Gaming machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a gaming machine that allows the fan of the circuit board unit to be positioned appropriately. [Solution] A sub-board unit 440 is provided on the front door, and a first to third reel and a bass sound device with an identification information sticker attached are provided inside the housing. The sub-board unit 440 has a sub-board case 442 and a cooling fan 460, and each of the first to third reels is composed of a cylindrical (annular) reel drum 752. The sub-board unit 440 and the first to third reels are arranged such that the sub-board case 442 is on an extension line (dashed line A) obtained by extending the tangent to the upper end of the reel drum 752 in the front-rear direction, but the cooling fan 460 is not. The sub-board unit 440 and the bass sound device are arranged such that the bass sound device is opposite the cooling fan 460, but the identification information sticker is not.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines (rotary gaming machines, slot machines) equipped with a plurality of reels having symbols arranged on their outer peripheral surfaces have been known. This type of gaming machine assigns a certain gaming value to gaming media such as medals and pachinko balls, and conducts a game to acquire such gaming media. In addition, in this type of gaming machine, when a player inserts a gaming media into a predetermined insertion port and a specified number of gaming media are bet, a game start operation becomes possible. Triggered by the player's rotation start operation, an internal lottery is conducted and the rotation of a plurality of reels is started. Triggered by the player's stop operation, control is performed to stop the plurality of reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery. The result of the game is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the effective line in the state where the plurality of reels have stopped, and payouts such as medals are made according to the result of the game.

[0003] In this type of gaming machine, there is a known gaming machine in which a cooling fan is provided on a control board to cool the control board. For example, there is a known gaming machine in which a cooling fan is provided on a sub-board that controls the operation of a liquid crystal display, and the rotation speed of the cooling fan is changed according to the cooling situation (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the gaming machine as shown in Patent Document 1 above, it is desired to save space while not inhibiting heat discharge by the cooling fan.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can position the fan of the circuit board unit in an appropriate location. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The present invention relates to a gaming machine comprising a housing on which an opening / closing member is provided to be openable and closable, a circuit board unit provided on the opening / closing member, a reel provided inside the housing, a specific unit provided inside the housing, and a display object attached to the specific unit, wherein the circuit board unit comprises a circuit board case and a fan, the reel comprises a cylindrical reel drum, the circuit board unit and the reel are arranged in a positional relationship such that when the opening / closing member is closed, the circuit board case is on a line tangent to the upper end of the reel drum but the fan is not, and the circuit board unit and the specific unit are arranged in a positional relationship such that when the opening / closing member is closed, the specific unit is opposite the fan but the display object is not.

[0008] In this invention, a circuit board unit is provided on the opening / closing member, and a reel is provided inside the housing. The circuit board unit has a circuit board case and a fan, and the reel has a cylindrical reel drum. In this invention, the circuit board unit and the reel are positioned such that, when the opening / closing member is closed, the circuit board case is on the line tangent to the upper end of the reel drum, but the fan is not. This arrangement allows for space saving while not obstructing heat dissipation by the fan. As a result, according to this invention, the fan of the circuit board unit can be positioned appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]This is a perspective view showing the back side of the front door of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing a schematic representation of the external configuration of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view along the YY line. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates a predetermined area in the main circuit board case of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged view (schematic diagram) of the main part illustrating the reel relay board unit in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a diagram illustrating a predetermined space in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates a predetermined area in the reel relay board case of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates the cooling fan installation section of the sub-board case in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a schematic rear view of the storage box for a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a schematic rear view showing the storage box of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the back panel removed. [Figure 13] This is a schematic rear view of the storage box for a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a schematic perspective view of a sub-board unit of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a schematic front view showing a sub-board unit of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a front view of a sub-board in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a partially enlarged (schematic) view illustrating the development connector arrangement area of ​​the sub-board. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view of the case cover of a sub-board case in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a partially enlarged view (schematic diagram) illustrating the protruding portion of the case cover. [Figure 18]This shows the sub-board case of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a perspective view of the board case and is a partially enlarged view (schematic view) for explaining the protruding portion of the case lid. (B) is a front view of the sub-board and is a partially enlarged view (schematic view) for explaining the protruding portion of the case lid. [Figure 19] This is a side view of the sub-board case in the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention and is a schematic view for explaining the protruding portion of the case lid. [Figure 20] This is a front view (schematic view) showing the internal configuration of the gaming machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This is a partially enlarged view (schematic view) for explaining the centralized terminal board unit in the gaming machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] This is a front view (schematic view) showing the internal configuration of the gaming machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention and is an explanatory view for explaining the positional relationship between the centralized terminal board unit and the through hole. [Figure 23] This is a front view (schematic view) showing the internal configuration of the gaming machine according to a modified example of the third embodiment of the present invention and is an explanatory view for explaining the positional relationship between the centralized terminal board unit and the through hole. [Figure 24] This is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] This is a block diagram showing the schematic electrical configuration of the gaming machine and the dedicated unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] This is a figure for explaining the functional block of the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] This is a figure for explaining the internal lottery table in the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] This is a figure for explaining the internal lottery table in the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] This is a figure for explaining the winning mode of the combination in the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] This is a figure for explaining the symbol arrangement of the reels in the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31]This diagram illustrates the relationship between the order in which the stop buttons are pressed and the winning combinations in a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] This diagram illustrates the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] This diagram illustrates the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] This diagram illustrates the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] This is a diagram showing the transitions between game states in a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 36] This figure illustrates the winning patterns for Normal Replay 1 and Normal Replay 2 in a gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] This figure illustrates the stop control when a normal replay 2 is won in a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] This figure illustrates the stop control when a normal replay 2 is won in a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] This figure illustrates the stop control when a normal replay 2 is won in a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 40] This figure illustrates the reel stopping pattern when a watermelon B or special role B is won in a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 41] This diagram illustrates the stop control when a watermelon B or special role B is won in a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 42] This diagram illustrates the stop control when a watermelon B or special role B is won in a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 43] This diagram illustrates the stop control when a watermelon B or special role B is won in a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 44] This diagram illustrates the stop control when a watermelon B or special role B is won in a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 45] This diagram illustrates the stop control when a watermelon B or special role B is won in a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 46] This diagram illustrates the stop control when a watermelon B or special role B is won in a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 47] This figure illustrates the reel stopping pattern when a watermelon A or special role A is won in a gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 48] This figure illustrates the stop control when a watermelon A or special role A is won in a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 49] This figure illustrates the stop control when a watermelon A or special role A is won in a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 50] This figure illustrates the stop control when a watermelon A or special role A is won in a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 51] This figure illustrates the stop control when a watermelon A or special role A is won in a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 52] This figure illustrates the stop control when a watermelon A or special role A is won in a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 53] This is a perspective view showing a sub-board unit of a gaming machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 54] This is a cross-sectional view (schematic diagram) showing the internal configuration of a gaming machine according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 55] This is a cross-sectional view (schematic diagram) showing the internal configuration of a gaming machine according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 56] This is a front view showing a schematic of the internal configuration of a gaming machine according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 57] This is a schematic rear view showing the back of the front door of a gaming machine according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 58] This diagram illustrates the positional relationship between the exhaust port (cooling fan) of the sub-board unit and the low-frequency sound device in a gaming machine according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 59] This figure illustrates a predetermined area in the main circuit board case of a gaming machine according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 60] This is an enlarged view (schematic diagram) of a key part illustrating a reel relay board unit in a gaming machine that is a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 61] This is a schematic rear view showing a storage box for a gaming machine, which is a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 62] This diagram (schematic diagram) illustrates the positional relationship between the fixing points of the top plate and back plate with wood screws and the mounting holes of the top plate in a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 63] This is a schematic plan view of a housing illustrating the positional relationship between the cooling fan of the sub-board unit and the mounting holes in the top plate of a gaming machine according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 64] This figure illustrates the positional relationship between a cooling fan and a screw member in a sub-board unit of a gaming machine that is a modified embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a plan view (schematic diagram) of the housing and (B) is a left side view (schematic diagram) of the housing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The embodiments described below are not intended to unduly limit the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, not all configurations described in these embodiments are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0011] 1. First Embodiment 1-1. Composition Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment, and Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the back of the front door of the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0012] In the following explanation, "front and back" generally means that when the player is in front of the gaming machine, the player's side is "front" and the gaming machine side is "back." "Up and down" means that the top of the gaming machine is "up" and the bottom is "down." "Left and right" means that the left hand side of the player playing the gaming machine is "left" and the right hand side is "right."

[0013] The gaming machine of this embodiment is a type of gaming machine that is commonly known as a slot machine or reel-type gaming machine, and uses tokens as the game medium (game value) for gameplay.

[0014] The gaming machine of this embodiment houses a reel unit 310 consisting of a first reel R1 to a third reel R3 (multiple reels) within a box-shaped casing consisting of a storage box BX (an example of the gaming machine body) with a front opening and a front door FD (an example of the front door). Below the reel unit 310 inside the casing is a power supply unit 305, which has a built-in power supply and is equipped with various switches such as a power switch and a reset switch, and a hopper unit 320, which serves as a medal dispensing device. The casing of the gaming machine of this embodiment also houses a control board that controls the operation of the gaming machine, which is equipped with a CPU (an example of a calculation means), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), RAM (an example of a temporary storage means), etc. In this embodiment, the control board includes multiple types of electronic circuit boards, including a main board 414 that controls the progress of the game and a sub-board 444 that receives signals transmitted from the main board 414 and performs control to execute game effects according to the progress of the game. Furthermore, the gaming machine casing of this embodiment is also provided with a reel relay board for connecting the main board 414, the reel unit 310, and the power supply unit 305, as well as a centralized terminal board (an example of a connection terminal board) for transmitting signals to external devices (such as data display devices and hall computers).

[0015] The front door FD of the storage box BX, which can be opened and closed to close the front (an example of the front), is provided with an indicator window DW that allows observation of the rotation and stopped states of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3.

[0016] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, each reel is provided with an upper, middle, and lower display position for observing the symbols through the display window DW, and the active lines are set by the combination of the display positions of each reel. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the number of medals required for one game, the so-called prescribed number of medals, is inserted (bet), the active lines consisting of the middle positions of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are activated.

[0017] The game result is determined by the combination of symbols that stop and are displayed on the active lines in the display window DW. If the combination of symbols on the active lines corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, the hopper unit 320 dispenses medals as if the winning combination has been achieved.

[0018] The front door FD is also equipped with a rotating light LP and a frame lamp AL for gameplay effects. The rotating light LP performs rotating, lighting, and flashing actions to enhance the gameplay, while the frame lamp AL also performs lighting and flashing actions to enhance the gameplay.

[0019] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, multiple speakers SP are provided on the front door FD for displaying game effects. These speakers SP output various sounds to assist or enhance the gaming experience.

[0020] Furthermore, various operating means are provided in the center of the front door FD. These operating means include a bet button (insertion operation means, game operation means) B0 for inserting credited (internally stored) tokens, a start lever (game start operation means, game operation means) SL for initiating the game by rotating the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, stop buttons (stop operation means, game operation means) B1 to B3 for initiating the operation to stop each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, which are rotated by stepping motors, and a settlement button (predetermined operation means, settlement operation means, game operation means) B4 for settling the credited (internally stored) tokens.

[0021] The front door FD may be divided into multiple doors, such as an upper and lower section. Furthermore, the gaming machine of this embodiment may be a so-called separable type, in which, when changing machines in a gaming hall, the storage box BX, the lower section of the front door FD, the power supply unit 305, and the hopper unit 320 remain attached to the island equipment of the gaming hall, while the upper section of the front door FD and the reel unit 310 can be replaced.

[0022] In this embodiment of the gaming machine, when a player inserts a medal into the medal slot MI or presses the bet button B0, the machine is set to a ready state where rotation control of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 can be started, and the start lever is enabled. When the player presses the start lever SL, the control board starts the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 by driving the stepping motor, and an internal lottery is performed using random values. Once the rotation speed of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 has increased to a predetermined speed, the stop buttons B1 to B3 are enabled.

[0023] Subsequently, when the player presses stop buttons B1 to B3 at any time, the stop switches (stop signal output means: for example, a photosensor, a continuity sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.) built into each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 are activated, changing the reel stop signal input to the control board from the off state to the on state.

[0024] Furthermore, when the player releases stop buttons B1 to B3 at any time, the stop switches corresponding to each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 turn off, changing the reel stop signal input to the control board from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0025] The control board then stops the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 at a stopping position corresponding to the result of an internal lottery, based on the change in the reel stop signal state from the off state to the on state, which changes in response to the timing of pressing and releasing the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0026] Furthermore, the lower part of the front door FD is equipped with a medal dispenser and a medal tray MP, and the number of medals corresponding to the game result is dispensed from the medal dispenser into the medal tray MP.

[0027] Furthermore, the gaming machine of this embodiment is provided with a door sensor (detection means) that detects the open / closed state of the front door FD, and is configured to detect the open / closed state of the front door FD based on an input signal (detection signal) input from the door sensor to the control board (main board 414).

[0028] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the storage box BX comprises a top plate 400, a back plate 402, a bottom plate 404, and left and right side plates 406, 408, and is made of wood or the like. However, the material of the storage box BX is not limited to wood, and may be synthetic resin, metal, or the like. Furthermore, the material of the storage box BX is not limited to one type; for example, part of it (top plate 400) may be made of wood, and the rest (back plate 402, bottom plate 404, and left and right side plates 406, 408) may be made of resin. Also, the top plate 400 may have a structure in which two plates are stacked, for example, a plate of resin (outer) and a plate of metal (inner).

[0029] Furthermore, the top panel 400 of the storage box BX is provided with multiple mounting holes 420. The mounting holes 420 are holes used when attaching the gaming machine to the island equipment in the gaming hall (island fixing holes), and are through holes.

[0030] The worker, with the front door FD open, screws (for example, wood screws) serving as fixing members (fastening members) are screwed into the mounting holes 420 from the inside of the storage box BX (casing) from bottom to top, and then the screws are also screwed into the mating member (the island-side member) to fix the gaming machine to the island equipment. As a result, the heads of the screws are positioned on the inside of the storage box BX (casing). The mounting holes 420 are formed so that screws can be screwed into them, and the diameter of the mounting holes 420 is smaller than, for example, the diameter of the threaded portion (thread portion) of the screw (outer diameter of the thread portion). In this embodiment, the mounting holes 420 are circular (round holes), but they may be elliptical, elongated, etc., as long as they can accommodate screws. Furthermore, the mounting holes 420 are not limited to through holes and may be non-through holes, for example, recessed shapes with a certain depth provided on the inner surface of the top plate 400. Furthermore, the fastening members are not limited to screws; other fastening members such as nails may also be used.

[0031] In this embodiment, the mounting holes 420 are arranged in a row at predetermined intervals along the front-to-back direction (depth direction) on the left and right sides of the top plate 400. Specifically, there are a total of six mounting holes 420: three on the left side and three on the right side. It is not necessary for all six mounting holes 420 to be used for mounting (fixing) the gaming machine. That is, it is sufficient to have at least one mounting hole 420 on both the left and right sides of the top plate 400. However, when six mounting holes 420 are provided as in this embodiment, the worker can appropriately select which mounting holes 420 to use. That is, they can select one of the three mounting holes 420 on the left side and one of the three mounting holes 420 on the right side. By providing multiple mounting holes 420 in this way, the position of the mounting hole 420 used can be changed in the front-to-back direction when screw tightening becomes difficult due to deterioration of the mounting mating member, etc. The mounting hole 420 can also be considered a temporary hole provided for screwing in the fixing member (screw), and serves as a guide when screwing in the fixing member (screw).

[0032] In this embodiment, a main board unit 410 (first board unit, an example of a board unit) is provided on the upper side inside the storage box BX. The main board unit 410 comprises a base member 720 (see Figure 5), a main board 414 (first board, an example of a board), and a main board case 412 (first board case, an example of a board case) that covers (houses) the main board 414, and is attached to the back plate 402 of the storage box BX via the base member 720.

[0033] The main board 414 is equipped with multiple electronic components (CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.) and receives input signals from input means such as the bet button B0, start lever SL, stop buttons B1 to B3, payout button B4, setting change switch, setting change button, and door sensor. It performs various calculations to execute the game and controls the operation of output means such as the reel unit 310 and hopper unit 320 based on the calculation results.

[0034] The main board 414 is also provided with multiple connectors 430. One end of a harness or cable (harness-side connector, cable-side connector) is connected to the connectors 430, and the harness or cable connects to other boards such as the sub-board 444 and the reel relay board.

[0035] The main board case 412 is made of a transparent resin or the like and protects the main board 414. The main board case 412 is also provided with a connector opening 416 (an example of a first opening) that exposes the connector 430 of the main board 414.

[0036] Furthermore, the main board case 412 is provided with a predetermined sealing section, and can be opened by releasing the seal imposed by this sealing section.

[0037] In this embodiment, the main board case 412 is rotatable (openable and closable) in the left-right direction, using a vertically extending shaft (rotation axis) provided on the left side as a pivot point.

[0038] Here, the first position (initial position, surface visible position) is defined as a position where the main board case 412 and the base member 720 are in close proximity (the back surface of the main board 414 and the plate surface of the base member 720 are facing each other), the front surface (mounting surface) of the main board 414 is visible, but the back surface of the main board 414 is not visible. In the first position, the angle between the main board case 412 (main board 414) and the base member 720 is, for example, 0°, the front surface of the main board 414 faces forward, and the back surface of the main board 414 faces backward. In the first position, the rotation of the main board case 412 can be restricted by a predetermined rotation restricting part.

[0039] Furthermore, the second position (backside visible position) is defined as the position where the main board case 412 rotates on its left side as an axis, separating from the base member 720, so that the back surface of the main board 414 faces to the right and becomes visible. In the second position, the angle between the main board case 412 (main board 414) and the base member 720 is, for example, 90°, and the back surface of the main board 414 faces to the right (right side). The second position is preferably a position where the main board case 412 has been rotated 70° to 90°, and more preferably a position where it has been rotated 90°. The second position also includes a position where the amount of rotation (rotation) relative to the first position is the maximum.

[0040] In this embodiment, the main board case 412 is supported by the base member 720 so as to be rotatable between a first position in which the surface of the main board 414 is visible and a second position in which the back surface of the main board 414 is visible. This makes it easy to inspect whether any unauthorized modifications have been made to the back side (back surface) of the main board 414, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0041] The main board 414 is also provided with a setting change switch (an example of an operating means) for switching between setting change mode and game mode, and a setting change button (an example of an operating means) for changing the setting value between multiple levels (for example, 6 levels) of setting values ​​with different degrees of advantage (payout rates). In this embodiment, the system is configured to switch between starting in game mode and starting in setting change mode depending on the state of the setting change switch when the power is turned on. When the setting change switch is ON when the power is turned on, the system starts in setting change mode, and the setting value can be changed by operating the setting change button. In this embodiment, the setting change switch is a device into which a setting change key is inserted (a setting change key switch). When the setting change key is inserted into the setting change switch and the setting change key is rotated to the ON position to activate the setting change switch, and then the power is turned on, the game machine starts in setting change mode. The operating means mounted on the "board" housed in a board case that can rotate between a first position and a second position in this invention include not only a setting change button but also a setting change switch (a setting change key switch).

[0042] Furthermore, the main board case 412 is provided with openings that expose the setting change switch and setting change button, allowing the setting change switch and setting change button to be operated from the outside even when the main board case 412 is closed and sealed.

[0043] In this embodiment, a centralized terminal board unit (not shown) is provided on the upper side inside the storage box BX. The centralized terminal board unit (an example of a connection terminal board unit) comprises a centralized terminal board (an example of a connection terminal board) and a centralized terminal board case (an example of a connection terminal board case) that covers (houses) the centralized terminal board, and is attached to the right side panel 406 of the storage box BX.

[0044] The central terminal board receives signals from the main board 414 and controls the transmission of signals (for example, signals notifying the number of medals inserted or dispensed, signals notifying the occurrence of game events such as bonus wins or AT wins, signals notifying the occurrence of errors, etc.) to external devices (data display devices, hall computers, etc.). Furthermore, only unidirectional communication is possible between the central terminal board and the main board 414, and the communication connection is such that the central terminal board cannot transmit signals to the main board 414. Similarly, only unidirectional communication is possible between the central terminal board and external devices, and the communication connection is such that external devices cannot transmit signals to the central terminal board.

[0045] The centralized terminal board is also provided with multiple connectors. One end of a harness or cable (harness-side connector, cable-side connector) is connected to the connectors, and the harness or cable connects to the main board 414 and external devices. The connection to the external devices is made in the gaming arcade. In addition, a through-hole (not shown) is formed near the centralized terminal board unit on the right side panel 406 of the storage box BX for inserting the cable used to connect to the external devices (external device connection cable).

[0046] The centralized terminal board case is made of transparent resin or similar material and protects the centralized terminal board. The centralized terminal board also has connector openings that expose the connectors on the centralized terminal board.

[0047] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, a sub-board unit 440 (an example of a second board unit) is provided on the upper side of the back (rear side) of the front door FD. The sub-board unit 440 comprises a sub-board 444 (an example of a board) and a sub-board case 442 (an example of a board case) that covers (houses) the sub-board 444.

[0048] The sub-board 444 is equipped with multiple electronic components (CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.) and receives signals from the main board 414. It performs various calculations to execute effects that correspond to the progress of the game, and controls the operation of the output means of the effect devices (rotating light LP, frame lamp AL, speaker SP, etc.) based on the calculation results. The effect devices may also include liquid crystal displays that display images (still images, moving images) or movable parts that can be operated by actuators, etc.

[0049] The sub-board 444 is also provided with multiple connectors 450. One end of a harness or cable (harness-side connector, cable-side connector) is connected to the connectors 450, and the harness or cable connects to other boards such as the main board 414.

[0050] The sub-board case 442 is made of a transparent resin or the like and protects the sub-board 444. The sub-board case 442 is also provided with a connector opening (an example of a second opening) that exposes the connector 450 of the sub-board.

[0051] In this embodiment, the sub-board unit 440 is equipped with a cooling fan 460, as shown in Figure 3. The cooling fan 460 is covered (housed) in the sub-board case 442, and an exhaust port 470 is formed at the installation location of the cooling fan 460 in the sub-board case 442. The operation of the cooling fan 460 causes air to be discharged from the exhaust port 470 to the outside of the sub-board case 442. This cools the CPU and other components of the sub-board 444 inside. Thus, in this embodiment, the sub-board unit 440 has a cooling fan 460 and its exhaust port 470.

[0052] 1-2. Positional relationship between the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 and the main board unit 410.

[0053] The positional relationship between the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 and the main board unit 410 will be explained below with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 is a front view showing a schematic of the external configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the YY line shown in Figure 4, and Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a predetermined area 480 in the main board case 412 of the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0054] In this embodiment, the main board unit 410 and the sub-board unit 440 are arranged to face each other when the front door FD is closed, as shown in Figure 5. In particular, the main board unit 410 is positioned to face the exhaust port 470 of the cooling fan 460 of the sub-board unit 440. As a result, air is discharged from the exhaust port 470 of the sub-board unit 440 toward the main board unit 410 by the operation of the cooling fan 460.

[0055] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the connector opening 416 is not located in the predetermined region 480 of the main board case 412 of the main board unit 410, which is the region facing the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460). In other words, in this embodiment, the main board unit 410 is located in a position facing the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440, but the connector opening 416 of the main board case 412 is located in a different position from the predetermined region 480 of the main board case 412. As a result, in this embodiment, the positional relationship between the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 and the main board unit 410 is such that the main board unit 410 is located in a position facing the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460), but the connector opening 416 of the main board case 412 is not present.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, when the front door FD is closed, the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is not positioned vertically below the mounting hole 420 of the top plate 400. Here, the dashed lines a, b, and c in Figure 5 are dashed lines drawn vertically (vertically downward, directly below) from the mounting holes 420 (3 of them), respectively. In this embodiment, the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is not positioned vertically below the mounting hole 420 located furthest forward in the front-to-back direction (or vertically below any of the mounting holes 420). In other words, in this embodiment, the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is positioned in a location that is not vertically below the mounting hole 420. As a result, in this embodiment, the positional relationship between the mounting hole 420 and the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is such that the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is not positioned vertically below the mounting hole 420.

[0057] In this embodiment, the sub-board unit 440 is installed so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical, as shown in Figure 5. Specifically, the lower end of the sub-board unit 440 is positioned in front of the upper end. In other words, in this embodiment, the sub-board unit 440 is installed so that the exhaust port 470 faces diagonally downward.

[0058] In this embodiment, the region (predetermined region 480) facing the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) in the main board case 412, and the position of the sub-board unit 440 facing the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) refer to the region (predetermined region 480) or position facing the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) in the horizontal direction.

