gaming machines

Abstract

Providing gaming machines with distinctive circuit boards [Solution] The gaming machine includes a first board, a second board, and a housing, the first board and the second board connected board-to-board in the board surface direction by a pair of connectors arranged opposite each other and housed in the housing in a board-to-board connected state, one connector constituting the pair of connectors being arranged on a first surface of the housing, the first board and the second board are fixed to each other using a fixing member inserted from a second surface opposite the first surface and not having the pair of connectors, when the second board is sufficiently fixed to the first surface by the fixing member, the first surface of the second board is positioned approximately in line with the first surface of the first board, and when the second board is not sufficiently fixed to the first surface by the fixing member, the first surface of the second board is tilted toward a first side toward which the fixing member is inserted relative to the first surface of the first board, and a first contact portion is provided on the first side that can come into contact with the second board as it tilts.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a pinball gaming machine (pachinko machine), a slot machine, an enclosed gaming machine, or a medalless slot machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, slot machines are known as one type of gaming machine. Some of these slot machines are equipped with various types of boards (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Some of the various types of boards are equipped with board-to-board connections (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-73461 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-185995 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

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

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

[0006] The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine comprising a first board, a second board, and a housing, wherein the first board and the second board are connected in a board-to-board manner in the board surface direction by a pair of connectors arranged to face each other, the first board and the second board are connected in a board-to-board manner and are housed in the housing, the first board and the second board are boards in which one connector constituting the pair of connectors is arranged on each of the first surfaces, and the housing is inserted from a second surface opposite the first surface and on which the pair of connectors is not arranged. This is a gaming machine characterized in that the housing has a configuration in which the first board and the second board are fixed using a fixing member, and when the second board is sufficiently fixed by the fixing member, the first surface of the second board is positioned approximately in line with the first surface of the first board, and when the second board is not sufficiently fixed by the fixing member, the first surface of the second board is inclined toward the side where the fixing member is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the "first side") relative to the first surface of the first board, and the first side is provided with a first contact portion that can come into contact with the second board as it tilts. [Effects of the Invention]

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

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of the medal-less slot machine 100 and the lending machine 700 as seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a slot machine 100 with a front door 102 open, as seen obliquely from the front. [Figure 3] (a) is a front view of the main body 101 with the front door 102 open, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in (a). [Figure 4]3(a) is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 3(b), showing a state in which the front door 102 is opened at an opening angle θX relative to the main body 101. FIG. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 3(b), showing a state in which the front door 102 is opened at an opening angle θY relative to the main body 101. [Figure 5] 1 shows a circuit block diagram of a control unit of a slot machine 100. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing an example of connections of boards provided in the slot machine 100. FIG. [Figure 7] 10(a) is a diagram showing a part of the front door 102 in an open state, and FIG. 10(b) is a partially enlarged view showing the sub-controller board case 164. FIG. [Figure 8] 7(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X in FIG. 7(b), (b) is a cross-sectional view corresponding to (a), showing a modified example of the sub-controller board case, and (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the basic structure of the double-sided board. [Figure 9] (a) A cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y in Figure 7(b), showing the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D in the correct position. (c)(1) A diagram showing the front surface 500Da of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D. (b) A cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y in Figure 7(b), showing the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D in an incorrect position. (c)(2) A diagram showing the back surface 500Db of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1A is a time chart relating to the transition of a demo screen in a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a time chart relating to the transition of a demo screen in a conventional slot machine. [Figure 13](A) is a time chart showing the transition of the demo screen of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display device of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10 is an example of a slump graph showing the transition of the difference in the number of coins in a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the maximum number update process of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] (A) is a flowchart showing the flow of the maximum number display processing in the demo screen display of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, (B) is a diagram explaining the configuration of the liquid crystal command of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (C) is a diagram explaining the display markers and non-display markers of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] (A) is a functional block diagram of the first sub-control unit of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of the connection between the CPU and drive circuit shown in Figure 17(A). [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of an LED driver used as a lamp drive circuit in the first sub-controller of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] (A) and (B) are diagrams showing the configuration of control data for controlling lamps of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (C) is a diagram explaining a method of communicating control data of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 1 is an external view of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the position of a speaker. FIG. [Figure 21] (a) is a top view of the first sub-control board of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, (b) is a layout diagram of each component of the audio circuit shown in (a), (c) is a diagram showing the terminal layout of the audio amplifier IC shown in (a) and (b), and (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in (a). [Figure 22]21(a) is a circuit diagram showing the signal lines of the audio circuit shown in FIG. 21(a), and FIG. 21(b) is a circuit diagram showing the power supply lines of the audio circuit shown in FIG. 21(a). [Figure 23] (a) is a top view of the first sub-control board on which each component of the first sub-control unit of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention is arranged, and (b) and (c) are diagrams explaining the ground of the first sub-control board shown in (a). [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a top view of a first sub-control board of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention (modification). [Figure 25] 25(a) is a circuit diagram of the signal lines of the audio circuit shown in FIG. 24, and FIG. 25(b) is a circuit diagram of the power supply lines of the audio circuit shown in FIG. 24. [Figure 26] 25(a) is a diagram showing the first layer of the first sub-control board shown in FIG. 24, and FIG. 25(b) is a diagram showing the third layer of the first sub-control board shown in FIG. 24. [Figure 27] 25(a) is a diagram showing the fourth layer of the first sub-control board shown in FIG. 24, and FIG. 25(b) is a diagram showing the fifth layer of the first sub-control board shown in FIG. 24. [Figure 28] 25(a) is a diagram showing the seventh layer of the first sub-control board shown in FIG. 24, and FIG. 25(b) is a diagram showing the eighth layer of the first sub-control board shown in FIG. 24. [Figure 29] 1(a), 1(b), and 1(c) are diagrams illustrating the layout of the sound circuits provided on the first sub-control board of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] (a), (b), and (c) are diagrams explaining the position of the output terminal of the audio amplifier IC of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (d), (e), and (f) are diagrams explaining the arrangement of each component of the audio circuit of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a winning line. [Figure 33] FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel in a planar view. [Figure 35] This is a diagram showing the contents of the push order bell. [Figure 36] 32 is a transition diagram of the gaming state of the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 31. [Figure 37] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing by a main control unit. [Figure 38] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a main control unit timer interrupt process. [Figure 39] (a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400, and (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. [Figure 40] (a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, and (d) is a flowchart of the image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500. [Figure 41] 4 is a table showing the contents of a rotation control table according to the present embodiment. [Figure 42] 42 is a diagram showing an example of reel rotation control different from that shown in FIG. 41. [Figure 43] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration related to driving reels 110 to 112. [Figure 44] 44 is a simplified diagram of a circuit for controlling the stepping motor 700 of the left reel board 700BL in FIG. 43. [Figure 45] FIG. 45 is a diagram showing the internal circuit of IC1 in FIG. 44. [Figure 46] FIG. 44 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration relating to the driving of reels 110 to 112, which is different from that shown in FIG. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 is a simplified diagram of a circuit for controlling the stepping motor 700 of the left reel board 700BL in FIG. 46. [Figure 48] FIG. 44 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration relating to the driving of reels 110 to 112, which is different from that shown in FIG. [Figure 49] FIG. 49 is a simplified diagram of a circuit for controlling the stepping motor 700 of the left reel board 700BL in FIG. 48. [Figure 50] FIG. 45 is a diagram showing a modified example of FIG. 44. [Figure 51] FIG. 51 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of IC1 in FIG. 50. [Figure 52] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration for driving a motor of a movable body for effect purposes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0010] <Overall structure> First, the overall configuration of the medal-less slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of the medal-less slot machine 100 and the lending machine 700 as seen from the front side (player side).

[0011] The medal-less slot machine (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "slot machine") 100 shown in Fig. 1 corresponds to an example of the gaming machine of the present invention, and includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 (front door) attached to the front of the main body 101 and capable of opening and closing relative to the main body 101 (cabinet). The front door 102 will be described later with reference to Fig. 2.

[0012] Three reels (left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112) with multiple types of symbols arranged on their outer peripheries are housed inside the center of main body 101 (not shown), and are configured to be rotatable inside slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are rotated by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

[0013] In this embodiment, an appropriate number of symbols are printed at equal intervals on a strip-shaped member, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame to form each of the reels 110 to 112. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are displayed in approximately three rows vertically through a symbol display window 113 provided in front of each of the reels 110 to 112, so that a total of nine symbols can be seen.

[0014] By spinning 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 variably displays a combination of multiple types of symbols. Note that, in addition to reels, electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal display devices can also be used as such display devices. In addition, in this embodiment, three reels are provided inside the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and the installation positions of the reels are not limited to this.

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

[0016] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that notifies the player that, for example, a specific winning combination (specifically, a special combination) has been internally won in an internal lottery described below, or that a bonus game is in progress (special game state). The medal insertion possible lamp 124 is a lamp that notifies the player that a medal can be inserted electronically. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game can be replayed if a replay combination, which is one of the winning combinations, was won in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for effect purposes.

[0017] The bet buttons 130 and 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, each time the bet button (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "1-coin bet button") 130 is pressed, one medal is inserted up to a maximum of three, and when the bet button (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "MAX bet button") 132 is pressed, three medals are inserted. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 will also be referred to as the MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamps 129 light up the number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when the specified number of medals have been inserted, the game start lamp 121 lights up to indicate that the game can be started.

[0018] The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) in numerical form. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to a player as a result of winning some kind of winning combination, and is also used as an instruction monitor for performing push order effects. In this example, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are configured as 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0019] The game medal count display device 170 is a five-digit seven-segment (SEG) display device that displays the game medal count recorded in the medal count control unit 350 shown in Fig. 5. The counting button 171 is an operating means for transmitting information on the game medal count recorded in the medal count control unit 350 to a dispensing machine 700 (described later), and is provided so that its operating surface faces the player on the open end side of the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 relative to the pivot shaft side, as shown in Fig. 1. Note that the counting button 171 is not limited to an example in which its operating surface faces the player, and may be arranged so that its operating surface faces upward and does not face the player, similar to the bet button 130 or 132.

[0020] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. In other words, when the bet button 130 or 132 is operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is called the operation to start a game.

[0021] The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons (stop buttons) 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started to rotate by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with each of the reels 110 to 112. Note that a light emitting element may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitting element can be lit to notify the player.

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

[0023] The reels that are stopped in response to these stop operations are referred to as the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel, respectively. Furthermore, the order in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are operated to stop all of the reels 110 to 112 that are spinning is referred to as the operation order (or push order).

[0024] The operation sequence (pressing order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139, when the left stop button 137 is represented as "left or R", the middle stop button 138 as "middle or C", and the right stop button 139 as "right or R", are six types: (1) left-to-middle-to-right operation sequence (left-right-right or LCR), (2) left-to-right-to-middle operation sequence (left-right-center or LRC), (3) middle-to-left-to-right operation sequence (center-left-right or CLR), (4) middle-to-right-to-left operation sequence (center-right-left or CRL), (5) right-to-left-to-middle operation sequence (right-left-center or RLC), and (6) right-to-middle-to-left operation sequence (right-center-left or RCL).

[0025] The settlement button 134 is a button for settling medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and medals that have been bet. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted.

[0026] Below the stop button unit 136, there is provided a title panel 162 on which the model name is displayed and various certificate stamps are attached. Below the title panel 162, there is provided a sound hole 145 for outputting sound from the speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. Side lamps 144 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for livening up the game. Above the front door 102, there is provided a performance device 160, and above the performance device 160, there is provided a sound hole 143.

[0027] This performance device 160 is equipped with a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two shutters, a right shutter 163a and a left shutter 163b, which can be opened and closed horizontally, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (display means; hereinafter also referred to as the "performance image display device") arranged at the back side of this shutter 163, and is configured so that when the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 appears in front of the slot machine 100 (on the player's side).

[0028] The display means does not have to be a liquid crystal display device; it may be any display device capable of displaying various effect images and various game information. For example, it may be a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen. The display screen is rectangular and configured so that the player can view the entire screen. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Furthermore, decorations (not shown) may be provided around the periphery of the display screen, so that part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, making the display screen appear irregularly shaped. In this embodiment, the display screen is flat, but it may also be curved.

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

[0030] The lending machine 700 accepts cards. There are two types of "cards" referred to here. One is a visitor card (also called a general card) with a prepaid function, which is a gaming storage medium issued to general players who are not registered as members. The other is a membership card, which is a gaming storage medium issued to member players who have registered as members at the gaming facility. An IC card is used as the card.

[0031] The card stores a value. The value stored in the card includes the "number of medals held" and the "money balance," which is the balance of prepaid money. The lending machine 700 that accepts the card has the function of converting the "number of medals held" stored in the card into the "number of gaming medals (number of credits)."

[0032] The "number of gaming medals (number of credits)" is data that can be used to set the number of bets and can be converted into the "number of possessed medals." The "number of gaming medals" can be obtained by debiting the "money balance" or "number of possessed medals" on the card. The "number of gaming medals" also includes the number of medals acquired by winning. This "number of gaming medals" is managed by the medal count control unit 350, and is the number of electronic medals electromagnetically stored (amount of electronic gaming value). By inserting medals using the bet buttons 130, 132, the "number of gaming medals" is subtracted.

[0033] The "number of possessed medals" is a value obtained by converting the "number of game medals (number of credits)" into a count. This "number of possessed medals" is stored in a manner that allows it to be specified by the player's card. In other words, by operating the count button 171, the "number of game medals" is converted into the "number of possessed medals" and can be stored on the card. The "number of possessed medals" may also be managed by a management device for managing the number of possessed medals that is installed in the gaming facility.

[0034] The front side of the lending machine 700 is provided with a bill insertion slot 701 at the top for inserting bills and a card insertion slot 702 at the bottom for inserting cards. A membership card or visitor card inserted into this card insertion slot 702 is accepted by a card reader / writer, and the information stored on the card is read. The authenticity and type of bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 701 are identified, and the face value of the bill is stored as the "money balance" on the card inserted into the card insertion slot 702.

[0035] An information display 703 is provided below the bill insertion slot 701. This information display 703 is a display that provides operation guidance for the lending machine 700 and the status of the slot machine 100 by means of text and images. The surface may be configured as a touch panel, and various operations may be input by touching various displayed display items with a finger.

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

[0037] A lending button 707 and a card return button 708 are provided in the vertical center of the lending machine 700. The lending button 707 is an operating means for withdrawing the "money balance" stored in the card inserted into the card insertion slot 702 to obtain the "number of game medals." Specifically, if the card inserted into the card insertion slot 702 has a "money balance," an LED lamp built into the lending button 707 lights up in a manner indicating that withdrawal is possible. By operating the lending button 707 in this state, the "number of game medals" is increased according to the amount of money withdrawn.

[0038] For example, a predetermined amount of 1,000 yen worth of "game medals" is added. Also, if the "money balance" of the card is less than the predetermined amount (for example, less than 1,000 yen), only the "game medals" converted from the current balance at a predetermined rate are added. Note that even if the "money balance" of the card is less than the predetermined amount, medals may be replenished from the "number of medals held" stored on the card, and the "game medals" worth the predetermined amount may be added.

[0039] The card return button 708 is operated when the player finishes playing, and is an operating means for storing the "number of possessed medals" determined at the end of the game in the card inserted into the card insertion slot 702 and discharging the card. The "number of possessed medals" determined at the end of the game is the number of medals obtained by subtracting the number of medals converted to the "number of game medals" from the "number of possessed medals" stored in the card inserted into the card insertion slot 702, and then adding the number of game medals counted by the counting operation.

[0040] The data of "money balance," "number of possessed medals," and "number of game medals" explained above are converted in the following order: "money balance" and "number of possessed medals" → "number of game medals" → "number of possessed medals." In this way, the "number of possessed medals" specified by the card is converted into the "number of game medals," and in the slot machine 100 of this example, the "number of game medals" can be used to set the number of bets, so it is possible to provide a game with a new slot machine (controlled game machine) that does not use real medals, without causing confusion to players who are accustomed to conventional slot machines in which real medals are loaned to players, and credits are secured by inserting those real medals, and the number of bets is set using those credits.

[0041] <Internal structure> Next, the internal configuration of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open, as seen from diagonally forward. Also, Figure 3(a) is a front view of the main body 101 with the front door 102 open.

[0042] <Main body> First, the main body 101 of the slot machine 100 will be described.

[0043] Main body 101 is a box-shaped body that is surrounded by top panel 261, left side panel 260, right side panel 262, bottom panel 264, and back panel 242, and is open at the front. Inside main body 101, at a position that does not overlap with ventilation opening 249 provided at the top of back panel 242, there is arranged main control board case 210 that houses main control board 300B (corresponding to main control unit 300, described later), and below this main control board case 210, three reels 110 to 112 are arranged.

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

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

[0046] The monitor LED 190a of the main board display 190 is lit when the bet button 130 (1BET) is operated, the monitor LED 190b is lit when the bet button 132 (MAXBET) is operated, and the monitor LED 190c is lit when the start lever 135 is operated. Also, the monitor LEDs 190d, 190e, and 190f are lit when the left stop button 137, the center stop button 138, and the right stop button 139 are operated, respectively, and the monitor LEDs 190g, 190h, and 190i are lit while the left reel 110, the center reel 111, and the right reel 112 are spinning, respectively. Also, the monitor LED 190j is lit when the count button 171 is operated.

[0047] The notification mode by the monitor LED is not limited to lighting the LED, and each state may be notified by blinking or turning off the LED. Also, the main board display 190 may be capable of notifying information related to the game, and may be capable of notifying an error that has occurred in the slot machine 100 (for example, a RAM defect) or information other than the exemplified operation information (for example, a game state, a winning combination, a winning combination).

[0048] Also, an external central terminal board 248 is attached to the right side panel 262, which is connected to the main control board 300B and outputs information about the slot machine 100 to an external device. Furthermore, a setting key switch 230 is provided below and near the left reel 110 to change settings such as control related to games in the slot machine 100. The setting key switch 230 is a key switch that is electrically turned ON / OFF by inserting and rotating a predetermined setting key (not shown). Specifically, when a predetermined setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 230 and rotated clockwise, a setting key sensor provided in the setting key switch 230 detects the ON state and outputs an ON level signal to the main control unit 300, and when rotated counterclockwise, the setting key sensor detects the OFF state and outputs an OFF level signal to the main control unit 300.

[0049] Further, below the reels 110 to 112 on the back panel 242, there is arranged a medal count control board case 222 that houses a medal count control board 350B (corresponding to a medal count control unit 350 described later) therein.

[0050] The medal count control board 350B is equipped with monitor LEDs 336d-336e (light-emitting elements) that can monitor the power supplied from the power supply device 252, which will be described later, a count button monitor LED 336f (light-emitting element) that lights up when the count button 171 is operated, and a 6-digit segment display 336g that can display the medal count, error codes, etc. The medal count control 24V monitor LED 336d is an LED lamp for power supply monitoring that lights up or flashes while a 24V DC current is flowing, and the medal count control 12V monitor LED 336e is an LED lamp for power supply monitoring that lights up or flashes while a 12V DC current is flowing.

