming machine equipped with movable parts (e.g., reels 110-112) that can be operated by the drive of a motor, The aforementioned gaming machine is equipped with a predetermined circuit board (for example, the main control board 300B in Figure 13, see <About the circuit board configuration>) on which a first connector (for example, connectors CN2 to CN4 in Figure 13) is provided, The motor is electrically connected to the predetermined circuit board via a harness having multiple wires (for example, harnesses H3 to H5 in Figure 13, see also <Regarding the configuration of the circuit board>). The harness has a second connector (for example, connector CN2-1 in Figure 14) on one end that is connected to the first connector. The first connection state is defined as the state in which the first connector and the second connector are connected, and in which there are no breaks in the multiple wires and the state functions normally. The second connection state is defined as the state in which the first connector and the second connector are connected, and at least one of the multiple wires is disconnected. The state in which the first connector and the second connector are not connected is defined as the disconnected state. The first connection state and the power outage state in which the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off are defined as the first state. The second connection state and the power outage state in which the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off are defined as the second state. The aforementioned disconnected state and the power supply to the gaming machine being cut off are defined as the third state. The load on the manual operation of the movable body may differ between the first state and the second state. In the first state and the third state, the load on the manual operation of the movable body is different. A gaming machine characterized by the above (see, for example, <Operation when the reels are manually rotated with the power off (1)>) was described.

[0157] Furthermore, the gaming machines described above, In the first state, the load on the manual operation of the movable body may be greater than in the second state. The first state presents a greater load on the manual operation of the movable body than the third state presents. A gaming machine characterized by the above (see, for example, <Operation when the reels are manually rotated with the power off (1)>) was described.

[0158] Furthermore, the gaming machines described above, The aforementioned predetermined substrate is a substrate on which the first component (for example, resistor R1, LEDD1, capacitor CA, load ZA, IC1 in Figure 14) is arranged. The motor has a plurality of coils (for example, coil LA, coil LA-, coil LB, coil LB-), In the first state described above, a circuit configuration (for example, circuit configuration PT1 in Figure 14) is established that allows each of the plurality of coils to be accessed via the first component. In the second state described above, the circuit configuration corresponding to any of the plurality of coils is not established. In the third state described above, none of the circuit configurations are met. A gaming machine characterized by the above (see, for example, <Operation when the reels are manually rotated with the power off (1)>) was described.

[0159] Furthermore, in the above explanation, A gaming machine equipped with movable parts (e.g., reels 110-112) that can be operated by the drive of a motor, The aforementioned gaming machine is equipped with a predetermined circuit board (for example, the main control board 300B in Figure 13, see <About the circuit board configuration>) on which a first connector (for example, connectors CN2 to CN4 in Figure 13) is provided, The motor is electrically connected to the predetermined circuit board via a harness (for example, harnesses H3 to H5 in Figure 13, see also <Regarding the configuration of the circuit board>). The harness has a second connector (for example, connector CN2-1 in Figure 14) at one end, which is provided with a plurality of terminals for connecting to the first connector. The first connection state is defined as the state in which the first connector and the second connector are connected and the plurality of terminals are in their normal connection positions. The state in which the first connector and the second connector are connected, but at least some of the multiple terminals are in a position different from the normal connection position, is defined as the second connection state. The state in which the first connector and the second connector are not connected is defined as the disconnected state. The first connection state and the power outage state in which the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off are defined as the first state. The second connection state and the power outage state in which the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off are defined as the second state. The aforementioned disconnected state and the power supply to the gaming machine being cut off are defined as the third state. The load on the manual operation of the movable body may differ between the first state and the second state. In the first state and the third state, the load on the manual operation of the movable body is different. A gaming machine characterized by the above (see, for example, <Operation when the reels are manually rotated with the power off (1)>) was described.

[0160] Furthermore, the gaming machines described above, In the first state, the load on the manual operation of the movable body may be greater than in the second state. The first state presents a greater load on the manual operation of the movable body than the third state presents. A gaming machine characterized by the above (see, for example, <Operation when the reels are manually rotated with the power off (1)>) was described.

[0161] Furthermore, the gaming machines described above, The aforementioned predetermined substrate is a substrate on which the first component (for example, resistor R1, LEDD1, capacitor CA, load ZA, IC1 in Figure 14) is arranged. The motor has a plurality of coils (for example, coil LA, coil LA-, coil LB, coil LB-), In the first state described above, a circuit configuration (for example, circuit configuration PT1 in Figure 14) is established that allows each of the plurality of coils to be accessed via the first component. In the second state described above, the circuit configuration corresponding to any of the plurality of coils is not established. In the third state described above, none of the circuit configurations are met. A gaming machine characterized by the above (see, for example, <Operation when the reels are manually rotated with the power off (1)>) was described.

[0162] Furthermore, in the above explanation, A gaming machine equipped with reels (e.g., reels 110-112) that can be operated by motor drive, The aforementioned gaming machine is equipped with a predetermined circuit board (for example, the main control board 300B in Figure 13, see <About the circuit board configuration> for other components), The motor is electrically connected to the predetermined circuit board via a harness (for example, harnesses H3 to H5 in Figure 13, see also <Regarding the configuration of the circuit board>). The state in which the predetermined circuit board and the harness are electrically connected is defined as the connected state. The state in which the predetermined circuit board and the harness are not electrically connected is defined as the disconnected state. The first state is defined as the connection state and the power outage state in which the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off. The aforementioned disconnected state and the power supply to the gaming machine being cut off are defined as the second state. In the first state and the second state, the load on the manual operation of the reel is different. A gaming machine characterized by the above (see, for example, <Operation when the reels are manually rotated with the power off (1)>) was described.

[0163] Furthermore, the gaming machines described above, In the first state and the second state, the torque required to rotate the motor by manually operating the reel is different. A gaming machine characterized by the above (see, for example, <Operation when the reels are manually rotated with the power off (1)> and <Torque during brake control>) was described.

[0164] Furthermore, the gaming machines described above, In the first state described above, the torque required to rotate the motor by the manual operation of the reel is defined as the first torque. In the second state, the torque required to rotate the motor by the manual operation of the reel is defined as the second torque. The first torque is greater than the second torque. A gaming machine characterized by the above (see, for example, <Operation when the reels are manually rotated with the power off (1)> and <Torque during brake control>) was described.

[0165] Furthermore, the gaming machines described above, The torque used to stop the reels while they are rotating during gameplay of the aforementioned gaming machine is defined as the third torque. The third torque is greater than the first torque. The third torque is greater than the second torque. A gaming machine characterized by the above (see, for example, <Regarding torque during brake control>) was described.

[0166] Furthermore, the gaming machines described above, The aforementioned predetermined substrate is a substrate on which the first component (for example, resistor R1, LEDD1, capacitor CA, load ZA, IC1 in Figure 14) is arranged. In the first state described above, a circuit configuration (for example, circuit configuration PT1 in Figure 14) is established that leads from the motor through the first component to the motor. In the second state described above, the circuit configuration is not established. A gaming machine characterized by the above (see, for example, <Operation when the reels are manually rotated with the power off (1)>) was described.

[0167] Furthermore, in the above explanation, A gaming machine equipped with movable parts (e.g., reels 110-112) that can be operated by the drive of a motor, The aforementioned gaming machine is equipped with a predetermined circuit board (for example, the main control board 300B in Figure 13, see <About the circuit board configuration> for other components), The motor is electrically connected to the predetermined circuit board via a harness (for example, harnesses H3 to H5 in Figure 13, see also <Regarding the configuration of the circuit board>). The state in which the predetermined circuit board and the harness are electrically connected is defined as the connected state. The state in which the predetermined circuit board and the harness are not electrically connected is defined as the disconnected state. The first state is defined as the connection state and the power outage state in which the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off. The state in which the connection is made and power is supplied to the gaming machine is defined as the second state. The aforementioned disconnected state and the power supply to the gaming machine being cut off are defined as the third state. In the first state and the second state, the load on the manual operation of the movable body is different. In the first state and the third state, the load on the manual operation of the movable body is different. A gaming machine characterized by the above (see, for example, <Regarding operation when the reels are manually rotated with the power off (1)> and <Regarding the load when the reels are manually rotated with the power on>) was described.

