Gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine having features in presentations.SOLUTION: The game machine includes a plurality of reels and operation means, and has a second period in which the reels can start spinning when the operation means is operated. Further, sometimes a first game may be performed in which, with an elapse of a first time after a start of the second period, a first notification is started for urging the operation of the operation means. Sometimes, a second game may be performed in which, with an elapse of a second time after a start of the second period, a second notification is started for urging the operation of the operation means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as one type of gaming table, for example, a slot machine is known. Some such slot machines execute various effects (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming table having characteristics in effects.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The gaming table according to the present invention is a gaming table provided with a plurality of reels, a start lever, and a bet button, wherein the reels can be started to rotate based on the operation of the start lever, and when a first game is executed in which a notification (hereinafter referred to as "first notification") prompting the operation of the bet button is started after a first time has elapsed since the start lever was operated, and when a second game is executed in which a notification (hereinafter referred to as "second notification") prompting the operation of the bet button is started after a second time has elapsed since the start lever was operated. In the first game, if the specific performance starts before the first notification is given, and the bet button is operated after the first notification is given, no game medium will be inserted by the operation, but the specific performance will end. In the first game, even if the specific performance starts and the bet button is operated before the first notification is given, no game medium will be inserted by the operation, but the specific performance will end. In the second game, if the specific performance starts before the second notification is given, and the bet button is operated after the second notification is given, no game medium will be inserted by the operation, but the specific performance will end. In the second game, even if the specific performance starts and the bet button is operated before the second notification is given, no game medium will be inserted by the operation, but the specific performance will end.The game machine is characterized in that the bet button is equipped with a light-emitting means, the first notification and the second notification are notifications that include a change in the mode of the light-emitting means from the first mode to the second mode, and the first game and the second game are normal games. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The gaming machine according to the present invention provides a gaming machine with distinctive visual effects. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of slot machine 100 from the front (player side). [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the winning lines for slot machine 100. [Figure 3] (a) A front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open. (b) A side cross-sectional view of the slot machine 100. [Figure 4] (a) A front view of the backlight module 630. (b) A side view of the backlight module 630. (c) An external perspective view of the components of the backlight module 630 as seen from the front after disassembly. [Figure 5] This shows the circuit block diagram of the control unit. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the general flow of several types of performances in chronological order. [Figure 7] (a) This is a time chart showing an example of the flow of production A in chronological order. (b) This is a time chart showing an example of the flow of production A' in chronological order. [Figure 8] This diagram shows a specific example of staging A in chronological order. [Figure 9] This diagram shows a chronological continuation of Specific Example 1 of Direction A. [Figure 10] This diagram shows a chronological example of staging A, specifically example 2. [Figure 11] This diagram shows a chronological continuation of specific example 2 of production A. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing a specific example of Performance A in time series. [Figure 13] It is a time chart showing an example of the flow of Performance B in time series. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing a specific example 1 of Performance B in time series. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing the continuation of a specific example 1 of Performance B in time series. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing a specific example 2 of Performance B in time series. [Figure 17] It is a time chart showing an example of the flow of Performance C in time series. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing a specific example 1 of Performance C in time series. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing the continuation of a specific example 1 of Performance C in time series. [Figure 20] It is a diagram showing a specific example 2 of Performance C in time series. [Figure 21] It is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 22] It is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open. [Figure 23] It shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit. [Figure 24] (a) It is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols applied to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) developed in a plane. (b) It is a diagram showing the types of winning combinations (including activated combinations), the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the activation or payout of each winning combination. [Figure 25] (a) It is a plan view showing the state where the reel relay board unit 700 is attached to the power relay board unit 600. (b) It is a side view showing the state where the reel relay board unit 700 is attached to the power relay board unit 600. (c) It is a side view showing the state where the reel relay board unit 700 is removed from the power relay board unit 600. [Figure 26] (a) It is a front view of the power relay board unit 600. (b) It is a rear view of the power relay board unit 600. [Figure 27] It is an exploded view of the members constituting the power relay board unit 600 as seen from the front after disassembling. [Figure 28] It is an exploded view of the members constituting the power relay board unit 600 as seen from the back after disassembling. [Figure 29] It is a partial enlarged view showing an enlarged view of the main side board accommodating portion 612 of the board support 610. [Figure 30] (a) It is a front view showing a state where the main side power relay board 640 is accommodated in the main side board accommodating portion 612 of the board support 610. (b) It is a plan view showing a state where the main side power relay board 640 is moved leftward in the front view in the main board accommodating portion 612. (c) It is a plan view showing a state where the main side power relay board 640 is moved downward in the front view in the main board accommodating portion 612. [Figure 31] (a) It is a front view showing a state where the main side power relay board 640 is accommodated in the main side board accommodating portion 612 of the board support 610 and the mounting screw 646 is attached. (b) It is a view seen from the direction of the symbol A in (a), and it is an enlarged view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the mounting screw 646. [Figure 32] (a) It is a front view of the reel relay board unit 700 as seen from the front side. (b) It is a side view of the reel relay board unit 700 as seen from the right side. (c) It is an exploded side view of the members constituting the reel relay board unit 700 as seen from the right side after disassembling. [Figure 33] (a) It is a front view of the main side reel relay board 742 as seen from the front side. (b) It is a plan view of the main side reel relay board 742 as seen from above. (c) It is a bottom view of the main side reel relay board 742 as seen from the bottom side. [Figure 34] (a) It is a front view of the main side housing 744 as seen from the front side. (b) It is a plan view of the main side housing 744 as seen from above. (c) It is a front perspective view of the main side housing 744 as seen from the front obliquely above. [Figure 35] (a) It is a front view of the main side cover 746 as seen from the front side. (b) It is a plan view of the main side cover 746 as seen from above. (c) It is a front perspective view of the main side cover 746 as seen from the front obliquely above. [Figure 36] (a) A front view of the sheet metal member 710 as seen from the front. (b) A top view of the sheet metal member 710 as seen from above. (c) A rear view of the sheet metal member 710 as seen from the rear. [Figure 37] (a) A front view of the sheet metal member 710 with the main housing 744 fitted inside, as seen from the front. (b) A rear view of the sheet metal member 710 with the main housing 744 fitted inside, as seen from the rear. (c) A side view showing how the main housing 744 is attached to the sheet metal member 710. [Figure 38] (a) A side view showing the procedure for attaching the main side housing 744 and the main side reel side relay board 742 to the sheet metal member 710. (b) A side view showing the procedure for attaching the main side cover 746 to the sheet metal member 710 to which the main side housing 744 and the main side reel side relay board 742 have been attached. [Figure 39] This is a plan view showing the main reel relay board 742 and the sub-reel relay board 772 side by side. [Figure 40] This is a front view showing the inside of the main body 101, illustrating the connection relationship between the reel relay board unit 700 and the reels 110 to 112. [Figure 41] This is a flowchart showing the main processing flow of the main control unit. [Figure 42] (a) This is a flowchart showing the flow of the lottery process during AT. (b) This is an example of a BB lottery table. (c) This is an example of a lottery table for resetting the advantageous section when BB is won. [Figure 43] (a) This is a flowchart showing the flow of the lottery process for Big Bonus etc. during AT. (b) This is a flowchart showing the flow of the process at the end of AT. [Figure 44] This graph shows an example of the trend in the number of tokens won or lost during a certain gaming period. [Figure 45] This diagram shows an example of a gameplay sequence during a certain period of play. [Figure 46] This diagram shows an example of a gameplay sequence during a certain period (continued). [Figure 47]This diagram shows an example of a gameplay sequence during a certain period (continued). [Figure 48] This diagram shows an example of a minor role group. [Figure 49] (a) This flowchart shows the flow of the process for determining the next navigation command while in automatic transmission mode. (b) This flowchart shows the flow of the process for outputting navigation commands while in automatic transmission mode. [Figure 50] This flowchart shows the process for determining winners and drawing prizes. [Figure 51] (a) A diagram showing an example of an additional draw table. (b) A diagram showing an example of an overwrite draw table. [Figure 52] This graph shows an example of the change in the net increase in game value over a certain period of time. [Figure 53] This diagram shows an example of changes in the total points earned and total payouts during a certain gaming period. [Figure 54] This diagram shows a chronological example of various effects and operation navigations during a certain gaming period. [Figure 55] This diagram shows a chronological example of various effects and operation navigations during a certain gaming period. [Figure 56] This diagram shows a chronological example of various effects and operation navigations during a certain gaming period. [Figure 57] This diagram shows the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) in a two-dimensional view. [Figure 58] (a) A diagram showing an example of a minor role group. (b) A diagram showing an example of the display on the indicator monitor. [Figure 59] (a) This is a flowchart showing the flow of the AT process. (b) This is a flowchart showing the flow of the Judge process. [Figure 60] This diagram shows an example of a points lottery table. [Figure 61] This diagram shows a chronological example of various effects during AT (Attack Time). [Figure 62](a)~(d) Diagrams showing examples of various effects during AT in chronological order. (e)~(h) Diagrams showing examples of the effect mode selection screen. (i)~(j) Diagrams showing examples of various effects in effect mode 1 during continuation judgment in chronological order. [Figure 63] This diagram shows a time-series example of various effects in the continuous judgment mode 1. [Figure 64] This diagram shows a time-series example of various effects in the continuous judgment mode 1. [Figure 65] (a)~(b) These figures show an example of the performance mode selection screen. (c)~(i) These figures show an example of various performances in performance mode 2 during the continuation judgment in chronological order. [Figure 66] This diagram shows a timeline of various effects in the 2nd effect mode during continuous judgment. [Figure 67] (a)~(b) These figures show an example of the performance mode selection screen. (c)~(j) These figures show an example of various performances in performance mode 3 during the continuation judgment in chronological order. [Figure 68] (a)~(b) These diagrams show examples of various effects in the effects mode 3 during the continuation judgment in chronological order. (c)~(e) These diagrams show modified versions of the operation navigation during the continuation judgment. [Figure 69] This is a perspective view of slot machine 100 from the front (player side). [Figure 70] This figure shows an example of the winning lines for slot machine 100. [Figure 71] This is a front view of the status indicator LED280. [Figure 72] This is an exploded perspective view showing the components that make up the status indicator LED 280. [Figure 73] This is a cross-sectional view of the status indicator LED 280, including the heat-crimped portion 284d of the reflector 284. [Figure 74] (a) A front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open. (b) A side cross-sectional view of the slot machine 100. [Figure 75](b) Front view of the reel backlight 264. (b) Side view of the reel backlight 264. (c) External perspective view of the components of the reel backlight 264 as seen from the front. [Figure 76] (a) Front view of the LED board 288 of the status indicator LED 280. (b) Front view of the lighting board 268 of the reel backlight 264. [Figure 77] This shows the circuit block diagram of the control unit. [Figure 78] (a) A plan view of the main control board 600 before the identification board 610 is detached. (b) A plan view of the main control board 600 after the identification board 610 has been detached. [Figure 79] This is a plan view of the sub-control board 650. [Figure 80] This is an exploded perspective view showing the main board housing case 640 and the main control board 600. [Figure 81] (a) A plan view of the main board housing case 640 with the main control board 600 housed inside, as seen from the board housing 642 side. (b) A cross-sectional view along line AA in (a). (c) A cross-sectional view showing the structure of a conventional board corresponding to (b). [Figure 82] (a), (b) Plan view of the main control board 670 according to modified example 1. [Figure 83] (a) A plan view of the main control board 690 according to modified example 2. (b) A plan view of the main control board 696 according to modified example 3. [Figure 84] (a) A plan view of the substrate 700 in this example, as seen from the power supply layer 710 side. (b) A partial cross-sectional view of the substrate 700 along line XX in (a). [Figure 85] (a) This is a terminal layout diagram of the LED driver IC 714. (b) This is a terminal layout diagram of the motor driver IC 716. [Figure 86] (a) A pattern diagram showing an example of a power wiring pattern for the power layer 710 of substrate 700. (b) A pattern diagram showing the GND wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 of substrate 700. [Figure 87](a) A magnified view of the power supply layer 710, showing the portion indicated by the symbol A in Figure 86(a). (b) A magnified view of the GND layer 706, showing the portion indicated by the symbol B in Figure 86(b). (c) A pattern diagram showing the power supply layer 710 shown in (a) and the GND layer 706 shown in (b) superimposed. [Figure 88] (a) A plan view showing the positional relationship between the pattern cutout 706b of the GND layer 706 and the LED driver IC 714 and motor driver 716 mounted on the power supply layer 710. (b) A cross-sectional view along the YY line in the LED driver 714, shown in a magnified view of (a). (c) A cross-sectional view along the ZZ line in the motor driver 716, shown in a magnified view of (a). [Figure 89] (a) A schematic diagram illustrating the problems with conventional game machine circuit boards. (b) A schematic diagram illustrating the concept of the circuit board of the present invention. [Figure 90] (a) A plan view showing the non-overlapping region NOE and the assumed maximum region CE of the carbonized conductive path according to Example 1. (b) A cross-sectional view along line AA in (a). (c) A plan view showing an example where the non-overlapping region NOE of the substrate 700 does not include the assumed maximum region CE of the carbonized conductive path. (d), (d') Cross-sectional views along line BB in (c). [Figure 91] (a) A plan view showing the non-overlapping region NOE2 according to Example 2. (b) A plan view showing the non-overlapping region NOE3 according to Example 3. (c) A plan view showing the non-overlapping region NOE4 according to Example 4. [Figure 92] (a) A plan view showing the non-overlapping region NOE5 according to Example 5. (b) A plan view showing an example in which the power supply wiring line pattern in (a) has been changed. [Figure 93] This is a plan view of the main control board 600 before the components are mounted. [Figure 94] This is a plan view from Figure 93 with the reference numerals removed. [Figure 95] This is a plan view of the main control board 600 after the components have been mounted. [Figure 96] This is a plan view from Figure 95 with the reference numerals removed. [Figure 97] (a) A plan view illustrating the positional relationship between a component and a position indicator (Example 1). (b) A plan view illustrating the positional relationship between a component and a position indicator (Modification 1 of Example 1). (c) A plan view illustrating the positional relationship between a component and a position indicator (Modification 2 of Example 1). (d) A plan view illustrating the positional relationship between a component and a position indicator (Modification 3 of Example 1). [Figure 98] (a) A plan view illustrating the positional relationship between a component and a position indicator (Example 2). (b) A plan view illustrating the positional relationship between a component and a position indicator (Modification 1 of Example 2). (c) A plan view illustrating the positional relationship between a component and a position indicator (Modification 2 of Example 2). (d) A plan view illustrating the positional relationship between a component and a position indicator (Modification 3 of Example 2). [Figure 99] (a) A plan view illustrating the positional relationship between the component and the position indicator (Example 3). (b) A plan view illustrating the positional relationship between the component and the position indicator (Modification 1 of Example 3). (c) A plan view illustrating the positional relationship between the component and the position indicator (Modification 2 of Example 3). (d) A plan view illustrating the positional relationship between the component and the position indicator (Modification 3 of Example 3). [Figure 100] (a) A plan view illustrating the positional relationship between a component and a position indicator (Example 4). (b) A plan view illustrating the positional relationship between a component and a position indicator (Modification 1 of Example 4). (c) A plan view illustrating the positional relationship between a component and a position indicator (Modification 2 of Example 4). (d) A plan view illustrating the positional relationship between a component and a position indicator (Modification 3 of Example 4). [Figure 101] (a) A plan view illustrating the positional relationship between the component and the position indicator (Example 5). (b) A plan view illustrating the positional relationship between the component and the position indicator (Modification 1 of Example 5). (c) A plan view illustrating the positional relationship between the component and the position indicator (Modification 2 of Example 5). (d) A plan view illustrating the positional relationship between the component and the position indicator (Modification 3 of Example 5). (e) A plan view illustrating the positional relationship between the component and the position indicator (Example 6). [Figure 102]This is a plan view of the motor drive board 800 before the components are mounted. [Figure 103] This is a plan view of the motor drive board 800 after the components have been mounted. [Figure 104] This is a plan view illustrating the positional relationship between the parts and the position indicators (Example 7). [Figure 105] This is a plan view illustrating the positional relationship between the components and the position indicators (modification example 1 of Example 7). [Figure 106] This is a plan view illustrating the positional relationship between the components and the position indicators (modification example 2 of Example 7). [Figure 107] (a) This is a magnified section of the area around IC16 on the main control board 600, showing a modified version of the graphic representation 719a of IC16 shown in Figure 106(b). (b) This is a side view of IC16 as seen from the direction indicated by the symbol X in (a). (c) This is a diagram corresponding to the side view shown in (b), showing a graphic representation of IC16 and a modified version of the solder paste. [Figure 108] (a) and (b) are plan views illustrating the positional relationship between the components and the positional indicators (Example 8). (c) is a diagram corresponding to the front view shown in (b), and shows a modified example of the graphic representation of IC6. (d) is a side view of IC6 as seen from the direction indicated by the symbol Y in (b). (e) is a side view of IC6 as seen from the direction indicated by the symbol Z in (c). [Figure 109] This is a plan view illustrating the positional relationship between the components and the position indicators (Example 9). [Figure 110] This is an external perspective view of slot machine 100 and rental machine 700, seen from the front (player side). [Figure 111] This is a circuit block diagram of the control unit. [Figure 112] This diagram shows examples of how each circuit board and each unit are connected. [Figure 113] This figure shows an example in which a relay board is provided between the main control board 300B shown in Figure 112 and the reel unit 109 also shown in Figure 112. [Figure 114] Figure 110 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a gaming system including a slot machine 100 and a dispensing machine 700. [Figure 115] This table summarizes information about the status, performance, and installation of gaming machines. [Figure 116] This diagram shows the communication sequence when a game control status command is sent from the game control unit 302 to the medal count control unit 350. [Figure 117] This diagram shows the details of the communication between the medal count control unit 350 and the dispensing machine 700. [Figure 118] (a) is a diagram showing details of hall control fraud monitoring information, and (b) is a list of error codes. [Figure 119] This is a table showing the game control status commands. [Figure 120] This is a table showing the medal count control status commands. [Figure 121] This diagram shows the communication sequence when a game control priority command is sent from the game control unit 302 to the medal count control unit 350. [Figure 122] (a) is a diagram showing the details of the game control priority command, and (b) is a diagram showing the details of the response command sent back from the medal count control unit 350 to the game control unit 302. [Figure 123] This diagram shows the communication sequence when a game control priority command 2 is sent from the game control unit 302 to the medal count control unit 350. [Figure 124] This flowchart shows the main processing flow of the game control unit. [Figure 125] Figure 124 is a flowchart of the medal insertion and start lever acceptance process (step S102). [Figure 126] Figure 125 is a flowchart of the process during medal insertion (step S1011). [Figure 127] Figure 126 is a flowchart of the settlement button process (step S1102). [Figure 128] Figures 126, 127, and 131 show flowcharts of the process for transmitting change information to the medal count control unit (steps S1111, S1205, and S1605). [Figure 129] Figure 128 is a flowchart of the triple command transmission process (step S1307). [Figure 130] Figures 125 and 129 show flowcharts of the priority command transmission process to the medal count control unit (steps S1014, S1403, S1406, and S1409). [Figure 131] Figure 124 is a flowchart of the medal awarding process (step S109). [Figure 132] This is the flowchart showing the flow of the timer interrupt processing in the game control unit. [Figure 133] Figure 132 is a flowchart of the wire break detection process, which is one of the error monitoring processes (step S203). [Figure 134] Figure 132 is a flowchart of the medal count control command reception process (step S206). [Figure 135] Figure 132 is a flowchart of the game control command transmission process (step S207). [Figure 136] This flowchart shows the main processing flow of the medal count control unit. [Figure 137] Figure 136 is a flowchart of the RAM abnormality detection process (step S302). [Figure 138] This table shows the scope of the RAM clearing process. [Figure 139] This is a flowchart of the error request setting process (step S3022) shown in Figure 137, etc. [Figure 140] Figure 136 is a flowchart of the preparation process (step S303). [Figure 141] Figure 136 is a flowchart of the gaming machine information notification transmission process (step S304). [Figure 142] Figure 141 is a flowchart of the process for acquiring the type of gaming machine information (step S3305). [Figure 143] Figure 136 is a flowchart of the count notification transmission process (step S305). [Figure 144] Figure 136 is a flowchart of the loan notification receipt confirmation process (step S306). [Figure 145] Figure 136 is a flowchart of the loan receipt result response transmission process (step S308). [Figure 146] This flowchart shows the flow of the medal count control timer interrupt processing. [Figure 147] Figure 146 is a flowchart of the loan notification reception process (step S404). [Figure 148] Figure 147 is a flowchart of the loan count determination process (step S4004). [Figure 149] Figure 146 is a flowchart of the process for updating the planned number of items to be counted (step S405). [Figure 150] Figure 146 is a flowchart of the game control unit command reception process (step S406). [Figure 151] Figure 150 shows the flowchart of the game control state command reception process (step S4304). [Figure 152] This is a flowchart (first half) of the game control priority command reception process (step S4305) in Figure 150. [Figure 153] This is the flowchart (second half) of the game control priority command reception process (step S4305) in Figure 150. [Figure 154] Figure 153 is a flowchart of the command reception process (step S4517). [Figure 155] Figure 153 is a flowchart of the settlement command reception process (step S4519). [Figure 156] Figure 153 is a flowchart of the start lever acceptance command reception process (step S4521). [Figure 157] Figures 156 and 158 show flowcharts of the game information setting process (steps S4806 and S4A19). [Figure 158]Figure 153 is a flowchart of the disbursement command reception process (step S4523). [Figure 159] Figure 158 is a flowchart of the process for checking for game token overflow (step S4A11). [Figure 160] Figure 153 is a flowchart of the error occurrence command reception process (step S4524). [Figure 161] Figure 146 is a flowchart of the error monitoring process (step S407). [Figure 162] Figure 146 is a flowchart of the process for sending a medal count control command to the game control unit (step S408). [Figure 163] Figure 146 is a flowchart of the display processing (step S409) of the display unit. [Figure 164] Figure 126 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the process during medal insertion. [Figure 165] Figure 129 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the triple command transmission process. [Figure 166] This flowchart shows a modified version of the command reception process shown in Figure 154. [Figure 167] Figure 149 is a flowchart showing a modified version of the process for updating the planned number of items to be counted. [Figure 168] Figure 149 is a flowchart showing a modified version of the process for updating the planned number of items to be counted. [Figure 169] (a) is a flowchart of the main processing performed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400, (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400, and (d) is a flowchart of the command processing (step S307) in (a). [Figure 170](a) is a flowchart of the main processing performed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, and (d) is a flowchart of the image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500. [Figure 171] This figure shows a first example in which the counting button 171 is operated. [Figure 172] This is a timing chart showing the first example of the presentation used when counting is taking place. [Figure 173] This timing chart shows an example where a bet was placed before operating the counting button 171, and the number of bets was not zero. [Figure 174] This is a timing chart showing an example of a counting completion animation. [Figure 175] This is a timing chart showing an example of what happens when the settlement button 134 is operated. [Figure 176] This figure shows an example where the number of items counted increases as the operating time of the counting button 171 increases. [Figure 177] (a) is a timing chart showing an example of a continuation of the example shown in Figure 176(c), and (b) is a timing chart showing an example of what happens when a power outage occurs while the number of sheets to be counted is set to 30, and then power is restored, as in the example shown in Figure 176(c). [Figure 178] This timing chart shows an example of using the planned count update process shown in Figure 168. [Figure 179] (a) is a timing chart showing an example where automatic counting ends when the value of "number of game tokens" stored in RAM358 reaches a certain value, and (b) is a timing chart showing an example where a power outage occurs during automatic counting and then power is restored. [Figure 180] This figure shows an example of a display indicating that automatic counting is in progress. [Figure 181] This figure shows an example of an audio output indicating that automatic counting is in progress. [Figure 182]This timing chart shows an example of what happens when a power outage occurs between the start of operation of the counting button 171 and before the 0.5-second judgment time for a long press operation has elapsed. [Figure 183] This is a timing chart showing a modified example of the one shown in Figure 182. [Figure 184] This timing chart shows another variation of the example shown in Figure 182. [Figure 185] (a) is a diagram showing an example of change display (subtraction) in the game token count display device 170, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of change display (addition) in the game token count display device 170. [Figure 186] This figure shows examples of other changes displayed in the game token count display device 170. [Figure 187] This diagram shows an example where, in addition to the game token count display device 170, the presentation image display device 157 also displays the "number of game tokens" stored in the RAM 358. [Figure 188] This figure shows a modified example of the example shown in Figure 187. [Figure 189] This figure shows a completely different example from the one shown in Figure 187. [Figure 190] (a) is a timing chart showing what happens when a payout attempts to be made exceeding the payout threshold, and (b) is a diagram showing another example of an error notification exceeding the upper limit. [Figure 191] (a) is a timing chart showing what happens when a payout is about to occur after exceeding the second payout threshold, and (b) is a diagram showing another example of an approaching upper limit notification. [Figure 192] This figure shows an example of what happens when a notification prompting counting coincides with an urgent error notification. [Figure 193] (a) is a diagram showing an example where the notification prompting counting continues even after switching to the demonstration display, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of the notification after the counting button 171 is operated during the demonstration. [Figure 194](a) is a diagram showing an example of notification when the "number of game tokens" exceeds a certain predetermined number, such as the payout threshold or the second payout threshold, and then falls below that predetermined number. (b) is a diagram showing an example of notification prompting counting when the "number of game tokens" exceeds the second payout threshold over multiple games. [Figure 195] (a) is a diagram showing an example of a notification prompting the player to count each time the number of "game tokens" increases by a predetermined number, (b) is a diagram showing an example of when the counting button 171 is operated in a favorable state for the player, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of when the counting button 171 is operated in a disadvantageous state for the player. [Figure 196] (a) is a diagram showing a modified version of the example shown in Figure 195(b), (b) is a diagram showing an example where the counting that was forcibly terminated has been restarted, and (c) is an example of the modified version described using (a) and (b) when the player is in an unfavorable state (for example, the normal state). [Figure 197] This timing chart shows an example where the VL signal from the rental unit 700 is turned off. [Figure 198] This diagram shows a second modified example in which the operation differs depending on whether the "number of game tokens" is below a certain threshold. [Figure 199] This timing chart shows another example where the VL signal from the rental unit 700 is turned off. [Figure 200] This diagram shows the change in the number of game tokens when the counting button 171 is pressed and held. [Figure 201] This diagram shows an example of a game animation that is performed depending on the number of tokens used. [Figure 202] This figure shows an example of the effects that are performed depending on the number of medals acquired in AT mode. [Figure 203] This figure shows an example of how the game behaves when the number of game tokens overflows. [Figure 204] This figure shows an example of the operation when a medal count control wire break error (error code E0) occurs. [Figure 205]This diagram shows an example of the operation when a game token limit exceeding error and a token count control wire break error (error code E0) occur simultaneously. [Figure 206] This figure shows an example of the operation when a disconnection error occurs in the medal count control unit. [Figure 207] This figure shows an example of how the system works when a permission period is set for outputting counting sounds during counting processing. [Figure 208] This figure shows the state of the slot machine 100 during the operation shown in Figure 207(a). [Figure 209] This figure shows the state of the slot machine 100 during the operation shown in Figure 207(b). [Figure 210] This figure shows an example of the communication cycle between each control unit and device. [Figure 211] Figure 136 is a flowchart showing an example of the counting notification transmission process (step S305) in the main processing of the medal count control unit. [Figure 212] Figure 169(a) is a flowchart showing an example of the sound control processing (step S511) in the main processing of the first sub-control unit 400. [Figure 213] This figure shows an example of the counting tone set by the process in Figure 212. [Figure 214] This figure shows a modified example of the counting tone shown in Figure 213. [Figure 215] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 216] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 217] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 218] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 219] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 220] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 221]This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 222] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 223] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 224] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 225] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 226] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 227] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 228] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 229] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 230] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 231] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 232] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 233] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 234] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 235] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 236] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 237] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 238] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 239] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 240] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 241] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 242] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 243] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 244] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 245] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 246] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 247] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 248] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Figure 249] This figure shows an example of operation based on Figures 210 to 213. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

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

[0011] The slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1 is an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention, and comprises a main body 101 and a front door 102 attached to the front of the main body 101 and which can be opened and closed relative to the main body 101.

