Gaming machine

Abstract

To suppress generation of heat.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a board. The board includes: multiple power source lines to which a predetermined supply voltage is supplied and in which the maximum current capacity differs; and one or multiple through holes to which the power source lines formed in different layers of the board are connected. The number of connected vias differs depending on the power source lines.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Background Art

[0002] A gaming machine is provided with a plurality of substrates. On these substrates, for example, wiring patterns are formed on the front and back surfaces, and a plurality of through holes are formed to electrically connect the wiring pattern formed on the front surface and the wiring pattern formed on the back surface (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the substrate provided in the gaming machine, when current flows through the wiring pattern and the through hole, heat is generated in the wiring pattern and the through hole. Therefore, it is required to suppress heat generation in the wiring pattern or the through hole.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to suppress heat generation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine including a substrate, and the substrate includes: A first connector having a first input terminal into which a first power supply voltage is input and a second input terminal into which a second power supply voltage is input, and a second connector having an output terminal into which the first power supply voltage is output, a plurality of wiring patterns having different maximum current capacities, and through holes connecting the wiring patterns formed in different layers. The first power supply voltage is used to drive the solenoid, and the second power supply voltage is used to operate the control circuit. The wiring patterns include: The first power supply voltage is supplied. a first wiring pattern, The second power supply voltage is supplied. and a second wiring pattern. The first wiring pattern includes a pre-branching wiring pattern to which the first power supply voltage is supplied from the first input terminal, and post-branching wiring patterns that branch off from the pre-branching wiring pattern to a plurality of branch paths, including a first branch path and a second branch path, wherein in the post-branching wiring pattern, the first power supply voltage is supplied from the first branch path toward the output terminal, and the first power supply voltage is supplied from the second branch path toward the electronic components provided on the substrate, the same voltage value of the first power supply voltage is supplied to the pre-branching wiring pattern and the post-branching wiring pattern, the pre-branching wiring pattern has a larger maximum current capacity than each branch path, the pre-branching wiring pattern has a larger maximum current capacity than the second wiring pattern, the number of through-holes connected to the pre-branching wiring pattern is greater than the total number of through-holes connected to each branch path, and the number of through-holes connected to the pre-branching wiring pattern is greater than the total number of through-holes connected to each branch path.The number of through-holes is greater than the number of through-holes connected to the second wiring pattern. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, heat generation can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the exterior of a gaming machine. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a gaming machine with the front frame open. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the game board of a gaming machine. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the control configuration of a gaming machine. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a pre-announcement effect. [Figure 6] This is a power supply diagram for a gaming machine. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the wiring pattern on the component side of the dispensing control board. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the wiring pattern on the solder side of the dispensing control board. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the arrangement of electronic components on the dispensing control board. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the diameter of the through-holes provided on the dispensing control board. [Figure 11] This is a diagram illustrating the legend for diameters. [Figure 12] This diagram illustrates the input / output voltages and supply destinations of the dispensing control board. [Figure 13] This diagram shows the circuit configuration to which connector CN1 is connected, among the circuit configurations provided on the dispensing control board. [Figure 14] This diagram shows the circuit configuration to which connector CN3 is connected, among the circuit configurations provided on the dispensing control board. [Figure 15] This diagram shows the circuit configuration to which the integrated circuit IC7 is connected among the circuit configurations provided on the dispensing control board. [Figure 16] It is a diagram synthesizing the wiring pattern of a 35V DC voltage. [Figure 17] It is a diagram synthesizing the wiring pattern of a 12V DC voltage. [Figure 18] It is a diagram synthesizing the wiring pattern of a 5V DC voltage. [Figure 19] It is a diagram synthesizing the wiring pattern of a backup power supply. [Figure 20] It is a diagram synthesizing the power supply wiring of integrated circuit IC7. [Figure 21] It is a diagram explaining the relationship between the maximum current capacity of the power supply voltage and the number of through holes. [Figure 22] It is a diagram explaining the relationship between the maximum current capacity of the power supply voltage and the number of through holes. [Figure 23] It is a diagram explaining the relationship between the maximum current capacity of the power supply voltage and the number of through holes. [Figure 24] It is a diagram explaining the relationship between the maximum current capacity of the power supply voltage and the number of through holes. [Figure 25] It is a diagram showing the wiring pattern of the component side of the payout control board in other embodiments. [Figure 26] It is a diagram showing the wiring pattern of the solder side of the payout control board in other embodiments. [Figure 27] It is a layout diagram of electronic components on the payout control board in other embodiments. [Figure 28] It is a diagram showing the circuit configuration to which connector CN1 is connected among the circuit configurations provided on the payout control board in other embodiments.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, referring to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order. <1. Structure of the Gaming Machine> <2. Control Configuration of the Gaming Machine> [2.1 Main Control Board] [2.2 Effect Control Board] <3. Outline Explanation of Operations> [3.1 Game Status] [3.2 Symbol Variation Display Game] [3.3 About the Big Win] [3.4 Regarding the direction / staging] <4. Circuit board connection configuration> [4.1 Main Control Side Main Processing] [4.2 Main control side timer interrupt processing] <5. Configuration of the dispensing control board> [5.1 Structure of the dispensing control board] [5.2 Input and Output Voltages of the Dispensing Control Board] [5.3 Circuit configuration of the dispensing control board 42] [5.4 Wiring for supplying 35V DC voltage] [5.5 Wiring for supplying 12V DC voltage] [5.6 Wiring for supplying 5V DC voltage] [5.7 Backup power supply wiring] [5.8 Power supply wiring for integrated circuit IC7] <6. Example Configuration>

[0010] <1. Structure of a gaming machine> The overall structure of the gaming machine 1 as an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment when the front frame 4 is opened.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the gaming machine 1 comprises a wooden outer frame 2, an inner frame 3 attached to the outer frame 2 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge mechanism, and a front frame 4 attached to the inner frame 3 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge mechanism. The inner frame 3 is formed in the shape of a picture frame, and the game board 5 is held inside. Various control boards (see Figure 4) for controlling the game operation are arranged on the back side of the game board 5.

[0012] The front frame 4 holds a transparent glass 6 in the center, and side units 7 are provided so as to surround all or part of the transparent glass 6. The side unit 7 is designed with a decorative shape that matches the theme of the gaming machine 1, and may also be equipped with LEDs, mechanical devices, and other performance elements inside, thereby conveying the atmosphere of the game to the player. This side unit 7 is a unit that can be interchangeably attached to the front frame 4.

[0013] A key cylinder (not shown) for unlocking the door is provided on the front side of the front frame 4. By inserting a key into this key cylinder and operating it in one direction, the lock of the front frame 4 on the inner frame 3 is released, allowing the front frame 4 to be opened forward. By operating it in the other direction, the lock of the inner frame 3 on the outer frame 2 is released, allowing the inner frame 3 to be opened forward. The front frame 4 may also be designed so that its upper and lower parts can be opened separately.

[0014] A front control panel 8 is located on the lower side of the front frame 4. The front control panel 8 is equipped with an upper tray unit 9, and this upper tray unit 9 has an upper tray 10 formed therein for storing the dispensed game balls.

[0015] Furthermore, the upper tray unit 9 is provided with a ball dispensing button 11 for requesting the dispensing of game balls from a game ball dispensing device (not shown), a card return button 12 for requesting the return of a valuable medium inserted into the game ball dispensing device, and a ball removal button 13 for removing the game balls stored in the upper tray 10 to the bottom of the game machine 1.

[0016] Furthermore, the upper tray unit 9 is provided with an operating section 14 that can be operated by the player. The operating section 14 includes a performance button 14a, a directional pad 14b, and a confirmation button 14c. The performance button 14a becomes operable (input accepted) when its built-in lamp (button LED 49) lights up during a predetermined input acceptance period, and by performing a predetermined operation (pressing, repeatedly pressing, holding, etc.) while the built-in lamp is lit, it is possible to change the performance. The directional pad 14b is an operator used by players, hall staff, etc., to select various items and indicate directions. The confirmation button 14c is an operator used to confirm the selected item.

[0017] A launch operation handle 15 for operating the launch device 44 (see Figure 4) is provided on the right end of the front control panel 8.

[0018] Multiple decorative lamps 16 (for example, full-color LEDs for light effects) are provided in appropriate locations on the front frame 4 to produce light effects. Multiple of these decorative lamps 16 are provided around the gaming machine 1, for example, around the periphery of the front frame 4 and within the side unit 7.

[0019] Furthermore, speakers 17 are provided on both sides of the upper part of the inner frame 3 and on the upper side of the firing operation handle 15 to produce sound effects. Multiple speakers 17 are used to enable stereo sound reproduction and multi-channel sound reproduction for sounds related to the performance.

[0020] Next, the configuration of the game board 5 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a front view of the game board 5. The game board 5 shown in the illustration has a ball guide rail 18 mounted in a ring shape as a board surface partitioning member to guide the launched game ball. The roughly circular area surrounded by this ball guide rail 18 is the game area 19, and the four corners are non-game areas. The game area 19 is a space formed between the game board 5 and the transparent glass 6, and is an area through which game balls can flow.

[0021] A liquid crystal display (LCD) 20 is provided approximately in the center of this game area 19. The liquid crystal display 20 is capable of independently displaying multiple types of decorative symbols (for example, left symbol (corresponding to the left display area), middle symbol (corresponding to the middle display area), and right symbol (corresponding to the right display area)) in three (left, middle, and right) display areas (symbol variation display areas). This liquid crystal display device 20, under the control of the performance control board 41 described later, displays various effects as images, in addition to the changing display operation of decorative patterns.

[0022] Furthermore, a center ornament 21 is provided in the center of the game area 19, surrounding the display surface of the liquid crystal display device 20 at a distance. The center ornament 21 is provided along the front side of the game board 5 and protects the display surface of the liquid crystal display device 20 from collisions with game balls, and also functions as a path distribution means that allows the path of the game balls to be divided to the left or right depending on the force or stroke length of the launch of the game balls. In this embodiment, the center ornament 21 is positioned approximately in the center of the game area 19, dividing the game area 19 into a left game area 19a and a right game area 19b. Game balls launched by the launching device 44 with a launching intensity below a predetermined level flow down the left game area 19a, while game balls launched with a launching intensity above a predetermined level flow down the right game area 19b.

[0023] The non-game area at the bottom of the game board 5 serves as a display area for various functions, and is equipped with a special symbol display device 22a and a special symbol display device 22b, both using dot matrix displays. Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of the various function display units, including the special pattern display devices 22a and 22b.

[0024] In the special symbol display devices 22a and 22b, a special symbol variation display game is executed by the variation display operation of "special symbols" represented by dot displays. In the liquid crystal display device 20, in time synchronization with the variation display of special symbols by the special symbol display devices 22a and 22b, decorative symbols are displayed as images, and a decorative symbol variation display game is executed along with various preview effects (effect images).

[0025] Furthermore, the various function display units are equipped with a composite display device 22c, which, like the special symbol display devices 22a and 22b, consists of a dot display. The term "composite" is used because it is a composite display device (hereinafter simply referred to as the "composite display device") that has five display functions: display of the first special symbol (hereinafter the first special symbol will be referred to as "special symbol 1," and sometimes abbreviated as "special symbol 1"), the second special symbol (hereinafter the second special symbol will be referred to as "special symbol 2," and sometimes abbreviated as "special symbol 2"), the number of reserved balls for the regular symbols, and status notification during the time-saving state and the high probability state.

[0026] Furthermore, various function display units are equipped with a composite display device 22d, which is also a dot matrix display. This combined display device 22d displays the number of rounds, which is the specified number of rounds (maximum number of rounds) related to a jackpot, based on the combination of the on / off states of four LEDs. Furthermore, in the combined display device 22d, a game of displaying a regular symbol variation is executed by the variation display operation of a regular symbol represented by a single LED. Furthermore, the combined display device 22d uses three LEDs to indicate that the player should shoot to the right. The right-shooting indicator shows that it is more advantageous for the player to shoot the game ball towards the right game area 19b than to shoot it towards the left game area 19a.

[0027] A first start port 23 is provided in the center of the game board 5, below the liquid crystal display device 20. Inside the first start port 23 is a first start port detection sensor 23a (see Figure 4) that detects the passage of a game ball. Furthermore, a second start port 24 is provided in the right game area 19b, and a second start port detection sensor 24a (see Figure 3) is provided inside to detect the passage of game balls.

[0028] The first starting opening 23 is a prize entry point related to the starting conditions for the variable display operation of special symbol 1 in the special symbol display device 22a, and is configured as a fixed starting opening without starting opening opening opening means (means that allow the starting opening to be opened or enlarged). In this embodiment, due to the action of the game ball fall direction changing members (for example, game pins, windmills, center decorations 21, etc.) in the game area 19, game balls that have rolled through the left game area 19a can easily enter the first starting opening 23, while game balls that have rolled through the right game area 19b are difficult or impossible to enter.

[0029] The second starting port 24 is a prize entry port related to the starting conditions for the variable display operation of special symbol 2 in the special symbol display device 22b, and is configured as a variable starting port whose opening and closing is controlled by the ordinary electric mechanism 25. The standard electric mechanism 25 is controlled to either an open state that allows game balls to enter the second starting port 24, or a closed state that makes it difficult or impossible for game balls to enter the second starting port 24. In this embodiment, the second starting port 24 is located in the right game area 19b, and only game balls that have rolled through the right game area 19b can enter it. However, game balls that have rolled through the left game area 19a may also be able to enter it.

[0030] Furthermore, above the second starting opening 24, that is, above the middle section of the right game area 19b, there is a normal symbol gate 26 through which game balls can pass. This normal symbol gate 26 is a prize entry point related to the variable display operation of normal symbols in the composite display device 22d, and inside it is a normal symbol gate detection sensor 26a (see Figure 4) that detects game balls passing through. In this embodiment, the normal symbol gate 26 is provided only in the right game area 19b, and only game balls that have rolled through the right game area 19b can enter. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be provided only in the left game area 19a, or in both.

[0031] Below the second starting opening 24 in the right game area 19b, a first large prize opening 27 and a second large prize opening 28 are provided. The first large prize opening 27 and the second large prize opening 28 are positioned so that only game balls rolling in the right game area 19b can enter. However, the first large prize opening 27 and the second large prize opening 28 may be positioned so that only game balls rolling in the left game area 19a can enter, or they may be positioned so that game balls rolling in both the left game area 19a and the right game area 19b can enter. The first large prize opening 27 is controlled to open and close by the first special electric mechanism 29. The first special electric mechanism 29 is controlled to either be open, allowing game balls to enter the first large prize opening 27, or closed, making it difficult or impossible for game balls to enter the first large prize opening 27. The second large prize opening 28 is controlled to open and close by the second special electric mechanism 30. The second special electric mechanism 30 is controlled to either be open, allowing game balls to enter the second large prize opening 28, or closed, making it difficult or impossible for game balls to enter the second large prize opening 28. Inside the first and second large prize slots 27 and 28, respectively, are provided a first large prize slot detection sensor 27a and a second large prize slot detection sensor 28a (see Figure 4) for detecting the passage of game balls.

[0032] Furthermore, multiple general prize entry points 31 are provided on the left and right lower sides of the game area 19, and each of these is equipped with a general prize entry point detection sensor 31a (see Figure 4) for detecting the passage of game balls. Furthermore, within the game board area, movable components (not shown) that provide visual effects are positioned so as not to interfere with the movement of the game balls.