[0168] Furthermore, the gaming machines described above, The first state presents a greater load on the manual operation of the movable body than the second state presents. The first state presents a greater load on the manual operation of the movable body than the third state presents. A gaming machine characterized by the above (see, for example, <Regarding operation when the reels are manually rotated with the power off (1)> and <Regarding the load when the reels are manually rotated with the power on>) was described.

[0169] Furthermore, the gaming machines described above, The aforementioned predetermined substrate is a substrate on which the first component (for example, resistor R1, LEDD1, capacitor CA, load ZA, IC1 in Figure 14) is arranged. In the aforementioned connection state, a circuit configuration (for example, circuit configuration PT1 in Figure 14) is established that extends from the motor through the first component to the motor. In the aforementioned disconnected state, the circuit configuration is not established. A gaming machine characterized by the above (see, for example, <Operation when the reels are manually rotated with the power off (1)>) was described.

[0170] The following describes an embodiment of the gaming machine (slot machine) using Figures 23 to 43. Note that in cases where terms overlap with other embodiments, the terms in this embodiment take precedence. Similarly, in cases where descriptions overlap with drawings other than Figures 23 to 43, the descriptions in Figures 23 to 43 take precedence.

[0171] 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."

[0172] [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.

[0173] Traditionally, some gaming machines have displayed the number of coins won during advantageous gameplay states such as AT (Automatic Trigger) or bonus rounds, aiming to give players a sense of satisfaction. However, this sense of satisfaction can only be felt when a certain number of coins are won (for example, 500 or 1000 coins). Conversely, when the number of coins won is small (for example, 50 or 100 coins), displaying the number of coins won may not only fail to satisfy players but could even cause dissatisfaction, potentially irritating them.

[0174] 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.

[0175] This embodiment provides a gaming machine that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0176] <Overall Structure> First, Figure 23 will be used to explain the basic configuration of the slot machine 100 and the dispensing machine 700. Figure 23 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 and the dispensing machine 700 as seen from the front (player side).

[0177] The slot machine 100 shown in Figure 23 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.

[0178] 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. By rotating each of the reels 110-112, the combination of symbols visible to the player changes. In other words, each of the reels 110-112 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, although the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 23 has three reels located inside the center of the slot machine 100, the number of reels and their placement are not limited to this.

[0179] 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.

[0180] 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."

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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 23, 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.

[0183] 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.

[0184] 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.

[0185] 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.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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.

[0188] 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 24.

[0189] 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 24 to the dispensing machine 700.

[0190] 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.

[0191] The sound hole 145 is a hole for outputting sound from the speaker 277 (see Figure 24) 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 24) 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.

[0192] The dispensing machine 700 shown in Figure 23 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.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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.

[0195] The card-receiving 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 24 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.

[0196] "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.

[0197] 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.

[0198] 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.

[0199] 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.

[0200] 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 in 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 ready to withdraw. By operating the dispensing button 707 in this state, the "number of game tokens" will be added according to the amount of money to be withdrawn. For example, the "number of game tokens" equivalent to 1000 yen will be added as a predetermined amount. Also, if the "money balance" on the card is less than a predetermined amount (for example, less than 1000 yen), only the "number of game tokens" converted from the current balance at a predetermined rate will be added. Furthermore, even if the card's "money balance" is less than a predetermined amount, it may be replenished from the "number of tokens held" stored on the card, so that the predetermined amount of "game tokens" is added. 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 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 "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. 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" → "game tokens" → "number of tokens held." In this way, the "number of tokens held" identified by the card is converted into the "number of game tokens," and in the slot machine 100 of this embodiment, the number of tokens can be used to set the bet. Therefore, it is possible to provide a new type of slot machine (managed gaming 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.

[0201] 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 acquired 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 information in the higher-level server in association with the card number, 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. Furthermore, the "money balance" is written directly to the card (member card, visitor card) and dispensed. The timing for storing the "number of tokens held" on the card (member card, visitor card) or on 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. Moreover, when a player finishes playing and returns the 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 that player inserts the card into the same or a different dispensing machine 700 again on the same day 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" so that the player can play.

[0202] 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.

[0203] Furthermore, in the lending machine 700 shown in Figure 23, 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 built-in LED lamp on that "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, or 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).

[0204] <Control Unit Circuit Configuration> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be explained in detail using Figure 24. Note that this figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

[0205] 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.

[0206] <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.

[0207] 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.

[0208] 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.

[0209] 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.

[0210] 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).

[0211] 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.

[0212] In addition, an information output circuit 328 is connected to the game control unit 302, and the main control unit 300 outputs game information (for example, information indicating the state of the game) of the slot machine 100 to an information input circuit 650 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 328.

[0213] Further, the main control unit 300 includes a voltage monitoring circuit (not shown) that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied from a power management unit (not shown) to the main control unit 300. When the voltage value of the power supply is less than a predetermined value (for example, 9V), this voltage monitoring circuit outputs a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped to each of the game control unit 302 and the medal number control unit 350.

[0214] In addition, the main control unit 300 includes an output interface for transmitting commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. The information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication. The main control unit 300 is configured to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but is configured so that the first sub-control unit 400 cannot transmit signals such as commands to the main control unit 300.

[0215] The medal count control unit 350 also includes a CPU 354, a ROM 356, a RAM 358, an I / O 360 for controlling the input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 362 for measuring time, number of times, etc., just like the game control unit 302. The CPU 304 and the CPU 354 are provided on the same substrate and are connected via a buffer IC. In this way, the CPU 304 uses the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and does not use the ROM 356 and the RAM 358, while the CPU 354 uses the ROM 356 and the RAM 358 and does not use the ROM 306 and the RAM 308. Note that a WDT (watchdog timer), not shown in the figure, is also installed. Also, the CPU 354 of the medal count control unit 350 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator, not shown in the figure, as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 354 transmits the data for frequency division 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 data for frequency division and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 354 every this interrupt time. The CPU 354 operates契机by this interrupt request. This medal count control unit 350 executes interrupt processing at 0.745 ms. Also, it repeats communication with the lending machine 700 at a cycle of 300 ms.

[0216] The CPU 354 of the medal count control unit 350 also includes a startup signal output circuit (not shown in the figure) that outputs a startup signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. 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.

[0217] The basic circuit of the medal count control unit 350 is connected to a game medal count display device 170 composed of a 5-digit 7-segment (SEG) display, a counting button 171, and a game medal count clear button 172.

[0218] Also, the lending machine 700 is also connected to the basic circuit of the medal count control unit 350 via a lending machine connection terminal board 790. The medal count control unit 350 performs two-way communication with the lending machine 700.

[0219] 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.

[0220] 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.

[0221] The game token count clear button 172 shown in Figure 24 is located in a position that cannot be operated by the player (for example, a position that cannot be operated without opening the front door 102), and is a means of 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 tokens may be counted 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.

[0222] <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.

[0223] 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.

[0224] 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 commands 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 elements.

[0225] 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.

[0226] 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.

[0227] 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.

[0228] 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).

[0229] 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.

[0230] 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.

[0231] 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.

[0232] <Demo screen transition> Next, the demo screen transitions according to this embodiment will be explained using Figures 25 and 26. As mentioned above, the slot machine 100 is a machine exclusively for betting 3 coins.

[0233] 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.

[0234] 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.

[0235] 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.

[0236] Figure 25(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 25(A), the liquid crystal display device 157 continues to display the game screen d1 (Figure 26(B-1) described later) from the previous game, but since no medals are bet, the demo screen d2 (Figures 26(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.

[0237] FIG. 25(B) shows a time chart regarding the transition of the demo screen in the case of the conventional bet number 2. Conventionally, when medals less than the specified number are bet, as shown in FIG. 25(B), even when the standby time M has elapsed from the time t4 when they are bet until the time t5, the demo screen d2 is not displayed, and the game screen d1 continues to be displayed. That is, conventionally, when medals less than the specified number are bet, the demo screen d2 is configured not to be displayed.

[0238] Therefore, conventionally, even when the game ends in a state where medals less than the specified number are bet, since there is no transition to the demo screen, it is difficult to recognize it as an empty stand, and there is a problem that it is left as an empty stand for a long time.