[0059] Next, the positional relationship between the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 and the reel relay board unit 490 will be explained with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Figure 7 is an enlarged view (schematic diagram) of the main part illustrating the reel relay board unit 490 in the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the predetermined space 500 in the gaming machine of this embodiment, and Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the predetermined area 510 in the reel relay board case 492 of the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0060] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, a reel relay board unit 490 (an example of a third board unit) is provided on the top surface of the reel unit 310. The reel relay board unit 490 comprises a reel relay board (an example of a third board) and a reel relay board case 492 (a reel relay board cover, an example of a third board case) that covers the reel relay board, and is attached to the reel unit 310.

[0061] The reel relay board is also provided with multiple connectors. One end of a harness or cable (harness-side connector, cable-side connector) is connected to each connector, and the harness or cable then connects to the main board 414, the reel unit 310, and the power supply unit 305, among others.

[0062] The reel relay board case 492 is made of a transparent resin or the like to protect the reel relay board. The reel relay board case 492 is also provided with a connector opening 496 (an example of a third opening) that exposes the connector of the reel relay board.

[0063] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the reel relay board unit 490 is positioned vertically below a predetermined space 500, which is the space from the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 to a predetermined area 480 of the main board case 412.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the connector opening 496 is not located in the predetermined region 510, which is the area vertically below the predetermined space 500 in the reel relay board case 492. In other words, in this embodiment, the reel relay board unit 490 is located vertically below the predetermined space 500, but the connector opening 496 of the reel relay board case 492 is located in a different position from the predetermined region 510 in the reel relay board case 492. As a result, in this embodiment, the positional relationship between the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 and the reel relay board unit 490 is such that the reel relay board unit 490 is located vertically below the predetermined space 500, but the connector opening 496 of the reel relay board case 492 is not present.

[0065] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the main board unit 410 and the sub-board unit 440 are arranged to face each other when the front door FD is closed. As shown in Figure 6, a connector opening 416 is not placed in a predetermined area 480 facing the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) in the main board case 412 of the main board unit 410. This prevents dust and debris discharged from the cooling fan 460 from entering the main board case 412 as much as possible, thereby preventing malfunctions caused by debris adhering to the electronic components and connectors 430 of the main board 414.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, when the front door FD is closed, the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is not positioned vertically below the mounting hole 420 of the top plate 400. Therefore, even if debris is generated when fixing members (e.g., screws) are screwed into the mounting hole 420 for attachment to the island equipment, it is possible to prevent debris from entering the cooling fan 460 as much as possible, thereby preventing malfunctions caused by debris accumulating inside the cooling fan 460.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the sub-board unit 440 is installed so that the exhaust port 470 faces diagonally downward. Therefore, even if dust is generated when fixing members (e.g., screws) are screwed into the mounting holes 420 for attachment to the island equipment, it is possible to prevent as much dust as possible from entering the cooling fan 460, thereby preventing malfunctions caused by dust accumulating inside the cooling fan 460.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the reel relay board unit 490 is positioned vertically below a predetermined space 500 from the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 to a predetermined area 480 of the main board case 412. As shown in Figure 9, there is no connector opening 496 in the predetermined area 510 vertically below the predetermined space 500 in the reel relay board case 492. Therefore, dust and debris discharged from the cooling fan 460 can be prevented from entering the reel relay board unit 490 as much as possible, thereby preventing malfunctions caused by debris adhering to the connectors of the reel relay board.

[0069] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the cooling fan installation section 540 of the sub-board case 442 in the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0070] In this embodiment, the surface of the sub-board case 442 is provided with a cooling fan mounting section 540 for installing (storing) a cooling fan 460, as shown in Figures 10(A) and 10(B). The cooling fan mounting section 540 is formed to protrude outward and is approximately the same size as the cooling fan 460, allowing the cooling fan 460 to be housed there. An exhaust port 470 is also formed on the surface (bottom surface) of the cooling fan mounting section 540.

[0071] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10(A) and 10(B), the surface (bottom surface) of the cooling fan mounting section 540 is provided with two screw receiving sections 542, each having a screw hole.

[0072] In this embodiment, when installing the cooling fan 460, the cooling fan 460 is placed in the cooling fan mounting section 540 from the inside of the sub-board case 442, screws are screwed into the screw holes provided in the cooling fan 460 from the inside of the sub-board case 442, and then screwed further into the screw receiving section 542 to fix it to the sub-board case 442. As a result, the heads of the screws are positioned on the inside of the sub-board case 442.

[0073] In this embodiment, the cooling fan 460 is mounted from the inside of the sub-board case 442, making it easier to assemble the cooling fan 460. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the screw heads for securing the cooling fan 460 are located inside the sub-board case 442, preventing accidental removal of the cooling fan 460.

[0074] 1-3. Assembly structure of storage box BX

[0075] The assembly structure of the storage box BX will be described below with reference to Figures 11 to 13. Figure 11 is a schematic rear view of the storage box BX of the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 12 is a schematic rear view of the storage box BX of the gaming machine of this embodiment with the back plate 402 removed, and Figure 13 is a schematic rear view of the storage box BX of the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0076] In this embodiment, the storage box BX (enclosure), as shown in Figure 11, comprises a top plate 400, a back plate 402, a bottom plate 404, and left and right side plates 406 and 408, and is made of wood. The back plate 402 is thinner than the top plate 400, the bottom plate 404, and the left and right side plates 406 and 408.

[0077] In the following explanation, the underside of the top panel 400, the front of the back panel 402, the top surface of the bottom panel 404, the right side of the left side panel 408, and the left side of the right side panel 406, that is, the panel surfaces of the top panel 400, back panel 402, bottom panel 404, and the left and right side panels 406 and 408 that face inward from the enclosure will be referred to as the inner surfaces. The top surface of the top panel 400, the back of the back panel 402, the underside of the bottom panel 404, the left side of the left side panel 408, and the right side of the right side panel 406, that is, the panel surfaces of the top panel 400, back panel 402, bottom panel 404, and the left and right side panels 406 and 408 that face outward from the enclosure will be referred to as the outer surfaces.

[0078] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, back plate support portions 600, 602, and 604 are formed on the inner surface of the rear ends of the bottom plate 404 and the left and right side plates 406 and 408, respectively, for installing and fixing the back plate 402. The back plate support portion 600 of the left side plate 408 and the back plate support portion 602 of the right side plate 406 have an L-shaped cutout in the cross-sectional shape along line AA in Figure 12, and the back plate support portion 604 of the bottom plate 404 has an L-shaped cutout in the cross-sectional shape along line BB in Figure 12.

[0079] Furthermore, near the approximate center of the rear end of the top plate 400, as shown in Figure 12, a left back plate support portion 606 and a right back plate support portion 608 are formed for installing and fixing the back plate 402. The left back plate support portion 606 has an L-shaped cutout in the cross-sectional shape along line CC in Figure 12, and the right back plate support portion 608 has an L-shaped cutout in the cross-sectional shape along line BB in Figure 12. Screw holes are also formed approximately in the center of both the left back plate support portion 606 and the right back plate support portion 608.

[0080] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, a left fixing portion 610 and a right fixing portion 612 are formed near the approximate center of the upper part of the back panel 402 for fixing to the top panel 400. The left fixing portion 610 and the right fixing portion 612 are formed as protruding pieces that project upward from the upper part of the back panel 402. Screw holes are also formed approximately in the center of each of the left fixing portion 610 and the right fixing portion 612.

[0081] In this embodiment, the top plate 400, the bottom plate 404, and the left and right side plates 406 and 408 are assembled and fixed, and the back plate 402 is fixed to this frame. Specifically, the left end of the back plate 402 is aligned with the back plate receiving portion 600 of the left side plate 408 that constitutes the frame, the right end of the back plate 402 is aligned with the back plate receiving portion 602 of the right side plate 406 that constitutes the frame, and the lower end of the back plate 402 is aligned with the back plate receiving portion 604 of the bottom plate 404 that constitutes the frame, thereby installing the back plate 402 to the frame. As a result, the left fixing portion 610 of the back plate 402 overlaps with the left back plate receiving portion 606 of the top plate 400, and the right fixing portion 612 of the back plate 402 overlaps with the right back plate receiving portion 608 of the top plate 400.

[0082] In this embodiment, the left side plate 408 and the back plate 402, the right side plate 406 and the back plate 402, and the bottom plate 404 and the back plate 402 are fixed together with staples 620 (an example of the first fixing means, first fixing member, first fixing device, and first fastener). Specifically, the staples 620 are driven in from the outer surface to the inner surface of the back plate 402 to fix it. Also, as shown in Figure 11, the back plate 402 is fixed to the back plate receiving portion 600 of the left side plate 408 by driving staples 620 along the left edge of the back plate 402 to fix it, thereby fixing the left side plate 408 and the back plate 402. In this embodiment, the back plate 402 is fixed at multiple locations (for example, 6 locations) at regular intervals along the left end with staples 620. Note that the fixing with staples 620 is not limited to 6 locations; there may be more or fewer locations.

[0083] As shown in Figure 11, the back plate 402 is fixed to the back plate receiving portion 602 of the right side plate 406 by driving staples 620 along the right edge of the back plate 402, thereby fixing the back plate 402 to the right side plate 406. In this embodiment, the back plate 402 is fixed at multiple locations (for example, 6 locations) at regular intervals along the right edge with staples 620. Note that the fixing with staples 620 is not limited to 6 locations; there may be more or fewer locations.

[0084] As shown in Figure 11, the back plate 402 is fixed to the back plate receiving portion 604 of the bottom plate 404 by driving staples 620 along the lower edge of the back plate 402, thereby fixing the bottom plate 404 and the back plate 402. In this embodiment, the lower end of the back plate 402 is fixed with staples 620 at multiple locations (for example, 4 locations) at regular intervals. Note that the fixing with staples 620 is not limited to 4 locations; there may be more or fewer locations.

[0085] In this embodiment, the top plate 400 and the back plate 402 are fixed together with wood screws 622 (an example of a second fixing means, second fixing member, second fixing device, and second fastener). Specifically, the wood screws 622 are screwed into the back plate 402 from the outer surface towards the inner surface. As shown in Figure 11, when a wood screw 622 is screwed into the screw hole of the left fixing part 610 of the back plate 402, the wood screw 622 is screwed into the screw hole of the left back plate receiving part 606 of the top plate 400, and when a wood screw 622 is screwed into the screw hole of the right fixing part 612 of the back plate 402, the wood screw 622 is screwed into the screw hole of the right back plate receiving part 608 of the top plate 400. In this manner, the back panel 402 is fixed to the left back panel support portion 606 of the top plate 400 by screwing wood screws 622 into the screw holes of the left fixing portion 610 of the back panel 402, and the back panel 402 is fixed to the right back panel support portion 608 of the top plate 400 by screwing wood screws 622 into the screw holes of the right fixing portion 612 of the back panel 402, thereby fixing the back panel 402 to the back panel 402. In this embodiment, the upper end of the back panel 402 is fixed at multiple locations (for example, two locations) with wood screws 622. Note that the fixing with wood screws 622 is not limited to two locations (left fixing portion 610, right fixing portion 612), and there may be more or fewer locations.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the staples 620 are cheaper per unit than the wood screws 622, the wood screws 622 have stronger fastening force (strength) than the staples 620, and are easier to remove with a screwdriver (an example of a specified tool) than the staples 620. Also, the wood screws 622 are easier to remove without damaging the area around the fastening point on the outer surface of the back plate 402 than the staples 620. In addition, the staples 620 can be fastened more quickly than the wood screws 622, and once removed, they are more difficult to reuse than the wood screws 622.

[0087] Thus, in this embodiment, staples 620 are used to fasten the left side panel 408 to the back panel 402, the right side panel 406 to the back panel 402, and the bottom panel 404 to the back panel 402, but wood screws 622 are not used. Similarly, wood screws 622 are used to fasten the top panel 400 to the back panel 402, but staples 620 are not used. Furthermore, fewer wood screws 622 are used than staples 620 in these fastening operations.

[0088] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, four heat dissipation holes are formed side by side at regular intervals near the top of the back plate 402: a first heat dissipation hole 624 (an example of a heat dissipation hole), a second heat dissipation hole 626 (an example of a heat dissipation hole), a third heat dissipation hole 628 (an example of a heat dissipation hole), and a fourth heat dissipation hole 630 (an example of a heat dissipation hole). These heat dissipation holes are for dissipating (releasing) the heat generated inside the main board unit 410 to the outside, and are formed as elongated openings in the left-right direction. The shape of the heat dissipation holes is not limited to this and can be any shape. The number of heat dissipation holes is also not limited to four; there may be fewer than four or five or more.

[0089] In this embodiment, these four heat dissipation holes are formed in a position that avoids being directly below the fixing points by the wood screws 622. Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the right fixing part 612 is formed above the space between the first heat dissipation hole 624 and the second heat dissipation hole 626, and the left fixing part 610 is formed above the space between the third heat dissipation hole 628 and the fourth heat dissipation hole 630. This arrangement ensures that there are no heat dissipation holes directly below the fixing points by the wood screws 622.

[0090] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the main circuit board unit 410 is positioned (fixed) on the upper part of the inner surface of the back plate 402, and the four heat dissipation holes, the first heat dissipation hole 624 to the fourth heat dissipation hole 630, are formed in the area where the main circuit board unit 410 is positioned, as shown in Figure 13.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the shortest straight-line distance S1 from the wood screw 622 to the main circuit board unit 410 is shorter than the shortest straight-line distance S2 from the staple 620 to the main circuit board unit 410.

[0092] In this embodiment, the left side plate 408 and the top plate 400, and the right side plate 406 and the top plate 400 are fixed together with wood screws. Specifically, as shown by arrow A in Figure 13, the wood screws are screwed into the top plate 400 from the outer side toward the inner side to secure it. The wood screws used to fix the top plate 400 to the left and right side plates 406 and 408 have a larger diameter (stronger fixing force) than the wood screws 622 used to fix the top plate 400 to the back plate 402. As mentioned above, when fixing the gaming machine to the island equipment, as shown by arrow B in Figure 13, screws acting as fixing members (fastening members) are screwed into the top plate 400 from the inner side toward the outer side to secure it to the island equipment.

[0093] The left side panel 408 and the bottom panel 404, and the right side panel 406 and the bottom panel 404 are also secured with wood screws. The wood screws used to secure the bottom panel 404 to the left and right side panels 406 and 408 are larger in diameter (stronger fastening screws) than the wood screws 622 used to secure the top panel 400 to the back panel 402.

[0094] As described above, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the left side plate 408 and the back plate 402, the right side plate 406 and the back plate 402, and the bottom plate 404 and the back plate 402 are fixed with staples 620. Since staples 620 are cheaper than wood screws 622, costs can be reduced compared to using wood screws 622 for these fasteners. In this embodiment, the top plate 400 and the back plate 402 are fixed with wood screws 622. Since wood screws 622 have a stronger fixing force than staples 620, the strength of the top plate 400 can be ensured. In particular, in this embodiment, sufficient strength can be ensured to withstand the load on the top plate 400 caused by the work of installing the gaming machine on the island equipment of the gaming hall. This makes it possible to reduce costs while ensuring strength.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the left side panel 408 and the back panel 402, the right side panel 406 and the back panel 402, and the bottom panel 404 and the back panel 402 are fixed together with staples 620, so the left side panel 408, the right side panel 406, and the bottom panel 404 can be reused.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the top plate 400 and the back plate 402 are fixed with wood screws 622. Since wood screws 622 are easier to remove than staples 620, compared to using staples 620 to fix the top plate 400 and the back plate 402, it is possible to easily remove the top plate 400, which is not intended for reuse.

[0097] In this embodiment, the main board unit 410, which includes a main board 414 equipped with a setting change switch and a setting change button, and a main board case 412 rotatable between a first position and a second position, is fixed to the upper part of the inner surface of the back plate 402. The top plate 400 and the back plate 402 are fixed with wood screws 622, which have stronger fixing force than staples 620. As a result, sufficient strength can be ensured to withstand the load on the back plate 402 caused by inspection work to inspect the back of the main board 414 (such as releasing the rotation restriction of the main board case 412 in the first position or returning the main board case 412 from the second position to the first position) and operation of the setting change switch or setting change button.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the shortest straight-line distance S1 from the wood screw 622 to the main circuit board unit 410 is shorter than the shortest straight-line distance S2 from the staple 620 to the main circuit board unit 410. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the main circuit board unit 410 toward the back plate 402, the presence of the wood screw 622, which has strong fixing force, can suitably maintain the connection between the back plate 402 and the other boards (top plate 400, left and right side plates 406, 408, bottom plate 404) that are fixed to the back plate 402.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of wood screws 622, which have a higher unit price than staples 620, used to fasten the left side panel 408 to the back panel 402, the right side panel 406 to the back panel 402, the bottom panel 404 to the back panel 402, and the top panel 400 to the back panel 402 is less than that of staples 620, thus reducing costs.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tacker pins 620 used to fasten the left side panel 408 to the back panel 402, the right side panel 406 to the back panel 402, and the bottom panel 404 to the back panel 402, as well as the wood screws 622 used to fasten the top panel 400 to the back panel 402, are performed on the outer surface of the back panel 402, thereby improving the work efficiency of assembling the storage box BX.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the four heat dissipation holes, the first heat dissipation holes 624 to the fourth heat dissipation holes 630, are positioned to avoid being directly below the fixing points by the wood screws 622, thereby ensuring the strength of the back plate 402.

[0102] In this embodiment, the left side panel 408 and the top panel 400, the left side panel 408 and the bottom panel 404, the right side panel 406 and the top panel 400, and the right side panel 406 and the bottom panel 404 may be fixed with staples 620, or they may be fixed by means other than staples 620 or wood screws 622.

[0103] In this embodiment, adhesive tape or glue may be used in conjunction with fastening means such as staples 620 or wood screws 622 to assemble and fix the top plate 400, back plate 402, bottom plate 404, and left and right side plates 406, 408.

[0104] Furthermore, the configuration and structure of this embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments and modifications.

[0105] 2. Second Embodiment In this embodiment, detailed explanations of configurations and control methods common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and the main differences will be described. In this embodiment, the structure of the sub-board unit 440 differs from that of the first embodiment, and the sub-board unit 440 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 14 to 19. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a schematic of the sub-board unit 440 of the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 15 is a front view showing a schematic of the sub-board unit 440 of the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 16 is a front view of the sub-board 444 in the gaming machine of this embodiment, and is a partially enlarged view (schematic diagram) illustrating the development connector arrangement area 640 of the sub-board 444, and Figure 17 is a perspective view of the case cover 672 of the sub-board case 442 in the gaming machine of this embodiment, and is a part illustrating the protruding portion 670 of the case cover 672. Figures 14 to 16 and 18 to 19 omit the illustration of electronic components such as the CPU, ROM, and RAM in the sub-board 444.

[0106] As shown in Figure 14, the sub-board case 442 of this embodiment is composed of a case body 674 and a case lid 672, and the case body 674 and the case lid 672 are combined to form a box-shaped sub-board case 442. The sub-board 444 is housed inside the sub-board case 442 with the case lid 672 facing the front surface of the sub-board 444 and the case body 674 facing the back surface of the sub-board 444.

[0107] Furthermore, the sub-board 444 of this embodiment is provided with an unmounted component placement area (an example of a predetermined area) that indicates the placement of components that are not mounted during mass production (components not mounted during mass production).

[0108] Components not mounted during mass production include development components used only during development and not mounted during mass production (e.g., development connectors, development ICs, development passive elements, etc.), function expansion components that are mounted when additional functions (specifications) are decided for later models and are not mounted during mass production (current models) (e.g., function expansion connectors, function expansion ICs, function expansion passive elements, etc.), and test components used in prescribed tests conducted to provide gaming machines to the market and not mounted during mass production (e.g., test connectors, test ICs, test passive elements, etc.). Mass production refers to the time when a large quantity of a product is produced for the market. In other words, gaming machines distributed in the market generally do not have components (components not mounted during mass production) mounted in the areas designated for components not mounted during mass production.

[0109] In this embodiment, the unmounted component placement area is defined as the area occupied by the unmounted component when it is placed in a predetermined position, as well as the area occupied by the markings related to the unmounted component. Here, the mounting area includes the area occupied by mounting parts (lands, through-holes, pads, etc.) for attaching (soldering) the unmounted component. Multiple unmounted component placement areas may be provided, or multiple unmounted components may be mounted in a single unmounted component placement area.

[0110] In this embodiment, a development connector placement area 640 is provided as an unmounted component placement area, indicating the placement of development connectors (an example of electronic components not mounted during mass production), which are components not mounted during mass production (development components). As shown in Figure 15, the development connector placement area 640 is provided on the surface of the sub-board 444, near the upper right corner in Figure 15. The development connector is a vertical mating connector (a connector in which the insertion direction intersects the surface of the sub-board 444).

[0111] Specifically, as shown in Figure 16, the development connector placement area 640 is provided with a mounting section 676 composed of multiple pads (approximately rectangular copper foil portions). In this embodiment, the development connector is a surface mount component that is mounted by soldering to the mounting surface, and is mounted using surface mount technology (SMT). In this embodiment, the multiple pads (copper foil portions) of the mounting section 676 are arranged horizontally in two rows, upper and lower, corresponding to each terminal (each pin) of the development connector. More specifically, as shown in Figure 16, 17 pads (copper foil portions) are arranged horizontally in the upper row, and 15 pads (copper foil portions) are arranged horizontally in the lower row.

[0112] Furthermore, in the development connector placement area 640, as shown in Figure 16, the string "CN9," which is an identification mark (development connector identification mark 678) indicating a development connector, is displayed to the right of the mounting section 676 in Figure 16, as an indication of components not mounted during mass production.

[0113] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, the development connector placement area 640 displays terminal identification markings to allow identification of each terminal of the development connector, as an indication of components not mounted during mass production. Specifically, the terminal identification markings include the number "1" and a triangle symbol, which represent the identification marking for pin 1 (first terminal identification marking 680), displayed near the pin 1 pad (copper foil portion); the number "2" representing the identification marking for pin 2 (second terminal identification marking 682), displayed near the pin 2 pad (copper foil portion); the number "15" representing the identification marking for pin 15 (third terminal identification marking 684), displayed near the pin 15 pad (copper foil portion); and the number "16" representing the identification marking for pin 16 (fourth terminal identification marking 686), displayed near the pin 16 pad (copper foil portion).

[0114] In this embodiment, the development connector placement area 640 includes the mounting section 676 composed of multiple pads (copper foil portions), the string "CN9" which is the development connector identification mark 678, the number "1" and the triangle symbol which are the first terminal identification mark 680, the number "2" which is the second terminal identification mark 682, the number "15" which is the third terminal identification mark 684, and the number "16" which is the fourth terminal identification mark 686. The development connector placement area 640 may not include some or all of the first to fourth terminal identification marks.

[0115] Furthermore, the sub-board 444 of this embodiment has multiple connectors 450 provided in positions different from the development connector placement area 640, and these connectors 450 are components that will be mounted during mass production (mass production mounted components).

[0116] Specifically, the sub-board 444 has six connectors 450 arranged vertically along the left edge in Figure 15: the first connector 642, the second connector 644, the third connector 646, the fourth connector 648, the fifth connector 650, and the sixth connector 652. Three more connectors 450, the seventh connector 654, the eighth connector 656, and the ninth connector 658, are arranged horizontally along the top edge near the upper left of Figure 15. These connectors are vertically mating connectors.

[0117] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the front surface of the case cover 672 is provided with openings (connector openings) at positions facing each of the nine connectors 450, from the first connector 642 to the ninth connector 658, so that each of the first connector 642 to the ninth connector 658 is exposed from the sub-board case 442.

[0118] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the front surface of the case lid 672 in this embodiment has a projection 670 that protrudes toward the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444 at a position facing the development connector placement area 640. As shown in Figure 17, the projection 670 is formed in a plate shape on the inner (back) side of the front surface of the case lid 672.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 17, the protruding portion 670 is formed such that the facing portion 688 (the tip of the protruding portion 670), which is the surface of the protruding portion 670 that faces the development connector placement area 640, fits within the development connector placement area 640. Specifically, the opposing portion 688 is formed in a rectangular shape, and as shown in Figures 18(A) and 18(B), its longitudinal dimension is less than or equal to the dimension S1 (the dimension from the outer edge of one pad to the outer edge of the other pad in a group of pads, an example of the dimension from one pad to the other pad in a group of pads) from the right end of the 2-pin pad (copper foil portion) to the left end of the 16-pin pad (copper foil portion) in the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444, and its short-side dimension is less than or equal to the dimension S2 (the short-side dimension of the development connector body) from the upper end of the 1-pin pad (copper foil portion) to the lower end of the upper pad (copper foil portion) located opposite the 1-pin pad (copper foil portion) in the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444. In particular, in this embodiment, the longitudinal dimension of the opposing portion 688 is approximately the same as dimension S1. As a result, when the sub-board 444 is housed in the sub-board case 442, as shown in Figures 18(A) and 18(B), the left end of the facing portion 688 faces the 16-pin pad (copper foil portion) (one end of the facing portion in the longitudinal direction faces one end of the multiple pads), and the right end of the facing portion 688 faces the 2-pin pad (copper foil portion) (the other end of the facing portion in the longitudinal direction faces the other end of the multiple pads).