[0033] In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when a game ball enters one of the various prize-winning openings provided in the game area 19, the number of prize balls set for the prize-winning opening into which the game ball entered (for example, 3 balls for the first start opening 23, 1 ball for the second start opening 24, 15 balls for the first major prize-winning opening 27 and the second major prize-winning opening 28, and 5 balls for the general prize-winning opening 31) is dispensed from the game ball dispensing device 46 (see Figure 4). Game balls that do not enter any of the above prize-winning openings are discharged from the game area 19 via the out opening 32.

[0034] <2. Control Configuration of Gaming Machines> Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the gaming machine 1. Referring to the block diagram in Figure 4, the configuration (control configuration) for realizing the game operation control of the gaming machine 1 will be explained. The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is composed of a main control board 40 that comprehensively controls the overall operation of the game (game operation control), an effect control board 41 that receives effect control commands from the main control board 40 and comprehensively controls the execution of effects by the effect means, a payout control board 42 that controls the payout of prize balls, and a power supply board (not shown) that generates and supplies the necessary power supply voltage to the gaming machine 1 from an external power supply.

[0035] [2.1 Main Control Board] The main control board 40 is equipped with a microprocessor that incorporates a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 40a (main control CPU), a ROM (Read Only Memory) 40b (main control ROM) that stores various data necessary for game operation control as well as a control program that describes the game operation control procedure, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 40c (main control RAM) that functions as a work area and buffer memory, thus forming a microcomputer as a whole.

[0036] Although not shown in the diagram, the main control board 40 also includes a CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) for implementing periodic interrupts, a function to create pulse outputs of a fixed period (bitrate generator), and a time measurement function; an interrupt controller circuit that performs interrupt enable / disable functions such as timer interrupts that provide interrupt signals to the CPU 40a; a reset circuit that can reset the CPU 40a by outputting a system reset signal when power is turned on, cut off, or a power supply abnormality is detected; a watchdog timer (WDT) circuit that monitors abnormal operation of the control program; an Intrusion Prevention of Travel Outside Designated Area (IAT) circuit that monitors whether the program is being executed correctly within a preset address range; and a counter circuit for generating random numbers within a certain range in hardware.

[0037] The counter circuit described above consists of a random number generation circuit that generates random numbers and a sampling circuit that samples random values ​​from the random number generation circuit at predetermined timings, and functions as a 16-bit counter as a whole. The CPU 40a sends instructions to the sampling circuit according to the processing state to obtain the value indicated by the random number generation circuit as a random number for determining the jackpot (0 to 65535), and uses this random number for determining the jackpot (winning or losing lottery). The random number for determining the jackpot is obtained by adding a software random value, which is generated by appropriate software processing, and a hardware random value, in order to prevent cheating such as targeting specific winning numbers.

[0038] The main control board 40 is connected to a first start opening detection sensor 23a that detects the entry of a game ball into the first start opening 23, a second start opening detection sensor 24a that detects the entry of a game ball into the second start opening 24, a normal symbol gate detection sensor 26a that detects the passage of a game ball through the normal symbol gate 26, a first large prize opening detection sensor 27a that detects the entry of a game ball into the first large prize opening 27, a second large prize opening detection sensor 28a that detects the entry of a game ball into the second large prize opening 28, a general prize opening detection sensor 31a that detects the entry of a game ball into the general prize opening 31, and an OUT monitoring sensor 32a that detects game balls (out balls) ejected from the game area 19. The main control board 40 is capable of receiving detection signals output from these sensors. Therefore, the main control board 40 can determine which prize opening a game ball has entered based on the detection signals from each sensor.

[0039] Furthermore, the main control board 40 is connected to a standard electric mechanism solenoid 25a that operates a standard electric mechanism 25 that opens and closes the second start opening 24, a first special electric mechanism solenoid 29a that operates a first special electric mechanism 29 that opens and closes the first large prize opening 27, and a second special electric mechanism solenoid 30a that operates a second special electric mechanism 30 that opens and closes the second large prize opening 28. The main control board 40 is capable of transmitting control signals to control these.

[0040] Furthermore, the main control board 40 is connected to special pattern display devices 22a and 22b. The main control board 40 is capable of transmitting control signals for displaying and controlling special patterns 1 and 2. Furthermore, the main control board 40 is connected to the combined display device 22c and the combined display device 22d. The main control board 40 is capable of transmitting control signals for displaying and controlling various information displayed on the combined display device 22c and the combined display device 22d.

[0041] The main control board 40 is connected to a RAM clear switch 33 and is capable of receiving detection signals from the RAM clear switch 33. The RAM clear switch 33 is provided so as to be operable when the front frame 4 is open, and is located, for example, on the main control board 40. The RAM clear switch 33 is, for example, a push-button type switch used to input an instruction to initialize a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 40c.

[0042] The main control board 40 is also connected to a performance indicator 34. The performance indicator 34 is configured, for example, with a 7-segment display and functions as a display means capable of displaying performance information, which will be described later. The performance indicator 34 is mounted, for example, in an easily visible position on the main control board 40 or the payout control board 42. The main control board 40 is capable of transmitting control signals to the performance indicator 34 for displaying performance information.

[0043] The main control board 40 is connected to the payout control board 42, and when it is necessary to pay out prize balls, it is possible to send control commands related to payouts (payout control commands that specify the number of prize balls) to the payout control board 42.

[0044] Furthermore, the main control board 40 is connected to an external centralized terminal board 43 for the frame via a payout control board 42, and is capable of transmitting predetermined game information (for example, jackpot information, prize ball count information, symbol change execution information, etc.) to an externally located hall computer HC. The hall computer HC is an information processing device (computer device) that monitors game information from the main control board 40 and comprehensively manages the operating status of the gaming machines in the pachinko hall.

[0045] The payout control board 42 is connected to a launch control board 45 that controls the launching device 44 and a game ball payout device 46 that dispenses game balls. The main roles of this payout control board 42 are to receive payout control commands from the main control board 40, control the payout of prize balls by the game ball payout device 46 based on the payout control commands, and transmit status signals to the main control board 40.

[0046] The game ball dispensing device 46 is equipped with a supply shortage detection sensor 46a for detecting insufficient supply of game balls and a ball counting sensor 46b for detecting the number of game balls (prize balls) to be dispensed, and the dispensing control board 42 is capable of receiving these detection signals. The game ball dispensing device 46 is also equipped with a dispensing motor 46c for driving a ball dispensing mechanism (not shown) for dispensing game balls, and the dispensing control board 42 is capable of transmitting control signals to control the dispensing motor 46c.

[0047] The payout control board 42 is connected to a fullness detection sensor 47 that detects when the upper tray 10 is full of game balls, and a front door open sensor 48 that detects when the front frame 2 is open.

[0048] The payout control board 42 is capable of transmitting various status signals to the main control board 40 based on detection signals from the full-capacity detection sensor 47, the front door open sensor 48, the supply depletion detection sensor 46a, and the ball count sensor 46b. These status signals include a ball jam signal indicating a full-capacity state, a door open signal indicating that at least the front frame 2 is open, a supply depletion signal indicating insufficient supply of game balls from the game ball payout device 46, a counting error signal indicating insufficient payout of prize balls or an abnormality in the ball count sensor 46b, and a payout completion signal indicating that the payout operation has been completed. The main control board 40 is configured to transmit a variety of status signals. Based on these status signals, the main control board 40 monitors the open state of the front frame 2 (door open error), whether the payout operation of the game ball payout device 46 is normal or not (supply depletion error), and the full-capacity state of the upper tray 10 (ball jam error), etc.

[0049] Furthermore, the payout control board 42 is capable of transmitting a permission signal to the launch control board 45 to permit launching. Based on the output of the permission signal from the payout control board 42, the launch control board 45 controls the power supply to the launch solenoid (not shown) provided on the launching device 44, thereby realizing the launching operation of the game ball by operating the launching handle 15. Specifically, the launching operation of the game ball is permitted under the following conditions: the payout control board 42 outputs a launch permission signal (launch permission signal ON state), a touch sensor (not shown) provided on the launching handle 15 detects that the player is touching the handle, and the launch stop switch (not shown) provided on the launching handle 15 is not operated. Therefore, if the launch permission signal is not output (launch permission signal OFF state), the launching operation will not be performed even if the launching handle 15 is operated, and no game ball will be launched. In addition, the launch intensity of the game ball can be changed according to the amount the launching handle 15 is operated. Furthermore, the dispensing control board 42 outputs a launch permission signal to the launch control board 45 only when launch permission has been instructed by the main control board 40.

[0050] (Regarding performance specifications) The main control board 40 is capable of transmitting control signals to the performance indicator 34 to display predetermined performance information. Performance information refers to information that pachinko parlors and relevant government agencies want to verify. Typical examples include information on whether or not there are any fraudulent payout tactics such as excessive payouts on the gaming machine, and information on the machine's inherent payout performance. Therefore, unlike pre-announcement effects and other such information, performance information itself is not directly related to the progress of the game while the player is enjoying the game.

[0051] For this reason, the performance indicator 34 is installed inside the gaming machine 1, for example, on the main control board 40, payout control board 42, launch control board 45, relay board, performance control board 41, or on the board case (protective cover that protects the board), in a position where the display information can be seen when the front frame 2 is open.

[0052] Here, the performance information can specifically include the following: (1) Information based on the value obtained by dividing the total number of balls dispensed by winning during a specific state (total number of balls dispensed during the specific state: α) by the total number of balls that were ejected from the game area 19 during the specific state (number of balls that were ejected during the specific state: β) (α / β) (specific ratio information) can be adopted as performance information. The "total number of balls dispensed" mentioned above refers to the total number of game balls (prize balls) dispensed when game balls enter (win) the prize winning slots (1st starting slot 23, 2nd starting slot 24, general prize winning slot 31, 1st major prize winning slot 27, 2nd major prize winning slot 28). Furthermore, the specific state to be adopted can be determined as appropriate depending on the performance information to be captured under what state. In this embodiment, any of the multiple game states, including the state during a jackpot, can be adopted. In addition, multiple types of states may be used as measurement targets. For example, all game states except during a jackpot, and the types to be measured can be determined as appropriate. Furthermore, the total number of payouts may be calculated by excluding one or more specific winning slots from the measurement (total payouts excluding specific winning slots). For example, the total number of payouts may be calculated by excluding the first major winning slot 27 and the second major winning slot 28 from the measurement.

[0053] (2) In addition, the total number of balls dispensed, the total number of balls dispensed excluding specific prize slots, or the total number of balls that go out may be measured, and the measurement results may be used as performance information.

[0054] In this embodiment, the total number of balls dispensed during normal operation (normal payouts) and the total number of balls out during normal operation (normal outs) are measured in real time, and the value obtained by dividing the normal payouts by the normal outs and multiplying the result by 100 (calculated as normal payouts ÷ normal outs × 100) is displayed as performance information (hereinafter referred to as "normal ratio information"). The displayed value is rounded to the first decimal place. Therefore, data on the number of balls dispensed under normal conditions, the number of balls out under normal conditions, and the ratio information under normal conditions are stored in the corresponding areas of RAM40c (specific total prize ball storage area, specific balls out storage area, and specific ratio information storage area). However, instead of simply measuring and displaying performance information indefinitely, the measurement is terminated once the total number of balls out reaches a predetermined number (for example, 60,000 balls). This predetermined number is not the total number of balls out under normal conditions, but the total number of balls out during all game states (including during winning games) (hereinafter referred to as "total number of balls out in all states"). This total number of balls out in all states is also measured in real time and stored in the corresponding area of ​​RAM40c (total number of balls out in all states storage area). For the sake of explanation, the specific total prize ball storage area, specific balls out storage area, specific ratio information storage area, and total number of balls out in all states storage area will be abbreviated as "measurement information storage area".

[0055] Then, the normal ratio information at the end of the measurement is stored in a predetermined area (performance display storage area) of RAM 40c (to store the current normal ratio information), and after that, the measurement information storage area (normal payout count, normal out count, and total out count) is cleared, and then measurement is started again (measurement of normal payout count, normal out count, normal ratio information, and total out count is started). The performance display unit 34 then displays the previous normal ratio information (measurement history information) and the normal ratio information currently being measured. Note that the system may be configured to display history not only for the previous information, but also for the time before last and the time before that (3 times ago), and the number of times back in time information to be displayed can be determined as appropriate.

[0056] (Performance control command) The main control board 40 is capable of transmitting various performance control commands, including information related to the special symbol variation display game and error information, to the performance control board 41, depending on the processing status. However, in order to prevent fraudulent activities such as cheating, the main control board 40 is configured for one-way communication, only transmitting signals to the performance control board 41 and not being able to receive signals from the performance control board 41.

[0057] Here, the performance control command defines its function using a two-byte configuration consisting of a one-byte mode and a one-byte event. To distinguish between MODE and EVENT, Bit 7 of MODE is set to ON and Bit 7 of EVENT is set to OFF. When this information is to be transmitted as valid, a strobe signal is output corresponding to each of the mode and event. That is, when the CPU 40a (main control CPU) has a command to send, it sets and outputs mode information for sending the command to the performance control board 41, and transmits the first strobe signal after a predetermined time has elapsed since this setting. Furthermore, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of this strobe signal, it sets and outputs event information, and transmits the second strobe signal after a predetermined time has elapsed since this setting. The strobe signal is controlled to be active by the CPU 40a for a predetermined period to ensure that the CPU 41a (performance control CPU) can reliably receive the command.

[0058] [2.2 Performance Control Board] The performance control board 41 is primarily composed of a microcomputer equipped with a microprocessor with a built-in CPU 41a, a ROM 41b that stores performance data required for performance control processing, and a RAM 41c that functions as a work area and buffer memory. In addition, it is equipped with an audio control unit (sound source IC), interface circuits to various parts, a random number generation circuit that generates random numbers for drawing for performances, a CTC and watchdog timer (WDT) circuit for various time counting, an interrupt controller circuit that provides interrupt signals to the CPU 41a, an RTC (Real Time Clock) function unit, and a reset circuit, and controls the overall performance operation.

[0059] The CPU 41a performs calculation processing for various performance operations and controls each performance means based on the performance control program and performance control commands received from the main control board 40. In the case of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the performance means are a liquid crystal display device 20 (main liquid crystal display device 20M, sub-liquid crystal display device 20S), an optical display device 16a, a sound generator 17a, and a movable mechanism not shown in the figure.

[0060] ROM41b stores the control program for the performance actions performed by CPU41a, as well as various data necessary for controlling those actions. RAM41c is used by the CPU41a as a work area for various calculations, a table data area, a buffer area for various input / output data and processing data, etc.

[0061] The main roles of this performance control board 41 are to receive performance control commands from the main control board 40, to select and determine performances based on the performance control commands, to control the display of the liquid crystal display device 20 (supply of display data), to control the sound output of the sound generator 17a, to control the light emission of the light display device 16a, and to control the operation of movable parts (drive control of the movable part motor 50).

[0062] Since this performance control board 41 also functions as a control device for the liquid crystal display device 20, the performance control board 41 is equipped with functions as a so-called VDP (Video Display Processor), image ROM, and VRAM (Video RAM), and the CPU 41a also functions as a liquid crystal control unit. VDP refers to a function that controls all aspects of video output processing, including image unpacking and image rendering. Image ROM refers to the memory where the image data used for image processing by the VDP is stored. VRAM is an image memory area that temporarily stores image data expanded by VDP.

[0063] With these configurations, the performance control board 41 generates various image data based on performance control commands from the main control board 40 and outputs it to the main liquid crystal display 20M and the sub-liquid crystal display 20S. As a result, various performance images are displayed on the main liquid crystal display 20M and the sub-liquid crystal display 20S. Here, the "liquid crystal display device 20" shown in Figure 3 is the "main liquid crystal display device 20M". The sub-liquid crystal display device 20S is not shown in Figure 3.