[0239] In contrast, FIG. 26(A) shows a time chart regarding the transition of the demo screen in the case of the bet number 2 in the present embodiment (the case of (A) and (2) above). In this case, as shown in FIG. 26(A), although the game screen d1 continues to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157 from the previous game, the demo screen d2 starts to be displayed at the time t5 when the standby time M has elapsed from the time t4 when medals less than the specified number are bet. The demo screen d2 is displayed until the time t3 when three medals, which is the specified number, are bet, similar to FIG. 25(A).

[0240] As a result, in the present embodiment, even when the game ends in a state where medals less than the specified number are bet, since there is a transition to the demo screen d2, it becomes easy to recognize it as an empty stand. That is, it is possible to prevent an empty stand from being left for a long time.

[0241] Note that in the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment, even when the credit number is 1 or 2, the bet button 132 can be operated, and medals of 1 or 2 of the credit number are inserted.

[0242] Here, the configuration and display example of the demo screen d2 will be described using FIGS. 25(A), 26(A), and 26(B) described above.

[0243] Figure 26(B-1) shows an example of the game screen d1 display, and Figures 26(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 25(A) and 26(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 →...

[0244] The performance introduction screen d2A is a demo display screen that introduces the performances performed in slot machine 100, as shown in Figure 26(B-2). 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 is a demo display screen that displays a message warning against excessive gambling (for example, "Be careful not to get addicted!") as shown in Figure 26(B-3). The company name display screen d2D is a demo display screen that displays the name of the company that manufactures and sells slot machine 100 (not shown).

[0245] Furthermore, the demo screen d2 of this embodiment displays the maximum number of photos d10, as shown in Figures 25(A) and 26(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 26(B-2) to (B-4), the maximum number of photos d10 is displayed together with the demo screen d2.

[0246] 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".

[0247] 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.

[0248] 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.

[0249] 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.

[0250] 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.

[0251] <Slump graph> Next, using Figure 27, the display of the maximum number of coins d10 and the display of the advance notification d20 according to this embodiment will be explained. Figure 27 is an example of a slump graph showing the change in the number of coins for the slot machine 100.

[0252] 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.

[0253] Figure 26(B-4) shows an example of the display of the pre-notification d20 on the demo screen d2. As shown in Figure 26(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.

[0254] According to Figure 27, 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.

[0255] 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 27). 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 27). 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.

[0256] 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 27).

[0257] 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 27).

[0258] 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.

[0259] While Figure 27 shows a slump graph where the number of tokens dispensed increases from time T8, we will now supplement the case where the number of tokens dispensed does not increase after time T8. Even if the number of tokens dispensed 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 dispensed increases after reaching a net number of -3000, and the number of tokens dispensed 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 dispensed 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.

[0260] <How the slot machine works> • Maximum number of pages update process Next, the maximum number of sheets update process will be explained using Figure 28. Figure 28 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.

[0261] 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.

[0262] 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.

[0263] 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.

[0264] 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.

[0265] 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.

[0266] 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.

[0267] 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.

[0268] 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.

[0269] • Maximum number of pages display processing Next, the maximum number of pages display process (hereinafter simply referred to as "maximum number of pages display process") on demo screen d2 will be explained using Figures 29(A) and (B). Figure 29(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).

[0270] 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 29(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.

[0271] 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.

[0272] Here, the extended command is a parameter associated with the liquid crystal command as shown in Figure 29(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 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.

[0273] 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.

[0274] 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.

[0275] 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.

[0276] 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.

[0277] 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.

[0278] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 29(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 at the end of the company name screen d2D. The same control as shown in Figure 29(C-1) can be performed.

[0279] <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.

[0280] 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.

[0281] 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.

[0282] 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.

[0283] 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".

[0284] 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.

[0285] 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.

[0286] 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.

[0287] Furthermore, a configuration that displays the number of acquired coins depending on the number acquired, or does not, may also be applied to the results screen. For example, if the results screen consists of a "background screen + display of acquired coins," and the number of acquired coins in a favorable game such as a bonus or AT is small (for example, less than 100 coins), the results screen at the end of a favorable game may display only the background screen without showing the number of acquired coins. On the other hand, if the number of acquired coins in a favorable game such as a bonus or AT is large (for example, 100 coins or more), the results screen at the end of a favorable game may display both the number of acquired coins and the background screen. In addition, the background screen may provide some kind of hint. This reduces stress on the player because the screen does not unnecessarily display situations where the number of acquired coins is small. Also, if there are players who quit playing and leave the store after seeing the results screen, the machine's usage may decrease because it is not displayed when the number of acquired coins is small. "Some kind of hint" may, for example, be something that hints at the machine's settings. Furthermore, if there are multiple modes leading up to the granting of advantageous gameplay such as bonuses, ATs, or CZs, the content may indicate the mode being played. Also, if multiple modes are predetermined, the indication may be something like "Mode A is played M times out of N times." In this way, when an indication is given on the background screen, even if the number of acquired coins is not displayed, the result screen may display a background screen that includes the indication. This can reduce stress on the player while increasing their motivation to continue playing. In addition, when the number of acquired coins is small, the indication with a higher degree of advantage may be given more frequently than when the number of acquired coins is large. This can further reduce stress on the player while increasing their motivation to continue playing.

[0288] 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."

[0289] 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.

[0290] <Summary of Embodiments> As described above, the first basic configuration of the gaming machine (for example, a slot machine 100) according to the above embodiment is a gaming machine equipped with display means (for example, a liquid crystal display device 157, a first sub-control unit 400, and a second sub-control unit 500), wherein the display means is capable of displaying the number of game values ​​acquired based on the number of bets and the number of payouts at a first timing (for example, the timing of displaying the demo screen d2), and the display means is capable of displaying the acquired number at the first timing when a first condition is met (for example, when the minimum MY value reaches 1000 coins), and the first condition is a condition that is met when the acquired number is a predetermined number (for example, 1000 coins) or more.

[0291] 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.

[0292] In the first basic configuration described above, the display means is a means that may perform a demonstration display (for example, display demo screen d2) when the 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) when no game is being played, and the first timing is the timing when the demonstration display is being performed, which is the first preferred configuration.

[0293] 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.

[0294] In the first preferred configuration described above, the second preferred configuration includes a first number of bets (e.g., 3) which is a number of bets that can be played, and a second number of bets (e.g., 2) which is a number of bets that cannot be played, wherein the display means may perform a demonstration display when the second condition is met while neither the first number of bets nor the second number of bets is set, and the display means may perform a demonstration display when the second condition is met while the second number of bets is set, wherein the second condition is a condition that is met when a predetermined time (e.g., 1 minute) has elapsed in the non-playing state.

[0295] 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.

[0296] In a second preferred configuration, the third preferred configuration includes a storage means for storing game value (e.g., RAM 308, medal count control unit 350, etc.) and an operating means (e.g., bet button 132) capable of setting the first bet number from the game value stored in the storage means based on a single operation, wherein the operating means is a means for setting the first bet number based on the single operation when the game value stored in the storage means satisfies the first bet number, and the operating means is a means for setting the second bet number based on the single operation when the game value stored in the storage means is the second bet number.

[0297] 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.

[0298] Furthermore, the second basic configuration of the display device according to the above embodiment (for example, a display connected to a slot machine 100) is a display device provided in correspondence with a gaming machine (for example, a slot machine 100) and capable of displaying information about the gaming machine, wherein 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, and the display device is capable of displaying the acquired number when the first condition is met (for example, when the minimum MY value of the slot machine 100 reaches 1000 coins), and the first condition is a condition that is met when the acquired number is a predetermined number (for example, 1000 coins) or more.

[0299] 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.

[0300] In the second basic configuration described above, the gaming machine may perform a demonstration display when the game is not being played (for example, in a demo state), and the display device is capable of displaying the number of winnings when the gaming machine is in the non-play state, which is a fourth preferred configuration.

[0301] 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.

[0302] [Second Embodiment] The visual effects devices (lamps, speakers, movable parts, etc.) on a gaming machine are important devices that contribute to enhancing the enjoyment of the game. Therefore, when controlling these visual effects devices, stability is required in the data communication between the control unit (CPU) and the drive unit (driver IC). For example, data communication that is resistant to noise and can flexibly handle differences in the type and version of the drive unit (components) is desired.

[0303] 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.

[0304] <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 24 transmits control signals to the drive circuit 422 that drives the various lamps 420 will be described.