[0051] Here, the counting button 171 is configured to perform counting processing in response to operation when connected to the lending machine 700, but not to perform counting processing even when operated when not connected to the lending machine 700. However, by providing the counting button monitor LED 336f, it is possible to check the operation of the counting button 171 on the slot machine 100 alone even when not connected to the lending machine 700, and by shining light onto the inside of the main body 101 or a reflective member, it is possible to improve visibility of the inside of the main body 101.

[0052] The segment display 336g is composed of six seven-segment (SEG) displays (light-emitting elements), and can display an error display (for example, an error code) relating to an error that has occurred in the slot machine 100, and the number of game medals (amount of game value) stored in the medal count control unit 350. When no error has occurred in the slot machine 100, the main control unit 300 displays the number of game medals on the segment display 336g, but when an error has occurred in the slot machine 100, the main control unit 300 is configured to alternately display the number of game medals and an error display relating to the error (in this example, an error code).

[0053] In this example, the segment display 336g is a display for displaying the number of game medals and error codes, but instead of (or in addition to) displaying the number of game medals and error codes, it may also be a display for displaying advantageous zone ratios, device ratios, and device ratios with instructions, which are calculated from the total number of game media paid out and the total number of games played.

[0054] In this example, the number of game medals and the error display are displayed alternately, making the error display more noticeable and making it easier to notice when an error occurs, and by responding to the error quickly, player satisfaction can be increased.

[0055] Here, examples of errors that may occur in the slot machine 100 include RAM failure, abnormal winning, and the like.

[0056] A RAM fault occurs when an abnormality is detected by checking the RAM 308, and the corresponding error code is, for example, E8, and "0000E8" is displayed on the segment indicator 336g. The RAM fault is resolved when operation of the error reset switch (in this example, the setting key switch 230) is accepted. A winning abnormality occurs when, after the reels 110 to 112 have stopped, a winning symbol different from the winning symbol determined by internal lottery is won, and the corresponding error code is, for example, E9, and "0000E9" is displayed on the segment indicator 336g. The winning abnormality is resolved when operation of the error reset switch (in this example, the setting key switch 230) is accepted.

[0057] Furthermore, in medal-less gaming machines that do not use physical gaming media such as gaming medals, such as the gaming machine of the present invention, communication abnormalities between the main control board 300B and the medal count control board 350B, and communication abnormalities with the lending machine 700 outside the gaming machine, are also errors that can occur in the slot machine 100.

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

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

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

[0061] In addition, a rental machine connection terminal board 790 that is connected to the rental machine 700 is attached to the bottom panel 264 of the main body 101.

[0062] FIG. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 3(a).

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

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

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

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

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

[0068] In this example, the main control board 300B is placed above the reels 110-112, and the medal count control board 350B is provided below the reels 110-112, but the positions at which the "boards (first board, second board)" according to the present invention are arranged are not limited to this example, and both boards may be arranged above the reels 110-112 or below the reels 110-112. Also, the main control board 300B and the medal count control board 350B may be the same board, and this board may be arranged above the reels 110-112 or below the reels 110-112.

[0069] Furthermore, a left-side fixing screw 271L for fixing the left-side frame 270L made of a plate-like member to the bottom plate 264, and a right-side fixing screw 271R for fixing the right-side frame 270R made of a plate-like member to the bottom plate 264 are disposed on the bottom plate 264 of the main body 101. The left-side fixing screw 271L is located to the left of the center position C1 in the width direction of the main body 101 when viewed from the front, and on an extension of the left side of the medal count control board 350B, while the right-side fixing screw 271R is located to the right of the center position C1 in the width direction of the main body 101 when viewed from the front, and on an extension of the right side of the medal count control board 350B. The locations of the left-side frame 270L, left-side fixing screw 271L, right-side frame 270R, and right-side fixing screw 271R are not limited to those in this example, and may be disposed on the bottom plate 264 of the main body 101.

[0070] <Front door> Next, the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 will be described.

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

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

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

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

[0075] Furthermore, an upper reflective member 282a (first component) is disposed on the front door 102 at a position above the pattern display window 113, and lower reflective members 282b to 282g (first components) are disposed on the front door 102 at positions below the pattern display window 113. These upper reflective member 282a and lower reflective members 282b to 282g are reflective members that can reflect light emitted from monitor LEDs 336a to 336f, the main board display 190, the segment display 336g, etc., that are disposed on the main body 101 facing the front door 102.

[0076] Here, "opposite" in the present invention is not limited to "facing" or "opposite each other" in which two components face each other head-on, but also includes a state in which some parts of two components face each other head-on and other parts do not face each other head-on, or a state in which two components are diagonally opposite each other.

[0077] The upper reflective member 282a is a rectangular metal plate attached so as to cover part of the outer wall of the sub-controller board case 164 arranged on the front door 102. In addition to functioning as a reflective member, it also functions to prevent static electricity (external disturbance) from being applied to boards such as the sub-controller board 400B and the LCD control board 500B housed in the sub-controller board case 164.

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

[0079] The upper reflective member 282a is attached in an approximately vertical direction to the outer wall of the sub-controller board case 164, and is capable of reflecting light (incident light) emitted from the monitor LEDs 336a to 336c of the main controller 300 and the monitor LEDs 190a to 190j of the main board display 190, and emitting light (reflected light) toward the main body 101.

[0080] Since the upper reflecting member 282a is erected in an approximately vertical direction on the front door 102, the light reflected by the upper reflecting member 282a (reflected light) mainly illuminates the area facing the upper reflecting member 282a, i.e., the area above the reels 110 to 112 of the main body 101.

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

[0082] In addition, the lower reflecting members 282b to 282e are reflecting members formed by silver plating the surfaces of devices and components arranged inside the front door 102, and the lower reflecting members 282f to 282g are reflecting members formed by applying a mirror-finish resin coating to a yoke (metal component) that constitutes an electromagnetic circuit that vibrates the vibrator of the speaker 277.

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

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

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

[0086] Since the lower reflecting members 282b to 282g are provided on a substantially vertical surface of the device or component, the light reflected by the lower reflecting members 282b to 282g (reflected light) mainly illuminates the area facing the lower reflecting members 282b to 282g, i.e., the area below the reels 110 to 112 of the main body 101.

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

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

[0089] Furthermore, the shape of the "reflective member" according to the present invention is not limited to a flat surface. For example, if the reflective member is configured with a curved surface (convex or concave), it is possible to expand the area illuminated by the reflected light of the reflective member or increase the luminous intensity of the reflected light of the reflective member. The shape may also have both a flat surface and a curved surface. Furthermore, the number and placement locations of the "reflective members" according to the present invention are not particularly limited. Two or more upper reflective members may be provided, and only one or seven or more lower reflective members may be provided.

[0090] <Function of reflective material> Next, the function of the lower reflecting members 282b to 282g will be described with reference to FIG.

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

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

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

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

[0095] The area indicated by the symbol RLdE1 in Figures 4(a) and (b) is a schematic illustration of the area (reflected light area) where reflected light RLd1 of incident light ILd1 that is emitted from the monitor LED 336d and enters the lower reflecting members 282b to 282g is emitted.

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

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

[0098] Therefore, when the front door 102 is opened at an opening angle θY (<θX) relative to the main body 101 (when the front door is opened to a small extent), the reflected light RLd1 from the lower reflecting members 282b to 282g reaches the back of the front door 102, and the reflected light RLd1 from the lower reflecting members 282b to 282g can illuminate a wider area, brightly illuminating the area below the reels 110 to 112, compared to when the front door 102 is opened at an opening angle θX (>θY) relative to the main body 101 (when the front door is opened to a large extent).

[0099] According to this example, even if the opening angle of the front door 102 is small (even if the front door 102 is not fully open), the reflected light from the light-emitting element can illuminate a wide area inside the front door 102, making it easier for workers to work even when the inside of the store is dark, and preventing players from looking inside the cabinet during maintenance work. Also, since the counting button 171 is located at the open end on the front side of the front door 102, it is easy to operate the counting button 171 at a small opening angle, and inspection and work inside the cabinet while the front door 102 is open can be done more easily than if the counting button 171 were located closer to the rotation axis of the front door 102.

[0100] Furthermore, when the front door 102 is opened at an opening angle θY (<θX) relative to the main body 101 (when the front door is opened to a small extent), the distance from the lower reflecting members 282b to 282g to the left frame 270L and the left fixing screw 271L is shorter than when the front door 102 is opened at an opening angle θX (>θY) relative to the main body 101 (when the front door is opened to a large extent), and therefore the left frame 270L and the left fixing screw 271L are illuminated even more brightly by the reflected light RLd1 from the lower reflecting members 282b to 282g.

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

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

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

[0104] The area indicated by the symbol RLdE2 in Figures 4(a) and (b) is a schematic illustration of the area (reflected light area) where reflected light RLd2 of incident light ILd2 emitted from the monitor LED 336d and incident on the lower reflecting members 282b to 282g is emitted.

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

[0106] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4(b), when the front door 102 is opened relative to the main body 101 at an opening angle θY (<θX), the reflected light area RLdE2 includes a portion of the bottom panel 264 of the front door 102 and a portion of the power supply device 252, and this portion of the bottom panel 264 (second component) and portion of the power supply device 252 (second component) are irradiated with the reflected light RLd2 from the lower reflecting members 282b to 282g and are illuminated by the reflected light RLd2.

[0107] Therefore, when the front door 102 is opened at an opening angle θY (<θX) relative to the main body 101 (when the front door is opened to a small extent), the reflected light RLd1 from the lower reflecting members 282b to 282g reaches the back of the front door 102, and the reflected light RLd1 from the lower reflecting members 282b to 282g can illuminate a wider area, brightly illuminating the area below the reels 110 to 112, compared to when the front door 102 is opened at an opening angle θX (>θY) relative to the main body 101 (when the front door is opened to a large extent).

[0108] In addition, for the sake of convenience, Figures 4(a) and (b) only show the reflected light areas RLdE1 and RLdE2 of the light emitted from the monitor LED 336d of the medal count control unit 350 and the reflected light area RLfE of the light emitted from the monitor LED 336f, and omit the illustration of the reflected light of the light emitted from the monitor LED 336e and the segment display 336g.

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

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

[0111] The area indicated by the symbol RLfE in Figures 4(a) and (b) is a schematic illustration of the area (reflected light area) from which reflected light RLf of incident light ILf that is emitted from the monitor LED 336d and incident on the lower reflecting members 282b to 282g is emitted.

[0112] As shown in Figure 4(a), when the front door 102 is open at an opening angle θX (>θY) relative to the main body 101, the reflected light area RLfE includes a portion of the bottom panel 264 of the front door 102, all of the right-side frame 270R and right-side fixing screw 271R, a portion of the monitor LED 336d, a portion of the segment display 336g, and all of the rental machine connection terminal board 790, and all of these portions of the bottom panel 264 (second part), the right-side frame 270R (second part) and right-side fixing screw 271R (second part), a portion of the monitor LED 336d (second part), a portion of the segment display 336g (second part), and the rental machine connection terminal board 790 (second part) are irradiated by the reflected light RLf from the lower reflecting members 282b to 282g and illuminated by the reflected light RLf.

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

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

[0115] According to this example, even if the opening angle of the front door 102 is small (even if the front door 102 is not fully open), the reflected light from the light-emitting element can illuminate a wide area inside the front door 102, making it easier for workers to work even when the inside of the store is dark, and preventing players from looking inside the cabinet during maintenance work. Also, since the counting button 171 is located at the open end on the front side of the front door 102, it is easy to operate the counting button 171 even at a small opening angle, and inspection and work inside the cabinet while the front door 102 is open can be done more easily than if the counting button 171 were located closer to the rotation axis of the front door 102.

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

[0117] On the other hand, the reflected light RLf of the incident light ILf that enters the lower reflecting members 282b to 282g and the area RLfE from which this reflected light RLf is emitted are light generated by the lower reflecting members 282b, 282c, and 282f, among the multiple lower reflecting members 282b to 282g, which are arranged in a position closer to the open end 102b of the front door 102 than to the pivot axis 102a.

[0118] Furthermore, when the front door 102 is opened at an opening angle θY (<θX) relative to the main body 101 (when the front door is opened to a small extent), the distance from the lower reflecting members 282b to 282g to the right frame 270R and the right-side fixing screw 271R is shorter than when the front door 102 is opened at an opening angle θX (>θY) relative to the main body 101 (when the front door is opened to a large extent), and therefore the right frame 270R and the right-side fixing screw 271R are illuminated even more brightly by the reflected light RLd1 from the lower reflecting members 282b to 282g.

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

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

[0121] This makes it possible to improve the visibility of the medal count control board 350B, and regardless of where the operating means (e.g., a reset button, medal count clear button, setting key) is located on the medal count control board 350B (e.g., the left end when viewed from the front, close to the pivot axis 102a of the front door 102, or the right end when viewed from the front, close to the open end 102b of the front door 102), the visibility of the operating means can be improved.

[0122] Furthermore, since the visibility of the segment display 336g arranged on the medal count control board 350B can be improved, for example, when the slot machine 100 recovers (power is restored) from a power outage, it is possible to determine whether or not the medal count needs to be reset by looking at the display on the game medal count display device 170 on the front door 102 (with the front door 102 open), thereby improving convenience for game parlor staff, etc. Furthermore, when the slot machine 100 recovers (power is restored) from a power outage, it is possible to determine whether or not the error needs to be cleared, thereby improving convenience for game parlor staff, etc.

[0123] Furthermore, when a blinking display is performed on the monitor LED 336f or the segment display 336g, the reflected light from the monitor LED 336f or the segment display 336g can irradiate a wide area within the main body 101 with the blinking light, making it easier to notice abnormalities such as errors and allowing for quick responses to such abnormalities.

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

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

[0126] By locating the operating means at a position close to the pivot axis of the front door on the base plate, even if the operating means is not visible without the reflected light of the light-emitting element, the operating means can be illuminated by the reflected light of the light-emitting element, thereby increasing the visibility of the operating means.

[0127] On the other hand, if the operating means is located closer to the open end of the front door on the base plate, the front door can be opened to a smaller extent (smaller opening angle) than if it were located closer to the pivot axis, making it easier to access the operating means and improving work efficiency. Also, even if the light emitting element is backlit, the operating means can be illuminated by the reflected light from the light emitting element, improving visibility.

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

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

[0130] Furthermore, if the main control board 300B is positioned below the reels 110 to 112, the reflected light of the light emitted from the main board display 190 can illuminate the operating means (for example, a medal count clear button) located below the main board display 190 on the main control board 300B.When viewed from the front door 102 side, the light from the main board display 190 may act as backlight, reducing the visibility of the main board display 190, but the reflected light of the light from the main board display 190 can illuminate the operating means, thereby improving the visibility of the operating means.

[0131] In addition, the main control board 300B and the medal count control board 350B may be positioned (eccentrically) to the right side (or left side) of the back panel 242 of the front door 102 when viewed from the front. For example, the medal count control board 350B may be positioned to the right side of the back panel 242 of the front door 102 when viewed from the front, the light-emitting element may be positioned to the left in the longitudinal direction of the medal count control board 350B, and the segment display and operating means (for example, a reset button, medal count clear button, setting key) may be positioned below the light-emitting element.

[0132] With this configuration, the reflected light of the light emitted from the light-emitting element can illuminate the operating means located below the light-emitting element on the medal count control board 350B.When viewed from the front door 102 side, the light from the light-emitting element may act as backlight, reducing the visibility of the operating means, but the reflected light of the light from the light-emitting element can illuminate the operating means, thereby improving the visibility of the operating means.

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

[0134] According to this example, it is possible to improve the visibility of the area above the reels, which is likely to be shaded by the lighting in the gaming parlor, making it easier to inspect the inside of the cabinet and replace parts, thereby improving the maintainability of the gaming machine.

[0135] <Function of reflective materials / Summary> As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) includes a cabinet (for example, the main body 101 shown in FIG. 1), a front door (for example, the front door 102 shown in FIG. 1), certain light-emitting elements (for example, the monitor LEDs 336a to 336e, the main board display 190, and the segment display 336g shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b)), a first component (for example, the upper reflecting member 282a shown in FIG. 2, and the lower reflecting members 282b to 282g shown in FIGS. 2, 4(a), and 4(b)), and a second component (for example, the main control board 300B, the lending machine connection terminal board 790, the power supply unit 250 shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b)). 2. A medal count control board 350B), wherein the certain light-emitting element is arranged inside the housing, the first component is arranged in a certain area on the back side of the front door, the certain area is an area onto which light from the certain light-emitting element is irradiated when the front door is closed, the first component is a component capable of reflecting light from the certain light-emitting element, and the second component is a component located inside the housing, and at least a portion of the light from the certain light-emitting element reflected by the first component is irradiated onto at least a portion of the second component.

[0136] The inside of a slot machine cabinet can be shaded by the lighting in the gaming parlor, making it difficult to see inside. Furthermore, many gaming parlors dim the lights in their slot machine sections compared to their pachinko sections, making it even more difficult to see inside the cabinet. In recent years, medal-less slots (managed gaming machines) that do not use the traditional physical medal medium have been proposed. These managed gaming machines do not require a hopper device for storing medals, which leaves free space inside the cabinet, but there is a demand for effective use of this free space.

[0137] With the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to improve the visibility of areas inside the cabinet that are likely to be shaded by the lighting in the gaming parlor, even without having to fully open the front door, making it easier to perform inspection work inside the cabinet and replace parts, thereby improving the maintainability of the gaming machine.

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

[0139] With this configuration, it is possible to improve the visibility of the area below the reels, which is likely to be shaded by the lighting in the gaming parlor, without having to fully open the front door, making it easier to inspect the inside of the cabinet and replace parts, and improving the maintainability of the gaming machine. In particular, in medal-less slots (controlled gaming machines), empty space is created in the area below the reels, so compared to conventional slot machines, the visibility of the parts located below the reels can be further improved, and the maintainability of the parts located below the reels can be improved.

[0140] Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine including a housing (for example, the main body 101 shown in FIG. 1), a front door (for example, the front door 102 shown in FIG. 1), certain light-emitting elements (for example, the monitor LEDs 336a to 336e, the main board display 190, and the segment display 336g shown in FIGS. 3(a) and (b)), and a first component (for example, the upper reflecting member 282a shown in FIG. 2, and the lower reflecting members 282b to 282g shown in FIGS. 2, 4(a), and (b)), and the certain light-emitting elements are disposed inside the housing, and the first component is disposed in a certain region on the back side of the front door, and the certain region is irradiated with light from the certain light-emitting elements when the front door is closed. the first component is a component capable of reflecting the light of the certain light-emitting element, the certain region is a region located closer to the pivot axis (for example, the pivot axis 102a shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b)) side than to the open end of the front door (for example, the open end 102b shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b)), and the light of the light-emitting element reflected by the first component illuminates the inside of the housing more brightly when the front door is opened to a smaller extent (for example, when the front door 102 is opened to an opening angle θY with respect to the main body 101 as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b)) than when the front door is opened to a larger extent (for example, when the front door 102 is opened to an opening angle θX with respect to the main body 101 as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b)).