[0064] Furthermore, the performance control board 41 has an acoustic control unit for the sound generating device 17a, which includes multiple speakers 17. The acoustic signals output by the acoustic control unit are amplified by the amplifier unit 17b and supplied to the speakers 17. Furthermore, the performance control board 41 is connected to a lamp driver unit 16b, which functions as a light display control unit for the light display device 16a including the decorative lamp 16, and a motor driver unit 50a (motor drive circuit), which functions as a drive control unit for the movable body motor 50 that operates the movable body (not shown). The performance control board 41 issues instructions to these lamp driver unit 16b and motor driver unit 50a to control the light display operation of the light display device 16a and the operation of the movable body motor 50.

[0065] Furthermore, the performance control board 41 is connected to an origin switch 51 and a position detection sensor 52 for monitoring the operation of movable parts. The origin switch 51 is composed of, for example, a photointerrupter, and detects whether the movable mechanism motor 50 is in the origin position. The origin position is, for example, a position where the movable mechanism is not normally visible on the panel in Figure 2. The performance control board 41 is capable of determining whether the movable mechanism motor 50 is in the origin position based on the detection information from the origin switch 51. Furthermore, the performance control board 41 monitors the current operating position of the movable mechanism (for example, the amount of movement from the origin position) based on the detection information from the position detection sensor 52 and controls its operation. In addition, the performance control board 41 monitors for malfunctions in the operation of the movable mechanism based on the detection information from the position detection sensor 52, and if a malfunction occurs, it detects it as an error.

[0066] Furthermore, the performance control board 41 is connected to operation detection switches for the performance buttons 14a, the directional pad 14b, and the select button 14c, which are referred to as the operation unit 14, and the performance control board 41 is capable of receiving operation detection signals from the performance buttons 14a, the directional pad 14b, and the select button 14c, respectively.

[0067] Furthermore, the performance control board 41 is equipped with a handle sensor 53 (touch sensor) for detecting whether or not the firing operation handle 15 shown in Figure 1 is being touched by the player. Based on the detection information from the handle sensor 53, the performance control board 41 can determine whether or not the firing operation handle 15 is being touched by the user.

[0068] The performance control board 41, based on performance control commands sent from the main control board 40, selects (determines) a performance pattern from a pre-prepared set of performance patterns either by lottery or uniquely, and controls various performance means at the necessary timing to produce the desired performance. This enables the display of performance images on the liquid crystal display device 20 corresponding to the performance pattern, the playback of sound from the speaker 17, and the operation of the lighting and flashing of the decorative lamps 16. Various performance patterns (such as decorative symbol variation display operations and pre-announcement performances) unfold chronologically, realizing a "performance scenario" in a broad sense.

[0069] Here, regarding the performance control command, the performance control board 41 (CPU 41a) generates an interrupt based on the input of the strobe signal transmitted by the main control board 40 (CPU 40a) to receive and analyze it. Specifically, the CPU 41a executes a control program for command reception interrupt processing based on the input of the strobe signal, and in the interrupt processing realized thereby, it acquires the performance control command and analyzes the command content. In this case, when an interrupt occurs based on the input of a strobe signal, CPU41a will interrupt the execution of an interrupt process based on another interrupt (a timer interrupt process that is executed periodically) and perform a command reception interrupt process, and will prioritize the command reception interrupt process even if other interrupts occur simultaneously.

[0070] <3. Overview of Operation> Next, we will explain the general operation of the gaming machine 1, which is realized by the control configuration described above (Figure 4).

[0071] [3.1 Game Status] In the gaming machine 1, in addition to the special game state of a jackpot game, multiple types of game states can be set. To facilitate understanding of this embodiment, the various game states will first be explained.

[0072] Game machine 1 is played in one of two game states, which is a combination of either a low probability state or a high probability state, and either a non-shortened time state or a shortened time state.

[0073] A low-probability state is a state where the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is relatively low, while a high-probability state is a state where the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is relatively high. In the non-shortened time state, it is relatively difficult for game balls to enter the second starting opening 24, while in the shortened time state, it is relatively easy for game balls to enter the second starting opening 24. For example, in the shortened time state, the opening time of the second starting opening 24 when a regular symbol win is achieved is set to be longer than in the non-shortened time state. However, if it is easier for game balls to enter the second starting opening 24 in the shortened time state than in the non-shortened time state, then in the shortened time state, for example, the probability of winning a regular symbol win may be increased, or the variation time of the regular symbols may be shortened.

[0074] In this embodiment, "normal state" refers to the low-probability state and the non-time-saving state, and corresponds to the initial state.

[0075] [3.2 Symbol Variation Display Game] (Regarding the holding of special symbols) In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball enters the first start port 23 or the second start port 24, that is, when a detection signal is input from the first start port detection sensor 23a or the second start port detection sensor 24a, random numbers related to the special symbol variation display game described later (random numbers for jackpot determination, random numbers for special symbol determination, random numbers for variation pattern) are acquired, and these random numbers are stored as reserved data in the special symbol reserved storage area of ​​the RAM 40c up to a predetermined upper limit, which is the maximum number of reserved memories (for example, a maximum of 4). This special symbol hold memory area is provided with special symbol hold memory areas corresponding to special symbol 1 and special symbol 2, namely, a special symbol 1 hold memory area and a special symbol 2 hold memory area.

[0076] These special symbol hold memory areas are provided with Hold 1 memory area to Hold n memory area (where n is the maximum number of hold memories: in this embodiment, n=4), and each can store hold data up to the maximum number of hold memories. There is no particular limit to the maximum number of hold memories in Special Symbol 1 Hold Memory Area and Special Symbol 2 Hold Memory Area. In addition, the maximum number of hold memories for each symbol may be all or part different, and the number can be determined as appropriate according to the gameplay. The game balls associated with the reserved data stored in this special symbol reserved memory area are also referred to as "reserved balls." To make the number of these reserved balls clear to the player, the dot displays corresponding to the number of reserved balls for special symbol 1 and special symbol 2 on the combined display device 22c are lit up, or the reserved ball indicators provided as icon images on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 20 (main liquid crystal display device 20M or sub-liquid crystal display device 20S) are lit up.

[0077] (Special symbol variation display game) In the gaming machine 1, a "jackpot lottery" is performed by random number generation on the main control board 40 based on predetermined starting conditions, specifically, when a game ball enters (wins) into the first starting port 23 or the second starting port 24. Based on the results of the jackpot lottery, the main control board 40 starts the special symbol variation display game by displaying special symbol 1 and special symbol 2 on the special symbol display devices 22a and 22b in a variable manner. After a predetermined variation time has elapsed, the result is displayed on the special symbol display devices 22a and 22b, thereby ending the special symbol variation display game. Unless otherwise necessary, "special symbol 1" and "special symbol 2" will simply be referred to as "special symbols" (or abbreviated as "special symbols" in some cases).

[0078] In this embodiment, the lottery for a jackpot of special symbol 1 based on a ball entering the first starting opening 23 and the lottery for a jackpot of special symbol 2 based on a ball entering the second starting opening 24 are performed separately and independently. For this reason, the result of the lottery for a jackpot of special symbol 1 is displayed on the special symbol display device 22a, and the result of the lottery for a jackpot of special symbol 2 is displayed on the special symbol display device 22b. Specifically, in the special symbol display device 22a, the first special symbol variation display game is started by displaying special symbol 1 in a variation manner when a game ball enters the first starting opening 23, while in the special symbol display device 22b, the second special symbol variation display game is started by displaying special symbol 2 in a variation manner when a game ball enters the second starting opening 24. Then, when the special symbol variation display game on the special symbol display device 22a or special symbol display device 22b is started, after a predetermined variation time has elapsed, the special symbols that were being displayed in the variation will be stopped in a predetermined "jackpot" manner if the jackpot lottery result is "jackpot", or in a predetermined "miss" manner otherwise, and the game result (jackpot lottery result) will be notified in this manner.

[0079] For the sake of explanation, the first special symbol variation display game on the special symbol display device 22a will be referred to as "Special Symbol Variation Display Game 1," and the second special symbol variation display game on the special symbol display device 22b will be referred to as "Special Symbol Variation Display Game 2." Furthermore, "Special Symbol Variation Display Game 1" and "Special Symbol Variation Display Game 2" will simply be referred to as "Special Symbol Variation Display Game."

[0080] If the jackpot lottery result is "jackpot," that is, when the special symbol variation display game ends and the special symbols are stopped and displayed in the "jackpot" manner on the special symbol display device 22a or special symbol display device 22b, a special game state (jackpot game) that is more advantageous to the player than during the special symbol variation display game will occur thereafter.

[0081] (A game where decorative patterns change) Furthermore, when the special symbol variation display game described above is started, the decorative symbol variation display game is started by displaying decorative symbols (theatrical game symbols) in a variation manner on the main LCD display device 20M, and various effects are unfolded in conjunction with this. When the special symbol variation display game ends, the decorative symbol variation display game also ends, and the special symbol display devices 22a and 22b display predetermined special symbols indicating the jackpot lottery result, and the main LCD display device 20M displays decorative symbols that reflect the jackpot lottery result. In other words, the theatrical decorative symbol variation display game, which includes the operation of displaying the variation of decorative symbols, reflects and displays the result of the special symbol variation display game.

[0082] Therefore, for example, if the result of the special symbol variation display game is a "jackpot" (if the jackpot lottery result is a "jackpot"), the decorative symbol variation display game will feature a performance that reflects that result. When the special symbol stops in the special symbol display devices 22a and 22b in a display mode indicating a jackpot (for example, the 7-segment display showing "7"), the main liquid crystal display device 20M will stop displaying the decorative symbols in the "left," "center," and "right" display areas in a display mode that reflects a "jackpot" (in the "left," "center," and "right" display areas, the three decorative symbols will be in the same display state (for example, "7," "7," and "7")).

[0083] Regarding the information necessary to execute the decorative pattern variation display game, the main control board 40 first performs a jackpot lottery to determine whether it is a "jackpot" or a "miss" based on the fact that a game ball has entered the first start port 23 or the second start port 24, specifically, when the game ball is detected by the first start port detection sensor 23a or the second start port detection sensor 24a and the start condition (start condition related to special symbols) is met, and a symbol lottery to determine the type of special symbol (jackpot type, miss type) that will be displayed at the end, and then determines the variation pattern of the special symbols based on the lottery results. In the symbol lottery, if the result of the jackpot lottery is "jackpot," one of several jackpot types is determined by lottery; if it is "loser," one of several losing types is determined by lottery. However, there may be only one jackpot type and one losing type, in which case they may be determined without lottery. The main control board 40 then sends a "variation pattern specification command" to the performance control board 41, which includes at least information on the variation pattern of the special symbols (variation pattern information (for example, information on the jackpot lottery result and the variation time of the special symbols)) as a performance control command to identify the processing state. This sends the basic information required for the decorative symbol variation display game to the performance control board 41.

[0084] The special symbol variation pattern information can include information specifying whether or not a specific pre-announcement effect (for example, the "reach effect" or "pseudo-consecutive effect" described later) will occur. In detail, the special symbol variation patterns are broadly divided into "jackpot variation patterns" for jackpots and "miss variation patterns" for misses, depending on the jackpot lottery result. These variation patterns include multiple types, such as the 'reach variation pattern' which specifies the occurrence of a reach effect, the 'normal variation pattern' which does not specify the occurrence of a reach effect, the 'pseudo-consecutive reach variation pattern' which specifies the occurrence of both a pseudo-consecutive effect and a reach effect (overlapping occurrence), and the 'pseudo-consecutive normal variation pattern' which specifies the occurrence of a pseudo-consecutive effect but does not specify the occurrence of a reach effect. Note that, in order to secure the effect time for reach effects and pseudo-consecutive effects, variation patterns that specify reach effects and pseudo-consecutive effects usually have a longer variation time than normal variation patterns.

[0085] The performance control board 41 determines the performance content (performance scenarios such as preview performances) to be serially developed during the decorative pattern variable display game and the decorative pattern (decorative stop pattern) to be finally stopped and displayed based on the information included in the performance control commands (here, the variable pattern specification command and the decorative pattern specification command) sent from the main control board 40, and executes the decorative pattern variable display game by variably displaying the decorative pattern according to the time schedule based on the variable pattern of the special pattern. Thereby, in synchronization with the variable display of the special pattern by the special pattern display devices 22a and 22b, the decorative pattern on the main liquid crystal display device 20M is variably displayed, and the period of the special pattern variable display game and the period during the decorative pattern variable display game have substantially the same time width. Further, the performance control board 41 controls the main liquid crystal display device 20M, the light display device 16a, or the sound generation device 17a respectively so as to correspond to the performance scenario, and develops various performances in the decorative pattern variable display game. Thereby, the reproduction of the image (image performance) on the main liquid crystal display device 20M, the reproduction of the sound effect (sound performance), and the lighting and blinking drive (light performance) of the decorative lamp 16, the LED, etc. are realized.

[0086] As described above, the special pattern variable display game and the decorative pattern variable display game have an inseparable relationship, and it is assumed that what reflects the display result of the special pattern variable display game is expressed in the decorative pattern variable display game. Therefore, these two pattern variable display games may be regarded as equivalent pattern games. In this specification, unless particularly necessary, the above two pattern variable display games may be simply referred to as the "pattern variable display game".

[0087] (Regarding the retention of the normal pattern) In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes through the normal pattern gate 26, that is, when a detection signal from the normal pattern gate detection sensor 26a is input, a random number (random number for normal pattern determination) related to the normal pattern variable display game is acquired, and this random number is stored as retention data in the normal pattern retention storage area of the RAM 40c up to the maximum retention storage number which is a predetermined upper limit value (for example, a maximum of 4). The general data hold memory area is provided with hold memory area 1 to hold memory area n (where n is the maximum number of hold memories: in this embodiment, n=4), and each area can store hold data up to the maximum number of hold memories. There is no particular limit to the maximum number of hold memories in the general data hold memory area. The game balls associated with the reserved data stored in this general-purpose reserved memory area are also called "general-purpose reserved balls." To make the number of these general-purpose reserved balls clear to the player, the dot display corresponding to the number of general-purpose reserved balls on the composite display device 22c is lit up, or the reserved ball indicator provided as an icon image on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 20 (main liquid crystal display device 20M or sub-liquid crystal display device 20S) is lit up.

[0088] (Normal symbol variation display game) Based on the passage of a game ball through the regular symbol gate 26, the game machine 1 performs a "regular symbol win lottery" using a random number generator on the main control board 40. Based on the result of this lottery, the regular symbols represented by LEDs are displayed in a variable manner on the composite display device 22d to start the regular symbol variable display game. After a predetermined variable time has elapsed, the result is displayed by stopping the display with a combination of lit and unlit LEDs. For example, if the result of the regular symbol win lottery is "regular symbol win", the composite display device 22d is stopped and displayed in a specific lighting state (for example, both LEDs are lit, or the LED representing "○" among the LEDs representing "○" and "×" is lit) according to the type of regular symbol win. In this embodiment, only one type of regular symbol win is provided.

[0089] When a "normal win" occurs, the normal electric mechanism solenoid 25a (see Figure 4) is activated, opening or expanding the second start port 24, making it easier for game balls to flow in (start port open state), resulting in a game state that is more advantageous to the player than when the second start port 24 is closed (hereinafter referred to as "normal electric opening game"). In this normal electric opening game, the entry area of ​​the second start port 24 is opened or expanded by the normal electric mechanism 25 until a predetermined time (for example, 5.7s) has elapsed or the number of game balls that have entered the second start port 24 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls), and when either of these conditions is met, the second start port 24 is closed. This operation is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of 1 time).