[0012] The symbols on reels 110-112 are displayed vertically in approximately three positions from the symbol display window 113 located in front of each reel, resulting in a total of nine visible symbols. By rotating each reel 110-112, the combination of symbols visible to the player changes. In other words, each reel 110-112 functions as a display device that can display multiple combinations of symbols in a variable manner.

[0013] In addition to reels, other electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal displays can also be used as such display devices. Furthermore, although three reels are arranged in the center of the main body 101 in this embodiment, the number of reels and their installation positions are not limited to this.

[0014] The notification lamps 123 are used to inform the player, for example, that they have internally won a specific winning combination (e.g., a bonus combination) in the internal lottery, or that they are currently playing a bonus round. The token insertion lamps 124 are used to inform the player that they can insert tokens. The replay lamps 122 are used to inform the player that they can replay the current game (no token insertion is required) if they won a replay (replay combination), which is one of the winning combinations, in the previous game.

[0015] The bet button 132 is a button for inserting a predetermined number of tokens (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, pressing the bet button 132 inserts 3 tokens. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 will also be referred to as the MAX bet button. The game token insertion lamp 129 lights up a number of lamps corresponding to the number of tokens inserted, and when the predetermined number of tokens has been inserted, the game start lamp 121 lights up to indicate that the game can be started.

[0016] The performance button 156 is an operating means that can be operated by the player. In this embodiment, it is a button that can be pressed by the player and is used for various performance effects. The operating means used for such performance effects is not limited to a button, and may consist of, for example, a lever or a touch panel, or multiple operating means may be provided.

[0017] The medal slot 141 is where the player inserts medals to start playing. In other words, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet button 132, or by actually inserting medals into the medal slot 141 (insertion operation). Insertion includes both methods.

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

[0019] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch used to initiate the rotation of reels 110 to 112. In other words, by inserting the desired number of tokens into the token slot 141 or by operating the bet button 132, and then operating the start lever 135, reels 110 to 112 will begin to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is called the game start operation.

[0020] The stop button unit 136 is equipped with stop buttons 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating due to the operation of the start lever 135, and each is associated with a specific reel 110 to 112. In addition, a light-emitting element may be provided inside each stop button 137 to 139, and if the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light-emitting element can be illuminated to inform the player.

[0021] Hereinafter, operations performed on stop buttons 137 to 139 will be referred to as stop operations, with the first stop operation being the first stop operation (hereinafter also referred to as "1st stop" or "1st stop"), the next stop operation being the second stop operation (hereinafter also referred to as "2nd stop" or "2nd stop"), and the final stop operation being the third stop operation (hereinafter also referred to as "3rd stop" or "3rd stop").

[0022] Furthermore, the reels that are stopped in response to these stopping operations are referred to as the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel, respectively. In addition, the order in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are pressed to stop all of the rotating reels 110 to 112 is called the operation order (or pressing order).

[0023] The order of operation (pressing order) for stop buttons 137 to 139 is as follows, assuming the left stop button 137 is "left or R", the middle stop button 138 is "middle or C", and the right stop button 139 is "right or R": (1) Left → Middle → Right operation order (Left-Middle-Right or LCR), (2) Left → Right → Middle operation order (Left-Right-Middle or LRC), (3) Middle → Left → Right operation order (Middle-Left-Right or CLR), (4) Middle → Right → Left operation order (Middle-Right-Left or CRL), (5) Right → Left → Middle operation order (Right-Left-Middle or RLC), and (6) Right → Middle → Left operation order (Right-Middle-Left or RCL).

[0024] The medal return button 133 is a button to be pressed to remove medals if they become jammed. The settlement button 134 is a button to settle the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the medals that have been bet, and to dispense them from the medal payout opening 155. The door keyhole 140 is a hole for inserting a key to unlock the front door 102 of the slot machine 100.

[0025] Below the stop buttons 137-139, there is a medal payout opening 155 and a medal tray 161. The side lamps 144 and 654 located on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps to enhance the gaming experience.

[0026] A panel unit 750 (details to be described later) is installed above the front door 102, and a transmissive liquid crystal display device 157 is installed in front of the reels 110-112 below it.

[0027] Furthermore, the display device does not have to be a liquid crystal display; any display device capable of displaying various visual effects and game information is acceptable. For example, it could be a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen. The display screen is rectangular in shape and configured so that the entire screen is visible to the player. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it could also be square. Additionally, decorative elements (not shown) can be placed around the periphery of the display screen, so that a portion of the periphery is hidden by the decorative elements, resulting in the display screen appearing to have an irregular shape. In this embodiment, the display screen is flat, but it could also be curved. Furthermore, the location of the panel unit 750 is not limited to this example; for example, it could be placed below the front door 102.

[0028] Furthermore, the main unit 101 is equipped with a setting key that can be switched on and off by rotation, and a setting switch that can be pressed to change settings (setting value change operation) or to check settings. The setting key is an operation means for initiating setting changes or setting checks for setting values ​​(settings 1 to 6 in this example), and the setting switch is one of the setting means that can set one of multiple setting values.

[0029] <Winning Line> Next, we will explain the winning lines using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the winning lines for slot machine 100.

[0030] As explained using Figure 1, the symbols on reels 110-112 are displayed vertically in approximately three positions from the symbol display window 113 located in front of each reel 110-112, resulting in a total of nine symbols being visible to the player.

[0031] Specifically, the symbols displayed in the upper position of the left reel 110 (position 1 in the diagram; also called symbol position 1) are called the upper left reel symbols, the symbols displayed in the middle position of the left reel 110 (position 2 in the diagram; also called symbol position 2) are called the middle left reel symbols, and the symbols displayed in the lower position of the left reel 110 (position 3 in the diagram; also called symbol position 3) are called the lower left reel symbols.

[0032] Furthermore, the symbols displayed in the upper position of the middle reel 111 (position 4 in the diagram; also called symbol position 4) are called the upper middle reel symbols, the symbols displayed in the middle position of the middle reel 111 (position 5 in the diagram; also called symbol position 5) are called the middle middle reel symbols, and the symbols displayed in the lower position of the middle reel 111 (position 6 in the diagram; also called symbol position 6) are called the lower middle reel symbols.

[0033] Furthermore, the symbol displayed in the upper position of the right reel 112 (position 7 in the diagram; also called symbol position 7) is called the upper right reel symbol, the symbol displayed in the middle position of the right reel 112 (position 8 in the diagram; also called symbol position 8) is called the middle right reel symbol, and the symbol displayed in the lower position of the right reel 112 (position 9 in the diagram; also called symbol position 9) is called the lower right reel symbol.

[0034] In this embodiment, the only winning line provided is the middle winning line L1 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "winning line L1"), which consists of the middle symbol on the left reel (symbol position 2), the middle symbol on the middle reel (symbol position 5), and the middle symbol on the right reel (symbol position 8).

[0035] Here, the winning line is a line set at the stopping position of the symbols that can be seen through the symbol display window 113, and is the line on which it is determined whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination has been displayed (whether or not it has lined up). The valid winning lines (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "valid lines") are predetermined by the number of medals bet as the game medium.

[0036] The slot machine 100 of this embodiment is a machine that only accepts bets of 3 coins. When the number of coins inserted is less than 3, none of the winning lines are active. When 3 coins are bet, winning line L1 becomes active. Once a winning line is active, the player can start playing by operating the start lever 135.

[0037] Hereinafter, in the symbol display window 113, symbol positions 2, 5, and 8 on the winning line L1 may be referred to as "winning positions," while the other symbol positions, i.e., symbol positions 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9, may be referred to as "non-winning positions." In other words, a winning position is a position on the winning line where a symbol that constitutes a winning combination stops.

[0038] Furthermore, the number of winning lines is not limited to one. For example, in addition to winning line L1, a total of three lines may be set as valid winning lines: an upper winning line consisting of the upper symbols on the left reel, the upper symbols on the middle reel, and the upper symbols on the right reel; and a lower winning line consisting of the lower symbols on the left reel, the lower symbols on the middle reel, and the lower symbols on the right reel. Alternatively, a number of winning lines corresponding to the number of medals wagered may be set as valid winning lines.

[0039] <Internal structure> Next, the internal structure of the slot machine 100 will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3(a) is a front view of the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open, and Figure 3(b) is a side cross-sectional view of the slot machine 100.

[0040] The main body 101 is a box-shaped structure that opens to the front. Inside the main body 101 is a main control board storage case 210, which houses the main control board, and below this main control board storage case 210 are three reels 110 to 112.

[0041] Below this, a medal dispensing device 180 (a device that dispenses medals accumulated in a bucket) is installed, and above this medal dispensing device 180, that is, below the reels 110 to 112, a power supply unit (not shown) having a power supply board is installed. The power supply unit converts the AC power supplied to the slot machine 100 from an external source into DC power, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to the various control units and devices, such as the main control unit 300, sub-control units 400 and 500, which will be described later. Furthermore, it is equipped with an energy storage circuit (e.g., a capacitor) to supply power to a predetermined component (e.g., the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (e.g., 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off.

[0042] To the right of the medal dispensing device 180, there is a medal auxiliary storage compartment 240, and behind it is an overflow terminal (not shown).

[0043] The front door 102 is hinged to the left side of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276. Above the symbol display window 113 are reel front lighting 250 (details described later), liquid crystal display device 157, upper speaker 272, and a performance control unit 600 (details described later) that controls the liquid crystal display device 157, speaker 272, etc. Below the symbol display window 113 are a medal selector 170 for sorting inserted medals, and a passage 265 through which medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops counterfeit medals into the medal tray 161.

[0044] <Reel front illumination (first light-emitting means)> Next, the reel front illumination 250 (first light-emitting means) will be described using Figures 3(a) and 3(b).

[0045] The reel front lighting 250 is a light-emitting means (first light-emitting means) that illuminates the reel strips of each reel 110 to 112 (only the reel strip 111a of the middle reel 111 is shown in Figure 3(b)) from the front side (front), and in this example it is installed above the pattern display window 113 on the back of the front door 102 so as to face the reel strips of reels 110 to 112.

[0046] The reel front lighting 250 in this example is configured to have a plurality of LEDs capable of emitting light toward the front of the reel strip of reels 110 to 112, and a colored transparent (milky white in this example) lens cover positioned in front of these LEDs.

[0047] In the present invention, the "first light-emitting means" is "a light-emitting means capable of illuminating at least the reel band of the reel from the front side," and its structure is not particularly limited. However, if there is no lens cover, or if the lens cover is made of a colorless transparent material, the light emitted from the LED may reflect as granular light onto the reel band of the reels 110 to 112 (so-called "point light"), which may make the reels 110 to 112 look bad, or the light emitted from the LED may not spread properly and may not illuminate the entire reel band uniformly, potentially making the reels 110 to 112 difficult to see. Therefore, it is preferable to cover the front of the LED with a lens cover made of a colored transparent material.

[0048] Furthermore, the relationship between the shortest distance α from the reel front light 250 (first light-emitting means) to the reel band and the shortest distance β from the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means), which will be described later, is "shortest distance α < shortest distance β", meaning that the reel front light 250 is located closer to the reel band than the reel backlight 264.

[0049] Thus, the reel front light 250 is equipped with a lens cover because its close distance to the reel band makes it prone to appearing as a point of light. On the other hand, the reel back light 264 is located at a greater distance from the reel band than the reel front light 250, and the light emitted from the LED has sufficient distance to diffuse. Furthermore, the reflector 266, which will be described later, also diffuses the light sufficiently, so a lens cover is not provided.

[0050] <Reel backlight (second light source)> Next, the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) will be explained using Figures 3(b) and 4.

[0051] The slot machine 100 in this example is composed of a left reel device (not shown) equipped with a left reel 110, a middle reel device 260 (see Figure 3(b)) equipped with a middle reel 111, a right reel device (not shown) equipped with a right reel 112, and a reel frame 262 (see Figure 3(b)) capable of housing these three reel devices inside.

[0052] Since the structure of the left and right reel devices of the slot machine 100 in this example is the same as the structure of the middle reel device 260, we will explain the middle reel device 260 here, and omit the explanations of the left and right reel devices.

[0053] The middle reel device 260 is configured to include a middle reel 111, a reel drive unit (not shown) that rotates the middle reel 111, a reel backlight 264 that illuminates the reel strip 111a of the middle reel 111 from the rear (back) side, and a reel detection unit (not shown) for detecting the rotational position of the middle reel 111.

[0054] The central reel 111 is composed of a reel strip 111a on which multiple types of patterns are printed at equal intervals, and a reel frame 111b that supports both sides of the reel strip 111a. The reel strip 111a is a flat ring-shaped member formed by bonding the longitudinal ends of rectangular strip members together.

[0055] Figure 4(a) is a front view of the reel backlight 264, Figure 4(b) is a side view of the reel backlight 264, and Figure 4(c) is an external perspective view of the components constituting the reel backlight 264, viewed from the front.

[0056] The reel backlight 264 is a light-emitting means (second light-emitting means) that illuminates the reel bands of each reel 110 to 112 from the rear (back side), and in this example it consists of a reflector 266, a lighting board 268 that is detachably attached to the back of the reflector 266, and a decorative plate 270 that is arranged on the side of the reflector 266.

[0057] In this example, the reflector 266 of the reel backlight 264 is made of white plastic, but the material of the reflector 266 of the reel backlight 264 is not particularly limited and may be metal or a material of another color.

[0058] The reflector 266 has three vertically aligned openings 266a to 266c that extend from the front to the back. The lighting substrate 268 has six LEDs 268a positioned at the locations corresponding to these openings 266a to 266c.

[0059] The openings 266a to 266c of the reflector 266 and the LED 268a of the middle reel device 260 are positioned in the middle reel device 260 to correspond to the symbol positions (symbol positions 4 to 6 as explained using Figure 2) that are displayed in the symbol display window 113 when the device is attached to the middle reel device 260.

[0060] The openings 266a to 266c of the reflector 266 of the left reel device (not shown) and the LED 266a are positioned in the left reel device when attached to the left reel device, corresponding to the symbol positions (symbol positions 1 to 3 as explained using Figure 2) that are displayed in the symbol display window 113.

[0061] The openings 266a to 266c of the reflector 266 and the LED 268a of the right reel device (not shown) are positioned in the right reel device to correspond to the symbol positions (symbol positions 7 to 9 as explained using Figure 2) that are displayed in the symbol display window 113 when the device is attached.

[0062] In this example, six LEDs 268a are placed at positions corresponding to openings 266a to 266c, so that the light emitted from one opening does not interfere with the light emitted from other openings. This allows light to be uniformly illuminated at each of the multiple pattern positions in the pattern display window 113.

[0063] For example, by lighting up all LED268a, all symbols visible to the player can be illuminated from behind. Alternatively, by lighting up some of the LED268a, some of the symbols visible to the player can be illuminated from behind. Note that the openings and the number and position of the LEDs are not limited to this example.

[0064] Furthermore, in this example, the reflector 266 is provided with multiple slits (grooves) 266d to 266g at predetermined intervals on the lower surface of the upper opening 266a, the upper and lower surfaces of the central opening 266b, and the upper surface of the lower opening 266c. This allows the light emitted from the LED 268a to be uniformly illuminated onto the design located in front, thereby improving the visibility of the design.

[0065] Furthermore, the slit 266d on the lower surface of the upper opening 266a, the slit 266e on the upper surface of the central opening 266b, the slit 266f on the lower surface of the central opening 266b, and the slit 266g on the upper surface of the lower opening 266c are arranged so that the areas where slits are formed and the areas where slits are not formed are staggered in the vertical direction (so that the positions of the slits do not coincide above and below the partition of the opening). This structure prevents light emitted from adjacent openings through the slits from interfering with each other.

[0066] Furthermore, since the reel backlight 264 is able to sufficiently and uniformly illuminate the reel strip with the reflector 266 and slits (grooves) 266d~266g, it does not have a lens cover like the reel front light 250. However, it may be configured to have a lens cover, which would allow the reel strip to be illuminated uniformly, and would also reduce glare for workers as they do not need to look directly at the reel backlight 264 during reel assembly or maintenance of the gaming machine.

[0067] <Department Head> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be explained in detail using Figure 5. Note that this figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

[0068] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main effects in accordance with command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") transmitted by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on commands transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400.

[0069] <Main Control Unit> First, let's describe the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100. The main control unit 300 is equipped with a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. This basic circuit 302 is equipped with a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control program data, lottery data used when internally drawing winning combinations, reel stopping positions, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling the input and output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of spins, etc., and a WDT (watchdog timer) 314. Note that other storage devices may be used instead of ROM 306 and RAM 308, and this also applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500, which will be described later.

[0070] The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output by the crystal oscillator 315b as the system clock. Furthermore, when power is turned on, the CPU 304 sends frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time. The CPU 304 then performs monitoring of various sensors and transmission of drive pulses based on this interrupt request. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1 / 256, and the frequency division data in the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference interrupt time will be 256 × 47 ÷ 8MHz = 1.504ms.

[0071] The main control unit 300 includes a random value generation circuit 316 (which is assumed to have two built-in random value generation circuits) that derives a value in the range of 0 to 65535 each time it receives a clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315a, and a start signal output circuit 338 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 starts game control (starts the main processing of the main control unit, which will be described later) when it receives a start signal from the start signal output circuit 338.

[0072] The random value generation circuit 316 generates random values ​​for use in the basic circuit 302. There are two main methods for generating random values ​​in this random value generation circuit 316: counter mode and random number mode. In counter mode, a number that counts up (down) at predetermined time intervals is acquired, and that number is derived as a random value. There are two further methods in random number mode. The first method in random number mode is to perform an operation using a predetermined function (e.g., a modulus function) with a random value seed, and derive the result of this operation as a random value. The second method is to read a number from a random number table in the range of 0 to 65535, and derive the read number as a random value. The random value generation circuit 316 acquires irregular values ​​by utilizing the white noise superimposed on the signals input to the sensor circuit 320 from various sensors 318. The random number generation circuit 316 uses the values ​​obtained in this way as the initial value of a counter that counts up (down) in counter mode, as a seed for random numbers, or to determine the starting position for reading the random number table.

[0073] Furthermore, the main control unit 300 is equipped with a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 monitors the status of various sensors 318 (bet button 132 sensor, medal reception sensor for medals inserted from medal slot 141, start lever 135 sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal dispensing sensor for medals dispensed from medal dispensing device 180, etc.) at interrupt intervals.

[0074] Furthermore, when the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random value generation circuit 316. Upon receiving this signal, the random value generation circuit 316 latches the value at that moment and stores it in a register that stores random values ​​to be used for the lottery.

[0075] Two medal reception sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal slot 141 to detect whether or not a medal has passed through. Two start lever sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 to detect the start operation by the player. Stop button sensors 137, 138, and 139 are installed on the respective stop buttons 137 to 139 to detect the operation of the stop buttons by the player.

[0076] The bet button 132 sensor is installed on the bet button 132 and detects the insertion operation when inserting tokens electronically stored in the RAM 308 as tokens to be used in the game. The payout button 134 sensor is installed on the payout button 134. When the payout button 134 is pressed once, the electronically stored tokens are paid out. The token dispensing sensor is a sensor for detecting the tokens to be dispensed by the token dispensing device 180. Note that each of the above sensors may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor.

[0077] The main control unit 300 includes a drive circuit 322 that drives the reels 110-112, a drive circuit 324 that drives a solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 that sorts the inserted medals, a drive circuit 326 that drives a motor provided in the medal dispensing device 180, and a drive circuit 328 that drives various lamps 336 (winning line indicator lamp 120, notification lamp 123, game medal insertion ready lamp 124, replay lamp 122, game medal insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, stored medal count indicator 125, game information indicator 126, and payout count indicator 127).

[0078] Furthermore, the basic circuit 302 is connected to an information output circuit 334 (external centralized terminal board 248), and the main control unit 300 outputs game information (for example, game status) of the slot machine 100 to an information input circuit 651 provided by an external hall computer (not shown) via this information output circuit 334.

[0079] Furthermore, the main control unit 300 includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied to the main control unit 300 from the power management unit (not shown). The voltage monitoring circuit 330 outputs a low voltage signal to the basic circuit 302 indicating that the voltage has dropped when the voltage value of the power supply falls below a predetermined value (9V in this embodiment).

[0080] Furthermore, the main control unit 300 is equipped with an output interface for sending commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. Information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is unidirectional; the main control unit 300 is configured to send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to send signals such as commands to the main control unit 300.

[0081] <Deputy Commander> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 receives control commands transmitted by the main control unit 300 via an input interface and includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on these control commands. This basic circuit 402 is equipped with a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, number of spins, etc. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by receiving a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 414 as the system clock. The ROM 406 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, data for controlling the light emission color and lighting pattern of the reel front lighting 250 and reel backlight 264, and data for controlling various indicators.

[0082] The CPU 404 transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0083] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a sound source IC 418, to which speakers 272 and 277 are connected via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls the sound output from the amplifier and speakers 272 and 277 in response to commands from the CPU 404. The sound source IC 418 is connected to an S-ROM (sound ROM) in which sound data is stored, and the sound data acquired from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from speakers 272 and 277.

[0084] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, reel front lighting 250, reel backlight 264, panel lighting board 664 of the panel unit 750, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface.

[0085] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a sensor circuit 426, and the sensor circuit 426 is connected to a performance button sensor 430 capable of detecting the pressing operation of the performance button 156 via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the status of the shutter sensor 428 and the performance button sensor 430 at interrupt intervals.

[0086] Furthermore, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub-control unit 500 via an output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls, including display control of the performance image display device 157 (hereinafter also referred to as the "liquid crystal display device 157"). The second sub-control unit 500 may be composed of multiple control units, for example, a control unit that controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 157, and a control unit that controls various performance drive devices.

[0087] The second sub-control unit 500 receives control commands transmitted by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and includes a basic circuit 502 that controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on these control commands. This basic circuit 502 is equipped with a CPU 504, RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, I / O 510 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 512 for measuring time, counts, etc. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by receiving a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 514 as the system clock. The ROM 506 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, etc.

[0088] The CPU 504 transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 504 at each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0089] Furthermore, the second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a VDP 516 (video display processor), to which a ROM 506 and a VRAM 518 are connected via a bus. Based on signals from the CPU 504, the VDP 516 reads image data stored in the ROM 506, generates a display image using the work area of ​​the VRAM 518, and displays the image on the presentation image display device 157.

[0090] <Notification of cancellation of freeze animation> Next, I will explain the notification that the freeze animation has been canceled.

[0091] Here, a "freeze" effect refers to an effect that gives the impression that a planned effect has been interrupted midway, or an effect that gives the impression that the slot machine has become unresponsive. Furthermore, with respect to light-emitting means such as lamps, for example, a freeze may refer to the cessation of changes in the pattern of light emission; with respect to sound-output means such as speakers, for example, a freeze may refer to the continuous output of the same sound; and with respect to movable parts such as reels, for example, a freeze may refer to the cessation of their operation midway.

[0092] In this example, as a freeze effect, even if the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110-112 will not start rotating, and the operation of the control devices (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) will be disabled for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), creating a reel effect that makes it appear as if the slot machine 100 has become unresponsive.

[0093] <Notification of Freeze effect cancellation / Overview of effects A to C> Next, Figure 6 will be used to explain the general overview of the effects that the slot machine 100 can perform. Figure 6 is a diagram that shows the general flow of several types of effects in chronological order.