[0305] Figure 30(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.

[0306] 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.

[0307] Figure 31(A) shows an example of an LED driver for ICxxx, and Figure 31(B) shows an example of an LED driver for ICyyy. As shown in Figure 31, 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, different pin configurations will result in different performance (for example, functions to reduce noise, functions to reduce brightness and cool when the temperature rises, etc.).

[0308] 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 30(B-1) and (B-2), the same type of drive circuit may be connected, or as shown in this embodiment and Figure 30(B-3), different types of drive circuits may be mixed. As will be described in 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.

[0309] <Communication Method> Next, using Figure 32, 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.

[0310] Figure 32(A) schematically shows the packet structure of control data CD1 for ICxxx, and Figure 32(B) schematically shows the packet structure of control data CD2 for ICxxx.

[0311] As shown in Figures 32(A) and (B), the configuration of the control data CD for the LED driver is the same regardless of the type of LED driver (control data is collectively referred to as CD). As shown in Figures 32(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).

[0312] 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 address of the LED driver is set. The data byte is set to 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.

[0313] 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 executed 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 32(A) and control data CD2 shown in Figure 32(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 subaddress.

[0314] Conventionally, such data communication methods have resulted in the problems shown in Figures 32(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.

[0315] Figure 32(C1) schematically shows data communication when no noise is present in either control data OCD1 or control data OCD2, and Figure 32(C2) schematically shows data communication when noise is present in control data OCD1. In Figures 32(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.

[0316] Conventionally, as shown in Figure 32(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.

[0317] However, as shown in Figure 32(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.

[0318] In contrast, Figure 32(C3) schematically shows data communication when noise is mixed into the control data CD1 of this embodiment.

[0319] 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.

[0320] 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.

[0321] In addition, Figure 32(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.

[0322] 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.

[0323] 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.

[0324] 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.

[0325] 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.

[0326] 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.

[0327] <Summary of Embodiments> As described above, the gaming machine according to the above embodiment (for example, a slot machine 100) comprises a plurality of operating means (for example, a lamp 420, etc.) capable of operating in a certain manner, a plurality of driving means (for example, a driving circuit 422, etc.) for driving the plurality of operating means, and a control means (for example, a CPU 404, etc.) for transmitting control information (for example, a control data CD, etc.) for controlling the plurality of driving means to the plurality of driving means, wherein one of the plurality of operating means is a first operating means (for example, a frame lamp 420X, etc.), one of the plurality of operating means is a second operating means (for example, a frame lamp 420Y, etc.), one of the plurality of driving means is a first driving means (for example, a driving circuit 422X, etc.) for driving the first operating means, and one of the plurality of driving means is a second driving means (for example, The first basic configuration is such that, even if the first control information is affected by noise, the presence of the noise countermeasure information allows the subsequent second control information to be transmitted correctly, thereby minimizing the impact of noise and ensuring the stability of data communication.

[0328] In this first basic configuration, the first preferred configuration is that the second driving means receives the second control information without bit shift occurring in the second control information, even if at least one of the defects and additions occur in the configuration of the first control information due to noise, based on the intervention of the noise countermeasure information.

[0329] 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.

[0330] In this first preferred configuration, the first control information is information composed of a plurality of items (e.g., start command, slave address, sub-address, data byte, stop command, etc.), the second control information is information composed of the plurality of items, the bit sequence including the end of the last item of the first control information (e.g., the last bit) is composed of the first information (e.g., 1), the bit sequence including the beginning of the first item of the second control information (e.g., the first bit) is composed of the first information, and the bit sequence of the noise suppression information is composed of second information different from the first information (e.g., 0), which is the second preferred configuration.

[0331] 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.

[0332] In the second preferred configuration, the first driving means is of a different type from the second driving means (e.g., ICxxx and ICYYY), 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), and the bit sequence including the end of the last item of the second control information (e.g., the last bit) consists of the first information, which constitutes the third preferred configuration.

[0333] 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.

[0334] [Third Embodiment] The speaker of a gaming machine is 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.

[0335] <Speaker> Figure 33 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.

[0336] 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. Also, the middle speaker 275 (left middle speaker 275a, right middle speaker 275b) and the lower speaker 277 (lower left speaker 277a, lower right speaker 277b) are of different types. 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.

[0337] <Audio circuit layout> Figure 34(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 34 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 34(a) of 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.

[0338] As shown in Figure 34(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 circuit 450 requires a large amount of power and thus a large power supply, resulting in a large 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.

[0339] 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.

[0340] 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 37 to 41, a configuration in which one audio circuit is connected to multiple connectors is also possible. Specifically, for example, the output of the left speaker in the middle speaker's audio circuit may be connected to connector CN-L, and the output of the right speaker may be connected to connector CN-R, while the output of the left speaker in the lower speaker's audio circuit may be connected to connector CN-L, and the output of the right speaker may be connected to connector CN-R. In the examples shown in Figures 37 to 41 (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 34(a).

[0341] As shown in Figure 34(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.

[0342] 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. The same effect can be achieved by not placing components in the solder side region corresponding to the gap t1, although components may be placed there as the effect of heat generation is reduced compared to the component side.

[0343] 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.

[0344] Figure 34(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.

[0345] 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).

[0346] Figure 35 shows the circuit diagram of the audio circuit 450. Figure 35(a) shows the circuit diagram of the signal system, and Figure 35(b) shows the circuit diagram of the power supply system. As shown in Figure 35(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.

[0347] 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.

[0348] 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.

[0349] 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.

[0350] Figure 34(c) shows the terminal arrangement of the audio amplifier IC418. As shown in Figure 34(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.

[0351] Figure 34(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the YY line in Figure 34(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 across 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.

[0352] Figure 36(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 34(a)) shown in Figure 36(a). As shown in Figure 36(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.

[0353] Figure 36(c) shows a different potential adjustment method than that shown in Figure 36(b). As shown in Figure 36(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 the audio circuit 450. Note that while Figure 36(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.

[0354] <Variations in the arrangement of audio circuits> Next, the first sub-control board 401A of the modified example 1 will be described using Figures 37 to 41. Hereafter, the +X direction in Figure 37 will be referred to as right, the -X direction as left, the +Y direction as up, and the -Y direction as down. Figure 37 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 38 is a circuit diagram of the audio circuit 451. The first sub-control board 401A is composed of multiple layers, and Figure 39(a) shows the top view of the first layer of the first sub-control board 401A, Figure 39(b) shows the top view of the third layer, Figure 40(a) shows the top view of the fourth layer, Figure 40(b) shows the top view of the fifth layer, Figure 41(a) shows the top view of the seventh layer, and Figure 41(b) shows the top view of the eighth layer. In Figures 39 to 41, the light gray area represents the ground area (GND), the white area represents the area without ground (N-GND), and the dark gray shaded area represents the wiring pattern of the audio signal from the audio amplifier IC 418 to connector CN.

[0355] As shown in Figure 37, 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.

[0356] As shown in Figure 37, the audio circuit 451 has all its components (for example, the audio amplifier IC 418, coil L, resistor R, capacitor C, electrolytic capacitor EC, etc.) arranged in a substantially identical layout. This makes it possible to equalize the performance of the audio output and stabilize the audio output. The audio circuit 451 generally comprises the audio amplifier IC 418, multiple coils L, multiple resistors R, multiple capacitors C, and an electrolytic capacitor EC.

[0357] Figure 38 shows the circuit diagram of the audio circuit 451. Figure 38(a) shows the circuit diagram of the signal system, and Figure 38(b) shows the circuit diagram of the power supply system. As shown in Figure 38(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 38(b), a power supply bypass capacitor PBC is provided to remove noise, similar to Figure 35(b). Capacitors C1 (C207, C208, C209, C222 in Figure 38) 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 38) are provided for noise suppression from the speaker.

[0358] 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.

[0359] Returning to Figure 37, 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.

[0360] Here, we will explain the flow of audio signals from the audio circuit 451 to connector CN using Figures 39 to 41.

[0361] Wiring C1 is connected from the audio circuit 451A to connector C1 via routes C1-1a in Figure 39(a), C1-1b in Figure 41(b), C1-2 in Figure 40(b), C1-3 in Figure 39(a), C1-4 in Figure 40(a), and C1-5 in Figure 39(a).