[0090] [3.3 About the Big Win] Next, we will explain "jackpot" in gaming machine 1. In the first game machine, there are different types of jackpots, such as "4R1," "10R," and "4R2." When the result of the jackpot lottery is "jackpot," the type of jackpot is determined during the symbol lottery. The "R" notation above indicates the number of rounds (maximum number of rounds).

[0091] The type of jackpot is the win that triggers the activation of the conditional device. Here, the "conditional device" refers to a device whose activation is a condition required for the continuous activation of the mechanism that allows for round play, and which is activated when a specific combination of special symbols is displayed or when a game ball passes through a specific area within the jackpot entry point.

[0092] In a jackpot game, after a pre-opening interval (opening time) to announce the start of the jackpot game has elapsed, the first or second large prize slot 27 or 28 is opened and a predetermined time (maximum opening time: for example, 29.8) has elapsed, or the number of game balls that have entered the first or second large prize slot 27 or 28 has reached a predetermined number (maximum number of entries), at which point the first or second large prize slot 27 or 28 is closed. This "round game" is repeated for a predetermined number of rounds (number of rounds based on the type of jackpot). After the predetermined number of rounds is completed, the jackpot game ends after a post-opening interval (ending time) to announce the end of the jackpot game has elapsed. Note that the "s" after the numbers represents "seconds".

[0093] If a jackpot is won, the game state at the time of the jackpot, the number of bonus rounds, and the number of time-saving rounds are determined according to the game state at the time of the jackpot and the type of jackpot determined. The number of probability-increasing rounds is set when the game state after a big win is in a high-probability state. In game machine 1, the high-probability state after a big win continues until the number of special symbol variation display games reaches the probability-increasing rounds (for example, 154 times). If the special symbol variation display games reach the probability-increasing rounds without winning a big win in the big win lottery, the game state is set (transitioned) to a low-probability state. The number of time-saving rounds is set when the game state after a big win is in a time-saving state. In game machine 1, the time-saving state after a big win continues until the number of special symbol variation display games reaches the time-saving round (for example, 150 times). If the special symbol variation display games for the time-saving round end without winning a big win in the big win lottery, the game state is set (transitioned) to a non-time-saving state. However, Gaming machine 1 may also be a "general probability variation machine" of the type in which the number of probability variation rounds and the number of time reduction rounds continue until a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery (until the next round). The number of time-saving rounds may be the total number of times Special Symbol Variation Display Game 1 and Special Symbol Variation Display Game 2 are executed (total number of variations for Special Symbol 1 and Special Symbol 2), or it may be the number of times either one is executed (for example, the number of times Special Symbol Variation Display Game 2 is executed).

[0094] In this embodiment, similar to the types of big wins, there are also multiple types of "misses." Specifically, there are three types of misses: "miss 1," "miss 2," and "miss 3." As described above, if the result of the jackpot lottery is a "loser," a lottery for the type of losing result is held in the symbol lottery.

[0095] [3.4 Regarding the direction / staging] (Performance Mode) Next, the performance modes (performance states) will be explained. The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is provided with multiple types of performance modes for displaying performances related to the game state, and is configured to allow switching between these performance modes. Specifically, there are performance modes that correspond to the set game state. In each performance mode, the background display for the display screen of the changing decorative symbols is displayed with different background performances, allowing the player to understand what game state they are currently in.

[0096] The performance control board 41 (CPU 41a) has a function unit (performance state transition control means) that controls transitions between multiple types of performance modes. Based on specific performance control commands sent from the main control board 40 (CPU 40a), specifically performance control commands that include game state information managed on the main control board 40, the performance control board 41 (CPU 41a) is configured to grasp the current game state in a manner consistent with the game state managed on the main control board 40, and to control transitions between multiple types of performance modes. Examples of such specific performance control commands include a variation pattern specification command, a decorative symbol specification command, and a game state specification command sent when a change occurs in the game state.

[0097] (Preview / Preview) Next, the pre-announcement effects will be explained. The effect control board 41 is configured to be able to control the appearance of various "pre-announcement effects" related to the current effect mode and the jackpot lottery result, based on the content of the effect control commands from the main control board 40, specifically, the variation pattern information included in at least the variation pattern specification command. Such pre-announcement effects suggest (predict) the expected probability of winning a jackpot type (hereinafter referred to as "winning probability") and act as "hype effects" to heighten the player's expectation of winning. Typical pre-announcement effects include "reach effects," "pseudo-consecutive effects," and "pre-read pre-announcement effects." The effect control board 41 functions as a pre-announcement effect control means that can control the execution (appearance) of these effects.

[0098] A "reach animation" refers to an animation pattern that involves a reach state (a variation display pattern that involves a reach state: a reach variation pattern), and specifically refers to an animation pattern that leads to and displays the final game result via a reach state. Reach animations include multiple types of reach animations associated with the probability of winning. For example, there are some that have a relatively higher probability of winning compared to when a normal reach animation appears. Such reach animations are called "super reach animations." Many of these "super reaches" have a relatively longer animation time (variation time) than normal reaches in order to heighten the expectation of winning. In addition, normal reaches and super reaches include multiple types of reach animations. A super reach includes multiple types of reach animations called Super Reach 1, 2, 3, and 4, and the probability of winning for these Super Reaches 1 to 4 is related as "Super Reach 1 < Super Reach 2 < Super Reach 3 < Super Reach 4".

[0099] "Pseudo - continuous performance" refers to a performance mode accompanied by a pseudo - continuous variation display state (pseudo - continuous variation) of a decorative pattern. "Pseudo - continuous variation" refers to a variation display mode in which, during a decorative pattern variation display game, part or all of the decorative pattern is temporarily stopped once, and the operation of re - varying the display of the decorative pattern is executed one or more times from the temporarily stopped state. In this regard, it is different from the "fore - reading notice performance (continuous notice performance)" described later, which is developed across multiple symbol variation display games. Such "pseudo - continuous" basically has its occurrence rate (appearance rate) determined so that the winning expectation increases as the number of pseudo - variations increases. For example, according to the number of pseudo - variations, performances for enhancing the sense of expectation such as super - reach are more likely to be selected.

[0100] "Fore - reading notice performance" (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "fore - reading notice" or "fore - reading performance") means a performance that notifies the possibility of being controlled to an advantageous state before the variation display of the symbol to be judged is performed based on the result of the fore - reading judgment. Here, the "advantageous state" means a state advantageous to the player. Specifically, the fore - reading performance is mainly carried out in a performance mode that can notify the winning expectation in advance before the hold ball (undigested hold ball) that has not yet been used in the execution of the symbol variation display game (the variation display operation of the special symbol) is used, by using the hold display mode and the background performance of the symbol variation display game executed previously. In the symbol variation display game, in addition to the above "reach performance", various performances such as the so - called "SU (step - up) notice performance", "timer notice performance", "revival performance", "premium notice performance", etc. occur to enliven the game content.

[0101] Here, referring to FIG. 5, the "hold change notice performance" as an example of the above fore - reading notice performance will be described. In the case of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the upper display area within the screen of the main liquid crystal display device 20M, a display area (a display area for presenting a variable display effect and a preview effect of a decorative symbol) for presenting a decorative symbol variable display game is provided. In the lower display area within the screen, a hold display area 60 (hold display parts a1 to d1) for displaying the number of hold balls on the special symbol 1 side and a hold display area 61 (hold display parts a2 to d2) for displaying the number of hold balls on the special symbol 2 side are provided. Regarding the presence or absence of hold balls, that fact is notified by a predetermined hold display mode. In FIG. 5, an example is shown in which information regarding the current number of hold balls is notified in a lit state (there is a hold ball: the "○ (white circle mark)" shown in the figure) or an unlit state (there is no hold ball: the broken-line circle mark shown in the figure).

[0102] The display (hold display) regarding the presence or absence of hold balls is sequentially displayed in the order of their occurrence (winning order). In each of the hold display areas 60 and 61, the leftmost hold ball is displayed as the hold ball that occurred first (i.e., the oldest) on the time axis among all the hold balls within the hold display. Further, on the left side of the hold display areas 60 and 61, a variable display area 62 for indicating the hold balls currently used in the special symbol variable display game is provided. In the case of the present embodiment, the variable display area 62 is configured such that an image in which the icon of the in-game hold K currently used in the game appears on the icon of the receiving seat J appears. That is, when the variable display of the special symbol 1 or the special symbol 2 is started, the icon (icon image) of the oldest hold display part a1 or a2 displayed in the hold display areas 60 and 61 moves as the icon of the in-game hold K onto the icon of the receiving seat J in the variable display area 62, and that state is maintained for a predetermined display time.

[0103] When a hold ball occurs, a "hold addition command" that designates the prediction determination information related to the jackpot lottery result and the number of hold balls at the time of prediction determination (the existing number of hold balls including the hold ball that occurred this time) is transmitted from the main control board 40 to the effect control board 41. In this embodiment, the hold-add command consists of two bytes: the upper byte data that allows the number of hold-add balls at the time of the pre-read determination, and the lower byte data that allows the pre-read determination information to be identified.

[0104] As can be understood from the above explanation, in this embodiment, a jackpot lottery for the symbol variation display game related to a game ball is performed as a pre-read determination based on the fact that a game ball has entered the first start port 23 or the second start port 24 and a new reserved ball has been created. The main control board 40 stores the pre-read determination information obtained by such a pre-read determination in the corresponding memory area of ​​the RAM 40c.

[0105] Here, the pre-read judgment information specifically refers to game information obtained by the main control board 40 by pre-reading the results of the jackpot lottery (jackpot lottery results at the start of the variation) and the variation pattern at the start of the variation, which are executed when the reserved balls are used in the symbol variation display game. In other words, this information includes at least the information obtained by pre-reading the results of the jackpot lottery at the start of the variation (pre-read win / fail information), and can also include information obtained by pre-reading the results of the symbol lottery (pre-read symbol information) and information obtained by pre-reading the variation pattern at the start of the variation (pre-read variation pattern information). The information to be included in the reserved ball addition command sent to the performance control board 41 can be appropriately determined according to the content to be announced in the pre-read notification. The hold-add command is assumed to include pre-read win / loss information, pre-read symbol information, and pre-read variation pattern information.

[0106] When the performance control board 41 receives the above-mentioned hold addition command transmitted by the main control board 40, it performs performance control processing related to the "pre-announcement performance" as part of the display control processing related to the hold display, based on the pre-announcement judgment information contained therein. Specifically, it performs a "pre-announcement lottery" to determine whether or not the pre-announcement performance can be executed, and if it wins, it displays the pre-announcement performance.

[0107] Furthermore, the "pre-read variation pattern" obtained through the pre-read judgment when a reserved ball is generated does not necessarily have to be the same as the "variation pattern at the start of variation" obtained when the reserved ball is actually used for variation display operation. For example, if we take the case where the variation pattern at the start of variation is a variation pattern that specifies "Super Reach 1," then in this case, the content specified by the pre-read variation pattern can be specified not as the type of reach effect "Super Reach 1" itself, but as the core "Super Reach type."

[0108] In this embodiment, if the pre-announcement lottery is won, a "hold display change type" pre-announcement effect (also referred to as "hold change announcement") is performed, in which the hold icon that is the target of the pre-announcement among the hold icons in the hold display units a1~d1 and a2~d2 may change from, for example, the white of the normal hold display (normal hold display mode) to the hold display with blue, green, red, danger pattern (or special colors or patterns such as rainbow) of the announcement display (special hold display mode). Figure 5 shows an example where the reserved ball in the hatched reserved ball display section b1 changes to a special reserved ball display. Here, the blue, green, red, and danger pattern of the reserved ball icons indicate, in that order, the likelihood of winning, and the danger pattern reserved ball icon is considered a premium reserved ball icon that indicates an extremely high likelihood of winning the jackpot.

[0109] (Direction means) Various effects in the gaming machine 1 are produced by effect means installed in the gaming machine 1. These effect means can be any stimulus transmission means that can produce an effect by appealing to human senses such as sight, hearing, and touch. Typical examples include light generating means such as decorative lamps 16 and LED devices (light display device 16a: light effect means), sound generating devices such as speakers 17 (sound generating device 17a: sound effect means), effect display devices (display means) such as the main liquid crystal display device 20M and the sub-liquid crystal display device 20S, pressure devices that transmit contact pressure to the operator's body, air pressure devices that apply air pressure to the player's body, and movable parts that produce a visual effect through their operation. Here, effect display devices are display devices that appeal to the sense of sight, just like image display devices, but they differ from image display devices in that they also include those that do not rely on images (for example, 7-segment displays). When referred to as image display devices, it mainly refers to types that produce effects by displaying images, and those that produce effects using means other than images, such as 7-segment displays, are included in the above concept of effect display devices.

[0110] <4. Circuit board connection configuration> The power supply path to each circuit board installed in the gaming machine 1 will be described below.

[0111] Figure 6 is a power supply diagram of the gaming machine 1. As shown in Figure 6, in addition to the main control board 40, performance control board 41, and payout control board 42 described above, the gaming machine 1 is equipped with a power supply board 70, a gaming ball dispensing device connection terminal board 71, a relay board 72, and a power relay board 73. Note that these boards are only a part of the boards mounted on the gaming machine 1, and various other boards are provided in addition to those shown. The relay board 72 is a board that relays the payout control board 42 to other boards (for example, the frame external centralized terminal board 43, the launch control board 45), and there are one or more relay boards, but for the sake of explanation only one is shown.

[0112] The power supply board 70 receives an external AC input power supply (AC24V) and generates DC voltages that serve as the operating power for each component based on the input AC input power supply (AC24V). The power supply board 70 generates 35V DC voltage (DC35VA), 12V DC voltage (DC12VA, DC12VB), and 5V DC voltage (DC5VA, DC5VB) from the AC input power supply.

[0113] The power supply board 70 is connected to the payout control board 42 and the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 71 via a transmission line H1. One end of the transmission line H1 is connected to the power supply board 70, and the other end branches off and is connected to the payout control board 42 and the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 71. The power supply board 70 supplies 35V DC voltage (DC35VA), 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), and 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) to the payout control board 42 via the transmission line H1. The power supply board 70 also supplies AC input power (AC24V) to the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 71 via the transmission line H1. The game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 71 is connected to the game ball dispensing device and transmits and receives various signals to and from the game ball dispensing device.

[0114] The main control board 40 is connected to the dispensing control board 42 via a transmission line H2. The dispensing control board 42 generates a backup power supply (VBB) that is supplied to the RAM 40c and the RAM of the integrated circuit IC7 (see Figure 9) in the event of a power outage, based on a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA). By supplying the backup power supply (VBB) to the RAM 40c and the RAM of the integrated circuit IC7 in the event of a power outage, it becomes possible to back up (retain) the data stored in the RAM 40c and the RAM of the integrated circuit IC7 for a certain period of time (for example, more than one day). The dispensing control board 42 supplies 35V DC voltage (DC35VA), 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), 5V DC voltage (DC5VA), and backup power supply (VBB) to the main control board 40 via the transmission line H2.

[0115] The dispensing control board 42 generates a 5V DC voltage (DC5VH) based on a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA). The dispensing control board 42 is also connected to a relay board 72 via a transmission line H3. The dispensing control board 42 supplies a 35V DC voltage (DC35VA), a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), and a 5V DC voltage (DC5VH) to the relay board 72 via the transmission line H3.