[0120] In other words, in this embodiment, the opposing portion 688 is formed smaller than the mounting portion 676 in the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444. In particular, in this embodiment, the opposing portion 688 is formed smaller than the outer dimensions of the insertion opening (insertion opening) of the development connector. Thus, in this embodiment, the protruding portion 670 is formed to fit within the development connector placement area 640 when the sub-board 444 is housed in the sub-board case 442. As a result, when attempting to assemble the development sub-board on which the development connector is mounted and the sub-board case 442, which is a board case for mass production, the left and right ends of the opposing portion 688 will not collide with the housing that constitutes the outer shape of the development connector and thus will not fit together.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 18(B), the dimension S1 from the right end of the 2-pin pad (copper foil portion) to the left end of the 16-pin pad (copper foil portion) in the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444 is the same as or approximately the same as the longitudinal dimension of the development connector.

[0122] In this embodiment, the protruding portion 670 is formed such that the distance between the opposite side 688 of the protruding portion 670 and the surface of the sub-board 444 is shorter than the height of each of the first connectors 642 to the ninth connector 658 of the sub-board 444. In this embodiment, the heights of the connectors from the first connector 642 to the ninth connector 658 increase in the order of "first connector 642 = third connector 646 < second connector 644 = fourth connector 648 = fifth connector 650 < sixth connector 652 < seventh connector 654 = eighth connector 656 < ninth connector 658". As shown in Figure 19, the distance H1 between the opposite side 688 of the protruding portion 670 of the case lid 672 and the surface of the sub-board 444 is shorter than the heights of the first connector 642 and the third connector 646, which have the lowest height H among the first connectors 642 to the ninth connector 658. Note that in Figure 19, the illustration of connectors 654 to 658 (connectors 7 to 9) is omitted.

[0123] Furthermore, in this embodiment, no opening is formed on the front surface of the case lid 672 at a position facing the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444.

[0124] In addition, in the sub-board unit 440 of this embodiment, the cooling fan 460 is located near the middle right of Figure 15.

[0125] In this embodiment, the sub-board 444 is provided with a development connector placement area 640 indicating the placement of development connectors, which are components not mounted during mass production (development components). A protrusion 670 that projects toward the development connector placement area 640 is provided on the case lid 672 at a position facing the development connector placement area 640. Therefore, when attempting to assemble the development sub-board with the development connector mounted on it and the sub-board case 442, which is a board case for mass production, the protrusion 670 of the case lid 672 can interfere with the development connector, preventing them from being assembled. Specifically, when the sub-board 444 is housed in the sub-board case 442, as shown in Figures 18(A) and 18(B), the left end of the opposing portion 688 of the protruding portion 670 faces the 16-pin pad (copper foil portion) in the development connector placement area 640, and the right end of the opposing portion 688 of the protruding portion 670 faces the 2-pin pad (copper foil portion) in the development connector placement area 640. Therefore, when attempting to assemble the development sub-board with the development connector mounted on it and the sub-board case 442 for mass production, the left and right ends of the opposing portion 688 will collide with the housing that constitutes the outer shape of the development connector, preventing them from being assembled correctly. This prevents accidental assembly of the development sub-board and the sub-board case 442 for mass production. In particular, in the development of a gaming machine like the one in this embodiment, it is necessary to prepare a test gaming machine to be used for predetermined tests before starting mass production. At the stage of preparing such a test gaming machine, development sub-boards and mass-production sub-boards 444 may get mixed together, which can lead to misassembly. However, according to this embodiment, development sub-boards and mass-production sub-board cases 442 can be prevented from being assembled together, thus preventing misassembly.

[0126] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protruding portion 670 of the case cover 672 is formed to a size that fits within the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444, and is positioned within the development connector placement area 640. This prevents the protruding portion 670 of the case cover 672 from interfering with the periphery of the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444. In particular, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 18(A) and 18(B), the protruding portion 670 of the case cover 672 is formed such that the longitudinal dimension of the facing portion 688 that faces the development connector placement area 640 is less than or equal to the dimension S1 from the 2-pin pad (copper foil portion) to the 16-pin pad (copper foil portion) in the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444. This prevents the protruding portion 670 of the case cover 672 from interfering with the periphery of the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444. As a result, in this embodiment, electronic components and the like can be placed around the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444, thereby increasing the design flexibility of the sub-board 444.

[0127] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the amount of protrusion of the protrusion 670 is formed such that the distance H1 between the opposite side 688 of the protrusion 670 and the surface of the sub-board 444 is shorter than any of the heights of the first connector 642 to the ninth connector 658 of the sub-board 444. As a result, the protrusion 670 of the case cover 672 will not interfere with the development connector of the development sub-board and will not be able to assemble, regardless of the height of the development connector. This prevents the accidental assembly of the development sub-board and the mass-production sub-board case 442.

[0128] In this embodiment, the example described was that an area for unmounted components is provided on the sub-board 444. However, an area for unmounted components may also be provided on other boards such as the main board 414 (an example of a board), a reel relay board (an example of a board), or a centralized terminal board (an example of a board), and a protrusion may be provided on the board case covering the board that faces the area for unmounted components, so as to project toward the area for unmounted components.

[0129] In this embodiment, the example described was that a development connector placement area 640 indicating the placement of a development connector was provided as an area for placing unmounted components. However, an unmounted component placement area (an example of a predetermined area) may also be provided to indicate the placement of components that are not mounted during mass production, other than development connectors, such as development ICs (an example of electronic components that are not mounted during mass production) and development passive elements (an example of electronic components that are not mounted during mass production).

[0130] In this embodiment, the example given for the opposite portion 688 of the protruding portion 670 is that the longitudinal dimension of the opposite portion 688 is less than or equal to the dimension S1, which is the distance from the right end of the 2-pin pad (copper foil portion) to the left end of the 16-pin pad (copper foil portion) in the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444, and the short-side dimension is less than or equal to the dimension S2, which is the distance from the upper end of the 1-pin pad (copper foil portion) to the lower end of the upper pad (copper foil portion) located opposite the 1-pin pad (copper foil portion) in the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444. However, the opposite portion 688 may have a longitudinal dimension shorter than dimension S1 and a short-side dimension shorter than dimension S2. That is, the opposite portion 688 may have a longitudinal dimension less than or equal to the longitudinal dimension S1 of the mounting portion 676 or shorter than dimension S1, and a short-side dimension less than or equal to the short-side dimension S2 of the mounting portion 676 or shorter than dimension S2.

[0131] In this embodiment, the case in which the vertically mating connectors of the first connector 642 to the ninth connector 658 are provided at a position different from the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444 was described as an example. However, horizontally mating connectors (connectors whose insertion direction is substantially parallel to the surface of the sub-board 444 (a different direction from that of the development connectors)) may also be provided. In this case, the protrusion 670 of the case cover 672 may be formed such that the distance between the opposite side 688 of the protrusion 670 and the surface of the sub-board 444 is shorter or longer than the height of the horizontally mating connector on the sub-board 444.

[0132] In this embodiment, the example of forming the protruding portion 670 of the case lid 672 of the sub-board case 442 in a plate shape was used for explanation. However, the shape of the protruding portion 670 is not limited to a plate shape. It can be formed into any shape, such as a column shape, as long as the opposite portion 688 is sized to fit within the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444. Similarly, the opposite portion 688 is not limited to a rectangular shape. It can be formed into any shape as long as it is sized to fit within the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444.

[0133] In this embodiment, the example described was that the protruding portion 670 of the case lid 672 is formed to fit within the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444. However, the opposite portion 688 of the protruding portion 670 may be formed to be larger than the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444.

[0134] In this embodiment, the example described was that the amount of protrusion of the protrusion 670 is formed such that the distance H1 between the opposite side 688 of the protrusion 670 and the surface of the sub-board 444 is shorter than any of the heights of the first connectors 642 to the ninth connectors 658 of the sub-board 444. However, as long as the size allows for interference with the development connector, the amount of protrusion of the protrusion 670 may be formed such that the distance H1 between the opposite side 688 of the protrusion 670 and the surface of the sub-board 444 is longer than any of the heights of the first connectors 642 to the ninth connectors 658 of the sub-board 444.

[0135] Furthermore, the configuration and structure of this embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments and modifications.

[0136] 3. Third Embodiment In this embodiment, detailed explanations of configurations and control methods common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and the main differences will be described. In this embodiment, the positional relationship between the centralized terminal board unit 690 and the through-hole 712 through which the cable for connecting external devices is inserted differs from that of the first embodiment. The positional relationship between the centralized terminal board unit 690 and the through-hole 712 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 20 to 23. Figure 20 is a front view (schematic diagram) showing the internal configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 21 is an enlarged view (schematic diagram) of the main part illustrating the centralized terminal board unit 690 in the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 22 is a front view (schematic diagram) showing the internal configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the centralized terminal board unit 690 and the through-hole 712, and Figure 23 is a front view (schematic diagram) showing the internal configuration of a modified gaming machine of this embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the centralized terminal board unit 690 and the through-hole 712. Note that in Figures 20 and 22-23, the power supply unit 305 and the hopper unit 320, which are located at the bottom of the reel unit 310 inside the storage box BX, are not shown. Also, in Figures 20-23, the CPU, ROM, RAM, and other electronic components on the main board 414 are not shown.

[0137] As shown in Figure 20, the centralized terminal board unit 690 of this embodiment is attached to the inner surface of the right side panel 406 of the storage box BX, similar to the first embodiment described above. The centralized terminal board unit 690 also comprises a centralized terminal board 692 and a centralized terminal board case 694, as shown in Figure 21. The centralized terminal board case 694 is composed of a case body 696 and a case lid 698, and the case body 696 and the case lid 698 are combined to form a box-shaped centralized terminal board case 694. The centralized terminal board 692 is housed inside the centralized terminal board case 694 with the case lid 698 facing the surface of the centralized terminal board 692 and the case body 696 facing the back surface of the centralized terminal board 692. The centralized terminal board unit 690 is attached so that the surface of the centralized terminal board 692 faces outwards (towards the left side panel 408).

[0138] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21, the surface of the centralized terminal board 692 in this embodiment is provided with multiple connectors, including a main board connection connector 700 used for connecting to the main board 414, and an external device connection connector 702 (an example of a connector) used for connecting to external devices. These connectors are vertical mating connectors. As a result, the insertion opening 714 (insertion opening) of the main board connection connector 700 and the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 face the left side plate 408. Note that in Figures 20 to 23, various harnesses and cables, such as cables used for connecting the main board 414 and the centralized terminal board 692 and cables for connecting external devices, are not shown.

[0139] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21, the front surface of the case cover 698 of the centralized terminal board case 694 in this embodiment is provided with openings (connector openings) at positions facing the main board connection connector 700 and the external device connection connector 702, respectively, so that the main board connection connector 700 and the external device connection connector 702 are exposed from the centralized terminal board case 694.

[0140] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21, the centralized terminal board case 694 of this embodiment is provided with four fixing parts for fixing the case body 696 and the case lid 698: a first case lid fixing part 704, a second case lid fixing part 706, a third case lid fixing part 708, and a fourth case lid fixing part 710. Each fixing part is composed of the case body 696 and the case lid 698. The first case lid fixing part 704 and the fourth case lid fixing part 710 are protruding parts that project in the longitudinal direction of the centralized terminal board case 694 and are formed as protruding parts that project in opposite directions to each other, while the second case lid fixing part 706 and the third case lid fixing part 708 are protruding parts that project in the short direction of the centralized terminal board case 694 and are formed as protruding parts that project in the same direction. Each fixing part also has a screw hole, and the case body 696 and the case lid 698 are fixed by screwing a screw into the screw hole.

[0141] In this embodiment, the through-hole 712 for inserting an external device connection cable (an example of a cable) is formed near the upper right end of the back plate 402 of the storage box BX, as shown in Figure 20. The through-hole 712 is formed in a roughly rectangular shape. However, the shape of the through-hole 712 is not limited to this and can be any shape (for example, a circular shape).

[0142] Furthermore, the main board case 412 of the main board unit 410 in this embodiment is formed in a different shape from that of the first embodiment. In particular, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 20, the right corner of the main board case 412 is cut out so as not to overlap with the through hole 712 of the back plate 402. This prevents the through hole 712 from being blocked.

[0143] In this embodiment, the centralized terminal board unit 690 is positioned below the through-hole 712 of the back plate 402, such that the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) for the external device connection connector 702 is within the width of the through-hole 712 in the left-right direction. Specifically, as shown in Figure 22, the centralized terminal board unit 690 is positioned on the right side plate 406 of the storage box BX, below and in front of the through-hole 712 of the back plate 402. Here, the dashed lines a and b in Figure 22 are dashed lines drawn vertically (vertically downward and directly below) from the left and right ends of the through-hole 712, respectively. In this embodiment, the connector 702 for connecting external devices is mounted on the centralized terminal board 692 such that its insertion opening 716 (insertion port) faces the left side plate 408, as shown in Figure 21. The centralized terminal board unit 690 is positioned such that the insertion opening 716 (insertion port) of the connector 702 for connecting external devices is located between dashed lines a and b in Figure 22.

[0144] In this embodiment, the centralized terminal board unit 690 is positioned such that the insertion opening 714 (insertion opening) for the main board connection connector 700 is also within the width range of the through hole 712.

[0145] In this embodiment, when installing the gaming machine into the island equipment of the gaming hall, a connection operation is performed in which an external device connection cable is inserted from outside the gaming machine into the through hole 712 of the back plate 402 and then inserted into the external device connection connector 702 of the central terminal board 692.

[0146] As described above, in this embodiment, the centralized terminal board unit 690 is positioned below the through-hole 712 of the back plate 402, making it easy to see both the centralized terminal board unit 690 and the through-hole 712 simultaneously, and making it easier to connect the cable for connecting an external device to the external device connection connector 702 of the centralized terminal board 692. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the centralized terminal board unit 690 is positioned below and in front of the through-hole 712, such that the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is within the width of the through-hole 712, so that when the external device connection cable is inserted into the storage box BX from the through-hole 712, the cable is positioned close to the external device connection connector 702, making it easier to connect the cable.

[0147] In this embodiment, the centralized terminal board unit 690 was described as being positioned below the through-hole 712 of the back plate 402, such that the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is within the width of the through-hole 712. However, the centralized terminal board unit 690 only needs to be positioned such that at least a portion of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is within the width of the through-hole 712; the entire insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 does not need to be within the width of the through-hole 712. Furthermore, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be positioned such that at least a portion of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is within the width of the through-hole 712, but a portion of the main body forming the external device connection connector 702 is outside the width of the through-hole 712. Furthermore, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be positioned such that at least a portion of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is within the width range of the through hole 712, but part or all of the insertion opening 714 (insertion opening) of the main board connection connector 700 is outside the width range of the through hole 712. Also, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be positioned such that at least a portion of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is within the width range of the through hole 712, but part of the main body forming the main board connection connector 700 is outside the width range of the through hole 712. Furthermore, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be positioned such that at least a portion of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is within the width range of the through hole 712, but part or all of the centralized terminal board case 694 or centralized terminal board 692 is outside the width range of the through hole 712.

[0148] In this embodiment, the case in which the centralized terminal board unit 690 is placed on the upper side inside the storage box BX was described as an example, but the centralized terminal board unit 690 may also be placed on the lower side inside the storage box BX. For example, as shown in Figure 23, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be placed near the lower right end of the back plate 402 of the storage box BX, and a through hole 712 may be formed above the centralized terminal board unit 690. In this case as well, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be placed below the through hole 712 of the back plate 402, at a position where the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is within the width of the through hole 712. Specifically, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be placed so that the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is located between dashed lines a and b in Figure 23. Even in this way, the same effects and advantages as in the above embodiment can be achieved, and the cable connection work can be made easier. In this case as well, the centralized terminal board unit 690 only needs to be positioned such that at least a portion of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is within the width range of the through hole 712, and it is not necessary for the entire insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 to be within the width range of the through hole 712. Alternatively, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be positioned such that at least a portion of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is within the width range of the through hole 712, but a portion of the main body forming the external device connection connector 702 is outside the width range of the through hole 712.

[0149] In this case, as shown in Figure 23, the centralized terminal board unit 690 is positioned so that the insertion opening 714 (insertion opening) of the main board connection connector 700 is outside the width range of the through hole 712. However, at least a portion of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 may be positioned so that it is within the width range of the through hole 712, and part or all of the insertion opening 714 (insertion opening) of the main board connection connector 700 is within the width range of the through hole 712. Alternatively, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be positioned so that at least a portion of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is within the width range of the through hole 712, and part or all of the main body forming the main board connection connector 700 is within the width range of the through hole 712.

[0150] In this case, as shown in Figure 23, the centralized terminal board unit 690 is positioned such that a part of the centralized terminal board case 694 (for example, the first case lid fixing part 704 or the second case lid fixing part 706) is outside the width range of the through hole 712. However, at least a part of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 may be positioned so that it is within the width range of the through hole 712, and part or all of the centralized terminal board case 694 is within the width range of the through hole 712. Alternatively, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be positioned such that at least a portion of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) for the external device connection connector 702 is within the width range of the through hole 712, while the four fixing parts of the centralized terminal board case 694 (first case lid fixing part 704, second case lid fixing part 706, third case lid fixing part 708, and fourth case lid fixing part 710) are outside the width range of the through hole 712. Alternatively, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be positioned such that at least a portion of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) for the external device connection connector 702 is within the width range of the through hole 712, while part or all of the centralized terminal board 692 is outside the width range of the through hole 712.

[0151] In this embodiment, the example of placing the centralized terminal board unit 690 below the through-hole 712 of the back plate 402 was described, but it is not limited to placing the centralized terminal board unit 690 below the through-hole 712 of the back plate 402. For example, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be placed to the side or above the through-hole 712 of the back plate 402.

[0152] In this embodiment, the example described was one in which a through-hole 712 for inserting an external device connection cable is formed in the back plate 402. However, it does not have to be the back plate 402 as long as it is near the centralized terminal board unit 690; for example, it may be formed in the right side plate 406.

[0153] Furthermore, although this embodiment has described the application of the present invention to a slot machine that uses physical tokens (game value) for gameplay, the present invention may also be applied to a smart pachislo (registered trademark), which is a game machine that uses electronic tokens (game value), which are electronic information, as the game medium for gameplay, instead of using physical tokens.

[0154] Smart pachislo includes a medal count control board that controls (manages) the number of electronic medals (number of game medals), and a game ball dispensing device connection terminal board (an example of a connection terminal board) that connects the smart pachislo to an external device, a medal dispensing machine (not shown). The medal count control board is connected to the main board 414 in a bidirectional manner and is connected to the medal dispensing machine in a bidirectional manner via the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board. It stores the electronic medals, which are electronic information lent from the medal dispensing machine, in a predetermined memory area and can perform counting processing to transfer some or all of the stored electronic medals to the medal dispensing machine. The game ball dispensing device connection terminal board is connected to the medal count control board and the medal dispensing machine in a bidirectional manner and receives signals related to the lending of electronic medals, transmits the results of the lending of electronic medals, transmits signals related to the counting of electronic medals, and transmits various information of the game machine (transmits signals to the outside).

[0155] The main board 414 then bets electronic medals stored in a predetermined memory area of ​​the medal count control board by operating the bet button B0, and adds the medals dispensed according to the result of the game to the electronic medals stored in the predetermined memory area, thereby providing electronic medals. For this reason, a medal input slot MI, hopper unit 320, etc., are not required in a smart pachislo. In such a smart pachislo, a game ball dispensing device connection terminal board unit (an example of a connection terminal board unit) comprising a game ball dispensing device connection terminal board and a game ball dispensing device connection terminal board case that covers (houses) the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board can be implemented in place of the central terminal board unit 690.

[0156] In this case, the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board unit may have the same structure as the centralized terminal board unit 690 in the above embodiment, and the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board unit may be positioned below the through hole 712 of the back plate 402, such that the insertion opening (insertion opening) for the external device connection connector mounted on the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board is within the width of the through hole 712, as in the above embodiment (as in the example shown in Figures 22 and 23).

[0157] Furthermore, the configuration and structure of this embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments and modifications.

[0158] 4. Fourth Embodiment In this embodiment, detailed explanations of configurations and control methods common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and the main differences will be described. The embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 24 to 52. Figure 24 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 25 is a block diagram showing the schematic electrical configuration of the gaming machine and dedicated unit 50 of this embodiment, Figure 26 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figures 27 to 28 are diagrams illustrating the internal lottery table in the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 29 is a diagram illustrating the winning patterns of the roles in the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 30 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of symbols on the reels in the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 31 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the order in which the stop buttons are pressed and the winning roles in the gaming machine according to this embodiment, Figures 32 to 34 are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the winning roles and symbol combinations in the gaming machine of this embodiment, and Figure 35 is a diagram illustrating the transition of game states in the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0159] 4-1. Composition

[0160] The gaming machine of this embodiment is called Smart Pachislo (registered trademark), and is a type of gaming machine that maintains the gameplay of a slot machine while using electronic tokens, which are electronic game tokens with electronic value, as the game medium instead of physical tokens.

[0161] As shown in Figure 24, the gaming machine of this embodiment houses a reel unit 310 consisting of a first reel R1 to a third reel R3 (multiple reels) within a box-shaped casing consisting of a storage box BX (an example of the gaming machine body), an upper front door UD (an example of the front door), and a lower front door DD (an example of the front door). A power supply unit, which incorporates a power supply device and various switches such as a power switch, is housed below the reel unit 310 within the casing. The casing of the gaming machine of this embodiment also houses a control board that controls the operation of the gaming machine, which is equipped with a CPU (an example of a calculation means), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), RAM (an example of a temporary storage means), etc. In this embodiment, the control board includes multiple types of electronic circuit boards, including a main board 10 that controls the progress of the game, a sub-board 20 that receives signals transmitted from the main board 10 and performs control to execute game effects according to the progress of the game, and a medal count control board 30 that controls the number of electronic medals (number of game medals) that are electronically held in the gaming machine and can be used for gameplay. In the following, the total number of electronic tokens that are electronically held in a gaming machine and are available for use in games will be referred to as "number of game tokens," and the memory unit that holds the electronic tokens will be referred to as the "token holding unit."

[0162] As shown in Figure 24, the first to third reels R1 to R3 each have their outer surfaces divided into 21 regions (each region referred to as a "frame") at regular intervals, and one of several types of patterns is arranged in each frame. The first to third reels R1 to R3 are pivotally supported by a stepping motor (reel driving means: not shown) and are rotationally driven around the axis of the stepping motor. By controlling the number of pulses and pulse width of the stepping motor's drive pulses, they are designed to be stoppable in frame units (units of predetermined rotation angle and predetermined rotation amount). In other words, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the stepping motor rotates the first to third reels R1 to R3 in response to drive pulses supplied from the control board, and when a drive pulse for full-phase excitation is supplied from the control board, the rotation of the stepping motor stops, and the first to third reels R1 to R3 stop as a result.

[0163] The upper front door UD and lower front door DD, which can be opened and closed to close the front of the storage box BX (an example of the front), are individually designed to be opened and closed. The upper front door UD is provided with a display window DW that allows observation of the rotation and stopped states of the first reels R1 to the third reels R3, which are arranged side by side. When the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 are stopped, three symbols (upper, middle, and lower) that are arranged consecutively on the outer surface of each of the multiple types of symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer surface of each of the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 can be observed from the front of the gaming machine through the display window DW.

[0164] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, each reel is provided with upper, middle, and lower display positions for observing the symbols through the display window DW, and the number of active lines is set by the combination of the display positions of each reel. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of tokens required for one game, the so-called prescribed number of tokens to insert, is set to 3 tokens (first number of tokens to insert) or 2 tokens (second number of tokens to insert), and when the number of electronic tokens corresponding to the prescribed number of tokens to insert is inserted, the number of active lines corresponding to the number of electronic tokens inserted is activated. The active lines are the lines used to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved.

[0165] In this embodiment, when the specified number of inserted cards is 3, the following lines are activated: Active line L1, which is composed of the middle sections of each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3; Active line L2, which is composed of the upper sections of each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3; Active line L3, which is composed of the lower sections of each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3; Active line L4, which is composed of the upper section of the first reel R1, the middle section of the second reel R2, and the lower section of the third reel R3; and Active line L5, which is composed of the lower section of the first reel R1, the middle section of the second reel R2, and the upper section of the third reel R3.