[0141] The inside of a slot machine cabinet can be shaded by the lighting in the gaming parlor, making it difficult to see inside. Furthermore, many gaming parlors dim the lights in their slot machine sections compared to their pachinko sections, making it even more difficult to see inside the cabinet. In recent years, medal-less slots (managed gaming machines) that do not use the traditional physical medal medium have been proposed. These managed gaming machines do not require a hopper device for storing medals, which leaves free space inside the cabinet, but there is a demand for effective use of this free space.

[0142] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to improve the visibility of areas that are likely to be shaded by the lighting in the gaming parlor without having to fully open the front door, making it easier to inspect the inside of the cabinet and replace parts, and improving the maintainability of the gaming machine. It is also possible to prevent players from looking inside the cabinet during maintenance work.

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

[0144] With this configuration, it is possible to improve the visibility of the area below the reels, which is likely to be shaded by the lighting in the gaming parlor, without having to fully open the front door, making it easier to inspect the inside of the cabinet and replace parts, and improving the maintainability of the gaming machine. In particular, in medal-less slots (controlled gaming machines), empty space is created in the area below the reels, so compared to conventional slot machines, the visibility of the parts located below the reels can be further improved, and the maintainability of the parts located below the reels can be improved.

[0145] The light-emitting element may be a light-emitting element that indicates a gaming value amount (for example, the number of gaming medals) stored in the gaming machine.

[0146] With this configuration, when power is restored after a power outage, it is possible to determine whether or not the game value amount needs to be reset based on the game value amount indicated by the light-emitting element, thereby increasing convenience for game store staff and others.

[0147] The light-emitting element may also be a light-emitting element that displays an error message (for example, an error code) regarding an error that has occurred on the gaming machine.

[0148] With this configuration, when power is restored after a power outage, it is possible to determine whether or not the error needs to be resolved, thereby increasing convenience for game parlor staff and others.

[0149] The light-emitting element may be configured to alternately display the gaming value amount and the error display when an error occurs on the gaming machine.

[0150] With this configuration, the error display can be made more noticeable, making it easier to notice when an error occurs, and by responding to the error quickly, player satisfaction can be increased.

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

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

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

[0154] With this configuration, when you want to focus on inspecting or working inside the cabinet, you can operate the first operating means to make it emit light and reflect light, and when you don't want players to peek inside, you can make the inside of the cabinet dark without operating the first operating means, so you can adjust the brightness of your field of vision as needed.

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

[0156] With this configuration, by arranging the first operating means closer to the open end of the front door, it is possible to improve the operability of the first operating means when the front door is open.

[0157] <Control unit> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit of the slot machine 100.

[0158] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main presentation in accordance with command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") sent by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on the commands sent from the first sub-control unit 400.

[0159] <Main control unit> First, we will explain the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100. The main control unit 300 is equipped with a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300, and this basic circuit 302 is equipped with a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery for winning combinations, reel stop positions, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, etc. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and this also applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and second sub-control unit 500 described below.

[0160] The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by receiving a clock signal with a predetermined cycle output by the crystal oscillator as a system clock. Furthermore, when power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time. The CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits drive pulses in response to this interrupt request. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1 / 256, and the frequency division data in the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference time for the interrupt is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz = 1.504 ms.

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

[0162] Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 and detect the start operation by the player. The stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, and stop button 139 sensor are installed on each of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

[0163] The bet button 130 sensor and the bet button 132 sensor detect the insertion operation when medals electronically stored in the RAM 308 are inserted as medals to be inserted into a game. The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the medals electronically stored are settled. Note that each of the above sensors may be a non-contact sensor or a contact sensor.

[0164] The index sensors for reel 110, reel 111, and reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of each of reels 110-112, and go to L level every time a light-shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes by. When CPU 304 detects this signal, it determines that the reel has made one rotation and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero.

[0165] The main control unit 300 is provided with a drive circuit 322 that drives the stepping motors provided on the reels 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 that drives display devices such as the main board display 190, and a drive circuit 326 that drives various lamps 336 (winning line indicator lamp 120, game medal insertion possible lamp 124, replay lamp 122, game medal insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, number of stored coins indicator 125, game information indicator 126, number of payout coins indicator 127).

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

[0167] In addition, the main control unit 300 is equipped with an output interface for sending commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 can send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but the first sub-control unit 400 cannot send signals such as commands to the main control unit 300.

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

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

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

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

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

[0173] The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a sensor circuit 426, and a shutter sensor 428 is connected to the sensor circuit 426 via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 428 at each interrupt time.

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

[0175] Next, the second sub-control unit 500 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The second sub-control unit 500 includes a basic circuit 502 that receives control commands sent by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on these control commands. This basic circuit 502 is equipped with a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 512 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by receiving a clock signal with a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock. The second sub-control unit 500 also includes a ROM 506 that stores control programs and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, etc.

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

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

[0178] Next, we will explain the medal count control unit 350. The main control unit 300 has a game control unit 302 that controls the progress of the game, as well as a medal count control unit 350 that controls the number of game medals owned by the player. The game control unit 302 corresponds to an example of game control means, and the medal count control unit 350 corresponds to an example of game value number control means.

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

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

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

[0182] The medal count control unit 350 transmits various commands to the game control unit 302. The game control unit 302 also transmits various commands to the medal count control unit 350. That is, communication between the medal count control unit 350 and the game control unit 302 is also bidirectional. The medal count control unit 350 stores the "game medal count" in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 358. Specifically, the "game medal count" is stored in a credit counter. The medal count control unit 350 updates the "game medal count" stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 358 by adding or subtracting. Examples of adding processes include processes based on a payout command transmitted from the game control unit 302, a settlement command transmitted from the game control unit 302, and a lending notification transmitted from the lending machine 700. Examples of subtracting processes include counting processes based on the operation of the count button 171 and processes based on a deposit command transmitted from the game control unit 302.

[0183] The game medal count clear button 172 is located in a position that cannot be operated by the player (for example, a position that cannot be operated unless the front door 102 is opened), and is an operating means for clearing the "game medal count" stored in a specified area of ​​RAM 358.

[0184] For example, if a player leaves the room with "2" remaining in the number of game medals, it becomes difficult to determine whether the player with "2" intends to continue playing, preventing another player from starting a game. However, if the number of game medals can be cleared by a store clerk's operation, another player can be welcomed sooner. Note that the "number of game medals" does not necessarily have to be cleared when the game medal number clear button 172 is operated. For example, the number of game medals may be cleared if the number of game medals is two or less, and if the number is three or more, the number may be counted in the same way as when the count button 171 is operated. If the count button 171 malfunctions or the like and is unable to recognize that it has been operated, the "number of game medals" cannot be converted to the "number of held medals," which could be detrimental to the player. However, if the number of game medals can be counted by a store clerk's operation, this would avoid detriment to the player.

[0185] Furthermore, there is no need to provide a new counting button for the store clerk, so there is no increase in costs. Note that instead of distinguishing between clearing and counting by determining the number of game medals, clearing and counting may be distinguished by the method of operating the game medal count clear button 172. For example, clearing occurs when the button is pressed for a short time, and counting occurs when the button is pressed for a long time. Either clearing or counting can be easily selected regardless of the number of game medals. Also, clearing occurs when only the game medal count clear button 172 is operated, and counting occurs when the game medal count clear button 172 and another button are operated simultaneously. There is little possibility of operating incorrectly, and either clearing or counting can be easily selected.

[0186] <Example of connecting the board> Next, a connection example of the boards included in the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a connection example of the boards included in the slot machine 100.

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

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

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

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

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

[0192] The liquid crystal control board 500B, the liquid crystal CPU board 500C, and the liquid crystal ROM board 500D are boards that make up the second sub-control unit 500, and hereinafter the liquid crystal control board 500B, the liquid crystal CPU board 500C, and the liquid crystal ROM board 500D may be collectively referred to as the "liquid crystal board" or the "liquid crystal boards 500B-500D." Also, in this example, a floating connector is used as the connector that realizes board-to-board connection, but the "connector" according to the present invention is not limited to this example and may be, for example, a connector such as a microconnector, a stacking connector, or a mezzanine connector.

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

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

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

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

[0197] <Sub-control board and LCD board / sub-controller board case> Next, the sub-controller board case 164 will be described with reference to FIG. 7(b) and FIG. 8(a).

[0198] Here, arrows d3 and d4 in Fig. 7(b) indicate directions in a state in which the sub-controller board case 164 is fixed to the back panel 242 of the front door 102. Arrow d3 indicates the width direction (sometimes referred to as the left-right direction or the lengthwise direction) of the sub-controller board case 164 and the width direction (sometimes referred to as the left-right direction or the plate surface direction) of the various boards housed in this sub-controller board case 164, and the left side may be referred to as the left and the right side as the right when viewed from the front of Fig. 7(b). Arrow d4 indicates the height direction (sometimes referred to as the up-down direction or the short side direction) of the sub-controller board case 164 and the height direction (sometimes referred to as the up-down direction or the plate surface direction) of the various boards housed in this sub-controller board case 164, and the higher side may be referred to as the top and the lower side as the bottom.

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

[0200] FIG. 7(b) is a partially enlarged view showing the sub-controller board case 164, and FIG. 8(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 7(b).

[0201] The sub-controller board case 164 is a box-shaped body formed by combining a lower case 164D, which has a roughly rectangular dish-shaped bottom, and an upper case 164U, which is arranged to cover the internal space of the lower case 164D.

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

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

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

[0205] In the space inside the sub-controller board case 164, the sub-control board 400B and the liquid crystal control board 500B, which are connected in a board-to-board manner, are fixed to the upper case 164U with mounting screws 165 and 180, respectively, and the liquid crystal CPU board 500C is connected to the liquid crystal control board 500B in a board-to-board manner in the thickness direction, and the liquid crystal ROM board 500D is further connected to the liquid crystal CPU board 500C in the board surface direction, which is then housed therein. Details of each board-to-board connection will be described later.

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

[0207] <Sub-control board and LCD board / Sub-control board, LCD control board> Next, the sub-control board 400B and the liquid crystal control board 500B will be described with reference to FIG. 7(b) and FIG. 8(a).

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

[0209] Arrow d5 indicates the thickness direction (sometimes called the depth direction or thickness direction) of the sub-control board 400B and the liquid crystal control board 500B, and when viewed from the front in Figure 8(a), the upper side is the front side of the slot machine 100, but when describing the board, it may be called the upper side, top, or upper side, and when viewed from the front in Figure 8(a), the lower side is the back side of the slot machine 100, but when describing the board, it may be called the lower side, bottom, or lower side (the same applies to Figure 8(b) described below).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0219] That is, the sub-control board 400B (first board) and the liquid crystal control board 500B (second board) are connected board-to-board in the board surface direction by a pair of first connectors CN4B1 and CN5B1 arranged on opposing sides.

[0220] In this example, the board-to-board connector is arranged on the side of a short side on one side of the lengthwise direction of each of the two boards, and the board-to-board connection is made between the short sides of the two boards, but the present invention is not limited to this. The board-to-board connector may be arranged on the side of a long side on one side of the widthwise direction of each of the two boards, and the board-to-board connection may be made between the long sides of the two boards, or the board-to-board connector may be arranged on the side of a long side at one end of the widthwise direction of one of the two boards and on the side of a short side on one side of the lengthwise direction of the other board, and the board-to-board connection may be made between the long side of one board and the short side of the other board (the same applies to board-to-board connections between other boards).

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

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

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

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

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

[0226] However, the difference in substrate thickness between the sub-control substrate 400B and the LCD control substrate 500B can be absorbed by making the length (depth) of the screw hole formed in the screw boss 181 for the LCD control substrate longer (deeper) than the length (depth) of the screw hole formed in the screw boss 166 for the sub-control substrate by the amount of the difference in substrate thickness (= h3 - h4).Therefore, the diameter and length of the mounting screws 165 and 180 can be made the same, and the mounting screws 165 and 180 can be shared, thereby reducing costs.

[0227] Furthermore, since the thicknesses of the sub-control board 400B and the liquid crystal control board 500B are different, when the surface 400Ba of the sub-control board 400B and the surface 500Ba of the liquid crystal control board 500B are fixed to the upper case 164U so that their heights are aligned (flush), the back surface 400Bb of the sub-control board 400B abuts against the rib 184 formed on the lower case 164D of the sub-control board case 164, but the back surface 500Bb of the liquid crystal control board 500B does not abut against the rib 184.

[0228] In this way, by providing the rib 184 between the board-to-board connection points in the board surface direction (so as to achieve a positional relationship spanning both boards), it is possible to pinpoint and suppress rattle (range of movement) at the connector portion when connecting the boards to each other. A gap is created between the back surface 500Bb of the liquid crystal control board 500B and the rib 184 of the lower case 164D, and the volume of the space formed between the back surface 500Bb of the liquid crystal control board 500B and the lower case 164D is larger than the volume of the space formed between the back surface 400Bb of the sub-control board 400B and the lower case 164D.

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

[0230] In this example, the surface area of ​​the LCD control board 500B is larger than that of the sub-control board 400B, but it may be smaller than that of the sub-control board 400B. With this configuration, by making the connectors on the smaller LCD control board 500B smaller than those on the sub-control board 400B, it is possible to reduce the load on the board when the connectors are inserted or removed. Furthermore, by making the number of connectors on the smaller LCD control board 500B smaller than that of the sub-control board 400B, it is possible to reduce the frequency with which the board is subjected to load when the connectors are inserted or removed.

[0231] Here, the thickness of the substrate will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 8(c), which is a cross-sectional view showing the basic structure of a double-sided substrate.

[0232] Generally, boards can be classified into single-sided boards, double-sided boards, and multilayer boards. Single-sided boards have a wiring pattern formed on only one side and electronic components mounted on it, and are structured by laminating the substrate B3, copper foil B2, and solder resist B1 in that order from bottom to top. The thickness of a single-sided board can be defined as the total thickness t1 of the substrate B3, copper foil B2, and solder resist B1.

[0233] A double-sided board is a board on which wiring patterns are formed and electronic components are mounted on both sides, and is made up of layers stacked from bottom to top in the order of solder resist B5, copper foil B4, base material B3, copper foil B2, and solder resist B1, with single-sided boards on both sides with base material B3 in the center. The thickness of a double-sided board can be defined as the total thickness t2 of the solder resist B5, copper foil B4, base material B3, copper foil B2, and solder resist B1.

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

[0235] In principle, the "thickness of the substrate" according to the present invention means the total thickness of all layers constituting the substrate, such as the base material, copper foil, solder resist, etc. However, since the base material accounts for the majority of the thickness of the entire substrate among the layers constituting the substrate, it may also mean the thickness of only the base material.

[0236] In this embodiment, even if the thickness of the substrate is the same (or approximately the same) between the liquid crystal control substrate 500B and the sub-control substrate 400B, the number of conductor layers (copper foil) is different between the two substrates, and therefore the thickness of the entire substrate including the substrate, copper foil, prepreg, and solder resist is different. However, even if the number of conductor layers (copper foil) is the same, the thickness of the substrate is different, and therefore the thickness of the entire substrate including the substrate, copper foil, prepreg, and solder resist may be different.

[0237] Therefore, for example, the liquid crystal control board 500B and the sub-control board 400B according to this example may have one four-layer board and the other six-layer board, or one double-sided board (two layers) and the other multi-layer board with three or more layers. Also, one may be a single-sided board and the other double-sided board or multi-layer board.

[0238] <Modifications of the sub-control board and LCD board / sub-controller board case> Next, a modified example of the sub-controller board case will be described with reference to FIG. 8(b).

[0239] FIG. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 8(a), showing a modified example of the sub-controller board case.

[0240] The sub-controller board case 185 according to this modification is a box formed by combining a lower case 185D having a substantially rectangular dish-shaped bottom surface and an upper case 185U arranged to cover the internal space of the lower case 185D. In order to avoid redundant explanation, only the configuration different from the sub-controller board case 164 described using Figure 8(a) will be described.

[0241] In the right-hand region of the lower case 185D, a screw boss 186 for the sub-control board into which a mounting screw 165 for fixing the sub-control board 400B can be screwed is formed, protruding toward the inside of the lower case 185D so as to face the screw boss 166 for the sub-control board of the upper case 185U.

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

[0243] The sub-control board 400B, which is connected board-to-board to the LCD control board 500B, is fixed by being sandwiched between the lower case 185D and upper case 185U of the sub-control board case 185, with four mounting screws 165 inserted into the four screw bosses 186 and screw holes 167 for the sub-control board from the outer wall side of the lower case 185D of the sub-control board case 185, and each mounting screw 165 is screwed into the screw boss 166 for the sub-control board of the upper case 185U of the sub-control board case 185.

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

[0245] In this example, since the thickness h3 of the sub-control board 400B and the thickness h4 of the liquid crystal control board 500B are different, when the sub-control board 400B and the liquid crystal control board 500B are fixed to the upper case 185U so that the heights of the front surface 400Ba of the sub-control board 400B and the front surface 500Ba of the liquid crystal control board 500B are aligned (flush), the back surface 400Bb of the sub-control board 400B abuts against the screw bosses 186 and ribs 184 for the sub-control board formed on the lower case 185D of the sub-control board case 185. The back surface 500Bb of the liquid crystal control board 500B does not abut against the screw bosses 187 and ribs 184 for the liquid crystal control board, and a gap is created between the back surface 500Bb of the liquid crystal control board 500B and the screw bosses 187 and ribs 184 for the liquid crystal control board of the lower case 185D, and the volume of the space formed between the back surface 500Bb of the liquid crystal control board 500B and the lower case 185D is larger than the volume of the space formed between the back surface 400Bb of the sub-control board 400B and the lower case 185D.

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

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

[0248] <Sub-control board and LCD board / Sub-control board, LCD control board / Summary> As explained above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine including a first board (for example, the sub-control board 400B shown in FIG. 8(a)), a second board (for example, the liquid crystal control board 500B shown in FIG. 8(a)), and a housing (for example, the sub-control board case 164 shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8(a)), and the first board and the second board are connected board-to-board in the board surface direction by a pair of connectors arranged to face each other (for example, the first connector CN4B1 of the sub-control board 400B and the first connector CN5B1 of the liquid crystal control board 500B shown in FIG. 8(a)), and the first board and the second board are connected board-to-board in the board surface direction by a pair of connectors arranged to face each other (for example, the first connector CN4B1 of the sub-control board 400B and the first connector CN5B1 of the liquid crystal control board 500B shown in FIG. 8(a)). The second board is thinner than the first board, and the first board and the second board are connected board-to-board and housed in the housing. The first and second boards are boards to be accommodated, and one connector constituting the pair of connectors is arranged on each other's first surface (for example, the surface 400Ba of the sub-control board 400B shown in Figure 8(a) and the surface 500Ba of the liquid crystal control board 500B shown in Figure 8(a)), and the container is configured to fix the first and second boards using a fixing member (for example, the mounting screw 165, the mounting screw 180 shown in Figure 8(a)) inserted from a second surface side opposite to the first surface on which the pair of connectors is not arranged (for example, the back surface 400Bb side of the sub-control board 400B shown in Figure 8(a), the back surface 500Bb side of the liquid crystal control board 500B, or the outer wall side of the lower case 185D of the sub-control board case 185 shown in Figure 8(b)).