[0094] The slot machine 100 is capable of executing at least four types of effects A, A', B, and C. Of these four types of effects, effects A, B, and C are all effects that can execute reel effects and continuous effects or cancellation notifications using the liquid crystal display device 157, while effect A' is an effect that can execute reel effects and continuous effects using the liquid crystal display device 157, but does not execute cancellation notifications.

[0095] The following provides a detailed explanation of each aspect of the production.

[0096] <Notification of Freeze effect cancellation / Overview of effect A> Next, we will explain the outline of performance A using Figure 6(a). Figure 6(a) is a diagram showing the general flow of performance A in chronological order.

[0097] Performance A is a performance that has a period (first period) T1 during which operation of the control means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is invalid after the start lever 135 is operated, and a period (second period) T2 during which the reels 110-112 can start rotating if the control means is operated while the reels 110-112 are stopped, and a notification prompting operation of the control means (first notification) may start after the first time t1 (15 seconds in this example) has elapsed since the start of the second period T2. Note that the first period may include the game interval timer (so-called 4.1 second wait).

[0098] In production A, when the first period T1 begins, a freeze effect is triggered, which starts the execution of a reel effect, and at the same time, a continuous effect using the liquid crystal display device 157 is triggered, which starts the execution of a special zone entry effect.

[0099] The reel animation is an animation in which the rotation of reels 110-112 is not started even when the start lever 135 is operated (reels 110-112 are frozen). In animation A, this reel animation is performed from the time the start lever 135 is operated until a predetermined time (third time t3; in this example, 5 seconds) has elapsed.

[0100] The special zone entry sequence is a continuous sequence of animations, and in this example, it mainly consists of the scenario: "teasing sequence → success sequence → special zone explanation → special zone explanation ends". In sequence A, this special zone entry sequence is executed from the time the start lever 135 is operated until a predetermined time (the fourth time t4; in this example, 18 seconds) has elapsed.

[0101] The period during which the reel animation is running (first period) T1 (= third period t3) is a period during which operation of the control devices (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is disabled.

[0102] When the period (first period) T1 during which this reel animation is being performed ends, the second period T2 immediately begins. This second period T2 is the period during which reels 110-112 can start spinning if the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is operated while reels 110-112 are stopped.

[0103] In production A, after a predetermined time (first time t1; 15 seconds in this example) has elapsed since the start of the second period T2 (20 seconds after the start of the first period T1), a notification prompting the operation of the control device (for example, the bet button 132) (first notification; first cancellation notification) is initiated.

[0104] In this example, the execution time of the special zone entry animation (fourth time t4) is set to be shorter than the sum of the time during which the reel animation is performed (first period) T1 (third time t3; 5 seconds in this example) and the time from the start of the second period T2 until the start of the first cancellation notification (first time t1; 15 seconds in this example) (= t3 + t1; 20 seconds in this example) (18 seconds in this example). However, it may also be the same as the time from when the start lever 135 is operated until the start of the first cancellation notification (20 seconds in this example).

[0105] Next, in performance A, when a period longer than the second period T2 (60 seconds in this example) has elapsed since the start of the second period T2 (when 60 seconds have elapsed since the start of the first period T1 and a timeout occurs), the reels 110-112 will start rotating even if the operating means (for example, the bet button 132) is not operated after the first notification (first cancellation notification) has started.

[0106] In this example, if the player does not notice the notification, the game can be advanced by having the reels spin without the player's input.

[0107] In performance A, the duration of the reel animation (first period) T1 (third time t3; 5 seconds in this example), the time from the start of the second period T2 until the start of the first cancellation notification (first time t1; 15 seconds in this example), and the timeout period for the second period T2 (60 seconds in this example) are all counted (measured) using the first timer, which is the same as that used for performance B, which will be described later.

[0108] In this example, the timers used in effects A and B can be shared, reducing and effectively utilizing the limited memory capacity, and simplifying the control of the effects.

[0109] In addition, while the example in production A shows a reel animation along with a success animation (an animation that confirms the transition to the special zone) in the special zone entry animation, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0110] Figure 6(b) is a diagram showing the general flow of production A' in chronological order.

[0111] In this example, as a continuous performance using the liquid crystal display device 157, the special zone entry performance of performance A is replaced with a special zone failure performance, which is executed until a predetermined time (2 seconds in this example) has elapsed since the start lever 135 was operated. In other words, the manner and duration of the performances to be executed during the "first period" or "second period" according to the present invention are not particularly limited, and any performance that is completed before the "first notification" begins is acceptable.

[0112] The special zone failure animation is a continuous animation that includes a series of animation displays, and in this example, it mainly consists of a scenario of "hype animation → failure animation". When the special zone failure animation is performed together with the reel animation, the reels 110-112 start to rotate even if the operating means (e.g., bet button 132) is not operated, after the start lever 135 is operated and at least one game-long wait time (4.172 seconds) has elapsed (in this example, after the 5-second reel animation has finished), without transitioning from the first period T1 to the second period T2.

[0113] Furthermore, if the special zone failure animation is performed along with the reel animation, the game will not transition to the second period T2 after the first period T1, and therefore the first notification (first cancellation notification) that can be performed in the second period T2 will not be performed.

[0114] <Notification of Freeze effect cancellation / Overview of effect B> Next, we will explain the outline of performance B using Figure 6(c). Figure 6(c) is a diagram showing the general flow of performance B in chronological order.

[0115] Performance B is a performance that has a period (first period) T1 during which operation of the control means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is invalid after the start lever 135 is operated, and a period (second period) T2 during which the reels 110-112 can start rotating if the control means is operated while the reels 110-112 are stopped, and a notification prompting operation of the control means (second notification) may start after a second time t2 (35 seconds in this example) has elapsed since the start of the second period T2.

[0116] In performance B, when the first period T1 begins, a freeze effect is triggered, which starts the execution of a reel effect, and at the same time, a continuous effect using the liquid crystal display device 157 is triggered, which starts the execution of a bonus confirmation effect.

[0117] The reel animation is an animation in which the rotation of reels 110-112 is not started even when the start lever 135 is operated (reels 110-112 are frozen). In animation B, this reel animation is performed until a predetermined time (third time t3; in this example, 5 seconds) has elapsed since the start lever 135 was operated.

[0118] The bonus confirmation animation is a continuous animation that includes a series of animation displays, and in this example, it mainly consists of the scenario: "teasing animation → bonus confirmation announcement → bonus animation → end of bonus animation". In animation B, this bonus confirmation animation is performed from the time the start lever 135 is operated until a predetermined time (the fifth time t5; in this example, 38 seconds) has elapsed.

[0119] The period during which the reel animation is being performed (the first period) T1 is a period during which operation of the control devices (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is disabled.

[0120] When the period (first period) T1 during which this reel animation is being performed ends, the second period T2 immediately begins. This second period T2 is the period during which reels 110-112 can start spinning if the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is operated while reels 110-112 are stopped.

[0121] In production B, after a predetermined time (second time t2; 35 seconds in this example) has elapsed since the start of the second period T2, a notification prompting the user to operate the control device (for example, the bet button 132) (second notification; second cancellation notification) is initiated.

[0122] In this example, the execution time of the overlay confirmation effect (the fifth time t5) is set to be shorter than the time obtained by adding the time of the third time t3 (in this example, 5 seconds), which is the time of the first period T1 during which the reel effect is being executed, and the time of the second time t2 (in this example, 35 seconds), which is the time from the start of the second period T2 until the start of the second cancellation notification. Specifically, it is set to 38 seconds in this example. However, it may also be the same time as the time from when the start lever 135 is operated until the start of the second cancellation notification (in this example, 40 seconds).

[0123] Subsequently, in effect B, when a period longer than the second period T2 (in this example, 60 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the second period T2 (when 60 seconds have elapsed since the start of the first period T1 and a timeout occurs), the reels 110 - 112 start rotating even if the operating means (for example, the bet button 132) is not operated after the start of the second notification (the second cancellation notification).

[0124] According to this example, when the player does not notice the notification, the progress of the game can be promoted by rotating the reels without the player's operation.

[0125] In effect B, the counting (measurement) of the time of the third time t3 (in this example, 5 seconds), which is the time of the first period T1 during which the reel effect is being executed, the time of the second time t2 (in this example, 35 seconds), which is the time from the start of the second period T2 until the start of the second cancellation notification, and the timeout time of the second period T2 (in this example, 60 seconds) is performed by the first timer common to effect A.

[0126] According to this example, the timers used in effect A and effect B can be shared, reducing and effectively utilizing the limited memory capacity, and simplifying the effect control.

[0127] <Overview of Freeze Effect Cancellation Notification / Effect C> Next, the overview of effect C will be described using FIG. 6(d). FIG. 6(d) is a diagram showing the general flow of effect C in chronological order.

[0128] Performance C is a performance that includes a period (fourth period) T4 during which operation of the control means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is invalid after the start lever 135 is operated, and a period (fifth period) T5 during which the reels 110-112 can start rotating if the control means is operated while the reels 110-112 are stopped. In some cases, a notification prompting operation of the control means (third notification) may start after the sixth time t6 (110 seconds in this example) has elapsed since the start of the fifth period T5.

[0129] In production C, when the fourth period T4 begins, a freeze effect is triggered, starting with the execution of a reel effect, and a continuous effect using the liquid crystal display device 157 is triggered, starting with the execution of a higher-level AT entry effect.

[0130] The reel animation is an animation in which the rotation of reels 110-112 is not started even when the start lever 135 is operated (reels 110-112 are frozen). In animation C, this reel animation is performed until a predetermined time (30 seconds in this example) has elapsed after the start lever 135 is operated.

[0131] The higher-level AT entry sequence is a continuous sequence of animations, and in this example, it mainly consists of the scenario: "hype sequence → display of premium image & entry notification → premium image explanation → end of premium image explanation". In sequence C, this higher-level AT entry sequence is executed from the time the start lever 135 is operated until a predetermined time (135 seconds in this example) has elapsed.

[0132] Furthermore, among the animation displays that make up the higher-level AT entry sequence, the animation display of "hype sequence → display of premium image & entry notification" (30 seconds) is a display that we definitely want the player to see. For this reason, in sequence C, priority is given to executing the reel sequence and counting (measuring) the time (30 seconds in this example) for displaying the "hype sequence → display of premium image & entry notification" animation, and a second timer separate from the first timer used in sequences A and B is used.

[0133] The period during which the reel animation is being performed (the fourth period) T4 is a period during which operation of the control devices (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is disabled.

[0134] When the period in which this reel animation is being performed (the fourth period) T4 ends, the fifth period T5 immediately begins. This fifth period T5 is the period in which reels 110-112 can start spinning if the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is operated while reels 110-112 are stopped.

[0135] In production C, after the time elapsed from the start of the fifth period T5 until the start of the third cancellation notification (sixth period t6; 110 seconds in this example), a notification prompting the operation of the control device (e.g., the bet button 132) (third notification; third cancellation notification) begins.

[0136] Next, in the performance C, if a period longer than the fifth period T5 (180 seconds in this example) has elapsed since the start of the fifth period T5 (180 seconds have elapsed since the start of the fourth period T4 and a timeout occurs), the reels 110-112 will start rotating even if the operating means (for example, the bet button 132) is not operated after the start of the third notification (third cancellation notification).

[0137] In this example, if the player does not notice the notification, the game can be advanced by having the reels spin without the player's input.

[0138] In Performance C, the second timer executes the counting of the time of the fourth period T4 (in this example, 30 seconds) during which the reel performance is being executed, the time from the start of the fifth period T5 until the start of the third cancellation notification (the sixth time t6. In this example, 110 seconds), and the timeout time of the fifth period T5 (in this example, 180 seconds).

[0139] As described above, in Performance C, the time count (measurement) is executed based on the time (in this example, 30 seconds) during which the reel performance is executed and the animation display of "fanning performance → display of premium image & entry notification" is performed, and the second timer is used for this count.

[0140] If this second timer is used in common for Performance A and Performance B as well, in Performance A, during the execution of the 30 - second reel performance, the 18 - second specialized zone entry performance will end, and in Performance B, during the execution of the 30 - second reel performance, the 38 - second additional confirmation performance will not end, and the additional confirmation performance will continue to be executed even in the second period T2 during which the reel can rotate, resulting in a period during which the reel performance cannot be canceled, which may cause dissatisfaction among players.

[0141] In this regard, according to this example, while Performance A and Performance B use a common first timer to count the performance time, Performance C uses a second timer different from the first timer to count the performance time. Therefore, it is possible to execute other performances in accordance with the mode and time of the freeze performance, provide diverse performances to players, and enhance the satisfaction of players.

[0142] <Specific Example 1 of Freeze Performance Cancellation Notification / Performance A> Next, using FIGS. 7(a), 8 - 9, the specific example 1 of Performance A described using FIG. 6(a) will be explained. FIG. 7(a) is a time chart showing an example of the flow of Performance A in chronological order, and FIGS. 8 - 9 are diagrams showing the specific example 1 of Performance A in chronological order.

[0143] The state shown in FIG. 8(a) is the state immediately after the Nth (N is a positive integer) game has ended and before the production A is started. In this state, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, there is a background image of a closed closet, a display of the remaining AT games (in this example, a display of the character string "AT Remaining 30G" indicating that the remaining number of games in the AT game is 30), and a display of the number of medals acquired in the AT game (in this example, a display of the character string "322GET" indicating that 322 medals have been acquired).

[0144] Also, since this state is immediately after the Nth game has ended, all the reels 110 to 112 are in a stopped state.

[0145] The state shown in the subsequent FIG. 8(b) is the state in which an operation of the start lever 135 (lever operation) is performed after the Nth game and the (N + 1)th game is started, and is the state at the timing indicated by the reference symbol EA1 in FIG. 7(a).

[0146] In this state, since the (N + 1)th game has started, the display of the remaining AT games is updated. In this example, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, a display of the character string "AT Remaining 29G" indicating that the remaining number of games in the AT game is 29 is being performed.

[0147] Also, in this state, the first period T1 is started triggered by the lever operation. This first period T1 is a period during which operations of the operation means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.) are invalid.

[0148] In this example, since the first period T1 has started, the reel production of the production A is started and the count of the first timer that manages the execution time of the production A is started. Since the reel production is a production that does not start the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 (freezes the reels 110 to 112) even when the start lever 135 is operated, all the reels 110 to 112 remain in a stopped state.

[0149] Furthermore, in the same state, since the first period T1 has started, the liquid crystal display device 157 is used to start the special zone entry sequence of sequence A. In sequence A, this special zone entry sequence is executed until a predetermined time (fourth time t4; 18 seconds in this example) has elapsed since the start lever 135 was operated. However, since the special zone entry sequence consists of a scenario of "hype sequence → success sequence → special zone explanation → special zone explanation ends", the hype sequence is started first.

[0150] The state shown in Figures 8(c) to 8(d) is a state in which the reel animation continues while the LCD display 157 is executing a special zone entry animation.

[0151] In this example, as a build-up to the special zone entry sequence, an animation is displayed showing a human figure appearing behind a closed sliding door, followed by the appearance of a family crest's shadow.

[0152] The state shown in Figure 8(e) is a state in which the reel animation continues while the liquid crystal display device 157 is executing the successful animation for entering the special zone, and this is the state at the timing indicated by the symbol EA2 in Figure 7(a).

[0153] In this example, the successful animation for entering the special zone includes an animation showing a closed sliding door opening to reveal a family crest, and the text "Entering Special Zone" indicating a transition to the special zone.

[0154] The state shown in Figure 8(f) is a state in which the reel animation continues while the liquid crystal display device 157 begins explaining the special zone for the special zone entry animation.

[0155] In this example, the text "Special Zone Explanation" is displayed at the start of the explanation for the special zone during the special zone entry animation, indicating that an explanation about the special zone is about to begin.

[0156] The state shown in Figure 8(g) is the state after the reel animation has finished. When the first timer detects that the time for executing the reel animation (third time t3; 5 seconds in this example) has elapsed, the reel animation ends and the second period T2 begins. This second period T2 is the period in which reels 110-112 can start rotating if the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is operated while reels 110-112 are stopped.

[0157] The states shown in Figures 8(h) and 9(a) to 9(b) are those in which the reels 110 to 112 can be started to rotate by operating the operating means, and the liquid crystal display device 157 is executing the special zone explanation for the special zone entry animation.

[0158] In this example, to explain the special zone, the following are displayed: the text "Ninja Appearance +5G" and an image of the ninja character (see Figure 8(h)) are shown, suggesting that if a ninja character appears in the special zone, the remaining number of AT games will increase by 5 games; the text "Kunoichi Appearance +10G" and an image of the Kunoichi character (see Figure 9(a)) are shown, suggesting that if a Kunoichi character appears in the special zone, the remaining number of AT games will increase by 10 games; and the text "Ninja and Kunoichi +30G" and images of the ninja and Kunoichi characters (see Figure 9(b)) are shown, suggesting that if both a ninja and a Kunoichi character appear in the special zone, the remaining number of AT games will increase by 30 games.

[0159] The state shown in Figure 9(c) is a state in which reels 110 to 112 can start rotating by operating the operating means, and the liquid crystal display device 157 has finished explaining the special zone in the special zone entry sequence, which is the state at the timing indicated by symbol EA3 in Figure 7(a).

[0160] In this example, since the execution time for the special zone entry sequence (the fourth time t4; 18 seconds in this example) has elapsed, the display at the end of the special zone explanation shows an image of a washbasin and the text "Ends with a washbasin," which suggests that the special zone ends when a washbasin appears in the special zone.

[0161] In this example, all the desired effects can be shown to the player before informing them that the reels can be spun, while players who are in a hurry to play can start spinning the reels and proceed with the game before the notification begins, thereby increasing player satisfaction.

[0162] The state shown in Figures 9(d) and 9(e) is 20 seconds after the start of performance A, and corresponds to the state at the timing indicated by symbol EA4 in Figure 7(a).

[0163] When the first timer detects that the total time elapsed—the sum of the first period T1 (third time t3; 5 seconds in this example) during which the reel animation is performed, and the first time t1 (15 seconds in this example) from the start of the second period T2 (= t3 + t1; 20 seconds in this example)—the first cancellation notification (first notification) is initiated.

[0164] In this example, as the first cancellation notification, the light-emitting part of the bet button 132 (not shown) is illuminated, and the text "Reels will start spinning when you bet" is displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157, indicating that the reels 110-112 can be started to spin by operating the bet button 132. In addition, as the background image for the first cancellation notification, at least a portion of the display shown at the end of the special zone explanation in Figure 9(c) is continuously displayed.

[0165] In this example, until the first notification is issued, it is possible to keep the player focused on the reels and effects, thereby preventing the player from suffering any disadvantage.

[0166] Furthermore, since the notification begins while the animation is paused after it finishes, the entire animation can be shown to the player. Additionally, the end of the animation itself can sometimes function as a notification encouraging the player to continue playing.

[0167] Furthermore, the change in the appearance of the bet button makes it easier for players to notice and prompts them to operate the bet button.

[0168] The state shown in Figures 9(f) and 9(g) is 60 seconds after the start of performance A, and corresponds to the state at the timing indicated by symbol EA6 in Figure 7(a).

[0169] When the first timer counts up and detects that a time has elapsed longer than the sum of the first period T1 (third time t3; 5 seconds in this example) during which the reel animation is performed, and the first time t1 (15 seconds in this example) from the start of the second period T2 (= t3 + t1; 20 seconds in this example), (i.e., a timeout occurs after 60 seconds have elapsed since the start of the first period T1), the reels 110-112 will start spinning even if the operating means (bet button 132 in this example) is not operated after the first cancellation notification (first notification) is issued.

[0170] In this example, if the player does not notice the notification, the game can be advanced by having the reels spin without the player's input.

[0171] Furthermore, in the same state, triggered by the start of rotation of reels 110-112 due to a timeout, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a push order navigation (in this example, an image of "2 1 3" indicating that the order of pressing stop buttons 137-139 is middle → left → right), a ninja character image, and the string "+5" indicating that the remaining number of AT games will increase by 5 games.

[0172] The state shown in the subsequent Fig. 9(h) is a state where the stop buttons 137 to 139 are operated and all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped.

[0173] In this state, while the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is stopped and the remaining game count of the AT has increased by 5 games, the display of the remaining games of the AT is updated. In this example, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, a string "AT Remaining 34G" indicating that the remaining game count of the AT game is 34 is displayed.

[0174] <Specific Example 2 of Freeze Effect Cancellation Notification / Effect A> Next, with reference to Figs. 7(a), 10 to 11, the specific example 2 of the effect A described using Fig. 6(a) will be explained. Figs. 10 to 11 are diagrams showing the specific example 2 of the effect A in chronological order.

[0175] Note that since the mode of the specific example 2 of the effect A shown in Fig. 10 (Figs. 10(a) to 10(h)) is substantially the same as the mode of the specific example 1 of the effect A described using Fig. 8 (Figs. 8(a) to 8(h)), the detailed explanation thereof is omitted, but an effect different from the mode of the specific example 1 of the effect A may be executed.

[0176] In the specific example 2 of the effect A, when the successful effect shown in Fig. 10(e) is executed, the bet button 132 is operated. However, this state is a period during which the reel effect is being executed, and since it is the first period T1 in which the operations of the operation means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.) are invalid, the operation of the bet button 132 is not accepted and the reels 110 to 112 remain stopped.

[0177] The state shown in Fig. 11(a) is a state where the reels 110 to 112 can be started to rotate by the operation of the operation means, and the liquid crystal display device 157 is executing the specialization zone explanation of the specialization zone entry effect.

[0178] This state is a second period T2 in which, when the reels 110-112 are stopped, the reels 110-112 can start rotating if the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is operated, and therefore the operation of the bet button 132 is effective.

[0179] The state shown in Figure 11(b) is when the bet button 132 has been operated and the reels 110-112 have started to rotate, which is the state at the timing indicated by the symbol EA5 in Figure 7(a).

[0180] This state corresponds to the second period T2, in which the operation of the control means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is active, and the bet button 132 is operated, causing the reels 110-112 to start rotating.

[0181] In this example, players who want to finish the game quickly can spin the reels (cancel the freeze animation) before the time limit and continue playing, thereby increasing player satisfaction.

[0182] Furthermore, in the same state, when reels 110 to 112 begin to rotate, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a push order navigation (in this example, an image of "2 1 3" indicating that the order in which stop buttons 137 to 139 should be pressed is middle → left → right), an image of a ninja character, and the string "+5" indicating that the remaining number of AT games will increase by 5 games.

[0183] The state shown in Figure 11(c) is when the stop buttons 137-139 have been pressed and all reels 110-112 have stopped.

[0184] In this state, the rotation of reels 110 to 112 is stopped, and the number of remaining AT games has increased by 5 games, so the display of remaining AT games is updated. In this example, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 displays the string "AT remaining 34G" to indicate that the number of remaining AT games is 34.

[0185] <Notification of cancellation of freeze effect / Specific example of effect A'> Next, using Figures 7(b) and 12, we will explain specific examples of the staging A' described using Figure 6(b). Figure 12 is a diagram showing a specific example of staging A' in chronological order.

[0186] The state shown in Figure 12(a) is the state immediately after the Nth game (where N is a positive integer) has finished, and before the performance A' begins. In this state, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 shows a background image of a closed sliding door, the remaining AT games (in this example, the string "AT remaining 30G" indicating that there are 30 games remaining in the AT game), and the number of medals acquired during the AT game (in this example, the string "322GET" indicating that 322 medals were acquired).

[0187] Furthermore, since this state occurs immediately after the Nth round of play has finished, all reels 110-112 are stopped.

[0188] The state shown in Figure 12(b) is the state after the Nth game has been played, when the start lever 135 has been operated (lever operation) and the N+1th game has started. This is the state at the timing indicated by the symbol EA'1 in Figure 7(b).

[0189] In this state, since the N+1th game has started, the display of remaining AT games is updated. In this example, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 shows the string "AT remaining 29G" indicating that the number of remaining AT games is 29.

[0190] Furthermore, in the same state, a first period T1 is initiated by lever operation. This first period T1 is a period during which operation of the control devices (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is disabled.

[0191] In this example, as the first period T1 begins, the reel animation of animation A' starts, and the first timer that manages the execution time of animation A' begins counting. The reel animation is designed to prevent reels 110-112 from rotating even when the start lever 135 is operated (it freezes reels 110-112), so all reels 110-112 remain stopped.

[0192] Furthermore, in the same state, since the first period T1 has started, the liquid crystal display device 157 is used to start the special zone failure sequence of sequence A'. In sequence A', the special zone failure sequence is executed until a predetermined time (2 seconds in this example) has elapsed since the start lever 135 was operated. However, since the special zone failure sequence consists of a "hype sequence → failure sequence" scenario, the hype sequence is started first.

[0193] The state shown in Figure 12(c) is one in which the reel animation continues while the liquid crystal display device 157 is executing a special zone failure animation.

[0194] In this example, as a way to build anticipation for a failed special zone, an animation is displayed showing a human figure appearing behind a closed sliding door.

[0195] The state shown in Figure 12(d) is a state in which the reel animation continues while the liquid crystal display device 157 is executing the failure animation for the special zone failure animation, which is the state at the timing indicated by the symbol EA'2 in Figure 7(b).

[0196] In this example, the failure animation for the special zone includes an animation of a closed sliding door opening and a washbasin appearing, along with the display of the text "Too bad," suggesting that the special zone will not be entered.

[0197] The state shown in Figures 12(e) and 12(f) below represents the state after the reel animation has finished and reels 110 to 112 have started to rotate.

[0198] When the first timer detects that the time for the reel animation (the third time t3; 5 seconds in this example) has elapsed, the reel animation is terminated.

[0199] When a special zone failure animation is performed along with a reel animation, after the first period T1, without transitioning to the second period T2 shown in Figure 7(a), the reels 110-112 start to rotate even if the operating means (e.g., bet button 132) is not operated, after the start lever 135 has been operated and at least one game-long wait time (4.172 seconds) has elapsed.