[0116] Furthermore, the power supply board 70 is connected to the performance control board 41 via transmission line H4, power supply relay board 73, and transmission line H5. The power supply board 70 supplies 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) and 5V DC voltage (DC5VB) to the performance control board 41 via transmission line H4, power supply relay board 73, and transmission line H5.

[0117] <5. Configuration of the dispensing control board> [5.1 Structure of the dispensing control board] Figure 7 shows the wiring pattern on the component side 42a of the dispensing control board 42. Figure 8 shows the wiring pattern on the solder side 42b of the dispensing control board 42. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the arrangement of electronic components on the dispensing control board 42. Note that Figure 8 is a horizontally flipped version to easily understand the connection relationship with Figures 7 and 9. Figure 10 shows the diameter of the through-holes provided in the dispensing control board 42. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the legend for the diameters shown in Figure 10. For the sake of clarity, only some of the electronic components and wiring patterns mounted on the dispensing control board 42 will be described below.

[0118] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the dispensing control board 42 is a double-sided board in which a ground pattern 42c as a solid ground is formed on the component side 42a (front surface) and the solder side 42b (back surface), and multiple conductive wiring patterns are formed thereon. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the dispensing control board 42 has multiple through-holes of different diameters, and the wiring patterns formed on the component side 42a and the solder side 42b are electrically connected through these through-holes. Details of the wiring patterns and through-holes will be described later.

[0119] In this embodiment, a "through-hole" is a hole that penetrates the component side 42a and the solder side 42b and is plated with a conductive material. This includes through-holes into which terminals of electronic components are inserted, through-hole vias that electrically connect wiring patterns on the component side 42a and the solder side 42b, and so on.

[0120] As shown in Figure 9, multiple electronic components are mounted on the dispensing control board 42. All electronic components are leaded components. The terminals (leads) of the electronic components located on the component side 42a are inserted into through-holes and then soldered from the solder side 42b to fix them to the dispensing control board 42, and are electrically connected to the wiring patterns formed on the component side 42a and the solder side 42b.

[0121] In this way, all the electronic components of the payout control board 42 are arranged on one side, the component side 42a, and the component side 42a is mounted on the back of the game board 5 so that it is visible. Therefore, when the payout control board 42 is mounted on the game board 5, it is possible to check (visually inspect) the electronic components mounted on the payout control board 42.

[0122] The electronic components include connectors CN (CN1~CN7), integrated circuits IC (IC1~IC22), resistors R (R1~R97), capacitors C (C1~C79), noise reduction filters FLT (FLT1~FLT10), switches SW (SW1~SW4), and a 7-segment display FND (FND1). These electronic components are soldered to the dispensing control board 42 at the positions shown in Figure 9.

[0123] For example, the transmission line end of the transmission line H1 (see Figure 6) that connects to the power supply board 70 is connected to connector CN1. Therefore, various operating power supplies (DC voltages) are supplied to the dispensing control board 42 via connector CN1. Connectors CN2 and CN6 are connected to the transmission line ends of transmission line H3 (see Figure 6), which connects to the relay board 72. Connector CN3 is connected to the transmission line end of transmission line H2 (see Figure 6), which connects to the main control board 40. Therefore, the dispensing control board 42 supplies (outputs) various operating power (DC voltage), backup power (VBB), and various signals to the main control board 40 via connector CN3. Connector CN4 is connected to the transmission line end of the transmission line that connects to the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 71, and transmits various signals between the payout control board 42 and the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 71.

[0124] [5.2 Input and Output Voltages of the Dispensing Control Board] Figure 12 illustrates the input / output voltages and supply destinations of the dispensing control board 42. As described above, the dispensing control board 42 is supplied with 35V DC voltage (DC35VA), 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), and 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) from the power supply board 70.

[0125] As shown in Figure 12, the 35V DC voltage (DC35VA) supplied from the power supply board 70 has a maximum current capacity of 2.5A and is mainly supplied to the main control board 40 (first special electric mechanism solenoid 29a, second special electric mechanism solenoid 30a), the launch solenoid provided in the launching device 44, and the ball feeding solenoid (not shown) that sends game balls to the launching device 44.

[0126] The 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) supplied from the power supply board 70 has a maximum current capacity of 5.0A and is mainly supplied to the main control board 40 (ordinary electric mechanism solenoid 25a, proximity switch, various function display units, magnetic sensor, vibration sensor, solenoid, etc.), the payout motor 46c, and the proximity switch. The proximity switch is a sensor that detects when a game ball has passed through, such as the first start port detection sensor 23a or the supply depletion detection sensor 46a.

[0127] The 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) supplied from the power supply board 70 has a maximum current capacity of 2.5A and is mainly supplied to the integrated circuit IC7 located on the main control board 40 (CPU40a) and the dispensing control board 42, and is also used to generate control signals on the dispensing control board 42.

[0128] Furthermore, the payout control board 42 generates (internally) a 5V DC voltage (DC5VH) based on the 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) supplied from the power supply board 70. The 5V DC voltage (DC5VH) has a maximum current capacity of 1.0A and is mainly supplied to a handle volume (not shown) that detects the amount of operation of the firing operation handle 15, and a touch sensor (not shown) that detects whether the player is touching the handle, both of which are located on the firing device 44.

[0129] Therefore, although the 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) supplied from the power supply board 70 and the 5V DC voltage (DC5VH) generated by the payout control board 42 are the same voltage, their maximum current capacity and supply destinations are different. In particular, the 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) supplied from the power supply board 70, which is a stable operating power supply, is supplied to supply destinations directly related to game control, such as the CPU 40a and the integrated circuit IC7. On the other hand, the 5V DC voltage (DC5VH) generated by the payout control board 42 is supplied to supply destinations not directly related to game control, such as the handle volume and touch sensor (supply destinations related to the launch of game balls).

[0130] Furthermore, the payout control board 42 generates (internally) a backup power supply (VBB) based on the 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) supplied from the power supply board 70. The backup power supply (VBB) is mainly supplied to the main control board 40 (RAM40c) and the RAM of the integrated circuit IC7.

[0131] Furthermore, the operating power supply (output voltage) output from the dispensing control board 42 includes 35V DC voltage (DC35VA), 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), 5V DC voltage (DC5VA), 5V DC voltage (DC5VH), and backup power supply (VBB).

[0132] The 35V DC voltage (DC35VA) output from the payout control board 42 has a maximum current capacity of 1.3A and is mainly supplied to the main control board 40 (first special electric mechanism solenoid 29a, second special electric mechanism solenoid 30a).

[0133] The 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) output from the payout control board 42 has a maximum current capacity of 3.0A and is mainly supplied to the main control board 40 (standard electric mechanism solenoid 25a, proximity switch, various function display units, magnetic sensor, vibration sensor, solenoid, etc.), the payout motor 46c, the frame control switch, and the proximity switch.

[0134] The 5V DC voltage output from the dispensing control board 42 (power supply voltage generated by the power supply board 70: DC5VA) has a maximum current capacity of 1.0A and is mainly supplied to the main control board 40 (CPU40a).

[0135] The 5V DC voltage output from the dispensing control board 42 (power supply voltage generated by the dispensing control board 42: DC5VH) has a maximum current capacity of 1.0A and is mainly supplied to the handle volume and touch sensor.

[0136] The backup power supply (VBB) output from the payout control board 42 is mainly supplied to the main control board 40 (RAM 40c).

[0137] [5.3 Circuit configuration of the dispensing control board 42] Figure 13 shows the circuit configuration to which connector CN1 is connected among the circuit configurations provided on the dispensing control board 42. Figure 14 shows the circuit configuration to which connector CN3 is connected among the circuit configurations provided on the dispensing control board 42. Figure 15 shows the circuit configuration to which integrated circuit IC7 is connected among the circuit configurations provided on the dispensing control board 42.

[0138] As shown in Figure 13, the connector CN1 for connecting to the power supply board 70 has a 26-terminal configuration, numbered "1" through "26," from the first to the 26th pin. For the sake of explanation, the term "pin" in electronic components refers not only to male terminals with a lead (terminal) shape, but also to both male and female terminals, as well as so-called planar contact patterns and their corresponding terminals.

[0139] Pins 1, 2, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 19-26 are designated as ground terminals. Pins 3 through 6 are designated as terminals for a 35V DC voltage (DC35VA), and a 35V DC voltage (DC35VA) is input from the power supply board 70. Pins 9 through 12 are designated as terminals for 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), and a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) is input from the power supply board 70. Pins 15 through 18 are designated as terminals for a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA), and a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is input from the power supply board 70.

[0140] As shown in Figure 14, the connector CN3 for connecting to the main control board 40 has a 34-terminal configuration, numbered from "1" to "34", with pins numbered from the 1st to the 34th. Pins 1, 2, 7, 8, 13, 14, 18, 19, 22, 30, 33, and 34 are designated as ground terminals. Pins 3 and 5 are assigned as terminals for power supply abnormality signals (ABNORMAL) indicating a voltage abnormality of 35V DC (DC35VA) or 12V DC (DC12VA). Pins 4 and 6 are designated as terminals for the backup power supply (VBB), and the backup power supply (VBB) is output to the main control board 40. Pins 9 and 11 are designated as terminals for 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), and output 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) to the main control board 40. Pins 10 and 12 are designated as terminals for a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA), and a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is output to the main control board 40. Pins 15 and 17 are designated as terminals for a 35V DC voltage (DC35VA), and output a 35V DC voltage (DC35VA) to the main control board 40. Pin 16 is assigned as the terminal for the asynchronous serial signal (CRX1) output from the dispensing control board 42. Pin 20 is assigned as the terminal for the asynchronous serial signal (CTX1) input from the main control board 40. Pins 21 and 23 are assigned as terminals for the open signal of front frame 4 (open signal below frame). Pins 24, 26, 28, and 32 are assigned as terminals for various data signals (SS, DATA, RESET, CLK) input from the main control board 40. Pins 25 and 27 are assigned as terminals for the open signal (upper frame open signal) of front frame 4. Pin 29 is assigned as the terminal for the launch control signal. Pin 31 is assigned as the RWM clear signal terminal for clearing RAM40c.

[0141] The power supply abnormality signal, asynchronous serial signal, lower frame open signal, upper frame open signal, and RWM clear signal are input via integrated circuit IC2, which functions as a Schmitt trigger buffer.

[0142] As shown in Figure 15, the integrated circuit IC7 has a 71-pin configuration, with pins numbered "1" through "71," from pin 1 to pin 71. The integrated circuit IC7 has a built-in CPU, RAM, and ROM. The CPU operates using a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) supplied via pins 8, 19, and 52, which controls the various parts of the payout control board 42, the launcher 44, and the game ball payout device 46.

[0143] The CPU of the integrated circuit IC7 controls the operation of each part of the payout control board 42, the launcher 44, and the game ball payout device 46. The RAM stores the data (information) necessary to control the operation of each part of the payout control board 42, the launcher 44, and the game ball payout device 46. In addition, the RAM is supplied with backup power (VBB) via pin 20, and the stored data can be backed up (retained) by supplying backup power (VBB) in the event of a power outage.

[0144] [5.4 Wiring for supplying 35V DC voltage] Figure 16 is a composite diagram of the wiring patterns for a 35V DC voltage (DC35VA). Figure 16 is a composite diagram created by extracting the wiring patterns provided on the component side 42a shown in Figure 7, the wiring patterns provided on the solder side 42b shown in Figure 8, and the wiring for supplying a 35V DC voltage (DC35VA) from pins 3 to 6 of connector CN1 (CN1_3 to CN1_6) to pins 15 and 17 of connector CN3 (CN3_15, CN3_17) from the electronic components arranged on the dispensing control board 42 shown in Figure 9.

[0145] As shown in Figures 7-9, 13, 14, and 16, the dispensing control board 42 receives a 35V DC voltage (DC35VA) from the power supply board 70 via the four third to sixth pins (CN1_3 to CN1_6) of connector CN1.

[0146] The four pins 3 through 6 (CN1_3 to CN1_6) of connector CN1 are connected to one end of wiring pattern L35b_1 on the solder side 42b. One end of wiring pattern L35a_1 on the component side 42a is connected to wiring pattern L35a_1 via four through-holes T35_1 to T35_4. One end of wiring pattern L35b_2 on the solder side 42b is connected to the other end of wiring pattern L35a_1 via four through-holes T35_5 to T35_8. The other end of wiring pattern L35b_2 is connected to pins 15 and 17 (CN3_15, CN_17) of connector CN3.

[0147] Therefore, the 35V DC voltage (DC35VA) input to the four third to sixth pins (CN1_3 to CN1_6) of connector CN1 is supplied to the 15th and 17th pins (CN3_15, CN_17) of connector CN3 through wiring patterns L35b_1, L35a_1, and L35b_2, and is output from the 15th and 17th pins (CN3_15, CN_17) of connector CN3 to the main control board 40.

[0148] Furthermore, an integrated circuit IC22 is connected to the other end of the wiring pattern L35b_1, and a 35V DC voltage (DC35VA) is supplied to the integrated circuit IC22 via the wiring pattern L35b_1. The 35V DC voltage (DC35VA) supplied to the integrated circuit IC22 is used as the operating power for the launch solenoid and ball-feeding solenoid, and is output to the launch device 44 via connector CN6.

[0149] Furthermore, a power supply abnormality signal is supplied to the power supply abnormality signal generation circuit via a noise reduction filter FLT1, etc., along the middle of the wiring pattern L35b_1. The power supply abnormality signal generation circuit mainly consists of an integrated circuit IC5, resistors R16~R21, capacitors C20~C26, and a part of the integrated circuit IC3. The power supply abnormality signal generation circuit monitors voltage drops of 35V DC voltage (DC35VA) and 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), which will be described later, and outputs a power supply abnormality signal (ABNORMAL) to the main control board 40 via pins 3 and 5 of connector CN3, and also inputs it to pin 70 of integrated circuit IC7.

[0150] [5.5 Wiring for supplying 12V DC voltage] Figure 17 is a composite diagram of the wiring patterns for a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA). Figure 17 is a composite diagram created by extracting the wiring patterns provided on the component side 42a shown in Figure 7, the wiring patterns provided on the solder side 42b shown in Figure 8, and the wiring for supplying a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) from pins 9 to 12 (CN1_9 to CN1_12) of connector CN1 to pins 9 and 11 (CN3_9, CN3_11) of connector CN3 from the electronic components arranged on the dispensing control board 42 shown in Figure 9.

[0151] As shown in Figures 7-9, 13, 14, and 17, the dispensing control board 42 receives a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) from the power supply board 70 via the four pins 9-12 (CN1_9-CN1_12) of connector CN1.

[0152] The four pins 9 through 12 (CN1_9 to CN1_12) of connector CN1 are connected to one end of wiring pattern L12b_1 on the solder side 42b. The other end of wiring pattern L12b_1 is connected to one end of wiring pattern L12a_1 on the component side 42a via nine through-holes T12_1 to T12_9. Wiring pattern L12a_1 branches into wiring patterns L12a_2 and L12a_3, and the end of wiring pattern L12a_2 is connected to one end of wiring pattern L12b_2 on the solder side 42b via six through-holes T12_10 to T12_15. The other end of wiring pattern L12b_2 is connected to pins 9 and 11 (CN3_9, CN3_11) of connector CN3.

[0153] Therefore, the 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) input to the four pins 9 through 12 (CN1_9 to CN1_12) of connector CN1 is supplied to pins 9 and 11 (CN3_9, CN3_11) of connector CN3 through wiring patterns L12b_1, L12a_1, L12a_2, and L12b_2, and is output from pins 9 and 11 (CN3_9, CN3_11) of connector CN3 to the main control board 40.