[0249] Board-to-board connections connect two boards with connectors in the board surface direction or board thickness direction. These board-to-board connections are also used for main control boards or boards related to main control related to game progress, and performance control boards or boards related to performance. However, with the increase in the amount of performance, the number of components increases and communication speeds become faster and more stable, so boards related to performance control may be configured as multi-layer boards or double-sided boards.

[0250] Multilayer or double-sided boards may have a mixture of 2, 4, and 6 layers, and the thickness of each board may vary. Even if the thickness of the base material that makes up the board is the same, the actual thickness will differ depending on the number of wiring layers. Furthermore, boards connected board-to-board will have different weights due to differences in the number of components mounted, component types, board size, etc.

[0251] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, when connecting boards of different thicknesses or boards of different weights or sizes, etc., and storing the boards connected to the boards with a pair of connectors in a housing, the first surface of the first board on which the pair of connectors are arranged and the first surface of the second board can be fixed to the housing so that they are at the same height (flush), thereby reducing the burden on the pair of connectors that connect the first board and second board to the board.

[0252] In addition, the housing may have an extension portion (for example, screw boss 166 for the sub-control board and screw boss 181 for the LCD control board shown in Figure 8(a)) that extends toward the first surface, and the extension portion may be the portion into which the fixing member is inserted.

[0253] With this configuration, the extension portion of the container allows the first surface of the first board and the first surface of the second board to be fixed to the container so that they are at the same height (flush), thereby reducing the burden on the pair of connectors that connect the first board and the second board in a board-to-board manner.

[0254] The second surface of the second substrate may also include a component (e.g., battery 183 shown in FIG. 8(a)) that is taller than the component (e.g., capacitor 168 shown in FIG. 8(a)) disposed on the second surface of the first substrate.

[0255] With this configuration, it is possible to increase the types of components that can be mounted on the second surface of the second substrate, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in design.

[0256] Furthermore, the substrate may include the third substrate (for example, the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C shown in FIG. 9(a)), and the second substrate and the third substrate may be connected to each other in a board-to-board manner in the thickness direction by a pair of connectors (for example, the connectors CN5B4 and CN5C2 shown in FIG. 9(a)) arranged on opposing surfaces.

[0257] With this configuration, the load on the pair of connectors can be reduced compared to when two boards are connected board-to-board in the board surface direction, and the board above in the board thickness direction can be supported by the board below in the board thickness direction, preventing the board above in the board thickness direction from bending.

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

[0259] According to this example, the second connector is smaller than the first connector, and therefore stress (flexure, distortion) on the board when the connector is inserted or removed can be reduced compared to when the connector is larger.

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

[0261] With this configuration, the second board is thinner than the first board, so by making the number of connectors on the second board less than the number of connectors on the first board, the frequency with which the board is subjected to load when the connectors are inserted or removed can be reduced.

[0262] Furthermore, the first board may be a board on which one of the pair of connectors is arranged, the second board may be a board on which the other of the pair of connectors is arranged, the first board may be a board on which a first number of connectors are arranged in addition to the one connector, and the second board may be a board on which a second number of connectors are arranged in addition to the other connector, and the second number may be a number smaller than the first number.

[0263] With this configuration, the second board is thinner than the first board, so by making the number of connectors on the second board less than the number of connectors on the first board, the frequency with which the board is subjected to load when the connectors are inserted or removed can be reduced.

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

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

[0266] Here, arrows d6 and d5 in Fig. 9(a) indicate the directions in a state where the sub-controller board case 164 accommodating the liquid crystal CPU board 500C and the liquid crystal ROM board 500D is fixed to the rear panel 242 of the front door 102. Arrow d6 indicates the board surface direction (sometimes referred to as the width direction or the left-right direction) of the liquid crystal CPU board 500C and the liquid crystal ROM board 500D, and although the left hand is below the slot machine 100 when viewed from the front in Fig. 9(a), in describing the boards, it may be referred to as the left or left side, and although the right hand is above the slot machine 100 when viewed from the front, it may be referred to as the right or right side when describing the boards.

[0267] Arrow d5 indicates the thickness direction (sometimes called the depth direction or thickness direction) of the liquid crystal CPU board 500C and the liquid crystal ROM board 500D, and when viewed from the front in Figure 9(a), the upper side is the front side of the slot machine 100, but when describing the boards, it may be called the upper side, top, or upper side, and the lower side is the back side of the slot machine 100, but when describing the boards, it may be called the lower side, bottom, or lower side (the same applies to Figure 9(b) described below).

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

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

[0270] The liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C has a base material consisting of a rectangular plate, and this base material has one screw hole 203 formed therein through which a mounting screw 201 can be inserted to mount the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C to the sub-controller substrate case 164.

[0271] Multiple types of components (connectors, ICs, etc.) are mounted on one side 500Ca (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front side") and the other side 500Cb (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "back side") of the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C, and resist layers, wiring patterns, pads, lands, interlayer conductive parts (vias, through holes), silk printing, etc. are also formed.

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

[0273] The liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D has a base material consisting of a rectangular plate, and this base material has one screw hole 206 formed therein through which a mounting screw 204 can be inserted to mount the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D to the sub-controller substrate case 164.

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

[0275] Multiple types of components (connectors, ICs, etc.) are mounted on one side 500Da (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front side") and the other side 500Db (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "back side") of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D, and resist layers, wiring patterns, pads, lands, interlayer conductive parts (vias, through holes), silk printing, etc. are also formed.

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

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

[0278] That is, the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C (first substrate) and the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D (second substrate) are connected in a board-to-board manner in the board surface direction by a pair of first connectors CN5C1 and CN5D1 arranged on opposing sides.

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

[0280] The liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C, which is connected board-to-board to the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D, is fixed to the upper case 164U of the sub-controller substrate case 164 by inserting one mounting screw 201 into the screw hole 203 from the back surface 500Cb side and screwing the mounting screw 201 into the screw boss 202 for the liquid crystal CPU substrate of the upper case 164U of the sub-controller substrate case 164.

[0281] The liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D, which is connected board-to-board to the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C, has one mounting screw 204 inserted into the screw hole 206 from the back surface 500Db side, and the mounting screw 204 is screwed into the screw boss 205 for the liquid crystal ROM substrate of the upper case 164U of the sub-controller substrate case 164; in other words, by sufficiently tightening the mounting screw 204, there is no gap between the front surface 500Da of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D and the screw boss 205 for the liquid crystal ROM substrate, and there is no gap between the back surface 500Db of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D and the screw head of the mounting screw 204, and the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D is fixed to the upper case 164U of the sub-controller substrate case 164.

[0282] As described above, the protruding length h7 of the screw boss 202 for the liquid crystal CPU board from the upper case 164U is the same as the protruding length h7 of the screw boss 205 for the liquid crystal ROM board from the upper case 164U. Therefore, even when the liquid crystal CPU board 500C and the liquid crystal ROM board 500D are fixed to the upper case 164U of the sub-controller board case 164 while connected board-to-board with the first connector CN5C1 and the first connector CN5D1, the surface 500Ca of the liquid crystal CPU board 500C and the surface 500Da of the liquid crystal ROM board 500D can be fixed to the upper case 164U so that their heights are aligned (flush), thereby reducing the burden on the first connector CN5C1 and the first connector CN5D1.

[0283] <Sub-control board and LCD board / LCD CPU board, LCD control board> Next, the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D and the liquid crystal control substrate 500B will be described with reference to FIGS.

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

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

[0286] That is, the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C and the liquid crystal control substrate 500B are connected to each other in the thickness direction by a pair of second connector CN5C2 and fourth connector CN5B4 disposed on opposing surfaces.

[0287] According to this example, compared to when the liquid crystal CPU board 500C and the liquid crystal control board 500B are connected board-to-board in the board surface direction, the load on the second connector CN5C2 and the fourth connector CN5B4 can be reduced, and the board above in the board thickness direction (in this example, the liquid crystal control board 500B) can be supported by the board below in the board thickness direction, thereby preventing the board above in the board thickness direction (in this example, the liquid crystal CPU board 500C) from bending.

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

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

[0290] FIG. 9(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line YY in FIG. 7(b), showing the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D not positioned at the normal position.

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

[0292] The LCD CPU substrate 500C is supported below by the LCD control substrate 500B, while the LCD ROM substrate 500D is not supported below by the LCD control substrate 500B. Therefore, if the mounting screws 204 become loose due to aging or incorrect mounting, i.e., if the mounting screws 204 are not fastened properly, a gap will be created between the surface 500Da of the LCD ROM substrate 500D and the screw boss 205 for the LCD ROM substrate, and a gap will be created between the back surface 500Db of the LCD ROM substrate 500D and the head of the mounting screw 204, which may cause the position of the LCD ROM substrate 500D to change from the normal position shown in Figure 1(a) to the abnormal position shown in Figure 1(b).

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

[0294] In addition, in Figure 9(b), the dotted line indicated by the symbol B' indicates the position of the surface 500Da of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D when the mounting screw 204 loosens, causing the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D to bend downward and the non-component area 500Db2 on the back surface 500Db of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D to abut the tip of the electrolytic capacitor 189 on the liquid crystal control substrate 500B, and the dotted line indicated by the symbol B indicates the position of the top surface of the first connector CN5D1 when the non-component area 500Db2 on the back surface 500Db of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D abuts the tip of the electrolytic capacitor 189 on the liquid crystal control substrate 500B.

[0295] 9(b), the dotted line indicated by the symbol C' indicates the position of the surface 500Da of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D when the first connector CN5D1 of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D bends downward until it reaches its maximum movable position, assuming that a component (in this example, the electrolytic capacitor 189) that restricts the bending of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D is not mounted on the liquid crystal control substrate 500B, and the dotted line indicated by the symbol C indicates the position of the upper surface of the first connector CN5D1 when the first connector CN5D1 is located at its maximum movable position (the position to which it has moved furthest without releasing the board-to-board connection with the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C). The movable range of the first connector CN5D1 (floating connector) is approximately ±0.5 mm in the X direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 9(b)) and approximately ±0.5 mm in the Y direction (the up-down direction in FIG. 9(b)).

[0296] According to this example, even if the mounting screws 204 become loose due to aging or incorrect mounting, and the surface 500Da of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D bends to the position indicated by the symbol B' in Figure 9(b), the non-component area 500Db2 on the back surface 500Db of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D will abut against the electrolytic capacitor 189 of the liquid crystal control substrate 500B, so that the components mounted on the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D will not come into contact with components other than the electrolytic capacitor 189 of the liquid crystal control substrate 500B, thereby avoiding electrical malfunctions or damage due to contact between components.

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

[0298] <Sub-control board and LCD board / LCD CPU board, LCD control board / Summary> As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine including a first board (for example, the liquid crystal CPU board 500C shown in FIG. 9(a)), a second board (for example, the liquid crystal ROM board 500D shown in FIG. 9(a)), and a housing (for example, the sub-controller board case 164 shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8(a)), and the first board and the second board are connected to a pair of connectors (for example, the first connector CN5C1 of the liquid crystal CPU board 500C shown in FIG. 9(a) and the first connector CN5C2 of the liquid crystal ROM board 500D shown in FIG. 9(a)) that are arranged to face each other. CN5D1) in the board surface direction, the first substrate and the second substrate are substrates housed in the container in a board-to-board connected state, the first substrate and the second substrate are substrates in which one connector constituting the pair of connectors is disposed on each of the first surfaces (for example, the surface 500Ca of the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C and the surface 500Da of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D shown in FIG. 9(a)), and the container has a second surface side (for example, the second surface side 9(a)) from the rear surface 500Cb side of the liquid crystal CPU substrate 500C shown in FIG. 9(a), the rear surface 500Db side of the liquid crystal ROM substrate 500D shown in FIG. 9(b), or the outer wall side of the lower case 164D of the sub-controller substrate case 164 shown in FIG. 9(b). In this case, when the second substrate is sufficiently fixed by the fixing member (for example, the state shown by symbol A' in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b)), the first surface of the second substrate is in contact with the first surface of the first substrate. In a state where the second substrate is positioned on approximately the same line as the first substrate and the fixing member is not sufficiently fixed (for example, the state shown by symbol B' in Figure 9(b)), the first surface of the second substrate is inclined toward the side where the fixing member is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the "first side") relative to the first surface of the first substrate, and the first side is provided with a first contact portion (for example, electrolytic capacitor 189 shown in Figure 9(a), a portion spanning multiple components, or at least a part of a component such as a case or connector) that can be contacted while the second substrate is inclined.

[0299] Here, "a state in which the second substrate is sufficiently fixed by the fixing means" refers to, for example, a state in which the second substrate is fixed in a clamped state between the fixing means and the container, and no gap is created that allows the second substrate to move under its own weight toward the side where the fixing means is inserted (to tilt relative to the first substrate), and "a state in which the second substrate is not sufficiently fixed by the fixing means" refers to, for example, a state in which the second substrate is fixed in a clamped state between the fixing means and the container, but a gap is created that allows the second substrate to move under its own weight toward the side where the fixing means is inserted (to tilt relative to the first substrate).

[0300] Board-to-board connections connect two boards with connectors in the board surface direction or board thickness direction. These board-to-board connections are also used for main control boards or boards related to main control related to game progress, and performance control boards or boards related to performance. However, with the increase in the amount of performance, the number of components increases and communication speeds become faster and more stable, so boards related to performance control may be configured as multi-layer boards or double-sided boards.

[0301] Multilayer or double-sided boards may have a mixture of 2, 4, and 6 layers, and the thickness of each board may vary. Even if the thickness of the base material that makes up the board is the same, the actual thickness will differ depending on the number of wiring layers. Furthermore, boards connected board-to-board will have different weights due to differences in the number of components mounted, component types, board size, etc.

[0302] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, when connecting boards of different thicknesses or boards of different weights or sizes, etc., when the boards are connected to each other by a pair of connectors and are housed in a housing, the first surface of the first board on which the pair of connectors are arranged and the first surface of the second board can be fixed to the housing so that they are at the same height (flush), thereby reducing the load on the pair of connectors connecting the first board and the second board to each other. Furthermore, even if the second board is not sufficiently fixed due to aging or installation errors, the load on the connector can be reduced by the first component, thereby preventing the board-to-board connection between the first board and the second board from coming loose.

[0303] The first contact portion may have a height that allows it to come into contact with the second substrate before the second substrate reaches the maximum tilt position.

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

[0305] Furthermore, the second substrate may not be provided with any component that can come into contact with the first contact portion when the second substrate is not sufficiently fixed by the fixing member.

[0306] With this configuration, electrical problems and damage caused by contact between components can be avoided.

[0307] The display device may also include a third substrate (for example, the liquid crystal control substrate 500B shown in FIG. 9(a)), the third substrate being a substrate positioned opposite the second surface of the second substrate, and the first contact portion being a component disposed on the third substrate.

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

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

[0310] With this configuration, the load on the pair of connectors can be reduced compared to when two boards are connected board-to-board in the board surface direction, and the board above in the board thickness direction can be supported by the board below in the board thickness direction, preventing the board above in the board thickness direction from bending.

[0311] Furthermore, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferred actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. Note that even if a component element is included only in the description of the above-described embodiments, examples, modifications, various examples, and supplementary notes, that component element may be applied to other embodiments, examples, modifications, various examples, and supplementary notes. In other words, unless there are factors preventing the application, even if a component element included only in the description of the embodiments, examples, modifications, various examples, and supplementary notes is applied to other embodiments, examples, modifications, various examples, and supplementary notes, it still constitutes a unified technical idea.

[0312] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0313] The slot machine described below employs a so-called medal-less configuration, which uses information equivalent to the number of actual medals (virtual medal count), and in the following description, this information will be referred to as "medal count."

[0314] [First embodiment] The slot machine of this embodiment is a gaming machine in which a predetermined number of gaming medals are inserted, and multiple reels each bearing multiple types of patterns begin to rotate upon receiving a predetermined rotation start instruction operation, and based on the reception of the rotation start instruction operation, a lottery is held to determine whether multiple types of internal winning combinations have been won, and each of the multiple reels stops spinning individually upon receiving a predetermined rotation stop instruction operation.If the conditions determined by the combination of patterns when the multiple reels stop based on the result of the lottery meet the predetermined payout conditions, a process to pay out the number of gaming medals is executed and the game ends, but if they do not meet the predetermined payout conditions, the process to pay out the number of gaming medals is not executed and the game ends;

[0315] Conventionally, there are gaming machines that display the number of coins won during advantageous gaming states such as during automatic timers (AT) or bonuses, giving players a sense of satisfaction. However, this satisfaction can only be felt when a certain number of coins has been won (for example, 500 coins, 1000 coins, etc.). On the other hand, if the number of coins won is small (for example, 50 or 100), it is likely that the player will feel dissatisfied rather than satisfied, so there is a risk that displaying the number of coins won will upset the player.

[0316] In addition, in the past, if a bet amount that could not be played (a bet amount that did not meet the specified amount) was set, the demo screen was not displayed. Therefore, if a game was finished with a bet amount that could not be played, the game machine was not recognized as an empty machine and was left as an empty machine for a long time.

[0317] In this embodiment, a gaming machine that can solve the above problem is provided.

[0318] <Overall structure> First, the basic configuration of the slot machine 100 and the basic configuration of the lending machine 700 will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 and the lending machine 700 as viewed from the front side (player side).

[0319] The slot machine 100 shown in Figure 10 corresponds to an example of the gaming machine of the present invention, and includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 attached to the front side of the main body 101 and capable of opening and closing relative to the main body 101. Three reels (left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112) with multiple types of symbols arranged on their outer peripheries are housed inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), and are configured to be rotatable inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are driven to rotate by a drive device such as a stepping motor.

[0320] In this embodiment, an appropriate number of each symbol is printed at equal intervals on a strip-shaped member, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame to form each of the reels 110 to 112. When viewed by a player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are displayed in approximately three rows vertically through a display window 113, making a total of nine symbols visible. The symbol displayed on the top row of the left reel 110 is called the left reel top symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle row of the left reel 110 is called the left reel middle symbol, the symbol displayed on the bottom row of the left reel 110 is called the left reel bottom symbol, the symbol displayed on the top row of the middle reel 111 is called the middle reel top symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle row of the left reel 111 is called the middle reel middle symbol, the symbol displayed on the bottom row of the middle reel 111 is called the middle reel bottom symbol, the symbol displayed on the top row of the right reel 112 is called the right reel top symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle row of the right reel 112 is called the right reel middle symbol, and the symbol displayed on the bottom row of the right reel 112 is called the right reel bottom symbol. Each symbol on each reel 110 to 112 is displayed three vertically on each of the reels 110 to 112 through the display window 113, for a total of nine symbols. By spinning each of the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols that the player can see changes. That is, each of the reels 110-112 functions as a display device that variably displays a combination of multiple types of symbols. In addition to reels, 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 FIG. 10 has three reels located inside the center of the slot machine 100, the number of reels and the installation positions of the reels are not limited to this.