[0166] Furthermore, if the prescribed number of inputs is 2, the same as when the prescribed number of inputs is 3, 5 active lines, active lines L1 to active lines L5, will be activated. Note that different active lines may be activated when the prescribed number of inputs is 3 compared to when it is 2, or a different number of active lines may be activated.

[0167] The game result is determined by the combination of symbols that stop and are displayed on the active lines in the display window DW. If the combination of symbols on the active lines corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, the winning combination is considered achieved and electronic tokens are dispensed.

[0168] Furthermore, the upper front door UD is equipped with a liquid crystal display (LCD) (an example of an image display means) and a frame lamp AL for displaying game effects. The liquid crystal display (LCD) displays various videos (or images) to assist or enhance the gameplay, and the frame lamp AL performs lighting and flashing actions to enhance the gameplay.

[0169] In this embodiment, a liquid crystal display (LCD) is provided so as to cover the front of the upper front door UD, forming a so-called full-surface LCD. In particular, the area covering the display window DW is made up of a transparent liquid crystal display (LCD), and various types of video (or images) can be displayed in the display window DW.

[0170] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, multiple speakers SP are provided on the lower front door DD for providing game-related effects. These speakers SP output various sounds to assist or enhance the gaming experience.

[0171] Furthermore, a game token count display device 70 (an example of a display device) is provided on the lower front door DD. The game token count display device 70 displays the total number of electronic tokens held in the token holder, i.e., the number of game tokens (an example of the number of game tokens). However, the number of game tokens does not include the electronic tokens that have been bet. Therefore, the game token count display device 70 displays the number obtained by subtracting the number of electronic tokens that were bet from the number of electronic tokens that the player has acquired. The number of game tokens is displayed on a 5-digit or 6-digit 7-segment display or the like, positioned in a location visible to the player, and is shown in a numerical range of 0 to 16382.

[0172] Furthermore, the lower front door DD is equipped with various operating means. These operating means include a bet button (an example of an insertion operation means, a game operation means) B0 for inserting (betting) electronic medals held in the medal holder; a start lever SL (an example of a game start operation means, a game operation means) for initiating the game by rotating the first reel R1 to the third reel R3; stop buttons B1 to B3 (an example of a stop operation means, a game operation means) for initiating the operation to stop each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, which are rotated by a stepping motor; and a settlement button B4 (a predetermined operation means, a settlement operation means, a game operation means) for returning (settling) all inserted (betted) electronic medals to the medal holder.

[0173] Furthermore, the lower front door DD is provided with a counting button B8 (an example of a counting operation means, a game operation means) for performing an operation (counting operation) to transfer some or all of the electronic medals held in the medal holder to a dedicated unit 50 (an example of a specific unit) described later.

[0174] Furthermore, the lower front door DD is equipped with a game information display unit DS. The game information display unit DS consists of LEDs, lamps, a 7-segment display, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of electronic tokens dispensed or acquired in a single game (the difference between the number of electronic tokens dispensed and the number inserted), and the total number of electronic tokens dispensed or acquired during bonus games.

[0175] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the player presses the bet button B0 in a state where the game can be started, a predetermined number of electronic tokens are inserted (bet), and the machine is set to a ready state in which the rotation control of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 can be started, and the operation of pressing the start lever is permitted (activated). When the player presses the start lever SL, the control board starts the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 by driving the stepping motor, and an internal lottery is performed using random values, and if the rotation speed of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 has increased to a predetermined speed, the operation of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 is permitted (activated).

[0176] Subsequently, when the player presses stop buttons B1 to B3 at any time, the stop switches (stop signal output means: for example, a photosensor, a continuity sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.) built into each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 are activated, changing the reel stop signal input to the control board from the off state to the on state.

[0177] Furthermore, when the player releases stop buttons B1 to B3 at any time, the stop switches corresponding to each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 turn off, changing the reel stop signal input to the control board from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0178] The control board then stops the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 at a stopping position corresponding to the result of an internal lottery, based on the change in the reel stop signal state from the off state to the on state, which changes in response to the timing of pressing and releasing the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0179] When medals are to be dispensed according to the results of the game, the electronic medals are dispensed (stored) in the medal holder, and the display of the number of game medals on the game medal count display device 70 is updated.

[0180] Figure 25 is a block diagram showing the schematic electrical configuration of the gaming machine and dedicated unit 50 of this embodiment, and Figure 26 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0181] The gaming machine in this embodiment is electrically connected to an external device, a dedicated unit 50, via a gaming ball dispensing device connection terminal board 40. The dedicated unit 50 is equipped with a dedicated unit control board 60 that transmits and receives electronic tokens to and from the gaming machine.

[0182] Furthermore, the gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board that includes a main board 10 (an example of a main control unit and a first control unit), a sub-board 20 (an example of a sub-control unit), and a medal count control board 30 (an example of a game value count control unit and a second control unit). The main board 10 receives input signals from input means such as a bet switch 220, a start switch 230, a stop switch 240, and a settlement switch 250, performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of output means such as a reel unit 310 based on the calculation results. The sub-board 20 receives signals sent from the main board 10, performs various calculations to execute effects according to the progress of the game, and controls the operation of output means such as a display device 330, a sound device 340, and a frame lamp AL based on the calculation results. The medal count control board 30 receives input signals from input means such as a counting button switch 255, performs various calculations to manage the number of game medals, and controls the operation of output means such as a game medal count display device 70 based on the calculation results. Furthermore, the functions of each board, such as the main board 10, sub-board 20, and medal count control board 30, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, and software consisting of given programs pre-stored in ROM, etc.

[0183] The main board 10 is equipped with a main CPU 10a, a main ROM 10b, a main RAM 10c, etc., and the main CPU 10a executes various programs stored in the main ROM 10b, thereby functioning as an input reception means 105 (reception control means, input processing means, settlement processing means), a random number generation means 110, an internal lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a prize determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a replay processing means 160, a game state control means 170, a communication control means 190, etc.

[0184] The coin insertion receiving means 105 accepts the insertion of electronic tokens for each game and, based on the insertion of a predetermined number of electronic tokens (for example, 2 or 3 tokens), performs control to activate the game start operation on the start lever SL (game start operation means). In this embodiment of the game machine, the first press of the start lever SL, which has been activated based on the insertion of the predetermined number of electronic tokens, is accepted as the game start operation, triggering the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 and also triggering the execution of an internal lottery. Furthermore, if an operation is performed on the start lever SL while the game start operation on the start lever SL is activated, the operation on the start lever SL is deactivated.

[0185] Furthermore, when the coin insertion acceptance means 105 starts accepting the insertion of electronic tokens, it controls the operation of the bet button B0, provided that there is one or more game tokens held in the token holder. When the bet button B0 is pressed while the operation of the bet button B0 is enabled, the bet switch 220 is activated, and an insertion process (bet process) is performed to set the electronic tokens held in the token holder to the insertion state (bet state), up to a predetermined limit. Also, when the number of game tokens held in the token holder becomes zero or when the start lever SL is pressed to start the game, the operation of the bet button B0 is disabled. Furthermore, when the number of game tokens held in the token holder becomes one or more while accepting the insertion of electronic tokens, the operation of the bet button B0 is enabled.

[0186] Furthermore, when the input receiving means 105 is accepting the input of electronic tokens and the electronic tokens are set to the input state, it performs control to enable operation on the settlement button B4. When the settlement button B4 is pressed while operation on the settlement button B4 is enabled, the settlement switch 250 is activated, and a settlement process is performed to return all electronic tokens set to the input state to the token holder, and operation on the settlement button B4 is disabled. Additionally, when the start lever SL is pressed to start the game, operation on the settlement button B4 is disabled.

[0187] Here, "enabling an operation" means that the operation will execute its intended function, while "disabling an operation" means that even if the operation is performed, the intended function will not be executed, although even with an "invalidated operation," it is possible that a process other than the intended function will be performed.

[0188] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the coin insertion receiving means 105 controls the number of coins to be inserted to 3 when the game state transitions to normal state A, BB1 state, BB2 state, BB3 state, RB1 established state, or RB1 state, and to 2 when the game state transitions to normal state B. In other words, in this embodiment, the number of coins to be inserted is set to 3 when the game state is normal state A, BB1 state, BB2 state, BB3 state, RB1 established state, or RB1 state, and the number of coins to be inserted is set to 2 when the game state is normal state B. Also, when transitioning from normal state A or normal state B to the BB1 ​​established state, BB2 established state, or BB3 established state, the number of coins to be inserted from the original game state is carried over. For example, when transitioning from normal state A to the BB1 ​​established state, BB2 established state, or BB3 established state, the number of coins to be inserted is set to 3, and when transitioning from normal state B to the BB1 ​​established state, BB2 established state, or BB3 established state, the number of coins to be inserted is set to 2.

[0189] The random number generation means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for drawing lots. Random numbers can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to cycle within a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, "random numbers" include not only values ​​that are generated randomly in a mathematical sense, but also values ​​that, even if their generation is regular, can function as effectively random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

[0190] The internal lottery means 120 is a means for performing an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination is achieved based on a start signal from a start switch 230 which is activated by a game start operation on the start lever SL (the first pressing operation on the activated start lever SL), and performs lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, and the like.

[0191] In the lottery table selection process, it is determined which of the multiple internal lottery tables stored in the main ROM 10b of the main board 10 will be used to perform the internal lottery. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the main ROM 10b stores six types of internal lottery tables (internal lottery table 1 to internal lottery table 6) as shown in Figures 27 to 28. In each internal lottery table, various roles such as replays, minor roles, and bonuses, as well as misses (failures), are associated with each of the multiple random values ​​(for example, 65,536 random values ​​from 0 to 65,535).

[0192] In this embodiment of the gaming machine, there are three types of small wins: small win 1 to small win 23. The winning patterns for these small wins are set as follows: bell A, bell B, bell C, special bell, watermelon A, watermelon B, special watermelon A, special watermelon B, cherry, special win A, special win B, special win C, special win D, special win E, special win F, special win G, JAC1, JAC2, and JAC3.

[0193] Referring to Figure 29, the winning patterns for each small win are explained in detail as follows: Bell A, Bell B, and Bell C are won by combining one type of 8-coin small win (small win with a payout of 8 coins (small win 1)) and two or three types of 1-coin small wins (small wins with a payout of 1 coin (small win 8, small win 10 to small win 16, small win 20 to small win 23)); Special Bell is won by combining one type of 8-coin small win, two types of 2-coin small wins (small win 2 to small win 3) and one type of 1-coin small win; Watermelon A and Watermelon B are won by combining one type of 5-coin small win (small win with a payout of 5 coins (small win 9)) and one or two types of 1-coin small wins; Special Watermelon A and Special Watermelon B are won by combining 1 The following combinations of winning combinations are possible: two types of 2-coin winning combinations, one type of 5-coin winning combination, two types of 4-coin winning combinations (winning combinations with a payout of 4 coins (winning combination 17 to winning combination 19)), and four or five types of 1-coin winning combinations. Cherries are won when three types of 4-coin winning combinations and four types of 1-coin winning combinations are possible. Special combinations A to G are won when two, three, four, or five types of 1-coin winning combinations are possible. JAC1, JAC2, and JAC3 are won when one type of 8-coin winning combination, two types of 2-coin winning combinations, four types of 7-coin winning combinations (winning combinations with a payout of 7 coins (winning combinations 4 to winning combination 7)), one type of 5-coin winning combination, three types of 4-coin winning combinations, and eleven or twelve types of 1-coin winning combinations are possible.

[0194] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, there are two types of replays: Replay 1 (an example of the first replay) and Replay 2 (an example of the second replay). There are also two types of replay winning patterns: Normal Replay 1 (an example of the first winning pattern) and Normal Replay 2 (an example of the second winning pattern). As shown in Figure 29, Normal Replay 1 is a win where Replay 1 is won on its own, while Normal Replay 2 is a win where Replay 1 and Replay 2 are won together.

[0195] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the following bonuses are available: the first big bonus (BB1), the second big bonus (BB2), the third big bonus (BB3), and the first regular bonus (RB1). In the internal lottery table 1, the first big bonus (BB1), the second big bonus (BB2), the third big bonus (BB3), and the first regular bonus (RB1) are set as targets for lottery, and in the internal lottery table 5, the first big bonus (BB1), the second big bonus (BB2), and the third big bonus (BB3) are set as targets for lottery. However, in the internal lottery tables 2 to 4 and internal lottery table 6, all of these bonuses are excluded from the lottery.

[0196] In this embodiment of the gaming machine, the drawing method (winning probability and winning method) for small wins is the same in internal drawing tables 1 and 2, with a higher probability of winning a replay in internal drawing table 2 than in internal drawing table 1, and in internal drawing tables 3 and 4, small wins are awarded in a different manner than in internal drawing tables 1 and 2, with all replays excluded from the drawing. Furthermore, the winning probability for small wins in internal drawing tables 3 and 4 is set higher than in internal drawing tables 1 and 2, so that no misses (non-wins) occur.

[0197] Furthermore, the drawing methods for minor roles (winning probability and winning method) are the same in internal drawing tables 5 and 6, and replays are awarded at a higher probability in internal drawing table 6 than in internal drawing table 5. Also, the overall winning probability for minor roles is higher in internal drawing table 5 than in internal drawing table 1, and the overall winning probability for bonuses is also higher in internal drawing table 5.

[0198] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the following game states can be set: normal state A, normal state B, BB1 established state, BB1 state, BB2 established state, BB2 state, BB3 established state, BB3 state, RB1 established state, and RB1 state. In the lottery table selection process, one of the internal lottery tables 1 to 6 is selected as the internal lottery table to be used for the internal lottery, depending on the number of electronic tokens inserted (number of bets) and the game state.

[0199] In the random number determination process, based on the start signal from the start switch 230, a random number value (random number for drawing) is obtained from the random number generation means 110 for each game, and the internal drawing table stored in the main ROM 10b is referenced for the obtained random number value to determine whether or not a winning combination has been achieved.

[0200] In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning role is set from a non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to a winning state (second flag state, on state). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, if two or more roles are won simultaneously, the lottery flag corresponding to each of the two or more roles that were won simultaneously is set to a winning state. The lottery flag setting information is stored in the lottery flag storage area provided in the main RAM 10c of the main board 10.

[0201] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, there are two types of lottery flags: a lottery flag that allows the winning state to be carried over to subsequent games until a win is achieved (carry-over flag), and a lottery flag that resets to a non-winning state regardless of whether a win is achieved, without carrying over the winning state to subsequent games (carry-over non-flag). The former carry-over flag is associated with bonuses, while small wins and replays are associated with the latter carry-over non-flag. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, for example, if the first big bonus (BB1) is won in the internal lottery, the winning state of the lottery flag for the first big bonus (BB1) is carried over until the first big bonus (BB1) is achieved. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 also performs an internal lottery to determine whether small wins and replays are successful, even in games where the winning state of the lottery flag for the first big bonus (BB1) has been carried over. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, when a winning state for a bonus lottery flag is carried over during gameplay, if a small win or replay occurs, the lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of wins, consisting of the already won bonus lottery flag and the small win or replay lottery flag won through internal lottery, are set to a winning state.

[0202] The reel control means 130, based on a start signal from the start switch 230 which is activated by the start lever SL when the game is started, starts the rotational drive of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 with a stepping motor, and controls the operation to enable the stop operation by pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 (stop operation means) corresponding to the reels that are rotating steadily at a predetermined speed (approximately 80 rpm: a rotational speed of approximately 80 rotations per minute), and also controls the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, which are being rotated by the stepping motor, to stop in a manner according to the setting state of the lottery flag (result of the internal lottery).

[0203] The reel control means 130, when the stop operation for stop buttons B1 to B3 is enabled and the player presses stop buttons B1 to B3, thereby activating the stop switch 240, disables the operation for the operated stop button and, based on the reel stop signal from the stop switch 240, supplies a drive pulse of full-phase excitation to the stepping motor of the reel unit 310, thereby controlling the stopping of each reel from the first reel R1 to the third reel R3.

[0204] In other words, each time one of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is pressed, the reel control means 130 determines the stopping position of the reel corresponding to the pressed button among the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stopping position. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, pressing stop button B1 corresponds to the operation to stop the first reel R1, pressing stop button B2 corresponds to the operation to stop the second reel R2, and pressing stop button B3 corresponds to the operation to stop the third reel R3. In other words, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, if the pressing order of stop buttons B1 to B3 (the order of operations for stopping) changes, the stopping order of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 changes. In this embodiment, among the first reels R1 to the third reels R3, the stop operation corresponding to the first reel to stop is referred to as the first stop operation, the stop operation corresponding to the second reel to stop is referred to as the second stop operation, and the stop operation corresponding to the last reel to stop is referred to as the third stop operation. In some cases, the stop of the reel corresponding to the first stop operation is referred to as the first stop, the stop of the reel corresponding to the second stop operation is referred to as the second stop, and the stop of the reel corresponding to the third stop operation is referred to as the third stop.

[0205] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, for the first reels R1 to the third reels R3, the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button stops within 190ms from the time the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed. When stopping the rotating reels within 190ms from the time the stop button is pressed, the stopping position of each rotating reel is determined within a range of 0 to 4 frames (a predetermined pull-in range, an example of the first pull-in range) from the time the stop button is pressed until the reel stops. The reel control means 130 controls the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button so that, on the outer surface of the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button, if the symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the internal lottery is located within a range of 0 to 4 frames relative to the display position on the active line at the time the stop button is pressed, the symbol corresponding to the winning combination for which the lottery flag is set to a winning state is displayed at the display position on the active line.

[0206] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the reel unit 310 is equipped with a reel index consisting of a photosensor, and the reel control means 130 can monitor the current rotation state of the reel by determining the rotation angle (number of rotation steps of the rotation axis of the stepping motor) from the reference position of the reel (the frame detected by the reel index) based on the reference position signal detected by the reel index each time the reel rotates once. In other words, the reel control means 130 can obtain the pressed position, which is the position of the reel at the time the stop switch 240 is activated (the time when the pressing of the stop button is detected), by determining the rotation angle from the reference position of the reel.

[0207] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 30, the red 7 symbol A "red7A", red 7 symbol B "red7B", blue 7 symbol "blue7", BAR symbol "BAR", replay symbol "RP", bell symbol A "BLA", bell symbol B "BLB", watermelon symbol "WM", cherry symbol 1 "CH1", and cherry symbol 2 "CH2" are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 that constitute the reel unit 310. As long as the symbols that constitute the winning combination are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the reels at intervals of 4 frames or less, they can be displayed on the active line regardless of the position of the reels at the time the stop switch 240 is activated (the time when the stop button is pressed), which is the pressed position.

[0208] Furthermore, the reel control means 130 performs a process (table reference process) to determine the stopping position of the rotating reel by referring to the stop control table stored in the main ROM 10b of the main board 10. In the stop control table, the correspondence between the pressed position and the actual stopping position is set according to the setting state of the lottery flag. In addition, the stop control table may also set a correspondence between the pressed position and the number of sliding frames indicating the amount of rotation from the pressed position to the actual stopping position, according to the setting state of the lottery flag.

[0209] First, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the priority order is set as "Replay > Bonus" and "Small Win > Bonus". When two or more winning flags are set to a winning state, the stopping position of the spinning reels is determined by referring to a stop control table which has table data set according to the priority order associated with each winning item, so that the symbols constituting the winning form of a higher priority item are displayed on the active line in priority to the symbols constituting the winning form of a lower priority item.

[0210] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when multiple types of small wins are won in the internal lottery, the stopping position of the reels during rotation is determined so as to increase the number of electronic tokens paid out based on the winning of small wins corresponding to the symbols that can be displayed on the active lines (payout priority control). However, when multiple types of small wins are won in the internal lottery, the stopping position of the reels during rotation may be determined so as to increase the number of symbol combinations that show the winning patterns of small wins that can be displayed on the active lines (quantity priority control).

[0211] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the stopping position of the reels during rotation is determined so that as many winning combinations as possible can be awarded when the lottery flag is set to a winning state, and the stopping position of the reels during rotation is determined so that winning combinations when the lottery flag is set to a non-winning state cannot be awarded.

[0212] Then, in the stop control table that is referenced when Bell A, Bell B, or Bell C is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that an 8-coin small win is achieved, as shown in Figure 31.

[0213] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when Watermelon A or Watermelon B is selected in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the button press detection position is set so that there are cases where a 5-coin small win occurs and cases where neither win occurs (missed win).

[0214] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when a cherry is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the button press detection position is set so that there are cases where both the 4-coin and 1-coin small wins are awarded simultaneously, and cases where neither win is awarded (missed win).

[0215] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when a special bell is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the button press detection position is set so that there are cases where an 8-coin small win occurs alone and cases where an 8-coin small win and a 2-coin small win occur simultaneously.

[0216] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when Special Watermelon A or Special Watermelon B is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that there are cases where a 5-coin small win is awarded alone, cases where a 5-coin small win and a 2-coin small win are awarded simultaneously, and cases where no wins are awarded (missed).

[0217] Furthermore, in the stop control table, which is referenced when special role A, special role B, special role C, special role D, special role E, special role F, or special role G is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the button press detection position is set so that there are cases where one small role is awarded and cases where no role is awarded (missed).

[0218] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when JAC1, JAC2, or JAC3 is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that the 8-coin and 7-coin small wins are awarded simultaneously.

[0219] Furthermore, in the stop control table that is referenced when a normal replay 1 is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the button press detection position is set so that a replay 1 is awarded.

[0220] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when a normal replay 2 is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the button press detection position is set so that there are cases where replay 1 is awarded alone and cases where both replay 1 and replay 2 are awarded simultaneously.

[0221] The prize determination means 140 performs a prize determination process to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping patterns of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. Specifically, while referring to the prize determination table stored in the main ROM 10b of the main board 10, it determines whether the combination of symbols displayed on the active line when all of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 have stopped is a predetermined winning combination. In this embodiment, the prize determination table is prepared so that, as shown in Figures 32 to 34, it is possible to determine whether the winning combinations of the first big bonus (BB1), second big bonus (BB2), third big bonus (BB3), first regular bonus (RB1), replay 1 to replay 2, and minor win 1 to minor win 23 have been achieved based on the combination of symbols displayed on the active line when each reel has stopped.

[0222] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the winning process is executed based on the result of the winning determination means 140. For example, if a small win occurs, the payout control means 150 performs payout control processing for electronic tokens; if a replay occurs, the replay processing means 160 performs replay processing; and if a bonus occurs, the game state transition control means 170 performs game state transition control processing to transition the game state.

[0223] The payout control means 150 determines the number of electronic tokens to be paid out based on the predetermined payout for each winning combination when a minor win occurs, and dispenses the determined number of electronic tokens to the token holder.

[0224] The payouts for minor roles are set according to the prescribed number of coins inserted. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 32 to 34, the payout for minor role 1 differs depending on whether the prescribed number of coins inserted is 3 or 2, while the payouts for minor roles 2 to 3 and minor roles 8 to 23 are set to be the same whether the prescribed number of coins inserted is 3 or 2. Furthermore, minor roles 4 to 7 are not drawn during normal gameplay (normal state A or normal state B) but are drawn only during bonus gameplay (BB1 state, BB2 state, BB3 state, or RB1 state) (so-called bonus game increase roles). In normal gameplay, these roles are invalid regardless of whether the prescribed number of coins inserted is 3 or 2, but a payout is set for when the prescribed number of coins inserted is 3 during bonus gameplay, and no payout is set for when the prescribed number of coins inserted is 2.

[0225] Furthermore, while minor roles 2 and 3 are set to be valid only when the prescribed number of coins inserted during normal gameplay is 2, payouts are also set for when the prescribed number of coins inserted is 3. In this embodiment, minor roles 2 and 3 are subject to drawing in normal state B, where the prescribed number of coins inserted is set to 2, and are excluded from drawing in normal state A, where the prescribed number of coins inserted is set to 3. However, in BB1, BB2, BB3, and RB1 states, where the prescribed number of coins inserted is set to 3, it is necessary to draw for minor roles 2 and 3, which are subject to drawing in normal state B, so payouts for when the prescribed number of coins inserted is 3 are set as payouts during bonus gameplay.

[0226] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in normal state A where the prescribed number of coins to be inserted is set to 3, when Watermelon A is won, there are cases where a combination of symbols indicating a winning combination of minor role 2 or minor role 3, which is not the winning combination, is displayed on the active line. However, since minor role 2 to minor role 3 are invalid combinations with the prescribed number of coins to be inserted to 3, they are not treated as winning combinations and do not result in an unfair win.