[0154] On the other hand, the end of wiring pattern L12a_3 is connected to noise suppression filter FLT2, and the 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) that passes through noise suppression filter FLT2 is supplied to the power supply abnormal signal generation circuit, integrated circuits IC12~IC15, IC18, pin 24 of connector CN2, pins 4, 6, and 18 of connector CN6, etc.

[0155] The integrated circuits IC12 and IC13 are circuits for controlling the display of the 7-segment display FND1, and they operate using the supplied 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) and the 5V DC voltage (DC5VA), which will be described later, to display information on the 7-segment display FND1. The 7-segment display FND1 can display performance information, similar to the performance indicator 34.

[0156] Furthermore, the 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) that has passed through the noise reduction filter FLT2 is supplied to the integrated circuit IC1. The integrated circuit IC1 is an LDO (Low Drop Out) regulator that generates a 5V DC voltage (DC5VH) from the supplied 12V DC voltage (DC12VA). The 5V DC voltage (DC5VH) generated by the integrated circuit IC1 is supplied to the first pin (CN4_1) of connector CN4 via the noise rejection filter FLT9. As a result, the 5V DC voltage (DC5VH) is output to the game ball dispensing device via the first pin (CN4_1) of connector CN4 and the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 71.

[0157] Furthermore, the 5V DC voltage (DC5VH) generated by the integrated circuit IC1 also serves as the operating voltage for the volume sensor and touch sensor.

[0158] [5.6 Wiring for supplying 5V DC voltage] Figure 18 is a composite diagram of the wiring patterns for a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA). Figure 18 is a composite diagram created by extracting the wiring patterns provided on the component side 42a shown in Figure 7, the wiring patterns provided on the solder side 42b shown in Figure 8, and the wiring for supplying a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) from pins 15 to 18 of connector CN1 (CN1_15~CN1_18) to pins 10 and 12 of connector CN3 (CN3_10, CN3_12) from the electronic components arranged on the dispensing control board 42 shown in Figure 9.

[0159] As shown in Figures 7-9, 13, 14, and 18, the dispensing control board 42 receives a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) from the power supply board 70 via the four pins 15-18 (CN1_15-CN1_18) of connector CN1.

[0160] The four pins 15 through 18 (CN1_15~CN1_18) of connector CN1 are connected to one end of wiring pattern L5b_1 on the solder side 42b. The other end of wiring pattern L5b_1 is connected to one end of wiring pattern L5a_1 on the component side 42a via two through-holes T5_1~T5_2. The other end of wiring pattern L5a_1 is connected to the middle of wiring pattern L5b_2 on the solder side 42b via two through-holes T5_3~T5_4. Pins 10 and 12 (CN3_10, CN3_12) of connector CN3 are connected to one end of wiring pattern L5b_2.

[0161] Therefore, the 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) input to the four pins 15 to 18 (CN1_15 to CN1_18) of connector CN1 is supplied to pins 10 and 12 (CN3_10, CN3_12) of connector CN3 through wiring patterns L5b_1, L5a_1, and L5b_2, and output from pins 10 and 12 (CN3_10, CN3_12) of connector CN3 to the main control board 40.

[0162] Furthermore, the other end of wiring pattern L5b_2 is connected to noise suppression filter FLT3. The 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) that passes through noise suppression filter FLT3 is supplied to the DC5VA monitoring circuit, backup power supply generation circuit 80, etc., and is also supplied as operating power to various parts of the payout control board 42 (for example, integrated circuits IC2, IC7~IC11, IC17). In addition, the 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is also used as a voltage for generating various control signals.

[0163] [5.7 Backup power supply wiring] Figure 19 is a composite diagram of the wiring patterns for the backup power supply (VBB). Figure 19 is a composite diagram created by extracting the wiring patterns from the component side 42a shown in Figure 7, the wiring patterns from the solder side 42b shown in Figure 8, and the backup power supply wiring from wiring pattern L5b_2 to the 4th and 6th pins (CN3_4, CN3_6) of connector CN3 among the electronic components arranged on the dispensing control board 42 shown in Figure 9.

[0164] As shown in Figures 7-9, 13, 14, and 19, one end of wiring pattern L5b_3 on the solder side 42b is connected to the other end of wiring pattern L5b_2 via a noise suppression filter FLT3. A backup power generation circuit 80 is connected in the middle of wiring pattern L5b_3. The backup power generation circuit 80 is equipped with a large-capacity electrolytic capacitor C13 and a diode D5. Diode D5 has its anode terminal connected to the middle of wiring pattern L5b_3 and its cathode terminal connected to one end of wiring pattern LVb_1 on the solder side 42b. Electrolytic capacitor C13 is a two-terminal capacitor, with its positive terminal (lead pin) connected to the middle of wiring pattern LVb_1 and its negative terminal (lead pin) connected to ground. Therefore, electrolytic capacitor C13 stores charge as a backup power supply (VBB) when a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is supplied, and outputs the backup power supply (VBB) to wiring pattern LVb_1 when the 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is no longer supplied (when the power is cut off).

[0165] One end of wiring pattern LVb_2 is connected to wiring pattern LVb_1 via noise reduction filter FLT4, and the other end of wiring pattern LVb_2 is connected to pins 4 and 6 (CN3_4, CN3_6) of connector CN3. As a result, the backup power supply VBB is output to the main control board 40 (RAM40c) via pins 4 and 6 (CN3_4, CN3_6) of connector CN3 and transmission line H2.

[0166] Furthermore, as will be described in more detail later, one end of wiring pattern LVa_1 on the component side 42a is connected to the other end of wiring pattern LVb_1 via through-hole TB_1, and the backup power supply (VBB) passing through wiring pattern LVa_1 is supplied to the integrated circuit IC7 (RAM).

[0167] [5.8 Power supply wiring for integrated circuit IC7] Figure 20 is a composite diagram of the power supply wiring for the integrated circuit IC7. Figure 20 is a composite diagram created by extracting the power supply wiring to the integrated circuit IC7 from the wiring pattern provided on the component side 42a shown in Figure 7, the wiring pattern provided on the solder side 42b shown in Figure 8, and the electronic components arranged on the dispensing control board 42 shown in Figure 9.

[0168] As shown in Figures 7-9, 15, and 20, one end of the wiring pattern L5a_2 on the component side 42a is connected to the middle of the wiring pattern L5b_3 via a through-hole T5_5, and the other end of the wiring pattern L5a_2 is connected to the middle of the wiring pattern L5b_4 on the solder side 42b via a through-hole T5_6.

[0169] One end of wiring pattern L5b_4 is connected to one end of wiring pattern L5a_3 on the component side 42a via a through-hole T5_7, and one end of wiring pattern L5a_3 is connected to one end of wiring pattern L5b_5 on the solder side 42b via a through-hole T5_8. The other end of wiring pattern L5b_5 is connected to one end of wiring pattern L5a_4 on the component side 42a via a through-hole T5_9, and the other end of wiring pattern L5a_4 is connected to pin 52 of the integrated circuit IC7.

[0170] Furthermore, the other end of wiring pattern L5b_4 is connected to the middle of wiring pattern L5a_5 on the component side 42a via through-hole T5_10, and one end of wiring pattern L5b_6 is connected to the middle of wiring pattern L5a_5 via through-hole T5_11. The other end of wiring pattern L5b_6 is connected to pin 8 of the integrated circuit IC7.

[0171] Additionally, one end of wiring pattern L5b_7 on the solder side 42b is connected to wiring pattern L5a_5 via through-hole T5_12. One end of wiring pattern L5a_6 on the component side 42a is connected to the other end of wiring pattern L5b_7 via through-hole T5_13. The 19th pin of integrated circuit IC7 is connected to the other end of wiring pattern L5a_6.

[0172] Therefore, the integrated circuit IC7 is supplied with a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) from pins 8, 19, and 52.

[0173] On the other hand, one end of wiring pattern LVa_1 on the component side 42a is connected to the other end of wiring pattern LVb_1 via through-hole TB_1, and one end of wiring pattern LVb_3 on the solder side 42b is connected to the other end of wiring pattern LVa_1 via through-hole TB2. One end of wiring pattern LVb_4 is connected to the other end of wiring pattern LVb_3 via resistor R22. The 20th pin of integrated circuit IC7 is connected to the other end of wiring pattern LVb_4. Therefore, backup power (VBB) is supplied to integrated circuit IC7 from the 20th pin.

[0174] The CPU of the integrated circuit IC7 operates using a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) supplied from pins 8, 19, and 52. It controls various parts of the payout control board 42, the launcher 44, and the game ball payout device 46 by loading programs stored in ROM into RAM and executing them. For example, the CPU instructs the launcher 44 on the launch intensity and instructs the game ball payout device 46 to dispense game balls.

[0175] The RAM of the integrated circuit IC7 temporarily stores data for issuing instructions to various parts of the payout control board 42, the launching device 44, and the game ball payout device 46.

[0176] When the 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) supplied to integrated circuit IC7 is lost due to a power outage, the CPU stops operating, and a backup power supply (VBB) is supplied via pin 20. The integrated circuit IC then uses the backup power supply (VBB) to back up (retain) the data stored in the RAM.

[0177] <6. Example Configuration> The following describes an example configuration of gaming machine 1.

[0178] The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration (A1-1). (Composition A1-1) The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine equipped with a circuit board, the circuit board comprising: an input connector to which a predetermined power supply voltage is input; a backup power supply generation circuit that generates a backup power supply based on the predetermined power supply voltage; an output connector that outputs the backup power supply; a first wiring pattern connecting the terminal to which the predetermined power supply voltage is input at the input connector to the backup power supply generation circuit; and a second wiring pattern connecting the backup power supply generation circuit to the terminal to which the backup power supply is output at the output connector, wherein the second wiring pattern is shorter than the first wiring pattern.

[0179] In this configuration (A1-1), the circuit board corresponds to the dispensing control board 42, the predetermined power reduction corresponds to a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA), the input connector corresponds to connector CN1, the backup power supply corresponds to the backup power supply (VBB), the output connector corresponds to connector CN3, and the terminals to which the predetermined power supply voltage is input in the input connector correspond to pins 15 to 18 (CN1_15 to CN1_18) of connector CN3. Furthermore, the first wiring pattern corresponds to wiring patterns L5b_1, L5a_1, L5b_3, and LVb_1, and the second wiring pattern corresponds to wiring patterns LVb_1 and LVb_2.

[0180] As shown in Figures 18 to 20, when a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is input to pins 15 to 18 (CN1_15 to CN1_18) of connector CN1, it passes through wiring pattern L5b_1 on the solder side 42b and is input to two through-holes T5_1 and T5_2. The 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) input to the two through-holes T5_1 and T5_2 is then guided to the component side 42a via through-holes T5_1 and T5_2 and then passes through wiring pattern L5a_1 and is input to two through-holes T5_3 and T5_4. The 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) input to the two through-holes T5_3 and T5_4 is then guided to the solder side 42b via through-holes T5_3 and T5_4 and then passes through wiring pattern L5b_2 and is input to the noise suppression filter FLT3. The 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) input to the noise reduction filter FLT3 is input to the anode terminal of diode D5 in the backup power generation circuit 80, output from the cathode terminal, and input to the positive terminal of electrolytic capacitor C13 via wiring pattern LVb_1. The total length of the wiring pattern through which the 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) passes from pins 15 to 18 (CN1_15 to CN1_18) of connector CN1 to the backup power generation circuit 80 (diode D5) is approximately 290mm.

[0181] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 19, the backup power supply (VBB) is generated by the backup power supply generation circuit 80 based on a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) and stored in the electrolytic capacitor C13. When the power supply is interrupted and the 5V DC voltage is no longer supplied to the positive terminal of the electrolytic capacitor C13, the backup power supply (VBB) is input to the noise suppression filter FLT4 through the wiring pattern LVb_1 on the solder side 42b from the positive terminal of the electrolytic capacitor C13. The backup power supply input to the noise suppression filter FLT4 is output to the main control board 40 from the 4th and 6th pins (CN3_4, CN3_6) of the connector CN3 through the wiring pattern LVb_2 on the solder side 42b via the noise suppression filter FLT4. The total length of the wiring pattern through which the backup power supply (VBB) passes from the electrolytic capacitor C13 to the 4th and 6th pins (CN3_4, CN3_6) of the connector CN3 is approximately 56 mm.

[0182] Therefore, the total length of the wiring pattern through which the backup power supply (VBB) output to the main control board 40 passes (approximately 56 mm) is shorter than the total length of the wiring pattern through which the 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) input from the power supply board 70 passes (approximately 290 mm). By making the wiring pattern of the backup power supply (VBB) output to the main control board 40 shorter than the wiring pattern through which the 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) input from the power supply board 70 passes, the noise of the backup power supply (VBB) can be reduced, and the stability of RAM40c backup during power outages can be improved.

[0183] Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, on the dispensing control board 42, connector CN1 is located in the upper right and connector CN3 is located in the upper left, with connectors CN1 and CN3 separated in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction). The backup power generation circuit 80 (electrolytic capacitor C13, diode D5) is located slightly above and to the left of the dispensing control board 42, and is positioned closer to connector CN3 than to connector CN1 (directly below connector CN3).

[0184] In this way, by placing the backup power generation circuit 80 closer to connector CN3 than to connector CN1, the payout control board 42 can be designed to have shorter wiring patterns LVb_1 and LVb_2 through which the backup power (VBB) output to the main control board 40 passes. Thus, by shortening the wiring patterns LVb_1 and LVb_2 through which the backup power (VBB) output to the main control board 40 passes, the influence of noise can be reduced, and the stability of RAM 40c backup during power outages can be improved.

[0185] Furthermore, diode D5 is positioned closer to connector CN1 than electrolytic capacitor C13. In addition, diode D5 is positioned so that its anode terminal is closer to connector CN1 than its cathode terminal. As a result, the wiring pattern for connecting pins 15 to 18 (CN1_15 to CN1_18) of connector CN1 and diode D5, which constitutes the backup power generation circuit 80, can be shortened on the dispensing control board 42, thereby reducing the impact of noise on the wiring pattern through which the 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) passes.

[0186] Furthermore, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following (configuration A1-2) in addition to (configuration A1-1). (Composition A1-2) The circuit board includes a control circuit to which a backup power supply is input, and a third wiring pattern connecting the backup power supply generation circuit and the control circuit, wherein the second wiring pattern is shorter than the third wiring pattern.

[0187] In this (configuration A1-2) approach, the control circuit corresponds to the integrated circuit IC7, and the third wiring pattern corresponds to wiring patterns LVb_1, LVa_1, LVB_3, and LVb_4.

[0188] As shown in Figure 20, when the power supply is interrupted and the 5V DC voltage is no longer supplied to the positive terminal of electrolytic capacitor C13, the backup power supply (VBB) is input from the positive terminal of electrolytic capacitor C13 through the wiring pattern LVb_1 on the solder side 42b to the through-hole TB_1. The backup power supply (VBB) input to the through-hole TB_1 is then guided to the component side 42a via the through-hole TB_1 and input to resistor R22 through the wiring pattern LVa_1. The backup power supply (VBB) input to resistor R22 is then input to pin 20 of integrated circuit IC7 through the wiring pattern LVb_4 via resistor R22. The total length of the wiring pattern through which the backup power supply (VBB) passes from electrolytic capacitor C13 to pin 20 of integrated circuit IC7 is approximately 228 mm.

[0189] Therefore, the total length of the wiring pattern through which the backup power supply (VBB) output to the main control board 40 passes (approximately 56 mm) is shorter than the total length of the wiring pattern through which the backup power supply (VBB) input to the integrated circuit IC7 passes (approximately 228 mm). By shortening the wiring pattern of the backup power supply (VBB) output to the main control board 40 in this way, noise entering the backup power supply (VBB) output to the main control board 40 is reduced, and reliable backup of RAM40c in the event of a power outage can be ensured.