[0321] A backlight (not shown) is disposed on the back of each of the reels 110-112 to illuminate the individual symbols displayed in the display window 113. It is desirable that the backlight be shielded for each symbol so that each symbol can be evenly illuminated. An optical sensor (not shown) consisting of a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section is disposed near each of the reels 110-112 within the slot machine 100, and a light-shielding piece of a certain length attached to the reel passes between the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section of the optical sensor. The rotational position of the symbols on the reels is determined based on the detection results of the optical sensor, and the reels 110-112 are stopped so that the desired symbols are displayed on the pay line.

[0322] The payline indicator lamp 120 indicates the active paylines. A payline is a line that determines whether a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination is displayed. The active paylines are predetermined based on the number of medals bet as gaming media. There are five paylines. For example, if one medal is bet, the middle horizontal payline is active. If two medals are bet, the upper horizontal payline and the lower horizontal payline are active, resulting in three active paylines. If three medals are bet, the lower right-hand side payline and the upper right-hand side payline are active, resulting in five active paylines. The number of paylines is not limited to five. For example, if one medal is bet, the five active paylines may be the middle horizontal payline, the upper horizontal payline, the lower horizontal payline, the lower right-hand side payline, and the upper right-hand side payline. Hereinafter, the active paylines may be referred to as active lines.

[0323] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that notifies the player that, for example, a specific winning combination (for example, a bonus combination or a special combination) has been internally won in an internal lottery described below, or that this internal winning state has been carried over. The medal insertion possible lamp 124 is a lamp that notifies the player that a game medal can be inserted. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (no medal insertion is necessary) if a replay combination, which is one of the winning combinations, was won in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for presentation purposes.

[0324] The bet button 130 or 132 is a button for inserting a predetermined number of medals (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 10, each press of the bet button 130 inserts one medal. Pressing the button once inserts one medal, pressing it once again inserts an additional medal (total of two medals), and pressing it once again inserts an additional medal (total of three medals). Pressing the bet button 132 inserts three medals. Hereinafter, the bet button 130 may be referred to as the "1-coin bet button," and the bet button 132 may be referred to as the "MAX bet button." The game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals. When the specified number of medals have been inserted, the game start lamp 121 lights up, indicating that a game can be started. Note that the slot machine 100 of this embodiment is a gaming machine exclusively for betting three medals, so the specified number of medals is three.

[0325] The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) as numerical values. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to a player as a result of winning some kind of winning combination. Note that hereinafter, the expression "given to the player" may also be used to mean the same thing as "paid out to the player." The game information display 126 and the payout number display 127 are configured as 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0326] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. In other words, when the bet button 130 or 132 is operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is called the operation to start a game.

[0327] The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137-139, each consisting of a left stop button 137, a center stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 137-139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110-112 that have started spinning by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with each of the reels 110-112. More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the left stop button 137, the center reel 111 can be stopped by operating the center stop button 138, and the right reel 112 can be stopped by operating the right stop button 139. Hereinafter, operations of the stop buttons 137-139 are referred to as stop operations, with the first stop operation being referred to as the first stop operation, the next stop operation being referred to as the second stop operation, and the final stop operation being referred to as the third stop operation. The reels stopped in response to these stop operations are referred to as the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel, respectively. Furthermore, the order in which the stop buttons 137-139 are operated to stop all of the spinning reels 110-112 is referred to as the operation sequence or push sequence. Furthermore, the operation sequence in which the first stop operation is the stop operation for the left reel 110, the second stop operation is the stop operation for the center reel 111, and the third stop operation is the stop operation for the right reel 112 is referred to as the "forward push operation sequence" or simply "forward push," and the stop operation in which the first stop operation is the stop operation for the right reel 112, the second stop operation is the stop operation for the center reel 111, and the third stop operation is the stop operation for the left reel 110 is referred to as the "reverse push operation sequence" or simply "reverse push." ​​Note that light-emitting elements may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137-139, and when the stop buttons 137-139 can be operated, the light-emitting elements can be lit to notify the player.

[0328] The instruction monitor 125 is a display for displaying information about the operation sequence (press order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139. This instruction monitor 125 is also configured with a 7-segment (SEG) display. For example, when instructing to operate the left stop button 137, the middle stop button 138, and the right stop button 139 in that order, the instruction monitor 125 displays "1," and when instructing to operate the left stop button 137, the right stop button 139, and the middle stop button 138 in that order, the instruction monitor 125 displays "2."

[0329] The settlement button 134 is a button for returning inserted game medals (number of bets) to the medal number control unit 350. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted.

[0330] The game medal count display device 170 is a five-digit seven-segment (SEG) display, and is a device that displays the game medal count recorded in the medal count control unit 350 shown in FIG.

[0331] The count button 171 is an operation means for transmitting information on the number of game medals recorded in the medal count control unit 350 shown in FIG.

[0332] Below the stop button unit 136, there is provided a title panel 162 on which the model name is displayed and various certificate stamps are attached.

[0333] The sound hole 145 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker 277 (see FIG. 11) provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for livening up the game. A performance device 160 is provided above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 for outputting the sound of a speaker 272 (see FIG. 11) to the outside is provided above the performance device 160. This effect device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two shutters, a right shutter 163a and a left shutter 163b, which can be opened and closed horizontally, and an effect image display device 157 (liquid crystal display device) disposed behind the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the effect image display device 157, the display screen of the effect image display device 157 appears in front of the slot machine 100 (on the player's side, front side). Note that the display device does not have to be a liquid crystal display device; any display device capable of displaying various effect images and various game information may be used. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen may be used. The display screen is rectangular and configured so that the entire screen can be viewed by the player. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. In addition, decorations (not shown) may be provided around the periphery of the display screen, so that part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decorations, making the display screen appear irregularly shaped. In this embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface. This effect image display device 157 corresponds to an example of an effect means.

[0334] 10 is sometimes called a card unit and corresponds to an example of the gaming media management device of the present invention. This lending machine 700 is installed in a one-to-one relationship with the slot machine 100.

[0335] The lending machine 700 accepts cards. There are two types of "cards" referred to here. One is a visitor card (also called a general card) with a prepaid function, which is a gaming storage medium issued to general players who are not registered as members. The other is a membership card, which is a gaming storage medium issued to member players who have registered as members at the gaming facility. An IC card is used as the card.

[0336] The card stores a value, which includes the "number of medals held" and the "money balance," which is the balance of prepaid money.

[0337] The lending machine 700 that accepts a card has the function of converting the "number of possessed medals" stored on the card into the "number of gaming medals (number of credits)." The "number of gaming medals (number of credits)" is data that can be used to set the bet amount and can also be converted into the "number of possessed medals." The "number of gaming medals" can be obtained by debiting the "money balance" or "number of possessed medals" on the card. The "number of gaming medals" also includes the number of medals won by winning. This "number of gaming medals" is managed by the medal count control unit 350 shown in FIG. 11, and is the number of electronic medals (amount of electronic gaming value) electromagnetically stored. By inserting medals using the bet buttons 130, 132, the "number of gaming medals" is subtracted.

[0338] The "number of medals held" is a value obtained by converting the "number of gaming medals (number of credits)" into a numerical value. This "number of medals possessed" is stored in a manner that allows it to be specified by the player's card. In other words, by operating the counting button 171, the "number of game medals" is converted into the "number of medals possessed" and can be stored on the card. The "number of medals possessed" may also be managed by a management device for managing the number of medals possessed that is installed in the gaming facility.

[0339] The front side of the lending machine 700 is provided with a bill insertion slot 701 at the top for inserting bills and a card insertion slot 702 at the bottom for inserting cards. A membership card or visitor card inserted into this card insertion slot 702 is accepted by a card reader / writer, and the information stored on the card is read. The authenticity and type of bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 701 are identified, and the face value of the bill is stored as the "money balance" on the card inserted into the card insertion slot 702.

[0340] An information display 703 is provided below the bill insertion slot 701. This information display 703 is a display that provides operation guidance for the lending machine 700 and the status of the slot machine 100 by means of text and images. The surface may be configured as a touch panel, and various operations may be input by touching various displayed display items with a finger.

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

[0342] A lending button 707 and a card return button 708 are provided in the vertical center of the lending machine 700. The lending button 707 is an operating means for withdrawing the "money balance" stored in the card inserted into the card insertion slot 702 to obtain the "number of game medals." Specifically, if there is a "money balance" on the card inserted into the card insertion slot 702, an LED lamp built into the lending button 707 lights up in a manner indicating that withdrawal is possible. By operating the loan button 707 in this state, the "number of game medals" is increased according to the amount of money withdrawn. For example, a predetermined amount of 1,000 yen is added to the "number of game medals." Furthermore, if the "money balance" of the card is less than a predetermined amount (for example, less than 1,000 yen), only the "number of game medals" converted from the current balance at a predetermined rate is added. Note that even if the "money balance" of the card is less than the predetermined amount, the "number of possessed medals" stored in the card may be replenished, and the "number of game medals" equivalent to the predetermined amount may be added. The card return button 708 is operated when the player ends the game, and is an operating means for storing the "number of possessed medals" determined at the end of the game into the card inserted in the card insertion slot 702 and ejecting it. The "number of possessed medals" determined at the end of a game is the number of medals obtained by subtracting the number of medals converted to the "number of game medals" from the "number of possessed medals" stored on the card inserted into the card slot 702, and then adding the number of game medals counted by the counting operation. The data for "money balance," "number of possessed medals," and "number of game medals" described above are converted in the following order: "money balance" and "number of possessed medals" → "number of game medals" → "number of possessed medals." In this way, the "number of possessed medals" specified by the card is converted into the "number of game medals," and the slot machine 100 of this embodiment can set the number of bets using this "number of game medals." This makes it possible to provide a new slot machine (controlled gaming machine) that does not use real medals, without causing confusion to players accustomed to conventional slot machines in which players are loaned real medals, insert the real medals to secure credits, and use the credits to set the number of bets.

[0343] Although this specification does not refer to the "number of saved medals," this "number of saved medals" is not stored on the card, but rather refers to the number of medals that the player has deposited in the gaming facility. In the gaming facility, the number of medals that the player has acquired through games may be managed as "points" by the hall management terminal or other management computer for the day, and may be managed as the "number of saved medals" from the day after the acquisition. When both the "number of saved medals" and the "number of owned medals" are stored, priority is given to deducting from the "number of owned medals." Furthermore, both the "number of owned medals" and the "number of saved medals" may be stored in a host server (not shown) in association with the card number. In the case of a visitor card, the "number of owned medals" is stored directly on the visitor card, but the "number of owned medals" may also be stored in an upper server in association with the card number. When storing the card number in the upper server, data that can identify the time when the card was stored in the upper server may be written to the card (membership card, visitor card) and then discharged. Also, the "money balance" is written directly to the card (membership card, visitor card) and then discharged. The "number of medals held" is stored in the card (membership card, visitor card) or the upper server, for example, when the counting button 171 is operated and the counting process is performed. However, instead of this, the information may be stored all at once when the card is returned. Furthermore, when a player finishes playing and returns the card from the lending machine 700, the "number of medals in possession" stored in the lending machine 700 is temporarily stored as saved medals in the hall management terminal 800, and when the player inserts the card again into the same or a different lending machine 700 on the same day that the card is returned, only the "number of medals in possession" for that day that was temporarily stored as saved medals is stored again in the lending machine 700, and the "number of medals played" is added within the range of the "number of medals in possession" so that the player can play.

[0344] The rental machine 700 may also be provided with an IR photosensitive unit that receives infrared signals from a remote control carried by an attendant at the game center, converts them into electronic signals, and outputs them.

[0345] Furthermore, in the lending machine 700 shown in FIG. 10, the lending of "game medal count" was possible by operating the lending button 707 and debiting the "money balance" stored on the card. However, it may also be possible to debit the "owned medal count" recorded on the card and convert it into "game medal count." Specifically, a medal button is provided on the lending machine 700, and if the card inserted in the card insertion slot 702 contains "owned medal count," an LED lamp built into the owned medal button lights up in a manner indicating that withdrawal is possible. By operating the owned medal button in this state, if the owned medal count is equal to or exceeds a predetermined number (e.g., 50), the "game medal count" is increased by a predetermined number (e.g., 50). Furthermore, the number of owned medals acquired by the player during play as described above is stored on the card as "owned points" for the day, or is managed by the hall management terminal 800 or other management computer, and a replay button is provided on the lending machine 700. If there are "points," the LED lamp built into the replay button will light up in a manner indicating that withdrawal is possible. By operating the replay button in this state, a predetermined number (for example, 50) of "game medals" may be added.

[0346] <Circuit configuration of control unit> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 11. Note that Figure 11 shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

[0347] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main presentation in response to command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") sent by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on the commands sent from the first sub-control unit 400. With regard to the main control unit 300, if the data capacity becomes too large it becomes difficult to verify the program and it can also become a breeding ground for illegal modifications, which can lead to security issues, so there are limits on the data capacity of the ROM 306 and RAM 308 of the main control unit 300.

[0348] <Main control unit> First, we will explain the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100. The main control unit 300 has a game control unit 302 that controls the progress of the game and a medal count control unit 350 that controls the number of game medals owned by the player. The game control unit 302 corresponds to an example of game control means, and the medal count control unit 350 corresponds to an example of game value number control means. The game control unit 302 is equipped with a CPU 304, a ROM 306 that stores control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery for winning combinations, reel symbol arrangements and stop positions, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling input and output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, etc., and a WDT (watchdog timer) (not shown). Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and the same applies to the medal count control unit 350, first sub-control unit 400, and second sub-control unit 500, which will be described later. The CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 operates by receiving a clock signal with a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator (not shown) as a system clock. Furthermore, when the CPU 304 is powered on, it transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time. The CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits drive pulses in response to the interrupt request. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1 / 256, and the frequency division data in the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference time for the interrupt is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz = 1.504 ms.

[0349] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a random number generating circuit (not shown) which is used as a hardware random number counter that fluctuates values ​​within the range of 0 to 65535 based on a clock signal input from a crystal oscillator (not shown), and a start-up signal output circuit (not shown) which outputs a start-up signal (reset signal) when power is turned on, and the CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 starts game control when a start-up signal is input from this start-up signal output circuit.

[0350] The CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 also monitors the states of the bet buttons 130, 132, the start lever 135, the stop buttons 137-139, and the settlement button 134 at each interrupt time. For example, when it detects that the bet buttons 130, 132 have been turned on, it executes a process of electronically inserting medals stored electronically in the medal count control unit 350 as medals to be inserted into the game. When it detects that the start lever 135 has been turned on, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random number generation circuit. Upon receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores random numbers to be used in the lottery. When it detects that the left stop button 137, the center stop button 138, or the right stop button 139 has been turned on, it executes control to stop the reels 110-112 corresponding to each stop button if they are in a stoppable state. When it is detected that the settlement button 134 has been turned on, a process of electronically returning the inserted gaming medals to the medal count control unit 350 is executed.

[0351] The CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 also monitors the status of various sensors 318 (such as the optical sensor of the left reel 110, the optical sensor of the center reel 111, and the optical sensor of the right reel 112) at each interrupt time. The optical sensors of the left reel 110, the center reel 111, and the right reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of the reels 110-112, and turn L level each time a light-shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes by. Rotational position information indicating how far the reel has rotated from the reference position between the time it turns L level and the time it next turns L level is calculated based on the count value of the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b. When the CPU 304 detects the L level signal, it determines that the reel has made one rotation and resets the reel rotational position information to zero. This rotational position information is stored in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300.

[0352] The main control unit 300 includes a drive circuit 322 that drives the motors provided on the reels 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 that drives display devices such as the instruction monitor 125, game information display 126, and payout number display 127, and a drive circuit 326 that drives various lamps 336 (winning line display lamp 120, notification lamp 123, game medal insertion possible lamp 124, replay lamp 122, game medal insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, etc.).

[0353] Furthermore, the slot machine 100 has setting values ​​that vary in the degree of advantage to the player. Setting 1 to Setting 6 are available as setting values. The higher the setting value, the greater the advantage to the player tends to be. Specifically, an internal winning probability is determined for each setting value. Even if the internal winning probability is the same for each setting value, setting differences may be provided for lotteries related to AT, such as AT transition lotteries and AT addition lotteries, and lotteries related to CZ, such as CZ transition lotteries and high-probability transition lotteries that give an advantage to CZ transitions. A setting change button 175, which is operated when changing the setting value, is connected to the game control unit 302.

[0354] In addition, an information output circuit 328 is connected to the game control unit 302, and the main control unit 300 outputs game information (e.g., information indicating the game status) of the slot machine 100 to an information input circuit 650 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 328.

[0355] In addition, the main control unit 300 is equipped with a voltage monitoring circuit (not shown) that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied to the main control unit 300 from the power management unit (not shown), and this voltage monitoring circuit outputs a low voltage signal indicating a drop in voltage to each of the game control unit 302 and the medal count control unit 350 when the voltage value of the power supply is below a predetermined value (e.g., 9V).

[0356] In addition, the main control unit 300 is equipped with an output interface for sending commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but is configured so that signals such as commands cannot be sent from the first sub-control unit 400 to the main control unit 300.

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

[0358] The CPU 354 of the medal count control unit 350 also has a start-up signal output circuit (not shown) that outputs a start-up signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on, and the CPU 354 of the medal count control unit 350 also starts medal count control when a start-up signal is input from this start-up signal output circuit.

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

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

[0361] The medal count control unit 350 transmits various commands to the game control unit 302. The game control unit 302 also transmits various commands to the medal count control unit 350. In other words, communication between the medal count control unit 350 and the game control unit 302 is also two-way communication.

[0362] Furthermore, the medal count control unit 350 stores the "number of game medals" in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 358. Specifically, the "number of game medals" is stored in a credit counter. The medal count control unit 350 updates the "number of game medals" stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 358 by addition processing or subtraction processing. Examples of addition processing include processing based on a payout command sent from the game control unit 302, processing based on a settlement command sent from the game control unit 302, and processing based on a lending notification sent from the lending machine 700. On the other hand, examples of subtraction processing include counting processing based on operation of the count button 171 and processing based on an insertion command sent from the game control unit 302.

[0363] The medal count clear button 172 shown in FIG. 11 is located in a position where it cannot be operated by a player (for example, in a position where it cannot be operated without opening the front door 102), and is an operating means for clearing the "medal count" stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 358. For example, if a player leaves the room with "2" remaining in the medal count, it becomes difficult to determine whether the player who left "2" intends to continue playing, and another player is unable to start playing. However, if the medal count can be cleared by a store clerk's operation, another player can be welcomed sooner. Note that the "medal count" does not necessarily have to be cleared when the medal count clear button 172 is operated. For example, it may be cleared when the medal count is two or less, and counted in the same way as when the count button 171 is operated when three or more medals are remaining. If the counting button 171 malfunctions and cannot recognize that it has been operated, the "number of game medals" cannot be converted to the "number of held medals," potentially causing a disadvantage to the player. However, if counting can be performed by a store clerk, this does not cause any disadvantage to the player. Furthermore, there is no need to provide a new counting button for store clerks, which does not increase costs. Instead of distinguishing between clearing and counting based on the number of game medals, clearing and counting may be determined by the method of operation of the game medal count clear button 172. For example, clearing occurs when the game medal count clear button 172 is pressed briefly, and counting occurs when the game medal count clear button 172 is pressed for a long time. Either clearing or counting can be easily selected regardless of the number of game medals. Furthermore, clearing occurs when only the game medal count clear button 172 is pressed, and counting occurs when the game medal count clear button 172 and another button are pressed simultaneously. The possibility of operating the game medal count clear button 172 incorrectly is reduced, making it easy to select either clearing or counting.