[0200] In this example, the game can be advanced by rotating the reels without any input from the player.

[0201] In production A', the special zone failure animation is performed along with the reel animation. When it is detected that the time for the reel animation (third time t3; 5 seconds in this example) has elapsed, the reel animation ends and the rotation of reels 110-112 begins.

[0202] The state shown in Figure 12(g) is when stop buttons 137-139 have been pressed and all reels 110-112 have stopped. In this state, the rotation of reels 110-112 is stopped.

[0203] Furthermore, if the special zone failure animation is performed along with the reel animation, the game will not transition to the second period T2 shown in Figure 7(a) after the first period T1. Therefore, the first notification (first cancellation notification) that can be performed in the second period T2 will not be performed.

[0204] <Cancellation notification for freeze effect / Specific example of effect B 1> Next, using Figures 13 to 15, we will explain specific example 1 of the production B described using Figure 6(c). Figure 13 is a time chart showing an example of the flow of production B in chronological order, and Figures 14 to 15 are diagrams showing specific example 1 of production B in chronological order.

[0205] The state shown in Figure 14(a) is the state immediately after the Nth game (where N is a positive integer) has finished, and before the start of the performance B. In this state, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 shows a background image of a closed sliding door, the remaining AT games (in this example, the string "AT remaining 10G" indicating that there are 10 games remaining in the AT game), and the number of medals acquired during the AT game (in this example, the string "419GET" indicating that 419 medals were acquired).

[0206] Furthermore, since this state occurs immediately after the Nth round of play has finished, all reels 110-112 are stopped.

[0207] The state shown in Figure 14(b) is the state after the Nth game has been played, when the start lever 135 has been operated (lever operation) and the N+1th game has started. This is the state at the timing indicated by the symbol EB1 in Figure 13.

[0208] In this state, since the N+1th game has started, the display of remaining AT games is updated, and in this example, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 displays the string "AT remaining 9G" to indicate that the number of remaining AT games is 9.

[0209] Furthermore, in the same state, a first period T1 is initiated by lever operation. This first period T1 is a period during which operation of the control devices (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is disabled.

[0210] In this example, as the first period T1 begins, the reel animation of animation B starts, and the first timer that manages the execution time of animation B begins counting. Since the reel animation is one in which the rotation of reels 110-112 does not start even when the start lever 135 is operated (it freezes reels 110-112), all reels 110-112 remain stopped.

[0211] Furthermore, in the same state, since the first period T1 has started, the liquid crystal display device 157 is used to start the bonus confirmation animation for animation B. In animation B, this bonus confirmation animation is performed until a predetermined time (the fifth time t5; in this example, 38 seconds) has elapsed since the start lever 135 was operated. However, since the bonus confirmation animation consists of the scenario "excitement animation → bonus confirmation notification → bonus animation → end of bonus animation", the excitement animation is started first.

[0212] The state shown in Figures 14(c) to 14(f) is a state in which the reel animation continues while the LCD display 157 is executing a promotional animation for the bonus win confirmation animation.

[0213] In this example, as a buildup to the bonus payout, an animation is displayed showing the lord chasing and capturing an old man who was sitting in the castle's great hall.

[0214] The state shown in Figure 14(g) is a state in which the reel animation continues while the liquid crystal display device 157 is executing the bonus confirmation notification for the bonus confirmation animation, and this is the state at the timing indicated by the symbol EB2 in Figure 13.

[0215] In this example, the notification of a confirmed bonus includes an animation showing the lord capturing the old man, the display of the word "Captured" indicating that the lord has captured the old man, and the display of the word "Bonus Confirmed" suggesting that a bonus has been confirmed for the AT game.

[0216] The states shown in Figures 14(h) to 15(d) represent the state in which the liquid crystal display device 157 is executing the bonus confirmation animation, and the state shown in Figure 15(e) represents the state after the bonus animation has finished, which is the state at the timing indicated by the symbol EB3 in Figure 13.

[0217] In this example, as part of the bonus animation, an animation is displayed showing a duel between the lord and a samurai, with the lord emerging victorious. Additionally, since the execution time for the bonus confirmation animation (the fifth time interval t5; 38 seconds in this example) has elapsed, the display at the end of the bonus confirmation animation shows the string "+50" to indicate that the remaining AT games have increased by 50 games (a 50-game bonus has been awarded).

[0218] Although not shown in the diagram, during the execution of the bonus confirmation animation, when the first timer detects that the time for executing the reel animation (third time t3; 5 seconds in this example) has elapsed, the reel animation ends and the second period T2 begins. This second period T2 is the period during which reels 110-112 can start rotating if the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is operated while reels 110-112 are stopped.

[0219] In this example, all the desired effects can be shown to the player before informing them that the reels can be spun, while players who are in a hurry to play can start spinning the reels and proceed with the game before the notification begins, thereby increasing player satisfaction.

[0220] The state shown in Figures 15(f) and 15(g) is 40 seconds after the start of performance B, and corresponds to the state at the timing indicated by symbol EB4 in Figure 13.

[0221] When the first timer counts up and detects that the total time elapsed—the sum of the first period T1 (third time t3; 5 seconds in this example) during which the reel animation is performed, and the second time t2 (35 seconds in this example) from the start of the second period T2 (= t3 + t2; 40 seconds in this example)—the second cancellation notification (second notification) is initiated.

[0222] In this example, as a second cancellation notification, the light-emitting part of the bet button 132 (not shown) is illuminated, and the text "Reels will start spinning when you bet" is displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157, indicating that the reels 110-112 can start spinning by operating the bet button 132. In addition, as the background image for the second cancellation notification, at least a portion of the display shown at the end of the bonus confirmation notification in Figure 15(e) is continuously displayed.

[0223] In this example, until the second notification is issued, it is possible to keep players focused on the reels and effects, thereby preventing them from suffering any disadvantage.

[0224] Furthermore, since the notification begins while the animation is paused after it finishes, the entire animation can be shown to the player. Additionally, the end of the animation itself can sometimes function as a notification encouraging the player to continue playing.

[0225] Furthermore, the change in the appearance of the bet button makes it easier for players to notice and prompts them to operate the bet button.

[0226] The state shown in Figures 15(h) and (i) below represents the state 60 seconds after the start of performance B, and corresponds to the state at the timing indicated by the symbol EB6 in Figure 13.

[0227] When the first timer counts up and it is detected that a time has elapsed longer than the sum of the first period T1 (third time t3; 5 seconds in this example) during which the reel animation is performed, and the second time t2 (35 seconds in this example) from the start of the second period T2 (= t3 + t2; 40 seconds in this example), (i.e., a timeout occurs after 60 seconds have elapsed since the start of the first period T1), the reels 110-112 will start spinning even if the operating means (bet button 132 in this example) is not operated after the second cancellation notification (second notification) is started.

[0228] In this example, if the player does not notice the notification, the game can be advanced by having the reels spin without the player's input.

[0229] <Cancellation notification for freeze effect / Specific example of effect B 2> Next, using Figures 13 and 16, we will explain specific example 2 of the production B described using Figure 6(c). Figure 16 is a diagram showing specific example 2 of production B in chronological order.

[0230] In specific example 2 of performance B, the bet button 132 is operated during the performance of the bonus animation shown in Figure 16(b) after the execution of the bonus confirmation notification shown in Figure 16(a). However, this state is during the period when the reel animation is being performed, and it is the first period T1 in which operation of the control means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is invalid. Therefore, the operation of the bet button 132 is not accepted, and the reels 110-112 remain stopped.

[0231] The state shown in Figure 16(c) is a state in which reels 110 to 112 can be started to rotate by operating the operating means, and the liquid crystal display device 157 is executing the AT performance after the end of the bonus confirmation performance, which is the state at the timing indicated by the symbol EB5 in Figure 13.

[0232] This state corresponds to the second period T2, in which the operation of the control means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is active, and the bet button 132 is operated, causing the reels 110-112 to start rotating.

[0233] In this example, players who want to finish the game quickly can spin the reels (cancel the freeze animation) before the time limit and continue playing, thereby increasing player satisfaction.

[0234] In addition, in this state, the text "+50" is displayed, indicating that the remaining number of AT games will increase by 50.

[0235] <Cancellation notification for freeze effect / Specific example of effect C 1> Next, using Figures 17 to 19, we will explain specific example 1 of the performance C described using Figure 6(d). Figure 17 is a time chart showing an example of the flow of performance C in chronological order, and Figures 18 to 19 are diagrams showing specific example 1 of performance C in chronological order.

[0236] The state shown in Figure 18(a) is the state immediately after the Nth game (where N is a positive integer) has finished, and before the performance C begins. In this state, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 shows a background image of a closed sliding door, the remaining AT games (in this example, the string "AT remaining 30G" indicating that there are 30 games remaining in the AT game), and the number of medals acquired during the AT game (in this example, the string "322GET" indicating that 322 medals were acquired).

[0237] Furthermore, since this state occurs immediately after the Nth round of play has finished, all reels 110-112 are stopped.

[0238] The state shown in Figure 18(b) is the state after the Nth game has been played, when the start lever 135 has been operated (lever operation) and the N+1th game has started. This is the state at the timing indicated by the symbol EC1 in Figure 17.

[0239] In this state, since the N+1th game has started, the display of remaining AT games is updated. In this example, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 shows the string "AT remaining 29G" indicating that the number of remaining AT games is 29.

[0240] Furthermore, in the same state, a fourth period T4 is initiated by lever operation. This fourth period T4 is a period during which operation of the control devices (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is disabled.

[0241] In this example, as the fourth period T4 begins, the reel animation of animation C starts, and the second timer that manages the execution time of animation C also starts counting. Since the reel animation is one in which the rotation of reels 110-112 does not start even when the start lever 135 is operated (freezing reels 110-112), all reels 110-112 remain stopped.

[0242] Furthermore, in the same state, since the fourth period T4 has started, the LCD display device 157 is used to start the higher AT entry sequence of sequence C. In sequence C, this higher AT entry sequence is executed until a predetermined time (135 seconds in this example) has elapsed since the start lever 135 was operated. However, since the higher AT entry sequence consists of a scenario of "hype sequence → display of premium image & entry notification → premium image explanation → end of premium image explanation", the hype sequence is started first.

[0243] The state shown in Figures 18(c) to 18(f) is a state in which the reel animation continues while the LCD display 157 is executing a promotional animation for entering a higher-level AT.

[0244] In this example, as a build-up to the higher-level AT entry sequence, an animation is displayed showing the shadow of a family crest appearing behind a closed sliding door, gradually growing larger, before a human figure appears.

[0245] The state shown in Figure 18(g) is one in which the reel animation continues while the liquid crystal display device 157 displays the premium image for the higher-level AT entry animation and notifies the player of the entry animation, and this is the state at the timing indicated by the symbol EC2 in Figure 17.

[0246] In this example, the premium image displays a character image of the retainer, and the text "Strong AT Entry" is displayed as an entry notification, indicating that a transition to a higher-level AT is confirmed.

[0247] The state shown in Figure 18(h) is the state after the reel animation has finished. When the second timer detects that the time for executing the reel animation (30 seconds in this example) has elapsed, the reel animation ends and the fifth period T5 begins. This fifth period T5 is the period in which reels 110-112 can start rotating if the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is operated while reels 110-112 are stopped.

[0248] The state shown in Figures 19(a) to 19(e) is a state in which reels 110 to 112 can be started to rotate by operating the operating means, and the liquid crystal display device 157 is executing a premium image explanation of the higher AT entry sequence.

[0249] In this example, as a description of the premium images, the following are displayed: "When Yoshimune holds a cell phone, it's super exciting" (see Figures 19(b) and (c)), which suggests that if a premium image of Yoshimune holding a cell phone is displayed during the higher AT entry sequence, the expectation of entering the higher AT is high; "When the old woman is kidnapped, it's super exciting" (see Figure 19(d)), which suggests that if a premium image of the old woman being kidnapped is displayed during the higher AT entry sequence, the expectation of entering the higher AT is high; and "When the old man comes to the rescue, it's extremely exciting" (see Figure 19(e)), which suggests that the expectation of entering the higher AT is even higher.

[0250] The state shown in Figure 19(e) is a state in which reels 110 to 112 can start rotating by operating the operating means, and the liquid crystal display device 157 has finished explaining the premium image for the higher AT entry sequence, which is the state at the timing indicated by the symbol EC3 in Figure 17.

[0251] The states shown in Figures 19(f) and 19(g) represent the state 135 seconds after the start of performance C, and the state at the timing indicated by the symbol EC4 in Figure 17.

[0252] When the second timer detects that the fourth period T4 (30 seconds in this example), during which the reel animation is performed, and the sixth period t6 (110 seconds in this example), which began after the fifth period T5 started, have elapsed (total time = 140 seconds in this example), the third cancellation notification (third notification) is initiated.

[0253] In this example, as a third cancellation notification, the light-emitting part of the bet button 132 (not shown) is illuminated, and the text "Reels rotate with lever or bet" is displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157, indicating that the reels 110-112 can be started to rotate by operating the bet button 132 or the start lever 135. In addition, as the background image for the third cancellation notification, at least a portion of the display at the end of the premium image explanation shown in Figure 19(e) is continuously displayed.

[0254] In this example, the change in the appearance of the bet button makes it easy for players to notice and prompts them to operate the bet button. Furthermore, the start lever is an operation that players normally perform every time they play to rotate the reels, so it is easy for players to operate when the reels remain stopped, regardless of whether or not the first notification has been given. Also, if the start lever is operated before the first notification begins, players can naturally understand that this cancels the animation.

[0255] The state shown in Figures 19(h) and (i) below represents the state 180 seconds after the start of performance C, and corresponds to the state at the timing indicated by the symbol EC6 in Figure 17.

[0256] When the second timer detects that a time has elapsed longer than the sum of the fourth period T4 (30 seconds in this example) for executing the reel animation and the sixth time t6 (110 seconds in this example) from the start of the fifth period T5 (140 seconds in this example), (i.e., 180 seconds have elapsed from the start of the fourth period T4 and a timeout has occurred), the reels 110-112 will start spinning even if the operating means (in this example, the bet button 132 or the start lever 135) is not operated after the start of the third cancellation notification (third notification).

[0257] In this example, if the player does not notice the notification, the game can be advanced by having the reels spin without the player's input.

[0258] Furthermore, in the same state, when reels 110 to 112 begin to rotate, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a button press order guide (in this example, an image of "2 1 3" indicating that the stop buttons 137 to 139 should be pressed in the order of middle → left → right).

[0259] The state shown in Figure 19(j) is when stop buttons 137-139 have been pressed and all reels 110-112 have stopped.

[0260] In this state, the rotation of reels 110-112 is stopped, and the game transitions to a higher-level AT (Automatic Trigger) mode from the next game. Therefore, the text "Next Strong AT" is displayed to indicate that the game will transition to a higher-level AT mode.

[0261] <Cancellation notification for freeze effect / Specific example of effect C 2> Next, using Figures 17 and 20, we will explain specific example 2 of the performance C described using Figure 6(d). Figure 20 is a diagram showing specific example 2 of performance C in chronological order.

[0262] The state shown in Figure 20(a) is a state in which reels 110 to 112 can be started to rotate by operating the operating means, and the liquid crystal display device 157 is executing a premium image explanation of the higher AT entry sequence.

[0263] This state is a fifth period T5 in which reels 110-112 can start rotating when an operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is operated while reels 110-112 are stopped, and therefore the operation of bet button 132 is effective.

[0264] The state shown in Figure 20(b) is when the bet button 132 has been operated and the reels 110-112 have started to rotate, which is the state at the timing indicated by the symbol EC5 in Figure 17.

[0265] This state is the fifth period T5, and while the operation of the operating means (bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137-139, etc.) is active, the bet button 132 is operated, causing the reels 110-112 to start rotating.

[0266] In this example, players who want to finish the game quickly can spin the reels (cancel the freeze animation) before the time limit and continue playing, thereby increasing player satisfaction.

[0267] Furthermore, in the same state, when reels 110 to 112 begin to rotate, the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a button press order guide (in this example, an image of "2 1 3" indicating that the stop buttons 137 to 139 should be pressed in the order of middle → left → right).

[0268] The state shown in Figure 20(c) is when stop buttons 137-139 have been pressed and all reels 110-112 have stopped.

[0269] In this state, the rotation of reels 110-112 is stopped, and the game transitions to a higher-level AT (Automatic Trigger) mode from the next game. Therefore, the text "Next Strong AT" is displayed to indicate that the game will transition to a higher-level AT mode.

[0270] <Summary of Freeze animation cancellation notifications> As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1) is a gaming machine that comprises a plurality of reels (for example, reels 110 to 112 shown in Figure 1) and operating means (for example, the bet button 132, start lever 135, stop buttons 137 to 139, etc. shown in Figure 1), and has a period of time during which the reels can start rotating when the operating means is operated (hereinafter referred to as the "second period"; for example, the second period T2 shown in Figures 6(a), 6(c), 7(a), and 13), and a first time (for example, the first time shown in Figures 6(a) and 7(a)) after the start of the second period. The gaming machine is characterized in that a first game (for example, the game shown in Figure 7(a)) may be executed after a period of time (t1 = 15 seconds) has elapsed, in which a notification prompting the operation of the operating means (hereinafter referred to as the "first notification"; for example, the first cancellation notification shown in Figure 9(e)) is initiated, and a second game (for example, the game shown in Figure 13) may be executed after a second period of time (for example, the second time t2 = 35 seconds shown in Figures 6(c) and 13) has elapsed, in which a notification prompting the operation of the operating means (hereinafter referred to as the "second notification"; for example, the second cancellation notification shown in Figure 15(g)) is initiated.

[0271] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, until the first or second notification is initiated, the player can be made to focus on the reels and effects, and the player can be prevented from suffering any disadvantage.

[0272] Furthermore, the operating means includes a start lever (for example, the start lever 135 shown in Figure 1), and has a period of time after the start lever is operated and the game starts during which the operation of the operating means is invalid (hereinafter referred to as the "first period"; for example, the first period T1 shown in Figures 6(a), 6(c), 7(a), and 13), and the second period may be a period that starts after the first period.

[0273] With this configuration, a period begins before the second period in which the operation of the control device is disabled based on the operation of the start lever. This makes it difficult for players to realize that it is possible to rotate the reels until the first or second notification begins, and allows players to focus their attention on the reels and the effects until the first or second notification begins.

[0274] Furthermore, the first period and the second period do not have to be consecutive periods. For example, there may be a third period between the first and second periods (for example, a period during which freeze effects other than reel effects can be performed, or a period during which specific effects are performed using a liquid crystal display or a movable body). In other words, the second period may be a period that begins after the first period.

[0275] Furthermore, the system is equipped with a performance means (for example, a liquid crystal display device 157 as shown in Figure 8, etc.), the performance means capable of executing a first performance (for example, a special zone entry performance as shown in Figures 6(a) and 7(a)), the first performance being a performance in which a notification indicating the result (for example, a success notification as shown in Figure 8(e)) is executed within a fourth time (for example, a fourth time t4 = 18 seconds as shown in Figures 6(a) and 7(a)) from the time the start lever is operated and the game starts, the first period being a third time (for example, a third time t3 = 5 seconds as shown in Figures 6(a), 6(c), 7(a), and 13), and the fourth time being shorter than the sum of the third time and the first time (for example, 15 seconds) (for example, 20 seconds).

[0276] With this configuration, all the desired effects can be shown to the player before informing them that the reels can start spinning. On the other hand, players who are in a hurry to play can start spinning the reels and proceed with the game before the notification begins, thus increasing player satisfaction.

[0277] Furthermore, the fourth time may be the same length as the sum of the third time and the first time, and may be configured to terminate simultaneously with the first notification.

[0278] With this configuration, the timing of the end of the first presentation and the start of the first notification can be synchronized, making it easier for players to notice the first notification.

[0279] Furthermore, in the first game, if a period longer than the second period has elapsed since the start of the second period (for example, 60 seconds from the start of the first period T1 (55 seconds from the start of the second period T2) as shown in Figure 6(a)), the reels may start rotating even if the operating means is not operated after the first notification has started. In the second game, if a period longer than the second period has elapsed since the start of the second period (for example, 60 seconds from the start of the first period T1 (55 seconds from the start of the second period T2) as shown in Figure 6(c)), the reels may start rotating even if the operating means is not operated after the second notification has started.

[0280] With this configuration, if the player does not notice the notification, the game can be advanced by having the reels spin without any input from the player.

[0281] Furthermore, the operating means may include a bet button (for example, a bet button 132 shown in Figure 1), and the first notification and the second notification may include a notification in which the mode of the bet button changes from a first mode to a second mode (for example, from off to on, on to off, off to flashing, flashing to off, flashing at a first speed to flashing at a second speed that is faster (or slower) than the first speed, on at a first brightness to on at a second brightness that is brighter (or dimmer) than the first brightness, on at a first color to on at a second color different from the first color).

[0282] With this configuration, the change in the appearance of the bet button makes it easier for players to notice the notification, prompting them to operate the bet button.

[0283] Furthermore, the operating means may include a start lever (for example, a start lever 135 shown in Figure 1), and the first and second notifications may include notifications prompting the operation of the start lever (for example, the display of the string "Return with lever or bet" shown in Figure 19(g)).

[0284] With this configuration, the start lever is the means that the player operates every time they play to rotate the reels, so it is easy for the player to operate when the reels are stopped, regardless of whether or not the first notification has been given. Also, if the start lever is operated before the first notification begins, it is easy to understand that the animation will be canceled.

[0285] Furthermore, the system may be equipped with light-emitting means (for example, the reel front lighting 250 and reel backlight 264 shown in Figure 3(b), and various lamps used for effects), and the first notification and the second notification may be notifications in which the mode of the light-emitting means changes from the first mode to the second mode (for example, from off to on, on to off, off to flashing, flashing to off, flashing at a first speed to flashing at a second speed that is faster (or slower) than the first speed, on at a first brightness to on at a second brightness that is brighter (or dimmer) than the first brightness, on at a first color to on at a second color different from the first color).

[0286] With this configuration, the change in the emission pattern of the light-emitting means makes it easier for players to notice the notification, prompting them to press the bet button.

[0287] Furthermore, the system may be equipped with sound output means (for example, speakers 272, 277 shown in Figure 5), and the first notification and the second notification may be notifications indicating a change in the mode of the sound output means from the first mode to the second mode (for example, from mute to sound output, from sound output to mute, from sound output at a first volume to sound output at a second volume that is louder (or quieter) than the first volume, from sound output of a first type of sound to sound output of a second type of sound different from the first type of sound).

[0288] With this configuration, the change in the manner of sound output makes it easier for players to notice the notification, prompting them to press the bet button.

[0289] Furthermore, the performance means is capable of executing a second performance (for example, the bonus confirmation performance shown in Figures 6(c) and 13), the second performance being a performance in which a notification indicating the result (for example, the bonus confirmation notification shown in Figure 14(g)) is executed within a fifth time (for example, the fifth time t5 = 38 seconds shown in Figures 6(c) and 13) from the time the start lever is operated and the game starts, the fifth time being shorter than the sum of the third time (for example, 5 seconds) and the second time (for example, 35 seconds) (for example, 40 seconds), the performance means includes a display means (for example, a liquid crystal display device 157 shown in Figure 8, etc.), the first performance initiated in the first game includes a series of animation displays, and is configured such that at least the first notification is displayed on the display means after the animation displays have finished, the second performance initiated in the second game includes a series of animation displays, and is configured such that at least the second notification is displayed on the display means after the animation displays have finished.

[0290] With this configuration, the notification begins after the animation finishes, while the animation is paused, allowing the player to see the entire animation sequence. Furthermore, the end of the animation itself can sometimes function as a notification encouraging the player to continue playing.

[0291] Furthermore, the fifth time may be the same length as the sum of the third time and the second time, and the second performance may be configured to terminate simultaneously with the second notification.

[0292] With this configuration, the timing of the end of the second presentation and the start of the second notification can be synchronized, making it easier for players to notice the second notification.

[0293] The forms of the effects described in the above embodiment (for example, the special zone entry effect, the special zone failure effect, the bonus confirmation effect, the higher AT entry effect) are not particularly limited, and may be effects that do not include a series of animation displays (for example, effects composed of still images).

[0294] <<Embodiment 2>> The following describes a gaming machine (slot machine) according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, with reference to the drawings.

[0295] <Overall Structure> First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 100 will be explained using Figure 21. Figure 21 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as seen from the front (player side).

[0296] The slot machine 100 shown in Figure 21 is an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention, and comprises a main body 101 and a front door 102 attached to the front of the main body 101 and which can be opened and closed relative to the main body 101. Inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), there are three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) with multiple types of symbols arranged on their outer surfaces, and are configured to rotate inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are driven to rotate by a drive device such as a stepping motor.

[0297] In this embodiment, each symbol is printed at equal intervals in appropriate numbers on a strip-shaped member, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame material to constitute each reel 110 to 112. From the player's perspective, approximately three symbols are displayed vertically from the symbol display window 113 on the reels 110 to 112, so that a total of nine symbols are visible. By rotating each reel 110 to 112, the combination of symbols visible to the player changes. In other words, each reel 110 to 112 functions as a display device that can display multiple combinations of symbols in a variable manner. In addition to reels, other electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal displays can also be used as such display devices. Furthermore, in this embodiment, three reels are provided inside the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and their installation positions are not limited to this.