[0190] Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the integrated circuit IC7 is positioned slightly below and to the left on the dispensing control board 42. The backup power generation circuit 80 is positioned closer to the connector CN3 than the integrated circuit IC7.

[0191] In this way, by placing the backup power generation circuit 80 closer to the connector CN3 than the integrated circuit IC7, the payout control board 42 can be designed with shorter wiring patterns LVb_1 and LVb_2 through which the backup power supply (VBB) output to the main control board 40 passes. Thus, by shortening the wiring patterns LVb_1 and LVb_2 through which the backup power supply (VBB) output to the main control board 40 passes, the influence of noise is reduced, and the stability of RAM 40c backup in the event of a power outage can be more reliably ensured.

[0192] Furthermore, in addition to (configuration A1-1) and (configuration A1-2), the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment also has the following (configuration A1-3). (Composition A1-3) The gaming machine 1 has an output connector configured to output a predetermined power voltage and a backup power supply.

[0193] In this configuration (A1-3), the output connector CN3 outputs a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) and a backup power supply (VBB) to the main control board 40. Specifically, the 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) input from the power supply board 70 is branched by the wiring pattern L5b_2. One branch is supplied directly to pins 10 and 12 (CN3_10, CN3_12) of connector CN3 and output to the main control board 40, while the other branch is supplied to the backup power supply generation circuit 80 to generate a backup power supply (see Figure 19).

[0194] In this case, one of the 5V DC voltages (DC5VA) is supplied to connector CN3 and the other to backup power generation circuit 80, making it possible to branch the 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) near connector CN3. Therefore, the wiring pattern after branching (L5b_2) can be shortened and the wiring can be simplified.

[0195] The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration (A2-1). (Configuration A2-1) The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine equipped with a circuit board, the circuit board comprising: an input connector to which a predetermined power supply voltage is input; a backup power supply generation circuit that generates a backup power supply based on the predetermined power supply voltage; a control circuit to which the backup power supply is input; a first wiring pattern connecting the terminal to which the predetermined power supply voltage is input in the input connector and the backup power supply generation circuit; and a second wiring pattern connecting the backup power supply generation circuit and the control circuit, wherein the second wiring pattern is shorter than the first wiring pattern.

[0196] In this configuration (A2-1), the circuit board corresponds to the dispensing control board 42, the predetermined power reduction corresponds to a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA), the input connector corresponds to connector CN1, the backup power supply corresponds to the backup power supply (VBB), the backup power supply generation circuit corresponds to the backup power supply generation circuit 80, and the control circuit corresponds to the integrated circuit IC7. Furthermore, the first wiring pattern corresponds to wiring patterns L5b_1, L5a_1, L5b_3, and LVb_1, and the second wiring pattern corresponds to wiring patterns LVb_1, LVa_1, LVb_3, and LVb_4.

[0197] As described above, the total length of the wiring patterns input from the main control board 40 to the backup power generation circuit 80, that is, the total length of the wiring patterns through which the 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) passes from pins 15 to 18 of connector CN1 (CN1_15~CN1_18) to the backup power generation circuit 80 (diode D5), is approximately 290mm.

[0198] Furthermore, when the power supply is interrupted and the 5V DC voltage is no longer supplied to the positive terminal of electrolytic capacitor C13, the backup power supply (VBB) is input from the + terminal of electrolytic capacitor C13 through the wiring pattern LVb_1 on the solder side 42b to the through-hole TB_1. The backup power supply (VBB) input to the through-hole TB_1 is then guided to the component side 42a via the through-hole TB_1 and input to the through-hole TB_2 through the wiring pattern LVa_1. The backup power supply (VBB) input to the through-hole TB_2 is then guided to the solder side 42b via the through-hole TB_2 and input to resistor R22 through the wiring pattern LVb_3. The backup power supply (VBB) input to resistor R22 is then input to pin 20 of integrated circuit IC7 through resistor R22 and the wiring pattern LVb_4. The total length of the wiring pattern through which the backup power supply (VBB) passes from electrolytic capacitor C13 to pin 20 of integrated circuit IC7 is approximately 228 mm.

[0199] Therefore, the total length of the wiring pattern through which the backup power supply (VBB) input to the integrated circuit IC7 passes (approximately 228 mm) is shorter than the total length of the wiring pattern through which the 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) input from the power supply board 70 to the backup power supply generation circuit 80 passes (approximately 290 mm). By making the wiring pattern of the backup power supply (VBB) input to the integrated circuit IC7 shorter than the wiring pattern through which the 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) input from the power supply board 70 to the backup power supply generation circuit 80 passes, noise entering the backup power supply (VBB) can be reduced, and the stability of RAM backup in the integrated circuit IC7 during power outages can be improved.

[0200] Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, on the dispensing control board 42, connector CN1 is located in the upper right, backup power generation circuit 80 (electrolytic capacitor C13, diode D5) is located slightly to the upper left, and integrated circuit IC7 is located slightly to the lower left. Furthermore, the backup power generation circuit 80 (electrolytic capacitor C13, diode D5) is located closer to the integrated circuit IC7 than connector CN1.

[0201] In this way, by placing the backup power generation circuit 80 closer to the integrated circuit IC7 than the connector CN1, the payout control board 42 can design shorter wiring patterns LVb_1, LBa_1, LVb_3, and LVb_4 through which the backup power supply (VBB) input to the integrated circuit IC7 passes. Thus, by shortening the wiring patterns LVb_1, LBa_1, LVb_3, and LVb_4 through which the backup power supply (VBB) input to the integrated circuit IC7 passes, the influence of noise can be reduced, and the stability of RAM backup in the integrated circuit IC7 during power outages can be improved.

[0202] Furthermore, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following (configuration A2-2) in addition to (configuration A2-1). (Configuration A2-2) The input connector receives two power supply voltages, a first and a second, which have different voltages. The circuit board generates a third power supply voltage, which is the same voltage as the first power supply voltage, based on the second power supply voltage. The backup power supply generation circuit is configured to generate a backup power supply based on the first power supply voltage.

[0203] In this configuration (A2-2), the first power supply voltage corresponds to a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA), the second power supply voltage corresponds to a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), and the third power supply voltage corresponds to a 5V DC voltage (DC5VH).

[0204] Here, a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is supplied to the main control board 40, as well as to components directly involved in game control, such as those that generate various control signals like reset signals. On the other hand, a 5V DC voltage (DC5VH) is supplied to components not directly involved in game control (components involved in firing), such as the handle volume and touch sensors.

[0205] Therefore, the 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) generated by the power supply board 70 enables stable control of components directly involved in game control, while the 5V DC voltage (DC5VH) generated by the payout control board 42 operates components not directly involved in game control. This reduces the impact of the operating voltage supplied to components not directly involved in game control on components that are directly involved in control.

[0206] The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration (A3-1). (Configuration A3-1) The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine equipped with a circuit board, the circuit board comprising: a backup power generation circuit that generates a backup power supply based on a predetermined power supply voltage; an output connector that outputs the backup power supply; a control circuit that receives the backup power supply; a first wiring pattern that connects the backup power generation circuit and the terminal on the output connector where the backup power supply is output; and a second wiring pattern that connects the backup power generation circuit and the control circuit, wherein the first wiring pattern is shorter than the second wiring pattern.

[0207] In this configuration (A3-1), the circuit board corresponds to the dispensing control board 42, the predetermined power reduction corresponds to a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA), the backup power supply corresponds to the backup power supply (VBB), the output connector corresponds to connector CN3, the backup power supply generation circuit corresponds to the backup power supply generation circuit 80, and the control circuit corresponds to the integrated circuit IC7. Furthermore, the first wiring pattern corresponds to wiring patterns LVb_1 and LVb_2, and the second wiring pattern corresponds to wiring patterns LVb_1, LVa_1, LVb_3, and LVb_4.

[0208] As described above, the total length of the wiring pattern through which the backup power supply (VBB) output to the main control board 40 passes is approximately 56 mm, which is shorter than the total length of the wiring pattern through which the backup power supply (VBB) supplied to the integrated circuit IC7 passes (approximately 228 mm). By shortening the wiring pattern of the backup power supply (VBB) output to the main control board 40 in this way, the noise input to the backup power supply (VBB) output to the main control board 40 can be reduced, and the stability of RAM40c backup during power outages can be improved.

[0209] Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, on the dispensing control board 42, connector CN3 is located in the upper left, the backup power generation circuit 80 (electrolytic capacitor C13, diode D5) is located slightly above and to the left, and the integrated circuit IC7 is located slightly below and to the left. Furthermore, the backup power generation circuit 80 (electrolytic capacitor C13, diode D5) is located closer to connector CN3 than the integrated circuit IC7 (directly below connector CN3).

[0210] In this way, by placing the backup power generation circuit 80 closer to the connector CN3 than the integrated circuit IC7, the payout control board 42 can be designed with shorter wiring patterns LVb_1 and LVb_2 through which the backup power supply (VBB) output to the main control board 40 passes. Thus, by shortening the wiring patterns LVb_1 and LVb_2 through which the backup power supply (VBB) output to the main control board 40 passes, the influence of noise can be reduced, and the stability of RAM 40c backup during power outages can be improved.

[0211] Furthermore, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following (configuration A3-2) in addition to (configuration A3-1). (Configuration A3-2) The circuit board includes an input connector to which a predetermined power supply voltage is input, and a third wiring pattern that connects the terminal to which the predetermined power supply voltage is input at the input connector to a backup power supply generation circuit, wherein the third wiring pattern is longer than the second wiring pattern.

[0212] In the case of this concept of (Configuration A3-2), the input connector corresponds to connector CN1, and the third wiring pattern corresponds to wiring patterns L5b_1, L5a_1, L5b_2, L5b_3, and LVb_1.

[0213] As described above, the length of the wiring pattern from connector CN1 to electrolytic capacitor C13 is approximately 290 mm, which is longer than the total length (about 228 mm) of the wiring pattern through which the backup power supply (VBB) supplied to integrated circuit IC7 passes. Thus, by shortening the wiring pattern of the backup power supply (VBB) input to integrated circuit IC7, the noise entering the backup power supply (VBB) input to integrated circuit IC7 can be reduced, and the stability of the backup of the RAM of integrated circuit IC7 can be improved.

[0214] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, on the payout control board 42, connector CN1 is arranged in the upper right. And the backup power generation circuit 80 (electrolytic capacitor C13, diode D5) is arranged at a position closer to integrated circuit IC7 than connector CN1.

[0215] Thus, by arranging the backup power generation circuit 80 in the vicinity of integrated circuit IC7 rather than connector CN1, on the payout control board 42, it becomes possible to design the wiring patterns LVb_1, LVa_1, LVb_3, and LVb_4 through which the backup power supply (VBB) input to integrated circuit IC7 passes to be short. Thus, the wiring patterns LVb_1, LVa_1, LVb_3, and LVb_4 through which the backup power supply (VBB) input to integrated circuit IC7 passes can be shortened to reduce the influence of noise, and the stability of the backup of the RAM of integrated circuit IC7 at the time of power-off can be improved.

[0216] In addition to (Configuration A3-1) and (Configuration A3-2), the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment also has the following (Configuration A3-3). (Configuration A3-3)[[ID=2D]] The backup power generation circuit is configured to include a diode and a capacitor. In this (configuration A3-3) approach, the diode corresponds to diode D5, and the capacitor corresponds to electrolytic capacitor C13.

[0217] This allows us to avoid using electronic components that may not be able to be restored to their original state if they degrade, such as batteries, as the electronic component that generates the backup power supply (VBB). Instead, by using an electrolytic capacitor C13 that can be charged and whose performance does not change, the stability of the backup for RAM40c and the RAM of the integrated circuit IC7, which affect gameplay and payouts, can be further improved.

[0218] Furthermore, in addition to (configuration A3-1) to (configuration A3-3), the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment also has the following (configuration A3-4). (Configuration A3-4) The diode is configured to prevent reverse current flow from the backup power supply.

[0219] This allows for a simple configuration that prevents the backup power supply (VBB) from flowing back into the 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) wiring pattern and affecting electronic components operating at 5V DC voltage (DC5VA). Furthermore, it prevents the supply of backup power (VBB) from reducing the backup time of RAM40c and the RAM of integrated circuit IC7.

[0220] Furthermore, in addition to (configuration A3-3) to (configuration A3-4), the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment also has the following (configuration A3-5). (Configuration A3-5) The diode is configured such that its cathode terminal is closer to the positive terminal of the capacitor than its anode terminal.

[0221] Here, as shown in Figure 9, diode D5 is positioned such that its cathode terminal is closer to the positive terminal of electrolytic capacitor C13 than its anode terminal. Similarly, electrolytic capacitor C13 is positioned such that its positive terminal is closer to the cathode terminal of diode D5 than its negative terminal. In other words, each electronic component is positioned on the dispensing control board 42 such that the distance between the positive terminal of electrolytic capacitor C13 and the cathode terminal of diode D5 is shorter than the distance between the negative terminal of electrolytic capacitor C13 and the cathode terminal of diode D5.

[0222] As a result, the wiring pattern for connecting the electrolytic capacitor C13 and diode D5 that constitute the backup power generation circuit 80 on the dispensing control board 42 can be shortened, further reducing the impact of noise.

[0223] The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following (configuration B1-1). (Configuration B1-1) The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine equipped with a circuit board, the circuit board being supplied with a predetermined power voltage and comprising a plurality of power lines with different maximum current capacities, and one or more through-holes formed on different layers of the circuit board for connecting the power lines, wherein the power lines with a large maximum current capacity are connected to more through-holes than the power lines with a small maximum current capacity.

[0224] In this (configuration B1-1) approach, the circuit board corresponds to the dispensing control board 42. Furthermore, the power lines and the through-holes connecting those power lines correspond to the combinations of wiring patterns L12b_1, L12a_1 and through-holes T12_1~T12_9, the combinations of wiring patterns L12a_2, L12b_2 and through-holes T12_10~T12_15, and the combinations of wiring patterns L35a_1, L35b_2 and through-holes T35_5~T35_8.

[0225] Figure 21 illustrates the relationship between the maximum current capacity of the power supply voltage and the number of through-holes. As shown in Figure 21, wiring patterns L12b_1 and L12a_1 are supplied with a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), have a line width (hereinafter simply referred to as width) of 5mm, and are set to a maximum current capacity of 5.0A. Furthermore, wiring patterns L12b_1 and L12a_1 are connected via nine through-holes (T12_1 to T12_9), and the diameter of these nine through-holes (T12_1 to T12_9) is 0.5mm.

[0226] Furthermore, wiring patterns L12a_2 and L12b_2 are supplied with a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), have a width of 3mm, and are set to a maximum current capacity of 3.0A. In addition, wiring patterns L12a_2 and L12b_2 are connected via six through-holes (T12_10~T12_15), each of which has a diameter of 0.5mm.

[0227] Furthermore, wiring patterns L35a_1 and L35b_2 are supplied with a 35V DC voltage (DC35VA), have a width of 2mm, and are set to a maximum current capacity of 1.3A. In addition, wiring patterns L35a_1 and L35b_2 are connected via two through-holes (T35_1~T35_2), which have a diameter of 0.5mm.

[0228] Therefore, a combination of wiring patterns with a large maximum current capacity results in a greater number of connected through-holes than a combination of wiring patterns with a small maximum current capacity.