[0364] <Sub-controller> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 receives control commands sent by the main control unit 300 (game control unit 302) via an input interface. The first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on these control commands. This basic circuit 402 is equipped with a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, data for controlling the backlight lighting pattern and various displays, etc.

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

[0366] The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with an audio amplifier IC 418, which is connected to speakers 272, 277 via an output interface. The audio amplifier IC 418 controls the audio output from the amplifier and speakers 272, 277 in response to commands from the CPU 404. An S-ROM (sound ROM) in which audio data is stored is connected to the audio amplifier IC 418, and audio data acquired from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from the speakers 272, 277. These speakers 272 and 277 correspond to an example of a performance means.

[0367] The first sub-controller 400 is also provided with a drive circuit 422, and various lamps 420 (upper lamps, lower lamps, side lamps 144, title panel lamps, bet button lamps, reel backlights, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface. The various lamps 420 correspond to an example of a performance means.

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

[0369] The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a sensor circuit 426, and a shutter sensor 428 is connected to the sensor circuit 426 via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 428 at each interrupt time.

[0370] The CPU 404 also transmits and receives signals to the second sub-control unit 500 via the output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of the performance device 160, including display control of the performance image display device 157. The second sub-control unit 500 may be configured with multiple control units, such as a control unit that controls the display of the performance image display device 157 and a control unit that controls various performance drive devices (for example, a control unit that controls the motor drive of the shutter 163).

[0371] The second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a basic circuit 502 that receives control commands sent by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on these control commands. This basic circuit 502 is equipped with a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 512 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock. The ROM 506 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, etc.

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

[0373] The second sub-control unit 500 is also provided with a VDP 516 (video display processor), which is connected to the ROM 506 and VRAM 518 via a bus. The VDP 516 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on a signal from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of ​​the VRAM 518, and displays the image on the performance image display device 157.

[0374] <Demo screen transition> Next, a demo screen transition according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. As mentioned above, the slot machine 100 is a three-coin bet-only machine.

[0375] In this embodiment, the demo screen is started (A) after the number of medals won on the day (MY) has reached a predetermined number L, and (1) when the waiting time M has elapsed since all reels stopped, (2) when the number of bets (number of wagers) is not the specified number, that is, when the number of bets is 1 or 2 and the waiting time M has elapsed since the medal was inserted, or (3) when the waiting time M has elapsed since any operation was performed on the gaming machine.

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

[0377] Here, MY refers to the number of medals acquired from the point where the difference in number of medals on that day (the cumulative value of the difference between the number of medals inserted and the number of medals paid out in one game (number of medals paid out - number of medals inserted)) is the smallest (the point where the game was most successful). Also, the stopping of all reels refers to a state where the game is waiting to start, and more precisely, it means that the medal insertion enable lamp 124 is lit.

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

[0379] Fig. 12(B) shows a time chart relating to the transition of demo screens in the case of a conventional bet of 2. In the past, when medals less than the specified number were bet, as shown in Fig. 12(B), even at time t5 when the waiting time M has elapsed since time t4 when the bet was made, demo screen d2 was not displayed, and game screen d1 continued to be displayed. In other words, in the past, when medals less than the specified number were bet, demo screen d2 was not displayed.

[0380] Therefore, in the past, even if a game was finished with fewer than the required number of medals bet, the demo screen would not be displayed, making it difficult to recognize the machine as vacant, and there was a problem that the machine would be left vacant for a long time.

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

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

[0383] In the slot machine 100 of this embodiment, even if the number of credits is one or two, the bet button 132 can be operated, and one or two medals equal to the number of credits can be inserted.

[0384] Here, the configuration and display example of the demo screen d2 will be described with reference to the above-mentioned FIGS. 12(A), 13(A), and 13(B).

[0385] Fig. 13(B-1) shows a display example of the game screen d1, and Figs. 13(B-2) to (B-4) show display examples of the demo screen d2. As shown in Figs. 12(A) and 13(A), the demo screen d2 of this embodiment is specifically composed of a performance introduction display screen d2A, a machine name display screen d2B, a warning display screen d2C, and a company name display screen d2D. Each demo screen is controlled to be displayed cyclically in the following order over a predetermined display time: performance introduction display screen d2A → machine name display screen d2B → warning display screen d2C → company name display screen d2D → performance introduction display screen d2A → ...

[0386] As shown in Fig. 13(B-2), the effect introduction display screen d2A is a demo display screen that introduces the effects executed in the slot machine 100. The model name display screen d2B is a demo display screen that displays the model name of the slot machine 100 (not shown). As shown in Fig. 13(B-3), the caution display screen d2C is a demo display screen that displays a message that warns players against becoming addicted to playing games (for example, "Be careful not to become addicted!"). The company name display screen d2D is a demo display screen that displays the name of the company that manufactures and sells the slot machine 100 (not shown).

[0387] Furthermore, the demo screen d2 of this embodiment displays a maximum number display d10, as shown in Fig. 12(A) and Fig. 13(A). The maximum number display d10 is an image that displays the maximum MY value for the day. The maximum number display d10 of this embodiment is displayed when the maximum MY value is 1000 or more, and is not displayed when the maximum MY value is less than 1000, so the value displayed in the maximum number display d10 is a value of 1000 or more. As shown in Figs. 13(B-2) to (B-4), the maximum number display d10 is displayed together with the demo screen d2.

[0388] As a result, according to the present embodiment, the maximum coin count display d10 is displayed on the demo screen d2 only when the winning number of coins is such that the player feels satisfied, so that a player who views the maximum coin count display d10 will not have a negative impression. Also, when the demo screen d2 is displayed during non-play, the maximum coin count display d10 is displayed only when the maximum MY value of the day is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (1000 coins), so that an available machine can be promoted as a "machine that will pay out" and an incentive to play can be achieved. Conversely, when the maximum MY value of the day is less than the predetermined number (1000 coins), the maximum coin count display d10 is not displayed, so that a player will not have a negative impression that it is a "machine that will not pay out."

[0389] In addition, since the maximum number display d10 is displayed using the liquid crystal display device 157 of the slot machine 100, an empty machine can be easily found without being distracted by the data display of each machine. As a result, trouble between customers, such as starting to play on a machine reserved by another player, can be prevented.

[0390] Furthermore, the maximum number of coins display d10 on the demo screen d2 eliminates the need for player operation compared to transitioning from a menu screen to display a ranking of the number of coins won, the number of coins won, the number of times the game has been controlled to an advantageous state, etc.

[0391] Furthermore, even if the game is ended with less than the specified number of medals bet, the screen will transition to the demo screen d2 and show the maximum number of medals d10, which prevents the machine from being left vacant for a long time and also encourages players to play.

[0392] In this embodiment, the maximum number display d10 is displayed on the performance introduction display screen d2A, the machine name display screen d2B, and the warning display screen d2C, but is not displayed on the company name display screen d2D, but is not limited to this. For example, the demo screen d2 may not be displayed on the warning display screen d2C, or the demo screen d2 may be displayed on the company name display screen d2D.

[0393] <Slump graph> Next, the display of the maximum number display d10 and the advance notification d20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is an example of a slump graph showing the transition of the difference in number of coins in the slot machine 100.

[0394] The slot machine 100 of this embodiment has a complete function. The complete function is a function that disables play on that day when the number of coins won (MY) for that day reaches a specified number MA (for example, 19,000 coins in this embodiment). The advance notification d20 is a display effect that notifies that the MY for that day is approaching the specified number MA. In this embodiment, when MY reaches 18,500 coins or more, the advance notification d20 begins to be executed, and the number of coins remaining up to the specified number MA is displayed.

[0395] Fig. 13(B-4) shows an example of the display of advance notification d20 on demo screen d2. As shown in Fig. 13(B-4), advance notification d20 is displayed together with maximum number display d10 on demo screen d2. Note that maximum number display d10 is displayed larger than advance notification d20, making it more noticeable than advance notification d20.

[0396] According to FIG. 14, the minimum difference in coins is -2000 at time T1, so MY is calculated based on the number of coins won from this minimum value of -2000. From time T0 to time T4, MY is 1000 or less, so the maximum coin count display d10 is not displayed on demo screen d2. Hereinafter, the section in which the maximum coin count display d10 is not displayed on demo screen d2 will be referred to as the "maximum coin count non-display section," and the section in which the maximum coin count display d10 is displayed on demo screen d2 will be referred to as the "maximum coin count display section." The section from time T0 to time T4 is the maximum coin count non-display section. On the other hand, the section from time T4 onwards is the section in which MY reaches 1000 or more, so it becomes the maximum coin count display section.

[0397] In the section from time T4 to time T5, the MY value increases, so the value of the maximum coin count display d10 is updated ("Maximum coin count update" shown in Figure 14). Then, at time T5, the maximum coin count display d10 is displayed as 1500. Next, in the section from time T5 to time T9, the MY value decreases or increases, but MY does not exceed 1500, so the value of the maximum coin count display d10 remains 1500 ("Maximum 1500" shown in Figure 14). In this way, even in sections where medals decrease, the maximum MY value up to that point is displayed, so the maximum coin count display d10 can be promoted as a machine with the potential to pay out.

[0398] In the section from time T9 to time T11, the MY value increases, so the value of the maximum coin count display d10 is updated. Here, the section from time T10 to time T11 is not in the AT state but in the normal state, but the number of medals won is slightly increasing, so the value of the maximum coin count display d10 is updated. In this embodiment, whether in the AT state or the normal state, the updated maximum coin count display d10 is displayed on the demo screen d2. Then, at time T11, the maximum coin count display d10 of 3020 is displayed. Next, in the section from time T11 to time T13, the MY value decreases or increases, but MY does not exceed 3020, so the value of the maximum coin count display d10 remains 3020 ("Maximum 3020 coins" shown in Figure 14).

[0399] In the section from time T13 to time T15, the MY value increases, so the value of the maximum number display d10 is updated. Here, the MY value reaches 18,500 at time T14, so the advance notification d20 begins to be displayed from time T14 onwards. The advance notification d20 is displayed until MY reaches 19,500. Furthermore, at time T15, the maximum number display d10 of 18,700 is displayed. Next, in the section from time T15 to time T17, the MY value decreases or increases, but MY does not exceed 18,700, so the value of the maximum number display d10 remains 18,700 ("Maximum 18,700" shown in Figure 14).

[0400] In this embodiment, the maximum number of coins display d10 starts to be displayed after the MY value for the day reaches 1,000 or more, thereby preventing the player from having a negative impression that the machine "doesn't pay out," thereby encouraging the player to play. Even if the MY value decreases, the maximum MY value up to that point continues to be displayed, so the machine can be promoted as having potential. Furthermore, when the MY value is 18,500 or more, the advance notice d20 is displayed along with the maximum number of coins display d10, allowing the player to grasp the number of coins remaining up to the specified number of coins of 19,000.

[0401] The slump graph in Figure 14 shows a case where the number of balls dispensed increases from time T8 onward. However, we will now consider a case where the number of balls dispensed does not increase after time T8. Even if the number of balls dispensed continues to decrease from time T8 onward and the difference in number of balls falls below -1500, the maximum number display d10 will still display "1500." This is because the maximum MY (the maximum increase from the minimum value) of 1500 has not been updated. For example, if the number of medals increases after the difference in number of balls reaches -3000, and the number of balls dispensed does not increase until the difference in number of balls reaches -1500, the maximum MY of 1500 is not updated, and the maximum number display d10 will display "1500." However, if the difference in number of balls dispensed increases beyond -1500, the maximum MY is updated to be greater than 1500, and the maximum number display d10 will display the updated maximum MY value.

[0402] <Slot machine operation> Maximum number update process Next, the maximum number update process will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the maximum number update process executed by the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400.

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

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

[0405] Next, when the wait ends, the main control unit 300 spins the reels 110-112 (step S104), and when a stop operation is received from a stop button 137-139 (step S105), the main control unit 300 stops the corresponding reel 110-112. The main control unit 300 performs a winning determination process based on the stopping state of all reels 110-112 and performs a medal payout process (step S106). In the winning determination process, if a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination is displayed on an activated winning line, it is determined that the winning combination has been won. In the medal payout process, if a winning combination that offers a payout has been won, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out. Also, in step S106, the main control unit 300 transmits the number of medals inserted BV and the number of medals paid out OV for the game to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0406] As a result, the first sub-control unit 400 receives the number of medals inserted BV and the number of medals paid out OV for the game (step S202), and calculates the number of medals remaining until the complete function is activated ZV (step S203). Specifically, the remaining number ZV = specified number MA - received MY value NV - (number of medals paid out OV - number of medals inserted BV). For example, if the specified number MA is 19,000, the MY value NV is 5,000, the number of medals inserted is 3, and the number of medals paid out is 10, the remaining number ZV is 13,993.

[0407] Next, the first sub-control unit 400 calculates a new MY value (hereinafter referred to as "current MY value") NV that reflects the current game. Specifically, current MY value NV = specified number of coins MA - remaining number of coins ZV. For example, if the specified number of coins MA is 19,000 and the remaining number of coins ZV calculated in step S203 is 13,993, the current MY value NV is 5,007 coins.

[0408] Next, the first sub-control unit 400 determines whether the current MY value NV is greater than the display value DV of the current maximum number display d10 (hereinafter also referred to as the "demo MY display value") (step S205). If the current MY value NV is greater than the demo MY display value DV (step S205: YES), the first sub-control unit 400 sets the current MY value NV to the demo MY display value DV (step S206); if not (step S205: NO), the first sub-control unit 400 terminates the maximum number update process.

[0409] On the other hand, after completing the process of step S106, the main control unit 300 executes a counter update process for calculating MY (step S107), and returns to step S101.

[0410] In this way, according to the maximum coin number update process of this embodiment, the demo MY display value is updated only when the current MY value is greater than the demo MY display value, so the demo MY display value will not decrease, but will only maintain its current state or increase. In other words, the maximum coin number display d10 displayed on the demo screen d2 will not decrease, which can encourage players to play.

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

[0412] The second sub-control unit 500 determines whether it has detected either a display marker or a non-display marker (steps S301 and S305). Here, the display marker is a marker indicating that the demo MY display value DV will start to be displayed on the screen while the demo screen d2 is being displayed, and the non-display marker is a marker indicating that the demo MY display value DV will start to be hidden on the screen. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16 (C-1), a display marker is attached to the beginning of the performance introduction screen d2A that constitutes the demo screen d2, and a non-display marker is attached to the beginning of the company name screen d2D. Therefore, when a display marker is detected on the currently displayed demo screen d2, control is performed so that the demo MY display value DV will be displayed on the screen thereafter, and when a non-display marker is detected, control is performed so that the demo MY display value DV will not be displayed on the screen thereafter.

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

[0414] Here, the extension command is a parameter associated with the LCD command as shown in FIG. 16B. A "Demo My Numeric Value" indicating the value of the Demo My Display Value DV and a "Demo My Color" indicating the color of the Demo My Display Value DV are stored in predetermined bit positions of the 1-byte LCD command. Specifically, the Demo My Color in this embodiment is set to display or hide depending on the Demo My Display Value DV, and to a value related to the color when displayed. Specifically, the Demo My Color is set as follows: (1) Hide when the Demo My Display Value DV is 999 or less; (2) Silver when 1000 or less Demo My Display Value DV is 2999; (3) Gold when 3000 or less Demo My Display Value DV is 4999; and (4) Rainbow when the Demo My Display Value DV is 5000 or more. In this way, display or hide and the display color are set in step S303.

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

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

[0417] Next, the second sub-control unit 500 executes a display update process (step S307). In the display update process, an image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157 based on the values ​​set in the liquid crystal display command.

[0418] As described above, according to the maximum number display process of this embodiment, the demo MY display value is displayed on the demo screen d2 only when the value is MY1000 or more, so that the number of balls dispensed can be appealed to the user on an empty machine, thereby encouraging the user to play. Also, since the display color is changed according to the value of the demo MY display value, the dispensed ball status can be appealed to the user visually by the display color. Furthermore, since the display and non-display of the demo MY display value are controlled by the display marker and non-display marker, it is possible to flexibly respond to changes in the configuration of the demo screen d2.

[0419] In this embodiment, even if the demo MY display value DV is less than 1000 sheets, the "demo MY value" is set, but the "demo MY color" is hidden, so that the maximum number display d10 is not displayed on the demo screen d2 (first method). However, other control methods may be used to prevent the maximum number display d10 from being displayed on the demo screen d2 when the demo MY display value DV is less than 1000 sheets. For example, when the demo MY display value DV is less than 1000 sheets, the "demo MY value" may not be set (second method). The first method has the advantage of reducing the amount of program code, but the disadvantage of displaying the maximum number display d10 at an unintended timing if there is a data error. On the other hand, the second method has the advantage of more reliably controlling display / hide, but the disadvantage of increasing the amount of program code due to the addition of a branching algorithm.

[0420] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 16(C-1), a display marker is placed at the beginning of the performance introduction screen d2A and a non-display marker is placed at the beginning of the company name screen d2D, but as shown in Fig. 7(C-2), a non-display marker may be placed at the beginning of the company name screen d2D and a display marker may be placed at the end of the company name screen d2D. The same control as that shown in Fig. 16(C-1) can be executed.

[0421] <Modification> In this embodiment, the maximum number display d10 displays the maximum MY value for the day, but it may also display the maximum payout number. Since the number of bets is not taken into account when it comes to the payout number, a larger number can be displayed, further emphasizing the appeal of the payout. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the maximum number display d10 reflects the difference in the number of medals acquired by irregular button presses, but the difference may not be reflected in the case of irregular button presses. It is possible to display a larger number of medals than the number of medals acquired displayed on the result screen at the end of a favorable game.

[0422] In this embodiment, if the number of coins bet is not the specified number, i.e., if the number of coins bet is 1 or 2, the demo screen is displayed when the waiting time M has elapsed since the coin was inserted. However, the demo screen may also be displayed when the number of coins bet is the specified number, i.e., if the number of coins bet is 3. Furthermore, the demo screen may also be displayed when the waiting time M has elapsed after a replay win. While the waiting time M is set to 1 minute in this embodiment, the waiting time M may be variable depending on the conditions. For example, the waiting time M may be 40 seconds for a 0-coin bet, 60 seconds for a 1- or 2-coin bet, or 120 seconds for a 3-coin bet (including replays). A shorter waiting time may be used for a 0-coin bet because the player is likely to stop playing, whereas a longer waiting time may be used for a 1-coin bet or greater because the player is likely to be temporarily away from their seat (especially if the number of coins bet is 3). This reduces the annoyance of frequently switching to the demo screen d2 even when the game is not stopped.