[0227] In this embodiment, the maximum number of electronic tokens that can be dispensed in a single game is set for each specified number of tokens inserted. When three tokens are inserted, the maximum number of electronic tokens that can be dispensed is set to 15, and when two tokens are inserted, the maximum number of electronic tokens that can be dispensed is set to 5, which is the same as the payout for a small win of 9.

[0228] In this embodiment, in normal state B, where the prescribed number of tokens to be inserted is set to 2, when a special watermelon A is won, there are cases where small win 9 (5 tokens) and small win 2 (2 tokens) are awarded simultaneously, and cases where small win 9 (5 tokens) is awarded alone. However, with a prescribed number of tokens to be inserted of 2, the maximum number of electronic tokens that can be paid out is 5, which is the same as the payout for small win 9. Therefore, the number of electronic tokens that can be paid out is the same whether small win 9 is awarded alone or simultaneously.

[0229] The replay processing means 160 performs a replay process (re-play process) when a replay is awarded, which sets the next game to the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring the player to insert any electronic tokens they possess. In other words, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a replay is awarded, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the same number of electronic tokens as in the previous game are automatically inserted without using any electronic tokens the player possesses, and the machine waits for the next game start operation by pressing the start lever SL with the same active lines as in the previous game set.

[0230] In this embodiment, even if Replay 1 and Replay 2 are awarded simultaneously when Replay 2 is normally won, the replay processing (re-play processing) is performed in the same way as when a single replay is awarded.

[0231] As shown in Figure 35, the game state transition control means 170 performs game state transition control processing to transition the game state between normal state A, normal state B, BB1 established state, BB1 state, BB2 established state, BB2 state, BB3 established state, BB3 state, RB1 established state, and RB1 state. The conditions for transitioning the game state may be one condition or multiple conditions. If multiple conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the fulfillment of one of the multiple predetermined conditions, or on the fulfillment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions. In this embodiment, information indicating the current game state is stored in the game state storage area provided in the main RAM 10c of the main board 10.

[0232] Normal State A is the initial state among several types of game states, and from Normal State A, it is possible to transition to BB1 established state, BB1 state, BB2 established state, BB2 state, BB3 established state, BB3 state, RB1 established state, and RB1 state. Specifically, in Normal State A, if the first Big Bonus (BB1) is won but the first Big Bonus (BB1) is not awarded, the game transitions to the BB1 ​​established state, and if the first Big Bonus (BB1) is awarded, the game transitions to the BB1 ​​state. Also, in Normal State A, if the second Big Bonus (BB2) is won but the second Big Bonus (BB2) is not awarded, the game transitions to the BB2 established state, and if the second Big Bonus (BB2) is awarded, the game transitions to the BB2 state. Also, in Normal State A, if the third Big Bonus (BB3) is won but the third Big Bonus (BB3) is not awarded, the game transitions to the BB3 established state, and if the third Big Bonus (BB3) is awarded, the game transitions to the BB3 state. Furthermore, in normal state A, if the first regular bonus (RB1) is won but the first regular bonus (RB1) is not awarded, the game transitions to the RB1 established state, and if the first regular bonus (RB1) is awarded, the game transitions to the RB1 state. Also, in normal state A, the prescribed number of coins to be inserted is set to 3, and an internal lottery is conducted by referring to internal lottery table 1, which is one of the internal lottery tables 1 to 6 shown in Figures 27 to 28, where the first big bonus (BB1), second big bonus (BB2), third big bonus (BB3), and first regular bonus (RB1) are set as the targets for the lottery.

[0233] The BB1 ​​state is a game state that is entered when the first Big Bonus (BB1) is won in the internal lottery, but the first Big Bonus (BB1) is not awarded. In the BB1 ​​state, the required number of coins to be inserted can be set to 3 or 2. If the transition is from normal state A, it will be set to 3, and if the transition is from normal state B, it will be set to 2. In the BB1 ​​state, an internal lottery is conducted by referring to one of the internal lottery tables 1 to 6 shown in Figures 27 to 28, in accordance with the number of electronic tokens inserted (number of electronic tokens bet), either internal lottery table 2, in which the small win lottery pattern is set to be the same as normal state A and bonuses are excluded from the lottery, or internal lottery table 6, in which the small win lottery pattern is set to be the same as normal state B and bonuses are excluded from the lottery. In games with 3 electronic tokens inserted (games with a bet of 3 electronic tokens), the internal lottery is conducted by referring to internal lottery table 2, in which the probability of winning a replay is set higher than in normal state A (internal lottery table 1). In games with 2 electronic tokens inserted (games with a bet of 2 electronic tokens), the internal lottery is conducted by referring to internal lottery table 6, in which the probability of winning a replay is set higher than in normal state B (internal lottery table 5).

[0234] Furthermore, in the BB1 ​​established state, the lottery flag corresponding to the first big bonus (BB1) is maintained in a winning state until the first big bonus (BB1) is won. When a combination of symbols indicating the winning form of the first big bonus (BB1) is displayed on an active line, the game state transition control means 170 transitions the game state from the BB1 ​​established state to the BB1 ​​state.

[0235] The BB1 ​​state is a game state that is entered when a combination of symbols indicating the winning form of the first Big Bonus (BB1) is displayed on an active payline. In the BB1 ​​state, an internal lottery is conducted by referring to internal lottery table 3, one of the internal lottery tables 1 to 6 shown in Figures 27 to 28, in which the overall probability of winning small roles is set higher than in normal state A and normal state B.

[0236] In the BB1 ​​state, the game state transition control means 170 determines whether the termination condition has been met based on the total number of electronic medals dispensed during the BB1 ​​state. If the number of medals dispensed exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 179 medals), the game state transition control means 170 terminates the BB1 ​​state and transitions the game state to the normal state B. In this embodiment, the termination condition for the BB1 ​​state is determined by the total number of electronic medals dispensed, but the termination condition may also be determined by the number of games played or the number of small wins in the BB1 ​​state. Furthermore, the termination condition for the BB1 ​​state may be set so that it ends after one game.

[0237] The BB2 state is a game state that is entered when the second Big Bonus (BB2) is won in the internal lottery, but the second Big Bonus (BB2) is not awarded. In the BB2 state, the required number of tokens to be inserted can be set to either 3 or 2. If the transition is from normal state A, it is set to 3, and if the transition is from normal state B, it is set to 2. In the BB2 state, an internal lottery is conducted by referring to either internal lottery table 2 or internal lottery table 6 from internal lottery tables 1 to 6 shown in Figures 27 to 28, according to the number of electronic tokens inserted (number of electronic tokens bet). In games where 3 electronic tokens are inserted (games where the number of electronic tokens bet is 3), the internal lottery is conducted by referring to internal lottery table 2, and in games where 2 electronic tokens are inserted (games where the number of electronic tokens bet is 2), the internal lottery is conducted by referring to internal lottery table 6.

[0238] Furthermore, in the BB2 established state, the lottery flag corresponding to the second big bonus (BB2) is maintained in a winning state until the second big bonus (BB2) is won. When a combination of symbols indicating the winning form of the second big bonus (BB2) is displayed on an active line, the game state transition control means 170 transitions the game state from the BB2 established state to the BB2 state.

[0239] The BB2 state is a game state that is entered when a combination of symbols indicating the winning pattern for the second Big Bonus (BB2) is displayed on an active payline. In the BB2 state, an internal lottery is conducted, referring to internal lottery table 3, out of internal lottery tables 1 to 6 shown in Figures 27 and 28.

[0240] In the BB2 state, the game state transition control means 170 determines whether the termination condition has been met based on the total number of electronic medals dispensed during the BB2 state. If the number of medals dispensed exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 239 medals), the game state transition control means 170 terminates the BB2 state and transitions the game state to normal state A. In this embodiment, the termination condition for the BB2 state is determined by the total number of electronic medals dispensed, but the termination condition may also be determined by the number of games played or the number of small wins in the BB2 state. Furthermore, the termination condition for the BB2 state may be set so that it ends after one game.

[0241] The BB3 state is a game state that is entered when the third Big Bonus (BB3) is won in the internal lottery, but the third Big Bonus (BB3) is not awarded. In the BB3 state, the prescribed number of tokens to be inserted can be set to 3 or 2. If the transition is from normal state A, it is set to 3, and if the transition is from normal state B, it is set to 2. In the BB3 state, an internal lottery is conducted by referring to either internal lottery table 2 or internal lottery table 6 from internal lottery tables 1 to internal lottery tables shown in Figures 27 to 28, according to the number of electronic tokens inserted (number of electronic tokens bet). In games where 3 electronic tokens are inserted (games where the number of electronic tokens bet is 3), the internal lottery is conducted by referring to internal lottery table 2, and in games where 2 electronic tokens are inserted (games where the number of electronic tokens bet is 2), the internal lottery is conducted by referring to internal lottery table 6.

[0242] Furthermore, in the BB3 established state, the lottery flag corresponding to the third big bonus (BB3) is maintained in a winning state until the third big bonus (BB3) is won. When a combination of symbols indicating the winning form of the third big bonus (BB3) is displayed on an active line, the game state transition control means 170 transitions the game state from the BB3 established state to the BB3 state.

[0243] The BB3 state is a game state that is entered when a combination of symbols indicating the winning pattern for the third Big Bonus (BB3) is displayed on an active payline. In the BB3 state, an internal lottery is conducted, referring to internal lottery table 3, out of internal lottery tables 1 to 6 shown in Figures 27 and 28.

[0244] In the BB3 state, the game state transition control means 170 determines whether the termination condition has been met based on the total number of electronic medals dispensed during the BB3 state. If the number of medals dispensed exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 179 medals), the game state transition control means 170 terminates the BB3 state and transitions the game state to the normal state B. In this embodiment, the termination condition for the BB3 state is determined by the total number of electronic medals dispensed, but the termination condition may also be determined by the number of games played or the number of small wins in the BB3 state. Furthermore, the termination condition for the BB3 state may be set so that it ends after one game.

[0245] The RB1 state is a game state that is entered when the first regular bonus (RB1) is won in the internal lottery, but the first regular bonus (RB1) is not awarded. In the RB1 state, the prescribed number of coins to be inserted is set to 3, and the internal lottery is conducted by referring to internal lottery table 2 from internal lottery tables 1 to 6 shown in Figures 27 and 28.

[0246] Furthermore, in the RB1 established state, the lottery flag corresponding to the first regular bonus (RB1) is maintained in a winning state until the first regular bonus (RB1) is awarded. When a combination of symbols indicating the winning form of the first regular bonus (RB1) is displayed on an active line, the game state transition control means 170 transitions the game state from the RB1 established state to the RB1 state.

[0247] The RB1 state is a game state that is entered when a combination of symbols indicating the winning form of the first regular bonus (RB1) is displayed on an active payline. In the RB1 state, an internal lottery is conducted by referring to internal lottery table 4, one of the internal lottery tables 1 to 6 shown in Figures 27 and 28, in which the overall probability of winning small roles is set higher than in normal states A and B.

[0248] In the RB1 state, the game state transition control means 170 determines whether the termination condition has been met based on the total number of electronic medals dispensed during the RB1 state. If the number of medals dispensed exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 104 medals), the game state transition control means 170 terminates the RB1 state and transitions the game state to the normal state A. In this embodiment, the termination condition for the RB1 state is determined by the total number of electronic medals dispensed, but the termination condition may also be determined by the number of games played or the number of small wins in the RB1 state. Furthermore, the termination condition for the RB1 state may be set so that it ends after one game.

[0249] The normal state B is a game state that transitions after the end of the BB1 state or the BB2 state. From the normal state B, transitions to the BB1 established state, the BB1 state, the BB2 established state, the BB2 state, the BB3 established state, and the BB3 state are possible. Specifically, in the normal state B, when the first big bonus (BB1) is won and the first big bonus (BB1) does not win, it transitions to the BB1 established state, and when the first big bonus (BB1) wins, it transitions to the BB1 state. Also, in the normal state B, when the second big bonus (BB2) is won and the second big bonus (BB2) does not win, it transitions to the BB2 established state, and when the second big bonus (BB2) wins, it transitions to the BB2 state. Further, in the normal state B, when the third big bonus (BB3) is won and the third big bonus (BB3) does not win, it transitions to the BB3 established state, and when the third big bonus (BB3) wins, it transitions to the BB3 state. Also, in the normal state B, the specified number of insertions is set to 2, and an internal lottery is conducted by referring to the internal lottery table 5 in which the first big bonus (BB1), the second big bonus (BB2), and the third big bonus (BB3) are set as lottery targets among the internal lottery tables 1 to internal lottery tables 6 shown in FIGS. 27 to 28.

[0250] And in the present embodiment, since the winning probability of the entire bonus in the normal state B is set higher than that in the normal state A, it is a game state more advantageous for the player than the normal state A. If the player can obtain the winning of the first big bonus (BB1) or the third big bonus (BB3) in the normal state B, they can repeatedly return to the normal state B. On the other hand, when the second big bonus (BB2) is won in the normal state B, it transitions to the normal state A.

[0251] Also, in the present embodiment, Replay 1 and Replay 2 are not triggers for changing the game state, and the game state does not change even if the symbol combination indicating the winning form of Replay 1 or the symbol combination indicating the winning form of Replay 2 is displayed on the effective line.

[0252] The communication control means 190 controls the transmission of signals to the sub-board 20. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, only unidirectional communication from the main board 10 to the sub-board 20 is possible between the main board 10 and the sub-board 20, and the communication connection is configured such that the sub-board 20 cannot transmit signals to the main board 10.

[0253] The communication control means 190 then transmits signals (commands) to the sub-board 20 that notify the results of the internal lottery, the results of the prize-winning determination, the operations performed by the player (operations on the bet button B0, start lever SL, stop buttons B1-B3, and payout button B4), the start of reel rotation, the stop of reel rotation, the stopping position of the reels, the number of electronic tokens inserted (bet amount), the number of electronic tokens dispensed, the game status, etc. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, based on various notifications from the main board 10, the performance control means 210 on the sub-board 20 can cause the display device 330, sound device 340, etc. to execute performances corresponding to the results of the internal lottery, the results of the prize-winning determination, the operations performed by the player, the start of reel rotation, the stop of reel rotation, the stopping position of the reels, the number of electronic tokens inserted (bet amount), the number of electronic tokens dispensed, the game status, etc.

[0254] Furthermore, the communication control means 190 performs control by sending signals (commands) to the medal count control board 30. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, the main board 10 and the medal count control board 30 are connected via bidirectional communication, and by exchanging various information, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the machine is playable or has an error state.

[0255] The communication control means 190 then, when it is accepting the insertion of electronic tokens, transmits a token insertion command to the token count control board 30, notifying the number of tokens to be inserted, when the bet button B0 or ​​the payout button B4 is pressed. The communication control means 190 also transmits a payout completion command to the token count control board 30, notifying the number of electronic tokens dispensed, when electronic tokens are dispensed due to a winning combination.

[0256] In this embodiment, the medal count control board 30 transmits a medal count control information command to the main board 10 to notify the number of game medals stored in the medal holder, and the main board 10, upon receiving the medal count control information command, transmits a medal count control information command to the sub-board 20 to notify the number of game medals.

[0257] Next, the sub-board 20 will be described. The sub-board 20 is equipped with a sub-CPU 20a, a sub-ROM 20b, a sub-RAM 20c, etc., and the sub-CPU 20a executes various programs stored in the sub-ROM 20b, thereby functioning as a performance control means 210, etc., as shown in Figure 26.

[0258] The performance control means 210 controls display effects performed using the display device 330 (an example of a performance device) and sound effects performed using the sound device 340 (an example of a performance device) based on performance data stored in the sub-ROM 20b of the sub-board 20. For example, in response to the occurrence of game events such as operations on the bet button B0, start lever SL, stop buttons B1 to B3, and counting button B8, the start of reel rotation, the stop of reel rotation, insertion of electronic tokens, dispensing of electronic tokens, and changes in the game state, it controls the execution of performances (for example, prize-winning assistance performances) to enhance or assist the game according to the progress of the game by turning on or flashing lamps and LEDs, changing the display content of the liquid crystal display LCD, and outputting sound from the speaker SP.

[0259] Furthermore, the performance control means 210 controls the display area, which is a display area covering the display window DW of the liquid crystal display (LCD), to a transparent state through which light can pass, thereby making the reels and symbols visible.

[0260] Next, the medal count control board 30 will be described. The medal count control board 30 is connected to the main board 10 and is equipped with a medal CPU 30a, a medal ROM 30b, a medal RAM 30c, etc. The medal CPU 30a manages the electronic medals used for the game by executing various programs stored in the medal ROM 30b, and the medal RAM 30c functions as a medal holder (an example of a storage unit or storage means) which is a storage unit that holds the electronic medals. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the medal count control board 30 is also connected to the dedicated unit 50 in a bidirectional manner via the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 40. The medal holder also stores the number of game medals up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 16,382 medals).

[0261] When the medal CPU 30a receives a game medal insertion command transmitted by the main board 10, it determines the total number of electronic medals that can be inserted (bet) from the medal holder, which is the number of medals that can be inserted, and updates the number of game medals based on the determined number of medals that can be inserted. Therefore, when an insertion process is performed on the main board 10, the number of game medals held in the medal holder decreases, and when a settlement process is performed, the number of game medals increases.

[0262] The medal CPU 30a also sends a medal count control information command to the main board 10 that notifies the number of medals that can be inserted and the updated number of game medals, and updates the display of the number of game medals on the game medal count display device 70. Furthermore, when the medal CPU 30a receives a lending command sent by the dedicated unit 50, which will be described later, it updates the number of game medals and updates the display of the number of game medals on the game medal count display device 70.

[0263] Furthermore, when the medal CPU 30a receives a payout completion command transmitted by the main board 10, it adds the number of payouts to the number of game medals, and based on the number of game medals after the addition, it sends a medal count control information command to the main board 10 to notify the number of game medals after the addition, and updates the display of the number of game medals on the game medal count display device 70.

[0264] Next, the dedicated unit 50 will be described. The dedicated unit 50 is installed near the gaming machine and is a device for lending electronic tokens to players and counting the electronic tokens acquired by players. The dedicated unit 50 is equipped with a dedicated unit control board 60, and when a predetermined lending operation is performed, the dedicated unit control board 60 performs lending processing by sending a lending command to the gaming machine (medal CPU 30a) and updates the number of electronic tokens held by the dedicated unit 50. Also, when electronic tokens are sent from the gaming machine, the number of electronic tokens held by the dedicated unit 50 is updated.

[0265] 4-2. Method 1 of this embodiment In this embodiment, a method is employed that makes it easier for players to understand that a replay has been won when the symbol combination indicating the winning pattern of Replay 2 is displayed on the active line. The control method employed in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be specifically described below with reference to Figures 36 to 39. Figure 36 is a diagram illustrating the winning patterns of Normal Replay 1 and Normal Replay 2 in the gaming machine of this embodiment, and Figures 37 to 39 are diagrams illustrating the stop control when Normal Replay 2 is won in the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0266] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 36(A), there are two types of replay winning patterns: normal replay 1 and normal replay 2. Normal replay 1 is when replay 1 is won on its own, while normal replay 2 is when replay 1 and replay 2 are won simultaneously.

[0267] As shown in Figure 36(B), the symbol combinations indicating the winning pattern for Replay 1 are composed of identical symbols (Replay symbol "RP"), whereas the symbol combinations indicating the winning pattern for Replay 2 are composed of different symbols on the first reel R1, the second reel R2, and the third reel R3. Because the symbol combinations indicating the winning pattern for Replay 2 are random (scattered), it is difficult for the player to recognize that a Replay has been won even if the symbol combinations indicating the winning pattern for Replay 2 are displayed on an active payline.

[0268] Therefore, in this embodiment, when displaying the symbol combinations indicating the winning pattern for Replay 2 on the active line, the symbol combinations indicating the winning pattern for Replay 1 are also displayed on the active line along with the symbol combinations indicating the winning pattern for Replay 2.

[0269] The following will provide a detailed explanation using the examples of when a regular replay 2 is won and when a regular replay 1 is won.

[0270] In this embodiment, when a normal replay 2 is won, in normal state A or normal state B, the display of the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 2 is avoided, and the stop control is performed so that the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 1 is displayed on the active line L4. In BB1 established state, BB2 established state, BB3 established state, or RB1 established state, the stop control is performed so that the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 2 may be displayed on the active line. When the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 2 is to be displayed on the active line, the stop control is performed so that the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 2 is displayed on the active line L3, and the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 1 is displayed on the active line L2.

[0271] In this embodiment, when a normal replay 2 is won, the symbol combinations indicating the winning form of replay 1 are displayed on different active lines depending on the game state. In normal state A or normal state B, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 1 is displayed on active line L4, and in BB1, BB2, BB3, or RB1 states, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 1 is displayed on active line L2. As a result, in normal state A or normal state B, the display of the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 2 is avoided, while in BB1, BB2, BB3, or RB1 states, the stopping control is performed so that the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 2 can be displayed on the active line.

[0272] Specifically, in the normal state A or the normal state B, in a game where the normal replay 2 is selected, when all of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are rotating, at the timing when both the replay symbol "RP" constituting the winning form of replay 1 and the red 7 symbol B "red 7B" constituting the winning form of replay 2 are within the drawing range (range of 0 frames to 4 frames), for example, as shown in FIG. 37(A), if the stop button B1 is pressed at the timing when the 7th red 7 symbol B "red 7B" on the first reel R1 is positioned at the upper stage, then as shown in FIG. 37(B), the first reel R1 is stopped so that the replay symbol "RP" is displayed on the valid line L4.

[0273] Subsequently, in the situation shown in FIG. 37(B), at the timing when both the replay symbol "RP" constituting the winning form of replay 1 and the BAR symbol "BAR" constituting the winning form of replay 2 are within the drawing range (range of 0 frames to 4 frames), for example, as shown in FIG. 37(C), if the stop button B2 is pressed at the timing when the 8th BAR symbol "BAR" on the second reel R2 is positioned at the upper stage, then as shown in FIG. 37(D), the second reel R2 is stopped so that the replay symbol "RP" is displayed on the valid line L4.

[0274] Subsequently, in the situation shown in FIG. 37(D), at the timing when both the replay symbol "RP" constituting the winning form of replay 1 and the blue 7 symbol "blue 7" constituting the winning form of replay 2 are within the drawing range (range of 0 frames to 4 frames), for example, as shown in FIG. 37(E), if the stop button B3 is pressed at the timing when the 0th replay symbol "RP" on the third reel R3 is positioned at the upper stage, then as shown in FIG. 37(F), the third reel R3 is stopped so that the replay symbol "RP" is displayed on the valid line L4.

[0275] In this manner, when a normal replay 2 is won, in normal state A or normal state B, even if the symbols that constitute the winning pattern for replay 2 are within the pull-in range, the display of the symbol combination indicating the winning pattern for replay 2 is avoided, and the symbol combination indicating the winning pattern for replay 1 is displayed on the active line L4. Furthermore, when a normal replay 2 is won in normal state A or normal state B, the symbol combination indicating the winning pattern for replay 1 is displayed on the active line L4 regardless of the order and timing of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0276] Furthermore, in the BB1, BB2, BB3, or RB1 states, when a normal replay 2 is won, if the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are all spinning, and the replay symbol "RP" which constitutes the winning form of replay 1 and the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B" which constitutes the winning form of replay 2 are both within the pull-in range (range of 0 to 4 frames), for example, as shown in Figure 38(A), if the stop button B1 is pressed when the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B" number 7 is in the upper position on the first reel R1, then the first reel R1 is stopped as shown in Figure 38(B) so that the replay symbol "RP" is displayed on the active line L2 and the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B" is displayed on the active line L3.

[0277] Next, in the situation shown in Figure 38(B), if the stop button B2 is pressed at the timing when both the replay symbol "RP" which constitutes the winning form of replay 1 and the BAR symbol "BAR" which constitutes the winning form of replay 2 are within the pull-in range (range of 0 to 4 frames), for example, as shown in Figure 38(C), when the BAR symbol "BAR" number 8 is in the upper position on the second reel R2, the second reel R2 is stopped as shown in Figure 38(D) so that the replay symbol "RP" is displayed on the active line L2 and the BAR symbol "BAR" is displayed on the active line L3.

[0278] Next, in the situation shown in Figure 38(D), if the stop button B3 is pressed at a timing when both the replay symbol "RP" which constitutes the winning form of replay 1 and the blue 7 symbol "Blue 7" which constitutes the winning form of replay 2 are within the pull-in range (range of 0 to 4 frames), for example, as shown in Figure 38(E), when the replay symbol "RP" no. 0 is in the upper position on the third reel R3, the third reel R3 is stopped as shown in Figure 38(F) so that the replay symbol "RP" is displayed on the active line L2 and the blue 7 symbol "Blue 7" is displayed on the active line L3.