[0229] Thus, the larger the maximum current capacity of the wiring pattern combination, the more through-holes are connected. This reduces the electrical resistance in the through-holes when current flows through the high-current wiring pattern, thereby suppressing heat generation.

[0230] Furthermore, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following (configuration B1-2) in addition to (configuration B1-1). (Configuration B1-2) The plurality of power lines are configured to be supplied with power supply voltages having different voltage values.

[0231] For example, the combination of the wiring patterns L12b_1, L12a_1 and the through-holes T12_1 to T12_9 shown in FIG. 21, and the combination of the wiring patterns L35a_1, L35b_1 and the through-holes T35_5 to T35_8 are supplied with different power supply voltages (DC12VA, DC35VA).

[0232] Thus, even when the supplied power supply voltages are different, for a combination of wiring patterns having a larger maximum current capacity, by increasing the number of connected through-holes, the electrical resistance at the through-holes when a current flows through the wiring pattern with a large current amount can be reduced, and heat generation can be suppressed.

[0233] In addition to (Configuration B1-1) and (Configuration B1-2), the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration B1-3). (Configuration B1-3) The power line having a larger maximum current capacity is configured to be wider than the power line having a smaller maximum current capacity.

[0234] As shown in FIG. 21, the wiring pattern having a larger maximum current capacity has a wider width.

[0235] Thus, for a combination of wiring patterns having a larger maximum current capacity, by increasing the width of the wiring pattern, the electrical resistance when a current flows through the wiring pattern with a large current amount can be reduced, and heat generation can be suppressed.

[0236] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration B2-1). (Configuration B2-1) The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine equipped with a circuit board, the circuit board being supplied with a predetermined power voltage and comprising one or more power lines with different maximum current capacities, and a plurality of through-holes formed on different layers of the circuit board for connecting the power lines, wherein power lines with the same power voltage but different maximum current capacities are configured to have different numbers of through-holes to which they are connected.

[0237] In this (configuration B2-1) approach, the circuit board corresponds to the dispensing control board 42. Furthermore, the power lines and the through-holes connecting those power lines correspond to the combination of wiring patterns L12b_1, L12a_1 and through-holes T12_1~T12_9, and the combination of wiring patterns L12a_2, L12b_2 and through-holes T12_10~T12_15.

[0238] Figure 22 illustrates the relationship between the maximum current capacity of the power supply voltage and the number of through-holes. As shown in Figure 22, wiring patterns L12b_1 and L12a_1 are supplied with a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), have a width of 5mm, and are set to a maximum current capacity of 5.0A. Furthermore, wiring patterns L12b_1 and L12a_1 are connected via nine through-holes (T12_1 to T12_9), each with a diameter of 0.5mm.

[0239] Wiring patterns L12a_2 and L12b_2 are supplied with a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), have a width of 3mm, and are set to a maximum current capacity of 3.0A. Wiring patterns L12a_2 and L12b_2 are connected via six through-holes (T12_10~T12_15), each with a diameter of 0.5mm.

[0240] Therefore, even with the same power supply voltage, different maximum current capacities will result in different numbers of connected through-holes.

[0241] Thus, even with combinations of wiring patterns supplied with the same power voltage, by varying the number of through-holes connected to different maximum current capacities, it is possible to reduce the electrical resistance in the through-holes when current flows through wiring patterns with high current capacity, thereby suppressing heat generation.

[0242] Furthermore, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following (configuration B2-2) in addition to (configuration B2-1). (Configuration B2-2) Power lines with the same power supply voltage but a larger maximum current capacity are configured to be wider than power lines with a smaller maximum current capacity.

[0243] As shown in Figure 22, even with the same power supply voltage (DC12VA), the wiring pattern width increases with the maximum current capacity.

[0244] Thus, even with the same power supply voltage, by increasing the width of the wiring pattern for a combination of wiring patterns with a large maximum current capacity, the electrical resistance when current flows through the wiring pattern with a large current capacity can be reduced, thereby suppressing heat generation.

[0245] The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following (configuration B3-1). (Composition B3-1) The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine equipped with a circuit board, the circuit board comprising a power line to which a predetermined power voltage is supplied, and one or more through-holes formed on different layers of the circuit board for connecting the power lines, the power line may branch into multiple branches, and the number of through-holes connected to the power line before branching is greater than the number of through-holes connected to the power line after branching.

[0246] In this configuration (B3-1), the circuit board corresponds to the dispensing control board 42. The power line before branching and the through-holes connecting that power line correspond to the combination of wiring pattern L12a_1 and through-holes T12_1 to T12_9. The power line after branching and the through-holes connecting that power line correspond to the combination of wiring pattern L12a_2 and through-holes T12_10 to T12_15. As mentioned above, wiring pattern L12a_1 branches into wiring patterns L12a_2 and L12a_3 midway.

[0247] As shown in Figure 22, the wiring pattern L12a_1 before branching is supplied with a DC voltage of 12V (DC12VA), has a width of 5mm, and is set to a maximum current capacity of 5.0A. In addition, the wiring pattern L12a_1 before branching is connected via nine through-holes (T12_1~T12_9), and the diameter of the nine through-holes (T12_1~T12_9) is 0.5mm.

[0248] Furthermore, the branched wiring pattern L12a_2 is supplied with a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), has a width of 3mm, and is set to a maximum current capacity of 3.0A. In addition, the branched wiring pattern L12a_2 is connected via six through-holes (T12_10~T12_15), and the six through-holes (T12_10~T12_15) have a diameter of 0.5mm.

[0249] Therefore, the number of through-holes (9) connected to the wiring pattern L12a_1 before branching is greater than the number of through-holes (6) connected to the wiring pattern L12a_2 after branching. Also, the wiring pattern L12a_1 before branching has a higher maximum current capacity than the wiring pattern L12a_2 after branching.

[0250] In this way, by making the number of through-holes connected to the wiring pattern L12a_1 before branching greater than the number of through-holes connected to the wiring pattern L12a_2 after branching, the electrical resistance in the through-holes when current flows through a wiring pattern with a large current can be reduced, thereby suppressing heat generation.

[0251] Furthermore, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following (configuration B3-2) in addition to (configuration B3-1). (Composition B3-2) The power line before branching is configured to be wider than the power line after branching.

[0252] The width of the wiring pattern L12a_1 before branching (5mm) is wider than the width of the power line after branching (3mm). By making the wiring pattern L12a_1 wider than the power line after branching, the electrical resistance when current flows through a wiring pattern with a large current capacity is reduced, thereby suppressing heat generation.

[0253] The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration (B4-1). (Configuration B4-1) The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine equipped with a circuit board, the circuit board comprising a plurality of power lines to which a predetermined power voltage is supplied, and one or more through-holes formed in different layers of the circuit board for connecting the power lines, wherein power lines with fewer connected through-holes are connected to through-holes with a larger diameter than power lines with more connected through-holes.

[0254] In this configuration (B4-1), the circuit board corresponds to the dispensing control board 42. The power lines and the through-holes connecting them correspond to the combination of wiring patterns L5b_1, L5a_1 and through-holes T5_1~T5_2, and the combination of wiring patterns L35a_1, L35b_2 and through-holes T35_5~T35_8.

[0255] Figure 23 illustrates the relationship between the maximum current capacity of the power supply voltage and the number of through-holes. As shown in Figure 23, wiring patterns L5b_1 and L5a_1 are supplied with a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA), have a width of 3mm, and are set to a maximum current capacity of 2.5A. Furthermore, wiring patterns L5b_1 and L5a_1 are connected via two through-holes (T5_1~T5_2), which have a diameter of 0.8mm.

[0256] Furthermore, wiring patterns L35a_1 and L35b_2 are supplied with a 35V DC voltage (DC35VA), have a width of 2mm, and are set to a maximum current capacity of 1.3A. In addition, wiring patterns L35b_1 and L35a_1 are connected via four through-holes (T35_1~T35_4), and the four through-holes (T35_1~T35_2) have a diameter of 0.5mm.

[0257] Therefore, wiring patterns L5b_1 and L5a_1, which have fewer through-holes connected, are connected to larger diameter through-holes (through-holes with a diameter of 0.8 mm) than wiring patterns L35a_1 and L35b_2, which have more through-holes connected.

[0258] This means that when there are few through-holes to connect, and there is a risk of a large current flowing through a single through-hole, increasing the diameter of that through-hole can reduce the electrical resistance in the through-hole and suppress heat generation.

[0259] The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration (B5-1). (Composition B5-1) The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine equipped with a circuit board, the circuit board being supplied with a predetermined power voltage and comprising one or more power lines with different maximum current capacities, and a plurality of through-holes formed on different layers of the circuit board for connecting the power lines, wherein the power lines with a large maximum current capacity are connected to through-holes such that the product of the diameter and number of through-holes is larger than that of the power lines with a small maximum current capacity.

[0260] In this configuration (B5-1), the circuit board corresponds to the dispensing control board 42. The power lines and the through-holes connecting them correspond to the combinations of wiring patterns L12b_1, L12a_1 and through-holes T12_1~T12_9, wiring patterns L12a_2, L12b_2 and through-holes T12_10~T5_15, and wiring patterns L5b_1, L5a_1 and through-holes T5_1~T5_2.

[0261] Figure 24 illustrates the relationship between the maximum current capacity of the power supply voltage and the number of through-holes. As shown in Figure 24, wiring patterns L12b_1 and L12a_1 are supplied with a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), have a width of 5mm, and are set to a maximum current capacity of 5.0A. Furthermore, wiring patterns L12b_1 and L12a_1 are connected via nine through-holes (T12_1 to T12_9), and the diameter of these nine through-holes (T12_1 to T12_9) is 0.5mm. Therefore, in this case, the product of the diameter and number of through-holes is 4.5.

[0262] Furthermore, wiring patterns L12a_2 and L12b_2 are supplied with a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), have a width of 3mm, and are set to a maximum current capacity of 3.0A. Wiring patterns L12a_2 and L12b_2 are connected via six through-holes (T12_10~T12_15), each with a diameter of 0.5mm. Therefore, in this case, the product of the diameter and number of through-holes is 3.0.

[0263] Wiring patterns L5b_1 and L5a_1 are supplied with a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA), have a width of 3mm, and are set to a maximum current capacity of 2.5A. Wiring patterns L5b_1 and L5a_1 are connected via two through-holes (T5_1~T5_2), each with a diameter of 0.8mm. Therefore, in this case, the product of the diameter and number of through-holes is 1.6.

[0264] Thus, wiring patterns with a large maximum current capacity are connected to through-holes where the product of the diameter and number of through-holes is larger than that of wiring patterns with a small maximum current capacity.

[0265] This allows for increasing the total surface area of ​​through-holes in wiring patterns with high maximum current capacity, thereby reducing electrical resistance in the through-holes and suppressing heat generation.

[0266] The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration (C1-1). (Configuration C1-1) The gaming machine 1 has a circuit board that is supplied with a predetermined power voltage and comprises multiple power lines with different maximum current capacities, and one or more vias formed on different layers of the circuit board that connect the power lines, and the number of vias connected by the power lines varies.

[0267] In this configuration (C1-1), the circuit board corresponds to the dispensing control board 42. The power lines and the through-holes connecting them correspond to the combinations of wiring patterns L12b_1, L12a_1 and through-holes T12_1~T12_9, wiring patterns L12a_2, L12b_2 and through-holes T12_10~T12_15, and wiring patterns L35a_1, L35b_2 and through-holes T35_1~T35_4.

[0268] For example, as shown in Figure 21, the number of through-holes connected will differ depending on the wiring pattern. This reduces the electrical resistance when current flows through a wiring pattern with a large current capacity, thereby suppressing heat generation.

[0269] The embodiments have been described above, but various combinations are possible for each of the configuration examples from (Configuration A1-1) to (Configuration C1-1), and by arbitrarily combining them, a gaming machine 1 can be made that possesses the effects described for each configuration. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine other configurations and operations described in the embodiments. Furthermore, the various examples provided are merely one way of realizing each configuration. Many other examples that are not explicitly mentioned are also conceivable. Although the embodiments were described using pachinko machines, the present invention can also be applied to revolving-type gaming machines such as so-called slot machines. Even in such a slot-type gaming machine, the circuit board configuration, circuit configuration, connector configuration, power supply configuration, etc., as described in each embodiment can be adopted.

[0270] Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to managed gaming machines in which gaming balls circulate within the gaming machine 1. In the case of managed gaming machines, it is not necessary to supply AC input power (AC24V) to the gaming ball dispensing device connection terminal board 71. As shown in Figure 6, it is not necessary to branch the transmission line H1. However, if the power supply board 70 is also changed in order to eliminate the supply of AC input power (AC24V) to the gaming ball dispensing device connection terminal board 71, it will be necessary to redesign the power supply board 70, and it will not be possible to reuse the existing power supply board 70.

[0271] Therefore, in the managed gaming machine, as shown in Figures 25 to 28, an AC input power supply (AC24V) is input from pins 25 and 26 of connector CN1 of the payout control board 42, and the LED1 is lit via the bridge circuit DB1 and resistor R1. In this way, it is possible to use the same power supply board 70 as the gaming machine 1 in the embodiment. This makes it possible to omit new design work and also allows for the reuse of existing power supply boards 70.

[0272] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a predetermined power supply voltage (for example, 5V DC voltage (DC5VA)) is input from the power supply board 70 to the connector CN1 (input connector) of the dispensing control board 42. However, the power supply board that inputs the predetermined power supply voltage to the input connector is not limited to this, and may be an intermediate board provided between the power supply boards 70, or it may be any other board.

[0273] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connector CN3 (output connector) of the dispensing control board 42 outputs a predetermined power supply voltage (for example, 5V DC voltage (DC5VA)) and at least one (both in this embodiment) of the backup power supply to the main control board 40. However, the supply destination board that outputs at least one of the predetermined power supply voltage and the backup power supply is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a performance control board 41, a firing control board 45, or other boards. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0274] 1. Gaming machine 40 Main control board 40a CPU 40b RPM 40c RAM 42. Dispensing control board 80 Backup power generation circuit IC7 Integrated Circuits (CPU, ROM, RAM)

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine equipped with a circuit board, The aforementioned substrate is A first connector having a first input terminal into which a first power supply voltage is input and a second input terminal into which a second power supply voltage is input, A second connector having an output terminal from which the first power supply voltage is output, Multiple wiring patterns with different maximum current capacities, Through-holes connect wiring patterns formed on different layers, Equipped with, The first power supply voltage is used to drive the solenoid. The second power supply voltage is used for the operation of the control circuit. The wiring pattern comprises a first wiring pattern to which the first power supply voltage is supplied, and a second wiring pattern to which the second power supply voltage is supplied. The first wiring pattern includes a pre-branch wiring pattern to which the first power supply voltage is supplied from the first input terminal, and a post-branch wiring pattern that branches off from the pre-branch wiring pattern into a plurality of branch paths, including a first branch path and a second branch path. In the aforementioned wiring pattern after branching, the first power supply voltage is supplied from the first branch path to the output terminal, and the first power supply voltage is supplied from the second branch path to the electronic components provided on the circuit board. The same voltage value of the first power supply voltage is supplied to the pre-branch wiring pattern and the post-branch wiring pattern. The aforementioned pre-branch wiring pattern has a larger maximum current capacity than each branch path. The aforementioned pre-branch wiring pattern has a larger maximum current capacity than the second wiring pattern. The number of through-holes connected to the aforementioned pre-branch wiring pattern is greater than the total number of through-holes connected to each branch path. The number of through-holes connected to the aforementioned pre-branch wiring pattern is greater than the number of through-holes connected to the second wiring pattern. Gaming machine.

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