[0423] Furthermore, even if medals are stored in the medal count display device 170 (number of medals > 0), the demo screen may be started when the standby time M has elapsed. This configuration can prevent mischief such as a malicious player intentionally leaving only one medal behind and leaving the store, thereby reducing the operation of the gaming machine, more than a configuration in which the demo screen is not started when the medal count display device 170 shows "number of medals > 0."

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

[0425] Alternatively, if the medal count display device 170 indicates "number of medals > 0", the demo screen may be started when the waiting time M has elapsed on the condition that the number of bets is 0 (in other words, if the number of bets ≠ 0, the demo screen will not be started even if the waiting time M has elapsed), and this configuration can eliminate both the mischief and the trouble described above. Note that if the medal count display device 170 indicates "number of medals > 0", the demo screen may be started even if the number of bets ≠ 0.

[0426] Furthermore, the previous embodiments may be combined, and when the medal count display device 170 indicates "number of medals = 0" and a non-playable bet number is set, a demo screen may be started after the waiting time M has elapsed, and when the medal count display device 170 indicates "number of medals > 0", a demo screen may be started after the waiting time M has elapsed, provided that the bet number is 0.

[0427] Also, the demo screen may not be started depending on the game state at that time. For example, if the game state is a state in which the payout balls are increasing (during a bonus or AT), the demo screen may not be started even if the waiting time M has elapsed, while if the payout balls are not increasing, the demo screen may be started when the waiting time M has elapsed. Also, if a continuous effect spanning multiple games is being executed, the demo screen may not be started even if the waiting time M has elapsed, while if the continuous effect is not being executed, the demo screen may be started when the waiting time M has elapsed.

[0428] Furthermore, the result screen and the maximum number of coins display d10 displayed at the end of a favorable game may be displayed overlapping, or may not be displayed overlapping. In the former case, the number of coins won in the favorable game and the maximum number of coins won that day can be confirmed at the same time, so that the payout information can be confirmed all at once, and the trouble of operating a data lamp, for example, can be eliminated. In the latter case, the number of coins won is displayed multiple times, so that confusion for the player can be prevented. Furthermore, when the result screen is displayed, the waiting time M can be shortened. This allows the player to be informed early that the machine is vacant.

[0429] In addition, the configuration in which the number of coins is displayed or not displayed depending on the number of coins won may also be applied to the result screen. For example, if the result screen is composed of a "background screen + winning coin count display," if the number of winning coins in a favorable game such as a bonus or automatic time slot is low (e.g., less than 100 coins), the result screen at the end of the favorable game may display the background screen without displaying the winning coin count. On the other hand, if the number of winning coins in a favorable game such as a bonus or automatic time slot is high (e.g., 100 coins or more), the result screen at the end of the favorable game may display the winning coin count and the background screen. Also, a certain suggestion may be made on the background screen. This reduces player stress by not displaying a situation where the number of winning coins is low. Furthermore, if a player quits playing and leaves the facility after the result screen, a situation where the number of winning coins is low is not displayed, thereby reducing machine utilization. The "certain suggestion" may, for example, suggest the setting value of the gaming machine. Furthermore, if there are multiple modes before a favorable game such as a bonus, automatic time slot, or coin count zone is awarded, the content may suggest the mode. Furthermore, when determining the mode for multiple times in advance, the suggestion may be something like "Mode A for M times out of N times." In this way, when a certain suggestion is made on the background screen, the background screen including the suggestion may be displayed on the result screen even in a situation where the number of coins won is not displayed. This can reduce the player's stress while increasing their motivation to continue playing. Furthermore, when the number of coins won is small, a suggestion with a high degree of advantage may be made more frequently than when the number of coins won is large. This can reduce the player's stress while further increasing their motivation to continue playing.

[0430] In addition, in this embodiment, the maximum number of coins display d10 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157, but the device that displays the maximum number of coins display d10 is not limited to this. For example, the maximum number of coins display d10 may be displayed on a data display device installed on the slot machine 100. In this case, too, it is possible to appeal to the player about the number of coins that can be won, and it is possible to avoid giving the impression that the machine does not pay out.

[0431] For example, the data display device may be capable of displaying the maximum number of coins display d10 when the gaming machine is in a non-play state and / or is displaying a demonstration. Furthermore, the data display device may determine that the gaming machine is not in play when an operation signal (a signal indicating 1G progress) is not input from the gaming machine within a predetermined time M, and may use this as an opportunity to display the maximum number of coins display d10. Furthermore, the data display device may also use a signal input from a hall staff member indicating that the machine is vacant as an opportunity to display the maximum number of coins display d10.

[0432] <Summary of the embodiment> As described above, according to the gaming machine (for example, slot machine 100) according to the above embodiment, A gaming machine equipped with a display means (for example, a liquid crystal display device 157, a first sub-control unit 400, and a second sub-control unit 500), The display means is a means capable of displaying the number of game values ​​acquired based on the number of bets and the number of payouts at a first timing (for example, at the timing of displaying the demo screen d2), The display means is means for displaying the number of winnings at the first timing when a first condition is met (for example, when the minimum MY value reaches 1000), The first basic configuration is that the first condition is met when the number of acquisitions is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (for example, 1000).

[0433] According to this first basic configuration, it is possible to appeal to the player about the number of balls that can be paid out while avoiding the impression that the machine does not pay out, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

[0434] In the first basic configuration, The display means may execute a demonstration display (for example, display a demo screen d2) when a second condition is met (for example, a predetermined time has elapsed after all reels have stopped, or a predetermined time has elapsed since a bet operation) in a non-game state (for example, a demo state) in which no game is being played, In a first preferred configuration, the first timing is a timing when the demonstration display is being executed.

[0435] According to the first preferred configuration, it is possible to appeal to players about the number of balls that can be won at vacant gaming machines, thereby encouraging players to play.

[0436] In the first preferred configuration, The game machine includes a first bet number (e.g., 3 coins) that is a bet number that can be played, and a second bet number (e.g., 2 coins) that is a bet number that cannot be played, the display means may execute a demonstration display when the second condition is met in a state in which neither the first bet number nor the second bet number is set, the display means may execute a demonstration display when the second condition is met in a state in which the second bet number is set, In a second preferred configuration, the second condition is a condition that is established when a predetermined time (for example, one minute) has elapsed in the non-play state.

[0437] According to the second preferred configuration, even if a machine is left with an unplayable bet number set, it can be recognized as an empty machine.

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

[0439] According to the third preferred configuration, since the processing when the operating means is operated can be standardized, the processing capacity in the development process can be reduced. Furthermore, in the case of a gaming machine equipped with a medal count display device, when the remaining number of game value coins stored in the medal count display device is, for example, 1 or 2 coins, the bet number can be set by operating the operating means, and the remaining number of game value coins stored in the medal count display device can be reset to 0, making it easier to recognize that the machine is vacant. Furthermore, if a player leaves the parlor with the remaining number of game value coins stored in the medal count display device at 1 or 2 coins, the parlor staff must return the remaining coins to the lending device, or reset the medal count display device during maintenance or closing operations (or opening operations) to prepare for the next business day. Eliminating these tasks can contribute to improving the parlor's operations.

[0440] Furthermore, according to the display device according to the above embodiment (for example, a display connected to the slot machine 100), A display device that is provided in correspondence with a gaming machine (e.g., a slot machine 100) and can display information about the gaming machine, The display device is capable of displaying the number of gaming values ​​acquired based on the number of bets and payouts made on the gaming machine, The display device is capable of displaying the number of wins when a first condition is met (for example, when the minimum MY value of the slot machine 100 reaches 1000), The second basic configuration is that the first condition is a condition that is met when the number of acquisitions is a predetermined number (for example, 1000) or more.

[0441] According to this second basic configuration, it is possible to appeal to the player about the number of balls that can be paid out while avoiding the impression that the machine does not pay out, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

[0442] In the second basic configuration, The gaming machine may execute a demonstration display in a non-play state (e.g., a demo state) in which no game is being played, A fourth preferred configuration is that the display device is capable of displaying the winning number when the gaming machine is in the non-play state.

[0443] According to the fourth preferred configuration, it is possible to appeal to players about the number of balls that can be won on vacant gaming machines, thereby encouraging players to play.

[0444] [Second embodiment] The presentation devices (lamps, speakers, moving parts, etc.) on gaming machines are important devices that help enhance the entertainment value of the game. Therefore, when controlling the presentation devices, stable data communication between the control unit (CPU) and the drive unit (driver IC) is required. For example, data communication that is strong against noise and can flexibly accommodate different types and versions of drive units (components) is desired.

[0445] In the second embodiment, a gaming machine that solves the above problems is provided. Note that, in the following, only the configurations, functions, and processes that are different from those in the first embodiment will be explained, and the same components as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and explanations thereof will be omitted.

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

[0447] 17(A) is a functional block diagram of the first sub-control unit 400 of this embodiment. In detail, a communication method will be described in which the CPU 404 sends a control signal to the drive circuit 422X to drive the frame lamp 420X and sends a control signal to the drive circuit 422Y to drive the side lamp 420Y.

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

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

[0450] In this embodiment, the drive circuit 422X that drives the frame lamp 420X and the drive circuit 422Y that drives the side lamp 420Y are different types of drive circuits, but this is not limited to this. As shown in Figures 17(B-1) and (B-2), drive circuits of the same type may be connected, or as shown in this embodiment and Figure 17(B-3), a configuration in which different types of drive circuits are mixed may be used. As will be described in detail later, this is because the packet structure of the control signal transmitted from the CPU 404 is the same regardless of the type of IC of the drive circuit 422.

[0451] <Communication method> Next, a communication method when the CPU 404 of this embodiment transmits a control signal (hereinafter referred to as "control data") to the drive circuit 422 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0452] FIG. 19(A) shows a schematic diagram of the packet structure of control data CD1 for ICxxx, and FIG. 19(B) shows a schematic diagram of the packet structure of control data CD2 for ICxxx.

[0453] As shown in Figures 19(A) and (B), the structure of the control data CD for LED drivers is the same even if the type of LED driver is different (control data is collectively referred to as CD). As shown in Figures 19(A) and (B), the control data CD is 8 bytes of data and is composed of a start command, slave address, sub-address, data byte, stop command, and noise reduction command. Each item of the control data CD consists of 1 byte (8 bits).

[0454] The start command is a data item indicating the start of a packet, and in this embodiment, is set to a value of FFh (111111111). The slave address and subaddress are destination addresses of the control data CD, and are set to the address of the LED driver. The data byte is set with a value indicating the control content for the controlled object. The stop command is a data item indicating the end of the packet, and in this embodiment, a value of 81h (10000001) is set. The noise countermeasure command is a characteristic component of the control data CD in this embodiment, and is an item that plays a role in ensuring stable data communication even when noise bits are mixed into the control data CD due to noise generation or when part of the control data CD is missing (the increase and / or loss of bits due to noise is sometimes collectively referred to as "bit deviation"). In this embodiment, a value of 00h (00000000) is set.

[0455] The premise of the communication method of this embodiment is that the first sub-control unit 400 is configured to simultaneously transmit control signals to multiple lamps 420 during periodically executed timer interrupt processing. Therefore, for example, when transmitting control signals to both the drive circuit 422X of the frame lamp 420X and the drive circuit 422Y of the side lamp 420Y during one timer interrupt processing, a command group combining the control data CD1 shown in FIG. 19(A) and the control data CD2 shown in FIG. 19(B) is transmitted to each of the drive circuits 422X and 422Y. The receiving drive circuits 422X and 422Y extract the control data CD addressed to them from the received command group and discard the other control data CD. Specifically, the drive circuits 422X and 422Y recognize the delimiters of one piece of control data CD based on the start command and stop command, and then acquire the control data CD addressed to them based on the values ​​of the slave address and subaddress.

[0456] In such a data communication method, problems such as those shown in Fig. 19 (C1) and (C2) have conventionally occurred. Note that the packet structure of conventional control data is composed of control data OCD, which is the control data CD of this embodiment minus the noise reduction command. That is, the control data OCD is control data composed of a start command, a slave address, a subaddress, a data byte, and a stop command.

[0457] Fig. 19(C1) schematically shows data communication when noise is not mixed in either the control data OCD1 or the control data OCD2, and Fig. 19(C2) schematically shows data communication when noise is mixed in the control data OCD1. Note that in Figs. 19(C1) to 19(C3), the control data for the first IC (specifically, ICxxx) will be explained as control data OCD1, and the control data for the second IC (specifically, ICyyy) as control data OCD2.

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

[0459] 19(C2), if noise is introduced into the control data OCD1 and the control data OCD1 increases by one bit, the drive circuit 422Y will receive the control data CD2 addressed to itself as data that is shifted by one bit. Specifically, the drive circuit 422Y will erroneously recognize and receive the last bit of the stop command in the control data OCD1 as the first bit of the start command in the control data OCD2.

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

[0461] In this embodiment, if noise is introduced into the control data CD1 and the control data CD1 increases by one bit, the noise countermeasure command is sandwiched between the stop command of the control data CD1 and the start command of the control data CD2, so the drive circuit 422Y can correctly receive the control data CD2 without mistakenly recognizing the last bit of the stop command of the control data CD1 as the first bit of the start command of the control data CD2.

[0462] In this embodiment, when the first bit value FB (specifically, 1) of the start command of the control data CD and the last bit value LB (specifically, 1) of the stop command of the control data CD are the same, a noise prevention command consisting of a bit value (specifically, 0) different from the bit values ​​FB and LB is inserted between the stop command of the first control data CD1 and the start command of the second control data CD2. Therefore, even if noise is mixed into the first control data CD1, the presence of the noise prevention command can eliminate the bit misalignment and the end position of the control data CD1 becomes clear, so that the drive circuit 422Y can reliably receive the control data CD2 addressed to it.

[0463] In addition, Figure 19 (C3) describes data communication when noise is mixed into the control data CD1 of this embodiment, but even if a bit of the control data CD1 is missing, the presence of the noise prevention command can similarly eliminate the bit misalignment and make the end position of the control data CD1 clear, so the drive circuit 422Y can reliably receive the control data CD2 addressed to it.

[0464] In this way, the control data CD of this embodiment has a noise countermeasure command added to the configuration of conventional control data OCD, so even if a data abnormality such as an increase in or loss of bits occurs in the earlier control data CD1, the presence of the noise countermeasure command can resolve the data abnormality in the earlier control data CD1. This prevents the data abnormality from affecting the later control data CD2, enabling stable communication of the later control data CD2.

[0465] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the start command of the control data CD is FFh (11111111), but this is not limited to this and may be F0h (11110000), for example. Similarly, in this embodiment, the noise reduction command of the control data CD is 00h (00000000), but this is not limited to this. For example, if the start command of the control data CD is FFh (11111111) and the stop command is 81h (10000001), the noise reduction command may be F0h (11110000). In this case, too, the presence of the noise reduction command can eliminate bit misalignment and clearly separate each piece of control data CD.

[0466] In other words, if the last bit value of the stop command and the first bit value of the start command of the control data CD are the same, the noise countermeasure command is composed of bit values ​​different from the last bit value of the stop command and the first bit value of the start command of the control data CD, so even if an abnormality occurs in one control data CD, the subsequent control data CD can be treated as normal control data CD. In other words, the noise countermeasure command is a command that prevents noise from affecting the subsequent control data CD, and is configured so that even if there is a data abnormality due to noise in the initial control data CD, the subsequent control data CD can maintain the state before the noise occurred.

[0467] Furthermore, even when transmitting control data CD to multiple drive circuits 422 using different types of ICs, the control data CD has the same packet structure, and the same noise suppression command is inserted between the control data CDs, thereby stabilizing communication and preventing delays in the development process. In other words, stabilizing communication contributes to improving the enjoyment of games. Furthermore, even if a problem occurs with the supply of parts for one drive circuit 422, it can be addressed with parts for other drive circuits 422, preventing delays in the development process.

[0468] In this embodiment, the method of communicating the control data CD to the IC of the drive circuit 422 that controls the lamp 420 has been described, but the present invention is also applicable to a method of communicating the control data CD to an amplifier IC, a motor IC, or the like.

[0469] <Summary of the embodiment> As described above, according to the gaming machine (for example, slot machine 100) according to the above embodiment, a plurality of operating means (e.g., lamps 420, etc.) operable in a certain manner; a plurality of driving means (e.g., a driving circuit 422) for driving the plurality of operating means; A control means (e.g., CPU 404) that transmits control information (e.g., control data CD) for controlling the plurality of driving means to the plurality of driving means, One of the plurality of operating means is a first operating means (e.g., a frame lamp 420X, etc.), One of the plurality of operating means is a second operating means (for example, a frame lamp 420Y, etc.), One of the plurality of driving means is a first driving means (e.g., a driving circuit 422X) that drives the first operating means, One of the plurality of driving means is a second driving means (e.g., a driving circuit 422Y) that drives the second operating means, the control means transmits the control information to at least the first driving means and the second driving means; the control information includes at least first control information for controlling the first driving means (e.g., control data CD1 not including a noise reduction command), second control information for controlling the second driving means (e.g., control data CD2 not including a noise reduction command), and noise reduction information (e.g., a noise reduction command), The first basic configuration is that the noise countermeasure information is information sandwiched between the first control information and the second control information. According to the first basic configuration, even if the first control information is affected by noise, the existence of noise countermeasure information allows the subsequent second control information to be transmitted correctly, thereby minimizing the effects of noise and ensuring the stability of data communication.

[0470] In this first basic configuration, A first preferred configuration is that the second driving means receives the second control information without bit shifting in the second control information based on the presence of the noise countermeasure information, even if at least one of a loss and an addition occurs in the configuration of the first control information due to noise.

[0471] According to the first preferred configuration, even if noise causes loss or addition to the configuration of the first control information, the second driving means can correctly receive the second control information due to the presence of noise countermeasure information, thereby ensuring the stability of data communication to the second driving means.

[0472] In this first preferred configuration, The first control information is information composed of a plurality of items (e.g., a start command, a slave address, a subaddress, a data byte, a stop command, etc.), the second control information is information configured from the plurality of items, a bit string (e.g., the last bit) including the end of the last item of the first control information is composed of first information (e.g., 1); a bit string including the beginning of the first item of the second control information (for example, the first bit) is composed of the first information, A second preferable configuration is that the bit string of the noise countermeasure information is made up of second information (for example, 0) different from the first information.

[0473] According to a second preferred configuration, by making the bit string of the noise countermeasure information different from the bit string including the end of the last item of the first control information and the bit string including the beginning of the first item of the second control information, the two pieces of control information can be clearly distinguished. Therefore, even if noise is mixed in the first control information or part of the first control information is missing, the second driving means can correctly receive the second control information.

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

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

[0476] [Third embodiment] The speakers of gaming machines are required to output sound stably. The third embodiment provides a gaming machine that solves this problem. Note that, in the following, only the configurations, functions, and processes that are different from the above embodiment will be explained, and the same components as those of the other configurations, functions, and processes will be assigned the same reference numerals and explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0477] <Speaker> 20 is an external view of the slot machine of this embodiment (third embodiment), showing the positions of the speakers to which the audio amplifier IC 418 of this embodiment is connected. The slot machine 100 of this embodiment includes upper speakers 272 (upper left speaker 272a, upper right speaker 272b) provided behind the sound hole 143, middle speakers 275 (middle left speaker 275a, middle right speaker 275b) provided behind the pay line indicator lamps 120 and the reel panel lamps 128, and lower speakers 277 (lower left speaker 277a, lower right speaker 277b) provided behind the sound hole 145. The layout of the components of the audio circuit around the audio amplifier IC 418 connected to these three speakers is unique. That is, in this embodiment, the layout of the components of the audio circuit is designed to ensure stable sound output.