[0362] Wiring C2 is connected from audio circuits 451B and 451C to connector C2 via routes C2-1a in Figure 39(a), C2-1b in Figure 41(b), C2-2 in Figure 40(b), C2-3 in Figure 39(a), and C2-4 in Figure 40(a).

[0363] Wiring C3 connects from audio circuits 451B and 451C to connector C3 via paths C3-1a in Figure 39(a), C3-1b in Figure 41(b), C3-2 in Figure 40(b), C3-3 in Figure 39(a), and C3-4 in Figure 41(a). Thus, the wiring pattern from the audio amplifier IC to the connector may be configured via multiple layers.

[0364] As shown in Figure 39(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 GND 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 36(c), the ground GND of the region of the audio circuit 451 (audio circuit 451A, audio circuit 451B, audio circuit 451C) may be separated from the ground GND of the other circuit regions and wired separately.

[0365] [Other variations] • Arrangement of components in the audio circuit Figure 42(a) will be used to explain the arrangement of components for multiple (specifically two) audio circuits 450. In Figure 42(a), one audio circuit is denoted as 450A and the other audio circuit as 450B. In Figure 42(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). Virtual extension lines generally represent straight lines that form the outer outline of the audio circuit 450, which is composed of multiple components, or straight lines that pass through the center of a given component.

[0366] In Example 1 of Figure 42(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 positioned to the right of the power supply IC 418 and parallel to the audio amplifier IC 418.

[0367] 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.

[0368] In Example 2 of Figure 42(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 of 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.

[0369] Here, in Examples 1 and 2 of Figure 42(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 42(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.

[0370] In Example 4 of Figure 42(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 42(a) have substantially the same component layout within the audio circuits.

[0371] Note that in Examples 1 to 4 of Figure 42(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 diagrams shown in Examples 1 to 4 of Figure 42(a), capacitors involved in other electronic processing were not shown, but it is possible to include capacitors involved in other electronic processing.

[0372] From the above, the audio amplifier IC418 and the two coils L are laid out such that at least a part of the audio amplifier IC418 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 on the side of the other coil and the end edge of the other coil on the side of the other coil, and the region consisting of virtual extension lines with a distance t1. The shaded region between virtual extension line L1' and virtual extension line L5' shown in Figure 42). (This corresponds to the first positional relationship.) For example, the audio amplifier IC418 may be laid out so as to be symmetrical with respect to the two coils L, or the audio amplifier IC418 may be laid out so as to be eccentric with respect to one of the two coils L.

[0373] Furthermore, in the case of the audio amplifier IC 418 and capacitor C, the layout may be such that capacitor C is located between the audio amplifier 418 and coil L (corresponding to the second positional relationship), or the layout may be such that coil L is located between the audio amplifier 418 and capacitor C (corresponding to the second positional relationship), that is, in the direction of output of the audio signal as seen from the audio amplifier 418, the positional relationships are "audio amplifier IC → capacitor C → coil L" and "audio amplifier IC → coil L → capacitor C". Also, the layout of capacitor C is symmetrical with respect to the audio amplifier IC 418, the layout of capacitor C is symmetrical with respect to the two coils L, and the layout of capacitor C is symmetrical with respect to one coil L. In the case of the audio amplifier IC 418 and electrolytic capacitor EC, at least a part of electrolytic capacitor EC is located inward from the virtual extension line L4 along the end on the side of the audio amplifier IC 418 that has the power supply terminals, and on the side opposite to the side where coil L is located in the audio amplifier IC 418 (corresponding to another example of the second positional relationship, or the fourth positional relationship).

[0374] Furthermore, the layout of the coil L and capacitor C may be such that the capacitor C is located between the coil L and the audio amplifier IC 418 (corresponding to the third positional relationship), or between the coil L and the connector CN (corresponding to the third positional relationship). In other words, the positional relationship is such that the capacitor C is located closer to the audio amplifier IC 418 when viewed from the coil L, or the positional relationship is such that the capacitor C is located closer to the connector CN, which is on the opposite side of the audio amplifier IC 418 when viewed from the coil L. Also, the capacitor C is laid out so as to be symmetrical with respect to one coil L and / or two coil Ls. In the case of the coil L and electrolytic capacitor EC, the electrolytic capacitor EC is positioned eccentrically on one side of the two coils L, and at least a portion of the electrolytic capacitor EC is positioned inward from the imaginary extension line L5 of the end of the coil L on the opposite side from the other coil L, at least a portion of the electrolytic capacitor is positioned inward from the imaginary extension line L4 along the end on the opposite side of the audio amplifier IC 418 where the coil L is positioned, and at least a portion of the electrolytic capacitor EC is positioned inward from the extension line L3 of the end of the connector side of the two coils L (corresponding to another example of the third positional relationship, or the fifth positional relationship). Furthermore, electronic components such as a capacitor C and / or a resistor R are placed between the coil L and the electrolytic capacitor EC, and the electrolytic capacitor EC is positioned on the side of the audio amplifier IC 418 that has the power supply terminals (the side closer to the power supply terminals), thereby preventing close contact with the coil L and minimizing the amount of heat generated by the coil L that reaches the electrolytic capacitor EC. Note that, as shown in Example 4, the same effect can be achieved by positioning the coil L and electrolytic capacitor EC apart even without any components between them.

[0375] Furthermore, the audio amplifier IC418, coil L, and capacitor C are arranged such that at least a portion of the audio amplifier IC418 is included in the region formed by the virtual extension line of the distance t1 between it and the two coils L, and the capacitor C is arranged to be symmetrical with respect to the audio amplifier IC418 and / or coil L. In addition, the electrolytic capacitor EC is positioned on one side of the audio amplifier IC418 and on one side of the two coils L, and the virtual extension line of one of the edges of the electrolytic capacitor EC is laid out so that it overlaps with the audio amplifier IC418 and / or coil L.

[0376] • Arrangement of audio circuits on the first sub-control board Figure 42(b) shows an example of the arrangement of the audio circuits 450 on the first sub-control board 401. In Figure 42(b), audio circuit 1 is denoted as 450X, audio circuit 2 as 450Y, and audio circuit 3 as 450Z.

[0377] Example 1 in Figure 42(b) shows a first sub-control board 401X in which the audio circuits 450X, 450Y, and 450Z are each located at or near the edge of the board. In the first sub-control board 401X, the audio circuits 450X and 450Y are located at one edge (specifically, the left edge), and the audio circuit 450Z is located at the other edge (specifically, the right edge). In addition, the first connector CN1 is located near the audio circuits 450X and 450Y, and the second connector CN2 is located near the audio circuit 450Z.

[0378] As shown in Example 1 of Figure 42(b), the first sub-control board 401X, by placing the audio circuit at the end, reduces the impact of switching frequency noise on other components. Furthermore, the correspondence between connector CN (audio circuit) and the speaker is easily understood, making it easier to identify faulty areas. Additionally, if the output sound from the gaming machine is perceived as too loud during inspection, the connector of the harness connecting connector CN to the speaker may be disconnected. Because the audio circuit and the corresponding speaker-connected connector CN are located close together, it becomes easier to identify which connector to disconnect, improving work efficiency.

[0379] Example 2 in Figure 42(b) shows a first sub-control board 401Y in which both audio circuits 450X and 450Y are concentrated and arranged in one edge region of the board (specifically, the upper right quarter region of the board). The connector CN is also located near audio circuits 450X and 450Y.

[0380] According to the first sub-control board 401Y shown in Example 2 of Figure 42(b), by concentrating the audio circuits at the edges, the impact of noise on other components can be further reduced. In addition, the connector CN connected to the speaker can be easily identified, allowing for instant identification of the connector CN to be disconnected in the event of a loud noise. Furthermore, heat-generating components such as the audio amplifier IC 418 and coil L can be concentrated for efficient heat dissipation.

[0381] Example 3 in Figure 42(b) shows a first sub-control board 401Z in which both audio circuits 450X and 450Y are located in the central region of the board. In addition, the first connector CN1 is located near audio circuit 450X, and the second connector CN2 is located near audio circuit 450Y.

[0382] As shown in Example 3 of Figure 42(b), the first sub-control board 401Z, by placing heat-generating components such as the audio amplifier IC 418 and coil L in the center of the board, the heat can be distributed throughout the entire board, making it easier to achieve heat dissipation. Furthermore, the proximity of the connector CN and the audio circuit makes the correspondence between the connector CN and the audio circuit easier to understand, improving the efficiency of inspection work.