[0298] A backlight (not shown) is positioned on the back of each reel 110 to 112 to illuminate the individual symbols displayed in the symbol display window 113. It is desirable that the backlight be shielded for each symbol so that each symbol is illuminated evenly. Inside the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) consisting of a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part is provided near each reel 110 to 112, and a light-shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of this optical sensor. Based on the detection result of this sensor, the rotational position of the symbols on the reels is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

[0299] The winning line indicator lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates the valid winning lines 114. The valid winning lines are predetermined by the number of medals bet as the game medium. There are 5 winning lines 114. For example, if 1 medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line becomes valid. If 2 medals are bet, the upper horizontal winning line and the lower horizontal winning line are added, making a total of 3 lines valid. If 3 medals are bet, the lower right downward winning line and the upper right upward winning line are added, making a total of 5 lines valid as winning lines. Note that the number of winning lines 114 is not limited to 5 lines. For example, if 1 medal is bet, the 5 lines of the middle horizontal winning line, upper horizontal winning line, lower horizontal winning line, lower right downward winning line, and upper right upward winning line may be set as valid winning lines. Alternatively, the same number of winning lines may be uniformly set as valid winning lines regardless of the number of medals bet.

[0300] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that informs the player, for example, that they have internally won a specific winning combination (specifically, a bonus) in the internal lottery described later, or that they are currently playing a bonus game. The coin insertion lamp 124 is a lamp that informs the player that they can insert coins. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that informs the player that they can replay the current game (no coin insertion is required) if they won the replay combination, which is one of the winning combinations, in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for visual effects.

[0301] The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of tokens (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, each time bet button 130 is pressed, one token is inserted, up to a maximum of three tokens. When bet button 131 is pressed, two tokens are inserted, and when bet button 132 is pressed, three tokens are inserted. Hereinafter, bet button 132 will also be referred to as the MAX bet button. The game token insertion lamp 129 lights up a number of lamps corresponding to the number of tokens inserted, and when the predetermined number of tokens has been inserted, the game start lamp 121 lights up to indicate that the game can be started.

[0302] The medal slot 141 is where the player inserts medals to start playing. That is, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet buttons 130 to 132, or by actually inserting medals through the medal slot 141 (insertion operation), and "insertion" includes both. The stored medal count indicator 125 is a display for showing the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for showing various internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during bonus play) numerically. The payout count indicator 127 is a display for showing the number of medals paid out to the player as a result of winning a prize. The stored medal count indicator 125, the game information display 126, and the payout count indicator 127 are 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0303] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch used to start the rotation of reels 110 to 112. That is, by inserting the desired number of tokens into the token slot 141 or by operating the bet buttons 130 to 132 and then operating the start lever 135, the reels 110 to 112 will start to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is called the game start operation.

[0304] The stop button unit 136 is equipped with stop buttons 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by the operation of the start lever 135, and each is associated with a specific reel 110 to 112. Hereinafter, operations on the stop buttons 137 to 139 will be referred to as stop operations, with the first stop operation being the first stop operation, the next stop operation being the second stop operation, and the final stop operation being the third stop operation. In addition, a light-emitting element may be provided inside each stop button 137 to 139, and if the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light-emitting element can be illuminated to inform the player.

[0305] The medal return button 133 is a button to be pressed to remove medals if they become jammed. The settlement button 134 is a button to settle the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the medals that have been bet, and to dispense them from the medal payout opening 155. The door keyhole 140 is a hole for inserting a key to unlock the front door 102 of the slot machine 100.

[0306] A title panel 162 is provided at the bottom of the stop button unit 136 for displaying the model name and for attaching various certification labels. Below the title panel 162 are a medal payout opening 155 and a medal tray 161.

[0307] The sound hole 181 is a hole for outputting sound from a speaker located inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 located on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps to enhance the gaming experience. A display device 160 is located above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is located above the display device 160. This display device 160 consists of a shutter (shielding device) 163 made up of two horizontally opening and closing shutters, a right shutter 163a and a left shutter 163b, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (display image display device) located behind the shutters 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b open horizontally outward in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 appears on the front of the slot machine 100 (player side). Furthermore, the display device does not have to be a liquid crystal display; any display device capable of displaying various visual effects and game information is acceptable. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen may be used. The display screen is rectangular in shape and configured so that the entire screen is visible to the player. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Additionally, decorative elements (not shown) may be placed around the periphery of the display screen, so that a portion of the periphery is hidden by the decorative elements, resulting in the display screen appearing to have an irregular shape. In this embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface.

[0308] <Internal structure> Figure 22 is a front view of the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open. The main body 101 is a box-shaped structure enclosed by a top panel 261, a left side panel 260, a right side panel 260, a bottom panel 264, and a back panel 242, with an opening at the front.

[0309] Inside the main unit 101, a main control board case 210, which houses the main control board 210a, is positioned so as not to overlap with the ventilation opening 249 located at the top of the rear panel 242. To the side of the main control board case 210, specifically on the left side panel 260, is a sub-control board case 220, which houses the sub-control board 220a. On the right side panel 260, an external centralized terminal board 248 is attached, which is connected to the main control board 210a and outputs information from the slot machine 100 to an external device.

[0310] Below the main control board case 210, a power relay board unit 600 is provided, which relays the main control board 210a and sub-control board 220a to the power supply board of the power supply unit 252 (described later), and a reel relay board unit 700 is provided, which relays the main control board 210a and sub-control board 220a to the reels 110 to 112.

[0311] In this example, the power relay board unit 600 is located on the back panel 242 of the main body 101, and the reel relay board unit 700 is connected to the power relay board unit 600 via a connector. Below the reel relay board unit 700, three reels 110 to 112 are located.

[0312] Details of the power relay board unit 600 and the reel relay board unit 700 will be described later, but in this example, the reel relay board unit 700 is mounted in a predetermined position inside the main body 101 (for example, the right end of the sheet metal member 710 of the reel relay board unit 700 is attached to the mounting part 101a of the main body 101), so that the connectors of the reel relay board unit 700 (main side reel relay board first connector MRC1 and sub side reel relay board first connector SRC1) are connected to the connectors of the power relay board unit 600 (main side power relay board first connector MVC1 and sub side power relay board first connector SVC1).

[0313] A medal dispensing device 180 (a device that dispenses medals accumulated in a bucket) is installed on the bottom plate 264 of the main body 101. Above this medal dispensing device 180, that is, below the reels 110 to 112, a power supply unit 252 having a power supply board is installed, and a power switch 244 is installed on the front of the power supply unit 252. The power supply unit 252 converts the AC power supplied to the slot machine 100 from an external source into DC power, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to the various control units and devices such as the main control unit 300, sub-control units 400, 500, etc., which will be described later. Furthermore, it is equipped with an energy storage circuit (e.g., a capacitor) to supply power to a predetermined component (e.g., the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (e.g., 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off.

[0314] To the right of the medal dispensing device 180, there is a medal auxiliary storage compartment 240, behind which an overflow terminal is located (not shown). The power supply unit 252 is provided with a power cord connection section for connecting a power cord 264, and the power cord 264 connected here extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 opened in the back panel 242 of the main unit 101. The front door 102 is hinged to the left side panel 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276. Above the pattern display window 113 are a performance device 160, a performance control board (not shown) that controls the performance device 160, and an upper speaker 272. Below the pattern display window 113 are a medal selector 170 for sorting inserted medals, and a passage 266 through which medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops counterfeit medals into the medal tray 161. Furthermore, a bass speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 181.

[0315] <Department Head> The circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be explained in detail using Figure 23. Figure 23 shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

[0316] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main effects in accordance with command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") transmitted by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on commands transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400.

[0317] <Main Control Unit> First, let's describe the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100. The main control unit 300 is equipped with a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. This basic circuit 302 is equipped with a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control program data, lottery data used when internally drawing winning combinations, reel stopping positions, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling the input and output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, etc., and a WDT (watchdog timer) 314. Note that other storage devices may be used instead of the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and this also applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 which will be described later. The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 314 as the system clock. Furthermore, when power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time. The CPU 304 then performs monitoring of various sensors and transmits drive pulses in response to this interrupt request. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 314 is set to 8MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1 / 256, and the frequency division data in the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference interrupt time will be 256 × 47 ÷ 8MHz = 1.504ms. The main control unit 300 includes a random number generation circuit 316 used as a hardware random number counter that varies values ​​in the range of 0 to 65535, and a startup signal output circuit 338 that outputs a startup signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 starts game control (starts the main processing of the main control unit, which will be described later) when it receives a startup signal from the startup signal output circuit 338.

[0318] Furthermore, the main control unit 300 is equipped with a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 monitors the status of various sensors 318 (bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, bet button 132 sensor, medal reception sensor for medals inserted from the medal slot 141, start lever 135 sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal dispensing sensor for medals dispensed from the medal dispensing device 180, reel 110 index sensor, reel 111 index sensor, reel 112 index sensor, etc.) at interrupt intervals.

[0319] Furthermore, when the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random number generation circuit 316. Upon receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit 316 latches the value at that moment and stores it in a register that stores the random value used for the lottery.

[0320] Two medal reception sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal slot 141 to detect whether or not a medal has passed through. Two start lever sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 to detect the start operation by the player. Stop button sensors 137, 138, and 139 are installed on the respective stop buttons 137 to 139 to detect the operation of the stop buttons by the player.

[0321] The bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, and bet button 132 sensor are installed on the respective coin insertion buttons 130 to 132 and detect the insertion operation when inserting coins electronically stored in RAM 308 as coins to be used in the game. The settlement button 134 sensor is installed on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the electronically stored coins are settled. The coin payout sensor is a sensor for detecting the coins to be dispensed by the coin payout device 180. Note that each of the above sensors may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor.

[0322] The index sensors for reel 110, reel 111, and reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of each reel 110 to 112, and each time a light-shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes over them, they reach an L level. When the CPU 304 detects this signal, it determines that the reel has rotated once and resets the reel's rotation position information to zero.

[0323] The main control unit 300 includes a drive circuit 322 that drives the stepping motors provided on the reel devices 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 that drives the solenoid provided on the medal selector 170 that sorts the inserted medals, a drive circuit 326 that drives the motor provided on the medal dispensing device 180, and a drive circuit 328 that drives various lamps 338 (winning line indicator lamp 120, notification lamp 123, game medal insertion ready lamp 124, replay lamp 122, game medal insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, stored number indicator 125, game information indicator 126, and payout number indicator 127).

[0324] Furthermore, the basic circuit 302 is connected to an information output circuit 334 (external centralized terminal board 248), and the main control unit 300 outputs game information (for example, game status) of the slot machine 100 to an information input circuit 652 provided by an external hall computer (not shown) via this information output circuit 334.

[0325] Furthermore, the main control unit 300 includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied to the main control unit 300 from the power management unit (not shown). The voltage monitoring circuit 330 outputs a low voltage signal to the basic circuit 302 indicating that the voltage has dropped when the voltage value of the power supply falls below a predetermined value (9V in this embodiment).

[0326] Furthermore, the main control unit 300 is equipped with an output interface for sending commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. Information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is unidirectional; the main control unit 300 is configured to send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to send signals such as commands to the main control unit 300.

[0327] <Deputy Commander> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 receives control commands transmitted by the main control unit 300 via an input interface and includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on these control commands. This basic circuit 402 is equipped with a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, number of spins, etc. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by receiving a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 414 as the system clock. The ROM 406 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, data for controlling the backlight lighting patterns and various indicators, etc.

[0328] The CPU 404 transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request. Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a sound source IC 418, to which speakers 272 and 277 are connected via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls the sound output from the amplifier and speakers 272 and 277 in response to commands from the CPU 404. The sound source IC 418 is connected to an S-ROM (sound ROM) in which sound data is stored, and the sound data acquired from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from speakers 272 and 277.

[0329] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162 lamp, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface.

[0330] Furthermore, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub-control unit 500 via an output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of the performance device 160, including the display control of the performance image display device 157. The second sub-control unit 500 may be composed of multiple control units, such as a control unit that controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 157, and a control unit that controls various performance drive devices (for example, a control unit that controls the motor drive of the shutter 163).

[0331] The second sub-control unit 500 receives control commands transmitted by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and includes a basic circuit 502 that controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on these control commands. This basic circuit 502 is equipped with a CPU 504, RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, I / O 510 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 512 for measuring time, counts, etc. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by receiving a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 514 as the system clock. The ROM 506 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, etc.

[0332] The CPU 504 transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0333] Furthermore, the second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a drive circuit 530 that drives the motor of the shutter 163, and the shutter 163 is connected to the drive circuit 530 via an output interface. This drive circuit 530 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided on the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 504.

[0334] Furthermore, the second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a sensor circuit 532, to which a shutter sensor 538 is connected via an input interface. The CPU 504 monitors the status of the shutter sensor 538 at interrupt intervals.

[0335] Furthermore, the second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a VDP 534 (video display processor), to which a ROM 506 and a VRAM 536 are connected via a bus. Based on signals from the CPU 504, the VDP 534 reads image data stored in the ROM 506, generates a display image using the work area of ​​the VRAM 536, and displays the image on the image display device 157.

[0336] <Reel> The arrangement of symbols on each of the reels 110 to 112 described above will be explained using Figure 24(a). Figure 24(a) is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) in a planar view.

[0337] <Pattern arrangement> Each reel 110 to 112 has a predetermined number of symbols (21 symbols numbered 0 to 20 in this embodiment) of multiple types (eight types in this embodiment) shown on the right side of the figure. The numbers 0 to 20 shown on the left end of the figure indicate the positions of the symbols on each reel 110 to 112. For example, in this embodiment, the symbol "Replay" is placed in the symbol number 1 on the left reel 110, the symbol "Bell" is placed in the symbol number 0 on the middle reel 111, and the symbol "Watermelon" is placed in the symbol number 2 on the right reel 112.

[0338] <Types of prize winning roles> Next, Figure 24(b) will be used to explain the types of winning combinations for slot machine 100. Figure 24(b) shows the types of winning combinations (including activated combinations), the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the activation or payout of each winning combination.

[0339] In this embodiment, among the winning combinations, the Big Bonus (BB1, BB2) and the Regular Bonus (RB) are sometimes referred to as "activating combinations" as they transition to bonus games, and the Replay combination allows for replaying without inserting new medals. However, in this embodiment, the "winning combinations" include the activating combinations: the Big Bonus, the Regular Bonus, and the Replay combination. Furthermore, in this embodiment, "winning" also includes cases where combinations of activating combinations that do not result in medal payouts (no medal distribution) are displayed on the active line, such as winning the Big Bonus, the Regular Bonus, or the Replay combination.

[0340] The winning combinations in Slot Machine 100 include Big Bonuses (BB1, BB2), Regular Bonuses (RB), Small Wins (Cherry, Watermelon, Bell), and Replays. It goes without saying that the types of winning combinations are not limited to these and can be chosen at will.

[0341] The "Big Bonus (BB1, BB2)" (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "BB") is a special role (activating role) that, upon winning, initiates the special game, the Big Bonus game (BB game). The corresponding symbol combinations are "White 7-White 7-White 7" for BB1 and "Blue 7-Blue 7-Blue 7" for BB2. Furthermore, the flag for BB1 and BB2 is carried over. That is, when BB1 or BB2 is internally won, a flag indicating this is set (stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300). Even if BB1 or BB2 is not won in that game, the flag indicating internal win remains set until it is won, and in subsequent games, BB1 or BB2 remains internally won, and the symbol combination corresponding to BB1, "White 7-White 7-White 7", and the symbol combination corresponding to BB2, "Blue 7-Blue 7-Blue 7", are in a state where they can be won together.

[0342] "Regular Bonus (RB)" is a special role (activating role) that starts a Regular Bonus game (RB game) upon winning. The corresponding symbol combination is "Bonus-Bonus-Bonus". Note that, like the Big Bonus (BB) mentioned above, the flag is carried over for RB as well. However, (details will be explained later) in Big Bonus games (BB games), the Regular Bonus game (RB game) may be set to start automatically without requiring internal winning of the Regular Bonus game (RB game) or the display of the symbol combination on the winning line as starting conditions. The Regular Bonus game will start after the start of the Big Bonus game, and the next Regular Bonus game will start immediately after the end of one Regular Bonus game. "Small role (cherry, watermelon, bell)" (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "cherry", "watermelon", and "bell") are winning roles that pay out a predetermined number of medals upon winning. The corresponding symbol combinations are "cherry-ANY-ANY" for cherry, "watermelon-watermelon-watermelon" for watermelon, and "bell-bell-bell" for bell. Furthermore, the corresponding payout amounts are as shown in the same diagram. Note that in the case of "Cherry-ANY-ANY", the symbol on the left reel 110 must be "Cherry", and the symbols on the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 can be any symbol.

[0343] "Replay" is a winning combination that allows you to play the next round without inserting any tokens (game currency), and no tokens are paid out. The corresponding symbol combination for replay is "Replay-Replay-Replay".

[0344] <Types of game states> Next, the types of game states for the slot machine 100 will be explained. A game state is information used to identify the type of lottery data selected in a lottery or similar process. In this embodiment, the game states of the slot machine 100 are broadly classified into normal gameplay, BB gameplay, RB gameplay, and internally winning games for Big Bonus (BB) and Regular Bonus (RB). However, internally winning games may be included within the category of normal gameplay. <Normal Gameplay> The winning combinations that result in an internal win during normal gameplay include Big Bonus (BB), Regular Bonus (RB), Replay, and minor wins (cherry, watermelon, bell).

[0345] "Big Bonus (BB)" is a special role (activating role) that, upon winning, starts the special game, Big Bonus Game (BB Game). "Regular Bonus (RB)" is a special role (activating role) that, upon winning, starts the Regular Bonus Game (RB Game). "Replay" is a winning role (activating role) that, upon winning, allows the player to continue playing without inserting any more medals in the next game, and no medals are paid out. "Small role" is a winning role that, upon winning, pays out a predetermined number of medals. The internal winning probability for each role is calculated by dividing the numerical data corresponding to the range of lottery data associated with each role from the lottery data prepared for normal gameplay by the numerical data within the range of random values ​​obtained during the internal lottery (for example, 65535). The lottery data prepared for normal gameplay is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each numerical range is associated with a different role or a losing outcome. The random number obtained as a result of the internal lottery determines which lottery data corresponds to which role, and thus the internal lottery role is decided. There are six settings (Setting 1 to Setting 6) for this lottery data, each with a different probability of winning at least one role, and the staff of the amusement parlor can arbitrarily select and set any of these settings.

[0346] In general, the gaming is set such that the result of the internal lottery is generally a loss (not winning the big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay, or small winning combination), or the stop display result is generally a loss where the stop display result does not correspond to any symbol combination of the winning combination, and the total number of medals obtained is less than the total number of medals inserted, resulting in a gaming state that is disadvantageous to the player. However, when predetermined conditions are met (for example, when a specific symbol combination is displayed), it is a gaming state where the probability of internal winning of the replay can be increased and varied. In this case, the consumption of medals used in the game is suppressed, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning the small winning combination, so that the total number of medals obtained exceeds the total number of medals inserted, and in some cases, it becomes a gaming state that is beneficial to the player.

[0347] <BB Game> The BB game is set to be a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, in the BB game, the total number of medals obtained exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the BB game is started by winning the big bonus (BB) and can continuously repeat the RB game (described later). When more than a predetermined number (for example, 465 medals) are obtained during the game, it ends. However, the BB game only needs to be able to execute the RB game multiple times. For example, a combination for starting the RB game (the symbol combination is, for example, replay - replay - replay) can be set, and when this combination is internally won or won, the RB game can be set to start. Furthermore, the BB game may end when a predetermined number (for example, 30 times) of BB general games excluding the RB game during the BB game are executed, or when the number of RB games executed during the BB game reaches a predetermined number (for example, 3 times).

[0348] <RB Game> RB gameplay is set up to be a game state that is beneficial to the player. In other words, RB gameplay is a game state in which the total number of medals won exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, RB gameplay begins with the winning of a Regular Bonus (RB), and a predetermined role increases the internal winning probability (for example, the internal winning probability of "Small Role 1" set to "Setting 1" and "Normal Gameplay" is increased from 1 / 15 to a predetermined value of 1, which is an internal winning probability of 1 / 1.2), and ends when a predetermined number of wins (for example, 8 times) have occurred. RB gameplay may also be set to end when a predetermined number of wins (at least 2 times) have occurred (for example, 8 times), or when the number of RB games played during RB gameplay reaches a predetermined number (for example, 8 times). As described above, BB gameplay allows for multiple RB gameplays, so when RB gameplay is played once, the player will win fewer medals than the total number of medals that can be obtained in BB gameplay.

[0349] <Internal winning gameplay for Big Bonus (BB) and Regular Bonus (RB)> Big Bonus (BB) and Regular Bonus (RB) are internally triggered games, and the winning combinations that result in an internal win include replays and minor wins. Big Bonus (BB) and Regular Bonus (RB) are not internally triggered games; the game state is one in which it is possible to win by landing a combination of symbols that corresponds to either a Big Bonus (BB) or a Regular Bonus (RB).

[0350] However, the probability of internally winning a Big Bonus (BB) or Regular Bonus (RB) in subsequent games may be altered. For example, the probability of internally winning in subsequent games may be increased, so that the total number of medals won is approximately the same as the total number of medals inserted until a symbol combination corresponding to a Big Bonus (BB) or Regular Bonus (RB) is achieved. This results in a game state that is more advantageous to the player compared to normal gameplay. Since both BB games and RB games are advantageous game states for the player, they may be collectively referred to as bonus games or special games.

[0351] <Power supply relay board unit and reel relay board unit> Next, the power supply relay board unit 600 and the reel relay board unit 700 will be described in detail using Figure 25.

[0352] Figure 25(a) is a plan view showing the reel relay board unit 700 attached to the power supply relay board unit 600, Figure 25(b) is a side view showing the reel relay board unit 700 attached to the power supply relay board unit 600, and Figure 25(c) is a side view showing the reel relay board unit 700 removed from the power supply relay board unit 600.

[0353] As explained using Figure 22, the power relay board unit 600 is fixed to the back panel 242 of the main body 101 with screws above the three reels 110 to 112. As will be described in detail later, the power relay board unit 600 is equipped with a male connector, the main-side power relay board first connector MVC1 (first connector), and a male connector, the sub-side power relay board first connector SVC1 (first connector).

[0354] On the other hand, the reel relay board unit 700 includes a female main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1 (second connector) having a shape complementary to the main-side power relay board first connector MVC1 (first connector), and a female sub-side reel relay board first connector SRC1 (second connector) having a shape complementary to the sub-side power relay board first connector SVC1 (first connector).

[0355] The main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1 of the reel relay board unit 700 can be directly attached to and detached from the main-side power supply relay board first connector MVC1 of the power supply relay board unit 600, and the sub-side reel relay board first connector SRC1 of the reel relay board unit 700 can be directly attached to and detached from the sub-side power supply relay board first connector SVC1 of the power supply relay board unit 600.

[0356] As explained with reference to Figure 22, in this example, the reel relay board unit 700 is mounted in a predetermined position inside the main body 101 (for example, the right end of the sheet metal member 710 of the reel relay board unit 700 is attached to the mounting portion 101a of the main body 101), so that the main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1 and the sub-side reel relay board first connector SRC1 of the reel relay board unit 700 are connected to the main-side power supply relay board first connector MVC1 and the sub-side power supply relay board first connector SVC1 of the power supply relay board unit 600.

[0357] In this example, the connector of the reel relay board unit 700 is shown to be manually connected to the connector of the power supply relay board unit 600. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one of the power supply relay board unit 600 and the reel relay board unit 700 may be fixed to a first member (e.g., the main body 101), and the other of the power supply relay board unit 600 and the reel relay board unit 700 may be fixed to a second member (e.g., the front door 102). When the second member (front door 102) is opened relative to the first member (main body 101), the power supply relay board unit 600 and the reel relay board unit 700 are not connected. When the second member (front door 102) is closed relative to the first member (main body 101), the power supply relay board unit 600 and the reel relay board unit 700 are connected.

[0358] Furthermore, the gaming machine is not limited to slot machines. For example, in a pachinko machine equipped with a game frame and an inner frame, a power relay board unit may be fixed to one of the game frame and the inner frame, and the connector of the reel relay board unit may be manually connected to the connector of this power relay board unit. Alternatively, a power relay board unit may be fixed to one of the game frame and the inner frame, and a reel relay board unit may be fixed to the other of the game frame and the inner frame, and when the game frame is attached to the inner frame, the connector of the reel relay board unit may be configured to automatically connect to the connector of the power relay board unit.

[0359] Furthermore, the power relay board unit 600 may be equipped with only one of the connectors, the main-side power relay board first connector MVC1 (first connector) and the sub-side power relay board first connector SVC1 (first connector), and the reel relay board unit 700 may be equipped with only a connector having a shape complementary to one of the connectors equipped in the power relay board unit 600. In other words, the number of "connectors" and "boards" on which the "connectors" are arranged according to the present invention is not limited to two.

[0360] <Power supply relay board unit> Next, the power supply relay board unit 600 will be described in detail.

[0361] Figure 26(a) is a front view of the power supply relay board unit 600, and Figure 26(b) is a rear view of the power supply relay board unit 600. Figure 27 is an exploded view of the components of the power supply relay board unit 600, taken from the front, and Figure 28 is an exploded view of the components of the power supply relay board unit 600, taken from the rear.

[0362] The power relay board unit 600 comprises a plate-shaped substrate support 610 (mounting portion), a main-side power relay board 640 housed in the right-side region of the substrate support 610 when viewed from the front, and a sub-side power relay board 670 housed in the left-side region of the substrate support 610 when viewed from the front.

[0363] <Power relay board unit / board support> Next, the substrate support 610 will be described.

[0364] The substrate support 610 is a horizontally elongated rectangular plate-like member made of a translucent resin, and is composed of a main-side substrate housing section 612 consisting of a rectangular area located on the right side when viewed from the front, a sub-side substrate housing section 614 consisting of a rectangular area located on the left side when viewed from the front, a connecting section 615 connecting the main-side substrate housing section 612 and the sub-side substrate housing section 614, a main-side cable support section 616 disposed below the main-side substrate housing section 612, and a sub-side cable support section 618 disposed below the sub-side substrate housing section 616.