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

[0479] <Audio circuit layout> Figure 21(a) is a top view of the first sub-control board 401 on which each component of the first sub-control unit 400 is arranged, and shows the component layout of the audio circuit 450 around the audio amplifier IC 418. In the following explanation, the +X direction shown in Figure 21 is referred to as the right, the -X direction as the left, the +Y direction as the top, and the -Y direction as the bottom. Note that the board surface of the first sub-control board 401 shown in Figure 21(a) is sometimes referred to as the component side or front side, and the board surface opposite this is sometimes referred to as the solder side or back side.

[0480] As shown in FIG. 21(a), the first sub-control board 401 is equipped with an audio circuit 450A for the upper speaker 272, an audio circuit 450B for the middle speaker 275, an audio circuit 450C for the lower speaker 275, and an audio circuit 450D for the woofer. The audio circuits 450A and 450B are provided on the left edge of the first sub-control board 401, and the audio circuit 450C is provided on the right edge of the first sub-control board 401. That is, the audio circuits 450A, 450B, and 450C (hereinafter, when these three are referred to collectively, or when the audio circuit 450D is also referred to collectively, they will be referred to as the audio circuit 450) are all provided close to the edge of the first sub-control board 401. The audio output by the audio circuit 450 requires a large amount of power and therefore a large amount of power supply, which significantly affects the magnetic field on other components. For this reason, the audio circuit 450 is placed at the edge of the first sub-control board 401 (the CPU 404 is located in the center of the first sub-control board 401) to minimize any influence on other logic communication signals or power supply systems.

[0481] Furthermore, audio circuits 450A and 450B are connected to connector CN1 near audio circuit 450A, and audio circuit 450C is connected to connector CN3 near audio circuit 450C. This is a measure to shorten the length of the wiring to avoid power loss, since the audio circuit 450 requires a large amount of power and longer wiring results in greater power loss due to voltage drop. In other words, the first sub-control board 401 of this embodiment has a first connector (e.g., connector CN1) connected to the audio circuit 450 (e.g., audio circuit 450A) and a second connector (e.g., connector CN2) connected to a circuit other than the audio circuit 450, and the first connector is closer to the audio circuit 450 than the second connector. The second connector (for example, connector CN2) may be a connector electrically connected to an LCD display device, a connector electrically connected to a performance operation button used to trigger a performance (such as a push button performance, rapid press performance, or long press performance) or to customize the performance, a connector electrically connected to various LEDs, or a connector electrically connected to the main control board.

[0482] Although audio circuit 450A and audio circuit 450B are connected to a common connector CN1, and multiple audio circuits are connected to one connector, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, multiple connectors may be connected to one audio circuit, such as a connector CN-A corresponding to audio circuit 450A, a connector CN-B corresponding to audio circuit 450B, and a connector CN-C corresponding to audio circuit 450C. As will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 24 to 28, multiple connectors may be connected to one audio circuit. Specifically, the left speaker output of the audio circuit for the center speaker may be connected to connector CN-L and the right speaker output may be connected to connector CN-R, while the left speaker output of the audio circuit for the bottom speaker may be connected to connector CN-L and the right speaker output may be connected to connector CN-R. In the examples of Figures 24 to 28 (multiple connectors for one audio circuit), the audio circuits and corresponding connectors are arranged at a distance from each other, but the configuration may also be such that multiple connectors are connected to one audio circuit, or that the corresponding connector is arranged near the audio circuit, as shown in Figure 21(a).

[0483] As shown in FIG. 21(a), the audio circuit 450 has components (e.g., audio amplifier IC 418, coil L, resistor R, capacitor C, electrolytic capacitor EC, etc.) arranged in a substantially identical layout. This allows for uniform audio output performance from the three speakers (upper speaker 272, middle speaker 275, and lower speaker 277), resulting in stable audio output. For example, the vertical spacing t1 between the two coils L arranged in the audio circuit 450 is substantially identical. By uniformly spacing the spacing t1 between the coils L, the heat generation effects of the three speakers can be equalized, resulting in stable audio output and uniform noise reduction effects. Furthermore, even if different types of speakers are included, the positional relationships between the components constituting the audio circuit are substantially identical, making it easy to identify speaker-related components, and allowing for rapid response if a problem with the audio output occurs. In other words, it is immediately clear which part of the board to focus on.

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

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

[0486] 21(b) is a layout diagram of the components in the audio circuit 450. The amplifier circuit 450 generally includes an audio amplifier IC418, two coils L, a plurality of resistors R, a plurality of capacitors C, and an electrolytic capacitor EC. The audio amplifier IC418 is disposed in the middle position between the two coils L. More specifically, the two coils L are disposed in positions that are line-symmetrical with respect to an imaginary extension line L4 that divides the audio amplifier IC418 into upper and lower halves. That is, the audio amplifier IC418 and the two coils L are laid out (corresponding to a first positional relationship) so that at least a portion of the audio amplifier IC418 is included in the middle portion of the two coils L (the region between the imaginary extensions of both the end edge of one coil on the side of the other coil and the end edge of the other coil on the side of one coil, the region consisting of the imaginary extensions with an interval t1). For example, the audio amplifier IC418 may be laid out so as to be linearly symmetrical with respect to the two coils L, or the audio amplifier IC418 may be laid out so as to be eccentric to one of the two coils L. As a result, in the case of stereo output, by equalizing the lengths of the wiring patterns from the audio amplifier IC to both coils L, the likelihood (or difficulty) of noise generation is also equalized, making it possible to stabilize the audio output and achieve well-balanced audio output.

[0487] The audio circuit 450 of this embodiment is provided with two LC filters LCF that selectively remove high-frequency noise. That is, the LC filter LCF of this embodiment functions as a low-pass filter that cuts high-frequency signals. The LC filter LCF is composed of one coil L and two capacitors C to the right of the coil L. In this embodiment, both the coil L and the capacitor C are provided on the front (top) surface of the first sub-control board 401. However, the coil L may be provided on the front (top) surface while the capacitor C is provided on the back (bottom) surface (both the coil L and the capacitor C may be provided on the back surface, or the coil L may be provided on the back surface and the capacitor C on the front surface). The Zobel filter ZOF, which prevents oscillation and noise due to the speaker load (back electromotive force from the speaker), is composed of one capacitor and two resistors R to the left of the coil L. The Zobel filter ZOF of this embodiment is provided on the left side of the coil L, that is, on the side opposite to the connector CN to which the audio circuit 450 is connected, but it may also be provided on the right side of the coil L, that is, on the connector CN side to which the audio circuit 450 is connected. Note that in this embodiment, the capacitor C and the resistor R are both provided on the front surface (top surface) of the first sub-control board 401, but the capacitor C may be provided on the front surface (top surface) and the resistor R may be provided on the back surface (bottom surface) (both the capacitor C and the resistor R may be provided on the back surface, or the capacitor C may be provided on the back surface and the resistor R on the front surface).

[0488] FIG. 22 shows a circuit diagram of the audio circuit 450. FIG. 22(a) shows a circuit diagram of the signal system, and FIG. 22(b) shows a circuit diagram of the power supply system. As shown in FIG. 22(a), the audio signal is output from the output terminal of the audio amplifier IC418, first through an LC filter LCF and then through a Zobel filter ZOF to a connector CN. In addition, the power supply bypass capacitor PBC shown in the power supply system circuit diagram is a capacitor installed between the power supply and ground, and by bypassing (diverting) noise to ground, it is possible to supply a stable power supply to the circuit.

[0489] Although the coil L of the LC filter LCF in this embodiment does not have a core, a coil with a core may also be used. The constant of each element of the LC filter LCF is determined based on the switching frequency (20 kHz to 350 kHz) of the digital amplifier. Specifically, a coil L of 10 to 15 μH is desirable, and a capacitor C of 0.33 μF is used for a coil L of 10 μH, and a capacitor C of 0.22 μF is used for a coil L of 15 μH.

[0490] Note that the capacitor C1 (a capacitor for suppressing high-frequency noise) provided between the LC filter LCF and the Zobel filter is optional. Specifically, if the capacitor C used in the LC filter LCF is a ceramic capacitor, it is preferable to use the capacitor C1, but if a film capacitor is used, the capacitor C1 is optional. In the case of a ceramic capacitor, the ceramic capacitor expands and contracts due to the piezoelectric effect (electrostrictive effect) when voltage is applied, and this expansion and contraction can be suppressed. In this case, the capacitance of the capacitor C1 is preferably smaller than that of the capacitor C constituting the LC filter. For example, if the capacitor C of the LC filter is 0.33 μF, the capacitance should be 0.01 μF to 0.1 μF. If the capacitance of the capacitor C1 is large, the LC filter LCF will be formed by the capacitor C1 (the LC filter LCF will function twice), resulting in a muffled sound and an inability to output the intended sound quality.

[0491] Additionally, capacitor C2 before connector CN is a high-pass filter for the tweeter. When the left and right speakers are connected in parallel, with one speaker used as a low-midrange speaker and the other as a high-range speaker (tweeter), it is used to cut the low-midrange from the other speaker. If the left and right speakers are connected one-to-one, it is possible to simply output low-midrange sounds from one speaker and high-range sounds from the other, so this capacitor does not need to be used.

[0492] Fig. 21(c) is a diagram showing the terminal arrangement of the audio amplifier IC 418. As shown in Fig. 21(c), the terminals (output terminal and power supply terminal) LT for the left speaker are provided in a straight line (left-right direction) at the upper edge of the rectangular audio amplifier IC 418, and the terminals (output terminal and power supply terminal) RT for the right speaker are provided in a straight line (left-right direction) at the lower edge of the rectangular audio amplifier IC 418.

[0493] FIG. 21(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in FIG. 21(a). Because the audio amplifier IC 418 and the coil L of this embodiment generate a large amount of heat, the board case 403 covering the first sub-control board 401 is provided with ventilation holes 405 in the vicinity of the audio amplifier IC 418 or the coil L. The ventilation holes 405 may be ventilation holes 405a formed on the top or bottom surface (hereinafter referred to as the top and bottom surfaces) of the board case 403, ventilation holes 405b formed across the top and bottom surfaces and the side surfaces, or both ventilation holes 405a and 405b may be provided. A fan may be provided instead of the ventilation holes 405, or a fan may be provided together with the ventilation holes 405. This improves the heat dissipation effect of the audio amplifier IC 418 and the coil L, which generate a large amount of heat, and allows for concentrated heat dissipation from components that are prone to heat generation.

[0494] FIG. 23(b) is a diagram showing the ground area GND and the ground-disconnected area N-GND of the first sub-control board 401 shown in FIG. 23(a) (a control board arranged in the same manner as the audio circuit 450 shown in FIG. 21(a)). As shown in FIG. 23(b), the area where the coils L of the audio circuits 450A, 450B, 450C, and 450D are arranged is the ground-disconnected area N-GND (first example of ground GND). This makes it possible to prevent potential instability due to the magnetic field generated by the coil L of the audio circuit 450.

[0495] FIG. 23(c) shows a potential adjustment method different from that shown in FIG. 23(b). As shown in FIG. 23(c), the ground VC1 in the area where the audio circuits 450A and 450B are arranged and the ground VC2 in the area where the audio circuits 450C and 450D are arranged may be separated and wired separately from the ground GND in the area where other circuits are arranged. In this case, a slit-shaped area N-GND that removes the ground may be provided between each area to physically separate each area. For example, the areas may be completely separated, such as between the ground VC1 and the ground GND (a second example of ground GND), or they may be separated so that some areas are connected, such as between the ground VC2 and the ground GND (a third example of ground GND). This method also prevents potential instability due to the magnetic field generated by the coil L of the audio circuit 450. In addition, in Figure 23(c), the second and third examples are shown as examples of dividing the ground GND, but it is not necessary for the second and third examples to coexist on one substrate, and it is sufficient if either the second or third example is configured on one substrate.

[0496] <Variations of audio circuit layout> Next, the first sub-control board 401A of the first modification will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the +X direction in FIG. 24 is designated as right, the −X direction as left, the +Y direction as up, and the −Y direction as down. FIG. 24 is a top view of the component side of first sub-control board 401A, showing the component layout of audio circuit 451 around audio amplifier IC 418. FIG. 25 is a circuit diagram of audio circuit 451. First sub-control board 401A has a multi-layer configuration, with FIG. 26(a) showing a top view of the first layer of first sub-control board 401A, FIG. 26(b) showing a top view of the third layer, FIG. 27(a) showing a top view of the fourth layer, FIG. 27(b) showing a top view of the fifth layer, FIG. 28(a) showing a top view of the seventh layer, and FIG. 28(b) showing a top view of the eighth layer. In FIGS. 26 to 28, the light gray area indicates the ground area GND, the white area indicates the ground-free area N-GND, and the dark gray shaded area indicates the wiring pattern for audio signals from audio amplifier IC 418 to connector CN.

[0497] 24, the first sub-control board 401A is provided with an audio circuit 451A for the upper speaker 272, an audio circuit 451B for the middle speaker 275, and an audio circuit 451C for the lower speaker 277 near the center of the first sub-control board 401A. In detail, three audio circuits 451 (when the three audio circuits are collectively referred to as audio circuit 451) are arranged from top to bottom near the center of the first sub-control board 401A in the order of audio circuit 451A, audio circuit 451B, and audio circuit 451C.

[0498] As shown in Fig. 24, the audio circuit 451 has each component (for example, an audio amplifier IC418, a coil L, a resistor R, a capacitor C, an electrolytic capacitor EC, etc.) arranged in approximately the same layout. This makes it possible to equalize the performance of the audio output and stabilize the audio output. The audio circuit 451 generally includes an audio amplifier IC418, a plurality of coils L, a plurality of resistors R, a plurality of capacitors C, and an electrolytic capacitor EC.

[0499] Figure 25 shows a circuit diagram of the audio circuit 451. Figure 25(a) shows the signal system circuit diagram, and Figure 25(b) shows the power system circuit diagram. As shown in Figure 25(a), the audio signal is output from the output terminal of the audio amplifier IC418 through an LC filter LCF and then a Zobel filter ZOF to the connector CN. Similarly to Figure 22(b), the power system circuit diagram in Figure 25(b) includes a power supply bypass capacitor PBC to eliminate noise. Capacitor C1 (C207, C208, C209, and C222 in Figure 25) connected to the BST terminal is a bootstrap capacitor for boosting the voltage and supporting the output of the positive and negative terminals. For audio amplifier IC418 without a BST terminal, capacitor C1 is unnecessary. Capacitor C2 (C238, C299, C303, and C304 in Figure 25) is provided to suppress noise from the speaker.

[0500] Although the coil L of the LC filter LCF in this embodiment does not have a core, a coil with a core may also be used. The constant of each element of the LC filter LCF is determined based on the switching frequency (20 kHz to 350 kHz) of the digital amplifier. Specifically, a coil L of 10 to 15 μH is used, and a capacitor C of 0.33 μF is used for a coil L of 10 μH, and a capacitor C of 0.22 μF is used for a coil L of 10 μH.

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

[0502] Here, the flow of the audio signal from the audio circuit 451 to the connector CN will be described with reference to FIGS.

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

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

[0505] The wiring C3 is connected to the connector C3 from the audio circuit 451B and the audio circuit 451C via the path C3-1a in Fig. 26(a), the path C3-1b in Fig. 28(b), the path C3-2 in Fig. 27(b), the path C3-3 in Fig. 26(a), and the path C3-4 in Fig. 28(a). In this way, the wiring pattern from the audio amplifier IC to the connector may be configured via multiple layers.

[0506] 26(a), the area where the coil L of the audio circuit 451 (audio circuit 451A, audio circuit 451B, audio circuit 451C) is arranged is an area N-GND without a GND. This makes it possible to prevent potential instability due to the magnetic field generated by the coil L of the audio circuit 451. Also, as shown in FIG. 23(c), the ground GND of the area of ​​the audio circuit 451 (audio circuit 451A, audio circuit 451B, audio circuit 451C) may be separated from the ground GND of the area of ​​the other circuits and wired separately.

[0507] [Other variations] Layout of audio circuit components The arrangement of components of multiple (specifically, two) audio circuits 450 will be described using Figure 29(a). In Figure 29(a), one audio circuit is represented as 450A and the other audio circuit is represented as 450B. Also, in Figure 29(a), imaginary extension lines are shown along with each component (audio amplifier IC418, coil L, resistor R, and electrolytic capacitor EC) that constitutes audio circuit 450. The imaginary extension line generally indicates a straight line that forms the outline of the audio circuit 450 made up of a plurality of components, or a straight line that passes through the center of a specific component.

[0508] 29(a), both the audio circuit 450A and the audio circuit 450B are arranged within the range surrounded by imaginary extension lines L1, L2, L3, and L4, and the coil L, capacitor C, and resistor R are arranged in positions symmetrical with respect to the audio amplifier IC418 (the coil L, capacitor C, and resistor R are arranged in positions symmetrical with respect to the imaginary extension line VL that divides the audio amplifier IC418 into left and right halves). In addition, the electrolytic capacitor EC is arranged to the right of the power supply IC418 in parallel with the audio ampli...

Claims

1. a first substrate; a second substrate; A container; A gaming machine equipped with the first substrate and the second substrate are connected to each other in a board-to-board manner in a board surface direction by a pair of connectors arranged to face each other, the first substrate and the second substrate are substrates accommodated in the housing in a board-to-board connected state, the first substrate and the second substrate are substrates in which one connector constituting the pair of connectors is disposed on each of the first surfaces, the housing is configured to fix the first board and the second board using a fixing member inserted from a second surface opposite the first surface and on which the pair of connectors are not disposed, When the second substrate is sufficiently fixed by the fixing member, a first surface of the second substrate is positioned substantially in line with a first surface of the first substrate, When the second substrate is not sufficiently fixed by the fixing member, the first surface of the second substrate is inclined toward the side where the fixing member is inserted (hereinafter referred to as the "first side") relative to the first surface of the first substrate, a first contact portion that can come into contact with the second substrate during the tilting is provided on the first side; A gaming machine characterized by the following.

2. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, the first contact portion has a height at which the first contact portion comes into contact with the second substrate before the second substrate reaches the maximum tilt position; A gaming machine characterized by the following.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, the second substrate does not have a component disposed thereon that can come into contact with the first contact portion when the second substrate is not sufficiently fixed by the fixing member; A gaming machine characterized by the following.

4. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, a third substrate; the third substrate is a substrate located opposite to the second surface of the second substrate, the first contact portion is a component disposed on the third substrate; A gaming machine characterized by the following.

5. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, the first substrate and the third substrate are connected to each other in a board-to-board manner in a thickness direction by a pair of connectors disposed on opposing surfaces of the first substrate and the third substrate; A gaming machine characterized by the above.

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