[0279] In this manner, when a normal replay 2 is won, in the state of BB1, BB2, BB3, or RB1, if the symbols that constitute the winning form of replay 2 are within the pull-in range, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 2 will be displayed on the active line L3, and the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 1 will be displayed on the active line L2. If the symbols that constitute the winning form of replay 2 are not within the pull-in range, as shown in Figure 39, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 2 will not be displayed on the active line L3, and only the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 1 will be displayed on the active line. Furthermore, when a normal replay 2 is won in the state of BB1, BB2, BB3, or RB1, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 1 will be displayed on the active line L2, regardless of the order and timing of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0280] In this embodiment, when a normal replay 1 is won, regardless of the game state, the display of the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 2 is avoided, and stop control is performed so that the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 1 is displayed on the active line L4. In this case, similar to when a normal replay 2 is won in normal state A or normal state B (as shown in the example in Figure 37), the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 1 is displayed on the active line L4 regardless of the order and timing of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0281] As described above, in this embodiment, in a game specification where five active lines L1 to L5 are set, the symbol combination composed of the replay symbol "RP" is set as the winning form for replay 1. In such a specification, the symbol combination that indicates the winning form for replay 2, which is different from replay 1, has to be composed of multiple types of symbols, resulting in scattered outcomes. Therefore, even if the symbol combination that indicates the winning form for replay 2 is displayed on an active line, it becomes difficult for the player to understand that a replay has been won. However, in this embodiment, when a normal replay 2 is won in the state of BB1, BB2, BB3, or RB1, the stop control is performed so that the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 2 can be displayed on the active line. When the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 2 is displayed on the active line, the stop control is performed so that the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 2 is displayed on the active line L3, and the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 1 is displayed on the active line L2. By making the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 2 a different symbol combination, even if it becomes difficult for the player to grasp that a replay has been won depending on the display of replay 2, it becomes easier for the player to grasp that a replay has been won depending on the display of replay 1. As a result, according to this embodiment, when the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 2 is displayed on the active line L3, it is possible to minimize situations in which the player may misinterpret the result of the game as not having been won (the replay symbol combination is not displayed).

[0282] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a normal replay 1 is won, regardless of the game state, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 1 is displayed on the active line L4. When a normal replay 2 is won, in normal state A or normal state B, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 1 is displayed on the active line L4. In BB1, BB2, BB3, or RB1 states, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 1 is displayed on the active line L2. As a result, the winning of a bonus can be notified by the line on which the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 1 is displayed, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

[0283] In this embodiment, the example of providing a straight line as the effective line was described, but irregular lines such as a V-shape (upper section of the first reel R1, lower section of the second reel R2, and upper section of the third reel R3) or a mountain shape (lower section of the first reel R1, upper section of the second reel R2, and lower section of the third reel R3) may also be provided as the effective lines.

[0284] In this embodiment, the example of a case where the symbol combination indicating the winning form of Replay 1 is composed of one type of symbol (Replay symbol "RP") has been explained, but it may also be composed of multiple types of symbols. For example, as the Replay symbol "RP", two similar Replay symbol 1 "RP1" and Replay symbol 2 "2" may be provided, and the symbol combination indicating the winning form of Replay 1 may be composed of Replay symbol 1 "RP1" and Replay symbol 2 "2".

[0285] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the example of a case where the symbol combination indicating the winning form of Replay 2 is composed of three types of symbols was explained, but it may also be composed of two types or one type of symbol. In the case where the symbol combination indicating the winning form of Replay 2 is composed of one type of symbol, and the symbol combination indicating the winning form of Replay 2 is displayed on an active line, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of Replay 2 may be displayed on an irregular line, while the symbol combination indicating the winning form of Replay 1 may be displayed on a straight active line.

[0286] In this embodiment, we have explained the case where, when a normal replay 1 is won, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 1 is displayed on the active line L4 regardless of the order and timing of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3. However, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 1 may be displayed on the active line L1, active line L3, active line L4, or active line L5 depending on the order and timing of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3. Similarly, when a normal replay 1 is won in normal state A or normal state B, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 1 may be displayed on the active line L1, active line L3, active line L4, or active line L5 depending on the order and timing of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0287] In this embodiment, we have described an example where two types of replays are provided, but it is also possible to provide three or more types of replays.

[0288] In this embodiment, we have described an example where two types of winning patterns are provided for the replay, but it is also possible to provide three or more types of winning patterns.

[0289] In this embodiment, we have described the case where Replay 1 is the sole winning replay in Normal Replay 1, and where Replay 1 and Replay 2 are winning simultaneously in Normal Replay 2. However, in Normal Replay 1, it is sufficient that at least Replay 1 is won, and multiple types of replays, including Replay 1, may be won simultaneously. Similarly, in Normal Replay 2, it is sufficient that at least Replay 1 and Replay 2 are won simultaneously, and three or more types of replays, including Replay 1 and Replay 2, may be won simultaneously.

[0290] 4-3. Method 2 of this embodiment In this embodiment, a method is employed that allows for a wide variety of reel stopping patterns when a winning combination appears. The control method employed in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 40 to 52. Figure 40 is a diagram illustrating the reel stopping pattern when Watermelon B or Special Role B is won in the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figures 41 to 46 are diagrams illustrating the stop control when Watermelon B or Special Role B is won in the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 47 is a diagram illustrating the reel stopping pattern when Watermelon A or Special Role A is won in the gaming machine of this embodiment, and Figures 48 to 52 are diagrams illustrating the stop control when Watermelon A or Special Role A is won in the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0291] In this embodiment, special roles A to G are provided as ways to win minor roles, and special roles A to G are guaranteed to be won in conjunction with a bonus in normal state A or normal state B.

[0292] In this embodiment, when special role A, special role B, special role C, special role D, special role E, special role F, or special role G is won, the stopping control is performed so that a so-called "reach pattern" (a pattern that signals the win of a bonus and appears only when a bonus has been won) can be displayed. In particular, in this embodiment, when special role A or special role B is won, a watermelon miss reach pattern is displayed. Here, the watermelon miss reach pattern is a pattern combination consisting of two watermelon symbols "WM" and one symbol other than the watermelon symbol "WM".

[0293] In other words, in this embodiment, when a combination of watermelon symbols consisting of the watermelon symbol "WM" (an example of a specific symbol combination advantageous to the player) is completed (two of the three watermelon symbols "WM" are lined up on any line), and the player tries to aim for the watermelon symbol "WM" but fails to line up the watermelon symbol "WM", the game is designed so that a bonus is guaranteed.

[0294] The following will provide a detailed explanation of the stopping control for winning combinations, using as examples the cases when Watermelon B (an example of the first winning combination) or Special Role B (an example of the second winning combination) is won, and when Watermelon A (an example of the second winning combination) or Special Role A (an example of the second winning combination) is won.

[0295] First, let's explain the stopping control of the winning combination when special role B is won.

[0296] In this embodiment, when Watermelon B is won, priority is given to the small role 9, which has a higher payout among the small roles 8 to 9 included in Watermelon B, and stop control is performed so that the symbol combination indicating the winning form of small role 9 can be displayed on the active line L4, as shown in Figure 40(A).

[0297] Furthermore, if special role B is won, and it is not possible to display the symbols that constitute the winning patterns of minor roles 10 to 13 included in special role B on the active line, the machine will be stopped so that a watermelon miss winning combination can be displayed on the active line L4, as shown in Figures 40(B) and 40(C).

[0298] Specifically, in a game where Watermelon B is won, if the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are all spinning, and the watermelon symbol "WM", which constitutes the winning pattern for small win 9 included in Watermelon B, is within the pull-in range (0 to 4 frames) relative to the display position (upper row) of the active line L4, for example, if the stop button B1 is pressed when the replay symbol "RP" number 10 is in the upper row on the first reel R1 as shown in Figure 41(A), then the first reel R1 will be stopped so that the watermelon symbol "WM" is displayed on the active line L4 as shown in Figure 41(B). In this case, only small win 9 out of small wins 8 to 9 included in Watermelon B will be able to be won.

[0299] Next, in the situation shown in Figure 41(B), if the stop button B3 is pressed at the timing when the watermelon symbol "WM", which constitutes the winning pattern for small role 9, is within the pull-in range (0 to 4 frames) relative to the display position (lower row) of the active line L4, for example, as shown in Figure 41(C), when the watermelon symbol "WM" number 8 is in the upper row on the third reel R3, the third reel R3 is stopped so that the watermelon symbol "WM" is displayed on the active line L4, as shown in Figure 41(D).

[0300] In a game where Watermelon B is won, if the first and second stop operations are performed according to the batting order 2 (B1 → B3 → B2), the first reel R1 and the third reel R3 will stop in a manner that aligns the watermelon symbol combination on the active line L4, depending on the timing of the stop operations, as shown in Figure 41(D). In this case, the small win 9 is possible.

[0301] If the watermelon symbol "WM" is not within the pull-in range (0 to 4 frames) relative to the upper display position, but the watermelon symbol "WM" is within the pull-in range (0 to 4 frames) relative to the lower display position, for example, if stop button B1 is pressed when bell symbol A "BLA" (number 18) is in the upper position on the first reel R1, the first reel R1 will be stopped so that the watermelon symbol "WM" is displayed on the active line L5. Then, depending on the timing of pressing stop button B3, the third reel R3 will be stopped so that there are three possible outcomes: the watermelon symbol combination is lined up on the active line L5 (Case 1), the watermelon symbol combination is lined up on the active line L3 (Case 2), or the watermelon symbol combination is not lined up on any line (Case 3). In games where Watermelon B is won, the combination of watermelon symbols may line up on the active line L5, on the active line L3, or not line at all.

[0302] Furthermore, in the situation shown in Figure 41(B), depending on the timing of pressing the stop button B3, the third reel R3 is stopped in such a way that there are two possibilities: either the combination of watermelon symbols aligning on the active line L2 (case 4), or the combination of watermelon symbols aligning on any line (case 3). Thus, in a game in which watermelon B is won, the combination of watermelon symbols may or may not align on any line.

[0303] Furthermore, in a game where special role B is won, if the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are all spinning, and the watermelon symbol "WM", which constitutes the winning pattern for small role 10 included in special role B, is within the pull-in range (0 to 4 frames) relative to the display position (upper row) of the active line L4, for example, if the stop button B1 is pressed at the timing when the replay symbol "RP" number 10 is in the upper row on the first reel R1, as shown in Figure 41(A), then the first reel R1 will be stopped so that the watermelon symbol "WM" is displayed on the active line L4, as shown in Figure 41(B). In this case, only small role 10 and small role 11 out of small roles 10 to 13 included in special role B will be able to be won.

[0304] Next, in the situation shown in Figure 41(B), if the cherry symbol 1 "CH", which constitutes the winning form of minor role 10, is not within the pull-in range (0 to 4 frames) relative to the display position (lower row) of the active line L4, and the blue 7 symbol "Blue 7", which constitutes the winning form of minor role 11, is not within the pull-in range (0 to 4 frames) relative to the display position (middle row) of the active line L1, for example, if the stop button B3 is pressed at the timing when the watermelon symbol "WM" number 8 is in the upper position on the third reel R3, as shown in Figure 41(C), the third reel R3 will be stopped so that the watermelon symbol "WM" is displayed on the active line L4, as shown in Figure 41(D). Then, all of the minor roles 10 to 13 will become impossible to win.

[0305] In a game where special role B is won, if the first and second stop operations are performed in the order of batting sequence 2 (B1 → B3 → B2), the first reel R1 and the third reel R3 will stop in a manner that results in a watermelon symbol combination being lined up on the active line L4, depending on the timing of the stop operations, as shown in Figure 41(D). In this case, it is impossible to win any role.

[0306] Furthermore, if the stop button B1 is pressed when the blue 7 symbol "Blue 7" is within the pull-in range (0 to 4 frames) relative to the upper or lower display position, for example, when the bell symbol A "BLA" (number 18) is in the upper position on the first reel R1, the first reel R1 will be stopped so that the blue 7 symbol "Blue 7" is displayed on the active line L2. In this case, the watermelon symbol "WM" will not be displayed on the first reel R1, and therefore no watermelon symbol combinations will be lined up on any line. Also, in this case, only minor roles 12 and 13 of the minor roles 10 to 13 included in special role B can be won.

[0307] Furthermore, in the situation shown in Figure 41(B), depending on the timing of pressing the stop button B3, the third reel R3 is stopped in such a way that there are two possibilities: either the combination of watermelon symbols aligning on the active line L2 (case 4), or the combination of watermelon symbols aligning on any line (case 3). Thus, in a game in which special role B is won, the combination of watermelon symbols may or may not align on any line.

[0308] In this embodiment, the same display pattern is shown whether Watermelon B is won or Special Role B is won, and as shown in Figure 41(D), the combination of watermelon symbols is lined up on the active line L4.

[0309] In the situation shown in Figure 41(D), in a game where Watermelon B is won, the second reel R2 is stopped so that a combination of Watermelon symbols is displayed on the active line L4, regardless of the timing of pressing the stop button B2. In a game where Special Role B is won, the second reel R2 is stopped so that a winning combination of Watermelon misses is displayed on the active line L4, regardless of the timing of pressing the stop button B2.

[0310] In detail, as shown in Figure 42(A), when a combination of watermelon symbols is lined up on the active line L4, and as shown in Figure 42(B), when the stop button B2 is pressed at the timing when the watermelon symbol "WM" is within the pull-in range (range of 0 to 4 frames) relative to the display position (middle row) on the active line L4, for example, when the bell symbol A "BLA" number 9 is in the upper position on the second reel R2, in a game where watermelon B is won, as shown in Figure 42(C), the second reel R2 is stopped by sliding 3 frames so that the watermelon symbol "WM" number 7 is displayed in the middle row, and in a game where special role B is won, as shown in Figure 42(D), the second reel R2 is stopped by sliding 2 frames so that the watermelon symbol "WM" number 7 is displayed in the upper position.

[0311] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 43(A), when a combination of watermelon symbols is lined up on the active line L4, and as shown in Figure 43(B), if the stop button B2 is pressed when the watermelon symbol "WM" is within the pull-in range (0 to 4 frames) relative to the display position (middle row) on the active line L4, for example, when the replay symbol "RP" number 10 is in the upper position on the second reel R2, then in a game where watermelon B is won, as shown in Figure 43(C), the second reel R2 is stopped by sliding 0 frames (stopping precisely) so that the watermelon symbol "WM" number 11 is displayed in the middle row, and in a game where special role B is won, as shown in Figure 43(D), the second reel R2 is stopped by sliding 1 frame so that the watermelon symbol "WM" number 11 is displayed in the lower row.

[0312] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 44(A), when a combination of watermelon symbols is lined up on the active line L4, and as shown in Figure 44(B), if the stop button B2 is pressed when the watermelon symbol "WM" is within the pull-in range (0 to 4 frames) relative to the display position (middle row) on the active line L4, for example, when the 11th watermelon symbol "WM" is in the upper position on the second reel R2, then in a game where watermelon B is won, as shown in Figure 44(C), the second reel R2 is stopped by sliding it 1 frame so that the 11th watermelon symbol "WM" is displayed in the middle row, and in a game where special role B is won, as shown in Figure 44(D), the second reel R2 is stopped by sliding it 0 frames (stopping it precisely) so that the 11th watermelon symbol "WM" is displayed in the upper position.

[0313] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 45(A), when a combination of watermelon symbols is lined up on the active line L4, and as shown in Figure 45(B), if the stop button B2 is pressed when the watermelon symbol "WM" is within the pull-in range (0 to 4 frames) relative to the display position (middle row) on the active line L4, for example, when the red 7 symbol "Red 7" number 12 is in the upper position on the second reel R2, then in a game where watermelon B is won, as shown in Figure 45(C), the second reel R2 is stopped by sliding it 2 frames so that the watermelon symbol "WM" number 11 is displayed in the middle row, and in a game where special role B is won, as shown in Figure 45(D), the second reel R2 is stopped by sliding it 1 frame so that the watermelon symbol "WM" number 11 is displayed in the upper position.

[0314] In this embodiment, in a game in which special role B is won, as shown in Figure 41(D), when the second reel R2 is spinning and the first reel R1 and the third reel R3 are stopped in a manner that puts a favorable combination of watermelon symbols on the active line L4, if the stop button B2 is pressed at a timing when the watermelon symbol "WM" that constitutes the watermelon symbol combination is within the pull-in range (range of 0 to 4 frames), as shown in Figures 42(D), 44(D), and 45(D), the second reel R2 is stopped at a stopping position (an example of the first position) where the watermelon symbol "WM" is in the upper position, and as shown in Figure 43(D), the second reel R2 is stopped at a stopping position (an example of the second position) where the watermelon symbol "WM" is in the lower position, thereby displaying the watermelon symbol "WM" in the upper or lower display position on the second reel R2. In particular, in this embodiment, the watermelon symbol "WM" is always displayed in either the upper or lower position on the second reel R2 depending on the timing of pressing the stop button B2. As a result, according to this embodiment, the stopping control is performed so that the stopping position of the second reel R2 changes according to the timing of pressing the stop button B2, so the stopping pattern of the reels can be changed according to the timing of the stopping operation, and a wide variety of reel stopping patterns can be created.

[0315] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 41(D), when a combination of watermelon symbols is lined up on the active line L4 (an example of a predetermined situation), if the stop button B2 is pressed at the timing shown in Figure 42(B), in a game where watermelon B is won, the second reel R2 is slid 3 frames and stopped, and in a game where special role B is won, the second reel R2 is slid 2 frames and stopped. Similarly, when stop button B2 is pressed at the timing shown in Figure 43(B), in games where Watermelon B is won, the second reel R2 is stopped after sliding 0 frames (a perfect stop), and in games where Special Role B is won, the second reel R2 is stopped after sliding 1 frame. When stop button B2 is pressed at the timing shown in Figure 44(B), in games where Watermelon B is won, the second reel R2 is stopped after sliding 1 frame, and in games where Special Role B is won, the second reel R2 is stopped after sliding 0 frames (a perfect stop). When stop button B2 is pressed at the timing shown in Figure 45(B), in games where Watermelon B is won, the second reel R2 is stopped after sliding 2 frames, and in games where Special Role B is won, the second reel R2 is stopped after sliding 1 frame. Thus, in this embodiment, when the second reel R2 is stopped in the situation shown in Figure 41(D) during a game in which special role B is won, the second reel R2 is stopped at a stopping position with a number of slides (rotation amount) close to the number of slides (rotation amount) that would result in the second reel R2 being stopped if the stopping operation was performed at the same timing in the same situation during a game in which watermelon B is won by internal lottery. As a result, the behavior of the reels stopped in the situation shown in Figure 41(D) can be made similar whether watermelon B is won by internal lottery or special role B is won. This allows the expectation of whether or not the watermelon symbol combination will be matched, that is, the expectation of the appearance of a winning combination, to be maintained until the reels stop, thereby improving the enjoyment of the game.

[0316] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in a game in which special role B is won, if the stop button B2 is pressed at the timing shown in Figure 42(B) in the situation shown in Figure 41(D), it is also possible to stop the second reel R2 by sliding it 0 frames (stopping it precisely) so that the watermelon symbol "WM" number 11 is displayed in the lower display position, as shown in Figure 46(E). In this case, as shown in Figure 46(C), if the stop operation is performed at the same timing in the same situation in a game in which watermelon B is won by internal lottery, the number of frames the second reel R2 slides to stop is 3, so the possibility of a winning combination is negated the moment the second reel R2 slides, and the expectation of the appearance of a winning combination is diminished. However, in this embodiment, since the second reel R2 is stopped at a stopping position with a close number of slides, the expectation of the appearance of a winning combination can be maintained until the reel stops, thereby improving the enjoyment of the game. Thus, in this embodiment, when the second reel R2 is stopped in the situation shown in Figure 41(D) during a game in which special role B is won, there are two stopping positions in which the combination of watermelon symbols does not line up on the active line L4: a first position where the watermelon symbol "WM" is displayed in the upper display position (for example, the position shown in Figure 46(D)) and a second position where the watermelon symbol "WM" is displayed in the lower display position (for example, the position shown in Figure 46(E)). Of the first and second positions, the second reel R2 is stopped at a stopping position with a number of slides (rotation amount) close to the number of slides (rotation amount) of the second reel R2 that would be stopped if the stopping operation was performed at the same timing in the same situation during a game in which watermelon B was won by internal lottery. As a result, the expectation of the appearance of a winning combination can be maintained until the reels stop, thereby improving the enjoyment of the game.

[0317] Next, we will explain the stopping control of the winning combination when special role A is won.

[0318] In this embodiment, when Watermelon A is won, priority is given to the small role 9, which has the highest payout among the small roles 8 to 9 and 13 included in Watermelon A, and stop control is performed so that the symbol combination indicating the winning form of small role 9 can be displayed on the active line L2, as shown in Figure 47(A).

[0319] Furthermore, if special role A is won, and it is not possible to display the symbols that constitute the winning patterns of minor roles 10 to 12 included in special role A on the active line, the machine will be stopped so that a watermelon miss winning combination can be displayed on the active line L2, as shown in Figure 47(B).

[0320] Specifically, in a game where Watermelon A is won, if the first and second stop operations are performed according to the batting order 2 (B1 → B3 → B2), the first reel R1 and the third reel R3 will be stopped in a manner that aligns the watermelon symbol combination on the active line L2, depending on the timing of the stop operation, as shown in Figure 47(C). In this case, of the minor roles 8 to 9 and minor role 13 included in Watermelon A, only minor role 9 is eligible to win.

[0321] In games where Watermelon A is won, depending on the timing of the stopping operation, the combination of watermelon symbols may line up on active line L3, on active line L4, on active line L5, or not line at all.

[0322] Furthermore, in a game where special role A is won, if the first and second stop operations are performed in the order of batting sequence 2 (B1 → B3 → B2), the first reel R1 and the third reel R3 will stop in a manner that results in a watermelon symbol combination being lined up on the active line L2, depending on the timing of the stop operation, as shown in Figure 47(C). In this case, it is impossible to win any of the roles.

[0323] In addition, in games where special role A is won, depending on the timing of the stopping operation, the combination of watermelon symbols may line up on active line L3, on active line L4, on active line L5, or not line up on any line at all.

[0324] In this embodiment, the same display pattern is shown whether Watermelon A is won or Special Role A is won, and as shown in Figure 47(C), the combination of watermelon symbols is lined up on the active line L2.

[0325] In the situation shown in Figure 47(C), in a game where Watermelon A is won, the second reel R2 is stopped so that a combination of Watermelon symbols is displayed on the active line L2, regardless of the timing of pressing the stop button B2. In a game where Special Role A is won, the second reel R2 is stopped so that a Watermelon miss is displayed on the active line L42, regardless of the timing of pressing the stop button B2.

[0326] In detail, as shown in Figure 48(A), when a combination of watermelon symbols is lined up on the active line L2, and as shown in Figure 48(B), if the stop button B2 is pressed when the watermelon symbol "WM" is within the pull-in range (0 to 4 frames) relative to the display position (upper row) on the active line L2, for example, when the replay symbol "RP" number 10 is in the upper row on the second reel R2, then in a game where watermelon A is won, as shown in Figure 48(C), the second reel R2 is stopped by sliding 3 frames so that the watermelon symbol "WM" number 7 is displayed in the upper row, and in a game where special role A is won, as shown in Figure 48(D), the second reel R2 is stopped by sliding 4 frames so that the replay symbol "RP" number 6 is displayed in the upper row. In a game where Watermelon A is won, in the situation shown in Figure 48(A), the second reel R2 is stopped so that the Watermelon symbol "WM" is displayed in the upper position, regardless of the timing of pressing the stop button B2. Also, in a game where Special Role A is won, in the situation shown in Figure 48(A), the second reel R2 is stopped so that the Watermelon symbol "WM" is displayed in the middle position, regardless of the timing of pressing the stop button B2.

[0327] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 49(A), when a combination of watermelon symbols is lined up on the active line L2, and as shown in Figure 49(B), if the stop button B2 is pressed when the watermelon symbol "WM" is within the pull-in range (0 to 4 frames) relative to the display position (upper row) on the active line L2, for example, when the bell symbol A "BLA" number 9 is in the upper row on the second reel R2, then in a game where watermelon A is won, as shown in Figure 49(C), the second reel R2 is stopped by sliding it 2 frames so that the watermelon symbol "WM" number 7 is displayed in the upper row, and in a game where special role A is won, as shown in Figure 49(D), the second reel R2 is stopped by sliding it 3 frames so that the replay symbol "RP" number 6 is displayed in the upper row.