[0365] Furthermore, since the sub-side board housing portion 614 has a shape that is almost symmetrical to the main-side board housing portion 612 with respect to a virtual center line that passes vertically through the center of the connecting portion 615, its explanation will be omitted below, and only the main-side board housing portion 612 will be described. Also, since the sub-side cable support portion 618 has almost the same shape as the main-side cable support portion 616, its explanation will be omitted.

[0366] <Power relay board unit / Board support / Main side board housing> Next, with further reference to Figure 29, the main side substrate housing portion 612 of the substrate support 610 will be described. Figure 29 is a magnified view of the main side substrate housing portion 612 of the substrate support 610.

[0367] The main side substrate housing section 612 is configured to include a bottom surface 620 made of a rectangular plate-like body, an outer wall 622 erected along the outer edges of the four sides of the bottom surface 620, three substrate loose fitting bosses 624 erected at the upper left corner, the left center, and the lower right corner of the bottom surface 620 when viewed from the front, five substrate support bosses 626 (626a, 626b) erected inward from the substrate loose fitting bosses 624 on the bottom surface 620, restricting pieces 628 (628a, 628b) that restrict the movement of the main side power supply relay substrate 640 in the thickness direction, and pressing parts 630 (630a to 630d) that press the main side power supply relay substrate 640 in a predetermined direction while allowing a predetermined amount of movement of the main side power supply relay substrate 640.

[0368] <Power relay board unit / board support / bottom surface, outer wall> The lengths of the base surface 620 in both the longitudinal and transverse directions are designed to be longer than the lengths of the main power supply relay board 640 in both the longitudinal and transverse directions, respectively, and the main power supply relay board 640 is configured to be movable (slidable) in the longitudinal direction left and right and in the transverse direction up and down within the space (board housing space) formed by the base surface 620 and the outer wall 622 (details will be described later).

[0369] <Power relay board unit / board support / board mounting boss> The loose-fitting boss 624 on the circuit board is a part that is loosely fitted (fitted with some play) into a through hole 642c (see Figures 27, 30, etc.; details will be described later) formed in the main power relay board 640. In this example, it is composed of a cylindrical member with a screw hole 624a (see Figures 29, 31(b), etc.) formed in the center.

[0370] The loose-fitting boss 624 on the substrate has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the through-hole 642c in the main-side power supply relay board 640, and the through-hole 642c in the main-side power supply relay board 640 is provided with a predetermined amount of "play" relative to the loose-fitting boss 624 on the substrate.

[0371] With this configuration, the main power relay board 640 is housed in the board housing space of the main board housing section 612 (the space formed by the bottom surface 620 and the outer wall 622), and even when it is loosely fitted to the board loose fitting boss 624, it is configured to be able to move (slide) in the longitudinal direction left and right and in the short direction up and down by the amount of play (gap) formed between the through hole 642c of the main power relay board 640 and the board loose fitting boss 624.

[0372] As shown in Figure 31(b), a mounting screw 646 having a head (flange) 646a can be attached to the screw hole 624a of the board loose fitting boss 624. The outer diameter of the head (flange) 646a of the mounting screw 646 is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 642c of the main-side power supply relay board 640.

[0373] In other words, in this example, a restricting part (board loose fitting boss 624 + mounting screw 646) is provided that restricts at least a part of the second board (main-side power relay board 640) from moving outside the housing space of the mounting part (main board housing part 612), thereby preventing the second board (main-side power relay board 640) from coming off the mounting part (main board housing part 612).

[0374] The number and position of the substrate mounting bosses 624 are not limited to this example; for example, there may be one, two, or four or more, and they may be erected in locations other than those exemplified, such as the lower left corner or upper right corner of the bottom surface 620.

[0375] <Power relay board unit / Board support / Board support boss> The substrate support bosses 626 (626a, 626b) are components that contact the back surface of the main power relay board 640 and support the main power relay board 640 from below. In this example, they are cylindrical components with a through hole formed in the center.

[0376] When the main power relay board 640 is housed in the board housing space of the main board housing section 612, the back surface of the main power relay board 640 is supported by five board support bosses 626 (626a, 626b) and a plurality of outer wall bosses 622a (see Figure 27(b)) formed at predetermined intervals along the outer wall 622. When the main power relay board 640 is moved within the board housing space of the main board housing section 612, the main power relay board 640 is configured to slide (move) on the board support bosses 626 and outer wall bosses 622a.

[0377] In this example, the mounting portion (main board housing portion 612) has second protrusions (board support bosses 626 (626a, 626b), outer wall boss 622a) that protrude from the bottom surface of the mounting portion (main board housing portion 612), and the second board (main-side power relay board 640) is configured to be movable while in contact with the second protrusions (board support bosses 626 (626a, 626b), outer wall boss 622a). As a result, the contact area between the second board (main-side power relay board 640) and the mounting portion (main board housing portion 612) can be reduced, friction during the movement of the second board (main-side power relay board 640) can be reduced, and the second board can be moved smoothly.

[0378] Furthermore, since the substrate support boss 626 is a cylindrical member with a through hole formed in the center, the contact area between the main-side power relay board 640 and the main-side substrate housing portion 612 of the substrate support 610 can be further reduced, allowing the main-side power relay board 640 to move smoothly relative to the substrate support 610.

[0379] In other words, since the second protrusion (substrate support boss 626 (626a, 626b)) has a portion that does not come into contact with the second substrate (main-side power relay substrate 640), the contact area between the second substrate (main-side power relay substrate 640) and the mounting portion (main substrate housing portion 612) can be reduced, and the second substrate (main-side power relay substrate 640) can be moved smoothly relative to the mounting portion (main substrate housing portion 612).

[0380] Furthermore, the board support bosses 626 (626a, 626b) allow the main-side power relay board 640 to be held at a position higher than the bottom surface 620 of the main-side board housing 612. This creates a space between the back surface 642b of the main-side power relay board 640 and the bottom surface 620 of the main-side board housing 612, thus preventing interference between components such as connector screws 644 (see Figure 28, etc.; details will be described later) attached to the back surface 642a of the main-side power relay board 640 and the bottom surface 620 of the main-side board housing 612.

[0381] In other words, since a portion of the fixing means (connector screw 644) is configured to be housed in the space formed between one side surface (back surface 642b) of the second circuit board (main power relay board 640) and the bottom surface (bottom surface 620) of the mounting part (main circuit board housing part 612), contact between the fixing means (connector screw 644) and the mounting part (main circuit board housing part 612) can be avoided even when the second circuit board (main power relay board 640) is moved relative to the mounting part (main circuit board housing part 612).

[0382] The substrate support bosses 626 (626a, 626b) can be distinguished into four first substrate support bosses 626a arranged at approximately equal intervals on the left side of the bottom surface 620 of the main substrate housing 612 in a plan view, and one second substrate support boss 626b arranged on the right side of the bottom surface 620 of the main substrate housing 612 in a plan view.

[0383] As shown in the rear view of Figure 26(b), the second substrate support boss 626b is positioned so as to be able to contact the connector screw 644 of the main power relay board 640, and also functions as a member that restricts the movement of the main power relay board 640.

[0384] Therefore, when the main power relay board 640 is moved to the right in a front view within the board housing space of the main board housing section 612, the connector screws 644 of the main power relay board 640 come into contact with the second board support boss 626b, thereby restricting (preventing) the main power relay board 640 from moving further to the right.

[0385] In other words, the fixing means (connector screw 644) is configured to contact the second protrusion (board support boss 626b) when the second board (main-side power relay board 640) moves relative to the mounting part (main-side board housing part 612). Therefore, even if the second board (main-side power relay board 640) is subjected to excessive force due to the forceful positioning of the connectors of the power relay board unit 600 and the reel relay board unit 700, causing the second board (main-side power relay board 640) to move significantly relative to the mounting part (main-side board housing part 612), the fixing means (connector screw 644) of the second board (main-side power relay board 640) will contact the second protrusion (board support boss 626b), restricting the movement of the second board (main-side power relay board 640), thus protecting the second board (main-side power relay board 640).

[0386] The number and position of the substrate support bosses 626 (626a, 626b) are not limited to this example; for example, there may be 1 to 4 or 6 or more, and they may be erected in locations other than those exemplified, such as the center of the bottom surface 620.

[0387] <Power relay board unit / Board support / Regulator> The restricting pieces 628 (628a, 628b) are parts that restrict (prevent) the main-side power relay board 640 from moving outside the board housing space (coming out of the board housing space) when the main-side power relay board 640 is moved within the board housing space of the main board housing section 612.

[0388] In this example, a first restricting piece 628a is formed at a position slightly to the right of the center of the upper outer wall 622 in a plan view, projecting inward toward the bottom surface 620 with the outer wall 622 as its base (projecting along the short-side direction (up-down direction in a front view) of the main-side power relay board 640), and a second restricting piece 628b is formed at the lower end of the left outer wall 622 in a plan view, projecting inward toward the bottom surface 620 with the outer wall 622 as its base (projecting along the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in a front view) of the main-side power relay board 640).

[0389] When the main power relay board 640 is housed in the board housing space of the main board housing section 612, the outer edge of the main power relay board 640 is mounted so that it is sandwiched below the restricting pieces 628 (628a, 628b) (details will be described later).

[0390] The amount of protrusion of the first restricting piece 628a (the length of the protrusion with the outer wall 622 as the base) is designed to be longer than the maximum vertical movement of the main-side power relay board 640 within the board housing space of the main board housing section 612 (the maximum distance it can move vertically). Therefore, even if the main-side power relay board 640 is moved vertically within the board housing space of the main board housing section 612, the first restricting piece 628a can restrict (prevent) the main-side power relay board 640 from moving outside the board housing space (leaving the board housing space).

[0391] Furthermore, the amount of protrusion of the second restricting piece 628b (the length of the protrusion with the outer wall 622 as the base) is designed to be longer than the maximum amount of left-right movement of the main-side power relay board 640 within the board housing space of the main board housing section 612 (the maximum distance that can be moved in the left-right direction). Therefore, even if the main-side power relay board 640 is moved in the left-right direction within the board housing space of the main board housing section 612, the second restricting piece 628b can restrict (prevent) the main-side power relay board 640 from moving outside the board housing space (leaving the board housing space).

[0392] In this example, since the second board (main-side power relay board 640) is equipped with a restricting portion (restricting piece 628 (628a, 628b)) that restricts at least a part of the second board (main-side power relay board 640) from moving outside the housing space of the mounting portion (main board housing portion 612), it is possible to prevent the second board (main-side power relay board 640) from coming off the mounting portion (main board housing portion 612).

[0393] Furthermore, the restricting portion (restricting piece 628 (628a, 628b)) is a restricting piece that protrudes toward the housing space, and the protruding length of the restricting piece is longer than the distance the second substrate (main-side power relay substrate 640) can move within the housing space. Therefore, no matter where the second substrate (main-side power relay substrate 640) is moved, it is possible to reliably prevent the second substrate (main-side power relay substrate 640) from coming off the mounting portion.

[0394] <Power relay board unit / Board support / Pressing part> The pressing portion 630 (630a to 630d) is a part that constitutes a part of the outer wall 620 and is an elastically deformable portion (elastic part) that presses (biases) the main-side power relay board 640 in a predetermined direction while allowing the main-side power relay board 640 to move by a predetermined amount.

[0395] The pressing portion 630 (630a to 630d) in this example is composed of a cantilever beam with one end fixed to the outer wall 622 and the other end being a free end, and is a tongue-shaped portion that is longer in the longitudinal direction than the first restricting piece 628a and the second restricting piece 628b.

[0396] In this example, the longitudinal length of the restricting piece (restricting piece 628 (628a, 628b)) is shorter than the longitudinal length of the elastic part (pressing part 630 (630a~630d)). Therefore, the restricting piece (restricting piece 628 (628a, 628b)) is not too long, while the elastic part (pressing part 630 (630a~630d)) has an appropriate length. This makes it easier to house the second substrate (main-side power relay substrate 640) in the housing space. Furthermore, after housing, the second substrate (main-side power relay substrate 640) can be securely held in the housing space by the restricting piece (restricting piece 628 (628a, 628b)) and the elastic part (pressing part 630 (630a~630d)).

[0397] In this example, a first pressing portion 630a and a second pressing portion 630b are formed near the right and left ends of the lower outer wall 622 in a plan view, with one end fixed to the outer wall 622 and the other end being a free end. A third pressing portion 630c and a fourth pressing portion 630d are formed in the center of the right and left outer walls 622 in a plan view, respectively, with one end fixed to the outer wall 622 and the other end being a free end.

[0398] In this example, since the elastic portion (pressing portion 630 (630a~630d)) constitutes a part of the outer wall (outer wall 622) that forms the housing space, even if the second board (main-side power relay board 640) is subjected to a force greater than expected due to the forceful positioning of the connectors of the power relay board unit 600 and the reel relay board unit 700, causing the second board (main-side power relay board 640) to move significantly relative to the mounting portion (main board housing portion 612), a part of the housing space will elastically deform, thereby mitigating the impact applied to the second board (main-side power relay board 640).

[0399] Since the first pressing portion 630a and the second pressing portion 630b are parts that can swing (elastically deform) in the vertical direction when viewed from above, even when the main-side power relay board 640 is moved in the vertical direction when viewed from the front within the board housing space of the main board housing portion 612, the first pressing portion 630a and the second pressing portion 630b can press (bias) the main-side power relay board 640 in the upward direction when viewed from the front while allowing a predetermined amount of movement of the main-side power relay board 640 in the downward direction when viewed from the front.

[0400] Since the third pressing portion 630c is a part that can swing (elastically deform) in the left-right direction in a plan view, even when the main-side power relay board 640 is moved in the left-front view direction within the board housing space of the main board housing portion 612, the third pressing portion 630c can press (bias) the main-side power relay board 640 in the right-front view direction while allowing a predetermined amount of movement of the main-side power relay board 640 in the left-front view direction.

[0401] Since the fourth pressing portion 630d is a part that can swing (elastically deform) in the left-right direction in a plan view, even when the main-side power relay board 640 is moved to the right in a front view within the board housing space of the main board housing portion 612, the fourth pressing portion 630d can press (bias) the main-side power relay board 640 to the left in a front view while allowing a predetermined amount of movement of the main-side power relay board 640 to the right in a front view.

[0402] <Power supply relay board unit / Main side power supply relay board> Next, the main power supply relay board 640 will be described using Figures 27 and 28.

[0403] The main power relay board 640 is composed of a base material 642 made of a rectangular plate-like body, and a main power relay board first connector MVC1 (first connector), a main power relay board second connector MVC2, and a main power relay board third connector MVC3 arranged on one side surface 642a of the base material 642 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "surface" or "component surface").

[0404] The main-side power relay board 640 is electrically connected to the connector of the power supply board of the power supply device 252, as described in Figure 22, via the main-side power relay board first connector MVC1 to the main-side power relay board third connector MVC3 and a harness (wiring) not shown, and is a board that relays the main control board 210a and the power supply board.

[0405] Three through holes 642c are formed in the upper left corner, the center left, and the lower right corner of the base material 642 in a front view, corresponding to the three loose substrate fitting bosses 624 erected on the bottom surface 620 of the main side substrate housing 612.

[0406] On the surface 642a of the substrate 642, the main-side power relay board first connector MVC1 to the main-side power relay board third connector MVC3 are arranged, and a resist layer, wiring patterns, pads, lands, interlayer conductive parts (vias, through-holes), silk screen printing, etc. are formed. In this example, a rectangular solid ground pattern 641 is formed around the through-hole 642c.

[0407] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 28, no electronic components are mounted on the other side surface 642b of the base material 642 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "back side" or "solder side"), and two connector screws 644 are attached to secure the main-side power relay board first connector MVC1 from the back side 642b.

[0408] In this example, the second connector (main-side power relay board first connector MVC1) is fixed to the second board (main-side power relay board 640) from one side (back surface 642b) using fixing means (connector screws 644). Therefore, even if the connectors of the power relay board unit 600 and the reel relay board unit 700 are repeatedly attached and detached, the second connector (main-side power relay board first connector MVC1) is less likely to come off the second board (main-side power relay board 640). Furthermore, when connecting the first connector (main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1) to the second connector (main-side power relay board first connector MVC1), the force applied from the first connector (main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1) to the second connector (main-side power relay board first connector MVC1) can be received by the fixing means (connector screws 644), ensuring a secure connection between the connectors.

[0409] Furthermore, multiple circular solid ground patterns 643 are formed on the back surface 642b of the base material 642 at positions corresponding to the five substrate support bosses 626 (626a, 626b) formed on the main side substrate housing portion 612.

[0410] Each region of the ground pattern 643 is wider than the area in which the back surface 642b of the main power relay board 640 and the board support bosses 626 (626a, 626b) can make contact.

[0411] In this example, the area of ​​the second substrate (main power relay substrate 640) that comes into contact with the mounting portion (substrate support 610) can be made into a ground pattern, which allows for effective use of the limited area of ​​the second substrate (main power relay substrate 640), and also prevents damage to wiring patterns other than the ground pattern on the second substrate (main power relay substrate 640).

[0412] In particular, the second protrusion (substrate support boss 626 (626a, 626b)) is cylindrical, and the ground pattern 643 is circular, so the limited area of ​​the second substrate (main side power relay substrate 640) can be effectively utilized.

[0413] <Power supply relay board unit / Sub-side power supply relay board> Next, the sub-side power supply relay board 670 will be described using Figures 27 and 28.

[0414] The sub-side power relay board 670 is composed of a base material 672 made of a rectangular plate-like body, and a sub-side power relay board first connector SVC1 (first connector), a sub-side power relay board second connector SVC2, a sub-side power relay board third connector SVC3, and a sub-side power relay board fourth connector SVC4 arranged on one side surface 672a of the base material 672 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "surface" or "component surface").

[0415] The sub-side power relay board 670 is electrically connected to the connector of the power supply board of the power supply unit 252, as described in Figure 22, via the sub-side power relay board first connector SVC1 to the sub-side power relay board fourth connector SVC4 and a harness (wiring) not shown, and is a board that relays the sub-control board 220a and the power supply board.

[0416] Three through holes 672c are formed in the upper right corner, the center right side, and the lower left corner of the base material 672, corresponding to the three substrate loose fitting bosses 674 (see Figure 27) erected on the bottom surface 620 of the sub-side substrate housing 614.

[0417] On the surface 672a of the substrate 672, the sub-side power relay board first connector SVC1 to the sub-side power relay board fourth connector SVC4 are arranged, and a resist layer, wiring patterns, pads, lands, interlayer conductive parts (vias, through-holes), silk screen printing, etc. are formed. In this example, a rectangular solid ground pattern 671 is formed around the through-hole 672c.

[0418] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 28, no electronic components are mounted on the other side surface 672b of the base material 672 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "back side" or "solder side"), and two screws 674 are attached to secure the sub-side power relay board first connector SVC1 from the back side 672b.

[0419] Furthermore, multiple circular solid ground patterns 673 are formed on the back surface 672b of the base material 672 at positions corresponding to the five substrate support bosses 676 (676a, 676b) formed on the sub-side substrate housing portion 614.

[0420] Each region of the ground pattern 673 is wider than the area in which the back surface 672b of the sub-side power relay board 670 and the board support bosses 676 (676a, 676b) can make contact.

[0421] In this example, the area of ​​the second substrate (sub-side power relay substrate 670) that comes into contact with the mounting portion (substrate support 610) can be made into a ground pattern, which allows for effective use of the limited area of ​​the second substrate (sub-side power relay substrate 670) and prevents damage to the wiring patterns of the second substrate (sub-side power relay substrate 670).

[0422] In particular, the second protrusion (substrate support boss 676 (676a, 676b)) is cylindrical, and the ground pattern 673 is circular, so the limited area of ​​the second substrate (sub-side power relay substrate 670) can be effectively utilized.

[0423] <Installation method for power supply relay board unit / power supply relay board> Next, the method for attaching the main power relay board 640 to the board support 610 will be explained using Figures 30(a) and 31. Note that the method for attaching the sub power relay board 670 to the board support 610 is almost the same as that for the main power relay board 640, so that explanation will be omitted.

[0424] Figure 30(a) is a front view showing the main power relay board 640 housed in the main board housing section 612 of the board support 610, Figure 31(a) is a front view showing the main power relay board 640 housed in the main board housing section 612 of the board support 610 with the mounting screws 646 attached, and Figure 31(b) is a view from the direction indicated by the numeral A in Figure 31(a), and is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the mounting screws 646.

[0425] First, as shown in Figure 30(a), the main-side power relay board 640 is positioned relative to the substrate support 610 so that the three loose-fitting bosses 624 of the substrate support 610 are loosely fitted into the through holes 642c in the upper left corner, left center, and lower right corner of the main-side power relay board 640 in a front view. At the same time, the upper outer edge of the main-side power relay board 640 in a front view is inserted below the first restricting piece 628a of the substrate support 610, and the edge of the lower left corner of the main-side power relay board 640 in a front view is inserted below the second restricting piece 628b of the substrate support 610.

[0426] Next, the outer edge of the main power relay board 640 on the left side in a front view is pressed against the third pressing portion 630c on the left side in a front view of the substrate support 610, moving the main power relay board 640 slightly to the left in a front view, and the outer edge of the main power relay board 640 on the right side in a front view is fitted inside the fourth pressing portion 630d on the right side in a front view of the substrate support 610.

[0427] Next, the main power relay board 640 is moved slightly upward in a front view, and the outer edge of the main power relay board 640 on the lower side in a front view is fitted into the first pressing portion 630a and the second pressing portion 630b on the lower side in a front view of the substrate support 610, thereby housing the main power relay board 640 in the substrate housing space (the space formed by the bottom surface 620 and the outer wall 622) of the main substrate housing portion 612 of the substrate support 610.

[0428] In other words, in this example, one end of the second substrate (main power relay substrate 640) is locked to a restricting piece (restricting piece 628 (628a, 628b)), and the elastic part (pressing part 630 (630a~630d)) at the other end of the second substrate (main power relay substrate 640) is elastically deformed to accommodate the second substrate (main power relay substrate 640) in the housing space.

[0429] In this example, the second substrate (main power relay substrate 640) can be easily housed in the housing space, and after housing, the second substrate (main power relay substrate 640) can be securely held in the housing space by the restricting piece (restricting piece 628 (628a, 628b)) and the elastic part (pressing part 630 (630a~630d)).

[0430] Finally, as shown in Figures 31(a) and (b), mounting screws 646 are fastened to the screw holes 624a of the three loose-fitting bosses 624 of the substrate support 610, thereby mounting the main power relay board 640 in a manner that allows it to move up, down, left, and right within the substrate housing space of the substrate support 610.

[0431] As shown in an enlarged view in Figure 31(b), when the main power relay board 640 is housed in the main board housing portion 612 of the board support 610, the tip of the board loose fitting boss 624 protrudes slightly above the surface 642a of the main power relay board 640. Therefore, even when the mounting screws 646 are fastened to the board loose fitting boss 624, the main power relay board 640 can avoid contact with the mounting screws 646, and the movement of the main power relay board 640 is not hindered.

[0432] In other words, in this example, the opening (through hole 642c) of the second substrate (main power relay substrate 640) is passed through the protruding portion (substrate loose fitting boss 624) of the mounting portion (substrate support 610), and a screw (mounting screw 646) is attached to the protruding portion (substrate loose fitting boss 624). In this configuration, a part of the protruding portion (substrate loose fitting boss 624) and the head (head (flange) 646a) of the screw (mounting screw 646) are positioned above one side surface (surface 642a) of the second substrate (main power relay substrate 640). The head (head (flange) 646a) of the screw (mounting screw 646) is positioned above one side surface (surface 642a) of the second substrate (main power relay substrate 640) regardless of the position the second substrate (main power relay substrate 640) moves to inside the housing space of the mounting portion (substrate support 610).

[0433] In this example, even when the second circuit board (main power relay board 640) is moved relative to the mounting part (circuit board support 610), contact between the second circuit board (main power relay board 640) and the screw head (head (flange) 646a of the mounting screw 646) can be avoided, preventing deterioration and wear of the second circuit board (main power relay board 640), and allowing the second circuit board (main power relay board 640) to be moved smoothly.

[0434] Furthermore, since the outer diameter of the head (flange) 646a of the mounting screw 646 is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 642c of the main power relay board 640, it is possible to reliably prevent the main power relay board 640 from falling off (detaching) from the board support 610 after installation.

[0435] Furthermore, the opening (through hole 642c) of the second substrate (main power relay substrate 640) is passed through the protruding portion (substrate loose fitting boss 624) of the mounting portion (substrate support 610), and a screw (mounting screw 646) is attached to the protruding portion (substrate loose fitting boss 624). When the second substrate (main power relay substrate 640) is moved relative to the mounting portion (substrate support 610), the second substrate is configured to be able to contact the head (head (flange) 646a) of the screw, and a solid is provided in the area of ​​the second substrate (main power relay substrate 640) that can contact the head (head (flange) 646a). Because a ground pattern 641 (see Figures 27, 31(a), etc.) is formed, it is possible to allow the second substrate to move while preventing the second substrate (main power relay substrate 640) from coming off the mounting part (substrate support 610). Furthermore, even if the second substrate (main power relay substrate 640) is moved while the screw head (head (flange) 646a of the mounting screw 646) is in contact with the second substrate (main power relay substrate 640), it is possible to prevent damage to the wiring patterns etc. formed on the second substrate (main power relay substrate 640).

[0436] <Method for moving the power supply relay board unit / power supply relay board> Next, using Figures 30(a) to 30(c), a method for moving the main-side power relay board 640 within the main-side board housing section 612 of the board support 610 will be described. Note that the method for moving the sub-side power relay board 670 within the sub-side board housing section 614 of the board support 610 is almost the same as that for the main-side power relay board 640, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0437] Figure 30(b) is a plan view showing the main power relay board 640 moved to the left in a front view within the main board housing 612, and Figure 30(c) is a plan view showing the main power relay board 640 moved downward in a front view within the main board housing 612. For the sake of explanation, Figures 30(b) and 30(c) show the main power relay board 640 before the mounting screws 646 are attached.