[0383] • When the arrangement of components in the audio circuit is different. In the above embodiments and modifications, the component layout within the audio circuit 450 was the same or nearly the same (including the inversion target), but the component layout may be different for each audio circuit 450. Figure 42(c) shows the first sub-control board 401J in which the component layouts of audio circuit 450X and audio circuit 450Y are different. The positional relationship between audio amplifier IC 418 and coil C, and the positional relationship between audio amplifier IC 418 and electrolytic capacitor EC are different for audio circuit 450X and audio circuit 450Y. Furthermore, a capacitor C is also placed, and capacitor C is placed on the side of the audio amplifier IC 418 where coil L is not placed. In the case of audio circuit 450X, coil L is placed in the direction parallel to the audio amplifier IC 418 (left and right direction), and capacitor C is placed in the direction perpendicular to the audio amplifier IC 418 (up and down direction). On one side in the perpendicular direction, there is coil L corresponding to the (+) output terminal and (-) output terminal of one coil L, and on the other side in the perpendicular direction, there is coil L corresponding to the (+) output terminal and (-) output terminal of the other coil L. In the case of audio circuit 450Y, coil L is placed in the direction perpendicular to the audio amplifier IC 418 (up in the diagram, but it can also be down or up and down direction), and capacitor C is placed in the direction parallel to the audio amplifier IC 418 (left and right direction). On one side in the parallel direction, there is coil L corresponding to the (+) output terminal and (-) output terminal of one coil L, and on the other side in the parallel direction, there is coil L corresponding to the (+) output terminal and (-) output terminal of the other coil L. However, in both audio circuits 450X and 450Y, the components are arranged within the regions enclosed by the dashed-dotted virtual extension lines shown in Figure 42(c). Here, the rectangular region S1 enclosed by the virtual extension lines of audio circuit 450X and the rectangular region S2 enclosed by the virtual extension lines of audio circuit 450Y are approximately identical in shape and area (specifically, the length and width of the rectangles are approximately identical). This is true not only for the dashed-dotted virtual extension lines but also for the dotted virtual extension lines along the ends of each component, with each component being arranged within the regions enclosed by the dotted virtual extension lines.In audio circuit 450X, region S1 is formed by the virtual extension line along the end of the electrolytic capacitor EC, the virtual extension line along the end of the coil L, and the virtual extension line along the end of the capacitor C. In audio circuit 450Y, region S2 is formed by the virtual extension line along the end of the electrolytic capacitor EC, the virtual extension line along the end of the coil L, and the virtual extension line along the end of the audio amplifier IC 418.

[0384] Furthermore, the audio amplifier IC418 and the coils L are laid out within the region between the virtual extension lines of both the end of one coil on the other coil side and the end of the other coil on the other coil side (the region consisting of the virtual extension lines of the spacing between the coils L) (within the first range), and the distance from the audio amplifier IC418 to each coil L is approximately the same (w1 ≈ w2, w3 ≈ w4) within a range (another example within the first range). This allows the wiring length to be made approximately equal, and the sound output can be made uniform for the left and right outputs. Note that "w1·w2" and "w3·w4" may be different or approximately the same.

[0385] Furthermore, in the relationship between the audio amplifier IC418 and capacitor C, capacitor C is laid out so as to be approximately symmetrical with respect to the audio amplifier IC418 in both parallel and perpendicular directions, and is also laid out within the range S1 and S2 (the second range) enclosed by virtual extension lines from the ends of each component. This makes it possible to achieve uniformity in the left output, right output, (+) output, and (-) output, as well as space saving in the audio circuit.

[0386] Furthermore, the coils L and capacitors C are laid out within a range (the third range) such that the distance from capacitor C to each coil L is approximately the same (w5 ≈ w6). Although the distances w7 and w8 from capacitor C to each coil L in the audio circuit 450Y are not shown in the diagram, these distances are also approximately the same (w7 ≈ w8). This allows for approximately equal wiring lengths, resulting in uniform sound output between the left and right outputs.

[0387] Even if the component layout differs for each audio circuit 450, it is sufficient that each component in each audio circuit 450 is placed within a predetermined area of ​​the same range. In this case as well, the performance of multiple speakers can be made uniform to stabilize the audio output.

[0388] • Arrangement of output terminals on the audio amplifier IC Figures 43(a) to (c) show the arrangement of the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC418. In Figures 43(a) to (c), the coil for the left speaker is denoted as LL, and the coil for the right speaker is denoted as RL. The output terminal for the left speaker of the audio amplifier IC418 is denoted as LT, and the output terminal for the right speaker is denoted as RT. Furthermore, the area to the left of the audio amplifier IC418 is denoted as LS, and the area to the right is denoted as RS, with respect to the center line VL that divides the audio amplifier IC418 into left and right halves.

[0389] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 34, the two coils LL and RL are positioned symmetrically with respect to the center line VL of the audio amplifier IC 418. In this case, to avoid crossings and shorten the distance of the wiring between the audio amplifier IC 418 and coil L, it is preferable that the output terminal LT and the coil LL for the left speaker are connected in the same region LS, and the output terminal RT and the coil RL for the right speaker are connected in the same region RS. Figures 43(a) to (c) show examples of the arrangement of the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC 418 in such a case, with the output terminal LT located in the left region LS and the output terminal RT located in the right region RS.

[0390] For example, as shown in Figure 43(a), the output terminal LT may be arranged linearly on the left side of the rectangular audio amplifier IC 418, and the output terminal RT may be arranged linearly on the right side. In other words, the direction in which the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC are arranged is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the coil L. Note that a layout in which at least a part of the audio amplifier IC 418 is included in the region formed by the virtual extension line between the two coils L, and the direction in which the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC 418 are arranged is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the coil L, may be considered as an example of the first positional relationship.

[0391] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 43(b), for example, output terminals LT may be arranged in an L-shape across the corners on the left and top sides of the rectangular audio amplifier IC 418, and output terminals RT may be arranged in an L-shape across the corners on the right and top sides. In other words, the arrangement of the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC will be a mixture of directions perpendicular to and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the coil L. Note that a layout in which at least a part of the audio amplifier IC 418 is included in the region formed by the virtual extension line between the two coils L, and the arrangement of the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC 418 is perpendicular to and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the coil L, may be considered as an example of the first positional relationship.

[0392] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 43(c), for example, the output terminal LT may be arranged linearly on the left side of the upper half of the rectangular audio amplifier IC 418, facing the left region LS, and the output terminal RT may be arranged linearly on the right side of the upper half, facing the right region RS. In other words, the direction in which the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC are arranged is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the coil L. Note that a layout in which at least a part of the audio amplifier IC 418 is included in the region formed by the virtual extension line between the two coils L, and the direction in which the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC 418 are arranged is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the coil L, may be considered as an example of the first positional relationship.

[0393] In all cases shown in Figures 43(a) to (c), the wiring crossing between the audio amplifier IC 418 and the coil L can be avoided, and the wiring distance can be shortened.

[0394] • Arrangement of components in the audio circuit Figures 43(d) to (f) schematically show the arrangement of the components constituting the audio circuit 450 when they are arranged linearly in the vertical direction. Figures 43(d) to (f) show examples where the LC filter LCF consists of two coils L and four capacitors C (more precisely, one coil L and two capacitors C for the left speaker, and one coil L and two capacitors C for the right speaker), and the Zobel filter ZOF consists of two capacitors C and two resistors R (more precisely, one capacitor C and one resistor for the left speaker, and one capacitor C and one resistor R for the right speaker).

[0395] For example, in the audio circuit 450D shown in Figure 43(d), the components are arranged in the following order from top to bottom: connector CN, Zobel filter ZOF, LC filter LCF capacitor C, LC filter LCF coil L, audio amplifier IC 418, and electrolytic capacitor EC. In the audio circuit 450 of this embodiment, as shown in the circuit diagram in Figure 36, the audio signal flows in the order of audio amplifier IC 418 → LC filter LCF coil L → LC filter LCF capacitor C → Zobel filter ZOF → connector CN. Therefore, with the component arrangement shown in Figure 43(d), it is possible to wire the audio amplifier IC 418 and connector CN over the shortest distance. In other words, the wiring pattern is optimized for each filter, resulting in good wiring efficiency and improved filter effectiveness. However, there is a disadvantage in that heat tends to accumulate because the audio amplifier IC 418 and coil L are in close proximity.