[0328] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 50(A), when a combination of watermelon symbols is lined up on the active line L2, and as shown in Figure 50(B), if the stop button B2 is pressed when the watermelon symbol "WM" is within the pull-in range (0 to 4 frames) relative to the display position (upper row) on the active line L2, for example, when the BAR symbol A "BAR" number 8 is in the upper row on the second reel R2, then in a game where watermelon A is won, as shown in Figure 50(C), the second reel R2 is stopped by sliding it one frame so that the watermelon symbol "WM" number 7 is displayed in the upper row, and in a game where special role A is won, as shown in Figure 50(D), the second reel R2 is stopped by sliding it two frames so that the replay symbol "RP" number 6 is displayed in the upper row.

[0329] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 51(A), when a combination of watermelon symbols is lined up on the active line L2, and as shown in Figure 51(B), if the stop button B2 is pressed when the watermelon symbol "WM" is within the pull-in range (0 to 4 frames) relative to the display position (upper row) on the active line L2, for example, when the watermelon symbol "WM" number 7 is in the upper row on the second reel R2, then in a game where watermelon A is won, as shown in Figure 51(C), the second reel R2 is stopped by sliding 0 frames (stopping precisely) so that the watermelon symbol "WM" number 7 is displayed in the upper row, and in a game where special role A is won, as shown in Figure 51(D), the second reel R2 is stopped by sliding 1 frame so that the replay symbol "RP" number 6 is displayed in the upper row.

[0330] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 47(C), when a combination of watermelon symbols is lined up on the active line L2 (an example of a predetermined situation), if the stop button B2 is pressed at the timing shown in Figure 48(B), in a game where watermelon A is won, the second reel R2 is slid 3 frames and stopped, and in a game where special role A is won, the second reel R2 is slid 4 frames and stopped. Similarly, when stop button B2 is pressed at the timing shown in Figure 49(B), in games where Watermelon A is won, the second reel R2 is stopped after sliding 2 frames, and in games where Special Role A is won, the second reel R2 is stopped after sliding 3 frames. When stop button B2 is pressed at the timing shown in Figure 50(B), in games where Watermelon A is won, the second reel R2 is stopped after sliding 1 frame, and in games where Special Role A is won, the second reel R2 is stopped after sliding 2 frames. When stop button B2 is pressed at the timing shown in Figure 51(B), in games where Watermelon A is won, the second reel R2 is stopped after sliding 0 frames (a perfect stop), and in games where Special Role A is won, the second reel R2 is stopped after sliding 1 frame. As a result, in this embodiment, when the second reel R2 is stopped in the situation shown in Figure 47(C) during a game in which special role A is won, the second reel R2 is stopped at a stopping position with a number of sliding frames close to the number of sliding frames (rotation amount) that would occur if the stopping operation were performed at the same timing in the same situation during a game in which watermelon A is won by internal lottery. Therefore, the behavior of the reels when stopped in the situation shown in Figure 47(C) can be made similar whether watermelon A is won by internal lottery or special role A is won, the sense of anticipation for the appearance of a winning combination can be maintained until the reels stop, and the enjoyment of the game can be enhanced.

[0331] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in a game in which special role A is won, if the stop button B2 is pressed at the timing shown in Figure 48(B) in the situation shown in Figure 47(C), it is also possible to stop the second reel R2 by sliding it 0 frames (stopping it precisely) so that the watermelon symbol "WM" number 11 is displayed in the middle position, as shown in Figure 52(E). In this case, as shown in Figure 52(C), if the stop operation is performed at the same timing in the same situation in a game in which watermelon A is won by internal lottery, the number of frames the second reel R2 slides to stop is 3, so the possibility of a winning combination is negated the moment the second reel R2 slides, and the expectation of the appearance of a winning combination is diminished. However, in this embodiment, the second reel R2 is stopped at a stopping position with a close number of slides, so the expectation of the appearance of a winning combination can be maintained until the reel stops, thereby improving the enjoyment of the game. Thus, in this embodiment, when the second reel R2 is stopped in the situation shown in Figure 47(C) during a game in which special role A is won, there are two stopping positions in which the combination of watermelon symbols does not line up on the active line L2: a first position with a large number of sliding frames (for example, the position shown in Figure 52(D)) and a second position with a small number of sliding frames (for example, the position shown in Figure 52(E)). Of the first and second positions, the second reel R2 is stopped at a stopping position with a number of sliding frames (rotation amount) close to the number of sliding frames (rotation amount) of the second reel R2 that would be stopped if the stopping operation was performed at the same timing in the same situation during a game in which watermelon B was won by internal lottery. As a result, the sense of anticipation for the appearance of a winning combination can be maintained until the reels stop, thereby improving the enjoyment of the game.

[0332] In this embodiment, we have explained the case where, in a game in which special role B is won, the stop button B2 is pressed at the timing shown in Figure 46(B) in the situation shown in Figure 46(A), and the second reel R2 is stopped so that the watermelon symbol "WM" number 7 is displayed in the upper display position, as shown in Figure 46(D). However, as shown in Figure 46(E), the second reel R2 may be stopped by sliding it 0 frames (stopping it precisely) so that the watermelon symbol "WM" number 11 is displayed in the lower display position, or it may be stopped by sliding it 4 frames so that the watermelon symbol "WM" number 7 is displayed in the lower display position.

[0333] In this embodiment, we have explained an example where, in a game in which special role B is won, the stop button B2 is pressed at the timing shown in Figure 43(B) in the situation shown in Figure 43(A), and the second reel R2 is stopped so that the watermelon symbol "WM" number 7 is displayed in the lower position, as shown in Figure 43(D). However, the second reel R2 may also be stopped by sliding it 3 frames so that the watermelon symbol "WM" number 7 is displayed in the upper position.

[0334] In this embodiment, we have explained the case where, in a game in which special role B is won, the stop button B2 is pressed at the timing shown in Figure 44(B) in the situation shown in Figure 44(A), and the second reel R2 is stopped so that the watermelon symbol "WM" number 11 is displayed in the upper display position, as shown in Figure 44(D). However, the second reel R2 may be stopped by sliding it two spaces so that the watermelon symbol "WM" number 11 is displayed in the lower display position, or by sliding it four spaces so that the watermelon symbol "WM" number 7 is displayed in the upper display position.

[0335] In this embodiment, we have explained an example where, in a game in which special role B is won, the stop button B2 is pressed at the timing shown in Figure 45(B) in the situation shown in Figure 45(A), and the second reel R2 is stopped so that the 11th watermelon symbol "WM" is displayed in the upper display position, as shown in Figure 45(D). However, the second reel R2 may also be stopped by sliding it 3 frames so that the 11th watermelon symbol "WM" is displayed in the lower display position.

[0336] In this embodiment, we have explained an example where, in a game in which special role A is won, the stop button B2 is pressed at the timing shown in Figure 52(B) in the situation shown in Figure 52(A), and the second reel R2 is stopped so that the watermelon symbol "WM" number 7 is displayed in the middle position, as shown in Figure 52(D). However, as shown in Figure 52(E), the second reel R2 may also be stopped by sliding it 0 frames (stopping it precisely) so that the watermelon symbol "WM" number 11 is displayed in the middle position.

[0337] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes the case where the specified number of inputs in normal state B is set to 2, it may also be set to 1.

[0338] In this embodiment, the example was given where the prescribed number of tokens to be inserted for each of the BB1, BB2, BB3, and RB1 states is set to 3, but it may also be set to 2 or 1 token. Furthermore, the prescribed number of tokens to be inserted for some game states may differ among the BB1, BB2, BB3, and RB1 states.

[0339] Furthermore, the configuration, structure, and control methods of this embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments and modifications.

[0340] 5. Fifth Embodiment In this embodiment, detailed explanations of configurations and control methods common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and the main differences will be described. In this embodiment, the positional relationship between the sub-board unit 440 and the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 differs from that of the first embodiment. The positional relationship between the sub-board unit and the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 53 to 55. Figure 53 is a perspective view showing the sub-board unit 440 of the gaming machine of this embodiment, and Figures 54 and 55 are cross-sectional views (schematic diagrams) showing the internal configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment. Figure 54 is a schematic perspective view of a cross-section at the same position as the YY line shown in Figure 4, but viewed from the opposite direction to Figure 4, and Figure 55 is a schematic cross-sectional view at the same position as the YY line shown in Figure 4, but viewed from the opposite direction to Figure 4. Furthermore, Figure 55 primarily illustrates the sub-board unit 440 and the reel unit 310, omitting the illustration of other components (for example, the storage box BX and the main board unit 410).

[0341] In this embodiment, the sub-board unit 440 (an example of a board unit) is provided with a roof portion 520 above the cooling fan 460 (an example of a fan), as shown in Figure 53. The roof portion 520 protrudes outward and is integrally formed with the sub-board case 442 (an example of a board case). The length of the roof portion 520 is at least greater than the thickness of the cooling fan 460. The surface of the cooling fan 460 is not covered by the sub-board case 442 but is covered by a dust cover 530.

[0342] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 53, the cooling fan 460 and roof portion 520 are located in one area of ​​the surface of the sub-board case 442 in the left-right direction, while the other area is covered by the case cover 760, as shown in Figure 54. Note that the cooling fan 460 and roof portion 520 are not covered by the case cover 760.

[0343] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 54, the sub-board unit 440 is located on the back (rear side) of the front door FD, and a speaker SP is provided above the sub-board unit 440.

[0344] In this embodiment, since a roof portion 520 is provided above the cooling fan 460, even if debris is generated when fixing members (e.g., screws) are screwed into the mounting holes 420 for attachment to the island equipment, it is possible to prevent debris from entering the cooling fan 460 as much as possible, thereby preventing malfunctions caused by debris accumulating inside the cooling fan 460.

[0345] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the surface of the cooling fan 460 is covered with a dust cover 530, which prevents dust from entering the cooling fan 460 as much as possible, thus preventing malfunctions caused by dust accumulating inside the cooling fan 460.

[0346] In the reel unit 310 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 54, each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 (an example of a reel) is fixed to the base unit 750. A reel relay board unit (not shown) is also provided on the top surface 762 of the base unit 750.

[0347] Each of the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 is constructed by winding a strip-shaped reel tape 754 around the outer circumference of a cylindrical (annular) reel drum 752. Multiple types of patterns are arranged on the surface of the reel tape 754. A stepping motor 756 is provided at a position corresponding to the rotation center of the reel drum 752, and a backlight unit 758 is provided on the inner surface side of the reel drum 752 (the back side of the reel tape 754). The backlight unit 758 illuminates the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 from the back side of the reel tape 754 of each reel.

[0348] In this embodiment, the sub-board unit 440 and the first to third reels R1 to R3 are positioned such that, as shown in Figure 55, the sub-board case 442 is located on an extension line (dashed line A) obtained by extending the tangent to the upper end of the reel drum 752 of each reel in the front-rear direction when the front door FD is closed, but the cooling fan 460 is not located on this extension line. Here, the dashed line A in Figure 55 is the extension of the tangent to the upper end of the reel drum 752 in the front-rear direction and passes through the center of the width of the reel drum 752. The tangent to the upper end of the reel drum 752 is the line that passes through the center (corresponding to the rotation center) and the upper end of the reel drum 752 and is perpendicular to the line at the upper end of the reel drum 752.

[0349] Specifically, with the front door FD closed, the sub-board unit 440 is located above the front of the reel unit 310. For example, the lower ends of the sub-board case 442 and sub-board 444 lie on an extension line (dashed line A) obtained by extending the tangent to the upper end of the reel drum 752 of the second reel R2 in the front-rear direction, but the cooling fan 460 is located above this extension line (dashed line A).

[0350] Furthermore, the sub-board unit 440 is positioned such that the lower ends of the sub-board case 442 and the sub-board 444 are located below the upper end 764 of the base unit 750 (reel unit 310) and the reel relay board unit (not shown).

[0351] Furthermore, in this embodiment, no other components of the gaming machine are located in the space immediately behind the cooling fan 460.

[0352] In this embodiment, a sub-board unit 440 is provided on the back (rear side) of the front door FD, and the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 are provided inside the housing. The sub-board unit 440 has a sub-board case 442 and a cooling fan 460, and each of the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 is composed of a cylindrical (annular) reel drum 752. In this embodiment, the sub-board unit 440 and the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 are arranged such that, with the front door FD closed, the sub-board case 442 is on an extension line (dashed line A) obtained by extending the tangent to the upper end of the reel drum 752 of each reel in the front-rear direction, but the cooling fan 460 is not. This arrangement prevents other components of the gaming machine from being placed near the rear of the cooling fan 460, thus saving space by effectively utilizing the space above the front of the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 while not obstructing the heat dissipation by the cooling fan 460. As a result, according to this embodiment, the cooling fan 460 of the sub-board unit 440 can be positioned in an appropriate location.

[0353] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 54, by saving space, it is possible to secure an area for arranging the speaker SP above the sub-board unit 440 on the back side (rear side) of the front door FD, thereby improving the design flexibility of the gaming machine casing.

[0354] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 54, the main board unit 410 and the sub-board unit 440 are positioned such that the main board unit 410 does not face the cooling fan 460 of the sub-board unit 440 when the front door FD is closed. Specifically, the sub-board unit 440 is located below the main board unit 410, so that the main board unit 410 is not in a position to face the cooling fan 460. As a result, according to this embodiment, dust and other debris discharged from the cooling fan 460 can be prevented from entering the main board case 412 as much as possible, and malfunctions caused by debris adhering to the electronic components and connectors 430 of the main board 414 can be prevented as much as possible.

[0355] In this embodiment, the sub-board unit 440 and the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 were described as being positioned such that the sub-board case 442 and the sub-board 444 are located on an extension line (dashed line A) obtained by extending the tangent to the upper end of the reel drum 752 of each reel in the front-rear direction when the front door FD is closed. However, for example, the sub-board case 442 may be located on the extension line (dashed line A) but the sub-board 444 may not be located on it.

[0356] Alternatively, for example, the sub-board case 442 and sub-board 444 may be located on the extension line obtained by extending the tangent to the upper end of the reel drum 752 of the second reel R2 in the front-rear direction, but the sub-board unit 440 may not be located on the extension line obtained by extending the tangent to the upper end of the reel drum 752 of the first reel R1 or the third reel R3 in the front-rear direction.

[0357] In this embodiment, the main board unit 410 and the sub-board unit 440 were described as being arranged such that the main board unit 410 does not face the cooling fan 460 of the sub-board unit 440 when the front door FD is closed. However, the main board unit 410 and the sub-board unit 440 may also be arranged such that the main board unit 410 faces the cooling fan 460 of the sub-board unit 440 when the front door FD is closed.

[0358] The configuration and structure of this embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments and modifications.

[0359] 6. Sixth Embodiment In this embodiment, detailed explanations of configurations and control methods common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and the main differences will be described. The gaming machine of this embodiment is a smart pachislo (registered trademark) that uses electronic medals (game value), which are electronic information, as the game medium instead of using physical medals. The difference from the first embodiment is that a bass sound device 860 is provided on the upper part of the inner surface of the back plate 402 of the storage box BX. The positional relationship between the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 and the bass sound device 860 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 56 to 58. Figure 56 is a front view showing a schematic of the internal configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 57 is a rear view showing a schematic of the back of the front door FD of the gaming machine of this embodiment, and Figure 58 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 and the bass sound device 860 of the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0360] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 56, a bass sound device 860 (woofer speaker) is provided as an acoustic device on the upper part of the inner surface of the back panel 402 of the storage box BX, and a main circuit board unit 410 is provided on the lower part of the inner surface of the back panel 402 of the storage box BX. That is, the bass sound device 860 is positioned above the reel unit 310, and the main circuit board unit 410 is positioned below the reel unit 310. Thus, in this embodiment, the bass sound device 860 is provided inside the housing.

[0361] As shown in Figure 56, the bass sound device 860 comprises a speaker unit 872 (an example of a sound-emitting part) and a box-shaped cabinet 870 that covers (houses) the speaker unit 870. The speaker unit 872 has a diaphragm 876 (for example, a cone type) that converts an acoustic signal input as an electrical signal into sound waves through physical vibration, and the sound-emitting surface of the diaphragm 876 (an example of a sound-emitting part) is exposed on the front surface 888 of the cabinet 870, and is covered by the cabinet 870. The sound-emitting surface of the diaphragm 876 is also covered by a mesh-like protective member 874 (for example, a speaker grille).

[0362] In this embodiment, the bass sound device 860 is installed to emit sound forward (with the front surface 888 of the cabinet 870 facing forward), as shown in Figure 56.

[0363] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 56, an identification information sticker 890 (an example of an identification information display) is affixed to the upper center of the front surface 888 of the cabinet 870, which displays identification information and a QR code (registered trademark) for identifying the bass sound device 860. The identification information sticker 890 displays predetermined information such as the serial number and manufacturer of the bass sound device 860 as identification information, and the QR code (an example of a two-dimensional code, an identification symbol whose information can be read by a terminal) contains predetermined information such as the serial number and manufacturer of the bass sound device 860, and can be read by a designated terminal.

[0364] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 57, a sub-board unit 440 (an example of a board unit) is provided on the upper side of the back (rear side) of the front door FD (an example of an opening / closing member), and a mid-to-high frequency sound device 892 is provided on the lower side of the back (rear side) of the front door FD as an acoustic device.

[0365] The sub-board unit 440, similar to the first embodiment described above, comprises a sub-board 444 (an example of a board), a sub-board case 442 (an example of a board case) that covers (houses) the sub-board 444, and a cooling fan 460 (an example of a fan) provided on the sub-board 444. As shown in Figure 57, the cooling fan 460 is covered (housed) in the sub-board case 442, and an exhaust port 470 (an example of an opening) is formed on the front surface 862 of the sub-board case 442 at a position opposite (corresponding to) the cooling fan 460. Air is discharged from the exhaust port 470 to the outside of the sub-board case 442 by the operation of the cooling fan 460. This cools the internal electronic components (such as the CPU on the sub-board 444). Thus, in this embodiment, the sub-board unit 440 has a cooling fan 460 and its exhaust port 470.

[0366] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the installation position of the cooling fan 460 differs from that of the first embodiment. In Figure 57, the cooling fan 460 is located near the left center of the sub-board 444, and the exhaust port 470 is also formed near the left center of the front surface 862 of the sub-board case 442.

[0367] Furthermore, in Figure 57, heat dissipation holes 864 are formed on the front surface 862 of the sub-board case 442 below and to the left of the exhaust port 470, and heat dissipation holes 864 are also formed near the outer edge on the right side of the front surface 862 of the sub-board case 442.

[0368] In this embodiment, the bass sound device 860 and the sub-board unit 440 are positioned at approximately the same height level and are arranged to face each other when the front door FD is closed (one example of the closed state). In particular, the bass sound device 860 is positioned to face the exhaust port 470 of the cooling fan 460 of the sub-board unit 440. Therefore, air is discharged from the exhaust port 470 of the sub-board unit 440 toward the bass sound device 860 by the operation of the cooling fan 460. In this embodiment, the front surface 862 of the sub-board case 442 is a facing surface 868 that faces the bass sound device 860 when the front door FD is closed.

[0369] In this configuration, if the speaker unit 872 (diaphragm 876) of the bass sound device 860 is located opposite the exhaust port 470 of the cooling fan 460, there is a risk that the sound (vibration) emitted from the speaker unit 872 (diaphragm 876) of the bass sound device 860 may obstruct the exhaust (heat discharge) of the cooling fan 460 through the exhaust port 470.

[0370] Therefore, in this embodiment, the sub-board unit 440 and the bass sound device 860 are positioned such that, with the front door FD closed, the front surface 868 (front 862) of the sub-board unit 440 is opposite (facing) the speaker unit 872 (diaphragm 876) of the bass sound device 860, but the exhaust port 470 of the cooling fan 460 is not present. In other words, with the front door FD closed, the cabinet 870 of the bass sound device 860 is opposite (facing) the exhaust port 470 of the cooling fan 460, but the speaker unit 872 (diaphragm 876) of the bass sound device 860 is not present.

[0371] Specifically, the speaker unit 872 (diaphragm 876) of the bass sound device 860 is located on the left side of the front surface 888 of the cabinet 870 in Figure 56, and the exhaust port 470 of the sub-board unit 440 is located near the center left of the front surface 862 of the sub-board case 442 in Figure 57. As a result, even when the front door FD is closed and the sub-board unit 440 and the bass sound device 860 are facing each other, as shown in Figure 58, the cabinet 870 of the bass sound device 860 is located opposite (facing) the exhaust port 470 of the cooling fan 460, but the speaker unit 872 (diaphragm 876) of the bass sound device 860 is not located there.

[0372] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 58, the sub-board unit 440 and the bass sound device 860 are positioned such that, with the front door FD closed, the cabinet 870 of the bass sound device 860 is opposite (facing) the exhaust port 470 of the cooling fan 460, but the identification information sticker 890 affixed to the front surface 888 of the bass sound device 860 is not present.

[0373] In this embodiment, when the front door FD is closed, the sub-board unit 440 and the bass sound device 860 face each other. However, when the front door FD is closed, the sub-board unit 440 and the bass sound device 860 are positioned such that the front surface 868 (front 862) of the sub-board unit 440 is opposite (facing) the speaker unit 872 (diaphragm 876) of the bass sound device 860, but the exhaust port 470 of the cooling fan 460 is not present. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the airflow at the exhaust port 470 of the cooling fan 460 from being disturbed by the sound (vibration) output from the speaker unit 872 (diaphragm 876) of the bass sound device 860, thereby preventing the exhaust (heat discharge) from being hindered, and thus preventing a decrease in the heat dissipation performance of the cooling fan 460 as much as possible.

[0374] In this embodiment, the cooling fan 460 mounted on the sub-board unit 440 was described as an exhaust fan (an example of a fan), but the cooling fan 460 may also be an intake fan (an example of a fan). In this case, the exhaust port 470 of the sub-board unit 440 becomes an intake port (an example of an opening). Even in this case, the same effects and advantages as in the above embodiment are achieved, and it is possible to prevent as much as possible that the airflow at the intake port (exhaust port 470) of the intake fan (cooling fan 460) is disturbed and intake is obstructed by the sound (vibration) output from the speaker unit 872 (diaphragm 876) of the low-frequency sound device 860, and to prevent as much as possible that the heat dissipation performance of the intake fan (cooling fan 460) is reduced.

[0375] In this embodiment, the case in which one cooling fan 460 is mounted on the sub-board unit 440 was described as an example, but multiple cooling fans 460 may be mounted. For example, an exhaust fan and an intake fan may be mounted as the cooling fan 460. In this example, when the front door FD is closed, the opposite part 868 (front 862) of the sub-board unit 440 is located opposite (facing) the speaker unit 872 (diaphragm 876) of the bass sound device 860, but it is desirable that neither the exhaust port of the exhaust fan nor the intake port of the intake fan is present. However, it is also possible that at least some of the openings of the exhaust port of the exhaust fan and the intake port of the intake fan are not present opposite (facing) the speaker unit 872 (diaphragm 876) of the bass sound device 860.

[0376] In this embodiment, the example described was one in which a bass sound device 860 is provided on the upper inner surface of the back panel 402 of the storage box BX. However, for example, a mid-to-high frequency sound device (an example of a sound device) may be provided instead of the bass sound device 860.

[0377] Alternatively, for example, a bass sound device 860 and a mid-high frequency sound device may be provided. In this example, when the front door FD is closed, it is desirable that the front surface 868 (front 862) of the sub-board unit 440 is located opposite (facing) the speaker unit 872 (diaphragm 876) of the bass sound device 860 and the speaker unit (diaphragm) of the mid-high frequency sound device, but that the exhaust port 470 of the cooling fan 460 is not located opposite (facing) the speaker unit (diaphragm) of at least some of the sound devices in the bass sound device 860 and the mid-high frequency sound device.

[0378] In the above embodiment, the sub-board unit 440 and the bass sound device 860 were described as being arranged such that, with the front door FD closed, the cabinet 870 of the bass sound device 860 is located opposite the exhaust port 470 of the cooling fan 460, but the speaker unit 872 (diaphragm 876) of the bass sound device 860 is not located there. However, the sub-board unit 440 and the bass sound device 860 may also be arranged such that, with the front door FD closed, the protective member 874 (for example, a speaker grille, etc.) of the bass sound device 860 is located opposite the exhaust port 470 of the cooling fan 460, but the speaker unit 872 (diaphragm 876) of the bass sound device 860 is not located there.

[0379] The configuration and structure of this embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments and modifications.

[0380] 7. Variations The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. Examples of such modifications are introduced below. The embodiments described above, as well as the various methods described below as modifications, can be appropriately combined and adopted as methods for realizing the present invention.