[0438] For example, as shown in Figure 30(b), if the main power relay board 640 is moved to the left in a front view, against the pressing direction (biasing direction) of the third pressing portion 630c on the left side of the substrate support 610 in a front view, it can be moved (slid) to the left in a front view within the range in which the third pressing portion 630c is movable (elastically deformable). If the movement to the left in a front view continues, eventually, as shown in Figure 30(b), the through hole 642c formed in the upper left corner and left center of the main power relay board 640 in a front view will come into contact with the inner edge on the right side in a front view of the substrate loose fitting boss 624 of the substrate support 610, and the movement of the main power relay board 640 to the left in a front view will be restricted. In other words, the main power relay board 640 can move to the left in a front view within the range in which it is not restricted by the substrate loose fitting boss 624 of the substrate support 610.

[0439] Although not shown in the diagram, when the main power relay board 640 is moved to the right in a front view, against the pressing direction (biasing direction) of the fourth pressing portion 630d on the right side of the substrate support 610 in a front view, it can be moved (slid) to the right in a front view within the range in which the fourth pressing portion 630d is movable (elastically deformable). If the movement to the right in a front view continues, eventually the through hole 642c formed in the upper left corner and left center of the main power relay board 640 in a front view will come into contact with the left inner edge of the substrate loose fitting boss 624 of the substrate support 610 in a front view, and the movement of the main power relay board 640 to the right in a front view will be restricted.

[0440] As explained using Figure 26(b), when the main power relay board 640 is moved to the right in a front view, the connector screws 644 on the back of the main power relay board 640 come into contact with the second board support boss 626b, restricting the movement of the main power relay board 640 to the right in a front view. In other words, the main power relay board 640 can move to the right in a front view within the range not restricted by the board loose fitting boss 624 of the board support 610 or the second board support boss 626b.

[0441] As shown in Figure 30(c), when the main power relay board 640 is moved in a downward direction when viewed from the front, against the pressing direction (biasing direction) of the first pressing portion 630a and the second pressing portion 630b on the lower side when viewed from the front of the substrate support 610, it can be moved (slid) in a downward direction when viewed from the front within the range in which the first pressing portion 630a and the second pressing portion 630b are movable (elastically deformable). If the movement in the downward direction when viewed from the front continues, eventually the through hole 642c formed in the lower right corner of the main power relay board 640 will come into contact with the lower inner edge of the substrate loose fitting boss 624 of the substrate support 610 when viewed from the front, and the movement of the main power relay board 640 in a downward direction when viewed from the front will be restricted. In other words, the main power relay board 640 can move in a downward direction when viewed from the front within the range in which it is not restricted by the substrate loose fitting boss 624 of the substrate support 610.

[0442] Since a predetermined gap is provided between the upper outer wall 622 of the substrate support 610 (as viewed from the front) and the upper outer edge of the main power relay board 640 (as viewed from the front), the main power relay board 640 can be moved (slid) in the upward direction (as viewed from the front). If the upward movement continues, eventually the upper outer edge of the main power relay board 640 (as viewed from the front) will come into contact with the upper outer wall 622 of the substrate support 610 (as viewed from the front), restricting the upward movement of the main power relay board 640 (as viewed from the front). In other words, the main power relay board 640 can move in the upward direction (as viewed from the front) within the range not restricted by the outer wall 622 of the substrate support 610.

[0443] Conventionally, most connectors were movable, which led to problems such as wear and tear on the connectors as they were repeatedly plugged in and unplugged. However, in this example, when connecting the first connector (main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1) of the first board (main-side reel relay board 742) and the second connector (main-side power relay board first connector MVC1) of the second board (main-side power relay board 640), even if the positions of the connectors are misaligned, the position can be adjusted by moving the second board (main-side power relay board 640). Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the connectors from being connected in a misaligned position, thus avoiding wear and tear on the connectors themselves and damage to the connector pins.

[0444] Furthermore, the second connector (main-side power relay board first connector MVC1) connected to the second board (main-side power relay board 640) tends to have a larger number of pins, and consequently the connector also becomes larger. Therefore, if only the large connector is moved, there is a high risk of damaging the board or causing poor contact. However, by moving the entire second board (main-side power relay board 640), a stable connection can be achieved.

[0445] Furthermore, the second circuit board (main power relay board 640) can be freely moved within a range in which the opening (through hole 642c) of the second circuit board (main power relay board 640) can move relative to the protruding part (circuit board loose fitting boss 624) of the mounting part (main circuit board housing part 612), thereby enabling smooth connection of connectors.

[0446] In particular, the opening (through hole 642c) is a circular part, the protruding part (substrate loose fitting boss 624) is made of a cylindrical member, and the second substrate (main side power relay substrate 640) is configured to be movable up, down, left, and right relative to the mounting part (main side substrate housing part 612). As a result, the size of the opening formed in the second substrate (main side power relay substrate 640) can be minimized, and the mounting surface of the second substrate (main side power relay substrate 640), which has a limited area, can be effectively utilized.

[0447] <Power relay board unit / cable support section> The main-side cable support portion 616 has a harness insertion hole 616a through which a harness (wiring) connecting the first connector MVC1 to the third connector MVC3 of the main-side power relay board 640 and the connector of the power supply board of the power supply device 252, as described using Figure 22, can be inserted.

[0448] The sub-side cable support portion 618 has a harness insertion hole 618a through which a harness (wiring) connecting the sub-side power relay board first connector SVC1 to the sub-side power relay board fourth connector SVC4 and the connector of the power supply board of the power supply device 252, as described using Figure 22, can be inserted.

[0449] <Reel relay board unit> Next, we will describe the reel relay board unit 700 in detail.

[0450] Figure 32(a) is a front view of the reel relay board unit 700 as seen from the front, Figure 32(b) is a side view of the reel relay board unit 700 as seen from the right side, and Figure 32(c) is an exploded side view of the components constituting the reel relay board unit 700 as seen from the right side.

[0451] The reel relay board unit 700 comprises a plate-shaped sheet metal member 710, a main-side reel relay board unit 740 disposed on the right side of the sheet metal member 710 in a front view, and a sub-side reel relay board unit 770 disposed on the left side of the sheet metal member 710 in a front view.

[0452] The main reel relay board unit 740 and the sub-reel relay board unit 770 are arranged on the sheet metal member 710 with a predetermined distance between them, and a space 790 is formed between the main reel relay board unit 740 and the sub-reel relay board unit 770.

[0453] <Reel relay board unit / Main side reel side relay board unit> Next, we will explain the main reel relay board unit 740.

[0454] The main-side reel-side relay board unit 740 comprises a main-side reel relay board 742, a main-side housing 744 with an L-shaped side view capable of housing a portion of the main-side reel-side relay board 742, and a main-side cover 746 positioned to cover the surface of the main-side reel relay board 742.

[0455] <Reel relay board unit / Relay board for main side reel relay board unit> Next, the main reel relay board 742 will be described using Figure 33. Figure 33(a) is a front view of the main reel relay board 742 as seen from the front, Figure 33(b) is a top view of the main reel relay board 742 as seen from above, and Figure 33(c) is a bottom view of the main reel relay board 742 as seen from the bottom.

[0456] The main reel relay board 742 is composed of a base material 748 made of a rectangular plate-like body and main reel relay board first connector MRC1 to main reel relay board seventh connector MRC7 arranged on one side surface 748a of the base material 748 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "surface" or "component surface").

[0457] On the surface 748a of the substrate 748, the first connector MRC1 to the seventh connector MRC7 of the main reel relay board are arranged, and although not shown in the figure, various ICs, resist layers, wiring patterns, pads, lands, interlayer conductive parts (vias, through-holes), silk screen printing, etc. are formed.

[0458] On the other hand, no components are mounted on the other side 748b of the base material 748 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "back side" or "solder side"), and a solid ground pattern is formed there, with two screws 750 attached there for fixing the main side reel relay board first connector MRC1 from the back side 748b.

[0459] The main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1 (second connector) is a female connector having a complementary shape to the main-side power relay board first connector MVC1 (first connector; see Figure 25, etc.) of the main-side power relay board 640, which is a male connector, and can be directly attached to and detached from the main-side power relay board first connector MVC1. Note that the main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1 is not limited to a female connector, but may be a male connector or of other types.

[0460] As shown in Figure 33(a), screw holes 750 are formed at both the left and right ends of the main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1, into which screws 754 for fixing the main-side reel relay board 742 to the sheet metal member 710 can be inserted.

[0461] The second connector MRC2 on the main reel relay board is a connector to which the harness connected to the left reel 110 is connected, the third connector MRC3 on the main reel relay board is a connector to which the harness connected to the middle reel 111 is connected, and the fourth connector MRC4 on the main reel relay board is a connector to which the harness connected to the right reel 112 is connected.

[0462] In this example, the main-side reel relay board second connector MRC2, the main-side reel relay board third connector MRC3, and the main-side reel relay board fourth connector MRC4 are arranged on the surface 748a of the base material 748, along the longitudinal direction of the base material 748, at predetermined intervals. In Figure 33(b), the distance indicated by reference numeral L1 represents the shortest distance from the main-side reel relay board second connector MRC2, the main-side reel relay board third connector MRC3, and the main-side reel relay board fourth connector MRC4 to the outer edge 748c on one side in the short direction of the base material 748.

[0463] <Reel relay board unit / Main side reel relay board unit / Main side housing> Next, the main side housing 744 and the main side lid 746 will be described using Figures 34 and 35.

[0464] Figure 34(a) is a front view of the main storage unit 744 as seen from the front, Figure 34(b) is a top view of the main storage unit 744 as seen from above, and Figure 34(c) is a front perspective view of the main storage unit 744 as seen from diagonally above the front.

[0465] The main side housing 744 is a member positioned to cover the back surface 748b of the main side reel relay board 742 and a portion of the main side reel relay board first connector MRC1. In this example, it is configured to have a connector housing portion 744a, which is a box-shaped body capable of housing a portion of the main side reel relay board first connector MRC1, and a board housing portion 744b, which is a dish-shaped body that is formed to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the connector housing portion 744a, with the lower end of the connector housing portion 744a as its base.

[0466] On the front surface of the connector housing portion 744a, there is a projection 744c made of a rod-shaped body that can pass through a through-hole 716b for housing (see Figure 36(a)) formed in the plate-shaped member 710, a screw hole 744d into which a screw 754 (see Figure 32(a), etc.) for fixing the main-side reel-side relay board 742 to the sheet metal member 710 can be inserted, and a mounting projection 744e made of a rod-shaped body to which the main-side cover 746 is attached, one of each of which is formed on both the left and right sides when viewed from the front.

[0467] The substrate housing section 744b includes a plate-shaped protruding piece 744f that protrudes downward from the bottom surface, and two lid engaging pieces 744g that protrude from the front surface of the substrate housing section 744b at a predetermined distance apart.

[0468] Figure 35(a) is a front view of the main side cover 746 as seen from the front, Figure 35(b) is a top view of the main side cover 746 as seen from above, and Figure 35(c) is a front perspective view of the main side cover 746 as seen from diagonally above the front.

[0469] The main side cover 746 is a member positioned to cover the surface 748a of the main side reel relay board 742. In this example, it is composed of a plate-shaped base portion 746a, housing mounting portions 746b that protrude upward on both sides of the base portion 746a in the longitudinal direction, two housing engagement claws 746c that protrude downward with one side of the base portion 746a in the short direction as the base end, and a harness holding portion 746d that protrudes outward in the longitudinal direction with one end of the base portion 746a as the base end.

[0470] The base portion 746a has multiple connector openings 746e that allow the second connector MRC2 to the seventh connector MRC7 of the main reel relay board to be exposed to the outside when the surface 748a of the main reel relay board 742 is covered by the main cover 746.

[0471] The housing mounting portion 746b is a box-shaped body having a space that can accommodate the mounting projection 744e of the main housing 744, and a screw hole 746f is formed on its front surface through which a screw 756 (see Figures 32(a), 38(b), etc.) for attaching the main lid 746 to the main housing 744 can be inserted. The housing engagement claw 746c is a portion that can engage with the lid engagement piece 744g of the main housing 744.

[0472] The lid engaging piece 744g of the main side housing 744 is engaged with the housing engaging claw 746c, and the mounting projection 744e of the main side housing 744 is housed in the housing mounting portion 746b. By fastening these housing mounting portion 746b and mounting projection 744e with screws 756 (see Figures 32(a) and 38(b)), the main side lid 746 is fixed to the main side housing 744.

[0473] <Reel relay board unit / sheet metal component> Next, the sheet metal member 710 will be described in detail using Figure 36.

[0474] Figure 36(a) is a front view of the sheet metal member 710 as seen from the front, Figure 36(b) is a top view of the sheet metal member 710 as seen from above, and Figure 36(c) is a rear view of the sheet metal member 710 as seen from the rear.

[0475] The sheet metal member 710 is composed of a base portion 712 made of a rectangular plate-like body and an outer wall 714 erected on one side (back side) of the base portion 712 in the thickness direction, with the outer edges of all four sides of the base portion 712 as the base ends.

[0476] On the right side of the base portion 712, when viewed from the front, there is a main-side unit mounting portion 716 to which the main-side reel relay board unit 740 can be attached, and on the left side of the base portion 712, when viewed from the front, there is a sub-side unit mounting portion 718 to which the sub-side reel relay board unit 770 can be attached. Since the sub-side unit mounting portion 718 has almost the same shape as the main-side unit mounting portion 716, a detailed explanation of it will be omitted.

[0477] The main unit mounting portion 716 is configured to have an opening 716a through which the main reel relay board 742 of the main reel relay board unit 740 and a part of the main housing 744 can be inserted, a through hole 716b for the housing through which a projection 744c (see Figure 34(a), etc.) formed on the front surface of the main housing 744 can pass, a screw hole 716c into which a screw 754 (see Figure 32(a), etc.) for fixing the main reel relay board 742 to the sheet metal member 710 can be inserted, and a protruding piece 716d that is formed to protrude forward with the lower edge of the opening 716a as its base.

[0478] <Positioning of reel relay board unit / main side housing> Next, using Figure 37, we will explain the method for positioning the main housing 744 relative to the sheet metal member 710.

[0479] Figure 37(a) is a front view of the sheet metal member 710 with the main housing 744 fitted inside, viewed from the front; Figure 37(b) is a rear view of the sheet metal member 710 with the main housing 744 fitted inside, viewed from the rear; and Figure 37(c) is a side view showing how the main housing 744 is attached to the sheet metal member 710.

[0480] First, the substrate housing portion 744b of the main housing 744 is inserted from the back side to the front side of the opening 716a of the main unit mounting portion 716 of the sheet metal member 710, so as to slide along the upper surface of the protruding piece 716d of the main unit mounting portion 716 of the sheet metal member 710.

[0481] In this example, the mounting position (main-side unit mounting portion 716) of the mounting member (sheet metal member 710) has a projection (projecting piece 716d) that protrudes in at least one of two directions (from the back side to the front side of the sheet metal member 710) with a part of the mounting member as its base end: a first direction (from the back side to the front side of the sheet metal member 710) and a second direction (from the front side to the back side of the sheet metal member 710). This makes it easier to position the substrate case (main-side housing 744) relative to the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), and the substrate case (main-side housing 744) can be supported by the projection (projecting piece 716d), thereby improving the work efficiency when attaching the substrate case (main-side housing 744) to the mounting member (sheet metal member 710). Furthermore, the circuit board case (main housing 744) can be smoothly guided to the mounting position (main unit mounting section 716), improving work efficiency when attaching the circuit board case (main housing 744) to the mounting member (sheet metal member 710).

[0482] Next, the projections 744c formed on both the left and right sides of the front surface of the main housing 744 are passed through the housing through-holes 716b formed in the plate-shaped member 710 from the back side of the plate-shaped member 710. At the same time, the front surface of the substrate housing portion 744b of the main housing 744 is brought into contact (surface contact) with the upper back surface 716a1, the right back surface 716a2, and the left back surface 716a3 of the opening 716a of the sheet metal member 710, and the front surface of the protruding piece 744f of the main housing 744 is brought into contact (surface contact) with the lower back surface 716a4 of the opening 716a of the sheet metal member 710, thereby positioning the main housing 744 relative to the sheet metal member 710.

[0483] In other words, the through-hole 716b for the housing in the plate-shaped member 710 and the outer edges of the opening 716a of the plate-shaped member 710 (the upper back surface 716a1 in front view, the right back surface 716a2 in front view, the left back surface 716a3 in front view, and the lower back surface 716a4 in front view) function as parts for positioning the main housing 744 relative to the sheet metal member 710.

[0484] In this example, when the protrusion (projection 744c) of the first member (main side housing 744) is fitted into the hole (through hole 716b for housing) of the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), the first member (main side housing 744) is positioned relative to the mounting member (sheet metal member 710). This allows for quick and reliable positioning of the first member, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0485] Furthermore, when the first member (main side housing 744) is positioned at the mounting position (main side unit mounting portion 716) of the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), the protruding portion (protruding piece 744f) of the first member contacts the mounting member, thereby restricting the movement of the first member. This makes it easier to position the first member (main side housing 744) relative to the mounting member (sheet metal member 710) by the protruding portion (protruding piece 744f) that contacts the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), and also allows the substrate case (main side housing 744) to be stably attached to the mounting member.

[0486] Furthermore, when the first member (main side housing 744) is positioned at the mounting position (main side unit mounting portion 716) of the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), at least a part of the first member is in surface contact with the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), thereby restricting the movement of the first member in the first direction (from the back side to the front side of the sheet metal member 710). This restricts the movement of the first member (main side housing 744) when attaching it to the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), facilitating the attachment of the first member (main side housing 744) to the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), and allowing the substrate case (main side housing 744) to be stably attached to the mounting member (sheet metal member 710).

[0487] When the main housing 744 is positioned relative to the sheet metal member 710, the main housing 744 is supported by the housing through hole 716b of the plate-shaped member 710 and is held at a higher position than the protruding piece 716d of the sheet metal member 710. As a result, the main housing 744 and the protruding piece 716d of the sheet metal member 710 are not in contact.

[0488] In this example, when the circuit board case (main housing 744) is positioned at the mounting position (main unit mounting portion 716) of the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), the circuit board case is configured not to come into contact with a part of the mounting member (the lower edge of the opening 716a of the main unit mounting portion 716) and a protruding portion (protruding piece 716d). As a result, the contact area between the circuit board case (main housing 744) and the mounting member (sheet metal member 710) can be reduced, preventing the circuit board case (main housing 744) and the mounting member (sheet metal member 710) from being scratched or damaged.

[0489] The present invention is not limited thereto, and the main housing 744 may be configured such that, when the main housing 744 is attached to the sheet metal member 710, the main housing 744 and the protruding piece 716d of the sheet metal member 710 are not in contact.

[0490] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 37(b), the width w1 in the left-right direction in a plan view of the substrate housing portion 744b of the main housing 744 is shorter than the width w2 in the left-right direction in a plan view of the lower side of the opening 716a of the sheet metal member 710. Therefore, when the main housing 744 is positioned relative to the sheet metal member 710, the outer edge of the main housing 744 in the left-right direction in a plan view does not come into contact with the opening 716a of the sheet metal member 710. This prevents the main housing 744 from being scratched or damaged by contact with the sheet metal member 710.

[0491] When the main housing 744 is positioned relative to the sheet metal member 710, the screw holes 744d formed on both the left and right sides of the front surface of the main housing 744 align with the screw holes 716c formed in the sheet metal member 710, allowing the screws 754 for fixing the main reel-side relay board 742 to the sheet metal member 710 to pass through both the sheet metal member 710 and the main housing 744.

[0492] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 37(c), when the main housing 744 is positioned relative to the sheet metal member 710, the tip end of the substrate housing portion 744b of the main housing 744 is located on the front side of the opening 716a of the sheet metal member 710, and the mounting protrusions 744e formed on both the left and right sides of the front surface of the connector housing portion 744a are located on the front side of the opening 716a of the sheet metal member 710, protruding (exposed) to the front side of the opening 716a.

[0493] On the other hand, the rear end portion of the substrate housing portion 744b and the connector housing portion 744a cannot pass through the opening 716a of the sheet metal member 710, and are therefore located on the rear side of the sheet metal member 710.

[0494] In other words, in this example, when the substrate case (main housing 744) is positioned at the mounting position (main unit mounting portion 716) of the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), the first member (main housing 744) is configured to be restricted from moving in a first direction (from the back side to the front side of the sheet metal member 710) by the mounting member (sheet metal member 710).

[0495] <Installation method for the reel relay board unit / main side reel relay board> Next, the method for attaching the main-side reel relay board 742 to the sheet metal member 710 will be explained using Figure 38(a).

[0496] Figure 38(a) is a side view showing the procedure for attaching the main side housing 744 and the main side reel side relay board 742 to the sheet metal member 710.

[0497] When the main-side housing 744 is positioned relative to the sheet metal member 710, and the main-side reel relay board 742 is housed in the main-side housing 744 (or, when the main-side reel relay board 742 is housed in the main-side housing 744 and the main-side housing 744 is positioned relative to the sheet metal member 710), both the main-side housing 744 and the main-side reel relay board 742 are positioned relative to the sheet metal member 710.

[0498] When the main housing 744 and the main reel relay board 742 are positioned relative to the sheet metal member 710, the screw holes 750 formed on both the left and right sides of the main reel relay board first connector MRC1 align with both the screw hole 744d of the main housing 744 and the screw hole 716c of the sheet metal member 710, allowing the screw 754 for fixing the main reel relay board 742 to the sheet metal member 710 to pass through the sheet metal member 710, the main housing 744, and the main reel relay board 742.

[0499] With the main housing 744 and the main reel relay board 742 positioned relative to the sheet metal member 710, the screws 754 are inserted and fastened from the back side of the sheet metal member 710 in the order of the screw hole 750 of the main reel relay board first connector MRC1 of the main reel relay board 742, the screw hole 744d of the main housing 744, and the screw hole 716c of the sheet metal member 710, thereby fixing the main housing 744 and the main reel relay board 742 to the sheet metal member 710, as shown in Figures 38(a) and 32(a).

[0500] Furthermore, when the main housing 744 and the main reel relay board 742 are attached to the sheet metal member 710, as shown in Figure 38(b), the main reel relay board second connector MRC2 to the main reel relay board seventh connector MRC7 of the main reel relay board 742 are located on the front side of the opening 716a of the sheet metal member 710, while the main reel relay board first connector MRC1 of the main reel relay board 742 is located on the back side of the sheet metal member 710.

[0501] In this example, by fixing the first connector (main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1) to the mounting member (sheet metal member 710) with a screw 754, it is possible to prevent the connection between the first connector (main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1) and the second connector (main-side power supply relay board first connector MVC1) from becoming disconnected when attaching or detaching them, and to maintain a stable connection between the first and second connectors.

[0502] Furthermore, in this example, when the board case (main side housing 744, main side cover 746) containing the first board (main side reel side relay board 742) is positioned at the mounting position (main side unit mounting portion 716) of the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), the first connector (main side reel relay board second connector MRC2 to main side reel relay board seventh connector MRC7) is provided on the part of the first board that is exposed on the other side of the mounting member (front side of the sheet metal member 7100). Therefore, harnesses and the like can be easily attached to and detached from the first connector, improving the convenience of the worker.

[0503] Furthermore, in this example, when the board case (main side housing 744, main side cover 746) housing the first board (main side reel side relay board 742) is positioned at the mounting position (main side unit mounting part 716) of the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), a second connector (main side reel relay board first connector MRC1) is provided on one side of the mounting member (back side of the sheet metal member 710) of the first board. The second connector is configured to be directly connectable to a third connector (main side power relay board first connector MVC1) on another board (main side reel relay board 742) different from the first board, when the mounting member is attached to a predetermined position on the gaming machine. Therefore, by attaching and detaching the mounting member to a predetermined position on the gaming machine, the second connector can be used. Since the connector (main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1) and the third connector (main-side power relay board first connector MVC1) can be attached and detached, the attachment and detachment of the second connector (main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1) and the third connector (main-side power relay board first connector MVC1) can be made easier, improving the convenience for workers. Furthermore, by fixing the mounting member, it is possible to prevent the connection between the second connector (main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1) and the third connector (main-side power relay board first connector MVC1) from coming loose, and the connection between the second connector (main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1) and the third connector (main-side power relay board first connector MVC1) can be stably maintained.

[0504] <Installation of reel relay board unit / main side cover> Next, the method for attaching the main side cover 746 to the main side housing 744 will be explained using Figure 38(b).

[0505] Figure 38(b) is a side view showing the procedure for attaching the main side cover 746 to the sheet metal member 710 to which the main side housing 744 and the main side reel side relay board 742 are attached.

[0506] With the main housing 744 and the main reel relay board 742 positioned relative to the sheet metal member 710 (or with the main housing 744 and the main reel relay board 742 fixed to the sheet metal member 710 with screws 754), the housing engagement claw 746c of the main housing 746 is engaged with the lid engagement piece 744g of the main housing 744, and the mounting projection 744e of the main housing 744 is accommodated in the housing mounting portion 746b of the main housing 746. The main housing lid 746 is then fixed to the main housing 744 by fastening these housing mounting portions 746b and mounting projections 744e with screws 756.

[0507] In other words, the main side cover 746 is not directly fixed to the sheet metal member 710, but is configured to be fixed to the main side housing 744 which is fixed to the sheet metal member 710, and the main side cover 746 is held by the main side housing 744 (the movement of the main side cover 746 is restricted by the main side housing 744).