[0396] In Figure 43(d), the layout of the audio amplifier IC and coil L is such that at least a portion of the audio amplifier IC 418 is included in the region formed by the virtual extension of the distance between the two coils L (first positional relationship). This improves the wiring efficiency between the audio amplifier IC and coil L, and further stabilizes the output by making the bias in the wiring pattern distance between the left output and the right output as equal as possible. In addition, the layout of the audio amplifier IC and capacitor C is such that coil L is located between the audio amplifier IC and capacitor C (second positional relationship). This allows for sequential wiring in the filter circuit, enabling the shortest possible wiring pattern. In addition, the layout of the coil L and capacitor C is such that capacitor C is located between coil L and connector CN (third positional relationship). This allows for sequential wiring in the filter circuit, enabling the shortest possible wiring pattern.

[0397] Although not shown in Figure 43(d), a bootstrap capacitor may be provided between the coil L of the LC filter LCF and the audio amplifier IC 418.

[0398] For example, in the audio circuit 450E shown in Figure 43(e), the components are arranged from top to bottom in the following order: connector CN, Zobel filter ZOF, LC filter LCF coil L, LC filter LCF capacitor C, audio amplifier IC 418, and electrolytic capacitor EC. In the case of the component arrangement shown in Figure 43(e), the distance is longer than in the case of the component arrangement shown in Figure 43(d) because the coil L → capacitor C in the LC filter LCF is not in the same order as in the circuit. However, since the current flows in the order of audio amplifier IC 418 → LC filter LCF → Zobel filter ZOF → connector CN, this can be considered a preferable wiring arrangement.

[0399] According to the audio circuit 450E shown in Figure 43(e), the audio amplifier IC 418 and coil L, which tend to generate heat, are separated by a capacitor C, which has the advantage of preventing heat from accumulating. However, because the LC filter LCF is not arranged in the correct order, the wiring pattern becomes longer, which has the disadvantage of being susceptible to noise interference.

[0400] In Figure 43(e), the layout of the audio amplifier IC and coil L is such that at least a portion of the audio amplifier IC 418 is included in the region formed by the virtual extension of the distance between the two coils L (first positional relationship). This improves the wiring efficiency between the audio amplifier IC and coil L, and further stabilizes the output by making the bias in the wiring pattern distance between the left output and the right output as equal as possible. In addition, the layout of the audio amplifier IC and capacitor C is such that capacitor C is located between the audio amplifier IC and coil L (second positional relationship). This allows for a distance between the audio amplifier IC and coil L, suppressing heat buildup. In addition, the layout of the coil L and capacitor C is such that capacitor C is located between coil L and audio amplifier IC (third positional relationship). This allows for a distance between the audio amplifier IC and coil L, suppressing heat buildup. Furthermore, by placing the capacitor C of the Zobel filter between coil L and connector CN, sequential wiring can be achieved in the filter circuit, resulting in the shortest possible wiring pattern.

[0401] For example, in the audio circuit 450F shown in Figure 43(f), the components are arranged from top to bottom in the following order: connector CN, capacitor C of the LC filter LCF, coil L of the LC filter LCF, Zobel filter ZOF, audio amplifier IC 418, and electrolytic capacitor EC. In this way, the top and bottom positions of the LC filter LCF and Zobel filter ZOF may be reversed.

[0402] According to the audio circuit 450F shown in Figure 43(f), the audio amplifier IC 418 and coil L, which tend to generate heat, are separated by a capacitor C, which has the advantage of preventing heat from accumulating. However, since the Zobel filter ZOF is not located near the connector CN, the effectiveness of countermeasures against back electromotive force from the speaker is reduced, which is a disadvantage.

[0403] In Figure 43(f), the layout of the audio amplifier IC and coil L is such that at least a portion of the audio amplifier IC 418 is included in the region formed by the virtual extension of the distance between the two coils L (first positional relationship). This improves the wiring efficiency between the audio amplifier IC and coil L, and further stabilizes the output by making the bias in the wiring pattern distance between the left output and the right output as equal as possible. In addition, the layout of the audio amplifier IC and capacitor C is such that capacitor C is located between the audio amplifier IC and coil L (second positional relationship). This allows for a distance between the audio amplifier IC and coil L, suppressing heat buildup. In addition, the layout of coil L and capacitor C is such that capacitor C is located between coil L and audio amplifier IC (third positional relationship). This allows for a distance between the audio amplifier IC and coil L, suppressing heat buildup.

[0404] In this embodiment, an audio amplifier IC is used as the IC in the audio circuit, but it is not limited to this; an audio source IC may also be used. Also, configurations described as "approximately identical" in this embodiment may also be described as "identical," and configurations described as "identical" may also be described as "approximately identical." Furthermore, the positional relationship in this embodiment refers to the layout of components between components or the layout of components in the target circuit configuration. In addition, in this embodiment, the audio circuit includes an audio amplifier IC → LC filter consisting of a coil L and a capacitor C → Zobel filter consisting of a resistor R and a capacitor C (→ connector) which serves as the wiring path for the audio signal.

[0405] <Summary of Embodiments> (1) As described above, the gaming machine according to the above embodiment (for example, a slot machine 100) comprises a plurality of speakers of different types (for example, speakers 272, 275, 277, etc.), a plurality of audio circuits (for example, audio circuits 450A, 450B, 450C, etc.) electrically connected to each of the plurality of speakers and capable of outputting audio signals, and a first circuit board (for example, a first sub-control board 401, etc.) on which the plurality of audio circuits are arranged, wherein each of the plurality of audio circuits comprises a first component (for example, an audio amplifier IC 418, etc.), a second component (for example, a coil L, etc.), and a third component (for example, a capacitor C, etc.), and the positional relationship of the first component, the second component, and the third component is substantially the same in each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first circuit board (for example, Figure 34(a), etc.). This is the first basic configuration.

[0406] According to the first basic configuration, stable sound output can be achieved by making the performance of the audio output of multiple audio circuits approximately uniform.

[0407] In this first basic configuration, the first preferred configuration is such that, in each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first substrate, the first component and the second component are arranged in a first positional relationship, the first component and the third component are arranged in a second positional relationship, and the second component and the third component are arranged in a third positional relationship (for example, as shown in Figure 34(a)).

[0408] According to the first preferred configuration, by making the arrangement of the three components the same, the performance of the audio output of multiple audio circuits can be made substantially uniform, and audio can be output stably.

[0409] In this first preferred configuration, the first component is an audio amplifier element (e.g., audio amplifier IC418), the second component is a coil (e.g., coil L), the third component is a capacitor (e.g., capacitor C), and the plurality of audio circuits each include a filter circuit (e.g., an LC filter LCF) consisting of the coil and the capacitor, which is the second preferred configuration.

[0410] According to the second preferred configuration, stable audio output is possible by keeping the noise reduction substantially the same.

[0411] In this first basic configuration, first preferred configuration, or second preferred configuration, the first substrate further comprises control means (e.g., CPU 404), and the plurality of audio circuits are arranged on the first substrate closer to the edge of the first substrate than the location where the control means are arranged (e.g., Figure 34(a)), which constitutes a third preferred configuration.

[0412] This third preferred configuration makes it possible to prevent the magnetic field from the audio circuit from affecting other components.

[0413] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment of the gaming machine (for example, a slot machine 100), the gaming machine comprises a plurality of speakers of different types (for example, speakers 272, 275, 277, etc.), a plurality of audio circuits (for example, audio circuits 450A, 450B, 450C, etc.) electrically connected to each of the plurality of speakers and capable of outputting audio signals, and a first circuit board (for example, a first sub-control board 401, etc.) on which the plurality of audio circuits are arranged, wherein each of the plurality of audio circuits comprises a first component (for example, an audio amplifier IC 418, etc.), a second component (for example, a coil L, etc.), and a third component (for example, a capacitor C, etc.), and in each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first circuit board, the first component, the second component, and the third component are arranged within substantially the same predetermined range (for example, Figures 34(a), 42(c), etc.), which is a second basic configuration.