[0381] In the above embodiment, the example described was one in which the lower end of the sub-board unit 440 is located in front of the upper end, that is, the exhaust port 470 is positioned diagonally downward. However, for example, the upper end of the sub-board unit 440 may be located in front of the lower end. That is, the sub-board unit 440 may be positioned so that the exhaust port 470 is positioned diagonally upward. Even in this case, since the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is positioned at a location different from the vertically downward direction of the mounting hole 420 of the top plate 400, even if debris is generated when fixing members (e.g., screws) are screwed into the mounting hole 420 for attachment to the island equipment, it is possible to prevent as much debris as possible from entering the cooling fan 460, thereby preventing malfunctions caused by debris accumulating inside the cooling fan 460 as much as possible. Alternatively, for example, the sub-board unit 440 may be positioned so as not to be tilted in the vertical direction.

[0382] In the above embodiment, the cooling fan 460 was described as being housed inside the sub-board case 442, but the cooling fan 460 may also be provided outside the sub-board case 442, or the cooling fan 460 may be provided inside the sub-board case 442 while a part of the cooling fan 460 is exposed to the outside.

[0383] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the predetermined region 480 was described as the region in the main board case 412 that faces the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) in the horizontal direction. However, as shown in Figure 59, the predetermined region 480 may be the region that faces the cooling fan 460 in the air discharge direction (airflow direction) of the cooling fan 460.

[0384] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case in which the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is not positioned vertically below the mounting hole 420 of the top plate 400 when the front door FD is closed was described as an example. However, the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) may be positioned vertically below the mounting hole 420 of the top plate 400. In this case, it is desirable to install the sub-board unit 440 so that the exhaust port 470 faces diagonally downward.

[0385] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case in which the reel relay board unit 490 is placed vertically below the predetermined space 500 from the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 to a predetermined area 480 of the main board case 412 was described as an example. However, as shown in Figure 60, for example, the reel relay board unit 490 may not be placed vertically below the predetermined space 500, but rather at a different location. In other words, the reel relay board unit 490 may not be present vertically below the predetermined space 500.

[0386] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which the connector opening 496 is not located in the predetermined region 510 of the reel relay board case 492, the connector opening 496 may be located in the predetermined region 510 of the reel relay board case 492.

[0387] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which the main board unit 410 is provided on the back panel 402 of the storage box BX, it can be placed anywhere inside the storage box BX. For example, the main board unit 410 may be provided on either the left or right side panels 406 or 408 of the storage box BX. In this way, air cannot be discharged from the exhaust port 470 of the sub-board unit 440 toward the main board unit 410, so that dust and other debris discharged from the cooling fan 460 does not enter the main board case 412 as much as possible, and malfunctions caused by dust adhering to the electronic components and connectors 430 of the main board 414 can be prevented as much as possible.

[0388] In the above embodiment, the case in which the sub-board unit 440 is provided on the back surface of the front door FD was described as an example, but for example, the sub-board unit 440 may be provided inside the storage box BX. Also, for example, when a liquid crystal display is installed, the sub-board unit 440 may be provided on the back surface of the liquid crystal display.

[0389] Furthermore, although the above embodiment was described using the example of mounting one cooling fan 460 on the sub-board unit 440, multiple (for example, two) cooling fans 460 may be mounted on the sub-board unit 440. In this case, it is desirable that the main board case 412 not place a connector opening 416 in any area (predetermined area 480) facing each of the multiple exhaust ports 470 (multiple cooling fans 460). However, doing so may hinder a suitable board design (wiring pattern design). For this reason, the main board case 412 may not place a connector opening 416 in the area (predetermined area 480) facing at least some (for example, one) of the multiple exhaust ports 470 (multiple cooling fans 460), and may place a connector opening 416 in the area (predetermined area 480) facing the other exhaust ports 470 (multiple cooling fans 470).

[0390] In this case, it is desirable not to place any of the multiple (e.g., two) cooling fans 460 (multiple exhaust ports 470) vertically below the mounting holes 420 of the top plate 400. However, doing so may hinder suitable circuit board design (wiring pattern design). Therefore, in the sub-board unit 440, at least some (e.g., one) of the multiple (e.g., two) cooling fans 460 (multiple exhaust ports 470) may not be placed vertically below the mounting holes 420 of the top plate 400, while the other cooling fans 460 (exhaust ports 470) may be placed vertically below the mounting holes 420 of the top plate 400. In this case, all of the multiple (e.g., two) cooling fans 460 (multiple exhaust ports 470) may be placed vertically below the mounting holes 420 of the top plate 400.

[0391] In this case, it is desirable that the reel relay board case 492 not place a connector opening 416 in any of the areas (predetermined areas 510) vertically below the predetermined space 500 corresponding to each of the multiple exhaust ports 470 (multiple cooling fans 460). However, doing so may hinder a suitable board design (wiring pattern design). Therefore, in the reel relay board case 492, the connector opening 416 may not be placed in the area (predetermined area 510) vertically below the predetermined space 500 corresponding to at least some (for example, one) of the multiple exhaust ports 470 (multiple cooling fans 460), and the connector opening 416 may be placed in the area (predetermined area 510) vertically below the predetermined space 500 corresponding to the other exhaust ports 470 (cooling fans 470). In this case, the connector opening 416 may be placed in any of the areas (predetermined area 510) vertically below the predetermined space 500 corresponding to each of the multiple exhaust ports 470 (multiple cooling fans 460).

[0392] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which the main board unit 410 is the "first board unit" of the present invention, the "first board unit" is not limited to the main board unit 410 as long as it is positioned to face the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440.

[0393] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which the sub-board unit 440 is the "second board unit" of the present invention, the "second board unit" is not limited to the sub-board unit 440 as long as it is equipped with a cooling fan 460 and has an exhaust port 470.

[0394] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which the reel relay board unit 490 is the "third board unit" of the present invention, the "third board unit" is not limited to the reel relay board unit 490 as long as it is positioned vertically below the predetermined space 500.

[0395] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case in which the left side panel 408 and the back panel 402, the right side panel 406 and the back panel 402, and the bottom panel 404 and the back panel 402 are fixed with staples 620 as the first fixing means, and the top panel 400 and the back panel 402 are fixed with wood screws 622 as the second fixing means was explained as an example. However, the first and second fixing means only need to satisfy the relationship that the first fixing means is cheaper than the second fixing means, and the second fixing means has stronger fixing force than the first fixing means, and are not limited to the case in which staples 620 are used as the first fixing means and wood screws 622 are used as the second fixing means. For example, nails may be used as the first fixing means and wood screws 622 may be used as the second fixing means. For example, a stapler 620 may be used as the first fixing means, and a larger stapler 620 (a stapler with a higher unit price and stronger fixing power) may be used as the second fixing means. Alternatively, a wood screw 622 may be used as the second fixing means, and a wood screw with a smaller diameter than the wood screw 622 of the second fixing means (a wood screw with a lower unit price and weaker fixing power) may be used as the first fixing means. In this way, the first and second fixing means may use components (components of the same type) that are used in the same way.

[0396] Furthermore, the first fixing means may be a fixing means that is cheaper in unit cost than the second fixing means, has weaker fixing force (strength) than the second fixing means, and is more difficult to remove with a predetermined tool than the second fixing means. For example, a nail may be used that is cheaper in unit cost than the wood screw 622, has weaker fixing force than the wood screw 622, and is more difficult to remove with a screwdriver than the wood screw 622.

[0397] Furthermore, the second fixing means may be a fixing means that is more expensive than the first fixing means, has stronger fixing force (strength), and is easier to remove with a predetermined tool than the first fixing means. For example, a bolt may be used that is more expensive than the staple 620, has stronger fixing force than the staple 620, and is easier to remove with a wrench (an example of a predetermined tool) than the staple 620.

[0398] In the above embodiment, the example described was the case where the left side panel 408 and the back panel 402, the right side panel 406 and the back panel 402, and the bottom panel 404 and the back panel 402 are fixed with staples 620. However, wood screws 622 may also be used in combination with staples 620 for these fixings. In this case, it is preferable that the number of wood screws 622 be less than the number of staples 620 for fixing the left side panel 408 and the back panel 402, the right side panel 406 and the back panel 402, and the bottom panel 404 and the back panel 402, but the number of staples 620 may be equal to or less than the number of wood screws 622.

[0399] In the above embodiment, the case in which the top plate 400 and the back plate 402 are fixed with wood screws 622 was described as an example, but staples 620 may also be used in combination with wood screws 622 for this fixing. In this case, it is preferable that the number of wood screws 622 is less than the number of staples 620, but the number of staples 620 may be equal to or less than the number of wood screws 622.

[0400] In the above embodiment, the case in which the main board unit 410 is placed on the upper inner side of the back plate 402 was described as an example, but a sub-board unit 440 (an example of a board unit) may also be placed there. In this case, the sub-board unit 440 may include a sub-board 444 provided with predetermined operating means (for example, a volume setting button), a sub-board case 442 that can rotate between a first position in which the surface of the sub-board 444 is visible and a second position in which the back surface of the sub-board 444 is visible, and a base member, and may be attached to the upper inner side of the back plate 402 via the base member.

[0401] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example of screwing in the wood screws 622 to fix the top plate 400 and the back plate 402 was described using the outer surface of the back plate 402 as an example. However, the top plate 402 may be assembled so that its upper end surface (top surface) abuts against the inner surface of the top plate 400, and the wood screws 622 are screwed in from the outer surface to the inner surface of the top plate 400 to fix it, thereby allowing the screwing in of the wood screws 622 to be performed on the outer surface of the top plate 400.

[0402] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example described was one in which the four heat dissipation holes, the first heat dissipation holes 624 to the fourth heat dissipation holes 630, in the back plate 402 are formed in a position that avoids being vertically below the fixing points with wood screws 622. However, some or all of the four heat dissipation holes may be formed in a position vertically below the fixing points with wood screws 622.

[0403] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example was given of a case where the multiple mounting holes 420 provided in the top plate 400 of the storage box BX are through holes, but they are not limited to through holes and may be non-through holes, or a marker mark may be displayed without providing holes. In other words, island fixing parts (for example, mounting holes 420 or the display of a marker mark) used when attaching the gaming machine to the island equipment of the gaming hall may be provided in the top plate 400.

[0404] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case in which the four heat dissipation holes, the first heat dissipation holes 624 to the fourth heat dissipation holes 630, are formed in the back plate 402 of the storage box BX in the area where the main board unit 410 is placed was described as an example. However, some or all of the four heat dissipation holes, the first heat dissipation holes 624 to the fourth heat dissipation holes 630, may be formed in a position that avoids the area where the main board unit 410 is placed, for example, above or below the area where the main board unit 410 is placed. In this case as well, as shown in Figure 61, it is desirable to position the main board unit 410 such that the shortest straight-line distance S1 from the wood screw 622 to the main board unit 410 is shorter than the shortest straight-line distance S2 from the staple 620 to the main board unit 410.

[0405] Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 62, the fixing points of the top plate 400 and the back plate 402 with wood screws 622 may be positioned to avoid the extension of the line of multiple mounting holes 420 (multiple island fixing points) provided at specific positions on the top plate 400 along a straight line in the front-to-back direction. In this way, the strength can be increased compared to when the fixing points of the top plate 400 and the back plate 402 with wood screws 622 are positioned along the extension of the line of multiple mounting holes 420 (multiple island fixing points), and sufficient strength can be ensured to withstand the load on the top plate 400 caused by the work of attaching the gaming machine to the island equipment of the gaming hall. Note that the dashed lines A and B in Figure 62 are lines that show the extension of the multiple (3) mounting holes 420 arranged in the front-to-back direction.

[0406] Furthermore, although not specifically mentioned in the fifth embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 63, the cooling fan 460 of the sub-board unit 440 may be positioned to avoid the vertically downward direction of a virtual straight line A or virtual straight line B that passes through a plurality of mounting holes 420 (a plurality of island fixing parts) provided at specific positions on the top plate 400 on a straight line in the front-to-back direction when the front door FD is closed. In this way, since the cooling fan 460 is positioned to avoid the vertically downward direction of a virtual straight line A or virtual straight line B that passes through a plurality of mounting holes 420 (a plurality of island fixing parts) when the front door FD is closed, even if debris is generated when fixing members (e.g., screws) are screwed into the mounting holes 420 for attachment to the island equipment, it is possible to prevent as much debris as possible from entering the cooling fan 460, thereby preventing malfunctions caused by debris adhering to the inside of the cooling fan 460 as much as possible. Note that the dashed lines A and B in Figure 63 are lines that indicate a virtual straight line passing through a plurality (3) of mounting holes 420 arranged in the front-to-back direction.

[0407] Furthermore, although not specifically mentioned in the fifth embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 64(A), sheet metal members 720 may be provided on the inner surfaces of the left and right side plates 406 and 408. In other words, in this example, the left and right sides of the storage box BX have a double structure consisting of wooden side plates 406 and 408 (outside) and sheet metal members (inside). As shown in Figure 64(A), the sheet metal members 720 are fixed to the side plates 406 and 408 by screw members 722 (an example of a specific screw member), and the screw members 722 are screwed in from the outer surface to the inner surface of the left and right side plates 406 and 408. In this example, as shown in Figures 64(A) and (B), the cooling fan 460 of the sub-board unit 440 may be positioned to avoid the extension of the insertion direction of the screw members 722 at the mounting position of the screw members 722 when the front door FD is closed. In this example, the insertion direction of the screw member 722 is left-right, as shown in Figure 64(A), and the cooling fan 460 is positioned to avoid the extension of the dashed line A shown in Figure 64(A), specifically, to the rear and above the dashed line A shown in Figure 64(A). Even in this configuration, the same effects as in the above embodiment are achieved. Note that the dashed line A in Figure 64(A) is a line indicating the extension of the insertion direction of the screw member 722 at the mounting position of the screw member 722. Furthermore, the screw member 722 does not fix the left and right side plates 406, 408 to the top plate 400, back plate 402, or bottom plate 404, and the mounting position of the screw member 722 may be to the rear or above the cooling fan 460. Also, the number of screw members 722 provided on each side plate is not limited to two. In this example, the sheet metal member 720 may be a component of the locking mechanism for locking the front door FD. In this example, sheet metal members 720 may also be provided on the inner surface of the top plate 400, back plate 402, or bottom plate 404. In this case as well, the cooling fan 460 may be positioned to avoid the extension of the insertion direction of the screw members 722 at the mounting positions of the screw members 722 provided on the top plate 400, back plate 402, or bottom plate 404 when the front door FD is closed.

[0408] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the fifth embodiment may be applied to the sixth embodiment. For example, as shown in Figure 56, a bass sound device 860 (an example of a specific unit) is positioned above the reel unit 310, and a main board unit 410 is positioned below the reel unit 310. The bass sound device 860 and the sub-board unit 440 face each other when the front door FD is closed. As shown in Figure 55, the sub-board unit 440 and the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are connected by an extension line (dashed line) obtained by extending the tangent line of the upper end of the reel drum 752 of each reel in the front-rear direction when the front door FD is closed. A) The sub-board case 442 is located above the cooling fan 460, but the cooling fan 460 is not. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 58, the sub-board unit 440 and the bass sound device 860 may be arranged such that, with the front door FD closed, the cabinet 870 of the bass sound device 860 is located opposite the exhaust port 470 of the cooling fan 460, but the identification information sticker 890 (an example of a display item) attached to the front 888 of the bass sound device 860 is not located above it. In other words, the bass sound device 860 is located opposite the cooling fan 460, but the identification information sticker 890 is not located above it. In this example, the sub-board unit 440 and the bass sound device 860 may be positioned such that, with the front door FD closed, the cabinet 870 of the bass sound device 860 is opposite the exhaust port 470 of the cooling fan 460, but the speaker unit 872 (diaphragm 876) is not present. In other words, the bass sound device 860 is opposite the cooling fan 460, but the speaker unit 872 (diaphragm 876) is not present. This arrangement also produces the same effects as the above embodiment.

[0409] Furthermore, combining this example with the example shown in Figure 63 above, as shown in Figure 63, the cooling fan 460 of the sub-board unit 440 is positioned to avoid the vertically downward direction of a virtual straight line A or virtual straight line B that passes through a plurality of mounting holes 420 (a plurality of island fixing parts) provided at specific positions on the top plate 400 on a straight line in the front-to-back direction when the front door FD is closed, and as shown in Figure 55, the sub-board unit 440 and the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 are positioned on an extension line (dashed line A) obtained by extending the tangent to the upper end of the reel drum 752 of each reel in the front-to-back direction when the front door FD is closed. The case 442 may be positioned in a location where it is present but the cooling fan 460 is not. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 58, the sub-board unit 440 and the bass sound device 860 may be positioned such that, with the front door FD closed, the cabinet 870 of the bass sound device 860 is opposite the exhaust port 470 of the cooling fan 460, but the identification information sticker 890 (an example of a display item) affixed to the front surface 888 of the bass sound device 860 is not present. In other words, the bass sound device 860 is opposite the cooling fan 460, but the identification information sticker 890 is not present. This arrangement also produces the same effects as the above embodiment.

[0410] Furthermore, by combining the example shown in Figure 64 with the example in which the fifth embodiment is applied to the sixth embodiment described above, as shown in Figures 64(A) and (B), the cooling fan 460 of the sub-board unit 440 is positioned to avoid the extension line of the insertion direction of the screw member 722 at the mounting position of the screw member 722 when the front door FD is closed, and as shown in Figure 55, the sub-board unit 440 and the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are positioned on the extension line (dashed line A) obtained by extending the tangent to the upper end of the reel drum 752 of each reel in the front-rear direction when the front door FD is closed. The components 442 and 460 may be arranged in a positional relationship where they are present but the cooling fan 460 is not. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 58, the sub-board unit 440 and the bass sound device 860 may be arranged such that, with the front door FD closed, the cabinet 870 of the bass sound device 860 is opposite the exhaust port 470 of the cooling fan 460, but the identification information sticker 890 (an example of a display item) attached to the front surface 888 of the bass sound device 860 is not present. In other words, the bass sound device 860 is opposite the cooling fan 460, but the identification information sticker 890 is not present. This arrangement also produces the same effects as the above embodiment.

[0411] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example shown in Figure 63 and the example shown in Figure 64 may be combined to position the cooling fan 460 of the sub-board unit 440 so as shown in Figure 63, when the front door FD is closed, it avoids being positioned vertically below a virtual straight line A or virtual straight line B that passes through a plurality of mounting holes 420 (a plurality of island fixing parts) provided at specific positions on the top plate 400 on a straight line in the front-rear direction. Also, as shown in Figures 64(A) and (B), when the front door FD is closed, it avoids being positioned on the extension line of the insertion direction of the screw member 722 at the mounting position of the screw member 722. As shown in Figure 55, the sub-board unit 440 and the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 may be positioned such that when the front door FD is closed, the sub-board case 442 is on the extension line (dashed line A) obtained by extending the tangent to the upper end of the reel drum 752 of each reel in the front-rear direction, but the cooling fan 460 is not. This arrangement also produces the same effects as the above embodiment.

[0412] Furthermore, the invention of the above embodiment is not limited to slot machines that use physical tokens (game value) for gameplay, but can also be applied to gaming machines that use electronic tokens (game value), which are electronic information, as a game medium instead of physical tokens, such as Smart Pachislo (registered trademark), and gaming machines that use game balls (pachinko balls) for gameplay (pinball gaming machines, Smart Pachinko (registered trademark)).

[0413] Smart pachislo includes a medal count control board that controls (manages) the number of electronic medals (number of game medals), and a game ball dispensing device connection terminal board (an example of a connection terminal board) that connects the smart pachislo to an external device, a medal dispensing machine (not shown). The medal count control board is connected to the main board 414 in a bidirectional manner and is connected to the medal dispensing machine in a bidirectional manner via the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board. It stores the electronic medals, which are electronic information lent from the medal dispensing machine, in a predetermined memory area and can perform counting processing to transfer some or all of the stored electronic medals to the medal dispensing machine. The game ball dispensing device connection terminal board is connected to the medal count control board and the medal dispensing machine in a bidirectional manner and receives signals related to the lending of electronic medals, transmits the results of the lending of electronic medals, transmits signals related to the counting of electronic medals, and transmits various information about the game machine. In such a smart pachislo machine, the "third board unit" of the present invention may be a medal count control board unit that includes a medal count control board and a medal count control board case that covers (houses) the medal count control board. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0414] (First Embodiment) BX storage box, FD front door, DW display window, LP rotating light, AL Frame lamp, R1 1st reel, R2 2nd reel, R3 3rd reel, SL Start Lever, B0 Bet Button, B1~B3 Stop Buttons, B4 Payment button, SP speaker, MP medal tray, 305 Power supply unit, 310 Reel unit, 320 Hopper unit, 400 Top panel, 402 Back panel, 404 Bottom panel, 406 Side panel, 408 Side panel, 410 Main board unit, 412 Main board case, 414 Main board, 416 Connector opening, 420 Mounting hole, 430 Connector, 440 Sub-board unit, 442 Sub-board case, 444 Sub-board, 450 Connector, 460 Cooling fan, 470 Exhaust vent, 480 Designated area, 490 Reel relay board unit, 492 Reel relay board case, 500 Designated space, 510 Designated area, 520 Roof section, 530 Dustproof cover, 540 Cooling fan installation section, 542 Screw receiving part, 600 Back plate holder, 602 Back plate holder, 604 Back plate holder, 606 Left back plate holder, 608 Right back plate support, 610 Left fixing part, 612 Right fixing part, 620 Stapler needle, 622 Wood screws, 624 First heat dissipation vent, 626 Second heat dissipation vent, 628 Third heat dissipation vent, 630 Fourth heat dissipation hole, 720 Base member, (Second embodiment) 640 Development connector placement area, 642 First connector, 644 Second connector, 646 Third connector, 648 Fourth connector, 650 Fifth connector, 652 Connector 6, 654 Connector 7, 656 Connector 8, 658 9th connector, 670 protrusion, 672 case cover, 674 case body, 676 Mounting section, 678 Development connector identification mark, 680 First terminal identification mark, 682 2nd terminal identification display, 684 3rd terminal identification display, 686 4th terminal identification display, 688 Facing section, (Third embodiment) 690 Centralized terminal board unit, 692 Centralized terminal board, 694 Centralized terminal board case, 696 Case body, 698 Case lid, 700 Connector for main board connection, 702 Connector for connecting external devices, 704 First case lid fixing part, 706 Second case lid fixing part, 708 Third case lid fixing part, 710 Fourth case lid fixing part, 712 Through hole, 714 Insertion opening, 716 Insertion opening, (Fourth embodiment) BX storage box, UD upper front door, DD lower front door, DW display window, L1~L5 active lines, DS game information display unit, LCD liquid crystal display, AL Frame lamp, R1 1st reel, R2 2nd reel, R3 3rd reel, SL Start Lever, B0 Bet Button, B1~B3 Stop Buttons, B4 settlement button, B8 counting button, 10 Main board, 10a Main CPU, 10b Main ROM, 10c Main RAM, 20 Sub-board, 20a Sub-CPU, 20b Sub-ROM, 20c Sub-RAM, 30 Medal count control board, 30a Medal CPU, 30b Medal ROM, 30c Medal RAM, 40 Terminal board for connecting game ball dispensing device, 50 Dedicated unit, 60 Dedicated unit control board, 105 Input receiving means, 110 Random number generation means, 120 Internal lottery means, 130 Reel control means, 140 Prize determination means, 150 Payout control means, 160 Replay processing means, 170 Game state control means, 190 Communication control means, 210 Performance control means, 220 Bet switch, 230 Start switch, 240 Stop switch, 250 settlement switch, 255 counting button switch, 310 Reel units, 330 Display devices, 340 Sound devices, (Fifth embodiment) 750 Base Unit, 752 Reel Drum, 754 Reel Tape, 756 Stepper motor, 758 Backlight unit, 760 Case cover, 762 Top surface, 764 Upper edge, (Sixth embodiment) 860 Sub-sound device, 862 Front, 864 Heat dissipation vent, 868 Opposite side, 870 Cabinet, 872 Speaker unit, 874 Protective component, 876 Diaphragm, 888 Front panel, 890 QR code sticker, 892 Mid-high sound equipment, (modified version) 720 Sheet metal member, 722 Screw member

Claims

[Claim 1] A housing with an opening / closing member that can be opened and closed, A circuit board unit provided on the opening / closing member, A reel provided inside the aforementioned housing, A specific unit provided within the aforementioned housing, A gaming machine comprising a display object attached to the aforementioned specific unit, The aforementioned circuit board unit is It has a circuit board case and a fan, The aforementioned reel is, It has a cylindrical reel drum, The circuit board unit and the reel are positioned such that, when the opening / closing member is closed, the circuit board case lies on the tangent line to the upper end of the reel drum, but the fan does not. A gaming machine in which the circuit board unit and the specific unit are positioned such that, when the opening / closing member is closed, the specific unit is opposite the fan but the display object is not present.

Images