[0508] In other words, in this example, when the circuit board case (main housing 744, main cover 746) is positioned at the mounting position of the mounting member (sheet metal member 710), the second member (main cover 746) is configured to be restricted from moving in a second direction (from the front side to the back side of the sheet metal member 710) by the mounting member (sheet metal member 710).

[0509] Conventional circuit board cases, which are composed of multiple components, have a structure in which the components are fixed to each other using screws or the like. As a result, if the screws or the like loosen, all components are affected, and the entire circuit board case becomes loose. However, according to the gaming machine according to this embodiment, it is possible to restrict the movement of the first component of the circuit board case in a first direction, and it is also possible to restrict the movement of the second component of the circuit board case in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Therefore, even if a malfunction occurs in some of the components that make up the circuit board case, it is possible to avoid affecting all the components that make up the circuit board case, and the circuit board housed in the circuit board case can be reliably protected.

[0510] In this example, the housing engagement claw 746c of the main side cover 746 is engaged with the cover engagement piece 744g of the main side housing 744, and the mounting projection 744e of the main side housing 744 is accommodated in the housing mounting portion 746b of the main side cover 746. As a result, the main side cover 746 is engaged with the main side housing 744, preventing the main side cover 746 from coming off the main side housing 744 without having to fasten the housing mounting portion 746b and the mounting projection 744e with screws 756, thereby improving convenience.

[0511] <Reel relay board unit / Sub-reel side relay board unit> Next, the sub-side reel relay board unit 770 will be described using Figure 32.

[0512] The sub-reel side relay board unit 770 comprises a sub-reel relay board 772, a sub-side housing 774 with a side view L-shape capable of housing a part of the main-reel side relay board 772, and a sub-side cover 776 arranged to cover the surface of the sub-reel relay board 772.

[0513] Since the main structures of the sub-side housing 774 and the sub-side cover 776 are almost the same as those of the main-side housing 744 and the main-side cover 746, respectively, a detailed explanation of them will be omitted, and only the sub-side reel relay board 772 will be described below.

[0514] <Relay board unit for reel relay board unit / relay board for sub-side reel relay board unit> Next, the sub-side reel relay board 772 will be described using Figure 39.

[0515] Figure 39 is a plan view showing the main reel relay board 742 and the sub-reel relay board 772 side by side. Note that the same configuration as the main reel relay board 742 explained using Figure 33 will not be explained.

[0516] The sub-reel relay board 772 is composed of a base material 778 made of a rectangular plate-like body and sub-reel relay board first connector SRC1 to sub-reel relay board seventh connector SRC7 arranged on one side surface 778a of the base material 778 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "surface" or "component surface").

[0517] On the surface 778a of the substrate 778, the sub-side reel relay board connector 1 SRC1 to the sub-side reel relay board connector 7 SRC7 are arranged, as well as various ICs, resist layers, wiring patterns, pads, lands, interlayer conductive parts (vias, through-holes), silk screen printing, etc. are formed.

[0518] On the other hand, no components are mounted on the other side of the base material 778 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "back side" or "solder side"), and a solid ground pattern is formed therein, along with two screws (not shown) for fixing the sub-side reel relay board first connector SRC1 from the back side.

[0519] The sub-side reel relay board first connector SRC1 (second connector) is a female connector having a complementary shape to the male connector of the sub-side power relay board 670's first connector SVC1 (see Figure 25, etc.), and can be directly attached to and detached from the sub-side power relay board first connector SVC1. Note that the sub-side reel relay board first connector SRC1 is not limited to a female connector, but may be a male connector or of other types.

[0520] The second connector SRC2 on the sub-reel relay board is a connector to which the harness connected to the left reel 110 is connected, the third connector SRC3 on the sub-reel relay board is a connector to which the harness connected to the middle reel 111 is connected, and the fourth connector SRC4 on the sub-reel relay board is a connector to which the harness connected to the right reel 112 is connected.

[0521] In this example, the sub-side reel relay board second connector SRC2, the sub-side reel relay board third connector SRC3, and the sub-side reel relay board fourth connector SRC4 are arranged on the surface 778a of the base material 778, along the longitudinal direction of the base material 778, at predetermined intervals. In Figure 39, the distance indicated by reference numeral L2 represents the shortest distance from the sub-side reel relay board second connector SRC2, the sub-side reel relay board third connector SRC3, and the sub-side reel relay board fourth connector SRC4 to the outer edge 778c on one side in the short direction of the base material 778.

[0522] In this example, the shortest distance L1 from the second connector MRC2, third connector MRC3, and fourth connector MRC4 of the main reel relay board to the outer edge 748c on one side of the short direction of the base material 748 is shorter than the shortest distance L2 from the second connector SRC2, third connector MRC3, and fourth connector MRC4 of the main reel relay board to the outer edge 748c on one side of the short direction of the base material 748 (L1 > L2).

[0523] In other words, in this example, the first connector (main-side reel relay board second connector MRC2 to main-side reel relay board fourth connector MRC4) and the second connector (sub-side reel relay board second connector SRC2 to sub-side reel relay board fourth connector SRC4) are positioned offset from each other's longitudinal extension lines. Therefore, even if the first wiring connected to the first connector and the second wiring connected to the second connector are guided to the same space (for example, space 790 shown in Figure 40), it is possible to prevent the first and second wirings from overlapping in the space, allowing the first and second wirings to be consolidated in the space, and making it easy and reliable to visually inspect the status of the first and second wirings.

[0524] <Reel relay board unit / summary> As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine shown in Figure 21) is a gaming machine comprising a first circuit board (for example, the main-side reel relay circuit board 742 and the sub-side reel relay circuit board 772 shown in Figure 39) and a circuit board case capable of housing the first circuit board (for example, the main-side housing 744 and the main-side cover 746 shown in Figure 36), wherein the circuit board case is composed of at least a first member (for example, the main-side housing 744 shown in Figure 34) and a second member (for example, the main-side cover 746 shown in Figure 35), and a mounting member (for example, the sheet metal part shown in Figure 36) to which the circuit board case can be attached The gaming machine is characterized in that, when the substrate case is positioned at the mounting position of the mounting member (for example, the main unit mounting portion 716 of the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36(a)), the first member is configured to be restricted from moving in a first direction (for example, from the back side to the front side of the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36) by the mounting member, the second member is configured to be attachable to the first member from a second direction (for example, from the front side to the back side of the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36), and the first direction and the second direction are opposite directions.

[0525] Conventional circuit board cases, which are composed of multiple components, have a structure in which the components are fixed to each other using screws or the like. As a result, if the screws or the like loosen, all components are affected, and the entire circuit board case becomes loose. However, according to the gaming machine according to this embodiment, it is possible to restrict the movement of the first component of the circuit board case in a first direction, and it is also possible to restrict the movement of the second component of the circuit board case in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Therefore, even if a malfunction occurs in some of the components that make up the circuit board case, it is possible to avoid affecting all the components that make up the circuit board case, and the circuit board housed in the circuit board case can be reliably protected.

[0526] Furthermore, the first circuit board may also include a second circuit board (for example, a main-side power relay circuit board 640 or a sub-side power relay circuit board 670 shown in Figure 27), the first circuit board may include a first connector (for example, a main-side reel relay circuit board first connector MRC1 or a sub-side reel relay circuit board first connector SRC1 shown in Figure 39), and the second circuit board may include a second connector (for example, a main-side power relay circuit board first connector MVC1 or a sub-side power relay circuit board first connector SVC1 shown in Figure 27), and the first connector and the second connector may be configured to be connected and disconnected when the mounting member is attached to a predetermined position on the game machine while the circuit board case is attached to the mounting member.

[0527] With this configuration, the first and second connectors can be attached and detached by attaching and detaching the mounting member to a predetermined position on the gaming machine. This makes it easier to attach and detach the first and second connectors, improving convenience for the worker. Furthermore, by fixing the mounting member, it is possible to prevent the connection between the first and second connectors from coming loose, thus maintaining a stable connection between the first and second connectors.

[0528] Furthermore, the first connector may be fixed to the mounting member using fixing means (for example, the screw 754 shown in Figures 32 and 38(a)).

[0529] With this configuration, by fixing the first connector to the mounting member, it is possible to prevent the connection between the first and second connectors from coming loose when attaching or detaching them, thereby maintaining a stable connection between the first and second connectors.

[0530] Furthermore, the first member may be attached to the mounting member from one side of the mounting member (for example, the back side of the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36), and the second member may be attached to the first member on the other side of the mounting member (for example, the front side of the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36), the first direction being from one side of the mounting member to the other side, and the second direction being from the other side of the mounting member to the one side, and the first connector and the second connector may be connected by attaching the mounting member to the predetermined position.

[0531] With this configuration, even if the fixing between the first and second members becomes loose, it does not affect the fixing between the mounting member and the first member. Therefore, the fixing between the mounting member and the first member can be stably maintained, and the substrate can be reliably protected.

[0532] Furthermore, the first member may have a protrusion (for example, a projection 744c shown in Figure 37(a) or a notch not shown), and the mounting member may have a hole into which the protrusion of the first member can be fitted (for example, a through hole 716b for a housing shown in Figure 37(a)), and when the protrusion of the first member is fitted into the hole of the mounting member, the first member may be positioned relative to the mounting member.

[0533] With this configuration, the first component can be positioned quickly and reliably, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0534] Furthermore, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine shown in Figure 21) is a gaming machine comprising a first circuit board (for example, the main-side reel relay circuit board 742 and the sub-side reel relay circuit board 772 shown in Figure 39) and a circuit board case capable of housing the first circuit board (for example, the main-side housing 744 and the main-side cover 746 shown in Figure 32), wherein the circuit board case is configured to have at least a first member (for example, the main-side housing 744 shown in Figure 34) and a second member (for example, the main-side cover 746 shown in Figure 35), and a mounting member (for example, shown in Figure 36) to which the circuit board case can be attached The gaming machine is characterized in that it comprises a sheet metal member 710), the first member is a member that covers at least a part of one side surface of the first substrate (for example, the back surface 748b of the main side reel relay substrate 742 shown in Figure 39), the first member has a protrusion (for example, a protruding piece 744f shown in Figure 34), and when the first member is positioned at the mounting position of the mounting member (for example, the main side unit mounting portion 716 of the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36), the movement of the first member is restricted by the protrusion of the first member contacting the mounting member.

[0535] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the positioning of the first member with respect to the mounting member can be facilitated by the protruding portion that contacts the mounting member, and the circuit board case can be stably attached to the mounting member.

[0536] Furthermore, in the state in which the substrate case is positioned at the mounting position of the mounting member (hereinafter referred to as the "first state"), the first member is configured to be able to be restricted from moving in a first direction (for example, from the back side to the front side of the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36) by the mounting member, and in the first state, the second member is configured to be able to be attached to the first member from a second direction (for example, from the front side to the back side of the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36), and the first direction and the second direction may be opposite directions.

[0537] Conventional circuit board cases, which are composed of multiple components, have a structure in which the components are fixed to each other using screws, etc., so if the screws or other fasteners loosen, all components are affected, and the entire circuit board case becomes loose. However, with this configuration, it is possible to restrict the movement of the first component of the circuit board case in a first direction, and it is also possible to restrict the movement of the second component of the circuit board case in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Therefore, even if a malfunction occurs in some of the components that make up the circuit board case, it is possible to avoid affecting all components that make up the circuit board case, and the circuit board housed in the circuit board case can be reliably protected.

[0538] Furthermore, in the first state, the protruding portion of the first member (for example, the protruding piece 744f shown in Figure 34) may be configured to be able to make surface contact with the mounting member.

[0539] With this configuration, the protruding portion that makes surface contact with the mounting member makes it easier to position the first member relative to the mounting member, and the substrate case can be stably attached to the mounting member.

[0540] Furthermore, in the first state, the first member may be configured so as not to come into contact with a part of the mounting member.

[0541] This configuration reduces the contact area between the circuit board case and the mounting components, preventing scratches or damage to the circuit board case and mounting components.

[0542] Furthermore, in the first state, the first member may be configured such that at least a portion of it is in surface contact with the mounting member (for example, the outer edge of the opening 716a of the plate-shaped member 710 shown in Figure 37(a) (the upper back surface 716a1 in front view, the right back surface 716a2 in front view, the left back surface 716a3 in front view, and the lower back surface 716a4 in front view)) thereby restricting the movement of the first member in the first direction.

[0543] With this configuration, the movement of the first component is restricted when attaching it to the mounting member, making it easier to attach the first component to the mounting member, and also allowing the circuit board case to be stably attached to the mounting member.

[0544] Furthermore, the first board is equipped with a second board (for example, the main-side power relay board 640 and the sub-side power relay board 670 shown in Figure 27), the first board is equipped with a first connector (for example, the main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1 and the sub-side reel relay board first connector SRC1 shown in Figure 39), the second board is equipped with a second connector (for example, the main-side power relay board first connector MVC1 and the sub-side power relay board first connector SVC1 shown in Figure 27), and the first member is on one side of the mounting member (for example, shown in Figure 36) The mounting member is attached from the rear side of the sheet metal member 710, and the second member is attached to the first member on the other side of the mounting member (for example, the front side of the sheet metal member 710 as shown in Figure 36), the first direction is the direction from one side of the mounting member to the other side, and the second direction is the direction from the other side of the mounting member to the one side, and the first connector and the second connector may be connected by attaching the mounting member to a predetermined position.

[0545] With this configuration, even if the fixing between the first and second members becomes loose, it does not affect the fixing between the mounting member and the first member. Therefore, the fixing between the mounting member and the first member can be stably maintained, and the substrate can be reliably protected.

[0546] Furthermore, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine shown in Figure 21) is a gaming machine comprising a first circuit board (for example, the main-side reel relay circuit board 742 and the sub-side reel relay circuit board 772 shown in Figure 39) and a circuit board case capable of housing the first circuit board (for example, the main-side housing 744 and the main-side cover 746 shown in Figure 32), wherein the circuit board case is composed of at least a first member (for example, the main-side housing 744 shown in Figure 34) and a second member (for example, the main-side cover 746 shown in Figure 35), and is equipped with a mounting member (for example, the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36) to which the circuit board case can be attached, and the circuit board case is mounted to the mounting position of the mounting member (for example, in Figure 36 The gaming machine is characterized in that, in a state in which the sheet metal member 710 is positioned on the main unit mounting portion 716 (hereinafter referred to as the "first state"), the first member is configured to be restricted from moving in a first direction (for example, from the back side to the front side of the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36) by the mounting member, the second member is configured to be attachable to the first member from a second direction (for example, from the front side to the back side of the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36), the first direction and the second direction are opposite directions, and the mounting member has a protruding portion (for example, a protruding piece 716d shown in Figure 36(a)) that can guide the substrate case.

[0547] Conventional circuit board cases, which are composed of multiple components, have a structure in which the multiple components are fixed to each other using screws or the like. As a result, if the screws or the like loosen, all components are affected, and the entire circuit board case becomes loose. However, according to the gaming machine according to this embodiment, it is possible to restrict the movement of the first component of the circuit board case in a first direction, and it is also possible to restrict the movement of the second component of the circuit board case in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Therefore, even if a malfunction occurs in some of the components constituting the circuit board case, it is possible to avoid affecting all components constituting the circuit board case, and the circuit board housed in the circuit board case can be reliably protected. Furthermore, since the mounting position of the mounting member has a projection that protrudes in at least one of the first and second directions with a part of the mounting member as the base end, it is possible to position the circuit board case relative to the mounting member, and the circuit board case can be supported by the projection, thereby improving the work efficiency when attaching the circuit board case to the mounting member.

[0548] Furthermore, the protruding portion is a part that protrudes in the first direction (for example, from the back side to the front side of the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36) with a part of the mounting member as its base end, and the first state may be a state in which the substrate case is positioned at the mounting position by moving the substrate case in the first direction toward the mounting position of the mounting member.

[0549] This configuration allows the circuit board case to be smoothly guided to the mounting position, thereby improving work efficiency when attaching the circuit board case to the mounting member.

[0550] Furthermore, when the substrate case is attached to the mounting position of the mounting member, the substrate case may be configured so as not to come into contact with a part of the mounting member (for example, a part of the opening 716a of the main unit mounting portion 716 shown in Figure 36) and the protruding portion.

[0551] This configuration reduces the contact area between the circuit board case and the mounting components, preventing scratches or damage to the circuit board case and mounting components.

[0552] Furthermore, the first board is equipped with a second board (for example, the main-side power relay board 640 and the sub-side power relay board 670 shown in Figure 27), the first board is equipped with a first connector (for example, the main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1 and the sub-side reel relay board first connector SRC1 shown in Figure 39), the second board is equipped with a second connector (for example, the main-side power relay board first connector MVC1 and the sub-side power relay board first connector SVC1 shown in Figure 27), and the first member is equipped with a second connector on one side of the mounting member (for example, shown in Figure 36) The mounting member is attached to the mounting member from the rear side of the sheet metal member 710, and the second member is attached to the first member on the other side of the mounting member (for example, the front side of the sheet metal member 710 as shown in Figure 36), the first direction is the direction from one side of the mounting member to the other side, and the second direction is the direction from the other side of the mounting member to the one side, and the first connector and the second connector may be connected by attaching the mounting member to the predetermined position.

[0553] With this configuration, even if the fixing between the first and second members becomes loose, it does not affect the fixing between the mounting member and the first member. Therefore, the fixing between the mounting member and the first member can be stably maintained, and the substrate can be reliably protected.

[0554] Furthermore, the first member may have a protrusion (for example, a projection 744c shown in Figure 37(a)), and the mounting member may have a hole (for example, a through-hole 716b for a housing shown in Figure 37(a)) into which the protrusion of the first member can be fitted, and when the protrusion of the first member is fitted into the hole of the mounting member, the first member may be positioned relative to the mounting member.

[0555] With this configuration, the first component can be positioned quickly and reliably, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0556] Furthermore, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine shown in Figure 21) is a gaming machine comprising: a first circuit board (for example, the main-side reel relay board 742 and the sub-side reel relay board 772 shown in Figure 39); a second circuit board (for example, the main-side power supply relay board 640 and the sub-side power supply relay board 670 shown in Figure 27); and a circuit board case capable of housing the first circuit board (for example, the main-side housing 744 and the main-side lid 746 shown in Figure 32), wherein the first circuit board has a first connector (for example, the main-side reel relay board first connector MRC1 and the sub-side reel relay board first connector shown in Figure 39) The game machine is characterized in that it includes a first connector (SRC1), the second circuit board includes a second connector (for example, the first connector MVC1 of the main power relay board shown in Figure 27 or the first connector SVC1 of the sub power relay board), and a mounting member (for example, the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36) to which the circuit board case can be attached, the mounting member being a member that is attached to a predetermined position on the game machine, and when the mounting member is removed from the predetermined position while the circuit board case is attached to the mounting member, the first connector and the second connector are removed.

[0557] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first connector and the second connector can be attached and detached by attaching and detaching the mounting member to a predetermined position on the gaming machine. This facilitates the attachment and detachment of the first connector and the second connector, improving convenience for the operator. Furthermore, by fixing the mounting member, it is possible to prevent the connection between the first connector and the second connector from coming loose, thereby maintaining a stable connection between the first connector and the second connector.

[0558] Furthermore, the substrate case is configured to have at least a first member (for example, the main side housing 744 shown in Figure 34) and a second member (for example, the main side cover 746 shown in Figure 35), and in a state in which the substrate case is positioned at the mounting position of the mounting member (for example, the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36) (for example, the main side unit mounting portion 716 of the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36) (hereinafter referred to as the "first state"), the first member is configured to be restricted from moving in a first direction (for example, from the back side to the front side of the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36) by the mounting member, and in the first state, the second member is configured to be attachable to the first member from a second direction (for example, from the front side to the back side of the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36), and the first direction and the second direction may be opposite directions.

[0559] Conventional circuit board cases, which are composed of multiple components, have a structure in which the components are fixed to each other using screws, etc., so if the screws or other fasteners loosen, all components are affected, and the entire circuit board case becomes loose. However, with this configuration, it is possible to restrict the movement of the first component of the circuit board case in a first direction, and it is also possible to restrict the movement of the second component of the circuit board case in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Therefore, even if a malfunction occurs in some of the components that make up the circuit board case, it is possible to avoid affecting all components that make up the circuit board case, and the circuit board housed in the circuit board case can be reliably protected.

[0560] Furthermore, the second substrate may be movably mounted to a mounting portion (for example, the main substrate housing portion 612 or the sub-sub substrate housing portion 614 of the substrate support 610 shown in Figure 27), and the second substrate may be configured to be movable relative to the mounting portion when connecting the first connector of the first substrate and the second connector of the second substrate.

[0561] Conventionally, most connectors were movable, which led to problems such as wear and tear on the connectors as they were repeatedly plugged in and unplugged. However, with this configuration, even if the first connector on the first circuit board and the second connector on the second circuit board are misaligned when connecting them, the position can be adjusted by moving the second circuit board. Furthermore, it prevents the connectors from being connected in a misaligned position, thus avoiding wear and tear on the connectors themselves and damage to the connector pins.

[0562] Furthermore, the first member may be attached to the mounting member from one side of the mounting member (for example, the back side of the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36), and the second member may be attached to the first member on the other side of the mounting member (for example, the front side of the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36), the first direction being from one side of the mounting member to the other side, and the second direction being from the other side of the mounting member to the one side, and the first connector and the second connector may be connected by attaching the mounting member to the predetermined position.

[0563] With this configuration, even if the fixing between the first and second members becomes loose, it does not affect the fixing between the mounting member and the first member. Therefore, the fixing between the mounting member and the first member can be stably maintained, and the substrate can be reliably protected.

[0564] Furthermore, the first member may have a protrusion (for example, a projection 744c shown in Figure 37(a)), and the mounting member may have a hole (for example, a through-hole 716b for a housing shown in Figure 37(a)) into which the protrusion of the first member can be fitted, and when the protrusion of the first member is fitted into the hole of the mounting member, the first member may be positioned relative to the mounting member.

[0565] With this configuration, the first component can be positioned quickly and reliably, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0566] Furthermore, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine shown in Figure 21) comprises a first circuit board (for example, the main-side reel relay circuit board 742 and the sub-side reel relay circuit board 772 shown in Figure 39) and a circuit board case capable of housing the first circuit board (for example, the main-side housing 744 and the main-side lid 746 shown in Figure 32), and is equipped with a mounting member (for example, the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36) to which the circuit board case can be attached, and the state in which the circuit board case is positioned at the mounting position of the mounting member (hereinafter referred to as "first state") This is a gaming machine characterized in that, in the state described above, at least a part of the substrate case (for example, the main side housing 744 shown in Figure 34) is in surface contact with the mounting member (for example, the outer edge of the opening 716a of the plate-shaped member 710 shown in Figure 37(a) (the upper back surface 716a1 in front view, the right back surface 716a2 in front view, the left back surface 716a3 in front view, and the lower back surface 716a4 in front view)), and is configured to restrict movement in a certain direction (for example, the direction from the front side to the back side of the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36).

[0567] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the positioning of the circuit board case relative to the mounting member can be facilitated, and the circuit board case can be stably attached to the mounting member. Furthermore, since at least a portion of the circuit board case is in surface contact with the mounting member, the positioning of the circuit board case relative to the mounting member can be facilitated, and the circuit board case can be stably attached to the mounting member.

[0568] Furthermore, the substrate case is configured to have at least a first member (for example, the main side housing 744 shown in Figure 34) and a second member (for example, the main side cover 746 shown in Figure 35), wherein the first member is a member that covers at least a portion of one side surface of the first substrate (for example, the back surface 748b of the main side reel relay substrate 742 shown in Figure 39), and the second member is a member that covers at least a portion of the other side surface of the first substrate (for example, the front surface 748a of the main side reel relay substrate 742 shown in Figure 39), and is an attachmentable member to the first member, and in the first state, the first member may be configured to restrict movement of the first member in a certain direction by having at least a portion of the first member in surface contact with the attachment member.

[0569] With this configuration, the movement of the first component is restricted, which makes it easier to position the circuit board case relative to the mounting member and allows the circuit board case to be stably attached to the mounting member.

[0570] Furthermore, the first member is configured to have a first portion (for example, the connector housing portion 744a shown in Figure 34) that covers at least a part of one side surface of the first substrate, and a second portion (for example, the substrate housing portion 744b shown in Figure 34) that extends vertically from the first portion as its base end, and in a state in which the substrate case containing the first substrate is positioned at the mounting position of the mounting member (hereinafter referred to as the "second state"), at least a part of the second portion is in surface contact with one side surface of the mounting member (for example, the back surface of the sheet metal member 710 shown in Figure 36), and at least a part of the first portion and at least a part of the first substrate are exposed on the other side of the mounting member (for example, the front side of the sheet met...

Claims

[Claim 1] Multiple reels, The start lever and Bet button and A gaming machine equipped with, In some cases, a first game may be played in which a notification prompting the operation of the bet button (hereinafter referred to as the "first notification") is initiated after a first period of time has elapsed since the start lever was operated. In some cases, a second game may be played in which a notification prompting the operation of the bet button (hereinafter referred to as the "second notification") is initiated after a second period of time has elapsed since the start lever was operated. In the first game described above, if a specific performance begins before the first notification is given, and the bet button is operated after the first notification is given, the game medium will not be inserted by the operation, but the specific performance will end. In the first game described above, even if the bet button is operated before the specific performance begins and the first notification is given, the game medium will not be inserted as a result of the operation, but the specific performance will end. In the second game described above, if the specific performance begins before the second notification is given, and the bet button is operated after the second notification is given, the game medium will not be inserted by the operation, but the specific performance will end. In the second game described above, even if the bet button is operated before the specific performance begins and the second notification is given, the game medium will not be inserted as a result of the operation, but the specific performance will end. The aforementioned bet button is equipped with a light-emitting means, The first notification and the second notification are notifications that include a notification in which the mode of the light-emitting means changes from the first mode to the second mode. The first game and the second game are regular games. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

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