[0414] According to the second basic configuration, stable sound output can be achieved by making the performance of the audio output of multiple audio circuits approximately uniform.

[0415] In this second basic configuration, a fourth preferred configuration is one in which, in each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first substrate, the first component and the second component are arranged within a first range, the first component and the third component are arranged within a second range, and the second component and the third component are arranged within a third range (for example, Figures 34(a) and 42(c), etc.).

[0416] According to the fourth preferred configuration, by making the arrangement ranges of the three components the same, the performance of the audio output of multiple audio circuits can be made substantially uniform, and audio can be output stably.

[0417] In the fourth preferred configuration, the first component is an audio amplifier element (e.g., audio amplifier IC418), the second component is a coil (e.g., coil L), the third component is a capacitor (e.g., capacitor C), and each of the plurality of audio circuits includes a filter circuit (e.g., an LC filter LCF) consisting of the coil and the capacitor, which is the fifth preferred configuration.

[0418] According to this fifth preferred configuration, stable audio output is possible by keeping the noise reduction substantially the same.

[0419] In the second basic configuration, the fourth preferred configuration, or the fifth preferred configuration, the first substrate further comprises control means (e.g., CPU 404), and the plurality of audio circuits are arranged on the first substrate closer to the edge of the first substrate than the location where the control means are arranged (e.g., Figure 34(a)), which constitutes the sixth preferred configuration.

[0420] This sixth preferred configuration makes it possible to prevent the magnetic field from the audio circuit from affecting other components.

[0421] (2) Furthermore, according to the above embodiment of the gaming machine (for example, a slot machine 100), the gaming machine comprises a plurality of speakers of different types (for example, speakers 272, 275, 277, etc.), a plurality of audio circuits (for example, audio circuits 450A, 450B, 450C, etc.) electrically connected to each of the plurality of speakers and capable of outputting audio signals, and a first circuit board (for example, a first sub-control board 401, etc.) on which the plurality of audio circuits are arranged, wherein each of the plurality of audio circuits comprises a first component (for example, an audio amplifier IC 418, etc.), a plurality of second components (for example, two coils L, etc.), and a third component (for example, a capacitor C, etc.). The third basic configuration is as follows: In each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first substrate, the positional relationship between the first component, the plurality of second components, and the third component is substantially the same (for example, as shown in Figure 34(a)); and in each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first substrate, if one of the plurality of second components is designated as component A and the other as component B, then at least a part of the first component is included in the region between the virtual extension line of the edge of component A facing component B and the virtual extension line of the edge of component B facing component A (for example, as shown in Figure 34(a)).

[0422] According to the third basic configuration, stable sound output can be achieved by roughly equalizing the performance of the audio output of multiple audio circuits. Furthermore, the wiring pattern length between the first component and the multiple second components can be balanced with respect to the multiple second components, for example, enabling the equalization of the output balance between the left and right speakers.

[0423] In the third basic configuration, a seventh preferred configuration is one in which, in each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first substrate, the first component and the plurality of second components are arranged in a first positional relationship, the first component and the third component are arranged in a second positional relationship, and the plurality of second components and the third component are arranged in a third positional relationship (for example, as shown in Figure 34(a)).

[0424] According to the seventh preferred configuration, by making the arrangement of the three components the same, the performance of the audio output of multiple audio circuits can be made substantially uniform, and audio can be output stably.

[0425] In the seventh preferred configuration, the first component is an audio amplifier element (e.g., audio amplifier IC418), the second component is a coil (e.g., coil L), the third component is a capacitor (e.g., capacitor C), and the plurality of audio circuits each include a filter circuit (e.g., an LC filter LCF) consisting of the coil and the capacitor, which constitutes the eighth preferred configuration.

[0426] According to the eighth preferred configuration, stable audio output is possible by keeping the noise reduction substantially the same.

[0427] In the third basic configuration, the seventh preferred configuration, or the eighth preferred configuration, the first substrate further comprises control means (e.g., CPU 404), and the plurality of audio circuits are arranged on the first substrate closer to the edge of the first substrate than the location where the control means are arranged (e.g., Figure 34(a)), which constitutes the ninth preferred configuration.

[0428] According to the ninth preferred configuration, it is possible to prevent the influence of the magnetic field from the audio circuit from affecting other components.

[0429] (3) Furthermore, according to the above embodiment of the gaming machine (for example, a slot machine 100), the gaming machine comprises a plurality of speakers of different types (for example, speakers 272, 275, 277, etc.), a plurality of audio circuits (for example, audio circuits 450A, 450B, 450C, etc.) electrically connected to each of the plurality of speakers and capable of outputting audio signals, and a first circuit board (for example, a first sub-control board 401, etc.) on which the plurality of audio circuits are arranged, wherein each of the plurality of audio circuits is a first component (for example, an audio amplifier IC 41 The fourth basic configuration comprises a first component (e.g., 8), a plurality of second components (e.g., two coils L), and a third component (e.g., a capacitor C), wherein in each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first substrate, the positional relationship between the first component, the plurality of second components, and the third component is substantially the same (e.g., Figure 34(a)), and in each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first substrate, the spacing between the plurality of second components is substantially the same, and no components are mounted in the area consisting of this spacing (e.g., Figure 34(a)).

[0430] According to the fourth basic configuration, stable audio output can be achieved by roughly equalizing the performance of the audio output of multiple audio circuits. In addition, by not placing components between multiple second components, the effects of heat generated by the second components can be prevented.

[0431] In the fourth basic configuration, the tenth preferred configuration is that in each of the plurality of audio circuits on the first substrate, the first component and the plurality of second components are arranged in a first positional relationship, the first component and the third component are arranged in a second positional relationship, and the plurality of second components and the third component are arranged in a third positional relationship (for example, as shown in Figure 34(a)).

[0432] According to this preferred configuration, by making the arrangement of the three components the same, the performance of the audio output of multiple audio circuits can be made nearly uniform, and audio can be output stably.

[0433] In the tenth preferred configuration, the eleventh preferred configuration is that the first component is an audio amplifier element (e.g., an audio amplifier IC 418), the second component is a coil (e.g., a coil L), the third component is a capacitor (e.g., a capacitor C), and each of the plurality of audio circuits includes a filter circuit (e.g., an LC filter LCF) consisting of the coil and the capacitor.

[0434] According to the 11th preferred configuration, stable audio output is possible by keeping the noise reduction substantially the same.

[0435] In the fourth basic configuration, the tenth preferred configuration, or the eleventh preferred configuration, the first substrate further comprises control means (e.g., CPU 404), and the plurality of audio circuits are arranged on the first substrate closer to the edge of the first substrate than the location where the control means are arranged (e.g., Figure 34(a)), which is the twelfth preferred configuration.

[0436] According to the twelfth preferred configuration, it is possible to prevent the influence of the magnetic field from the audio circuit from affecting other components.

[0437] (4) Furthermore, according to the above embodiment of the gaming machine (for example, a slot machine 100), the gaming machine comprises a plurality of speakers of different types (for example, speakers ...

Claims

1. A gaming machine equipped with reels that can be operated by motor drive, The aforementioned gaming machine is equipped with a predetermined circuit board, The motor is electrically connected to the predetermined circuit board via a harness. The state in which the predetermined circuit board and the harness are electrically connected is defined as the connected state. The state in which the predetermined circuit board and the harness are not electrically connected is defined as the disconnected state. The first state is defined as the connection state and the power outage state in which the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off. The aforementioned disconnected state and the power supply to the gaming machine being cut off are defined as the second state. In the first state and the second state, the load on the manual operation of the reel is different. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

2. A gaming machine according to claim 1, In the first state and the second state, the torque required to rotate the motor by manually operating the reel is different. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, In the first state described above, the torque required to rotate the motor by the manual operation of the reel is defined as the first torque. In the second state, the torque required to rotate the motor by the manual operation of the reel is defined as the second torque. The first torque is greater than the second torque. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, The torque used to stop the reels while they are rotating during gameplay of the aforementioned gaming machine is defined as the third torque. The third torque is greater than the first torque. The third torque is greater than the second torque. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

5. A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The aforementioned predetermined substrate is a substrate on which the first component is arranged, In the first state described above, a circuit configuration is established in which the motor is connected to the motor via the first component, In the second state described above, the circuit configuration is not established. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

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